Tag Archives: Zinc

Which is Better for Immune Support: Vitamin C, Zinc, or Elderberry?

Posted on February 9, 2022 by | Leave a comment
which is better for immune support – vitamin C, zinc, elderberry

Learn which is better for immune support – vitamin C, zinc, elderberry?

The cold winter months are often associated with seasonal illnesses like colds and stomach bugs. When the weather turns cool, we spend more time indoors, allowing germs to circulate more rapidly. Additionally, our immune systems slow down when the weather is cold, and we have a more difficult time fighting off viruses we come in contact with.

One way to stay healthy in the winter is to support and strengthen your immune system. But which supplement or product is best for immune support? This week Professional Supplement Center has the info you’re looking for on vitamin C, zinc, elderberry and other immune support products.

Best Supplements for Immune Support

The best way to stay healthy in the face of illness is to take good care of your body with a balanced diet, exercise, proper sleep, and limited stress. Immune support supplements are designed to work in harmony with a healthy lifestyle.

That being said, you have a lot of options when it comes to supplements that support your immune response. Here are some common supplements and how they stack up against each other.

Vitamin C

For years you’ve been told that vitamin C is an easy way to keep colds and illness at bay. It turns out that this popular belief is true, vitamin C is an excellent way to support the immune system. In fact, studies show that those with inadequate levels of vitamin C are more prone to colds and seasonal illnesses.

Eating a healthy diet is an easy way to ensure adequate levels of vitamin C, so reach for foods like oranges, strawberries, spinach, kale, and broccoli all winter long. For a highly absorbable type of vitamin C, try Liposomal Vitamin C Softgels from Core Med Science.

Zinc 

Zinc is a nutrient found throughout your body that plays a vital role in supporting a healthy immune response. In fact, studies show that boosting with zinc at the onset of a cold or other virus can keep you healthy, or at least shorten the length and severity of illness.

If you’re looking to ensure enough zinc in your daily diet, fill your grocery cart or online order with lean meats, shellfish, nuts, legumes, seeds, eggs, and whole grains. For starters, try Zinc 30 from Pure Encapsulations.

Elderberry

For thousands of years, elderberries (or sambucus nigra) have been believed to treat a number of health concerns. In today’s modern world, elderberry syrups and supplements are used as a way to stay healthy and provide immune support. Research shows that elderberry supplements are effective at shortening and staving off influenza and other seasonal illnesses. For elderberry support, try ViraPro Elderberry Immune Blend from Terry Naturally.

Supplements for Immune Support 

If you’re looking to stock your medicine cabinet with products designed to support your immune system this winter, here are a few we recommend:

Liposomal Vitamin C Sunflower Formula by Core Med Science 

If you’re looking to boost your Vitamin C intake, Liposomal Vitamin C Sunflower Formula by Core Med Science is an easy way to do it. The liposomal formula increases absorption, allowing your body to optimize use of the 5 ml of Vitamin C.

Zinc Lozenges with Elderberry from Professional Supplement Center

Professional Supplement Center‘s Zinc Lozenge with elderberry delivers immune boosters to the throat and sinuses in this delicious and soothing lozenge. Not only do you get a dose of zinc and elderberry but vitamin D3 as well.

What is your go-to immune support in the winter months? Share your advice for staying healthy in the comments section below.

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Best Plant-Based Sources of Zinc for Immune Support

Posted on March 23, 2021 by | Leave a comment

plant-based-source-of-zinc

Zinc is number 30 on the periodic table of elements, meaning that it’s both prominent in our world, and useful to scientific inquiry. A metal at room temperature, zinc is an element that has been absorbed into the metabolisms of most living things, and in fact we can’t live without it. 

Zinc is present in many foods, meaning that you probably have some in your diet, whether you realize it or not. However, it’s possible to be low in zinc, which could affect, among other things, the delicate balance of your immune system. 

Without getting too far into the details, zinc affects many different aspects of immunity, including the very production of immune cells such as natural killer cells. These cells have a tough name, and for a good reason – without them, our bodies couldn’t destroy numerous pathogens, leaving us open to all kinds of illness. 

