50 Best Resources about Vitamins and the Immune System
As cold and flu season approach, everyone starts to worry about getting sick and how to best boost their immune system. While you may have heard to drink orange juice and eat chicken soup when you feel a cold coming on, you may not realize that it is because of the vitamins in fruits and vegetables that your mother and grandmother told you to do so. There also are a slew of other vitamins and supplements that are good for your immune system year round, too.
To set you on the path toward improved immune health, we have rounded up 50 of the top resources on vitamins and their positive effects on the immune system. The following articles, infographics, videos, scholarly papers, and tips share some well-known and not-so-well-known information on the vitamins you should be sure to get enough of every day to boost and support your immune system. After all, your immune response is only as good as the fuel you put into it. Please note that while we have listed our top 50 resources on vitamins and the immune system here, in no particular order, we have included a Table of Contents to make it more convenient for you to jump to the resources that are of most interest to you.
Jump to:
Articles
1. Super Foods for Optimal Health
@WebMD
WebMD is an extremely popular destination for trustworthy and timely health news and information. As their article points out, eating more fruits and vegetables benefits the immune system by providing the body with nutrients such as antioxidant vitamins.
Three key facts from Super Foods for Optimal Health:
- Three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E
- Antioxidant-rich foods are colorful and typically have purple, blue, orange, red, and yellow hues
- Other antioxidants that boost immunity include zinc and selenium
2. Strengthen Your Immune System
@EverydayHealth
Everyday Health offers weight-loss tools, advice, and health news to help readers and their families take better care of themselves. Mikel Theobald’s Everyday Health article on strengthening the immune system explores foods with essential nutrients to help fight disease and stay healthy.
Three key facts from Strengthen Your Immune System:
- “Diet is one of the most powerful ways to support the immune system” ~ Karyn Duggan, certified nutrition consultant
- Vitamin A regulates and supports the healthy development of immune cells
- B vitamins support energy production and stress tolerance and resilience, which are key to healthy immune function
3. Multiple Roles Played by Vitamin A in the Immune System
@mnt
Medical News Today shares the latest, breaking health news. Their vitamin and the immune system article, Multiple Roles Played by Vitamin A in the Immune system, shares findings from a study published in the journal Immunity detailing how the vitamin helps the body fight infections but also can act in a way that suppresses immunity.
Three key facts from Multiple Roles Played by Vitamin A in the Immune System:
- Vitamin A has anti-inflammatory properties
- Vitamin A insufficiency is associated with a higher death rate related to gastrointestinal and lung infection and poor response to vaccines
- Vitamin A plays a fundamental role in the immune system’s response to the body’s own cells and those that invade to cause infection and disease
4. What Vitamins Help Boost Your Immune System?
@LIVESTRONG_COM
LIVESTRONG.com seeks to help people live their healthiest, most active lives. Jerry Shaw’s LIVESTRONG vitamin and the immune system article reminds readers of the health benefits of getting vitamins from healthy foods and suggests taking supplements to ensure getting enough in the diet, especially when certain foods are unavailable.
Three key facts from What Vitamins Help Boost Your Immune System?:
- Vitamin A has antioxidant properties and helps prevent degenerative diseases during aging by protecting cells from damage
- Vitamin B9 may reduce the risk of some forms of cancer
- Vitamin C blocks damage from oxidation that leads to inflammatory conditions such as heart disease and cancer
5. Vitamin A Supplementation May Cause the Immune System to ‘Forget’ Past Infections
@EurekAlertAAAS
EurekAlert! shares trending science news, images, and more. In this article, they share new research from the Journal of Leukocyte Biology that shows excessive amounts of vitamin A may prohibit proper immune function. The research shows that too much vitamin A blocks innate immunity’s ability to recognize previous infections.
Three key facts from Vitamin A Supplementation May Cause the Immune System to ‘Forget’ Past Infections:
- Vitamin A supplementation greatly benefits individuals who are deficient, but it has negative effects on people who have adequate levels
- Excessive amounts of vitamin A negatively impact the body’s trained immunity, making people vulnerable to infections and diseases they’ve already had
- A balance in vitamin A levels is key for optimal immunity
6. Vitamin D Immune System Boost?
@NHSChoices
The National Health Service (NHS) in England provides health and lifestyle advice, information about local services, and the latest health news. Their vitamin and the immune system article reports on findings from a study showing that vitamin D plays an important role in boosting the immune system.
