The cold winter months are setting in fast here in the Northern hemisphere. Now is the ideal time to wrap up warm and ensure your health is in top form.
Taking care of your immune system is the best way to stay healthy in any season. It is even more essential in the winter months as colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses are more common.
Along with feeling cold, sluggish, and tired due to the lack of sunlight, people spend more time indoors, allowing colds and viruses to pass more easily from one person to another.
For all these reasons, protecting your immune system is essential. Here are some of our favourite ways to super-boost your immune system for the winter season…
Vitamin C
As a powerful antioxidant, taking Vitamin C is essential for your immune system by helping white blood cells to function more effectively. Studies show that Vitamin C can positively affect the immune system by protecting against oxidative stress, aiding in microbial killing, and decreasing the potential for tissue damage.
Vitamin C deficiency has also been shown to increase the rate of infections, so it is essential to ensure you are getting enough to support your good health recovery. [1]
Vitamin D3
As an essential nutrient necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, Vitamin D3 can support your body’s first line of defence against infection and disease. In particular, Vitamin D3 boosts the immune cells’ production of microbe-fighting proteins. Adults with lower Vitamin D3 levels are also more likely to report a recent cough, cold or upper respiratory tract infection. [2]
For optimal health, it is recommended that Vitamin D3 be combined with Vitamin K2, as this can support a balanced immune system. Research suggests that low Vitamin K plays a unique role in immune health and function, and a lack of this important vitamin is associated with respiratory illnesses.
Olive Leaf Extract + Zinc
Due to its anti-viral properties, Olive Leaf can strengthen your body’s immune system against common colds and life-threatening viruses. Research shows that the potent compounds found in olive leaves destroy invading organisms so the viruses cannot replicate and cause infections.
The body’s response to a viral infection can be enhanced by taking Olive Leaf extract. There is some evidence that it may alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat, potentially due to reducing inflammation and viral infectivity.[3]
Numerous studies also show that Zinc is an essential mineral that can promote a healthy immune system, which may help conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, along with symptoms of the common cold. [4]
EpiCor® and Selenium
Boost your immune response with EpiCor® and eXselen™ Selenium, recommended to protect against infections and allergens. EpiCor® is a whole food fermentate, and this ingredient is clinically proven to support immune and gut health. Studies also suggest that Selenium can help support white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight illness and infection. [5]
Magnesium
Your body needs Magnesium to carry out over 300 important biochemical functions. One of its most essential benefits is how it can naturally support the immune system, improving your white blood cells’ ability to find and destroy germs.
When Magnesium levels are low, it can affect your immune system’s ability to attack its own cells and tissues instead of fighting off infection. This is why it is essential to take them together, as Magnesium is needed to move Vitamin D around and activate it in the blood.
Magnesium deficiency may also result in increased stress and low-grade inflammation, lowering the body’s immune responses against illnesses.
We recommend trying a Topical Magnesium supplement daily, such as our Ancient Magnesium Body Butter with OptiMSM or the Ancient Magnesium Lotion Ultra with OptiMSM from our sponsor Good Health Naturally, as these can be easily absorbed into the skin for maximum absorption. This ensures you are receiving your daily requirements for this essential mineral.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
[2] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/epidemic-influenza-and-vitamin-d/C4D90C6E7CB127E6DF7A52D3A9EE2974
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17397266/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8759868/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277928/
Recommended Nutrients from our sponsor,
Good Health Naturally:
PureC™ Liposomal Vitamin C + Quercetin
Contains 1000mg of high-quality Liposomal Vitamin C, 175mg Quercetin plus 1000mg PC per serving. With the liposomal delivery system, all of the Vitamin C can reach the bloodstream without any side effects. Provides optimal health benefits and immune health support. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Vitamin D3/K2 Sublingual Spray™
This vegan and vegetarian-friendly spray provides 1000IU Vitamin D3 and 100mcg of Vitamin K2 MK7 per serving. Take 5 sprays per day, orally or sprayed onto food, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Best taken with food. This spray can support the normal immune system response and may benefit bone health.
Olive Leaf Extract with Zinc
Boosts immunity and provides proven antiviral and antioxidant protection. Contains 500mg of Olive Leaf Extract (20% Oleuropein), 100mg Grapefruit extract (99.5% naringin), and 9mg of Zinc (Citrate) per 500mg serving (one capsule). Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
D.I.P. Daily Immune Protection
A unique formulation of proven ingredients for supporting immune health. DIP contains a blend of proven immune-supporting ingredients, including Beta-glucans, EpiCor®, eXselen Selenium, Vitamin D3, OptiZinc and much more. It helps support a healthy immune response against allergens. Suitable for vegetarians. 90 capsules.
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Discover Our Ancient Magnesium Product Range
The Ancient Magnesium range provides various topical solutions to meet your daily requirements for this essential mineral. Topical Magnesium is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and may help to support your immune health.
The Ancient Magnesium range with OptiMSM includes Magnesium Flakes, Magnesium OilMagnesium Lotion and Body Butter products. The addition of OptiMSM, the world’s purest MSM, allows for superior skin cell absorption.
