Supplements to Strengthen the Immune System
Vitamins and Minerals to Promote Strong Immunity and Fight Infection
Nov 2, 2009
Concerns about H1N1 or swine flu have led many to look for ways to boost the immune system and avoid getting the H1N1 vaccine. Supplying the body with an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals is important for a healthy immune system. But which vitamins are needed by the immune system? Here's a list of some of the most important vitamins and minerals needed to protect against the flu.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is sometimes called the anti-infection vitamin. In Natural Alternatives to Vaccination (Alive Books, 2000), author Dr. Zoltan Rona writes, “Vitamin A deficiency increases the susceptibility to any infection.” He notes that Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to reduce the severity of measles infections. Vitamin A can be obtained from cod liver oil. Beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, can be found in deeply yellow and orange coloured fruits and vegetables. Carrots are especially high in beta carotene. Beta carotene is not toxic to the liver.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B6 is important in the functioning of healthy mucous membranes, one of the body’s primary lines of defence in fighting bacteria and viruses that enter the system from the outside environment. Wholegrain foods are rich in B vitamins, which help the body to deal with stress and promote restfulness. Since getting adequate rest is vital to keeping the immune system strong, getting enough B vitamins is crucial.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, aiding the body in destroying harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. According to naturopathic doctor, Mary Bove in her book, An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants (Keats Publishing Inc., 1996), vitamin C also, “stimulates macrophage activity to eat up invading microorganisms and encourage antibody response and T killer-cell production.”
Ester C can be used to flush the system in the case of influenza or other infection. This process is described in the book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James and Phyllis Balch (Avery Publishing Group Inc., 1990 – look for newer editions.)
Vitamin D
Visit the Vitamin D Council website to learn about vitamin D’s critical role in keeping the immune system healthy, read a recent report on the role of vitamin D in a recent H1N1 outbreak in a long-term care facility, and find out how much vitamin D to take.
Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is necessary in the production of antibodies to fight against infection. Vitamin E should be taken with selenium. Wheat germ oil, almonds and sunflower seeds are good sources of vitamin E.
Zinc
Zinc is an important immune system stimulant. Whole grains, pumpkin seeds and salmon are some good sources of zinc. Vitamin C and zinc lozenges are sold at health food stores along with zinc tablets. Taking too much zinc can suppress the immune system, so be careful to follow package directions or ensure that the diet contains adequate amounts of zinc.
Supplying the body with adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals is important in maintaining a robust immune system. Stress, toxins, and poor diet can lead to deficiencies. Naturopathic doctors or physicians can help determine whether supplements are necessary.
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