Three key facts from Vitamin D Immune System Boost?:
- Vitamin D plays a role in priming T cells to help fight infection
- People with vitamin D deficiency may be more vulnerable to infection
- Vitamin D is found in eggs, oily fish, fortified margarines, certain breakfast cereals, and vitamin supplements
7. Vitamin D ‘Triggers and Arms’ the Immune System
@TelegraphNews
Telegraph News shares the latest national and international news. Science correspondent Richard Alleyne reports on research that finds vitamin D is crucial to fighting infections.
Three key facts from Vitamin D ‘Triggers and Arms’ the Immune System:
- Vitamin D may be obtained by food, exposure to the sun, and supplements
- Vitamin D boosts T cells to help them find and eliminate invading bacteria and viruses
- Insufficient levels of vitamin D result in T cells being unable to react to and fight off infections
8. How Much Vitamin D Boosts Your Immune System?
@runnersworld
Runner’s World offers training tips, news, and motivation for athletes. Alex Hutchinson’s Runner’s World article reports on the research looking into the best source and optimal amount of vitamin D for defending against colds and flu.
Three key facts from How Much Vitamin D Boosts Your Immune System?:
- People with levels of vitamin D close to the optimal level have a stronger immune system and are less likely to get respiratory infections
- For good levels of vitamin D, try to get approximately 15 minutes of unprotected exposure to the sun between 10 AM and 3 PM
- In winter when you are less likely to spend time in the sun, be sure to increase your vitamin D intake via fortified food and supplements
9. Vitamin A’s Influence on Immunity
@TheScientistLLC
Dedicated to covering a wide range of topics in life-science fields, The Scientist is the leading magazine for life science professionals. Ashley P. Taylor’s The Scientist article shares findings from a study showing that exposure to vitamin A in the womb supports immune system development and lifelong ability to defend against infections.
Three key facts from Vitamin A’s Influence on Immunity:
- Mice raised on low-vitamin A diets produce offspring with smaller lymph nodes than those given higher levels of the vitamin
- A normal diet is not enough to reverse the effects of vitamin A deficiency, and these mice have a more difficult time fighting infection as adults
- Vitamin A provided by the mother to the fetus affects the development of the immune system in their offspring, which alters previous thinking that the development of immune system organs is an autonomous process
10. The Benefits of Vitamin D
@Healthline
Healthline offers information, guidance, inspiration, and caring to those who pursue health and wellbeing. Their editorial team explores the many benefits of vitamin D, especially those in relation to the immune system, in this article.
Three key facts from The Benefits of Vitamin D:
- Vitamin D facilitates normal immune system function
- A sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for resisting certain diseases
- Vitamin D helps reduce the likelihood of developing the flu
11. Vitamin A May Help Boost Immune System to Fight Tuberculosis
@UCLA
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is known for its cutting-edge scientific research, arts, and athletics. Because of the university’s dedication to health, it is not surprising that their researchers found that vitamin A may play a key role in helping the immune system fight tuberculosis (TB).
Three key facts from Vitamin A May Help Boost Immune System to Fight Tuberculosis:
- Vitamin A and a specific gene aid the immune system in lowering the level of cholesterol in TB-infected cells
- By reducing the amount of cholesterol in TB-infected cells, researchers found the immune system has a better response to the infection
- Gaining an understanding of how the immune system uses vitamin A will lead the way to new treatments and approaches to disease and infection
Infographics
12. 10 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System Infographic
@naturaloncom
Naturalon shares natural health news and discoveries. They also share an infographic suggesting 10 natural ways to boost the immune system, including resting, wearing warming socks, and taking specific vitamins.
