Now, more than ever, our immune systems need extra attention and care. Your diet and lifestyle help fuel your immune system to keep it operating at peak capacity. Here are suggestions for supporting your immune system all year long:

1. Eat health-supporting, antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables and reduce sugar intake. Refined sugar consumption depresses the number and activity of the body’s white blood cells.
2. Hydrate – keeping mucous membranes moist supports immune health.
3. Get adequate sleep – this in particular is critical to general health and immunity.
4. Be physically active – exercise can increase the number and function of immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and macrophages.
5. Effectively manage stress – stress weakens the body’s ability to respond to invaders.
6. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least twenty seconds.
7. Consider taking high-quality dietary supplements.

Dietary supplements are just that — supplements to help support a healthy diet and lifestyle. When it comes to immune system support, there are many high-quality dietary supplements to consider, but a few stand out: vitamin C, zinc, quercetin, and oil of oregano.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports immune health on many levels. It is a potent antioxidant, so it can also help protect cells from damage. According to a 2017 review published in the journal Nutrients, deficiencies in vitamin C are also linked to a weakened immune system response and unhealthy inflammatory responses. A 2019 review article published in the journal Redox Biology explained that vitamin C supplementation can help support antioxidant status and activity in the body, which in turn helps support immune function. It also helps support white blood cells, your body’s first line of defense for a strong immune system.

Even Dr. Anthony Fauci, MD and Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has recently encouraged the use of vitamin C (and D), along with regular exercise and good sleep, for immune support.

Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that is found in virtually every cell of the body and is a component in over 200 enzymes. Zinc is especially important in proper immune function, support for healthy cell growth and healthy skin, prostate, and reproductive health as well as our sense of smell, taste, and vision. Zinc citrate is an excellent form of zinc as citrates are extremely well-absorbed and well-tolerated by your body.

Quercetin

Quercetin is one of the most well-known antioxidant bioflavonoids, but recently it’s gained even more attention as further clinical studies show its benefits for immune health. This bright yellow pigment found in fruits, vegetables, and other vegetation is a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy sinus, respiratory, and immune system function.

Not only does quercetin support immune health, it also provides amazing benefits for healthy aging, cellular health, and cardiovascular health.

Oil of Oregano

Oregano, that wonderful spice from the Mediterranean, not only lends such great flavor to your dishes, but also provides wonderful immune support for your whole body. It works by boosting levels of white blood cells, supporting healthy inflammatory responses, promoting healthy bacterial balance, and providing antioxidant support throughout the body. Specific to the immune system, oregano is particularly effective in supporting the upper respiratory tract. The active compounds in oregano oil have also been shown to support the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

Natural Factors’ Oil of Oregano is the industry’s leading oregano oil! Organic, handpicked, and wildcrafted, this oregano provides a minimum of 80% carvacrol (carvacrol is the key active ingredient in clinical studies), and the whole herb is used for clinical efficacy.

For high-quality, third-party certified immune health products, choose Natural Factors.