Dehydration is a very common ailment among people of all ages. Common symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, brain fog, lightheadedness or dizziness, dry skin, increased heartrate, and irritability. By the time most people feel thirsty, dehydration has likely already set in. Individuals who are adequately hydrated have better organ function and metabolism. Vitamins and minerals are also an important aspect to overall health and immunity, specifically Vitamin C and Zinc.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that has many functions within our bodies. Vitamin C is needed to form many tissues like cartilage, muscles, and bones. Adequate levels of Vitamin C boost the immune system and decrease the inflammatory response within our bodies. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, meaning it helps prevent damage to our cells and tissues. Humans do not produce vitamin C on their own, which is why it’s important to ensure enough intake through diet and supplementation. Vitamin C is found in green fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and kiwi, as well as colorful fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe and bell peppers. If your diet is not full of these fruits and vegetables, you may benefit from further supplementation.
Zinc is an essential mineral that promotes a healthy immune system and protects the body from infection. Zinc has been proven to assist in fighting infection and reducing duration of infection. It also has been shown to facilitate wound healing and relieve diarrheal illness. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals. If your diet lacks these foods, you may benefit from additional supplementation.
To review, adequate hydration and supplementation of Vitamin C and Zinc play important roles in our immune system, metabolism, and inflammatory response. Despite proper nutritional intake, many still benefit from supplementation of these vital nutrients. From a wellness standpoint, we know that proper supplementation and hydration can boost immunity, metabolism, and mediate the inflammatory response within our bodies.
