Supplements to Strengthen the Mucous Membrane

Mucous membranes are tissues that line organs and entrance points to your body including your nasal cavity, eyelids, windpipe and lungs, nose, mouth, urethra and genital organs. These areas are the first to be hit by invading parasites and microbes. Taking supplements that strengthen mucous membranes will protect your overall health. Not all supplements may be right for your individual situation. Consult with your doctor before taking supplements.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in your body. As an antioxidant, this vitamin fights free radicals throughout your body that are trying to harm your cells, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. If left unchecked, free radicals can lead to health ailments such as infections, colds and flu, premature aging and disease. Vitamin C supplements come in a variety of forms. Powders can be sprinkled into beverages or cereals. Tablets or capsules can be taken with other supplements. Or, vitamin C can be consumed as part of a multivitamin formula. Many manufacturers add extra vitamin C to items such as orange juice and/or energy bars. Take vitamin C daily since your body does not store this nutrient. The proper amount of vitamin C depends on your age and whether you are pregnant or lactating. If you smoke or are around secondhand smoke, your body needs extra vitamin C. Vitamin C may interact with some medications.

Vitamin A plays a major role in keeping your respiratory, intestinal and urinary tract surface linings healthy. This nutrient assists in keeping your mucous membranes and skin properly nourished to function as a barrier against harmful viruses and bacteria, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin A makes white blood cells, which fight off infections. The nutrient regulates your immune system. Help your mucous membranes by taking retinol supplements. Retinol is a form of vitamin A usually found in animal products, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Retinol is most easily absorbed by the body. Get vitamin A through beta carotene supplements. Beta carotene can be sold as a single ingredient or included as part of a multivitamin supplement. Recommended daily allowances of vitamin A vary according to gender and age.

Goldenseal has long been used for treating inflammations and irritations of respiratory, digestive and urinary tract mucous membranes, according to Holistic Online. One of goldenseal's active components is berberine, found in the plant root and rhizome. Berberine may fight against fungi and bacteria, according to Medline Plus of the National Institutes of Health. Berberine has antibiotic properties that can keep harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella from binding to urinary tract walls. Topical applications of goldenseal can fight against eye and skin infections, rashes, wounds and herbes blisters. Goldenseal may be helpful in treating colds, flu, upper respiratory infections, digestive disorders, vaginal infections and pain, and diarrhea. Oral applications of goldenseal may not be as effective as topical applications, according to Medline Plus.

Some medications counteract goldenseal's efficiency. Goldenseal has no known interactions with foods or other herbs. Holistic Online recommends most people consume four to six grams of powdered or liquid goldenseal supplements daily for no longer than three continuous weeks. Goldenseal is not recommended for infants, pregnant or lactating women.