Natural Antioxidants And Immune Boosters

Antioxidants are natural substances that protect cells from free radicals, the highly reactive byproducts of energy production that are responsible for many degenerative diseases and cancers. Immune boosters stimulate the production of white blood cells, the "soldiers" of the body's natural defense system that seek out and destroy invading bacteria and viruses. Natural antioxidants and immune boosters are found in the foods we eat in the form of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

Vitamins

Vitamin C is one of the most potent natural antioxidants. However, it is not manufactured by the body, nor is in stored. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so it is eliminated through your urine. This means that you need to continuously supply your body with this nutrient through your diet. Natural sources include citrus fruits and juices, blueberries, strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, green and red peppers and dark, leafy greens, according to MedLine Plus.

Vitamin E is an example of a nutrient that performs double duty as both an antioxidant and an immune booster. Dietary sources of this nutrient include vegetable oils, fortified margarines, seeds, nuts and leafy greens. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, most people get a sufficient amount of vitamin E through diet. However, people with Crohn's disease, liver disease or cystic fibrosis may benefit from supplementation, according to MedLine Plus.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are pigments that naturally occur in plants. Of these, beta-carotene, which is abundant in orange, red and dark green fruits and vegetables, is also a natural antioxidant and immune booster. According to AskDrSears.com, beta-carotene stimulates specialized white cells known as macrophages to secrete a substance called tumor necrosis factor, which destroys cancer cells. Beta-carotene also increases the production of other immune system helpers that fight off infection and disease, such as T-cell lymphocytes.

Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are phytochemicals that lend fruits and vegetables color. These compounds inhibit toxins and pathogens from binding to receptors sites on the surface of cell membranes, according to AskDrSears.com.

Herbs

Certain herbs are reputed to support the immune system. Echinacea, for instance, plays a role in a number of immune system functions. According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," echinacea stimulates the production of leukocytes from lymph organs to target and destroy pathogens. Other cells, like macrophages, also increase in circulation. In addition to these cells increasing in number, the volume of bacteria-digesting enzymes they secrete is also increased. Echinacea extracts also neutralize hyaluronidase, an enzyme released by germs to break down and permeate membranes of healthy cells so they can reproduce, according to "PDR for Herbal Medicines" by Thomas Fleming.

However, echinacea is not recommended if you have tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS or other autoimmune disease. Check with your doctor before supplementing with any herbal medicine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a chronic disorder or are taking other medications.

Safety Considerations

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, some nutrients might present side effects in some people. For example, vitamin E might increase the risk of bleeding in people who take blood-thinning drugs, and beta-carotene might increase the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke. Check with your physician before taking herbs or supplements if you have a chronic condition or are taking other prescription medications.