• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Upload Advertising

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Get the good guys on your team to boost immunity

Karen Appold January 15, 2015

boost immunity-465351219Looking to boost your immunity this winter? Taking supplements dubbed antioxidants would be a wise decision. Think of antioxidants as the good guys—they work to rid your body of free radicals, the bad guys.

Bad guys vs. good guys

Free radicals are destructive molecules with unpaired electrons. This is an unusual arrangement because electrons come in pairs. Free radicals are the result of cell reactions, as well as exposure to tobacco smoke, pollution, radiation, and other harmful environmental factors. These bad guys can attack cellular components and cause diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and macular degeneration.

Antioxidants can come to your rescue by protecting cells and boosting and sustaining immune cell performance. They also render free radicals harmless by providing an extra electron to make a pair or break them down.

Why does this matter?

When cells thrive, your body’s immune system will function at its peak, making you less prone to get sick or succumb to degenerative diseases.

Colorful fruits and vegetables are great sources of antioxidants. But if you’re not getting enough of them for one reason or another, supplementation is a good idea.

Antioxidant heavyweights

Here’s the skinny on some antioxidants that are tops for immune health. As with any supplement or vitamin, be sure to consult a physician before adding any of these to your daily routine.

  • Vitamin C. This potent antioxidant protects against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, and eye disease. It works by increasing the production of white blood cells and antibodies. It also increases interferon, which coats cell surfaces, preventing viruses from penetrating.
  • Vitamin E. This vitamin improves your immune system by boosting the production of cells that specifically destroy germs and cancer cells. It also increases B cells, which create antibodies to fight germs.
  • Carotenes. These potent antioxidants are fat-soluble pigments that occur naturally in plants. There are three main carotenes: alpha- and beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. Carotenes slowly enter the circulatory system and accumulate in body tissue, supporting optimum cellular health.
  • Zinc. This element, which has antioxidant properties, plays a key role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Deficient individuals are more prone to illnesses, and taking zinc at the first signs of a cold or flu may prove to be beneficial.

Karen Appold is a writer in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

Related Posts

  • 3 research-based benefits of selenium3 research-based benefits of selenium
  • Top antioxidants to help minimize free-radical damageTop antioxidants to help minimize free-radical damage
  • Vitamin B and pollution: What’s the correlation?Vitamin B and pollution: What’s the correlation?
  • Top 3 flu-fighting nutritional supplements for immunity system strengtheningTop 3 flu-fighting nutritional supplements for immunity system strengthening
  • The ups and downs of antioxidantsThe ups and downs of antioxidants
  • Vitality Depot introduces free radical wellness testVitality Depot introduces free radical wellness test

Filed Under: Nutritional Supplements, Resource Center

Current Issue

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube logoYouTube logoYouTube

820 A1A N Highway W18,

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone 904.285.6020

Fax 904.395.9118

CONTACT US »

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Copyright © 2021, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • New Mentor Program for Black Hemp Farmers Announced by CBD Leader Charlotte’s Web
  • Foot Levelers announces new orthotic training sessions, speakers
  • NCMIC named one of top workplaces in USA
    NCMIC logo