IRON
Iron
Iron helps your body carry oxygen to the cells. It plays a significant role in many immune system processes. It comes in different forms. The human body can more easily absorb heme iron (i.e., iron from animal products), which is found in:
- Chicken.
- Red meat (limit the frequency to less often and in smaller amounts).
- Turkey.
- Oysters.
- Sardines.
- Clams.
- Mussels.
- Light tuna.
If you’re a vegetarian, have no fear. You can still find iron in:
- Beans.
- Broccoli.
- Kale.
- Iron-fortified cereals.
And if you still require a top up, make sure to buy only quality nutritional supplements.
Selenium
Being essential for preventing infections Selenium seems to have a powerful effect on the immune system. Animal foods are the best sources, with the exception of Brazil nuts, which offer a whopping more significant than 100% daily value in one nut. So a few of these in a day may be sufficient. Selenium can be found in:
- Seafood (tuna, halibut, sardines).
- Meat and liver.
- Poultry.
- Cottage cheese.
Zinc
Zinc is a vital component for the production of new immune system cells. It is found primarily in animal foods but can also be found in some vegetarian food. Some sources include:
- Oysters.
- Crab.
- Lean meats and poultry.
- Baked beans.
- Yogurt.
- Chickpeas.
How to grocery shop to increase your immunity
The basic rule can help you when selecting fruits and vegetables at the grocery store – the more colorful the vegetables and fruits, the better. Dull fruits and vegetables tend to have lost some of their nutrients. Get fresh ones every time if possible.
A variety of fruits and vegetables from every color of the rainbow ensure that you are getting sufficient health-boosting nutrients and vitamins. Your plate will also be more appealing to look at anyway.
It is also significant to know that you build a robust immune system by upholding healthy eating habits over time.
Do supplements help your immunity?
Even though the most recommended way to absorb essential nutrients is to get them from food directly, sometimes we find our bodies struggling to keep up with the daily intake of nutrients required. It follows then our immune systems may suffer leaving us prone to illness.
That is when a superior quality supplement and vitamins can help make up and bring your levels up to help restore your body’s immune system back to normal.
In normal circumstances when your body is functioning as it should, it absorbs and better makes use of vitamins and minerals which come from your dietary sources.
However, should you decide to use a supplement or multivitamin to up your levels, always make sure to research a bit more about the supplement itself and the company producing it before purchasing just to make sure you are getting value for money.
Some supplements may have side effects, specifically if taken before surgery or with other medicines. Supplements can cause problems if you suffer from some health conditions. Most supplements haven’t been tested in children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups. So always do your own due diligence and find a superior tested and approved quality ‘multinutrient’ supplement.
Always remember the quality and efficacy of the supplement are the most important factors to consider before buying any supplement.
If you are on medication, it is essential to avoid taking supplements which may interfere with your medication. Supplements whose scientific research is questionable are also not the best to purchase.
For those on medication, it is always wise to seek the advice of your doctor or other certified healthcare professional.
With busy lifestyles, changing practices, it is increasingly becoming difficult to consume foods that are rich in all the essential nutrients our bodies require.
It therefore becomes beneficial to incorporate a well researched good multivitamin supplement.
