7 Nutrients An Integrative Doctor Prioritizes To Support A Strong Immune System

One way I do so is nourishing the body with strategic nutrients. It may come as a surprise that some of the nutrients I use to support a strong immune system aren't commonly associated with immunity. Yet, by working on improving the health of the digestive system, these nutrients help fortify the immune system so it can ward off invaders efficiently:

In addition, bacteria that we call butyrogenic1 are also important. They feed off of short-chain fatty acids produced by other important gut bugs. The right type of probiotic can support these bacteria while keeping your immune system in shape.

Not all prebiotic-consuming bacteria produce butyrate. Bacteria like akkermansia municiphila2 that are essential for keeping the lining healthy live in a synergistic relationship with the cells that line the gut border. They are very important for overall immune health.

Zinc is an essential mineral needed for a bunch of important processes in the body, including the creation of antibody molecules, which are one of the important ways the body defends itself against infection. Zinc comes in many forms—zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc carnosine, among others. Zinc gluconate has the most studies showing its ability to shorten the duration of the common cold3. While zinc carnosine4 can help protect and support the gut lining.

A key gut health nutrient that serves several functions, including an ability to support good gut bugs as a prebiotic. It also augments the effects of Vitamin C, synergistically helping to prevent over-activation of mast cells, which secrete histamine when the body is inflamed. Not to mention, quercetin acts as a zinc shuttle, getting natural antiviral zinc into cells where it can help mitigate viral replication.

Certain types of mushrooms have key nutrients known as 3,6 beta-glucans that may offer an immunomodulatory effect. They help improve natural killer cell function, which is essential for fighting viruses. I usually add a desiccated mushroom powder that includes reishi, cordyceps, shiitake, and maitake to my morning smoothie. It's a great way to make sure I'm supporting gut and immune health simultaneously.

Why is it so crucial? Vitamin D regulates over 200 genes and plays a critical role in supporting healthy gut permeability, as well as a responsive, well-coordinated immune system. I typically take 2,000 IU through vitamin D supplements in the summer months and increase it to 5,000 IU daily during cold and flu season.

Epi- what? OK, epigallocatechin is just a fancy name for the most powerful antioxidant found in green tea. I drink it in a matcha tea or latte prepared at home without sugar (which is an immunosuppressant). Organic matcha, which is a powder made from ground-up green tea leaves, is a rich source for this antioxidant, making it a great way to get an immune-supportive nutrient while enjoying the flavor and aroma of matcha. This bioflavonoid supports a healthy gut microbiome, liver detoxification, and can reduce inflammation. Like quercetin, it may also act as a shuttle to help move zinc into cells.   

Look, it's inevitable that at some point you'll be on antibiotics, stressed, eating the wrong foods—all things that can challenge your gut health, leading to an immune breakdown. But you can always turn things around. The good news is with these nutrients, a gut-healing diet, and a balanced life, you can navigate any pandemic, cold, or flu season yet to come.