Increase immunity and fight off infection with these immune system supplements and vitamins that are proven to boost immune system health.
We are now in the second peak of the coronavirus pandemic, and the question that almost all of us want the answer to is how can we boost immunity and fight off infection better.
The good news is that the COVID-19 vaccines appear to be effective in preventing infection as CDC data has shown that 99.992% of fully vaccinated people have dodged COVID.
But as the top infectious disease expert in the US, Dr Anthony Fauci, stated, vaccination is not a one-and-done way to end the pandemic, and we may never get rid of the coronavirus entirely.
Public-health measures like wearing masks and social distancing are critically important ways to curb infections until we have sufficient herd immunity to end the contagion. A great deal of research has shown that healthy diets and nutrition are also important in boosting immunity.
But, you don’t need to be a nutritionist to know that our modern diets are deficient in many of the ingredients we require to boost immune system health and adaptive immunity – which provides long-lasting protection to those who have recovered from infections.
Although there is a lot we need to learn about how to boost immune system response to newer pathogens like the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus, there is ample evidence to show that that certain nutritional supplements can increase immunity and improve our ability to recover faster.
7 Health Supplements To Increase Immunity
Here are some nutritional supplements that have been shown, in recent scientific studies, to increase immunity, provide a protective effect from respiratory infections, and help patients recover faster from illness.
1. Vitamin-D
The largest observational study of SARS-CoV-2 infection and dietary supplement use to date found that taking health supplements with multivitamins, Omega-3, probiotics, or Vitamin-D, may reduce the risk of testing positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus among women – but not in men.
“There is good evidence that if you have a low vitamin-D level, you have more of a propensity to get infected when there are infections around,” says Dr Fauci. The research also found that taking vitamin C, zinc, or garlic supplements did not increase immunity to infection.
Another study found that having healthy levels of Vitamin-D can reduce the risk for adverse clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 infection. Vitamin-D deficiency has also been linked to decreased lung function and an increased risk of respiratory diseases.
What this tells us is that healthy levels of the fat-soluble Vitamin-D, which is known to be important for immune system health, can increase immunity and may protect against respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
This women’s multivitamin supplement with Vitamin D will help you fulfil your daily requirements.
2. Probiotic Foods
Probiotics are basically healthy bacteria that restore the balance of normal flora – the living microorganisms that we play host to inside our bodies.
In the last few years, many studies and clinical trials have found that an imbalance of microbes in the gut is linked to several health disorders, from mood and mental health to autism.
Probiotic foods – including fermented foods like yoghurt – are some of the best foods to eat to boost immune system health. They promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits.
In fact, taking probiotic supplements has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in the body and decrease depression, anxiety, and stress.
Probiotics can also help modulate immune system response and treat various diseases, especially viral infections. They have been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body and decrease respiratory infections.
A recent study found that probiotic strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can trap the COVID-19 virus and interfere in the virus binding to the host cell receptors.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are found in fish oil, flax seeds, and other food sources such as nuts. One of the most harmful effects of COVID-19 is the cytokine storm that causes inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to decrease inflammation and improve immune system health. They also improve cardiovascular health, joint health, brain function, mental health, and have many other benefits.
In December 2020, nutrition experts from China advised that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids could reduce fatality rates in severe COVID-19 patients.
American researchers also published evidence showing that higher omega-3 blood levels may reduce the risk for death from COVID-19 infection.
Other studies have also found that very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection.
Taking a regular Omega-3 supplement will not only decrease inflammation and increase immunity, but can improve your overall health in many ways.
Here are two ways to consume Omega-3 fats either as a regular supplement or through dietary sources like chia seeds:
4. Polyphenols
Polyphenols are found in foods such as apples, chocolate, red wine, olive oil, and turmeric. Like Omega-3 fatty acids, they help reduce inflammation, which is why researchers believe polyphenols may provide a protective effect against COVID-19 disease.
In a recent study, researchers found that a high intake of polyphenols may have a protective effect and prevent disease progression in patients with COVID-19 and may help protect the body from the harmful effects of the disease.
Sail Diabetic Flour is a low-glycemic index flour rich in good lipids and polyphenols that help to control blood sugar levels. It is a good way to add polyphenols to your regular diet.
5. Vitamin B-Complex
Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient for immune system health. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in white blood cell production and is crucial for a healthy immune system.
As Vitamin B12 is only found in animal products, vegetarians and vegans must get their daily requirement of B-Complex Vitamins from a daily multivitamin supplement. Adults over 50 may also require B-Complex supplements as they lose the ability to absorb these vitamins from their diet.
In addition to Vitamin B12, folic acid – also called Vitamin B9 – is another B-vitamin required for immune system health and formation of red blood cells, as it is involved in the production of nucleic acid, protein synthesis, immune cell activity, and various metabolic processes.
As mentioned above, the largest observational study of dietary supplement use in coronavirus infection found that taking multivitamins may reduce the risk of testing positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus among women – but not in men.
