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Health and Nutrition with Nature's Sunshine

Not yet a Nature's Sunshine Member? Membership is free with a $40 order. Visit my web site www.herbsplus.mynsp.com Become an Herb Specialist! Visit my Blog for information about classes, webinars and Natural Health Education. Herbsplus4health.blogspot.com

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Location: Honesdale, PA, United States

For Health Enthusiasts worldwide wanting to learn about Health and Nutrition. Join us here to learn about High Quality Products, Educational tools and Opportunities. If you would like to be notified when new items are posted to this page, please Email Me or call me at (817)225-8392 so I can add you to the list.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

Recipes using Spelt Flour

I received these recipes from Kasara D'Elene, fellow Nature's Sunshine member, from Bothell, WA. She is a Professional herbalist. I thank her for sharing her recipes.

Pie Crust Recipe
Pastry - For 1 pie shell
1 1/2 cups spelt flour (white or whole)

1/2 tsp salt1/4 cup organic butter
1/4 cup organic shortening (transfat free)
4 to 5 tbsp cold water

Pastry - For 2 pie shells
2 cups spelt flour (white or whole)
1 tsp salt1/3 cup organic butter
1/3 cup organic shortening (we use Spectrum)
5 to 7 tbsp cold water

Sift together flour and salt. Cut in shortening with mixer or pastry blender till pieces are size of small peas. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp water. Gently mix. Repeat till all is moist. Form into ball. For 2 pie crusts, cut ball in half - one for each pie crust. On lightly floured surface, flatten ball with rolling pin and roll to desired thickness. Transfer to pie tin or this dough also makes wonderful grandma's dots, or small pastries filled with fruit or meat/vegies.
Grandma's dots are made by spreading on butter on flattened dough, sprinkling Xylitol or organic sugar and cinnamon. Roll up and cut into 1 1/2 inch rolls, and bake for 10 minutes or until desired consistancy.


Modified From Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book



Wheat-Free Biscuits
A melt-in-your mouth texture will make these a favorite breakfast treat. Experiment with adding basil, dried onion,and oregano for herbed biscuits, or raisins, finely chopped nuts, and orange juice (instead of soy milk) for a sweet version.


1 - 3/4 cups spelt flour
1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum free)
pinch of salt
1/4 spectrum organic shortening, margarine or butter
1/2 cup milk (soy, oat, rice or other will work)
1/2 teaspoon margarine or butter

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Grease a large baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. With pastry cutter or knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Stir in milk until a soft dough forms anda mixture pulls away from the sides of the bowl; do not overmix.

Turn dough out onto generously floured board. Knead gently (about 10 times). Pat doughout to between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Cut with 2-1/2 inch biscuit cutter. Re-roll and cut scraps until remainingdough is used. Place on baking sheet and brush with melted butter/margarine.
Bake biscuits about about 10 minutes or until very lightly browned. Serve warm or at room temperature.


Total Calories per biscuit: 97 Fat: 4 grams(makes 1 dozen)

From Vegetarian Journal - Jan/Feb 1994

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Shrimp & Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
1 lb. cooked fresh shrimp
1 lb. fresh asparagus, cooked just til tender, then cut into 1-inch pieces
1 ripe yellow tomato, cut into small chunks
about 10 grape tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
4 cups cooked Bella Via Penne Pasta
3 scallions, green and white sections sliced thinly
about 10 Greek olives for garnish
assorted fresh organic salad greens

Dressing:
6 Tbsp. Bella Via Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. Tree of Life Dijon Mustard
1/4 tsp. dried Italian herbs
1 tsp. Tree of Life Honey
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Make dressing:
Mix all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well til blended. Refrigerate until ready to use. Shake again to blend before adding to salad.

Mix together shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, scallions, and pasta. Toss with dressing to taste. Mound on large plates covered with salad greens and garnish with olives. Serves 4.

I found this recipe on the www.treeoflife.com web site.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

LET THE NSP HOLIDAY SPECIALS BEGIN !


November 17 and 18 are two days that you won't want to miss!
These Holiday specials are primarily for Members. If you are not yet a Nature's Sunshine Products member, but would like to participate please call me (Karen) 704-588-7638 and I can make the order through my account ~(OR) make an order of $40 (using Member Prices) to receive your
free one year membership.

Most links below are to products, not the specials. Member's will need to visit the Specials section on the corresponding dates to get these prices.

