wellness COMPLIMENTS OF AMAZING ® EAT DRINK DETOX NO WILLPOWER REQUIRED THINK YOURSELF THIN how intuition can transform your health LOOK AND FEEL YOUNGER anti-aging supplement list, p.44 3 DRUG-FREE THERAPIES FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME plus! The Real Truth About Gluten NATURAL BEAUTY SECRETS FROM AROUND THE WORLD SPRING 2015 MJSJL JDLMS $4.99 INTRODUCING OUR CREAMIEST, BEST Your whole family will benefit from the uniquely blended macronutrient profile of Organic Plant Protein. OPP is both Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified to ensure you’re getting the cleanest nutrition possible. NON GMO VER Project I FI E D no ngmoproject.org NEW FROM GARDEN OF LIFE ® † These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. TASTING PROTEIN EVER With 15g per serving of complete protein and wholesome fiber, OPP has an incredibly smooth texture and delicious taste in a Paleo diet friendly formula. Empowering Extraordinary Health® Get Up & Go... Beyond Glucosamine Maintaining bone and joint health can pay off, supporting increased mobility for better quality of life. How Are You Maintaining Mobility? For joint health support, many people turn to Glucosamine supplements. The truth is, supporting healthy bones and joints is more than cartilage maintenance. We can also support our ability to flex and move with targeted compounds from the Wisdom of Nature. Maintaining bone and joint health daily with whole-food nutrients and herbs can pay off, supporting mobility for better quality of life. The very basis of mobility is joint flexibility— a healthy range of motion in the places where muscle, connective tissue, and bones meet. From the hard-working knee to the intricately articulated finger, joints are complex intersections of structure and function that can be affected by age and by daily use. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. †According to 2014 SPINS LLC Market Research © 2014 New Chapter, Inc. Delivering the Wisdom of Nature FLEX with Plant-Sourced Calcium & Trace Minerals MOVE with Clinically Tested Zyflamend Whole Body Bone Strength Take Care™ from New Chapter® provides whole-food, easy-to-swallow Calcium and targeted nutrients to foster bone health.* What’s more, studies show that the plant-sourced Calcium and trace minerals in Bone Strength Take Care help support healthy joint function.* As we get older, Vitamin D3 and Calcium help support healthy muscle function, which is key for continued joint flexibility.* This supports our ability to get up and go, such as rising from seated to standing.* So with Bone Strength Take Care, you get ingredients that support not only the joint’s bone strength, but also its ability to flex, straighten, and bend.* To help you maintain mobility, seek daily support from Zyflamend,™ the patented herbal blend that has been clinically studied to help keep you moving.* Zyflamend is an intelligent blend of full-spectrum herbal extracts containing a multitude of naturally occurring compounds. These whole, active phytonutrients work together to support joint health.* Perhaps as important as your daily multivitamin, Zyflamend helps your whole body stay balanced and healthy every single day.* Calcium Source: Plant Versus Limestone The most common form of calcium supplement today is derived from rocks (limestone). Bone Strength Take Care is different. The Calcium complex in Bone Strength Take Care is derived from a specific plant form called Red Marine Algae (Lithothamnion), sustainably harvested from pristine shores along the Icelandic coastline. This plant-based Calcium grows in an intricate matrix of minerals organized in a natural honeycomb structure, and it delivers whole-food Calcium, Magnesium, and other trace minerals. Patented Herbal Formula Many of the herbs in Zyflamend have been used traditionally to support human health and longevity in cultures around the world. Chinese Skullcap, Chinese Goldthread, Hu Zhang, and Barberry are time-honored tonic herbs in the Chinese herbal tradition. Rosemary and Oregano are native to the Mediterranean region. Zyflamend’s Hu Zhang is a natural source of resveratrol, one of the heartsupportive compounds in red wine—part of the healthy Mediterranean diet.* Turmeric, Ginger, and Holy Basil are common elements in Asian and Indian wellness regimes. Green Tea is cultivated and consumed across this region—and revered for its many remarkable properties. Try a New Way to FLEX&MOVE! Learn more at newchapter.com M E N ’ S H E A LT H Boost testosterone Burn fat I N C R E A S E: E N E R G Y. E N D U R A N C E . M U S C L E . S E X D R I V E D E C R E A S E: S T R E S S . B O D Y FAT. NEW! Our Best Value Premium Formula PRIME, formula with KSM-66 Boost & Burn. More energy ELITE, advanced fitness formula + 3 clinical ingredients and stamina. Less body fat. with 5 clinical ingredients Highly effective formula designed to support energy, endurance, sexual health, reduce cortisol, stress and improve lean muscle. DHEA was further added to support healthy testosterone levels that decline with age. Formula uses potent bio-actives like KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Chromax, Bioperine and Cordyceps. Features 4 clinical ingredients to restore healthy testosterone so you feel younger and more fit. Additionally helps the body to increase metabolism to burn fat through thermogenesis. Uses potent bio-actives like KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Cordyceps, Maca, Maitake, American Ginseng, Ginger, Chromax, and Green Tea Extract. Designed for athletic men. Hi-performance formula that includes 5 clinical ingredients – packed with powerful bio-actives. Maximize sustained energy. Reduce stress-induced cortisol. Boost T-levels. Reduce body fat. Increase strength + lean muscle. Clinical ingredient was shown to increase cardiorespiratory performance (VO2Max) by 12-14%. HAVE MORE ENERGY, MORE DRIVE AND LESS FAT & boost burn ™ be your best Learn More MdriveVS.com ® content spring 2015 32 features 42 48 54 63 71 THE LATEST IN LONGEVITY New research shows how certain diet and lifestyle choices can slow down your biological clock. ULTIMATE EYE HEALTH GUIDE Help protect your vision for years to come with these key supplements. THE ULTIMATE DIET Best-selling author and motivational speaker Louise Hay reveals secrets for achieving glowing health and a healthy weight. HEALTHY FATS From fish oil to flax, simple answers to tricky questions about fats. THE KEYTONE CURE? A high-fat diet shows promise in the fight against cancer. 6 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 13 departments 13 AMAZING NEWS All about ginseng; a supplement that can lower blood pressure; a new benefit of black cohosh is discovered and more. 26 REMEDY 411 Sore Subject Three ways to help prevent and treat carpal tunnel syndrome. 28 INSIDE SCOOP Get Pro-Active Improve your digestive health in as little as 24 hours with probiotics. 32 NEED TO KNOW The Prediabetes Prescription Supplements and foods that can help prevent prediabetes from progressing. 36 HEALTH Q & A: The Real Truth About Gluten Jonny Bowden, PHD, CNS, sheds some light on all things gluten-free. 40 HERBAL HEALING Oh, Baby! How herbs can ease common pregnancy woes. 78 NATURAL GLOW Beauty Around the World Get gorgeous with natural beauty secrets from across the globe. 82 BEAUTY INSIDE & OUT Natural Hair Fixes Fight frizzies, dandruff, thinning hair and other tress distress with these all-natural solutions. 86 FIT & HEALTHY Stay Strong Why strength training after 50 may be the real fountain of youth. 90 HEALTHY PET Anti-Aging for Pets These health and fitness tips for dogs and cats promote a long and happy life. 94 HEALING KITCHEN The Detox-Style Diet This clean way of eating is less drastic that a traditional detox. 100 CHECK IT OUT! See what’s hot in supplements right now. COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: PORNCHAI MITTONGTARE; FOOD STYLING: LIESL MAGGIORE; PROP STYLING: ROBIN TURK 48 90 Imagine getting the benefit of a whole growing season in one tablet From a simple seed, planted in the ground with a little water, nutrients from the soil, and a whole lot of energy from the sun, comes the wholesome nutrition that sustains our lives. Here is what people just like you have to say about our testing processes: Natural Factors farms are certified 100% organic. Our crops are fertilized with compost and nitrogen-rich sea plants, and are meticulously cared for by hand. No synthetic pesticides (or even permissible organic pesticides) are used – EVER! “I never would have imagined that there’d be so much technology involved in maintaining the qualities that are in the plants.” We have always been committed to growing non-GMO organic seeds, as exemplified in the banner article on GMOs called Seeds of Extinction that our founder wrote in 1985. We have never grown anything GMO on Natural Factors farms. We make sure to choose true “species” non-GMO seeds for our seedlings, and we participate in seed saving programs. Here is what people just like you have said after visiting our farms: “All these incredible products start with this amazing soil. I’ve never seen soil so rich and full of nutrients before!” In our state of the art laboratories, we use “mass spectrometry” to test for over 400 substances. Mass spectrometry can test at the molecular – even atomic – level, detecting environmental pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, as well as heavy metals and other undesirable substances. Vegan FREE Organic Greens Protein Bar $3.49 VALUE “The quality of the crops are outstanding. And because they’re organic, I know they’re non-GMO.” The 100% organic, non-GMO nutrient-rich plants grown on Natural Factors farms are harvested at their peak and immediately raw processed at our own facilities, using our proprietary EnviroSimplex® method to retain the vital bioenergetic vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytonutrients and antioxidants. We ensure the processing temperature always stays below 118°F (48°C). The end result is raw nutrition from whole plants, capturing all the vibrant energy and goodness of nature. Even when you grow certified organic non-GMO plants, it’s important to test for GMOs and hundreds of other unwanted contaminants. We excel at making sure that every possible test has been conducted to ensure you receive the safest, most beneficial products possible. wholeearthsea.com † The free bar does not apply to the boxes of Greens Protein Bars. Available at in every box of Whole Earth & Sea products.† wellness AMAZING ™ WE ASKED OUR STAFF: What’s your best natural beauty secret? Editorial Director Nicole Brechka ... “I like to use a good cleanser to keep my skin clear. A favorite: Acure Organics SuperFruit + Chlorella Growth Factor Facial Cleanser.” Creative Director Rachel Joyosa Editor Ann Nix ... “Coconut oil for everything—it makes a great cuticle oil, makeup remover, and moisturizer.” Contributing Art Director Rachel Pilvinsky ... “Shea butter.” Associate Editor Elizabeth Fisher Contributing Editor Vera Tweed ... “Getting enough sleep!” Copy Editors James Naples, Jerry Shaver Production Director Cynthia Lyons ... “The proper amount of sleep and lots of water.” Production Manager Mark Stokes BUSINESS & EDITORIAL OFFICES HEALTHY LIVING GROUP 300 N. Continental Blvd., Ste. 650 El Segundo, CA 90245 Vice President, General Manager Kim Paulsen | [email protected] Group Publisher Joanna Shaw | 303-995-9383 “JĀSÖN C-Effects Pure Natural Hyper-C Serum every evening.” Associate Publisher Bernadette Higgins | 561-362-3955 West Coast & Mountain Advertising Manager Cindy Schofield | 310-456-5997 National Retail Director Lisa Dodson | 800-443-4974 x 703 “Staying hydrated!” Retail Development and Custom Marketing John Potter | 812-275-4975 Advertising Coordinator Mary Brahim | 310-356-2272 | [email protected] Digital Advertising Operations Manager Ron Goldy | [email protected] Chairman & CEO Efrem Zimbalist III President & COO Andrew W. Clurman Executive Vice President & CFO Brian Sellstrom Executive Vice President, Operations Patricia B. Fox Vice President, Controller Joseph Cohen Vice President, Research Kristy Kaus Vice President, Digital Jason Brown Join us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter printed on recycled paper AMAZING A AMA ZING WELLNESS WELLNESS. V Vol. l 7, No. N 2. P Published bli h d periodically bli i di ll by b A Active ti Interest I t t Media, M di d Inc. I 300 N. N Continental C ti t l Blvd., Bl d Ste. 650, El Segundo, CA 90245; 310-356-4100; fax 310-356-4111. ©2015 Active Interest Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors to AMAZING WELLNESS are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. Fraudulent or objectionable advertising is not knowingly accepted. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all advertising content and for any claims arising therefrom. Articles appearing in AMAZING WELLNESS may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. The information in this magazine is provided to you for educational purposes under Section 5 of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 and is not intended as medical advice. To obtain more in-depth information, contact your health care professional or other reliable resources. editor’s note LOVE YOURSELF TO GREAT HEALTH FOR DECADES, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR LOUISE HAY HAS HELPED This “loving” approach transcends fads and trends. people tap into the power of thought to create the life of their dreams and improve health and happiness. Her popular and beloved books include You Can Heal Your Life, Heal Your Body, and The Power Is Within You. Now, Hay has teamed up with natural health and nutrition experts Ahlea Khadro and Heather Dane to write Loving Yourself to Great Health: Thoughts & Food—The Ultimate Diet. This book outlines a way of eating that focuses on nutrient-rich foods and listening to your own intuition and body cues in order to supercharge energy, improve your mood, take your health to the next level, and lose weight. This “loving” approach transcends fads and trends in dieting to help you instinctively and almost effortlessly maintain glowing health and reach your ideal weight. Hays’s simple-yet-profound messages include “Eat things that make your body feel good,” and “laughter is good for digestion.” And making healthier choices may even help to improve other aspects of your life as well, according to Hay. “If you start to shift and change the food you eat, then it’s easier to grasp on to new, positive thoughts and make better choices in your life,” she says. Learn more about Louise Hay’s refreshing approach toward food and health in “The Ultimate Diet” by Vera Tweed on p. 54. Ann Nix EDITOR [email protected] free ad downlo 10 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 THE HEALTHY HEART Visit amazingwellnessmag.com any time throughout March and April to download a free PDF of this booklet. BE A GLOW GETTER. Go beyond the cosmetic counter to have healthy, glowing beauty from within. At NeoCell, we have always known that healthy hair, skin, and nails on the inside equals natural beauty on the outside.* †Based on 2014 NeoCell Collagen study. © 2015 NeoCell corp IN A NEOCELL CLINICAL STUDY: BY VERA TWEED AMAZING NEWS HOTIENT ED INGR ght i spotl ginseng WHAT IS IT? An adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps to balance the system, boosting energy when it flags and calming the body in times of stress. WHAT’S YOUR TYPE? Asian and American Ginsengs Both of these ginsengs are part of the same botanical genus. Chinese and Korean (also called Asian) ginsengs are both Panax ginseng, and the geographical part of the common name simply identifies where the plant was grown. The American variety is known as Panax quinquefolius. While the two types of Panax aren’t identical in a chemical sense, both contain active ingredients known as ginsenosides, which are believed to be chiefly responsible for the herb’s medicinal effects. Any of the Asian ginsengs may also be described as “white” or “red.” These labels do not indicate different types of plants, but describe different preparations of ginseng root: peeled and dried in the case of “white,” and unpeeled and steamed in the case of “red.” Siberian Ginseng The Siberian variety of ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a distinctly different plant from the others. Years ago, it was dubbed a form of ginseng by a Russian scientist who mistakenly believed that this plant had the same active constituents as ginseng. Despite the faulty reasoning, the name stuck. The chief active ingredients in Siberian ginseng are eleutherosides. On some product labels, the herb is called Siberian eleuthero, or simply eleuthero, to avoid confusion. Z Z Z Z Z before the meal. Among diabetics, it worked equally well when taken at any point from two hours before eating to the start of the meal. Erectile dysfunction: Brazilian researchers found Korean red ginseng to be effective for mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction in a group of 60 men. Cancer-related fatigue: Both American and Asian ginsengs have been found to relieve fatigue related to cancer treatment, and both have been shown to improve the lives of cancer patients. Cold and flu prevention: Asian, American, and Siberian ginsengs are all used to enhance immunity. Herpes: A study of 93 people found that Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) helps fight the herpes simplex 2 virus, which causes genital herpes. Researchers found that people infected with the virus who took eleuthero had fewer outbreaks. And if an outbreak occurred, it didn’t last as long. Menopausal symptoms: Siberian ginseng contains chemicals that act like estrogen, and may improve health among postmenopausal women. Studies have found that it may help to preserve bone, improve cholesterol, and reduce age-related DNA damage among older women. DOSAGE GUIDELINES Ginsengs are available in capsules, tinctures, liquid elixirs, and teas, and may be combined with other, complementary ingredients. For health maintenance, the most common dose for all types is 500 mg daily, or up to 1,000 mg. Choose a product that fits your personal needs. If you are taking medications, check for possible interactions with a health practitioner who is trained in herbal medicine. TOP HEALTH BENEFITS Z Blood-sugar control: At the University of Toronto, studies of healthy people and type 2 diabetics found that American ginseng reduced blood-sugar spikes after eating sugar. Among healthy people, ginseng worked best when taken 40 minutes Editors’ product picks YOGI TEA Ginseng Vitality SUN CHLORELLA Organic Sun Eleuthero SPRING 2015 | amazing wellness 13 AMAZING NEWS take this simple fitness test CAN YOU EASILY SIT ON THE FLOOR AND THEN GET UP, USING ONLY YOUR LEGS? If so, you’re in great shape. If not, the more support you need, the less fit your body. In a study spanning more than six years, with 2002 women and men between the ages of 51 and 80, researchers in Brazil found that this simple test correlates with lifespan: Z Stand in your bare feet, wearing comfortable clothes. Z Sit down on the floor. Z Stand up. Among study participants who needed the support of only one hand or one knee for each movement, or none, risk of death was very low. But for each additional point of support (an extra knee, side of the leg, hand, or forearm, for example) risk of death increased by 21 percent. The test is also a good measure of overall fitness at any age, which can always be improved with an exercise program that builds strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. MAXIMUM VIBRANCE is nearly everything you need to take. This 121 ingredient formula marries fully balanced vegetable protein to certified organic vitamins and minerals of plant origin, and then blends them into a mass of specially selected and certified organic plant foods that provide a complete array of nutrients necessary for optimal health. Greens Prebiotics Protein Probiotics Antioxidants Adaptogens Organic Vitamins Digestive Enzymes Organic Minerals Fiber Sea Vegetables BCAA’s Fruits Immune Support Vegetables Meal Replacement *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Now Available in Chocolate! © Vibrant Health 2015 | www.vibranthealth.us | When stress takes hold Find Your Serene There’s more stress in our lives today than ever before. When we’re stressed, our bodies unleash a cascade of over 500 biochemical events that left unchecked can drain our energy, and make us unable to think clearly. The good news is that our bodies also have calming chemistries that we can tap into.