Two Fantastic Natural Mood Boosters

With the dark days of December upon us, I wanted to write about two supplements from Irwin Naturals that can really help with improving mood and easing the stress of the holidays.

The first is 5-HTP Extra. 5-HTP is a supplement that helps to boost serotonin in the brain (serotonin is the “feel good” neurotransmitter. Antidepressants like Prozac work in a similar way, which is why it’s important not to mix 5-HTP supplements with prescription antidepressants. Irwin’s 5-HTP Extra is nice because it combines 5-HTP with theanine, an amino acid that’s great for reducing anxiety as well as lemon balm and rhodiola, which work very well for reducing stress. 5-HTP extra is great for people suffering from depression along with stress and anxiety. My husband has used it and found it really helped with reducing stress and anxious thoughts. He was having a lot of stress and difficult things happening in his life (a death of a close family member and other issues), and thought it really helped; in fact, he didn’t realize how much it was helping until his bottle ran out. He said it helped him to feel much less “panicky about things”.

The other supplement I’d recommend is Irwin’s Sunny Mood. It’s a supplement I actually wrote about last December (‘tis the season, I guess), so see this article for more information on the specific ingredients in the supplement and how they work. My husband started taking Sunny Mood after trying the 5-HTP extra. Of the two, he prefers Sunny Mood. He really says he thinks him feel better and more positive. One might even say that it helps to encourage a “sunnier mood”. If you’re having a difficult time with the darker days of winter and need a mood boost, I’d really recommend giving Irwin Natural’s Sunny Mood a try. 

Both supplements are wonderful and effective. The main difference between the two is that the 5-HTP Extra helps to boost serotonin (similar to the ways that a number of different prescription antidepressants work). Sunny Mood is also effective for mild depression and really does help to encourage a more positive mood. 

Hemp Seeds: They're Awesome (and are a great source of protein and omegas)

Have you tried hemp seeds?  If not, you really should. They’re delicious and are incredibly nutrient dense.

Hemp is related to the marijuana plant but does not contain marijuana's mood-altering THC. Hemp seeds are completely legal in the US. Hemp seeds, either in their shelled form or ground as hemp protein are a wonderful whole food that is a boost to any diet. Hemp seeds are high in protein and amino acids, in fact, one 30 gram serving of shelled hemp seeds has over 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of amino acids- three of which are omega 3 fatty acids which are so lacking in most American diets. Hemp seeds also contain the rare omega 6 fatty acids known as GLA. GLA has been shown to help with balancing hormones and lubricating skin. GLA is available in supplement form as borage or primrose oil softgels, but hemp seeds are the only whole food which GLA is naturally found.

Hemp has double the protein of flax or chia seeds (not that I’m badmouthing either of them- I love flax and chia) and hemp also has a broader spectrum of omega fatty acids as well as all ten essential amino acids. They also don’t contain gluten, soy, or dairy, so they’re a nice nutrient boost for people with food allergies.

For hemp seeds, we recommend the Nutiva brand, since I truly believe they’re the best. They’re organic (which also means they’re GMO-free), cold processed (heat can destroy some of the beneficial compounds in hemp seeds), and are completely chemical free. I’ve had other brands of hemp seeds which I didn’t think tasted as good- Nutiva’s hemp seeds taste absolutely delicious- they’re nutty, sweet, and savory all at the same time.

Check out our recipe section for two delicious hemp seed recipes, but they can also be eaten by themselves or sprinkled on top of salads and cereals. Hemp seeds are softer than seeds like sunflower seeds, so they’re easy to add to any foods. They’re also a great addition to a morning smoothie!

Jarrow's Bone Broth Powder: It's Amazing for Joints, Digestive Issues, and More

We have been searching for a good bone broth powder to carry in the store and have finally found one!  We now have Jarrow Bone Broth Powder for sale in the store, in both beef and chicken varieties. Powdered bone broth is much more economical than buying bone broth liquid (which we do also have at the store), and still makes a delicious, steamy mug.

Bone broth is an incredibly nutrient dense whole food. It is a natural source of type I and II collagen, which is amazing for skin and joint health. The collagen found in bone broth also contains natural forms of glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid- all nutrients which are well known for supporting the cartilage in our joints and helping arthritis-related joint pain.
Interestingly, bone broth is also incredibly healing to the digestive tract, and is something that would be particularly helpful for people with Celiac or any other digestive issues. Drinking bone broth is very comforting to the intestines, and actually helps to supply the body with specific amino acids and other natural compounds which can help to heal and repair the intestinal lining (nutrients not easily found in sufficient quantities in other foods). 

