Pass Favorite: Irwin Naturals Immuno-Shield

Without fail, I think all of us at Pass Health Foods would recommend Irwin Natural’s Immuno-Shield as a supplement you should have in your house this winter. It is a fantastic blend of powerful and well-researched immune boosters which work in a variety of ways to help you to during cold and flu season; helping to boost and activate your immune system to fight off invading bacteria and viruses quicker and more effectively. I would say more than anything else for the immune system, we have the most people who come back religiously for Immuno-Shield who attest to how well it works.

It can be taken in a lower dose of one or two a day throughout the season to maintain immune health, or taken at a higher dose when you experience the beginning signs of sickness.  All of us take Immuno-Shield at the store and love it. There have been numerous times when I’ve felt the beginnings of a sore throat and the worn out feeling that comes with the first stages of illness, and took four Immuno-Shields before bed and felt fine the next day.

We really can't recommend it enough!

Click here for a complete ingredient list.

Preventative Immune Health for Cold and Flu Season

Q: I was horribly sick last winter, several times, and I want to avoid that happening as much as I possibly can!  What preventative supplements would you recommend to give me a better chance of staying healthy this year?

A: Now is a great time to start thinking about winter wellness, since it’s much easier to stay healthy than to overcome an illness that has firmly taken hold of you. There are a number of supplements which I think everyone would benefit from taking this cold and flu season, that help the immune system and entire body to be in balance and work right.

The first thing I’d recommend is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a tiny pill and inexpensive- there’s no reason everyone shouldn’t be taking it. Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight, but both the sun and our time outdoors are sorely lacking in winter, which can lead to most Americans being deficient in the vitamin. Vitamin D is best known for its benefit of strengthening bones, but it is also fantastic for boosting the immune system when taken in sufficient amounts- so much so that scientists have speculated that a large part of why people get sick so much more often in the winter months as opposed to during the summer is directly related to lower vitamin D levels during the winter months.

When looking for a vitamin D supplement, be sure to choose the D3 form of the vitamin, since it is the best absorbing form. Noted natural physician Dr. Weil recommends that adults take 2,000IUs of vitamin D daily, so that is the recommendation we use as well. If you have been shown to be deficient in vitamin D on a blood panel, you may need even higher amounts to restore your body to sufficient levels of vitamin D. 

New research is coming out every month on the many varied benefits of increased vitamin D supplementation, so I would very much recommend boosting your vitamin D supplements this winter.

The second preventative supplement I’d recommend are probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that reside in the colon and intestines and help with digestion and balancing the bad bacteria and microbes that enter the body. When the balance of good bacteria in the body is upset, it can lead to a number of undesirable effects.  One example is how diarrhea and yeast infections are so common after taking antibiotics; that is because antibiotics kill the good bacteria that we need along with the bad.  Thankfully, many doctors are becoming aware of the necessity of the good bacteria in our bodies and will actually recommend probiotics as a necessary supplement to take during or after taking antibiotics.

I love probiotics because they are safe for everyone to take from children to adults, and have no negative effects, only positive. They are fantastic for boosting the body’s immune defenses, which has been confirmed by numerous research studies. Probiotics are especially beneficial for reducing the risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, particularly in children. 

One recent study found that school children who took a probiotic along with vitamin C had 33% fewer upper respiratory infections and missed 30% fewer days of school than children who took a placebo. Another study reported that children who took probiotics had a 24% reduced chance of getting gastrointestinal infections like “stomach flu” when compared with children who did not receive probiotic supplements. Though those two studies were with children, the benefits are applicable for people of all ages. 

One we particularly recommend are Jarrow-Dophilus EPS Probiotics, which are room temperature stable. I love them because their probiotics are made up of specific strains which have been shown to be most effective by clinical research. Jarrow-Dophilus uses strain identifiers for their probiotics, since there can be different strains of the same probiotic species that have extremely different effectiveness. 

It’s something that can be likened to dogs in a way. All dogs are technically one scientific species, but we all know there are huge differences between dog breeds. If you want a dog that is going to be fast, you’d get a greyhound, not a pug. It’s the same thing with probiotics. Specific strains of probiotics do specific things, so if your probiotic is not listing the particular strain of good bacteria that it’s using, you don’t know if you’re getting the most effective formula. 