November 17 and 18 Only! $5 Products!
Some of Nature's Sunshine's best, most popular products are about to become some of our cheapest. For two days only, you can purchase these fantastic products at incredible savings-just $5 per bottle!
Promo No. Product Retail (MemberPrice)

12646-6
LBS II (capsules) $16.70 (Member Price $5.00)
12647-7
Cascara Sagrada $13.65 (Member Price $5.00)
12648-3
Psyllium Hulls $12.75 (Member Price $5.00)
12649-1
Lavender Fine Oil (5 ml) $12.35 (Member Price $5.00)

Buy 2, Get 1 Free November 17 and 18 only!
Promo No. Product Retail (MemberPrice)

12650-4
VitaWave (32 fl. oz.) $134.85 (Member Price $59.90)
12651-0
Chlorophyll (32 fl. oz.) $81.45 (Member Price $36.20)
12652-5
Nutri-Calm (60) $54.45 (Member Price $24.20)
12653-7
Triple Effect Age Relief Cream (1 ml) $164.85 (Member Price $73.90)

New Product! A unique, age-defying formula,
Triple Effect Age Relief Cream provides a three-pronged approach to combating the visible signs of aging. First, acetyl hexapeptide and hydrolyzed Hibiscus esculentus extract helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Next, palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 help maintain the shape and firmness of skin. And finally, saccharomyces, or xylinum black tea ferment, works with the skin's surface to promote smooth, supple-looking skin. With Triple Effect Age Relief Cream, younger looking skin lies in the palm of your hand!
For a list of all Natria Products by NSP visit my
NSP Natria Page.


Also...November 17 and 18... BONUS PRODUCT CREDIT.
For every $500 you order, receive a $25 product credit certificate.

Plus... AN EXCLUSIVE T-SHIRT. Place any order over $50 and you can purchase this exclusive "My Health/Herbs/Choice" T-shirt. Cost $5.00 Stock No. 5303-9 Large; 5299-1 XL (Limited quantity. Available while supplies last.)



Plus... WIN A TRIP TO OUR MEXICAN FIESTA! For each order over $500 you place on these two days, you will be entered into a drawing to win a trip for two to Dale Lee 's Mexican Fiesta in Cabo San Lucas , Mexico ! April 8-11, 2005. The Mexican Fiesta includes round-trip airfare, accommodations for four days and three nights plus meals at the all-inclusive, five-star Presidente Los Cabos Resort! Two accounts-one each day-will win!

November 15-30 Buy 4, Get 1 Free
Promo No. Product Retail (MemberPrice)
11394-1 Fat Grabbers (120) $111.00 (Member Price $59.80)
12641-5
Thai-Go (2, 25oz.) $374.75 (Member Price $199.80)
10774-4
EverFlex (60 tablets) $189.75 (Member Price $99.80)
9719-4
Vitamin B-Complex (capsules) $97.75 (Member Price $53.20)
11780-8
Paw Paw Cell Reg (120) $262.00 (Member Price $119.80)
9759-5
Mega-Chel (90) $114.00 (Member Price $60.80)
9478-0
High Potency Garlic (60) $139.75 (Member Price $74.60)
11963-7
Nutri-Burn Chocolate (1240g) $299.75 (Member Price $159.80)
10349-4
Nature's Noni (2, 32 oz.) $434.75 (Member Price $235.80)
12644-8
Cellular Build (60) $149.75 (Member Price $79.80)

November 15-30 Buy 9, Get 3 Free
Promo No. Product Retail (MemberPrice)
9348-3
Fat Grabbers (120) $266.40 (Member Price $134.55)
12642-0
Thai-Go (2 25 fl. oz.) $899.40 (Member Price $449.55)
11592-4
EverFlex (60 tablets) $455.40 (Member Price $224.55)
12485-0
Vitamin B-Complex (100) $234.60 (Member Price $119.70)
11882-2
Paw Paw Cell Reg (120) $628.80 (Member Price $269.55)
11734-6
Mega-Chel (90) $273.60 (Member Price $136.80)
12372-0 High Potency Garlic (60) $335.40 (Member Price $167.85)
12145-0
Nutri-Burn Chocolate (1240 g) $719.40 (Member Price $359.55)
10401-1
Nature's Noni (2, 32 fl. oz.) $1043.40 (Member Price $530.55)
12645-4
Cellular Build (60) $359.40 (Member Price $179.55)


Deck Your Shelves with Holiday Specials!
Get into the season by sharing these fantastic special offers from Nature's Sunshine with your friends and family.


