03 Dec Can You Boost Your Immune System | Do Vitamins Help?
So, Do Vitamins Boost Immune System?
As per the available data, a positive response has been seen in research conducted on Vitamins That Boost the Immune System. Still, several facets require a broader evaluation when it comes to immune-boosting vitamins.
We dig in to gather some real facts and figures on this matter. However, first what’s crucial to figure out is if immunity could even be boosted?
Boosting Your Immunity – Myth Or Fact!
Strong immunity is crucial to overall optimum health. Not only it prevents your body from different ailments but is also responsible for keeping your health in the best shape.
A person with weak immunity knows the complications he has to face. The numbers of people facing immune-related issues are endless.
Undoubtedly, the market is filled with products employing and claiming to strengthen your germ-resistance system.
However, before we question whether such a product works or not, the more concerning question is if immunity can be boosted. So, can you really strengthen your natural resistance system?
The Science of Boosting the Immune System
Our inbuilt immune system has functions related to protecting against disease. Well, this natural system safeguards against every attacking virus and bacteria. However, sometimes, this system collapses and we fall sick.
Of course, Boosting the Immune System Naturally is one of the most enticing ideas. Usually, people think that making a change in diet, taking supplements, or altering lifestyle can fine-tune their immunity.
For many reasons, the idea appears to be an attractive proposition.
However, there isn’t much research concluding direct particulars of immune responses. In fact, there isn’t any solid link between the various said lifestyle changes and strengthened immune function.
In the case of immune cells, excessive production isn’t really a good thing. If you look into it more broadly, different types of immune cells respond to different microbes. Obviously, knowing the right cells to boost and in what quantity is an implausible task.
It may seem like just having some green juice and taking a vitamin capsule can’t really do anything. Though, of course, there are promising findings in these terms too.
Study 1:
A study in 210 healthy twins between the ages of 8–82 about immune response had promising results. Well, this shows the role of genes but the actual strength came from non-inheritable factors. In short, germs exposure, as well as stress, sleep, diet, and exercise function, are crucial factors in our defense system.
[vc_row row_type=’expandable’ text_align=’left’ background_color=’#ffffff’ border_color=’#000000′ more_button_label=’More Facts’ less_button_label=’Less Facts’ button_position=’left’ color=’#000000′][vc_column width=’1/1′]Study 2:
Researches further indicated positive effects on the defense system as a result of lifestyle changes. Obviously, healthy living strategies work in a way or another. The basics recommended include:
- Quitting smoke
- Having a colorful diet rich in fruits and veggies
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Moderate alcohol intake
- Getting enough sleep
- Frequent hand washing
- Minimizing stress
- Laughing out loud and a positive mood
According to Nicole Drepaniotis, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CDN, Nutrition Education Coordinator for Mather Hospital’s Bariatric Center of Excellence,
Focus on what you can control – your nutrition! Good nutrition is a key factor to help maintain a healthy immune system. Try to eat protein-rich foods from lean animal and plant sources, colorful fruits and vegetables that provide necessary antioxidants, and foods that contain probiotics and are high in fiber. Eat well and stay healthy!
After the entire discussion, we can conclude boosting immunity is possible. Undoubtedly, being aware of the possible ways it can be done can prevent diseases.
Consequently, the reason people ask if Vitamins Boost the Immune System is evident because of the popularized view of immune-boosting vitamins. Though, here’s the truth!
Do Vitamins Boost Immune System?
Vitamins are micronutrients functioning at a fundamental level to keep your health at an optimum level. These are responsible for proper body functions and are even seen helping the immune system to a great extent.
Eating food having the nourishment of Vitamins to Boost Immune System is helpful in fighting illness.
We take a good look at some of the most known immune-boosting vitamins:
#1. Vitamin E
The nutrient is a powerful antioxidant. Well, having the capability to strengthen the natural defense system of the body makes it special. Moreover, foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, and spinach and are common suggestions for people with weak digestion.
#2. Vitamin B
Vitamin B is crucial in aiding the biochemical reactions in your defense system. Well, vitamins B12 and B6 are essential for a healthy immune response. Many adults have a vitamin deficiency, which results in continuous health disorders.
#3. Vitamin C
So, Does Vitamin C Help Immunity?
Yes, Vitamin C is actually the most effective and powerful immune-boosting vitamins. It works as a protection against infection. In fact, it can prevent you from diseases.
Another study related to the high consumption of Vitamin C has similar positive results. It lessened cold occurrence in individuals under high physical stress, including marathon runners and soldiers by up to 50%.