* At Source Naturals®, we understand the science of stress so we created Serene Science™, a full line of products that work with your body’s natural calming mechanisms. Whether you experience racing thoughts, tense muscles or moodiness, Serene Science can help you relax, feel peaceful and more balanced.* When we’re serene, our thoughts become more clear and our minds more focused. We’re able to accomplish more of what we want to in life. Find your serene. Your body and mind will reward you.* Visit SereneScience.com to learn more about stress and find the serene that works for you. S O U R C E N AT U R A L S *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. ® © 201 Source Naturals, Inc. AMAZING NEWS Garlic Supplements Lower Blood Pressure For people with elevated blood pressure, garlic supplements can help, according to a review of 17 human trials published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. In the studies, people with high blood pressure took different types of garlic supplements, including Aged Garlic Extract. On average, systolic blood pressure (the top number) dropped by 3.75 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure by 3.39 mmHg. In addition, garlic reduced cholesterol by 5.4 percent and triglycerides by 6.5 percent. Such improvements contribute significantly to better health. B VITAMINS REDUCE DDT DAMAGE TO PREGNANCY DDT, a pesticide that impairs fertility and can contribute to miscarriages, was banned in this country in 1972. But because it remains in soil for decades, and some countries still use it, DDT can still affect us through food grown in contaminated soils or through imported foods. Now, a study of Chinese women has found that getting adequate B vitamins can reduce DDT damage, enhancing fertility and viable pregnancies. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that a deficiency in any of the B vitamins, and especially B12 and folic acid, posed the greatest risk. 1,144–1,757 CALORIES One typical large cheeseburger from leading fast-food chains, with fries and a regular cola, is all it takes to eat that many calories, according to scientists at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. For most adults, those calories make up between 57 and 88 percent of their daily required total, leaving little room for other meals and snacks. 16 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 what’s worse than sugar? There’s been a long debate about whether high-fructose corn syrup is worse than sugar, but a new study from the University of Utah sheds some light. For male mice eating human-equivalent amounts of the two sweeteners (relative to their size), both were equally toxic. But among females, the corn sweetener impaired fertility and shortened lifespan to much greater degrees than table sugar or glucose alone. 80% This is the percentage of doctors who recommend dietary supplements to their patients, according to a survey of 150 physicians and 914 patients for Accent Health, a patient education media company. When patients tell their doctors they want to take certain supplements, 94% of those doctors typically agree. $12 billion That’s how much money could be saved in health-care costs by 2020 if all postmenopausal women in the United States took calcium and vitamin D supplements, according to a study by the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Currently, only 29 percent of postmenopausal women over the age of 55 take such supplements, which help prevent osteoporosis, falls, and fractures that reduce independence. AMAZING NEWS GINGER HELPS TYPE 2 DIABETICS Ginger supplements can improve health for type 2 diabetics, according to a study that tested 2 grams daily of a ginger powder supplement against a placebo for 12 weeks. In a group of 41 people with the disease, tests showed that ginger improved chronic high blood-sugar levels and other health markers. The study, which was published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, concluded that ginger could help reduce risk of diabetes complications. LOSING WEIGHT? GET “WHEY” MORE MUSCLE People who lose weight on a low-calorie diet can preserve more lean muscle by consuming whey protein, rather than the equivalent amount of soy protein or carbohydrate, according to a study by Canadian and British researchers. Published in The Journal of Nutrition, the study tested the two proteins during a 14-day weight-loss diet, among 40 overweight men and women between the ages of 35 and 65. Preserving lean muscle makes it easier to maintain a new, lower weight. My Heart’s Best Friend. Support optimal cardiovascular function and protect your heart with Neprinol, the strongest blend of systemic enzymes available. Neprinol’s powerful formula is capable of digesting the waste and debris that normally accumulates within the bloodstream. As we age, our ISVVKJHUILNPU[VJVU[HPUJVU[HTPUHU[ZSPRL\UKPNLZ[LKMVVKKLJH`LKHUKV_PKPaLKJLSSZÄIYPUHUKMH[[`WYV[LPUZ;OLZLJVTWVULU[Z can disrupt normal immune, joint, and cardiovascular function, making us feel tired and sluggish. Whether you’re a performance athlete or normally aging adult, healthy blood is essential to heart health, vitality and well-being.* BLOOD SAMPLE BEFORE NEPRINOL BLOOD SAMPLE AFTER NEPRINOL :\IQLJ[JVTWSHPUZVMSL[OHYN`HUKZ[PɈ and uncomfortable joints. Subject’s blood slide shows elevated blood contaminants.* Analysis shows highly reduced blood contaminants. Subject has increased energy and no joint discomfort.* To learn more about keeping your blood clean, visit www.neprinol.com or call (800) 385-9596 *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Want the Real BEAUTY BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN? Generate It. Don’t Eat It! Clinically Proven Results! BioSil Advanced Collagen Generator† • Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles†* • Increases Skin Elasticity†* • Strengthens and Thickens Hair† • Strengthens Nails† Increase Body Collagen to Augment Beauty How Can I Generate My Own Collagen? You probably know that adding body collagen directly reduces wrinkles, increases skin elasticity and adds vital moisture to your skin. Indirectly, collagen thickens and strengthens your hair. You may also know that collagen production slows by 1% per year after the age of 21. By age 30, the signs become visible. So how do you get the collagen back? The key to generating collagen is to activate your body’s own collagen-generating cells – known as fibroblasts. Now here’s the good news. BioSil Hair Skin Nails is clinically proven to increase collagen formation, creating collagen with your own DNA fingerprint! Of course, the real proof is the results you’ll see. Results of the Landmark BioSil Clinical Trial How Do I Get My Collagen Back? Some people think that simply eating collagen might be the way to go. But the scientific reality is, collagen is a protein. When you ingest collagen, such as in pills or powders, your body sees it as chicken, fish, steak or any other protein. It breaks it down and uses it as food. If you want the real beauty benefits of collagen, you have to generate it, not eat it. biosilusa.com In the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the women taking BioSil reduced wrinkles by 30%, increased skin elasticity by 89%, thickened and strengthened hair by 13% and dramatically strengthened nails compared to the women not taking BioSil. When you want genuine visible beauty results from collagen, generate it, don’t eat it. Experience the beautiful difference for yourself! Available at ©2014 Bio Minerals NV. Manufactured by Bio Minerals NV, Belgium. ch-OSA, BioSil and the ch-OSA logo are registered trademarks of Bio Minerals NV. * Based on clinical testing on the forearm and forehead. † These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. AMAZING NEWS A Healthier Lifestyle Is Wealthier PEOPLE WHO ARE FIT, HEALTHY, AND ACTIVE NOT ONLY TEND to live longer and better lives, but they also save significant money on their own health care. According to the CDC, 84 percent of costs result from chronic conditions, many of which are lifestyle-related. And there’s another benefit. “People with good exercise, nutrition, and general health habits are more likely to have good financial habits,” says Eric Brotman, financial planner and author of Retire Wealthy: The Tools You Need to Help Build Lasting Wealth. “It stands to reason that someone who can fight the need to satisfy immediate gratification in one facet of their life should do the same in other facets,” he says. Feel Spring in Your Step… Not in Your Nose! Seasonal allergies take a toll on quality of life. Dr. King’s® Natural Medicine Asthma Symptom Relief, Sinus Relief, and Allergy & Hay Fever Reliever are formulated to temporarily reduce symptoms of congestion, cough, sneezing, runny nose and more, so you can enjoy the fresh air and breathe a little easier, all season long. · Safe, Natural Medicine _cŅUĹŅƵĹcåč±ƋĜƴåĜÚå)ýåÏƋŸ _cŅUĹŅƵĹcåč±ƋĜƴåŅĹƋų±ĜĹÚĜϱƋĜŅĹŸ _±ŸƋåěüųååØkų±ĬaĜŸƋ Şų±ƼŸ kingbio.com AMAZING NEWS new black cohosh benefits discovered Black cohosh is a long-standing herbal remedy for hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms. Now, a new study has found that it can also help to reduce fibroids among postmenopausal women. The study, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, looked at the progression of fibroid tumors among 62 women who had taken either black cohosh (Remifemin) or a prescription drug 10 years earlier to treat menopause symptoms. Fibroids were smaller among those who had taken the herbal remedy, but were bigger among those who had taken the medication. Works tonight! For more information on these products and more please go to www.irwinnaturals.com These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. On sale in stores remedy 411 natural solutions for common conditions BY EMILY A. KANE, ND, LAC SORE SUBJECT Practical ways to prevent—and treat—carpal tunnel syndrome THEY SAY AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS worth a pound of cure. And if you’re in a profession that demands repetitive wrist movement (such as carpentry or typing), there are a number of ways to reduce the potential for carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition characterized by inflammation between the delicate structures of the wrist. One reason the wrist is so flexible—it’s the most versatile joint in the body—is that it’s composed of eight carpal bones that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle and are bound by a series of ligaments and tendons with various nerves coursing through. When the structures of the wrist become inflamed and swollen from overuse, the swelling can cause pressure on the nerves. NUTRITIONAL THERAPIES B vitamins can be very helpful in aiding nerve healing. Whether you’re hoping to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome or already have it, consider taking 1,000–5,000 mcg of B12 (I prefer the sublingual “dots”) and 50–200 mg of B6 daily for 6–12 weeks. Also, to reduce the swelling, go easy on beef, pork, and dairy for a few months because these foods are high in arachidonic acid, which promotes inflammation. Additionally, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oil is anti-inflammatory. You can take 1,500–3,000 mg a day for 6–12 weeks. Taking high-potency digestive enzymes (1,000–2,000 mg daily of a high-CFU-count bromelain, for example) or other proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes once or twice 26 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 daily between meals can assist with breaking down cellular debris and removing injured tissue. Enzymes also help to digest food, but when you take enzymes 30 min- good buys ... NORDIC NATURALS EPA XTRA is a concentrated omega-3 formula that includes a mega dose of EPA—and extra protection against inflammation. utes before or two hours after meals, they don’t work on the food in your stomach, but instead enter the bloodstream and act as “extra” white blood cells that assist in the process of waste and tissue removal. DR. MERCOLA Full Spectrum Enzymes feature a wide range of plant-based digestive enzymes that can help promote tissue repair and healing. TWIN LAB Mega B-12 Dots dissolve quickly under the tongue for instant delivery. Each naturally cherry-flavored dot provides 5,000 mcg of B12. Emily A. Kane, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist based in Juneau, Alaska. Visit her online at dremilykane.com. inside scoop in-the-know on the latest supplements BY VERA TWEED GET PRO-ACTIVE Witness a dramatic turnaround in your digestive health in as little as 24 hours with probiotic supplements “THE DISRUPTION OF BOWEL FLORA IS extremely common,” says William Davis, MD, author of Wheat Belly Total Health. Although no one has devised a way to formally track its incidence, he estimates that up to 85 percent of Americans may be affected. Bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea are common symptoms, but an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in our gut can also predispose us to colds and flu, bacterial infections, allergies, skin rashes, gum disease, weight gain, and unhealthy levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. When probiotics are used correctly, our gut can regain balance, sometimes very quickly. In the case of constipation, says Davis, “it responds within 24 hours, dramatically, to a high-potency probiotic.” HEY, YOU’VE GOT GUTS! Our gut bacteria number in the trillions and consist of many different species that work together. While it’s well established that antibiotics kill off beneficial bugs as well as harmful ones (which is why diarrhea can be a side effect), our diet and lifestyle also disrupt gut microbes. “We know that when humans turned to grain, our bowel flora changed dramatically,” probiotic benefits abound Probiotics cut the rate of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by almost half, according to a review of 63 studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. For constipation, one specific probiotic, Bifidobacterium lactis, was especially effective, according to a review of studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Other studies have found that probiotics: Z Reduce the incidence of colds and flu; Z Increase weight loss in conjunction with a calorie-reduced diet; Z Relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome; 28 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 Z Lower cholesterol and blood pressure; Z Improve gum health (with probiotic lozenges); Z Increase the effectiveness of an antihistamine for allergies. 3.5 Fatigue Level 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 Days 30 Days % Increase in Nitric Oxide Levels Formula Active 60 Days Placebo 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Formula Active Placebo inside scoop says Davis. Recent studies have also found that artificial sweeteners, jet lag, and shift work disturb the natural balance of gut bacteria and upset blood sugar in a way that can lead to obesity and diabetes. The problem doesn’t end there. “If you remove some noxious stimulus, like an antibiotic, or you take the grains out,” says Davis, “you don’t fully repopulate all the healthy species you need.” In fact, he has found that when people stop eating grains, they may experience gas and bloating, and he suspects that this is because they lack healthy gut microbes. The problem can be relieved by taking high-potency probiotics. Green bananas contain prebiotics that nourish beneficial bacteria. HOW TO USE PROBIOTICS Depending on your needs, you can support healthy gut bacteria in a variety of ways: To correct an imbalance of gut bacteria: Take a high-potency probiotic with 30–50 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of a variety of beneficial bacteria. Davis has found that this amount relieves symptoms, for most people, when taken for eight weeks. Davis also recommends eating foods that contain prebiotics, special types of sugars or starches that nourish beneficial bacteria. His favorites are raw potatoes and green bananas, which are rich in certain fibers but contain virtually no starch. Davis recommends adding either one of these (in the following amounts) to a smoothie made in a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix, Blendtec, or NutriBullet: Z ½ of a medium raw potato, peeled. Avoid potatoes with green eyes. Z ½ of an unripe banana. Green bananas can be peeled, sliced, and frozen. If you experience bloating, reduce the amount of raw potato or green banana. Other prebiotics, found in some probiotic supplements, include fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). (For more healthy-gut tips from Davis, visit wheatbellyblog.com.) For maintenance: Probiotic supplements come in many forms, including pills, powders, liquids, and chewable lozenges or wafers, and many are formulated for specific age groups. Some are refrigerated, and others use special delivery systems to protect cultures from harsh stomach acid so that they can reach the intestines, where they do their job. When probiotic supplements also contain prebiotics, the combination may be called “synbiotics.” You can refrigerate all probiotics, even those not requiring it—some experts maintain that keeping all probiotics in the refrigerator helps to keep them fresh longer. Food sources: Fermented foods and beverages, including yogurt or kefir with live cultures, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso (a fermented soy bean paste), and tempeh, naturally contain probiotics. Probiotics are also added to some protein and greens powders, nutrition bars, breads, snack foods, teas, and other beverages. good buys ... NATURE’S WAY Primadophilus Reuteri Superior Probiotic is a RENEW LIFE Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion is a multi-strain powder that delivers 30 billion CFUs per teaspoon. high-potency formula with 50 billion CFUs of 10 probiotic strains—ideal for digestive issues. UP4 Women’s Probiotic helps to support urinary tract health with a targeted blend of four probiotic strains and organic cranberry powder. Vera Tweed has been writing about nutrition, fitness, and healthy living since 1997. She specializes in covering research and expert knowledge that empowers people to lead better lives. She is the author of numerous books, including Hormone Harmony and User’s Guide to Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. 