Stop by the store and we’d love to help you find the products that are right for you to keep you healthy this cold and flu season!

Here are a few other articles from our site which you may find helpful:
 

A Pass Favorite: Irwin Naturals ImmunoShield

Zinc Lozenges: Clinically Proven to Boost the Immune System

Health Q & A: Keeping Kids Healthy this Winter

Our Favorite Immune Boosting Supplements

My Magic Mud Teeth Whitener

This stuff has to be seen to be believed for whitening teeth. It uses activated charcoal and bentonite clay, which help to deeply clean and remove toxins, and also whitens and polishes teeth. Results can begin to be seen after just one use, and it whitens more and more over time. Also, unlike most conventional tooth whiteners, it is gentle on tooth enamel and can even reduce tooth sensitivity.

Here’s their hilarious “How To” page. 

Using a jar of black powder to whiten your teeth seems a little weird, but it really is an amazing product! Look here for some pretty incredible reviews.

My Magic Mud is chemical free, fluoride free, gluten free, and vegan. One jar has enough for 150 uses. I’d very much recommend giving it a try! Sarah at the store has been using it and says that her teeth are definitely whiter, and also feel cleaner in the morning (the first few days she said she couldn’t stop licking her teeth with her tongue since they felt so clean, lol).

I’ve used it and really like it (though I have to admit, it gives your toothbrush a grayish tint, so you may want to hide your toothbrush when you have company over, haha).

The Benefits of Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

Q: Do you sell food grade hydrogen peroxide?  What is it good for?  Is it really any different from the little brown bottles for sale at the pharmacy?

A: We do sell 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. Food grade hydrogen peroxide has innumerable uses though it is important to dilute it first. It can be used as a completely non-toxic household cleanser, as a fruit and vegetable wash, throat spray, mouthwash, facial toner, and even internally to detoxify the body. 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide is very strong and MUST be diluted before use. 

Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria and viruses by destroying their cell walls, then that hydrogen peroxide breaks down into simple oxygen and water, with no chemical residues left behind. 

I love to spray it on my countertops, cutting board, garbage can, and anywhere else that seems germy. Hydrogen peroxide is odorless and after it does its antibacterial work, leaves nothing behind but oxygen and water, so it’s completely safe to use around children and pets.

Conventional hydrogen peroxide sold at grocery stores and pharmacies contain stabilizers, metals, and additives to make it last longer on the shelf. Our food grade hydrogen peroxide is 100% pure and should be refrigerated since it does not have added preservatives. 

When used as a household cleanser (diluted to a 3% solution), hydrogen makes a wonderful germicide. It does need some time to work however, about 6 minutes according to the CDC. I find the best way to use is to give countertops or other surfaces a quick spray and then let it sit. 

Food grade hydrogen peroxide is great for cleaning, but it also has benefits for internal use. When hydrogen peroxide is taken internally, it can increase oxygen levels in the body. 

Pathogens in the human body are primarily anaerobic, meaning that they cannot survive in oxygen rich environments. Many naturopaths recommend food grade hydrogen peroxide as a therapy for a number of ailments, including its benefit as a possible cancer therapy.

In the case of hydrogen peroxide, more is not necessarily better, and it is crucial to use the correct dilution. We have a wonderful, free hydrogen peroxide booklet at the store which gives the daily dilutions best used for an internal detox regimen. Just stop in and ask and we’d be happy to give you one. 

Hydrogen peroxide is wonderful for all so many things, I’d definitely recommend getting some! Again, proper dilution is extremely important. To make a 3% solution, which is suitable for topical, oral, or household use, combine 1 ounce of 35% hydrogen peroxide with 11 ounces of purified or distilled water. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to combine 2 tablespoons of 35% hydrogen peroxide in a glass measuring cup. Adding water to the 1 ½ measuring line will make the 12 ounces from the recipe above.

