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Scientific research has a long background in testing whether certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, natural extracts, mushrooms, and amino acids can boost immune function. Can they protect us from colds, flu, and sniffles and prevent other diseases?
There is some evidence for this.
But boosting the immune system could be the wrong choice of words because the topic itself hides a great complexity. It is clear that the use of supplements is not a magic formula, but only a support to the strengthening of immunity.
Call it regular use of the supplements over a long period of time with proper lifestyle choices that help your immune health and your well-being.
Here you will find the list of the best supplements, foods, and micronutrients that have traditionally been rated as good immune support.
Recommendations are based on clinical and anecdotal research, along with peer reviews. In addition, we will remind you of natural methods that you can practice to strengthen the immune system.
How the immune system works?
The immune system is a colossal and complicated interconnected group of biomolecules, proteins, cells, tissues, and organs.
Composed of the spleen, the thymus gland, bone marrow, and a giant network of lymph nodes, it works in harmony as a defense mechanism against unwanted pathogens, viruses, and bacteria.
The body’s immune system is a miracle of hundreds of millions of years of evolution and just if it is endangered somehow or as a result of lack of nutrition can function less than perfect. So, you only get ill if it is weak and if it can not safeguard the body from threat.
Immune system parts
Immune responses include early recognition from innate cells such as neutrophils, macrophages/monocytes, and dendritic cells. Inflammation is a typical answer and quick response to danger signals resulting from infections and/or cellular damages.
Later immune responses (that is related to early responses) involve adaptive immunity and include lymphocyte feedbacks (T-cell and antibody responses) who take care to get the job done.
So, we are tied to our two main types of immunity:
Innate immune system (defense)
Innate immune responses (acquired) are those that rely on cells that do not require additional “training” to do their jobs. These cells include the aforementioned neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and a set of proteins called complement proteins. Innate responses to infection occur quickly and reliably. Even infants have excellent innate immune responses.
Our defense mechanisms consist of things such as skin barriers, stomach acid, and inflammation to secure our bodies from various stressors in our environment. We can enhance our immunity by managing degrees of inflammation, blood circulation, and natural killer cell (NK) task as these are a few of our major protections.
Adaptive immune system (attack)
The dendritic cells, from the innate immune system, trigger the body’s adaptive immune system. The adaptive immune system is made up of specialized, systemic cells and processes that remove or protect against microorganism development.
These processes include T-cells and B-cells, two types of cells that require “training” or education to learn not to attack their own cells. Advantages of adaptive responses are their long-term memory and ability to adapt to new microbes.
Table of Contents
Can we boost our immune system?
There are reasons why researchers claim we shouldn’t have an overly active immune system. While inflammation is normally a healthy response to injury or invasion of a pathogen if on overdrive an overactive immune system can start attacking host cells and become misdirected.
There is a type of escape immune response known as a “cytokine storm” that may be responsible for high mortality in severe influenza pandemics.
cytokine storm
Cytokines are compounds produced by the body’s immune system that attack and remove foreign bodies. But, they are also high in chronic inflammation. Cytokine storms might occur when this regulation of inflammation goes on overdrive. Molecules that are supposed to be protecting the body end up causing it to harm by responding too strongly to the infection.
This pathway can already be over-activated in your body if you suffer from chronic inflammation or some other low immune system issues.
immune system compromised
The primary symptom of a weak immune system is susceptibility to infection. A person with a weak immune system is more likely to get infections more often than most others. Some of these conditions may cause your immune system to function below average.
Long-term calorie and micronutrient deficits
A few chronic diseases have an impact on the immune response (diabetes)
Born with impaired immune systems
Immune deficiency as a result of certain diseases (HIV/AIDS)
Have an immune system that is too active. This may happen with an allergic reaction
Have an immune system that turns against you. This is called an autoimmune disease
How to strengthen the immune system naturally?