30 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 need to know preventive nutrition & supplements BY JACK CHALLEM THE PREDIABETES PRESCRIPTION A nutrition and supplement plan that can help to keep prediabetes from progressing PREDIABETES IS A WAKE-UP CALL—ONE that does not have to be a prelude to fullblown type 2 diabetes. Most people can take steps to reverse prediabetes—wait too long and type 2 diabetes will have to be treated medically. An estimated 70–100 million Americans have prediabetes, most of them undiagnosed. Being overweight or obese, having difficulty losing weight, feeling tired much of the time, and having poor concentration are common symptoms of prediabetes. GETTING TESTED Having either a fasting blood sugar level between 100–125 mg/dl or a HbA1C level between 5.7 and 6.9 percent is a sign of prediabetes. A fasting blood sugar between 90 and 99 mg/dl points to looming prediabetes. It’s also important to have your fasting insulin tested—a measure of 11 mcIU/ml or higher indicates that your body is working very hard to control blood sugar. A high fasting insulin is an accurate early predictor of diabetes risk in the coming 10–15 years. THE CAUSE In the vast majority of cases, prediabetes is a consequence of eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates, including sugary foods, for many years. These foods include candies, desserts, white bread, white rice, pizza, pasta, muffins, bagels, grits, and tortillas. Potatoes and rice wafers have a similar effect on blood sugar. CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS A variety of drugs are commonly prescribed to people with prediabetes. Like most drugs, they have side effects. EATING TIPS Improving eating habits is essential. Focus on quality protein (fish, chicken, grass-fed 32 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 ® F O R M U L A S SUPERIOR NUTRITION AND FORMULATION sm High Absorption Co-Q10 Formula Multinutrient Bone-Health System Shelf-Stable Probiotic Formula Better Absorbed Vitamin B12 Turmeric Concentrate JARROW FORMULAS: SUPERIOR BY DESIGN Jarrow Formulas’ mission is to promote optimal health with effective dietary supplement formulations. Products are based on sound scientific research data with a focus on innovation– leading to unique, cutting-edge products. Products are manufactured with strict compliance to cGMP processes to ensure the highest levels of quality. For more information visit us: www.Jarrow.com *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Jarrow ® F O R M U L A S need to know beef), which stabilizes and lowers blood sugar levels. Eat plenty of high-fiber vegetables as well. Fiber, particularly soluble fiber, slows the breakdown of carbohydrates and also lowers and stabilizes blood sugar. High-fiber vegetables include dark lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, radishes, bell peppers, snow peas (with edible pods), mustard greens, endive, and collard greens. Make a point to avoid salad dressings with added sugars. Some foods, such as vinegar and cinnamon, can help lower blood sugar. SUPPLEMENTS Several supplements have been shown to help regulate blood sugar. If you take more than two of these supplements, reduce the suggested dose. Z VITAMIN D. This vitamin, which is really a “pre-hormone,” can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and prevent prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Combining vitamin D with calcium boosts the benefits; both nutrients are involved in regulating blood sugar and insulin. Take: 1,000–4,000 IU of vitamin D, plus 500 mg of calcium citrate daily. Z SILYMARIN. Silymarin, the extract of the herb milk thistle, can dramatically improve blood sugar in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Three human studies have demonstrated silymarin’s benefits, which include a 15–20 percent decrease in blood sugar, along with decreases in insulin, post-meal blood sugar, and HbA1C. Take: 200 mg three times daily. Z CHROMIUM. The body needs this dietary mineral to help insulin work efficiently, but the dose appears key. A study found that low doses didn’t help, but taking 500 mcg twice daily helped people with type 2 diabetes. The benefits were noted after just four months. Take: For prediabetes, start at 400 mcg daily, and go up to 1,000 mcg daily if necessary. Z BIOTIN. This B vitamin activates genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also enhances the 34 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 type 2 diabetes Combining vitamin D with calcium helps to boost the benefits. Type 2 diabetes develops when prediabetes is left untreated. Most patients who are diagnosed with diabetes need to take medications to control their blood sugar. But not all is lost. If you focus on eating healthy foods and take certain supplements, you can likely reduce the risk of diabetic complications, which include kidney disease, blindness, and nerve disease. Having type 2 diabetes means you have to be vigilant about your eating habits—all of the time. Vitamin D and silymarin might be the best supplements for helping to manage glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. blood-sugar-regulating effect of chromium and lipoic acid. Biotin is needed for the activity of glucokinase, an enzyme that monitors the body’s glucose levels. It’s safe even in large amounts. Take: 1,000– 10,000 mcg daily. Z CURCUMIN. An extract of turmeric root, curcumin can help people manage blood sugar. Doctors gave either 1,500 mg of curcumin or placebos daily for nine months to 240 people with prediabetes. By the end of the study, 19 of the 116 people taking placebos had developed type 2 diabetes, while not a single person taking curcumin developed diabetes. Take: 750–1,500 mg of curcumin. Z ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID. This antioxidant has been used in Europe as a medical treatment for diabetic nerve disease. Studies have found that it improves insulin function and in some people might lower blood sugar. At higher dosages, it is also helpful with nerve numbness and pain. Take: 200–400 mg daily. Z PYCNOGENOL. Extracted from French maritime pine bark, this antioxidant complex inhibits the activity of alphaglucosidase, a carb-digesting enzyme. The mechanism is similar to the diabetes drug acarbose, but a study found Pycnogenol 190 times more potent than acarbose in inhibiting alpha-glucosidase. Take: 100–200 mg of Pycnogenol daily. Jack Challem, aka “The Nutrition Reporter,” is the best-selling author of more than 20 books on health and nutrition, including The Inflammation Syndrome. Visit him on the Web at nutritionreporter.com. good buys ... DR. VENESSA’S FORMULAS Sugar Balance GENCEUTIC NATURALS R-Lipoic Acid+ features a full spectrum of nutrients for healthy insulin function, including alpha lipoic acid. is a non-sythetic form of alpha lipoic acid that has been shown to be better absorbed than other forms. THE VITAMIN SHOPPE Ultra Sugar Aid with Chromax Plus Biotin is formulated with chromium picolinate (Chromax brand), biotin, and alphalipoic acid. 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Or give us a call at 1-877-256-2733 (toll-free). <RXFDQŷQG$OPDVHGLQWKH9LWDPLQ6KRSSHDQGORFDOKHDOWKIRRGVWRUHVRUYLVLWVVV@KL@RDCBNL. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your doctor or health care team before beginning any weight loss program or reducing your dosage of current medications. health q & a your health questions answered BY JONNY BOWDEN, PHD, CNS THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT GLUTEN Q Everywhere I go, I see “gluten-free” labels. Is gluten really that bad? — SARAH M., SYRACUSE, NY IF YOU WERE A VISITOR FROM ANOTHER WHAT IS GLUTEN, ANYWAY? planet and somehow wandered into a modern-day supermarket, you’d eventually wonder about this weird substance called “gluten,” and why everyone seems to be avoiding it. After all, the label “gluten-free” is everywhere, and fully 11 percent of households are reporting purchases of gluten-free foods (up from 5 percent in 2010). Sales of gluten-free products were estimated at $10 billion in 2014, and the category is expected to reach $15 billion in annual sales in 2016. Gluten—the Latin word for “glue”—is a protein found in certain grains (wheat, mainly, but also rye, barley, and spelt) that allows dough to rise. It’s the sticky stuff that holds things together, and it makes baking a breeze. A good way to think of gluten—or any protein—is to picture a pearl necklace. When proteins are digested, “hydrochloric acid in the gut undoes the ‘clasp,’” says gluten expert Tom O’Bryan, DC. “Enzymes cleave off the ‘pearls,’ or amino acids, the building blocks of protein.” “No human can digest gluten completely. We just don’t have the enzymes.” With gluten, however, this process doesn’t work—at least not completely. “No human can digest gluten completely,” O’Bryan explains. “We just don’t have the enzymes. And when you can’t break down protein completely, you break it into chunks—like pearl pieces—which are called peptides. And these peptides are inflammatory.” O’Bryan likens the lining of the gut to a piece of cheesecloth. Gluten—or any food you’re sensitive to—causes little tears in that cheesecloth, which allow all kinds of particles to get through into the bloodstream that don’t belong there. Inflammation—and a whole host of other symptoms and conditions—follow. People with celiac disease have long been intimately familiar with the damage gluten can do. When people with celiac eat foods containing gluten, their immune systems go haywire, ultimately damaging the lining of their small intestines. But you don’t have to have celiac disease to have a negative reaction to gluten. You can be gluten- sensitive, or, more seriously, gluten-intolerant (see definitions below). And gluten sensitivity—like almost all food sensitivities—causes a response that ultimately results in inflammation, a major promoter of virtually every degenerative disease. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GLUTEN INTOLERANCE AND GLUTEN SENSITIVITY? Some experts have suggested that gluten sensitivity and intolerance are often misdiagnosed as a wide range of diseases. Shari Lieberman, PhD, CNS, writes that gluten sensitivity can masquerade as everything from digestive disorders (irritable bowel) to skin disorders (eczema, acne, psoriasis), neurological disorders (behavior problems, headaches, brain fog), and even autoimmune diseases (MS). 36 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 Glowing health can be more than a dream. Read the extensive Cellfood research at our website. Accept no substitutes! Wake up to ! Since 1969, millions around the world have discovered the secret of achieving vibrant, glowing health by simply adding a few drops of Cellfood to their daily water intake! No other approach to health and anti-aging is as easy or effective. That’s why Cellfood has been the No. 1-selling oxygen + nutrient supplement in the world for over 45 years. And Cellfood has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, with NO time limit. Sold in health food stores everywhere. Cellfood is manufactured by NuScience Corporation, a cGMP-certified company. Available through Lumina Health Products luminahealth.com 8 0 0 - 74 9 - 919 6 health q & a As an alternative to wheat flour, try baking with coconut flour, almond flour, or rice flour. Gluten intolerance is different from celiac disease in that it is not an immunemediated response. But the symptoms appear pretty quickly after eating wheat or other glutencontaining foods, and they include (but are not limited to) cramping, flatulence, and diarrhea. Meanwhile, gluten sensitivity affects about 18 million people in the U.S. alone, and is basically a less serious form of gluten intolerance; the symptoms are similar, but gluten sensitivity doesn’t cause physical damage to the intestinal lining. Neurobiologist Aristo Vojdani, PhD, MSc, MT, a recognized expert on gluten sensitivity, suggests that the incidence of gluten sensitivity in Western populations may be as high as 30 percent. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE GLUTEN-SENSITIVE? There is no available, recognized test for gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance. Some people may offer saliva or blood testing, but these tests have not been validated and I don’t recommend them. The simplest way to find out if you’re gluten-sensitive is a cheap, low-tech method you can do at home called an elimination diet. Simply take gluten (or even better, wheat) out of your diet for two weeks and see if you notice any difference. WILL YOU AUTOMATICALLY LOSE WEIGHT IF YOU GIVE UP GLUTEN? No. Just because a food is “gluten-free” does not mean it’s healthy. Many glutenfree foods are made by replacing wheat flour with substances that can spike blood sugar even more, such as cornstarch or potato starch. “This is especially hazardous for anybody looking to drop 20, 30, or 38 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 more pounds, since gluten-free foods, though they do not trigger the immune or neurological response of wheat gluten, still trigger the glucose-insulin response that causes you to gain weight,” writes cardiologist William Davis, MD, in his New York Times best-seller, Wheat Belly. SO WHAT’S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN GLUTEN AND WEIGHT LOSS? Wheat. Wheat frequently triggers a rise in blood sugar, which in turn triggers a rise in insulin, which ultimately leads to fat storage. Davis has pointed to considerable research showing that wheat has addictive properties and can impact cravings, mood, and appetite. So many people who cut out wheat may indeed notice that weight loss is easier. It’s not so much the gluten that was causing folks to put on weight—it was the package it comes in (wheat). “If you eliminate foods that trigger exaggerated blood sugar and insulin responses, you eliminate the cycle of hunger and momentary satiety, you eliminate the dietary source of additive exorphins [a group of opioid peptides formed during digestion of the gluten protein], you are more satisfied with less,” writes Davis. However, if you substitute other high- glycemic (i.e., blood-sugar-raising) foods for the wheat you cut out, you’re probably not going to see much fat loss. ARE THERE OPTIONS FOR BAKING? As an alternative to wheat flour, try baking with coconut flour, almond flour, or rice flour. In my house, we’ve had terrific luck with this. SO WHAT’S THE TAKEAWAY? There’s good evidence that gluten may trigger inflammation—even low-level inflammation—in a lot of people. However, even though a higher percentage of people are gluten-sensitive than previously believed, many are not. Vojdani’s estimate that 30 percent of the population may be sensitive to gluten leaves a large majority who aren’t, and for these folks, whole grains can be part of a healthy diet. When it comes to diet, you’ve got to look at the whole picture. “It’s important to note that the rise in gluten sensitivity is not only the outcome of hyperexposure to gluten in today’s engineered foods,” writes neurologist David Perlmutter, MD. “It’s also the result of too much sugar and too many pro-inflammatory foods.” Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, aka “the Rogue Nutritionist,” is the author, with cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, MD, of The Great Cholesterol Myth. His program “Unleash Your Thin” can help you conquer cravings and food addictions and is available at jonnybowden.com. Follow him on Twitter @jonnybowden. Do you have a health question for Jonny? Send it to [email protected]. Write “Health Q&A” in the subject line. herbal healing get better with botanicals BY KARTA PURKH SINGH KHALSA, DN-C, RH OH, BABY! Herbs that can help ease pregnancy woes A PREGNANCY CAN BE AN EXCITING TIME. But it can also bring morning sickness, urinary tract infections, or other uncomfortable symptoms. A handful of herbal remedies can ease common complaints. These three stand-outs can make getting through those nine months easier for you and your baby. GINGER Ginger is widely recognized as the leading herbal remedy for nausea (morning sickness). Little is known about the safety of anti-nausea drugs during pregnancy, so ginger is a fantastic alternative. Taking four 250 mg capsules containing ginger root powder daily for four days was shown to reduce nausea by 50 percent in one study, with no adverse effects. A 2014 study published in Nursing and Midwifery Studies found similar results in a seven-day study. A 2015 paper reports that ginger has no negative effects on the developing fetus. More than two dozen published randomized controlled trials confirm the effectiveness of ginger for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Try ginger capsules at a dose of 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg per day. CRANBERRY Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy. Medical doctors will commonly prescribe antibiotics for a first infection, and for a second infection, pregnant women are generally advised to continue taking antibiotics for the entire pregnancy to prevent further infections. The problem: A developing consensus is that exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy has long-term consequences for babies, including asthma and inflammatory bowel disease later in life. Cranberry is an alternative worth trying to help prevent UTIs or treat a UTI in its 40 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 herbs to avoid There are a few herbs that may be unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. These include: Z Uterine stimulants, such as pennyroyal. They can cause uterine contractions at high doses. Z Potent detoxifiers, such as chaparral. They can expose the baby to potentially high doses of waste substances. Z Laxatives that contract smooth muscle, such as cascara sagrada. Since the uterus is made of smooth muscle, they may unintentionally stimulate uterine contractions. Z Strong stimulants, such as yohimbe. They are not ideal for the baby’s developing endocrine system. early stages. A 2013 paper found no harmful effects on the baby after cranberry use in pregnancy. Use cranberry capsules or unsweetened cranberry juice as needed. RASPBERRY LEAF TEA leaf tea helps support the developing fetus. Herbalists recommend it to help support uterine muscle, facilitate retention of the fetus during gestation, and assist with contractions during the birth. Drink one cup of raspberry leaf tea per day. Raspberry leaf is one of the most recommended herbs worldwide for use in pregnancy. Rich in minerals, raspberry Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, DN-C, RH, who specializes in Ayurveda and herbalism, has more than 40 years’ experience in holistic medicine. His website is kpkhalsa.com. Welcome to the New You. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. THE LATEST IN The science of aging reveals how to sharpen your mind and reverse your biological clock, from the inside and out 42 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 LONGEVITY BY DANIELLA CHACE, MS, CN THE SCIENCE OF AGING IS FASCINATING. We can, to a degree, change the speed and extent at which our bodies age through diet and lifestyle. Historically, the focus of anti-aging research has been around life extension, improving quality of life, and the reduction of the outward appearance of aging. More recently, the aging brain is also becoming an area of study. Dementia is a growing concern, as it is increasingly affecting people at younger and younger ages—as young as in their 40s and 50s. This poses a concern for individuals, society, and our overburdened healthcare system. The upshot is that there is more research in this area than ever before. Geneticists have figured out that the body’s chromosomes shorten as its DNA is duplicated. Someone can literally see how fast you are aging by monitoring the length of your telomeres. Our cells are in a constant state of turnover, and with the formation of each new cell, your telomeres become shorter. This monitoring tool helped scientists learn that certain nutrients are associated with longer telomere length. By increasing these nutrients in your diet, you can slow the aging process, reduce your mortality, lower risk of the development of degenerative diseases, and increase your vitality! SPRING 2015 | amazing wellness 43 By increasing certain nutrients in your diet, you can slow the aging process, reduce your mortality ... and increase vitality! DIET DOS AND DON’TS The nutrients that are associated with reduced telomere damage are those found in the Mediterranean diet. This is a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes (such as peas, beans, and lentils), and fresh herbs. Also rich in healthful plant oils from olives, nuts, and seeds. With moderate amounts of fish, grass-fed beef, and free-range poultry and eggs. Fermented dairy products such as kefir and yogurt also support telomere length as they provide the probiotics our bodies need for proper metabolism of food nutrients. AVOID SUGAR The ideal anti-aging diet is also void of sugar. Sugar is damaging, not only because it is a primary cause of inflammation, but it has also proven to shorten telomere length. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys found a significant association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and leukocyte telomere length leading to their release of a study titled, Soda and Cell Aging. Eating sugar increases the risk of mortality and disease, and causes the physical signs of aging that you see. For example, sugar triggers heat and swelling, which stretches the skin causing the skin to puff—and then sag as the inflammation is reduced. The fluctuating inflammation causes flaccidity and dryness that leads to damaged and wrinkled skin. TAKE YOUR MINERALS The most effective strategy for reducing the risk of damage from a high-sugar diet is to avoid dietary sugar—and to boost your intake of the nutrients that help regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber, minerals, and glucosamine are all nutrients that keep blood sugar stable. 44 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 BOOST YOUR LONGEVITY “Oxidative stress is the strain on your body’s tissues when the amount of free radicals in your system outnumbers the amount of antioxidants,” says Michael A. Smith, MD, author of The Supplement Pyramid: How to Build Your Personalized Nutritional Regimen. “It is widely believed to be a key contributor to the aging process. You can’t avoid free radicals (which are created every time you breathe, digest food, fight off an infection, etc.), but you can reduce your exposure—refusing to smoke, living in an unpolluted area, wearing sunscreen, avoiding processed foods, and filtering your water are some of the top preventive measures. But one of the best approaches, says Smith, is to make sure your body has the defenses to neutralize them: antioxidants. A few of his favorite antioxidant supplements for reducing oxidative stress are pomegranate, blueberry, elderberry, and açai extracts; superoxide dismutase; glutathione; R-lipoic acid; green tea extract; and tart cherry extract. Smith also discusses natural ways to preserve cellular energy production and reverse your biological clock in his book, which offers customized supplement plans for every age and set of health goals. At the top of his list for enhancing your body’s energy production as you age are CoQ10 and a related nutrient, PQQ. He also suggests that people consider taking L-carnitine “for an additional mitochondrial boost.” This nutrient helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be burned as fuel. When it comes to turning back the clock, Smith emphasizes keeping telomeres long. “There are some supplements that have been shown to increase telomere length—one of these is fish oil,” says Smith. Three others to consider, suggests Smith, are resveratrol, reishi mushroom extract, and astragalus extract. To learn more about Smith and his book, visit mysupplementpyramid.com. Listen to his radio show, Healthy Talk, at RadioMD.com. —NB Life happens. But Kyo-Dophilus® is always there for me and my family. When stress, travel, icky weather and antibiotics bring on the sniffles and intestinal yuckiness, our balance of good and bad bacteria is thrown off.* When I think that 70 percent of the immune system is in our digestive tract, that means keeping our immune system strong partly comes down to making sure we’re supporting our intestinal health as well. That’s why probiotics are so important.* I take Kyo-Dophilus, a heat-resistant blend of beneficial bacteria shown to support healthy digestion and a strong immune system. It’s guaranteed stable at the time of consumption so I know we are getting live and active cultures. And because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, it’s as convenient as it is effective.* So, c’mon life, bring it on. We’re ready for you. Effective. Convenient. Kyo-Dophilus. Wakunaga of America Co., Ltd., Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (800) 421-2998 www.kyolic.com *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Kyo-Dophilus® is a registered trademark of Wakunaga of America Co., Ltd. A team of German genetic specialists discovered that glucosamine improves glucose metabolism and blood sugar. Both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber help to buffer the release of sugars from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, which allows our endocrine system time to respond to the load of a meal. And fiber provides the added benefit of reducing glucose intolerance by improving the way the body’s cells absorb sugar and burn it for energy. Keep in mind that animal foods such as meats, eggs, and dairy do not contain fiber, and that plant foods are rich in fiber. Plant foods include vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and herbs. You also can boost your fiber intake by adding powdered fiber supplements to yogurt, cereal, and/or smoothies. Your blood sugar rises as the foods you eat release sugar into your bloodstream. Your endocrine system responds by releasing the hormone insulin into the HEALTH DIRECT Nature’s Optimal Nutrition Energize is a tasty liquid multi that contains all of the nutrients needed for aging well—and then some, including minerals, açai, and green tea. blood that is able to then carry the sugar into our cells where it can be used as energy. However, insulin isn’t able to do this effectively without specific nutrient co-factors—namely, chromium and zinc. To increase zinc intake, add a few handfuls of pumpkin seeds to your daily diet. Nuts and seeds are good sources chromium as well, which can be eaten whole or as nut butters. Vegetables such as broccoli and onions are also good sources of chromium. Most multivitamin and mineral supplements contain chromium and zinc. Read the label to make sure that your supplement contains highly absorbable forms of these minerals (e.g., chromium picolinate and zinc picolinate). A team of German genetic specialists recently discovered that glucosamine— the popular joint health supplement—also improves glucose metabolism and blood sugar levels. These findings were confirmed by lab studies and published in Nature Communications, leading health professionals to now recommend glucosamine as part of anti-aging programs. By enhancing glucose metabolism with MUSHROOM WISDOM Super Reishi is free of NEOCELL Collagen + C Pomegranate liquid, sweet- synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It’s also processed in a way that preserves the maximum range of the beneficial compounds in reishi. ened with agave, combines the beauty-boosting benefits of collagen with two potent antiaging nutrients: pomegranate and green tea extracts. dietary fiber and nutrients, you can increase energy and reduce the aging effects of sugar throughout the body, including the effects on your brain and cognitive abilities. WHY SLEEPING IS KEY Your metabolism and blood sugar are also affected by your sleeping patterns. Poor sleep is suspected of contributing to the proteins in the brain associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. When you don’t get enough of the deep sleeping hours, your body doesn’t have enough energy and time to clean up toxins and restore endocrine function each night. Poor sleep also appears to contribute to amyloid plaque buildup in the brain that is thought to be a primary factor in Alzheimer’s development and cognitive decline associated with aging. We need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, in a dark and quiet space. We also know that the more of these hours that we get in before midnight the better. This means going to bed earlier in the evening and getting up earlier in the morning. QUALITY OF LIFE VitaPQQ, which is a blend of PQQ and a highly absorbable form of CoQ10, is an advanced anti-aging product designed to enhance cognitive and mitochondrial function. TOP SECRET NUTRITION L-Carnitine Plus Green Coffee Extract is an ideal choice for those who are looking for anti-aging and weight-loss benefits from one supplement. Daniella Chace, MS, CN, is a clinical nutritionist and educator. She is an expert in personalized medical nutrition therapy, with an emphasis in toxicology, epigenetics, human microbial ecology, and orthomolecular applications in disease management. She is the author of over 20 nutrition books and the host of NPR’s Nutrition Matters. She lives in Port Townsend, Washington where she sees clients in her private practice and develops recipes that support healing. Learn more at daniellachace.com. 46 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 See it All with Eye-Healthy Omega-3s Omega-3s for Q Healthy Eyes* Q Antioxidant Support* Q Brain Health* Choose Nordic Naturals The #1 Omega-3 Fish Oil† Pure Effective Award Winning Committed to Delivering the World’s Safest, Most Effective Omega Oils ™ | 800.662.2544 | nordicnaturals.com † Based on SPINS scan data * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ULTIMATE EYE HEALTH GUIDE What you need to know now to promote clear vision for years to come BY VERA TWEED 48 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 “EACH DAY, YOUR EYES ARE ASSAULTED BY the sun, electronic devices, and the natural process of aging, all of which cause oxidative stress—a process that acts like rust in the body,” says optometrist Jeffrey Anshel, OD, and author of Smart Medicine for Your Eyes. Manifestations can range from discomfort to degenerative conditions that impair sight. But the right nutrients can protect and nourish the eyes, helping you to see better, longer. Although an all-around healthy diet is essential, the eyes favor specific nutrients: lutein and zeaxanthin. And omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are needed to maintain healthy eye fluids, which can affect vision as well as comfort. Along with a good-quality multivitamin, this combination can reduce the odds of problems. SPRING 2015 | amazing wellness 49 HOW KEY NUTRIENTS WORK Lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally present in the eye, especially the retina, which lines the back of the eye and converts light signals into impulses that become images. They are most concentrated in the macula, a small, yellowish area in the center of the retina that enables us to see details in the center of our field of vision, such as facial features or words on a page. Zeaxanthin also acts like natural sunglasses, shielding the eye internally from harmful light rays. Age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma are leading causes of vision loss, and these two nutrients can help prevent and slow down the progression of these diseases. They are also found in the lens of the eye and help to prevent the formation of cataracts. Even though lutein and zeaxanthin are essential for normal vision, our bodies can’t make them. Dark-green leafy vegetables are a chief source, and other vegetables and fruits in general are others, but nutrientdepleted soils don’t guarantee that we can get enough. “Although they are often found together in foods, the standard American diet is woefully low in these nutrients,” says Anshel. “Even the healthiest of eaters can still benefit from supplementing.” HOW TO USE EYE SUPPLEMENTS Anshel recommends a multivitamin, with the daily dose divided into two servings, with meals; 250 mg of vitamin C, four times daily; and omega-3 fats found in fish oil, especially DHA. The usual recommended amount of fish oil is 1 to 3 grams daily. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in some multis and in formulas designed to support healthy vision. These, says Anshel, are beneficial ranges for each one: Z LUTEIN: 6 to 40 mg daily Z ZEAXANTHIN: 4 to 8 mg daily In food and in the human body, these nutrients are naturally present in a lutein:zeaxanthin ratio of 5:1, and this is the most beneficial combination in supplements. Some vision formulas contain a proprietary form of these, known as Lutemax 2020, which is a combination of the two nutrients in their natural ratio. For healthy eye development of babies and infants, mothers need adequate lutein, zeaxanthin, and DHA, one of the key omega-3 fats in fish oil and algae. The fetus then gets these in the womb, and an infant gets them in breast milk. Reducing Computer Eyestrain Keep your monitor in front of a light—rather than dark—background, positioned so that you are looking down at it while sitting up straight. Set monitor brightness to the lowest level that is comfortably readable. Make it a habit to periodically look into the distance—for example, when you stop to think—and focus on something at least 20 feet away, preferably outside a window. 50 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 For further information visit www.pnibrands.com HERBAL EYE REMEDIES: 3 WAYS Herbs can be taken as supplements or used topically in compresses or eyewashes. As a supplement, bilberry is a traditional herbal remedy for poor vision, especially at night. Tests have shown that it is a strong antioxidant that reduces the effects of glare and improves contrast sensitivity in healthy eyes, and may help to improve impaired vision. Bilberry, grape seed extract, ginkgo, eyebright, and other herbs may be found in vision supplement formulas. FOR HERBS IN COMPRESSES OR EYEWASHES, THIS IS HOW ANSHEL RECOMMENDS PREPARING THEM: Herbal compress: Bring 1 or 2 heaping tablespoons of an herb to a boil in 1 cup of water, and strain the liquid. Dip a cotton pad or gauze into it, drain off excess, and then put the pad on your eyelid, keeping your eye closed. The compress should be warm, but not uncomfortably hot. Keep it on the eyelid until it cools. The heat stimulates blood flow, which enhances healing and helps to flush out bacteria and toxins. However, for eyes that are itchy from allergies, a cold compress may be more soothing. Herbal eyewash: Make an herbal tea and then strain it through a piece of cheesecloth or filter paper, until it runs clear. There must be absolutely no particles in the liquid, as these could scratch or irritate the eye. Let the liquid cool to room temperature before use. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. How to apply an eyewash: Lean your head back and, using a dropper, put two drops of liquid in the corner of one eye while the eye is closed. Or, gently pull your lower lid down and drop the liquid in the pocket. Your blink reflex will distribute the liquid. Using an eyecup is another alternative. With any of these methods, keep your eye closed for about 30 seconds. HERBS TO USE Eyestrain, E t i bloodshot eyes, or light sensitivity: eyebright AMERICAN HEALTH More Than a Multiple with Vision Essentials is a whole-foods-derived multi with eye-health essentials including zinc, lutein, and vitamin A. Dry eyes: chamomile or goldenseal Itchy It h eyes: chamomile Pinkeye: Pi k eyebright, fennel, chamomile, or calendula Stye: t eyebright or raspberry JARROW FORMULAS Vision Optimizer promotes LIFE EXTENSION MacuGuard features lutein NORDIC NATURALS Omega Vision helps protect THE VITAMIN SHOPPE Opti-Vue with Lutein sharper vision with a comprehensive formula that includes lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and ginkgo. from marigold flower extract along with phospholipids that studies show help to enhance absorption. your peepers with a blend of highly concentrated omega-3s plus lutein and zeaxanthin. combines antioxidant carotenoids, including lutein from marigold (FloraGLO), with herbs known to support eye health. Amazing Wellness contributing editor Vera Tweed has been writing about nutrition, fitness, and healthy living since 1997. She specializes in covering research and expert knowledge that empowers people to lead better lives. Tweed lives in Los Angeles. 