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contents Issue 59 | July / August 2008
5
Editor’s Healthlines
By Carol Crenna
6
Our fast food nation
Beautiful Summer Skin
By AJ Keillor skin youthful
8
Smoothie Myth Busters
Nutrients that keep your
By Brendan Brazier Not all smoothies and shakes are created equal
10 Strong Bones: Part 4
By Dr. Michael Colgan An alkaline diet and exercise build healthy bones
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14 Technology Helps Perfect Your Body and Your Performance
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By Michelle Kwon Good vibrations help to heal and enhance
16 Helping the Body Heal Cancer
By John Austen The immune system is our greatest “cure” for cancer
18 Do I Need a Multivitamin? By Serenity Aberdour, ND Take a quick
34 34
quiz to find out
20 Probiotics: A Book Review By AJ Keillor bacteria
Learn more about good
22 Safer Ways to Scare Away Bugs By David Grace
Alternatives to Deet
24 Meaning of Success: Canadian Singer Alannah Myles
By Carol Crenna Interview with rock singer Alannah Myles
26 Understanding Tea and Coffee
By Michelle Kwon Learn more about your favourite beverages
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VISTA Magazine Issue 59
28 Give Your Seasonal Sneezes the Slip
By Brian Craig There’s a better way to relieve allergy symptoms
30 Bill C-51
By Carol Crenna Bill C-51’s latest changes won’t be good for Canadians
www.vistamagonline.com
VISTA Publisher’s M A G A Z I N E
Publisher:
Trent Nellis
Editor:
Carol Crenna
Marketing Director & Associate Editor:
Shelly-Lynn Nellis
Copy Editor:
Jennifer Simpson
Art Director:
Cindy Hughes
Graphic Design:
Chris Hart
Vice-President, Sales:
Paul Airut tel (778) 222-7775 e-mail paulairut@telus.net
Cover photo:
Chris Hart with Special thanks to
Lifestyle Markets Victoria BC
Contributing Writers: Alain Prud’homme, AJ Keillior,
Brendan Brazier, Carol Crenna, Cory Holly, Dr. Douglas Lobay, Franco Cavaleri, Joel Thuna, Joanne Carr, Jolie Root, John Austen, Matthew Tim Anderson, Mark Schneider, Michael Colgan, Michelle Kwon, Natalie Lanoville, Robbin Coedy, Serenity Aberdour, Susan McLoughlin, Stefan Kuprowsky, Shelly-Lynn Nellis, Tracy Holly, Vince Ziccarelli VISTA Magazine publishes bi-monthly issues and is distributed through the health food retailers of Canada. Send all questions, comments, and inquiries to: VISTA Magazine 13256 55A Avenue Surrey, BC CANADA V3X 3B3 Tel (604) 591-9991 or (877) 905-7771 Fax (604) 591-1989 e-mail vistamag@gmail.com www.vistamagonline.com VISTA Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the VISTA Magazine publisher, editors or staff. Readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking upon any exercise, medical or nutritional changes. Contents of VISTA Magazine are copyright 2008, all rights reserved. VISTA Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the publisher. To subscribe to VISTA Magazine and receive delivery to your home or office bimonthly, send $39.95 plus GST = $41.95. Include your address and we’ll ship you our next issue. Single copies are also available for $6.95 plus GST = $7.37. Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40025872
F
word
inally after some of the worst winter and spring weather in the history of Canada we are seeing the arrival of summer. Summer is a great time for families. With the kids home from school parents and grandparents are making journeys to campgrounds and tourist destinations across the country. I for one have many fond memories of summertime activities. Getting to do some traveling and see relatives you only see once a year was always a fun time. Swimming, picnicking, or going to the fair are commonplace amongst Canadians. This summer please be safe if you are traveling. Let’s try and be cautious and courteous on the roads and observe the fire regulations set forth by Parks Board Canada. Singer/songwriter Alannah Myles was at the top of trent e. nellis Photo the charts with her Elvis tribute song Black Velvet. After a 10-year hiatus she has returned to the music scene and shares with VISTA Editor Carol Crenna her life’s journey and its challenges. We at VISTA would like to send out congratulations to Eden Foods as they are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Eden Foods is a family owned Certified Organic producer of over 250 organic and traditional foods. We applaud their efforts and wish them continued success in bringing quality organic products to the marketplace. Although not new, but relatively new to consumers, vibration therapy is here. Having been involved in health and fitness for at least the past 20 years, I personally have never experienced such a beneficial modality of treatment as with vibration therapy, which requires no effort on the part of the subject. We are fortunate enough to have one of these machines in our home and the benefits one feels by simply standing on the device are incredible. It is like getting the benefits of a one-hour massage in only ten minutes. I can literally feel my muscles and connective tissues stimulated and relaxed in such a short period of time that it is hard to describe. It used to take me 30 minutes of intense walking and jogging to get my body warmed up and prepared to exercise. The vibration therapy seems to get me there in only ten minutes. Having witnessed my 65 year old father eliminate years of soreness, stiffness and seeing his posture and general disposition change over a period of only a few days, I am convinced this therapy will work wonders for anybody that tries it. In this issue we bring light to Bill C-51, which is a bill proposed to amend the regulations regarding distribution and sales of health products that have always been readily available to Canadian consumers. If it is passed, Bill C-51 will have dramatic effects on your favourite supplements, herbal preparations, homeopathic and traditional Chinese medicines, and even some foods and natural beauty products. If it passes, Bill C-51 will substantially alter the Food and Drugs Act, and that will be bad news for Canadians. Please read our story on Bill C-51 and if you do not want your options and right to choose your own method of preventative health maintenance to be affected, contact your local Member of Parliament or write to the Minister of Health. If enough Canadians voice our displeasure, maybe our government will be sensible and listen.