I actually went to a seminar many years ago about natural ways to help people with Celiac, and the speaker recommended simmering a variety of bones and even chicken feet for days, saying that it made a broth which he said was, “The best thing for people with Celiac disease and other digestive issues” due to the types of collagen found in such a broth. I think most of us there thought that sounded a little weird, so it’s funny how that seemingly strange advice is now becoming so well known, and now we’re hearing more and more testimonials of people who have used bone broth with impressive results for their digestive problems. 

In addition to joint, skin, and digestive health, research has even shown that bone broth can help with boosting the immune system, something we could all use as the weather turns colder.

Jarrow’s bone broth is unique in that it also has additional natural calcium and silicon, two other nutrients crucial for bone health. The type of silicon in Jarrow’s bone broth has also been clinically shown to help with reducing wrinkle depth and improving skin elasticity.

When choosing a bone broth, it’s important to use a brand you trust, since I’ve been reading more and more reports about how many bone broths on the market are not much different from regular beef or chicken broth. I trust Jarrow as a company (they make some of my favorite products) and love that they list the actual amounts of nutrients per serving (including the amounts of collagen) right on the label, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Bone broth powder is great mixed by itself with hot water in a mug, but it can even be added to soups or other foods for an added nutrient boost. One naturopath I read an article from recommended swapping a hot cup of bone broth for one’s afternoon coffee or tea- something I think is a great idea!

Jarrow’s bone broth powder is available in both chicken and beef varieties and will be on sale for 25% off for the entire month of November.

Our Favorite Immune Boosting Supplements

I feel like November is the true beginning of cold and flu season, so I wanted to write about some of our favorite immune boosters that can help you through. Prevention is truly worth a pound of cure, so it’s a good idea to work on keeping yourself healthy while you’re still well.

The number one that I’d recommend for both prevention and if you do happen to get sick is Irwin Naturals Immuno Shield. It’s an amazing mix of different antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting supplements. It can be taken preventatively by taking one or two a day, but where it really shines it when you start to feel like you’re coming down with something. Taking a higher dose at the very first signs of illness really makes a difference. I’ve had numerous times where I started to feel sick in the evening, and I’d take 4 softgels right then and then another 4 before bed. It really works, because the majority of the time I would wake up feeling fine the next day, thankfully. I HATE being sick. We all take Immuno Shield at the store. It really does help. Plus, it’s 25% off this month, so it’ a good idea to stock up now.

I’ll link to a few other fantastic products for the immune system below which we’ve written articles on- click on the link for more information. I’m working on trying to keep our newsletters a little shorter- though I’m not having an easy time of it, haha!

Olive leaf is also great for the immune system, plus it lowers blood pressure.

Aged garlic extract is wonderful for the immune system, and also helps with cardiovascular health as well as lowering blood pressure.

Oregano oil and neti pots can be helpful for sinus infections or people prone to sinus issues.

Elderberry extract, also known as Sambucus, is an amazing antiviral, particularly against the flu. We have a new elderberry extract that we recommend- Nature’s Answer Sambucus. It’s the highest potency elderberry available. Elderberry is also safe for both kids and adults.

This is a helpful article for immune boosters that are safe for kids.

Quercetin is a great natural antihistamine that can also help with boosting the immune system, particularly for athletes.

Probiotics are great for both digestion and boosting the immune system. They’re especially useful for kids in preventing respiratory infections.

This is a nice article that focuses on several different immune boosting supplements, particularly Vitamin D and mushroom extracts like beta glucan and AHCC.

Be well!

Republic of Tea Fall Seasonal Teas

We have delicious seasonal teas from Republic of Tea that make fantastic hostess gifts for Thanksgiving!  

All of the seasonal teas are Limited Edition varieties, do don't miss out!

Caramel Apple Red Tea Bags

Caffeine free: Rooibos tea with natural caramel and apple flavors

Pumpkin Spice Black Tea Bags

Fine black tea, ginger, cinnamon, natural ginger and pumpkin flavors, sweet blackberry leaves, nutmeg, cloves, allspice

Hot Apple Cider Tea Bags

Caffeine free:  Apple pieces, cinnamon, orange peel, rose hips, berry leaves, natural apple flavor, ginger root, cloves, natural lemon flavor, and cardamom seeds

Harvest Stackable Tea Tin

Each individual airtight compartment contains 12 natural, unbleached, round tea bags. 

