Bisleen Attli
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinical Director
Carley Nadine McConkey
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
Cold and flu prevention starts in the digestive tract. Here’s how to improve your gut health and overall immunity this fall.
One 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 bacteria and improving digestion. “Probiotics can help to restore the natural balance of gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and better overall gut and immune function,” Bisleen adds. They introduce beneficial bacteria that can compete with and reduce harmful pathogens, while also producing 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 research-driven probiotic strains and 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).
To learn more about HMF Immune and Fit for School, visit their new website at Genestra.ca.
