What makes so much better

is the only unique, low-FODMAP fibre certified by Monash University to be effective in the treatment of an irritable colon (IBS) and proven to relieve symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, Not all fibres are equal. and which (and let’s face it, embarrassing) gas.

FODMAP, 100% plant-based fibre IBS symptoms so you can get back that provides gentle relief from to your regular schedule! and overall intestinal discomfort. inulin are high in FODMAPs, can cause bloating and painful (and completely in water: no grit, colour, or taste. associated with IBS

Dissolves quickly and mixes

Reduces abdominal discomfort

Gentle relief for constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating

Lead research University certified Fibre4 for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

There’s much more! Read the whole fibre4 story at webbernaturals.com

CEO & Group Publisher

• Ryan Benn

Vice President, Publishing & Operations

EDITORIAL

Group Content Director, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Editor • Sandi Gauvin

Editor, CNHR • Bruce W. Cole

• Nina Wagner

• Tracy Peternell

Editors • Melissa Curman, Laura Newton, Makena Wardle

Digital Editor • Colleen Grant

Digital Assistant

DESIGN

• Michelle von Hahn

Group Creative Director & Photographer

• Scott Yavis

Senior Graphic Designers • Iva Zima, Lindsay Burke, Alvarro Pastorin

PRODUCTION

Director of Operations

• Devin Steinberg

Production Associate • Natasha Jayawardena

SALES

Vice President, Sales • Ellen Wheeler

Sales Director • Gaby Sepulveda Knuth

Sales Coordinatior, CNHR Advertising • Phileasha Gentry

Advertising Account Executive, USA (EAST)

Retail Account Executive, USA

EDUCATION & ADMINISTRATION

• Bernadette Higgins

• Rebecca Randolph

Vice President, Education & Administration

Executive Assistant

Office Administrator

• Hannah Dewar

• Maria Valle

Manager, alive Academy • Julia Wagner

Manager, Academy Admissions

FINANCE

Director of Finance

• Jane Griffiths

• Jan Clay

• Conroy Ing, CPA, CGA

Senior Accountant • Maira Guzman

Accounts Receivable Specialist • Jacqui Harquail

Custom Publishing

Vice President, Custom Publishing

• Brendan Harrington

Publisher, Live Naturally • Deborah Juris

CONTACT INFORMATION

Alive Publishing Group Inc. 100-12751 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC V6V 3C8

Phone: 604.295.9333 Toll Free: 800.663.6580

Cover price is $5.75. Nine issues published per year.

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ADVERTISING POLICY sage accepts advertising based upon space availability and consistency with its mission to promote a natural health and wellness lifestyle. sage is not responsible for the content of advertisements, the products offered or the viewpoints expressed therein.

EDITORIAL NOTE

The information provided in this magazine is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed practitioner or health care provider. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Alive Publishing Group Inc., its affiliates or parent company. Different views may appear in future articles or publications. Articles in sage are copyrighted and must not be reprinted, duplicated or transmitted without permission.

As warmer days approach, you may be feeling optimistic about the days to come. However, if you find yourself feeling down, you’re not alone: No one is immune to the difficulties of day-to-day life. The good news is that help is available, and better health is attainable.

In this issue of sage, we’re taking the opportunity to focus on the topic of brain health—how to keep our brain healthy in all ways to support our physical and mental health for improved overall well-being.

You’ll find information on how to keep your brain strong and healthy, from strengthening your mental resilience to easing brain inflammation. And to help you make the most of summertime, we’re bringing you tips on how to make your summer plans more sustainable, alongside some tasty fair-weather recipes to keep you satiated in the sunshine!

As you move through this fresh new season, we urge you to enjoy the “little things” around you—the colours of the sky, the smells of freshly cut grass, the sounds of laughter at an outdoor gathering—and embrace the gentle healing that comes from connection to nature and to one another.

Wishing you continued mental health and wellness—and a happy kick-off to summer!

Hula hoop for exercise

Although hula hooping might sound like child’s play, this form of cardio boasts some impressive benefits (including that it’s family-friendly and an easily transportable way to get your heart rate up!).

One study found that women burned seven calories per minute, or 210 calories every 30 minutes, when hula hooping. Hooping is comparable to step aerobics and boot camp-style classes and has been shown to significantly decrease LDL (also known as “bad” cholesterol) levels.

Another study found that hula hooping using a weighted hoop over a period of six weeks led to reduced waist and hip measurements, while another found that exercising with a hula hoop helped decrease stomach fat and increase abdominal muscle mass.

Need another reason to give this fitness trend a try?

Uncommon fitness routines such as hula hooping are linked to a positive mood after exercising, as well as more resolute intentions for completing cardio sessions in the future.

Try rosemary or pumpkin oils for thinning hair

If thinning hair is something you’re struggling with, give rosemary essential oil and pumpkin seed oil a try. Though the research is still in early stages, both oils have been shown to promote hair growth when applied to the scalp regularly.

To apply rosemary essential oil, add a couple of drops to your regular shampoo or massage it into the scalp with a neutral carrier oil (such as jojoba, avocado, or olive oil). Let it sit for five to 10 minutes before rinsing or shampooing out.

Pumpkin seed oil can be taken as a supplement, consumed as a food oil, or applied to the hair like a hot pack (massage into scalp and let sit on your head for 20 minutes before shampooing and conditioning).

These alternative hair oil treatments are low risk with promising results. Give them a try and see if they work for you!

Sharpen your mind with nootropics

You may already take supplements to improve your physical health, but what about your cognitive health?

Welcome to the growing world of nootropics, a group of medicinal compounds that are prized for their potential to improve memory and attention span and slow down symptoms associated with dementia.

Here are some nootropics alongside their potential health benefits:

• L-theanine: may enhance memory and cognitive function

• CDP-choline: may improve memory in those with cognitive impairment or dementia

• creatine monohydrate: may advance reasoning skills and short-term memory

• ginseng: may promote better concentration, reduce memory loss, and aid in dementia recovery

Without realizing it, there’s a good chance you’re already consuming one nootropic on the regular in the form of coffee or tea. That’s right, caffeine—which is known for its ability to awaken and sharpen the senses—is one of the world’s most popular nootropics.

Explore non-toxic nail polish

If you’re someone who loves the booming availability of clean beauty products, you’ll love the fact that non-toxic nail polishes are one of the hottest new trends in the world of natural nail care. While the negative effects of nail polish haven’t been fully established, research shows that some chemicals found in nail polish can be absorbed into the nail bed, fuelling the need for non-toxic polish options.

When shopping for natural nail polishes, keep an eye out for brands that are labelled “five-free,” a marketing term that refers to nail polishes made without the following chemicals: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Each of these chemicals is more likely to cause contact dermatitis at the nail bed, and camphor is toxic if consumed orally.

If nail polish is part of your routine, dermatologists suggest giving your nails the chance to breathe every so often or looking for alternatives to traditional polishes. With the abundance of natural polishes on the market, we think your options are endless!