ISSN #1715-8214
Trent E. Nellis, Publisher To contact Trent Nellis via e‑mail, write to thepub@shaw.ca
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Magazine Fund toward our editorial costs.
Congratulations to the Pittsburg Penguins for a great season! Following up our May/June Issue cover featuring hockey legend Mario Lemieux: The Mario Lemieux Foundation was created in 1993, the year that Mario was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. He now devotes much of his time to the Foundation, raising funds to help find a cure for cancer through medical research. For more information, visit www.mariolemieux.org. Mario Lemieux Foundation, 920 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Health Action Network Society
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VISTA Magazine Issue 59
www.vistamagonline.com
32 An Inside-Out Approach to Adult Blemishes
By Susan McLoughlin with Natalie Lanoville Natural remedies that work
34 Recipe for Health By Tracy Holly Date candies
memory and concentration
50 Balancing Act
By Matthew Tim Anderson electrolytes
36 Facing Summer
48 Nutrients for the Brain By Mark Schneider Jumpstart your
By Shelly-Lynn Nellis Anti-aging facial treatments
38 Does Strontium Help Your Bones?
By Dr. Douglas Lobay A trace mineral that you should know about
40 Cancer Prevention Tips
By Joanne Carr Natural and easy steps to avoid disease
Learn about
53 Essential Nutrients for Your Pet
By Franco Cavaleri Supplements designed for dogs and cats
54 One Person’s Food May Be Another’s Poison By Vince Ziccarelli options
Know your
56 Whittle Your Waistline
42 Healing Your Body’s Matrix
By Stefan Kuprowsky, ND The area of the body connected to health
By John Austen The mulberry bush’s newly discovered properties
63 Plant Power
By Joel Thuna Chlorophyll makes our world green
44 Omega-3 Fatty Acids: What’s in Your Supplement?
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46 How the Body Rebuilds Itself
66 Why Do I Need to Use a Sauna?
By Joel Thuna An in-depth look at omega-3s Part Two
By Alain Prud’homme Learn how collagen helps to build a younger body
The True Wealth of Health
By Cory Holly Exercise and nutrition are the ultimate prescription
By Michelle Kwon Incorporate a sauna into your lifestyle
59 Eco Tips: What You Can Do Now
By John Austen
60 Making a Difference: Peter Robinson
By Carol Crenna Interview with the David Suzuki Foundation’s CEO
62 The Year of the Frog By Dr. David Suzuki amphibians
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Protect our planet’s vulnerable
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
Editor’s Healthlines
VISTA M A G A Z I N E
Carol Crenna, rhn
board o f advi so r s
Our fast food nation
F Dr. Michael Colgan, PhD, CCN
Dr. Gloria Gilbère
ast food is an inevitable part of our lives, spurred by schedules crammed with work, family and social obligations that don’t allow for unplanned deadlines or last minute delays. But indiscriminate meal choices made on the run often ruin the best of health intentions. In his 2001 book and later movie titled Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser took the fast food industry to task, and is credited with inspiring anti-fast food activists and obesity awareness movements. Schlosser’s new book, Chew on This: Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Fast Food, targets children and is filled with facts about fast-food production guaranteed to curb their obsession with chicken nuggets and fries. In fact, McDonald’s is reported to have organized special executive meetings to plot PR strategies against the book. Consumers are finally waking up to the fact that they have to take responsibility for what they shove in their mouths, even if they’re in a hurry. We can no longer gorge on unhealthy foods and assume that society will take care of us, because our health care system just can’t support that way of thinking.
How bad is fast food?
