PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: GENTLE MOVE

Gentle Move is a new product from Nature’s Sunshine. My clients are getting excellent results with this combination of herbs plus the magnesium. This is a very gentle blend for those needing some extra colon support and is also good for other things like sinus congestion, joint pain and eye problems.

It contains:

•         Magnesium hydroxide

•         Triphala extract

•         Yellow dock

•         Ginger

•         Slippery elm

•         Marshmallow

The Benefits of Laxative Herbs:

•         Helpful for occasional constipation

•         Great for doing colon cleanses when combined with fiber and other herbs

•         Important aids to parasite cleansing

•         Can be helpful for relieving fevers and acute congestion

•         Stimulate bile flow

Contraindications

•         Spastic bowel conditions

•         Use with caution with pregnancy and nursing

•         Use with caution with inflammatory bowel disorders

•         Not the best choice for extremely weak and depleted people

Magnesium Hydroxide

•         Natural salt of magnesium that attracts and retains fluid in the bowel

•         Magnesium also relaxes muscle spasms and aids cellular energy production

Triphala

•         Ancient Ayurvedic formula containing three fruits

•         Haritaki — Terminalia chebula

•         Bibhitaki — Terminalia belerica

•         Amalaki or Indian Gooseberry — Embilica officinalis

•         Used in India for thousands of years

•         Gentle laxative and blood purifier with tonic effects

Benefits of Triphala

•         Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

•         Enhances circulation, lowers blood pressure and protects heart

•         Supports adrenal function

•         Improves liver function, hepatoprotective, improves digestion

•         Expectorant action

•         Immune properties: antiviral, antibacterial, anti-allergenic

•         Balanced energy (all the tastes)

Triphala Uses

•         Sinus congestion

•         Joint pain

•         Lethargy

•         Eye problems

•         General toxicity and weakness

•         Constipation

•         Indigestion

•         Flatulence

•         Poor appetite

•         Heavily coated tongue

•         Digestive headaches

Suggested Use

•         Mild dose (2 capsules 1-2 times per day)

•         For more serious problems take 6-9 capsules per day (2-3 capsules 3 times daily)

•         Maintenance dose is 2-4 capsules per day

•         Take with plenty of water

Go to my Nature’s Sunshine web site to purchase and to learn more: Gentle Move

The flu came to my house…

Yes, that’s right it happened…but it wasn’t me that was sick. It was my hubby who after being way too stressed out lately and not taking the best care of himself (even with a nutritionist wife) ended up with a bug. By the way do anybody’s husbands listen to their wives advice?

But I digress…back to the subject at hand. The reason I’m bringing this up is that I gave him some herbs that weren’t mentioned in my previous posts about colds and flu. He tested for three things that kicked it out fast so I wanted to share these. When I say “tested for” that means I muscle checked him for what his body needed to get well.  These three things were: FV, Lymphomax and Yarrow.

First he was having body aches (bad neck pain), high fever (it got up over 103°), chills, nausea and fatigue. So the three things he tested for were combinations of herbs that helped with all of these symptoms.

FV: Contains Ginger Root, Capsicum fruit, Goldenseal Root and Licorice Root. Helps strengthen the immune system to fight bacterial and viral infections, including colds and flu. These herbs also help to reduce fever, alleviate coughs, relieve pain and inflammation and soothe nausea and upset stomach.

Lymphomax: Contains Mullein, Bayberry, Cleavers, Plaintain, Alfalfa, Chamomile, Echinacea, Yarrow, Garlic, Red Root, Lobelia and Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin. These herbs are traditionally known to improve lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation and prevent infection. The lymph system is the fluid that all our cells are bathed in and is where all toxins are then flushed through for removal from the body. When we are sick this system become sluggish so these herbs eliminate accumulated fluids and wastes from tissues which then helps clear lymphatic congestion.

Yarrow: This herb is has been used since ancient times to stop bleeding of all kinds external and internal. Yarrow has many uses and the one that my hubby needed was to counteract his fever and to induce perspiration so that his body could flush out the toxin.

The first day he took 2 FV, 1 Lymphomax, 1 Yarrow- 5 times that day. The next day he took that same amount 3 times. And now he is feeling great! He’s not always good at the preventative stuff but when he gets something he always asks what he can take because he knows he’ll feel better fast.

Oh and I did forget to mention that he took Silver Shield, the safe and effective natural antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral. He took 1 tsp 3x a day.  He’ll stay on that for another week. I recommend mixing it with a small amount of water and then  swishing in your mouth for 6 minutes to really kick out the bad stuff fast. Love this stuff and wouldn’t be with out it!

