The immune system is a threshold of our health. The moment it weakens; the entire system suffers. We discussed the role and importance of the immune system in our last blog, "Importance of Immunity in Contemporary World."

We have heard about dietary supplements on various platforms, and people consume them regularly. Therefore, the first question that comes to mind is, "What is a supplement?" So here we're going to answer all your questions, whether about what a supplement is, why we need it, or which supplement we should take.

What is a supplement?

The supplement works as an ‘addition to something’ and the supplement we are talking about is called dietary supplement. Which is an add-on of nutrients, our body is unable to provide in the necessary amount. Dietary supplements can be found in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, syrups and juices. These supplements are made of different kinds of nutrients including minerals and vitamins which are extracted from plants and animals.

Being a part of a society where everyone is stuck in the virtual world we don’t get enough time for ourselves to focus on the foundation of our life which is our health. Everyone is so busy competing with each other, that sometimes we even forget to show gratitude towards others and ourselves. In all that nuisance, we somehow lose track of our health and maintain our immune health. Hence, we suffer from a deficiency of basic nutrients, minerals and vitamins that creates a commotion not only in our bodies but also in our lives. To fulfill that need the only best choice we are left with is to take those nutrients from outside and that can only be possible with dietary supplements. Meanwhile rushing through our stressful lives we also have to fight pollution which has become more of a reason to depend on these dietary supplements because it’s better to be cautious and take early measures rather than face illnesses, allergies and diseases. To fight these, we have to focus on our immune system and therefore we need immunity boosters. But when we go out looking for immunity boosters there are various types of immunity boosters available in the market. This becomes one of the main concerns for us now which immunity booster should we take.

Immunity boosters available in the market:

GILOY: It is an herb that is scientifically known as Tinospora cordifolia. It has various names, in Hindi, it is called guduchi and in Sanskrit, it is called amrita which means something that provides immortality.

Benefits:

·        Boosts immunity

·        Treats chronic fever

·        Improves digestion

·        Treats diabetes

·        Reduces stress and anxiety

·        Fights respiratory problems and treats arthritis

·        Reduces asthmatic symptoms

·        Improves vision and reduces signs of anti-ageing.

Side effects: Increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, may lower blood glucose level, may cause constipation and surgery can also be affected as it affects the blood sugar level.

VITAMIN C: It is also known as L-ascorbic acid. It is a water-soluble vitamin found in various foods. Vitamin C is an essential ingredient for our body as it helps repair the tissues of some neurotransmitters.

Benefits:

·        Strong antioxidant

·        Lowers high blood pressure

·        May lower the risk of heart diseases

·        Reduce blood uric acid levels

·        Prevent iron deficiency

·        Boosts immunity and protects your memory.

Side effects: It causes heartburn, nausea, headaches, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

ASHWAGANDHA: It is an herb with medicinal qualities. Whitania somnifera is its scientific name also known as Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry and winter cherry. It is mainly known for its role as an adaptogen i.e. anti-depression/stress.

Benefits:

·        Treats stress and anxiety

·        Helps in Alzheimer’s

·        Acts as a pain reliever and has anti-inflammatory features

·        May increase muscle mass and strength.

Side effects: It may cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, decrease blood pressure levels, increase blood sugar and thyroid functions and can also cause early pregnancies or miscarriages.

TULSI: It is an aromatic perennial herb whose scientific name is Ocimum tenuiflorum. It has another name which is holy basil because of its religious and medicinal importance. It is also used as an essential oil.

Benefits:

·        It helps in anxiety, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases

·        Boosts immunity

·        May control cholesterol levels

·        Provide protection against toxicity that is caused by mercury

Side effects: It may cause eugenol overdose and hypoglycemia, and it might also impact fertility and pregnant women.

AMLA: Scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica. It is also called emblic myrobalan and indian gooseberry and amlaki in Sanskrit. It works as a powerhouse of antioxidants.

Benefits:

·        It improves your eye health, gut health and memory

·        Boosts immunity

·        Gives you healthier hair and skin

·        Control diabetes

Side effects: It may cause allergy, gastrointestinal issues, and constipation and it might lower your body temperature and blood sugar levels.

NEEM: Its scientific name is Azadirachta indica also called neem, Nimtree, or Indian lilac. It is used worldwide but specifically in India in Ayurveda and Unani medicines.

Benefits:

·        It heals wounds

·        Treats gastric ulcers, eye irritation, acne, ear boils, dandruff

·        It improves our dental health

·        Boosts our immunity

Side-effects: It may lead to reduced fertility, harm kidneys; and cause miscarriage; allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.

TURMERIC: Its scientific name is Curcuma longa. Also called curcumin and Ayurvedic healer because of its healing properties.

Benefits:

·        It acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunity booster

·        Delays diabetes

·        Improves bone health

·        Treats glaucoma and cataract

·        Reduces risk of heart diseases

·        Have anti-ageing properties

Side-effects: It may cause diarrhoea, dizziness, headaches, and acid reflux and it may also affect your gut health; leading to blood clotting and low blood sugar levels.

COW COLOSTRUM: It is also known as bovine colostrum. It is the thick sticky breast fluid that is produced by the cows, during the first few days after giving birth to the calf.

Benefits:

·        Acts as an immunity booster

·        Protects from allergies

·        Increase HDL and decrease LDL

·        Prevent stroke and heart attack

·        Improves gut health

·        Increase metabolism

·        Prevents flu, viruses, and seasonal allergies

Side effects: To this time no side effects have been found except symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and anaemia found in a few HIV patients.

Now we all know the benefits and side effects of the supplements that are found in the market and the only supplement that does not have any side effects major or minimal is cow colostrum and that’s the answer to all our questions why should we prefer cow colostrum over any other supplement. You can also find detailed descriptions of cow colostrum in our other blog colostrum as an immunity booster.

Our health should be our priority as we are already aware that nothing can replace good health therefore take supplements ImmuneSmart if you need to but live a blissful life without the stress of future and family make both stronger and live your life in peace.