16 oz. Aromatherapy Candle Stock No. 3776-3 (Member Price $15.95)
This candle's natural color from pure essential oils and palm oil complements its lovely holiday aroma. Features a lead-free cotton wick and contains no petroleum products. Note: Not to be used on candle warmers.

1 Qt. Potpourri Stock No. 3781-7 (Member Price $11.95)
This festive blend of dried citrus, cinnamon sticks, leaves, berries and cones is naturally fragranced with essential oils of cinnamon, clove, red mandarin and lemon.



$50 off R.O. Water Unit Stock No. 10671-7 (Member Price $300.)
Give the gift of pure water this holiday season at a special discount with the Nature's Spring R.O. unit-a four-stage water treatment system designed around a semi-permeable membrane.


Get 2 OzoneFresh Refrigerator Units for just $50! Completely safe, the OzoneFresh refrigerator unit helps to protect and preserve your food through nature's own system for guaranteed freshness-ozone. Regularly $75 each! Stock No. 12600-8



Another Great Holiday Gift! NatureSeal Waterless Cookware
This is the last Set of Cookware you will ever purchase, as they will last you a lifetime.
(LIFETIME WARRANTEE!)
Stock #7112-1 NatureSeal System - 12 pc. Set
Member Cost: $ 595.00

Stock #7004-7 NatureSeal - 4 Quart Pan with cover
Member Cost: $ 120.00
Stock #7012-2 NatureSeal - 12 Quart Pan with Cover
Member Cost: $ 215.00
Stock #7408-0
NatureSeal - 8 inch Chef Pan
Member
Cost: $ 60.00
Stock #7410-6 NatureSeal - 10 inch Chef Pan
Member Cost: $70.00
Stock #7013-4 NatureSeal - 13 inch Omelet Pan
Member Cost: $95.00
Stock #7032-4 NatureSeal - 11 inch Square Griddle
Member Cost: $45.00

Notice: Although inventories have been increased for this promotion, specials are only available while supplies last. NSP reserves the right to discontinue any product sales because of high demand and manufacturing and production constraints. Product offers are good only during the specified dates.

Please call Karen 704-588-7638 for more information on these specials.


Thursday, November 11, 2004

Medicinal Soup Recipe to boost the immune system

Here is a soup that was passed onto me by Leslie Baldwin, a fellow NSP member who I met through our NSPbiz yahoogroup.

Although a few of these ingredients may take some leg work to find the first time, I believe the effort will be worth it. Here in Charlotte, NC I believe most can be found at
Talley's Green Grocery or Three Feather's, both on East Blvd.

A medicinal soup broth to boost the immune system, this can be used as a plain broth or as a soup/stew base. There are no set amounts of ingredients so the amounts stated here are estimated. Leslie advises, "Just add, cook and adjust to taste. If I am feeling cold or flu symptoms, I like to make mine a bit spicy to help promote sweating and warmth."

INGREDIENTS:

2 gal. water
1-2 Handfuls Medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake, Shitake)
1 - 2 handfuls Ginseng root slices ( slices easier to remove)
1 - 2 handfuls Astragalus root slices (slices easier to remove)
1/4 - 1/2 fresh ginger root thinly sliced
1-2 Echinacea root
1 Bunch fresh parsley
1 Bunch celery chopped
2 med. or 1 large onion
1-2 Hot peppers (optional)
1-2 Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Salt and pepper or other desired seasonings

PREPARATION:

Bring water or broth to a boil. Add roots and cinnamon sticks. Bring the heat down and simmer several hours until roots are soft. Strain out roots and cinnamon sticks. Add all other ingredients except garlic and simmer about an hour.

Add garlic and remove from heat.
After the roots and sticks are removed you can add a grain such as barley. You can add any other vegetables as well.

NSP Teleconference Call - November 17, 2004


Age Relief Wrinkle Cream Product Discussion

Date: Wed., November 17, 2004
Time: 6:00 p.m. Pacific, 7:00 Mountain, 8:00 Central, 9:00 Eastern
Discussion: Wrinkle Cream, NSP's Newest Addition to Natria - Join our experts for an informative look at how our new cream will improve the appearance of your skin.


