Are you rainproof?

The rainy months are here again and comes with it bouts of cough, cold and fever. Add this to the daily stress at work, air pollution, preservatives and chemicals in the food we eat, lack of exercise and unhealthy diet and you’ve got a weakened and worn down immune system. The immune system is your strongest defense against sickness and disease so it is very important to keep it strong and healthy. When your immune system is compromised it needs nutritional backup and you can find this in powerful natural supplements.

Here are top 10 supplements that can help boost our immune system back to its top form:

1. Vitamin C – The household favorite. It tops the list of immune boosters for many reasons. Vitamin C for decades has been proven to strengthen your bodys immunity against colds. It increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. It aids in the manufacturing of the immunologic protein and anti-stress hormones. Vitamin C binds with toxic metals and prevents their interference with the body's processes. Gives all round support to your immune system and may also have antiviral properties. 
When dealing with health problems such as viral infections, colds, stress, surgery and progressive diseases, the bodies Vitamin C levels are compromised. Protects against immune system deficiencies. As an added perk, persons whose diets are higher in vitamin C have lower rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer.

2. Zinc – An antioxidant which helps protect the body from free radicals, zinc also helps increase the absorption of vitamin A and assists in maintaining the proper level of vitamin E in the blood. This valuable mineral increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection and helps them fight more aggressively. It also increases killer cells that fight against cancer and helps white cells release more antibodies. Zinc supplements have been shown to slow the growth of cancer. Zinc increases the number of infection-fighting T-cells, especially in elderly people who are often deficient in zinc, and whose immune system often weakens with age.

3. Ginger – Is a root vegetable that provides strong antioxidant protection. Scientific research shows that it helps balance the immune system and restore it to proper functioning. It has been shown to enhance the protective functions of the immune system. Ginger has the ability to prevent free radicals from cellular metabolism from damaging healthy cells. It activates T-cells. T-cells are an important part of the immune system. They are a group of white blood cells capable of destroying cells infected by virus as well as tumor cells. Therefore, ginger supports the body's natural defense against disease. It eases some throat pain kills cold viruses inhibits production of cytokines which cause pain and swelling combats chills and fever.

4. Probiotics - Probiotics are live microorganisms found in the tissues lining the GI tract and are called "friendly bacteria" due to their ability to support overall good health. It is believed that up to 70 percent of the body's immune capacity may reside in these tissues, serving as an important defense against illness. This is why it is important to take probiotic supplements to help prevent the immune system prevent diseases. The best species of probiotics are lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. This beneficial bacteria inhabits the human digestive system. It is best known for assuring the return of normal body functions after a course of antibiotics, by reintroducing friendly bacteria into the colon. It acts as a mild antibiotic, and regular use can replace the harmful bacteria in your colon (or vaginal tract in women, where acidophilus is also used to treat yeast infections).

5. Spirulina – This algae supplement is a superfood that is a powerful tonic that improves immune system function. It stimulates the immune system and enhances the body's ability to generate new blood cells. Important parts of the immune system, bone marrow stem cells, macrophages, T-cells and natural killer cells, spleen and thymus glands - all show enhanced activity. Scientists observe it causes macrophages to increase in number, become activated and more effective killing germs. Scientists in Japan have published new studies showing a purified extract unique to spirulina inhibits replication of HIV-1, Herpes, Influenza, Mumps and Measles virus in-vitro yet is very safe for human cells.The National Cancer Institute found sulfolipids in blue-green algae were 'remarkably active' against the AIDS virus in vitro. Spirulina contains 5-8% lipids, and 40% of these are glycolipids and sulfolipids. These compounds seem to prevent viruses from either attaching to or penetrating cells, preventing viral infection. Meanwhile, the virus can be eliminated by the body's defenses. Exciting new research in Japan and the USA has confirmed spirulina extracts in vitro can inhibit replication of the HIV virus. It alsoi helps remove pesticides and traces of heavy metals from your body, normalizes body’s PH levels and stimulates production of red blood cells.

6. Vitamin E – The compound of 8 antioxidant properties make Vitamin E a powerhouse of immunity support. This antioxidant stimulates the production of natural killer cells, those that seek out and destroy germs and cancer cells. Vitamin E enhances the production of B-cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria. It may also reverse some of the decline in immune response commonly seen in aging. It is s most useful for its antioxidant effects on oxidized fats and cholesterol, both of which are suspected causes heart disease. Vitamin E also helps to protect cell membranes and DNA from free-radical damage. Whether it's fighting off cancer or repairing nerves, vitamin E's ability to destroy free radicals and protect the cells makes it an important immune system ally.

7. Garlic - This flavorful member of the onion family is a powerful immune booster that stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural killer cell activity, and increases the efficiency of antibody production. Its immune boosting properties are due to its vital element allicin, which is known to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Garlic can also act as an antioxidant that reduces the build-up of free radicals in the bloodstream. Garlic may protect against cancer. It has been noticed that cultures with a garlic-rich diet have a lower incidence of intestinal cancer. Garlic may also play a part in getting rid of potential carcinogens and other toxic substances. It is also a heart-friendly food since it keeps platelets from sticking together and clogging tiny blood vessels.

8. CoQ10 – The battery of the heart. Considered a close relation to vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 stimulates the immune system through its support of cell energy and circulation. It seems to act as a mild stimulant to the immune-system. It has been shown to help lower blood pressure and enhance the pumping action and electrical function of the heart. It may also improve energy production in heart muscle cells.

9. Omega 3 in Fish Oil - Fish and krill oil top the list of immune system supplements for the variety of benefits like warding off colds and viral infections, preventing diabetes, heart disease, cancer and many more.. The omega 3 fatty act as immune boosters by increasing the activity of phagocytes, the white blood cells that eat up bacteria. Essential fatty acids also protect the body against damage from over-reactions to infection. When taking essential fatty acid supplements, such as flax or fish oils, take additional vitamin E, which acts together with essential fatty acids to boost the immune system. Choose your fish oil supplements carefully and make sure they are not contaminated with high levels of mercury and come from a reputable sources.

10. Curcumin - Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the curry spice turmeric its yellow color has immune boosting, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A recent study also found that this compound improves the health of body cells by influencing the behavior of cell membranes. Researchers reported that curcumin molecules insert themselves into cell membranes making them more stable and orderly. By doing this, the cell becomes more resistant to attacks by disease-causing microbes and ultimately, infection They create a sort of force field of resistance against infection, according to research published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. (Barry J. et al. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2009, 131(12):4490-4498, doi: 10.1021/ja809217u.)