3 vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need to boost your immune system

Let’s face it. Now, more than ever, we appreciate how important it is to ensure that our immune systems are in tip top condition; fighting fit!

Your immune system is a hugely complex collection of cells, processes, and chemicals that constantly defends your body against potential invaders. Keeping it healthy is key to preventing infection and disease. Making healthy lifestyle choices by consuming nutritious foods and getting enough sleep and exercise are the most important ways to boost your immune system.

In addition, research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals can improve immune response and potentially protect against illness. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before taking supplements, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions and/or are taking prescription medication.

Below are a number of supplements known for their immune-boosting potential.

1. Vitamin D

Known as the “sunshine vitamin”, Vitamin D is essential for immune function. It enhances the ability of your white blood cells, bolstering your immune defense. Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections, including flu and allergic asthma.

2. Beta Glucans

When it comes to naturally boosting the immune system by optimizing its response to diseases and infections, beta glucans are crucial weapons in the fight to stay healthy. The body doesn't produce beta glucans naturally, so the only way to get the compound is through outside sources—namely, baker's yeast, shiitake mushrooms, and cereal grains, like barley, oats, rye, and wheat.

3. Antioxidants

-             Selenium excels at supporting your immune system. This potent antioxidant keeps your immunity in check by identifying and warding off potentially harmful threats, like viruses, parasites and bacteria. What’s more, your body needs this compound for the production of ‘selenoproteins’ – selenium-dependent enzymes that help regulate your immune responses

-             Zinc – a powerful weapon for immunity, Zinc is essential for immune system function. No wonder it’s been heralded such superstar for combating infections! A deficiency in this nutrient significantly affects your immune system’s ability to function properly, resulting in an increased risk of infection and disease.

-             Vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid – is one of the biggest players in the antioxidant world. This powerhouse has an positive effect on virtually every aspect of your immune system: This vitamin supports the function of various immune cells and enhances their ability to protect against infection. It’s also necessary for cellular death, which helps keep your immune system healthy by clearing out old cells and replacing them with new ones Vitamin C also functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against damage induced by oxidative stress, which occurs with the accumulation of reactive molecules known as free radicals. Oxidative stress can negatively affect immune health and is linked to numerous diseases 

At Suplibox, we’ve got you covered! Try our Immunity Bundle for an optimised Suplibox containing 3 supplements carefully chosen by our scientists to boost your immune system and natural defences, giving your body what it needs to protect you all year round!

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