Boost Your Immune System Naturally

The immune system plays a crucial role not just in preventing us from getting sick, but in maintaining good health in general. If you find yourself falling ill frequently, or predictably at certain times of the year, your body may be lacking certain nutrients needed for strong immune function. These supplements can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy this winter and all through the year.

Vitamin D

While often associated with maintaining good bone health, vitamin D is crucial for optimal immune function and approximately 75% of the American population is deficient in this fat-soluble vitamin. Research has found that people deficient in vitamin D are over 10 times more likely to contract influenza, a serious upper respiratory infection. Supplementation of vitamin D3 has been shown to be very beneficial in addressing deficiency and improving immune function. When supplementing with vitamin D, it is also important to take vitamin K2 along with it. The K2 improves absorption of the vitamin D and you can often find the two combined in one supplement.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and an important water-soluble vitamin for maintaining and supporting immune health. Increased levels of vitamin C have shown to have virucidal effects, helping you stay healthy all season long. It supports and stimulates the function of multiple pathways of the immune system, making an important nutritional ally. Using a buffered vitamin C supplement is more gentle on the digestive system and avoids the gastric upset that can come with taking higher doses of ascorbic acid.

Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral for our overall health and for supporting the immune system. Zinc deficiency is strongly correlated with H1N1 influenza and a full one-fifth of people worldwide are believed to be deficient in this essential mineral. Since mineral deficiencies rarely occur alone, it is important to get as much zinc from the diet as possible. Red meat and seafood are excellent sources. Supplementing with a bioavailable form of zinc, such as zinc citrate, can provide additional benefit and help support optimal cell-mediated immunity.

Broad Spectrum Probiotic

An estimated 80% of our immune system resides in our gut, so a healthy gut means a healthy immune system. A good quality probiotic supports a healthy gut and optimal gut function, which means supporting a strong immune system. When selecting a probiotic supplement, look for the greatest variety of different species of microbes, not just the total number. High doses of only a few strains will not be as helpful as lower doses of a greater variety of strains. It should require refrigeration as the cold storage is needed to keep the cultures alive. A variety of fermented foods and beverages can also help. Kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are all tasty options that are readily found in the refrigerator section of your local health store.

Selenium

Selenium helps support healthy immune function and boosts levels of glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man. Optimal selenium levels have been linked to improved outcomes for those suffering with H1N1 influenza. Some of the top dietary sources of selenium include organ meats, seafood, poultry, and Brazil nuts. Further supplementation can help keep your immune system strong and healthy during cold and flu season. Our Selenex GSH is a powerful and effective selenium supplement that ensures optimal levels of selenium and has been shown to raise glutathione levels by as much as 68%, making it an excellent choice.