Vitamins aren’t like magic beans that miraculously make you healthy, but they can certainly lend a hand. The best way to protect your health is to make sure your body has all the vitamins and minerals it needs to function like a well-oiled machine. Don’t get sick. Stay healthy by taking the right vitamins. What are the right vitamins to take? Well, sometimes it depends on the vitamins your body has trouble absorbing – for example, some people naturally absorb less iron, so they need to take iron supplements. However, there are a handful of vitamins everyone can benefit from taking. Here are the top 6 you need to take daily to support a robust immune system.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is good for strengthening the circulatory system, which is what your immune system uses to cart infection-battling white blood cells around your body. A vitamin is also an antioxidant, keeps your skin healthy, and helps in iron absorption. Some people can get enough Vitamin C by eating a diet high in citrus or acidic fruits, including oranges, strawberries, and kiwis.
2. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another vitamin that plays a big role in the circulatory system, as this particular vitamin is known to help with blood circulation. Vitamin E is also good for the skin and helps protect the body from free radicals, which can sometimes cause health concerns. Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, but a vitamin supplement will do the trick if you don’t want to munch on those.
3. B Vitamins
B Vitamins are some of the biggest supporters of a healthy immune system. In addition to B6 and B12, B Vitamins go by a few other names, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folic acid. B Vitamins are largely responsible for energy production in your body and play a crucial role in both the immune system and iron absorption. B Vitamins feature in unprocessed foods, whole grains, bananas, beans, lentils, and potatoes.
4. Vitamin D
A study in 2015 found that the vast majority of Americans are not getting enough Vitamin D, which was alarming enough that the FDA mandated many foods to be fortified with Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for having healthy bones and teeth. It also helps in calcium absorption. Good sources of Vitamin D include eggs and fish.
5. Calcium
Calcium is especially important in mature bodies, and it is recommended that those over the age of 40 begin increasing calcium intake to support healthy teeth and bones. Calcium can help fortify the bones and prevent diseases like osteopenia and osteoarthritis. Enough calcium can help you down the line and avoid broken bones from a fall. Calcium is found in most dairy products.
6. Zinc
Zinc is one mineral that doesn’t get enough attention for how essential it is to the immune system. Research indicates that zinc is one of the most important minerals to help the immune system battle colds and cases of flu, and some virologists suggest that zinc can help shorten or lessen the severity of upper respiratory infections. Zinc can be found in seafood, spinach, and cashews.
Whether you just want to make sure you’re eating the right things or make sure your multivitamin contains everything essential for your health, these are the vitamins and minerals that are the most useful to a healthy immune system. Don’t get sick. Stay healthy and take the vitamins that will help protect your health now and further on down the road.