Dr. Christian uenette, DC G
Cory Holly, DN
Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky, BSc, MA, ND
Tomás Nimmo
Dr. Terry Willard, ClH, PhD
Dr. Zoltan Rona, MD
Since chains don’t freely give you the facts about your favourite takeout (unless you search their websites), you can easily end up with a 500 calorie coffee, an 800 calorie slice of pizza or a 700 calorie salad. Here is a sampling; keep in mind that RDAs per day for those not trying to lose weight or reduce heart disease is 1,800 to 2,000 calories, 20 grams of fat (5 teaspoons), 1,500 milligrams of salt (2/3 teaspoon), and 40 grams of sugar (10 teaspoons). How do you start your day? A sausage, egg and cheese breakfast muffin from Tim Horton’s is 500 calories with 21 grams of bad fat – more than your entire day’s worth – and 920 milligrams of salt. If lunch is a slice of Mediterranean vegetarian pizza (from Pizza Pizza), it has 650 calories, 8 grams of fat and 1,820 milligrams of salt. If you want a bacon pizza slice instead, you’ll be eating 710 calories, 11 grams of fat and 2,090 milligrams of salt. An Italian deli sandwich with cheese and cold meats, another common choice, averages 680 calories, 12 grams of fat and 2,670 milligrams of salt. If you add an old fashioned plain donut, you’ll also get 9 grams of bad fat — half your day’s worth — and 320 calories. Think a refueler from a juice bar such as Booster Juice is better? There are 390 calories in a tropical banana smoothie made with fruit, sugary juice and yogurt, which jumps to 500 calories if you add protein powder. If you’re drinking it as a meal, it doesn’t have enough protein for a balanced diet, with only 5 grams (10 percent of what you need). If you’re trying to lose weight, eating your calories rather than drinking them is healthier and more satisfying (unless you make the smoothie yourself). Frappuccinos are summer’s liquid dessert. An average cup of coffee contains 35 calories with milk and sugar, but Starbucks’ grande vanilla frappuccino (coffee, milk, ice and sugary syrup) has 470 calories, 10 grams of fat (2.5 teaspoons) and 65 grams of sugar (15 teaspoons). Add caramel or mocha and the total climbs. If you don’t want to give up your fast food fix, try smaller European-sized portions. One study showed that North American Chinese takeout restaurants deliver portions 72 percent larger than those served in Chinese restaurants in Paris. Eat like you did 30 years ago. Pizzas were sold only as 10 inches in the 1970s and are now offered in 16 or 18 inches. 7-11 sold 12 and 20 ounce cups for pop in 1970 and now there’s a 64 ounce (2 litre) cup. When Burger King opened in the 70s its burger was 3.9 ounces; now it offers a double whopper that’s 12.6 ounces. We’re delusionally thinking that if we’re served it, then it must be okay, and in the amount that everyone eats. Marketers know that we want value for our money – which we now believe means quantity over quality. But consumers are rethinking choices to make everything they eat “count,” and contribute to their well-being. According to marketing expert John Torella of JC Williams Group, the fastest growing retail trend in North America is gourmet and healthy takeout. Found in high-end supermarkets, health stores and delis, it’s a great alternative to crowded food courts and big chain drive-throughs. Sure, it’s expensive, which means that you’re forced to buy and eat less! To make healthier choices, research online before you order at fast food chains, and elsewhere ask exactly what’s in that gourmet-to-go.
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Beautiful Summer Skin Can beautiful summer skin come in a tablet? No, but certain nutrients can definitely help to create it. By AJ Keillor
Exposure to the sun can cause your skin to age, giving it a wrinkled, spotted and rough appearance. Fight back! Use the nutrients available in your local fresh produce and whole food multivitamin this summer and enjoy healthy, beautiful skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
When the sun damages your skin, free radicals form. Free radicals are harmful compounds in caused by sunlight and environmental chemicals that damage the structures in your skin that keep it looking healthy, beautiful and youthful. One of the most important structural components of your skin is collagen. More collagen means stronger, smoother and more youthful looking skin. Vitamin C can protect collagen in your skin from being damaged by free radicals, but as vitamin C is water-soluble, your body cannot store it. As a result, it is important to include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet throughout the day including broccoli, cabbage and bell peppers in addition to fruit, and take a multivitamin in three separate dosages: morning, noon and night.
Iron
Iron is another nutrient involved in the formation of collagen. Collagen is one of the major building blocks in your skin; the scaffolding that keeps it tight, strong and smooth. So, iron out your wrinkles with this skin-beautifying nutrient. It is found in shellfish, meat, legumes and molasses in addition to whole food supplements that are easier to absorb.
One of the best nutrients for the skin is vitamin E. This fat-soluble antioxidant fights many signs of skin aging and damage. Vitamin E is capable of neutralizing free radicals, and is also known to improve skin moisture, softness and smoothness. Vitamin E is found in whole grains, leafy green vegetables, egg yolks, nuts and seeds.
Lutein
The carotenoid lutein is a skin tightening powerhouse. According to studies, just 10 milligrams of this antioxidant daily can increase the elasticity of the skin. Reach for lutein-rich foods like bright red and orange fruits and vegetables, and look for a whole food multivitamin that includes lutein for beautiful skin.
To keep that natural glow, your skin needs to keep growing new, healthy skin cells. Vitamin A is one nutrient that can support this growth. Vitamin A stimulates skin cells to divide (mitotic cell division), increasing the rate in which your skin creates new cells, giving you a more radiant complexion. Foods rich in vitamin A include orange fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe and sweet potatoes.
Silica
Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body’s connective tissues, such as the muscles, hair and skin. Skin that is lacking in silica is weak, inelastic and has trouble healing wounds. If your skin is going to be exposed to sun this summer, make sure it has sufficient silica so it can heal itself properly, and keep that strong, tight, youthful appearance you love. Silica is found in the outer coverings of potatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers and in bean sprouts.
