15 Powerful Supplements to Boost the Immune System

Supplements help boost our immune system.

The immune system is essential for our survival because it protects the body from the harmful pathogens that enter it. Supplements help improve immune response and potentially protect the body from diseases.

Throughout the body, different types of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues are found. Our human body can detect if an invader enters, and the immune system will be responsible in creating a defense mechanism to fight these bacteria and viruses.

By keeping your immune system healthy, you are also protecting yourself from the harmful pathogens that could cause serious illnesses or diseases. To do this, you must eat healthily, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Apart from this, it would be helpful if you would also take supplements because some nutrients are not found in food alone.

Staying healthy is important, especially during these times that there is a pandemic. There is no certainty that supplements can prevent or cure the illness that the coronavirus causes. Still, keeping your immune system healthy is one way to help fight off diseases or symptoms that not only COVID-19 causes but also other bacterial and viral diseases.

Below are 15 powerful supplements to boost your immune system.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that enhances pathogen fighting effects of the white blood cells. Many people have a vitamin D deficiency, which could lead to an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza and allergic asthma.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is needed for immune cell development and communication and is important in our body's inflammatory response. Zinc deficiency is prevalent among older adults. One study shows that zinc supplements help shorten the duration of the common colds.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the most popular supplement to boost immunity. It supports the function of many immune cells and acts as an antioxidant that helps clear out dead cells and replace them with new ones.

Elderberry

Black elderberry was used in ancient times to treat infections. It enhances the immune system response and reduces symptoms related to illnesses caused by viruses.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have been used to prevent and treat infection and diseases, and they are found to boost immunity, including asthma and lung infections. Examples of medicinal mushrooms are shiitake, maitake, cordyceps, lion's mane, reishi, and turkey tail.

Astralagus

Astralagus is an herb that is commonly used by Chinese in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It helps stimulate and increase immunity.

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that is shown to enhance antiviral defense against influenza strains, and that includes H1N1.

Garlic

Garlic contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and has been shown to stimulate protective white blood cells.

Andrographis

This medicinal herb contains andrographolide. It is found to have antiviral effects against respiratory diseases caused by enterovirus D68 and influenza A.

Licorice

Studies have shown that Licorice has antiviral effects against severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

Pelargonium sidoides

Some research has shown that the plant's extract helps alleviate symptoms of common cold and bronchitis. However, more research is needed to prove it's efficacy.

Vitamin B complex

Vitamins B6 and B12 are essential for the immune system response.

Curcumin

Curcumin, the main active ingredient of turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve immune function.

Echinacea

Certain species of this plant have been shown to improve immunity and may have antiviral effects against respiratory syncytial virus and rhinoviruses.

Propolis

The resin-like material produced by honeybees, propolis, has shown to have impressive immune-boosting effects and antiviral effects.

These supplements were shown to inhibit respiratory diseases and help boost immunity. However, please note that further study is needed to prove their efficacy. Eating healthily, exercising regularly, following a healthy lifestyle, and practicing personal hygiene are necessary to avoid getting sick. Also, there is no scientific proof that these supplements help protect against the coronavirus, even though they exhibit antiviral properties.