The magical time of fall is upon us. This is my most favourite and cherished season, so I'm a little biased. The trees and leaves are making their fin

PureNatural

The magical time of fall is upon us. This is my most favourite and cherished season, so I'm a little biased. The trees and leaves are making their final performances with a spectacular show of beauty and vibrancy before their work turns inward for the winter.

Allergy - istock copy

Season changes can be a challenging time for people whose immune system's are not functioning properly, for a variety of reasons. It doesn't have to be that way. With that in mind we would like to offer some suggestions to protect you against the traditional cold and flu season.

Your immune system is your most powerful protection against illness and dis-ease.
It isn't your exposure to a virus that determines your health, it's your body's ability to handle exposure that's important. A strong, effective immune system is one that is primed and ready to attack and destroy foreign pathogens, reducing your risk of illness as well as reducing the severity of illness, if you do get sick. The immune system is just that, a system; there is no one single entity that is your protection against illness. Here are some overall immune boosting tips to help you optimize your ability to fight viral infections:

Strategies to Strengthen Immunity

Get plenty of rest and sleep
Eat a diet that contains a colourful variety of whole foods (fruits, vegetables)
Eliminate sugar from your diet
Exercise regularly
Find ways to reduce stress and achieve balance
If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation
Nurture & maintain good gut flora (with fermented foods and/or probiotics)
Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently & thoroughly

As natural health care practitioners, we understand the body's natural ability to respond and defend against viruses is sometimes weakened and that the body can require additional support at times. At PURE, we use natural substances with scientific research that demonstrate their ability to fight viral infections and optimize the immune system.

Be proactive. Book a prevention appointment to determine what to keep on hand and how to use natural alternatives rather than pharmaceuticals, to support your immune system. Everyone is different and there are many ways to support the immune system naturally. An individualized treatment plan that includes an individualized diet, nutritional and herbal supplementation plan will help you achieve the best results.

Call us today or book your appointment on line to review how your immune system can be optimized.

IMMUNE BOOSTING SOUP

The making of soup is a lost tradition, yet nothing seems more soothing than a bowl of homemade soup that has been prepared with love. Many cultures start their day with a bowl of soup or broth. You don't have to think of soup as only a lunch or dinner option. Think outside of the breakfast box (cereal box) and feel free to mimic the Japanese or French and start your day by warming up your bones with left over soup. It's very grounding, warming and soothing for the soul.

During cold and 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 Chinese grocer.

veggie soup - istock

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 (anti-inflammatory)
2 Tbsp Olive oil
8 cups Water or vegetable 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 (protein source)
1 cup brown rice elbow or macaroni pasta, quinoa, millet or barley pearls (fiber source)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1 fresh lemon, juiced

1. Soak the mushrooms in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes while preparing the soup.
2. Sauté onion, garlic and ginger in oil in a large stockpot until softened. Add water or stock and astragalus and bring to a boil.
3. Slice mushrooms and add with their soaking liquid. Add vegetables, pasta and protein simmer on low, covered, for 20 minutes.
4. 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!

Warming Tea

Boil 8 oz of water on the stove top in a pot (or more if you're sharing). Add a few slices of fresh ginger root, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg & cayenne pepper for each cup of water. Cover & simmer for 5 minutes. Before serving add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sweeten with honey if desired.

Ginger

A flavourful internal warmer, an immune strengthener, circulation enhancer and a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Cinnamon

Is both a spice & a medicine with warming qualities and anti-microbial properties that help regulate blood sugar, stimulate circulation, strengthen immune function and relieve congestion.

Nutmeg

Supports the nervous system, helps with nausea, vomiting and joint pain, has sedative effects to help with sleep and increases circulation.

Cayenne Pepper

A natural pain reliever, immune booster, anti-inflammatory that clears congestion & aids in digestion.

YOGA & AYURVEDIC LEARNSHOP

THE SEASONAL CHANGE ROOM Series - Falling in to Your Self

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In this 1.5 hour Workshop learn essential tools to help you prepare for the upcoming season with:

Ayurvedic principles
Nutrition & Lifestyle fundamentals
Yoga Poses / Sequencing
Meditation & Relaxation Techniques

The workshop features 45 min of Nutrition/Ayurvedic information, followed with yoga, meditation & relaxation.

Change Room - Thorold

REGISTER AT NIAGARA YOGA CENTER HERE

Sunday October 20th 6:30pm

at The Yoga Center of Niagara

Change Room - YBS

REGISTER AT YOGA BY SARAH HERE

Saturday October 26th 2:00pm

at Yoga by Sarah

KIDS ADHD & AUTISM SUPPORT: NATURAL SOLUTIONS

We'll be talking about Kids again

Tuesday November 12th at 7pm

at The Peanut Mill, St. Catharines

Key excesses & deficiencies
Digestive imbalances
Food sensitivities

That can negatively affect your child's development & behaviour and lead to:

ADD/ADHD Autism Spectrum Disorders
Allergies, Asthma, Skin Rashes
Sleep Issues

Talk is FREE

Just register in advance as seating is limited

We hope you enjoy the seasonal changes and that you take some time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. It's everywhere!

Peace,
PURE Natural Health & Wellness

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