Our immune systems are complex structures. They consist of various cells, processes, and chemicals that constantly protect our bodies from multiple viruses, toxins, and bacteria. If we want to stay healthy all year round, we have to make sure that our immune system has all the help it can get. This might mean a significant lifestyle change for some. They would have to start eating healthy, take up exercise, and consume nutritious foods. It also means getting the required amount of sleep as it is a great way to boost your immune system.
Apart from these things, there are also various minerals, herbs, and vitamins that can boost our immune system and make sure that it works at max capacity to protect us from a host of ailments and diseases.
Before we go on to those supplements, let us tell you that these supplements can interact with any prescription drug or over-the-counter drug you might be taking. Some of them may not be suitable for you, depending on various factors like age, health condition, medical history, and more. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any of these.
Also, no research supports the eradication of Covid-19 through vitamins, herbs, or any other supplements you might take. So, make sure that you consult your healthcare provider before starting a regimen of supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is highly essential for your immune system, whether it’s a pandemic or not. You have to make sure that your system has enough Vitamin D throughout the year. It helps your immune system fight off the various pathogens that may enter your body. It boosts the ability of the white cells and decreases inflammation which promotes a healthy immune response. Vitamin D also helps with bone mineralization, regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels, and more.
Due to our hectic lifestyles, lack of exercise, and increase in the consumption of junk food, many people nowadays lack the proper levels of Vitamin D. This harms our immune system and its functions. In fact, some studies have associated low levels of Vitamin D with increased chances of getting upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza.
Zinc
You will find a lot of supplements that have zinc in them, and the reason is that it also boosts the functions of the immune system. Whenever there is an inflammatory response, zinc is needed for the communication and cell development. It also strengthens the body’s protective barriers, resulting in better safety from the various pathogens that might bring us down if they were allowed to enter our bodies. Like we said earlier, our lifestyle choices have made our bodies weak, and we lack proper nutrients, and zinc is one of them. According to one study, it was found that around 2 million people around the world lack proper levels of zinc. Older adults typically have a zinc deficiency. Adding zinc to your diet can help you protect yourself against various diseases, including respiratory infections and more.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a popular supplement, and most people know about it and its benefits. It helps fight against infections and supports the functions of various cells in our body. It is also necessary for cellular death. This is when the old cells die and need to be cleared out so new ones could replace them. Another benefit of Vitamin C is that it is a powerful antioxidant and protects us against free radicals.
Other supplements with immune-boosting potential
Apart from the three supplements mentioned above, there are others that could help enhance your immune system and improve its functions. They are:
- Astragalus
- Selenium
- Garlic
- Licorice
- B complex vitamins
- Turmeric
The Role of a Compounding Pharmacy
Like we mentioned earlier, these supplements should only be taken after getting proper advice from a physician. They might interact with a drug that you are taking. Also, you might be taking various medications, and adding another one or two to the list might seem daunting. That is where a compounding pharmacy comes into play. If you are taking multiple medications, a compounding pharmacist could create a formulation for you that contains the main ingredients of multiple drugs and take fewer medicines. This could significantly enhance compliance and help you keep on top of your medical routine. Also, if you don’t like the flavour of the drug, you can get that changed too. If your doctor has told you the strength of the medicine you need, and you can’t find that easily in the market, a compounding pharmacist can ensure that you get that exact dosage and don’t have to settle for anything else.
The Bottom Line
These are some of the supplements that could help you improve your immune system. We say this once again: they are not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle, so make sure that you adopt a nutritious diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, and avoid harmful substances like cigarettes and more. For more information about supplements and compounding, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be glad to help.
Also Read: Importance Of Gluten-free Compounding