There are tests available to learn about levels of zinc in your body. If you’re found to be low in this vital element, your primary care physician can work with you to help you recover. In addition to this, there are some natural foods that contain high levels of zinc that may be a good idea as part of a healthy diet. 

Lentils

Legumes like lentils are some of the world’s best sources of dietary zinc. Unless you live in Canada or India, you’ve likely not seen a lentil in the wild. These tiny seeds grow in pods, and have been part of South Asian cuisine (among others) for many generations. A cheap staple food, lentils are high in protein and, of course, zinc. Use them as a base for grain salads, in soups, or ground into powder for inclusion in various traditional Indian flatbreads. 

Chickpeas

Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans as they are sometimes called, are primarily grown in the plains states, at least in America. Firm and toothsome when cooked, chickpeas can be eaten on salads, pickled for a flavor boost in many meals, or can serve as the base ingredient for falafels. You can even grind chickpeas and use them as flour for gluten free bread! Versatile and nutritious, chickpeas are also a great way to get your zinc. 

Seeds

There are numerous plant seeds that are great for dietary zinc. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds all make the list, and with so many ways to use each one, there’ll definitely be an easy way to incorporate one or another into your diet. Pumpkin seeds can be baked and salted for a tasty snack or salad topping. Chia seeds can be used in baking or in various tonic beverages. Sunflower seeds are another healthy snack or can be used as an extra crunchy ingredient. 

Tofu and Tempeh

There are many reasons to get to know tofu and tempeh – natural protein sources that don’t involve animals. Tofu and tempeh can be marinaded to take on any flavor profile you enjoy, then baked, fried, or grilled to perfection. 

You can use these foods as meat substitutes for many recipes, and they’re just as happy topping salads or going into various vegetarian and vegan recipes that have now become classics. They’ve got loads of zinc, too!

Zinc Supplements

If you feel that you’re already maxing out your dietary zinc, it may be time to consider supplementation. We can specifically recommend three products: 

Check out the ingredients in each product and where they source zinc from to decide which one is right for you. Each of the above brands has been carefully vetted before appearing on the Professional Supplement Center store to ensure that shoppers have access to the products that promote health and wellness each day. 

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Immune Boosting Strategies

Posted on February 2, 2017 by | Comments Off on Immune Boosting Strategies

Immune_StrategiesJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

If you are seeking a path to vibrant health, look to a healthy, vigorous, hardworking immune system. When cold and flu season is in full swing, strategically supporting the immune response may help to prevent illness and promote healing. Throughout life, we encounter harmful microbes, and unfortunately, sickness and infections are inevitable. When our immune cells combat and destroy viruses and bacteria, it also builds antibodies against those specific pathogens, strengthening immunity for the long haul. As influenza is a highly contagious airborne virus, even those with a strong immune system may contract the flu. However, those with the most robust immune systems may recover faster and experience less complications.

The youngest among us, who have not had time to build immunity, and seniors, whose immune functions weaken with age, are not only more susceptible to winter colds, influenza and strep throat, but are more vulnerable to a wide range of complications as well. Complications can range from moderate conditions, such as sinus and ear infections, to the more severe life threatening complications of pneumonia and organ inflammation. Those with chronic conditions, such as asthma, as well as heart and lung diseases, are most at risk of experiencing a worsening of their health conditions triggered by the flu.

Per the National Institutes of Health, a compromised immune system simply cannot perform as well as a fully functioning one. It appears to be in everyone’s best interest to take positive steps to avoid winter maladies by initiating strategies to support the immune system throughout the immunity building phase and when naturally declining as part of the aging process. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can decrease the immune system’s ability to fight off illnesses. Good general health habits help keep the immune defenses strong and alert.

Sleep on it – There are times when many of us are guilty of skimping on sleep. Prioritizing sleep strengthens the immune response, while chronic sleep deprivation elevates inflammation- promoting chemicals, weakening and suppressing immune health. Regular sufficient sleep, which means seven to eight hours nightly, will support overall good health and help to keep the immune system in top fighting form.

