People consumed vitamins daily, often without realizing it. Whether through capsules, food or sunlight, individuals absorbed nutrients that supported their immune systems.
How people cared for their bodies significantly affected immune health. Students said maintaining healthy habits helped strengthen the immune system over time.
Some individuals supported their immune systems by prioritizing fruits and vegetables rather than taking vitamin capsules.
Celeste Guzman, junior elementary education major, said she preferred vegetables such as asparagus, celery, broccoli and carrots instead of supplements.
Broccoli contained vitamins C and K, carrots provided vitamin C and asparagus supplied vitamin B9. Students said regular consumption of these nutrients contributed to overall health.
“I feel like it’s gotten better because I like, I changed my diet a little bit,” Guzman said.
Students said consistent intake of vitamins supported immune strength, vision and tissue repair. Many said vitamin use depended on individual health goals.
Guzman also said she incorporated tea into her routine, choosing varieties she believed helped cleanse her body.
Vitamins provided both short-term and long-term benefits, including helping prevent illness or reduce its severity depending on nutrient content.
Yahaira Barboza, senior elementary education major, said she relied on fruit to maintain her immune health. She said she noticed improved energy and overall wellness.
“I don’t really get headaches or like stuff, but sometimes, like I do get sick easily, but it’s not like something contagious like a cold, or like a symptom,” Barboza said.
Barboza said she typically became sick once or twice a year but continued seeking habits that supported long-term health.
“I just feel like paying more attention to what I eat, and just getting like a healthy nutrition, and also be more active because I feel like the healthier you are, you do get sick, but you don’t have to worry,” Barboza said.
While many relied on food for nutrients, others turned to herbs and supplements.
Dr. Niyoni Johnson, owner of Raw Regimen, sold herbs and supplements designed to address nutritional deficiencies and support health needs.
“We carry 350 to 400 different herbs here,” Johnson said.
Johnson began her career as a biochemist in pharmaceutical manufacturing before addressing her own health concerns and shifting toward holistic care.
“The Raw Regimen, the name itself, is because with my health conditions, I was just not interested in some of the side effects I would get with the pharmaceutical medicine. Not that I’m opposed to pharmaceutical medicines, but I just didn’t want that,” Johnson said.
Johnson said her approach blended natural remedies with respect for traditional medicine. At Raw Regimen, she offered products for concerns ranging from colds to chronic conditions.
“People come in for all types of stuff; they want to support weight gain, weight loss, they could want to support blood pressure, proper blood sugar, they come in for heart health; it’s just across the board,” Johnson said.
Students and community members said both herbal remedies and traditional vitamins played roles in supporting health.
As individuals focused on healthier lifestyles, students said intentional eating and self-care helped improve quality of life. Whether through supplements or whole foods, prioritizing health remained central to supporting long-term well-being.
