7 Supplements to Take for Immune Support
by Stacey Parla
You do yoga to reduce stress; you load-up on antioxidant-rich foods at every meal; you even make sure to get adequate sleep.
Every day you consciously make choices that help support your immune system, but like many people, you want to know what else you can do. Luckily there are many supplements available that can help you on your quest of better immune health.* From trusty Vitamin C to herbal Ginseng, see how each of these ingredients plays a role in your body.
Ginseng
Known as an immune support herb, Ginseng contains naturally occurring flavonoids, which are bioactive factors that play a role in well-being in addition to supporting immune function.* American Ginseng grows wild in shady forests of the northern and central United States, as well as in parts of Canada. While the Chinese have used Asian Ginseng for more than 2,000 years, they have also enjoyed the qualities of American Ginseng since importing it in the 1700’s.
Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the world’s leading herbs for immune support.* Echinacea purpurea is a perennial flowering herb that grows wild in the midwestern and eastern United States and was first harvested commercially in the 1800’s. Echinacea naturally contains beneficial polysaccharides and phytosterols, which are believed to play a role in activating the immune system.* Echinacea is often paired with Vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps support healthy bones, teeth, and the immune system.* Vitamin D may assist the immune system by helping to regulate T- and B-lymphocytes, supporting the ability of macrophages to work within the body, and by promoting the synthesis of mononuclear cells.
Vitamin D3, also known as Cholecalciferol, is the form naturally produced in the body from sunlight. In supplement form, Vitamin D3 is considered a potent and active form of Vitamin D.*
Vitamin E
Another antioxidant and an essential nutrient crucial for good health, Vitamin E is one of the body’s primary fat-soluble antioxidants.* Vitamin E is found in most vegetable oils, wheat germ, raw seeds and nuts, eggs, leafy vegetables, and legumes. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E is a free radical scavenger.* It also helps to support the immune system.*
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin, is widely known for its antioxidant properties.* While many animals can produce their own Vitamin C, humans cannot. It is believed by some scientists that humans lost the ability to produce Vitamin C many years ago because fruits and vegetables containing Vitamin C were so abundant in nature. In today’s busy world, many of us don’t consume as many fruits and vegetables as we should. In this instance, a dietary supplement containing Vitamin C may be beneficial.
Vitamin C works synergistically with Vitamin E, allowing Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties to be maintained.* As one of the best antioxidants, Vitamin C fights free radicals circulating in the body.* Vitamin C also assists in maintaining a healthy immune system.*
In addition to Vitamin C, there is also Ester-C. Ester-C has over twenty-years of use in the United States. The metabolites in Ester-C mirror the same compounds your body produces when it metabolizes Vitamin C from food or supplements. Ester-C can increase Vitamin C levels in your body for immune support.*
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that supports antioxidant health and is important for immune function.* When it comes to essential functions in the human body, Zinc ranks one of the top nutrients. For example, Zinc plays a role in over 300 enzymes in the body, and is a key player in supporting your health.*
Selenium
Selenium is found naturally in ground beef, sunflower seeds, chicken, whole wheat, cheddar cheese, tuna, and wheat germ. It is an essential trace mineral, and more importantly, Selenium supports the immune system.*
Whether these supplements are old favorites or exotically new, they can provide excellent support for your body’s natural defenses and help you obtain optimal immune health.* Now go get some sleep!
