How to Boost Immunity With Supplements

You can do more to fight infections than just getting a flu shot and washing your hands. This article provides some other natural ways to give your immune system a boost. A variety of safe, natural supplements available over the counter or in the grocery store can boost your immunity, helping your body to fight all infections, including allergies, colds and flu.

Things You'll Need

• Astragalus Yogurt Vitamin C Zinc Garlic

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Take astragalus as an overall immune booster. This herb comes in powder form or in capsules. People have taken astragalus as a supplement for centuries as a liver tonic and to stimulate virus-killing cells.

• 2

  Eat yogurt to strengthen the immune system. Plain yogurt with the words "live active cultures" will give you the full benefits. The active bacteria in yogurt help good bacteria to grow in the digestive system. This aids in killing food-borne pathogens, and in preventing ulcers and maintaining overall health. Eat yogurt daily as part of a well balanced diet, by itself or as a base for a blended fruit drink.

• 3

  Take Vitamin C to help you get over a cold faster and to build blood cells. Take between 200 and 400 mg each day. Taking too much Vitamin C simply causes the body to excrete the excess when you go to the bathroom. Vitamin C supplements can reduce a cold's duration by about a day or two.

• 4

  Think zinc. The mineral zinc helps to fight infections by preventing cold and flu molecules from attaching to your cells. You can purchase zinc supplements in sprays, lozenges or tablets. Tablets are recommended over nasal sprays, which have caused some users to lose their sense of smell. Follow package directions. Take no more than 15 mg of zinc per day.

• 5

  Chop up some garlic if you're looking for an immune boost. Garlic has a strong odor and an even stronger ability to fight viruses, bacteria and fungus. The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, helps to stimulate immune cells in the body when eaten.