Strengthening your immunity is important to stay healthy. Especially in times when the seasons change and colds and flu can occur. But also when you are stressed. How can you support your immunity in a natural way? Vitamin C and antioxidants play an important role in this. This blog looks at how these nutrients help you function optimally on a scientific basis.
Your natural defense
Immunity is a complex network of cells and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. It has two major components. First, you have the innate system, which quickly defends your body from invaders. Second, the adaptive system, which attacks specific pathogens and develops a memory for the same bacteria in the future. A well-functioning immune system is essential for your health. Nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants can play an important supporting role.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants protect cells from damage and thus also support your resistance. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are substances that can damage cells and are created during natural bodily processes, such as breathing. We create free radicals with every breath. Free radicals can also be released by external factors such as poor nutrition, air pollution, cigarette smoking, UV radiation, 4G and 5G radiation. If these radicals accumulate, oxidative stress can occur. Free radicals and oxidative stress are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The most well-known antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium. And don't forget the plant antioxidants, called flavonoids. Antioxidants protect cells from damage by free radicals. This is not only important for your resistance, but also for maintaining your overall health.
Below is a brief explanation of the named antioxidants and their effects.
- Vitamin E: This fat-soluble antioxidant protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.
- Selenium: This mineral helps produce enzymes that protect cells against oxidative stress and support resistance.
- Flavonoids: Plant antioxidants found in vegetables, fruits and tea. They have a protective effect against oxidative damage.
The role of vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays a key role in supporting your immunity. Our bodies cannot produce this essential vitamin on their own, so it is important to get vitamin C from food or supplements.
Vitamin C supports the body in several ways:
1. Support of white blood cells: Vitamin C promotes the production and effectiveness of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which are crucial for fighting infections.
2. Protection of immune cells: Because vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it protects immune cells from damage that can occur from free radicals and oxidative stress.
3. Skin protection: Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, which is essential for a healthy skin barrier. The skin is your first line of defense against harmful bacteria and viruses.
Synergy between vitamin C and other antioxidants
Vitamin C works with other antioxidants to neutralize free radicals. What makes vitamin C unique is that it can regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, after they have neutralized free radicals. This process not only makes vitamin C effective on its own, but also enhances the action of other antioxidants.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin C and Antioxidants
It is important to eat the right foods to provide your body with vitamin C and antioxidants. Here are some examples of food sources that are rich in these essential nutrients:
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons), strawberries, kiwis, peppers, broccoli and spinach.
For example, 100 grams of spinach contains only 28 milligrams of vitamin C.
- Vitamin E: Seeds, nuts (such as almonds and hazelnuts), spinach and vegetable oils such as sunflower oil.
100 grams of hazelnuts contains about 15 milligrams of Vitamin E.
- Selenium: Brazil nuts, fish, poultry and meat.
100 grams of Brazil nuts contain approximately 1917 micrograms of Selenium.
- Flavonoids: Berries, apples, grapes, green tea and dark chocolate.
100 grams of dark chocolate (with a cocoa content of 70% or higher) contains on average about 100 to 200 milligrams of flavonoids.
Fact is that a person needs at least 3000 milligrams of vitamin C per day to stay healthy! That is much more than eating one orange per day, which contains 60 milligrams.
Supplements from Epigenetix as a supplement
Although the right diet is the basis, supplements can be a valuable addition. This is especially true for people with increased needs, such as the elderly, smokers, or people with a hectic lifestyle. Vitamin C supplements and antioxidant complexes can ensure that your body receives sufficient protective nutrients. At Epigenetix, there are various supplements available that support your resistance.
Vitamin C 1000 mg
This supplement provides a powerful dose of vitamin C, which helps increase the effectiveness of your white blood cells and protects your body from oxidative stress.
https://www.epigenetix.nl/products/vitamine-c-1000-mg-capsule-bioflavonoiden?_pos=2&_psq=vitamine+C&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Buffered Vitamin C & Buffered Vitamin C Powder
This powerful form of vitamin C is available in both capsule and powder form from Epigenetix. The buffering of vitamin C means that vitamin C is combined with a mineral, to make it less acidic and therefore gentler on the stomach. The buffering can also help to improve the absorption of vitamin C in the body and maintain its effects for longer.
https://www.epigenetix.nl/products/vitamine-c-gebufferd-caps?_pos=1&_psq=gebuff&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.epigenetix.nl/products/vitamine-c-poeder-gebufferd?_pos=2&_psq=gebuf&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Anti-Oxidant Complex
Epigenetix Anti-Oxidant Complex is a comprehensive formula that, in addition to vitamin C, also contains other important antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. This combination works synergistically to neutralize free radicals and protect your body's cells from damage.
https://www.epigenetix.nl/products/anti-oxidant-complex?_pos=1&_psq=anti&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Immuno Colostrum
Do you really want to do something special for your immunity? Then take Immuno Colostrum from Epigenetix. Immuno Colostrum contains the natural defense cells of the immunity, namely the immunoglobulins. This product is the ultimate reinforcement of your resistance!
https://www.epigenetix.nl/products/immuno-colostrum-500mg-30-igg?_pos=1&_psq=Immuno&_ss=e&_v=1.0
By using these supplements, you can provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to keep your system strong, especially during times of increased stress or during flu season.
Conclusion
Vitamin C and antioxidants are essential for supporting healthy and well-functioning immunity. Adding foods rich in these nutrients to your diet can help protect your body from disease and infection. Epigenetix supplements can be an effective addition to your daily routine to ensure you are always getting enough nutrients.
Disclaimer: Vitamins and antioxidants are a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, but they do not replace medical treatment or professional advice. Always consult a doctor for personal advice.
Your body will thank you!