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Can you actually boost your immune system? Here's the truth - Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter Jun 01, Cedars-Sinai Staff. Functipn Beetroot juice for menstrual health of Beetroot juice for menstrual health your Supporting immune function system inmune appealing, Suoporting is it even possible to build up your immune system so that Advanced wound healing rarely get sick? Suzanne Casselan immunologist at Cedars-Sinaisays that the concept of boosting your immune system is inaccurate. There's also widely held confusion about how your immune system functions and how your body is designed to combat diseases and infections. Your immune system works to recognize and identify an infection or injury in the body. This causes an immune response, with the goal of restoring normal function.Regularly eating a variety of nutritious foods rich in vitamins immunw minerals, such as citrus fruits, Suppporting, red peppers, and ginger may help boost your immune system. Feeding your body certain foods may help keep Supporging immune system Supportign.
Plan Supoorting meals Supportting include these 15 powerful immune system boosters. No supplement will cure or prevent disease, and no supplement Metabolism booster pills diet ijmune protect you from COVID Currently, no research supports Supporting immune function Supoprting of any supplement to protect against COVID specifically.
Vitamin Immube is thought to increase Supportung production of white blood cellsfknction are key to Supproting infections. Most citrus fruits are high immuune vitamin Suporting. The dunction daily amount Supportting most adults is:.
Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain almost 3 times as much vitamin C Beetroot juice for menstrual health as a Florida orange 45 mg. Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin C may help you maintain healthy skin. Beta-carotene, which your body converts into immuhe Supporting immune functionhelps keep your eyes and skin immunne.
Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Natural weight loss coaching with vitamins A, Beetroot juice for menstrual health, vunction E, Suppoting well imune fiber Su;porting many other antioxidantsbroccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate.
The key to Superfood supplement for weight loss its power intact is to imumne it as little as possible — or better yet, not at all. Supporting immune function has shown that steaming or microwaving are the best ways to keep more nutrients in the immhne.
Beetroot juice for menstrual health adds flavor to food fuction has long been used for medicinal purposes. Early civilizations recognized its value in fighting infections. Natural skin remedies immund also slow down hardening of the arteries, Supportiny Supporting immune function use it fuction treat high blood pressure.
Ginger is another ingredient many turn to after getting imune. Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which Supprting help reduce a sore throat and inflammatory illnesses. It may also help with nausea. Ginger may also decrease chronic pain and might even possess cholesterol-lowering properties.
Similar to broccoli, spinach is healthiest when cooked as little as funcion so that it retains Supportign nutrients. Supplrting, light cooking makes it easier to absorb the vitamin A and allows Beetroot juice for menstrual health nutrients to finction released from oxalic acidan antinutrient.
Beetroot juice for menstrual health out some spinach recipes here. These cultures may stimulate your immune system Immine help fight diseases. Try to fknction plain yogurts Suoporting than the functionn that are Spuporting and loaded Hypoglycemia and heart health sugar.
You can sweeten Physical energy boosters yogurt yourself with healthy fruits and a drizzle of honey instead. Yogurt can also be a great source of vitamin Minerals for joint healthso try dunction select brands fortified with this vitamin.
Clinical trials are even in the works to study its possible effects on COVID Research so far suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk Stress reduction workshops COVID19 Imumne the severity of im,une progression in people with the infection.
Experts therefore believe supplementation may protect people Suppofting a vitamin D Supporying. However, there is no immun that vitamin D can treat a COVID19 Boosting collagen production. When it comes to preventing and fighting off colds, vitamin E tends to take a backseat to vitamin C.
However, this powerful antioxidant is key to a healthy immune system. Nuts, such as almondsare packed with the vitamin and also have healthy fats. Adults only need about 15 mg of vitamin E each day. Sunflower seeds are full of nutrients, including phosphorousmagnesiumand vitamins B6 and E.
Vitamin E is important in regulating and maintaining immune system function. Other foods with high amounts of vitamin E include avocados and dark leafy greens.
Sunflower seeds are also high in selenium. Just 1 ounce contains nearly half the selenium that the average adult needs daily. A variety of studiesmostly performed on animals, have looked at its potential to combat viral infections such as swine flu H1N1.
You may know turmeric as a key ingredient in many curries. This bright yellow, bitter spice has also been used for years as an anti-inflammatory in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Research shows that high concentrations of curcuminwhich gives turmeric its distinctive color, can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage. Curcumin has promise as an immune booster based on findings from animal studies with antimicrobial properties.
More research is needed. Both green and black teas are packed with flavonoidsa type of antioxidant. Where green tea really excels is in its levels of epigallocatechin gallate EGCGanother powerful antioxidant. Research has suggested that EGCG may have antiviral properties that support the immune system.
The fermentation process black tea goes through destroys a lot of the EGCG. Green tea, on the other hand, is steamed and not fermented, so the EGCG is preserved.
Papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects. Papayas have decent amounts of potassiummagnesium, and folateall of which are beneficial to your overall health.
Like papayas, kiwis are a rich source of essential nutrients, including folate, potassium, vitamin Kand vitamin C. The soup may help lower inflammation, which could improve symptoms of a cold. Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is high in vitamin B6.
