by Dr. Deanna Nelson

Winter is a beautiful season, but it’s also prime time for viruses and other pathogens. One of the most powerful actions one can do for their health is to listen closely when their body whispers that “something feels off” instead of waiting until they are clearly sick. Those first 24 to 48 hours after exposure are when smart support can make the biggest difference.

Our noses are not just in the way of our glasses; it’s an important part of our immune system. The tiny hair-like structures (cilia) and the protective mucus lining our nasal passages are designed to trap foreign particles and prepare them for removal. In some cases, the mucus can even inactivate certain pathogens before they have a chance to spread.

This is why simple habits matter. Gently blowing the nose and using disposable tissues helps remove what the body is trying to expel, instead of letting it linger and multiply.

During that early “something’s coming on” window, targeted nutritional support can help our immune system respond more effectively. Zinc is a well-studied trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, including many that affect immune function.

Oral zinc supplements can help support our body’s natural defenses by influencing how pathogens activate and replicate. The key is bioavailability—how well a supplement can interact with and enter the cells lining your mouth and upper throat.

One particularly useful form is zinc L-carnosine, a chelated compound that pairs zinc with the dipeptide L-carnosine. This combination helps stabilize zinc and may enhance its ability to adhere to and nourish the delicate mucosal tissues in the mouth, throat and upper digestive tract. If one uses a lozenge or chewable form, choose one that dissolves slowly, is well tolerated and does not leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Our gastrointestinal tract is another critical immune hub. A bioavailable zinc chelate such as zinc L-carnosine can also help support the integrity of the stomach and upper intestinal lining, where many pathogens try to gain entry. By nurturing these tissues, we support our body’s own efforts to limit how far and how fast an invader can spread.

Supplements are tools, not magic wands. Pair them with real recovery: warm, steamy showers to loosen mucus, extra hydration, nutrient-dense meals and taking short restorative naps when possible. These simple acts free up energy so our immune system can do what it does best.

For more information on targeted supplement strategies to support one’s health all winter long or to reach Dr. Deanna Nelson, visit www.activesr.com.