52 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 Calmfne All-in-one award-winning premium comprehensive liquid multi for kids ages 4–13 Stress less with the best-selling, multi-award-winning anti-stress drink U L T E I M H T E T A 54 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 Motivational speaker and author Louise Hay shares the “loving” way to attain great health and reach your ideal weight DIE T V BY ER A TW EE D MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AND AUTHOR LOUISE HAY is still going strong at the age of 88. How does she do it? In a new book, Loving Yourself to Great Health, she teams up with her go-to natural health and nutrition experts Ahlea Khadro and Heather Dane to reveal her secrets: listening to your body and living a nutrient-rich life. Without counting calories or grams of carbohydrates, the “loving” way of eating is designed to take health, mood, and energy to a new level—and helps you shed excess weight along the way. Best of all, it’s customized for you. SPRING 2015 | amazing wellness 55 “IF IT GROWS, EAT IT; IF IT DOES NOT GROW, DON’T EAT IT.” —Louise Hay LISTENING TO YOUR BODY “We are all an experiment of one,” says Dane. “The best way to give your body what it needs is to listen to the signals your body is giving you.” Start by keeping a food diary and noting how you react to certain foods for two weeks, tracking your energy levels, moods, how well you sleep, any physical symptoms that improve or get worse, and whether or not your bowel movements are optimum. Every few days, review your food diary, looking for patterns and noting any foods that may be triggers of symptoms. Once you identify foods that seem to be causing problems, eliminate one of these for one or two weeks. See how you feel and decide if you should be eating that food. Repeat the process with other problematic foods, one at a time. This learning process enables you to develop the best diet for you, and weight loss, where needed, will be one of the results. There are also some basic principles: eating whole foods rather than processed ones, avoiding toxins, and harnessing some digestive remedies. PITFALLS TO AVOID Hay and her team caution against eating these: Z Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners. Z MSG. Z Genetically modified foods (GMOs). Z Gluten, in many grains and as an additive in other foods. Z Trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) and refined fats. Z Unfermented soy. Fermented soy foods include soy sauce, tamari, tempeh, natto, and miso, and should be organic. Z Factory-farmed meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. 56 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 Z Farmed fish. Opt for sustainable, wild varieties. Z Processed food and chemical additives. WHAT TO EAT Most important, these nourishing foods are the cornerstones of the loving diet: Whole Foods Choose organic versions of fresh foods and try to prepare meals from scratch. In pack- aged foods, look for real-foods ingredients, most likely found in your local health food store. For meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy items, choose organic, grass-fed versions from animals raised humanely. Raw butter and ghee (clarified butter) are easily digested because they contain virtually no lactose or casein; other raw, organic, grassfed dairy products are generally easier to digest than conventional ones. However, not everyone can tolerate dairy. HEALTHY “FAST FOOD” DESSERT For an instant, healthy treat, store some dates in the freezer. When you want a dessert, take out one date and eat it alone or with almond butter, tahini, a handful of nuts, or a little sea salt. Louise Hay’s Broth Recipe A great daily elixir and a tasty base for cooking vegetables, soups, and stews, a nourishing broth can be made with only vegetables, only meat bones, or both. Collect vegetable skins and scraps and meat bones in a bag in your freezer. When it’s full, put it in a stainless steel pot or a slow cooker, cover with water, and add these: 1 or 2 pieces (3” each) of seaweed, such as wakame, or digitata, to boost minerals ¼ cup apple cider vinegar to bring out minerals from bones, if you’re using them Sea salt and pepper to taste Bring it to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer overnight or for roughly 8 hours. In the morning, strain the liquid, discard scraps and bones, and let the broth cool in the fridge. Once it’s chilled, scoop off the fat layer on top. Store in the fridge up to 5 days, or for longer periods in the freezer. If you don’t have meat bones, buy organic chicken necks, feet, and wings, or organic lamb or beef marrow bones. ADVERTISEMENT Fresh Fig and Avocado Smoothie + Udo’s Oil Serves 4 (makes 4 cups) 1 ripe avocado, chopped with seed removed 6-8 fresh figs, washed and quartered 1 lemon, peel and seeds removed 4 tbsp. Udo’s Oil 2 ½ cups water handful of raw almonds pinch of sea salt pinch of cayenne (optional) 1. Place all ingredients into blender and blend well; 2. Pour into individual glasses and serve. All of the good fats you need, without any of the bad fats you should avoid. Udo’s Oil 3·6·9 Blend is a combination of plant-sourced oils designed to supply the ideal 2:1 ratio of omega-3 & -6. It blends certified organic flax, sunflower, sesame, coconut, and evening primrose oils to not only achieve the ideal balance of EFAs, but a richer, more delicately balanced flavor that make it an ideal ingredient in everyday meals and an ideal way to support good health.* Make sure you get your Udo’s Oil. Once a day. Every day. ORGANIC + NON-GMO + VEGAN + SUSTAINABLE + KOSHER 888-436-6697 | VISIT WWW.FLORAHEALTH.COM TO FIND A STORE NEAR YOU. *THIS STA AT TEM TEMEN E EM T HAS NOT BEEN EVA VALUATED VAL D BY Y THE TH T HE FO FOOD A AND DRU DR G AD DRUG ADM ADMI DM DMI D M NISTR MI NIST ISTRA S AT ATIO ATION ATI TION T ION ON N. T THI TH HIS P PRO RO OD DUC DUCT UCT CT C T IS IS NOT NOT INT N IN NTENDED NT E ED T EN END TO O DIAGN AGN NOS NO SE, SE E, TRE E REAT R AT, CURE, URE RE OR PREVENT PREVENT VE E ANY NY DISEA DI DIS SE SE. Receive a $3 coupon toward your next purchase of Udo’s Oil. Visit: www.florahealth.com/udosoil or scan this code! More Vegetables Emphasize dark, leafy greens but eat all the colors of the rainbow. Tomatoes, red bell peppers, and corn can be problematic. Powdered greens supplements with wheatgrass, barley grass, oat grass, spirulina, and/or algae can boost your vegetable intake. Herbs and Spices An infinity of flavors and aromas can be created with fresh and dried herbs and spices. Experiment, discover your own favorites, and use them liberally in savory dishes and desserts. “IF YOU START TO SHIFT AND CHANGE THE FOOD YOU EAT, THEN IT’S EASIER TO GRASP ONTO NEW, POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND MAKE BETTER CHOICES IN YOUR LIFE.” —Louise Hay Natural Sweeteners Unlike refined sugar, natural sources of sweetness are rich in nutrients. They include fruit, dates, raw honey, organic grade B maple syrup, and organic unsulphured blackstrap molasses. For zerocalorie sweeteners, try monk fruit, also called lo han. Or try stevia or monk fruit. Water Aim for half your body weight in ounces: 70 ounces of water daily if you weigh 140 pounds, as an example. And never ignore thirst. 58 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 CONTROLLING CRAVINGS Intensely sweet and salty tastes in processed foods provoke cravings for more of the same, but eating healthy, whole foods will gradually change your taste buds, and your body will want foods that are better for you—a little sweetness, for example, but not an overwhelming amount. Foods and spices that help tame cravings include: Z Z Z Z Z Sour foods, such as cultured vegetables Bitter foods, such as dandelion greens, arugula, and supplements of digestive bitters Cardamom for sweet cravings Turmeric for salty cravings Cloves and cinnamon for blood-sugar balance Supplements include magnesium and, to address specific situations, one of these: MOOD-RELATED CRAVINGS: L-tryptophan, an amino acid, starting with 500 mg daily and perhaps working up to 1,000 mg daily, depending upon your response. CRAVINGS RELATED TO STRESS, OVERWORK, OR OVERWHELM: GABA (gamma-aminobu- tyric acid), an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter and has a calming effect on the nervous system. Try 100 to 500 mg daily. CAFFEINE CRAVINGS OR SAGGING ENERGY OR DRIVE: L-tyrosine, an amino acid. Follow product directions. CRAVING COMFORT FOOD: DL-phenylalanine, an amino acid that the human body turns into a brain chemical that influences mood. Follow product directions. (Should be avoided by anyone with phenylketonuria, or PKU, a rare metabolic disorder.) EVENING CRAVINGS: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), a substance the human body makes from the amino acid tryptophan, can improve mood and sleep, and help reduce appetite. Try 50 mg daily. This supplement can cause drowsiness. USAGE TIPS AND CAUTIONS: Try one of these at a time, not a combination, as some of their effects overlap. Mood-enhancing supplements are not recommended for anyone taking mood-altering drugs, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or antipsychotics, without supervision by a holistic health practitioner who is trained in nutrition and pharmacology, as drug dosages may need to be adjusted. NEW LOOK + NEW FLAVORS USDA Organic Plant-Based Non-GMO Gluten-Free Soy-Free Dairy-Free WE RAISED THE BAR. AGAIN. 20g of Organic Plant-Based Protein Redeemable at the Vitamin Shoppe Take $1 off 2 Protein and Energy Bars Mfr. Coupon/Expires 7/31/2015 Consumer: This coupon is to be used only on the purchase of specified products. Restricted by law if altered, reproduced, transferred, sold or auctioned. Retailer: Coupon not to be doubled. Value: 1/100c/. Reimbursement: Face value of this coupon plus 8c which signifies your compliance with 22 Days Nutrition’s coupon redemption policy which is available upon request. Coupon reimbursement not to be deducted from invoices. Send properly redeemed coupons to: 22 Days Nutrition, P.O. Box 407, MPS Dept No. 857, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077. Proteins and Unrefined Fats Good sources include organic, grass-fed, free-range meats, poultry, and eggs; unrefined extra-virgin coconut and olive oils; and seed and nut oils. Use animal fats and coconut oil for high-heat cooking, and olive, avocado, macadamia nut, and sesame oils for light sautéing. Grains, Nuts, and Seeds If you eat grains, Hay and her colleagues recommend naturally gluten-free varieties, such as buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, and white basmati rice. And, incorporate nuts and seeds in meals. Healing Broths Vegetable soups puréed in a blender and bone broths are comforting foods packed with nutrients that reduce inflammation, aid digestion, improve immunity, and enhance moods. Drink them at least once daily (see Broth Recipe, p. 56). In addition, consider supplementing with CoQ10, vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and the Ayurvedic tonic, triphala. WAYS TO IMPROVE DIGESTION Good digestion is an essential component of the loving diet, but heartburn, constipation, bloating, gas, and other digestive difficulties are all too common. Hay and her cohorts recommend: Z MINERAL BATHS: Have a warm, relaxing soak in a bath with ½ to 1 cup of Epsom salts, sea salt, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, or seaweed powder. Z DIGESTIVE ENZYMES: With meals, take a supplement with a variety of enzymes. Z PROBIOTICS: Look for a variety of beneficial bacteria, without fillers. TEST YOUR STOMACH ACID Low levels of hydrochloric acid (HCL) impairs breakdown of food, which leads to digestive upsets. Test yourself this way: First thing in the morning, drink a mixture of 6 ounces of water and ¼ tsp. of baking soda. If you don’t belch within 5 minutes, you likely have low stomach acid. Any one of these can increase levels: Z About 15 minutes before each meal, drink either half a fresh-squeezed lemon in 4 ounces of water, or 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water. Z DIGESTIVE BITTERS: Take before meals, per product directions. Z HCL SUPPLEMENTS: Take after meals, per product directions. If you experience burning, take a smaller amount or work with a health practitioner. “PROCESSED FOODS CANNOT BUILD HEALTH NO MATTER HOW BEAUTIFUL THE PICTURE THE MANUFACTURER HAS PUT ON THE PACKAGE.”—Louise Hay CREATIVE BIOSCIENCE Probiotics Prebiotics 1234 is formulated to assist in both digestion and weight loss with a blend of probiotics, fiber, and Garcinia cambogia. NATURAL FACTORS Stress-Relax Pharma GABA NATURAL VITALITY Natural Calm helps to restore healthy SOLGAR L-Tyrosine 500 mg is a highly bioavailable SOURCE NATURALS Serene Science 5-HTP can has been shown in studies to increase the production of alpha brain waves and create a sense of physical relaxation. magnesium levels to combat stress and control cravings— just mix with water. formula that may help to ward off caffeine cravings by boosting energy. help to curb evening cravings by reducing appetite and improving mood and sleep. Amazing Wellness contributing editor Vera Tweed has been writing about nutrition, fitness, and healthy living since 1997. She specializes in covering research and expert knowledge that empowers people to lead better lives. Tweed lives in Los Angeles. 60 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 C… the third letter in the alphabet, the first line of defense. stores nationwide ation ti vitaminshoppe.com vitamin C is an antioxidant that provides immune support and protection from free radicals in your body. it also helps maintain healthy skin and eyes. discover why Active-C’s formula is a good source of vitamin C. pick up some at your local Vitamin Shoppe or shop online at vitaminshoppe.com. HEALTHY FATS Here are some simple answers to tricky questions about fats BY LISA TURNER OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FAT CONTINUES TO BAFFLE US. We love it, then we hate it. It comforts us, then frightens us. Unlike sugar, which we’ve come to universally vilify, fat makes us sway with indecision. SPRING 2015 | amazing wellness 63 Meanwhile, conflicting claims abound. Saturated fat clogs our arteries, but coconut oil lowers cholesterol. Canola oil is high in healthful monounsaturated fats, but it’s toxic. Flax is loaded with omega-3 fats, but they’re the wrong kind. Which are real-life facts, and which are big, fat lies? Some answers to the most frequently asked fat questions follow. Q I know saturated fats are supposed to be bad for me, but what’s the difference between monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and which are more healthful? In chemical terms, monounsaturated fats contain one double bond in their structures, while polyunsaturated fats contain two or more double bonds, making them more “bendy” and prone to damage. Which are more healthful? That depends. Both have similar effects on cholesterol levels, but studies suggest that monounsaturated fats lower the risk for breast cancer, while polyunsaturated fats appear to increase risk. Additionally, some foods that are high in monounsaturated fats have additional benefits. Olive oil is rich in compounds that have antioxidant properties and anti-inflamma- WHAT ARE OMEGA-7 FATS? Omega-7s support heart health, lowering LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol, and are powerful inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Omega-7s have also been shown to boost the strength, tone, and texture of skin, hair, and nails, particularly when consumed in the form of wild-grown sea buckthorn berry—the richest plant source of omega-7s. Palmitoleic acid is a purified and concentrated form of one specific omega-7. Initial human studies have found that palmitoleic acid helps lower unhealthy triglycerides, reduce harmful LDL cholesterol, and raise beneficial HDL cholesterol—all of which benefit circulation and heart health. 64 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 tory effects, and many studies have found that almonds are extremely effective at lowering LDL cholesterol while raising HDL levels. Peanuts raise HDL levels, especially in people with diabetes; they’re also rich in resveratrol, which fights inflammation and has heart-protective effects. Other foods rich in monounsaturated fats include avocados, macadamia nuts, and canola oil. Q I’ve heard that canola oil is harmful; is that just an urban myth? Yes and no. The idea that canola oil contains high levels of toxins comes from the fact that it used to be produced from the rapeseed plant, a weed that’s used to make mechanical oils; rapeseed is naturally high in erucic acid, a compound used as a lubricant in industrial processes that’s toxic to humans in high quantities (hence, the toxicity rumor). The rapeseed was then crossbred to develop a canola plant that does not contain erucic acid. Canola is named for Canadian oil, the main supplier of the product, since “rape plant” clearly has some marketing issues. The canola plant, not the rapeseed, is now used to make canola oil. All the other stuff about mustard gas and toxic fumes is urban myth. However, many damning studies have cast suspicion on canola oil. It has been implicated in the formation of lesions in the arteries, and more recent studies noted that canola oil markedly shortened the survival rate of animals. Canola oil originally had a high polyunsaturated fat content. However, INTENSITY & INCREASE STRENGTH ™ Super Test® will maximize testosterone and nitric oxide levels to support muscle mass, strength and libido while supporting liver and kidney function. Become BEAST, NOW.* GET TO THE NEW AVAILABLE NOW @ THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. © 1995 - 2014 Beast Sports Nutrition. All Rights Reserved BOOST in the last few years canola oils have been developed that have a higher monounsaturated content. It’s safer to stick with olive oil, which has a vast body of clinical research and historical use, for your monounsaturated fats. Another reason to avoid canola oil: It’s one of the nine most genetically modified (GMO) crops/foods. Q EFA, ALA, EPA, DHA, LA, GLA, AA—I’m confused by this alphabet soup of oils. What do all these letters mean? They all refer to types of polyunsaturated fats. Here’s how it works: omega-3 and omega-6 fats are both referred to as essential fatty acids (EFAs); the body can’t make them, so we have to get them from our diets. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in flax and nuts; DHA and EPA are found mainly in fish. Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid (LA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), arachidonic acid (AA), and others. Q Can I eat flax instead of fish to get omega-3 fats? Yes and no. Flax, walnuts, chia seeds, certain dark-green leafy vegetables, and a few other foods contain omega-3s, but they’re in the form of ALA; ALA must be converted into EPA, which is necessary for the production of certain hormones, and DHA, which is required for brain devel- expert tip: ATTAIN YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT “If you’re trying to lose weight, I recommend whole-food nutritional supplements, cod liver oil, and supplements made with concentrated fucoxanthin, a carotenoid from brown seaweed that has shown tremendous fat-burning potential,” says Jordan S. Rubin, ND, the founder of Garden of Life and the author of numerous books on health, including The Maker’s Diet for Weight Loss. 66 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 Coconut has been a staple food for thousands of years in tropical cultures, but the islanders clearly aren’t obese and plagued by many of our modern diseases. opment, vision, and other functions. But the body generally uses ALA for energy, and conversion into EPA and DHA may be limited and inefficient for therapeutic purposes. Conversion efficiency depends on the individual, and varies widely; in most studies, conversion from ALA to EPA/DHA has ranged from 10 percent to 35 percent. What that means for you: if you’re counting on flax and walnuts for your main source of omega-3 fats, take into account the fact that not all of it will be converted; a tablespoon of flaxseed oil is generally recommended. Q What about vegan omega-3 products? What are those? Vegan sources of EPA and DHA are made from algae and have been shown to have the same benefits as fish oils. Unlike omega-3s in the form of ALA, algae-based EPA and DHA products do not require conversion by the body. Q How many omega-3 fats should I eat every day? The vast body of research on omega-3 fats involves cardiovascular health; most studies suggest that omega-3s help prevent erratic heartbeats, lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function, and lower triglycerides. At higher doses, omega-3 fats may also reduce chronic inflammation, which plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, some research suggests that EPA and DHA from fish may help prevent prostate cancer. Most evidence supports dietary recommendations of 1,000 mg per day of EPA and DHA combined for cardiovascular disease prevention—about the equivalent of eating fish twice a week. A couple of points to remember: fish may contain mercury and other toxins, and improper processing and storage can damage the delicate oils, turning them rancid. If you take supplements, buy a high-quality version that’s been stored properly and is tested to be free of contaminants. Q What’s all this about the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fats? There’s no question that omega-6 fats are necessary to health; however, the average American diet provides about 10 times more omega-6 oils, in the form of LA, than we need. That’s because LA is found in processed foods and in common cooking oils, like cottonseed, safflower, corn, sunflower, and soybean oils. Many experts suggest that eating omega-6 fats in excess deprives us of the health benefits from omega-3 fats. Too many omega-6s relative to omega-3s can promote inflammation, and may increase the risk of dying from heart disease. One exception is GLA, an omega-6 fat found in evening primrose oil that may actually reduce inflammation. On the other hand, many studies have found a heart-protective effect of omega-6 Support your immune system’s “first responders” by boosting your natural “killer” cell activity. But natural killer cell activity declines as we age.2 Because of this, Item #01903 NK Cell Activator™ was developed for targeted, seasonal protection of aging immune systems. It contains a modified rice bran that has been shown to be a potent immune modulator. In one clinical study, a 3-fold increase of natural killer cell activity was observed in healthy individuals, within 3-4 weeks of taking 500 mg of the same modified rice bran daily.3 In another double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, those taking the same compound experienced a boost in myeloid dendritic cells, which act as messengers between the innate and adaptive immune systems.4 Support your body’s natural defenses — especially during the winter months. Try NK Cell Activator™ today! Get it from Life Extension® now at Vitamin Shoppe stores nationwide. References 1. Curr Opin Virol. 2011 Dec;1(6):497-512. 2. Clin Exp Immunol. 1987 May;68(2):340-7. 3. Daiwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Unpublished Study 2012. 4. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2013 Mar;62(3):437-45. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Life Extension will not be liable for typographical, photographic or other pricing or content errors found in our printed or electronic communications. Prices subject to change without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. 605.36L 0315 NEW! NK Cell Activator™ supports the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, your body’s “first responders”1 — they initiate immune protection as soon as they sense a potential invasion. NK cells promote seasonal support for your natural defense systems. They also recognize and eliminate senescent cells that accumulate in aged tissues and create metabolic disturbances. fats, and other studies have found that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats wasn’t linked with heart disease risk, since both are beneficial. The best advice: avoid processed food altogether and stick to a whole-foods diet; you’ll get enough omega-6 fats from foods like nuts and seeds. Use monounsaturated fats for cooking and eat fish or take an omega-3 supplement. Q I know trans fats are really evil, but I don’t eat margarine or processed foods. Am I safe? We now know that trans fats, also called hydrogenated fats, raise the risk of heart disease, increase total cholesterol, decrease HDL levels, and are worse for us than saturated fats. But even if you don’t eat Pop-Tarts or fast foods, you may still be getting trans fats. They show up in crackers, microwave popcorn, biscuits, and even instant “international coffee” mixes. (Very small amounts also occur naturally in beef and dairy products.) Now that trans fats are required to be listed on labels (they weren’t until 2006), you can find out what’s in your food. Anything that says “partially hydrogenated” or “hydrogenated oil” in the list of ingredients contains trans fats. The product may be labeled as “free of trans fats” or “0 grams trans fats,” but that’s because products that contain less than 0.5 gram trans fats are considered by federal regulatory agencies to be trans fat-free. If you see a product that lists “fully hydrogenated oils,” it is free Quinoa Pilaf Serves 8 This delicious dish provides a complete protein, a variety of vegetables, and all your essential fatty acids in one shot. The carrot juice adds both color and a wonderful sweetness, but feel free to substitute with vegetable broth, if you prefer. Either way, this is a crowd-pleaser. 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, diced 4 stalks celery, diced 1 Tbs. minced garlic 1 green pepper, diced 1 yellow pepper, diced 1 red pepper, diced 2 bunches scallions (about 12), sliced 2 zucchini, diced 2 carrots, grated 1 cup quinoa, well washed and drained 2 cups carrot juice 1 tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper ½ cup Udo’s Oil ¼ cup chopped parsley 1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot and add the onion, celery, and garlic, stirring constantly. As soon as the mixture heats up, add the peppers and continue stirring. When mixture has heated through (but is not sizzling), add half the scallions, the remaining vegetables, and quinoa. Stir well, then add the carrot juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, adjust heat to medium, cover, and cook about 15 minutes, or until the juice has been absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from the heat, stir in the remaining scallions, and Udo’s Oil. 2. Serve at once, generously garnished with chopped parsley. PER SERVING: 310 cal; 6g pro; 20g total fat (2.5g sat fat); 30g carb; 0mg chol; 380mg sod; 25g fiber; 9g sugars of trans fats; the chemical process of fully, rather than partially, hydrogenating an oil removes the trans fats. The best advice: steer clear of manmade oils, and stick with the ones made by nature. Q What about coconut oil? It’s saturated, but it’s supposed to be healthful. The most compelling information comes from studying traditional tropical cultures. BARLEAN’S Flax Oil can be mixed into GREENS+ ORGANICS Chia is a natural source of WILEY’S FINEST Wild Alaskan Fish Oil delivers salad dressings, yogurt, blended beverages, and more for a healthy dose of plantbased omega-3s. omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber—try these seeds in cooking, baking, or added to beverages. 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA per dose—just one softgel per day is all you need. Coconut has been a staple food for thousands of years, but the islanders clearly aren’t obese or plagued by many of our modern diseases. In one early study, researchers examined people living on Polynesian islands and found that vascular disease was uncommon, and there was no evidence of their high saturated fat intake having a harmful effect. More recent studies suggest that coconut oil reduces blood cholesterol and lowers other markers of heart attack risk. DR. BRONNER’S Coconut Oil Whole Kernel Unrefined is certified organic and cold-pressed, with a slightly nutty flavor and tropical aroma. SIBU BEAUTY Cellular Support With Omega-7 delivers a mega dose of omega-7s, along with omega-3s, -6s, and -9s, from sea buckthorn oil in softgel form. Lisa Turner is a certified food psychology coach, nutritional healer, intuitive eating consultant, and author. She has written five books on food and nutrition and developed the Inspired Eats iPhone app. Visit her online at inspiredeating.com. 68 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 Our Policy: don’t say it unless you mean it When we say gluten-free, allergen-free, nonGMO, vegan, vegetarian, or made with extra virgin olive oil, we truly mean it. So you know you’re getting the cleanest, highest quality vitamins and supplements on the market. ” T E I D A N “I’M O O LY M P I A N L A B S . C O M Available at: To feel your best, take the best. WHAT SETS US APART? Maximum Economic Value! Two capsules a week on maintenance dose. Full transparency with lab tests published online by lot number. 10 CK 10 CK At Master Supplements, we believe that you deserve the best; and that you need to follow your gut to get it. We have been raising the standard of digestive health for over 10 MONEY BA 0% years and are dedicated G U A R A N T E E to getting our powerful products into the hands of everyone who needs them. You’ll find our full line of products online at vitaminshoppe.com or in any Vitamin Shoppe location. Patented Prebiotic Stimulation to power up probiotic strains. Deep delivery and natural acid proof protection. MONEY BA 0% theralac.com 800-926-2961 These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. THE KETONE CURE? A high-fat ketogenic diet offers hope for cancer patients BY JACK CHALLEM IMAGINE PATRICIA DALY OF DUBLIN, IRELAND—FIT AND PRETTY, a nutritionist and former triathlete. But in 2008, at age 28, she faced a terrifying diagnosis: a melanoma in her right eye. Often diagnosed on the skin, melanoma is one of the deadliest of all cancers. Daly underwent surgery and radiation treatment, which shrunk the tumor. In the process, she lost her peripheral vision, and doctors predicted she would lose sight in that eye in 12–18 months. By 2012, she had developed cataracts and retinopathy. And the tumor was growing back. Although her doctors discouraged her, Daly dug into the nutritional and medical literature and learned about the ketogenic diet. The diet—which is, incredibly, about 80 percent fat—might seem counterintuitive. After all, vegetables and fruits are often recommended for cancer prevention and to support recovery. But the ketogenic diet does have a scientific rationale and foundation. SPRING 2015 | amazing wellness 71 A DIFFERENT APPROACH People have proposed any number of diets for cancer patients. Most have been extrapolated from personal experiences and with the best of intentions. These diets seem to work for some people, but few of them have undergone rigorous scientific study. That leads to the question: if you’re a cancer patient, are you willing to bet your life on a particular diet? What makes the ketogenic diet different is a clear scientific understanding of how it works, along with an increasing number of studies and patient reports demonstrating its benefits. Doctors have known for decades that extremely high-fat diets can benefit children with epilepsy. High-fat ketogenic diets shift the metabolism of brain cells from glucose (blood sugar) to ketones, a byproduct of fats. The jump from treating refractory epilepsy to cancer occurred in the mid-1990s, when doctors at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland treated two children who had both epilepsy and brain cancer. When the children were placed on a ketogenic diet, their cancers shrunk. Since then, Thomas Seyfried, PhD, a researcher at the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Mass., has emerged as the leading advocate of ketogenic diets. His sincerity quickly comes across in conversation and, as a scientist, he’s methodical and confident that his research is on the right track. “The ketogenic diet is not a cure,” Seyfried emphasizes. Nor is it a fad. “This is a medical therapy.” THE KETOGENIC RATIONALE As you might expect with a weight-loss diet, the diet consists of unprocessed, whole foods that are dense in nutrients, rather than calories. But it also has a unique characteristic: carb timing. “You can use carbohydrates almost as a trellis or a guide to move cortisol back to its healthy rhythms,” says Seyfried. The argument for the ketogenic diet as an adjunct cancer treatment dates back to Nobel laureate Otto Warburg, who High-fat ketogenic diets shift the metabolism of brain cells from glucose (blood sugar) to ketones, a byproduct of fats. 72 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 correctly theorized in the 1920s that cancers were driven by mutations in cellular energy factories called mitochondria. Normal cells produce energy by using oxygen to burn (or oxidize) glucose for energy. Not so for cancer cells, which ferment glucose in an oxygen-free environment—a totally different process. Cancer cells live on a perpetual glucose feeding frenzy. While the body makes glucose mostly from sugars and other carbohydrates, ketones are derived from fats. All healthy cells can use both glucose and ketones as fuel for energy production. However, cancer cells cannot use ketones as a fuel. So when a person adopts a ketogenic diet, several changes occur. Ketone levels increase, and glucose levels decrease. Cancer cells are starved, or they self-destruct. Seyfried says that ketones have still other anti-cancer properties, and they are also anti-inflammatory—important because inflammation also drives the growth of cancers. “Ketones are a natural product,” Seyfried points out. “We evolved to burn them.” PATIENT RESPONSES In 2008, Seyfried collaborated with Italian doctors who used the ketogenic diet to treat a 65-year-old woman diagnosed with glioblastoma, a deadly and difficult-to-treat form of brain cancer. The patient first went on a several-day, water-only fast, which is the ideal prelude to the ketogenic diet. Fasting also boosts ketone levels and lowers glucose, and serves as an “induction phase” for the ketogenic diet. The patient also underwent conventional radiation treatment and took vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies. Two months later, she had lost 20 percent of her body weight, and sophisticated medical scans could find no traces of the brain tumor. As expected, her ketones increased while her glucose decreased. All was fine until 10 weeks after the woman went off the ketogenic diet—and the tumor grew back. Seyfried says that brain tumors are particularly good to study because there are no really good conventional treatments. And both animal studies and a growing “The diet will work against pretty much every cancer, because it exploits a common cellular defect in all types of cancer.” number of case reports—from Seyfried’s lab, medical doctors, naturopathic physicians, and patients—show that the ketogenic diet works very well against a variety of cancers. “The diet will work against pretty much every cancer, because it exploits a common cellular defect in all types of cancer,” Seyfried says. “Some people and cancers respond better than others, but all do respond.” Although he admits that we are still in the early stages of using the ketogenic diet as a cancer therapy, there’s already clinical evidence that it can help people with non-small cell lung, breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Making time for adequate sleep and managing stress are essential to resetting healthy cortisol rhythms, but following the reset diet will improve your sleep and make your body more resilient to stress. And it can reduce the impact of hormonal changes as women approach menopause and men experience andropause. of combined carbohydrate and protein, although many people transition from a 2:1 to a 3:1 and then to a 4:1 ratio. In other words, fat calories should be four times the combined amount of protein and carbohydrate calories. Those fats can include saturated fat, coconut oil, butter, and cream, along with a little fish, meat, and avocados. Supplemental medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are also helpful because the body converts them directly to ketones. Some people do better with some types of fats than others, consuming 2,000 calories a day, whereas other must limit intake to only 900 calories a day. The key, says Seyfried, is not simply to boost ketone levels as high as possible. A patient must buy a combination ketone/ glucose monitor to track both ketone and glucose levels. Ideally, ketones should be between 3 and 7 mmol/L, and glucose levels between 55 and 65 mg/dL at the same time. But Seyfried says that some patients have difficulty maintaining low glucose levels, possibly because of emotional stress. It’s also possible, he adds, that people who faithfully follow a ketogenic diet can reach a point that they no longer have to monitor their ketone and glucose levels every day. Is the ketogenic diet forever? Not necessarily, says Seyfried, though he adds that it’s too soon to say so definitively. Some people do very well on the diet, and a very small number have gone off it or segued to an Atkins-like version without a recurrence of cancer. “It depends on how the patient is doing, and how the tumor is growing,” says Seyfried. Sometimes, people have to go off the diet for a few weeks to regain some of their lost weight.” Finally, several alternative therapies appear to enhance the anti-cancer effect of the ketogenic diet. They include high-dose intravenous vitamin C and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In addition, high doses of some supplements, including coenzyme Q10 and curcumin, appear to have anticancer properties. PRACTICAL GUIDELINES Like any therapeutic diet, the ketogenic diet is best adopted under the supervision of a knowledgeable physician, and many naturopaths now understand and recommend the diet for