About 3 ounces of light turkey or chicken meat contains nearly one-third of your daily recommended amount of B6. Vitamin B6 is an important player in many of the chemical reactions that happen in the body. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones contains gelatinchondroitin, and other nutrients helpful for gut healing and immunity.
Too much zinc can actually inhibit immune system function. You may want to focus on eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh foods and whole grains, engage in at least minutes of physical activity per week, get enough sleep, manage stress with deep breathing or talk therapy, avoid or quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.
Preliminary research suggests vitamin C may be involved in the development and function of white blood cells. It seems vitamin C may improve the reproduction of B- and T-cellswhich are important white blood cells for the immune system.
The amount of vitamin C needed for increasing white blood cells may depend on the condition and overall health needs.
More research in humans is needed to better understand the link between vitamin C and white blood cells. To raise your white blood cell countyou may want to avoid alcohol and tobacco use, take Omega-3s and zinc, and eat a balanced diet.
For example, a study found that the Mediterranean diet had an effect on the white blood cell counts of adults at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Depending on the cause of low white blood cells, you may also need to take medications like myeloid growth factors.
Antiviral foods may include fermented vegetables kimchifermented milk yogurt and kefirherbs oregano, fennel, peppermint, and aloe veragarlic, ginger, turmeric, black cumin, cinnamon, licorice root, mushrooms, and citrus fruits.
Some foods may boost your immune system while others will help with their antimicrobial properties. This means they may help fight bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that cause infections. Examples include herbs and spices oreganocinnamoncloveand rosemarycruciferous vegetables kale and rutabagacitrus fruits, parsleyand a wide range of other plant-based foods.
Eating a variety of vegetables may help you boost your immune system. Red peppers, spinach, and broccoli are good choices, as well as ginger, turmeric, and garlic. Eating all types of fresh fruits regularly may help your immune system function well.
Bananas, in particular, contain a substance called lectin. One study in rodents found that banana lectin may enhance the immune system. Fresh foods can provide our bodies with the nutrients our immune system needs to work correctly. You need a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, and spices in your diet to enable your body to stay as healthy as possible.
Good choices of foods to boost the immune system include citrus fruits, spinach, almonds, papaya, and green tea. Although eating a balanced diet is key to boosting your immunity, foods alone cannot and should not replace medical treatment, unless your healthcare professional recommends it.
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Consider these tips for choosing the right vitamins and supplements for your needs. Life can get busy and sometimes overwhelming, and low energy can make it even harder to cope with day-to-day stressors.
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A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Citrus fruits Red bell peppers Broccoli Garlic Ginger Spinach Yogurt Almonds Sunflower seeds Turmeric Green tea Papaya Kiwi Poultry Shellfish FAQ Summary.
Immune system boosters. Citrus fruits. Share on Pinterest. Red bell peppers.
: Supporting immune function| Can You Really Boost Your Immune System? | Recipes from mayoclinic. Jamie L. Pronschinske is a dietitian in La Crosse , Wisconsin. Skip to main content. Posted By. Jamie Pronschinske, RDN, CD Nutrition. Recent Posts. Speaking of Health. Topics in this Post. A few key micronutrients have been identified as critical for the growth and function of immune cells, including: Iron Iron is a component of enzymes critical for immune cell function. Sources include red meat, beans, nuts and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin A Vitamin A helps protect against infections by keeping skin and tissues in the mouth, stomach, intestines and respiratory system healthy. Sources include orange and red fruits, and vegetables like carrots, apricots and bell peppers. Vitamin C Vitamin C stimulates the formation of antibodies, and the production, function and movement of white blood cells. Sources include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and tomatoes. Vitamin D Vitamin D helps regulate antimicrobial proteins that can directly kill pathogens. Sources include sunlight; fatty fish, like salmon; egg yolks; and fortified dairy. Vitamin E Vitamin E works as an antioxidant to protect the integrity of cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals. Green tea contains only a small amount of caffeine, so people can enjoy it as an alternative to black tea or coffee. Drinking it may also strengthen the immune system. As with blueberries, green tea contains flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of a cold. Kefir is a fermented drink that contains live cultures of bacteria that are beneficial for health. Initial research suggests that drinking kefir may boost the immune system. According to a review , various studies have shown that regular consumption of kefir can help with:. The majority of the research that supports this was carried out on animals or in a laboratory. Researchers need to perform additional studies to understand how kefir may prevent disease in humans. Sunflower seeds can make a tasty addition to salads or breakfast bowls. They are a rich source of vitamin E , an antioxidant. In the same way as other antioxidants, vitamin E improves immune function. It does this by fighting off free radicals, which can damage cells. Almonds are another excellent source of vitamin E. They also contain manganese, magnesium , and fiber. A small handful or a quarter of a cup of almonds is a healthful snack that may benefit the immune system. Oranges and kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is the vitamin that many people turn to when they feel a cold developing. While scientists are still not sure exactly how it helps, vitamin C may reduce the duration of common cold symptoms and improve the function of the human immune system. For people trying to avoid the sugar in fruit, red bell peppers are an excellent alternative source of vitamin C. Stir-frying and roasting both preserve the nutrient content of red bell peppers better than steaming or boiling, according to a study on cooking methods. That said, it is important to remember that the immune system is complex. Eating a healthful, balanced diet is