Immune System Vitamins

With all kinds of flu going on around us, from Swine flu to the flu of the season,  millions and millions of people are lining up to get their yearly doses of flu shots.  To me, strengthening and maintaining oneself optimal immune system is the best way to avoid any flu.

There are vitamins and supplements you can take on a regular basis to achieve this goal.  In fact, all the antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin A, vitamin C, and Vitamin E are all good for a strong immune system.

• Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which is stored primarily in the liver. Vitamin A is available in two forms:  retinol, which is found in animal products and beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.  Vitamin A is present in liver, cod liver oil, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Retinol is found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Beta carotene is present in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables and dark, leafy greens. Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals – molecules that damage healthy cells – decreasing the immune system and other health conditions.  Multi Carotene is a good source in supplement form.
  
• vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is a powerful antioxidant in the body. vitamin C is a water-soluble essential vitamin that is quickly lost from your body, so daily intake is very important.  Vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables are black currants, green pepper, mangoes, citrus, cabbage, tomatoes, and potatoes.  The body utilizes vitamin C in the immune system by maintaining activity of the white blood cells. Water, cooking, heat and light all reduce the levels of the vitamin C available in food sources. Vegetables begin to lose vitamin C as soon as they are cut.  Taking supplement from a good source of Vitamin C might be a healthy idea. Smokers, those who consume alcohol regularly, people taking medications regularly, and people who suffer from stress regularly all may benefit from taking adequate or slightly higher than daily recommendations of vitamin C.
• Vitamin E is fat-soluble,  only stored in your body for a short period of time, making regular intake is essential.  Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps decrease the effects of free radicals, which may damage cells and decrease the immune function. Food sources for vitamin E: Wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, peanut butter, sweet potato, asparagus, spinach, and avocado.  But they are readily destroyed by heat processing (deep-fat frying) and through oxidation.  Natural E Complete is a all-natural, all-vegetarian blend supplement with nine forms of vitamin E found in nature.

Take charge of your own health.  Prepare your body to fight a good fight and win over any flu or cold by taking care of your immune system, regularly.