These discussions are conducted via a tele-conference call and
are available, at no cost, to anyone who has a touch-tone phone.
During this call health experts will provide in-depth information
about the featured health topic. Listen in and learn. I hope you will join us.

Number: 1-800-756-4697 Enter PIN 6552

Cholesterol Drugs and the Liver

By Clell M. Fowels

Cholesterol is a subject on a lot of people's minds - especially if they are concerned with cardiovascular health. We have known for some time that cholesterol is essential as the backbone of hormone production. We now know, however, that a high cholesterol level (usually defined as above 200 mg/dl) can be detrimental to cardiovascular health. High levels of cholesterol can add to the plaque buildup in the arteries of the circulatory system. This buildup can lead to a number of problems with the circulatory system, especially a narrowing of the arteries which leads to high blood pressure and decreased circulation. It is, therefore, imperative to achieve and maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

Physicians and health care professional usually will suggest diet and exercise to an individual who has high cholesterol. Diet and exercise are very beneficial to anyone with high cholesterol and cardiovascular problems, but sometimes they are still not enough. If this is the case, the physician will usually prescribe a medication to help lower cholesterol levels. By far the most commonly prescribed medications for lowering cholesterol are the statin medications. We all know what these are since they are heavily prescribed and advertised. Every day I'll bet I see at least a half a dozen commercials for statin medications - and I don't watch that much TV! The statin medications are so named because their generic names all end with -statin.

The most commonly prescribed statins include: Mevacor (lovastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), and Lipitor (atorvastatin). Another statin medication, Baycol (cerivastatin), was recently removed from the market due to pronounced side effects which, in several instances, included death.

These medications also come with a myriad of side effects. Some of these side effects include: headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, constipate, insomnia, shoulder or back pain, chest pain, dry mouth, diarrhea, heartburn, leg pain, rash, myalgia (pain in a muscle), fatigue, blurred vision, cough, and arthralgia (a severe pain in a joint). Any of these side effects can be dramatic enough to require stopping the medication. Several of these side effects, such as rash, can be signs of very serious medication-induced side effects which can be fatal.

The statin medications work in the liver on the production of cholesterol. They are classified as inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (called HMG-CoA) reductase (collectively called "HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). HMG-CoA reductase is an enzyme that converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate. This conversion occurs early in the synthesis of cholesterol. Therefore, if HMG-CoA reductase is blocked, the amount of cholesterol the body can produce is reduced. This has proven a very effective means of controlling cholesterol levels.

One other cholesterol medication worth mentioning at the point is called Lopid (gemfibrozil). Lopid does not work as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. The way in which Lopid works to reduce cholesterol is not known. It is known, however, that Lopid reduces total cholesterol and increases HDL (HDL is the "good" cholesterol) The statins reduce total cholesterol and LDL (LDL is the "bad" cholesterol.)

The enzymatic formation of cholesterol happens in the liver. This is also where the statin medications work. Proper liver health is essential in cholesterol production. When a physician starts someone on a statin medication, he will often order a liver panel, which is a test done to measure liver enzymatic function or liver enzymes. If the reading get too high while the person is on a statin medication, it indicates the fact that the drug is being too hard on the liver and must be stopped. In some cases, statins can increase liver enzymes which then do not return back to normal once the medication is stopped. This indicates serious damage done to the liver by the medication.

Another drawback to the statin medication is the fact that they burn Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) stores in the body at exponential rates. CoQ10 is essential to proper cardiovascular health. Our bodies only have a limited amount of CoQ10 is reserve, and we rely on a poor diet (in most cases) to get the rest. Add a statin medication in the mix and a person can become depleted of CoQ10 very quickly. It is highly recommended that any individual taking a statin medication also supplement with CoQ10 (at least 100 mg. per day. CoQ10 is extremely safe, so there is no concern about overdosing-hence, 100 mg/day would be the recommended starting dose).
[NSP sells three forms of CoQ10 -
CoQ10 Plus, CoQ10 (75mg) softgel, and CoQ10 (30mg) ]

