As a mom, you want to do everything possible to keep your family healthy and safe. Of course, the cornerstone of optimal health is a whole foods diet, healthy relationships, lots of exercise, regular detoxification, and good stress management.
Most of us don’t live an optimal lifestyle and could use a boost. That’s where supplements come into play. Supplements can be an easy way to provide your body with the necessary nutrients it needs for optimal health. In this article, we’ll explore 13 of the best immune-boosting supplements that will help give you and your family immunity from colds, flu, allergies, and more.
The information in this blog post may come as a great relief for moms who worry about their family's safety during these winter months or those who struggle with chronic illnesses like asthma, ear infections, allergies, or eczema year-round. The benefits of taking good care of yourself through diet and exercise only go so far: sometimes you need a little boost to get you through the cold, dark winter months.
The following 13 immune boosting supplements have been shown to stimulate or boost your body’s natural defenses and allow it to function better when facing off against extreme weather conditions, lack of sunshine, natural light, and fresh air, poor diet choices, lack of exercise and movement, stress and the other challenges that come with winter.
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What are some of the top 13 immune-boosting
supplements for this winter season?
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most popular and effective immune boosters. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that prevents a number of diseases, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Ways to get Vitamin C
oranges and citrus fruits
broccoli
kiwi
papayas
bell peppers
tomatoes
spinach
kale
parsley
cabbage
cauliflower
garlic
2. Zinc
Zinc helps to keep your immunity strong. Zinc is a powerful mineral that holds the key to many biological processes. It’s important for your immune system and metabolism, and it helps maintain DNA integrity.
Zinc is a nutrient that works with more than 200 different enzymes in the body. The most well-known use for zinc is to fight infections, but it also helps maintain a strong immune system and healthy skin.
Zinc helps you recover from a cold by reducing the duration of symptoms. Plus, it helps keep your immune cells strong and healthy.
Ways to get zinc
berries
cherries
asparagus
collard greens
pumpkin seeds
onions
sprouts and microgreens
parsley
raw honey
3. Probiotics
Probiotics are helpful because they promote gut health, which is crucial for maintaining good overall immunity.
Taking a probiotic supplement is an effective way to keep your gut healthy and boost your immune system.
Probiotics are helpful microorganisms that promote digestion, fight off disease, and improve immunity.
Ways to get probiotics
yogurt
kefir
kombucha
sauerkraut
miso
tempeh
kimchi
4. Bee pollen
Bee pollen contains high amounts of vitamins A and B, both important nutrients when it comes to strengthening your immune system.
Bee pollen is nutrient-dense and full of antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.
Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory properties which also support a healthy immune system.
Bee pollen has antimicrobial properties and is also known to help with seasonal allergies.
Ways to get bee pollen
If you can get it straight from a beekeeper, that is your best option. Bee pollen is often sold at farmers’ markets where they sell honey.
If you don’t have access to a beekeeper or farmers market, try this brand.
5. Echinacea
Echinacea has been used for centuries by Native Americans as an herbal remedy for colds and flu
One of the best natural remedies is Echinacea. It helps fight off viruses and bacteria, making it a great defense against colds and cases of flu.
Echinacea reduces the chances of catching a common cold by 58%. It can also reduce how long it takes for you to recover from one, and even make sure that pesky sniffles don’t come around as often.
According to Rosemary Gladstar in Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, “Echinacea works by increasing macrophage T-cell activity, thereby boosting the body’s first line of defense against colds, cases of flu, and many other illnesses.”
Ways to get echinacea
6. Garlic
Garlic has been used since ancient times for its health benefits. Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic. It is rich in a disease-preventing sulfur compound called allicin.
Garlic is rich in antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory effects on cells in your body.
According to the Medical Medium in Life-Changing Foods, garlic “extracts heavy metals in the colon and gives you a powerful immune boost”.
Ways to get garlic
Fresh, whole foods that are organic and locally grown will always give you the most powerful health benefits. But, they’re not always available or affordable. Always do your best and choose what will work for you and your family.
raw garlic
7. Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for boosting immunity because they reduce inflammation which is a major problem with autoimmune diseases.
Omega 3 fatty acids can help boost your immune system to protect your body from disease. They’re especially helpful for fighting off colds and flu.
Ways to get omega-3 fatty acids
It is well known that fish and fish oil are high in omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to reduce your animal consumption, see the list below of plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
avocados
flax seeds
chia seeds
walnuts
navy beans
Brussels sprouts
spinach
broccoli
mangoes
almonds
tofu
olive oil
berries
8. Selenium
Selenium is an essential nutrient that plays a very important role in boosting your immune system to fight off illnesses or cancers. Selenium has been linked to an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections so make sure you’re getting enough selenium in your diet every day.
Ways to get selenium
Brazil nuts
apricots
bananas
berries
asparagus
onions
sprouts and microgreens
parsley
dandelion
raw honey
9. Ginger
Ginger can help protect your body from disease by fighting inflammation, which is now at an all-time high due to our modern lifestyles. Ginger contains many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that make it one of the most effective ways to boost immunity and fight off sickness.
Ginger is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic.
Ways to get ginger
raw ginger
frozen ginger
10. Elderberry
Elderberry is a powerful herb that strengthens the immune system.
Elderberry is a natural immune system booster that can be used to fight off colds, flu, and other illnesses. It has been shown to be especially effective for fighting respiratory tract infections.
Elderberry is loaded with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Ways to get elderberry
11. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that can help fight inflammation and boost your immune system. It contains many antioxidants, making it one of the most effective ways to combat disease.
Turmeric has been shown to be especially helpful for respiratory tract infections and other illnesses like colds or flu. One study found that people who took turmeric as part of their daily diet had 58% less chance of catching a common cold than those who didn’t take it.
Tumeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and also boosts circulation. It also helps to prevent cancer, stop headaches and promote brain health.
Ways to get turmeric
raw turmeric root
12. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for boosting immunity
It also plays other important roles in the body including regulating mood, supporting bone health and reducing inflammation. Vitamin D is one of the most potent natural tools you can use to fight off illness and cancer.
One way that vitamin D supports immune health is by regulating the production of cytokines. Cytokines are messenger proteins that are essential for communication between cells in order for them to do their job properly. There are two types of cytokines that are related to immunity, T-helper cells and T-suppressor cells. Vitamin D regulates the production of these two types of cytokines so they can effectively fight off infections or cancerous cells.
Ways to get Vitamin D
There are few plant sources of vitamin D. The best, most potent way to get vitamin D is through direct exposure to sunlight.
sunshine
mushrooms
fortified almond milk
fortified coconut milk
fortified orange juice
fortified cereal
Why You Need Immune Boosting Supplements and Other Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system was beautifully designed by its creator to keep you healthy and strong. Coming into contact with bacteria, viruses, and toxins is a natural part of life and your immune system was built to protect you from them.
As our modern lifestyle advances, our bodies get more and more overwhelmed with toxins and environmental threats.
Your immune system is doing the best it can, but it needs some help. It’s working overtime just to protect you from daily exposure. If you want protection from more dangerous threats (like the current pandemic), you need to strengthen your immune system with Mother Nature’s tools and gifts.
Supplements are one way to boost your immune system, but they’re not the only way. Download The Ultimate Guide to Natural Immunity, included in the Natural Health Solutions Tool Kit for more natural immune-boosting tips and remedies.
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