Nobody likes to fall sick. Dealing with the symptoms of illness, keeping a distance from your loved ones, being the recipient of sympathy and the unwanted downtime to recover is as bad as being locked up. While everyone gets sick sometimes, there are certainly steps you can take to reduce such instances and help to keep yourself in tip-top shape. In today’s article, we take a look at just how vitamins can help prevent illness. Let’s jump right in!
The Role of Vitamins in Strengthening Immunity
Understanding the role of vitamins in maintaining our immunity is important. The reason why vitamins are so vital is because of their beneficial impact on our immune system. Vitamins and nutrients are instrumental in strengthening our immune system, which keeps illnesses at bay.
Different types of vitamins such as vitamin A, B complex, C, D, E, and folate have different functions to play in the body, but all influence the immune system in one way or another. For starters, vitamin A helps in maintaining the structure of the mucosal cells and our skin. This is most often the first line of defence against infections. It also supports the development of T-cells, which are important immune cells in the body.
Similarly, vitamin B complex and folate (B6, B12 and B9) are responsible for the production of cytokines, antibodies, DNA, and red blood cells. All of these are responsible for important biochemical reactions on the body, which contribute to optimal immune responses.
Vitamin C and E also play an important role in supporting the immune system by protecting our immune cells against oxidative stress, which damages our cells. They do so by acting as effective antioxidants which neutralise any free radicals in the body. This prevents us from autoimmune diseases and further supports the production of white blood cells – most importantly lymphocytes and phagocytes.
And if you’re wondering about the role of the “sunshine vitamin” or vitamin D, this one is responsible for the regulation of immune responses – because you don’t want extra inflammation or white blood cells in your body. Vitamin D is also responsible for activating pathogen fighting T-cells, which keep harmful invaders out of our system and also help to aid nutrient absorption so that we remain healthy.
All this is great, but where do we get these vitamins from?
Sources of Essential Vitamins
There are many sources from which we can get essential vitamins. Let’s get down to the specifics:
Vitamin A: Carrots, spinach, eggs
Vitamin B complex and folate: Poultry, milk, bananas, legumes
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers
Vitamin D: Sunlight, fatty fish
Vitamin E: Nuts and seeds
We understand that when leading a busy lifestyle with many responsibilities, it can be a challenge to keep a track of what you eat. Thankfully, in addition to the above, there are several other ways in which we can get these essential vitamins into our bodies.
Firstly, oral supplements. Taking oral supplements is one of the easiest ways to get the required vitamins and curb any vitamin deficiencies. Oral supplements are recommended to people who may be suffering from chronic health conditions, have dietary gaps, and they can help cater to people with increased nutritional demand during pregnancy, lactation periods, and old age. Oral supplements come in various forms such as tablets, drops, capsules, chewable gummies.
However, for those suffering with gut issues or absorption issues caused by coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease or any other chronic condition, oral supplements may not be the best option. For these individuals, IV drips are a great alternative. An IV drip delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gut for larger doses and faster absorption of nutrients. For people with severe vitamin deficiencies who may need supplementation on an urgent basis, IV drips are ideal. There is no limit to how many sessions of IV therapy you can have, although as with any medical treatment, it is best to consult a medical professional in advance so they can understand any deficiencies you may have and plan your appointments based on your individual needs.
But is that it?
Lifestyle and Vitamin Absorption
In addition to diet and supplementation, lifestyle also plays an important role in vitamin absorption and retention capabilities. Vitamins are fuel, and just like fuel in machines gets used up quickly as it is being pushed to its limit, similarly, the body also uses up its vitamin reserves when pushed to the max. With the advent of fast food, processed items and substances such as cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs, our bodies seldom get the nutrition they actually need. However, this can be changed by making just a few lifestyle adjustments.
A good starting point would be to ensure a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Replacing your burgers with protein-rich salads, increasing vegetable intake, and including fresh fruits in your snack bowl to satisfy midday cravings can help you to support your immune system.
Another step to boost vitamin absorption is to minimise inhibitors. There are some substances that block the absorption of vitamins and minerals such as caffeine, alcohol, phytates and oxalates. Avoiding them can be a great way to improve nutrient absorption in the body.
The Vitamin Life
Hopefully by now, you have a deeper understanding of the importance of vitamins and nutrients, and how they can help to prevent illness. Without them, our immune system is weakened and we become far more susceptible to infections and disease. The role of vitamins in preventing illnesses is monumental and something which unfortunately often goes unnoticed in our day-to-day lives. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and utilising external supplementation (oral and IV drips) when needed during those hectic times in life, is a great way to ensure you are getting enough vitamins to maintain a healthy immune system. If you have any concerns about your health or suspect you may have a vitamin deficiency, you should seek advice from a medical professional so they can deal with any deficiencies and make a sustainable plan to prevent such instances in the future.