Looking to support your immunity? You do not have to look far to discover natural ways to support your immune system. You may already be consuming some of these natural immune supporters and not even know it! There are a variety of ways that one can support their immunity whether it is through lifestyle changes, natural and whole food, herbs and even supplements. Let’s explore all of these steps that we can take to support our immunity naturally!
LIFESTYLE
1. HYDRATION
Let’s start with one of the most important – hydration. I know it probably goes without saying, but water may be one of the single best things to put into your body. Being properly hydrated may not only support your immunity, but it has a significant effect on your energy levels and brain function. Having these areas of the body functioning optimally affects numerous other things like physical performance, mood, how your skin looks, as well as preventing and treating headaches.
So how do you know if you are getting enough water? It’s commonly recommended that you drink eight 8-ounce (237-mL) glasses of water per day (the 8×8 rule).¹ What this rule does not take into account are all of the variables in your environment. One may want to up their water intake if any of the below are true:
- Hot & Humid Weather (or dry climates as well)
- Physical Activity (be sure to properly hydrate before, during and after physical activity)
- Experiencing fatigue
- Experiencing constipation
- Experiencing dry mouth
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
- Taking medications that affect hydration
2. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Getting a proper amount of exercise is important not only for our mental health, but physical well-being as well. The impacts of physical activity on our body also affect our immunity, but how? According to a 2019 research review, moderate-intensity exercise can stimulate cellular immunity by increasing the circulation of immune cells in your body. This helps your body better prepare for a future infection by detecting it earlier.² Additionally, physical activity helps support your immunity because it reduces cardiovascular risk factors like, high cholesterol, and contributes to a stable resting heart rate. These risk factors could otherwise inhibit your body’s immune response and ability to defend itself against other infections. Lastly, getting physical activity helps you sleep better. And who doesn’t love to sleep? Getting proper rest ensures that the body is able to defend itself against unwanted infections.
3. EAT HEALTHY
Obviously, we all know that the best thing you can do for your body is put really healthy things into it to improve your overall well-being. Eating healthy helps with a number of things in your body and many of them are intertwined with your immune system. Striving for a healthy diet will help support your immune system, but what kinds of foods specifically? We explore this in the next section!
NATURAL FOODS FOR IMMUNITY SUPPORT
What we eat can largely impact our overall health, but no one nutrient alone can prevent illness. In fact, food and nutrients work together synergistically to contribute to our overall health and wellbeing. Because of this, it’s important to eat a diet with a variety of immune-supporting foods on a regular basis! There are so many diet fads out there telling you to eat this and not that, but let’s get back to basics and explore natural foods that will support your immunity.
1. CITRUS
Citrus fruits like oranges, pineapple, grapefruit, and limes all serve as excellent sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is involved in the function of white blood cells, which play an important role in the immune response. However, it's important to note that while vitamin C is essential for good health, it does not necessarily prevent diseases directly. White blood cells are the ones that fight off disease and free radicals in the body.³ You can eat any of these fruits whole, juice them, or even grill them! Citrus is super versatile and can be added to any meals for that extra citrus tang! Whether you buy your juices at the store or juice at home – this is a great option to consume citrus. Vive Immunity Boost Original Shot incorporates Orange Juice in the recipe along with other tasty immunity supporting ingredients. I love picking these up at the store on my weekly grocery run to give me that extra zest and support I’m looking for within my daily routine.
2. LEAFY GREENS
The main one that comes to mind is Spinach, but there are a ton of other leafy greens that are great natural immune supporters. Kale, broccoli, and collard greens are some additional options.⁴
3. NUTS & DRY FRUITS
Adding these to your salads are not just for decoration! They also provide some crunch AND they help boost our immune systems. Pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts and cashews are some of my favorite to enjoy for this reason. Nuts like almonds and walnuts are good sources of vitamins and minerals, contributing to general well-being, which is essential for an effective immune system.⁵ For dried fruits some popular choices are apricots, dates, and raisins. These are loaded with Vitamin C, potassium and calcium all of which may help boost your immunity. Both nuts and dried fruits contain antioxidants, which can help keep your body healthy by fighting off free radicals that enter the body.
HERBS FOR IMMUNITY BOOSTS
There are so many herbs and spices out there, but some of them in particular are really packed with those immunity-supporting nutrients that we should be looking for when at the grocery store and planning out our meals.
1. GINGER
Ginger root is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in digestion, which can indirectly support immune health. These two factors have a great impact on immunity and are oftentimes associated with boosting immunity. Common ways to ingest ginger root are in hot teas and juices. Vive Immunity Boost Shots incorporate ginger into every single one of their shots - providing both a kick of flavor and contributing to the overall nutrient package of the drink.
