The immune system and nutrition are intricately connected, and if there is a deficiency in key nutrients, the immune system will lack the resources to function properly. Studies show that malnourished people are more vulnerable to infections and that nutrient deficiencies can weaken the immune system. Making sure that you have optimal levels of key vitamins and minerals can ensure that your immune system remains strong and healthy. 

Increase your immunity with the following vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also known as the “anti-inflammatory vitamin”, is actually a group of fat-soluble nutrients that includes the three active forms, retinol, retinal and retinoic acid, as well as the inactive forms known as carotenoids, which can be found in plants. Vitamin A is essential for proper physical development, growth and immune system functioning.

Retinoic acid regulates the function of immune cells, including the release of interferons. It also plays a crucial role in regulating tolerance to bacteria and food antigens. Studies have linked vitamin A deficiency with increased susceptibility to infections in humans. And in studies done on rodents, researchers have found that a vitamin A deficiency fails to produce a complete immune response to viruses, bacteria and other antigens.

Vitamin B12

Not only does vitamin B12 strengthen the immune system, but it also protects the entire body against neurotoxin damage from harmful viruses. It helps to repair and protect areas of the nervous system and other areas of the body that have been damaged by infection and it even helps to strengthen neurotransmitters in the brain so it can stay strong against viruses that cause neurological illnesses.

When supplementing with vitamin B12 it’s important to take the right kind of B12 which includes both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin work together synergistically to boost absorption and bioavailability. Both Vimergy and Global Healing Center make high quality blends of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory and boosts your white blood cell count by strengthening neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and macrophages. Vitamin C as Ester-C, sticks and clings to viral cells, slightly dissolving the cells and breaking down their sheath. It also strengthens the entire immune system, especially the killer cells that go after viruses, bacteria, yeast, mold and fungus.

Rose hips contains the most bio-identical, bioavailable form of vitamin C in existence.  Rose hips tea taken with supplemental vitamin C will actually activate the supplemental form of it, making it stronger. Vimergy Ester-C is a high quality Ester-C that contains rose hips. Liquid Liposomal C is another form of powerful and bioavailable vitamin C. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is critical for the immune system and studies show that a deficiency in vitamin D is linked with increased risk of infection. Most cells in the body, including all white blood cells have vitamin D receptors on their surface, which regulate the essential functioning of all cells, including the immune system.

The most bioavailable source of vitamin D is the sun. Vitamin D is actually a hormone that gets synthesized when your skin gets exposed to sunlight. Spending time each day in the sun, either in the early morning or late afternoon/evening can help ensure you get adequate levels of vitamin D without damaging your skin. You can also supplement with vitamin D3 which is the activated form of vitamin D. A vitamin D3 that includes vitamin K2 is important as these two vitamins work synergistically together. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the blood, while vitamin K2 directs the calcium into the right places.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays an important role in so many functions in the body, including immunity. Research shows that magnesium influences the way that the two main branches of the immune system (innate immunity and adaptive immunity) function. It acts as a cofactor for a variety of immune system reactions and influences how cells respond to potentially harmful substances, as well as mobilizes white blood cells. 

Magnesium is also critical for activating Vitamin D and moving it around the body. A deficiency in magnesium can reduce the active form of vitamin D, known as vitamin D3.

It is important to note that stress, insulin resistance, coffee and refined sugar can cause you to burn through magnesium, requiring higher intakes. Magnesium glycinate is a highly absorbable form of magnesium.

Iodine

Iodine is a trace mineral and an important nutrient for our immune systems. It acts as a natural anti-septic and kills off viruses and bacteria. One of the best ways to ensure you are getting plenty of iodine in your diet is to supplement with Atlantic sea vegetables such as dulse and kelp. Sprinkling dried dulse and kelp on your food is a delicious way to season it and provides a nice salty flavor. Iodine can also be found in spirulina, leafy greens, sprouts, micro greens, parsley and dandelion.

Zinc

Zinc is a critical trace mineral that most people are deficient in and yet it’s one of the most important tools to fight viruses. Not only does it kill viral cells, but it lowers inflammatory reactions to neurotoxins produced by viruses. It also gives a major boost to the immune system by strengthening white blood cells. There are many varieties of zinc, so make sure to supplement with a high quality ionic zinc such as liquid zinc sulfate.