cancer patients. The diet is very restrictive, so it requires a clear commitment—and sometimes a reminder that a restrictive diet is better than dying. And it’s not suited for everyone. Cancer patients with severe muscle wasting probably won’t do well on the diet because they have already lost a substantial amount of weight. The diet is best preceded by a fourto-seven-day water-only fast, which will significantly boost ketone levels. The ideal dietary ratio is four parts fat to one part ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Several excellent ebooks are available to help people adopt the ketogenic diet. Other options include keotgenic diet recipe books for epilepsy: Practical Keto Meal Plans for Cancer, by Patricia Daly; patriciadaly.com Fight Cancer with a Ketogenic Diet, by Ellen Davis; ketogenic-diet-resource.com Get Started with the Ketogenic Diet for Cancer, by Miriam Kalamian; dietarytherapies. com Health-care professionals should read Cancer as a Metabolic Disease, by Thomas Seyfried. To find a naturopathic physician experienced in oncology, visit oncanp.org. Jack Challem, BA, ASN, is one of America’s most trusted nutrition and health writers and a member of the American Society for Nutrition. Based in Tucson, Ariz., he is the author of more than 20 books, including No More Fatigue and The Food-Mood Solution. Visit him on the Web at nutritionreporter.com. 74 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 The National Weight Control Registry has conducted research that suggests a modified healthy lifestyle can result in effective weight management with long-term results. * The National Weight Control Registry is the largest study of individual’s successful long – term maintenance of weight loss. Unlike other diets, Next Step™ weight management system promotes a healthy lifestyle--not some fad ‘miracle solution’. With a wide range of products from meal replacements to metabolism boosters, Next Step can help support your long-term weight management goals. No more fads. Just Facts. Exclusively Available at and vitaminshoppe.com natural glow find your shine BY LISA TURNER BEAUTY AROUND THE WORLD We scoured the globe to bring you the best natural beauty secrets ALL AROUND THE WORLD, WOMEN FROM VARIOUS CULTURES HAVE THEIR OWN UNIQUE TIPS, tricks, and home remedies for softer hair, smoother skin, and fewer wrinkles. Here’s a sampling of some favorites from across the globe: Africa. Shea butter, from the nut of the karite tree, is among the most prized beauty ingredients from Africa. It’s used to soften and nourish hair and skin, and is a key component of black soap, legendary for its ability to calm eczema, psoriasis, and other skin irritations. Other healing compounds native to Africa include buchu, which reduces inflammation and prevents oxidative damage to skin. Baobab oil, derived from the seeds of the baobab tree, is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, and has anti-inflammatory effects to soothe irritated skin. Rooibos, or “red tea,” is an indigenous herb from the Southwestern Cape region of South Africa that’s a potent antioxidant for skin. Beauty tip: Use shea butter as a shave cream or after-shave cream to minimize red bumps and deeply moisturize. India. The leaves, roots, and seeds of the neem tree have been used medicinally in India for thousands of years to treat various skin diseases, infections, inflammation and gum disease. Neem has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that prevent and heal acne, and it’s used in hair products for its strengthening effect on keratin, the chief protein found in the hair. Neem also strengthens and soothes irritated gum tissues. Turmeric, taken internally, can heal inflammatory skin conditions, and gooseberry (also called amla) is rich in vitamin C and is used to reduce pigmentation and lighten dark spots. Beauty tip: After cleansing skin, apply a few drops of neem oil over problem areas. Neem’s antibacterial properties help to clear blemishes, remove blackheads, and tighten pores. Neem has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that prevent and heal acne. 78 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. LIFE CHANGER Rainbow Light, the #1 natural prenatal brand,* brings you prenatal vitamins formulated to support your pregnancy, life stage and lifestyle. With essential vitamins, minerals and superfoods, our full line of prenatal formulas offers complete nutrition for mother and baby from conception through nursing.O Promotes healthy brain, eyes, nerves, bones and teethO Energizes, helps soothe nausea, muscle aches and tensionO Non-constipating and easy to digestO O · · · The #1 Most Trusted Vitamin Brand† © 2014 Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems® Santa Cruz, CA 95060 800.571.4701 rainbowlight.com †Wiest & Co. 2014 *SPINS data FOUNDING SUPPORTER natural glow Aloe vera has long been used in the Philippines to soften skin. Japan. Japanese women can often be found sipping green tea. Green tea is rich in polyphenol antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that shield the skin from sun damage, wrinkles, and signs of aging. Green tea polyphenols also protect against skin cancer, both internally and when applied topically. The traditional Japanese diet also tends to be high in omega-3 fats, which mitigate signs of aging from sun exposure. Seaweed, another component of the traditional Japanese diet, is rich in iodine, essential for strengthening hair. Seaweed is also rich in polysaccharides, which help firm and tone the skin, and other compounds that reduce blotchiness and redness. Beauty tip: Make a green tea mask: After brewing a cup of green tea, open the bag and mix leaves with raw Manuka honey to form a paste. Apply to cleansed skin for 10–15 minutes, rub to exfoliate, and rinse. Philippines. Aloe vera has long been used in the Philippines to soften skin, heal irritations, and soothe sunburn. Aloe also makes hair smooth and glossy, and helps tighten and tone skin around the eyes. Papaya, another ingredient native to the Philippines, contains papain, an enzyme that gently exfoliates by breaking down the proteins in dead skin cells. Beauty tip: For added volume and shine, apply pure aloe gel from roots to tips of shampooed hair. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse and condition as usual. France. Taking good care of skin indulge in regular facials and hydrate by drinking lots of water and spritzing their faces regularly with mineral water. And while drinking alcohol is deleterious to skin, red wine, rich in the antioxidant resveratrol, is ubiquitous in France. Taken internally as a supplement, resveratrol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and protect against other diseases of aging; topically applied, resveratrol is 17 times more potent than idebenone, an antioxidant used in some antiwrinkle creams. Fruit-based masks and peels, central to the beauty routine for French women, contain enzymes that gently exfoliate dead, dry skin. Milk-based products, another cornerstone of the French beauty routine, contain lactic acid to improve skin’s texture and naturally hydrate. And sunscreen is a must: Most French women won’t leave the house without it (and neither should you); choose a natural brand without fragrance or phthalates. Beauty tip: Carry a mineral water spritzer in your handbag at all times for a dewy complexion. rather than covering flaws with cosmetics is a priority for French women, who French women hydrate by drinking lots of water. good buys ... ALAFFIA Baobab & Shea Butter Skin Renewal Face Cream features unrefined shea butter to deeply moisturize and encourage cell regeneration. BOTANIQUE BY HIMALAYA HERBAL HEALTHCARE Neem & Turmeric Face Wash cleanses away impurities and helps to reduce pore size with a fresh, soap-free lather. REVIVA LABS Hawaiian Seaweed Day Cream is rich in minerals and polysaccharides that leave skin feeling super silky and help shield skin from the elements. DERMA E AntiWrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Cleanser with Papaya includes enzymes from papaya that gently exfoliate, deeply cleanse, and encourage cell renewal. RESERVEAGE NUTRITION Resveratrol 250 mg, made from organic French grapes, lets you enjoy the health benefits of red wine without the alcohol. Lisa Turner is a certified food psychology coach, nutritional healer, intuitive eating consultant, and author. She has written five books on food and nutrition and developed the Inspired Eats iPhone app. Visit her online at inspiredeating.com. 80 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 beauty inside & out discover your inner glow BY LISA TURNER NATURAL HAIR FIXES Simple solutions for six common problems LIFELESS LOCKS? GREASY MANE? THERE’S AN EASY FIX. TURN YOUR DULL, DRY DREADS into gleaming tresses, with solutions for every hair problem. Fight frizz, halt breakage, and bring back shine. 1. dry, brittle hair The cause. Excessive blow drying, chemical coloring agents, and the wrong kind of conditioner are the most common culprits. Hormonal imbalances may be to blame, especially if you’re menopausal or perimenopausal. Less common: thyroid disease or Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, can cause dryness and breakage of hair. And lack of hydration impacts hair, leaving it parched and brittle. The fix. Once you’ve ruled out possible medical causes, focus on moisturizing, with super-emollient shampoos and conditioners; look for those with biotin, a B vitamin that increases the elasticity of the hair’s cortex to keep brittle hair from breaking (you can take biotin supplements, too). Use a deep conditioner or hair repair formula weekly. And avoid excessively steamy showers and heat drying; both can strip oils from the scalp and dehydrate hair. Product picks. Acure Organics Root + Hair Deep Repair; Giovanni Hair Care 2Chic Avocado & Olive Oil Ultra-Moist Shampoo; Nature’s Gate Biotin Strengthening Conditioner; Solgar Super High Potency Biotin 10,000 MCG. ACURE ORGANICS Root + Hair Deep Repair is a hair mask that locks in moisture and restores shine and strength with nourishing argan oil. Great for hair that’s been color-treated and/or damaged by heat. 2. dull hair The cause. Most often, it’s a buildup of hair product; spray, mousse, and even conditioner that coat the hair shaft over time, dulling luster and weighing hair down. Chlorine from swimming pools (and even tap water) can dull hair. Dry hair also looks less lustrous than well-conditioned locks. The fix. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove hair product buildup; a clarifying scalp treatment also helps break down oils coating the hair shaft and leaves locks perky and shiny. For a simple, natural fix, rinse hair weekly in apple cider vinegar. Keep locks well-conditioned to promote shine, and look for a conditioner that specifically focuses on luster. Plant oil serums can also bring glow back to dull hair. Product picks. Aubrey Organics Swimmer’s Shampoo; Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar; Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine. 3. frizzies The cause. In winter, cold, dry air and indoor heating lead to a lack of humidity in the air, leaving hair dull and frizzy, and causing flyaway locks. If you have curly hair, your problems will be compounded in the summer, when excessive humidity in the air can make curls unmanageable. Lack of dietary fat can also lead to year-round frizzies. The fix. Tame frizzy, flyaway hair by spritzing your hairbrush with hairspray; combat damage and dryness with leave-in conditioners (keep a small bottle in your purse for daytime touchups). Skip brushing and use a wide-toothed comb to style hair instead. And increase levels of healthy fats with hemp oil or flax seed oil; try a tablespoon a day in smoothies or salads. Product picks. Alaffia Beautiful Curls Shea Butter Curl Activating Cream; Giovanni Hair Care Frizz Be Gone; MillCreek Botanicals Biotene H-24 Styling Gel; Nutiva Organic Hemp Oil. 82 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 JANE CARTER SOLUTION Nourish & Shine restores luster to dull locks with just a dab—and doubles as a moisturizing skin cream. GIOVANNI HAIR CARE Frizz Be Gone is a soothing serum made with organic botanicals that instantly tames strays and flyaways. This glossy hair elixir also helps to protect against heat damage from styling tools. IT’S SIMPLE... Natren’s HEALTHY TRINITY® contains three, dairy free, probiotic super strains that support your entire digestive tract. Say goodbye to guessing what probiotic you need to reduce occasional gas, bloating or irregularity. What makes Natren probiotics so effective 1. Clinically researched super strains 2. Advanced probiotic delivery technology 3. 100% potency guarantee for each strain Available at DISCOVER NATREN – The Original Probiotic **Natren does not use any ingredients produced by biotechnology %%!"#$ % %%#"%#$$#$%$%%%$ "$%!%#$"$#$%"#!$!#%%!"#$ % %%!$% %"$% These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. beauty inside & out 4. thinning hair The cause. Genetics and hormones are the most likely culprits; tight hairstyles, like slicked-back ponytails and buns, can lead to “traction alopecia,” a condition that weakens hair follicles and stops hair growth. Hair loss and thinning can occur with low levels of iron or vitamin D, or a lack of dietary protein. Same with some kinds of medication, especially antidepressants. And inflammation can damage hair follicles, leading to early hair loss. The fix. Address any medical causes, get your iron and vitamin D levels checked, and amp up dietary protein; aim for 40–50 grams a day, or about 25–30 percent of your daily calories. Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to smoothies to fill in the gaps. Hair growth vitamins can help. And loosen up: if your pony or bun is tugging on your skin, it’s too tight for your hair. Wear hair down, or gather it loosely in a coated band. Product picks. Flora Floradix Iron + Herbs; Hobe Labs Energizer Hair Thickening Serum; Jane Carter Solution Scalp Nourishing Serum; JĀSÖN Thin To Thick Body Building Hair Spray; Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder; and TwinLab Vitamin D3 Dots. FLORA Floradix Iron + Herbs liquid provides easily absorbable iron from botanical sources, plus hair-nourishing B-vitamins—and it tastes great. Hair loss and thinning can occur with low levels of iron or vitamin D. DESERT ESSENCE ORGANICS Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo is made with both lemon tea tree oil and lemon peel extract to remove excess oil and styling product buildup from hair and scalp. 5. oily hair The cause. Sebaceous glands in the scalp are responsible for producing oils that moisturize the scalp and hair shaft; hormonal imbalances and certain diseases of the pituitary or adrenal glands can shift them into overdrive, leaving hair oily and flat; ovarian disorders can have the same effect. Over-brushing hair can make it look oilier, since you’re distributing oil from the scalp through hair strands; the same goes for over-conditioning hair. The fix. Once you’ve ruled out any possible medical causes, a dry shampoo can help; or try a simple DIY fix: mix 4 parts cornstarch with 1 part baking soda, and apply with a makeup brush to hair roots. Look for shampoos formulated with tea tree oil and citrus to remove excess oil and calm sebaceous glands. Instead of conditioner, use a light cream rinse, and skip the scalp; apply it from the tops of your ears down. Product picks. Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo; Earth Science Volumizing Citrus Shampoo; Giovanni Hair Care Golden Wheat Deep Cleanse Shampoo. 6. dandruff The cause. Dandruff is simply dry skin cells that shed from the scalp; seborrheic dermatitis and eczema can also be at the root of the problem. Malassezia, a typically harmless fungus, can irritate the scalp and cause faster turnover of skin cells, creating dandruff. Sensitivity to hair products and not shampooing often enough are other common causes. The fix. Rule out dermatitis or eczema, and give chemical hair products the boot; restock your cabinets with natural shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to avoid irritating scalp. Products that contain salicylic acid, tea tree oil, baking soda, or vinegar can help tame dandruff. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, an antifungal that can combat malassezia. Look for it in hair products, or use it straight up; once a week, gently massage coconut oil into scalp, leave it in for 30 minutes, then shampoo and rinse as usual. Product picks. Collective Wellbeing Salicylic Acid Scalp Shampoo; Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil; Home Health Everclean Antidandruff Shampoo; JĀSÖN Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo. Lisa Turner is a certified food psychology coach, nutritional healer, intuitive eating consultant, and author. She has written five books on food and nutrition and developed the Inspired Eats iPhone app. Visit her online at inspiredeating.com. 84 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 HOME HEALTH Everclean Antidandruff Shampoo fights flakes and itchy scalp with aloe vera, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and herbal extracts—plus it’s chemical- and paraben-free. The skin-firming secret is out… % improvement derma e® Firming DMAE Moisturizer is as effective as a prestige moisturizer* 40 30 20 10 firmness elasticity hydration The same firming effectiveness The same key ingredients Gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan At 1⁄3 of the price With derma e®, you get firm results. *Source: Independent double-blind clinical test, April-June 2014. Visit dermae.com to view the results. Perricone M.D. Cosmeceuticals is a registered trademark of N.V. Perricone M.D., Limited. 