Immune Boosting Supplements to Fight Fall Sickness

The health industry is already operating at its maximum capacity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The arrival of fall has brought looming strains of flu with it. Thus, many consumers are now looking for supplements that can help boost the immune system and fight common illnesses like seasonal flu.

Inadequate nutrition is one of the primary reasons for a weak immune system, as outlined by the British Journal of Nutrition. Vitamins, including B6 and B12, are essential for the production of antibodies. Lack of vitamins and minerals may cause your immune system to operate below its optimal efficiency. Thus, you may become more susceptible to catch common illnesses such as flu and colds this fall season.

Fortunately, we have compiled a list of immunity-boosting supplements. This list will help you choose which supplements can help you boost your immunity during the fall season.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is considered to be one of the biggest immune boosters characterized by its antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is found naturally in citrus fruits. Vitamin C is also an essential dietary component since the human body does not produce or store it. Lack of vitamin C can make you more susceptible to illnesses. According to the National Institutes of Health's fact sheet, there was a 50% reduction in cold-related diseases for people who regularly indulged in intense physical exercise and took 250mg to 1g of vitamin C per day.

Most dietary supplement manufacturers produce vitamin C tablets with toxic excipients that hinder optimal absorption of vitamin C. Such tablets do not properly break down in the intestines, and the body is unable to absorb them. We recommend a high-quality vitamin C without fillers and manufacturing aids, in a clean-ingredient gelatin capsule to ensure optimal absorption of vitamin C.

Probiotics

Probiotics are defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Probiotics are foods and supplements that replace the illness or inflammation-causing gut bacteria with friendly, beneficial bacteria.

According to a study published in 2012, probiotics can prove beneficial against upper respiratory tract infections and reduce the number of sick days resulting from such infections. Another study, “Probiotics and immune health,” revealed that probiotics help protect against viral infections and help reduce the chances of catching a common cold. Additionally, the study also outlined that probiotics can also reduce the number of symptomatic days resulting from the common cold.

Vitamin B

The vitamin B complex includes eight B vitamins, and all of these B vitamins contribute towards the overall body function. Vitamin B6 is arguably the most essential vitamin for immunity building. It is incremental in making red blood cells that transport oxygen to different parts of the body. The human body cannot store or produce vitamin B6, so it can only be obtained from foods rich in vitamin B6 or from dietary supplements. Vitamin B6 deficiency is known to trigger mood changes and decrease antibodies, making the body more susceptible to infections. This vitamin is also responsible for producing white blood and T-cells responsible for regulating immune responses.

Zinc

Zinc is typically found in proteins and is a powerful micronutrient. Zinc is known to play a vital part in strengthening the immune system’s defense against viruses and bacteria. The National Institutes of Health identifies that low levels of zinc, especially in older people and children, make them more prone to developing infections. The NIH also identified that zinc lozenges or syrup can reduce common cold symptoms if taken within 24 hours of catching a common cold.

Don’t forget that immune support doesn’t just mean supplements. There are several lifestyle habits that you can practice to strengthen immune function and reduce your risk of succumbing to seasonal illnesses.