Supplements to boost the immune system
Immune system. The performance of the immune system is quite important in fighting the diseases that threaten people every day.
If you have a weak defense system, it will be easier for you to get sick and the healing process can be more complicated. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to be very vigilant.
It is key to have a healthy life, give up smoking, avoid saturated fats and junk food. To do this, exercising several times a week can help a lot as well as the intake of vitamins and supplements that may stimulate the immune system
Remember that if the immune system is deficient, the fight against different pathogens will be more difficult. On the other hand, if the response of the immune system is hyperactive, there is a risk of developing an autoimmune disease, this means that you could be attacked internally by your own body. Examples of this are multiple sclerosis or type 1 diabetes.
Here are some of the most important supplements to boost the immune system.
Vitamin C
Our first line of defense is the mucosa found in the intestine, the inner lining of the nose, and the lungs. Collagen plays a very important role in this and vitamin C is in charge of synthesizing collagen. In short, the mucosa that helps fight germs needs vitamin C in order to function properly.
Vitamin C is important for the growth and development of the body. It helps tissues repair themselves by forming collagen to heal wounds, aid tooth or bone decay.
It can be found in vitamin supplements, fruits, and many foods. The body does not synthesize this nutrient, so you must consume it regularly.
This vitamin is also essential to increase the production of antibodies and enzymes. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Vitamin C is vital to the body’s healing process, as it contributes to boosting the immune system, creating a barrier against various pathogens and promoting the oxidant-removing activity of the skin.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is not found in many foods. However, you could find it in fish, cereals, soy milk and chia seeds.
The reason people know vitamin D is because it is known as the “sunshine vitamin”, and this is because the development of vitamin D in the body occurs when the sun’s rays hit the skin.
This vitamin is important because it strengthens and keeps bones healthy and regulates many other cellular functions in the human body. It has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that together help boost the immune system. So, if your immune system has deficiency of Vitamin D, you’ll be more susceptible to infection.
Vitamin D helps the body better absorb calcium, supports the maintenance of organs, regulates phosphorus levels, promotes the reabsorption of calcium at the kidney level, has properties that help slow down aging and is vital to maintain a healthy immune response.
Zinc
Zinc is a very important mineral for DNA synthesis and for cells to regenerate. It is also part of some of the essential enzymes for the proper functioning of protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
Zinc has a considerable influence on the production of testosterone, it promotes the growth of nails, hair and skin. In addition, it is a crucial mineral for boosting the immune system.
The reason why zinc is able to strengthen the immune system is because it has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that together help boost the immune system.
Apart from that, it also supports the production of antibodies, B lymphocytes, and cytokines. This is important because it indicates that it promotes defense against possible viral replication. To sum up, zinc is considered a good antiviral.
When there is a deficiency of zinc in the body, the immune system is compromised. Zinc ions are involved in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways in innate and adaptive immune cells.
However, excess zinc can be dangerous, since in some cases, in which individuals do not have a balanced diet, it could cause copper deficiency and alteration of iron levels in the blood. Generally, this excess is due to the intake of supplements of this mineral.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that provides nutrients necessary for health. The good thing is that it is present in many foods such as cereals, avocados, nuts, legumes, seeds, cacao, etc. However, it can also be consumed in various ways and is key to protecting and boosting the immune system.
Magnesium plays an important role in strengthening muscles and bones, as it helps prevent bone resorption, which means that it prevents the degradation of the bone itself and also helps the joints.
It contributes to muscle recovery and fights constipation, it can be used as a laxative. It is useful as an antacid, increasing the pH of the stomach thus reducing possible stomach problems caused by food.
Magnesium contributes to the immune system in many ways, such as a regulatory organism for immunoglobulin synthesis, adhesion of immune cells, antibody-dependent cytolysis, and much more.
According to studies, the deficiency of this mineral can cause atrophy of the thymus, elevated IgE, lymphoma and histaminosis. Additionally, magnesium can play a protective role in allergic reactions.
If you want to boost your immune system
The immune system is complex and protects the whole body from antigens. It is simply like a shield that can defend people from any external agent such as viruses or infections.
The more stable your immune system is, the more resistant it will be to protect your overall health.
Ask your doctor which supplement you might take to boost your immune system. Also, through a complete study, your health provider will be able to give you the information you need in case you require some type of vitamin supplement to strengthen and enhance your health.
Apart from that, it is also important to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and plants, which are mostly powerful foods loaded with a huge source of antioxidants that greatly support the body’s immune system.