Winter Ready!

As the winter rolls in and our relationship with the sun and the beautiful hot outdoors changes into a cool acceptance of darker days, less sun and the approaching cold, we want to prepare and nourish our bodies to support our immune system, energy and mood for the coming months.

The team at Saint Francis Herbs has inspired my version of the SEED+ approach. SEED+ is an effective approach to make sure that you have done everything you can to be as strong as you can be.

S= Sleep and Stress management- It is essential to get adequate, quality sleep and to help the body manage stress levels through healthy stress reduction techniques such as exercise, forest walks, quiet time and meditation. Adaptogen herbs such as Ashwagandha can play a role in helping the body respond to stress and improve sleep. One of my favourite Canadian companies, Cyto-Matrix makes Ashwagandha Matrix which is one our go-tos in this household. The addition of L-Theanine helps to bring a sense of calm very quickly.  Whenever we are dealing with deadlines and increased stress this supplement makes a place in our daily routine.

E= Eat Well and Supplement- Choose foods that nourish and don’t stress the immune system. Whole, local, organic, are all words that can help you choose well. Packaged, refined, fried, boxed, canned, sugar, are words that can remind you to stay away!
I generally recommend that everyone try to consume a minimum of 5 portions of colorful veggies that grow above ground, 2-3 portions of colorful root veggies and 2 portions of low sugar fruit. Are you eating these amounts daily? Try to eat local organic versions of your favourite fruit and veg as much as possible.
Have you wondered if you are dealing with food intolerances? Maybe it’s time for an elimination diet to help you discover your biggest food triggers. Take an appointment for the right kind of diet and coaching for your particular situation.
If you aren’t eating a varied diet, loaded with nutrients or if you simply do not absorb all of the nutrients present in these foods, which is often seen in stressed out or in an aging population, then supplementation might be useful for you.
Nutritional research shows that adequate levels of vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin A and selenium play very important roles in a well functioning immune system. Cyto-Matrix makes a great product called ACES+Zinc.  When my girls left home this year for college they both had a bottle in their bags.

Probiotics have also been shown to support and reinforce the immune system. I love eating probiotic foods like fermented veggies but I also take a daily therapeutic grade probiotic to make sure I am offering my gut tons a beneficial bacteria.

E= Exercise- Not enough can be said for the power of exercise on the human body. As many of you know my first degree was in Physical Education and I love to encourage people to be active. You don’t need to do an Ironman, in fact, sometimes we can do too much exercise! It is important to try and walk a minimum of 10 000 steps per day, get your heart beating fast for at least 20 minutes 3-5 times a week and toss in some muscle building exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups among others.
This year has been challenging for small exercise business owners. The great news is that many are offering their amazing classes online now! Yoga, Zumba, Pilates! Daily, live and from your home. What is your excuse for not exercising again? At the very least, get out for a walk. The fresh air can do wonders!

D+- Defend with Plant medicine and VITAMIN D!!!- Whether you are in prevention mode, supporting a balanced immune system or you are trying to kick symptoms to the curb as they sneak up on you, plants can help out!

Ancestral herbology has created a reliable tool box of herbs to help support the immune system. Adaptogen herbs, immune stimulants, tonics can all strengthen body systems so we are ready to face the germs of winter.
If all of your efforts towards prevention fail and you need to tackle symptoms, traditional herbal approaches can be very soothing.

As for vitamin D, research gives a strong nod to the use of Vitamin D supplements to support the many spheres of wellness and health when optimal sun exposure is not available. Cod liver oil is another rare source of vitamin D and vitamin A as well as healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids. Grandma knew best, and the newer version don't taste bad!

The old adage that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ has never had more pertinent meaning to the population as it does today.
Wash your hands, get outside into a wooded area, breathe deeply and practice SEED+ to be your strongest self!
I have curated some of my favourite products on FULLSCRIPT my online dispensary and I am sharing them with you to help you get ready for the winter.
If you have detailed questions regarding your personal situation I encourage you to take a virtual or telephone consultation with me.
I now offer 15 minute and 30 minute telephone consultations for anyone I have seen in the last year.
If you need to get back on track, taking amazing care of yourself I recommend a 60 or 90 minute consultation so we can spend time working on diet and exercise as well as specific supplementation.
If you really like to see me in person and you love the way I look with a mask and glasses on, we can see each other at the clinic.
Call or email for appointments or to open your very own FULLSCRIPT account to order supplements: 819-661-5522
dani.flordevida.naturo@gmail.com

Stay well and enjoy vibrant health.
Cheers to Health!
FULLSCRIPT LINK: Dani Chenier's Dispensary - Fullscript

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