If you are fighting off a cold or looking for overall immune system support, you might be wondering ‘what are the best vitamins to boost your immune system?’ Your immune system defends your body and fights off infectious microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as illness.
Things like poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol, and not getting quality sleep can all take a toll on your immune system. If your immune system remains weak, this can lead to health challenges such as digestive issues, fatigue, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders.
You can boost your immune system via exercise, movement, proper nutrition and taking proper care of yourself and your environment. In addition, there are specific vitamins that also play an important role in boosting your immune system. So let’s go on to learn some of the best vitamins to boost your immune system.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a nutrient that acts as an antioxidant in the body. In terms of boosting your immune system, this helps to protect the cells of your body from free radical damage.
How to boost your Vitamin C levels. You can boost your Vitamin C levels by eating citrus fruits such as orange and grapefruit, kiwi fruit, and papaya. You can also take Vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and so it is required for strong bones. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to muscle weakness, changes in mood, thinning or brittle bones, and osteoporosis.
How to boost your Vitamin D levels. The best way to boost your Vitamin D levels is by getting some sunshine. You can also eat foods such as canned tuna, cod liver oil, shrimp, egg yolks, yogurt, and orange juice, and/or take Vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for immune system function. Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant.
How to boost your Vitamin A levels. Vitamin A is found naturally in foods such as organ meats, sweet potato, and cod liver oil.
B vitamins to boost your immune system are can give you that ‘extra’ boost if your levels are on the low side.
How to boost your Vitamin B levels. You can boost your Vitamin B levels by eating more beef, liver and chicken as well as fish and shellfish.
Remember to speak with your doctor before incorporating any supplements. It is important to be tested properly and ensure you incorporate the right ‘dosage’.
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