A healthy diet is a backbone for maintaining a strong immune system. Then dietary supplements become a convenient and easy way to ensure that nutritional needs are met. The habits that improve taking the best immune system supplements would be:
Don’t smoke
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
Get adequate sleep
Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly
Try to minimize stress
- Reset your immune system with fasting for three days
Now that we’ve gone through the basics, let’s learn about 12 essential micronutrients & foods, as well as the 7 best immune-boosting supplements.
Immune system booster vitamins & minerals
“The right raw materials can double or triple the protective power of the immune system.”
– Joel Fuhrman
Reboot Your Health: Simple DIY Tests and Solutions to Assess and Improve
Micronutrients, one of the main groups of nutrients, are vital for various processes in the body, and healthy immune function is closely linked to their intake. They are not produced in the body and must be obtained from the diet, with the exception of vitamin D.
Often, the best immune system supplements may contain one or more vitamins, minerals, and live beneficial bacteria we are about to cover next.
1. Iron
Iron aids in T cell development. It generates some ”reactive oxygen species” that kill pathogens. Iron deficiency is associated with immune issues like reduced phagocyte activity, impaired T cell response that aids the risk of parasite and Candida infections, as well as reduced immunoglobulin levels.
Some iron-rich food includes chicken, liver, pork, beef, egg yolk, broccoli, spinach, dried beans/green peas, potatoes with skin, raisins.
2. Zinc
Zinc stimulates T cell production and subtype switching, stimulates the complement system. It also stimulates phagocytes which aid in reduction in risk of pneumonia, common cold symptoms, as well as in the reduction in infectious diarrhea (worldwide). It also aids in free radical scavenger/inflammatory control. Immune issues associated with zinc deficiency include increased susceptibility to infections (skin and GI system), impaired phagocytosis, impaired NK cell activity, as well as low T and B cells. When supplementing with zinc, the recommended daily dose is 3-11 mg of elemental zinc.
3. Copper
Copper promotes T and B cell responses, especially IL-2 production. It also promotes phagocyte function. Immune issues associated with copper include low white blood cells, reduced T cell responses. Recommended supplementation with copper is 350-900 mcg/day.
4. Selenium
Selenium has free radicals reduction effects as it promotes the production of limited reactive oxygen species (ROS) to fight infections. It also stimulates general immune responsiveness like T and B cell activation, as well as cytokine release. Deficiency is associated with immune issues like loss of free radical host defense, decreased white blood cell, and NK cell function. Recommended daily intake is 20-55 µg/day.
Foods that contain selenium include fish, shrimps, salmon.
5. Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports the structure and function of mucosal cells of the eyes, lungs, gastrointestinal tract. It promotes response to bacterial infections, affects the growth and function of B cells, affects the activation of T cells. Immune issues that arise from deficiency of vitamin A include loss of structure/function of cells on mucosal surfaces which may lead to impaired resistance to infections, especially gastrointestinal. Also, the diminished function of innate immunity, impaired B and T cell responses. The current recommended daily intake is 3,000 (900 mcg) for men and 2,330 IU (700 mcg) for women.
Foods that contain vitamin A include carrots, eggs & cheese, meat, fish, sweet potato, broccoli, mangoes, peppers, apricots, peaches, melon, avocado, etc.
6. Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) aids in antibody responses
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) aids in antibody responses
Vitamin B3 (niacin) leads to the growth of the number of neutrophils, white blood cells that destroy microorganisms in the form of bacteria
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) aids in the production and release of antibodies.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) aids in T and B cell production and maturation
Vitamin B7 (biotin) increases the production of Th1 cytokines like IL-1β and IFN-γ, which are essential to fight bacterial and viral infections
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) aids in T cell production and maturation
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) promotes NK cell activity, and aids in T and B cell production.
Foods that contain vitamin B include cheese, eggs, leafy greens, liver, milk, nuts, red meat, salmon, whole cereals.
