Uh oh, is everyone around you coughing and sneezing? As you’re ducking for cover, you may be left wondering if there’s anything you can do to support your hard-working immune system.
Aside from eating right, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly and consuming vitamin C, there are a few lesser-known nutrients and substances that may help:
1. Probiotics: Not familiar with these micro-organisms? They’re actually bacteria, believe it or not. Probiotics, sometimes known as friendly flora, inhabit your digestive tract and may help support immune response. They’re found in fermented foods such as yogurt, but are also available in supplement form.
2. Yeast: Downing a natural supplement made from dried yeast may sound strange, but it could offer nourishment and support for the immune system, as well as support the body’s mucosal barrier. A specific type of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) found in Vitacost EpiCor is said to do just that.
3. Reishi Mushrooms: There are several types of mushrooms that may offer benefits for immune function, but one of the most popular is undoubtedly reishi mushrooms. These disc-shaped fungi contain bioactive compounds that may have important benefits to immune function. Reishi extract can be taken year-round to support healthy function of immune cells.
4. Spirulina: Planning to “go green”? Why not start with the ultimate green superfood! Spirulina is a type of algae that contains protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants such as beta-carotene, xanthophylls and C-phycocyanins. Spirulina is said to help support and maintain a healthy immune system.