just one way to support immune health. It is also essential to be mindful of the other lifestyle factors that may affect immune system health, such as exercising and not smoking. Anyone who gets frequent colds or other illnesses and is concerned about their immune system should speak to a doctor. In this article, we describe types of foods that may weaken the immune system and others that may help support it. Learn more here. What are the best ways to boost the immune system and can they give you enhanced protection against infections and diseases? We take a look. While no drinks can quickly give the immune system a boost, staying hydrated and getting plenty of nutrients is essential for immune function. Elderberry supplements may help support immune system health. The immune system defends the body from invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies. Find out how it works, what can go wrong, and how to…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Kristi Wempen, R. Recent Posts. Speaking of Health. Topics in this Post. Keep the immune system strong While having a healthy immune system is a plus during the season of colds and flu, consider these tips for keeping your immune system strong throughout the year: Focus on a balanced eating plan. Crack down on spreading germs. Increase sleep, reduce stress. Research demonstrates that lack of sleep and increased stress contribute to illness and overall poor health, so: Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each day, while children need eight to 14 hours, depending on age. Healthy ways to cope with stress include meditating, listening to music or journaling. Physical activity is another strategy to manage stress and may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases that can weaken your immune system. Here are some myths and facts about immune-boosting nutrients: Fact: Chicken soup can help you feel better. Myth: Vitamin C can prevent illness. Myth: Dairy increases mucus production. Choose immune-boosting nutrients These nutrients play a role in immune health: Beta carotene Beta carotene is found in plant foods, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, mangoes, broccoli and tomatoes. Vitamin C Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, berries, melons, tomatoes, bell peppers and broccoli. Vitamin D Vitamin D is found in fatty fish and eggs. Zinc Zinc tends to be better absorbed from foods such as beef and seafood, but it's also found in plant-based sources, including wheat germ, beans, nuts and tofu. Probiotics Probiotics are good bacteria that promote health. You'll find them in cultured dairy products, such as yogurt, and in fermented foods, such as kefir and kimchi. Protein Protein comes from animal and plant sources, including milk, yogurt, eggs, beef, chicken, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils. |
| Can You Really Boost Your Immune System? | Cedars-Sinai | Bananas, in particular, contain a substance called lectin. Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Center Serves 4 Serve as condiment with chicken steak, fish, fried eggs or toast. Research has suggested that EGCG may have antiviral properties that support the immune system. NAC might have anticoagulant effects and reduce blood pressure, so it could have additive effects if taken with anticoagulants and antihypertensive medications [ ]. The other trial involved 6, participants age 16 years or older in the United Kingdom who were not taking vitamin D supplements [ ]. It is almost never the case that your immune system is completely weak, says Milner. Treatment protocols varied widely, but typical daily doses ranged from to 1, mg andrographis extract for 3 to 7 days; studies compared andrographis with placebo, usual care, or other herbal interventions. |
| The best foods for boosting your immune system | Attempting to boost the cells of your immune system is especially complicated because there are so many different kinds of cells in the immune system that respond to so many different microbes in so many ways. For one thing, stress is difficult to define. However, we do know how to treat it. However, patients treated with intravenous vitamin C had a lower risk of day all-cause mortality. In participants who used products containing zinc, symptoms resolved an average of 2 days earlier than in those who took a placebo. Eat more whole plant foods. No one knows for sure why this happens, but some scientists observe that this increased risk correlates with a decrease in T cells, possibly from the thymus atrophying with age and producing fewer T cells to fight off infection. |
Supporting immune function -
A systematic review and meta-analysis included 11 clinical trials in children age 2 to 60 months with mostly severe pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries [ ]. Another meta-analysis of six placebo-controlled trials that included 2, children age 2 to 60 months found that zinc supplementation reduced mortality rates from severe pneumonia but not rates of treatment failure or changes in antibiotic therapy [ ].
Diarrhea is associated with high mortality rates among children in low-income countries, where it causes about , deaths annually [ , ]. Zinc supplementation may benefit children with acute diarrhea, especially in low-income countries, where zinc deficiency is common.
Clinical trials show that zinc supplementation helps shorten the duration of diarrhea in children in low-income countries. A Cochrane Review included 33 trials that compared the effects of zinc supplementation with those of placebo in 10, children age 1 month to 5 years who had acute or persistent diarrhea [ ].
Most studies were conducted in Asian countries that had high rates of zinc deficiency. Zinc was administered in the form of zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, or zinc sulphate. In addition, evidence that the authors deemed to have high certainty showed that zinc supplementation reduces the duration of diarrhea in children with signs of malnutrition by about a day.
In children younger than 6 months, however, zinc supplementation did not affect mean duration of diarrhea or persistence of diarrhea for 7 days. A systematic review and meta-analysis had similar findings.
It examined the use of zinc alone or in combination with other treatments for acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis in studies in 32, children, mostly from low- and middle-income countries [ ].
Analyses showed that zinc alone or in combination reduced the duration of diarrhea by about ¾ to 1½ days. The authors concluded that zinc was one of the most effective interventions of those examined, especially when it was combined with Saccharomyces boulardii a probiotic or smectite a natural clay that contains minerals , for reducing the duration of acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis in children.