Water
Drink up! Water is one of your skin’s best friends. Hydrated skin appears plump, healthy and vi-
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VISTA Magazine Issue 59
brant, and can better heal itself when exposed to damaging things like the sun. Drink at least six to eight glasses per day, especially on hot summer days when you perspire more. Be sure to drink extra water if you are including asparagus in your sun-protection diet because asparagus is a diuretic and it can increase your body’s loss of water. This is also true of course, if you are drinking iced tea, iced lattes or any other drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Why choose whole foods?
When you eat a whole food, you get all of the nutrients found naturally in that food. That means that all of the cofactors required for absorption are present. For example, iron requires vitamin C to be present for proper absorption. Spinach and many other leafy greens are known as a good source of iron, but they also contain vitamin C. Whole fresh foods naturally contain both the nutrients we need and the co-factors required for our body to absorb those nutrients. In the same way, choosing a whole food multivitamin ensures that the nutrients are there with their cofactors so they are absorbed. Summer sun got your skin? Fight back with nutrients. Powerful vitamins, minerals and antioxidants available in fresh, local produce and in your whole food multivitamin can offer your skin protection from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the summer.
Smoothie Myth Busters By Brendan Brazier
E
ach summer, I watch smoothie sales at popular “health bars” skyrocket as lineups trail out the door. Unfortunately, the unwaivering belief is that these refreshingly cool drinks are a healthy snack. It’s time to shine light on the truth: not all smoothies are good for you. In fact, sometimes you’re better off having a piece of cake than a retail-bought smoothie. As I see it, the most dangerous part of a smoothie is its healthy reputation. If you believe that you’ve chosen the healthy snack option, you are less likely to alter your eating habits to compensate for the snack and therefore will end up consuming more calories overall. But if you’ve eaten a chocolate bar, you know it’s a splurge and are more prone to watch your diet during the rest of the day so that it totals an appropriate amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight.
tain chemical fillers and synthetic ingredients. Many times, the vitamin or mineral giving the booster product its name is actually the last item on its ingredient list. Furthermore, the quality of the vitamin or mineral infused in the booster does not have to be accounted for, so the rate at which it is absorbed in your body may be so low that it provides little extra nutrition. The best way to ensure a booster is indeed a healthy option is to make the retailer accountable for its ingredients. Simply ask to see the bottle. The ideal scenario is that the retailer is using a smoothie booster made from high quality raw and organic whole foods in powder form, without any added chemicals. This will increase your chances that the vitamins and minerals within it are naturally occurring (not man-made synthetic ones) and therefore more easily absorbed in the body.
Packing a sugar wallop
Sugar-free or light = harmful artificial sweeteners
While fruit has traditionally been the central ingredient of a smoothie, in many commercial versions, refined sugar is taking its place. In fact, many smoothies contain more sugar than a can of cola. The rows of flavoured syrups behind smoothie refreshment bars are often made from pure corn syrup or other highly refined sugars such as beet or sugarcane, and your server may give your smoothie several pumps from these sweet containers. This added sugar content is also true for ready-made smoothie drinks. Not only is this going to spike your calories for the day (most commercial smoothies range from 200 to 600 calories), but you’ll also feel a sugar high followed by an energy crash that will make you crave more sugar shortly afterwards to perk you up again.
What else should you be aware of?
You might experience a mild allergic reaction to corn syrup. Due to the high concentration of corn derivatives in many processed foods, it’s common to develop an intolerance to corn without being aware of it. I discovered my own allergy to corn, which came on as symptoms similar to hayfever each spring and disappeared after I limited my intake.
Boosted smoothies: extra chemicals
The supplements used to give smoothies a “boost” are often genetically modified and con-
Before buying the smoothie with “no added sugar” to cut your calorie count, ask if there are other sweeteners added. Chemically altered sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose may be worse than sugar. Although they save you calories, they also lack any other nutrients whatsoever. There are also ongoing studies exploring the negative health implications of all man-made sweeteners with symptoms that include migraines, longterm memory loss, fibromyalgia and lymphoma.