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has a free radical scavenger effect that protects the cell from reactive oxygen species (ROS) made by the body to control infections. It also may have an anti-viral activity which may aid in symptoms of common cold because of ROS function on surface airways and lung epithelium. Vitamin C aids in improvement in both innate and adaptive immunity function. Its deficiency is associated with immune issues like impaired collagen synthesis for barriers, as well as impaired performance-increased free radical production. Recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 75-90 mg.
Foods that contain vitamin C include red pepper, strawberry, cauliflower, orange, broccoli, kiwi, etc.
8. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary for phagocytic activity, it limits inflammatory response promoted by specific T cell subtypes, as well as promotes wound healing. Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with immune issues like the decreased proliferation of B cells and decreased immune globulin production. Also, a decrease in overall proliferation of T cells like TH1 cytokines decreased, and TH2 cytokines and T regulatory cells increased. It is recommended to naturally take vitamin D by exposure to the sunlight 5-30 min 2x per week. While taking it in the supplements form of D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) you would need 600-800 IU. The replenishment would do a recommended of 1000-4000 IU.
Foods that contain vitamin D include fish, liver, fortified foods (milk, cheese, OJ).
9. Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects against cell damage from free radicals and affects innate and adaptive immunity. How its deficiency affects our immune system is through the loss of phagocyte responses, T and B cell dysfunction, as well as difficulty controlling viral infections. Recommended supplementation with vitamin E is 15-30 IU/day.
Foods that contain vitamin E include almonds, bell peppers, mustard greens, dried apricots, pine nuts, cold-pressed plant oils, green olives, papaya, avocado, spinach, sunflower seeds, etc.
10. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA polyunsaturated fats)
Omega-3 fatty acids aids to decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines. It helps in increased response by white blood cells to control inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids participate in a decrease in clotting problems, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The goal is to achieve a proper ratio of omega-3: omega-6 of 1:4.
11. Garlic
Garlic is used both as food and medicine for thousands of years. Nowadays it sells as an extract. It contains the compound Allicin which is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and helps control viruses. Human studies have shown short-term, laboratory effects.
12. Probiotics
Probiotics or Lactobacilli strengthen the gut barrier, stimulate the production of T cells, and stimulate the production of antibodies. It must be ingested regularly to take effect.
Best pre-made supplement for immune system
Immune defense
Best supplement for immune support
Fortify immune system and helps protect from oxidation and inflammation
Get Immune DefenseImmune Defense is designed to boost our natural defenses and to increase our immune system function. It ramps up the attack when a cold has gotten to you. Immune Defense may help reduce time spent being sick. It supports many aspects of general health including optimizing pain management, promoting cognitive function, and supporting healthy inflammatory and oxidative responses. Immune Defense may even help regulate stress!
Most immune-boosting supplements lack balance and Natrium Health wanted to change that. Immune Defense defends your health by fortifying immune system function, prepares the immune system to attack pathogens while keeping the immune system from working against itself.
These eight ingredients in Immune Defense help protect us daily. Functional yeast extract is a great prebiotic derived from yeast that is high in quality of 50% beta-glucan. Black seed oil helps to fortify immune function and helps protect us from oxidation and inflammation. Oleamide helps balance our natural immune defenses by increasing endocannabinoid activity. Tyrosol from the Rhodiola Rosea plant helps stabilize mast cells which may help reduce the impact of seasonal allergies. A highly potent extract of Reishi, one of the most effective immune balancing mushrooms. PEA appears to significantly reduce downtime and increase recovery time from sickness. Turkey Tail also reduces sick time. Zinc may reduce both the severity and duration of colds. Really a great product!
1. Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract
Benefits and uses may include:
Turkey Tail – Immune support, promote cellular health, support inflammation levels
While medicinal fungi generally provide broad immune activity, individual species often possess unique immune properties. Trametes Versicolor, commonly known as Turkey Tail, is known to enhance innate and adaptive immune responses. Turkey Tail has been used for centuries for restoring vitality and fortifying the immune system. It contains precursors to the proteoglycans polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and Polysaccharide-K (PSK), which has been shown to optimize our immune system to respond to threats faster.
