Our Winter 2020/21 issue was packed with sage nutritional advice – and we loved this piece on strengthening our immunity through nutrition, by Meaghan Esser. Scroll on to learn more!
Strengthen Your Immunity
Resilience is more important than ever
by Meaghan Esser
2020 has been a challenging year for many people, but with the right tools and attitude, we can face uncertain times with confidence and poise.
A strong immune system has always been important, but the challenges of modern life have reminded us just how necessary it is to have optimal immune support. Immune supporting nutrients such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D are more important than ever. Vitamin D has long been touted as a necessary immune boosting vitamin, with many recent studies highlighting the importance of this vitamin in direct relation to favourable health outcomes.
As is often the case with supplementation, the best results are not always produced by taking certain nutrients in isolation. For example, vitamin K2 is necessary to direct Vitamin D to the right places in the body. Furthermore, magnesium is required in order for the body to metabolise Vitamin D into a useable form. In fact, studies show that Vitamin D will sit in a stored (inactive) form unless there is enough magnesium in one’s body to activate it. This means that vitamin D supplementation remains ineffective in at least 50% of people, while some estimates place magnesium deficiency as high as 80% of the population. On the same note, other studies show that people with optimum magnesium levels require less vitamin D supplementation in order to achieve sufficient vitamin D levels in their body.
Magnesium is a vital nutrient for stress management. When your body is under stress, it is at a greater risk for disease. Research shows that stress causes magnesium depletion. In turn, low levels of magnesium reduce our ability to deal with stress. Magnesium has been found to increase the brain’s ability to reduce the fear and anxiety responses, both of which are more important than ever when facing uncertain times. Magnesium also aids in helping the body to experience a more restful sleep, which is another essential factor in immune health.
When looking for a product to boost your immunity, remember that vitamins and minerals often work together, and it’s important to make sure that you consume adequate cofactors in order to have the result you are looking for. New Vitamin D Plus is formulated with all of the cofactors that are needed for optimal vitamin D uptake. In addition to vitamin D, it contains vitamin B12, vitamin K2, and magnesium.
During unprecedented times, we do not need to live in fear and stress. More than ever, we have the right tools and knowledge to keep ourselves strong, healthy, and resilient.
