At the moment, the world is battling an invisible enemy. It has taken the lives of many and threatens to claim more. It is indeed a grave situation but there’s no need to panic as we are not completely helpless.
Experts have named the enemy COVID-19. A lot still remains to be discovered about this disease but so far we know that its main portal of entry is through our respiratory system. A cure or a vaccine is still in the works but there's a substantial number of cases that suggest a healthy and well-functioning immune system can work to help the patient recover.
There are various ways to boost your immune system and your health in general so your body will be able to protect itself better from various unknown and potentially dangerous pathogens. We’re about to list a variety of supplements that can help you achieve just that.
However, keep in mind that these do not cure the infection. What they’ll do is help you increase your chances of survival by reducing the severity of the symptoms. Your best defense is still to avoid getting infected through proper hygiene and social distancing. Doing so also limits the risk of reinfecting others and preventing further spread of the disease.
Stay home and keep yourself healthy by getting enough rest, following a nutritious diet, and taking the right supplements.
Recommended Immuno-Boosting Supplements
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supplementation isn’t actually necessary if you’re following a healthy and balanced diet. It is abundant in yellow and orange vegetables such as pumpkin and carrots. It can also be found in egg yolks, fish, tofu, cheese, nuts, whole grains, and legumes. However, if you feel like your current diet is lacking in vitamin A, you can make up for its absence through supplementation.
Vitamin A is capable of maintaining the structure of cells that make up your skin, gut, and respiratory tract. It’s helpful to your immune system as it fortifies the barriers in which pathogens can enter your body. Vitamin A is also essential in making antibodies that help neutralize pathogens once they enter your body.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is everyone’s go-to supplement if a sudden immunity boost is needed. Its popularity isn’t quite a surprise. As an essential micronutrient, vitamin C boosts our immune system by acting as an antioxidant. When taken in right doses, it can also help enhance immune cell function and support your body’s anti-inflammatory pathways.
With that said, a deficiency in vitamin C can make you more susceptible to infections. A study suggests that taking about 100-200 mg of vitamin C per day may help prevent respiratory infections.
Vitamin C can be found in various food sources such as kiwi, pineapple, and broccoli. However, if your current diet is lacking in fresh produce, you might want to supplement with Purisure Vitamin C Powder. It’s guaranteed pure and fresh for your safety.
Vitamin D
Getting enough sunlight enables your body to produce enough vitamin D. However, when you’re cooped up indoors for too long, you may experience lower levels than usual. You can make up for it in your diet by eating foods that are fortified with vitamin D such as eggs, fish, as well as some types of milk. Getting enough vitamin D can help protect you against acute respiratory infections as it is essential in producing immune cells that help destroy infection-causing pathogens.
Iron
Iron can also boost your immunity against infections by supporting the growth of immune cells and regulating various enzyme reactions that are necessary for immune cells to identify and target pathogens. The best sources of iron are dark green leafy vegetables, beans and lentils, baked potatoes, and cashew nuts.
Selenium
Selenium keeps you healthy by acting as an antioxidant. It helps undo the damage caused by oxidative stress which no one is technically immune to. It can be obtained from various food sources such as brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, ham, beef, turkey, chicken, and pork.
Zinc
A deficiency in zinc can lower the number of your immune cells. According to research, taking zinc supplements within 24 hours of experiencing signs of a cold can help limit its severity and shorten its duration. On average, adults need around 11 to 8 mg of zinc per day. It is abundant in grains, legumes, red meats, and seafood.
The Takeaway
All these supplements are good for you. They help you stay healthy but they are not absolute cures. They make a great addition to an already healthy diet and lifestyle. You don’t need a pandemic to push you to take care of yourself and others. However, since we’re in this situation already, it is important to take every precaution to avoid getting infected.
Stay calm and healthy, everyone!
References:
https://blog.insidetracker.com/supplements-support-immunity-against-respiratory-infection