Supplements to Boost Immune System and Other Health Tips

supplements to boost immune system

Now more than ever, it’s important to keep your body in tip-top shape to fight against nasty viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that could make you sick. Your immune system is your personal defense to keep you healthy, but as with all aspects of your body, you have to do your part to ensure your immune system can do its part. 

Our wellness experts at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates believe taking care of your immune system is one the best ways to maximize your health. We work with our patients in the Cincinnati area to discover the right habits to promote a healthy lifestyle—inside and out. 

Keep reading to learn more about supplements to boost your immune system and simple ways you can improve your overall health. 

How do supplements boost my immune system?

To answer that question, let’s discuss how the immune system works. Your immune system is made up of different organs, cells, and proteins throughout your body that work as a team to fight against harmful microorganisms. As antigens (unrecognizable substances) enter the body, your immune system stores that information so it’s better equipped to fight them next time. 

Whenever each aspect does its job, you won’t even notice it working—you’d simply be healthy. However, sickness comes when the immune system gets struck by something it doesn’t understand right away. Symptoms such as runny noses, coughing, and sneezing are a sign that your body is working hard to fight against the harmful pathogen. 

Therefore, if your body doesn’t have all the nutrients and vitamins it needs, your immune system may not be as effective, causing you to remain sicker for longer (or even have troubles getting better). Supplements are a great way to get those necessary nutrients your body needs but isn’t getting through diet alone. 

How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally →

Supplements everyone should take all year round

No matter who you are, there are basic foundational supplements you should take every day (for more specifics based on your unique deficiencies, always talk to your healthcare provider). Filling your body with vitamins, nutrients, and minerals ensures your immune system has everything it needs to protect you. At the end of the day, when you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.

Multivitamins

If you aren’t taking a multivitamin each morning, now is the time to start. Multivitamins are a single pill (or gummy) containing a variety of vitamins and minerals needed to sustain a healthy body, including:

  • Growth
  • Reproduction
  • Maintenance 
  • Brain function
  • Bone health
  • Body function regulation

Keep in mind there isn’t a single “type” of multivitamin; rather, different brands create combinations specially designed for your needs like ones for women or people over 65. However, there are a few key ingredients you should look for in a vitamin such as: 

  • Thiamin
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • B12 (especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan)
  • Biotin
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Vitamins A, D, E, and K

If you’re ever wondering which vitamins and minerals you need based on your specific diet, we highly recommend speaking with a professional. For those in the Cincinnati area, our wellness coaches at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates are always available to help. 

Probiotics

You’ve probably heard about the importance of probiotics, and you may have seen them around the grocery store in foods such as:

  • Yogurt
  • Pickles
  • Kombucha
  • Kefir
  • Sourdough bread
  • Cottage cheese

But what exactly are probiotics?

Probiotics are a type of “good” bacteria that naturally live inside your body to fight against “bad” bacteria. Your intestines are filled with probiotics, which aids digestion and maintains gut health. Since good bacteria draw away the bad stuff, they are a crucial component to your immune system. When probiotics can’t do their job properly, that’s when bad bacteria can take over and make you sick. 

Fish oil

We understand the idea of taking fish oil supplements may sound gross, but you’re not actually downing oil. Fish oil supplements are usually tablets filled with omega-3 fatty acids, something your body doesn’t create on its own. If you don’t think fish oil is necessary, think again. The reality is that omega-3s play a crucial role in your overall health, helping with:

  • Brain function
  • Growth and development 
  • Alleviating inflammation
  • Heart health
  • Eye health
  • And more

As an added bonus, fish oil may also promote weight loss and muscle growth if combined with proper diet and exercise. 