All the products are from Nature’s Sunshine and are offered here: www.mynsp.com/naturalhealthanswers

Herbs and Vitamins to take while overcoming flu and colds.

• Take Lymph Gland Cleanse-HY which contains a blend of  Parthenium, Yarrow, Myrrh Gum and Capsicum to help boost the immune system and stimulates the lymph system. Other good choices are Olive Leaf, Silver Shield or Elderberry Plus.

• The antioxidants vitamins and minerals: Vitamins A, C, E; Minerals, Zinc and Selenium. These are found in Defense Maintenance. Some good choices to boost the immune system are Mangosteen found in Thai Go.

• VS-C for the herpes family of viruses: cold sores, chicken pox, Mono and shingles. This also helps with other types of viruses and low grade fevers.

• Lymphatic drainage is especially good when the lymph glands are swollen.

• Oregon Grape liquid and IN-X are good choices with strep throat

• The CC-A formula (capsules or liquid) is especially good for those with chills. The liquid formula is great for chest congestion and coughs.

• Bronchial Formula has been very successful this year for chest congestion and coughing.

• Adults do very well with Cordyceps with lung and coughing issues.

I suggest taking your supplements at the first sign of symptoms, and use them only while you’re ill. It is optimal to take them 3-7 days after you are well to help the immune system stay strong.

It is not suggested to take antibiotics for a virus – Antibiotics do not help a virus like the flu or the common cold. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them slows down your immune systems response to the virus. It could also promote antibiotic resistance so  when you do need an antibiotic it won’t work for you.

Here are some more articles about what to use to boost your immune system:

There’s No Shortage of Flu Remedies
Immunity I
Immunity II

9 THINGS TO DO IF YOU GET A COLD OR FLU

1. Stop eating sugar, which impairs the immune system. There are plenty of studies which shows that even a teaspoon of sugar will reduce the immune system’s killer cell activity in your body for three hours after you eat it.

2. Increase your intake of vitamin C to 6,000-8,000 mg. a day. Reduce this amount if you develop diarrhea. Vitamin C shortens the duration of colds and reduces severity of symptoms.

3. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea and vegetable juice to hydrate the respiratory tract. Minimize or dilute fruit juices, which contain natural sugars that cripple immune function.

NO SODAS and no Nutrasweet or Splenda (which can inhibit the thymus – the main gland for you immune system) or DAIRY (which is a mucus forming food) while you are in recovery.

4. Eat warming, nourishing foods such as organic chicken soup or tomato soup with cayenne. This can help to chase away the cold, damp qualities, Stay warm, eat hot foods and get plenty of rest.

5. Avoid mucus-forming foods. Dairy products, grains and red meat can worsen clogged sinuses.

6. Eliminate coffee, alcohol and cigarettes, which make it hard for the immune system to function, especially when the body should focus on getting well.

8. Rest, stay home and keep your germs to yourself.

9.  Use aromatherapy – Guardian Blend, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh and Tea Tree are antiviral.  Diffuse oils into the air, put 10 drops in your bath, smell the drops on a handkerchief; rub some on your feet mixed with massage oil, olive oil or aloe vera gel.  Put some drops on a cotton ball and put in your bra ladies. Sleep with a humidifier with 8-10 drops of Guardian Essential Oil in it.

How to prevent a cold or flu

This time of year rolls around and so many people I talk to are either suffering with colds and flu or have recently and haven’t been able to kick it to the curb as fast as they would like. So I thought I would give you a series of posts on how to prevent illness, what to do if you get a cold or flu, what to take when you have a cold and flu and much more so come back for more information on how to keep you and your family healthy all year round!

1. Vitamin C – 3,000 mg. per day for prevention. “Try to feed your body in advance by taking extra vitamin C during cold and flu season. This way, when you’re exposed to an onslaught of germs, you won’t be as likely to come down with it. Nature’s Sunshine’s Vitamin C w/Citrus Bioflavonoids are my favorite.

2. Stock up on Probiotics. Acidophilus and Bifidophilus are friendly bacteria, which help your digestion, keep invading bacteria at bay and boost your immune system. Probiotics also counteract problems caused by taking antibiotics, which kill the friendly flora, wreaking havoc on your digestive and immune systems. I also recommend Probiotic Eleven to my clients as this is a very potent combination of eleven strains of friendly bacteria. I usually rotate people through the three products.

