CUSTOMIZED IMMUNE PROGRAMS PURE offers SAFE & EFFECTIVE approaches to preventing and treating colds, flus, bronchitis, throat, and ear infections. Of

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CUSTOMIZED IMMUNE PROGRAMS

immune health

PURE offers SAFE & EFFECTIVE approaches to preventing and treating colds, flus, bronchitis, throat, and ear infections. Often people don’t think of calling a holistic practitioner for acute illnesses, but managing infections naturally is actually one of the best ways to support a high level of health and vitality long term. Many herbs offer a strong level of anti-microbial activity; fighting bacterial, viral and fungal infections without the side effects that conventional antibiotics have. During this transitional month of seasonal changes, PURE offers excellent strategies for keeping your immune system strong.

Ever wonder how one person can get a cold or flu, while a co-worker in the next cubicle remains healthy, when both are exposed to the same office conditions? The internal environment of the body highly affects susceptibility to infection. To reduce your chances of getting sick, it’s important to understand the factors that contribute to infection and to promote the factors that support increased resistance to infection.

SUPPORTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON:

It isn’t your exposure to a virus that determines your health; it’s your body’s ability to handle the exposure that’s important. The most frequent causes of a depressed immune system are nutrient deficiency, toxic overload and food allergies. In controlled experimental conditions, nearly any nutritional deficiency will result in impaired immunity and increased infectious disease, and addressing the deficiency will restore immunity.

Be proactive
Book a prevention appointment to determine what to keep on hand and how to use alternatives to pharmaceuticals to support your immune system. Everyone is different and there are many ways to support the immune system naturally. Individualized treatment plans help you achieve the best results.

healthy gut

It takes guts
A strong immune system relies heavily on having a strong foundation in the gut; the highest proportion of immune cells are located within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A strong digestive tract ensures that your body is able to absorb needed nutrients so that you have the building blocks needed for a strong immune system. An essential component of GI immunity is our healthy bacteria (probiotics). Antibiotics and other medications, and sugar in the diet negatively affect this part of the immune system. We can recommend an appropriate probiotic formula depending on your individual needs. Naturally fermented foods also contribute to healthy bacterial balance, however yogurt does not provide a therapeutic level of probiotics.

Keep Active
People who exercise 3 – 5 times per week have greater protection against colds and flu. The increased rate of circulating blood from exercising propels antibodies and white blood cells (the body's defence cells) through the body at a quicker rate.

rainbow produce

Diet
One of the best ways to keep your immune system strong and to prevent colds & flu is to consume plenty of fresh colourful fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidant nutrients. Antioxidants protect and repair cells from harmful free radical damage. The best source of antioxidant protection comes from foods that are lightly cooked or raw. Think of rainbow colours when choosing produce like asparagus, beets, kale, berries, broccoli, oranges, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin and spinach. Kick sugar to the curb; it depresses the immune system by impairing the ability of white blood cells to attack and destroy bacteria.

peace

Rest
Getting adequate rest is often under rated as a foundation to a strong immunity. Even a modest disturbance in sleep reduces natural immune responses. Be sure to get 8 hours of shut eye a night in a dark, quiet room, preferably free of any electronic devices.

Healthy Waist to Hip Ratio
Obesity decreases our body’s ability to fight infections. In addition, yoyo dieting prevents immune cells from defending our body against invading viruses and bacteria.

relax

Both feet on the ground
Remember that stress and worry can depress your immune system by lowering the levels of white blood cells (the active cells of the immune system) in your body. We all lead busy and stressful lives, and while it’s not possible to avoid all stress, it is important to find a way to achieve balance. While we may not have control over stressful circumstances, we can control how we respond to them. Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and increase your immunity at the same time. Practice quieting your mind or sitting in silence for 10 - 20 minutes per day. Ask us for help or direction on how to make this part of your daily routine.

Stay Positive
In a recent study subjects were administered nasal drops containing rhinovirus and monitored to see whether they developed colds. Subjects who tended to demonstrate a positive emotional style were less likely to become infected with the cold virus, and when they did catch one, had fewer cold symptoms than those who tended toward a negative emotional style. Another study showed that sociability was also linked to decreased susceptibility to infection by the cold virus.

Address Imbalance
Sometimes the body is just out of balance from stress, chronic health conditions or poor diet, making us vulnerable to illness. Food allergies can put stress on your immune system. These can be identified through food antibody assessment testing

Book a comprehensive consult to assess your imbalances. Often once these are cleared, so are symptoms and future illnesses

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IMMUNE BOOSTING RECIPES

Flu Proofing Garlic and Lemon Tea

Garlic is a potent anti-microbial. Straight garlic is too spicy for children (and most adults), but try this garlic and lemon tea to keep the flu at bay. Parsley deodorizes the garlic, and contributes a little Vitamin A for immune strengthening.

lemon tea

1 small garlic clove, finely minced and mashed with
1 tsp honey
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp peppermint leaves
1 to 2 tsp finely minced parsley leaves

Put the garlic mashed with honey (the garlic should almost disappear) into a teacup with the lemon juice. Put leaves in a strainer and pour boiling water over it into the cup. Cap the cup with a saucer and let the tea steep for several minutes. Remove the saucer and strainer.

Immune Boosting Soup

During cold & flu season, you can use this basic recipe as an immune-boosting foundation. Experiment with what’s in your pantry; add vegetables &/or beans you & your children enjoy. You can find Astragalus root in your local health food store, or Asian grocer.

4 dried or 2 fresh Shitake mushrooms (immune stimulant)
1 large Onion, chopped (antibacterial, antiviral)
4-8 cloves Garlic, minced (antibacterial, antiviral)
2 tbsp ginger, grated
2 Tbsp Olive oil
8 cups Water or organic chicken broth
4 or 5 Astragalus root sticks (immune support, antiviral)
6 cups vegetables, cut into bite-sized pieces (good choices are carrots, celery, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, green beans, and zucchini)
1 pound firm organic chicken or organic tofu, cut into small cubes
1 cup brown rice elbow or macaroni pasta, quinoa, millet or barley pearls
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1 fresh lemon, juiced

Soak the mushrooms in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes while preparing the soup. Sauté onion, garlic and ginger in oil in a large stockpot until softened. Add water or stock and astragalus and bring to a boil. Slice mushrooms and add with their soaking liquid. Add vegetables, pasta and protein simmer on low, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, add the lemon juice, basil and parsley. Cover and steep, off the heat, for 5 minutes. Remove astragalus sticks, eat and enjoy!

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

breasts florence williams

BOOBs, BRAs & BEYOND

SATURDAY OCTOBER 20TH 2-3PM

Join PURE, Yoga by Sarah & Monica's of Welland for a fun, informative workshop on Breast Health in today's world.

We'll talk about fun & functional bra options, how the proper fit of your bra impacts your health, healthy breast tips and how to prevent future risk of breast cancer.

Click here for details and registration information or here to read our latest healthy breast blog.

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the shift

MOVIE NIGHT WITH PURE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 26TH - 7PM

Snuggle in with PURE & Yoga by Sarah to watch Wayne Dyer's The Shift. We'll provide some light snacks and have fresh pressed juice for sale.

No need to register in advance, just come with some comfy clothes and be ready to lounge with us in the Loka Yoga Studio.

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Stayed tuned to see what's in store for November at PURE.

Yours in good health, strong immunity & complete joy,
PURE Natural Health & Wellness

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