An important note

No dietary supplement will diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
With the 2019 coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important to understand that no supplement, diet, or other lifestyle modification other than social distancing and proper hygiene practices can help protect you from COVID-19.
Currently, no research supports the use of any supplement to protect against COVID-19 specifically.

Your immune system is made up of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect your body. Washing your hands well and often is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. But when germs like viruses and bacteria do enter your body, your immune system is responsible for fighting the foreign bodies to prevent infection.

A strong and functioning immune system is key to maintaining your health all year round. The best way to maintain a strong immune system is to live a healthy lifestyle. In fact, your entire body functions better with a healthy lifestyle (but hopefully that isn’t news to you). Making healthy lifestyle choices by eating nutritious food, managing stress, getting enough sleep and exercise are important to support your overall health and your immune system.

Experts agree that the best way to load up on essential nutrients is to get them straight from food. Eating colorful produce and nourishing foods provide vitamins and minerals to help support your immune system. But despite your best efforts to eat healthy and incorporate a variety of foods, there may be gaps in your diet. Supplements can help fill these gaps to ensure you have the vitamins and nutrients you need to support a healthy immune system.*

Here are 3 supplements that can provide immune support*:

Probiotics are good bacteria that live in your gut. But, wait a second. Didn’t we just finish saying that bacteria is the enemy? Well, when it comes to your gut, bacteria is absolutely essential.*¹ Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria that help support healthy digestion.*¹ By supplementing with probiotics, you’re adding good bacteria back into your gut.¹

Having diverse gut flora is not only important for a healthy digestive system, but also for your immune system.* Probiotic supplements enhanced with the mineral zinc, like ourAdvanced Probiotics, can further support your immunity.*

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that’s naturally found in various foods and available in supplement form. Your body can’t make Vitamin C on its own, so it’s an essential nutrient you need to get from your diet. It’s mostly used by the body for building collagen, fighting free radical damage, and helps play a role in immune function.*

Vitamin C helps immune defense by supporting various cellular functions for your immune system.*²Therefore, an adequate intake of vitamin C through diet or supplements helps support your immune function.*²

Vitamin D is used in your body to maintain healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and a healthy immune system.* During sun exposure, your body converts sunlight into Vitamin D — pretty cool, huh? But if you aren’t getting sun exposure on a daily basis, your body doesn’t have the chance to convert sunlight to Vitamin D. Taking a Vitamin D supplement may help maintain normal levels which can support your immune system.*

Tip:Make sure to take aVitamin D3 supplement instead of Vitamin D2 since it’s absorbed better by your body. It’s best to have your healthcare practitioner do bloodwork to check your levels so you know the amount that is right for you.

While food is the best way to get the vitamins and nutrients you need, supplements can help fill in the gaps. These three supplements have been shown to help support a healthy immune system.* Give your body the support it needs for a strong and healthy immune system by taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

References

¹ National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics: In Depth. Accessed 3/15/2019.

² Carr & Maggini (2017).Nutrients.9(11): 1211.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/