Boosting Immune Health with Natural Products

Our immune systems are hardy fighters, fending off invaders that could cause illness and afflictions. However, they necessitate certain ammunition to stay strong. This includes a healthy lifestyle consisting of a balanced diet and low-stress environments, as well as proper sleep and regular exercise.

Ultimately, knowing how to boost immune systems naturally comes down to understanding the unique immune response to certain stimuli.

That’s why today, we’re exploring natural immune boosters that work to stimulate top-notch immune system health. Let’s dive in.

#1 Yogurt

Yogurt is chock full of probiotics — tiny microorganisms that can improve your gut microbiome, where 80% of immune cells live.

Studies also show that, because these microorganisms are alive, they can trigger an immune response within the body. Thus, the body is able to build up resistance against pathogens that can impact intestinal flora and disrupt immune function.

The lactic acid in dairy products like yogurt may also help boost immune system function by enhancing its response to certain pathogens, specifically within the intestinal lining.

#2 Chyawanprash (CP)

Chyawanprash is a mixture of sugar, honey, ghee, Indian gooseberry jam, sesame oil, berries and a concentrated blend of more than 50 herbs and spices. The traditional Indian Ayurvedic health supplement is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can support immune system function.

Specifically, chyawanprash has been found to:

Increase the number of natural killer cells and phagocytic cells
Accelerate the activity of a protein that can reduce swelling and irritation
Relieve abnormal reactions to substances like pollen and nuts
Support respiratory and vascular health
Reduce levels of cortisol to relieve stress - if stress is your main concern, find out what supplements lower cortisol beyond this option
Purify the blood to remove harmful pathogens

The honey within the mixture also helps to transport the medicinal herbs and spices effectively and aids its absorption into the bloodstream and body tissues.

#3 Beta glucagon

Beta glucans are fiber-rich prebiotics that come from microorganisms and plants, promoting the growth of a healthy gut microbiome. They’re most commonly found in oats, barley, mushrooms and yeast, as well as in supplement form.

In the mid-1900s, researchers identified that beta glucagon may be able to modulate the immune system by activating macrophages — white blood cells that kill microorganisms and remove dead cells. The macrophages can then more effectively stimulate:

B-lymphocytes, white blood cells that produce antibodies
Natural killer cells, which limit the spread of pathogens and subsequent tissue damage
Suppressor T-cells, which prevent the immune system from becoming too active
Dectin-1 pattern recognition receptors (PRR), which enhance the function of immune cells

#4 Ginseng

Ginseng is a type of herb harvested from the roots of Korean ginseng, South China ginseng and American ginseng. Specifically, two types of ginseng are believed to support immune system health:

White ginseng – Naturally dried ginseng
Red ginseng – Naturally dried ginseng that is stemmed before the drying process

Both types of ginseng are rich in unique bioactive compounds that can stimulate the innate immune system — the body’s first line of defense — and the acquired immune system — which functions to build immunity and create antibodies against foreign substances that the body has already encountered.

Like beta glucagon, ginseng may also activate macrophages, as well as stimulate killer cells, improve antibodies and generate nitric oxide, which can help the body fight against pathogens to prevent conditions from infections to the common cold.

#5 Whey protein

In cow’s milk, two types of protein are present: whey and casein. Casein makes up roughly 80% of milk protein, while whey comprises the other 20%. During the cheesemaking process, these two proteins separate.

Whey is commonly found in protein shakes, and it contains all 20 amino acids, which play a role in:

Immune function
Tissue repair
Energy expenditure
Muscle growth

With specifics toward immune function, whey protein may function as an antioxidant, which can enhance the body’s resistance against invading pathogens. It can also promote the secretion of glutathione, which supports gut health and wound healing.

#6 Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is an active compound within the cannabis plant. While some cannabinoids, like THC, produce psychoactive effects that can disrupt your perception and sense of reality, CBD’s effects are more subtle.

But what is oral CBD and how does it work? When CBD enters the body, it can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which has a vast number of receptors within the nervous and immune systems. CBD 2 receptors are most prominently found in immune cells and may help to reduce swelling and irritation.

Beyond immune health, CBD can also work with cannabinoid receptors to:

Reduce feelings of stress, helping to support immune function
Improve sleep quality, helping to regulate the immune system
Increase appetite, helping to get the nutrients your body needs to fight off pathogens and support overall health

Vitamins and Minerals Your Immune System Craves

Beyond natural products, the body also requires a variety of vitamins and minerals to sustain strong immune system function. These include:

Vitamin C – Found in fresh citrus fruits and other whole foods, vitamin C can support the function of immune cells and enhance the activity of the immune system, making it more effective in defending the body against pathogens.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is also found in a variety of healthy foods, including sunflower seeds, peanuts, pumpkin and red bell pepper. It has antioxidant effects that can help protect immune cells and promote the activity of white blood cells.
Zinc – Studies show that zinc is essential for maintaining optimal immune function, and a zinc deficiency can greatly inhibit immune function and the health of immune cells.

Support Your Immune Health With Zebra CBD

A strong immune system is vital to your health and well-being. As such, it’s critical that you take care of it by incorporating natural solutions that can support immune cell health, antibody creation and resistance to bacteria, infectious disease, and beyond.

If you’re seeking to add CBD to your routine now that you've learned how to boost immune systems naturally, choose a high-quality CBD from Zebra CBD.

Each of our products — from our CBD topicals to our hemp pills and CBD gummies for sale — is formulated with organic hemp extract that can help reduce general stress, improve sleep quality, support a consistent appetite for healthy foods and enhance immune function. Not to mention, they’re crafted with the absence of harmful toxins, microbials and pesticides to ensure you’re only putting goodness into your body.

Shop our CBD products today for a better you tomorrow.

Sources: