b'showed considerably less immune suppression than those who took a placebo. They also retained higher DHEA levels and experienced fewer spikes in their cortisol levels. Most importantly, the athletes in the sterol/sterolin group came down with fewer upper respiratory tract infections after the race compared to their placebo-pumping counterparts.In a perfect world, you could get all the sterols and sterolins you need from your diet. After all, they are abundant in whole grains, nuts, and many vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots, spinach, and strawberries. Yet most Americans eat a diet woefully low in these types of foods. Even people who make a conscious effort to eat healthy may not be getting sufficient amounts of these two nutrients. Fortunately, you can get all the immune-balancing benefits of sterols and sterolins in the ideal ratio of 100:1 via a daily supplement. ProbioticsAn Unlikely Allyfor Balanced ImmunityWhen you think of probiotics, you probably think of digestive health. Thats not surprising since probiotics fortify the good bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, that dwell in your digestive tract. But studies show that these beneficial bugs can also support your immune system in multiple ways. One way is by stimulating the production of NK cells and T-cells. Probiotics also strengthen the barrier function of your intestinal wall. This helps prevent harmful bacteria and toxins from leaking into your bloodstream. Plus, probiotics have been shown to have a powerful effect on the signals that control intestinal inflammationand that can help prevent future health problems. How do these microscopic microbes accomplish all these immune-supporting actions? According to a 2023 study in the journal Cells, the beneficial bacteria in your gut and your immune cells actually talk to each other to maintain healthy immune activity. Probiotics can also directly interact with immune cells and the friendly flora in your intestinal tract to modulate specific immune functions. These actions not only foster a balanced immune system to keep you well day in and day out but also kick-start a stronger immune response when needed. For instance, one analysis of 20 published trials concluded that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics can significantly cut the duration and severity of cold symptoms and lead to fewer missed days at work or school. According to another double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in the journal Vaccine, participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium bifidum for at least three months significantly shortened their colds by almost two days and reduced the severity of symptoms.But to get these benefits, choose a shelf-stable probiotic supplement that provides the specific bacterial species shown to improve the immune system. Its also important to make sure the probiotic can survive the journey through the harsh stomach environment so that the bacteria it contains are still alive once they reach the colon. To maintain potency, store shelf-stable probiotics in a cool, dry cabinet away from sunlight. And check the expiration date periodically to make sure your probiotic is still viable. 10OPTIMAL IMMUNIT Y'