Top 5 Supplements for Immune Health- Rethink My Health Podcast Episode 1
In this episode, Dr. Gez Agolli and Dr. Cheryl Burdette give you the most updated research on supplements used for immune health. With COVID-19 still a threat to many people across the world, the team shares the top 5 supplements to promote a healthy immune system along with some common sense and practical strategies to stay healthy.
Why is a healthy immune system important? The immune system is the body’s tool for preventing or limiting infection. Its complex network of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues enable it to defend the body from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more. A fully functional immune system can distinguish healthy tissue from unwanted substances1. Your immune system is the most significant system in your body. It shields you from different ailments, and it does this by fighting off large numbers of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens that attack your body every single day2.
The immune system becomes slower to respond and its ability to detect and correct cell defects also declines. This can result in an increased risk of cancer. The immune system becomes less able to distinguish self from nonself (that is, to identify foreign antigens). As a result, autoimmune disorders become more common1. The primary symptom of a weakened immune system is susceptibility to infection. A person with a weakened immune system is likely to get infections more frequently than most other people2.
A robust and properly functioning immune system helps you go about daily life as you come into contact with germs and bugs from pets, other people, and your environment. Without a healthy immune system, you could pick up infections and infectious diseases more easily, and the effects could be serious – even fatal. The main purpose of your immune system is to protect your body from viruses and bacteria. Without it, they would have free reign and you would be constantly falling ill1. A strong immune system guarantees fewer infections. And during the circumstances the world is facing today, this is the most important thing. With viral and bacterial infections breaking out in almost every part of the world, we need to strengthen our immune systems to stay protected and healthy2.