I recently came across a wide section of products promising to boost immune function.
A few of the products may have significant benefits, but many do not. Some supplements can be valuable enough to be worth their cost, while others may be a waste of money.
Many experts recommend vitamin and mineral supplementation for a majority of people with good reason.
Certain nutrients play such a large role in our overall health and are depleted so easily that regular supplementation is essential to vibrant health.
Of the various offerings at your local stores and products on the Internet promising to boost your immune system, the most important first step is to supplement basic vitamins and minerals.
Beyond that basic recommendation, there is good research to suggest that you will be less likely to become ill if you supplement certain other nutrients as well.
Some researchers recommend increasing the amount of vitamin D much more than the standard daily recommendation.
However, a lot of research during the past decade has pointed to the need to re-evaluate the recommendations for this vitamin.
One respected medical journal even suggested that as many as 75 percent of people studied were deficient in vitamin D.
It is now believed that vitamin D’s function has been underestimated considerably and that most people would do better by taking 1000 IU or more daily.
Although some foods have vitamin D and your body can manufacture some through exposure to sunlight, Dr. Thomas Morledge, of the highly respected Cleveland Clinic, recommends that most people should take supplements.
As an example, it would require drinking 10 glasses of milk every day to get the amount of vitamin D that is currently being recommended by immunity experts.
There are other supplements that do increase the power of your immune system.
For example, omega-3 fatty acids are very important as well.
These nutrients help reduce inflammation and keep the immune system healthy.
Although it is present in foods like salmon, researchers still recommend taking a supplement.
In addition to fortifying your system with the nutrients listed above, a powerful benefit to your immune system can be obtained by taking other measures.
Reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Sure, I realize this is more easily said than done, but most people really can take some steps to recognize unnecessary stress in their lives and eliminate or restrict those sources.
With the flu season just around the corner, it is important to remember that people who are under more stress are more likely to get sick.
Reduce sweets, sugars and processed foods.
People that eat more junk food on a regular basis tend to get sick more often. This doesn’t have to be complex. If it looks more like junk than it does food, don’t eat it. Look for a healthier option.
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
The more colorful your fresh food choices, the better.
Go for a walk, jog, bike ride or any other relaxing energetic break.
Aside from maintaining a healthy weight, exercise reduces the effects of stress.
Most studies have found just 30 to 45 minutes per day dramatically helps. But be careful: Over doing it can actually lower your immune system.
Improve your mental condition.
Regular mental relaxation can have a tremendous effect on immune function.
By following these steps, you are much more likely to enjoy a healthy holiday season. |
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