3. Go for the garlic. NSP has given us High Potency Garlic, covered by Chlorophyll and coated to dissolve in the intestinal tract, not in the stomach where it can affect your breath. Remember odorless garlic does nothing for the immune system.

4. Wash your hands and keep them out of your mouth, ears, nose and eyes. When I am around those who are sick I spritz my Guardian Essential Oil spritzer on my hands. (See recipe below)

Adding a few drops of Lemon, Lavender, Tea Tree, or Guardian Essential Oil in your bottle of liquid soap will make it antibacterial. NSP has all of these plus it makes your soap smell good as well.

5. Drink your quota of water every day between meals. To stay hydrated I use this formula:
Your weight in pounds divided in half = how many ounces of water you need to drink per day. Drink between meals not with meals so you don’t dilute your digestive juices.

If you drink caffeine or alcoholic drinks, then add another 2 glasses of water for every one cup of these beverages you consume.

6. Get enough sleep. The body heals while it sleeps.

7. Don’t wait till you get the flu — use PREVENTION homeopathic drops from NSP or take your antioxidants every day like Thai go (great for kids), Defense Maintenance or Vit C, High Potency Grapine, Herbasaurs Chewable Antioxidant w/Grapine for kids, or Super Antioxidant.

**I also have an exciting offer for you today! If after reading this information you are wondering what would be exactly the right product for you then wonder no longer. I am offering a 15 minute FREE consultation either by phone or e-mail so that you can get the BEST thing for you. For more information e-mail me at Paige at mynsp dot com and we’ll schedule a time for you to give your body exactly what it wants and what it needs. This offer is good through February 28th so don’t wait contact me today!**

Stress

The last month has been one full of stressful events for me and thus the blog has taken a back seat. Alas I am coming out of the craziness that sometimes life throws our way and wanted to talk a bit about stress.

It’s something that we all experience. We all deal with it in very different ways. Some of us retreat, some of us lash out, and some of us deny. There are all kinds of ways that people try and “make it” through the day. For me it’s pulling back and saying no I can’t do that newsletter this month or no I can’t call that person back right away or even deciding that I need to take a break from work. I NEED to do this or else I won’t be able to recover and I will be useless to anyone who needs me. It’s been a process but I’ve finally learned that I matter and that the world won’t fall apart because I take a break.  I find this to be difficult for many people especially women.  If we don’t do this we will deplete our reserves and eventually we won’t have anything  left to give. And then illness is close behind.

This is a reminder to take or I should say give yourself a BREAK! It’s good for your body, mind and soul. You’ll feel recharged and ready to take on the necesary things we all must do in life. 

Remember everyone deals with stress differently but it’s very important to deal with it effectively for better health.

Here are some great ways to help you deal with stress:

1. Breathing exercises
2. Make a cup of tea
3. Take Distress Remedy (I did and it’s amazing stuff)
4. Talk to a friend/family member
5. Get a massage
6. Meditate
7. Take a walk outside and observe the beauty of our world
8. Do stretching exercises
9. Dance
10. Scream (do this at home alone so you don’t disturb anyone!)
11. Punch a pillow or a punching bag
12. Listen to soothing music
13. Participate in your favorite hobby
14. Talk to a professional therapist
15. Blow bubbles
16. Fly a kite
17. Nourish your body with whole foods like fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals which help the body cope with stress
18. Take Colloidal Minerals a wonderful tasting liquid mineral product that replenishes minerals lost during stress
19. Read an article on my web site: Are you Overstressed?
20. Read a book
21. Rent a funny movie
22. Plant a garden
23. Buy some flowers for your desk or home or both!
24. Go on a hike
25. Take a vacation to a place you’ve always wanted to visit
26. Play with children
27. Paint a picture
28. FILL IN YOUR WAY YOU DEAL WITH STRESS

Of course you’ve probably heard all of this before but sometimes the stress of everyday life or even a very big stressful event takes our breath away and we don’t take the time to take care of ourselves. I felt like this topic bears repeating as it really hit home with me these past few weeks. I did many of these things on the list and it made a huge  difference for me in the way I dealt with the very stressful things going on in my life.

Let’s continue the list: Do you have an effective way you deal with stress? Please share by leaving a comment!

Recover quicker from colds & flu.