Hydrogen peroxide should be used in a dark colored bottle since it degrades in sunlight. We have a wide selection of amber glass bottles that are perfect for using for hydrogen peroxide dilutions, from throat spray size bottles to 8 and 16 oz. glass amber spray bottles for making your own cleaning products. I made a hydrogen peroxide throat spray that I have on my bathroom counter using a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide in one of our 2 oz. amber glass spray bottles mixed with several drops of peppermint oil. It gives you a burst of fresh breath and also helps to kill any bacteria lingering in the back of the throat. 

NOTE: 35% Hydrogen Peroxide is highly concentrated and extremely strong. Keep out of the reach of children. If it is spilled on the skin, wash immediately in cold water. Do not allow it to touch the eyes, if this happens, wash and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Store 35% H202 in the refrigerator or freezer. It will add to the longevity and will not freeze.

To make 3% H202, mix one ounce of 35% food grade to 11 ounces of distilled water (preferably) or filtered water.

Personal Uses for H202

Athlete’s Foot: Soak feet 10-20 minutes each night in 3% H202 until condition is in remission.

Bath: Add one cup of 35% hydrogen peroxide to a full bathtub for a detoxifying bath. Note: try not to use this after 6-7pm as the increased absorbed oxygen may give you extra energy.

Douche: Add five to six tablespoons 3% H202 to one quart of distilled of filtered water.

Enema: Mix up to six tablespoons (maximum) 3% H202 to one quart of distilled water.

Foot relaxer: Add one cup of 3% H202 to one gallon of hot water and soak one half hour.

Shower: Spray after showering, with 3% H202 to restore the natural acid mantle of the skin. (Soap used in the shower removes the protective acid mantle of the skin.)

Facial: For rejuvenation and freshening after washing, saturate a cotton wad with 3% H202 and gently rub on face and neck.

Mouthwash: On arising rinse mouth with water then gargle and wash mouth with 3% H202, swishing for one half to one minute. (Note: a dash of chlorophyll adds flavor and effectiveness.) Helps prevent colds.

Nasal Spray: One tablespoon of 3% H202 added to one cup of pure water. Spray into nasal passages to relieve congestion.

Toothpaste: Make a paste of baking soda and H202 and store in tightly sealed container or dip brush in 3% H202 and brush teeth.

Denture Soak: Use 3% in denture container and soak 30 to 60 minutes or overnight.

Deodorant: (Body) Saturate cotton wad with 3% H202 and rub on under arms.

Additional Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide

Pets: Add one ounce 3% to one quart drinking water.

Vaporizer: One ounce of 35% H202 per gallon of water in a vaporizer improves nighttime breathing and helps clear sinus and bronchial congestion.

Vegetable Soak: (in place of Clorox.) Add ¼ cup of 3% H202 to a gallon of cold water. Soak light leafy vegetables 15-20 minutes. Soak thick skinned fruits and vegetables for 30 minutes (apples, cucumbers, tomatoes & etc.) If time is a problem, you can spray the vegetables with straight 3% let stand a couple of minutes, rinse and dry.

Leftover Tossed Salad: Put 1 Tbsp. 3% in ½ cup of water and spray the top of the salad with the solution before covering and refrigerating.

Marinade: In glass, stainless steel or ceramic casserole dish (never aluminum), place meat, poultry or fish and cover with 3% H202. Cover loosely and store in refrigerator one half to one hour. Rinse well then cook.

Kitchen Cleaner, Freshener, Disinfectant: Keep a spray bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the kitchen, use it to wipe off counter tops and appliances. It disinfects and gives the kitchen a fresh smell. Works great inside the refrigerator and on surfaces.

Dishwasher: Add two to three ounces of 3% H202 to regular wash for dishes. Add the same for washing dishes in sink.

Laundry: Instead of bleach, add six ounces of 3% of H202 to small load of laundry: eight ounces to large load.

Mold: Spray or wash well with 3% H202, floors, walls and furniture as allowed. Wipe dry with cloth if to damp. If problem is real bad in a room, use humidifier with ½ cup of 35% to 2 gallon of water. (Note: Molds and mildews are a major cause of allergies, colds, bronchial and flu sensitivities: general malaise, breathing problems and low energy.)

