The immune system can always use an extra boost, but that is especially true in the winter months. During the winter, colds and flus typically affect people in higher numbers because people are more likely to stay in enclosed spaces for longer and because viruses thrive in the cold, low-humidity conditions.

Making sure your immune system is up to par when flu season rolls around is crucial to warding off illness and keeping yourself healthy all year round. There are plenty of things you can do to stay on top of your immune function – including eating some immune-boosting winter foods.

What are home remedies to boost your immune system?

There are a few things you can do for your immune system that require little effort and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Getting enough quality sleep is vital to immune health because the less quality sleep a person gets, the more likely their immune system will weaken, leaving them open to illness.

Moderate exercise is also a great way to help improve the functionality of the immune system. Research has shown that people who engage in moderate exercise regularly, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, light hiking, and biking, show an improvement in the way their immune system functions. The one caveat is that the activity shouldn’t be too intense, as intense bouts of exercise can actually suppress immune function.  

Staying hydrated is also a simple way to keep the immune system up to par. Dehydration can cause a variety of ailments such as headaches, mood imbalances, and heart and kidney issues, and when the body is fighting to stay healthy on its own, it has a hard time fighting off pathogens. It’s also worth noting that keeping stress levels down can have a positive effect on immune function. You can reduce stress through relaxation exercises such as meditation or yoga.  

What foods boost your immune system when sick?

Diet is the best way to ensure that your immune system is running at its best. If a cold or flu has already taken hold of your body, there are specific foods that can lessen the duration and severity of the illness by boosting your immune function and getting you back to health.

1. Broths. Broths are great when you’re sick because they keep you hydrated, are easy to stomach, and contain vital nutrients that the immune system needs to be ready for battle.
2. Garlic. Garlic has both antibacterial and antiviral effects, so it’s a great addition to your diet if you’ve caught a cold. It has been shown to help stimulate the immune system.
3. Honey. Honey is full of antimicrobial compounds, which give it antibacterial effects. This has led to honey being used to help people ward off illnesses and get over common flus and colds.
4. Oatmeal. Oatmeal is bland enough to eat while sick but also packs a punch when it comes to helping you get over that pesky cold. Oats contain beta-glucans, which stimulate the immune response.
5. Berries. The immune-boosting effects of berries come from polyphenols, a type of antioxidant.
6. Green leafy vegetables. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach have vitamin C, beta carotene, and antioxidants. When consumed regularly, they can give the body a better chance at fighting off infection.  
7. Citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, a vital nutrient for immune health. The vitamin plays a role in the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection. Having more white blood cells will make the immune response stronger.
8. Yogurt. Natural yogurt is high in vitamin D, a nutrient that helps regulate the immune system and its response to outside invaders.Vitamin D can also be found in supplement form, and in Vital RX’s Immune Health Subscription Box.
9. Bell peppers. Bell peppers have both vitamin C and beta-carotene, two crucial nutrients for optimal immune health.
10. Sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are a great immunity booster because they are full of nutrients that help immune function, such as vitamin E, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
11. Kiwi. When the body is fighting off an infection, it needs all the nutrients it can get. The kiwifruit is a superfood of sorts and is full of essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
12. Almonds. The immune system requires vitamin E to do its job; almonds are packed with this nutrient.
13. Papaya. Another vitamin C-packed fruit that you can eat while sick is papaya. The fruit also contains a specific digestive enzyme known as papain that lowers inflammation throughout the body.
14. Shellfish. Shellfish may not be your first thought when considering immune-boosting foods, but they are a great food to eat when sick. This is because they have a ton of zinc, a mineral that helps immune cells function properly.

This list, although not exhaustive, is a great place to start when thinking about boosting your immune system this winter. The important thing to remember is the vital nutrients that are needed to help ward off infection and keep the immune system running strongly.

Specific nutrients that are vital to immune health include:

• Vitamin C. (Spinach, kale, strawberries)
• Vitamin E. (Nuts, seeds, oils)
• Vitamin A. (Carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash)
• Vitamin D. (Salmon, tuna, fortified cereals)
• Folate/Folic acid. (Enriched foods such as pasta, bread, and rice)
• Iron. (Red meat, chicken, turkey, beans, broccoli)
• Selenium. (Seafood, poultry, cottage cheese)
• Zinc. (Baked beans, yogurt, chickpeas)

If the immune system is functioning properly, it becomes a lot harder for pathogens to infiltrate the body. Eating immune-boosting foods all year round is a great way to keep your health up to par, but adding them in when temperatures start to drop can be a great immunity boost in winter.

