THE ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTS IN SUPPORTING IMMUNE HEALTH

Do you worry that your immune system could take a hit and lay you low?

That a nasty bug may gain entry into your body and cause infection or illness?

Or that you might develop an immune-related illness? An autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid problems, allergy-driven illnesses like asthma, a chronic infection, or an inflammatory disease like inflammatory bowel disease or vasculitis?

Then we’re glad you’re here.

Supplements can play a role in immune health by providing nutrients and ingredients supporting its function. 

With this in mind, let’s explore which supplements can move the needle in the right direction.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been well-loved as an immune booster for eons.

Lozenges, powders, and tablets are favorites during winter or when a tickling throat visits. But how can this simple vitamin promote immune function?

Vitamin C supports immunity in various ways, including in both arms of the immune system: the innate and adaptive arms. It helps protect the epithelial barriers (like the skin) by limiting pathogens, “bugs,” from entering the body.

Vitamin C accumulates in Pac-Man-style cells that engulf and destroy microbes, helping these phagocytic cells to maim and knock out viruses, bacteria, and other infective agents.

Your immune system relies on this incredible vitamin.

Vitamin D

Known as the sunshine vitamin, this nutrient can regulate innate and adaptive immune responses

The innate arm is the first line of defense. Jumping into action rapidly, it’s the emergency responder. The adaptive arm, on the other hand, is targeted. It adapts to the invader or invaders and produces specific responses to nullify the threat strategically. Both arms are needed for immune health.

Low vitamin D levels are linked with increased autoimmunity (where the body attacks itself) and an increased susceptibility to infection. 

Yet, there is hope.

Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce autoimmune disease risk by 22%. This therapeutic approach can improve symptoms in multiple sclerosis, lower relapse rates in inflammatory bowel disease, and provide pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis.

As the article An Update on the Effects of Vitamin D on the Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases said, “There is increased evidence that vitamin D supplementation could improve the treatment of autoimmune disorders.”

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for human health, including immunity.

This mineral supports various immune cells, like neutrophils and natural killer cells, to develop and function properly. These “destroyer” cells are crucial in fighting germs and infections. They can’t do their job as effectively without sufficient zinc.

Speaking of cells, zinc also supports the growth and performance of T and B cells — key players in our immune response. 

Zinc also has another role. One of the side effects of an immune response is the potential for free radical damage. You can imagine this damage as hazardous leftover material from a war that can cause further harm. Zinc provides an antidote to this damage. In doing so, it acts to protect your insides.

As you can see, zinc has multi-pronged roles in immunity.

Astaxanthin

Have you heard of astaxanthin?

It’s one of the lesser-known supplements, but it shouldn’t be — particularly regarding immune function.

Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant produced naturally in marine creatures like salmon, shrimp, and microalgae. But it’s more than this alone.

As an article in Nutrition & Metabolism shared, consuming astaxanthin enhances cell-mediated (like T cells) and humoral immune responses (including B cells) and reduces free radical damage.

In short, this supplement significantly boosts immune function and protects against harm.

(This super nutrient also reduces aging and the risk of certain cancers!)

That’s why we’ve formulated an astaxanthin-specific supplement: to give you easy access to this incredible nutrient in a premium science-backed product!

As Lidia K. said, “I already love this vitamin ... plus it gives a boost to my immune system!”

SuperGreens

Over many years, greens have gained an evidence-based reputation in the natural health field for good reason. They work!

Combining a range of health-affirming plants into a single product allows you to consume a mass of vital nutrients by simply sipping a daily drink. While there is power in a single ingredient, combined power is found in a potent blend.

Our customer favorite, SuperGreens, contains over 40 organic plants. Each scoop includes our special grass and green blend, fruit and vegetable blend, sprouts and sea vegetable blend, and enzyme blend.

With ingredients like blueberry, broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, and spirulina; beets, carrots, lemon, mango, pineapple, and pomegranate; adzuki sprouts, amaranth sprouts, kelp, and quinoa seeds in a wonderfully delicious product.
Yovanna L. said, “Wow, I wasn’t expecting this to taste good at all, I ordered the chocolate flavor and love the taste. I add it to my regular protein shake.”

You could say SuperGreens packs an incredible immune-boosting punch!

Probiotics

Many people feel probiotics benefit the comfort and function of their tummies, but how may this supplement support immunity?

Oral probiotics interact with specific cells in your gut and stimulate the production of certain substances that help your immune system.

For example, probiotics trigger the creation of more immune cells in your intestines and other parts of your body. They activate T cells to modulate your immune response. They strengthen the protective barrier in your intestine by increasing specific proteins and cells. (That’s one of the reasons they also calm a grumpy stomach)

As probiotics subdue the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, they help maintain a healthy gut-bug balance. This enhances your body’s immediate, built-in immune response.

Probiotics have also been shown to boost the ability of specific immune cells to fight off disease-causing microbes.

The supplement-immune takeaway

Supplements can play a key role in supporting your immune system. They can help you fight off infections and acute illness and fend off — or potentially treat — chronic immune-related conditions.

Vitamin C supports both branches of our immune system — the innate and adaptive — and prevents pathogens from entering and damaging our bodies.

Vitamin D regulates natural immune responses. Deficiency increases the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases, and supplementation may reduce autoimmune disease risk.

The mineral zinc is an indispensable mineral that aids in the development and function of various immune cells. It also helps prevent free radical damage and its consequences.

Probiotics play an essential immune role by stimulating the production of specific cells and substances that strengthen our immune systems.

Astaxanthin — a potent antioxidant in marine creatures like salmon and shrimp — enhances immune health. While not yet well-known, it offers a beneficial boon for immune health.

SuperGreens is a crowd-fav. This delicious blend of over 40 organic plants provides a wide range of vital nutrients, supporting overall health, including immunity.

As you can see, immune-supporting supplements act in various beneficial ways, vital in facing daily immune challenges and remaining well.