The immune system in our bodies is a complex network of cells responsible for providing the body with defense against infections such as viruses, bacteria and foreign bodies. A standard number of white blood cells is the key component of a healthy immune system. However, some minerals and vitamins are crucial for boosting immunity. In this article, you are going to know about the vitamins responsible for boosting immunity and how to use these vitamins.
Importance of Vitamins for a Healthy Immune System?
According to research, minerals and vitamins play major roles in the growth and development of an immune system. There are different sources to get vitamins from, such as natural or man-made supplements. In old times people used Elderberry for immune boost as it is rich in vitamin A. Some people with a deficiency of vitamins and minerals are more likely to have certain diseases or malnutrition. There are certain vitamins such as A and D, that have an unexpected and great effect on the immune response. You can get these organic compounds known as vitamins through a properly balanced diet and supplements as well. There are 13 vitamins recognized in total.
Vitamins Essential for Boosting your Immunity
According to experts, generally, vitamins are crucial for boosting your immunity. Let’s know about these vitamins and how they can keep you healthy:
Vitamin C
It is one of the biggest immunity boosters. The deficiency of this vitamin can make a person sick. Vitamin C is obtained through different fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruits, spinach, and broccoli etc. Daily intake of Vitamin C is essential for bones and skin. Since our bodies do not produce this vitamin by themselves, we need to get this vitamin from food and supplements.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is another nutrient that is essential for the immune system. The food rich in vitamin B6 includes chicken, fish, and green vegetables. The deficiency of this vitamin can lead to severe health problems.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is important for the immune system. It helps the body fight off infections and prevent the body from diseases. Several foods contain vitamin E, such as nuts, seeds and green vegetables.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known as sunshine vitamin as it is obtained from the Sun. This vitamin is essential for bones and a healthy immune system. In terms of fighting infections, this vitamin plays the most important and huge part.
Besides these vitamins, other vitamins are equally essential for obtaining healthy bodies.
What are the Natural Sources of Vitamins?
Fortunately, many food items contain a variety of different vitamins and it. Consumption of these food products keeps us strong and healthy. Sadly, too many of us don’t eat enough vegetables and fruits regularly. A pill of Vitamin C supplement or an orange a day is not enough to provide the amount of vitamin required by our bodies. A healthy immune system depends highly upon a balanced diet. Besides a good diet, some healthy lifestyle practices such as exercise and enough sleep are also necessary. however Natural sources of some of the important vitamins are:
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is present in a wide variety of food items that most people may not need to take supplements unless advised by their doctor. Besides citrus fruits, there are some other sources as well. such as spinach, kale, strawberries, papaya and wallpapers
2. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and a powerful nutrient that helps your body fight off infection. More than 200 biochemical reactions in your body depend on healthy immune system functioning and this vitamin is important for healthy functioning. To get enough Vitamin E, add almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and hazelnuts to your diet.
3.Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient for immune boosting as it has the capabilities of fighting infections. Fish, meat, and dairy products contain enough of Vitamin A. Carrots, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, squash and pumpkin are also enriched in vitamin A.
4. Vitamin D
The food sources of Vitamin D are limited. Some of the food sources are Salmon, Tuna fish and fortified milk, juices and cereals.
Do you Need Vitamin Supplements?
As mentioned already, vitamins are present in several food items and one can get all the required vitamins and minerals by eating these healthy food products. Unfortunately, some people do not consume enough of these food products. For these people, vitamin supplements are required to maintain and balance the required number of vitamins. Many people use these supplements on the recommendation of their doctors. Especially, if they have any disease or for example during pregnancy for women, supplements work well to fulfil the required amount. In some cases, even children need supplements for multivitamins.
When Should you Take Vitamin Supplements?
Mostly, doctors recommend taking vitamin supplements 2 hours before or after the meal, while some supplements require to be taken on an empty stomach. Not all supplements absorb your body the same way. However, it is recommended to people using vitamin supplements to establish a routine of taking vitamin supplements at the same time every day. This routine will help the person form a healthy habit and get the most out of the supplement. It is also suggested not to take vitamin supplements along with calcium supplements.
Vitamins play a major role in boosting the immune system. Now you know how you can get vitamins from different food products naturally and through vitamins supplements. You can add these supplements and food products to your diet to get the required number of vitamins and minerals. These consumed vitamins are used by the body as an immunity booster. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy food enriched with vitamins and minerals, walk daily and get sleep for enough hours. Having a strong immune system is a way to stay healthy, fight off infection and get easy and quick recovery.