The immune system is your bodys defense, helping protect against infection from harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
Popular immune system boosters include dietary supplements containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving immune health.
PeopleImages / Getty Images
Individuals who partake in moderate exercise have a decreased risk of illness.
Additionally, regular exercise can also delay age-related changes to immune function.
However, high-intensity exercise (e.g., prolonged and intensive exercise) can temporarily negatively impact immune function.
Speak to a healthcare provider prior to beginning a new exercise regimen.
Foods and Beverages
A nutrient-dense diet is the best way to consumenatural immune boosters.
While legitimate immune-supporting supplements are available, the market is flooded with misleading or unsubstantiated claims.
Supplements are also helpful for some individuals.
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance around supplements based on your needs.
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you better know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Six tips to enhance immunity.
2018;8(3):201.
Calder PC.Foods to deliver immune-supporting nutrients.Curr Opin Food Sci.
2022;43:136-145. doi:10.1016/j.cofs.2021.12.006
Khalid W, Arshad MS, Ranjha MMAN, et al.
Functional constituents of plant-based foods boost immunity against acute and chronic disorders.Open Life Sci.
2022;66(6):277-291.
Gutierrez S, Svahn SL, Johansson ME.Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on immune cells.International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
2019;20(20):5028.
2023;15(5):1099.
2020;19(5):30.
Connolly G, Campbell WW.Poultry consumption and human cardiometabolic health-related outcomes: a narrative review.Nutrients.
2023;15(16):3550.
2018;19(3):686.
Wang S, Li Z, Ma Y, et al.Immunomodulatory effects of green tea polyphenols.Molecules.
2021;11:100115. doi:10.1016/j.metop.2021.100115
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccines protect you.
Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients.
2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211
MedlinePlus.Immunodeficiency disorders.
MedlinePlus.Aging changes in immunity.
