Today let’s look at ways we can help keep allergy symptoms at bay.

The bee’s knees

Natural herbalists have long touted bee pollen as a way to boost your immune system and bolster your defenses against allergies.

A 2008 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that bee pollen may inhibit activity in the cells that respond to allergens by releasing histamine, an act that triggers the symptoms associated with allergies.

Bee Pollen is a key ingredient in Xtend-Life’s Natural Energy supplement – you’ll also have the energy to take advantage of spring’s warmer weather – bee pollen is packed with powerful enzymes, and may also play a role in reducing the tendency toward allergies by supporting the body’s coping mechanisms and immune system.

Nature’s best

In addition to bee pollen, nature offers some other ingredients to help support the immune system and keep allergy symptoms from ruining your day.

One of the most popular ingredients on the market today, Echinacea has a long history as a supplement to help support the health and function of the immune system.

Also known as purple coneflower, Echinacea may have been used for centuries by Native Americans as a way to treat infections and wounds. And according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several different studies have suggested that the herb contains active substances that enhance the immune system.

Another plant-based immune booster is olive leaf extract. According to experts, olive leaf works at a cellular level to help boost the body’s immune response, supporting its ability to resist bacteria, infections and viruses.

The spice of life

Nature also gives us a wide range of spices and extracts that are touted as immune boosters.

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice common in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a mild flavor but packs a big punch. Rich in antioxidants, turmeric is thought to help protect against inflammation and infections.

One of the most powerful natural immune boosters, black cumin extract has been used to help support the immune system in resisting infections.

Supplement for better health

Supplements are an excellent way to take advantage of these natural immune boosters, and Xtend-Life Total Balance may indeed help support your immune system, thanks to its wide range of synergistically-blended substances including black cumin, olive leaf and turmeric.

Those who spend a lot of time in a job, hobby or any other environment where the immune system might be at risk, may consider using our Immu-Stay supplement. This supplement offers enhanced benefits, including Echinacea and the flavonoid quercetin, found in cilantro, capers and dark, leafy greens.

The bottom line

In addition to taking supplements, there are other steps you can take to stay healthy:

Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.

Stamp out the cigarettes. If you smoke, quitting is the single-most important move you can make for improved health.

If you smoke, quitting is the single-most important move you can make for improved health. Find your favorite exercise. You won’t exercise if you aren’t doing something you like, so find an activity that suits your style and go for it.

You won’t exercise if you aren’t doing something you like, so find an activity that suits your style and go for it. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds can strain your immune system.

Excess pounds can strain your immune system. Wash your hands. Washing regularly can prevent the spread of germs, especially since we all touch our faces – eyes, nose and mouth, the portals through which germs enter – much more often than we think.

Washing regularly can prevent the spread of germs, especially since we all touch our faces – eyes, nose and mouth, the portals through which germs enter – much more often than we think. Get enough sleep. Not getting your ZZZs can compromise your immune system.

If you are interested in reading more about the immune system health, the following article from the Harvard Medical School may be of interest… http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm