Registered Dietitian Deralee Scanlon Shares Her Powerful Immune-Boosting Strategies (NAPSA)—Shorter days and lower temperatures combined with increased stress levels can wreak havoc on the body’s immunesystem. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 90 percent of Americans need respiratory health support at least once during the cold weather season. Since no one wants to carry tissue boxes all winter and red noses are so pass, we’ve consulted registered dietitian Deralee Scanlon to share her immune-boosting strate- gies with us: Vitamin C—Most people have heard of vitamin C but don’t know why it’s important. Vitamin C is critical for proper immune system function andit’s an important and powerful antioxidant that works in the aqueous (water) environ- ments of the body, such as the lungs andeye lenses. Scanlon recommends that adults take 100 to 500 mg of vitamin C year-round for maximumbenefit. Echinacea—Echinacea is used to strengthen and enhanceoverall health and well-being. This herb mayhelp stimulate the body’s natural resistance. For Echinacea to work best, Scanlon recommends only taking Echinacea at the first sign of feeling under the weather and for no longer than eight weeks at a time. Zine—Zinc is a mineral with antioxidant activity that helps protect the body from certain free radicals that may damagecells. It’s important to remember that the body’s immune system needs zinc to function properly. Zinc works best when taken year-round. Andrographis—While this herb may be new to many U.S. consumers, Andrographis has been long used in traditional Indian and Chinese herbal medicine as an immunebooster. Four major studies have shownits ability to support upper respiratory health and wellness. Scanlon recommends taking Andrographis at the first sign of a weakened immunesystem. This herb isn’t found readily as a single ingredient, so Scan- lon recommends TriMune from Nature’s Resource, which combines Andrographis, zinc, vitamin C and Echinacea into a powerful immunedefense product. TriMune can be found at Walgreens and CVSin the vitaminaisle. “When you're not feeling your best, you want something that helps you feel better faster,” says Seanlon. “Vitamin C, Echinacea, zine and Andrographis are safe, effective and may naturally boost the body’s immune system.” For more information on stay- ing healthyall year, visit Natures Resource.com. Deralee Scanlon is a regular contributorto thesite.