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Peptides are similar to proteins, but smaller in size. They are short-chain amino acids that play vital roles in many different processes throughout the body. Peptides are naturally occurring, meaning they are biological molecules that the body produces to help things run smoothly. They target different systems and consist of 2–50 short-chain amino acids.

When it comes to certain health conditions, peptide therapy has been researched widely as an effective way to restore and regulate different functions. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other types of therapies. CJC 1295 is a specific peptide designed to stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone.

What is CJC?

The peptide CJC 1295 is a synthetic analogue version of CJC. Naturally occurring CJC is in charge of the stimulation and released of human growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Because human growth hormone is used in a variety of different processes (from stimulating growth in children and adolescents to boosting protein production in adults), it is important that it is released when the body needs it.

If an adult doesn’t secrete enough human growth hormone, it can lead to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, weak muscles and bones, and mental health issues. This is why levels of CJC need to be at their best to help eliminate or reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions.

Other symptoms and health conditions that could be caused by low levels of human growth hormone include:

• Cognitive dysfunction, such as changes in memory and attention span
• Depression, anxiety, and social isolation
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Neuromuscular dysfunction
• Central adiposity
• Decreased bone density
• A decrease in the body’s sensitivity to insulin
• Increased lipoprotein
• A decrease in the body’s ability to thermoregulate 

This goes to show just how important it is for CJC levels to be regulated so they can do their job of encouraging production and secretion of human growth hormone.

What does CJC 1295 do?

When the body doesn’t produce enough CJC on its own, people may need to supplement with CJC 1295. Since there are serious health repercussions at stake when the body is deficient in human growth hormone (the most serious being premature death), CJC 1295 aims to correct low levels through regular therapy.

Levels of human growth hormone naturally begin depleting within the body at age 30. This can contribute to changes in body composition over time, as well as altered stamina and endurance, lack of vigor, and heightened risk of certain terminal illnesses such as cancer. CJC 1295 can help alleviate some of these risks and restore balance in human growth hormone levels.

How long does CJC 1295 take to work?

CJC-1295 is taken via injection. It has been found to have immediate effects in the levels of both human growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor. A single injection was found to have been effective for at least six days, but could sometimes last up to 11. The half-life, meaning the time it takes for the injection to be reduced to half of its value, of CJC-1295 is six to eight days.

With regular use and proper dosing, it has been found that CJC-1295 can lead to optimal levels of human growth hormone and the insulin-like growth factor for up to 28 days.  

CJC 1295 benefits

Research has found CJC 1295 to be incredibly beneficial in a variety of ways. Due to its stimulation of human growth hormone and insulin-growth factor, it can help with a variety of different bodily functions.

The most notable benefits of CJC 1295 come from that stimulation, and can include:

• An increase in muscle mass and bone density
• Improved cognitive function that may have been affected by a deficiency in human growth hormone
• An increased ability to repair and regenerate cells
• An increased level of overall fat loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle

These benefits should be seen within the first month of therapy; however, more benefits can be attained through regular use of CJC 1295 peptide therapy. They include:

• Healthier skin, hair, and nails
• Better metabolic function
• Increased libido
• Mental focus
• Joint health
• Improved levels of wellness due to organ regrowth and repair

People may also see a reduced level of overall fat if used during a six-month period without any changes in diet and exercise, but adopting a healthier lifestyle during CJC peptide therapy will increase the efficacy of the peptide and thus increase overall results.

CJC 1295 side effects

Taking human growth hormone has been shown to have serious side effects in many people. That is why some have turned to CJC 1295, because it is far less risky for adverse effects. Although the peptide is generally tolerated well by most people, some may experience side effects while taking it. These side effects can include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Hives or other skin reactions brought on by an allergy response
• Hyperactivity

CJC 1295 does not pose too much risk, and the side effects tend to be mild if they appear at all.

Do you need a prescription for CJC 1295?

Injectable medications are often not easy to acquire, and CJC 1295 is no exception. To obtain the peptide, a prescription will need to be filled out. The CJC 1295 peptide is included in Vital RX’s Immune Health Box because of its ability to aid in overall wellness.