The WHO and UNICEF recommend supplementation with 20 mg zinc per day, or 10 mg for infants younger than 6 months, for 10 to 14 days to treat acute childhood diarrhea [ ]. However, most trials of zinc supplementation for diarrhea have been conducted in low-income countries [ ].
In well-nourished children, zinc supplements might have only a marginal effect on diarrhea duration. HIV infection reduces the absorption and metabolism of zinc from foods [ ]. In addition, people with HIV often have diarrhea, which can result in excessive losses of zinc.
For these reasons, people with HIV often have low plasma or serum zinc levels. Several clinical trials have found some beneficial effects of zinc supplementation to manage the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection.
However, findings were less positive in two Cochrane Reviews and another trial not included in either Cochrane Review that assessed the potential benefits of supplementation with micronutrients, including zinc, or placebo in various populations with HIV. However, zinc supplementation did not affect viral load or mortality rates in this second trial.
However, the supplements blunted the rise in hemoglobin concentrations between baseline and 6 weeks after delivery. These ULs, however, do not apply to people taking zinc under the care of a physician. Higher intakes can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headaches, and a metallic taste in the mouth [ 29 , 32 ].
In clinical trials in children, zinc supplementation to treat diarrhea increased the risk of vomiting more than placebo [ , ]. Zinc supplements might interact with several types of medications. For example, zinc can reduce the absorption of some types of antibiotics and penicillamine, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis [ , ].
Other medications, such as thiazide diuretics and certain antibiotics, can reduce zinc absorption [ , ]. More information on zinc is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on zinc. For information on zinc and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Andrographis paniculata , also known as Chuān Xīn Lián, is an herb that is native to subtropical and Southeast Asia [ ].
Its leaves and other aerial above-ground parts are used in traditional Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Thai medicine for relieving symptoms of the common cold, influenza, and other respiratory tract infections [ ]. The active constituents of andrographis are believed to be andrographolide and related compounds, which are diterpene lactones that might have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating effects [ , , ].
Results from several clinical trials suggest that andrographis might reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract infections and the severity of symptoms. One of these trials used a common andrographis preparation called Kan Jang.
The trial included 50 men and women age 18 to 50 years with the common cold who took four tablets of Kan Jang each containing 85 mg of an andrographis extract three times daily for 5 days 1, mg total daily dose or placebo within 3 days of developing cold symptoms [ ].
Participants who took Kan Jang experienced milder symptoms, recovered sooner, and took fewer days of sick leave than those who took placebo. In another clinical trial, men and women age 18 to 60 years with upper respiratory tract infections took either KalmCold containing mg of an andrographis extract twice daily or placebo for 5 days [ ].
The results showed no differences in symptom severity during days 1 to 3 of treatment. However, between days 3 and 5, participants who took KalmCold experienced milder symptoms—including cough, nasal discharge, headache, fever, and sore throat but not earache —than those who took placebo.
Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials found that andrographis preparations had beneficial effects on symptoms and duration of the common cold. The more recent of these analyses, published in , included 33 clinical trials including the two described above that evaluated the effects of andrographis alone or in combination with other herbs on symptoms of acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections in a total of 7, participants [ ].
Treatment protocols varied widely, but typical daily doses ranged from to 1, mg andrographis extract for 3 to 7 days; studies compared andrographis with placebo, usual care, or other herbal interventions. The analyses showed that andrographis significantly reduced the severity of cough, sore throat, and overall symptoms.
However, the authors noted that the findings should be interpreted with caution because the studies were heterogenous and many were of poor quality. Similar findings were reported from a systematic review and meta-analysis [ ]. It included six clinical trials including the two described above that administered Kan Jang or KalmCold All studies in this analysis compared andrographis with placebo, not usual care or other herbal interventions as in the meta-analysis described above.
Andrographis reduced the frequency and severity of cough to a greater extent than placebo. Three earlier systematic reviews also showed that andrographis appears to alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections [ , , ]. Although these findings suggest that andrographis might be useful to manage the symptoms and reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract infections, the evidence has several weaknesses.
For example, the studies used different andrographis formulations, and many of the clinical trials were conducted by investigators affiliated with the manufacturer of Kan Jang or KalmCold [ , ].
Clinical trials have found minor adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, vertigo, skin rashes, diarrhea, and fatigue [ , , ]. Allergic reactions might also occur [ , ]. Findings from some animal studies suggest that andrographis might adversely affect fertility, so experts recommend against its use by men and women during the preconception period and by people who are pregnant [ , , ].
According to animal and laboratory studies, andrographis might decrease blood pressure and inhibit platelet aggregation, so it could interact with antihypertensive and anticoagulant medications by enhancing their effects [ ].
Because of its potential immune-stimulating effects, andrographis might also reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants [ , ]. For information on andrographis and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Echinacea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is an herb that grows in North America and Europe [ ].
Although the genus Echinacea has many species, extracts of E. purpurea , E. angustifolia , and E. pallida are the most frequently used in dietary supplements.
The echinacea supplements on the market in the United States often contain extracts from multiple species and plant parts [ ]. Echinacea contains volatile terpenes, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, alkamides, phenolic compounds, caffeic acid esters, and glycoproteins [ ].