2. OREGANO
When you think of Oregano, you likely think of the Mediterranean diet, but it’s also worth adding to the immune support toolkit! More specifically, it is the oil from oregano extract and oregano essential oils that is responsible for immunity support. Oregano oil contains antioxidants and has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which may support general health. These oils may also play a beneficial role in managing weight and treating infections.⁶
3. TURMERIC
Also known as Ginger’s cousin – Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that can help your body fight off harmful free radicals, which have been linked to health conditions.⁷ Turmeric’s secret component is called Curcumin. Adding black pepper to curcumin can enhance the absorption and bioavailability of curcumin in the body. Vive Immunity Boost Shots incorporate all of these ingredients together in one shot – allowing for a synergistic bang for your buck when seeking out a natural way to support your immune system.
4. ECHINACEA ROOT
Known as purple coneflower, Echinacea is the name of a group of flowering plants in the daisy family native to North America and Europe. Both species of Echinacea have been used historically by Native Americans and Europeans to treat various ailments, and Echinacea remains one of the most popular immune herbs today.⁸ Echinacea is thought to have immune-supporting properties, and some studies suggest it might influence white blood cell counts.⁹ This is why you’ll find Echinacea as a key ingredient in the Vive Immunity Boost Original Shot. This shot really packs a punch for your immune system will thank you for!
5. ELDERBERRY
Elderberry is a dark purple berry that is found on trees native to Europe. Some research suggests that elderberries, along with Vitamin C and Zinc, might help reduce the duration and severity of colds, though further studies are needed to confirm these effects.¹⁰ Vive Immunity Boost Shots have a specific shot that incorporates the benefits of both Elderberry and Ginger in one. The combination of the two ingredients softens the spiciness from the Ginger, so if you aren’t looking for a weaker kick on the spice scale with a strong supporter of immune health – this is the shot for you!
SUPPLEMENTS
Supplements have seemingly blown up over the past few years, but for good reason! You may not always be able to get everything you need from your diet and daily vitamins. In addition to vitamins, dietary supplements can contain minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and many other ingredients. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders, as well as drinks and energy bars.¹¹ So what kind of supplements should you consider for natural immunity support? Many of them encapsulate the very herbs discussed above! Below are some examples for immune health support:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- Elderberry
- Medicinal Mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane
- Garlic
- Curcumin
- Echinacea
- Turmeric
Convenient Immunity Boost Shots Complete With NATURAL IMMUNITY BOOSTING INGREDIENTS
If you want to ensure that your body is functioning optimally and has all it needs to fight off illness, you’ll need to consume enough of these foods and herbs with immune-supporting properties on a regular basis. While there are a variety of ways to consume these nutritious ingredient, getting the support you need from a juice shot is a super simple and easy addition to your daily routine. Vive Immunity Boost Shots are the perfect, convenient way to, well, “get a boost in meeting your nutritional needs for immune health! I love that they are specifically formulated with ingredients known for supporting immunity like Ginger, Turmeric, Elderberry and Vitamin C.
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Immunity Boost™ Original – This Immunity Boost Original shot is power-packed with a blend of roots, fruits, and flowers for the ultimate immune system strengthener.
- Key Ingredient Highlight: Ginger
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Immunity Boost™ Vitamin C – Your go-to Vitamin C Boost! This Immunity Boost with Vitamin C shot is power-packed with a blend of organic roots and fruits for the ultimate daily immune system strengthener.
- Key Ingredient Highlight: Vitamin C
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Immunity Boost™ Elderberry – The perfect elderberry drink! This Immunity Boost with Elderberry shot is power-packed with a blend of organic roots and fruits for the ultimate daily immune system strengthener.
- Key Ingredient Highlight: Elderberry
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Immunity Boost™ Cayenne – This Immunity Boost with Cayenne shot is power-packed with a blend of organic roots and fruits for the ultimate daily immune system strengthener.
- Key Ingredient Highlight: Cayenne
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Energy + Immunity – The energy shot to perk you up! This Dual Boost Energy + Immunity shot is power-packed with Earth’s most powerful nootropics and adaptogens, with a blend of organic roots and fruits for the ultimate daily immune system strengthener. We solved the need for all-natural energy. No crash. No crazy buzz. Just fresh pressed focus to get you through the day.
- Key Ingredient Highlight: Ashwagandha
Want to give them all a try!? Don’t be shy – A Vive Organic Sampler Pack is available for purchase near you!
Sources
- 7 Science Based Health Benefits Of Drinking Enough Water
- Does Exercise Boost Immunity?
- 7 Impressive Ways Vitamin C Benefits Your Body
- 10 Foods To Boost Your Immune System
- Foods To Boost Your Immune System
- 9 Benefits and Uses Of Oregano Oil
- Antioxidants Explained In Simple Terms
- 11 Herbs You Need To Know For Immune Support
- Echinacea: Can It Boost Your Immunity?
- Mahboubi, Mohaddese, Sambucus nigra (black elder) as alternative treatment for cold and flu
- Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know
Disclaimer: This blog contains promotional content about our products. The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While the nutritional information and health tips shared here are based on published studies and expert insights, they should not replace advice and treatment from a healthcare professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives.
