Introduction –
Immunity is our ability to resist infections. We all aspire to be as healthy as possible.
While we cannot control our immune response to every sniffle, we can take steps to boost our immune system. If you truly want to take care of your overall health, it is extremely important to take good care of your immune system and one of the best ways to do so is to eat healthy supplements that are full of the essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for development and functioning of immune cells in the body. Our immune system needs to function at its best so that it can protect us from disease and foreign intruders.
What is the immune system and how does it work?
The immune system is a complex system of specialized cells, tissues and organs. Together they produce various kinds of cells that help the body fight infections and other diseases, in various mechanisms. Your immune system defends your body against substances it sees as harmful or foreign. These substances are called antigens. When your immune system recognizes an antigen, it attacks it. This is called an immune response. Part of this response is to make antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that work to attack, weaken, and destroy antigens. The immune system also has a memory, ie it also remembers old and past infections/antigens and is ready, faster, the next time the same organism attacks you.
Your immune system defends your body against illness and infections, so it is important to keep it functioning as well as possible.
8 Vitamins and Minerals the body needs for a healthy immune system.
Who wouldn’t want the healthiest, most functional immune system possible? Do you know the role vitamins and minerals play in keeping them able to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other pathogens?
Here is a breakdown of some of the vitamins and minerals used in ForMen supplements that are crucial to the health of your immune system –
1. Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant in the human body and has been widely used as an antioxidant clinically. Alpha Lipoic Acid provides essential backup support to all immune cells. Studies show that it might have immunomodulatory effects on both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Alpha Lipoic Acid regulates the body’s immune system response to certain viruses, including the common cold and flu viruses.
2. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful, naturally occurring molecule in our body, important for mitochondrial function. It is known to improve energy, augment the immune system and act as an antioxidant. The use of coenzyme Q10 supplements plays a significant role in the production of cellular energy, boosting the immune system and physical performance and acts as a free radical scavenger.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is beneficial to the immune system because it aids in the production of new white blood cells, which help the body fight infections naturally. If your diet is lacking in Vitamin C, your body will produce fewer white blood cells, resulting in a weakened immune system and a higher risk of becoming unwell. Vitamin C holds a reputation as an immune system booster. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights free radicals in the body which helps prevent many cancers and heart disease and promotes healthy ageing.
4. Vitamin E
Like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain cell walls and prevent damage when an infection is present. It fights off invading bacteria and viruses while also helping widen blood vessels and preventing blood clots. Vitamin E supplementation above current dietary recommendations has been shown to enhance the function of the immune system and reduce the risk of infection.
5. Vitamin D
Known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is one of the most important and powerful nutrients for supporting the immune system. Though perhaps best known for its bone health benefits, vitamin D also plays a critical role in strengthening our innate and adaptive immune responses. The powerful vitamin signals the body to create immune-boosting compounds, like antimicrobial proteins responsible for protecting the body from getting sick.
6. Selenium
Selenium is an essential mineral that supports the immune system, fertility, and cognitive function. It seems to have a powerful effect on the immune system as this mineral is an antioxidant, meaning it helps to remove free radicals that are linked to cancer, heart problems, inflammation, premature ageing and more. It’s also an immune system booster, fuelling the antibodies that build your resistance to sickness.
7. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral needed to produce new immune system cells and is found in cells all throughout our body. It is critical to consume zinc daily since the body lacks the ability to store the mineral. Zinc helps support brain function, maintain healthy hormone levels, synthesize DNA and proteins, and boost the immune system to fight off invading bacteria and viruses.
8. Green Tea Extract
Green tea is known for its health benefits. Its primary impact is on the immune system. One of the beneficial compounds found in green tea has a powerful ability to increase the number of “regulatory T cells” that play a key role in immune function and suppression of autoimmune disease. It also helps to keep skin and liver healthy, reduce blood fat levels, regulate blood pressure, and improve brain health.
Conclusion –
One of the main causes of a weak immune system is a lack of proper nourishment. Realistically, Vitamin and mineral supplements are most effective as a support for your immune system. If your immune system is weak because of a particular vitamin or mineral deficiency, then supplementing it with ForMen nutrients may lead to improvements.
