Ever hear the phrase, “You are what you eat”? The same can be said about your immune system. Balanced nutrition is the foundation to healthy immune function. From your diet, especially fruits and vegetables, you receive most of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you need to strengthen your natural defenses against everyday challenges.

That said, maintaining a varied and balanced diet is not easy. Access to high-quality food that is organic or – even better – biodynamic is oftentimes limited. And not only are some fruits and vegetables available only during certain seasons, but some are not available at all depending on where you live or where you grocery shop.

Personal tastes aside, to receive the daily nutrients your body needs for optimal health, you would have to consume unreasonable amounts of specific foods or ingredients. Take pterostilbene, for example, a super antioxidant found in blueberries… In order to experience any of the benefits from this powerhouse nutrient, you’d have to eat several hundred pounds of blueberries. Not to mention, as we get older, our bodies’ ability to absorb nutrients diminishes.

That’s why supplementing is important. Supplements can bridge the gap between the nutrients we need and the food that is lacking them. However, not all supplements are created equal.

Three Essential Nutrients Your Immune System Craves – Plus a Special Bonus You May Not Know About

To create the ideal toolkit for immune health support, ingredient quality and sourcing as well as technology are important aspects to consider – or you may not experience the maximum benefits possible. Here is a list of four key supplements by Dr. Mercola that you can make a part of your arsenal for year- round immune support:

1. Liposomal Vitamin C

A powerful nutrient with antioxidant support for your immune, cardiovascular and cellular health, vitamin C is a versatile defender. However, much of it can go through your digestive system unabsorbed. To help you make the most of this superstar nutrient, Liposomal Vitamin C uses liposomal technology to create liposomes, which help protect the vitamin C in its transport and reduce potential gastrointestinal distress, enhancing its bioavailability potential.*

2. Liposomal Vitamin D3

Vitamin D affects nearly every cell and tissue in your body – including your bones and joints, heart, brain, skin and much more. Packed in protective hard-shelled capsules rather than oxygen-permeable soft gels to help avoid leakage and to maintain freshness, Liposomal Vitamin D3 uses the preferred form of vitamin D3 that your body makes from sunlight, also known as cholecalciferol. This efficient and powerful formula avoids bioengineered ingredients and makes use of liposomal technology to support your absorption of vitamin D.*

3.  Zinc Plus Selenium

Zinc plays a critical role in immune function, healthy cell growth and a healthy inflammatory response. Combined with selenium, a trace element that supports your first line of defense against free radicals, Zinc Plus Selenium is thoughtfully formulated with zinc glycinate chelate – a high-potency form of zinc that offers enhanced absorption and protection as it travels across your intestinal wall.*

4. Fermented Black Garlic

Rich in magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, selenium and vitamins B6 and C, raw garlic offers potent antioxidant activity. However, when aged and fermented into black garlic, garlic releases additional nutrients, such as S-allyl-cysteine (SAC), a powerful antioxidant with stability and high absorption. Fermented Black Garlic by Dr. Mercola uses fermentation to enhance the potency of garlic’s health benefits, which include helping you maintain a healthy immune response and blood pressure levels already in the normal range.*

When your immune system needs occasional support, aiding your body with immune-supporting nutrients, like vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc – and even fermented black garlic – can help protect you from seasonal and everyday threats.* Take the proactive approach, and give your immune system the helping hand it may need by adding these four special supplements to your daily regimen today. Find Dr. Mercola products at your local Mother’s.

+These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.