Taking care of the immune system is nothing new. This has always been a concern of patients with different goals – aesthetics, food restriction, and diet therapy (treatment of diseases through food), among other things.
But today, this concern has grown surprisingly because of the coronavirus pandemic, Covid-19, and a rush to pharmacies and supplement stores, in addition to the exchange of recipes that has increased in the same proportion.
But the idea is that, when all this is over, people will have become aware that taking care of the immune system is a daily priority. The immune system is essential in the fight against various types of infections, not to mention that when we are solid and personal expenses with medicines and public health are reduced.
The old saying: “Prevention is better than cure,” fits very well in our reality. However, we were not warned that a new virus would arrive unannounced and that our immune system would be demanding. And now, what do you need to do to prepare for this fight?
Before answering which supplements we can consume to improve immunity, I want to clarify that your primary medicine is your food – paraphrasing Hippocrates who called our attention to this issue thousands of years ago.
Therefore, you can (and should) continue consuming supplements your trusted nutritionist prescribed. Typically, protocols include nutrients such as glutamine, prebiotic fiber, whey protein, propolis, turmeric, green tea, antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, in addition to the minerals zinc, selenium, copper, among others, found in the foods we consume daily.
Another food I like is green tea, which is rich in polyphenols and other important bioactive compounds in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune defense action, in addition to numerous benefits associated with weight loss and disposition.
And, even though we are talking about immunity, other nutrients, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, have been part of this health care “basket” during this period. After all, taking care of the beauty of skin, hair and nails also contribute to avoiding critical deficiencies and, above all, to our well-being. Isolated, yes, with low immunity and self-esteem, never!
Why Is It Essential To Strengthen Immunity?
The activity of the immune system depends a lot on the quality of our food, as it is a source of critical assets and essential nutrients for the proper functioning of cells and defense barriers.
In addition, many factors in our life weaken immunity, such as stress, sleepless nights, the climate, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, lifestyle, and even some pre-existing diseases.
The immunity shot is a practical way to gather the main assets and nutrients that act on our immune system, strengthening the body’s natural defenses in just a few sips. Check out some of these boosters for our immune system below :
Green Propolis
Honey bees also make propolis, a resin composed of:
- Some plant components ─ buds, bark, flower buds, etc. ─ which, in the case of green propolis, are rosemary-do-campo, rich in phenolic compounds, such as Kraepelin C and bacarina, which are already known for their antimicrobial potential;
- pollen;
- wax;
- essential oils;
- Some enzymes are present in your saliva.
This unique combination of nutrients and actives makes green propolis an excellent protective agent for the hive and our health. Scientific research shows that the intake of this asset stimulates the production of immune system cells, in addition to conferring an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.
The properties don’t stop there. Studies also prove that the resin has potent antimicrobial and antiviral action. Notable, isn’t it?
Vitamin C
Did you know that the skin is essential to our body’s natural defenses? Yes, it is the first barrier against the entry of foreign bodies, hence the importance of keeping it healthy.
One of the essential vitamins to maintain the integrity of the skin is vitamin C, as this nutrient acts in the production of collagen, an essential protein for the health of this tissue.
Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant ─ it protects us against free radicals ─ and is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, as it increases the ability of our defense cells to neutralize the organisms that can cause diseases.
Interestingly, the body highly consumes this vitamin in infectious processes. Therefore, it is worth investing in food and supplement sources of vitamin C in times of flu and colds, for example.
Zinc And Selenium
These minerals are involved in various defense processes of the body. We are more susceptible to diseases when we do not consume them in sufficient doses to meet our daily needs.
Zinc deficiency is one of the most common in the world, which is a point of attention as it is an essential participant in the production and maturation of defense cells. Selenium also participates in this process.
In addition, these two nutrients are also known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.
Ginger
Ginger is a root popularly used in functional teas and some natural medicines against asthma, sore throat, and other inflammatory problems.
Its benefits are due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. All these properties make this spice a great ally of immunity.
ALSO READ: HOW TO PUSH YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AGAINST CORONAVIRUSES & CO