The 7 Vitamin Supplements That Keep Viruses Away!
With virus season quickly approaching, it’s time to prepare yourself with a ton of preventative measures so you don’t find yourself bedridden with a fever or any of the other symptoms of common viruses. If you’re one of the many people interested in taking vitamin supplements to give your body the strength it needs to ward off sicknesses, there are several different ones that you should have in your home. Below are the best vitamin supplements that could save you from catching any virus.
1. Probiotics
According to Pacific Health and Sports Therapy, having a healthy amount of probiotics in your system can help to decrease your chances of catching a virus by 12%, however, it’s recommended to have at least 3 months worth of probiotics in your system. You’re going to want to make sure that you find supplements with at least 1 billion cells of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus paracasei.
As an alternative to over-the-counter oral vitamin supplements, you can also rely on foods that are packed with probiotics as well such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
2. Vitamin C
As the most iconic vitamin supplement to have at your disposal to help your body ward off common illnesses and ones that are more serious as well, vitamin C is something to have in your medicine cabinet throughout the year. There is an onslaught of health benefits that it can bring to the table ranging from boosting your immune system to eliminating signs of premature aging and wrinkles.
Even if you were to catch a virus, having healthy levels of vitamin C will surely help your body to recover much faster than without.
3. Vitamin D
If you’re the type of person who likes to spend a lot of time in the sun, you’re probably quite familiar with vitamin D as it’s mostly acquired through being in the sunshine. However, during the colder months when viruses are at their peak, people are more likely to spend increased hours indoors. There are over-the-counter vitamin supplements that you can take to boost your vitamin D levels and it not only helps to prevent illnesses, but it also has plenty of mood-boosting properties as well.
On average, you should aim to get up to 4000 milligrams of vitamin D per day to ensure that your immune system has enough strength to ward off illnesses.
4. Echinacea
Echinacea is easily one of the most sought-after herbal supplements to take when you’re already battling a cold or flu, though it can also be used as a preventative supplement as well. It’s something that is generally safe for adults and children, however, it’s important to talk to your family doctor to ensure it’s safe for children to consume.
The right dosage for an adult is typically around 900 milligrams as a preventative and in the event that you do get ill, you should increase the dosage 5 times to shorten the effects of your symptoms.
5. Zinc
Zinc is one of the stranger supplements that you wouldn’t typically think could help your immune system, but you can guarantee it will start flying off the shelves once virus season comes around. According to WebMD, zinc interferes with how rhinoviruses affect your system, and rhinoviruses are responsible for at least 80% of colds people experience. It has been shown to live on cell membranes and prevent infections from occurring. The best part is that you can find plenty of child-friendly zinc supplements as well to help boost the immune system of your children.
A couple of alternatives to oral supplements include beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products.
6. Vitamin A
You would be surprised to learn that the organ that is in the forefront of viruses is your skin, which means you’re going to want to make sure that your first line of defense is as strong as it can be with the help of vitamin A.
As a supplement that helps to strengthen the outer layer of skin and other hollow structures such as your stomach, throat, and nose, you’ll find you’ll be far less likely to deal with common viruses with the help of vitamin A.
7. Vitamin B12
As another vitamin on this list that brings a ton of health benefits, vitamin B12 is another supplement that you should consider stocking up on when the colder months begin to approach. Not only does it help to increase your energy reserves throughout the day, but it is also packed with antioxidants.
Antioxidants have the sole purpose of fighting against free radicals, which are harmful components in your system that bring forth infections and debilitate your immune system, making you more susceptible to the common cold. The more antioxidants you have in your body, the less likely you’ll be to deal with any type of illness throughout the year.
8. Healthy eating and hygiene are the best options
Even though there are seven different phenomenal supplements on this list that you can rely on, there’s nothing more effective for fighting against illnesses than a proper diet and a sufficient amount of hygiene. You should always make sure that you have a well-rounded diet filled with whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other whole foods. This will help to make sure that your body has the strongest foundation possible to prevent viruses, but it will also help your body to fight off an illness in the event that one comes along.
In terms of hygiene, it’s recommended that you always walk with a bottle of hand sanitizer at your disposal and ensure that you don’t put your hands anywhere near your face until they have been disinfected. It’s far too often that illnesses spread as a result of improper hygiene and you’ll want to pay special attention to areas such as public restrooms, food courts, door handles, and public transportation.
Final Thoughts
The best way to battle a virus is to prevent it from entering your home as the last thing you’ll want is to be stuck in your bed during some of the most beautiful days in the year. No matter if it’s winter or summer, with the help of these great supplements and tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a healthier year.
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