Top 5 Plant-Based Supplements for a Stronger Immune System in 2023.
Published . Thu Aug 24 2023
Discover the Best Plant-Based Supplements for Optimal Health and Wellness.
Boost your immune system with plant-based supplements! Our body’s defense mechanism can be weakened by stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins. Support your immunity with vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and organic plant-based supplements. Discover the top 5 plant-powered supplements: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Omega-3 fatty acids, Iron, and Zinc to elevate your well-being.
Here are the main topics that we’ll cover
- Top 5 convenient plant-based supplements to boost your immune system in 2023
- How to choose the right plant-based supplement for you
- Benefits of plant-based supplements for the immune system
- Conclusion
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Top 5 convenient plant-based supplements to boost your immune system in 2023
When it comes to empowering your immune system with the goodness of plants, the options are abundant and promising. Let’s delve into the top 5 plant-based supplements that are not only effective but also seamlessly integrate into your daily routine. These supplements are the allies you need on your quest for robust immunity.
Supplement 1: Vitamin B12
Garden of Life B12 Vitamin - mykind Organic Whole Food B-12 for Metabolism and Energy
Delicious raspberry spray made with organic foods and herbs.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, nerve function, and energy metabolism. It also supports the immune system by regulating the activity of natural killer cells and cytokines, which are involved in fighting infections and inflammation.
However, vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, such as meat, eggs, dairy, and fish. This means that vegans and vegetarians may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, anemia, nerve damage, and cognitive impairment.
That’s why it’s important to supplement with vitamin B12 if you follow a plant-based diet or have low levels of this nutrient. The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, but some people may need more depending on their age, health condition, and medication use.
One of the most convenient ways to get your daily dose of vitamin B12 is by using a spray. A spray delivers vitamin B12 directly into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth, which bypasses the digestive system and increases its absorption rate. A spray is also easy to use and carry around wherever you go.
One of the best vitamin B12 sprays on the market is Garden of Life B12 Vitamin. This spray contains 500 Microgram (8333percentage DV) vegan vitamin b12 as methylcobalamin to support energy, metabolism, and heart health.
Supplement 2: Vitamin D3
Future Kind Vegan Vitamin D3
30 Softgels in Glass Bottle - 2500 IU Plant-Based Vitamin D Supplements for Cell and Immune Support - Sugar-Free, Lichen-Based Vitamin D Supplements for Women & Men.
Vitamin D is another essential nutrient that has multiple functions in the body. It helps to maintain healthy bones and teeth by regulating calcium and phosphorus levels. It also supports the immune system by modulating the expression of genes involved in immune responses and enhancing the function of various immune cells.
However, vitamin D is not abundant in food sources. The main source of vitamin D is sunlight exposure, which converts a precursor molecule in the skin into active vitamin D. However, many people do not get enough sunlight exposure due to factors such as living in high latitudes, wearing sunscreen, having dark skin, or staying indoors.
That’s why it’s recommended to supplement with vitamin D, especially during the winter months or if you have low levels of this nutrient. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for adults is 15 micrograms, but some people may need more depending on their age, health condition, and sun exposure.
One of the most convenient ways to get your daily dose of vitamin D is by using a softgel capsule. A softgel capsules is easy to swallow.
One of the best vitamin D softgel capsule on the market is Future Kind Vegan Vitamin D3. It contains 30 mg, 100 Caps (2 pack), which is derived from lichen, a type of fungus that grows on rocks and trees.
Supplement 3: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA EPA Supplement
500 MG - Carrageenan Free - Gelatin Free - Non-Fish - Algae Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids - 60 Softgels.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that have various health benefits. They help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. They also support the immune system by reducing inflammation, enhancing antibody production, and modulating immune cell function.
However, omega-3 fatty acids are not produced by the body and must be obtained from food or supplements. The main sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. However, many people do not eat enough fish or avoid fish due to ethical or environmental reasons.
That’s why it’s advisable to supplement with omega-3 fatty acids if you follow a plant-based diet or have low levels of this nutrient. The recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids for adults is 1.1 grams for women and 1.6 grams for men, but some people may need more depending on their age, health condition, and diet.
One of the best omega-3 on the market is DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA EPA Supplement. This contains 500 MG - Carrageenan Free - Gelatin Free - Non-Fish - Algae Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Supplement 4: Iron
Thorne Iron Bisglycinate - 25 mg - Optimal Absorption
Support Red Blood Cell Formation - Fight Fatigue and Other Symptoms of Iron Deficiency - NSF Certified for Sport - Gluten-Free - 60 Capsules.
Iron is a mineral that is vital for the production of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. It also supports the immune system by facilitating the growth and differentiation of immune cells and enhancing the killing activity of natural killer cells and macrophages.
However, iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world, affecting about 2 billion people. Iron deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and increased susceptibility to infections.
That’s why it’s important to supplement with iron if you have low levels of this mineral or are at risk of iron deficiency. The risk factors for iron deficiency include being female, pregnant, menstruating, vegan, vegetarian, or having certain diseases or conditions that affect iron absorption or utilization. The recommended daily intake of iron for adults is 8 milligrams for men and 18 milligrams for women, but some people may need more depending on their age, health condition, and diet.
The best iron supplements on the market is Thorne Iron Bisglycinate - 25 mg - Optimal Absorption. This provides 25 mg of elemental iron per capsule in a non-constipating, well-absorbed form as iron bisglycinate.
Supplement 5: Zinc
Now Foods: L-Optizinc Immune Support
L-OptiZinc® is a form of zinc complexed with the amino acid methionine. Research has demonstrated this product to be better absorbed and retained longer compared to several other forms of zinc tested.
Zinc is another mineral that has multiple functions in the body. It helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, nails, eyes, and bones. It also supports the immune system by regulating gene expression, cell signaling, and enzyme activity in immune cells and enhancing the production and function of antibodies, natural killer cells, and T cells.
However, zinc deficiency is also common, affecting about 17% of the global population. Zinc deficiency can cause symptoms such as impaired wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections, hair loss, skin problems, and growth retardation.
That’s why it’s beneficial to supplement with zinc if you have low levels of this mineral or are at risk of zinc deficiency. The risk factors for zinc deficiency include being vegan, vegetarian, pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, or having certain diseases or conditions that affect zinc absorption or utilization. The recommended daily intake of zinc for adults is 8 milligrams for women and 11 milligrams for men, but some people may need more depending on their age, health condition, and diet.
One of the most convenient ways to get your daily dose of zinc is by using a lozenge. A lozenge is a small tablet that dissolves in your mouth and delivers zinc directly to your throat and nasal passages, where it can exert its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. A lozenge is also easy to use and store.
One of the best zinc lozenges on the market is Now Foods: L-Optizinc Immune Support. These lozenges contain 30 mg of plant-based zinc per serving, which is derived from a blend of Rice Flour, Hypromellose (cellulose capsule) and Stearic Acid (vegetable source), to support digestion and immunity.
How to choose the right plant-based supplement for you
- Quality Matters, Always: Opt for supplements from reputable brands that prioritize sourcing their ingredients ethically and sustainably. Look for certifications from trusted organizations that ensure the product meets rigorous standards. When it comes to plants, you want the purest essence of nature encapsulated in every dose.
- Dosage Tailored to You: The right dosage can vary based on factors such as age, gender, health conditions, and dietary habits. Consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the optimal dosage that aligns with your specific requirements.
- Synergy with Your Lifestyle: Choose a form that suits your lifestyle—whether it’s a capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid. Convenience is key; you want a supplement that effortlessly integrates into your day.
- All About Absorption: Look for supplements that incorporate absorption-enhancing elements. For instance, some plant-based supplements might contain black pepper extract, which can boost the absorption of certain nutrients.
- Transparent Ingredient List: Be a savvy label reader. Avoid products with excessive fillers, additives, or artificial components. Seek clarity in the ingredients used.
- Price vs. Value: Focus on value over price. A slightly higher upfront cost might mean superior quality and better outcomes.
Benefits of Plant-Based Supplements for the Immune System
Plant-based supplements can provide many benefits for the immune system, such as:
- Improving gut health: The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that influence our immunity, metabolism, mood, and overall health. Plant-based supplements can help to balance the gut microbiome by providing prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria and prevent the growth of harmful ones.
- Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to fight infections and injuries. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases and disorders, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Plant-based supplements can help to reduce inflammation by providing antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential fatty acids that modulate the immune system and prevent excessive inflammation.
- Enhancing antioxidant intake: Antioxidants are molecules that protect our cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can damage our DNA, proteins, and membranes. Oxidative stress can impair our immune system and increase our risk of infections and diseases. Plant-based supplements can help to enhance our antioxidant intake by providing phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals that scavenge free radicals and boost our natural antioxidant defenses.
Conclusion
Not all plant-based supplements are created equal. You need to consider the quality, dosage, price, and convenience of the supplement before buying it. You also need to follow the instructions on the label or consult your doctor before taking any supplement.
To help you get started, we have listed the top 5 convenient plant-based supplements to boost your immune system in 2023:
- Garden of Life B12 Vitamin
- Future Kind Vegan Vitamin D3
- DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA EPA Supplement
- Thorne Iron Bisglycinate - 25 mg - Optimal Absorption
- Now Foods: L-Optizinc Immune Support
These supplements are widely available online or in health stores and have been shown to have positive effects on the immune system.
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