Effects on innate & adaptive immune system
Turkey Tail appears to enhance the activity of NK cells via activating TLR2 receptors, thus enabling them to defend our bodies from various stressors from the environment. It enhances the activity of the adaptive immune system by activating TLR receptors on T-Lymphocyte cells. T-lymphocytes are a subtype of white blood cells that directly attack cells infected with viruses, and they also act as regulators of the immune system. Activation of the TLRs on the T-Lymphocytes generates more T-lymphocytes that will help defend our immune system.
Also, T-lymphocytes will start to release inflammatory compounds called cytokines. These small proteins serve as hormones for the immune system. They are produced in response to a threat and represent the communication network for the immune system. These cytokines compounds are interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IL-2 helps hone in the activity of T-lymphocytes and other T-cells, whilst IFN-gamma helps directly fight off pathogens.
Beta-glucans in Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail contains beta-glucans that activate the dectin-1 receptor which significantly increases the activity of phagocytic cells. This type of cell detects dangers to our immune system and responds to them by engulfing and destroying pathogens that are already in our body. Dectin-1 activation also causes the production of oxidative radicals and the release of TNF-alpha. This helps phagocytes attack threats in our bodies and can also by themselves help kill pathogens.
Turkey tail activates B-lymphocytes, also a type of white blood cell, that upon activation excrete antibodies that look for and attach to pathogens. Once attached, the antibodies neutralize the pathogens. Those are just some of the effects that Turkey Tail Mushroom has on the adaptive immune system. It will definitely strengthen our second defenses and prevent pathogen growth. Novel applications for animal and human immune health may be identified in the future for components isolated from fermented substrates, independent of mushroom mycelium.
For the prevention of the whole immune system, and much more, why not try a complex of eleven mushroom extracts designed to provide all the benefits associated with mushroom supplementation in one product.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract powder and capsules for purchase at Nootropics Depot
2. Nigella Sativa Extract | Black Seed Oil
Benefits and uses may include:
Nigella sativa – Supporting healthy metabolic function, supporting healthy cellular function, supporting healthy immune function, supporting skin and scalp health, supporting healthy stress levels and a positive mood, supporting brain health and cognitive function
Nigella Sativa, which is also known as Black Seed Oil, has been advised to be a “cure-all” for centuries now with the earliest written reference found in the Old Testament. Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food. While many people believe Black seed oil is one of the best immune system booster, a lot of its benefits are more on the nootropic side of things.
Nigella Sativa contains a plethora of different compounds, but most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of Thymoquinone which is a major bioactive component of the essential oil. Thymoquinone is a quinone compound, like other quinone classes of compounds like Coenzyme Q10, PQQ, and Vitamin K. In fact, it seems that various naturally occurring quinone compounds all have potent effects on overall health. One of the most prominent immune-boosting effects of Thymoquinone is somewhat similar to the effects of Turkey Tail Mushroom.
Thymoquinone effects
Thymoquinone appears to potently enhance the activity and efficacy of phagocytic cells which helps them to kill the pathogens they trap. However, Thymoquinone can also suppress nitric oxide release from macrophages. This is important as nitric oxide produced through iNOS (which Thymoquinone blocks) can have widespread inflammatory effects throughout the body. Taking these effects into account, Nigella Sativa Extract and Turkey Tail Mushroom would more than likely have a highly synergistic effect on phagocyte activity.
Overall, Nigella Sativa is a great immune booster and a natural supplement to take daily. It will help both our innate and adaptive immune systems. It would be especially interesting to take it long-term due to its other health-boosting and cognition-boosting benefits as well. From everything on our list, Nigella Sativa Extract is maybe the most versatile and adaptive among the best immune system supplements.
