When you choose a supplement to keep on your shelf, you want to know that it is the right product for you. To help our buyers increase their knowledge when they shop, we are taking an alphabetical approach to looking at various aspects and supplements associated with healthy living. In this instance, we have come to the letter ‘R.’ Here is a brief look at the top supplements to consider for responding to respiratory infections, and three benefits to taking a reishi mushroom supplement. R you ready?
Natural Remedy: Reishi
Here is a look at the varied benefits of the natural Reishi mushroom. Scientifically termed Ganoderma lucidum, Reishi mushrooms are a bitter-tasting fungus with a history of usage as a natural remedy. Scientific evidence supports the use of reishi mushroom for some purposes, and for this reason, reishi is made available in concentrated form as an oral supplement. Here are three of the top benefits of reishi:
Reducing risk of disease is the broadest potential benefit you could get from reishi mushrooms, and this is primarily the result of this plant’s high nutrition content. The combination of more than 400 beneficial nutrients and compounds in reishi can contribute to managing both blood pressure and blood sugar levels. This is a helpful benefit for anyone who desires to reduce their risk of heart disease.
Immune system support: Consuming reishi supports the immune system’s strength and ability to combat infections and some other types of ailments. This is because of reishi’s beneficial effects on white blood cells. Research suggests that reishi has favorable effects on the genes and inflammatory pathways within lymphocyte T cells thus supporting immunity.
Reducing fatigue: Reishi could help to reduce fatigue in cases of chronic fatigue due to a few different considerations. One is by supporting the immune system, as well as reducing the bodily disruptions caused by free radicals. Reishi could also support testosterone production, thereby supporting waking energy levels.
Keep this article on-hand for knowledge on preparing for cold and flu season, and knowing the wholesome benefits of concentrated reishi. It is recommended that you always talk to your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement.
Health Condition: Respiratory Infection
An upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is a contagious infection that occurs due to a virus or bacteria that invade and affect the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat. Most URIs are viral infections, and the most common among them is rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. The seasons wherein URIs tend to be common are fall and winter, so right now (August 2025) is the off-season for these types of infections. It is the perfect time to briefly review what products are best for URIs, so you are already prepared come fall.
Vitamin D is a highly useful supplement, with studies suggesting that taking it could meaningfully reduce risk of URIs and help reduce their severity after onset. This makes sense in light of other research linking low vitamin D levels to increased susceptibility to URIs.
Vitamin C is the other major vitamin with sweeping benefits, many of which support immunity in the face of viruses and bacteria which could cause infection. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that support immunity, and it also possesses effective anti-inflammatory properties. Regularly taking generous amounts of vitamin C reduces the risk of infection. It is also very helpful when taken in the first day or so of experiencing URI symptoms.
Zinc prepares the body to fight respiratory infections by contributing to the body's cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. Low bodily zinc levels can make one susceptible to infection. Conversely, supplementing with the recommended dosage of zinc within 24 hours of URI symptoms can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.