PUSH Health, When Your Immune Health is Compromised, Can Supplements Help?

When your immune health is compromised, can supplements help?

With as much travel as we all endure throughout the year in the sports tourism industry, we risk depleting our immune health, especially with so much human and surface contact. Let’s face it; we’ve all been duped into thinking and buying a high-priced supplement we believed would keep us healthy on the road. You may have walked up and down the health aisles at a convenience store even while attending a conference.

Nevertheless, there is a significant education gap regarding supplements, including ingredients and use. Before supplements are stocked on shelves, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate them. So, technically, companies can load up capsules with really anything and sell them. Crazy, right? Of course, not all supplements are risky. Many companies have checks and balances to guarantee their products are safe with third-party testing and detailed labeling.

Still, supplements should never replace a well-balanced diet. They are, as their name suggests, a supplement to your healthy diet. Or to be used when you cannot get enough from your diet. Maintaining a well-balanced diet gives you the essential vitamins and minerals to support a robust immune system.

Why it’s necessary to maintain a robust immune system. Your immune system is armed to identify and combat potential harmful intruders. If your immune system is healthy, fighting bacteria, viruses, or any other invader trying to make us ill will be easier.

Conversely, if your immune system becomes compromised, it will be less effective in offsetting these intruders. The immune system plays a role in many areas, far beyond protecting us from colds, flu, and viruses. Healthy immune systems improve our recovery time faster from illness and reduce inflammation. Our immune systems also play a role in preventing diseases and prolonging life.

Regular exercise, sleeping well, eating healthy, and working to eliminate stress are core ways to support your immune health.

Rather than relying on supplements when you begin feeling ill, focus on stocking up on foods packed with nutrients. Foods high in vitamins C and D, zinc, and antioxidants perform and play defense to help your body fight off illness. Oranges, kiwi, strawberries, grapefruit, broccoli, and bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C. Vitamin D can be found in yogurt, milk, salmon, and egg yolks. And remember to concentrate on sources of zinc such as yogurt, cashews, lentils, and chickpeas.

Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is always a good idea, as they are loaded with immune-supporting nutrients. These excellent sources of vitamins and minerals can be the focus of an entree, not just side dishes. Healthy smoothies are a perfect way to load up on fruits and vegetables. Due to their natural sweetness and being full of immune-supporting nutrients, consider fruit as an alternative for dessert. The biggest key is adding fruits, vegetables, and supplements to your diet before you feel miserable. Including these foods in your daily diet will help you get and stay stronger throughout the year.

It can be tempting to load up on supplements that claim to support immune health, especially during the winter and heavy travel months for our industry. However, we must start with nutrient-rich foods in our diets and dodge the tendency to rely on just supplements. You’ll be surprised how often heavily advertised supplements land at the bottom of the list of effective ingredients. When using supplements, take the time to read labels and research before using them, choose a reliable brand, monitor your blood work, and check with your doctor. You’ll be surprised how often heavily advertised supplements land at the bottom of the list of effective ingredients. A little effort and planning can go a long way in keeping you healthy this season.