6 Best Supplements To Boost Immune System Health

Your immune system is the courageous army that protects your body from outside invaders. It is composed of cells, tissues, organs, and chemicals. All of these elements work together to fight off bacteria, viruses, and toxins. This is why strengthening your immune health can prevent illnesses and diseases.

In addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can also take supplements to build a healthy immune system. Here are the 6 best supplements to support your body’s natural defenses.

Zinc

Your immune systemneeds zinc to perform its job.

Zinc is a mineral that you will often find in supplements for immunity. This is because your immune cells require zinc to develop and communicate with each other.

This trace element also regulates your immune response by preserving your natural tissue barriers to prevent the entry of foreign substances.

Severalstudies show that zinc offers protection against respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. In fact,research shows that taking zinc every day can shorten the duration and reduce the severity of acute lower respiratory tract infections.

Furthermore, zinc is a cofactor in collagen production and supports healthy digestion and metabolism. It is also a component of more than 24 enzymes, including carbonic anhydrase, which plays a critical role in respiration.

Recommended Amount

According to theNational Institutes of Health, the amount of zinc your body needs depends on your sex, age, and condition:

• 0-6 months: 2 milligrams
• 7 months-3 years: 3 milligrams
• 4-8 years: 5 milligrams
• 9-13 years: 8 milligrams
• Teens and adults (male): 11 milligrams
• 14-18 years (female): 9 milligrams
• Adults (female): 8 milligrams
• Pregnant teens: 12 milligrams
• Breastfeeding teens: 13 milligrams
• Pregnant adults: 11 milligrams
• Breastfeeding adults: 12 milligrams

It’s important to note that taking too much zinc can be harmful. Some telltale signs of excessive zinc include:

• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Zinc Deficiency

Aroundtwo billion people in the world are zinc-deficient. Luckily, this condition is uncommon in North America, as well as in most developed countries.

If you have zinc deficiency, your immune system may not function properly. Low zinc levels may put you at an increased risk of developing lung infections, such as pneumonia. Another alarming fact is that 16% of respiratory tract infections globally are due to zinc deficiency.

Moreover, without this mineral, yourcarbohydrate metabolism is affected, your collagen synthesis and tissue growth slow down as well. Infants and children may experience slow growth, and men may develop impotence.

This deficiency may also result in:

• Eye pain
• Skin lesions
• Wound healing complications
• Hair loss
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Taste disorder
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased alertness

Zinc deficiency poses a wide range of consequences, especially on your immunity. Thankfully, you can keep your immune system strong, make your tissues work efficiently, and prevent other diseases from happening with the help of zinc supplements.

Best Zinc Supplements for the Immune System

Pure Encapsulations Zinc 30

This absorbable zinc supplement supports immune function, improves digestion, and helps metabolize vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It’s made with the following ingredients:

• Zinc picolinate
• Hypoallergenic plant fiber
• Vegetarian capsule
• Ascorbylpalmitate

Apart from its immune-boosting nutrients, Pure Encapsulations Zinc may also provide essential benefits to:

• Reproductive health
• Fetal development
• Tissue respiration
• Prostate health

Recommended Intake: Take one capsule with a meal daily.

Pure Encapsulations Zinc Liquid

This liquid zinc supplement enhances your immunity by quickly increasing your zinc levels. It contains carefully selected and thoroughly tested ingredients for adults and children alike, such as:

• Zinc gluconate
• Cranberry juice concentrate
• Citric acid
• Stevia leaf extract
• Water
• Potassium sorbate
• Apple juice concentrate

Zinc Liquid also promotes:

• Digestive health
• Metabolism
• Absorption of vitamin B
• Collagen formation

Recommended Intake: Take 4 ml with a meal daily (for adults) and 2 ml (for children 4 years or above) with a meal daily.

Vitamin C

Is vitamin C or ascorbic acid your go-to supplement when you have sniffles or a runny nose? Well, you’re not alone! Vitamin C is perhaps the most well-known supplement that can treat and prevent bacterial and viral infections.

This water-soluble vitamin strengthens your immune system by supporting the functions of multiple immune cells and enhancing your cells’ ability to defend your body against infection.

Like zinc,studies show that vitamin C supplementation can help shorten and reduce the gravity of upper respiratory tract infections, such as a cough, runny nose, or sore throat. It can also stimulate animmune response against flu symptoms and viruses.

Additionally, research demonstrates that vitamin C cansignificantly improve the symptoms of patients with sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Aside from its antiviral effects, vitamin C also has powerful antioxidant properties. It protects your body against damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the antioxidants and free radicals in your body. This phenomenoncan negatively affect your immune health and lead to multiple diseases.

Recommended Amount

Here are theRecommended Dietary Allowances for vitamin C:

• 0-6 months: 40 milligrams
• 7-12 months: 50 milligrams
• 1-3 years: 15 milligrams
• 4-8 years: 25 milligrams
• 9-13 years: 45 milligrams
• 14-18 years (male): 75 milligrams
• 14-18 years (female): 65 milligrams
• Adults (male): 90 milligrams
• Adults (female): 75 milligrams
• Pregnant teens: 80 milligrams
• Breastfeeding teens: 115 milligrams
• Pregnant adults: 85 milligrams
• Breastfeeding (adults): 120 milligrams

You may safely take up to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily. However, keep in mind that this is the maximum daily intake. If you go beyond this level, you may experience diarrhea or gastric distress.

