Immune Health

Immune Care

What is the immune system?

Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies) and chemicals. This system works together to protect you from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that cause infection, illness and disease.

What does it mean to support your immune health, and why is it important?

Your immune system is made up of white blood cells, the lymphatic system, several different organs, and tissues that all work together to fight off germs or foreign organisms like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Without a well-functioning immune system, people can frequently get sick. Supporting your immune health means keeping your immune system as healthy as possible to fight off foreign organisms that cause infection and disease.

There are several different ways you can support your immune health, including:

• eating a well-balanced diet

• exercising regularly

• getting enough sleep

• maintaining good hygiene

• quitting smoking (if you smoke)

• limiting your alcohol intake

• finding ways to manage or avoid stress

You can also support your immune health by receiving all routine vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Why do some people have strong immune systems while others seem to get sick often?

There are many reasons why some people get sick more often than others.

For example, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, poor sleep habits, and poor hygiene can weaken the immune system leading to increased instances of infection and disease.

Tobacco smoking, high alcohol consumption, and high stress and anxiety levels can also weaken the immune system. Avoiding these things and maintaining a healthier lifestyle can help support a strong immune system.

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a key role in multiple aspects of your health.

Supplementing with 15–30 mg of elemental zinc daily may improve immunity, blood sugar levels, and eye, heart, and skin health.

However, it’s important not to exceed the upper limit of 40 mg of zinc per day, as consuming high amounts could cause digestive issues and flu-like symptoms, decrease copper absorption, and reduce the effectiveness of certain antibiotics.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained from the diet or supplements.

It has been linked to many impressive health benefits, such as boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk.

Overall, vitamin C supplements are a great and simple way to boost your vitamin C intake if you struggle to get enough from your diet.

View our available products of Immune-care below.

How can I keep my immune system healthy?

Just like the rest of your body, your immune system needs nourishment, rest, and a healthy environment to stay strong. Certain lifestyle changes can boost your immune system and help you avoid illness. To keep your immune system running smoothly, you should:

• Quit smoking.

• Lose weight or maintain a healthy body mass.

• Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.

• Avoid alcohol or use it only in moderation.

• Get enough sleep.

• Exercise regularly.

• Wash your hands often.

• Try to stress less and focus on mind/body wellness.

• Make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccines.

Are there certain foods I can eat to help support everyday immune health?

Yes, maintaining a well-balanced and nutritious diet is key to maintaining good immune health.

A healthy diet should include plenty of:

• fruits

• vegetables

• legumes

• whole grains

Fruits high in antioxidants, such as berries, are particularly helpful in boosting the immune system. Probiotics such as yogurt are also valuable for supporting immune health and can help promote healthy gut flora. A diet that consists of red meat and processed sugars may weaken immune health.

What are the best strategies for supporting my immune health while sick?

When you’re sick, it’s best to continue eating healthy foods and taking in immune-boosting nutrients, including zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics. It’s also essential to stay hydrated and conserve energy by getting plenty of rest.