The Powerhouse of Immunity: Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc.
In recent months there has been plenty of talk about vitamin and mineral supplementation, but what is it really for? Why are certain vitamins more vital than others?
Vitamins and minerals are essential in all biological chemical processes that allow us to keep our body healthy and functioning properly.
Pain, fatigue, depression, malaise, being prone to common illnesses and a sluggish digestive system, amongst other things, can be related to low quantities of vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin D, C and zinc are particularly important in many body processes though mostly involved in the reaction of the body to incoming foreign bodies such as bacteria and viruses.
Our Immune System...how does it work?
The immune system is a diverse topic. Nutrients will boost our immune system by producing more white blood cells necessary for fighting off foreign viruses and bacteria. This inflammatory response, when healthy, can mitigate the amount of inflammation and therefore reduce our pain and the severity of reaction to disease.
The Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced naturally when we are exposed to the sun, though most of us do not see enough sunlight due to hectic working lives and conversely excessive sun exposure can also be detrimental to health. These two factors inform us that nearly everyone is lacking in vitamin D, changing this is imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Vitamin D is a group of fat soluble molecules that are responsible for: Increasing the absorption rate in the gut, which keeps the digestive tract healthy. The absorption of more calcium which maintains bone density and health. Aiding the production of immune cells, white blood cells, within the bone, which then strengthens our immune system.
Common symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency:
Prone to illness
Fatigue
Back and muscle pain
Hair loss
Depression
The Importance of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well known for helping with colds and flus, as well as many other essential health benefits, though it is not naturally occurring or produced in the body. This means our intake must be from foods, such as, lemons, kale, strawberries, broccoli, spinach, kiwi and supplements.
Vitamin C is a molecule that is: An essential nutrient involved in tissue repair, wound healing and collagen production. The production of chemicals that help with our muscle contract and relax. A powerful antioxidant which stops toxic chemicals from damaging different cells within the body. Imperative to the immune response by supporting fundamental white blood cell functions.
Common symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency:
Common colds, runny nose etc
Dry, damaged, or bumpy skin
Bruising
Fatigue
Lines or spots on nails
The Importance of Zinc
Zinc is known as one of the essential minerals and like Vitamin C it is not produced by the body.
Therefore we must metabolize it from our dietary intake, in foods such as, nuts, seeds, whole grains, cheese, eggs, crab, clams, yoghurt, chicken, turkey, sardines and salmon.
Zinc is crucial for boosting the immune response by activating correct white blood cell action and activity, which then decreases inflammation.
Promoting growth of bones and tissues by activating the brain and hormones involved in both. Healing wounds, repairing tissues and helps to treat damaged skin from acne or ageing.
Common symptoms of zinc deficiency
Prone to illness
Skin issues
Hair loss
Apathy and depression
Memory loss
These three vitamins and minerals, amongst many others, are imperative for our body to function properly, taken in conjunction with regular osteopathic and naturopathic treatment can bring your body back to balance.
Reducing pain and making sure that your body feels like yours again.
