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Supplements for the Immune System

The immune system can be weakened by factors like stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. When taken as part of a healthy lifestyle, nutrients and herbal supplements can help protect and strengthen the immune system.

  1. Astragalus

    • Astragalus is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. According to umm.edu, astragalus has antimicrobial properties and stimulates the immune system to fight allergies, stress and viral infections like the common cold.

    Vitamin C

    • Often recommended for warding off colds, vitamin C is a potent immune stimulator. It has antioxidant properties and increases the germ-killing abilities of white blood cells.

    Reishi Mushroom

    • Sometimes referred to as "the immune potentiator," reishi mushroom is prized for its immune-strengthening properties. According to disabled-world.com, reishi has antioxidant, antiviral and liver-protecting properties, making it a useful supplement for a variety of health conditions.

    Daily Multivitamin

    • Because nutrients work together to carry out their functions, a multivitamin/multimineral supplement helps provide the foundation for a healthy immune system.

    Zinc

    • Zinc is a mineral with immune-stimulating properties. According to nih.gov, zinc deficiency causes decreased functioning of neutrophils and macrophages---two vital components of the immune system.

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