Natural alternatives to the prescription medications for high cholesterol are very easily utilized and quite effective. High on the list is fiber. Supplements such as
psyllium and psyllium hulls add fiber to the diet. Not only is this healthy in providing bulk for the intestinal system, it also reduces cholesterol. Cholesterol is produced in the liver and then stored in the gall bladder along with and as part of the bile salts. This is then secreted into the intestinal system from the gall bladder to aid in digestion. Further down the intestinal system, this cholesterol is reabsorbed. Fiber can effectively bind the cholesterol in the intestinal system and remove it with the additional waste. Cholesterol must then be made by the liver to form new bile salts. Supplementation with a fiber product can produce a significant lowering of cholesterol levels. This is something that can be easily incorporated into a cholesterol-healthy diet and with cholesterol lowering drugs. Care should be taken to consume plenty of water with a high fiber product. You should also space the time you take medications or supplements, not to coincide with the fiber products, since the fiber product could also remove (or bind) part of the medication or supplement. In many cases, fiber supplementation is all that is required to reduce cholesterol levels to normal.
[Additional NSP fiber supplements in Bulk form are -
Psyllium Hull combination, Loclo with Stevia & Nature's Three]

High Potency Garlic is a favorite supplement for many individuals. It is also an excellent supplement for those with high cholesterol. It has been recently discovered that garlic exhibits a non-specific mechanism of action to reduce cholesterol levels and LDL levels. Using about 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic (which is one or two tablets of High Potency Garlic) each day goes a long way towards promoting a healthy cholesterol level. Garlic can also be used quite safely with the cholesterol -lowering medications we've discussed. Garlic has an added benefit- helping to reduce high blood pressure, which is a common problem with those suffering with high cholesterol levels.

Since the demise of Cholester-Reg (which contained
red rice extract, a product which the government has gone after with a vengeance), Nature's Sunshine has introduced Cholester-Reg II. Cholester-Reg II contains policosanol, phytosterol, inositol nicotinate, resveratol and artichoke. Policosanol seems to work on cholesterol in much the same way that the red rice did, by limiting cholesterol production. The phytosterols (which are plant sterols), are chemically quite similar to cholesterol. These phytosterols compete with cholesterol for absorption, which then limits the amount of cholesterol absorbed.

Inositol nicotinate is a form of niacin.
Niacin has been known for some time to help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The problem with taking straight niacin is that is causing excessive flushing. This can be quite bothersome and makes a person look ill. The inositol nicotinate is niacin in a form which does not cause this unwanted side effect.

Also contained in
Cholester-Reg II are resveratrol and artichoke. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant which aids the cardiovascular system by preventing stiffening of the artery wall. Antioxidants allow the arteries to remain pliable, which reduces blood pressure and allows for more efficient blood flow. Artichoke contains several active components which benefit the liver and promote proper digestion.

Having high cholesterol is not the end of the world. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you should consult with a health practitioner regarding the best course of action for you. It is recommended that diet and exercise be employed to begin to get a grip on the problem. After that, there are many safe and effective natural alternatives which can promote more healthy levels of cholesterol.

Best of Health to you!

Clell M. Fowels is pharmacist who manages the NSP Health Sciences departemnt. He is one of the instructors in the NSP Certified Natural Health Consultant program (NHC) and author of his new book Drugs and Natural Alternatives.


(Blue highlighted italicized info added by Karen Doolan.)

WHAT IS THE MEATRIX?

Vegetarian or Not, Let's get back to Quality Farming. What has happened to all that is good? Here is a link to an Education which will benefit us all.

www.peta.org/feat/meatrix


Paw Paw Cell-Reg for Cancer - Protocol by Richard Lund

These are general recommendations for using Paw Paw Cell-Reg. This program was shared by Richard Lund on the nspadvisor Yahoogroup.

Because people who take it may have significantly different needs, it is wise to seek counsel of a trusted herbalist or your physician before using any herbal program. In other words, while this protocol may be right for many people, it may not be right for you.

Paw Paw Cell-Reg
Take one capsule with food four times a day. The target body weight for this amount is based on a person who weighs 150-170 pounds. People who weigh more may wish to take one or more additional capsules. Some people who weigh less may find it necessary to only use three per day. If you experience significant nausea or vomiting, reduce the amount that you take.
Ginger root sliced and boiled for ten minutes in a cup or two of water is a soothing tea that may help nausea if you experience it. Paw Paw Cell-Reg may be mixed with food by opening the capsules. Do not mix with hot liquids because it is sensitive to heat.

Protease Plus
Start by taking one capsule three times a day apart from food. Do it one hour before or two hours after meals. Build up to taking three capsules three times a day.