100% vegan • cruelty-free • gluten-free • gmo-free no parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin or artificial colors Be a #firmbeliever! Join the natural revolution and share your derma e® firming story. www.dermae.com • 800.933.9344 fit & healthy exercise and diet for active lifestyles BY VERA TWEED STAY STRONG Strength training after 50: The real fountain of youth MUCH OF WHAT WE THINK IS THE NATURAL aging process—flab in all the wrong places, weight gain even though we eat less, higher risk for so-called age-related diseases, and eventually, frailty—is simply a manifestation of muscle loss. But there is hard scientific evidence that it can be reversed with the right kind of strength training—restoring energy, strength, and a lean, youthful body. “Muscle loss is the major cause of metabolic slowdown,” says Wayne Westcott, PhD, a professor of exercise science at Quincy College in Massachusetts, and author of more than 400 articles and 26 books on the subject, most recently Strength Training Past 50. And that slowdown underlies the aging process. Compared to fat, muscle is denser, heavier, occupies less space, and burns more calories. Consequently, younger people can eat more without gaining weight, and generally look thinner than an older person of the same weight. Without regular strength training, says Westcott, this is what happens after age 20: Men lose an average of 7 pounds of muscle per decade. Women lose an average of 5 pounds, and after menopause, 10 pounds per decade. However, studies of more than a thousand older people, by Westcott and others, show that two strength-training workouts per week, done the right way, produce these muscle gains after 10 weeks: 4 to 4.5 pounds for men, and 2.2 to 2.5 pounds for women. If there is no change in diet, on average, there is also a loss of about 1 to 1.5 pounds of fat for each pound of muscle gain. The net effect is a stronger, leaner body that both looks and functions as it did years— and perhaps decades—ago. WHAT TO DO For anyone starting a strength-training program, Westcott recommends learning, with a trainer, how to use five pieces of equipment in a gym: a leg press, a chest press, a seated row machine, a lower back machine, and an abdominal machine. These help you work muscles effectively and safely, this way: Z Do 10 to 15 repetitions on each machine Z Set the resistance so that muscles are fatigued at the end of those repetitions Z Take 4 to 6 seconds to perform each repetition (For people younger than 50, resistance should be set somewhat higher, to fatigue muscles after 8 to 12 repetitions.) If the resistance is too low, so that you can do more repetitions, it won’t build muscle, and if it’s too high, you can overdo it. A third workout per week will produce more fat loss, but won’t significantly add more muscle. Regular aerobic exercise is also recommended. 10 bonus benefits of strength training With the right strength training, says Westcott, “there’s no significant difference in muscle gain at any age.” That’s even true for 90-year-olds. And, he says, there are additional benefits: Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z 86 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 More energy A better mood Better bone density Less or no lower back pain Less discomfort from arthritis or fibromyalgia Less type 2 diabetes Lower blood pressure Healthier levels of cholesterol Better recovery from heart disease Relief from clinically diagnosed depression fit & healthy SUPPORTING SUPPLEMENTS For overall energy, a high-quality multivitamin lays the foundation. CoQ10 (30–100 mg daily) enhances energy production, and fish oil (1–3 grams daily) calms inflammation that underlies aches and soreness. In addition, these complement a strength-training program: PROTEIN: After muscles are intentionally challenged during a workout, they need enough protein to repair and rebuild. “It isn’t the timing, it’s quantity,” says Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, lead author of the study and author of The M.A.X. Muscle Plan and other books (lookgreatnaked.com). For each pound of ideal body weight, he recommends 0.8 grams of protein per day—e.g., 104 grams for a 130-pound woman (130 X 0.8). Protein powders are a convenient, concentrated, low-calorie good buys ... GARDEN OF LIFE Organic Plant Protein powers muscle with 15 g of plant protein per scoop. It’s delicious mixed with water or unsweetened rice or almond milk. DOCTOR’S BEST Celadrin is formulated to keep you moving with a combination of jointprotective Celadrin and glucosamine. Aminolase TPA™ BOOSTS PROTEIN ABSORPTION IRWIN NATURALS 3-in-1 Joint Formula helps to rebuild, lubricate, and soothe joints with glucosamine, chondroitin, and anti-inflammatory herbs. source. Look for approximately 20 grams of protein and 100 calories per serving. JOINT PROTECTION: Glucosamine and chondroitin, long-standing joint supplements, are becoming more popular in exercise recovery formulas for people of all ages. They nourish cartilage and protect joints. Other helpful ingredients include Celadrin, a proprietary type of fatty acid, and Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM). RELIEF FROM SORE MUSCLES: Look for gels and creams with cayenne, arnica, St. John’s wort, eucalyptus, or MSM. Amazing Wellness contributing editor Vera Tweed has been writing about nutrition, fitness, and healthy living since 1997. She specializes in covering research and expert knowledge that empowers people to lead better lives. Tweed lives in Los Angeles. OVER 900% 9 SCOOPS OF YOUR FAVORITE PROTEIN POWDER.* A new clinical study has revealed that users who consumed Aminolase with dietary or supplemented protein digested and absorbed 9x more protein than consuming protein alone.* For more information and to download our clinical, visit www.aminolase.com or call (800) 385-9596 *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Something Delicious ale On STime Only ed Limit With our signature smoothie taste and texture, plus 5,400 mg of MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides), new MCT Swirl offers the most advanced, targeted brain-boosting nutrition available. Lauded for supporting cognitive performance and memory, MCTs are quickly absorbed and converted into fuel, making MCT Swirl the most delicious way to feed your brain!* No Artificial Flavors or Colors • No Sugar • Gluten-Free • Non-GMO • Vegan * This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. healthy pet natural care for dogs & cats BY JULIA SZABO ANTI-AGING FOR PETS These healthy tips can help increase the lifespan of your dog or cat IN HUMANS, UNHEALTHY HABITS CAN shorten our lifespans—and the same is true for pets. Help to ensure your pet leads a long and happy life with this health and fitness plan for dogs and cats. FOUR-FOOTED FITNESS Exercise is just as important for pets as for people, so make sure your dog gets plenty of quality outdoor time, with lots of heart-healthy walking and running. If your cats are not outdoorsy types, provide them with fun, wall-mounted shelves. Cats are arboreal creatures that enjoy climbing, and it helps them stay in shape. Or, try placing your cats’ food in a maze-like interactive feeder; this turns mealtime into a game that appeals to their feline hunter-gatherer instincts. It’s fun to watch them pounce on their meals, retrieving them morsel by morsel! GO GRAIN-FREE Feeding dogs and cats a grain-free diet can help to prevent inflammation from shortening their lives. Grain aggravates aging arthritic joints, and the best way to avoid this—especially as pets grow older—is to go grain-free. To help prevent diabetes and cancer, make sure that your pets’ diet contains no corn, which is fattening and high-glycemic. HEALTHY TREATS When it comes to human food treats, try sardines packed in water, as well as pet-safe veggies such as celery, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, and baked sweet potato. And certain spices are just as good for your dog or cat as they are for you. My dogs’ favorites are cinnamon and turmeric. They’re anti-inflammatory and help to prevent cognitive decline. My dogs love the way these spices make food taste. 90 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 Cats are arboreal creatures that enjoy climbing. healthy pet ORAL HEALTH Oral health is the gateway to overall wellness. To keep your animals’ chompers in peak condition, try brushing their teeth with coconut oil, which is antibacterial and great for oral health in both pets and people. A bonus: Coconut oil makes the chore of tooth-brushing easier and more enjoyable for brusher and brushee, because I have yet to meet the dog or cat who doesn’t love the irresistibly sweet taste! (I often soup up my pets’ kibble with coconut oil. too.) “PAWS” TO DE-STRESS Stress is a silent killer for people and pets. Try adding homeopathic flower essences to water bowls (try Bach Rescue Remedy) and playing soothing classical music if they’re anxious (e.g., on the 4th KEY SUPPLEMENTS Z A high-quality FISH OIL formulated for pets helps to maintain health on many levels. But make sure to use oil made just for pets, as fish oil products for people often contain rosemary oil, and that’s not good for cats. Try: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet. Z PROBIOTICS for pets are key for a healthy immune system. Z To prevent geriatric cloudy eyes in senior dogs, MILK THISTLE works wonders, and it also supports the liver and kidneys. Z HAWTHORN can help to keep your pet’s heart strong. Cats can be finicky, but powdered supplements are easy to administer to dogs; simply sprinkle the capsule contents over food moistened with fish oil (half a capsule for smaller dogs). of July, when the loud noise of fireworks may upset them). And let them know they are loved. When pets feel loved, they feel great, with a healthy immune response and zest for life—and all that spells greater longevity. Talk to your pets and spend as much quality time with them as humanly possible. But when you must leave them home alone, make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them occupied. And when it’s time for them to sleep, provide them with cuddly, supportive beds so they’ll have sweet dreams. This way, you can rest easy too, knowing you’ve done all you can to extend your beloved pets’ lives to the fullest. Julia Szabo is a journalist and healthy living advocate whose articles have appeared in the New York Post, Cesar’s Way, Dogster.com, and Catster.com. She is the author of seven books, including her latest, Medicine Dog. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. not tonight, I’m too tired. When “I’m too tired” is more than just an excuse. We’ve all faked a headache or used the excuse “I’m too tired” but the truth is many of us really are too tired…too tired for a little romance, too tired for exercise, and too tired to concentrate. Life is busy and trying to juggle family and work can leave you feeling exhausted and run-down…especially if you are iron deficient. Never mind the fact that those dark circles under your eyes and pale skin can leave you feeling unattractive. When going to bed early is your idea of a “good time”, it’s time for a change. Floradix is an easily absorbed, plant-based, nonconstipating, liquid iron supplement with no artificial additives or preservatives and has been helping women reclaim their energy for over 60 years.* So redefine your definition of a “good time” with Floradix and rekindle the romance. VEGETARIAN + NON-GMO + ADDITIVE- & PRESERVATIVE-FREE 888-436-6697 | VISIT WWW.FLORAHEALTH.COM TO FIND A STORE NEAR YOU. *THIS STATEMENTS HAS NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. Receive a $4 coupon toward your next purchase of Floradix! Visit: www.florahealth.com/tootired or scan this code! healing kitchen recipes for health BY NEIL ZEVNIK THE DETOXSTYLE DIET Want to help flush toxins, energize, and feel great? Try these tips for a kinder, gentler detox DETOX AND CLEANSE DIETS ARE ALL THE RAGE these days, with every celebrity and her sister espousing their favorite regimen and practitioner. With names like “Master,” “Supercharged,” and “Clean,” they evoke the heights of wellness, and choosing among them can be confusing. But what if you’re not quite ready for a lengthy fast and a seriously regimented diet? What if you’re just looking to bolster and improve your body’s functions, and you’d like to employ a few of the basic concepts of these popular programs to enhance your well-being? Try these helpful suggestions: Liquids Many of the detox and cleanse diets involve liquids, either exclusively or in combination. The most important? Water, plain and simple. Drink it all day long, and lots of it. It will help your body’s natural detoxification systems—liver, kidneys, and skin—to function more efficiently and carry out their cleansing tasks. And 94 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 you can enjoy it in the form of herbal teas, which are recommended in several cleansing diets, and get the benefits of the herbs as well as the water. Fiber Most of the detox diets involve some sort of fiber, which is nature’s own scouring pad. Be sure to include whole grains, especially high-protein sources such as lentils and quinoa. Healthy carbs such as these are especially necessary for maintaining your body’s store of energy. Fruits and Vegetables In terms of cleansing, fruits and veggies are particularly effective when consumed raw to retain all their natural fiber (yes, more fiber) and nutrients. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can only do you good, and the natural sugars in the fruit will help reduce cravings for things you shouldn’t have. Salads and smoothies are an especially enjoyable way to get your daily doses. Healthy Oils Enjoy not only the “good” oils (such as olive oil), but also the foods that contain them, such as avocados, nuts, and wild-caught salmon. You’ll derive all sorts of benefits from the oils as well as from the protein and nutrients found in these foods. Things to Avoid Processed and packaged foods are out, of course—organic, fresh foods are optimal. No red meat, please; get your proteins from sustainable fish, pastured white-meat chicken, beans and lentils, and organic tofu. And keep the sugar to a bare minimum; for sweetening, use local honey—or better yet, eat a helping of naturally sweet fresh fruit. Instead of plunging into a short-term and intense detox regimen, why not incorporate these related ideas into your daily diet for a long-term feeling of wellbeing and a healthy glow? healing kitchen ir. ha sb ee ns how n to neutr alize toxins from tte s cigare k mo lu ol p nd ea te da ic wh , d aci h di dy ou kno w ? c agi l l e of Strawberries are a source Red Fruit Salad Serves 4 This versatile salad can be used as the base of everything from a light lunch to a refreshing smoothie. 96 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 1 ½ cups organic strawberries, halved 1 ½ cups watermelon, cut into oneinch chunks 2 Tbs. cherry balsamic vinegar 2 Tbs. organic extra-virgin olive oil 1 Tbs. Meyer lemon juice 1 Tbs. shredded fresh mint leaves Grind of fresh black pepper Combine all ingredients in glass bowl, and gently toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least one hour. PER SERVING: 105 cal; 1g pro; 7g total fat (1g sat fat); 11g carb; 0mg chol; 5mg sod; 2g fiber; 9g sugars PHOTO: PORNCHAI MITTONGTARE; FOOD STYLING: LIESL MAGGIORE; PROP STYLING: ROBIN TURK RECIPE TIPS Z Serve over mesclun greens for a refreshing lunch. Z Purée 1 cup fruit salad with ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt and 1 Tbs. local honey for a revivifying smoothie. Z Coarsely chop ½ cup fruit salad and add ½ tsp. minced fresh jalapeño. Serve as a relish for grilled fish or chicken. the alpha of the omegas fish oil is a good source of omega-3s, which are important for your overall health and wellness. omega-3s can help support memory and brain health. the Vitamin Shoppe® brand offers liquid fish oil in lemon and citrus flavors. enjoyable by the spoonful or mixed with your favorite beverages. stores nationwide ation ti vitaminshoppe.com EVEN THE SMALLEST GIFT CAN CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE Your 25 cents will bring lifesaving vitamins to a child in need. 90% 10% one quarter one child 25 cents reduces child mortality in at-risk children by about 24% by providing one dose of vitamin A, twice a year. your donation works hard More than 90% of your dollar goes to sending vitamins to children in need. our efforts are validated For seven straight years we have received the coveted 4-star rating for a charity. Make a life saving donation at vitaminangels.org check it out IN BLOOM Fresh finds to put a spring in your step this season 1 1. More Power to You 2 Finally—a delicious high-protein treat that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. MHP Power Pak Pudding Fit & Lean is a creamy, ready-to-eat healthy snack packed with 15 gm of the highest quality protein and only 100 calories per cup. This convenient anytime snack is sugar-free, lactose-free, and gluten-free, and low in carbs and fats. The proof is in the pudding. 2. Feel Alive! 3 ALIVE! Whole Food Energizer Liquid Multi is made with whole-food-derived nutrients, to deliver the daily essentials, plus botanical energizers and high-potency B-vitamins for an extra boost. Take it once daily by itself (it has a delicious citrus flavor), or mix it into your favorite beverage or smoothie for a powerpacked treat. 4 3. Look to L-Carnitine THE VITAMIN SHOPPE Next Step L-Carnitine, short for levocarnitine, is a non-essential amino acid that supports fat metabolism, brain health, and heart function. For weight management, fitness, and increased energy support, L-Carnitine might be just what you’ve been looking for. 4. The Essence of Sleep FLORA Sleep•Essence is a powerful combination of chamomile flower, lemon balm, linden flower, passionflower, skullcap, and lavender designed to support restful and balanced sleep patterns. This delicious-tasting, natural sleep aid helps to ease anxiety and restlessness, allowing you to fall asleep more easily—and most importantly, stay asleep. 5 5. All Xlear With XLEAR Nasal Spray (pronounced “clear”), you get fast and effective relief from congestion due to seasonal allergies, dryness, colds and the flu, sinusitis, and allergic asthma caused by pollutants, allergens, and other irritants in the nasal passages. This nonaddictive spray is made with xylitol and is safe for all ages. 100 amazing wellness | SPRING 2015 is your Protein Shake half full? In a recent clinical trial, LiverCare® was shown to significantly increase the retention of protein over the placebo group. Protein works to keep your muscles toned, strong and helps burn calories! With LiverCare®, make every protein shake count and toast to a better, leaner you! To find out more visit pages.himalayausa.com/protein *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Wild Alaskan Salmon Solgar ® Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum™ Omega Softgels S O L G A R® Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum™ Omega Softgels offer Solgar ® Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum™ Omega Softgels are 100% pure, wild Alaskan salmon oil (including sockeye salmon derived from sustainably-caught fish from the pristine, cold waters oil) and vitamin D3. Wild Alaskan sockeye salmon’s natural oil is of Alaska. They undergo a proprietary purification process to among the purest of all ocean fish and one of the richest sources ensure the removal of heavy metals while maintaining optimal of the important omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. The levels of integrity and potency. Visit your local these and other fatty acids found in this synergistic formula —and Vitamin Shoppe and pick up a bottle of the proportions of each in relation to one another—reflect those Solgar ® Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum™ found in wild salmon. Omega Softgels today. *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. FOLLOW US FOR ADDITIONAL INFOR M ATION, VISIT SOLGAR.COM OR CALL 1. 8 0 0 . 6 4 5 . 2 24 6 © 2015 Solgar, Inc. T O DAY ' S F R E S H , S U S TA I N A B L E C AT C H –
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