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A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Immune Health & Wellness Q&A WITH DR. MEGAN ROSSI
Tips for a Healthier Gut and Immune System Dr Megan Rossi, PhD, Rd, APD is an award-winning gut health scientist, dietitian, nutritionist, and bestselling author with a mission to inspire and transform everyone’s gut health using the latest science. What are the links between our digestive and immune health? We know that around 70 per cent of your immune cells live in the gut. The gut and immune system are in constant communication through the gut-immune axis, which is why people with better gut health seem to have more resilient immune systems. This caught the
attention of the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, as those who had more diverse microbiomes experienced a lower risk of serious illness and better recovery if they contracted the virus. Meanwhile, research has also shown that gut diversity is linked to fewer or milder cold and flu contractions too, as well as broader beneficial health factors.
To learn more about immune & gut health, visit theguthealthdoctor.com or check out @theguthealthdoctor on instagram. Read the full interview with Dr. Megan Rossi on healthinsight.ca.
DON’T GO VIRAL!
Your Pharmacy’s Top 3 Tips for Respiratory Protection Ontario residents can take charge of their respiratory well-being with a simple trip to their local pharmacy. Arthur Catapano RPh, BSc, PharmD & Michelle Liang, RPh, BSc, PharmD
O
ntario pharmacies are essential allies in the pursuit of respiratory wellness. Here’s how pharmacy professionals can help to safeguard your respiratory health.
Tip 1: Be vaccine vigilant With a variety of respiratory illnesses circulating, including influenza, COVID19, and RSV, being proactive about your health is key. Vaccines provide a safe and effective way to stimulate your immune system and reduce the risk of death or health complications from common infectious diseases. Pharmacy professionals provide convenient access to vaccines and professional guidance, empowering patients to take control of their health. In fact, this past year alone, a majority
of Canadian adults (52 per cent of the vaccinated population) received their vaccines at a pharmacy. Here are four essential vaccines your Ontario pharmacy can administer: • Influenza vaccines • COVID-19 vaccines RSV (respiratory syncytial • virus) vaccines • Pneumococcal vaccines
Tip 2: Harness the power of pharmacist prescribing Pharmacist prescribing is a potent tool to treat certain respiratory conditions and prevent severe outcomes in patients. Additionally, Ontario pharmacists are expertly trained to prescribe, counsel, and provide resources for smoking cessation, which can significantly
decrease your risk of respiratory infection and complications.
Tip 3: Get health education from accessible medication experts Embarking on an international trip? Pharmacies can safeguard travellers against vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly those endemic to specific regions. A lt hou g h s ome r e s pi r a t or y infections lack vaccines or cures, pharmacists can still provide recommendations to manage symptoms like cough and congestion. Pharmacy teams serve as pillars of strength in the fight against respiratory infections by providing immunizations, prescribing, and skillful support.
To learn more, visit opatoday.com. This article was sponsored by OPA.
A Good Gut Feeling: How to Stay Healthy and Boost Immunity Cold and flu prevention starts in the digestive tract. Here’s how to improve your gut health and overall immunity this fall. Katherine Cappellacci
O Bisleen Attli Naturopathic Doctor & Clinical Director
Carley Nadine McConkey Certified Holistic Nutritionist
ne cannot underestimate the importance of gut health. Home to the body’s microbiome that possesses trillions of bacteria, it is responsible for hormone regulation, stress management, and a lot more. “What a lot of people don’t know is that 70 to 80 per cent of their body’s immune system is actually in the gut,” says Bisleen Attli, a naturopathic doctor, clinical director, and TEDx Speaker. “If our gut health is compromised because of a poor diet, stress, or lack of beneficial bacteria, then our immunity will struggle.” In short, the immune system cannot function properly without a well-cultivated microbiome. For the body to protect against infection and manage inflammation, there must be a balance of good bacteria within the microbiome. That way, the body can successfully absorb essential nutrients and stay healthy.
A vital hub A diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics can support healthy gut flora by boosting beneficial bacTo learn more about teria and improving digestion. HMF Immune and “Probiotics can help to restore the Fit for School, visit their new website at natural balance of gut bacteria, Genestra.ca. reduce inflammation, and better overall gut and immune function,” Bisleen adds. They introduce beneficial bacteria that can compete with and reduce This article was harmful pathogens, while also producing sponsored by Genestra. cell-nourishing compounds. Trusted by health care professionals for over 30 years, Genestra Brands® offers a line of Human MicroFlora (HMF) probiotics that makes it easy for Canadians of all ages to
improve their digestion and immunity. “Genestra products stand out with their emphasis on human strain probiotics, which are specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in the human gut,” says Carley Nadine McConkey, a certified holistic nutritionist and women’s health practitioner. “This ensures better colonization.” Their HMF Immune probiotics provide targeted support to the microbiome and immune system by replenishing good bacteria. With added vitamins C and D, it strengthens the body’s immune system while also improving gut health.
Uniquely crafted formulas Another go-to supplement is HMF Fit for School. “It’s a highly beneficial probiotic for school-aged children,” Carley explains. “It combines researchdr iven probiot ic st ra ins a nd vitamin C to effectively reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections symptoms.” Through their Gut Check 2.0 Campaign, Genestra wants to raise awareness about how Canadians can boost their overall well-being through human strain probiotics. The company has over 350 professional-grade products that are all backed by clinical and traditional evidence. As industry leaders, they are committed to science, research, and maintaining top-level manufacturing standards so their products work best for you.
HMF Immune • Reduces the risk of respiratory tract illnesses in physically active adults • Provides 30 billion colony forming units per dose • Combines five proprietary human strain probiotics • Includes vitamin C and D
HMF Fit for School • Chewable probiotics for children • 12.5 billion colony forming units per dose • Contains vitamins C and D3 • Supports immune, and bone health • Helps reduce the incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) symptoms (such as/i.e., cough and sore throat).
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