Insect Spray: In one gallon water stir 8 ounces (one cup) refined white sugar and 5 to 8 ounces of 3% H202.

House & Garden plants (for growth): To one quart add one ounce 3% H202 or 16 drops of 35% H202. Mist and or water plants frequently.

Hot Tubs: Start up with using 8 ounces (one cup) 35% per 500 gallons of water. Should be maintained with 2-4 ounces of 35% weekly, depending on use and direct sunshine on water. Use in place of chlorine.

Accidents can occur with hydrogen peroxide concentrate when safety precautions are not taken and directions are not followed. For this reason, we want to stress some safety and storage tips. Read them carefully and review the way you handle the concentrate to determine whether changes must be made with your handling procedure.

1. Keep hydrogen peroxide concentrate out of the reach of children.

2. Never transfer the concentrate into unlabeled or improperly labeled containers.

3. If hydrogen peroxide concentrate is accidentally spilled on the skin, flush the area immediately with running water.

4. If undiluted 35% hydrogen peroxide concentrate is accidentally ingested, drink large amounts of water to dilute. Stay upright and contact your doctor. It could be toxic or fatal if swallowed at full strentgh.

5. For spillage of hydrogen peroxide concentrate, dispose of according to Federal, State and local regulations.

Flush the spill area with water. Do not return the spilled material to the original container. Prevent undiluted hydrogen peroxide from entering into the sewage system. Report spills in compliance with Federal, State or local regulations.

Large quantities, such as drums, should be stored in a cool, dry area. When concentrations of hydrogen peroxide come in contact with organic materials, this may form explosive mixtures (spontaneous combustion).

Small quantities of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide should be stored in the freezer over-wrapped with black plastic and labeled as to contents. Thirty-five percent food grade hydrogen peroxide will not freeze unless the temperature is 33 degrees below zero.

Low concentrations, such as 3% or 6% would freeze, so freezer storage is not recommended. Store properly labeled containers in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

See the link below to download a booklet from our Hydrogen Peroxide distributor about Hydrogen Peroxide Uses and dilutions:

Hydrogen Peroxide Booklet

This article makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products. Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours and before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.

Managing Diabetes Naturally

Q:  My husband has Type 2 diabetes and I’m interested in checking out some natural ways to lower his blood sugar.  I know there are a lot of things out there, so I wanted to ask what you’d recommend.
 

A:  The Center for Disease Control has said that currently 8.3% of the American population has diabetes, and that number is expected to rise in the coming years.  While it is important to be under a doctor’s care, there are a number of natural remedies which can help with lowering blood sugar and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.  There are many wonderful supplements of benefit to diabetics, but for the sake of space I’ll just list a few below.  

A supplement that many people don’t think of for diabetes is magnesium though there is a growing body of evidence that links magnesium deficiency with Type 2 diabetes and its complications.  A recent Brazilian study scrutinized blood sugar levels in a group of diabetics and found that patients with lower blood glucose levels had higher magnesium levels than those with higher blood sugar levels.   The USDA has determined that 7 out of 10 Americans do not get the recommended amounts of magnesium from diet alone.  Magnesium deficiency has been found to result in a poorer functioning of insulin, which is the body’s main tool for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.  

Chromium is another great supplement for diabetics.  It’s an essential trace mineral that aids in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and also helps cells in the body to properly respond to insulin.  Interestingly, research has found that many diabetics are deficient in chromium.  A review of clinical research studies on chromium and diabetes found significant positive outcomes in nearly every study for blood sugar and diabetes management.  One study, published in the journal Diabetes Care, compared the diabetes medication sulfonylurea taken with 1,000 mcg of chromium to the medication taken with a placebo.  After 6 months, people who did not take chromium had a significant increase in body weight, body fat, and abdominal fat, while people taking the chromium had significant improvements in insulin sensitivity. Those seem like pretty impressive results to me.  I’d really recommend Natural Max’s
Extended Release Chromium Picolinate, it’s a one a day supplement that releases the mineral
throughout the day instead of all at once, which helps to maintain more stable blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon is also a popular for controlling blood sugar levels.  It works by helping to prevent insulin resistance.  Insulin resistance is when cells in the body become resistant to insulin, the substance which helps the body to metabolize foods, especially carbohydrates.  Most of the studies with cinnamon have shown benefits with dosages ranging from 2-6 grams a day.  Supplements of cinnamon capsules are usually at a dose of 500 mg per capsule, so taking 2 cinnamon capsules morning and night, as well as sprinkling cinnamon on your oatmeal or applesauce can be a safe and easy way to improve insulin sensitivity.  Cinnamon is especially nice to take since it has been used for thousands of years in Indian and Chinese medicine.  There have been a number of favorable studies published regarding cinnamon and diabetes, one recently found that cinnamon reduced cholesterol by about eighteen percent and
blood sugar levels by twenty four percent.

