There are many different natural health supplements out there that claim to improve immune health, but how do you decide which is the best? In this article, we’ve narrowed the search for you by listing our top five choices of immune-boosting natural health supplements.
#1 Mushroom Extracts
Mushroom extracts containing Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) are high in beta-glucans, which are known to be natural immune enhancers.
There are several studies that provide evidence for AbM’s health benefits and positive effect towards immunomodulation in humans. Most of these studies tend to highlight AbM’s ability to boost immune cell activity in the body.
A popular product containing Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom extract is Superfood Science’s Agaricus Bio©.
#2 Probiotics
Despite the negative stigma that it gets, bacteria are an essential part of the immune system’s functioning.
Probiotic supplements can help populate the digestive tract with good bacteria, which can help both digestion and immune health.
Probiotics are an essential immune supplement because they can immobilize and kill harmful microorganisms that would otherwise cause disease.
#3 Matcha Green Tea
Another natural way to strengthen immunity is by drinking matcha green tea.
Matcha tea has high amounts of antioxidants that help the body neutralize free radicals that damage the immune system.
On top of its immune benefits, studies have shown that drinking matcha green tea can reduce anxiety and enhance memory, attention, and brain function.
If you're going to opt for matcha green tea, make sure that you're getting ceremonial grade matcha and not culinary grade matcha. Yes, there is a difference. Ceremonial grade matcha is a premium product that is meant to be drunken straight with hot water, while culinary grade matcha is a lower quality product that is intended for cooking and baking.
#4 Elderberry
Elderberry is another natural health supplement that contains high concentrations of antioxidants which can help activate the immune response and reduce cell damage.
Elderberry is often taken to fight off colds and flus, shortening the duration and reducing symptoms of cold and flu patients.
#5 Turmeric Curcumin
Turmeric can help boost the health of your immune system through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Studies have shown that turmeric consumption may also increase white blood cell count, which helps the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses.
The key compound in turmeric that contains much of its immune enhancing properties is curcumin. Curcumin is known for its ability to regulate immune cells such as T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages.
Turmeric curcumin is not very absorbable in the human body, so the best kind of curcumin supplement you should buy are those like Vitality Rescue™ that contain both black pepper extract and oil to boost curcumin absorption by over 2000%.
References:
https://bastyr.edu/news/health-tips/2011/09/probiotics-and-immune-system
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28899506