Supplements to Support Your Immune System When You Need it Most

Maintaining a healthy immune system is everyone’s top priority. However, it’s a stressful time to do so with having to adapt to new routines and worry about whether you have enough groceries, hand sanitizer… toilet paper! Stress can be tough on your body, especially your immune system. An influx of stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol flowing through your system can increase blood sugar levels, blood pressure and anxiety. Practicing ways to manage your stress during this time of constant worry and fear can directly help you strengthen your immune system for times where you can’t risk getting sick.

By nourishing your body with the right foods and nutrients, getting your blood flowing and taking a moment away from a hectic headspace, you could help reduce your stress levels and, in turn, protect your immune system.

Vitamin C & D3

We’ll start it off with the obvious – make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin C and D3! Both of these essential vitamins are often taken more in times of stress to prevent sickness as they play key roles in your immune function.

Vitamin C supports multiple immune related functions that would not be able to react and adapt without it. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C protects your cells from environmental oxidative stress that can wear on your system, as well as destroy clusters of bacteria and microbes that enter your body.

Vitamin D3 (the active form of Vitamin D) is not just for calcium absorption and bone health. Our immune cells actually use Vitamin D3! In its active form, Vitamin D3 turns off immune cells that create inflammation (which is not always ideal) and turns on the immune cells that act with anti-inflammatory responses instead.

Our Organics Vitamin C and Vegan D3 sprays are so handy in quickly and easily reaching your recommended daily values!

Probiotics

When you think probiotics, do you only think of digestion? Probiotics contribute more than just improving how you digest food! They diversify your gut flora and enhance your gut’s ability to defend off pathogens and germs, so they’re great for your immunity. As well, they play a huge role in your mental health as your neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation are created in your gut.

Having a flourishing gut microbiome creates a strong immune system and steady state of mind!

Looking for a product that covers both your gut and your mind? Garden of Life’s Dr. Formulated Mood+ Probiotic is designed to promote emotional wellbeing and relaxation. It contains 50 billion CFU from 16 different strains of live bacteria to promote good gut health, as well as ashwagandha, a plant known for its ability to help the body physically and psychologically adapt to periods of stress.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in hundreds of mechanisms in the body, like nerve function and muscular contractions. Deficiencies in magnesium can manifest into feelings of anxiety, difficulties sleeping, fatigue and tension. All of these symptoms can heighten someone’s stress and wear them down to a point where it’s difficult to maintain a healthy immune system!

Our Dr. Formulated Whole Food Magnesium Powder can help supplement this important mineral and contribute to keeping your mental and physical stress levels at bay. It can reduce tension and fatigue, calm the nervous system and enhance psychological function.

Protein

Stress can affect your blood sugar levels, so having a steady source of protein throughout the day can keep your levels in check. Protein helps to slowly release sugar into the bloodstream so ensuring your meals regularly provide quality protein can help you body adjust in stressful situations. As well, our antibodies that attack pathogens and viruses are made of protein, so ensuring you maintain a sufficient protein level is essential to a strong immune system.

If you’re looking for quick access to protein in moments where you feel like you’re crashing, supplementing with one of Garden of Life’s dual-certified, nutrient-rich protein powders could be the perfect way to reduce the jitters and feel a little calmer. If you’re plant-based all the way, try our Raw Protein & Greens for added nutrition, of if you’re looking for whey, we have our SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein as well!

Looking for a Spring-spin on your average protein shake? Try this Super Green Protein Smoothie for a bright and light way to get your protein and Vitamin C!

Serves: 1-2

Directions:

1. In a high-speed blender, combine all ingredients and blend on high for 30- 45 seconds.
2. Serve cold.