Whole Foods Market® Helps Shoppers Combat Cold and Flu Season

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its "Be Good to Your Whole Body" campaign in its Whole Body™ departments, Whole Foods Market focuses on immune support to help combat colds and the flu during October and November. Educational podcasts, in-store lectures, a brochure and a "Seasonal Wellness Shopping List" offer ideas and tips to bolster the immune system.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070927/LATH047LOGO)

"As the seasons begin to change, there's no better time of year to strengthen the body's defenses," said Jeremiah McElwee, executive Whole Body coordinator for Whole Foods Market. "In the Whole Body department, shoppers will find natural options to gear up for cold and flu season, including products that can help nourish, strengthen and support the body's defenses."

Immune-system boosting products on the "Seasonal Wellness Shopping List" include:

• Source Naturals Wellness Formula – A powerful combination of herbs, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, Wellness Formula is formulated to rebalance well-being.  
• Ricola Original Natural Herb Cough Drops – A value priced big bag is on sale throughout October. Suggested retail is $2.99.
• Boiron Chestal Cough Syrup – Address cold symptoms without the side effects, high-fructose corn syrup or artificial colors and flavors with this homeopathic remedy.  
• 365 Everyday Value Flu Ease – Take this homeopathic formula at the first sign of the flu. Each dose of quick-dissolving, easy-to-take pellets provides natural relief from body aches, fever, chills and other symptoms. The best part? No side effects like drowsiness or drug interaction risks.
• 365 Everyday Value Hand Sanitizing Spray – One tip to stay healthy is to keep hands clean. A natural alternative to hand sanitizers, this spray meets our Premium Body Care standards for quality sourcing, environmental impact, results and safety.

In-store lectures by Whole Body experts will provide shoppers with ideas and tips on staying healthy throughout and flu season. Topics include the differences between a cold and the flu, how specific ingredients like turmeric, cayenne pepper and kale can help strengthen the immune system and which herbs and supplements provide the most immune support.

An in-store brochure offers seasonal wellness tips to prepare for cold and flu season, herbs and homeopathic remedies for easing symptoms and recipes for immune boosting soups and smoothies. Check local store listings for events and more information.

Three cold and flu audio podcasts will be available online in October, including "Understanding the Immune System for Winter Wellness" on the immune system and how it works and what you can do to support it, "Homeopathy for Cold and Flu season" on how these remedies can help, and "Seasonal Wellness Shopping List," exploring herbs and nutrients that may offer immune system support.  http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/category/whole-body/

About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America's first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named "America's Healthiest Grocery Store" by Health magazine. The company's motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company's nearly 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

SOURCE Whole Foods Market