Three key facts from 10 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System Infographic:
- Take zinc within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms to reduce the duration of cold symptoms
- Be sure to get enough vitamin C to clean up free radicals in your system
- Take green probiotics daily to boost immunity for the long term
13. 15 Foods that Boost the Immune System
@HealthTipsEver
Health Tips Ever shares tips for leading a healthy, happy life. Their infographic highlights 15 foods that contain nutrients your immune system needs to perform at peak levels and combat invaders that can make you ill.
Three key facts from 15 Foods that Boost the Immune System:
- Eat oranges because they are rich in vitamin C and strengthen the immune system
- Drink green tea because it contains powerful antioxidants that boost the immune system
- Eat broccoli because it contains vitamins A, E, and C to boost immune function
14. A Chart of Vitamin Rich Foods (Infographic)
@BSGS4CRC
Be Seen Get Screened is on a mission to get everyone screened for colon cancer. They also share important tips and information to help people eat healthy diets, such as their chart of vitamin rich foods.
Three key facts from A Chart of Vitamin Rich Foods (Infographic):
- Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and promotes a strong immune system, is found in bell peppers, strawberries, potatoes, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, and fruit
- Found in meat, fish, milk, eggs, poultry, cheese, and fortified soy milk, vitamin B12 helps make red blood cells that improve immune function
- Vitamin E is found in leafy greens, nuts, margarine, and whole grains and acts as an antioxidant to boost immunity
15. Vitamin D Deficiency
@thenutribullet
Vitamin D plays an important role in boosting the immune system, yet studies show that 75% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D3. This infographic shared by NutriLiving visualizes the symptoms, benefits, and sources of vitamin D3 deficiency so that viewers can be sure to get enough of the nutrient for better immune health.
Three key facts from Vitamin D Deficiency:
- Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include cancer, heart disease, weak muscles, and higher frequency of cold and flu
- Vitamin D3 improves the immune system, cell formation, the digestive system, and much more
- Sources of vitamin D3 include the sun, fish, eggs, liver, and D3 supplements
16. How Sunlight Affects Mood, Immunity, & More
@CarringtonEdu
Carrington College is a top starting point for healthcare careers. Their vitamin and the immune system infographic examines the ways in which sunlight affects health, specifically in terms of lifting the mood and boosting the immune system.
Three key facts from How Sunlight Affects Mood, Immunity, & More:
- A vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer
- Daily sunlight exposure is recommended for sufficient levels of vitamin D, but sunscreen significantly impacts the amount of vitamin D people get from the sun
- UVA and UVB radiation from the sun boosts T-cells and the immune system
17. 10 Power Foods that Boost Immunity
@List_Fitness
Sean Donnelly started ListFitness.com as part of his journey toward health and happiness. His infographic features 10 foods that are packed with vitamins known for their immune-boosting power.
Three key facts from 10 Power Foods that Boost Immunity:
- Cranberries are a source of antioxidants and vitamin C known for combatting allergies, viruses, and cancer
- Artichokes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, and magnesium that protect against cancer, heart disease, and illness
- Pomegranate seeds are a superfood for boosting immunity; they can account for nearly 40% of a person’s daily vitamin C intake
18. Infographic: Healthy Foods to Boost Immunity This Cold Season
@WWMGEverett
Western Washington Medical Group puts the health and needs of their patients above all else, especially because they are provider-run and do not have any corporate managers making decisions about patient care. Their infographic highlights nine foods and two drinks that can help boost immunity during the cold season.
Three key facts from Infographic: Healthy Foods to Boost Immunity This Cold Season:
- Garlic boost the immune system, especially when consumed raw, because it contains 95% of the daily vitamin B6 needs and 52% of the daily vitamin C needs
- Pomegranates contain more antioxidants than any other fruit and are a great source of vitamin C to boost immunity
- It is possible to get 85% of the daily value of vitamin C from a single orange
19. Infographic: Boost Immunity and More with Mangos
@TheAltDaily
Alternative Daily is a daily source for alternative news. As their infographic points out, mangos boost immune health because they contain more than 25 types of carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Three key facts from Infographic: Boost Immunity and More with Mangos:
- Mangos contain 100% of the daily value of vitamin C to boost the immune system
- Mangos contain antioxidant compounds that are thought to defend against colon, breast, lung, and prostate cancers in addition to leukemia
- Mangos contain vitamin A, which aids immune health
Videos
20. Vitamin D is Better than ANY Vaccine and Increases the Immune System by 3-5 Times
@drjoestweets
Dr. Joe Prendergast is a world-renowned endocrinologist who practiced for more than 30 years. Board Certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, and metabolism, Dr. Prendergast explains the benefits of vitamin D for the immune system, specifically in terms of beating the h5n1 (bird flu) virus, in this video.
