While the winter weather, in itself, doesn’t bring along with it a selection of colds and viruses, the elements that surround the season do. Not only are the days shorter and the nights longer, but there also tends to be more cloudy days decreasing your potential for a good dose of sunshine. The easiest way to boost your immune system is by consuming the right kind of nutrients. Supplements can also give you a helping hand in staying protected.
B Vitamins
B-vitamins completely kick your immune system up a few notches and may add to the overall well-being of your body.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has amazing anti-viral properties and has been shown to assist in decreasing viral infections and may improve immunity.
Vitamin D
In wintertime, especially for those of us who live in northern climates, the amount of UVB coming through the atmosphere is so low. That’s when taking extra supplies—supplemental vitamin D or increasing the dietary vitamin D intake—would be helpful.
Zinc
Zinc has been shown in studies to be effective in preventing and reducing cold symptoms. It helps prevent viruses from adhering to cell walls in the nasal passage and is involved in antibody production.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements which are known to enhance immunity and digestive health, are beneficial to take during winter time. Since this is cold and flu season, there’s no better time to focus on strengthening the immune system with friendly bacteria.
Fish Oil ( or algae oil- vegan)
This supplement oil comes from fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, herring, anchovies and mackerel and offers a wide array of benefits for our health including reducing the risk of heart and eye diseases as well as mental disorders. That last one is especially important during winter, when your risk of mental illness is higher.