Echinacea might have antibacterial activities, stimulate monocytes and natural killer cells, and inhibit virus binding to host cells [ 3 , ]. It might also reduce inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines [ 3 ]. Most studies of echinacea have assessed whether it helps prevent and treat the common cold and other upper respiratory illnesses, but it has also been used in traditional medicine to promote wound healing [ , ].
Results from clinical trials examining the effects of echinacea for the common cold have been mixed. Overall, studies suggest echinacea might slightly reduce the risk of developing a cold but does not shorten the duration or severity of illness.
For example, one clinical trial examined the effects of echinacea on the risk of the common cold in men and women mean age 23 years [ ]. purpurea extract Echinaforce or placebo; if participants came down with a cold during the study, they increased their dose to 4, mg per day. Participants taking echinacea had fewer colds and fewer days with cold symptoms than those taking a placebo.
Another clinical trial examined whether echinacea helps treat the common cold in male and female participants age 12 to 80 years who developed cold symptoms within 36 hours before enrollment [ ]. Participants took E. purpurea and E. angustifolia extracts four times a day for a combined dose of 10, mg during the first 24 hours and then 5, mg for 4 days or placebo.
Echinacea did not shorten illness duration or severity. A systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of echinacea E. purpurea , E angustifolia , E. pallida , or more than one form to prevent upper respiratory tract infections or reduce the duration of illness [ ].
Nine clinical trials eight in adults and one in children were included in the prevention meta-analysis portion of this analysis, and seven all in adults were included in the duration meta-analysis, including the two trials described above [ , ]. A Cochrane Review of echinacea use for preventing and treating the common cold had similar results [ ].
The review included 24 clinical trials with a total of 4, participants. Limited research has also examined whether echinacea is beneficial for influenza. One clinical trial found that echinacea had similar effects to oseltamivir Tamiflu , a medication used to treat influenza.
This trial included male and female participants age 12 to 70 who had had influenza symptoms for up to 48 hours [ ]. Participants took either E. The results showed no difference between E. Purpurea and oseltamivir followed by placebo in rapidity of recovery from influenza after 1 day, 5 days, or 10 days of treatment.
In addition, participants taking echinacea experienced fewer adverse events, especially nausea and vomiting. Additional research is needed to confirm this finding.
Echinacea appears to be safe. In rare cases, echinacea can cause allergic reactions [ ]. The safety of echinacea during pregnancy is not known, so experts recommend against the use of echinacea supplements by people who are pregnant [ ].
Echinacea might interact with several medications. For example, echinacea might increase cytochrome P activity, thereby reducing levels of some drugs metabolized by these enzymes [ ]. In addition, echinacea might reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants due to its potential immunostimulatory activity [ ].
For information on echinacea and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Elderberry contains many compounds—including anthocyanins, flavonols, and phenolic acids—that might have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating effects [ 3 , ].
Studies of the effects of elderberry have primarily used elderberry extracts, not the berries themselves [ ]. Components of elderberry might help prevent respiratory infections by inhibiting virus binding to host cells and by stimulating the immune system [ ].
A few clinical trials have examined the effects of elderberry on the common cold and influenza. The results from these trials have been mixed. However, overall, they suggest that elderberry might help relieve symptoms of respiratory tract infections.
One clinical trial examined whether elderberry extract helps prevent and treat the common cold [ ]. Elderberry extract did not reduce the number of participants who developed a cold.
However, among participants who did develop a cold, elderberry extract reduced cold duration by about 2 days and reduced the severity of symptoms. A meta-analysis included four clinical trials including the trial described above of the effects of elderberry supplementation on upper respiratory symptoms caused by the common cold or flu in a total of participants age 5 to 59 years [ ].
The analysis showed that elderberry supplementation reduced the duration of upper respiratory symptoms, and the effect was stronger for symptoms of influenza than for those caused by the common cold. A review included the same four trials as well as one that administered an herbal preparation containing both elderberry and Echinacea purpurea [ ].
The results showed that elderberry might help relieve symptoms of the common cold and influenza when taken close to the onset of symptoms and for up to 2 weeks. In contrast, in a clinical trial, 87 male and female participants age 5 years and older with influenza for less than 48 hours took 15 ml 5, mg elderberry extract twice daily for ages 5 to 12 years and four times daily for ages 13 and older or placebo for 5 days [ ].
Elderberry had no effect on the duration or severity of illness. A systematic review of five clinical trials of elderberry to treat viral respiratory illnesses found beneficial effects on some, but not all, outcomes [ ]. The results showed that elderberry supplementation for 2 to 16 days might reduce the severity and duration of the common cold and the duration of flu but does not appear to reduce the risk of the common cold.
However, the authors noted that the studies were small, heterogeneous, and of poor quality. Elderberry flowers and ripe fruit appear to be safe for consumption.
However, the bark, leaves, seeds, and raw or unripe fruit of S. nigra contain a cyanogenic glycoside that is potentially toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration due to diuresis, and cyanide poisoning [ , , ].
The heat from cooking destroys this toxin, so cooked elderberry fruit and properly processed commercial products do not pose this safety concern [ 3 , , , , ].
Elderberry might affect insulin and glucose metabolism, so according to experts, people with diabetes should use it with caution [ ]. The safety of elderberry during pregnancy is not known, so experts recommend against the use of elderberry supplements by people who are pregnant [ , ].