Immune Stimulator
Take ten to twenty capsules per day. These should be spread out through the day where possible. To get the maximum benefit from the ingredient colostrum, take Immune Stimulator apart from meals and apart from Protease Plus. If you are also taking Protease Plus, it may be very inconvenient to take that way. If this is too hard, take them with your meals. The mushroom ingredients and the arabinogalactan will not be affected. Immune Stimulator may be mixed with hot water to make an herbal tea. This may be mixed with licorice root (root slice, powdered, or a liquid) to make it more palatable. This sometimes is helpful for those who take "too many pills."

While we do not have direct clinical studies to support these recommendations, we believe that some food supplements may slow down the effectiveness of paw paw's active ingredients in the body. These fall into three categories.

The first are direct thyroid stimulants, such as iodine found in kelp. This molecule has a stimulatory function on mitochondrial metabolism at the same place that paw paw's acetogenins are acting to inhibit. People frequently take a supplement like kelp to supply minerals to the body or to trigger weight loss. Normal thyroid support prescriptions such as Armour thyroid or Synthroid® should be continued and only changed at the direction of a physician. If you have questions, be sure to ask your doctor.

The second thing to consider avoiding is CO-Q10. This is a form of ubiquinone, a molecule used as a co-enzyme electron carrier in the NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase reaction that the acetogenins are trying to inhibit in complex one of the mitochondrial inner membrane. People sometimes take this supplement to help support their heart. Careful consideration of the benefits must be made before discontinuing such supplementation for heart health. Ask your doctor if you have concerns about its absence in your diet before changing. Normally the body makes this molecule, so it may not need to be supplemented in all people.

The third type of supplement to avoid is in the class of the antioxidants. Specific antioxidants that have an effect on the work of paw paw's acetogenins are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, N Acetyl Cysteine, and Glutathione. Some research supports my concerns about adding these as food supplements. Dr. McLaughlin recommends only using amounts of Vitamins A, C, and E that are recommended as daily requirements. So using an ordinary multiple vitamin may be suitable. Check the label for amounts of the RDA.

Some researchers advocate very high levels of Vitamin C intake to fight cancer. Often people who are under the care of specific oncologists have received up to 50 grams of Vitamin C daily. They believe that in large doses, the Vitamin C acts as an oxidizer, triggering apoptosis, instead of as an antioxidant, rescuing cancer cells from apoptosis. Certainly more study is needed to understand the chemistry of Vitamin C and its influences on disease conditions. Or perhaps, those who do understand its work need to help those of us outside of the world of research to understand it better. If your doctor tells you to take Vitamin C, let him guide you here.

Garlic may also be avoided generally with using paw paw. Another is selenium. SOD should be avoided as well. Some other supplements such as Noni and Mangosteen-based products (e.g. Thai-Go) have high antioxidant values and probably should be avoided unless taken for very specific needs. Balancing an herbal supplement program sometimes requires a personal knowledge of specific conditions and can be best accomplished by consultation with a knowledgeable person, such as an herbalist, acupuncturist, a naturopathic physician, an osteopath, a medical doctor, a pharmacist, or other qualified medical professional. Previously I had voiced concern over all true teas. Preliminary findings of a researcher from Detroit indicate that green tea may not inhibit paw paw, which would be good news. I will post more about this when I am able to discuss it with Dr. McLaughlin and upon his review of the test.

One supplement that we previously voiced concern about using with paw paw was IP-6 (also known as inositol hexaphosphate or phytic acid.) Recently I found the journal article that explains its antioxidant activity and was able to discuss phytic acid with one of the authors. Dr. Ernst Graf told me in personal conversation that he did not expect phytic acid to be active with hydrogen peroxide in the inner membrane of the mitochodria for two reasons. One is that the charge on the molecule because of the phosphate groups would probably not allow it to enter, and secondly that the main reaction phytic acid has as an antioxidant is to reduce ferrous iron. So we feel free to endorse its use with paw paw. It is found in many food supplements as an ingredient as well as a stand-alone product. It is available naturally in sesame seeds, brown rice, and corn, according to my reading.

Article written by Richard Lund (
rlund@pawpawforhealth.com)

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

CORE NUTRITION – HABIT OF HEALTH CHALLENGE

Nature's Sunshine Products fantastic new program called the Habit of Health 90 Day Challenge. Designed to help you improve your health in 90 days, it's as easy as it is effective. Just commit to using the core product package---a combination of popular NSP products that help provide the missing elements in today's diet---for three months.

