As the seasons change, so do challenges to your immune system. While all that time indoors can make the cold winter months a tricky time to navigate, the milder seasons bring their own annoyances as well. Be ready for whatever the world sends your way with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet that includes essential nutrients known for their power to shore up your body's natural defenses. Here are our top tips for bolstering your immune health, all year long.

1. Zinc up your immune health

   Zinc is a powerful mineral that keeps your immune system strong, offering your body extra support when you're most concerned about staying healthy. Incorporating zinc into your wellness routine will help you be your best self, even in those especially challenging winter months.

2. Vitamins for the win

   Essential vitamins C and D are immune health superstars. Vitamin C supports your overall immune system function and provides antioxidant protection to keep you healthy, and vitamin D, which you can get from sunlight, and offers many health benefits, including immune support. It can be tough to get enough of these vitamins from diet alone, though, so go the extra mile with targeted nutrition to make sure you're not selling yourself—or your health—short!

3. Rest and recharge

   Make sure you are getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night, so that the next day, you'll be able to operate at your best—and will have the strength to fight off any potential challenges. Hydration is also key. And eating an immune—friendly diet is both fun and delicious! Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods into your routine, like blueberries, strawberries, pecans, kale and even dark chocolate (yum!).