Nigella Sativa Extract powder and capsules for purchase at Nootropics Depot
3. Rhodiola Rosea | Tyrosol + Salidroside solution
Benefits and uses may include:
Rhodiola rosea – Promotes feelings of well being, supports healthy stress levels, supports immune system health, supports cognitive function, promotes healthy oxidation and inflammation levels
Rhodiola Rosea is a medicinal plant with proven adaptogenic properties that strengthens the nervous system and relieves symptoms of stress and fatigue but also have been documented with immunostimulating activity. It stimulates all the cell lines of the immune system. Rhodiola has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Russia and the Scandinavian countries and was first mentioned in 77 when a Greek doctor mentioned its use. While Rhodiola is known to contain three major bioactive constituents, salidroside, rosavin, and tyrosol, recent findings report that tyrosol and salidroside are potent immune boosters and antimicrobial compounds.
Salidroside and tyrosol effects on the immune system
Salidroside appears to enhance levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Both of these are antiviral cytokines that can help fight off pathogens. TNF-alpha is involved in many aspects of our immune response, but mainly towards destroying pathogens that have made it into our bodies. IFN-gamma is a key player in both our innate and adaptive immune systems. IFN-gamma boosts levels of Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) which is an important molecule that helps guide antibodies, T-cells, and white blood cells to threats. Without MHC these immune defenders would not know where to go and thus boosting MHC levels will allow our immune system to attack the right targets.
Tyrosol, on the other hand, directly takes care of pathogens by inhibiting hemolysis. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells that pathogens use to spread and damage our bodies. By inhibiting hemolysis, tyrosol can prevent the spread of pathogens and the damage they can cause. Furthermore, tyrosol appears to be able to shut down the ATP synthase of bacteria. ATP is one of the main energy molecules that are used by bacteria and thus, shutting it down will kill the bacteria and slow down their spread.
Taken together in the extract, Salidrosides and Tyrosol will boost your immune system whilst also defending us from threats to our immune system. This should make it one of the best immune system supplements for the prevention of the signals of low immune system function. Don’t forget that you will also benefit from mood enhancement, stress reduction, and endurance enhancement.
Rhodiola Rosea dropper bottle solution for purchase at Nootropics Depot
4. Palmitoylethanolamide | PEA
Benefits and uses may include:
Palmitoylethanolamide – May assist in the bodies response to pain, supports positive pain management
Palmitoylethanolamide was brought to market as a food component in the late 1960s for speeding up the recovery from the common cold, as well as a preventative. PEA is an endogenous, natural Fatty Acid Amide, synthesized and metabolized by different animal cell types and also present in plants. It exerts a multitude of physiological functions related to metabolic and cellular homeostasis.
Is Pea a cannabinoid?
Palmitoylethanolamide is an endogenous member of the endocannabinoid system. It appears to interact with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor which is highly expressed throughout our immune system. CB2 receptors regulate cytokine release, the small proteins which represent the communication network for the immune system cells like T lymphocytes, macrophage, B cells, and monocytes. Cells utilize it to alert the body as to the status of the pathogen threat. The CB2 receptors appear to be directly expressed on all of these cells, and activation of CB2 receptors by PEA modulates cytokine function.
Read our guide about cannabinoids and their nootropic benefits.
Palmitoylethanolamide mechanism of action
Palmitoylethanolamide appears to significantly up-regulate CB2 receptors, and via this mechanism can boost immune function through a wide variety of immune regulators. Furthermore, via a reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) palmitoylethanolamide may be able to upregulate immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels and interleukin 2 (IL-2) levels while also boosting T lymphocyte activity. IgM is the largest antibody present in our bodies and helps us to neutralize pathogens. IL-2 regulates overall white blood cell activity, and by boosting IL-2 levels we can optimize our white blood cells to fight off pathogens.
Immune regulation
As with the CB2 receptor, Palmitoiletanolamide also appears to modulate the PPAR-alpha receptor, which is also widely expressed in the immune system and has its own unique effects on immune regulation. Similar to CB2 receptors, PPAR-alpha regulates cytokine release but does so in a very balanced way, allowing our immune system to fight for what is important while limiting some of the inflammatory effects that different cytokines can cause.