Three key facts from Vitamin D is Better than ANY Vaccine and Increases the Immune System by 3-5 Times:
- Vitamin D really is a powerful hormone
- The immune system becomes 3-5 times stronger when people increase their vitamin D intake
- Vitamin D’s impact on the immune system is so strong that it can reduce asthma issues and cancers
21. 10 Ways to Boost Your Immune System
@seancannell
Sean Cannell, author, YouTuber, and entrepreneur, shares life hacks and information for improving finances, fitness, and more in his videos. In this particular video, Cannell shares 10 ways to boost the immune system, including dietary supplements and diet changes.
Three key facts from 10 Ways to Boost Your Immune System:
- Take vitamin C or eat foods rich in vitamin C
- If you don’t get enough vitamins from your food, supplement with multivitamins and fish oil to be sure you meet your daily values
- Avoid juice to get vitamin C because juices contain sugar, which weakens the immune system
22. Best Foods for Weak Immune System
@homeveda
Homeveda recommends non-invasive and natural techniques for healing the mind and body. In Best Foods for Weak Immune System, Homeveda explains that having a strong immune system protects the body from viruses, diseases, and infections and suggests vitamin-rich foods to strengthen immune health.
Three key facts from Best Foods for Weak Immune System:
- Foods rich in vitamin A include papaya, tomatoes, watermelon, carrots, and beet root
- Vitamin C produces anitbodies that are important for immunity, and foods such as kiwi and guava contain this important vitamin
- Foods rich in vitamin E, like almonds, walnuts, vegetable oils, whole grains, and avocados, help strengthen immunity by neutralizing toxins in the body
23. Vitamin C Supports a Healthy Immune System and Creates Radiant Skin
@thenaturalguide
Larry Cook, author and video producer of Natural Living Lifestyle content, presents this brief video that examines the ways in which vitamin C supports immune function. Dr. Angela Agrios, California-licensed naturopathic doctor, hosts Vitamin C Supports a Healthy Immune System and Creates Radiant Skin.
Three key facts from Vitamin C Supports a Healthy Immune System and Creates Radiant Skin:
- Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting proper immune function
- As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects cells from free radical damage and degeneration
- Good sources of vitamin C include fresh citrus fruits and vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts
24. Nutrition & Vitamins: Vitamins & Minerals for the Immune System
@eHow
In this eHow video on the power of vitamins in boosting immune health, registered and licensed dietitian Christine Marquette details which vitamins and minerals are best. Marquette’s healthy advice includes adding supplements as needed to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals for immune health.
Three key facts from Nutrition & Vitamins: Vitamins & Minerals for the Immune System:
- Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, beta carotene, and selenium, are important for immune health
- Zinc is a mineral that can benefit the immune system
- If you get sick frequently, or if you recently had a cold or the flu, consider beginning a multivitamin that contains 100% of the recommended daily amount of the important vitamins and minerals and eating as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible
25. Vitamin D Health Benefits: Vitamin D Increases Your Immune System and Strength of Your Bones
@AmeerRosic
Entrepreneur and marketing strategist Ameer Rosic shares optimal immune health tips on his homepage. He also outlines the ways in which vitamin D boosts the immune system and bone strength in this video.
Three key facts from Vitamin D Health Benefits: Vitamin D Increases Your Immune System and Strength of Your Bones:
- As part of the immune system, T-cells stop pathogens and bacteria
- Vitamin D from the sun is absorbed by T-cell receptors and signals that the cells need to activate and create more T-cells to boost immune function
- Adequate levels of vitamin D are necessary for optimal immune function
26. Vitamin C Basics: Practical Use; The Who, How, and When
@DrSuzannenet
Dr. Suzanne Humphries is a medical doctor and author with training in internal medicine and nephrology. She lectures on the role of vitamin C in immune health and protecting against disease in this video presentation given at the Swedish Society for Orthomolecular Medicine.
