The immune system is our body’s own internal guardian, protecting us from harmful pathogens that cause illness and disease. It’s our defence mechanism against virus, bacteria, etc. It also kick-starts the healing process for injuries and infections.
Post the pandemic, it’s especially important to maintain a strong immune system. In India, with the frequent seasonal changes and onset of monsoon, people are more prone to sickness and colds. Pair this with rising pollution, the immune system faces a host of enemies today. So, we must make efforts to understand the immune system, how it works, and how your immune booster can help strengthen it.
How does the Immune System Function?
The immune system works by identifying and eliminating germs that are foreign to the body. Our immune system can recognise when germs are non-native and have entered the body externally – these are called “antigens”. As soon as these antigens enter the body, the immune system gets to work to fight them and remove them from our body. A weak immune system is unable to recognise these substances, leaving us more vulnerable to disease.
Signs of a Weak Immune System
To learn how to increase immune system strength, we should know the signs of low immunity:
1. Frequent Infections/Colds. If you fall sick too easily or catch colds often, it means your immune system is unable to fight diseases.
2. Skin conditions. Skin rashes may be a sign of immunodeficiency. Our skin is the first layer to come into contact with germs and fight them. So our skin’s condition can reflect how our immune system is doing. (1)
3. Fatigue. Feeling sleepy and fatigued all the time may result from low immunity. If you also have a constant ache in your muscles, it’s possible that something is wrong with your immune system.
Role of Vitamin C in Immunity
Common people might not know that Vitamin C is crucial in supporting the immune system. So, this is an essential nutrient to consider when learning how to improve immunity naturally.
• Stimulating Immune Cells: Vitamin C prompts the white blood cells of the immune system (called “neutrophils”) towards the infected site of the body. Basically, Vitamin C plays a role in leading these cells towards the area from where disease is spreading, so the cells can get to work to prevent it faster. (2)
• Antioxidant Function: Our internal processes, and regular exposure to toxins and pollutants, produce a lot of oxidants. These oxidants may cause damage to our cells. Vitamin C intercepts these oxidants and prevents cellular damage.
Thus, Vitamin C is imperative for the immune system to nourish a healthy body for us.
Zinc as an Immune Booster
Zinc is vital for the formation and functioning of immune cells. It also has antioxidant properties like Vitamin C, helping reduce inflammation. So, maintaining sufficient Zinc levels in the body with Zinc supplements supports the immune system.
Vitamin C beyond Immunity
The role of Vitamin C goes beyond just boosting immunity; it’s vital for our skin. Skin disorders are closely connected with low immunity. So, while exploring how to improve immunity, we should also maintain our skin health. Luckily, Vitamin C provides solutions for both – a true 2-in-1 remedy!
1. Promotion of Collagen: Vitamin C promotes the formation of collagen in the body. Collagen helps reduce wrinkling, strengthen the skin, and repair wounds. Vitamin C not only actively promotes collagen production but also prevents its degradation.
2. Antioxidant: Vitamin C helps remove the harmful oxidants caused by pollution and harsh UV radiation. Thus, it can potentially reduce the symptoms of asthma and other pollution-induced illnesses. (3)
3. Acne Reduction: Acne often causes redness and swelling and leaves dark scars. With its anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C reduces this swelling. As an antioxidant, it protects the skin from free radicals that might create acne. Collagen production brought about by Vitamin C also helps repair the skin and reduce dark spots.
4. Anti-aging: Vitamin C supports collagen production, which in turn holds anti-aging properties.
5. Anti-pigmentation: Vitamin C prevents tyrosine (non-essential amino acid) from converting into melanin (the natural pigment that gives colour to our skin). Thus, Vitamin C suppresses melanin production, resulting in a bright and even skin tone.
So next time, try adding a Vitamin C supplement in your immunity booster drink, and see the added effects on improving your skin.
Why Daily Vitamin C Matters
Vitamin C, being water-soluble, doesn’t get stored in the body. So constant external replenishment of Vitamin C is essential. This can be achieved with supplementation or foods rich in Vitamin C. Daily consumption of Vitamin C in safe doses will show favourable outcomes for the immune system.
Whole Foods to Boost Immunity
Sufficient nutrition is vital in maintaining a robust immune system. Foods that are rich in Vitamin C and Zinc are key when learning how to increase immune system strength. Some foods to start with are:
1. Citrus fruits: Oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, and even grapefruit provide Vitamin C to the body – while also making for a natural tasty snack.
2. Amla: Besides being Vitamin C-rich, Amla possesses anti-inflammatory properties. So it directly helps enhance the immune system.
3. Vegetables: Capsicum provides Vitamin C and other antioxidants to the body. Similarly, spinach is packed with antioxidants.
4. Ginger: While not particularly rich in Vitamin C, ginger can decrease inflammation. This is why many people opt for ginger tea when they have a cold or sore throat. Anti-inflammation supports the immune system.
5. Fruits: Other fruits like kiwi and papaya also have high Vitamin C content.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Immunity
Making some healthy changes to our daily lives can have a positive impact on our immune system.
1. Regular physical exercise. Physical inactivity slows down the working of our immune systems. So, engaging in some light exercises daily could have a large influence on improving our immunity.
2. Ensuring good hygiene. Since our skin is the first layer to come into contact with harmful germs, it’s important to keep it clean.
3. Maintaining a healthy diet. Include foods rich in Vitamin C and Zinc, and other essential nutrients.
4. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep daily. Irregular sleep impacts cell production, and white blood cells are important for the immune system. So make sure to get sufficient sleep.
5. A good immunity booster drink should do the trick for supporting your immune system while also making for a tasty treat.
Final Thoughts
A strong immune system needs the right daily support to ensure it works in full bloom. And it doesn’t take much effort to achieve. With the right balance of nutrients like Vitamin C and Zinc, along with healthy lifestyle choices and a nourishing diet, supporting your immunity is made simple and effective. And it comes with a bonus – these same nutrients also contribute to healthier skin. So for your overall wellness, make sure to strengthen and protect your immune system – so it can protect you back.
FAQs
Q1. What is the benefit of Super C immune complex?
Super C Immune Complex is not only infused with Vitamin C and Zinc but also contains Amla extracts. These three ingredients each have benefits in increasing immunity. So their combined formula is sure to prove results for both – improving immune system as well as skin health.
Q2. Why is vitamin C an immune booster?
Vitamin C is required for the functioning of immune cells. It acts as an important antioxidant for these cells. This enhancement of the immune system makes Vitamin C a sufficient immune booster.
Q3. What happens if we take vitamin C capsules daily?
Daily intake of Vitamin C capsules has several benefits: supporting immune system, promoting collagen production, and maintaining skin health. But people must be cautious to not over-consume any kinds of medications or supplements.
Q4. What is the use of Super C tablet?
The Super C tablet, with its Vitamin C + Zinc formula, helps maintain immunity and skin health by protecting your skin from pollutants and harsh sunlight. It also boosts collagen production and fights against acne-causing bacteria.
Q5. Can I take vitamin C everyday forever?
While it’s generally considered safe to take Vitamin C supplements everyday, it’s important to be mindful of the recommended daily intake limit. The recommended Vitamin C dosage for Indian men is 80 mg/day and for Indian women is 65 mg/day.