Overall, Palmitoylethanolamide can be a great long-term immune system supplement booster while also being able to fend off common colds. In addition to these potent immune-boosting effects, Palmitoylethanolamide also has a whole plethora of other interesting effects including pain relief support.
Palmitoylethanolamide capsules for purchase at Nootropics Depot
5. N-acetylcysteine | NAC
Benefits and uses may include:
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) – May help support respiratory health, promote skin health, support organ health, may help promote vitality
Since the early 1960s, NAC has been used in many clinical trials and in adjunct therapies to show the abundance of its benefits, including its impact on immune function. NAC is an important sulfur-containing small molecule that is rapidly metabolized in the small intestine to produce glutathione (GSH), a powerful endogenous protectant against free radicals pivotal in the detoxification processes in the liver and a key player in neutralizing free radicals in all cells.
Glutathione levels naturally decrease as we age, so NAC is predominantly used as its substitute, as unlike GSH it has good bioavailability. Low free radical scavenger levels are associated with impaired immune responses and increased susceptibility to infections. This may also occur in situations in which individuals are exposed to environmental sources of free radicals, such as UV light, smoke, or heavy metals. Both NAC and GSH have been shown to enhance many immune responses during the aging process.
Read the whole story in our glossary of NAC benefits.
NAC for flu-like symptoms
Numerous studies have looked at the effects of NAC in situations where the immune system is compromised, such as the flu. NAC can affect the ability of the virus to replicate, and it has been shown to have direct antiviral effects, harmonize levels of cytokines and act anti-apoptotic. Inhibition of mucin production and the influence of immune responses on B and T-cells have also been reported. However, although the potent effect of NAC has been described in several models of influenza infection, its efficacy appears to be limited to some strains of the virus.
Glutathione deficiency
Research trials on glutathione deficiency suggest that immune function can be improved and potentially restored by the addition of NAC. As the immune system works best if the lymphoid cells have a delicately balanced intermediate level of glutathione, administration of NAC is a proven strategy for enhancing immune defenses when GSH deficiency is discovered. NAC treatment in a model of aging was shown to reverse decreased T cell proliferation and cytokine responses. In fact, following NAC treatment, improved phagocytic activity of macrophages was also observed. NAC has been shown as an effective strategy for enhancing decreased intracellular immune cell GSH levels. But, that’s not the final words about this multi-functional supplement.
Boosting our immune system targeting oxidative stress
NAC also increases immune responses by decreasing oxidative stress and ROS production. Despite all of this, ROS cannot be completely removed from our cells. ROS are required for general cell physiology, including activation of signaling pathways required for cell proliferation, migration, or the secretion of molecules. In addition, oxygen radicals support antibody production by adaptive immune cells (in particular, plasma cells). But, NAC can successfully activate the natural free radical scavenger defense and helps repair and regenerate immune cells to prevent immune deficiencies.
NAC capsules or powder of N-Acetyl L-Cysteine for purchase at Nootropics Depot
6. Astragalus
Benefits and uses may include:
Astragalus – Supports healthy immune response, healthy inflammation support, liver & kidney protection, support healthy cardiovascular function
Astragalus is also called huang qi or milk vetch. It comes from a type of bean or legume and it was used as a tonic to increase stamina, strength, and vitality in traditional Chinese medicine. While there are multiple species of astragalus, most astragalus supplements contain Astragalus membranaceus. The herb is said to offer multiple health benefits for multiple conditions, including immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and regulation of inflammation properties. Studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent common colds and upper respiratory infections.
Three key components that work to our advantage when using Astragalus are flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides. These phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found only in plants. Some preliminary clinical confirmation of its immune-supporting properties said that it increases the production of white blood cells, notably T cells and macrophages, as well as natural killer cell activity and inhibiting T-helper cell type 2 cytokines.
