6 supplements chosen for their abilities to give your immune system the best chance of fighting common illnesses.
Immune Support Supplements 1/6: ZINC
Current research points to zinc deficiency being directly linked to poor immune system health. Your body uses it in the essential functions of fighting infections and healing wounds. Some studies have found that zinc may reduce the duration of cold, perhaps by as much as 50%.
Immune Support Supplements 2/6: VITAMIN D
Often referred to as "the sunshine vitamin" and most commonly used in the treatment of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). In addition to this use, studies show that vitamin D supplementation during winter months may reduce the chance of developing seasonal flu. Additional research suggests that children tested with low levels of vitamin D are more susceptible to developing respiratory infections such as the common cold or flu.
Immune Support 3/6: VITAMIN C
Citrus fruits, containing vitamin C, has a long standing traditional use for maintaining general health and helping the body resist infection. Does science support this?
An updated Cochrane Review on vitamin C and the common cold suggest that “vitamin C seems to be particularly beneficial for people under heavy physical stress...In five trials with 598 participants exposed to short periods of extreme physical stress (including marathon runners and skiers) vitamin C halved the common cold risk. The published trials have not reported adverse effects of vitamin C.”
Immune Support Supplements 4/6: GARLIC
Known as 'the king of healing herbs' the first recorded medicinal use of garlic dates back to 1550 BCE!
In an age where many pathogens are becoming resistant to antibiotic medication, does garlic have a place in the fight against bacteria?
“The in vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils obtained from fresh bulbs of garlic show a good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Even some bacteria normally resistant to antibiotics (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or strains of bacteria resistant to several antibiotic treatments (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp, Shigella spp) were sensitive to garlic treatment.” (Majewski 2014)
Immune Support Supplements 5/6: PROPOLIS
Propolis is a complex food, and over 180 natural compounds have been identified in its composition including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids. Studies into Propolis have demonstrated antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Studies also seem to indicate the immune supporting properties of Propolis.
Immune Support Supplements 6/6: BETA GLUCANS Despite the proven action this compound has on immune system function, very few people have heard of this supplement. It has several actions, this is a brief explanation of one of them (here comes the science bit...).
"Flu viruses, as an example, “bind complement” which means they stop the part of the immune system that responds to fight viruses (called “complement”) from working. Beta 1-3, 1-6 Glucan actively and specifically inhibits this binding effect and so ensures activation of the immune system in response to the viral invader."
In short Beta Glucans get the immune system ready, priming it so it is prepared to help fend off unwanted pathogens / bacteria / viruses.