Whole Foods Market(R) Offers Natural Solutions to Help Build Up Body Defenses With Immune System Support

November 6, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFMI), the leading natural and organic foods supermarket, offers seasonal wellness support and features a variety of products that naturally build the body's defenses and bolster the immune system.

"There's no better time of year to strengthen the immune system," said Jody Villecco, nutritionist and quality standards coordinator for Whole Foods Market. "Our Whole Body departments feature a variety of products including certain herbs and other nutrients that can help nourish, strengthen and support the body's immune system."

With an array of immune-system boosters available in its Whole Body departments - along with podcasts, in-store lectures and seasonal wellness tips - Whole Foods Market is this season's immune support destination. Suggested immune system-boosting products include:

    --  Source Naturals Wellness Formula - A powerful combination of herbs,
        antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, Wellness Formula is the perfect
        pick to rebalance your well-being. Suggested retail: $8.99 for 45
        tablets.
    --  Gaia Herbs Rapid Relief Black Elderberry Syrup - 100-percent natural and
        organic, this super-concentrated syrup is infused with the power of
        elderberries, recognized for centuries for their health-supporting
        properties.  Packed with Vitamin C, this natural syrup helps support
        healthy immune response. Suggested retail: $19.99 for 5.4 fl. oz.
    --  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. Suggested retail: $8.99 for six doses.

    --  EO Hand Sanitizing Mint Spray - One tip to stay healthy is to keep your
        hands clean, so try an organic alternative to hand sanitizers with EO
        Hand Sanitizing Spray. This combination of invigorating peppermint oil,
        Vitamin E and thyme sanitizes hands, leaving a refreshingly soothing
        scent. Suggested retail: $4.99 for 2 fl. oz.

In addition to featuring a wide range of immune system-boosting products, Whole Foods Market offers a series of podcasts and blogs on winter wellness, available at www.wholefoodsmarket.com. Also, in-store lectures and brochures, available in the Whole Body departments, address a number of topics, including:

    --  Differences between a cold and the flu
    --  How ingredients like garlic, turmeric, cayenne pepper and kale can help
        strengthen the immune system
    --  Which herbs and supplements  provide immune support
    --  Recipes for immune system-boosting soups and smoothies

    --  Seasonal wellness tips to help ward off colds and the flu

"These are just a few favorite products that customers love. Our stores have a variety of unique items to meet all immune-support needs," said Jeremiah McElwee, senior Whole Body coordinator for Whole Foods Market. "Our Whole Body team members are highly knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect supplement or personal care products."

About Whole Foods Market®

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com), a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and America's first national certified organic grocer, was named "America's Healthiest Grocery Store" in 2008 by Health magazine. The Whole Foods Market motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"(TM) captures the company's mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to its 53,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 12 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2008, the company had sales of $8 billion and currently has more than 275 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market, Fresh & Wild(TM), and Harry's Farmers Market® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Wild Oats® and Capers Community Market((TM)) are trademarks owned by Wild Marks, Inc.

    Contact:  Janette Rizk
              (310) 752-4400 Ext. 164
              Janette_Rizk@thephelpsgroup.com
              Kristen Bergevin
              (310) 752-4400 Ext. 181
              Kristen@thephelpsgroup.com

SOURCE Whole Foods Market