Immune system benefits from polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are the most important functional constituents in Astragalus responsible for the antimicrobial, antiviral, and reduced inflammation capabilities of this herb. These polysaccharides have many effects, such as reducing inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. Polysaccharides potentiate the immune-mediated antitumor activity of interleukin-2 in vitro, improve lymphocyte responses, enhance natural killer cell activity, potentiate monocyte activity, increase phagocytosis, and activate macrophages to release nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which directly blocks the growth of pathogens.
In healthy individuals, a sublingual/ingested astragalus root extract produced increases in monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets, as well as circulating cytokine levels. Astragalus also acts as a free radical scavenger, increasing superoxide dismutase and decreasing lipid peroxide activity.
Astragalus may improve your immune system and symptoms of chronic fatigue and seasonal allergies. For most people, astragalus is well tolerated.
Astragalus capsules for purchase at Nootropics Depot
7. AC-11 | Cat's Claw extract
Benefits and uses may include:
AC-11 – Support cellular DNA repair within your cells naturally, boost your immune system by improving cellular health
AC-11 is a unique bioactive extract of the Uncaria tomentosa plant taken out of the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon rainforest. It is better known under the name of Cat’s Claw, a plant esteemed by traditional cultures for its free radicals scavenger and immunomodulatory properties. AC-11 is different as it is developed by a hot water extraction process based on sacred methods of Amazon Indians and has an ease of absorption of Carboxy Alkyl Esters (CAE) that contains a bioactive ingredient quinic acid. Among other benefits, quinic acid aids in the normalization of lipid level which is strongly linked to immune function. AC-11 is thus one of a few documented plant phytochemicals that enhance cellular health by supporting your body’s natural ability to repair DNA, limit inflammation, clear out damaged cells, as well as enhances immune system function.
Improved Cellular Health strengthens the Immune system
Constant harm to our cell’s internal DNA made by free radicals is due to internal and environmental factors like pollution, diet, stress, sun exposure. As the body cannot repair DNA damage so quickly, it can lead to poor immune health, excessive inflammation in the body, and premature aging, which is due to mutations that occur in human cells. To slow down this process AC-11 works on Nuclear Factor κβ (NF-κβ), one of our evolutionary survival mechanisms. It is a transcription factor that synthesizes pro-inflammatory mediators for the immune system in response to oxidative damage. An overactive response to toxins and foreign substances leads to immune system overdrive and on a vicious cycle of chronic conditions. AC-11® has been shown to normalizing NF-κβ activity and stopping the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines at the gene level.
AC-11 demonstrated a positive effect on lymphocytes
AC-11 increases the efficacy and life span of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell important for fighting bacteria and viruses. Healthy lymphocytes are also necessary for enhancing our immune system and preventing inflammatory disorders from causing age-related health issues. Very nice one for cellular health, among the best immune system supplements.
AC-11 capsules for purchase at Healthy Cell
Stay updated about COVID-19
Go to these websites for updates about COVID-19. Immune Deficiency Foundation is my go-to source for information about the immune system.
WHO COVID-19 Dashboard
Information dashboard from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Lancet COVID-19 Resource Centre
For individuals with medical/scientific backgrounds.
WHO COVID-19 Interactive Global Infection Map
Up to date research, clinical cases, and publications.
Conclusion
You can take the supplements we have recommended here as a safe support for good immunity.
But keep in mind that you will improve your health and well-being by taking supplements only if you also follow healthy living habits and thus maintain immunity.
Supplements from our list also have nootropic benefits next to being immunity boosters. From many resources, you will find that they are great for your brain health.
Did we miss something important?
From the herbal extracts, synthetic molecules, powerful phytochemicals, essential micronutrients, medicinal mushrooms, as well as multi-ingredients products…
I think we have included them all!
However, this listing will be updated with the new research.
Which of these immunity boosters are you interested to try?
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