What you need to know if you want to take immune boosters

When should I buy supplements? Here’s a basic guide to understanding how immunity levels work

By Her World Team - 10 Jul 2020

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“Eat more fruits, drink this tea and take this pill to boost immunity” is the mantra many of our mums live by. You’ve probably heard it whispered, nagged and repeated over and over to you. Fruits, supplements and even Chinese medicine are all considered immune boosters.

But why are people obsessed with immune levels? Well, for starters, having a healthy immune system reduces your susceptibility to common viruses and infections.

But before we go into whether immunity boosters are worth the hype, we should know how our immune system actually works. Our innate immunity (from birth) adapts to and learns of the various viruses and bacteria that can harm us as we grow. This then transforms into something called adaptive immunity.

Your immune system is your body’s natural defence against antigens (foreign substances), which cause bacterial and viral infections. White blood cells play a big role in the system, and they are responsible for sensing, remembering and attacking these antigens.

So how does an immune booster work to enhance your immune system?

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There is no scientific evidence on how an over-the-counter immune booster increases white blood cell growth. However, immune boosters are recommended for those who are more susceptible to the common flu and bacterial infections, simply because they contain vitamins and nutrients that boost your overall health.

Vitamin C and D are supplements that positively impact your system when taken in appropriate amounts. The latter is an effective way to decrease inflammation over time, this enhances the response of your immune system. However, there are also other factors, like lifestyle choices and chronic illnesses, that affect your immune system.

But how long do you need to take these supplements to have results?

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There is no miracle pill and for the vitamins to do their job, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ensure that you keep your body moving and take junk food in moderation. You can’t expect the supplements to work if you pair them with a daily routine of bubble tea or fast food.

In a Vitamin C medical research trial by Harvard Medical School, athletes and army troops that engaged in heavy exercise in extreme conditions appeared to have their risk of getting a cold cut in half. They took 200mg of Vitamin C everyday. However, those who belonged to the general population (with sedentary lifestyles), the supplement did not improve their immunity against the common cold.

We’re not asking you to turn vegan or go on an extreme diet, but going on a diet of processed foods is in fact, harmful to your immune system. Consuming only one type of food, or worse, mainly processed foods will result in an unbalanced diet. Well-rounded diets are often recommended by nutritionists as they boost different aspects of your health.

Which should I take and what’s better for me?

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Whole foods cannot be substituted for supplements. That’s because they provide additional nutrients such as fibre and micronutrients. Supplements, on the other hand, provide a small dosage of concentrated vitamins or minerals.

If you’re someone who regularly consumes natural proteins, fruits and vegetables, you’ll likely not need supplements to boost your immune system.

What you need to know if you want to take immune boosters

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So how does an immune booster work to enhance your immune system?

But how long do you need to take these supplements to have results?

Which should I take and what’s better for me?

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