Welcome to another insightful episode of The Tonic Talk Show and Podcast, exclusively on Zoomer Radio! In this episode, host [Host Name] is thrilled to welcome Dr. Dasha Laneva, a distinguished naturopathic doctor who has completed her four years of medical training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, following her Bachelor of Science in Biology. With a profound passion for empowering individuals to understand their bodies, Dr. Laneva believes that small, practical habits can lead to astounding improvements in overall health and well-being. Her core principles include a belief the body has the innate ability to heal itself. She also believes skin health is an invaluable reflection on general health.

As Toronto enters its heavy traffic season—a period marked by the return to work and school after the holidays—families often find themselves juggling increased stress and busyness. Dr. Laneva delves into how this seasonal transition can impact health and shares invaluable strategies to help families maintain their immune systems and overall health during these demanding times.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Understanding Immune Health:

• Dr. Laneva explains the intricate connection between skin health, psychological balance, and the immune system. She emphasizes that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when provided with the proper support, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to health that integrates mind, body, and spirit.

1. Boosting Immunity in Teens and Parents:

• Practical advice on encouraging teenagers and parents to adopt healthy habits, including balanced diets rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, and fiber.
• The critical role of hydration and the challenges of ensuring adequate water intake, especially for busy families.
• The importance of sleep for immune performance, detailing how deep sleep facilitates the production of cytokines—proteins which regulate the immune system and fight infections. Dr. Laneva underscores that insufficient sleep can weaken the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.

1. Essential Supplements for Immune Support:

• Vitamin D: Enhances the activity of white blood cells, the body's first line of defense against infections. Dr. Laneva advises getting vitamin D levels checked to prevent deficiency, especially during winter months
• Vitamin C: Supports both the innate and adaptive immune systems, helping the body respond to infections more efficiently and reducing the incidence and duration of illnesses.
• Probiotics: Highlights the crucial link between gut health and immunity, noting that 60-80% of immune cells reside in the gut. Probiotics can help maintain a balanced gut flora, thereby strengthening the immune response. She outlines research for probiotics reducing cold for kids.
• Elderberry Syrup: With centuries of use in treating colds and flus, elderberry syrup possesses antiviral properties that inhibit virus replication, aiding the immune system in combating infections. There is also current research supporting it’s effectiveness.
• Dr. Laneva emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality supplements which ensure purity, potency, and effectiveness.

1. Maintaining Parental Health:

• Strategies for parents to prioritize their own health amidst the demands of managing a household. This includes incorporating small, consistent habits such as preparing well balanced meals, ensuring adequate sleep, and finding ways to stay active, like taking quick walks or engaging in family exercise routines.
• The significance of carving out personal time for relaxation and activities that bring joy, reinforcing that self-care is essential for being able to effectively support the family.

1. Family Health Practices:

• Establishing a team approach to health by adopting shared healthy habits, such as regular exercise routines, eating meals together as a family, and maintaining consistent sleep schedules.
• Creating a supportive environment that encourages good hygiene practices, like regular handwashing, especially important as children return to school.
• Involving children in meal preparation to teach them about balanced diets and healthy eating habits, equipping them with the skills to make nutritious choices independently. This involves how to make a balanced plate.

1. Preventing and Managing Illness:

• Actionable advice on responding to early symptoms of colds, flus, or COVID-19, including rest, hydration, and the use of natural remedies like echinacea and zinc.
• The importance of not sharing food and drinks to prevent the spread of infections within the household.
• Guidance for maintaining cleanliness and minimizing the risk of illness transmission, such as proper clothing to adapt for weather changes and avoiding exposure when someone is sick.

Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for families looking to strengthen their immune systems and maintain health during the hectic transition back to daily routines. Dr. Dasha Laneva's holistic approach provides practical, evidence-based strategies that are easy to implement, ensuring that listeners can support their family's health effectively without adding extra stress to their lives.

About Dr. Dasha Laneva: Dr. Laneva is dedicated to helping individuals harness their body's natural healing abilities through personalized treatments that consider the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Her expertise in naturopathic medicine equips her to offer comprehensive advice on diet, supplements, sleep, and lifestyle habits which promote long-term health and well-being.

Listen Now: Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Download or listen to the original episode of The Tonic on thetonic.ca and feel free to explore previous episodes focused on holistic health, wellness tips, and expert interviews designed to empower you to live your healthiest life.

Stay Healthy, Stay Informed, Stay Tuned!