Last Thursday my husband arrived home not feeling so spiffy. He knew he was coming down with something and immediately fell asleep on the couch.  The next day he woke up feeling miserable with a fever,  body aches, and congestion. I immediately went to my herbal stash and proceeded to offer up a whole host of natural goodies from mother nature. He’s used to me loading him up with herbs and he’s a willing participant because he knows that they help him to feel better much quicker than if he didn’t take them.

So the answer to the above question is Vitamin C Ascorbates, Liquid AL-J, Echinacea/Goldenseal, CC-A, Silver Shield, and Zinc Lozenges(behind the vitamin C). He took them faithfully and is continuing to take them. And guess what he went back to work today and is feeling good except for feeling a bit tired. Now I think that’s awesome. He started feeling much better on Sunday (the 3rd day) except he was very tired. Most people I talk to who have gotten sick (who don’t use natural remedies) usually stay sick for weeks on end.  It’s because they didn’t change the terrain of their bodies and they take medications that suppress the immune system and the functions of the body that are needed to get rid of whatever is causing the illness ( ie. bacteria, virus).

I just felt like I needed to share this story because it shows that if you give the body what it needs it will heal itself quicker than if you suppress the symptoms!

Check out all the herbs and vitamins from Nature’s Sunshine that can help you stay healthy and heal quicker by clicking here .

10 Ways to Conquer Seasonal Changes

Are you one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies? The itchy, watery eyes, constant runny nose and unending sneezing are telltale signs of airborne irritants. Not everyone has seasonal allergies, but anyone who suffers from them knows that spring can be a difficult time to celebrate.

For most of the U.S. the allergy season starts in mid-March. A seasonal allergy is the body’s reaction to an airborne particle such as pollen or mold. These allergies surface at specific times of the year when certain weeds, grasses, or trees are flowering or when molds release spores into the air.

It’s thought that people with allergies have hyper-sensitive immune systems that are triggered by foreign substances. When pollen or other substances that aren’t actually harmful to the body are breathed in, the body views it as a dangerous invader and turns on its defense mechanisms. The runny nose, watery eyes and frequent sneezing are meant to flush the allergen from the body.

Though the spring and summer growing season is an inevitable part of the year, you can take a proactive approach to supporting your body and your environment at this time of year. Some of the suggestions are common-sense activities you can do in your home. Nature’s Sunshine also has a great line-up of products that work to support and maintain your respiratory system during this potentially stressful season.

Here are 10 ways to conquer seasonal changes:

1. ALJ ®. NSP’s key product for the respiratory system. This product nourishes the immune system and respiratory systems, supports healthy lung function and encourages the respiratory tract to gently cleanse itself.
2. Dieter’s Cleanse (14 day) ®. This cleanse is not just for weight management, the 7 herbal combinations in this 14 day cleanse will help support the natural elimination of waste buildup and toxins that can affect overall health. Colon health directly affects the immune system and the respiratory system so it is very important to pay attention to these areas. This cleanse is well-rounded and helps support all aspects of elimination. The glands are also supported.
3. Seasonal Defense. This product includes a blend of andrographis and other immune-supporting herbs, Seasonal Defense strengthens the immune system and may help maintain the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
4. Sinus Support EF®. This formula is ephedra-free and supplies nutrients that may support nasal passages and proper respiratory function.
5. HistaBlock®. A powerful combination of stinging nettle, quercetin, bromelain and immature orange peel, Histablock supports the respiratory system during times of stress and helps maintain mucous membrane health and nasal passage tissues.
6. Close your house and your car. Limit your exposure to the particles in outside air and run your air conditioner, which filters the air as it cools it.
7. Clean. Do a thorough spring cleaning. Windows, bookshelves and vents collect dust and mold.
8. Wash. As you come in from being outside, you bring particles and dust in with you — on your skin and your clothes. Wash exposed skin and, if you need to, change clothes once you’re inside. If you have outdoor pets, wash them too before bringing them in, or arrange to leave them outside.
9. Stay away from chemical irritants. Fumes from tobacco smoke, paint, insect sprays and other chemicals can affect the lungs and nasal passages.
10. Homeopathic Remedies. NSP offers three homeopathic remedies for both general and specific allergy concerns, Allergy, Allergies–Hayfever/Pollen and Allergies–Mold, Yeast & Dust.

Don’t suffer this season give these products and lifestyle changes a try! If you would like more help with your specific health challenges e-mail me at Paige@mynsp.com.

To find out more about me, Paige Rennekamp, CNHP, or to learn more about Nature’s Sunshine Products visit www.naturalhealthanswers.com.

