In addition to a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of sleep, there are countless supplements available to give your immune system a boost - especially during cold and flu season. Check out these tried and true supplements that have stood the test of time and science alike.
Vitamin C is certainly one of the most popular vitamins for the immune system. While it can’t single-handedly turn the tide against your infection, it does well to bolster the hard work your immune system already contributes. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, and in leafy green vegetables.
Especially during winter months, do you ever find yourself wondering why you’ve been feeling slow or sluggish, before remembering how gray it is outside? This may be your body telling you that you are suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency.
Your mood is one of the most obvious indicators of a Vitamin D deficiency, and for good reason: Vitamin D is one of the body’s cornerstones when it comes to optimal immune system performance. Almost 80% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D to some extent; if you’re not aware of your current Vitamin D levels, there’s a good chance you could use a supplement. Most people know that the sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D, though in truth sunshine simply stimulates the body into increased Vitamin D production.
As much as we love the sun, the truth is that most people cannot naturally generate sufficient Vitamin D solely from sun exposure. This lack of comprehensive Vitamin D production certainly isn’t our fault; many parts of the world simply aren’t exposed to enough sunlight.
If you’re not sure whether you’re sourcing sufficient Vitamin D, consider taking a supplement. In addition, you should consider consuming a diet rich in Vitamin D, including ingredients like fish, meat and fortified milk.
And don’t forget to get outside! While the sun shouldn’t serve as your only source of Vitamin D, the much-needed boost certainly doesn’t hurt.
Zinc is far more than a key ingredient in your sunscreen. Zinc is an old remedy for sore throats and a much-needed mineral for keeping the immune system healthy. Zinc is essential for immune cell development and plays a part in our inflammatory response. Studies have also found that zinc helps fight off respiratory infections.
If you take a collagen peptide supplement, you probably didn’t start because you wanted immune support - it probably had more to do with skin or joint health. It’s true: Collagen Peptides are pretty powerful for toning skin, strengthening hair and nails and easing aching joints. In even better news, that’s not where their benefits end. Collagen peptides can also play a role in strengthening the immune system, helping to seal the lining of the gut to keep foreign intruders out and important nutrients in.
Elderberry has been popular in herbal healing for hundreds of years. Today, even modern science is considering its uses in protecting the immune system. Studies have found elderberry effective in warding off viruses and bacteria.
As a supplement, elderberry is readily available in syrup and pill form.
Yeast beta-glucan is not the most well-known supplement, but it certainly packs a punch. While not possessing the same name recognition as other supplements, it is actually pretty well researched and has been found to be remarkably effective in preventing illness. This review of multiple scientific studies found yeast beta-glucan to be safe and effective for strengthening the immune system.
Beta-glucans are fibers derived from a variety of sources, including oats and mushrooms. As the name suggests, yeast beta-glucan is derived from yeasts. It supports the immune system by strengthening your body’s macrophages - cells that fight off intruders like bacteria and viruses.
Maqui berry is a dark fruit, native to South America. It has been applied medicinally for thousands of years by native people in Chile. Maqui berries are packed with antioxidants that are important in helping the body eliminate free-radicals that can cause illness and disease. It may also help lower inflammation, further assisting your body in naturally fighting off illness.
BUBS Naturals is the only major collagen brand to make use of maqui berries. Our Fountain of Youth Formula contains maqui berry, alongside biotin and Vitamin C, making it a perfect addition to your immune system care routine while also providing anti-aging effects for your skin and hair.
Despite what any brand may try to tell you, no single supplement will keep you healthy. After all, they’re called supplements for a reason - supplements are meant to supplement a healthy lifestyle. This means eating well, exercising often and getting good sleep.
If you want to add a major boost to your healthy routine, look no further than BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides. Your body makes collagen on its own, but as you age, this process slows and collagen stores grow thinner. Collagen peptides are one of the most effective supplements for counteracting this process. Our unflavored line also comes in easy, on-the-go packets that you can throw in your bag and take with you, for immune-boosting energy whenever you need it most.