Do vitamins help prevent sickness? Are there supplements to prevent colds? With all the information out there, it’s likely you’ve encountered contradictions that have confused things, rather than clarified them.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to help you ward off winter colds, boosting your immunity through vitamins and supplements is entirely possible. Your body relies on certain nutrients to help power the immune system, so anything you can offer could help keep you healthy.

Vitamins and supplements to help prevent or fight colds

Here are some of the vitamins and supplements you can take to ward off illness:

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C can’t singlehandedly prevent your colds and illnesses, but it does support your immune system. Take 1000 mg of vitamin C per day to help support cellular functions and prevent environmental additive stress. Your immune system will thank you for this much-needed boost, even if you do get plenty of vitamin C from fresh fruits.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is another immune booster. Just 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day will help your body fight off germs and bacteria before they create actual infections. It also assists in strengthening your bones and improving your mood, so what’s to lose? Vitamin D is especially important in winter and if you work inside for long stretches at a time.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are great for your digestion, but they also boost your immune system. The good bacteria that we need in the gut helps ward off illnesses, including colds and flu. If you don’t want to take supplements, try to make sure you get plenty of natural fermented yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut in your diet. Kombucha is also a great source of healthy bacteria.
• Zinc: If you take 75 mg of zinc within the first sign of a cold, you can reduce your symptoms dramatically. Zinc supports a number of different internal systems and will help improve your resistance; however, there’s no scientifically agreed-upon rule for how much zinc you should take, so either stick to 75 mg, or consult your doctor.
• Turmeric: Finally, turmeric is a great immune booster. Often found in Asian cuisine, like curries, bright yellow turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial and antiviral properties. All of these qualities help your body heal faster from a cold, which (with additional supplements, vitamins and the advice of your doctor) can help you feel better in no time at all.

Vitamins do help prevent sickness, and there are plenty of supplements you can take to help ward off colds. If you’re not sure about which vitamins and supplements are right for you, make sure to talk to your doctor.

A Gift of Health is here to help when you need natural foods, vitamins and supplements. Stop by today to find everything you need for healthy living. If you’re not sure what would work for you, just ask our friendly staff. We’re standing by to help you find everything you need to feel better.