Feed it – Feed your body a variety of nutrient-rich foods for long term healthy function. Include live cultured foods like a low-sugar organic yogurt or kimchi, traditional Korean fermented vegetables. Multi-strain probiotic supplements help to enhance beneficial intestinal microorganisms, which aids intestinal homeostasis, helps to keep inflammation in check and supports proper immune and gastrointestinal functions.

Work it – Exercise boosts the immune system by strengthening its ability to create antibodies and the white blood cells that fight off deleterious pathogenic invaders. Prioritizing 20-30 minutes each day for physical activity will help boost immune performance, as well as reduce tension and relieve stress.

Chill out – Long term stress taxes both the adrenals and the immune system, raising the risk for poor overall health and  suppressed immune reaction. By directly affecting the immune response chronically stressed, but otherwise healthy people, are more vulnerable to infectious and autoimmune diseases. Chronic stress acts as a trigger for anxiety and depression, and can bring about poor quality sleep, high blood pressure, heart disease and digestive issues.

Get happy – Chronic depression appears to increase proinflammatory cytokine activity and inflammation, negatively affecting immune health. Per the NIH, there is strong evidence that depression alters multiple aspects of immunity that may contribute to the development of several disorders and diseases.

Consider medicinal foods – Medicinal plants such as ginseng, astragalus, and garlic provide immune enhancing phytochemicals. As well, medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake, reishi and maitake, have antimicrobial properties that help support a balanced immune environment.

Address micronutrient deficiencies – Studies have linked deficiencies in zinc, selenium, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E to reduced immune function.

-Sufficient vitamin D plays several roles in supporting proper immune function, while a deficiency contributes to infection susceptibility.

-Zinc is essential for the proper development, maintenance and function of the immune system.

-Vitamin A helps regulate and support healthy development of immune cells.

-Vitamin C plays a variety of roles in immune function, including enhanced function of white blood cells and increased antibody levels.

-In addition to energy production, B vitamins support serotonin and neurotransmitter production, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality supplements to support overall and immune health:

UltraNutrientUltraNutrient® by Pure Encapsulations – This comprehensive, high potency, bioavailable formula includes core vitamins and minerals, advanced antioxidants, and standardized phytonutrient extracts providing exceptional broad spectrum nutrients for enhanced cardiovascular, liver and overall health support. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Astragalus Max-V 500...Astragalus Max-V 500 mg by Douglas Laboratories – Used since ancient times in Traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus is widely known for its immune-stimulating properties. One capsule provides 500 mg of standardized astragalus in support of the immune, cardiovascular, renal and hepatic systems. Gluten, soy and dairy free, Non-GMO formulation.

SR-StaminaSR-Stamina™ by Iagen Naturals – This pharmaceutical grade blend of adaptogenic herbs and traditional botanicals provides ingredients known to increase stamina, enhance physical performance, and promote a healthy immune response, as well as decrease stress, anxiety and sore muscles.

L-PhenylalanineL-Phenylalanine by Metabolic Maintenance – This product provides support for the normal production of mood-elevating neurotransmitters and addresses physical discomforts by blocking a nervous system enzyme that amplifies pain signals. Excipient free, preservative free, vegan formulation.

Mushroom Immune...Mushroom Immune Defense™ by Source Naturals – ON SALE This broad spectrum, high potency blend provides mycelia and extracts from 16 well-studied species of health supporting mushrooms in support of immune health. Vegetarian formulation.

 

References:
12 Strategies to Strengthen Your Immune System. http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/nutrition/strengthen-your-immune-system-zmaz10aszraw
Flu Symptoms & Complications. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/complications.htm
Depression, Inflammation, Immunity and Infection. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/health-matters/200903/depression-inflammation-immunity-and-infection
Strengthen Your Immune System. http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/guide-to-essential-nutrients/strengthen-your-immune-system/

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