MANILA, Philippines - The rainy months are here again and with these come bouts of cough, colds, and fever. Add this to the daily stress at work, air pollution, preservatives and chemicals in the food we eat, lack of exercise and unhealthy diet. and you’ve got a weakened and worn-down immune system. The immune system is your strongest defense against sickness and disease so it is very important to keep it strong and healthy. When your immune system is compromised, it needs nutritional backup and you can find this in powerful natural supplements.
Here are the top five supplements that can help boost your immune system back to its top form:
• Vitamin C. The household favorite that tops the list of immune boosters for many reasons, vitamin C has been proven to strengthen the body’s immunity against colds. It increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies, and increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. It aids in the manufacture of the immunologic protein and anti-stress hormones. As an added perk, persons whose diets are higher in vitamin C have lower rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancers.
• Zinc. An antioxidant which helps protect the body from free radicals, zinc helps increase the absorption of vitamin A and assists in maintaining the proper level of vitamin E in the blood. This valuable mineral increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection and helps them fight more aggressively. Zinc supplements have been shown to slow the growth of cancer, as they increase the number of infection-fighting T-cells, especially in elderly people whose immune system often weakens with age.
• Ginger. This root vegetable provides strong antioxidant protection. Scientific research shows that it helps balance the immune system and restores it to proper functioning. It activates T-cells, a group of white blood cells capable of destroying virus-infected cells as well as tumor cells. Ginger essentially supports the body’s natural defense against disease.
• Probiotics. Probiotics are live micro-organisms found in the tissues lining the GI tract and are called “friendly bacteria” due to their ability to support overall good health. It is believed that up to 70 percent of the body’s immune capacity may reside in these tissues, serving as an important defense against illness. This beneficial bacteria inhabit the human digestive system and are best known for assuring the return of normal body functions after a course of antibiotics, by reintroducing friendly bacteria into the colon.
• Spirulina. This algae supplement is a powerful tonic that improves immune system function. It stimulates the immune system and enhances the body’s ability to generate new blood cells. It has been proven to enhance the activity of the important parts of the immune system such as bone marrow stem cells, macrophages, T-cells and natural killer cells, spleen, and thymus glands. Studies have shown that a purified extract unique only to Spirulina inhibits replication of HIV-1, herpes, influenza, mumps, and measles virus, and is very safe for human cells.
Health Express stores are located at Glorietta 3, Festival Mall, Makati Supermarket at Alabang Town Center, Gateway Cubao, Shoppesville Greenhills, Robinsons Ermita, Citywalk2 Eastwood, SM San Lazaro, SM North Edsa, Shopwise Commonwealth, SM Baguio, Ayala Cebu, SM Cebu, Robinsons Bacolod, Robinsons Cagayan De Oro, Gaisano Davao, and Marquee Mall Pampanga.
For more information, visit www.healthexpressph.com. E-mail customerservice@healthexpressph.comor call Health Express’ hotline at 892-79-78 and 556-81-55.