NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE) – The beginning of a new year is often associated with self-reflection and the desire to choose a healthy lifestyle. This year, however, prioritizing health is gaining in importance as people want to strengthen their immune systems and prevent disease. Holistic health and immunity to colds go hand in hand – according to the National Library of Medicine at the US National Institutes of Health, healthy individuals should ensure their immune systems are maintained to reduce the incidence of infections, decrease the severity of symptoms, and increase the health Shortening the Duration of Colds This suggests that regular supplementation may be encouraged to prevent and treat colds. Nicole Avena, Ph.D., nutritionist and author of Why Diets Fail, provides recommendations for boosting immunity through diet, lifestyle changes, and nutritional supplements that can be easily incorporated into your daily health and wellness routine.
“This year, functional nutrition and holistic health will be of great importance, whether food is used as medicine or diet and lifestyle changes are made for preventative well-being and increased immunity,” says Avena. “Depending on these goals, whether it’s improving fitness or reducing stress, nutritional solutions are available through a variety of foods, vitamins, and supplements that can specifically help provide holistic support for both health and the immune system.”
In the following, Dr. Avena ways to support the immune system and shows how nutrients play a role in the functionality of the immune system and mood regulation.
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Consume 1 to 2 grams of vitamin C per day to reduce the duration and severity of colds. This antioxidant protects against oxidative damage in white blood cells and other important immune cells, so that they function optimally and ensure a strong barrier against environmental pathogens and pollutants. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, sweet potatoes and many more.
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Go outside to enjoy vitamin D. A short walk during the day can do wonders for the body, especially when the sun is shining. Make sure you apply SPF and go outside 10 to 30 minutes a day to take advantage of the sun’s natural form of vitamin D as this vitamin can protect against colds and reduce inflammation. Can’t you go outside Not too many foods naturally contain vitamin D, but salmon and white mushrooms are some options that you should try. Also try to include foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, cheese, and cereals in your diet.
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Turn on your zinc intake. Zinc helps build the innate immune system and shortens the duration of colds. Macrophages and other white blood cells that attack pathogens need zinc to reach their full capacity. Vitafusion Gummy Vitamins is an easy to take and highly effective zinc supplement containing 15 mg of zinc and 270 mg of vitamin C.
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Think of elderberry as a natural remedy for the common cold and flu. The berries and flowers of elderberry are full of antioxidants and vitamins that can boost your immune system and reduce recovery time from a cold or flu by activating the body’s immune response, raising antibodies, and increasing immune cell production. Elderberries are safe to ingest while cooking and can be used in many forms, including syrup, tea, tincture, pill, gum, and lozenge.
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Magnesium does it all, especially when consumed around 300 mg per day. There is some evidence that magnesium plays an important role in brain function, sleep regulation, and emotional stability. The mineral contains calming properties while activating your parasympathetic nervous system and is naturally found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and milk. vitafusion Gummy Vitamins combines this essential mineral with a delicious tropical citrus taste to create a delicious gum with 165 mg of magnesium.
“It is important to check with your doctor before taking any supplements or drastically changing your diet. Holistic health is a preventative measure, and while certain goals can be important benchmarks, implementing health and lifestyle routines that are manageable and promote general wellbeing can help you achieve your goals while making lasting changes to your overall wellbeing ” Avena adds.
