Generally I do not feel people need to use Vitamins unless they have a known vitamin deficiency. However, in the winter there are some real concerns about becoming Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is made in your body with the help of sunlight. And with sunlight being very minimal in the winter, we are at risk of becoming deficient and if we become deficient we may likely be at risk of getting sick more often.
Vitamin D has been found to be a central part in enabling the immune system to be primed to help to fight infection. So with low Vitamin D, one would be more likely to get sick. Since so many people are deficient, it may be worth getting tested by your doctor and if your are low, to take supplemental vitamin D.
Another reason to supplement Vitamin D, is that it is quite difficult it from food. Vitamin D is only in a few foods and often in very small amounts. Foods that provide vitamin D include Fatty fish (tuna, mackerel, and salmon), beef liver, cheese and egg yolks It is also found in foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals.
Other vitamins that boost immune function and that have antiviral activity are Vitamins A, C and Zinc. Taking a supplement that has these vitamins might be necessary in someone who is prone to getting sick. If you think your immune system is weak try to find a natural supplement with these in it. However it should be noted that Vitamin A in high doses should not be taken during pregnancy.
For those of you opposed to taking vitamins I have the following list of Food sources of these immune boosting vitamins!
Foods highest in vitamin C include:
Papaya, Kale, Strawberries, Oranges, Hot Peppers, Red/Yellow Peppers, Dark Green Vegetables, (ie Brussel Sprouts), Pomegranate and Kiwi.
Vitamin A is found in:
Sweet Potatoes, Liver, Paprika, Cayenne, Cantaloupe, Butternut Squash, Dark Leafy Greens and Dried Apricots.
Zinc can be found in:
Pumpkin seeds, Cashews, Spinach, Beans, Mushrooms, Chicken and Beef.
Try eating more of these foods to improve immune function. Wishing you a happy healthy winter!
Dr. Anders Nerman, ND.
Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor with an Integrative Family Medical practice in Wolfson Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. For more visit www.drnerman.com or call 972-54-427-8667.
Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.
Vitamin D has been found to be a central part in enabling the immune system to be primed to help to fight infection. So with low Vitamin D, one would be more likely to get sick. Since so many people are deficient, it may be worth getting tested by your doctor and if your are low, to take supplemental vitamin D.
Another reason to supplement Vitamin D, is that it is quite difficult it from food. Vitamin D is only in a few foods and often in very small amounts. Foods that provide vitamin D include Fatty fish (tuna, mackerel, and salmon), beef liver, cheese and egg yolks It is also found in foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals.
Other vitamins that boost immune function and that have antiviral activity are Vitamins A, C and Zinc. Taking a supplement that has these vitamins might be necessary in someone who is prone to getting sick. If you think your immune system is weak try to find a natural supplement with these in it. However it should be noted that Vitamin A in high doses should not be taken during pregnancy.
For those of you opposed to taking vitamins I have the following list of Food sources of these immune boosting vitamins!
Foods highest in vitamin C include:
Papaya, Kale, Strawberries, Oranges, Hot Peppers, Red/Yellow Peppers, Dark Green Vegetables, (ie Brussel Sprouts), Pomegranate and Kiwi.
Vitamin A is found in:
Sweet Potatoes, Liver, Paprika, Cayenne, Cantaloupe, Butternut Squash, Dark Leafy Greens and Dried Apricots.
Zinc can be found in:
Pumpkin seeds, Cashews, Spinach, Beans, Mushrooms, Chicken and Beef.
Try eating more of these foods to improve immune function. Wishing you a happy healthy winter!
Dr. Anders Nerman, ND.
Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor with an Integrative Family Medical practice in Wolfson Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. For more visit www.drnerman.com or call 972-54-427-8667.
Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.
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