To explore further, schedule a consultation with our doctor or speak to your family care physician if you feel that CJC 1295 could benefit you. The consultation is important because it allows the doctor to take into account your medical history and any medications or supplements you may already be taken that could interact with or contradict the effectiveness of CJC 1295.

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Immune health is a vital component of overall health. In fact, without the immune system functioning at its best, all other systems in the body would falter in the presence of pathogens that have made it through due to a lack of proper immune response. When the body is able to fight off infection properly, it leaves all the body’s other systems to do their respective jobs and maintain a consistent level of wellness.

Many vitamins play a role in immune health, but some are more important than others. For example, vitamin C is often hailed as a great immune booster, but it’s not the be-all-end-all when it comes to keeping immune function running as it should. Vitamin D3 is one such vitamin that is a great immune assistant, but doesn’t get talked about as often as it should when it comes to the vitamins that keep the body’s defenses up to par.

What is the role of vitamin D in the immune system?

Vitamin D has a direct role to play in bone homeostasis and the way the body absorbs calcium, but that’s not the only thing it can do. Studies have shown that the nutrient can also help regulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses in the body by acting as an autocrine signaler for B and T cells and antigen-presenting cells.  

When it comes to protective immunity, vitamin D has been shown to be a great assistant. Prior to the use of antibiotics on tuberculosis, some patients were seeing great improvements in their conditions after exposure to sunlight. Doctors had assumed that sunlight killed TB; however, it is now thought that the increase in vitamin D levels was the catalyst for healing.

It has also been found that a deficiency in vitamin D can lead to increased risk for developing autoimmunity, the process that occurs when the body signals an immune response to its own cells that pose no threat. Not having enough vitamin D can also lead to a higher risk of frequent infections. 

What are the benefits of vitamin D?

Vitamin D isn’t just good for bone health and the immune system. According to studies, the vitamin can actually help ward off further diseases, including decreasing the risk of developing heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and the flu. It has also been shown to help fibromyalgia patients manage their symptoms.

Those who suffer from depression may also see an improvement in their symptoms if they increase their levels of vitamin D. Research has shown that the nutrient acts as a mood regulator, and that those who took vitamin D supplements during treatment for their mental illness saw a higher reduction in negative symptoms than those who did not. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in those who suffer from anxiety.

Another novel benefit of vitamin D is weight loss. One study found that weight loss group participants were able to see a larger reduction in weight when they added both calcium and vitamin D supplements to their regimen. It was suggested that this is because the supplements acted as appetite suppressants, leading to less consumed calories and more weight lost.

Does vitamin D help with illness?

As mentioned above, vitamin D holds a myriad of different health benefits when it comes to illnesses such as declining mental health, heart disease, and the common flu. This is due to its ability to help activate immune markers and keep the body free of pathogens.

In the current state of the COVID-era world, ensuring the body has enough vitamin D has never been more important, primarily due to its ability to keep the immune response functioning as it should. In terms of common illnesses such as colds and flu, many studies have evidenced the role of vitamin D as both a preventative method as well as a treatment. Other chronic health issues could also benefit from vitamin D, including heart disease, certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes.

How much vitamin D should I take for immune system health?

The amount of vitamin D you take for your immune system will be entirely dependent on your current levels. It’s always important to assess how much you need prior to beginning a new supplementation plan. That being said, there are general amounts that can be taken to ensure that you’re getting enough and not becoming vitamin D deficient.

For adults, between 600 to 800 IU per day should be an adequate amount, whereas children would need between 400 and 600 IU per day. Those deficient in the nutrient may need to begin with more supplementation to return to healthy levels. For people with bone health disorders, more vitamin D may be needed to ensure that calcium and phosphorous are being absorbed thoroughly enough to manage symptoms.

The Immune Health Subscription Box

The Vital RX Immune Health Subscription Box is equipped with high-quality ingredients to help ensure your immune health stays up to par throughout the winter months and all year round. The inclusion of Vitamin D3 in the Immune Health box was carefully considered by our team of doctors to give the immune system the extra boost it needs.

Vitamin D is a vital component to overall bone and immune health, and can even keep infection and chronic illness at bay. The best way to avoid deficiency is by ensuring you get the recommended daily dosage every single day.

