What Immunity Shots Do to Your Body and Whether They Really Help
DenisMArt / Getty Images Immunity shots are small drinks that may offer health benefits, such as fighting germs and inflammation, as well as supporting better blood flow.1 People usually take them to boost their immune system, especially during cold and flu seasons. However, immunity shots can't replace a well-balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity when it comes to your immune system function. The primary goal for this type of wellness shot is to help boost your immune function. They’re packed with nutrients that can help your body fight off sickness and stay healthy.1
In This Article:
- Common ingredients and their health benefits
- Immunity shots may help reduce chronic inflammation
- Turmeric and ginger are noted anti-inflammatory powerhouses
- Immunity shots and gut health
- Lemons and mucus production for gut protection
- Energy boost, not a replacement
- Cayenne pepper and honey for circulation and a quick lift
- Safety and individual considerations
- Accessibility and customization
- How to make an immunity shot
- References
Common ingredients and their health benefits
Some common ingredients in immunity shots with health benefits include: Although immunity shots can't replace a healthy lifestyle, their antibacterial and antiviral properties can offer a beneficial boost.1
Immunity shots may help reduce chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation stems from a variety of health concerns, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.7 Immunity shots contain a list of powerful ingredients that may help reduce inflammation.
Turmeric and ginger are noted anti-inflammatory powerhouses
Research highlights turmeric as a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that's been linked to improvements in joint pain and swelling.8 Ginger can also help fight inflammation.9 Together, these ingredients can reduce symptoms associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Immunity shots and gut health
Immunity shots may offer gut health benefits. Many recipes use ingredients that are good for your digestive tract, the tube that carries food through the body.10 Ginger may reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and bloating, while turmeric can help reduce inflammation in the gut and manage digestive conditions like irritable bowel disease (IBD).911
Lemons and mucus production for gut protection
Lemons may also benefit gut health because they support mucus production. Mucus is a natural slippery substance made in the body that protects against bacteria, viruses, and irritants, and keeps passages moist. The increased mucus in your digestive tract can help protect it from stomach acid damage.1213
Energy boost, not a replacement
Immunity shots can’t replace the energy provided by a well-balanced diet, but they may help. Immune-strengthening drinks are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help you feel more alert and energized in different ways throughout the body.14
Cayenne pepper and honey for circulation and a quick lift
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper may improve blood flow, which allows nutrients and oxygen to reach where they need to go more efficiently.5 Some shots also include honey for sweetness, and the sugar in honey can give a quick energy kick.15
Safety and individual considerations
While immunity shots can be a healthy addition to a well-balanced diet, they aren’t always safe for everyone. It’s important to pay attention to ingredient lists and possible side effects, especially for those with certain health conditions. Some considerations to be aware of include:
Accessibility and customization
Besides their potential health benefits, immunity shots have gained popularity due to their accessibility. It’s easy to make basic recipes at home, and the many variations allow you to tailor the nutrition and flavor to your preferences.
How to make an immunity shot
To make an immunity shot, blend together: Once blended, strain the pulp and enjoy! You can customize your immunity shot by adding honey, cayenne pepper, orange juice, or apple cider vinegar for added health benefits. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can balance flavors and reduce sugar in your shot if you:
References
Panou A, Karabagias IK. Composition, properties, and beneficial effects of functional beverages on human health. Beverages. 2025;11(2):40. Pázmándi K, Szöllősi AG, Fekete T. The "root" causes behind the anti-inflammatory actions of ginger compounds in immune cells. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1400956. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400956 Dehzad MJ, Ghalandari H, Nouri M, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine. 2023;164:156144. doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156144 National Institutes of Health. Vitamin C. McCarty MF, DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH. Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health. Open Heart. 2015;2(1):e000262. doi:10.1136/openhrt-2015-000262 Johnston M, McBride M, Dahiya D, et al. Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview. AIMS Microbiol. 2018;4(4):655-664. doi:10.3934/microbiol.2018.4.655 Chavda VP, Feehan J, Apostolopoulos V. Inflammation: The Cause of All Diseases. Cells. 2024;13(22):1906. doi:10.3390/cells13221906 Paultre K, Cade W, Hernandez D, et al. Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2021;7(1):e000935. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000935 Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al. Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):157. Published 2020 Jan 6. doi:10.3390/nu12010157 National Cancer Institute. Digestive tract. Atefi M, Darand M, Entezari MH, et al. A Systematic Review of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for the Management of Gastrointestinal Diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1291:295-326. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_18 McShane A, Bath J, Jaramillo AM, et al. Mucus. Curr Biol. 2021;31(15):R938-R945. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.093 Komolafe K, Komolafe TR, Crown OO, et al. Natural Products in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future Directions. Nutrients. 2025;17(6):1069. doi:10.3390/nu17061069 Lee M, Lee JS, Kim K, et al. Efficacy of immune-strengthening functional drinks in top-level athletes: a questionnaire survey-based research. Phys Act Nutr. 2021;25(3):23-27. doi:10.20463/pan.2021.0017 Palma-Morales M, Huertas JR, Rodríguez-Pérez C. A Comprehensive Review of the Effect of Honey on Human Health. Nutrients. 2023;15(13):3056. doi:10.3390/nu15133056 Abebe W. Review of herbal medications with the potential to cause bleeding: dental implications, and risk prediction and prevention avenues. EPMA J. 2019;10(1):51-64. doi:10.1007/s13167-018-0158-2 Bobiş O, Dezmirean DS, Moise AR. Honey and Diabetes: The Importance of Natural Simple Sugars in Diet for Preventing and Treating Different Type of Diabetes. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:4757893. doi:10.1155/2018/4757893