The ultimate healthy smoothie
By no means should you exclude smoothies from your diet. Smoothies can be the healthiest part of your day, if done right. In fact, as a professional athlete, I know they’re essential for quick cellular regeneration. My first suggestion is to get your smoothie fix at home, before you head out for the day. What are the benefits of making a smoothie for breakfast? It’s quick to make, you have complete control over the ingredients, you can run out the door with it, and it’s very easy on the digestive system. When making your own smoothie at home, it’s easy to unwittingly mix up a sugar-bomb more like a 7-11 slushy than a healthy smoothie by adding too much fruit juice. Don’t be afraid to use mostly water and ice instead of juice — you’ll likely find that the whole fruit alone makes the smoothie sweet enough. If not, you can add low-glycemic whole food
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VISTA Magazine Issue 59
options like agave nectar to sweeten it, or use higher-glycemic whole food options like dates and then offset its effects with plenty of added fibre. The beauty of a smoothie is that you can add superfood boosts such as flax, hemp, and even greens like kale without greatly affecting the flavour. By using this technique, you can actually ensure your smoothie contains all of the nutrients of a complete meal. Good vegan protein sources to use in smoothies are whole foods with a high pH, such as hemp, which has a very high protein content and high digestibility. Other great protein sources are pea and rice protein. Maintaining an alkaline pH in the body is very important for optimal health so I make all of my smoothies with plant-based ingredients. Here is one of my favourite homemade and nutritionally complete smoothies:
Sweet Green Smoothie
This smoothie is surprisingly delicious, despite the fact that it contains romaine lettuce. The natural sweetness of the romaine leaves blends with melon to give the smoothie an especially fresh taste. 6 leaves of romaine lettuce 2 fresh or soaked dates 2 cups water (or 1 ½ cups water plus 1 cup ice) 1 cup honeydew melon 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed 1 Tbsp hemp protein ½ Tbsp grated fresh ginger Blend and enjoy! Brendan Brazier is a professional Ironman triathlete, twotime Canadian 50 km Ultra Marathon Champion and bestselling author of The Thrive Diet (Penguin, 2007),which includes 100 balanced, plant-based, whole food recipes. For more information, visit www.thrivediet.com.
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Strong Bones: Part 4 By Dr. Michael Colgan
In parts one to three of this series in previ‑ ous issues of VISTA, we discussed why North America is in a crisis of osteoporosis and why pharmaceutical drugs have failed miserably to save our bones. Then we reviewed eight of the 11 factors essential to build and maintain bones. Here, we continue with the three re‑ maining factors that will give you strong, nat‑ ural, drug-free bones for life.
fasting urine each morning for seven days. It should range between pH 6.2 to 7.0. Also test your fasting morning saliva. It should range between pH 6.5 to 7.5. If your urine or saliva (or both) are consistently below these ranges, then all other strategies to save your bones will prove ineffective. Changing your diet to bring your pH into the alkaline range, where it should be, is simple. I cover the basics in my book Nutrition for Cham‑ pions. A great first step is to reduce your intake of the worst acid foods
9. Alkaline diet: The abbreviation pH means “power of hydrogen.” A food that has an ash residue that releases hydrogen into your body is acidic. A food that has an ash residue that removes hydrogen from your body is alkaline. A pH of 7.0 is neutral — neither acid nor alkaline. A pH level below 7.0 is acidic and includes substances ranging from colas at about pH 3.0 to battery acid at pH 1.0. A pH level above pH 7.0 is alkaline, and includes substances ranging from baking soda at pH 8.5 to potash lye at pH 13.0. The acidity or alkalinity of your diet is critical to many aspects of health, especially your bones, because the DNA code designed you to function well only in a very narrow range of pH. Because the human diet was alkaline for all of our 150,000 years before there was agriculture, your bloodstream is designed to operate best in an alkaline state, at a pH of 7.35 to 7.45. You liver, heart and brain are also designed to work optimally in a slightly alkaline state. You have many defence feedback systems to keep you that way. Whenever your body senses that the blood and organs have become acidic, it pulls calcium from your bones to neutralize the acid, then excretes the calcium in your urine. To buffer the acid from a single burger, fries and coke takes about 5,000 milligrams of calcium from your bones. No matter what else you do, if you are chronically acidic you will lose your bones. Because of the predominant acidity of modern foods, the average Canadian is almost continually in a slightly acidic state, with a blood pH of about 6.5 to 6.8. It doesn’t sound very acidic, but it is ample to slowly leach away bone. Apologists for the processed food industry deny this rise of acidity over the last hundred years of food processing, pointing to the present abundance of fruits and vegetables which are almost all alkaline. But Mr. and Mrs. Average do not eat a great deal of these, choosing instead to eat acidic processed foods. The antacid medication business in the US alone is now over $8 billion per year, almost all of it caused solely by the acidic food people put in their mouths. To see whether or not you are losing bone to acidity, you can test your own pH using pHydrion strips from your local pharmacy. Test midstream
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Each day, tens of millions of old, worn-out bone cells are broken down by the garbage crew of osteoclasts, which are cells that remove the mineral matrix.