Three key facts from Vitamin C Basics: Practical Use; The Who, How, and When:
- Vitamin C improves people’s health because it serves so many functions over the course of a person’s lifetime
- There are several myths surrounding vitamin C, and people need to understand that high levels of vitamin C help those who are very ill
- Getting vitamin C from fresh food is important, but it also is important to take supplements to get enough to support immune health
27. Vitamin D: The Innate Immune System, Barrier Function and Autoimmunity by Gerry Schwalfenberg, MD
@digivision
@ACAM_ORG
A preview of a full-length lecture that is available for purchase from DigiVision Media, this video on vitamins and the immune system features Dr. Gerry Schwalfenberg. Dr. Schwalfenberg is a solo practice family physician in Canada, author, and expert on vitamin D.
Three key facts from Vitamin D: The Innate Immune System, Barrier Function and Autoimmunity by Gerry Shwalfenberg, MD:
- Various medical organizations make differing recommendations on the amount of vitamin D people should get per day
- The majority of people are deficient in vitamin D, which weakens their immune systems
- Vitamin D is crucial for strong barrier protection, antimicrobial protection, and preventing an overreaction of the inflammatory response in the adaptive immune system, which prevents further cell and tissue damage
28. How to Build Your Immune System – Vitamin D
@eriklundquistmd
Dr. Erik Lundquist works to help patients in “raising their consciousness regarding health.” An integrative medical physician, Dr. Lundquist specializes in treating chronic illness. He shares his tips for boosting immune health with vitamin D in this video.
Three key facts from How to Build Your Immune System – Vitamin D:
- Cell receptors are activated by vitamin D that turn on genes that make peptides to help fight against bacteria and viruses
- Vitamin D is an effective supplement to use in the winter to help immune function
- People who have limited exposure to the sun have lower levels of vitamin D; when put on vitamin D supplements year round, these people saw a 60% reduction in upper respiratory infections
29. Dr. Oz’s Top Ways to Boost Your Immune System
@KCCINews
The leader in local news coverage, KCCI 8 News is the most-watched station in Central Iowa. In this vitamin and the immune system video, Dr. Oz shares the best advice for keeping your immune system strong.
Three key facts from Dr. Oz’s Top Ways to Boost Your Immune System:
- Eating whole, real food, participating in daily vigorous activity, and having a passion in life is important to longevity and immune health
- Fish oil, multivitamins, extra vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium are the most important supplements for improving and sustaining immune health
- Don’t take massive doses of vitamins, but do ensure you are getting the recommended daily doses of each for optimal immune function
30. 5 Foods to Keep Your Immune System Strong
@stevenandchris
Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman are interior decorators and style experts who share their expertise on the CBC show Steven and Chris. In this video segment from the show, nutritionist Joy McCarthy shares lesser-known tips for boosting the immune system.
Three key facts from 5 Foods to Keep Your Immune System Strong:
- Prevent colds and the flu by eating healthy and keeping the lesser-known vitamins and minerals in mind throughout the year
- Vitamin D helps the immune system identify the viruses and bacteria before they make us ill; vitamin D supplements, salmon, eggs, and sardines are good sources
- Carotenoids, like beta carotene and vitamin A, boost natural killer cells in the immune system
Scholarly Papers
31. Vitamin Effects on the Immune System: Vitamins A and D Take Centre Stage
@NCBI
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) advances science and health by providing access to biological information. They share Vitamin Effects on the Immune System: Vitamins A and D Take Centre Stage, a scholarly paper by J. Rodrigo Mora, Makoto Iwata, and Ulrich H. von Andrian.
