6 Nutrients That Will Boost Your Immune System

Was covid good for anything? I think so. Well, it was good for only 1 thing really. It put the spotlight on immune health. People finally started to realize how important their immune system is. 

Your immune system is the first line of defense. And while things like stress management and exercise are important for your immune system. Studies show over and over again… that nutrients are the main way to boost your immune system.

In other words: your diet.

There are 6 vitamins & minerals that you can start eating that will help you keep your immune system running at its best.

Some of these I'm sure you've heard before. And 1 has become more "talked about" because of the last 2 years. Then there's 1 that I've never paid much attention to — but is really easy to incorporate into your diet.

Ok, enough yapping. Let me give you a quick list of the 6 vitamins & minerals that'll give your immune system a helping hand.

First up…

Vitamin C

Everyone knows about this one. And for good reason, because this powerful vitamin helps protect your cells from free radicals. Those "radical" cells can cause diseases and slow the healing process. So it's important that they're stopped.

Sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries, cantaloupe, red and green peppers, broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, and spinach.

Vitamin A

This also protects you from radicals. But it's also shown to play a very important role in regulating your immune system. And it even helps your body to create new antibodies too.

Sources of vitamin A: Spinach, dairy products, liver, and fortified breakfast cereals.

Vitamin E

This one is a bit of an unsung hero. It almost reminds me of motor oil for your car's engine. Nothing fancy about it, but without it, your engine is a dud. Vitamin E makes sure your immune system maintains its normal function.

Sources of vitamin E: Almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts. Sunflower seeds, spinach, and broccoli.

Vitamin D

Like vitamin C, everyone knows about vitamin D. It plays so many important roles in your body. It helps maintain & build strong bones. And it helps to govern your immune system's response to viruses and bacteria.

Sources of vitamin D: Salmon. Fortified foods and beverages, such as cereals & milk. Liver, cheese, and eggs. And unlike other nutrients, the body can make vitamin D when the skin is directly exposed to sunlight.

Zinc

This one has become more popular in recent years. It's needed for making proteins, growth and development, wound healing, and immune system support.

Sources of Zinc: Red meat, poultry, oysters, crabs, and lobsters, fortified cereals, whole grains, beans, nuts, & dairy products.

Selenium

We don't really hear much about this one. But it's essential. It helps with inflammation and immunity. It acts as a referee to make sure your immune response and inflammation response don't go overboard.

Sources of selenium: Brazil nuts, seafood, liver, bread, grains, lean red meat, poultry, fish, & eggs.

As you can see these vitamins & nutrients are all in a bunch of different foods. Delicious foods too. So now that you know… it's time to make sure you're eating these foods and supporting your health. Because if the last few years taught us anything, it is that your health needs to be prepared for anything.