When autoimmune concerns come up, many people think of serious conditions like Crohn’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
However, there are around 80 autoimmune-related conditions, ranging from mild to more significant, and many people experience symptoms that may go unnoticed or not be immediately recognized as part of an autoimmune response.
Symptoms such as joint discomfort, skin issues, fatigue, and digestive challenges can be signs that the body’s immune system is affecting its own cells.
Fortunately, managing autoimmune concerns can often involve making mindful choices about diet and lifestyle.
On the other hand, if left unaddressed, these concerns could progress into more severe autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or inflammatory bowel issues.
One of the most effective ways to support a balanced immune system is by providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs. Without these key nutrients, the immune system may not function optimally, leading to inflammation and potential damage.
Below, we will introduce a variety of immune-supporting foods and nutrients that can help promote overall wellness.
Understanding Autoimmune Concerns and Nutrition
Autoimmune conditions can be complex because they involve the immune system mistakenly targeting the body’s own cells.
Normally, the immune system works to protect the body from harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. It recognizes these threats and neutralizes them, while leaving healthy tissues unharmed.
However, in autoimmune conditions, the immune system can become overactive, mistakenly identifying healthy cells as threats and attacking them. This leads to inflammation and discomfort as the immune system turns its focus on the body’s own tissues.
There are several factors that may contribute to this malfunction. Some factors, such as genetic predisposition or environmental influences (like pollution), may be beyond your control. However, lifestyle factors, including diet and stress, are more manageable and can play a significant role.
Research has shown that diet can influence immune function, particularly because a large portion of the immune system is located in the gut [1].
The foods you eat interact with immune cells and can either support or challenge immune system balance. Consuming nutrient-rich foods can help maintain a well-functioning immune system, whereas poor nutrition may affect immune health.
Here’s how specific foods and nutrients may play a role in immune support:
- Anti-inflammatory Foods: Fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation.
- Fiber-rich Foods: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for immune health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins A, C, D, and E are important for supporting immune function and overall health.
- Processed Foods: Many processed foods contain additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium, which may contribute to inflammation and immune system imbalances.
- Sugary Foods: High sugar intake from sodas, sweets, and processed snacks may disrupt the gut microbiome and affect immune function.
- Refined Carbs: Foods made from refined grains, like pasta, white bread, and pastries, can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to inflammation, potentially impairing immune system regulation.
Support a Balanced Immune Response with These 6 Nutrients
The following nutrients are important for supporting a balanced immune system and overall health, especially for individuals looking to promote immune health.
Many people may not consume enough of these nutrients, which could be a contributing factor to immune system challenges [1].
Whether you’re interested in supporting your immune system or maintaining overall wellness, these nutrients may be beneficial.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for supporting your immune system’s proper functioning. It helps your cells communicate effectively, enabling your immune system to distinguish between foreign invaders and your body’s own cells.
Vitamin D is primarily obtained through sunlight, not food. Since many people spend a significant amount of time indoors, a large percentage of the population may not get enough vitamin D to support optimal immune function [2]. Fortunately, supplements can help fill this gap.
Research suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may support immune system health and help promote overall well-being [3].
Vitamin C
ul is widely known for supporting the immune system. In addition to its immune-boosting properties, this vitamin is also a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress, which can result from free radical damage to cells.
Oxidative stress can be elevated in certain health conditions, including autoimmune diseases.
Studies suggest that vitamin C may play a role in supporting overall health and promoting a healthy immune response [4,5]. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries, and spinach.
You can also obtain vitamin C through supplements or a daily multivitamin to help ensure you are getting an adequate amount.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining the health of skin and mucosal cells (such as those in your nose, throat, and gut), which serve as the body’s first line of defense.
Additionally, vitamin A supports the proper function of immune cells, contributing to a balanced immune response.
It helps maintain the body’s ability to fight off invaders while supporting the immune system’s regulation.
Research suggests that adequate vitamin A levels are important for overall immune health, and vitamin A supplementation may support healthy immune function [6].
You can find vitamin A in foods like leafy greens, tomatoes, eggs, and mango.
Curcumin
Curcumin, a natural compound found in the turmeric root, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by influencing certain molecules in the body that are involved in the inflammatory response, potentially helping to reduce inflammation.
Curcumin is often used as a supplement to support overall well-being, particularly due to its potential to help maintain a balanced inflammatory response.
As an antioxidant, curcumin has been studied for its potential to support the immune system. Curcumin is derived from turmeric, a common ingredient in many Indian dishes.
For those looking to incorporate curcumin into their routine, taking a curcumin supplement may be the most convenient option. However, it’s important to note that curcumin can be difficult for the body to absorb.
That’s why liposomal curcumin supplements are often recommended. Liposomes may help improve the absorption of curcumin, allowing for more effective use by the body.
B Vitamins
B vitamins play a key role in converting food into energy, supporting your body’s metabolism. The immune system relies on a significant amount of energy to function properly, so B vitamins help fuel immune cells and support a balanced inflammatory response.
B vitamins are also important for nerve health, and some studies suggest that B complex supplements may support healthy nerve function.
Vitamin B12 is especially important for the immune system, and a deficiency in B12 may impact immune function.
B vitamins can be found in a variety of plant-based and animal sources, making it challenging to obtain all of them daily. For this reason, many people turn to B complex supplements to help fill nutritional gaps.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body, playing a key role in supporting joints, bones, ligaments, and other connective tissues.
Autoimmune conditions like arthritis affect joints and connective tissues, often leading to inflammation and discomfort. Some studies suggest that collagen may help support joint health by promoting the repair of connective tissues, potentially improving joint function.
While the body naturally produces collagen, this process may slow down with age. As a result, you may consider adding a collagen supplement to your routine to help maintain support for your body’s connective tissues.
Collagen can also be found in foods like bone broth, cartilage, and organ meats.
Autoimmune Conditions Are Increasing – But You Can Support Your Immune Health
Autoimmune diseases are becoming more common, and research suggests that dietary choices may play a role.
As the American diet has shifted, the prevalence of autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease, lupus, and arthritis has risen—and this trend continues today [1].
But there’s good news.
In many cases, you can influence your immune health through your lifestyle. By supporting your immune system with proper nutrition from healthy food and supplements, you may be able to help manage or support overall immune function.
For comprehensive immune support, consider the Manna Anti-Inflammatory Bundle. It’s designed to provide essential nutrients like curcumin, collagen, and a variety of vitamins and minerals that support immune function and overall wellness.
When combined with an anti-inflammatory diet, these nutrients may help support a balanced immune response and overall health.
FAQ
Immune-boosting foods are nutrient-rich items that support and strengthen the immune system, helping to prevent illness and manage autoimmune conditions. Examples include foods high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Immune-boosting foods are nutrient-rich items that support and strengthen the immune system, helping to prevent illness and manage autoimmune conditions. Examples include foods high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The Anti-Inflammatory Bundle includes three key products: Liposomal Curcumin, Liposomal Collagen Peptides, and Joint Relief. These supplements are designed to support a balanced immune response and reduce inflammation.
Liposomal Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent derived from turmeric. It helps reduce inflammation, supports immune health, and improves overall well-being. The liposomal form enhances absorption, making it more effective.
To support a balanced immune response, consider limiting processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates, as these can contribute to inflammation and negatively impact immune function.
Joint Relief is formulated with ingredients that target inflammation and support joint health. It helps alleviate discomfort, improves joint flexibility, and promotes overall joint function.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620243/
- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9010814/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7919130/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20406223211047026
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24659064/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.896476/full
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=89891
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/6/1273
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1905232/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8378772/
