Never Get Sick Again: The Importance of Using Supplements and Vitamins for Immune System and Energy

I think I’m getting sick! Those are some dreaded words as your next few days will probably be miserable. You may think like all of us, I don’t have time for this, I have things to do. But the body does what it wants, or needs to do.

Drinking enough water and having a well-balanced diet to recuperate is hard enough when you have a hectic schedule and your appetite is compromised by the sickness. So, how can you get all the nutrients you need? Vitamins and supplements are the answer. When you’re feeling under the weather, there are different vitamins for immune system and energy that you can take to get just the kick you need. But first, we’ll start with why you may need them.

vitamins for immune system and energy
Source: si.com

Which Supplements Can Help Boost Your Immune System

When you are sick your immune system works overtime to protect the body against harmful germs and toxins. While your body is always doing its best, due to allergies, stress, or other health issues, sometimes it’s just not enough to keep you well. There is no magic pill that will rid you of the flu or allergies or even stress. However, certain immune-boosting vitamins and supplements have been found to speed up recovery time and help you get your energy levels and appetite back.

  • Vitamin C – Several different studies have found that it helps fight off infections and reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. While you can get vitamin C through foods such as oranges, strawberries and bell peppers, sometimes it’s not enough – especially when you’re already sick and have no appetite.
  • Vitamin D – While the best way to get it is through sunlight, most people need to use D supplements. Especially during the winter or if you stay indoors for long periods of time. It’s also recommended for people of darker skin who have a hard time obtaining it through the sunlight. Vitamin D is crucial for proper immune system function as well as muscle health.
  • Vitamin B-12 – Often people with anemia are deficient in this vitamin. B-12 deficiency can also negatively affect the immune system, leaving you vulnerable to infection, so to keep your levels up you may try supplementing. B-12 supplements are also used by athletes to give them the extra boost they need to perform at their highest. It’s also been found to help manage the symptoms of stress.
  • Iron – Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. It’s also the building block of blood cells. Iron deficiency can neatively affect people’s energy levels and lead to an increased risk of infection. However, some people have trouble absorbing the recommended amounts of iron, which is why they need supplements. To increase absorption, it’s recommended taking supplements or eating iron-rich foods with vitamin C.
supplements for immune system
Source: livewellhealthandphysiotherapy.com

Remember that some vitamins can interact badly with other medications, so it is best to always consult your family physician first.

Lesser Known Immune Boosters

Besides the most popular supplements we mentioned above, you can also try a range of natural products found to have a positive effect on your health. The following ones are some of the best you can use.

  • Selenium Forte – This is an antioxidant that reduces free radicals formed in the body. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness. As a result, selenium forte helps maintain your immune system health. This supplement is great for avoiding colds.
  • Manuka Honey – A unique type of honey containing natural enzymes and antioxidants and a pre-biotic effect for your immunity (we recommend between 1-3 spoons daily). Drop some in your morning tea or whip it up in a delicious meal. Those with diabetes should be careful with how much honey they use due to the sugar levels.
  • Bee Pollen – Bee pollen contains many essential amino acids and fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Pollen supports your immune system, muscle growth, energy and stamina. Bee pollen is delicious paired with cereal or smoothies.
  • Nasal sprays made of natural ingredients such as sea water and oregano oil can do a great job helping cleanse the nose and moisturise it, thus helping to prevent infections. They can be used to reduce inflammation and often are drug-free so they have little to no side effects.
bee and pollen
Source: naturebee.com

When to Take Supplements

Should you take your supplements and vitamins at night or morning? Do you need to take them with food? You will find many different answers to these questions and many agree with each other. Water-soluble immune boosting supplements like vitamins C and B can be taken throughout the These vitamins don’t need to be taken with food.

Supplements such as manuka honey and bee pollen also too be taken throughout the day and added to a drink or food. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins like A and D need fat for them to be absorbed properly. It is best to take them with a meal that contains fat.

To Sum Up

Avoiding illness is at the top of our priorities. The use of vitamins and supplements are great protective measures to prevent and treat sicknesses. Using them as regularly as possible makes them the most effective. I hope with these suggestions you can soon say I am sick, nevermore.