Recent data from the U.S Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that those with chronic conditions have an increased risk of severe illness from COVID–19. The latest CDC statistics also show that 8 out of 10 COVID–19 related deaths in the U.S are of seniors aged 65 years and above. Correspondingly, seniors with comorbidities are more likely than others to require hospitalization if they get COVID–19.
No matter your age, there’s much you can do to boost your immune system and stay healthy. Below, we reveal the 8 top immune boosters for seniors to lower your risk of COVID-19 and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Essential Supplements That Make Great Immune System Boosters for Seniors
If you’re a senior and already eating healthy, you may still consider adding supplements to your diet. Many dietary supplements contain important vitamins, minerals, and healing herbal extracts. Supplements also aid in boosting your immune system and reducing your risk of infection.
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you may find it a challenge to get enough vitamin B12 or calcium in your diet. So, supplementation can be the key to better immune function. Note, however, that supplements can’t cure or prevent COVID–19. However, they can enhance your immune response against viral infections such as COVID-19.
SELENIUM
Selenium boosts the immune system, regulates thyroid function, improves cognitive performance, and relieves respiratory distress. It also promotes white blood cell count, which can, in turn, boost your immune system.
ZINC
Apart from supporting the production and maturation of white blood cells, zinc also regulates inflammation.
VITAMIN D
Having adequate Vitamin D helps boost your immune system by enhancing the function of your immune cells and offering you greater protection against respiratory illnesses.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C plays a role in reducing symptoms of infection. Many fruits are rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, kiwis, acerola cherries, lychees, oranges, and blackcurrants. So, try to incorporate a variety of these in your diet. A deficiency in this important vitamin can lead to an increased risk of pneumonia and COVID-19.
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can protect you from various infections, bacteria, and viruses. Including almonds, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts in your diet will increase your intake of vitamin E. These foods contain antioxidant properties, and studies have shown that they may reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
FOLIC ACID
High doses of folic acid is a potential treatment for pulmonary hypertension, including when associated with novel-coronavirus infected pneumonia (NCIP). Folic acid is crucial in managing COVID-19-associated respiratory symptoms. It can inhibit the furin proteases (hydrolytic enzymes) that are needed by the COVID-19 virus to enter human host cells.
IRON
In particular, iron plays a key role in immune cell maturation. It is especially critical in lymphocyte proliferation. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that specifically target infectious micro-organisms in the body. A recent study showed that patients with low serum iron levels suffered more severe COVID-19 symptoms.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in T-cell and B-cell functions and contain anti-inflammatory properties. Generally, omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammations and can be critical in the fight against COVID-19.
Keep in mind that a balanced diet promotes a healthy immune system, which can help you withstand any viral assault. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements generally come in the forms of capsules, tablets, soft gels, gelcaps, powders, and liquids. Often, you can add these supplements to your favorite beverages, making them easier to ingest.
More importantly, a doctor’s prescription isn’t necessary to purchase these supplements. So, be sure to add these powerful immune boosters to your diet.
David York Agency Recommends Immune Boosters for Seniors
If the above information about immune boosters for seniors has been useful, check out David York Agency’s blog for more articles about senior care in Jamaica Estates.
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