The human immune system is AMAZING. The immune system is constantly defending the body from foreign organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins etc), while facilitating both short and long-term protective immunity. It’s like a 24/7 security team that never sleeps or takes a break!
When your immune system is running smoothly, you don’t notice that it’s there. It’s only when it stops working properly – because it’s been weakened due to disease, or can’t fight particularly aggressive germs – that you get sick. So how can you ensure that it’s functioning optimally?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet when it comes to immune function. However, there is a significant amount of scientific research pointing to the immunoprotective properties of certain nutrients. Furthermore, while a well-balanced diet should provide the vitamins and minerals needed for a strong immune system, even “healthy” people who are mindful about their diets often still have problems absorbing or utilizing the nutrients they consume.
Below are 7 nutrients that can help boost your immune system, which is more important than ever this cold and flu season.
B-Complex (available via injection and IV)
As the building blocks of a healthy body, each member of the B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique functions. B vitamins promote the growth of red blood cells, optimal energy levels, good eyesight, healthy brain function, mood regulation, adequate digestion, proper nerve function, hormone & cholesterol production, cardiovascular health, and muscle tone.
Furthermore, B vitamins have a direct impact on your immune system. In one particular study focused on COVID-19, the authors indicated that B-complex “assists in proper activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, improves respiratory function, maintains endothelial integrity, prevents hypercoagulability and can reduce the length of stay in hospital. Therefore, vitamin B status should be assessed in COVID-19 patients and vitamin B could be used as a non-pharmaceutical adjunct to current treatments.”
There is a need to highlight the importance of vitamin B because it plays a pivotal role in cell functioning, energy metabolism, and proper immune function.
– Be well: A potential role for vitamin B in COVID-19 (Maturitas, Aug 2020)
Vitamin D (injection only)
There is substantial evidence for the immune benefits of vitamin D. Specifically, it is well documented that a deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased susceptibility to multiple different types of infection, in particular, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Some studies have highlighted vitamin D’s role in producing antimicrobial peptides – indispensable components of the innate immune system that become the first-line of defense against foreign attacks on the body, even drug-resistant microbes.
Sadly, vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide, public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D and many people do not get enough natural sunlight for adequate vitamin D production.
Vitamin D is important to the function of the immune system and vitamin D supplements have previously been shown to lower the risk of viral respiratory tract infections.
– David Meltzer, Chief of Hospital Medicine at University of Chicago Medicine
Vitamin C (IV only)
Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient, potent antioxidant, and cofactor for numerous enzyme reactions in the body. Studies show that vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections. Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. Beware that oral vitamin C supplements often cause diarrhea, one of several reasons why intravenous therapy is recommended over pills and powders.
Vitamin B12 (available via injection and IV)
The body’s ability to create new immune cells and initiate an immune response requires B vitamins, such as B12. Specifically, in clinical studies of immunological or neurological disorders, such as autoimmune diseases and HIV infections, some immunoprotective effects of vitamin B12 have been reported. Vitamin B12 not only supports the immune system, it also helps battle fatigue, insomnia, depression, chronic pain, anxiety, brain fog, and anemia, amongst other things.
Lysine (available via injection and IV)
Lysine is a much underappreciated essential amino acid that helps the body to produce enzymes, antibodies, and hormones supporting the immune system. It is a crucial component of tissue growth and recovery from damage. Lysine also helps the body to absorb calcium, iron, & zinc, and promotes collagen growth.
Glutathione (available via injection and IV)
A master antioxidant that is naturally produced in the liver, glutathione helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress that can damage cells. Moreover, studies show that the immune system works best if the lymphoid cells have a balanced level of glutathione. In fact, the depletion of glutathione levels is linked to viral infections and their associated disease progression. Unfortunately, dietary glutathione is poorly absorbed by the human body and is very sensitive to cooking and/or storage conditions.
Zinc (IV only)
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. Amongst other things, it plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA formation, and cell division. Zinc is found naturally in various seafood, meats, and plants, but its bioavailability through food is highly variable.
Now for the really good news! We at B12 Love have made it easy for you to get all of these nutrients into your wellness routine by offering multiple immune & antiviral injections and immune-boosting IVs.
Don’t have time to get a poke? No worries! We carry all of these nutrients as high-quality oral supplements, along with a range of immune-supportive herbal formulas for home.
Herbal supplements we love:
- Nordic Naturals “ProOmega” Fish Oil
- Designs For Health “Immunitone Plus”
- Protocol “Mycel Immune Plus”
Ask one of our licensed medical practitioners which service or supplement is right for you at your next appointment.
Be well!
