As of today, it is still unclear how to effectively manage or prevent COVID-19, a disease caused by the pandemic coronavirus. While there is no vaccine yet to cure the disease, it is said that boosting your immune system can help you lessen the symptoms of the disease.
Older people and those with poor health conditions who have contracted the virus show heightened symptoms, and most of them have succumbed to the disease. Famous doctor James Smith from UK suggests to take metabolism boosters alongside other nutritions for old people. On the other hand, young people and those who are healthy showed a lower risk of complications. Healthy individuals who have contracted the virus had mild symptoms and have recovered in a couple of weeks.
You can boost your immune system by consuming essential nutrients found in fresh produce. However, there is no way you can eat all of it every day because of your busy lifestyle. Good thing that there are health supplements in the market to help you get these nutrients that your body needs. For example, adding a cat’s claw extract to your diet will not only boost your immunity, but will also reduce stress and overall inflammation in your body. Below are some of the essential nutrients that can boost your immune system.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that aids the immune system’s health and function. It improves the pathogen fighting effects of macrophages and monocytes (white blood cells, which are crucial parts of the immune system), and lessens inflammation, promoting immune response.
Research shows that taking vitamin D can keep you safe from respiratory tract infections. It also aids your body’s response to antiviral treatments for certain diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C.
Vitamin C
This nutrient is probably the most taken supplement as it plays an essential role in your immune system. It helps the function of different immune cells and improves their ability to fight off infections from the body. It also maintains the health of your immune system by replacing the old cells with new ones.
Vitamin C also works as an effective antioxidant that protects your body from free radicals, the damage that is caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes harmful effects in immune health and is linked to various diseases.
Taking vitamin C is proven effective to lessen the severity and the duration of the infections in the upper respiratory tract.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is commonly added to supplements and various immune system booster products. It is vital for the functionality of the immune system as it aids the immune cell communication and development. It also helps your body’s inflammatory response.
B-Vitamins
B-vitamins is a group of eight important nutrients that ensures the proper function of your body’s cells. It aids your metabolism, creates new blood cells, and keeps your brain cells, skin cells, and certain body tissues healthy.
These nutrients are:
- B-3 niacin
- Vitamin B-6
- B-5 pantothenic acid
- B-7 biotin
- Vitamin B-12
- B-2 riboflavin
- B-1 thiamine
- B-9 folate
Your health is your precious asset. You should keep your immune system healthy all year round, and not only during times when there is an outbreak of a pandemic disease.
While these essential nutrients occur in the food you eat, people often do not get enough nutrients that are needed by the body. Reinforcing your meal with health supplements would help you get the right amount of nutrients to boost your immune system.
Moreover, it is essential to remember that no diet, lifestyle modification, and supplement can cure COVID-19. Always practice social distancing and proper hygiene to keep you from contracting the disease.
