The immune system is equal parts impressive and complicated. It is composed of cells, processes, and chemicals that ward off pathogens that include viruses, toxins, and bacteria that can make you sick. Having a strong immune system gives your body protection against infection and disease, and keeps you healthy. 

There are many ways that you can strengthen your immune system. For one, you can make sure to consume a well-balanced, healthy diet. You can also make sure to get good sleep and stay active. Beyond that, though, you can bolster your immune system by using supplements. 

The best liquid vitamins for immune system support contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances that can improve your immune system’s response and help it protect you against getting sick. 

We put together a list (1) of some of the best liquid vitamins that you can use to strengthen your immune system, along with the recommended amount of a few of them. 

Best Vitamins For Your Immune System

One of the best supplements to boost your immune system is vitamin D. It enhances white blood cells that are a major part of immune defense, and it can also decrease inflammation, which helps your immune system in a big way. Vitamin D deficiency is common, and if you are deficient, it could be negatively affecting your immune system. It varies from person to person, but taking 1,000-4,000 IU of vitamin D per day could strengthen your immune system. (Though it’s important to note that people with severe deficiencies will need to take a higher dosage.) 

Zinc is another great supplement for immune system health because it is essential for the function of this important system. It is a major player of immune cell development and communication. It also protects tissue barriers in the body, which keeps foreign pathogens from getting in. If you are zinc deficient, you are at a disadvantage when it comes to fighting infection and disease. Zinc also has the ability to help if you are already sick. Taking it long-term is safe, as long as your dosage stays under 40 mg of elemental zinc. 

Vitamin C is another great immune system booster. It helps immune cells stay protected from infection, and it also helps to clear out dead cells from your immune system and replace them with new and healthy ones. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means that it protects against damage caused by free radicals within the body. If you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, taking a supplement on a daily basis (between 250-1,000 mg) can be beneficial for your health. 

Elderberry is a supplement used for immune health that you may not have heard of before. It has been used in the past to treat infections, but has also demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral qualities. It also may have the ability to shorten the time that you’re sick, and reduce symptoms of the common cold. 

Medicinal mushrooms can be a huge help in strengthening the immune system. They’ve been used for hundreds of years to prevent and treat infection. A few of the main types of medicinal mushrooms are cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shitake, reishi, and turkey tail. They have the potential to improve your immune health and they might also reduce symptoms of asthma and lung infections. 

Astragalus is an herb that comes from traditional Chinese medicine, and it can improve immune health. 

Another great choice is selenium, which has the potential to defend against influenza strains including H1N1. 

Garlic is a supplement that you might not expect, but it is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that has antiviral properties. The way it aids the immune system is by stimulating the white blood cells. 

B complex vitamins are helpful when it comes to boosting your immune system, most specifically B12 and B6. Many adults are deficient in these vitamins, so having an adequate amount in your system could make for an overall healthier body. 

Echinacea is a plant within the daisy family that may improve immune health with its antiviral properties. It might have the ability to protect you from a number of respiratory viruses. 

Some of these supplements have not been tested on humans, so it’s important to exercise caution when incorporating them into your diet. Always discuss doing so with your doctor first. 

A Balanced Life

It’s important to note that, while these supplements may help to boost your immune system, they are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, good sleep, and exercise. 

Resources

1. Kubala, Jillian. "The 15 Best Supplements to Boost Your Immune System Right Now." Healthline, 19 Apr. 2021, www.healthline.com/nutrition/immune-boosting-supplements#1.-Vitamin-D.