such as pizza, pasta, burgers and battered, fried chicken. You know, those tasties that set your heart and gut on fire. The second step is to increase the amount of high potassium, low sodium alkaline foods in your diet. Examples include an avocado or a cup of almonds, which contain about 1.4 grams of potassium each. A cup of dates or figs contains about 500 milligrams of potassium; so does a banana or a quarter of a honeydew melon. All are low sodium (high sodium foods are acidic) and high alkaline. I provide a list of other alkaline foods online at www.colganinstitute.com. Seems too simple doesn’t it? This is especially true in the face of North America’s epidemic of osteoporosis, with all of its needless suffering and the expensive, toxic and ineffective drugs used to try to combat it. Nevertheless, numerous recent studies show that reducing acidic foods and increasing high potassium alkaline foods grow masses of new bone. In a representative study, Anthony Sebastian and team at the University of California, San Francisco selected American post-menopausal women who showed the typical low-level chronic acidosis of the North American population, and were losing bone despite their attempts to save it. The women learned about lowering acidity and had their diets supplemented with potassium bicarbonate to increase potassium intake by 4.5 to 9.0 grams per day. Within two weeks, their daily acid excretion declined by a whopping 80 percent, and measurements of bone loss reversed to show bone formation. 10. Resistance Exercise: Bone is a microscopic matrix of hard mineral struts, much like the zigzag connections on the truss of a metal bridge. However, unlike the bridge, which has metal that can only decay and weaken, bone is living and constantly re-growing itself throughout life. It accomplishes this miraculous feat in exact response to the nutrient materials you make available, and the stresses you place upon it by activity. Each day, tens of millions of old, wornout bone cells are broken down by the garbage crew of osteoclasts, which are cells that remove the mineral matrix. In order to replace the old cells, the bone requires weight-bearing pressure on each point of connection of the internal struts that support it. This pressure produces the essential electrochemical “sparks” used by the growth hormone to convert cells in the bone marrow into osteoblasts to create new
molecules of bone. Simply put, no pressure, no spark, no bone. You can eat the most careful and supplemented diet, but without weightbearing exercise, bone cannot grow. Controlled studies have shown since the 1960s that simple bed rest destroys massive amounts of bone. Even bed rest for a few days! Most people have no idea how damaging it is. A patient confined to long bed rest of 10 weeks for example, loses between 20 percent and 30 percent of their bone. If they are over 40, they are unlikely to ever recover full bone strength again. The skeptics say, “But they are sick or severely injured people.” If you remove weight bearing force, bone loss happens to everyone. The first astronauts taught us that even the healthiest young adults lose bone. Even with exercise bikes and yoga on the first missions, they all came back showing massive bone loss. Now astronauts have the best resistance exercise programmes in order to protect their skeleton, but they still lose bone. For the rest of us, a recent meta-analysis of clinical trials shows clearly that resistance exercise training programmes prevent or reverse about 1 percent of bone loss per year in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. In 30 years, that 1 percent totals a saving of one-third of your bone. If we all did it, and also ate healthily, osteoporosis would be a rare disease. However, not all resistance exercise fits the bill. Most authorities now agree that jogging, cycling and swimming, although effective as aerobic exercises, do not save bone. Jogging, which may seem very weight-bearing, especially when you are running uphill or pounding downhill, is actually detrimental to bone because the regular pounding of hips and knees destroys more bone tissue than many people can rebuild in the off time. Jogging on a treadmill is even worse because most of the force goes downward and rebounds up into the joints, instead of into forward motion. Walking, hiking and dancing do strengthen the long bones of the legs and the pelvis because they bear the body weight while being generally low-impact activities. One of the best forms of resistance exercise is contained in the Colgan Power Program. Although it was developed for power training top athletes, a modified form of the Power Program including cable machines and balance and coordination routines is used by older individuals to retain their strength, balance, and their bones as they age.
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11. Complete Nutrition: Numerous people who contact the Colgan Institute seem unaware of the basics of nutrition, while being obsessive about one or two esoteric supplements, usually some wonder concoction or another that has been pushed in their faces by TV or high-pressure multi-level salesmen. I have to emphasize that you need many other nutrients to fully support your bones in addition to those covered in this series of articles. The bottom line is that no single supplement of exotic fruit, deepsea minerals or prehistoric forest mud does much. Nutrients work only in synergy, and for that synergy to operate well you have to have complete nutrition. Our DNA code evolved in the presence of a wide range of chemicals in the environment and learned to use many of them in various mixtures for different purposes. These are the chemicals we now call “essential nutrients.” Limited space prevents me from covering the research, but we now know that minerals other than those covered in this series are also involved in various ways in growing optimal bone. They include zinc, copper, manganese, silica, fluoride, and boron. I cover these and others in my new book, Strong Bones. My last book, Nutrition for Champions contains a list of the amounts of all essential nutrients recommended for health by the Colgan Institute. Follow that list and the 11 points herein, and enjoy strong bones for life. Excerpted from Dr. Colgan’s latest book, Strong Bones.
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Technology Helps Perfect Your Body and Your Performance By Michelle Kwon
C
elebrities around the globe are sharing a secret to their incredible body shapes and their overall health and performance. It is a state of the art piece of “exercise” equipment that actually does the work for you to build muscle, burn calories, increase circulation, improve flexibility, strengthen bones and even help heal injuries. It is a resistance machine with a vibrating platform that provides results similar to working out with weights; a rather simple technology is enthusiastically supported by everyone from Madonna and Claudia Schiffer to Lance Armstrong. Music icon Sting reportedly said, “Body vibration is a key component in helping the band feel and look our best. Taking it on the road made a big difference.” Director Clint Eastwood uses it, and has stated that, “Body vibration is a fast and effective strength workout, and I like it before a round of golf because it helps me be loose and flexible.” Model Elle MacPherson said, “After two weeks on it, I can already see a difference in my legs and stomach. Everything seems so much firmer. I love the fact that I can see results in such a short time with such little effort!” How does it work? The vibration platform uses the principles of acceleration training to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. What’s the response? Your skeletal muscles enable you to move and are all connected to your central nervous system. Vibrating these muscles causes each one to respond. When your body is moved suddenly and quickly, it naturally tenses the muscles. The machine’s vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, helping them to stretch, tone and strengthen with very low impact. For example, if the vibrating plate on the machine is set so that muscles contract 30 times per second (1,800 times per minute), these very rapid movements will cause your body to burn a lot of energy. Burning large amounts of energy in a short training programme will strengthen and define muscles, and increase athletic ability and weight loss. Various positions are used for different muscles groups, depending on whether you want to work on your legs, arms or abdomen, like you use on a gym’s fitness machine. The difference is that you do very little work, other than standing on the machine!
