Vitamins to Boost Immune System

Do you know that your body has the ability to fight disease-causing pathogens? This ability of the human body is attributed to the immune system, which is an integrated network of organs, tissues, cells and cell products, like antibodies. In most cases, the immune system of the body attacks the invading organisms and protects the body from illnesses, but in some cases, problems with the system itself may lead to diseases. However, a weak immune system cannot protect the body and may succumb to the attack of the invading pathogens.

Most people do not recognize the importance of the immune system till they get affected by some serious illness, which further weakens the system, thereby making the person vulnerable to a vast array of diseases. It is the tendency of the people to take it for granted and they do nothing to improve and maintain the immune system, which fights off the millions of disease causing agents like bacteria, fungi and parasites, every day. The following vitamins for immune system are essential to stay healthy and maintain a healthy immune system.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A can be considered as the backbone of a healthy immune system. This vitamin helps the body in making enzymes, which can kill the germs entering the body. It can also strengthen the organs to make them capable of fighting pathogens. Vitamin A is beneficial in keeping the mucous membranes (inner lining of nose, throat, and other internal cavities) soft and moist, thereby making this part well-equipped to trap the germs that try to enter the body. This is one of the most prominent among the vitamins to boost immune system.

Vitamin B
B vitamins are essential for the body as they are suppliers of energy. This energy can vitalize the immune system too. According to some researches, a regular intake of vitamin B6 increased the count of white blood cells in women. White blood cells are the main part of the immune system and fight foreign materials as well as infectious diseases. Folate and vitamin B12 are also found to be good for the immune system.

Vitamin C
Among the vitamins for the immune system, vitamin C is considered to have an important role. This vitamin has an active role in invigorating the cells which are responsible for killing the germs entering the body. Another function of vitamin C, which aids in boosting the immune system, includes the production of interferon, a protein meant for killing viruses in the body. Vitamin C is also beneficial in increasing the levels of glutathione (a tripeptide), which is useful for the immune system.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E produces an immune protein called interleukin-2, which induces the multiplication of white blood cells, on the event of invasion by germs. The white blood cells fight the germs and prevents the occurrence of diseases. Interleukin-2, which is known to fight bacteria and viruses, has also been approved by the FDA, as fit for use in the treatment of some types of cancers. Hence, vitamin E is also vital among the vitamins to boost immune system.

Apart from preventing the occurrence of illnesses, a healthy immune system can also shorten the recovery period, in case of contraction of any disease. You can boost and maintain your immune system by adopting a balanced diet, which is rich in the above vitamins. Another important factor is proper hygiene and a healthy lifestyle.