Self-care tip: How to give your immune system a boost

Fall has officially started. This is a lovely time to cozy up together in front of the fire. For most people, this is a lovely time! But we should also use this time to work on a healthy lifestyle and boost our immune system. After all, you don’t know what the fall and winter will bring you.

What is an immune system?

The immune system is the defense system of our body that protects us from outside invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and toxins. Your body also uses the immune system to get rid of waste products and diseased body cells (such as cancer cells). It’s your first defense line against outside invaders.

Boosting your immune system, how do you do it?

Luckily, we can do a lot to keep our body and mind in perfect condition. To start, get enough rest, eat healthy, and drink plenty. Don’t forget about exercise either, especially outdoors.

Read our article about exercise as a boost to your immune system.

There are several supplements you can take to give your immune system a boost. The immune system protects your body from outside invaders and is designed to protect the body against bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and toxins. There are several supplements you can take to give your immune system a helping hand. Here’s our top five!

Vitamin C: 

Vitamin C is the most well known vitamin and most definitely not unimportant. It ensures a good resistance and functions as an antioxidant. This means that your body cells are protected. That it’s also good for your skin is an added bonus.

We wrote an article about which supplements you should take for your skin.

Vitamin D: 

We get vitamin D from sunlight and food, especially oily fish. We need vitamin D to absorb calcium from our diet. Calcium, in turn, is important for our bones and teeth. This won’t protect you against a virus, but we can’t complain about nice and healthy teeth. Vitamin D is very important for the immune system to function properly.

Magnesium: 

Magnesium has many health benefits, including the formation of your bones and muscles. Magnesium is a cofactor in a large number of enzyme systems in your body and is needed for the energy production of the body's cells. These enzymes, in turn, are needed to make all kinds of processes in the body possible. It strengthens the immune system, making your body more resistant to viruses, mucus and infections.

Zinc: 

Zinc is a cofactor for many enzyme systems in your body as well, and, therefore, needed to make certain processes in your body possible. It’s also beneficial for your immune system.

Selenium: 

Selenium is found in many foods, especially brazil nuts. It protects your red blood cells and makes heavy metals (which are still found in some of our foods, unfortunately) less toxic. With a selenium deficiency, viruses in your body are able to multiply faster. Therefore, it’s important to keep your selenium levels under control.

For more information on the daily recommended intake of these supplements, check out voedingscentrum.nl . Our advice is to always go and see an expert, like an orthomolecular therapist, if you want to take supplements.

Want to know more about your body and a healthy lifestyle? Stay up to date and join our community.