Can your immune system benefit from supplements? Which supplements should you use to boost immunity? Read this article to find the answers to these questions and more.
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When the immune system is weakened, it can leave the body vulnerable to infections and diseases.
Supplements can help to strengthen the immune system by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that support immune function.
Elevate Your Immune System with These Basic Supplements
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is vital to immune function. It helps to protect immune cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals and can help to increase the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections.
Zinc is another essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in immune function. It helps activate immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer cells, necessary for fighting infections. Zinc also helps to regulate the production of cytokines, which are chemical messengers that help to coordinate the immune response.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in immune function. It helps regulate the production of immune cells, including T and B cells, vital for fighting infections. Vitamin D also helps reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation weakens the immune system.
Research has shown that Vitamin D supplementation can effectively support immune function. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that Vitamin D supplementation can help to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including the common cold and flu.
Another study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that Vitamin D can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, improving overall immune function.
While supplements can effectively boost immune function, it is important to remember that they are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress are all essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Additionally, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement, particularly if you have an underlying health condition or are taking medication that may interact with the supplement.
Top Immune Boosting Supplements You Need
If you want to explore other powerful immune supplements beyond the basics we discussed above, here are some examples:
Beta-glucans
Beta-glucans are complex sugars found in the cell walls of certain types of fungi, yeast, and grains, such as oats and barley. They have immune-boosting properties and can help stimulate the immune system to fight infections and diseases.
Beta-glucans work by activating immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which help to identify and destroy harmful pathogens. They also help to regulate the immune system, preventing it from overreacting and causing inflammation.
According to the article, a 2013 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that beta-glucans can help to enhance the immune system’s response to infection by stimulating the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells.
Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2018 found that beta-glucans can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can weaken the immune system. These findings suggest that beta-glucans can be an effective supplement for supporting immune function. However, more research is needed to understand all the mechanisms behind their immune-boosting effects.
Beta-glucans are available in supplement form and can also be found in some foods, such as mushrooms and seaweed. However, talking to a healthcare provider before taking beta-glucan supplements is essential, particularly if you have an autoimmune disorder or are taking immunosuppressive medication.
Our immune supplement of choice is ImmunotiX 250™. It delivers 250 mg of Wellmune® whole glucan particle per capsule, providing beta 1,3/1,6 glucan—a unique complex carbohydrate purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast). It is natural, non-genetically modified (non-GMO), hypoallergenic, patented, and generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Taken orally, ImmunotiX 250 primes and mobilizes the cells that support the body’s first-line immune response.
Olive Extract
Olive extract is a natural compound shown to have immune-boosting properties. It contains compounds called polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These polyphenols help protect the body against harmful pathogens and can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, weakening the immune system.
One of the most promising immune-boosting compounds in olive extract is oleuropein, which has been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, protecting against infections and diseases. The compound stimulates the immune system by increasing the production of T cells and cytokines, important immune system components. Additionally, oleuropein has antiviral properties, making it an effective supplement during flu season or when dealing with respiratory illnesses. Overall, the research suggests that olive extract can be an effective supplement for supporting immune function. (Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7041188/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7313615/)
The immune supplement we recommend is, OlivDefense®, which features science-based, patented Immune Guard® plus olive extract and elderberry to support the body’s natural immune defense mechanisms. OlivDefense® provides a unique blend of olive leaf extract consisting of 20% oleuropein and elderberry extract, which has anthocyanins. These ingredients work together to deliver powerful immune support.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help to improve immune function. They work by colonizing the gut and promoting the growth of other beneficial bacteria, which can help to strengthen the immune system. Probiotics can also help reduce inflammation in the gut, which can positively impact overall immune function.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that probiotics can help to enhance immune function by increasing the production of antibodies and improving the function of immune cells.
Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that probiotics can help to reduce the incidence and duration of respiratory infections. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723640/)
Our preferred probiotic supplement is ProbioMax® Daily DF. It is vegetarian, dairy- and gluten-free and contains four researched strains of beneficial bacteria totaling 30 billion CFU (colony-forming units) per capsule. This probiotic includes the extensively studied HN019® strain of Bifidobacterium lactis, which is shown to impact immune function positively.
Each vegetarian capsule is sealed in nitrogen-purged aluminum blister packs to protect it from factors compromising its stability, such as heat, moisture, and oxygen.
Nanosilver
Nanosilver is a supplement that has been popular for its immune-boosting properties. The particles are microscopic, measuring less than 100 nanometers in size. These particles attach themselves to harmful pathogens, disrupting their ability to replicate and spread. This can help to prevent infections and diseases and support overall immune function.
Our clinic carries HealthMax 35, a brand that produces nanosilver supplements. HealthMax 35 can help to boost immune function by supporting the body’s natural defenses against harmful pathogens. It contains 35 ppm of nanosilver. The supplement is designed to be taken orally. It can be used as a daily immune-boosting supplement or as a preventative measure during times of increased risk of infection, such as during cold and flu season.
You can buy this silver in our store- HealthMax 35.
Can Nano Silver Boost Your Immune System?
A study in the journal Nanomedicine found that nanosilver supplements therapeutic benefits in wound healing and infection control. The researchers found that nanosilver particles can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and promote healthy tissue growth.
A 2018 study in the Journal of Nanomaterials, showed silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties. This is due to their small size and high surface area-to-volume ratio. The study investigated the effects of the structural characteristics of silver nanoparticles on their antibacterial activity. The researchers found that the nanoparticles’ size, shape, and surface charge influence their antibacterial properties.
The researchers found that positively charged silver nanoparticles were more effective at inhibiting bacterial growth than negatively charged particles. Specifically, the study found that smaller silver nanoparticles more effectively inhibited bacterial growth than larger particles. Silver nanospheres were also more effective than silver nanowires or nanocubes. Overall, these findings suggest that the structural characteristics of silver nanoparticles can impact their antibacterial properties.
Is Nanosilver Safe? Understanding the Popular Immune-Boosting Supplement
In a study by Professor Mark A. Munger, a study was performed to investigate the safety of nanosilver when taken orally. The study found that nanosilver did not accumulate in the body. And all the nanosilver was excreted in urine within 24 hours of ingestion. The study also found no adverse health effects associated with the ingestion of the nanosilver. However, it is important to note that this study specifically investigated HealthMax 35 by American Biotech Labs. The safety of other silver nano-formulations may vary.
In a recent in vitro study conducted by Viridis BioPharma, HealthMax 35 was found to have no cytotoxicity. The study investigated the safety of the silver nano-formation in human cells and found no adverse effects on cell viability or proliferation. These findings suggest that the silver nano-formation may be a safe and effective supplement for immune support. As with any supplement, please consult a healthcare provider before taking silver nano-formulations to ensure their safety and appropriateness for individual needs.
Conclusion
Supplements can be a powerful tool for boosting immune function and supporting overall health. The basic supplements of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and zinc can give you a baseline boost in immune system function. Beta-glucans, olive extract, probiotics, and nanosilver are all excellent options for immune support for added impact to reduce bacteria and virus’ effects on your body.
Remember to maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management to support a healthy immune system. Combining supplements with healthy habits can help keep your body strong and resilient year-round. Taking supplements can be an effective way to boost the immune system.
If you have any questions about boosting your immune system function with supplements, don’t hesitate to contact our Littleton, CO, clinic.
With over 20 years in the field, Dr. Dody is a seasoned chiropractor specializing in Functional Nutrition, Neurofeedback, and the Koren Specific Technique (KST). His unique ‘whole person approach’ identifies the root causes of health issues, offering patients not just relief but lasting wellness. Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Dody’s treatments often yield dramatic improvements from the very first visit.
