8 Brought to you by & 7BEST IMMUNITY SUPPLEMENTS Supplement For IMMUNITY O nce you have an immunity-supportive lifestyle down, it’s time to start thinking about what you put in your body. Supplements play a crucial role in staying well. Studies show some directly affect how the immune system mounts its defense against invaders. In the process, they also help reduce inflammation and boost overall health for the long-term. As the days get shorter and cooler and the annual cold and flu season creeps in on us, this extra level of protection is even more important. Experts say supplements are a sort of insurance policy, and like any insurance, not a good idea to be without. These supplement picks are evidence-based and they work. (Bonus: Some also help when symptoms do strike.) 3. Elderberry Extract How it works: Antioxidant-rich elderberry has strong antiviral properties. Consuming the plant’s extract may alleviate both the symptoms and duration of colds and flu, including fever. According to The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 90 percent of the people in a 40-person study experienced a “complete cure” within two to three days. How much to take: Adults can take 1 to 2 teaspoons of the extract twice daily for prevention; increase your dose to four times per day if you start feeling sick. 2. Aged Garlic Extract How it works: With ample evidence for supporting healthy blood pressure levels and a strong heart, it reduces accumulation of plaque in the arteries, aged garlic also has a hefty resume for immunity. Odorless and aged to strengthen its immune- boosting properties, this supplement is proven to support killer cell function and reduce the symptoms and duration of colds and flu. Researchers suspect this happens in combination with supporting healthy inflammation response. How much to take: 1,200 mg daily (Studies use up to 2.56 grams daily.) 1. Probiotics How it works: Not long ago, probiotics were just a distant thought and now many integrative physicians recommend probiotics daily. Why the shift? Solid data suggests microbes may play a causal role in a large number of ailments—and restoring the proper balance of these microbes is being shown to help with colds and flus, mental health and most recently biggies like diabetes and heart disease. Probiotics reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms and increase overall immune activity, and a recent study on older adults finds that certain strains alter the immune cell profile to more closely resemble those found in healthy, younger populations. How much to take: Dosage varies based on strain.