Vibration training isn’t really new; it dates back to the 1960s. The technology was first embraced by scientists investigating cures for osteoporosis. This led to Soviet aerospace scientists adopting vibration training for cosmonauts to combat the weakening effects of living in zero gravity. It helped to counteract the huge loss of muscle strength and bone density experienced during space missions, allowing them to remain in space four times longer than their counterparts.
But even for those of us spending time on Earth, vibration training has shown impressive benefits. Not only does muscle strength and tone increase as a result of the muscle contraction response, it also helps to develop “explosive muscle power” that’s essential if you play sports like hockey and basketball. It increases range of motion, balance and coordination used in sports such as golf and tennis. This is said to stimulate 95 to 100 percent of your muscle fibres, whereas in conventional training you only use 30 to 40 percent. There is little to no lactic acid build up in this type of muscle toning, which means that after working on the machine’s platform there is no residual muscle soreness. During vibration training the tissues are warmed up and blood circulation (and oxygen in
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your blood) increases, ensuring that the muscle becomes more flexible. Due to this increased oxygen, waste products are removed from the body more efficiently through increased lymphatic drainage, and substances that cause pain are also more easily removed. Bone structure responds to exercise; bones will grow stronger and denser when the muscles around them grow. This exercise is said to raise growth hormone levels, which are essential to repairing and regenerating tissue. It is also reported to lower cortisol levels, which helps to minimize the effects of stress. Professionals working in sports rehabilitation also use vibration training within injury treatment. This technology is used by athletes, trainers and coaches as part of their training and for rehab. It has been adopted by sports teams including the Toronto Blue Jays, Calgary Flames, New York Giants, Toronto Maple Leafs, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Mavericks, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Flyers. In 1998, Dutch Olympic trainer Guus van der Meer adopted vibration technology for Olympic athletes and developed a vastly improved version for the whole body. Since then it has been used by dozens of Olympic athletes, including some Canadians. Currently, medical researchers are exploring the possible health benefits of vibration training for stroke victims and people with spinal cord injuries. Medical and rehabilitation clinics and other practitioners have endorsed vibrational technology, and universities including Stanford University, University of Southern California, University of California-Berkley, Ohio State University and Texas Christian University now feature the therapy. In the late 1990s, several fitness gurus claimed that it only took 10 minutes a day to achieve a total body workout on one of these machines. After over a decade of further research and more than 15 published papers examining its performance enhancement potential, those who use the vibrating platforms today agree with the 10 minute calculation. There have been no negative side effects reported by users for fitness, weight reduction or therapy. Although it doesn’t replace healthy exercise that’s vital to increase your cardiovascular strength, to trim, tone, and treat injuries, this advanced equipment may be the next “must-have” for a home gym.
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Helping the Body Heal Cancer By John Austen
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or over a decade, researchers have known about the disappointing results and side effects of chemotherapy. According to Dr. Ralph Moss, author of Questioning Chemotherapy, only 2 to 4 percent of cancers respond to chemotherapy. In addition, the results of radiation, which kills both healthy and diseased cells, are also being questioned due to its widespread use — over half of all people with cancer are given radiation, no matter what type of cancer they have. It seems clear that even our most “successful advancements” in cancer treatment are not helping to eliminate them. According to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine by John C. Bailar III, MD, PhD, of the Department of Health Studies at the University of Chicago and Heather L. Gornik, M.H.S., despite billions spent on research and treatments since 1970, the death rate is not lower but 6 percent higher now than then. Therefore, our best hope to eliminate cancer may lie not in treating the cancer itself, but in “immuno-augmentive therapies” — those that enhance the body’s own immune defence and its response to cancer cells. Dr. Mamdooh Ghoneum, PhD, Chief of Research, Department of Otolaryngology, Charles Drew University of Medicine in Los Angeles, has spent almost 20 years studying substances that affect immune response. He has discovered that compounds found in nature may be just as effective as drugs for cancer treatment. He began experimenting with extracts from mushrooms, herbs, fungi and bacteria. Seven years ago, he stumbled across a natural substance so promising that he abandoned all other projects, including government-funded research, in order to focus on it. The substance, MGN-3 (an arabinoxylane compound), is an extract of rice bran modified by enzymes from shiitake mushrooms. Mushrooms have been recognized for their medicinal properties for thousands of years, but it was not until recently that scientists figured out a way to extract their most active components. Extracts of shiitake mushrooms are known for their ability to support the immune system and show promise as therapy for cancer. In seven published studies involving 72 patients, the efficacy of MGN-3 equalled or surpassed all commonly used immune-modu-
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lating drugs (those that effect the body’s immune response) but, in stark contrast, showed absolutely no toxicity or negative side effects. The data regarding MGN-3 was published in technical journals and presented at international research conferences, but the information remains largely unknown to oncologists and other health professionals dealing with cancer patients.