But, whether you’re a woman or a man, making sure that you get all your B-vitamins as part of your daily diet in the form of a health supplement is a very good idea during a pandemic.
This women’s multivitamin supplement will help you fulfil your daily B-vitamin requirements.
6. Zinc
Although the study mentioned above found that taking vitamin C, zinc, or garlic supplements was not associated with a lower risk of testing positive for the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus in women, it is a well-known fact that taking a zinc supplement can help fight other cold viruses, such as the rhinovirus.
Zinc can also lessen the symptoms of colds, such as nasal congestion, runny noses, sore throat, and cough and can improve immune system health by helping the body produce and activate T-lymphocyte immune cells.
Zinc is an essential mineral that keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, supports normal growth, and is a popular treatment for the common cold. You may be at risk for zinc deficiency if you’re a strict vegetarian, drink alcohol, or have a poor diet.
ImmunOx For Women is a blend of scientifically proven enriched herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals, proven to be effective in supporting your immune system. It will help you maintain your daily requirements of zinc and other immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals.
7. Vitamin C
In the latest study, taking Vitamin C was not associated with a lower risk of testing positive for the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus in women. But that does not mean Vitamin C is not important for immune system health.
Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) can help you get over a cold faster and make the symptoms less severe. It also fights free radicals, promotes the growth and repair of tissues and accelerates wound healing.
Besides having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which can help improve immune function, Vitamin C promotes the growth and spread of lymphocytes – immune cells that produce antibodies.
Scientists are studying the efficacy of high doses of Vitamin C in decreasing lung inflammation, but as of now, there is no evidence to support the use of oral Vitamin C supplements in preventing or treating COVID-19.
However, Dr Anthony Fauci, said in an interview that he took vitamin D and C supplements to increase immunity, and there is plenty of evidence that being deficient in either nutrient can make you more susceptible to infection.
Since our bodies cannot manufacture Vitamin C, we must consume sufficient amounts of it in our diet. This is not difficult because there are abundant dietary sources of this water-soluble vitamin – from orange juice to fresh fruits and vegetables.
ImmunOx For Women will help you maintain your daily requirements of Vitamin C and other immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals.
Now that you know the best vitamins and supplements to boost immune system health and increase immunity, you can also find out what to eat to boost immune system health.
Including these healthy foods to boost immunity into a diet to boost your immune system can help you protect yourself and your family from infection.
Immunity-Boosting Routine To Start & End Your Day
The third wave of the coronavirus infection is predicted to hit India during the monsoon season and we need to do all we can to prevent infection and increase immunity.
Here is an immunity-boosting routine to start and end your day with natural, Ayurvedic herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil) that increase immunity to infection and have many other health benefits.
Tulsi is a Superfood and Ayurvedic herb that contains immune-boosting phytochemicals, bioflavonoids and antioxidants. Daily consumption of tulsi helps scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative cellular damage, control fever and inflammation.
Compounds such as rosmarinic acid present in tulsi extracts promote better respiratory health and help clear cough and chest infections, soothe the throat naturally and expectorate mucus.
OneDrop Wellness Intensive Tulsi Herbal Drops are made from Tulsi Leaves extract. You can add them to water, hot water, green or black tea, juices and smoothies.
They help control asthma, cough and sinus infections and accelerate recovery from viral infections. They also provide relief from exhaustion, tension, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, depression, and uplift your mood by keeping your brain and nerves in top gear.
Precautions: Tulsi should be avoided by women trying to conceive, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and those planning to undergo surgery. If you have diabetes, consult a doctor before consuming tulsi ras because it interferes with blood sugar levels.
Morning Immunity Boosting Routine
Instead of your morning coffee, start your day with 1 glass of hot water with 5 drops of One Wellness’ Tulsi Concentrate Herbal Drops.
They contain nano-emulsified tulsi extract that provides all the benefits of Tulsi in the most bio-available form to maximize absorption. In just one drop a day, you can now get all the benefits of Tulsi.
Follow that up by brewing a hot cup of Ausum Tea NoStress to lower stress levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
This revitalizing brew contains a unique and special extraction of Tulsi leaves that provides an optimal concentration of active compounds to alleviate anxiety and lower blood pressure while also enhancing calm and confidence.
This caffeine-free, herbal tea also includes Hibiscus and Spearmint and is clinically proven to increase immunity. Ausum teas come in 100% biodegradable cornstarch pyramid tea bags and do not contain sugar, sweeteners or preservatives.
Complete this morning routine with a dose of Gynoveda Women’s Immunity, a natural health supplement that is akin to a wake-up pill to give you strength all day. Formulated for women’s strength and vitality, it is a rich source of vitamin C and folic acid.
This supplement enhances immunity to viruses, flu, and other infections and prevents frequent coughs and colds. It also helps reduce fatigue, boost energy and ensure healthy periods.
You can also use fresh tulsi leaves to prepare homemade Tulsi Kadha. – a traditional Indian home remedy for respiratory infections.