Eye Health

• Lately I have had more than a couple of people approach me with questions about problems they have concerning their eyes. From cataracts to the more unfamiliar ocular rosacea. The eyes are a delicate area that many times seem to be forgotten until something happens that draws our attention to them. Listed below are some techniques and supplements you can use to help prevent future problems and also how they help with specific issues.

Products for Prevention:

• Eyebright is an herb that has antibacterial and astringent properties. It is rich in vitamins A and C. It will aid in the healing of conjunctivitis (pink eye), and sore, stinging inflammation as well as discharge from the eye. It can help to improve vision, relieve intra-ocular pressure and protect the optic nerve in the early stages of glaucoma. This herb is also used to remove cataracts; people usually see results anywhere from 1 week to 3 months to a year or more. It contains a glycoside called aucoboside which strengthens the capillaries and improves circulation to the eyes. You can use Eyebright to make a eyewash tea. *See below for instructions.
• Bilberry Extract is a potent antioxidant source geared toward the eyes. These anti-oxidants are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to neutralize free radicals in brain and other nerve tissue including the eyes. It will help improve night vision, reduce eye irritation from smog, light sensitivity and help for macular degeneration. Often vision will improve during the first two weeks, however continued use over time is needed for the greatest benefit. Bilberry also will strengthen blood vessels and capillaries to help with easy bruising and varicose veins.
• Combination EW ™ is combination of herbs that are used to soothe and cleanse the eye.
• Perfect Eyes is a wonderful formula that encompasses a blend of herbs and nutrients to support general eye health. It will help to prevent the effect of aging such as macular degeneration. In 2 capsules it contains 6 mg lutein, 2500 IU of beta-carotene, 14 mg zinc and 50 mcg Selenium in a proprietary blend of eyebright, bioflavanoids, N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine, Taurine, bilberry concentrate and curcuma root extract. All of these ingredients are powerful anti-oxidants that will protect the eye in general and also from sun damage. They are also nutritionally important throughout the body.
• How to make an eye wash: For a small batch, boil 1/4 cup of clean water and add powder of 1 Eyebright capsule. Let stand for 10 minutes, then strain through a fine filter, such as coffee filter paper, to remove all of the herb powder. For a larger batch, make into a tea using 2-4 capsules per cup of water. Be sure to strain carefully and refridgerate anything that you don’t use immediately. Make a fresh batch every 2-3 days to avoid infection.
• Take Fish Oil regularly: Super Omega 3-EPA is an excellent product that contains both EPA (eicosapentanoic acid ) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The DHA in formula will help promote and protect retinal function. DHA is concentrated in the eyes retina and studies have shown that it helps in the prevention of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. This is a safe way to get fish oil since I don’t recommend eating fish due to high levels of  mercury and other toxins found in fish from oceans, lakes and streams and farm-raised fish. Nature’s Sunshine’s Super Omega 3-EPA is guaranteed to be pure and is tested at the highest of standards.

Foods to Eat:

• Eat dark colored berries. They work by strengthening the capillaries that carry nutrients to eye muscles and nerves.  They taste great and they are good for you. Try blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, bilberries. Yum.
• Eat at least 8-10 servings of fresh and preferably organic fruits and vegetables a day (if you can’t get fresh use frozen). Yes, you read that correctly…you must eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to get the nutrition you need daily. The benefits could fill up pages of pages of my blog and I don’t have time to list them all and I’m sure you know a lot of them. The main reason they are so good for eye health is that they contain the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your eyes (and your whole body) need to function properly. They also contain fiber which helps with colon health including problems with constipation and in turn helps detoxify the body.

Foods to avoid:

• Trans Fats are fats that have been chemically altered and are extremely detrimental to your health and can be especially harmful to eye health. A diet high in trans fat can contribute to macular degeneration. Trans fat can also do damage in that they interfere with omega-3 fats (the fats found in the above mentioned fish oil product Super Omega -EPA) which are extremely important for your eye health.Trans fat is found in many processed foods and baked goods, including margarine, shortening, fried foods like french fries, fried chicken and donuts, cookies, pastries and crackers. *Important tip: Read labels and if the product contains Partially Hydrogenated Soybean or any other kind of oil in the ingredients put it back on the shelf because it contains trans fats.

Check out the Nature’s Sunshine product specials for this week. ** Specials are only available to NSP members. How do you become a member? Find out by clicking here.

To learn more visit http://www.naturalhealthanswers.com

Questions or Comments on this information? Email me at Paige@mynsp.com