Archive for August, 2008

People ask me what is FOS (fructo-oligo-saccharides) and why is it used in Probiotic formulas. This is an essential sugar found in fruits and vegetables as well as honey. FOS passes through the stomach (undigested) and is utilized in the large intestines to balance intestinal flora. It inhibits yeast growth from antibiotic use.

Diabetics need not be concerned that it’s harmful – in fact, it lowers blood sugar levels. It may inhibit formation of cavities and may relieve constipation.

So the next time you buy Jarrow Probiotics + FOS or other brands with this added – note that it enhances the affect of the probiotics.

Carol

CoQ10 is used for cardiovascular health, for its antioxidant benefits, healthy gums, cancer prevention and many other purposes. We have a full array of products that have CoQ10 in them as well as on its own.

We have a full array of products that have CoQ10 in them as well as on its own. I suggest using Jarrow Q-absorb.

CoQ10 helps strengthen the heart muscle and helps it work more effeciently (especially with hawthorne berries). It also works synergistically with Vitamin E.

CoQ10 works on a cellular level, which means it works on every cell in the body.

Carol

When you have high cholesterol you must find out first and foremost how high your HDL (High Density Lipids) is because these are your good lipids and may be 60 or above – a GOOD THING. To raise your HDL and lower your LDL (Low Density Lipids) you must change your diet by increasing your good fat intake and lowering your hydrogenated fats (also known as fractioned oils). Also, beware of FAT FREE foods because they add corn syrup and other high fructose substitutes which will raise your cholesterol, tryclyceride levels, sugar and make you fat.

I recommend 10 to 20 mgs. of Policosanol either combined with lecithin or gugulipids or even by itself. Diabetics also benefit from sugar lowering benefits as well; again watch your diet and make sure you exercise.

Try Ultra Policosanols by Jarrow Formulas or Cholesterol Strength by Mega Food

Carol

Pycnogenol, from the pine bark, is a powerful bioflavanoid antioxidant (stronger than E or C). It benefits the brain, connective tissues (skin), eyes, heart and immune system. It’s compared to grape seed which is another beneficial antioxidant known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC’s) I suggest 50 mg. to 100 mg. a day without any harmful side effects.

Mega Food’s makes Cardio Strength with both OPC’s as well as other important antioxidants.

Nature’s Way makes Dr. Masquelier’s Tru-OPC’s.

BioChem makes Pycnogenol and Grape Seed in different strengths.

For skin care I recommend Derma E’s Pycnogenol moisturizing cream or Age-Defying Day Cream and Now’s Grapeseed Oil (for every skin type).

Carol

Many people ask what multi should they take. I personally like the whole food vitamins which your body utilizes more efficiently and recognizes them as food, e.g.:

1. Mega Food

2. Nature’s Way Whole Food Energizer Vitamin called Alive

3. New Chapter’s Every Man or Every Women

4. New Chapter’s Only One

Carol

Today I learned from an older woman (92 yrs. old) to use a bag of chamomile tea in a bath for shingles and/or poison ivy or poison oak. It calms down the burning and itching and aids in the healing process.

I suggest using Alvita tea bags.

Also, some companies are using chamomile in their eye drops. We carry PrimaVu Homeopathic Herbal Eye Drops. I learned about this product through a customer who said it works well.

Carol

By 1980 (after years of studies) scientists in the UK knew enough about Green Lipid Mussel (Pama Canaliculus) to conduct a double-blinded study on its effects on arthritis (OA & RA). Tests showed it reduced swelling by 79 per cent in most people.

Try Green Lipid Mussel extracts which outperforms drugs on their effect on inflammation and swelling related to arthritis (OA & RA).

I recommend using Food Science of Vermont Sea Mussel – follow instructions on bottle.

Carol

Serrapeptase are proteolytic enzymes derived from the edible fungi, aspergillus oryzae and apergillus melleus. They help maintain and support cardiovascular and lymphatic health and immune system.

I recommend using Cardiovascular Research Ltd. on an empty stomach.

Carol

What natural herbs should you take to increase your iron?

1. Dandelion (Gaia Herbs in tincture form) contains more iron, as well as potassium, folic acid and B12 than almost any other herb. Also, dandelion leaves work as a diuretic, and the root is beneficial to the liver. Take 10-15 drops in 1/4 cup of water 3X (three times) daily on an empty stomach.

2. Stinging Nettle (Herbs ETC.) is another beneficial herb for anemia. It is also used for prostate health and the immune system. It’s high in iron, C and chlorophyll. Follow directions on label.

Carol

Goldenseal is a very good alternative to conventional antibiotics, however, it shouldn’t be used for more than one (1) week at a time because it can cause an imbalance in the intestinal wall. If you have overused it in the past, I recommend using a good probiotic, e.g., Jarro-Dophilus EPS.

Also, DON’T USE IF PREGNANT or if you’re allergic to ragweed.

Try Nature’s Way or Solaray’s Goldenseal.

Carol