subject: The Real Take on Immunity Boosting Supplements [print this page] The Real Take on Immunity Boosting Supplements
The immune system is considered to be the body's main line of defense against disease and stress. This is because the system is made out of different types of cells that function to protect the body from any kind of foreign material - living or non-living. Thus, it is very important to keep this particular body system in its best shape. Without it, your body can become very prone to disease and illnesses and even probably turn into a fatal condition.
Keeping your immune system intact and at its best shape will require certain things such as a healthy diet, exercise, getting adequate sleep and a clean, vice-free lifestyle. But although they are sufficient enough to keep you protected, you always have the option to do more. How? This is by taking immune boosting supplements.
There are actually many types of immunity boosting supplements that you can use. Some use essential vitamins and nutrients that made into capsule form while other people turn to fresh or processed herbs- both of which are now easily available in the market.
One of the most common herbs used as immune boosting supplements are Astragalus and Echinacea. Astragalus is a common herb that is grown all year long in China, Korea and some parts of Mongolia. For hundreds of years, the plant has been harvested in the area for its immunity-boosting properties. It is believed to contain large amounts of anti-oxidants that help fight the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. Modern science has proven such ancient claims. Today, the herb is used as a part of chemotherapy and radiation therapy procedures, as an immune supplement for patients undergoing the treatment.
Echinacea on the other hand is a herb more popularly known for its ability to cure colds and flu. This herb is grown in the west, more particularly the Midwestern United States. Echinacea is known to help stimulate the body's production of interferon and WBC, cells that are responsible for immune system response.
Other essential vitamins that are considered to be effective immune boosting supplements are Vitamin A and zinc. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is essential for properly functioning eyes, healthy skin and bones. It is naturally available in the diet as beta carotene and is only converted as Vitamin A once inside the body. Vitamin A rich foods include eggs, liver, whole fat dairy, and brightly colored fruits such as carrots, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers and broccoli. But still, there are plenty of immune boosting supplements available in the market in case you do not have all these foods in your diet at all times.
And last but not the least is zinc. Zinc as an immune supplement is very important because this particular mineral is not naturally produced by the body. Hence, you need to obtain the proper amounts of zinc from your diet or by taking immune boosting supplements. Sufficient zinc levels are important for the proper function of T-cells and other immunity cells in the body. Luckily, just like all the other immunity boosting supplements mentioned before, this particular mineral is now easily available and accessible in stores today.
