Now, more than ever, people want to know what they can do or what they can take to stay healthy and boost their immune systems. It is no secret that when people are stressed, tired, and have a poor diet, they are more likely to become ill. Below I've included some of the most common supplements that have been studied and proven beneficial to enhancing your immune system.
1. Prebiotics and probiotics - Gut health is essential to a healthy immune system. These come in many different forms such as yogurt, kombucha, or pill/powder/liquid supplements.
2. Zinc - Aids in Immune cell development and decreases inflammation. Dietary forms can be found in red meat, poultry, and fish.
3. Vitamin D - Enhances white blood cells (defense cells) and decreases inflammation in the body. The best source is natural sunlight, but is also found in fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg yolks, cheese, and mushrooms.
4. Vitamin C - Known to be a powerful antioxidant. Dietary forms are found in citrus fruits, broccoli, red and green peppers, plus many other fruits and green leafy vegetables.
5. Elderberry - Proven antibacterial and antiviral properties. Elderberries are found in nature and can be eaten, made into a syrup, jams or jelly (most contain a lot of sugar!), or capsule form.
Other great vitamins and minerals: Selenium, Garlic, B-Complex (B12 and B6), Curcumin (Turmeric), Echinacea.
Many supplements on the market may help improve immune health. Zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D are just some of the substances that have been researched for their immune-enhancing potential.
However, although these supplements may offer a small benefit for immune health, they should not be used as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
Chiropractic adjustments (a healthy nervous system), maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity are some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease.
If you decide that you want to try a supplement, speak with your healthcare provider first, as some supplements may interact with certain medications or are inappropriate for some people.