This article aims to clear any doubts and questions you may have about this subject and we will do our best to do so.
1. Start Taking A Supplement.
Zinc, selenium and vitamin D are known for boosting the immune system. Specifically, a 2013 review of 17 studies found that taking zinc supplements within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms reduces the duration of common cold symptoms. Follow the directions for use on the bottle.
2. Eat Foods With Certain Nutrients.
Being malnourished is one way to hurt your immune system. Yes, hand sanitizer is known for killing germs that cause illness. But studies have shown that only hand sanitizers with 60 to 95 percent alcohol are effective at killing germs.
Those with lower alcohol concentrations, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control states, may cause germs to become resistant to the sanitizing agent. Plus, hand sanitizers are less effective at bacterial removal compared to regular soap and water. Tip to remember: Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
Drink more water. It helps you build muscle by carrying more oxygen to your cells. Tip to remember: The Institute of Medicine states that men should drink about 15 and a half cups of fluids per day.
Women should opt for about 11 and a half cups per day. These immune-strengthening tips may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget them until after you get sick. Make your immune system stronger today.
We’ll help you feel better. Gohealth Urgent Care partners with these regional healthcare providers:.
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Find it in: strawberries, broccoli, oranges, pineapple, and bell peppers.
[It] works to fight free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the cells,” says Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, CNS, DC, and founder of DrAxe.com and Ancient Nutrition. “Although there’s limited research to show any benefit of vitamin C when it comes to preventing the cold or flu, studies do show that getting enough can reduce symptom severity and shorten the duration of respiratory infections.” In short, while vitamin C might not entirely prevent you from getting sick, there is proof that it can aid in recovery. “What’s more, a deficiency in this key vitamin can also impair immune function and increase the risk of infection,” Dr. Axe adds.
“To get in your fix, include a wide variety of fruits and veggies in your diet,” Axe advises. We recommend strawberries, broccoli, oranges, pineapple, and bell peppers. But, eating enough fruits and vegetables overall should cover your needs.
Wolfram agrees, “If you’re eating fruits and vegetables daily, you should be getting all the vitamin C you need.”
Vitamin D
Find it in: Salmon, sardines, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified foods. Like vitamin C, vitamin D has been proven to reduce the duration of the flu and other chronic viral infections, says Dr. Charles Passler, creator of Pure Change and nutritionist to the likes of Bella Hadid, Sara Sampaio, and more. Although it may be difficult to find, the vitamin can work wonders for your immune system.
“Impressively enough, emerging research shows that vitamin D has disease-fighting properties and can help bump up immunity to fight off infections,” Axe confirms, citing a study that states it has reduced the incidence of influenza in children.