Three key facts from Vitamin Effects on the Immune System: Vitamins A and D Take Centre Stage:
- Vitamins A and D have a crucial effect on immune response
- Vitamins module a range of immune processes including lymphocyte activation and proliferation, T-helper-cell differentiation, and the production of specific antibody isotopes
- There is a potential for vitamin A and D metabolites to modulate tissue-specific immune responses to prevent and treat inflammation and autoimmunity
32. An Update on Vitamin D and Human Immunity
@Medscape
Medscape shares breaking medical news and is a reference for drug, diseases, and procedure information. Their update on vitamin D and immunity, a scholarly paper by Martin Hewison, informs readers about five years of research on the benefits of vitamin D, including its impacts on the immune system.
Three key facts from An Update on Vitamin D and Human Immunity:
- It is more difficult for people with darker skin pigmentation and those living in northern parts of the world to achieve target levels of vitamin D, so they should ensure an intake of 600 IU supplemental vitamin D per day
- Vitamin D plays a role in preventing and treating common cancers and hypertension and cardiovascular disease
- Supplementation of vitamin D in vitamin-D insufficient individuals improves immune function and helps protect against infection
33. Immunity
@OregonState
Oregon State University is known for inspiring leaders and innovators. Their scholarly paper on immunity offers an overview of the immune system and provides a thorough analysis of the ways in which nutrition and vitamins can support or weaken immune function.
Three key facts from Immunity:
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiency can increase an individual’s susceptibility to infection and illness
- Vitamin A, vitamin B, folate, vitamin E, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium are essential micronutrients for proper immune function
- Vitamin A and its metabolites play key roles in innate and adaptive immunity
34. Effects of Vitamin A Supplementation on Immune Responses and Correlation with Clinical Outcomes
@ASMicrobiology
The American Society for Microbiology has made Effects of Vitamin A Supplementation on Immune Responses and Correlation with Clinical Outcomes, a scholarly paper by Eduardo Villamor and Wafaie W. Fawzi available for reading via Clinical Microbiology Reviews. This paper on vitamin A supplementation examines the ways in which the vitamin impacts immunity.
Three key facts from Effects of Vitamin A Supplementation on Immune Responses and Correlation with Clinical Outcomes:
- Vitamin A supplementation for preschool children decreases risks of death from some forms of diarrhea, measles, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and malaria
- In certain situations, vitamin A supplementation for infants improves the antibody response to some vaccines, such as tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and measles
- More research is needed to determine the direct effects of vitamin A supplementation for adults and the elderly on their immune function
35. Vitamin D and the Immune System
@NCBI
Cynthia Aranow’s scholarly paper on vitamins and the immune system, available from NCBI, examines the benefits of vitamin D in terms of immune function. As Aranow explains, vitamin D is not simply the go-to vitamin for aiding calcium absorption and achieving bone homeostasis; it has proven benefits for immune health.
Three key facts from Vitamin D and the Immune System:
- Vitamin D deficiency is detrimental to immune health and makes people more susceptible to infection and disease
- Vitamin D is obtained from diet or the sun’s rays
- Vitamin D aids T cells and B cells in the immune system and aids in promoting protective immunity
Tips
36. 3 Vitamins That Are Best for Boosting Your Immunity
@ClevelandClinic
The Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation’s best hospitals, shares the latest consumer health news and tips for staying healthy. They offer three tips for eating right to get the vitamins necessary for boosting immune health.
Three key tips from 3 Vitamins That are Best for Boosting Your Immunity:
- Vitamin C is one of the best immune system boosters, and a lack of vitamin C can make you more likely to get sick; eat oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale, and broccoli to get more vitamin C
- Vitamin B6 supports biochemical reactions in the immune system; eat chicken, salmon, tuna, green vegetables, and chick peas to get more vitamin B6
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that aids in combatting infection; eat nuts, seeds, and spinach to get more vitamin E
37. Recharge Your Body’s Defense System
@DrOz
Cardiac surgeon and host of the Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Mehmet Oz is a popular source of health information for his fans. In this article, Dr. Oz shares tips for recharging the immune system to ward off germs and intruders that make us sick.
