Natural immunity helps us avoid illness and recover quicker when we get sick. A balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, and probiotics, along with stress management, exercise, and proper sleep, boosts immunity. While these needs are easy for most people to meet, supplements can fill in the gaps. Here, we’ll discuss the benefits and risks of immune-boosting supplements.
Do Supplements Really Boost Immunity?
While marketers may claim otherwise, immune-boosting supplements don’t always work. The effectiveness of the supplements we’ve listed below is backed by scientific research, but even the best supplements won’t work if they’re not right for you. Before taking an immune system supplement, find out if it’s gone through third-party testing. That way, you’ll know just what you’re getting—and you’ll make up any nutritional shortfalls.
What Are the Best Immune-Boosting Supplements?
While some ingredients—such as vitamin C—are well-known immune boosters, other supplements pack an equivalent punch. Vitamin D3, for instance, supports immune response by helping the body manage disease-fighting cells. Thankfully, high-quality vitamin C and D3 supplements are readily available and very affordable.
No list of immunity supplements would be complete without zinc. This nutrient helps the immune system create and feed cells including lymphocytes and macrophages while protecting the natural barrier provided by the mucus membranes of the throat and nose. Garlic is another unexpected immune booster; it supports immune response and fights the effects of oxidative stress.
The best immunity supplements and multivitamins contain all these nutrients and many more. With antioxidants, crucial vitamins and minerals, and other beneficial ingredients, these products will help you keep sickness at bay.
Who Should Take Immunity Supplements?
While a healthy lifestyle helps us maintain immunity, supplements support those efforts in groups including:
Regardless of your age, health status, or walk of life, you can take immune-boosting supplements.
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Immunity Supplements With Physical Activity
Regular movement is one of the cornerstones of good health, and the benefits of exercise extend beyond the physical. Moderate activity encourages immune response in a few ways. It flushes bacteria from the airways, reducing the risk of respiratory illness, and it also promotes the movement of immune cells throughout the body.
Whether it’s jogging, walking, yoga, cycling, or strength training, finding enjoyable activities makes it easier to include exercise in your routine. Try to get some intentional movement every day and aim for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week for better immunity.
The Takeaway
Although they don’t offer a quick fix, immunity supplements can help you protect yourself from illness. By using the right products, getting enough sleep, exercising, and improving your diet, you’ll stay healthy for life.