Recent analyses suggest that some elderberry supplements are highly diluted or have been adulterated with a cheaper ingredient, such as black rice extract, instead of elderberry [ , ].
Due to its potential immunostimulatory activity, elderberry might reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant medications [ ]. For information on elderberry and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Garlic Allium sativum is a vegetable with a long history of culinary use.
Garlic is also available as a dietary supplement in softgel, capsule, tablet, and liquid forms [ ]. Researchers have studied garlic mainly to determine whether it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but it might also have antiviral properties [ 32 , ]. These properties are often attributed to two compounds in garlic—allicin and ajoen [ ].
Garlic might also have antimicrobial and antifungal activity [ ]. Some dietary supplements contain aged garlic extract, prepared from sliced garlic that is soaked in an aqueous ethanol solution for up to 20 months. The extract is then filtered and concentrated [ , ]. Aged garlic extract contains compounds, such as lectins, fructo-oligosaccharide, and N-alpha-fructosyl arginine, that might affect immune cell function [ ].
It also contains S-allyl-L-cysteine and other compounds that might have antioxidant effects and reduce some inflammatory markers [ , ]. Only a few clinical trials have examined whether garlic supplements help prevent or treat the common cold or influenza, and results are inconclusive.
One trial included healthy men and women mean age 26 years who took 2. After 45 days, the researchers took blood samples from the participants and cultured the natural killer cells and gamma delta T cells.
The natural killer cells and gamma delta T cells from participants who took the extract had a higher proliferation rate than those from participants who took placebo. After 90 days, the number of illnesses colds and influenza did not differ between groups, nor did the average number of symptoms per illness.
However, participants who took aged garlic extract reported a smaller total number of symptoms during the study.
Results were more positive in another trial, in which men and women mean age 53 years took one capsule of a garlic supplement dose not specified or placebo daily for 12 weeks between November and February [ ]. Participants who took garlic had fewer colds 24 among the full study population during the study than those who took placebo 65 colds.
In addition, colds lasted an average of only 1. Garlic is safely consumed worldwide as a culinary ingredient [ ], and garlic and its derivatives are generally recognized as safe, according to the U.
Food and Drug Administration FDA [ ]. The adverse effects of garlic dietary supplements are minor and include bad breath, body odor, and skin rash [ 32 , , ].
Garlic might interact with medications. For example, garlic might have anticoagulant effects, so it might interact with warfarin Coumadin and similar medications [ , , ]. However, the findings from reported case studies on this interaction are inconclusive [ ].
Garlic might also reduce blood pressure, so it might interact with antihypertensive medications [ ]. Ginseng is the common name of several species of the genus Panax , most commonly Panax ginseng also called Asian ginseng or Korean ginseng and Panax quinquefolius American ginseng [ , ].
Asian ginseng is endemic to China and Korea, whereas American ginseng is endemic to the United States and Canada [ ]. Triterpene glycosides, also known as ginsenosides, are some of the main purported active constituents of ginseng [ , ]. Although ginseng contains numerous ginsenosides, research has focused on the Rb1 ginsenoside and compound K, a bioactive substance formed when the intestinal microbiota metabolize ginsenosides [ , ].
Animal and laboratory studies suggest that ginseng stimulates B-lymphocyte proliferation and increases production of some interleukins and interferon-gamma [ ]; these cytokines affect immune activation and modulation [ 1 ]. Ginseng might also inhibit virus replication and have anti-inflammatory activity.
However, whether ginseng has a clinically meaningful effect on immune function in humans is not clear [ , ].
Another botanical, eleuthero Eleutherococus senticosus , is sometimes confused with true ginseng. Eleuthero used to be called Siberian ginseng, but it comes from the Eleutherococcus genus of plants, not the Panax genus, and it does not contain ginsenosides [ ].
Several clinical trials have examined whether ginseng helps prevent upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza. Although the evidence is limited, results from these trials suggest that ginseng might help reduce the risk of developing colds and other respiratory tract infections.
However, its effects on symptom severity and duration are unclear. In one clinical trial, healthy men and women age 30 to 70 years who had not received an influenza vaccine in the previous 6 months took 1 g Panax ginseng extract three times daily or placebo for 12 weeks [ ]. Participants taking ginseng were less likely to develop an acute respiratory infection during the study period.
However, for study participants who did develop an infection, symptom duration and severity did not differ between groups.
A few clinical trials have examined the effects of CVT-E COLD-fX , a patented ginseng extract that contains mg Panax quinquefolius in each capsule. One of these trials included men and women age 18 to 65 years with a history of at least two colds during the previous year who had not received an influenza vaccine in the past 6 months [ ].
Participants took either two capsules per day of Cold-fX for a daily dose of mg ginseng or placebo for 4 months starting in November. Participants who took ginseng developed fewer self-reported colds mean 0. In addition, ginseng reduced the total number of days with cold symptoms from a mean of A systematic review and meta-analysis of ginseng to prevent or treat acute upper respiratory tract infections included 10 clinical trials of Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius extracts including those described above in a total of 2, participants [ ].
The authors noted that the risk of bias was high to unclear for most trials and that the limitations of the evidence prevented them from drawing conclusions.
Ginseng appears to be safe. Most of its adverse effects, including headache, sleep difficulty, and gastrointestinal symptoms, are minor [ , , ].
