Supplements That Boost and Support the Immune System

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient. Without it, we are at risk for poor immune function, skin health issues, and joint problems. The many benefits of vitamin C consumption are well known and continuously studied, and its effects on the immune system are top-of-mind, especially in the past year. In this article, we’ll examine some of the ways vitamin C benefits your immunity. Shop Vitamin C What is our immune system? Our immune system is a massive network in our body, composed of organs, white blood cells and proteins that protect us from viruses, infection, and pathogens. There are also two types of immunity that we have, and it’s important to clarify. Innate immune system: this includes physical, chemical, or cellular defences against pathogens like our tears, stomach acid and mucous membranes. Adaptive immune system: also known as acquired immunity, it is marked by the expansion of T and B lymphocytes (a.k.a. our immune army) that set out to destroy the invader. Simply put, when we get sick once, our body learns what those pathogens look like, and can prepare for the next time. Does vitamin C improve immunity? There are a variety of ways that vitamin C works with our immune system to support, build and boost it. In fact, vitamin C works with both our innate and adaptive immune systems (1) Here are a few ways that vitamin C can support you. 1. Vitamin C helps reduce the length of the common cold and flu Vitamin C is commonly used during cold and flu season to help prevent or reduce the symptoms of these common ailments. One study has shown that supplementing with Vitamin C, beyond diet alone, reduced the number of colds as well as the length in those taking the supplement (2). The reduction in symptoms has been attributed to vitamin C’s antioxidant properties and ability to reduce overall inflammation (3). 2. Vitamin C can aid in wound healing It is important to remember that our immune system isn’t at work only when we get sick. Our immune system also helps us recover from injury and wounds. Vitamin C can help with everything from cuts and scrapes, to sports injuries and surgery. Studies have shown that dosing above the recommended daily allowance (RDA), of 500 to 3000 mg can accelerate recovery (4). 3. Vitamin C helps reduce symptoms from seasonal allergies As an antioxidant, vitamin C can help with general inflammation in the body, as is seen with seasonal allergies. In addition, studies have shown that supplementing with Vitamin C can be helpful to reduce symptoms of hay fever (7). One study shows that supplementing with high-dose vitamin C (2,000mg) daily can lower blood histamine levels. Histamine is typically known for its impact on seasonal allergies, hence the reason we reach for antihistamine medications when we feel the sniffly nose and watery eyes starting! 4. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress Oxidative stress is when there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants. This typically causes cell and tissue damage, leading to faster aging and illness, including conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce overall oxidative stress in the body (8). Overall, Vitamin C is an essential part of our daily routine, whether through food or supplements. It’s important to remember that under times of stress, if you’re taking certain medication or if you’ve been feeling under the weather, it can be helpful to supplement with vitamin C in higher doses. Many people can tolerate 1,000 mg of vitamin C with no ill effect on their bowels. If your vitamin C intake leaves you running for the washroom, try to halve your dose! Shop Vitamin C

