Minerals, Immunity and Infection
Posted by ANNA MCKELVEY
Immune response is compromised by poor nutrition. While the relationship between nutrients and immunity is complex and not always clear, zinc, copper, iron and selenium are minerals that have been identified by research as needed for the immune system to function properly. Increasing intake of these minerals through diet and supplementing could enhance immune function. However, one challenge is that excess amounts of these minerals can also impair immune function and create other mineral deficiencies. For example, too much zinc can lower both copper and magnesium. So how do you find the balance of nutrients that is right for you?
Food always contains a broad spectrum of nutrients and should be the basis for building good nutrition. The complexity of the nutritional content of food enhances bioavailability and can protect against excess nutrient loading. Your sense of taste and smell can help you choose the foods that will meet your individual nutrient needs. Get a list of foods that contain the nutrients you’re concerned about and let your senses guide you to make the best choice.
Supplementing can also help so it is wise to give your body access to multiple nutrients. Our Taste n’Score mineral kit provides six essential minerals, bottled individually, so you can use a simple taste test to create a personalized multi-mineral drink.
A final, but important note about immunity. Infection is a factor that compromises immunity. Poor nutrition is related to being susceptible to infection. Zinc, copper, potassium, magnesium and sodium have all been identified as minerals that can help prevent and fight infection. Our Taste n’Score mineral kit includes potassium, zinc, magnesium, copper, chromium and manganese.
Using both Lyte Balance Electrolyte concentrate alongside our Taste n’Score mineral kit will help your body fight infection as well as boost your body’s innate immune defense.