Three key tips from Recharge Your Body’s Defense System:
- Make sure you are getting enough vitamin D; if you are deficient, you will feel pain or tenderness when you press your thumb against your breastbone or shinbone
- Ensure you have enough vitamin B12 by eating clams, liver, fish, yogurt, and cheese
- If you have mouth sores, you may not have enough vitamin B6 to support immune health; eat more chicken, fish, kidney, liver, whole grains, nuts, and legumes
38. The Best Immune System Vitamins for Women
@FitDayCom
FitDay helps people reach their fitness goals. Their article, The Best Immune System Vitamins for Women, helps female readers ensure they have healthy immune systems by listing the vitamins they should be getting enough of to help their bodies defend against bacteria, viruses, and other invaders.
Three key tips from The Best Immune System Vitamins for Women:
- Get enough vitamin A from nutritious foods and vitamin A supplements
- Vitamin E creates protein to help the body combat germs, bacteria, and viruses
- Zinc can reduce symptoms of illness and eases the pain associated with the common cold, the flu, and sore throats
39. What Foods are Good for My Immune System?
@WHFoods
The World’s Healthiest Foods website, a project of the not-for-profit George Mateljan Foundation, offers recipes and practical healthy-eating tips. They also share several tips for eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to support immune health.
Three key tips from What Foods are Good for My Immune System?:
- B vitamins support a healthy immune system, so look for foods that contain vitamin B5, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and vitamin B12
- Vitamins A, E, and K are important to overall immune health; these are found in turnip greens, Swiss chard, mustard greens, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, asparagus, bok choy, cauliflower, and spinach
- Zinc acts as a powerful stimulant for the immune system, but an excess of zinc can negatively impact immune function; maintain adequate, but not excessive amounts of zinc for optimal immune function
40. The Best Way to Boost Your Immune System
@ConsumerReports
An independent, nonprofit organization, Consumer Reports works alongside consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. They share ways to prevent disease and heal faster in this article, which is full of tips for for maintaining immune health via healthy foods and vitamin supplements.
Three key tips from The Best Way to Boost Your Immune System:
- Eat a varied diet and try to get as many types and colors of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy oils as possible
- Consider a vitamin D supplement, especially if you are an older adult or have a diagnosed deficiency
- Know the appropriate levels of vitamins for you and don’t take them in excess
41. Which Vitamins Help Your Immune System?
@stellarbiotics
Del-Immune V, distributed by Stellar Biotics LLC, is a unique secret weapon for immune system defense. In this blog post, readers learn exactly which vitamins and minerals are helpful for boosting the immune system.
Three key tips from Which Vitamins Help Your Immune System?:
- Vitamin A and its associated antioxidants strengthen the immune system against infection
- Vitamin B2 is another key antioxidant for immune health
- Iron is a mineral that helps the body deliver oxygen to cells and allows the immune system to remain strong
42. Top 10 Natural Ways to Increase Your White Blood Cell Count and Immune System
@naturaloncom
In Top 10 Natural Ways to Increase Your White Blood Cell Count and Immune System, Naturalon shares practical tips for naturally improving immune health by increasing your white blood cell count. Feeding the immune system properly with the right vitamins and minerals enhances its defenses against infections, viruses, and other invaders.
Three key tips from Top 10 Natural Ways to Increase Your White Blood Cell Count and Immune System:
- Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and immune booster because it naturally stimulates product of immune killer cells
- Elderly people should take both selenium supplements and zinc because study findings show that those who do so respond better to the flu vaccine
- Eat foods rich in beta-carotene to increase the number of natural killer cells and to clean up the free radicals that cause damage to the body and promote premature aging
43. 4 Tips for Boosting Your Immune System with Vitamin D
@LiveScience
Live Science shares sciences news and covers the top health, environment, animal, technology, and space news each day. They share four tips to boost the immune system using vitamin D in this article by Deborah Enos, certified nutritionist.
Three key tips from 4 Tips for Boosting Your Immune System with Vitamin D:
- It is a smart choice to get more vitamin D by drinking fortified milk
- Children who consume more vitamin D have far fewer colds than children who are deficient in vitamin D
- Get sun at least 20-30 minutes of sun exposure each day, weather permitting, and eat vitamin D rich foods such as fish, cheese, and fortified foods
44. 7 Tips for Boosting Your Immune System
@bustle
For and by women, Bustle delivers the news that women want. In 7 Tips for Boosting Your Immune System, writer Carolyn Steber details practical ways to strengthen immune health, including taking probiotics.
