The cooler months bring some of life’s little treasures – like the beauty of autumn leaves, hot chocolates by the fire and for those lucky enough to live in cooler climates, the icy sweetness of freshly fallen snow.
While these are all things to look forward to, winter also brings with it the increased likelihood of catching winter bugs.
Warding off the potential for illness this coming winter is something you can get a jump start on now with some standout immune supporting nutrients. The best part is that vitamins and minerals are suitable for the whole family. So whether you’re looking for nutrients to get you set up for winter, or it’s your little ones getting sick and passing it on, here are some good reasons why you should consider these immune-supporting nutrients this winter.
Immune friendly zinc
Zinc is renowned for its immune-supporting properties. While this important mineral is available in foods such as meat, fish, poultry, nuts and seeds, there are many factors that impact the absorption of zinc from foods. Zinc is more difficult to absorb when it comes from plant-based foods as phytates, a naturally occurring compound found in these types of foods, inhibit the absorption of zinc. This makes the requirement for dietary zinc as high as 50% greater for vegetarians. The health of the gastrointestinal tract also markedly influences both the solubility and absorptive efficiency of zinc.
A 2017 review concluded that zinc is responsible for activating immune cells, serving like a “danger signal”. Adequate amounts of the zinc in the body also support important immune fighting cells such as neutrophils and natural killer cells, which are often the body’s first line of defence against illness.
Immune friendly vitamin C
Fun fact! Plants and most animals can make their own vitamin C! Not so for humans though. We must get it from our diets. In the immune system, vitamin C works by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. It also supports the integrity of the barriers of the body, including the skin—the largest barrier to infection—as well as supporting the health of the epithelial barriers (the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and intestinal linings).
Finally, vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells. Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that engulf foreign pathogens as they enter the body and assist in the process of destroying them. Vitamin C levels in white blood cells have been shown to be around ten times higher than in plasma, which may indicate the functional role vitamin C plays in these important immune system cells.
Supporting immune system health, and available in a delicious raspberry flavoured powder, is Herbs of Gold Zinc Forte + C. The important immune ingredients zinc and vitamin C have been included in therapeutic amounts and combined with cofactors vitamin B6, betacarotene and magnesium.
This great immune option for the upcoming winter is suitable for the whole family and can be used in children from 4 years of age.
Immune friendly herbs
In addition to key nutrients, there are some valuable immunity-supporting herbs that can help the immune system function optimally. One of the most well-known is Echinacea, which has a long history of use in both adults and children, being traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of common colds and flu as well as to decrease mild upper respiratory tract congestion and relieve mild fever.
Herbs of Gold Children’s Immune Care is a delicious strawberry-vanilla chewable tablet that combines key nutrients vitamin C and zinc with Echinacea to support immune system health to fight illness in children. Children’s Immune Care is sweetened with tooth-friendly xylitol and is free from artificial colours and flavours.
Another lesser-known immune herb that deserves time in the spotlight is Thyme. You may recognise Thyme from your culinary exploits, but did you know it also has medicinal benefits? Thyme is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to reduce mucus congestion and cough and relieve symptoms of a sore throat. It’s a great addition to your kitchen pantry!
For targeted immune support for adults, there is Herbs of Gold Berberine ImmunoPlex, a unique combination of herbs blending Thyme with other medicinal herbs, including Cat’s claw to support immune system health.
We want you to get the most out of winter this year! Try incorporating some of our favourite vitamin and herb supplements into your diet to support your immune health through the cooler months.
*Product availability may vary from store to store. Always read the label and follow directions for use.
References
Hemilä, H (2017). ‘Vitamin C and infections’, Nutrients. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28353648/>.
Wessels, I., Maywald, M. & Rink, L (2017). ‘Zinc as a gatekeeper of immune function’, Nutrients. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29186856/>.