How Do Immune System Boosters Work?

Now more than ever, you’re probably thinking about what you can do to boost your immune system. Through proper nutrition and healthy habits, you maintain some control over how optimally your immune system functions.

Eating foods high in vitamins C and D, zinc and plant antioxidants, as well as good quality sleep and physical activity, are foundational habits to prioritize.

But what about “Immunity Booster Supplement”—specific supplements touted as having a fortifying effect on the immune system…

How, exactly, do immunity boosters work?

In case there’s any question in your mind… no single supplement is designed to replace whole food nutrition or any other healthy habit.

Depending on your diet, lifestyle and personal health concerns, high-quality supplementation can help fill nutritional gaps and work with your body to support optimal function.

Immunity boosters are no different.

An immune system booster is a concentrated ingredient, nutrient or combination thereof that stimulates your “stay safe” system.

An active, strong immune system is more effective at guarding against—and attacking—destructive bacteria, viruses and disease-triggering microorganisms.

A clinically backed immune system supplement can be a powerful ally because it’s designed to deliver potent ingredients at daily doses shown to work.

You’d find it difficult if not impossible to consume enough of the ingredient through food to experience real benefits… if you can eat them at all.

You see, some of the most potent sources of nutrients and antioxidants are either inedible or unpleasant to eat.

For example, resveratrol is the heart-healthy antioxidant touted in wine, grape juice and grapes. But it’s most concentrated in the stem, seeds and skin of grapes.

So, if you want targeted support to help protect yourself from bio-invaders, you should consider taking a clinically backed immune system supplement.

But before you start, the most important thing to know is that you don’t take an immunity booster in the same way you would a multivitamin or fish oil supplement.

Unlike certain supplements designed for continuous daily use, an immunity booster is best taken when you need, well, a boost.

Think of it as a nutritional special ops force that comes in as reinforcement. Once the threat is mitigated and the immune system has been secured, your body is in a better position to operate normally.

Best Vitamins and Supplements to Boost Your Immune System

We all aspire to be as healthy as possible. While you can’t control your immune response to every sniffle, you can take steps to boost your immune system.

You’ll probably be surprised by the simple, affordable ways you can improve your body’s natural resistance. To improve your immune system with vitamins and supplements, read up on the relevant scientific research, as well as which nutrients are right for your unique needs. It is also important to take a long-term approach, as creating the foundation of a healthy lifestyle is the best defense.

The immune system is a complex system of specialized cells and biological responses integrated into the entire body, from digestion in your gut to your brain chemistry and everywhere in between. There are many fascinating aspects of the immune system that scientists are still exploring. However, there is also a large body of proven research that can benefit everyone. To keep it simple, we focused on proven vitamins and minerals that support your immune system.

A lack of adequate nutrition is one of the primary contributors to a weak immune system. In a 2007 study published by the British Journal of Nutrition, micronutrients support the body’s immune system at three separate levels: physical barriers (e.g. skin and mucous), cellular immunity, and antibody production. Vitamins C, E and zinc assist the physical barriers. Vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E, folic acid, zinc, and selenium all support immunity at a cellular level. Finally, all these micronutrients, with the exceptions of vitamin C and iron, are essential for antibody production.

Unfortunately, inadequate nutrition disproportionately affects people who lack access to nourishing food due to economic factors or rely too heavily on overly-processed foods. Either of these circumstances could lead to a deficiency in one or more of the vitamins and minerals required for a healthy immune system.

The simplest way to obtain large amounts of these vitamins and minerals, with the exception of vitamin D, is to eat a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. According to the USDA nutritional recommendations, most adults should consume no less than 2½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit per day. However, depending on factors including your age, size, sex, and activity levels, the suggested amount could be even greater.