Hibiscus Cranberry Herb Tea
Cranberry and Spice: In New England, ruby red cranberry bogs are harvested during the fall season. These tart cranberries are blended with vibrant hibiscus, creating a joyous cup that finishes with warm holiday spices.

Hot Apple Cider Herb Tea
A Cup of Comfort: When autumn leaves begin to change and the chill returns to the air, this naturally caffeine-free cozy blend of apples and spices will surely warm you up. Enjoy the luscious aroma of cinnamon and cloves as the steam rises from your cup.

Pumpkin Spice Black Tea
Keep Warm and Carry On: Cozy up and sip this warm blend of fine black tea and autumnal spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. A splash of warm milk transforms this tea into pumpkin pie in a cup.

Also, while it’s not specifically a seasonal tea, our Republic of Tea “Thanks You’re A Peach” tea is perfect for the season, and makes a really sweet teacher gift to say thank you.  
 

Thanks You're A Peach Gift Tea

Fine black tea, natural peach flavor and ginger

Free Fitbit Charge Raffle at Pass Health Foods!

We are having a free Fitbit Raffle for a new black Fitbit Charge!  Solgar has partenered with us and donated a new Fitbit to raffle off!  You can see more information on the Fitbit Charge on its product page, here.   It retails for $109.99.

For every Solgar purchase, now through November 25th, you will receive a raffle ticket (for example, if you buy 3 Solgar products, you’ll receive 3 raffle tickets).

We love Solgar at Pass Health Foods, and I’ve wrote about their products numerous times in past newsletters.  I’ll link a few articles below on different products we’ve featured of theirs in the past.

Solar’s New Full Spectrum Curcumin

Solgar's PM Phytogen for Hot Flashes and Menopausal Symptoms

Leaky Gut and IBS: Solgar’s Probi Probiotics

Anemia and Iron Supplements (without constipation): Solgar’s Gentle Iron

All About Omegas: Solgar’s Omega 950

Additionally, Solgar is on sale for 25% off this month!  Don’t miss out on the chance to win a fancy new Fitbit!

Healthy Q & A: Vitamin C

Q: I’ve always taken extra vitamin C in the winter months, but wanted to see if it was really necessary. Do you think supplements really make a difference?

A:  Vitamin C is an absolutely fantastic supplement to be taking; since it is involved in so many processes in the body- it’s also great for the immune system. Vitamin C is abundant in fresh produce, citrus fruits in particular, and is crucial for making sure the body runs right and is an integral part of the body being able to heal itself.  A vitamin C supplement is not a substitute for a healthy diet, but can be especially helpful to fill in gaps in a diet, for people who many not eat as well as they would like. There are also groups of people who are more likely to be deficient in vitamin C than others, like smokers (that includes second hand smoke), people with digestive disorders or malabsorption issues, and people who eat a limited variety of foods.

Not all vitamin C supplements are created equal, however. With vitamin C, and all supplements really, it’s all about absorption- some forms really are better than others and produce greater effects in the body. Most vitamin C supplements are in the form of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is not at all bad, though there is a newer extract of vitamin C called Ester-C that has been shown in research to be more effective, lasting longer in the body and performing more activities in the body than the standard ascorbic acid form.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, which means that it does not hang around in the body like fat soluble vitamins (A, D, and E for example) do; because of this, vitamin C needs to be ingested on a daily basis. Even with being taken every day, the amount of time that vitamin C is active in the body is significantly differs between the commonly taken ascorbic acid vitamin C and Ester-C. Research has found ascorbic acid to be in the body a maximum of eight hours after ingestion, whereas the Ester-C form was active in the body a full 24 hours after consumption. That’s a huge difference in the antioxidant power between the two vitamins.

Ester-C has also been shown in new research to significantly boost immune cell function. In the placebo controlled crossover study, 1000mg of Ester-C increased vitamin C levels for a full 25 hours in white blood cells known as leukocytes, which protect the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. Vitamin C, particularly the Ester-C form, helps the manufacture more of these immune boosting white blood cells, which work tirelessly to keep you healthy.

All of our Solgar Ester-C supplements are on sale for 25% off for the month of October. Another benefit of Ester-C is that it is gentle on the body and does not cause stomach irritation as the more common ascorbic acid form can in some individuals. Everyone would benefit from additional vitamin C, especially as we enter cold and flu season, and there is not a better form available than Ester-C.

A Pass Favorite: Magnesium Oil Spray

I wanted to write about a new favorite of ours at the store- magnesium oil spray and magnesium flakes for soaking. Our new LifeFlo brand magnesium oil spray and flakes are from the Zechstein Seabed- an ancient geological formation of pure magnesium, unspoiled by pollution or chemicals.

