Updating majorly as of 1/22/25. One reference was no longer viable and replaced with a new reference and information.
Welcome back - it is time to finish our three-part consideration of the immune system! After seeing different, non-white-blood-cell parts of the immune system (including stomach acid) in Part 1 and the whacky immune system functions of allergies and autoimmune issues in Part 2, we now end with Part 3, nutrients needed by the immune system.
First off, many rush to try to boost the immune system only with certain foods or single nutrients, seasonally or when they feel sick. Admittedly, lacking one nutrient can throw off the immune system(1). [Further, defeating E. coli, influenza, and such isn't the only object of supporting the immune system - ] such things as environmental toxins and stress can suppress the immune system(1).
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) "is a molecular form of the amino acid L-cysteine" and supports healthy liver AND immune system functioning. NAC converts to "tripeptide glutathione (GSH), the most abundant antioxidant". which in turn is requisite for some antioxidant enzymes. IMPORTANT: neither supplementing with simple regular cysteine nor GSH is efficient for one-upping GSH synthesis(2).
- "[E]ssential electrolytes⎯including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride" are needed for elementary cell functions, including brain transmissions... and in the immune system(2).
- "Animal studies have found that deficiencies in zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E can alter immune responses."(1)
- Fiber (prebiotics) present in fruits, veggies, and other plant foods help keep up healthy gut microbes - and in turn these microbes "short chain fatty acids, which have been shown to stimulate immune cell activity." Probiotics, in contrast, contain living, probiotic (healthy) bacteria(1).
- Vitamin D is an immune system regulator(1).
- FINALLY, we get to perhaps the most famous immune nutrient: Vitamin C is "the most important water-soluble antioxidant in our circulation... and is concentrated in immune cells." With both Vitamins C AND D, "dietary intake, or serum levels" tend to drop as we age(2).
Personal Product Favorites:
References:
1. "Nutrition and Immunity." Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source. The President and Fellows of Harvard College. Web. January 7, 2025. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/.
2. "Hydrate + Immune Support." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. Web. January 22, 2025. https://isagenixhealth.net/hydrate-immune-support/.
Welcome back - it is time to finish our three-part consideration of the immune system! After seeing different, non-white-blood-cell parts of the immune system (including stomach acid) in Part 1 and the whacky immune system functions of allergies and autoimmune issues in Part 2, we now end with Part 3, nutrients needed by the immune system.
First off, many rush to try to boost the immune system only with certain foods or single nutrients, seasonally or when they feel sick. Admittedly, lacking one nutrient can throw off the immune system(1). [Further, defeating E. coli, influenza, and such isn't the only object of supporting the immune system - ] such things as environmental toxins and stress can suppress the immune system(1).
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) "is a molecular form of the amino acid L-cysteine" and supports healthy liver AND immune system functioning. NAC converts to "tripeptide glutathione (GSH), the most abundant antioxidant". which in turn is requisite for some antioxidant enzymes. IMPORTANT: neither supplementing with simple regular cysteine nor GSH is efficient for one-upping GSH synthesis(2).
- "[E]ssential electrolytes⎯including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride" are needed for elementary cell functions, including brain transmissions... and in the immune system(2).
- "Animal studies have found that deficiencies in zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E can alter immune responses."(1)
- Fiber (prebiotics) present in fruits, veggies, and other plant foods help keep up healthy gut microbes - and in turn these microbes "short chain fatty acids, which have been shown to stimulate immune cell activity." Probiotics, in contrast, contain living, probiotic (healthy) bacteria(1).
- Vitamin D is an immune system regulator(1).
- FINALLY, we get to perhaps the most famous immune nutrient: Vitamin C is "the most important water-soluble antioxidant in our circulation... and is concentrated in immune cells." With both Vitamins C AND D, "dietary intake, or serum levels" tend to drop as we age(2).
Personal Product Favorites:
References:
1. "Nutrition and Immunity." Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source. The President and Fellows of Harvard College. Web. January 7, 2025. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/.
2. "Hydrate + Immune Support." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. Web. January 22, 2025. https://isagenixhealth.net/hydrate-immune-support/.
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