The wellness industry has marked a continuous success over the years, especially with people growing more aware of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and its role in the increase of life expectancy.
This success has grown exponentially last year because as soon as the global COVID-19 pandemic took place, people turned to the help of supplements to boost immunity. Though the trusted pharmacies have a wide range of minerals and vitamins from renown brands that support overall health and well-being, some are more popular than others.
The Sunshine Vitamin
Better known as vitamin D, it’s one that occurs naturally in the body in case of presence of UV light. The reason it’s among the most sought after vitamins that help ameliorate the general well-being is that it’s a hormone building block and as such helps improve the immune system.
As a supplement, it was particularly trendy in 2020 because of its role in the fight against respiratory tract infections throughout the colder days of the year. If you live in a place known for the little sunlight during winter, you might have a vitamin D deficiency which makes you a good candidate for supplementation. It’s even worse for individuals with a 9-to-5 job in an office who have more than office furniture like stand up desk to worry about.
Besides the impact on immunity and the increase in susceptibility of viral infections, given that it’s this vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium, not getting enough of it may result in bone pain, bone loss as well as hair loss.
The L-ascorbic Acid
Another great product to look for when browsing the immunity-boosting supplement health collection at any pharmacy. You know this one simply as vitamin C, and it’s among those vitamins that are the first line of defence against inflammation and infection because it’s a potent antioxidant. As various studies have been conducted, scientists have tried to prove the way this vitamin helps increase the resistance against both bacterial and viral infections.
The conclusion they came to was that this happens because it boosts the production of essential proteins like interferons, T-lymphocytes that regulate certain immune responses, as well as improves the function of phagocytes that are cells that ingest foreign particles. Protection against respiratory infections and reduction in the risk of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are also among the benefits you can expect from a diet rich in this vitamin.
Not surprisingly, along with vitamin D, vitamin C is also on the list of supplements Dr. Anthony Fauci takes and swears by. In case you lack the needed nutrients from natural sources of vitamin C, and want to increase your body’s protection against viruses and bacteria (not just in times of epidemics and pandemics), then consider getting a little supplement health boost.
The Cofactor in Over 300 Enzyme Reactions
The common name of this beneficial mineral you are probably familiar with is magnesium. Taking its role in the bodily biochemical reactions, it’s safe to say it’s required for your body to stay healthy. Among the functions it’s essential for, you’ve got regulation of muscles and nerves, bone growth and mineralisation, DNA replication, transcription into RNA and protein, and regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure.
In addition to these, it’s also crucial for calming the nervous system and easing sleep problems. If you’re experiencing any symptoms like fatigue, muscle spasms, weakness, numbness, daily stress and anxiety, or can’t sail off to dreamland easily even after improving your sleeping habits, know that you can turn to magnesium supplements. Sleep is the time when your immune system recuperates and strengthens itself, so don’t overlook the range of products that can help you get 7-8 hours of Z’s.
The Component of Cells Throughout the Body
If this subheading doesn’t mean anything to you, it’s to do with zinc. As an important trace mineral, we require it as much as magnesium, and vitamins D and C. As it’s known for its antiviral effects, it’s necessary for maintaining the immune system as well as the repair and growth of tissues. Moreover, it’s essential for the metabolism function too, especially the breakdown of carbohydrates and use of protein and fat for energy, along with its influence on the senses of taste and smell.
Even if you’re already getting it from your nutrition, from foods that are high in zinc like seeds and nuts, legumes, eggs, wholegrains and dairy, there are some individuals who are prone to deficiencies and are in need of supplement health boosters. These include people who are familiar with chronic stress, athletes, pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, the elderly, young children and teenagers.
The Micronutrient Crucial for Growth and Blood
For growth maybe it won’t ring a bell, but for blood you probably guessed it; It’s iron! This mineral is required for the creation of haemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells which carry the oxygen through the body. Furthermore, it’s also needed for the natural response against illnesses and infections, as it has its role in immune cell proliferation and maturation.
In other words, iron deficiency could lead to suppressed immunity, so the individual becomes more susceptible to infection. Another side-effect is the body, or rather the tissues and organs, won’t get to receive enough oxygen, so you’d be left feeling shortness of breath, exhaustion, soreness, swelling, and heart palpitations. With children, there’s stagnation of growth too.
Mind you though, as beneficial iron supplements online and brick and mortar pharmacies offer are, they can be dangerous as well if you don’t mind the dosage. Too much of the mineral causes toxicity that might result in liver diseases, heart attack and failure. To put it simply, too much of a good thing can also be bad!
Choosing the Right Supplements
Keep Track of Body and Diet
To find out whether or not you need supplementation, or some type of supplement (perhaps a single vitamin, perhaps multivitamin) and the suitable dosage, you have to know your body first. This means being aware of what helps you be energised, motivated, what makes you sleep well and what doesn’t.
The secret lies in having a balanced diet, so you’d get the required nutrients from all the right ingredients. Nowadays, even if your lifestyle doesn’t make it any easy to maintain such a diet, you can consider getting the help of wholesome fitness meal plans delivered at your doorstep. Remember, supplements go together with a healthy diet in a balance.
Determine Which Nutrients You’re Lacking
Even after this, if you think you’re lacking some minerals and vitamins, it’s essential to identify what exactly. Be sure to talk it out with your doctor, and do all the tests needed if you can’t determine on your own solely by marking diet habits, health conditions, risks, and symptoms (if there are any). Your sex as well as your age, activities and habits all have a say in it too.
Determine the Brand and Supplier
As there’s a vast array of options of supplements nowadays, you have to be more cautious with the ones you choose. Not all of them offer quality and safety, so your best bet is to find a reliable pharmacy that has the right brands and ingredients, and stores the products properly.