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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, immune health has never been more important. The immune system is the body’s first line of defense against any pathogen, and when it’s not functioning as it should, the body is more susceptible to illness. Often in modern-day living, the immune system is one of the first parts of the body that suffers from a lack of good nutrition, adequate exercise, and an increase in pollutants and toxins.

When diet isn’t up to par, many people choose to supplement for an increased boost in immune health so that if an illness does happen to invade, the body has a better chance of fighting it off quickly and efficiently. The popularity of the wellness subscription box (and more specifically, the immune health subscription box) is proof that people are looking for better ways to improve their immune system during these trying times.

What is immune health?

Immune health is the body’s capability of fighting off or resisting an invasion on a multicellular level. It is driven by T-cells, and there are two types of immune responses: innate and adaptive. The innate part of the immune system is non-specific in nature, so its defense is generalized to all pathogens, whereas the acquired immune system practices immunological memory. The cells responsible for the acquired immune response often remember pathogens that have entered the body by creating antibodies to target specific invaders. The two systems work together against germs or other substances that come into contact with the body.

How can I boost my immune system fast?

For those who suffer from a weakened immune system, it can be hard to correct because the system isn’t a single entity. It relies on several different things to work symbiotically for it to function the way it should.

It can be hard to boost the immune system quickly, but there are ways to keep it healthy. The best way to keep things running smoothly is through diet and exercise. Other forms of immunity protection include:

• Avoiding toxins such as cigarettes and alcohol.
• Getting enough sleep.
• Practicing good hygiene to avoid exposure to harmful infections.
• Managing stress levels.

What foods increase immunity?

For a fighting chance against pathogens and other bacteria, the immune system relies heavily on nutrition. Many foods contain vitamins and minerals that can aid in the protection of the immune function and should be consumed regularly for full effect. These foods include:

Fermented or probiotic foods

Foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir can help to replenish the stomach with good bacteria. Research has shown that when the gut bacteria is balanced properly, the immune system has an easier time telling healthy cells and invader cells apart. 

Healthy fats

Inflammation can lead to a suppression in immune function, and research has shown that eating healthy fats can reduce widespread inflammation. Foods such as avocado, salmon, and extra-virgin olive oil can all be a great addition to your diet if you want to reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune system.

Whole foods

Plant-based foods are full of nutrients the body needs. They are also full of antioxidants that can lessen the risk of oxidative stress, and thus keep the immune system running optimally.

Foods low in added sugar and carbs

Refined carbs and sugars can lead to obesity if consumed in high amounts. Being overweight or obese can significantly decrease your body’s ability to fight off infection.

Vital RX Immune Subscription Box

To help strengthen a struggling immune system, an immune health subscription box like the one offered by Vital RX is the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle. The high-quality ingredients in the box have been curated by specialized doctors to create an immune supplementation package that really works.

Thymosin Alpha

Oxidative damage and other chronic health issues can lead to a significant risk of a weakened immune system. The peptide thymosin alpha can restore the immune function by stimulating pathways that help to signal cells and increase production of cytokines, a group of small proteins that assist in cell signaling.  

Research has also shown that the peptide can play a vital role in the efficacy of vaccines, improvement of chronic fatigue, reduction of oxidative stress, and elimination of unhealthy cells from the body.

CJC

CJC is an amino acid peptide hormone that plays a crucial part in protein synthesis throughout the body. It can assist in overall wellness by improving sleep quality and promoting an increase in overall energy levels. When it comes to the immune system, the CJC has the ability to lend a hand by increasing the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH). HGH has a direct role in the effect the immune system has on pathogens, since it can lead to a more efficient stimulation of both B and T cells that help fight off infections. 

Multicomplete 360

The body needs all the essential vitamins and minerals it can get, and if your diet is lacking, a multivitamin can pick up the slack. Included in the Immune Subscription Box is Vital RX’s Multicomplete 360 to help balance out any deficiencies that may be leading to a suppressed immune function.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is an essential part of overall health, and is especially important when it comes to the body’s ability to absorb calcium and phosphorous. Without adequate D3 levels, the body will not be able to use the vitamins it needs and thus could suffer from weakened bones and loss of bone mass. Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in immune health because of its effect on immunologic cells. It acts as an autocrine to help modulate both innate and acquired immune responses.

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