Nobody wants to get sick during the holidays, but sometimes the extra stress and exposure to more germs makes it inevitable. There are certain supplements that are more effective at keeping you well when taken long term. The three I always recommend are vitamin D, NAC, and probiotics. 

Vitamin D’s role in immune health has long been established; vitamin D receptors are found on a number of immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, supporting healthy immune cell activation.     

NAC is N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine and enhances production of glutathione, one of your body’s most important antioxidants.

When it comes to probiotics, L. rhamnosus and B. animalis are two specific probiotics found to be particularly helpful for fighting off a cold.

If you’re not already, start taking them now and continue through the cold and flu season to best support healthy immunity. Others, like elderberry, zinc, and Echinacea can shorten the duration of a cold or flu if you’ve already caught a bug. The key is to start taking them at the very first signs of illness.

Stay healthy this season!

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods