By Bell Lifestyle

A resilient immune system is essential for maintaining good health and preventing many different types of illnesses. The immune system helps protect the human body against unwanted pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that can cause an infection. These pathogens can make us feel unwell and impact our daily activities, forcing us to stay in bed with a box of tissues.

In many cases maintaining hydration and getting rest is enough to allow the immune system to tackle and defend itself against an infection. However, factors such as a poor diet, nutrient deficiency, high stress and poor sleep can reduce immune systems defenses. Supplementation and a little help from vitamins, minerals and herbal ingredients can significantly boost immunity and improve protection against infectious agents.

Natural ingredients that help support the immune system:

Vitamin C: one of the most well-known vitamins for a healthy immune system is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is not only important to the integrity of the skin barrier but it also plays a role in the production and activity of white blood cells. A robust immune system requires constant white blood cell activity to continually survey and eliminate unwanted pathogens. This helps prevent the onset of an infection and keeps are body protected on a daily basis. Additionally, research also suggests that vitamin C may help shorten the duration of cold symptoms. Therefore, consuming foods rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, or taking a Vitamin C product when cold and flu season rolls around can help protect your immune system against infectious pathogens.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in immune health. This mineral helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, encourages wound healing and helps shorten the duration of cold symptoms. Individuals who frequently get sick or take a long time to recover are often deficient in this mineral. Zinc can be sourced from a variety of foods, including oysters, beef, chicken, and legumes. Supplementing with zinc can make a positive impact on the immune system. Immune supplements containing zinc amongst other ingredients can help support a healthy immune system.

Echinacea: Echinacea, also commonly known as purple cone flower, is one of the most well-known herbs that has been shown to support the immune system. The root portion of this plant is used medicinally. This herbs root is believed to stimulate the immune system and increase the production of white blood cells to help protect the body against infectious agents. Echinacea products are usually available in dried herb form such as a tea, an herbal extract as well as in a liquid tincture format.

The ingredients listed above are the most common natural agents that have been studied to support immunity. However, there are many more ingredients that can be included in this list. Herbal ingredients rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayruvedic Medicine and Herbal medicine all offer a multitude of options to help benefit the immune system.

When shopping for immune products refer to product labels and look for items with multiple ingredients. Products containing a combination of herbal derived ingredients such as echinacea, vitamins  C and D, and essential minerals such as zinc offer comprehensive and synergistic effects to help protect and maintain a healthy immune system.