Another great supplement for diabetics is the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid.  Alpha lipoic acid works to help prevent and treat diabetic neuropathy, a condition characterized by numbness and pain in the hands and feet that occurs in over twenty percent of diabetics.  Alpha lipoic acid has been used for years in Germany to treat nerve damage and neuropathy and is thankfully becoming more well known in America as an effective supplement for diabetics.  One recent study found that 600mg per day was an effective dosage for helping to relieve pain, burning and numbness in the hands and feet.

Finally, I wanted to mention the importance of diet and exercise in managing Type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise has been shown in study after study to have numerous benefits to everyone, especially diabetics.  Losing weight increases insulin sensitivity, but even exercising without losing weight has been shown to lower blood sugar.    With the beautiful fall weather we’re having, there’s no excuse not to get out in the fresh air and take a walk.  Regular exercise has also been found to boost mood and reduce stress, something everyone can use.  Lake Katherine in Palos Heights has a beautiful walking path around the lake, and there are also many paved walking and bike paths in Palos.  Centennial Park in Orland and the other Centennial Park in Tinley are two other beautiful places to walk.  Making the choice to become more active is one that will help you to both feel better and live longer, and it’s never too late to start. 

Apples on Oak - An Amazing Family Run Orchard Nearby

I found an amazing apple orchard in Lockport that I wanted to share.  We wanted to pick apples, but I didn’t want to have to drive all the way to Michigan to find a good place.  I found an orchard called Apples on Oak by chance, and am so glad I did!  It’s a family owned and operated apple orchard with great prices.  There is no entrance fee or fee to pick like some other places I’ve been to, you only pay for the apples you bring home.  

Their prices were so reasonable.  They sell by the bag or “peck”.  A half peck bag is roughly 5 lbs and is $8, and a peck, which is about 10 pounds of apples, is $14.  They also sell in larger quantities as well if you have a giant apple baking project planned.  We bought the $14 bag of apples, and I couldn't' see wanting much more than that- it really was a huge amount of apples!

They have two separate orchards, one where there are individual rows of a specific type of tree, which ripen successively through the season (from early August to late October), and then an “Adventure Orchard” where a variety of different trees are planted.  In the Adventure Orchard, trees that are ripe are marked so you know which you can pick from.  They also have maps of which apple trees are ripe with a list describing the different varieties of apples on the back (a really neat feature). 

Something else I loved was that they have made a decision not to spray their trees with fungicide.  Some of the apples have spotting because of it, which easily comes off with washing (I used a washcloth and it was easily removed).  The owners of the orchard said they made the decision to reduce the amount of chemicals used on the apples since the spotting is not harmful, and that they’d rather that than having a chemically laden product- a sentiment I can really get behind!

If you’re looking for a place to pick apples this fall, I would very much recommend Apples on Oak!  You won’t be disappointed!  They have a listing of what apple varieties ripen at what times on their website, and then their facebook page also has more information on what is available to pick each week.

Free Celiac Screening and Gluten Free Care Packages from the Univesity of Chicago

The University of Chicago Medical Center is offering free blood screenings for Celiac Disease on October 17, 2015.   The test is offered for free, but registration is mandatory to qualify. Registration for the test opens on September 14th on the University of Chicago's Celiac Website.

If interested, I would recommend signing up as soon as possible once registration opens.

The University of Chicago also is offering Free Gluten Free Care Packages for people diagnosed with Celiac within the last 12 months.  See this link for more information and to fill out a questionnaire in order to receive a care package.

