Although you can do many things to improve the function of your immune system, such as eat right and exercise, one of the best actions you can take for your health is to make supplements a part of the plan. When you give your body adequate doses of specific vitamins and minerals, you’ll be better able to ward off any bugs or viruses that come your way.
The supplements you’ll want to be sure to get your Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of include:
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Vitamin C – Not only is this vitamin great for helping to build up your immunity, but it also has positive benefits for your cardiovascular system, eyes and skin health. The RDA is roughly 70 milligrams per day but some health professionals recommend taking as much as 500 milligrams daily (it is water soluble, which means your body will eliminate any excess via urine or sweat).
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Vitamin E – This key vitamin has many benefits for your immune system. In fact, it is so powerful that it even helps prevent certain cancers (namely prostate, pancreatic, breast and gastric). It also works to ease respiratory infections, painful periods, allergies and more. The RDA is 30 IU (international units), but can be taken in much larger quantities if it is being used to treat a preexisting condition (like up into the thousands of IU’s).
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Zinc – Zinc is not only used to help cure colds, but it has also proven effective in relieving ear and respiratory infections, in addition to some other major conditions such as Down Syndrome, ulcers and Crohn’s Disease. The RDA is around 15 milligrams, but you may want to go closer to 40 if you are currently sick and trying to fend off a bug.
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Selenium – This nutrient has gained popularity due to the antioxidant-like results it provides. It protects your cells against free radical damage, making it that much harder for infection and bacteria to survive. Selenium’s RDA is 55 micrograms per day.
Take these supplements daily and you’ll give your immune system the strength it needs to fight off the bugs that threatens it. Think of them as bug spray for your body.
