Guide for Taking Immune System Supplements
The body’s immune system is our first line of defense when it comes to keeping us healthy. We humans are actually incredibly resilient beings and can withstand many different environmental and biological situations, thanks to our immune systems, but in order for our immune systems to do their jobs and do them well, they need to be supported with the right nutrients to help maintain their strength and durability. There are several things that we can all do to stay healthy and bolster our immune systems, and one of the most beneficial things that we can do is take supplements that help keep our immune systems strong.
Below, we’ll go over what the immune system is, how to build up a strong immune system, and our guide for taking immune system supplements.
What is the Immune System?
Your immune system is essential for survival. It’s a network of cells, organs, and tissues that work together to fight infections, viruses, diseases, and a variety of other general bacteria and parasites.
What are the Parts of the Immune System?
The main parts of the immune system are:
- White blood cells – Help to fight infections.
- Antibodies – Combine chemically with bacteria, viruses, and other foreign bodies in the blood to get rid of them.
- Complement system – Protects you, the host, from infection and inflammation.
- Lymphatic system – Is your body’s ‘sewage system’ and flushes out toxins.
- Spleen – Houses white blood cells and filters and removes old or damaged red blood cells.
- Bone marrow – Produces red and white blood cells and platelets.
- Thymus – An organ that essentially provides surveillance on your body and detects unknown substances.
The immune system is divided into three parts:
- The innate immune system – This is the defense system that you were born with.
- The acquired/adaptive immune system – This is the defense system that grows based on the specific pathogens that you’re exposed to.
- The passive/borrowed immune system – This is the defense system that offers short-term immunity, and the antibodies that you receive come from another source. A mother’s breast milk is the perfect example of passive/borrowed immunity as she is passing her antibodies to her child through her breast milk.
Ways to Support Your Immune System
Some ways that you can work to strengthen your immune system are:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting exercise/being physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting enough sleep
- Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes
- Taking immune system supplements
What are Some of The Best Immune System Supplements?
Immune system supplements are intended to supplement your diet by adding more concentrated and bioavailable sources of vitamins and minerals to your diet. The best supplements to take are:
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D enhances the effects of white blood cells and decreases inflammation.
- Zinc – Zinc is a mineral that aids in immune cell development and function.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C supports many immune functions, enhances cells, and is an antioxidant.
- Elderberry – Elderberry has really strong antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- B Complex – B Complex helps make new red blood cells and moves oxygen throughout the body.
- Echinacea – Echinacea supports immune function, reduces inflammation, and has hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
- Probiotics – Probiotics help to regulate innate and adaptive immune systems.
The immune system works hard to protect your body, but you need to work to protect and support your immune system. By eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, and taking an immune system supplement, you can help your immune system stay strong. For more information, check out more of our immune system support blogs.
