(ARA) - Now more than ever, Americans are taking personal responsibility for their health by practicing preventative health care, and one of the most proactive ways to stay healthy is by maintaining a healthy immune system. But did you know that your immune system functions optimally when it is balanced? That's right, balanced. Research shows that balancing - not just boosting or suppressing - is key to a strong immune system.

When out of balance, the immune system may not adequately protect the body. An over-active immune system may result in allergies by mistaking harmless environmental substances, such as pollen, for something like an attacking parasite, whereas an under-active immune system may expose the body to increased susceptibility to infections and disease. Thus, the immune system needs to be prepared to appropriately address different kinds of threats, whether that is with a reduced or increased immune response. This can only be done with a healthy immune system that is in balance and ready to respond appropriately.

"Having an over- or under-active immune system can be an invitation for illness," says Dr. Larry Robinson, immune health researcher and vice president of scientific affairs for Embria Health Sciences. "The ideal place for a healthy immune system is to be in a balanced, ready stage, where it can react to your body's signals."

The importance of immune health to your overall well-being cannot be overstated. Here are some ways you can keep your immune system balanced so it can most effectively face the challenges of daily life:

1) Put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door: Since the immune system is sensitive to stress levels, it's important to take a few minutes to decompress each day. "People today are busy with work, school and families. Add to that the stress of the economy and our systems may become completely strung out," says Dr. Robinson. "Even if it's just 15 minutes, alone time can do wonders for your health."

2) Supplement your lifestyle: Dietary supplements are a smart and convenient way to fill in the gaps when you may not be consistently living an immune-friendly lifestyle. Vitamins C and D, as well as zinc and selenium all provide benefits for the immune system, as does EpiCor, an all-natural dietary ingredient, manufactured by Embria Health Sciences, that has been clinically shown to help balance the immune system for optimal health. Dr. Robinson says EpiCor's composition includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. When taken daily, EpiCor works to help balance the body's immune system to strengthen it and help maintain wellness. It is unlike many other nutritional dietary immune supplements that only concentrate on "boosting" the immune system. Visit www.epicorimmune.com for more information.

3) Balance your meals: Healthy meals do a body good. "What you put in your body is really what you get out of it," says Dr. Robinson. "Increasing your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is a smart idea, especially during the cold weather season. Eating balanced meals and healthy snacks without a lot of processed fats and sugars will help keep your immune system running strong."

4) Drink up: Staying hydrated is essential to keeping your health in check. Pick out a refillable water bottle with a fun design that you'll want to take with you everywhere. If the bottle's color or image resonates with your personal style, you'll be more inclined to remember to take it with you and use it regularly.

"Ideally, you can maintain immune health through a regular routine that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and practicing stress-relieving activities. But since it's impossible to do the right thing 100 percent of the time, it may make sense to give your immune system extra support by taking a nutritional supplement containing EpiCor," says Dr. Robinson.

To learn more about immune health, visit www.BalancedImmuneHealth.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent