Vitamins to Boost Your Immune System

Keeping your immune system healthy is vital for everyone (even if you feel unstoppable). What makes things complicated is measuring how strong your immune system is. There are blood tests you could take, but the primary way we measure is when we’re around people who are sick. If our immune system is healthy, it may fight off the virus without us ever feeling more than a little tired. But, if our immune system is weak, we get sick and could be down and out for days or even weeks. That’s why using vitamins to boost your immune system is crucial!

A healthy diet is the cornerstone of a strong immune system. But, it’s always a good idea to supplement with vitamins to make sure you’re getting everything you need. Here are some of the most beneficial vitamins and minerals you can take to boost your immune system:

6 Vitamins to Boost Your Immune System

Vitamin C for Immune System

Most people know Vitamin C has a massive positive effect on the immune system. If you lack Vitamin C, you are more likely to get sick (that’s why people tell you to drink orange juice if you think you’re getting sick).

Most people don’t realize that your body uses Vitamin C at all times. It also can’t be stored, so you need to be consuming it regularly to keep your immune system strong.

Whenever possible, turn to natural fruits and vegetables for your Vitamin C intake. You can find it in things like:

• oranges
• tangerines
• grapefruits
• strawberries
• bell peppers (any color – they contain more Vitamin C than oranges!)
• spinach
• broccoli
• kale

Pretty much all fruits will help keep your Vitamin C level up. Don’t be afraid to snack on fruit throughout the day or grab a glass of juice when you’re hungry.

*Notice: Extreme quantities of Vitamin C may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and/or flatulence. However, it is tough to have too much Vitamin C. Don’t be afraid if you get a little extra Vitamin C in your diet or supplements.

Vitamin B6 for Immune System

Vitamin B6 (also called pyridoxine) is another that is vital to your immune system. It helps support biochemical reactions in your body and can help reduce stress (which can also contribute to a weakened immune system).

The typical American diet is often deficient in this essential vitamin, so you need to be mindful of your intake or use a supplement that includes it.

Food should always be your first option, and many are rich sources of Vitamin B6:

• milk
• cheese
• oily fish (salmon and tuna have exceptionally high levels of Vitamin B6)
• beef (though be wary of overeating red meat)
• eggs
• spinach
• peas
• soy
• oats
• bananas
• peanuts

So, if you have dietary restrictions, it’s a good idea to look into a supplement to ensure you’re getting enough to keep you healthy.

Vitamin E for Immune System

Vitamin E is another of the big players in keeping your immune system in prime condition and is vital in many other ways, too. It has been shown to increase cell division and add to your T cell count, which is particularly important as you get older. Foods that are exceptionally high in Vitamin E include:

• Oils (wheat germ, sunflower, safflower, soybean)
• Seeds and nuts (peanuts, sunflower, almonds)
• Dark leafy greens
• Asparagus
• Pumpkin
• Red bell peppers
• Avocado
• Mango

Vitamin D for Immune System

The fact that Vitamin D is essential for your immune system only came to light around ten years ago by researchers in Denmark. They discovered that Vitamin D plays a significant part in the activation of those all-important T cells we mentioned above.

We get Vitamin D through the action of sunlight on our skin, but with the risk of skin cancer, you shouldn’t overdo your exposure to the sun’s rays. Unfortunately, Vitamin D isn’t easy to find in food but is a staple in any multivitamin you may encounter.

It’s important to note that your body needs Vitamin D to absorb calcium. So, if you have osteoporosis or a similar condition, make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D.

Foods that are rich in Vitamin D for immune system health:

• oily fish (salmon, herring, and sardines in particular)
• eggs
• fortified foods (such as some breakfast cereals)
• cheese
• liver
• mushrooms

So, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, there’s a good chance you aren’t getting enough Vitamin D. Be sure to stock up with some other sources.

Vitamin B12 for Immune System

Vitamin B12 also plays an essential role in maintaining your immune system. It helps the body make white blood cells, the vital weapons in your immune system’s armory.

The best foods for obtaining B12 include:

• ground beef
• poultry
• milk and cheese
• oysters
• trout
• salmon

Again, supplementation is generally necessary for vegans and vegetarians, since B12 can be hard to find in plants.

Some immune system issues can cause an increased risk of Vitamin b12 deficiency, so you need to be extra vigilant.

Magnesium for Immune System

Though not a vitamin (it’s a mineral), magnesium is another essential nutrient required by our body and plays a significant role in your immune system. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 chemical reactions in your body. We need it so that our muscles contract, nerves can send and receive impulses, our heartbeats, and to keep our immune system strong.

Although many people can get enough magnesium in their regular diet, others (celiacs, for example) may need supplements. People with a kidney condition should consult their doctor before using a magnesium supplement.

Magnesium for your immune system can come from green leafy vegetables, fish, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. A lack of magnesium can cause severe fatigue, mood swings, and a weakened immune system, so it’s essential to make sure you are getting enough. (Our magnesium cream is a popular way of adding a magnesium supplement into your routine.)

Your immune system is a complex one and needs optimal nutrition to keep it working efficiently. A healthy diet is essential, but supplements can play a big part too.

Our Flu Bomb cream is an excellent option for giving your immune system that much needed boost. It’s got a full suite of immune-boosting vitamins and essential oils like:

• Magnesium (USP Grade)
• Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
• Flu Bomb Essential Oils

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For more ways to keep your immune system strong, check out our Immune Booster Series: