Immune System Vitamins - Boost Your Immune System With Vitamin Supplements By Andrew Stratton

It's that time of year again: cold and flu season! There are many helpful ways you can avoid catching unwanted bugs like getting your annual flu shot, washing your hands often, and avoiding contact with others that are sick. In addition to these steps, you must make a special effort to care. It is your immune system that identifies and destroys the harmful bacteria and viruses that so often make you miserably sick.

A healthy immune system will sometimes destroy unwanted intruders even before you experience symptoms. You can keep your immune system healthy and protect yourself from misery by making sure you are getting enough sleep, staying adequately hydrated, and eating a balanced diet But because your life is hectic and no one eats perfectly, taking vitamins and dietary supplements are great ways to ensure that your immune system is working at its fullest potential.

But what supplements do you take to help boost your immune system against the common cold and flu? The following vitamins and dietary supplements are thought to help the immune system fight unwanted germs at faster rate making and ease their accompanying symptoms.

Vitamins A, C, and E

A good source for vitamins A, C, and E are foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, especially cabbage relatives like broccoli and kale and orange vegetables like carrots. It is best to get any vitamins directly from food because they are more effectively absorbed by the body, but supplements in pill form can also be taken.

People taking vitamins A, C, and E showed to have healthier T cells, which are antigen presenting immune system cells. This is helpful in fighting off viruses and bacteria like those that cause the common cold but taking these supplements may even have long term effects. These three vitamins are also thought to be cancer preventing.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is also necessary to keep the immune system healthy and running smoothly. Many cold remedies contain Zinc and when taken soon after the onset of the cold, help reduce the symptoms. Zinc is often sold as an ingredient in lozenges that may help sooth a sore throat.

Echineacea

This herb can be taken in a dietary supplement and is thought to prevent or shorten the length of the common cold. It is the flower part of the Echinacea purpura plant that offers the most benefits.

Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that keep your digestive tract regulated and show some benefits when it comes to your immune system. The most popular source of probiotics is yogurt. Eating food containing probiotics is helpful in reducing the symptoms and duration of the common cold.

It is important to remember taking these dietary supplements and vitamins is not insurance against the common cold and flu. When you provide your body with these supplements along with proper amounts of sleep, water intake, and sanitation, you are ensuring that your immune system is working at its fullest potential. This means you are less likely to suffer from such ailments than if your body was not receiving such vitamins, minerals, and herbs.

Protect yourself during cold and flu season. Immune system vitamins can help you ensure a good healthy immune system that identifies and destroys harmful bacteria and viruses. For high-quality supplements that promote optimal health, visit http://www.goodelements.com