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Vitamins for Immunity

Numerous factors affect the body's immunity and health. Being exposed to dangerous chemicals, aging, prolonged use of antibiotics, emotional stress, radiation, not eating nutritiously and other environmental pollutants all depress the body's natural immunity. Simply having a poor immune system welcomes diseases and conditions that could otherwise possibly be averted. In the fast-paced world we live in today, getting a healthy, balanced diet poses quite a challenge. Therefore, many people turn to vitamin and mineral supplements to help boost their immune systems.

  1. Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant while aiding in the formation of adrenal hormones and lymphocytes, protecting the body from harmful viruses and bacteria. A vitamin necessary for increasing the production of white blood cells, it plays an important role by helping fight off infection. Vitamin C increases interferon, which prevents viruses from entering the body. According to the Vitamins and Nutrition Center, vitamin C and bioflavonoids together work as antioxidants that aid in at least 300 metabolic functions in the body.

    Vitamin A

    • Vitamin A acts as a powerful antioxidant by relieving the body of oxidative stress, necessary for proper immune function. It enhances white blood cell function, helping the body resist infection. Vitamin A strengthens tissues of skin and mucous membranes and prevents acne by reducing sebum production. A moderate deficiency of vitamin A has harmful effects on the body, such as weakening the respiratory tract. However, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian, excess amounts of vitamin A can actually reduce immune function, so taking the correct dosage is extremely important.

    Vitamin E

    • Vitamin E has immune-boosting properties and increases levels of interferon and interleukin, which fight infection. It stimulates red blood cell production, neutralizes free radicals, destroys germs and aids in production of antibodies that kill bacteria. As an antioxidant, vitamin E enhances tissue repair and healing. Antioxidants destroy free radicals, or harmful compounds that damage DNA and cause cell death.

    Vitamin B

    • B vitamins relieve stress and anxiety, supporting proper mental function and making them essential for immune health. The vitamin B group includes thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin, niacinamide (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cyanocobalamin (B12) and pantothenic acid. These vitamins promote immune health, energy, and healthy skin. They aid in enzyme activity, red blood cell metabolism and production of white blood cells and antibodies. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the immune system needs vitamin B6 to function efficiently, as it converts tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (a vitamin). A vitamin B6 deficiency can cause anemia.

    Zinc

    • A mineral needed for a healthy immune system, zinc sells as a natural treatment for common colds. Throat lozenges contain large doses of the antioxidant zinc, which relieves sore throat symptoms. Zinc aids in synthesizing 80 different enzymes, including the most potent anti-aging enzyme, superoxide dismutase. According to Vitamins Diary Online, zinc increases the production of white blood cells and T-cells, which help the body ward off infection. It helps prevent acne because it regulates oil gland production and even helps prevent wound scarring.

    Multi-vitamin

    • Taking a multi-vitamin builds the immune system and provides a balanced source of nutrition. In addition to a healthy diet, exercise, rest, and a low-stress lifestyle, they help reach optimal well-being. Even for generally healthy people, vitamins provide an added assurance against fighting illnesses and possibly developing chronic conditions. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a daily multivitamin provides a great way to make sure the body gets all the nutrients it needs.

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