Fight infections? Find out the supplements that give you strength
Infections can be really harmful if not treated on time. They are caused by pathogens that are small microscopic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungi. These organisms enter our bodies and replicate swiftly interrupting the normal functions of the body.
So if you want to maintain a healthy immune system and prevent such infections, you should focus on your diet. A proper diet plays a very significant role in boosting the immune system. There are so many fruits and vegetables that are rich sources of minerals. But sadly, many of us do not like eating fruits and veggies.
This is probably the reason, why we become deficient. Now, when there’s a rapid increase in the field of medicine, you can find all sorts of supplements. Those who miss out on fruits and vegetables in their diet should at least take tablets, such as cod liver oil tablets which provide Vitamin A and D.
Here are some supplements that are used for immune system support. Get them and start living a healthy life!
- Vitamin C
We are exposed to lots of free radicals in the environment like cigarette smoke, air pollutants and UV- rays of the sun that cause damage to the skin cells. However, if we take Vitamin C that is also known as ascorbic acid, it will act as an antioxidant, protecting the cells from damage.
The multivitamins available in the market already contain Vitamin C as well. But it is also available as a separate dietary supplement in the form of ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, and other mineral ascorbates; which are all the forms of Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E
The rich sources of Vitamin E include vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. In fruits, bananas provide some Vitamin E; whereas all sorts of nuts especially peanuts, hazelnuts, and almonds contain the substance.
On the contrary, their substitute is Vitamin E dietary supplements which also provide other forms of Vitamin E that include gamma-tocopherol, mixed tocopherols, and tocotrienols. However, alpha-tocopherol is known to be the superior most in all the forms. When buying the supplement, just be careful about two things. One is the amount of vitamin E present in the supplement and the form that it contains.
- Folic Acid
Folic acid is another supplement that gives strength to your immune system as it improves folate deficiency. Either you take capsules rich in folates or take dairy and poultry items, pasta, bread, cereals and drink fruit juices.
Folate is the natural version found in foods whereas folic acid is the man-made version added in supplements to overcome the deficiency. Try to maintain its level in your body!
- Iron
Iron is also one of those minerals that our body requires in a certain amount as it ought to carry oxygen to cells. If your body becomes deficient in iron, then you are likely to suffer from anaemia. Iron supplement or ferrous sulfate is used for the treatment and prevention of anaemias.
Start taking iron supplements regularly! They are available in the form of solutions, syrups, and tablets.
- Zinc
Since zinc is not produced by our body, it needs to be obtained through foods or supplements. Also, it plays many vital roles in our body including, gene expression, immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing and so on. Thus, its intake can’t be overlooked.
Its deficiency can lead to many health issues one of them is a weakened immune system because it works in the signaling and functioning of cells. Taking zinc supplements stimulate particular immune cells and reduce oxidative stress.
Therefore, start taking essential supplements that will help protect your body from toxins and infections.