If there's one lesson to be learned from the past year, let it be this: health is a necessity, not a luxury. We want you to live your healthy best - and to support you in getting there. Whether you're new to the wellness world, or a wellness expert looking for new ways to stay healthy, let's dive right in and get to know our top natural immunity supplements and superfoods to help keep your immune system thriving!   1. Bee Propolis for Immunity How does bee propolis support immunity? Bee Propolis is a potent antimicrobial agent that bees use to protect their hives. We harnessed its power to create an immunity supporter that's second to none at fighting infections and inflammation, like sore throats. Locally sourced in the Okanagan Valley, BC, our liquid bee propolis has a unique antioxidant profile, for well-rounded protection. What are the benefits of bee propolis? Fights sore throat, canker sores and oral inflammations. Diverse source of antioxidants for potent immunity support. Easy to take liquid formula - especially for children and the elderly! Shop Bee Propolis   2. Reishi for Immunity How does reishi support immunity? The King of Mushrooms to the rescue! Reishi mushrooms have been traditionally used for immunity and stress support for at least four thousand years. As an adaptogen, reishi helps modulate and support the immune system, especially during times of increased stress. What are the benefits of reishi? Modulates and supports the immune system. Excellent source of antioxidants, to support immune function. Adaptogen, helping prevent mental and physical fatigue related to stress. Shop Reishi   3. Vitamin C for Immunity How does vitamin C support immunity? Well known for its role in helping your immune system combat attacks from colds and flus, vitamin C is also an important antioxidant for our body. Each Instant C Effervescent tablet provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C and dissolves quickly in water to make a refreshing beverage in three natural flavours: Orange, Raspberry or Peach Mango. What are the benefits of Instant C Effervescent? Helps immune system combat attacks from colds and flus. An antioxidant for protecting the body from oxidative damage. Important for collagen, connective tissue and cartilage formation. Check out our newest Immunity Instant C, D, Zinc Immunity in Peach and Watermelon.  Shop Instant C   4. Zinc for Immunity How does zinc support immunity? Zinc is an essential trace mineral with many important roles in the body, such as ensuring normal functioning of the immune cells. Organika’s Chelated Zinc offers a potent yet well-tolerated dose of this vital mineral to help the body fend off infection without stomach discomfort. What are the benefits of zinc? Supports immune function. Helps maintain healthy skin. Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Chelated formula for better absorption. Shop Chelated Zinc   5. Probiotics for Immunity How do probiotics support immunity? Did you know almost 70% of our entire immune system resides in the gut? Help the integrity of your gut health so your immune system can flourish with Organika’s Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder, a blend of four clinically proven probiotic strains and Actilight, a prebiotic fiber extracted from beetroot. What are the benefits of Probiotic + Prebiotic powder? Help support intestinal health and promote a balanced gut flora. Improve digestive discomfort due to mild functional bowel disorders. Provides 250 million CFUs + 2.5 grams prebiotic fibre per sachet. Shelf stable - no refrigeration required! Shop Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder   6. Quercetin for Immunity How does quercetin support immunity? Quercetin, a bioflavonoid widely found in plant foods, has been studied particularly for its antiviral properties. Bromelain, when in combination with quercetin, helps to improve its absorption. What are the benefits of Quercetin with Bromelain? Studied for its antiviral, antioxidant, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Includes the naturally occurring enzyme bromelain, which helps to decrease inflammation. Shop Quercetin with Bromelain   7. Spirulina for Immunity How does spirulina support immunity? Spirulina is an edible single-celled organism that contains all essential amino acids. It provides an excellent source of antioxidants and iron, helping support the immune system with much-needed nutrients for its healthy function. What are the benefits of spirulina? High in antioxidants, including beta-carotene. Vegan-friendly source of protein and iron. Shop Spirulina   8. Bone Broth for Immunity How does bone broth support immunity? Bone broth is a highly nutritious type of stock made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues. Add Organika's broth powders to your kitchen arsenal and support your immunity with a high protein, gut-healing, low sodium alternative to conventional bouillon. What are the benefits of bone broth? Heal and strengthen the gut (where roughly 70% of one’s immune tissue is found). Full of easy-to-digest nutrients, required to strengthen the immune system. Free from added hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals and pesticides. Shop Bone Broths   9. Black Cumin Seed Oil for Immunity How does black cumin seed oil support immunity? Traditional oils for the win! The medicinal benefits of black cumin seed are prized in Middle Eastern and African communities, where it has been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments for centuries. What are the benefits of black cumin seed oil? Traditionally used to treat cough, bronchitis, fever, asthma and influenza. High in thymoquinone, a volatile oil with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A source of linoleic acid, studied for its balancing effects on the inflammatory response. Shop Black Cumin Seed Oil   10. Colostrum for Immunity How does colostrum support immunity? Build your immunity! Colostrum is a substance derived from cow’s milk. Chock-full of nutrients necessary for growth and development, colostrum has immunomodulating effects to support your immune function, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. What are the benefits of colostrum? Helps to support immune function within the throat and nasal passage. Sourced from free range, grass fed, added hormone-free grade A cows from the USA. Shop Colostrum   11. Vitamin D for Immunity How does Vitamin D support immunity? Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D plays many important roles in the body and immune health is one of them! It helps to elevate the work that your immune cells do to fight off viruses and bacteria; so particularly important to defend your health. What are the benefits of Vitamin D? Helps the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses Helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth Shop Vitamin D  12. Electrolytes for Immunity How do electrolytes support immunity? Hydration is important for immunity! Staying hydrated involves having a balance of electrolytes (specific essential minerals). A deficiency in these nutrients compromises your immune health (amongst other things). These nutrients include sodium, magnesium, and potassium. What are the benefits of electrolytes? Instant hydration to support during exercise, heat, travel or illness Play a role in various reactions throughout the body and needed for optimal health Shop Electrolytes

Try these immune booster supplements this cold and flu season If cold and flu season is usually rough for you, you might want to consider some immune booster supplements to get you through. They can help to strengthen your immune system, and fight the symptoms that creep up on you unexpectedly like that mysterious sore throat that appeared overnight. Here are our top five supplement picks for immunity: 1. Echinacea It’s a pretty purple flower with some mega-powerful immune boosting power. Echinacea contains polysaccharides known for boosting immune health and supporting the respiratory tract. It’s natural support for cold relief targeting infections, while reducing the duration of a cold so you can get back to your life. 2. Beta Sterolins Beta sterolins are a source of phytosterols that have immunomodulatory effects. Easy to take on the go, they’re chewable to help start supporting your immune system fast. 3. Bee Propolis Bee Propolis is a resin collected from the hive. It’s a tacky substance packed with antioxidant power and anti-microbial benefits. For the bees, it helps to protect the integrity of the hive, filling cracks like caulking, and resisting invaders and infection. Bee Propolis can be taken as a tincture, capsules or in a spray. It’s absolute magic when it comes to dealing with throat or oral infections. That’s everything from a scratchy throat to cold sores. 4. Garlic Garlic is one powerful plant. Containing the compound allicin which packs an anti-bacterial punch, it’s basically nature’s antibiotic. In herbal medicine its used to relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. 5. Astragalus Root This powerful root helps to support healthy immune function to help protect against infections and prevent colds. Studies have shown astragalus to have anti-viral properties and stimulates the immune system. The dried root is used medicinally and can be taken in supplemental form, or steeped as a tea. What are your go-to remedies for cold and flu season?