Getting to a More Healthier You
A healthy, well-supported immune system is the key to maintaining a strong and resilient body. From defending your body against countless illnesses and supporting other essential biological mechanisms, the benefits of boosting your immune system are endless, and one thing that can help is immune booster vitamins.
Some vitamins, such as B vitamins, are water-soluble, which means that once digested, the body can no longer store them. As such, it is crucial to supply your body with these vitamins daily, either through your diet or supplements. Other vitamins are fat-soluble, meaning they are stored in the body’s fat and require less frequent dosage. By ingesting a dose of both kinds of vitamins regularly, you can strengthen your body and support more than just your immune system.
Unfortunately, many people do not receive enough of the necessary vitamins to support their immune system effectively, leaving them susceptible to illness and fatigue. Read on to learn how to introduce more immune-booster vitamins into your daily diet to boost your immune system.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, found in carrots, sweet potatoes, peaches and dark leafy vegetables, is essential for optimal immune function. It boosts growth and repair in every tissue in the body, supporting the body through adolescents as it develops and aiding injury recovery. This essential vitamin also stimulates the white blood cells and the activity of antibodies, working to protect the body from infection.
Vitamin C
Found in many citrus fruits, vitamin C plays a crucial role in cellular function by enhancing the cells’ ability to fight infection, effectively minimizing the duration of illness. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, which means that it protects the body against oxidative stress, a state that, if prolonged, can weaken the immune system.
Most people receive enough vitamin C in their diets that they do not need to take a supplement to acquire the correct dosage.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that relieves oxidative stress and restores normal cellular function. Additionally, vitamin E is part of over 200 biochemical reactions that occur in the body daily. This vitamin, therefore, is crucial for healthy bodily function and a supported immune system.
You can introduce more vitamin E into your diet by eating high-fat plant foods like sunflower seeds, peanut butter, hazelnuts and almonds.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 supports several different essential bodily functions, including the creation of proteins and hormones, as well as delivering signals between the nerve cells in the brain. Crucially, vitamin B6 is required to create white blood cells, which regulate immune function.
If you are eager to incorporate more vitamin B6 into your diet, this immune system booster can be found in bananas, avocados, lentils and chicken.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is another essential player in creating red and white blood cells. Recent studies have revealed a direct correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and weakened immunity, demonstrating the importance of regularly providing your body with this powerful vitamin.
Unfortunately, vitamin B12 is only found in animal products, such as beef, chicken liver, eggs and clams. As such, for vegans and vegetarians to receive this powerful immune system booster, they will need to turn to a supplement.
Vitamin D
Commonly called the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D plays a key role across several different body areas. In addition to boosting the immune system by regulating the growth of white blood cells, it also supports bone health and the nervous and muscular systems.
Vitamin D can be found in several different foods, including mushrooms, salmon, eggs and tuna. You can also receive more vitamin D by spending time outside during sunny periods.
Vitamin B9
Finally, vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is integral to multiple chemical reactions that occur in the body and support immune health. It also helps the body create healthy red blood cells. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and is often added to foods because of its associated health benefits. Folate can be found in broccoli and leafy green vegetables, while folic acid is used to enrich foods such as bread and pasta.
Final Thoughts
You can significantly increase your immune function and strength by incorporating more immune-booster vitamins and supplements into your daily diet. A healthy immune system allows you to leave days in bed behind you as your body is given the tools to fight infection quickly and effectively. By consulting your physician, you can discover what vitamins you lack and find the best supplements for you and your body. The benefits of a fully supported immune system truly are endless.