Supplements to Help Keep Your Immune System Strong

The best way to support your immune system is always going to be through the foods you consume in your diet. Eating a whole foods, nutrient-dense diet, arms our body with the vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants it needs to fight off disease and infection. Our immune system RELIES on these foods to function well. Remember "Let Food Be Thy Medicine." 😊

Supplements will never replace real food, and should be thought of as "back up" not as the plan itself. That said, many supplements have been shown to help boost your body’s ability to fend off infection. Here are a few of the top immune-boosting supplements.

D3

D3 is an important micronutrient involved in many aspects of health and is also one of the top immune system booster vitamins. Adequate vitamin D levels are critical for optimal immune function which cannot be achieved without supplementation during the winter months. Be sure to opt for D3 over other forms, as it’s the most effective at improving vitamin D status in the body.

My favourite brands: Jarrow Formulas (Adults); Orange Naturals D3 + K2 (Kids)

Vitamin C

The role of vitamin C in supporting the immune system has long been known. Vitamin C plays a central role in immune function and is often used to help bump up your body’s defences against infection.

My favourite brands: AOR (adults); Natural Factors Big Friends Vitamin C (kids).

Zinc

Zinc is often considered one of the most effective immune-boosting supplements, as it is crucial to maintaining overall health. Research shows that zinc helps regulate the immune response and is necessary for the survival, maturation and reproduction of immune cells.

My favourite brands: AOR Zinc-Copper Balance; Jarrow Formulas Zinc Balance.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a form of beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract. And since approximately 70 to 80 percent of the immune system is located in the gut, keeping your gut healthy is crucial for a strong immune system. Probiotic supplements have been linked to a long list of health benefits, including enhanced digestion, decreased cholesterol levels and, most notably, improved immune function.

My favourite brands: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics; Garden of Life Primal Defence Ultra (adults); Genuine Health Advanced Gut Health Kids and Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Kids Probiotics.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is crucial for the development of certain immune cells which are necessary to fight inflammation and infection. Cod liver oil is a great source of vitamin A and also contains anti-inflammatory, immune boosting Omega 3's. A two-for-one!

My favourite brands: Green Pasture Cod Liver Oil, Genestra Cod Liver Oil, & Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil (adults): Nordic Naturals Children's DHA.