Build Strong Defences with Vitamins for a Healthy Lifestyle

The human immune system is the strongest defence as it protects you against all types of foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other types of parasites. Every day, you are exposed to microbes all around you. You don't notice them because your body's natural immunity protects you from all types of common infections. The complex immune system is deeply affected by your lifestyle choices as well. 

In the modern day and age, where stress is a part of life, how can you strengthen your immunity? With a plethora of supplements, such as vitamin E capsules, proteins, minerals, and more available over the counter, we will help you explore the important ones for a healthy lifestyle.

The Essential Defenders: Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are the key building blocks of a strong immune system, playing various crucial roles. They act as powerful antioxidants and bolster the natural defences, ensuring proper functioning of white blood cells. Some of the key micronutrients you must consume are: 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency is the leading cause of various ailments. Taking vitamin C tablets every day will prevent you from falling sick often. Some of the foods rich in vitamin C are red bell peppers, oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, strawberries, and kiwi. As your body doesn't produce vitamin C on its own and your morning orange juice is probably full of artificial flavours, taking vitamin tablets is the best way to ensure that your body gets the boost it needs.

Vitamin B6

Another key vitamin that impacts white blood cells and T-cells (your foremost defence barrier) is vitamin B6. Your body can get it from foods like chickpeas, beef liver, salmon, tuna, chicken breast, bananas, cottage cheese, and winter squash. Only a small amount of B6 is available in these foods, but that is sufficient for your body. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E improves the immune system which acts as an antioxidant to fight infection. When your body gets enough of this vitamin, the T cells will be at their peak. These T-cells organise the immune system and effectively kill foreign bodies. Filling your plate with wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, nuts, spinach, mango, tomatoes, broccoli and kiwi will give you the vitamin E your body needs and if that’s not possible, taking vitamin E supplements too is a great way to improve your immune system.

Zinc

Called the gatekeeper of the immune system, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of zinc keep your immune cells functioning properly. The highest amount of zinc is found in oysters. If your palate doesn't approve of shucking oysters,you can include beef, blue crab, pork chops, shrimp, lentils, canned sardines, and Greek yoghurt in your diet. 

Selenium

Selenium is essential for your immune system to stay active. It is also important to put a brake on your immune function when your body goes overboard. With the rise of so many autoimmune illnesses, it is crucial to ensure that your body knows when to stop fighting. Health issues like Crohn's disease and psoriasis are all due to an overactive immune system. Consume a healthy diet, including tuna, halibut, brazil nuts, eggs, oatmeal, milk and yoghurt to get an adequate amount of Selenium.

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

Popping vitamin tablets can be a good immunity booster, but eating a wide variety of foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also crucial. Some of the practical tips for boosting your immunity are:

• Make your plate colourful with fruits and vegetables in every meal
• Increase your water intake and consume hydrating foods
• Get sufficient sleep every day
• Reduce consumption of direct and indirect sugar
• Exercise moderately for at least 150 minutes per week.

Summing Up

Strengthening your immune system is crucial for your overall well-being. A balanced diet builds your body's natural defences. It may not always be possible to get your vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. This is where supplements such as vitamin B6, 12, and the best vitamin C tablets step in to boost your immune function. Understand your body and do your research to choose the righ

t supplements for your body needs.