Every year cold and ‘flu season comes around; it’s guaranteed you’ll pick up something – maybe even multiple times! It could be just a blocked nose and headache, or you’re in bed for a week. Either way: you don’t feel well, and you can’t fulfill your potential at work or home.
So what do you do? It might be that you aren’t getting the correct vitamins that your immune system needs to work correctly and fight any illnesses your body is exposed to. These are just four of the vitamins you should look into having more of to help keep yourself fighting fit.
Vitamin A
This powerful antioxidant is vital in boosting your immune system as it regulates the genes involved in an immune response. This is needed to fight illnesses such as those pesky colds and the flu, plus more serious conditions.
A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to respiratory infections, digestive issues, and premature skin damage. It can also affect your immunity by diminishing the function of your immune cells plus your antibody-mediated responses.
Vitamin C
Having vitamin C means your body increases its production of interferon. This protein helps to protect your cells from viral infections. There have been plenty of research studies that have looked into how important it is for people to consume this vitamin: it’s considered to be one of the best to have so you can get a strong immune system. If you don’t think you are getting enough of this vitamin in your diet, you can always take a supplement, like lypo-spheric vitamin c, to make sure you remain healthy.
Vitamin D
If you have a deficiency of vitamin D, then your susceptibility to illness increases. Your skin makes vitamin D when you expose it to direct sunlight – although how much you produce may be affected by factors, such as where you live, air pollution, skin pigmentation, your age, and your gut health.
Many of us don’t get as much sun exposure as our ancestors may have done, and we can get even less sun exposure in the wintertime. This is usually when our immune systems are also at their weakest.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps your immune system because it is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and helps cells to regenerate. A deficiency may lead to an increase in infectious diseases.
Low vitamin E levels are linked with digestive issues that include poor nutrient absorption – which can lead to other immune problems, such as inflammation, eye disorders, plus nerve and muscle damage. Yet getting vitamin E from food and supplementation can lead to improved immunity, especially with the elderly.
I don’t think I’m getting these vitamins – what should I do?
It may be that you want to think about taking supplements to boost your immune system. You can get these from brands such as Health Monthly, which can then be sent directly for your convenience so that you can soon start to feel the benefits.
However, it’s always advised that you speak to your GP or medical professional before you start taking supplements. This is in case they interfere with any other medication you’re already taking.