Well, the upper limit of this Vitamin That Boosts Immune System Naturally is 2,000 mg. Though, for getting maximum results, 250 and 1,000 mg of vitamin C is enough.
#4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble essential nutrient for your health. In fact, studies indicate its importance in the proper functioning of the immune system.
It stimulates pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages. With more WBC, your immune strengthens.
In a 2019 review of randomized control studies in 11,321 people, supplementing with vitamin D showed amazing results. Well, there was a sudden reduction in the risk of respiratory infections for people having the nutrient. The daily suggested quantity for it ranges between 1,000 and 4,000 IU.
These were some of the most effective Vitamins for Immune System. However, alternatives for natural Immune System Boosters are also widely available.
Do Vitamins Supplements Help Boost Your Immune System?
Health experts recommend immune-boosting vitamin supplements for treating issues regarding the immune system. Obviously, we encounter patients having doubts about this matter.
Reviving immunity can be possible through the regular use of some of the Best Multivitamin for Immune System Support. However, not every product claiming to do the job would work.
Unfortunately, most products you see don’t work, says Michael Starnbach, a professor of microbiology at Harvard Medical School.
To understand the reasons, you need to comprehend the functioning of the immune system.
The natural defense system should function effectively to limit the capability of bacteria, viruses, and parasites to cause infection. On the contrary, a hyperactive immune system can lead to allergies, diabetes, and other types of autoinflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
If there were a wholesale boost to the immune system, it could trigger autoimmunity and other problems, he says.
Hence, a supplement functioning in moderation to support your immunity can work. Also, a wholesome boost at random can trigger autoimmunity and other problems.
Plus, there can also be some Side Effects of Immune Boosters depending on your current health condition.
Thus, while taking any supplement with immune-boosting vitamins, consulting a physician is very much recommended.
So, Do Vitamins Help to Boost Immunity?
Yes, but there are exceptions.
Do You Even Need Vitamins Supplements to Boost Immune System?
A nutrient-rich and colorful diet is the finest way to get in maximum nutrients. Well, weak immunity occurs mainly due to nutrient deficiency.
Those who focus on their eating habits and incorporate exercise in their routine often show major Signs of a Strong Immune System.
Nonetheless, immune-boosting vitamin supplements are highly beneficial in such scenarios. In fact, eating healthily alone may not work in severe conditions.
In my experience, there are a few cases in which only immune-boosting vitamins supplements can work. The list includes:
- Individuals who have allergies
- Vegetarian and vegans
- People having medical conditions
- People with affected nutrients absorption due to surgery
- Pregnant women
- Children or adults under a restricted-calorie diet
Moreover, people eating fewer than 1600 calories for weight loss can affect their immunity for the time being. However, that applies if the changes to their diet are sudden and massive.
In some circumstances, people may need to have a supplement formulated from immune-boosting vitamins.
The adherence to a healthy diet and lifestyle being the primary factor for a healthy immune system is also not a fallacy, though.
Is a Healthy Diet Enough?
Often, people search for ways on How to Boost Immune System Naturally. The best part is immunity is actually something you can heighten with natural methods.
Good nutrition and a healthy diet are essential for optimum health in general. Obviously, the nutrients nourishing your immunity comes through the meals you have.
Most cases of weak immune systems are due to an imbalanced diet. All in all, this leads to a malnourished body making you prone to infections. In short, diet can help you strengthen your immunity.
Actually, for better results, you need to go beyond Vitamins That Boost Your Immune System.
Here’s the best scientific approach to maximize the effects.
[vc_accordion style=’accordion’] [vc_accordion_tab title=’The Right Diet’ icon=” icon_color=”]You need to have meals getting you the precise quantity of the immune-boosting vitamins that your body requires. Moreover, you need to avoid Foods Affecting Immune Response.
The list includes soluble fiber, Pterostilbene and Resveratrol, Probiotics, Fish oil, Curcumin, and high-fat and high-calorie foods. Include these Immune-Boosting Foods in your diet so see improvements over time.
[/vc_accordion_tab] [vc_accordion_tab title=’Exercise’ icon=” icon_color=”]Just like eating a healthy diet, a physical workout has its own importance. Well, exercising has its effects on overall health.
Any physical activity amplifies blood circulation, positively affecting immune cells. Eventually, getting you a stronger defense system.
[/vc_accordion_tab] [vc_accordion_tab title=’Supplementation’ icon=” icon_color=”]One of the modern ways to support the resistance system is by Immune Booster Supplements.
Basically, these formulations are full of immune-boosting vitamins having the power to naturally fine-tune the immune system.