Healthy Eating Habits to Lose Weight (And Keep it Off) →

Vitamin D

Your immune system needs vitamin D to fight off pathogens and keep you healthy, but sometimes it can be hard to get without supplements. Vitamin D comes from some food sources such as:

  • Egg yolk
  • Fortified milk
  • Tuna
  • Cheese
  • Mushrooms

Sun exposure also creates vitamin D. While many people get some of their daily requirements via UV rays, it’s also important to limit the amount of time you spend out in the sun. Plus, people with darker skin tones are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency due to the skin’s inability to absorb enough light (melanin acts as a protective shade). 

Many people know vitamin D helps build strong bones, which is especially important for older adults who are more susceptible to bone degeneration diseases. But some don’t realize vitamin D also helps with mood. When you are happier, you are more likely to take care of your body; in turn, your immune system will be better equipped to protect you. 

Supplements for immune health support (asymptomatic vs. symptomatic)

You should definitely take supplements to boost your immune system on a regular basis, but it’s also important to understand how much of each supplement you need. You want to make sure you’re taking enough to help your body, but not so much that you become overloaded. 

In addition, you should switch up your supplement routine based on whether or not you have symptoms. When you become symptomatic, that means your immune system is doing everything it can to rid your body of dangerous pathogens. Therefore, it needs all the help you can give it. 

Our wellness experts at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates have expertly crafted each plan to optimize your health and help you feel great each and every day. Our recommendations feature:

Vitamin D: Studies show that a vitamin D deficiency leads to a greater risk of infections, and supplementation can increase immunity. 

Vitamin C: Vitamin C promotes white blood cell production (cells necessary to fight infection). This powerful antioxidant can also prevent and treat respiratory infections

Vitamin A: Also known as the “inflammation vitamin,” vitamin A helps regulate cellular immune responses necessary to keep the bad stuff out. 

Zinc: Zinc is an important mineral found throughout the body that helps it fight off bacteria and viruses. It also ensures you can taste and smell properly (especially important since some viruses may temporarily or permanently affect those two senses). 

Melatonin: Based on multiple studies, melatonin may have anti-inflammatory properties and can act as an immunostimulant. Some people take melatonin to aid with sleep, which is crucial for your body to recover from any type of infection.

Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid (a compound naturally found in fruits and vegetables) rich with antioxidant activity to boost your body’s ability to ward off infections.  

Thymosin Alpha 1 Compounded Peptide: This peptide helps restore immune function and may even help treat immune suppression

Peptides and Immunity: What is Thymosin Alpha 1? →

💡Note: The following lists are recommendations for the average adult. Whenever starting a new supplement plan, make sure you talk to a physician or medical professional.

Asymptomatic supplement plan:

Vitamin D:  2-10000 iu daily or 50000iu weekly (obtain level of 60-80)

Vitamin C:  3000mg daily

Vitamin A: 5000iu daily (not to be used during pregnancy)

Zinc: 50mg daily

Melatonin: 0.5-180mg daily at bedtime

Thymosin Alpha 1 Compounded Peptide (requires a prescription)

Symptomatic supplement plan: 

Vitamin D: 50000iu daily for 4 days

Vitamin C: 1000mg hourly until diarrhea develops then slowly decrease

Vitamin A: 100,000iu daily for 4 days(not to be used during pregnancy)

Zinc: 100-200mg daily

Melatonin: 0.5-180mg daily at bedtime

Garlic: 1200mg twice daily

Aspirin: 325mg(discuss with healthcare provider prior to starting)

Quercetin: 2000mg three times daily

Thymosin Alpha 1 Compounded Peptide (requires a prescription)

Learn more about supplements to boost immune system at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates

Let our health experts help you stay healthy and well throughout the flu season and beyond. As a medspa and medical practice, we are uniquely equipped with the ability to not only boost your overall health, but also help you enhance your outer beauty with aesthetic treatments.  

We’re here to offer a warm, friendly environment while providing the highest quality aesthetic treatments and wellness plans to help you look great and feel great. No matter what, we will stick with you throughout your entire journey, because your goals are our goals. 

Get started today by using our virtual consultation tool or scheduling an appointment. 

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