CORE NUTRITION – HABIT OF HEALTH CHALLENGE BENEFITS:

Super Supplemental Vitamins – With niacin & chromium which help your body produce what you need to control your blood sugar
Provides 100% or more of daily requirement for 12 essential vitamins, plus
13 important minerals
Contains 2 important antioxidants: lutein & lycopene
Offers extra amount of essential B-vitamins for energy.(Can be depleted by stress)

Bifidophilus Flora Force (Pro-biotics) – to maintain healthy flora
Improves immune system function
Helps maintain female vaginal & urinary tract health
Helps promote intestinal health in children
May support respiratory health in children
Helps synthesize B vitamins
Counteracts the negative effects of antibiotics

Food Enzymes/Proactazyme Plus – After 40 we produce less, our diets provide less & growers are putting enzymes inhibitors in food to prolong shelf life
Supplements the body’s production of important enzymes
Provides a blend of enzymes to digest proteins, carbs and fats
Provides hydrochloric acid & bile salts to help digest proteins & fats
Helps prevent or relieve occasional indigestion

Nature’s Three - Fiber

Supports the digestive system & keeps the colon clean
Provides both soluble & insoluble fiber from three sources
Promotes regularity in maintaining healthy bowel movements
Tends to allow slower absorption of sugar

Thai-GO -Rates highest on the ORAC scale of any product on the market & provides 4 times the amount of Immune Stimulus as the leading competitor which slows the processes associated with aging of body and brain, as state by the USDA
Enhances the immune system
Supports the cardiovascular system
Promotes energy
Contains bioflavonoids & powerful antioxidants

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
– Reduces inflammation that causes disease
Supports the cardiovascular system
Protects cell membranes
Lessens risk of cardio vascular disease
Improves cholesterol levels
Increases insulin production
Dilates blood vessels


Take the Nature's Sunshine 90 challenge today!

Monday, November 01, 2004

Checking out the End Results - Literally

TYPES OF BOWEL MOVEMENTS

BLACK, TARRY, AND STICKY
- Bleeding in your upper digestive tract. The black color comes from digested blood cells.

VERY DARK BROWN
-You drank red wine last night or had too much salt or not enough vegetables in your diet.

GLOWING RED OR MAGENTA
- You've eaten a lot of reddish foods such as beets.

LIGHT GREEN
-You're consuming too much sugar, or too many fruits and vegetables with not enough grains or salt.
PALE OR CLAY-COLORED
- Minimal amounts of bile are being excreted, perhaps because of problems with the gallbladder or liver.

BLOODY OR MUCUS-COVERED
- Hemorrhoids, an overgrowth of certain bacteria in your gastro intestinal tract, colitis (inflammation of the colon), Crown's disease (also known as inflammatory bowel disease), or colon cancer. Red blood usually means the ailment is located near the end of your digestive tract, whereas black blood signals partially digested blood coming from an ailment higher up the tract. Seek medical advice promptly.

PENCIL-THIN AND RIBBON LIKE
- A polyp or growth in your colon that narrows the passage for stool or a spastic colon. It can also be from a prolapse at either side of the transverse colon constricting the colon and lack of fiber.

LARGE AND FLOATING, WITH GREASY FILM ON TOILET WATER
- Malabsorption -- your digestive system isn't getting full nutritional use of food.

LOOSE AND WATERY, SOMETIMES DIARRHEA WITH UNDIGESTED FOODSTUFFS
- Possible causes are food poisoning, lactose intolerance, antibiotics, antacids, dietary intolerance, dietary changes, travel, anxiety, stress, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.

SMALL, HARD, ROUND PELLETS
- Constipation- even if you're eliminating
frequently. Possible causes are eating too much dry food, including protein, and not enough vegetables and raw foods; laxative abuse; worries; or irritable bowel syndrome.

ALTERNATING BOUTS OF DIARRHEA & CONSTIPATION
- Irritable bowel syndrome. This chronic condition can be aggravated by red meat, spices, sugar, alcohol, lack of fiber, allergy-causing foods, irregular hours, and chaotic relationships.

REALLY BAD SMELLING
-An imbalance of intestinal bacteria or eating too much
animal protein, which can putrefy in your digestive tract.