However, while picking your supplements, doing some research beforehand on a particular product is a must.
Only go for a top-rated and known supplement formulated from immune-boosting vitamins that boost immunity naturally.
Still, not everyone is going to require supplements. It’ll obviously also depend on age. The more you age, the more care you would require to maintain your immune health.
The primary reason for that is obviously that older people are more exposed to germs and getting infected.
Moreover, older people are also less able to assimilate nutrients from the food that can be very well compensated for by supplements with immune-boosting vitamins.
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How to Boost Immune System Quickly: Separating Facts from Fiction
Immunity is just like your best friend. In fact, it protects you from numerous infections without letting you know.
The immune system produces, stores, and transfers the WBC to fight bacteria and virus attacks. Interestingly, the functions are on high alert during cold and flu season.
However, there is much misinformation out there. We have looked into it to debunk some myths.
#1: Eating Fruits And Veggies Strengthens Immunity
Fact
Eating fruits and veggies is beneficial. Most studies indicate lesser encounters of ailments with greater consumption of these eatables. Obviously, they encompass a high quantity of vital nutrients helping you to combat invaders.
#2: Sleep Has No Effect On Your Immune System
Myth
There is a sound link between a healthy immune system and sleep. However, restorative sleep, i.e., sufficient sleep to get your body in fighting mode, is the key.
Further, the ideal sleep hours vary from person to person. For average adults, 7-8 hours of sleep is enough at night.
Moreover, for teens, it is 9-10 hours. For school-aged kids, it goes up to 10 hours. For preschoolers, it is 11-12 hours, and newborns need 16-18 hours of sleep.
#3: A Positive Attitude Can Be Healthy
Fact
Having a positive attitude is healthy. As per a study conducted on law students, the defense system kept in top speed with their thoughts about how the school would be.
Surprisingly, when they felt better about it, their immunity was better. Contrarily, when they were worrying, the immunity bore adverse effects.
Hence, looking at the positive side of things can be good for you.
#4: Covering Your Mouth Can Prevent Germs
Fact
Sneezing, coughing, or even talking to someone having the flu can make you sick once droplets of the virus disperse into the air. Clearly, the chances of getting infected are higher this way.
So, if you are healthy and find someone sick around you, it is best to stand at least 4 feet away.
#5: Supplements Have Quicker Effects
Myth
A daily multivitamin supplement can probably help you maintain good health. Plus, in the case of poor nutrition, it’s the finest way to aid your health.
However, studies indicate no solid benefit to the immune system in all the scenarios by taking megadoses of a single vitamin or supplement.
#6: Kids Need Supplements To Build A Healthy Immune System
Myth
Nutrition matters for kids’ health too. Obviously, they receive vital vitamins and minerals by eating nutritious foods. In case, your child is picky about eating or is a vegetarian or a vegan, your medical expert can recommend a supplement.
Still, remember a child’s vitamins tablet is an over-the-counter drug. Excessive intake can be toxic and may lead to harmful effects.
#7: Sucking Your Baby’s Pacifier Lessens Chances of Allergies
Fact
Usually, parents suck a baby’s pacifier before getting it in the baby’s mouth. You might feel cringe about it. However, recent studies have found that it lowers the risk of allergies.
Actually, the germs transferred from the saliva of the parent strengthen the baby’s immune system.
#8: Exercise Doesn’t Strengthen The Immune System
Myth
Well, there isn’t a solid association between moderate physical activity and the average immunity of a person. However, the benefits of exercise can’t be entirely ignored.
Among many perks, it lessens your blood pressure, keeps average body weight under control, and protects you from various diseases. So, never underestimate it.
Concluding Arguments: Do Vitamins Boost Immune System?
From the entire discussion and scientific evidence, it’s clear Vitamins Do Boost Immune System. So, there’s some truth to the efficacy of immune-boosting vitamins.
These natural nutrients have a high influence on different body functions. Nonetheless, its effects on immunity do not really amaze us.
However, to what extent and in what quantity it can enhance the immune system is argumentative. Further research and studies can get clearer information.
To get the most out of the immune-boosting vitamins, rely on vitamin-rich food, exercise, and clinically-tested supplements.
Well, that’s it for this blog. We hope you found it informative and helpful. Have you ever tried a vitamin supplement to boost immunity? Share your thoughts with us right below!
SOURCE:
- Myths vs. Facts About Your Immune System: Renee Bacher
MORE RESOURCES:
- Vitamin effects on the immune system: vitamins A and D take centre stage: Mora JR, Iwata M, von Andrian UH, September 2008
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