List of Immunity Boosters To Help You Fight Infections

What are Immunity Boosters?

Immunity is our bodies’ ability to provide resistance or protection against diseases and infections caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other harmful microorganisms. So, naturally, immunity boosters are foods, fruits, vegetables, or even artificially designed supplements that help us increase this ability to fight against illnesses.

All the parts of our body that help us fight against diseases and help improve our immunity are collectively named as the immune system. Our immune system has the ability to detect harmful bacteria and viruses that enter our body – these cells, also known as antigens, attack them by producing ‘antibodies.’

White Blood Cells and Immunity

White blood cells, otherwise known as WBCs, are the supreme warriors of the immune army. Different kinds of WBCs fight together against any foreign element that harms our body; these include –

• B-cells
• T-cells
• helper T-cells
• killer T-cells
• memory cells

Aging and Immunity

With age, however, our immune system stops functioning to its maximum potential. For example –

• It may become slower to respond to the pathogens
• The number of immune cells produced by the body may reduce, prolonging the healing time
• The immune system’s ability to detect cell defects may also decline
• The body may also develop an autoimmune disorder, which causes the immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy the healthy bacteria or the good cells and tissues

This is how our immunity declines as we age, implying that older adults are more prone to infections and diseases. Because the number of immune cells lessens, the communication among them gets hampered. As a result, they take longer to react to harmful bacteria and cannot defend the body efficiently.

The T-cells in the immune system have a function of ‘remembering’ the harmful antigens to be able to fight against them better in the future. And, as we age, the production of T-cells reduces. Vaccines require newer T-cells to work, and in this case, due to the lack of these cells, they cannot work as actively.

Older Adults NEED to Work on Improving Their Immunity

Seniors must maintain and strengthen their immunity to protect themselves from the risk of infections and diseases. Be it relatively less dangerous diseases like the flu or common cold, or something more serious like diabetes or cancer, having a strong immune system can help you defend your body against them.

Immunity and Corona

With the onset and the rapid spread of the global pandemic, Corona, or COVID-19, the ones that are most likely to be affected are seniors. This virus is more deadly for people with lower immunity and chronic health conditions. In such a case, older adults must pay more attention to improving their immunity. A better immune system would imply better chances of preventing or warding off the virus, and higher chances of recovery even if the disease has been contracted.

Advantages of Consuming Immunity Boosters

Immunity boosters are immensely beneficial for seniors because they help strengthen the body from within.

• Immunity boosters can help protect the body from various diseases and infections
• They are made, keeping in mind your body’s requirements. Consuming immunity boosters can replenish a lot of essential nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, etc. in the body
• They help speed up your body’s healing process
• They keep you energized and increase your capability to be more productive
• They also assist in maintaining body weight, blood pressure, digestion, body growth, healthy cholesterol, and many other aspects of your well-being

Natural Immunity Boosters

There are a lot of foods, fruits, and vegetables that can naturally enhance your immune system. One of the easiest ways to improve your immunity is to have a healthy and wholesome diet.

• Fruits and vegetables that are rich in beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and zinc are good for boosting immunity. These include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, tomatoes, avocados, peanuts, almonds, spinach, eggs, dairy, milk, and more
• All kinds of berries, along with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as beans, flax seeds, and even some nuts can be consumed to strengthen immunity
• Some of the immunity-boosting herbs are garlic, black cumin, and licorice

Add these to your diet for a healthier and happy immune system.

Supplements for Boosting Immunity

Many a time, it is not possible for us to cover all the essential vitamins and minerals in our natural diet. And, our regular diet may sometimes fail to provide the body with all the vital immunity boosters. That’s exactly where dietary supplements can help you.

Immunity boosters, as the name suggests, are specifically designed to enhance immunity and can replenish all the necessary nutrients required by your body.

Let’s look at some of the best immunity boosters that can help you:

1. Revite General Wellness And Immunity Capsules (100 capsules) - CRD Ayurveda

This is a daily supplement consisting of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and herbs. It increases the utilization of oxygen in the body, helps improve appetite, performance, body weight, and growth. It aids in avoiding fatigue, weakness, and general debility.

Key Features:

• Number of capsules: 100
• Helps in boosting immunity
• Rejuvenates the body and replenishes vitamins and minerals
• Aids in weight gain and body growth

2. Panchamrit Tulsi Drops - A Natural Immune Booster (30 ml) - Food ARC

Made with a combination of five types of tulsi extracts, the Food ARC Panchamrit helps in preventing more than 200 diseases. It is a natural immunity booster and helps cleanse the impurities from the blood. It helps in reducing anxiety and stress and improves metabolism.

Key Features:

• Improves immunity, protects the body against infections and diseases
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Maintains cholesterol levels
• Keeps stomach healthy

3. Amalaki For Immunity Wellness (Pack of 2 - 60 Capsules each) - Himalaya

Made with the beneficial Ayurvedic herb, Amalaki works as an excellent immunity booster. It builds the body’s natural resistance to infections. Also known as Amla or Indian Gooseberry, this is an excellent source of vitamin C. A unique trait of the Amla fruit is the varied tastes it offers – sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent.

Key Features:

• It supports a better digestive system
• It relieves constipation
• Functions as an antioxidant
• Maintains healthy cholesterol levels
• Normalizes blood pressure
• Helps in healthy functioning of the liver

4. Guduchi For Immunity Wellness (Pack of 2 - 60 tablets each) - Himalaya

Made from the Indian shrub Guduchi, this Ayurvedic medicine boosts the functioning of the immune system. This health supplement works as a detoxifier to enhance skin complexions. It can also treat respiratory problems, abdominal pain, hyperacidity, and worm infestations.

Key Features:

• Improves skin complexion and health
• Treats bronchitis, chronic cough, and asthma
• Has anti-inflammatory properties

5. Add-Immune (60 Capsules) - Add Veda

Strengthen your immunity with the Add Immune capsules by Add Veda. These capsules help maintain high energy levels and keep you active throughout the day. They also protect you from common allergies, cold, and cough. These capsules are also known to work as immunomodulators.

Key Features:

• Improves the body’s immune system
• Improves the digestive system
• Works as detoxifiers

6. Vedic Amrit Immunity Capsules (60 Capsules) Pack of 2 - CRD Ayurveda

These are general immunity capsules that help maintain wellness and avoid fatigue by improving endurance and tolerance. They also improve appetite and body growth. Moreover, they help replenish the essential vitamins and minerals in the body.

Key Features:

• Boosts immunity and protects against diseases
• Improves body weight and growth
• Improves physical work capacity and increase energy

Healthy Practices to Maintain Immunity

Consuming immunity boosters as part of your diet, and daily supplements are just a part of developing a healthy immune system. To help you further maintain healthy living, we’ve come up with some daily practices –

• Exercise regularly - This helps in blood circulation and keeps the heart healthy and body relaxed
• Get vaccinations and immunizations to prevent diseases such as pneumonia, flu, hepatitis, and others
• Sleep adequately and stay hydrated. This practice is one of the best ways to boost immunity naturally
• Quit smoking and consume limited alcohol. Smoking and excessive drinking weaken your immune system

By sticking to a healthy and nourishing diet, exercising regularly, and consuming daily supplements, you can have an excellent immune system and stay healthy, safe, and active!

Also Read:

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Facts & Myths to Help You Stay Safe