Nine Supplements That will Boost your Immune Response

While Vitamin C has been a popular supplement during covid, we’re asking you to go back to basics starting with the alphabetical order. The first row lineup starts with:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A acts as a natural anti-inflammatory that plays a crucial role in enhancing our immune response. To break down the science, vitamin A is involved in the creation of certain immune cells, such as B- and T-cells, the building blocks of our immune response. These immune cells synergistically work together to play out essential functions such as helping eradicate virus-infected cells in the body and binding to toxins.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)

A powerful antioxidant that poses loads of benefits such as the ability to lower inflammation levels in the blood like CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. If you have been struggling with chronic inflammation it might be a good idea to discuss the possibility of running CRP Test with your doctor. Studies have shown that ALA is effective at lowering key inflammatory markers in our body.

Vitamin C

Ginger, lemon, honey, Vitamin C, sounds like a covid starter pack? With reason of course! Vitamin C holds its ground when it comes to producing cells that protect us against pathogens. Besides its superpowers to support production of white blood cells, vitamin C is also known for its antioxidant properties that help combat cell damage caused by free radicals. Research studies have over and over again showed that supplementing with vitamin C while sick can produce quicker overall recovery time.

Echinacea

Echinacea, a plant, is best known as the go to over-the-counter herbal remedy for the common cold &/or flu. It is filled with antioxidants, such as flavonoids example: cichoric acid and rosmarinic acid . The powerful compounds present in echinacea help support our immunity by enhancing specific immune cells count, specifically boosting production of our white blood cells such as granulocytes. Echinacea has been shown to help decreases recovery duration and lower the risk of developing future colds by greater than 50%. Please sign me up!

Elderberry

An ancient remedy that continues to show up metaphorically and literally in cough drops, tinctures and herbal concoctions. Based on research studies, the efficacy of elderberry extract is very promising. Elderberry extract has been shown to decrease the longevity and severity of the flu and flu-like symptoms. Both the flower and fruit get their good rep from the potent flavonoid antioxidants called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins aid our immune response by decreasing oxidative stress and enhancing the possibility of our immune cells to demolish any foreign invaders; whilst supporting cytokines, small proteins that play a vital role in cell communication.

Fish oil

Can’t I just eat fish? Yes, but unless you’re eating fish everyday, it might be a lot easier to supplement with a fish oil, specifically the Omega 3’s to optimize the benefits. A recent study found that fish oil supplements increased anti-inflammatory molecules in the blood for up to 24 hours !!!!

L-lysine

Ever wondered how and why wounds heal? Collagen, collagen, collagen... But did you know that the essential amino acid, L-lysine, helps improve wound healing by increasing the body’s natural production of collagen. Not to get too scientific, collagen reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, but we'll go into depth about cytokines another day. Speaking of inflammation, L-lysine holds a special power in helping boost immune function. It has been studied to significantly increase immune-specific complexes such as T-cells and various antibodies–both play a crucial role in fight infection.

Turmeric/Curcumin with pepper

The golden powder, the ultimate favorite, natures answer …drum roll….Turmeric! Turmeric is a powerful plant root that can be found in almost every household’s spice cabinet, cold-pressed juices, skincare products and most recently in pill form to supplement. This super herb has been around for medicinal use for nearly 4000 years in both Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic practices. While the root itself is powerful, one of its key components, curcumin, really does steal the spotlight– both in research and the health and wellness industry.

Research studies have repeatedly shown that Curcumin, being a polyphenol, may carry out the following functions: 1) anti inflammatory properties, which help block inflammatory cells signaling and maintaining the number of inflammatory proteins and cells, 2) antioxidative properties that help mitigate oxidative stress in the blood by regulating the activity of enzymes that neutralize free radicals, and lastly 3) the potential to reduce blood glucose and triglycerides levels.

Along with breaking down turmeric’s benefits, researchers have also found that curcumin has poor bioavailability; which means that it is poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly eliminated from the body. But of course, researchers were not going to let the benefits of turmeric go to waste –we now know from studies that combining curcumin with piperine, a natural component of black pepper, increases curcumin concentration and bioavailability.

Zinc

Although alphabetically last, Zinc is one of the top minerals that plays an integral part in supporting our immune system. Starting with our first line of defense (skin) to the regulation of our second line of defense (white bloods cells). Insufficient amounts of zinc in our body slows down our immune response. Supplementing whether from food or pills can help enhance immunity. Pro tip: zinc and vitamin A synergistically work together to support our immune function and response.

Disclaimer Our articles are strictly for educational purposes. We encourage everyone to always consult their primary physician before starting any supplements.