At Apothecary & Co., we understand how difficult and annoying it can be to deal with sickness. You live a busy life and don’t have time to rest at home to get over a cold or flu. As a functional medicine pharmacy, we believe in taking a holistic approach to prevent illness, and this includes making sure your body has the nutrients it needs to fight off viruses and bacteria. Here are some of the best supplements you can take to boost your immune system so you can stay healthy and feel your best:
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most popular supplements that can help boost your immune system. This vitamin plays an important role in immune health by supporting the function of immune cells and their ability to protect against infection. It’s also thought that taking vitamin C supplements may be able to help reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory infections like the common cold.
2. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is often added to immunity supplements and other health products. It is vital for immune system functions such as immune cell development and communication, protecting tissue barriers, preventing the entrance of foreign pathogens, and reducing inflammation. If you don’t get enough zinc, your immune system may not function properly, putting you at a higher risk of infection and disease. Research suggests that taking zinc supplements can help boost your immune system and may even reduce the duration of colds.
3. Vitamin D
Another one of the best supplements that can help boost your immune system is vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin is vital to immune health and function. It supports the pathogen-fighting abilities of white blood cells and decreases inflammation, helping to promote immune response. Many people do not get enough of this essential vitamin, and deficiency can negatively impact immune function. If you can’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight and diet, you may need to take vitamin D supplements.
4. Elderberry
Black elderberry has long been used to treat infections, and taking elderberry supplements may help boost your immune system. Studies suggest that elderberry extract may have antiviral benefits against pathogens that cause upper respiratory infections such as influenza virus strains. Research has also found that elderberry supplements may help reduce symptoms of these upper respiratory infections. It’s even thought to help reduce the severity and duration of colds.
5. Andrographis
Andrographis is an herb that contains andrographolide, which is a terpenoid compound. This compound is thought to have antiviral effects against several viruses that cause respiratory diseases. It may help to boost your immune system by stimulating cytokine T cells and natural killer cells that allow your immune system to fight off invading viruses and other pathogens.
6. Echinacea
Echinacea is a common natural remedy that has been shown to help improve immune health. This herbaceous flowering plant belongs to the daisy family and can be found in teas, creams, and supplements. It contains several chemicals such as polysaccharides and glycoproteins that give the immune system a boost. Some research has found that these chemicals can help your body create white blood cells and may be beneficial in treating various infections, including upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections, and others.
Comprehensive Supplements to Boost Your Immune System
These are some of the best supplements to boost your immune system. Are you looking for comprehensive supplements to provide full immune support? Immune Essentials contains vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, quercetin, and N-acetyl-l-cysteine to support healthy respiratory and immune function. ImmuPro has a complex formula consisting of vitamins C, A, and B12, zinc, echinacea, elderberry extract, andrographis, L-lysine, and other beneficial nutrients that strengthen your body’s immune response.
If you have any questions about taking supplements to boost your immune system or want to learn more about functional medicine approaches to strengthen your immunity, please reach out to us at Apothecary & Co. and we’ll be happy to help you take the next step toward improving your health and wellness.
