Growing up we had a chest my family used for staying healthy that had various supplements and homeopathic remedies. Today, my house has a cupboard in our kitchen with all of our health needs. When it hits September around our home, beyond our daily multi and omega-3s, we make sure to increase our intake of certain basic vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, along with adding in extra support from other nutrients like elderberry and astaxanthin.
Important Nutrients for Immune Health
Research has found that selenium and vitamins A, C, and E are more effective when taken together than individually, and when combined they provide a highly active antioxidant complex that helps protect our bodies from free radical damage. Vitamin A is involved in the development of the immune system and a plays regulatory role in having a balanced immune response, vitamin C supports immune strength and speeds wound healing, vitamin E protects cell membranes, and selenium assists in the development and expression of the immune system. Carlson has a formula with all of these in one amazing product, called ACES.
Among all the remarkable things that vitamin D does for us, it's also a key immune system modulator. I recommend taking vitamin D all year round, but increasing the amount in fall will most likely be necessary. The amount of vitamin D3 a child or adult requires varies, and the best way to know how much one needs is to have vitamin D levels tested. This can be done at a practitioner’s office or by using our Vitamin D Test Kit which can be purchased in stores or online. We offer a variety of strengths from 400 IU (10 mcg) for children up to 10,000 IU (250 mcg) for certain adults. Carlson offers vitamin D3 in soft gels, gummies, or convenient liquid drops.
Several minerals play a crucial role in our immunity, and zinc is one of them. It's a nutrient that affects multiple aspects of the immune system. It has both antioxidant and inflammation balance components, and it's crucial for normal development and function of immune cells. Supplementing with more zinc, especially this time of year, is important. Our Zinc-Ease lozenge is a tasty and convenient to add in when we need some extra immune support.
Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidant carotenoids and plays an important role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin C regenerates other antioxidants like astaxanthin, and they work synergistically to promote healthy immune system function; therefore, a formula with them together is a great choice. Our gummy is one both kids and adults will have no problem adding in, as it tastes incredibly delicious.
Black elderberries have a high concentration of beneficial flavonoids, called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins give the berry its deep color and are recognized as powerful antioxidants that support healthy immune function. There are many types of elderberries available, including black, blue, and red, but the black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the premier variety for boosting immune health. The addition of vitamin C and zinc in our gummy make this unique blend one of the best immune protection formulas.
This time of year, we all need some extra support to arm our immune systems, and these are the core ones that I typically use for myself and my family.
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