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The time has come upon us when everyone either has the sniffles, a full blown cold, or are fighting off one of the latter. Cold and flu season has always just been par for the course, but with the added pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, even a tickle in your throat can be a cause for concern. Now more than ever, it’s important to invest in your immune system’s function so that you can fight off illnesses before they start. This starts with eating well, exercising, and managing stress. But, supplements can be a helpful resource to make up for what you’re not getting in your diet and lifestyle. Nature Made Wellness Ambassador Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD shared with us some of her favorite vitamins for immunity support.
First of all, what are some reasons that our immune systems may take a hit in the colder months to begin with? “Research tells us that 2 things interact to impact our immune systems in the fall and winter months. First, the changes in temperature and air quality affect the physical structures of different viruses,” Dr. Breland-Noble says, “Second, those same temperature and air changes impact how our bodies respond to infections (e.g. our bodies' natural barriers against viruses and infections).” Vitamins can be very helpful in addressing these changes in the environment. As a matter of fact, Nature Made conducted a study and discovered that 86% of Americans look to vitamins and supplements to help improve their immune health today and in the future.
What are some vitamins you should consider adding to your health regimen during cold and flu season? “Some of the vitamins and minerals most frequently used for improving immune function include Vitamins C, E, A and D,” Dr. Breland-Noble says, “The benefits they provide include helping your body fight off infections and shortening the stay of infections when they do get through and impact your body.” To save time and money, consider buying a supplement that includes all of these at once. One recommendation is Nature Made’s Super C Immune Complex with Zinc Tablets. “This supplement lends the body’s immune system a helping hand as an excellent source of five key immune support nutrients including vitamins C, E, A, D and zinc.”
However, it’s important to remember that because vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, you should review ingredient labels carefully and make sure that what you’re taking is safe and high quality. “As with anything, we only want to use products demonstrated to be reputable via science and/or via the word of trusted professionals (like nutritionists, scientists or medical professionals),” Dr. Breland-Noble says, “Beyond that, it is important to focus on using vitamins and supplements that research has demonstrated are beneficial for our immune systems.”
While you should get most of your vitamins and nutrients from the food you eat, vitamins can be helpful in bridging the gap, especially when your body may be more easily depleted of them due to the environment or season. However, as stated previously, before you purchase any vitamin or supplement, always consult with your doctor or a trusted healthcare provider to make sure it is safe to use.
