04/13/2020
3 key nutrients for a healthy and balanced immune system!
“Having adequate levels of all nutrients in a well-balanced system is important for immune (and overall) health,” explains Dr. Heather Tynan, a naturopathic physician.
Dr. Tynan notes it’s especially crucial to make sure you’re not deficient in certain nutrients that “play especially large roles in promoting proper immune response.”
Here’s a look at a few of them:👇👇👇
🍊Vitamin C
👉Helps neutralize oxidative stress that can damage the immune system
👉Essential nutrient in the development of collagen
👉A powerful antioxidant known to offset the harmful production of the hormones cortisol
👉Citrus fruits, broccoli, and bell peppers can help you load up on vitamin C.
☀️Vitamin D
👉Research shows that, for adults, taking a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 to 2,000 IU can help prevent respiratory infections like the common cold, says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in the NYC area.
👉While there’s no proof this prevents COVID-19, “we’ve known for a while that vitamin D is helpful for immunity,” she adds
👉Provides a key nutrient necessary for the body's natural defense system to fight off infection.
🦀Zinc
👉Zinc is one of the minerals most commonly associated with immune health — not surprising, considering the many immune cells it affects
👉Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in the body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for DNA synthesis and helps maintain your sense of taste and smell.
Putting the right nutrients in your body can have a very positive impact on your immune system!