Three key tips from 7 Tips for Boosting Your Immune System:
- Eat colorful foods like sweet potatoes, spinach, and berries, for the antioxidants that defend against illness and boost immune health
- Take vitamins to ensure you are getting enough in your diet, especially if you feel an illness coming on
- Consider supplementing with zinc, vitamins C and D, and omega oils
45. 12 Ways to Boost Your Immune System
@CANCERactive
CANCERactive helps people increase their odds of beating cancer. Boosting the immune system is complex, but this CANCERactive article shares tips for strengthening the immune system to better defend against disease and infection.
Three key tips from 12 Ways to Boost Your Immune System:
- Help your liver by taking magnesium and vitamin K supplements or consuming milk thistle, dandelion, and artichoke
- Consider vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin C supplements
- Make getting the daily recommended value of vitamin D a priority
46. Protect Your Health with Immune-Boosting Nutrition
@eatright
From the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, eatright.org is a source for science-based food and nutrition information. Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) Eleese Cunningham contributed to this eatright.org article, which highlights the vitamins and nutrients that are essential to immune health.
Three key tips from Protect Your Health with Immune-Boosting Nutrition:
- Vitamin A regulates the immune system and protects form infections by keeping skin and tissue in the mouth, stomach, intestines, and respiratory system healthy
- Vitamin C protects against infection by stimulating the formation of antibodies and boosting immune health
- Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and improves immune function
47. 12 Foods to Boost Your Immune System This Flu Season
@Shape_Magazine
Shape magazine offers the latest health, fitness, beauty, and fashion news. Macaela Mackenzie’s Shape article shares immune-boosting foods that strengthen the immune system year round, but especially during the flu season.
Three key tips from 12 Foods to Boost Your Immune System This Flu Season:
- Salmon delivers immune-boosting omega-3s, vitamin E, and calcium
- Spinach contains vitamin A and zinc to boost immunity
- Eat carrots for their vitamin A
48. 6 Ways to Boost Your Immune System
@EcoWatch
A top environmental news site, EcoWatch leads the charge in using online news to drive change. In his EcoWatch article, Keith Barbalato offers tips for using nutrition to naturally boost immunity. As Barbalato explains, “a balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals can keep you and the people around you, from getting sick.”
Three key tips from 6 Ways to Boost Your Immune System:
- Get vitamin D from sunshine, milk, mushrooms, and oily fish like salmon and tuna to maintain immunity
- Eat liver, dark greens, and orange and yellow vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes to get vitamin A, which is vital to immune cell function
- Get enough vitamin C to aid in the production and function of white blood cells for the immune system
49. Food with Vitamins: Eat to Survive Winter
@active
Active.com is a leading online community for people looking to discover, learn about, and share activities about which they feel passionate. In this vitamin and the immune system article, Christina Scannapiego shares tips for eating healthy foods full of vitamins to strengthen the immune stem to get through winter as healthy as possible.
Three key tips from Food with Vitamins: Eat to Survive Winter:
- Eat whole grains, bread, red meat, egg yolks, brown rice, and berries to get B vitamins that boost immunity
- Drink fortified milk and eat wild salmon, tuna, eggs, and cheese to get enough vitamin D
- Eat salmon, cod, and flax seed to get Omega-3s, which have been shown to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers
50. 3 Vitamins that Boost Your Immune System
Optimal Wellness Labs seeks to change people’s lives by improving their relationship with their health. Their article, 3 Vitamins That Boost Your Immune System, shares general tips, such as frequently washing your hands during cold and flu season and getting a flu shot, to stay healthy. They also highlight three vitamins that you should take to strengthen your immune system.
Three key tips from 3 Vitamins that Boost Your Immune System:
- Vitamin B complex includes eight B vitamins that work together to strengthen the immune system and make the body more resistant to disease
- Vitamin C boosts the immune system by killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses
- Take vitamin D3 supplements to boost immunity and reduce the risk of contracting the flu and catching colds