Besides, your intestines can only absorb so much vitamin C. Your body absorbsless than 50% of this vitamin when you take more than 1,000 milligrams per day. Only take amounts higher than the upper limit if you are under the supervision of your healthcare professional.

Vitamin C Deficiency

Being deficient in vitamin C may lead to:

• Hair loss
• Gum infection
• Tooth loss
• Skin problems
• Delayed wound healing
• Fatigue
• Iron-deficiency anemia

In addition, Vitamin C deficiency may still occur even in developed countries, especially if there is:

• smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• alcohol and drug abuse
• restriction of citrus fruits and vegetables

This is why it is vital to take vitamin C supplements, especially if you don’t get enough of this vitamin through your diet.

Best Vitamin C Supplement for Immune System

Pure Encapsulations Optiferin-C

Optiferin-C can boost your energy, increase your athletic performance, and keep your circulatory system healthy. But this supplement stands out mainly because it combines vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

To be specific, Pure Encapsulations Optiferin-C consists of:

• Vitamin C
• Calcium ascorbate
• Iron bis-glycinate
• Cellulose
• Water
• Ascorbylpalmitate

Yes, calcium also plays a key role in activating your immune cells! In fact, a flash of calcium already triggers your immune response to healing. It is the first step in tissue repair and lets your T cells use certain nutrients to fight infection.

Apart from calcium, iron also influences your immune health. Iron is an element needed to form hemoglobin, a protein found in your red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout your body. But this isn’t its only function!

Iron is also needed by your immune cells so they can rapidly reproduce. It’s crucial for both primary and secondary immune responses. This is why individuals with iron deficiency are more likely to have a weakened immune system.

Luckily, with Optiferin-C, you get the triple power of vitamin C, calcium, and iron—all in one capsule!

Recommended Intake: Take one capsule one to three times a day with your meals.

NAC

NAC stands for N-acetyl cysteine. It’s the supplement form of cysteine, which is an amino acid essential for the production of proteins. NAC bonds with other amino acids, namely glycine and glutamine, to make and increase the glutathione levels in your body.

Glutathione is a powerful and important antioxidant. It helps neutralize free radicals and boost your white blood cells or T cells so they can function properly. This enables the front-line troops of your immune system to multiply and activate your natural killer cells. Aside from boosting immunity, glutathione can also keep your brain, heart, and lungs healthy.

Studies show that NAC can protect your respiratory system by reducing inflammation and breaking down mucus. With its antioxidant properties, it can clear your airways and make your cough less sticky.

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), NAC can help improve your daily lung function. Meanwhile, if you have bronchitis, these supplements can calm your cough.

Anotherstudy suggests that NAC can significantly decrease the symptoms of the influenza virus. It can also reduce its lifespan to prevent the virus from replicating.

Recommended Amount

Your body can make cysteine on its own. But you may also get it naturally through your diet. Some excellent sources of this amino acid include:

• Yogurt
• Sunflower seeds
• Turkey
• Eggs
• Chicken
• Cheese
• Legumes

In addition, supplements can also help replenish the natural cysteine levels in your body. The usual recommendation for NAC is600 to 1,800 mg.

Best NAC Supplement for Immune System

Pure Encapsulations NAC

This hypoallergenic dietary supplement supports your antioxidant defense system. It also improves your respiratory health, boosts your glutathione levels, and helps detoxify your body.

NAC offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This combination makes it possible for the supplement to detox and protect your kidneys and liver at the same time.

Pure Encapsulations NAC is made with the following ingredients:

• N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (free-form)
• Vegetarian capsule
• Ascorbylpalmitate

Recommended Intake: Take one capsule one to three times a day between meals.

Quercetin

Have you heard of quercetin? Well, it’s one of the less popular dietary supplements out there, but it actually offers numerous health benefits to the human body!

Quercetin is a flavonoid or a plant pigment found in apples, green tea, red wine, and berries. It can support immune health, as it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

As a powerful anti-inflammatory, quercetin is effective in suppressing disorders, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, and can also relieve allergy symptoms.

Meanwhile, as an antioxidant, it can neutralize free radical damage associated with chronic diseases, thanks to its phenolic compounds.

Research also proves that quercetin has anti-viral effects. In fact, experiments show that it can inhibit virus entry and prevent certain infections.

Moreover, foods that are rich in quercetin, such as red onions, can serve as mucolytic agents, too! They can help get rid of phlegm and decongest your lungs.

Recommended Amount

For enhanced immune response, try taking quercetin in the form of dietary supplements. Typical doses vary from 500 t0 1,000 milligrams a day.

Surprisingly, the administration of vitamin C and quercetin produces a collective antiviral action! This is because quercetin intensifies the function of vitamin C while boosting your blood circulation and strengthening your immune function. This, in turn, also makes your skin, bones, and teeth healthier.

