Immune Support

Vitamins for Immune System

The immune system consists of different organs, cells, and proteins that protect the body from viruses, bacteria, fungi, toxins and any other foreign substances. We don’t even notice when our immune system is working properly, but when the immune system is compromised and weakens for whatever reason, that’s when we become sick. Underactivity of the immune system allows severe infections and other health problems to occur more easily, while overactivity results in allergic and autoimmune diseases.

To fully support the immune system, you must target specific areas of the body. Here’s where to start.

#1: A Healthy Microbiome Is A Must!

There are 100 trillion bacteria in the gut that support the immune system and keep the intestinal lining strong. When a person has an overgrowth of harmful microbes, or not enough good bacteria, this is called dysbiosis and it can damage your intestinal lining. The intestinal lining provides a barrier, keeping what’s inside your digestive tract from leaking into your body. If the lining gets damaged, the food and bacteria in the gut can leak into the body and trigger an immune reaction. These immune reactions can appear as allergies, asthma, skin troubles, an immune deficiency disease, and autoimmune diseases.

Immune system receptors located throughout the gastrointestinal tract are your first line of defense against potentially pathogenic bacteria that enter your stomach. These receptors react rapidly to any harmful threats before the “enemy” can multiply or even before harmless bacteria may mutate into dangerous ones. In fact, 80% of your immune system reside in the gut in the form of immune response regulators. Needless to say, it’s critical to maintain or re-establish the fragile balance or microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract to keep your immune system functioning optimally.

Start by introducing beneficial gut bacteria in the form of probiotics and their food, prebiotics, along with beta-glucans from certain types of high fiber grains and certain varieties of mushrooms.

#2: Antioxidants and the Immune System

Diets or supplements high in antioxidants gives your body (and immune system) fighting power to neutralize damaging free radicals and prevent damage to the immune cells. This includes antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, copper, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, grape seed extract, quercetin, lipoic acid, beta-carotene, glutathione, lycopene, and so many more.

#3: Immune System Supplements

Experiment with different plants, herbs and vitamins that naturally support the immune system. This includes reishi mushroom, maitake mushroom, echinacea, elderberry, colloidal silver, probiotics, astragalus root, ginseng, vitamin D, and oregano.

The idea of using vitamins to boost your immune system is enticing; however, the immune system is just that – it’s a system, not a single entity, and there’s more to supporting the immune system than just vitamins. Combine a healthy diet with a variety of different nutrients, herbs, vitamins and minerals to give your microbiome and immune system the best support.