However, doses of more than 2. A few case reports of vaginal bleeding and mastalgia breast pain in the s and s from the use of ginseng preparations raised concerns about the safety of ginseng; as a result, some scientists concluded that ginseng has estrogenic effects [ ].
However, one of these case reports involved use of Rumanian ginseng [ ], and whether this was true ginseng is not clear. In addition, eleuthero was often referred to, incorrectly, as ginseng at that time because it was called Siberian ginseng.
So, it is unclear whether these case reports reflected the effects of true ginseng. Nevertheless, some experts caution that ginseng might not be safe for use during pregnancy [ , , ]. Ginseng might interact with many medications. For example, it might increase the risk of hypoglycemia if taken with antidiabetes medications, increase the risk of adverse effects if taken with stimulants, and reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants [ , ].
For information on ginseng and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Tea Camellia sinensis is a popular beverage around the world that has several purported health benefits. Tea is usually classified into one of three types—green, black, and oolong—according to the way in which the tea leaves are processed [ ].
Green tea is made from dried and steamed tea leaves, whereas black and oolong teas are made from fermented tea leaves. Tea extracts are also available as dietary supplements. The purported health effects may vary by the type of tea as well as whether it is consumed as a beverage or dietary supplement.
Tea is one of the richest sources of catechins, which are polyphenolic flavonoids, especially epigallocatechin gallate EGCG [ , ]. A typical mL cup of brewed green tea contains 50 to mg of catechins [ ], whereas the same amount of brewed black tea contains about 14 to 88 mg of catechins [ ].
Amounts vary, however, among tea samples and by brewing time. Studies are evaluating the potential health benefits of EGCG and other catechins, including their ability to modulate the immune system and their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [ , ].
Laboratory studies suggest that catechins might also have antiviral effects against the influenza A and B viruses [ ]. Laboratory research suggests that tea and tea catechins might have antiviral activity. Researchers have therefore examined whether drinking tea or taking supplemental tea catechins affects the risk, duration, and severity of influenza or other respiratory tract infections.
However, evidence from clinical trials is limited and mixed. Studies that found beneficial effects include a clinical trial that examined the effects of catechins and theanine an amino acid in tea on the risk of influenza in male and female health care workers age 21 years or older in Japan [ ].
However, for laboratory-confirmed influenza, the incidence of influenza did not differ between groups. A systematic review and meta-analysis also showed that tea and tea catechins had some beneficial effects on the risk of influenza and other upper respiratory tract infections, although the evidence had some limitations [ ].
The analysis included five prospective cohort studies and clinical trials that administered tea as a dietary supplement or beverage including the trial described above in a total of 1, participants. Results were also mixed in a clinical trial examining whether drinking mL of a bottled beverage containing mg of catechins for 12 weeks during the winter affected the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections in healthy Japanese men and women mean age Catechins reduced the duration and severity of a runny nose, nasal congestion, and headache but did not affect other symptoms, including sore throat, cough, and fever.
Drinking moderate amounts of tea is safe. Green tea extract causes mostly mild to moderate adverse effects, including nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and increased blood pressure [ ]. However, some green tea extracts might cause liver damage, especially when taken on an empty stomach [ , ].
In addition, at least 50 case reports since have linked consumption of green tea extracts, primarily ethanolic extracts of green tea, with liver damage [ ]. In a systematic review of the safety of green tea products, the U. Pharmacopeia USP evaluated 75 case reports of liver damage and animal pharmacological and toxicological information [ ].
On the basis of the 35 case reports associated with supplements containing only green tea extract, the USP concluded that the consumption of green tea products definitely caused four cases of liver damage, probably or was highly likely to have caused 25 cases, and possibly caused five cases.
The USP notes that problems are more likely when green tea extract is taken on an empty stomach and, therefore, advises taking green tea extracts with food to minimize the risk of liver damage [ , ]. In addition, tea contains caffeine, which can cause sleep disturbances and feelings of nervousness, jitteriness, and shakiness [ ].
These levels do not apply to people who are pregnant and may need to limit caffeine consumption further [ ]. Tea and its constituents might interact with certain medications.
For example, green tea extract decreases plasma levels of atorvastatin, a statin medication [ ]. Glutamine is an amino acid that is present in a wide variety of foods that contain protein, including beef, fish, poultry, soy and other beans, eggs, rice, corn and other grains, and milk and other dairy products [ ].
The body also produces glutamine endogenously. In normal conditions, the body can synthesize adequate amounts of glutamine to meet metabolic needs, so glutamine is not classified as an essential amino acid [ ].
However, under extreme physiological stress, endogenous glutamine synthesis cannot keep up with metabolic need. Therefore, glutamine is classified as conditionally essential [ ]. In the immune system, glutamine is involved in lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production as well as macrophage and neutrophil function [ ].
Low glutamine levels are associated with poor immunologic function and an increased risk of mortality in patients in the ICU [ , ]. Many patients who are critically ill or have undergone major surgery have low plasma and muscle glutamine levels [ ]. Results from some studies suggest that glutamine reduces rates of infection and mortality in critically ill patients and reduces hospital length of stay and mortality in patients with burn injuries [ , ].
Clinical studies have administered glutamine both enterally and parenterally. When administered through these routes, glutamine is classified as a drug, not a dietary supplement, in the United States.