Healthy Q & A: Lipitor Raising Blood Sugar Levels and Natural Alternatives for Loweing Cholesterol

Q: Does Lipitor raise blood sugar levels? I have a friend who was prescribed Lipitor for cholesterol. The next time he went to the doctor, they wanted to check his blood sugar levels, and it turned out that out of nowhere his blood sugar levels were out of control! Now the doctor wants to put him on medication for diabetes too! I’ve never heard of this, so I wanted to ask if it was a common thing. Also, my cholesterol is on the higher side, so I wondered if there was anything natural for cholesterol which really worked (I’m a little nervous about the doctor now). Thanks.

A: First, I would say if your friend is unhappy about his physician, he should seek out another one.  There are many physicians who are more open to natural alternatives, Dr. John Principe is one we’d recommend who is based in Palos Heights.

Lipitor is a statin drug which is very commonly prescribed to lower high cholesterol.  It is not without side effects however, including increased blood sugar levels.  It is not as common as muscle pain (the most reported side effect of Lipitor), but is serious enough that the FDA has issued a warning on statin labels about the possible side effects of blood sugar levels and diabetes. Mayo clinic reports that Lipitor may increase blood glucose levels enough that a person may develop type II diabetes as a result of taking the medication.

There are a number of effective natural supplements for lowering cholesterol, which I would definitely recommend for people who have cholesterol problems.  High cholesterol is a serious issue that cannot be ignored since it can dramatically raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.

One popular alternative is red yeast rice.  Red yeast rice actually works in the same way in the body as a statin, but naturally and with fewer side effects.  Since it has the same mechanism as a statin, when supplementing with red yeast rice, it’s important to also supplement with the nutrient CoQ10 since production of that crucial nutrient is blocked by both statins and red yeast rice to a lesser extent (CoQ10 is an important supplement for heart health, as is known for its benefits for heart attack prevention).

The interesting thing about red yeast rice is that unlike Lipitor’s side effect of raising blood sugar, red yeast rice has been demonstrated to actually lower blood sugar, so it’s suitable for diabetics or anyone else with blood sugar issues.

If you’re interested in taking red yeast rice, I would recommend the extended release formula made by Nature’s Plus.  I know numerous people who have taken that specific formula and have had success in lowering their cholesterol levels. By using extended release technology, the body is able to absorb more of the supplement, since it is released slowly over a number of hours instead of all at once.  Red yeast rice should be taken at night for maximum effectiveness.

Another supplement I would very much recommend for lowering cholesterol is Sytrinol.  I like it because it works in an entirely different way than statins, and is free of their side effects.  Sytrinol is a patented extract from citrus fruits.  Studies have shown a 300mg dose to be remarkably effective for high cholesterol.  Research has found that Sytrinol supplementation produced a 30% drop in total cholesterol, 27% in LDL cholesterol, and a 34% drop in triglycerides. In addition, HDL levels increased by 4%, resulting in a significant 29% improvement in the LDL:HDL ratio.  Another study had the following results after just one month: total cholesterol was lowered by 25%, bad LDL cholesterol by 19%, and triglycerides by 24%.

Additionally, Sytrinol helps to prevent oxidation of bad cholesterol and can also aid in reducing arterial inflammation.

For a Sytrinol supplement, I’d recommend the one by NOW Foods.  Is it a two a day formula which combines the researched dose of 300mg of Sytrinol with other nutrients that have shown helpful for lowering cholesterol and promoting liver health.

 

Supplement Spotlight: Adrenasense for Reducing Night Wakening and Daytime Fatigue

My daughter started kindergarten a few weeks ago- talk about an emotional time!  Due to the stress and anxiety about school, I wasn’t sleeping well.  I would go to sleep fine, but wake in the night unable to get back to sleep, which would lead to being exhausted during the day- then the cycle would begin again each night.

At the health food store, I was talking, or rather, complaining to Sarah (another one of our employees).  She mentioned Adrenasense by Natural Factors as a supplement she has been taking for nearly a year for the same issues.  She said she used to have horrible problems of waking in the night and then not being able to get back to sleep, which would then ruin the next day since she was so tired.  She said that she started using Adrenasense and that it had literally changed her life, and that of all the things we have at the store, it was her favorite.

