Nothing can ruin a week more than leaving and returning with a cold.
or worse.
When it comes to viruses, it seems like there are a lot of negative things lurking around every corner at this time of year. You don’t want the flu, you don’t want that cold, and COVID is still going strong.
However, there are a few things you can do to get your immune system and body ready to fight off those bad germs. It begins at home with healthy eating, exercise, and sleep. While those are always the most important things, there are a few inexpensive, over-the-counter vitamins that might be worth include in your daily routine if you want to try to give your immune system an extra boost.
Consult your physician before taking any supplements, of course, but if approved, these could be inexpensive additions to your toolkit that support your health.
Take a look at the following list:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D will likely come up in almost every search you conduct for immune-boosting vitamins, and for good reason. According to VeryWellHealth.com, vitamin D has immune-boosting properties, can help prevent infections, and is essential for bone health and calcium absorption. It also affects cell proliferation.Melissa Azzaro, a qualified dietician, was also quoted on the website as saying that taking vitamin D supplements may be particularly crucial during the cold and flu season.
Speaking about the vitamin’s importance in promoting a strong and healthy immune system, she told the website that because she spends more time indoors, her body is not producing this vital vitamin from the sun. For $10 or less, you can purchase enough vitamin D for a month on Amazon.
Vitamin C
The one thing everyone should be aware of is vitamin C. It’s also the one that’s frequently disregarded. Vitamin C is referred to be an essential vitamin for humans by the National Library of Medicine, which also highlights how it supports a number of innate and adaptive immune system cellular processes, hence aiding in immune protection.It is regarded by the Cleveland Clinic as one of the most potent immune system boosters available. It mentions that a deficiency may increase your risk of becoming ill. A month’s supply of vitamin C is available on Amazon for as little as $6.99.
Zinc
According to Healthline.com, zinc is essential for immune system function, cell growth, and skin health. It may also help prevent inflammation, acne, and other disorders. It states that zinc is necessary for many bodily functions, such as immune system function, enzymatic reactions, wound healing, protein and DNA synthesis, growth and development, and gene expression.
Since zinc is not produced by the body naturally, it must be obtained from diet; if you don’t receive enough of it from food, supplementation becomes even more crucial.
According to Healthline.com, a zinc shortage might result in a compromised immune response because zinc is crucial for cell activity.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is evidence that zinc syrup or lozenges can help reduce the duration of colds if taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Beyond its potential to help you avoid getting sick with the flu or cold, the supplement has other fantastic benefits. According to study, oral zinc supplementation may reduce the progression of age-related macular degeneration, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Zinc can be purchased on Amazon for as little as $6 for a month’s supply.
Garlic
Garlic, according to the Cleveland Clinic, has several health advantages.
According to one study, 41,000 women between the ages of 55 and 69 who regularly consumed fruits, vegetables, and garlic had a 35% decreased risk of colon cancer.
Everyone should be awakened by that.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, garlic has anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy, and skin-clearing properties.
Garlic includes chemicals that support the immune system’s ability to fight off infections, according to Healthline.com. Allicin, a substance found in garlic, is crucial. According to Healthline, the body transforms allicin into sulfur-containing chemicals, which have been demonstrated to strengthen white blood cells’ defenses against illness. On Amazon, a month’s worth of garlic may be purchased for as low as $6.49.
Elderberry
These days, elderberry is a common supplement that is included in many different types of cold and flu medications, but according to research, it is one of the more unusual entries on this list.
Some research indicates that it may help prevent colds and the flu, while other research indicates that it has no effect.
It is promising since it is rich in antioxidants. According to Healtline.com, a 2011 study found that liquid elderberry extract inhibited the growth of some influenza viruses and strep bacteria. Additionally, it referenced a 2012 experiment that shown anti-flu capabilities.
On Amazon, you can purchase a month’s worth of elderberries for as little as $6.58.