Spring is finally in the air! And while it brings beautiful flowers, sunshine, and warmer temperatures, it also brings allergies. If you have allergies, you’ll know they can have a big impact on your day. The runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, it’s enough to make you want to stay inside!

But why stay indoors when everyone else is enjoying the weather? Luckily, there are a couple solutions to keep you feeling your best this Spring!

1. Get More of the Sunshine Vitamin!

Vitamin D is known for supporting healthy bones and teeth but it also promotes immune health!

Although Vitamin D is important for maintaining good health, many Canadians don’t get enough from diet alone. While your body can make vitamin D from sunlight, if you don’t spend enough time outdoors, it’s not going to be enough.

Vitamin D supplements are an easy way to increase your vitamin D intake, ensuring you get enough every day. Genestra offers vitamin D in liquid and capsule formats! These formulas can help keep your bones and immune system strong, all season long.

2. Vitamins, Minerals … and Yeast?

In addition to vitamin D, vitamin C and Zinc are important in maintaining a healthy immune system. Another component is yeast! (Yes really!)

Baker’s yeast is usually used to make bread, so it may be the last thing on your mind when you think of immune support. But a proprietary extract from baker’s yeast (called EpiCor®) has been demonstrated to help reduce the risk of developing cold and flu symptoms! Who knew that the yeast was so versatile?

For immune support, Genestra’s Cor Defence provides a combination of vitamins C and D, plus zinc and EpiCor®. This formula also includes European elderberry, a plant commonly used in traditional Herbal Medicine. Available in convenient, once-daily capsules, Cor Defence is an easy way to promote year-round immune health!

3. Proprietary Probiotics Make all the Difference

Have you ever felt sick after stressful situations? Stress can reduce the good bacteria in your gut, causing imbalance in your digestive system. That’s why we recommend taking probiotics – Probiotics are friendly bacteria that work to keep your gut healthy. And your gut and immune system may be more closely related than you thought. As nearly 80% of your immune cells are found in your gut, it’s easy to see how good health begins here.

Although probiotics are found in yogurt and fermented foods, supplements usually provide more of the good bacteria.

So what should you look for in a probiotic? When reading the label, look for the number and types of strains, as well as the amount of bacteria. As not every strain can survive the passage through your digestive system, it’s best to reach for a quality product that’s backed by research.

Genestra HMF Probiotics are trusted by healthcare professionals across Canada. That’s because we’re committed to research-based formulas made with allergen-free ingredients. We only use quality strains shown to prevent bad bacteria from multiplying in the gut.

Our HMF Intensive Probiotic provides four proprietary strains from two different types of bacteria to support the health of your large and small intestines. In one clinical trial, these strains supplemented the good bacteria in the intestines following antibiotic therapy. In another study, they improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, satisfaction with bowel habits, and days with pain, all within six weeks (in adults and children eleven years and older!).

So whether you’re looking to support daily gut health or need more specific support, there are options just for you!

4. Go Natural

If you’re looking for another option, why not turn to nature? Plant buds have been used medicinally since ancient Egypt. Plants often produce a wide range of compounds that help improve their survival and defence against predators. Many of these compounds have been identified and are now recognized for their supportive roles in human health!

Genestra offers a comprehensive selection of remedies made from fresh buds and young shoots of growing plants. These pure, standardized extracts are manufactured with a respect for nature, undergo minimal processing, and are harvested in the spring by accredited partners.

Al-gen is a blend of black currant, rosemary and juniper extracts. These plants have all been used in traditional Herbal Medicine. When combined, they create an effect that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. Available in a convenient liquid format, Al-gen is a natural alternative that can be easily taken any time of day.

Whether it’s a vitamin, mineral, probiotic or plant extract, adding a supplement to your daily routine can get you on the path to better health. Open your windows, stop and smell the fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Now that you know our top picks, what are your favourite ways to fight allergies during spring?