Supplements to Strengthen the Immune System
As if a whole food diet is not overwhelming enough for many people, especially those who are food insecure, we often attempt to cram into every nook of our bodies hyped up vitamins, minerals, superfoods, salts, tinctures, and herbs. These can have their places, but they can also lead to a sense of overwhelm—should I be taking that or pop this pill, too? It's also often unnecessary as we should attempt to meet our daily required values for essential vitamins and minerals directly from our food, when and if possible.
However, there are two conditions where this may not the case.
First, there are helpful nutritional compounds that are not factored into the daily requirements set by the government.
These can optimise our vitality, function, and the even absorption of nutrients from our food intake. The restoration of bodily systems such as the digestive through probiotics and increased nutritional absorption can play a vital role in the immune system.
Second, despite a thorough diet, our bodies still can fall short.
This can be caused by a multitude of factors. Many illnesses and pre-existing conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, can cause nutrient malabsorption and lead to vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Seasonal fluctuations, such as less sun exposure, often cause vitamin D deficiency. An exclusively plant-based diet could run the risk of vitamin B deficiencies. Most of us are deficient in magnesium as well, which affect not only the body's musculoskeletal system but our mood as well. As our bodily systems work in conjunction with one another, such deficiencies can ultimately affect the immune system as well.
The guide below is not an exhaustive list but a few supportive supplements.
Probiotics
This is the probiotic I swear by as it's soil-based and inoculates your gut rather than simply passing through it unlike other conventional or even high-end probiotics. Having a healthy digestion and gut micro biome is one of the most important ways to keep inflammation at bay as it's our body's second brain.
Turmeric
Turmeric has its due reason for its popularity but it must be extracted and combined properly to be bioavailable or utilised efficiently by our body. When combined with the chemical piperine in black pepper, the curcumin in turmeric potency is magnified by 2,000 times! This turmeric supplement combines black pepper and other anti-inflammatory ingredients such as boswellia gum resin, a trifecta of anti-inflammatory agents. You can use the code QRN510 for a discount on your order. I am not sponsored or paid by Mega Food for this. I have had knee tendonitis in both of my knees due to overexercising few years ago and using this turmeric supplement has diminished all of my pain within about a month of using it.
Black Cumin Seed Oil
This is a product that has made a world of a difference in the health of my joints, especially with the impact of running daily on concrete. This is another supplement I normally rotate in towards the end of Summer before Flu season and now regularly take during the Pandemic. People back in the days of the Black Plague used as an antidote for the plague and the ancient Greeks hailed it as a cure-all (which, as we know, such a thing does not exist). I take a teaspoon of this black cumin seed oil on an empty stomach in the morning, followed by my probiotic. You can use this link for an exclusive discount or use the code QRN510 for any item (does not have to include black cumin seed oil).
Spectrum of Mushrooms
Mushroom Magic taps into the mycelial network to bring connected balance to your daily life. Six medicinal mushrooms are swirled with vanilla and cinnamon to create a sweet-tasting triple extract you’ll be delighted to commune with.
Each dropperful of this impactful elixir unites the powers of mushrooms, flowers, berries, and leaves to better support the body’s innate resilience. Mother Nature has your back.
Spicy and sweet with a kick, Fire Cider is a folk remedy that is made from apple cider vinegar infused with powerful roots, fruits, and spices. As related to the gut-immunity connexion, it sparks and supports the immune system and digestion and may reduce inflammation in the body.
Use the code THETHIRLBY10 for a 10% off on your order from our friends at Wooden Spoon Herbs
Single tinctures are also a powerful in their own rights, especially for more sensitive constitutions that could get more overwhelmed as opposed to a mono-herbal approach. Shop the selection below with the code THETHIRLBY15 for 15% off of your order.
Garlic is is a potent circulatory system aid, lowering blood lipids and high blood pressure. Its tincture also improves blood circulation, allowing the immune system’s agents like white blood cells to circulate and clear out pathogens in a more efficient manner.
Cinnamon also aids in circulation in addition to blood sugar regulation. Insulin regulation is critical in overall health as imbalances, such as in diabetes, can cause chronic inflammation that can impede proper immune system function.
Oregano Sprits has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to respiratory benefits, which is critical for asthma patients going into the Flu season as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Immunattack is another herbal compilation comprised the staple of echinacea root along with spilanthes, wild indigo root, and myrrh.
About the Author
Almila Kakinc is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief of The Thirlby. She is also the author of the book The Thirlby: A Field Guide to a Vibrant Mind, Body, & Soul. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Nursing as a Dean’s Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Her background is in Anthropology & Literature, which she has further enriched through her Integrative Health Practitioner training at Duke University. She lives in Baltimore, MD, where she regularly contributes to various publications. She is a member of Democratic Socialists of America and urges others to join the movement.
