Age. It’s a proven fact that our immune system health decreases with age. Older adults are more likely to get sick from exposure to bacteria and viruses. Once infected, especially in the case of flu and pneumonia, they also have a higher mortality rate.

Diet. There are several ways your diet can affect your immune system. First, a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables will not provide you with the beneficial antioxidants that will boost your immune system. Second, consuming too much sugar and saturated fats suppresses immune system cells (white blood cells) responsible for attacking bacteria. There are also some risk factors added in if you are overweight or obese.

Lifestyle. Surprisingly, lifestyle can have a huge impact on your immune system. People who get regular, moderate exercise increase their level of leukocytes, an immune system cell that fights to kill germs. Several studies also support the idea that people who feel socially isolated have a weak immune system compared to people with at least a few close friends. Finally, people who experience chronic stress are constantly exposed to the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which suppress the immune system.

The First great immune booster is vitamin C. Vitamin C plays an important role in biochemical processes throughout the body. It also has a positive effect on anti-oxidant levels in the body. Vitamin C stimulates the activity of antibodies and immune system cells, which work to fight against germs. Vitamin C is also used in the making and defense of connective tissues in the body. Vitamin C in healthy amounts can boost the immune system and lower the frequency of illness.

Zinc is another mineral that should be found in any immune boosting product. Zinc is essential for protein synthesis in the body as well as regulation of immune system cell production. A zinc-sufficient diet will enhance the healing process for scrapes and abrasions, meaning less risk for infection. Zinc also plays a large role in phagocytosis, the process of immune system cells recognizing, engulfing, and destroying germs. Zinc is a very important part of boosting a low immune system.

There are many other vitamins to look for when considering a boost to a weak immune system. Vitamins A, vitamin E, beta carotene, selenium, and riboflavin all contribute to overall immune system health. Vitamin E enhances the production of B-cells, the cells that help destroy bacteria. It also stimulates natural killer cell production, and may repair the function of an aging immune system. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells and can enhance the ability of natural killer cells to attack. Selenium increases the number of natural killer cells. All are important to immune health and will reduce the chance of illness when taken in an immune boosting product.