Top 8 Supplements to Take For a Cold or Flu

Nutritional intake is highly associated with immune health, altering both its innate and adaptive functions. Studies have found that providing the necessary nutrients through daily consumption of supplements is a great way to build a stronger and more resistant immune system, accelerating the healing process when having a cold or the flu.

Therefore, without further ado, here is a list of supplements to take to achieve this goal:

· Turmeric. Due to its potent main element, curcumin, this natural spice is capable of providing anti-inflammatory properties capable of regulating diverse physiopathological processes happening in respiratory infections.

· Vitamin A. This vitamin has a fundamental role in the development of the immune system and regulation of cellular and humoral immune responses, including the increase of the function of white blood cells, modulation of cytokines and immunoglobulins production, and promotion of many antioxidant mechanisms.

· Zinc. This has been found to be an essential mineral for those who want to avoid feeling seek all the time, being capable of reducing the symptoms of multiple respiratory infections through the production and function promotion of white blood cells, and enhancement of immunoglobulins and cytokines production.

· Green tea. Full of flavonoids and other antioxidants, this herb is capable of enhancing immunity functions. Also, because it contains the amino acid L-theanine, green tea is capable of promoting the production of germ-fighting elements of lymphocytes.

· Vitamin C. This essential micronutrient is very important to fulfill numerous biochemical and physiological processes related to immunity, including antioxidant processes´ regulation, enhancement of white blood cells´ functions, and decrease of potential tissue damage.

· Ginger. This is what singers eat to have a healthier throat, however, its uses do not stop there. Ginger contains plenty of bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammatory and oxidative processes, as well as promoting antimicrobial activities to fight infections.

· Vitamin E. An antioxidant found in higher concentrations in immune cells compared to other cells in the blood, this vitamin is considered one of the most effective natural elements to boost immunity, regulating the production of free radicals, increasing white blood cells´ proliferation and activity, and enhancing immunoglobulin and antibody responses.

· Sunflower seeds. Vitamins B6 and E, phosphorous, and magnesium are among the elements that these are capable of providing, helping to regulate and improve your immune system through multiple powerful mechanisms.

Written by: Stefano Pizzo