SHOPPING FOR OPTIMUM IMMUNE HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS DURING PANDEMIC

 As concerns grow over the spread of covid-19, shoppers may be more than ever looking for foods and supplements that boost their immune systems. Studies have historically shown that our diet, just like every part of our body, the immune system functions more effectively with healthy food and lifestyle choices. Certain suggestions are provided through social media and news channels for everyone to boost immune health and wellness programs.

Vitamin C is believed to do wonders in improving the immune system. Building a strong immune system is one of the best defenses against covid-19, seasonal allergies and colds and flus, and can be done by picking up a few things at local supermarket or even online grocery stores packed with this potent antioxidant. The richest sources of vitamin C are sweet peppers, black currants, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, and turnip greens. Vitamin C is heat sensitive so the longer one cooks veggies, the more the vitamin decreases i e. raw and fresh vegetables contain the most vitamin c. The faster the cooking method the better. Other prime sources for vitamin C include papayas and mangoes, pineapple, strawberries, citrus fruits, kiwi, cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon. Other vegetables high in vitamin C are okra, squash, cabbage, dark leafy greens, cauliflower, peas, sweet potatoes, and asparagus.

It seems like every day researchers are finding that vitamin D plays a role in almost every aspect of human metabolism. Research has suggested that vitamin D may aid in the reduction and protection from adverse cardiovascular events, hypertension, cancer, asthma, the insulin response, and several autoimmune diseases by modulating neuromuscular and immune function and helping to reduce inflammation. Vitamin D also helps control the cell life cycle keeping good cells and getting rid of cells that are no longer necessary. Vitamin D's most well-known role in the body is to aid in the absorption and regulation of calcium; deficiency can result in a variety of bone disorders including rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis which currently affects over 10 million people over age 50. Like all vitamins and minerals, vitamin D is important in maintaining optimal health. Few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, shrimp and fish liver oils are the best sources. Vitamin D can also be found in small amounts in beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, butter, and some mushrooms including shitake and portabello. Other foods have been fortified with vitamin D, thus do not naturally contain the vitamin, and include milk and some brands of orange juice, margarine, and yogurt. Breakfast cereals often contain around 10 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin D as well but if consuming with fat-free milk, vitamin D which is a fat-soluble vitamin is less likely to be absorbed. The Food and Drug Administration recommends at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily and up to about 2,000 IU is considered safe. Furthermore, other vitamins, for instance, vitamin B6 are vital to supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system and vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection.

Zinc is necessary for optimum immune function, boosting immunity, and creates new cells, which allow optimal collagen production and wound healing. What foods contain zinc? Animal foods such as liver, beef, eggs, oysters, lamb, scallops, yogurt, and crab are rich in zinc. Plant foods such as wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds, oats, and sesame seeds are also rich in zinc.

In addition, health experts recommend shopping for a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, making sure one gets enough sleep, reducing stress, and limiting alcohol consumption.