Strengthen Immune System

Another essential nutrient that is necessary for a strong immune system is zinc. It works within all parts of immune function to increase communication between the adaptive and innate immune systems, facilitate a healthy inflammatory response, and increase the production of protective cells.

A large part of the immune system is built in the gut, made up of strong “good” bacteria that keeps foreign, or “bad,” bacteria from being able to take up space and overwhelm the body. Supplementing with probiotics or bio-cultures helps populate this good bacteria within the gut, strengthening the immune system and keeping the body functioning smoothly.

Taken as a supplement, Apple Cider Vinegar often contains unique strains of both pre- and probiotics, boosting the population of bacteria within the body’s gut biome that helps fight foreign cells that may cause infection. 

Garlic is an antioxidant and antimicrobial that can help the body fend off infection and fight inflammation caused by disease. This is an easy food to eat, but taken in concentrated, supplemental form, it really protects from illness.

Hemp Seed Oil provides a variety of benefits that affect the immune system, in many of the ways the above supplements do. Hemp oil provides prebiotic fibre that feeds the good bacteria is a body’s biome, the probiotics. It also provides a source of balanced omega 3, 6, and 9 to strengthen your immune system.

The polyunsaturated fatty acids found in omega 3s have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The body needs a balance between the different types of omega fatty acids for optimal health in many systems, but most diets contain a significantly higher amount of omega 6s. Supplementing with omega 3s can provide the body with the necessary balance to increase immune function.

Cranberries contain a high dose of vitamin C - essential for immune health - as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to help the body fight off germs that cause disease. Taken as a concentrated supplement instead of the whole berry or juice, more of the benefits of cranberries can be absorbed without added sugars. 

There are 8 different B vitamins, all of which are included in most B-complex supplements. In a well balanced diet, these vitamins are mostly found in animal products, as well as certain plant foods, particularly dark greens and mushrooms. Vegetarian and vegan diets are generally lacking in B vitamins and it is recommended to supplement those diets with a B-complex. The body does not store these vitamins so they need to be included in a diet or supplemented daily. B vitamins are essential for many biological and cognitive functions. Vitamin B deficiency has been linked with weakened immune system function.