Additionally, the combination of quercetin and other compoounds, like catechins, resveratrol, and genistein, increases the supplement’s beneficial effects.

Best Quercetin Supplement for Immune System

Pure Encapsulations Quercetin

If you’re looking for a supplement that can provide health benefits to your whole body, then Pure Encapsulations Quercetin is perfect for you!

This antioxidant supplement reduces oxidative stress. It also boosts your heart health while managing your blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Pure Encapsulations Quercetin is made with the following ingredients:

• Quercetin
• Hypoallergenic plant fiber
• Vegetarian capsule

Recommended Intake: Take two capsules one to two times a day between meals.

Mushroom Supplements

Medicinal mushrooms and mushroom extracts have been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They have been used since the olden days to cure and prevent infectious diseases.

Several species of medicinal mushrooms have the potential to boost your immune function. In fact, more than 270 types of mushrooms have immune-boosting effects, including:

• Maitake
• Turkey Tail
• Shitake
• Cordyceps
• Reishi
• Lion’s Mane

Several studiesshow that taking mushroom supplements can also treat symptoms of some conditions, including respiratory infections.

For instance, research was conducted on mice with tuberculosis. Results showed that using cordyceps significantly eased inflammation, lowered bacterial loads of the lungs, and increased immune function compared with a placebo group.

Anotherstudy demonstrated that individuals who had cordyceps mycelium culture extract showed a significant increase in the function of their natural killer cells.

Meanwhile, the turkey tail, which is another type of mushroom, contributed to improved immune health, especially in cancer patients.

Recommended Amount

For healthy adults, taking mushroom supplements daily is a safe and effective way to reap its full range of health benefits. However, like any other dietary supplement, it’s still best to consult a wellness professional to ensure that mushroom supplements are good for you.

Best Mushroom Supplement for Immune System

Lively Vitamin Co. Mushroom Magic

Mushroom Magic brings you the power of seven different types of mushrooms in one capsule! But, take note — the mushrooms in these capsules are not your ordinary mushrooms.

They’re sourced once they’ve reached the peak in their life cycle as fruiting bodies. And it’s in this stage when these mushrooms contain the highest amount of nutrients.

• Chaga: Chaga is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It normalizes your blood pressure and improves your cholesterol levels, among other benefits.
• Cordyceps: Cordyceps is a powerful antioxidant. It also keeps your heart healthy and your energy levels high.
• Lion’s mane: This type of mushroom supports your brain and heart health, as well as your nervous system. It also improves your focus and mood.
• Maitake: This mushroom boosts your immune system and helps maintain the balance among the different systems in your body.
• Reishi: Reishi mushrooms help you get enough restful sleep, increase your energy levels, and enhance your immune response.
• Shiitake: Shiitake is perhaps the most popular type of mushroom. Because of its savory and meaty flavor, it shows up in a lot of dishes! But aside from its strong and earthy taste, shiitake also supports your immune function, metabolism, and heart health.
• Turkey tail: Apart from boosting your immune response, this mushroom also helps improve your gut bacteria.

Recommended Intake: Take two capsules one to two times a day.

About Pure Encapsulations

Pure Encapsulations has been producing hypoallergenic and premium supplements for 30 years. Its products are all backed by research and tested by a third party to ensure the supplements’ quality and efficacy.

As its name suggests, Pure Encapsulations offers pure products that are free from the following:

• eggs
• gluten
• wheat
• peanuts
• magnesium stearate
• hydrogenated oils and trans fats
• shellacs and coatings
• genetically modified organisms
• artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners
• fillers, binders, and additives

Additionally, Pure Encapsulations holds high standards when it comes to suppliers, manufacturing processes, and quality control. The suppliers undergo rigorous testing and quality criteria before they officially become a part of Pure Encapsulations. The company gets its raw materials from the following countries:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Switzerland
• US

All products are made in a facility with rooms that control temperature, humidity, and dust. All equipment is disassembled and cleaned between production runs. These measures ensure the cleanliness and safety of Pure Encapsulations products.

Manage Stress for Stronger Immunity

Have you ever gotten sick after a week of high stress? Turns out, stress is the likely reason. While these might seem like separate causes, stress and immune system function are closely linked — and not in the best way.

Our bodies respond to stressful situations by releasing the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which increase heart rate and blood pressure and halt functions like digestion and immunity. This is what’s called the “fight-or-flight” response, and it takes over nervous system function until the stressful situation has passed.

Normally, our bodies remain in the “rest-and-digest” mode, which allows for normal functioning of bodily processes like digestion, immunity, reproduction, and more. If we are in a frequent state of fight or flight or regularly suffer from stress, it diminishes our ability to maintain strong immunity.

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural methods to relieve stress and strengthen immunity at the same time. Check out the best supplements for stress so you can feel calm and protected against illness!

Conclusion

The next time you’re feeling under the weather, try one of these trusted immune supplements! They are sure to deliver the immune boost that you need. Best of all, they are easy to find at your local supplement store!

Eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, exercising, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep are still crucial for optimal immune system functions.

Additionally, keep in mind that supplements may interact with medications you’re currently taking. Some may also be inappropriate for individuals with health conditions. So consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying any supplement.