Nourish - Immune Support
How the Immune System Works
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that protect the body by fighting infections and diseases. It combats germs like viruses and bacteria through components like the lymphatic system (including tonsils and lymph nodes) and white blood cells. When weakened by an imbalanced diet, stress, or lack of sleep, the immune system is less effective, making us more prone to infections like colds and flu.
Immunity Support
During these colder seasons, there’s a greater challenge for our immune systems to fight infection. The combination of the cool, dry weather – favourable conditions for a virus to thrive – and a lower absorption of vitamin D due to lack of sun exposure, leaves our bodies susceptible to a host of infections. The immune system works tirelessly to fight off pathogens, but this time of year we can all benefit from giving it a helping hand.
Three supplements that work together to help support immunity are vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C.
Vitamin D
“The sunshine vitamin” AKA Vitamin D is synthesised on the skin in response to sunlight. Vitamin D is required to maintain healthy immune function, however it is often a nutrient that people can become deficient in, particularly in Ireland due to low levels of year-round sunshine. Therefore, the HSE advice is to supplement Vitamin D3 a few times per year to avoid deficiencies. BetterYou Dlux Vitamin D 3000 provides your daily dose of vitamin D in one spray.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune system to attack pathogens, protect cells, and reduce inflammation. Natural sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, green vegetables, and berries such as strawberries, cranberries and goji berries. Vitamin C levels are lowered during times of infection and supplementing after a virus may be beneficial. Solgar Ester-C Plus provides a complex of vitamin C, essential minerals, and vitamin C metabolites in one daily capsule.
Zinc
Zinc is essential for good health and plays an important role in immune system function. It affects how our cells respond to infections, and can help keep inflammation under control.
Our bodies cannot make zinc so we need to get it from our food. You can find it in legumes, wholefoods, nuts and seeds, and shellfish. Solgar Zinc Picolinate is a highly absorbable form of this mineral.
Gut-friendly Bacteria
The gut microbiota has the largest number of bacteria and the greatest number of species compared to other areas of the body. The gut houses 70% of the immune system. An imbalance in gut flora can result in susceptibility to more infections like colds and flu. Fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, and kombucha are great sources of gut-friendly bacteria, along with cheeses and yogurt. Optibac Every Day capsules help to maintain overall digestive health, immunity and energy levels.
Other Supports:
A good multivitamin like Source of life Gold especially, provides a rich blend of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients. It includes whole foods like spirulina and alfalfa, offering additional health benefits beyond standard vitamins. This formula supports energy, vitality, immune function, and helps combat oxidative stress. With added digestive support from enzymes and probiotics, it’s a popular choice for those looking to boost overall wellness and maintain balanced nutrition.
Irish Botanica have two great products for cold and flu relief: echinacea and their throat coat. Echinacea is a traditional medicinal product used to help the body fight the symptoms of these infections by supporting the immune system. Their Throat Coat is a convenient spray made with delicious botanical extracts which can ease symptoms of a sore, dry throat.
Always consult your GP before starting new supplements or a new diet plan, especially if you are already on medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