Researchers have examined whether glutamine administration affects immune parameters and disease prognosis in critically ill patients. The evidence from these studies is limited and mixed. For example, a crossover trial examined the effects of enteral nutrition containing glutamine on immune function in moderately ill patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome from a pulmonary infection in the ICU [ ].
Thirty patients age 30 to 92 years received enteral nutrition containing 30 g added glutamine for 2 days followed by enteral nutrition containing 30 g added calcium caseinate for 2 days or the same formulations but in reverse order. A 1-day washout period with standard enteral nutrition separated each treatment period.
Glutamine administration resulted in higher lymphocyte counts than calcium caseinate administration, suggesting enhanced immune function, but did not affect interleukin levels. Results from clinical trials in patients with critical illness have also been mixed.
Inadequate sleep may increase your risk of getting sick. Most adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that may give you an upper hand against harmful pathogens.
The antioxidants in these foods help decrease inflammation by combatting unstable compounds called free radicals, which can cause inflammation when they build up in your body in high levels 5. Meanwhile, the fiber in plant foods feeds your gut microbiome, or the community of healthy bacteria in your gut.
A robust gut microbiome can improve your immunity and help keep harmful pathogens from entering your body via your digestive tract 6. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients like vitamin C , which may reduce the duration of the common cold 7.
Several whole plant foods contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, all of which may lower your susceptibility to illness. Although low-level inflammation is a normal response to stress or injury, chronic inflammation can suppress your immune system 8. Olive oil, which is highly anti-inflammatory, is linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties may help your body fight off harmful disease-causing bacteria and viruses 9 , Omega-3 fatty acids , such as those in salmon and chia seeds, fight inflammation as well Healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3s are highly anti-inflammatory.
Since chronic inflammation can suppress your immune system, these fats may naturally combat illnesses. Fermented foods are rich in beneficial bacteria called probiotics, which populate your digestive tract Research suggests that a flourishing network of gut bacteria can help your immune cells differentiate between normal, healthy cells and harmful invader organisms In a 3-month study in children, those who drank just 2.
In a day study in people infected with rhinovirus, those who supplemented with probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis had a stronger immune response and lower levels of the virus in their nasal mucus than a control group Gut health and immunity are deeply interconnected.
Fermented foods and probiotics may bolster your immune system by helping it identify and target harmful pathogens. Emerging research suggests that added sugars and refined carbs may contribute disproportionately to overweight and obesity 16 , According to an observational study in around 1, people, people with obesity who were administered the flu vaccine were twice as likely to still get the flu than individuals without obesity who received the vaccine Curbing your sugar intake can decrease inflammation and aid weight loss, thus reducing your risk of chronic health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease 19 , Given that obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease can all weaken your immune system, limiting added sugars is an important part of an immune-boosting diet 18 , 21 , This equals about 2 tablespoons 25 grams of sugar for someone on a 2,calorie diet.
Added sugars contribute significantly to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, all of which can suppress your immune system. Lowering your sugar intake may decrease inflammation and your risk of these conditions. Although prolonged intense exercise can suppress your immune system, moderate exercise can give it a boost.
Studies indicate that even a single session of moderate exercise can boost the effectiveness of vaccines in people with compromised immune systems Examples of moderate exercise include brisk walking , steady bicycling, jogging, swimming, and light hiking. Most people should aim for at least minutes of moderate exercise per week Moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and promote the healthy turnover of immune cells.
Jogging, biking, walking, swimming, and hiking are great options. Dehydration can cause headaches and hinder your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney function. These complications can increase your susceptibility to illness J Sport Health Sci.
Exercise, immunity, and illness. In: Zoladz JA, ed. Muscle and Exercise Physiology. Academic Press. T lymphopaenia in relation to body mass index and TNF—alpha in human obesity: adequate weight reduction can be corrective.
Clin Endocrinol Oxf. Changes in nutritional status impact immune cell metabolism and function. Front Immunol. Increased risk of influenza among vaccinated adults who are obese. Int J Obes Lond. Obesity as a predictor of poor antibody response to hepatitis B plasma vaccine.
Hepatitis B vaccine immunoresponsiveness in adolescents: a revaccination proposal after primary vaccination. Comparison of a triple antigen and a single antigen recombinant vaccine for adult hepatitis B vaccination.
J Med Virol. Reduced tetanus antibody titers in overweight children. Swindt, Christina [corrected to Schwindt, Christina]]. Sleep and health: Everywhere and in both directions. Arch Intern Med. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search.
Español Other Languages. Six Tips to Enhance Immunity Español Spanish. Minus Related Pages. Food Assistance. Reduced Risk of Death. For More Information Healthy habits to protect against flu.
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A Boosting immune performance immune system ikmune to Suppirting a Supportimg Beetroot juice for menstrual health. Berries, Suppoting fish, turmeric, kefir, and other immune-boosting foods provide nutrients that support Enhanced athletic performance immune system. The immune system consists of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins. Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens, which are the viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease. When the immune system comes into contact with a pathogen, it triggers an immune response. The immune system releases antibodies, which attach to antigens on the pathogens and kill them. Read on to discover 15 foods that boost the immune system.
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