Immunity on the brain?

Taking care of your natural defences has never been more important. 

Getting enough high-quality sleep, exercising regularly, managing your stress levels, and making sure you’re well-hydrated are all vital for immune function. 

But, if you feel like you need an extra boost, there are 3 key nutrients that have been proven to help. 

Vitamin C

Good for: reducing inflammation - white blood cells - skin barriers - common cold

Immune support: It’s been found that vitamin C may prevent colds for acutely stressed people, (that’s most of the world at the moment then). And, it’s useful in reducing the duration of a cold, and may help to lessen the severity of symptoms. 

Brainy bonus: Higher levels of vitamin C is directly associated with higher levels of cognitive function. 

Food sources: blackcurrants, kiwi, green and red peppers

How much is in Heights: 80mg, 100% of what you need. Extreme vitamin C fans can take up to 1000mg safely—one we recommend for a top up is yourzooki.

Vitamin D3

Good for: immune cell function - protection from pathogens 

Immune support: While it’s true that we can get vitamin D3 from sunlight, there’s little to no chance of us getting exposure between 10am and 3pm to produce enough of it. 

Many studies have shown that vitamin D3 is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, as it enhances the function of immune cells that actively protect your body from pathogens, and acts in the first stage of the body’s immune response.

Brainy bonus: It’s thought that vitamin D3 reduces harmful amyloid plaques in the brain (high levels of amyloid plaque is associated with Alzheimer’s disease). 

Food sources: eggs, fortified margarine

How much is in Heights: 20mcg, 400% of the NRV. This is definitely more than enough, plus you don’t have to take a pill full of nasty caking agents and fillers (yuck!).

Zinc

Good for: anti-inflammatory - growth and function of immune cells

Immune support: Although you only need very small amounts—not getting enough zinc will result in your immune cells not being able to protect your body from bacteria properly. Deficiency in zinc has been linked to a decrease in immunity, and higher risks of infectious diseases in the respiratory tract. 

Supplementing with zinc has also been shown to improve the duration and severity of cold symptoms. 

Brainy bonus: Zinc is known to be helpful for spatial memory - e.g. your recollection of the environment around you. It also helps with normal brain function, and can help with symptoms of depression and low mood. 

Food sources: pumpkin seeds, shellfish, legumes

How much is in Heights: 5mg, 50% of the NRV. We do this on purpose, as most people get some zinc from the diets easily and only need a top-up. 

Keen for some extra support?

Check out the Heights Smart Supplement—good for your body and your brain. Fact.