Vitamins to boost your immune system when you’re stressed

( Natural News ) Stress, in small doses, can improve focus and help people become energetic and alert . Too much of it, however, can hinder productivity and performance. While stress is a natural reaction to short-lived situations that require adjustment or response, it can become dangerous when it interferes with daily life. In fact, chronic stress affects both physical and mental health and is linked to high blood pressure (hypertension), asthma, ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and back pain. (Related: Calm your anxiety and stress with these 10 natural herbs .) Chronic stress also makes people prone to disease and illnesses. During stressful situations, the brain signals the endocrine system to release stress hormones, such as cortisol. While these hormones help a person deal with an emergency, it can also dampen the immune system and prevent white blood cells from fighting infection. To manage stress, some people choose to smoke or drink excessively, but these habits may do more harm than good. Fortunately, getting a full night’s sleep, exercise, meditation, and a diet full of vitamins can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of stress . Vitamins to boost your immunity Vitamins are a readily available way for a person to boost his immune system. These are found in many food sources, which means that it’s easy for a person to meet his required daily intake. Vitamin C Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential micronutrient that promotes growth and repair of muscle and tissue . It is a powerful antioxidant that fights harmful molecules called free radicals. Taking vitamin C can decrease the duration and severity of a cold or flu. In a study published in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Review , researchers found that an effective dose of 1 to 2 grams is […]

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