Winter is here, and supporting your immune system is the most important way to prevent colds, flu, and to fight unwanted germs. A strong immune system not only helps to prevent illness, but if you do get sick, your symptoms are likely to be less severe and your recovery time faster.
A healthy lifestyle is crucial to maintain an optimally-functioning immune system, which includes an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet. There are several key nutrients that support and strengthen the immune system, and help to prevent everything from the common cold, to Coronavirus, to the flu. Obtaining adequate amounts of these nutrients is critical, and supplements help prevent deficiencies and provide an extra boost to fight infections when needed.
Nutrients:
Vitamin D: There is overwhelming evidence to support the immune benefits of Vitamin D. Vitamin D modulates both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Deficiencies are associated with increased susceptibility to infection, including frequent colds and influenza. In 2017, a large analysis of prospective clinical trials showed that taking vitamin D reduces the odds of developing a respiratory infection by approximately 42% (in people with low baseline levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D; below 25ng/ml). The analysis also suggested that taking vitamin D daily or weekly was more effective than a larger, single dose.
Personal Tips & Thoughts:
Vitamin D levels can begin to drop as early as September, and tend to be lowest during the winter months. Levels can be checked with a simple blood test. Most people need to supplement to prevent a deficiency, and doses often need to be raised during winter. Aim for a minimum level of 50ng/ml.
Supplements that contain Vitamin D:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is key for a strong and well-functioning immune system. It encourages healthy production of white blood cells to fight infection. It’s also a potent antioxidant so it protects these white blood cells against harmful invaders, like free radicals. It’s an essential vitamin because our body does not produce it, so we must obtain this nutrient through diet and supplementation. Vitamin C has been shown to shorten the duration of colds and other illnesses, including pneumonia.
Supplements that contain Vitamin C:
Zinc: Adequate zinc homeostasis is essential for a well-functioning immune system. Zinc acts as a gatekeeper of the immune system by regulating signaling pathways within immune cells. Zinc is critical for normal development and function of cells mediating innate immunity, such as neutrophils and NK cells. It’s an antioxidant as well, and decreases oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Studies have shown that zinc reduces both the duration and severity of cold symptoms.
Supplements with zinc:
Res-Q Cor-Immune Defense is designed to support the body’s immune defenses and can be taken daily. It features all of the nutrients discussed above and, in addition, two clinically-researched ingredients: EpiCor® and MaitakeGold404®. Epicor supports a healthy mucosal shield by increasing secretory IgA and activates Natural Killer (NK) cells – in as little as two hours. Epicor® also supports gut health, and is a powerful antioxidant. MaitakeGold404®, a maitake mushroom extract, has been shown to boost immune-enhancing cytokines, NK activity, and efficiently modulate the immune system.
