A balanced diet is a key component in creating really strong base levels of these nutrients.
- Zinc is abundant in meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts.
- Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli, known for its role in immune defense and tissue repair.
- Vitamin D is primarily obtained through sun exposure, with few dietary sources like fatty fish and fortified foods offering significant amounts.
- Astragalus Membranaceus has been traditionally used for centuries in China to support healthy immune function. It’s very effective for boosting immunity in people who have had chronic, long term infections.
- Andrographis Paniculata has a long history of use for viral and bacterial infections. Andrographis is effective in treating cold symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, hoarseness, chill, headache and fever. An important finding is that andrographis, at a dose of 6g daily, works just as well as paracetamol for the treatment of fever and sore throat in upper respiratory tract infections.
- Medicinal Mushrooms extracts (e.g. shiitake, reishi, coriolus, AHCCTM) have a powerful effect on the immune system by enhancing the activity of protective white blood cells. These mushroom extracts can be used to treat acute infections. They can also be taken daily as a remedy for chronic immune weakness to maintain good health.
Supplementation becomes crucial in circumstances where dietary intake is insufficient or when an increased demand exists due to health conditions or environmental factors. For example, during the winter months, reduced sunlight can lead to lower Vitamin D levels, increasing susceptibility to infections.
In such cases, high-quality supplements recommended by healthcare professionals ensure the body maintains optimal levels of these critical nutrients. Professional advice is vital to avoid nutrient excesses and interactions, ensuring safe and effective supplementation tailored to individual health needs.
