Immune Support Supplements - Vitamins for Immune System

Understanding how to improve your immune system is important in helping your body to defend against toxins, pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. Finding different ways to keep your immune system healthy year-round is a great way to avoid many infections and diseases. Following a healthy lifestyle by staying active, getting plenty of sleep, and consuming nutritional food are key aspects of maintaining a healthy immune system.

Additionally, including supplements and vitamins can also provide immune support and protect yourself against illnesses. However, it's important to know that over-the-counter or prescription medications can potentially interact with supplements. Reaching out to your doctor is always recommended before taking vitamins for your immune system.

Here are a few well-known supplements and vitamins that can help you maintain a healthy immune system.

Elderberry

Sambucus elderberry has often been used to treat infections, and health researchers are now studying its impact on the immune system. Test-tube studies show that elderberry extract shows potent antiviral and antibacterial support against pathogens causing the influenza virus and upper respiratory tract infections. These elderberry benefits have also been shown to improve the immune system response and lessen the duration of colds and viral infections. Additional research and studies are needed to understand these elderberry benefits further. Elderberry supplements are often available for purchase in a capsule or liquid form.

Vitamin C

Often taken to help the immune system fight off infections. Using Vitamin C supplements can decrease the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant, as it protects against damages caused by oxidative stress, which happens with the accumulation of free radicals. Most supplement daily doses for Vitamin C range anywhere between 250 to 1,000 mg, while the upper limit is 2,000 mg. Reaching out to your doctor is important in helping you determine your optimal dosage.

Vitamin D

Plays an essential role in the immune defense against pathogens. Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with a greater risk of upper respiratory tract infections, such as allergic asthma and influenza. Taking Vitamin D supplements is a great way to boost your immune system naturally, as many people lack Vitamin D due to staying indoors most of the time. A Vitamin D dosage can range anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 IU per day for most people. However, anyone with a significant deficiency of Vitamin D will require even higher doses. A healthcare professional can determine the optimal dose to meet your needs best.

Zinc

Zinc is a type of mineral that's often added to supplements and healthcare products to help provide immune support. Immune communication and cell development aren't possible without zinc. Zinc also plays a key role in preventing foreign pathogens from entering the body. A lack of zinc significantly impacts your immune system, which increases the risk of disease and infection. Nearly 2 billion people worldwide have a zinc deficiency, as this condition is relatively common in older adults. Choosing to take zinc supplements over the long-term is often safe for most people if the daily dose amount is less than 40 mg of elemental zinc.

There are many supplements you can take to naturally boost immune-health, but if you choose good quality supplements you’ll only need 1 or 2 different products. Here are a couple of the most popular vitamins and supplements for a healthy immune system offered by Body Kitchen.

Nordic Elder-Shield

Sambucus elderberry benefits the immune system in various ways, as it's often used as the main ingredient in many different supplements. Body Kitchen's Nordic-Elder Shield uses an optimal formula for supporting antibacterial and antiviral effects. The 27:1 ratio equals consuming 27 grams of elderberries, as this offers a higher lectin content to provide support in fighting against pathogens that are harmful to the immune system. They also use a non-chemical extraction process that allows all sugars to be removed from the formula while retaining the important components.

Vitamin C-Shield

Body Kitchen also offers Vitamin C-Shield as it provides an immunity boost with 1,000 mg of non-gmo Vitamin C in one dose. This powerful immune support supplement works great with collagen formulas that can increase skin moisture. Dihydroquercetin and a patented form of Black Pepper Extract are also included in Vitamin C-Shield for optimal immune system response and to improve nutrient absorption. The immunity formula provides additional protection for daily exposure to unfavorable factors that can weaken the immune system and cause harm to the body. This makes an excellent daily Vitamin C supplement.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding how to improve immunity is critical to living a healthy lifestyle. Taking vitamins for the immune system can be beneficial in preventing illness. Sambucus elderberry is a popular option for many people, as an elderberry supplement is a great way to lessen the duration of colds and viral infections. Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements can also play a key in providing immune support. Eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and plenty of sleep are also important aspects of living a healthy lifestyle.