Night Immunity Boosting Routine
Relax with a hot cup of Ausum Tea NoStress and take a dose of ImmunOx For Women, a powerful natural immune booster and anti-oxidant supplement that helps increase the body’s defence and resistance to infections.
It helps fight against harmful free radicals, offers protection and helps you recover faster from infections. It is scientifically proven and contains enriched herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals including alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and Green Tea Extract.
End your day with 1 glass of hot water with 5 drops of One Wellness’ Tulsi.
Add these powerful immune-booster supplements for women to your morning and night health routine to keep you and your family safe and healthy during the monsoon season.
Bibo Family Cold And Cough Relief Kit
Unfortunately, the flu and its accompanying symptoms don’t come announced, so it’s always good to be ready to heal your symptoms naturally whenever it strikes.
The Bibo First Aid/Travel Kit for Cough & Cold comes with 5 products that you can use depending on your symptoms and severity. This is what is included in this immunity kit.
- Bibo Kadha Shots are based on a traditional Indian immunity recipe. Empty one sachet into 100 ml of hot water, tea or coffee and mix well. Take up to 4 times a day. Give lukewarm to kids.
- Bibo Saline Nasal Spray contains the anti-bacterial and anti-viral herb, Tulsi (Basil) and salt to help kill germs in your respiratory system. For cold and sore throats, spray twice (once for kids) in each nostril, up to 4 to 5 times a day.
- Bibo Cough Syrup is a mucolytic cough syrup that helps in calming dry or wet cough and acts on a sore throat in 100 seconds. For sore throat and cough, take 10 ml (5 ml for kids) up to 4 times a day.
- Bibo Vapour Rub provides fast relief from cold, cough, nasal blockage and headache and helps to reduce runny nose and nasal congestion. Take a small amount on one finger and apply 4 to 5 times a day for colds, congestion and headache.
- Bibo Vapour Patch is a hands-free inhaler made up of biodegradable fibre and can be used by individuals of all ages thrice a day (twice for kids) to treat colds.
It is important to take the products right from the time the first symptoms become apparent. For example, if you get a sore throat, start a course of the Cough Syrup and Bibo Kadha Shots immediately.
In case of a blocked nose, use the Bibo vapour patch and nasal spray. If you experience muscle pain, use the Bibo Rub-On Rub. All Bibo products are safe and natural, have no side effects and help build immunity.
Don’t forget to follow all these safety precautions when using this kit.
- Read the label carefully before use
- Keep out of reach of the children
- Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight
- This is an ayurvedic proprietary medicine and is generally considered safe
- If you face any adverse symptoms or develop an allergy from the product, please discontinue and see a doctor
- If problems persist see a doctor
How Laughter Boosts Immunity
The health benefits of laughter are well-known thanks to the efforts of Norman Cousins, who experienced a remarkable cure thanks to the positive effects of laughter on emotional and physical health.
In his book, Anatomy of an Illness, Cousins illustrated how laughter therapy helped him heal from ankylosing spondylitis – a chronic inflammatory disorder that failed to respond to standard medical therapy.
In addition to high-dose intravenous Vitamin C (ascorbic acid infusions), he watched funny videos like Candid Camera, The Three Stooges, and the Marx Brothers. His pain began to diminish and he was totally healed and returned to work.
Today, thanks to research we know that that the advantages of laughter include increased immune system response, production of antibodies and activation of the body’s protective cells.
Laughter therapy benefits include a positive effect on modulating components of the immune system and increased immune activity, including T-cells and especially Natural Killer (NK) cells’ killing activity of tumour cells.
Laughing is good for health because laughter increases immune system response, can lower stress hormones, improve mood, lower bad cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
So enjoy the health benefits of laughter by making time for a good belly laugh every day and remember that prioritizing yourself and taking care of yourself first is the best thing you can do for your well-being.
For moms working from home, this daily self-care checklist will help them work at home productively without compromising their health and well-being.
Disclaimer: No supplement will cure or prevent disease. Only physical or social distancing, wearing masks, and proper hygiene practices can protect you from COVID-19. The information contained on this website is presented to educate people. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please promptly call or see your physician or another qualified healthcare provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare providers before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.
Also read:
- Buy Nutritious Foods And Healthy Snacks In India
- 5 Ayurvedic And Natural Herbal Extracts To Boost Your Kid’s Health
- 10 Health And Wellness Brands To Support Your Health And Vitality
- 10 Healthy Foods To Boost Immune System
- Natural Remedies To Boost Immune System
- 10 Tulsi Plant Benefits (Plus Tulsi Kadha And Tulsi Tea Recipes)
- सूखी खांसी के कारण, लक्षण व 10 घरेलू उपाय
- 6 Benefits Of Green Vegetables (Plus A Green Juice Recipe)
- Self Care For Women: Taking Care Of Yourself While Caring For Others
About the author:
Priya Florence Shah is the Group Editor at SHEROES and author of Devi2Diva, an emotional self-care book for women.
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