The big news in nutrition over the past few years has been the importance of our immune health. 

There’s been a lot of focus on our microbiome and microbes in our gut that break down food, put nutrients to use and support our immune system. How do we support our microbiome? A healthy diet, vitamins, minerals and, the ultimate champion, probiotics!

How to Support Your Immune System

Start with vitamins and minerals: Beta carotene, vitamins C and D, and zinc all have a role to play in supporting our immune system. Vitamin D, for instance, is increasingly being recognized for its vital role in the optimal performance of the immune system, and zinc has long been associated with the proper functioning of immune cells and the immune system.

Focus on a balanced diet: Don’t skip meals, so your body stays well fuelled with enough energy throughout the day. Follow Canada’s Food Guide, aiming for daily servings of vegetables and fruits, along with protein and whole grains. And be sure to get probiotics into your diet every day. You’ll find them in cultured dairy products, like yogurt, and in fermented foods, such as kefir and kimchi, which introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut. Go for prebiotic picks like whole grains, which feed «good bugs»; and fiber-filled options like vegetables, which diversify bacteria.

Get enough sleep and manage your stress: This can be just as important as healthy eating to prevent getting sick. Aim for seven to nine hours of zzz’s every night. And don’t just reach for sugary treats to make yourself feel better—instead, address your stress with meditation, journaling, a relaxing bath, a call to a friend, or listening to music.

Be sure to drink up: Remember to fill you glass and drink enough water every day to keep yourself well hydrated. If you have trouble remembering, then set a reminder on your smartphone every few hours.

Get moving: Physical activity plays an active role in your overall health, managing weight, stress, and mental health too. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day.

Crack down on germs: Good hygiene and hand-washing help prevent the spread of germs. Remember to wash produce before eating or using it in recipes. Clean glasses, forks, spoons, and other utensils to reduce the spread and growth of bacteria.

Q&A: What’s so great about probiotics?

Probiotics are good bacteria that promote health. They are live microorganisms, good bacteria and yeast, which support healthy gut bacteria and allows them to flourish. The health of your immune system is strongly connected to the health of the entire body. In fact, about 70 to 80 percent of human immune cells are located in our gastrointestinal tract, and research shows that when the ratio of good to bad bacteria is out of balance, it can open the door and affect your risk for many chronic diseases and even impact your mental health.

How to choose the best probiotics?

 

Don’t rely on just any probiotics; instead, opt for a trusted brand with a proven track record. Florastor® has more than 100 clinical studies, conducted over 65 years of research. Florastor® is all natural, vegetarian, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Plus, it's recommended by the WGO (World Gastroenterology Organisation), and now certified by the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.

Bonus: If you're taking an antibiotic treatment, this can eliminate bad bacteria along with good bacteria in your gut, leading to an imbalance of delicate intestinal flora. To avoid this, take Florastor All-in-1 Probiotic at the same time as an antibiotic, as it’s resistant to all antibiotics tested.

What’s Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 (SB)?

 

That’s the unique strain of the Florastor® all-in one probiotics range. The yeast was first discovered by Henri Boulard, a French microbiologist, in the early 1920s, who realized that tea made from the skins of mangosteens and lychees had the potential to reduce one’s risk of diarrhea. It’s a unique single-strain yeast probiotic with proven benefits in multiple areas of gastrointestinal health:

• Protects the delicate layers of the digestive tract;
• Restores the balance of good bacteria in the GI tract after disruption by binding and eliminating “bad” bacteria, and creating a gut environment that favours growth of “good” bacteria;
• Prevents diarrhea associated with antibiotic use;
• Reduces recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea;
• Helps people with H. pylori infections complete their antibiotic therapy.

Florastor® is a daily¹probiotic supplement that supports healthy digestion by promoting favorable gut flora. As the only probiotic with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, a unique probiotic strain with over 65 years of use and research worldwide, Florastor offers many advantages to supporting your digestive health.