Our immune system does not always have it easy. Unhealthy diet, stress or little exercise are all burdens on our immune system. That's why our immune system could use a boost every now and then. Orthomolecular therapist Marieke Kok explains how to give this boost.
How does our immune system work?
Our immune system can be thought of as an army that protects our body from outside bacteria, viruses and fungi. Our immune system consists of our skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, blood and lymphatic system . Recognizing and "killing" bacteria, fungi, viruses, foreign substances and other danger are the functions of our immune system.
Boost your immune system
We all get sick sometimes, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, it is important that your immune system has enough energy to work on your recovery. Every now and then it is therefore important to give our immune system a helping hand.
Healthy nutrition
Food is our fuel; especially when we are sick, we need our fuel all the more. Support your immune system by eating lots of varied vegetables, all the colors of the rainbow! Germs, healthy fats and fiber are also important for a functioning immune system. Finally, your body needs fluids all the more when you are sick, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Nutrition alone, unfortunately, is not enough to give your immune system the support it needs. Therefore, I have listed some supplements that provide extra energy/support for the immune system.
Multi vitamin
To boost our immune system we need a lot of vitamins and minerals. It is important to get all the nutrients in order, since a multi vitamin contains the most vitamins I always recommend it. Choose from the Multi Basic, Multi Female or Multi Mama.
Zinc
Zinc also has a positive effect on the immune system; we don't call this supplement the gatekeeper of the immune system for nothing. When you are sick you consume a lot of zinc and quickly become deficient. Deficiencies reduce the function of white blood cells that are part of the nonspecific defense, this was shown in scientific research.
Omega 3
One of the essential fatty acids important for our health is Omega 3. In our daily diet we mainly get Omega 6. The balance between these two is so important because Omega 6 triggers inflammation and Omega 3 inhibits this inflammation. Omega 3 also activates our body's own antioxidant system so that the mess in our body can be cleaned up.
Vitamin D
Extra vitamin D is also important for supporting the immune system. This vitamin is good for the immune system in both children and adults. Vitamin D also has positive effects on the functioning of muscles and bones.
Pre - and probiotics
Pre- and probiotics are often used to repair the gut. They are live bacteria that do their work in the gut.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for its strong anti oxidative effect. In addition, vitamin C protects healthy body cells, supports the body's defenses and helps release energy from food. All essential for a boost to the immune system.
