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Super
Immunity!
 You
know it. It's cold and flu season. It's also
holiday season. And busier-than-every
season. So, how can you enjoy this time
illness-free?
There's the usual, wash
your hands, get enough sleep, don't touch
your face advice. That is all still valid.
But what else can you do?
Should you get the flu
shot? That's your decision. To read a great
article that gives a rundown on the flu and
flu shot click
here. I have had several patients who
have been told that they need to get the flu
shot because they have young children or are
working with seniors. Some of them would
rather not have the flu shot and are looking
for other options. Some of them have had the
flu shot and wonder if there is something
more that they can do, keeping in mind that
the flu shot only protects you against 3
viruses based on strains from the year
prior.
There are options.
1.
Immune
boosting natural remedy injection. I
use a remedy called Pascoleucyn. The role of
this remedy is to boost your immune system
to help it defend your body against viruses
and bacteria. It is injected into a muscle
allowing it to get more directly to your
circulatory system by bypassing the
digestive system.
 The
number of treatments depends on the
patient's immune system, but I generally
recommend once every 2-3 months during the
cold and flu season. It is suitable for
those aged 4 or older, but not for those
with autoimmune disorders, those on
immunosuppressive medication, or diabetics.
It can be done even if you are currently
sick to help shorten the duration and lessen
the severity.
2.
Homeopathic
tablets or drops. These are a good
option for someone who is willing to take
something daily and does not want to do an
injection. They are safe for all ages and
diabetics. They can be taken even if you are
sick to help shorten the duration and lessen
the severity.
3.
Acupuncture
can help strengthen your immune system and
improve your general health. It can also
help to reduce stress! It is not
contraindicated for those who are on
immunosuppressive medication or those with
diabetes or an autoimmune condition. In
fact, it can help.
 4.
Herbs and
supplements can be recommended for
you individually as there are many immune
system supporting remedies, but sometimes it
can be difficult to figure out which one
will work best for you without interfering
with your medications, other supplements,
and lifestyle.
5.
Stress
reduction is so important! Stress
suppresses your immune system. Learn ways to
manage your stress and you will be
supporting your immune system and helping
yourself to avoid the added stress of
getting sick!
I’m always available to
answer questions, so feel free to ask away!
Drcarr@activetcm.com. Now at my new
clinic, so call 604-733-4400 if you’d like
to book an appointment.
Super
Foods For Super Immunity
by Monique Zizzy
Foods play a big role in
boosting your immune system. A great way to
ensure that you enjoy the holiday season is
to include the following foods into your
daily routine. They will not only help you
prevent getting a nasty cold or bug, but
will also help you feel great!
As a general rule, diets
abundant in whole foods—including grains,
vegetables, grains, beans and seeds—help
strengthen the immune system.
Here are my top five
categories of immune-boosting foods:
1. Foods high in carotenoids and
bioflavonoids
 Carotenoids
and bioflavonoids make up the natural
colorful pigment in foods and have
incredible antioxidant powers. These foods
are easy to spot as they are brightly
coloured and include yams, carrots, mangoes,
kale, tomatoes, collard greens, broccoli,
citrus fruits, green tea and berries. When
you are thinking about making a soup, some
of these foods make great additions and are
perfect for the cold season!
2. Foods high in vitamin C
This fantastic vitamin
helps protect our cell membranes by ensuring
they are able to prevent viruses from
invading and making us sick. Look for whole
food options such as berries, kiwis, papaya,
mango, guava and black current. Remember,
certified organic foods will provide higher
nutrient content, so choose those when you
can. Add these raw foods to a warm dish,
such as hot oatmeal topped with fresh
berries or cut apples – delicious!
3.
Foods high in zinc
 Zinc
in an incredible mineral that helps our
immune fighting cells defend us against
viruses and protect us from catching a cold.
Pumpkin seeds, squash seeds, raw almonds,
eggs, organic poultry, and beans are all
rich in zinc. These foods are wonderful for
this time of year and can be enjoyed in
soups, stews and much more. Try topping your
stew with pumpkin seeds for a different
taste and texture.
4. Foods high in healthy gut-building
probiotics
Did you know that 80% of
colds and flus start in the gut? By
protecting your intestines with good
bacteria you can actually prevent colds from
occurring. Foods high in probiotics include
fermented foods such as kombucha, kefir,
sauerkraut, miso, and kim-chi.
5. Warming
spices and peppers
 Viruses
hate being warm. In fact, they can be
overcome simply by being heated. Foods that
are warming help fight off potential
invaders and make us feel good, especially
when it’s cold outside. Great warming spices
include, ginger, raw garlic, cinnamon,
nutmeg, cayenne pepper, jalapeños, seranos,
poblanos, and amaranth. Hot lemon water
mixed with cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger
and black strap molasses makes a lovely warm
treat!
***If you would like to ask Monique
nutrition questions and/or arrange to get
your own meal plan and recipes to help you
navigate through a healthy holiday season
and beyond, email her at
mzizzy@connecthealthcare.ca. You can
also check out her website:
www.vitalingredients.ca.***
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Welcome back to 
Though
it's called the "holiday" season, many of us are
busier than ever this time of the year! Some of
you may be going away somewhere, some of you are
busy buying or making presents, some of you are
attending lots of parties and gatherings, some
of you are trying to get projects complete
before the year ends. Most of you are trying to
do this on top of your usual busy schedules.
