Protect Your Health This Cold & Flu Season With These Essential Nutrients
Health experts estimate that between 10 to 25 percent of the Canadian population contracts the flu every year.
Fall weather, workplace stress and returning to school inevitably leave our immune systems vulnerable. The flu is generally a mild annoyance that leaves us achy, stuffy and congested–although symptoms can worsen. The Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that over 200,000 people in the United States alone are hospitalized annually due to the flu.
Although you may receive a yearly flu shot, viruses continually mutate, resulting in weakened protection. Furthermore, as you age, your ability to fight viruses and infections decreases. Therefore, further steps are crucial to ensure your immune system can function within its full potential.
To help ward off infections, we create the best vitamins for men and the best women’s multivitamin. Our gender-specific formulas contain organic ingredients that contribute to long-term health and vitality–in addition to many of these essential nutrients that act as top-notch immunity boosters throughout the cold and flu season.
Vitamin A: You may know of Vitamin A as a nutrient that supports your vision, as it exists as Beta Carotene in vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes. However, Vitamin A plays another vital role in our health: it strengthens and regulates skin–our largest organ, which acts as a barrier against harmful substances, UV damage, retains moisture and regulates body temperature.
Further studies show that Vitamin A is a vital, anti-inflammatory vitamin that plays regulatory roles in cell’s immune responses and the production of mucus–which helps prevent pathogens from entering your lungs.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is often the first nutrient that comes to mind when considering our immune health. It is known to combat bacteria, viruses and toxins before they can cause illnesses. Furthermore, adequate Vitamin C is linked to lower rates of respiratory infections, therefore mitigating the risk and duration of common colds.
As our bodies do not produce or store vitamin C, it’s crucial to include it in your diet through fresh fruits, vegetables and proper supplementation.
Vitamin E: Studies show that Vitamin E plays a crucial role in the protection against infectious diseases. It is a powerful antioxidant that works alongside Vitamin C to boost your pathogen resistance. Furthermore, it’s shown to widen blood vessels and help prevent the formation of blood clots.
Although most Canadians consume less than the required daily amount of Vitamin E, adequate levels are easily reached through proper supplementation.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that exist in certain foods and supplements. They help replenish your gut with beneficial bacterias that improve your digestion and overall immunity.
Probiotics are known to help prevent gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, further studies show that probiotics can help protect you from viral infections–therefore lowering the risk and severity of common colds.
Fermented foods are the best natural sources of probiotics. Sources include yoghurt, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut and sourdough bread.
Protein: An adequate intake of protein is vital for robust immunity. Protein is known for repairing body tissues and muscles–it also helps you fight off viruses and bacterial infections.
Protein-rich foods include beef, poultry, eggs, fish, milk, yoghurt and cheese. High-protein vegan options include beans, chickpeas, nuts, quinoa and seeds such as chia and sunflower.
Zinc: An essential micronutrient that is common in protein-rich foods. Studies reveal that zinc is crucial in healing wounds, cognitive function, and strong immunity against viruses and bacteria–including the common cold.
The added fall stress and temperature changes result in our yearly cold and flu season. Therefore, alongside an annual flu shot, we recommend supplementation to fortify your immune system.
To help you live good, feel complete and enjoy life, we formulate the best vitamins for men and best women’s multivitamin–complete with gender-specific, bioavailable and time-released compounds. Click here to view our full line of mens multivitamins and women’s multivitamins.
