If you’re looking for new ways to improve your immune health, you might want to consider adding supplements to your diet. Supplements are a simple and super convenient way to make sure you’re getting the essential nutrients that your body needs to stay its healthiest, especially when they’re available in a tasty gummy instead of a pill that you swallow whole. In this article, we’ll discuss several different vitamins and minerals that are essential for boosting your immune system. We’ll also discuss the many benefits of each nutrient and how they can help keep you healthy during the coming winter months. Let’s get a head start on cold/flu season, shall we?
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Elderberry Benefits
Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world, and for good reason. The flowers and berries of the elderberry plant are jam-packed with antioxidants that can help boost your immune system in all the right ways. Ages ago, elderberry was used to treat rheumatism and fever, and ancient Egyptians even used it to heal burns. Today its primary use is to support immune health and help treat cold and flu symptoms. One study showed that taking an elderberry supplement reduced the duration of cold symptoms by four days!
Elderberry gummies are high in dietary fiber, phenolic acids, and are a good source of flavonols. Elderberry is also high in vitamins A and C, which are both essential for a healthy immune system. More on those next!
Vitamin C Benefits
Vitamin C is one of those well-known vitamins for boosting the immune system. The Vitamin C supplements are available in a variety of forms, including gummies (recommended), capsules, and powders. One study showed that taking a vitamin C supplement reduced the duration of cold symptoms by eight percent. Vitamin C is also needed for the creation of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required for the development, growth, and repair of the body’s tissues. It’s also involved in many of the body’s functions, including the absorption of iron, the formation of collagen, wound healing, the proper functioning of the immune system, and the maintenance of bones, cartilage, and teeth.
Vitamin D Benefits
Vitamin D (AKA the sunshine vitamin) is important for bone health, but it also plays a role in the immune system. Your body uses vitamin D to absorb minerals like phosphorus and calcium which help to keep your teeth and bones strong. Vitamin D also helps to support your muscles, nerves, and your overall immune system. Vitamin D gummies help to fight off infection by regulating the activity of immune cells. Some studies have even shown evidence that vitamin D can help to reduce the severity of Coronavirus Disease, as it inhibits some of the inflammation that makes Covid more severe.
In nature, you can find vitamin D sufficient in sunshine, fatty fish, eggs, and also in fortified foods like cereal and milk. Some other benefits of this essential vitamin include lowering the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. It’s also been shown to aid in weight loss, improve mood, and lower blood pressure.
Vitamin E Benefits
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that helps to protect your cells from damage. One study showed that taking a vitamin E supplement reduced the severity of cold symptoms by 32 percent. Vitamin E is also necessary for the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection. They aid in T-cell production, which is essential for effective immune system response. T-cells support immune function, and a deficiency could possibly have a negative effect on vitamin E’s function in the body. However, its most important quality is that of a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which can significantly improve certain immune system responses.
The Right Way to Take It
There isn’t necessarily a wrong way to take your vitamins. Of course, a proper, healthy, balanced diet is always the best method. Healthcare professionals will always advise getting these essential nutrients directly from food. However, we all live in the real world. We all have busy lives, both with work and family. While we strive to eat healthy, it’s not always practical. Fortunately, dietary supplements (gummy vitamins) can help us to fill in the gaps where our diets might be lacking.
Of course, a dietary supplement can come in a wide variety of forms, like capsules, powders, tablets, soft gels, bars, liquids, etc. However, we’ve found that the best way to take these is when they’re in gummy form. Why? They’re convenient, easy to eat, and they taste great. What more reason would you need? They’re perfect for people that have trouble swallowing pills, and when they taste like gummy candy, you’ll want to take them every day.
Most vitamin gummies, like Lunakai or Vitafusion brands, use natural flavors and have no artificial dyes, sweeteners, or high fructose corn syrup. Many brands are also gluten-free and vegan for those that have dietary restrictions.
The important thing to focus on is something that you can remember to take consistently. Try leaving your daily supplements right next to your toothbrush as a visual reminder each morning. Or place them next to the coffee pot, something that you’ll likely see each day. And since gummy supplements don’t require water (since they’re chewable), you won’t have to stop to grab that glass of water and then dirty another dish.
The Bottom Line
No matter which way you take it, these four essential vitamins and nutrients can help your body fight off infection, help prevent disease, and support your overall immune health. So, make sure that you’re getting enough of them in your diet. If not, consider supplementing with a gummy vitamin to get the job done. Your body certainly will thank you for it! Disclaimer: before entering into any supplement regimen, be sure to consult with your doctor or any health care professional.