Magnesium is great for the muscles, and using magnesium topically (whether through a magnesium oil spray or soaking in magnesium flakes) is especially effective.

I tried some for the first time recently and was kind of amazed, to be honest. It is absolutely wonderful for sore muscles. I’ve been using it when I have sore legs before bed and can’t believe how well it works for soothing and relaxing the muscles. I’ve also been using it on my daughter’s legs when she complains of “growing pains”. Liz, who works at the store, has a son who plays hockey, and he’s been using it after practice to help with sore muscles and is impressed with how well it works.

Even though we’ve primarily been using it for muscle aches, many of our customers have found it to be very effective for arthritis and joint pain as well.

The nice thing about magnesium oil spray and magnesium flakes for the bath (or a foot soak) is that there is really no downside, they can only help. I’d really recommend giving them a try!

Hyaluronic Acid for Joint Pain and Skin Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is an amazing, but little-known supplement that is fantastic for both joint pain and aging skin. Hyaluronic acid is found throughout the body; its main function is to lubricate joints and muscles, but also helps to lubricate the skin as well. Many people begin taking hyaluronic acid for joint pain and find they have the happy “side effect” of a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.

Hyaluronic acid is helpful for arthritis because it helps to plump up cartilage, giving it extra cushioning and shock absorption. Because it helps to bind water to joint tissues, it can help with reducing joint friction and pain.

Hyaluronic acid is thought of as “nature’s moisturizer” since it works to plump up and lubricate the skin. Hyaluronic acid is effective when taken in pill form for both joint and skin health, but can also be applied topically since it penetrates the outer layers of skin easily, hydrating and restoring the dermal layers.

The amounts of hyaluronic acid the body produces is drastically reduced as we age, so supplementing can definitely help with “turning back the clock” for both joints and skin.

For the month of September, all of our Jarrow Hyaluronic Acid will be on sale for 25% off.

Natural Help for Fibromyalgia

Q: I have fibromyalgia and basically feel miserable all the time. I’ve not had luck with prescriptions, so I wanted to see if there was anything natural that could help me with the pain and tiredness. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired!

A:  There are definitely natural supplements which can help! Fibromyalgia is a disorder hallmarked by widespread and chronic muscular and skeletal pain that can also be accompanied by fatigue, depression, headaches, sleep disturbances, and more. Fibromyalgia is difficult to treat, though many people have had good luck with natural products for reducing their symptoms.

The first supplement I’d recommend is S-adenosylmethionine, better known as SAMe (pronounced like “Sammy”). SAMe is necessary for many different processes in the body, and clinical studies have shown benefits for depression, pain, and fatigue- all main issues fibromyalgia patients suffer with. SAMe supplementation usually begins to help with boosting mood and relieving depressive symptoms in the first week, but can take up to six weeks to alleviate overall fibromyalgia symptoms. The body can only produce small amounts of SAMe, so taking additional SAMe as a supplement can make a real difference. It’s important to take SAMe on an empty stomach for best absorption.

Another supplement that can be helpful for people suffering with fibromyalgia is 5-HTP, an amino acid related to tryptophan. 5-HTP works by helping to boost serotonin, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Increasing levels of 5-HTP in the body can help with reducing depression as well as pain. When taken before bed, 5-HTP has been shown to promote deeper, more restful sleep. Since 5-HTP increases serotonin levels in the body, it is important to not take them with SSRI antidepressants like Prozac, since they work in a similar way; in fact- research has shown 5-HTP to be as effective as prescription antidepressants, but with fewer side effects. The usual recommended dosage for fibromyalgia is 50-100mg three times a day.

Magnesium supplements can be helpful for fibromyalgia, particularly those containing malic acid (a compound in apples and other fruits), since magnesium can help relax the muscles and relieve muscle pain. Most Americans are deficient in this mineral, which can also help with preventing headaches as well as stimulating serotonin production. Studies on fibromyalgia patients who took magnesium malate had a decrease the pain and tenderness that accompanies the disorder. Magnesium is best taken in divided doses, since too much magnesium at one time can cause loose stools. 

I hope that helps!  Natural products can work very well for people suffering with fibromyalgia because rather than just treating the symptoms they help to bring the body back into balance, treating the whole self rather than just one aspect of the problem.

I'm pleased that fibromyalgia is now being recognized by the medical community as a true disorder. There was a time not very long ago when many medical professionals thought that fibromyalgia was an imaginary disease since it cannot be diagnosed with a specific test. Feel free to stop by the store so we can help you further.