After such a glowing recommendation, I thought I had to try it.  The directions say to take 2 capsules at mid-day, up to a maximum of four pills per day.  She said she started taking two in the morning and then two more after lunch, so that’s what I did as well.  I’ve only just started taking it, but I feel like I’m already seeing benefits- better sleep in the night and being less tired during the day.

Adrenasense is a formula made up of five different adaptogenic herbs.  Adaptogens are supplements which help the body to adapt to stress and bring it back into balance.  The herbs in the blend help to energize the body gently while promoting calm and reducing anxiety.  It’s quite a blend, so I thought I’d list the five herbs below along with a few of their benefits (a list which only scratches the surface of the many benefits of each herb, all of which I could write about forever).

Rhodiola
Rhodiola is best known for its ability to reduce cortisol in the body, also known as the “stress hormone”.  Seven different peer reviewed studies have reported its ability to reduce fatigue, and other studies have found it to have benefits for mood, stress, and for improving overall well being.   Many people also find rhodiola to be beneficial for improving concentration and reducing “brain fog”.  Other studies found that it helped to reduce depression and anxiety.

Suma
Suma is best known for enhancing athletic performance by giving the body an energy boost.  Research has also reported anti aging benefits for suma as well as immune boosting properties.

Eleuthero
Eleuthero is also known as Siberian ginseng. It has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine for increasing energy, reducing fatigue, and boosting the immune system. Interestingly, some research has even linked eleuthero as a therapy for reducing cold symptoms and severity.  Eleuthero is also known for its use in aiding in concentration and mental focus.

Schisandra
Schisandra is a superfruit which has been long used for its anti aging and fatigue fighting effects.   Schisandra has also been researched for its benefits for liver detoxification and improving liver function.  It also has been demonstrated to help with lowering and normalizing both blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda is an herb which has been gaining much notoriety of late for its impressive list of benefits which include stress relief, a reduction in anxiety and depression, and reducing cancer risk.  Ashwaganda also has a protective and healing effects on the brain and has even been suggested as a possible therapy for neurodegenerative diseases life Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Many of the herbs listed above have benefits for hormonal balance as well, for women of all stages, which only add to its effectiveness.

I would very much recommend giving Adrenasense a try if you’re dealing with stress, sleeplessness, and night waking.

Healthy Q & A: Natural Help for Diverticulitis

Q:  Where does diverticulitis come from and what can one do to help it?
 
 
A:  Diverticulitis happens when pouches known as diverticula form in the wall of the colon and then get inflamed or infected.   Diverticulitis can happen as a result of eating a low fiber diet, constipation and straining for bowel movements, or having a weakness in the colon or large intestine wall.  It is estimated that that half of all Americans age 60 to 80, and almost everyone over age 80, have diverticulitis.  It is a very common disease in developed nations like America, England, and Australia due to unhealthy processed food diets.

Studies have shown that a balanced, high fiber diet can help regulate the bowels and protect against a variety of health problems such as diverticulosis and diverticulitis.  There are also a number of supplements that have shown to be effective in treating and managing diverticulitis.  

Aloe vera juice can be especially helpful for diverticulitis since it has a healing and anti-inflammatory effect on the bowels.  Aloe vera is also effective at reducing constipation, a common problem and cause of diverticulitis.  

Another idea would be peppermint oil softgels.   Enteric coated peppermint oil (an enteric coating on a capsule or softgel is a special coating which prevents the softgel from opening until it reaches the intestines) is effective against diverticulitis in several ways.  Peppermint oil is soothing and calming to the intestines and colon, and can help relieve the stomach cramping that can come with diverticulitis.  Peppermint oil also helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, both problems people with diverticulitis face.

Finally I would recommend a fiber supplement in addition to a high fiber diet.  Fibers like psyllium husk or flaxseed meal add bulk to the stool and can work almost like a brush, keeping the intestines clear.  Drinking lots of water is also important to help to keep the small pockets or diverticula clear of waste deposits.