With New Zealand  currently in lockdown for COVID-19, people are becoming increasingly concerned about ways to protect their own health and immunity. With a change of season always comes the usual range of colds and flu, but now we must also contend with a resilient virus. In order to give ourselves a fighting chance, the best thing we can do is work on boosting our immune system in a natural way. 

Your immune system is incredible in its ability to protect you against infections and illnesses. When your body recognises unfamiliar substances (called antigens), the immune system works to get rid of them. However, maintaining the immune system takes a lot of energy and many metabolic processes. So it pays to make sure that you get all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, especially during this time of the year and with the threat of viral infections looming. This is where Qt Internal Cosmetics can help, as our formulas contain several important compounds that help to boost the immune system.

Here are 9 nutrients that we recommend to assist in boosting your immunity:

Collagen 

Qt products containing collagen: Bellē, Beaū and Bellē & Beaū Encorē

70% of our immune system is produced in the gut lining, so having a  healthy gut is not only vital for our digestion, but also for our immunity. Collagen is incredibly beneficial for the gut, as it reduces inflammation and repairs the digestive tract. By taking our Internal Cosmetics not only are you preventing ageing and boosting the health of your skin, but you’re also strengthening your gut health and immunity.

Also, collagen contains the amino acid lysine, which is an immune system booster as it helps build antibodies and has anti‐viral properties. 

Vitamin C 

Qt products containing vitamin C: Bellē, Beaū and Bellē & Beaū Encorē

It’s well known that vitamin C intake helps the immune system. This study done in Switzerland found that taking vitamin C helps to reduce the symptoms and reduce the duration of respiratory infections, such as colds, bronchitis or sinusitis. Also, it can also help with recovery from (and lessen the occurrence of) other conditions like pneumonia and malaria.

Zinc 

Qt products containing Zinc: Bellē, Beaū and Bellē & Beaū Encorē

Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system. The body needs zinc for immune cell development and communication, plus it plays a crucial role in the body’s inflammatory response. If your zinc levels are low, it can significantly affect your immune system’s ability to function, increasing the risk of infection and disease, including pneumonia.

Supplementing zinc may protect against infections like the common cold and also may be beneficial for those who are already sick. A 2019 study of 64 children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections, found that taking 30mg of zinc each day decreased the period of infection and the duration of the hospital stay by 2 days on average.

Magnesium  

Qt products containing magnesium: Bellē & Beaū Encorē

There are hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body that require magnesium. It is vital to optimal immune function,  maintains normal nerve and muscle function, and helps to convert the food we eat into energy.

Tremella 

Qt products containing tremella: Bellē

This beauty superfood contains the highest level of natural form vitamin D among known food sources. And while vitamin D is best known as essential for bone health, a study published in 2018 shows that vitamin D is also necessary for a strong immune system. 

Blackseed 

Qt products containing blackseed: Bellē & Beaū Encorē

Some studies have found that the thymoquinone in Blackseed may have powerful anti‑inflammatory properties. In this study, 42 people with rheumatoid arthritis were given 1,000 mg of Blackseed oil a day for 8 weeks. The researchers found that it reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.  

Natural silica 

Qt products containing natural silica: Bellē 

The body uses silica to produce antibodies, which are essential components of a healthy immune system. 

Lotus 

Qt products containing lotus: Bellē 

Lotus seeds contain flavonoids: powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. A study carried out in 2013 suggests that lotus seeds could help reduce inflammation throughout the body. It revealed that two polysaccharides in the seeds of red and white lotus varieties contain substantial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and have the potential to be used as a base for future treatment. 

Maca 

Qt products containing maca: Beaū 

Maca root powder is a great source of several vitamins and minerals that are vital to the immune system including vitamin C, iron, copper and zinc. It also contains many bioactive compounds including glucosinolates (also found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale) and polyphenols—which are a rich source of antioxidants.