What is its role in the treatment of cancer?
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the most common types of white blood cells, which fight infection and disease. They work independently to recognize and attack a foreign cell and are therefore considered to be the body’s first line of defence against cancer. Circulating through the body, the majority of NK cells are resting. NK cells become active in response to proteins in the body called cytokines. Once activated, the NK cells begin aggressive search-and-destroy activities. Upon encountering a tumour cell, the NK cell attaches to it and injects a substance that quickly dissolves it. In less than five minutes, the cancer cell is dead and the NK moves on to its next victim. A single NK cell can destroy up to 27 cancer cells before it dies. However, the number of NK cells present doesn’t indicate the efficiency of the body’s immune system. Instead, it is the activity – how well NK cells are recognizing and binding to tumour cells – that is important. Most “immuno-modulators,” which are substances that affect the immune system including MGN-3, do not increase the number of NK cells, but increase their level of function. In a healthy person, NK cell activity ranges from 60 to 75 percent activity, and in cancer patients, NK cell activity typically ranges from near 0 to 30 percent. Dr. Ghoneum’s research suggests that MGN-3 works by simulating the body’s natural production of chemicals called interferon-y and tumour-necrosis factor-a. These chemicals not only have direct anti-tumour effects, but also activate the body’s NK cells, B-cells and T-cells. In 32 cancer patients with different types of advanced malignancies who had completed conventional therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or hormonal therapy), taking MGN-3 led to a significant increase in NK cell activity after only one to two weeks. The increase in NK cell activity ranged from 145 percent to 332 percent in breast cancer patients and 100 percent to 537
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
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percent in multiple myeloma patients. Increasing the immune system does not help unless it improves the patient’s chances, of course. The documented increase in NK cell activity in cancer patients taking MGN3 correlated with increased survival rates. In long-term follow-up of patients (up to five years), Dr. Ghoneum’s team observed that the enhancing effect of MGN-3 on NK cell activity is maintained indefinitely with continued use.
Toxicity
Synthetic immune boosters such as IL-2 and interferon, while effective in boosting the response against tumours, are exceedingly toxic and have side effects including kidney failure. By contrast, naturally formulated MGN-3 appears to be well-tolerated. In four years of use with hundreds of patients, Dr. Ghoneum has had no reports of any side effects. He feels that MGN-3 can be safely used in conjunction with conventional treatment, including chemotherapy, to decrease adverse side effects.
Clinical applications
Conventional medicine can reduce the number of cancer cells. Unfortunately, as Dr. Ghoneum explains, it is difficult to achieve 100 percent kill rate without killing the patient in the process. At best, doctors can hope to kill 95 to 98 percent of the cancer cells with these therapies. At this point, a patient may be considered “in remission.” Therapy is discontinued and the patient is closely monitored. However, as most oncologists are aware, these remissions are frequently short-lived. Conventional chemotherapy and radiation suppress the immune system, and therefore lower the fighting power of anti-cancer cells. Following treatment, the few hardy cancer cells that survive are left to replicate largely unchallenged by a damaged immune system. When the cancer eventually resurfaces, it does so with increased ferocity and often with increased drug resistance. Dr. Ghoneum feels that the practise of “watchful waiting” wastes an opportunity to provide increased support to the immune system. Instead, Dr. Ghoneum recommends that cancer patients begin MGN-3 at the same time or immediately following other therapies. While this does not replace typical cancer treatments, it compliments them effectively.
When should a patient take it?
Time is of the essence when dealing with cancer. At the early stages, the number of cancer cells is relatively low and more susceptible to eradication by an aggressive immune system. Therefore, it is important to increase NK cell activity quickly. Dr. Ghoneum found that cancers of the blood, such as leukemia and multiple myeloma, have been particularly responsive to MGN-3 therapy.
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Do I Need a
Multivitamin? By Serenity Aberdour, ND
I
f you are unsure whether you really need take a multivitamin, answer this quick quiz. Are you: a) A very active person? b) Trying to lose weight? c) Under stress? d) An irregular eater (sometimes eat well, sometimes not)? e) Planning to get pregnant? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then a multivitamin may be a good addition to your daily nutritional routine.
not the most nutrient dense choices. At the same time, free radical formation and the loss of some nutrients, such as magnesium, also increases. This is a perfect recipe for nutrient depletion, and a multivitamin helps to ensure some consistent nutritional support. If you are under a lot of stress, look for substantial amounts of B vitamins and vitamin C in your multi. Additional antioxidants may also be helpful.
A very active person
If you are exercising regularly, you need to be proactive about keeping up with the increased nutrient intake that regular exercise demands. A multivitamin, in addition to a healthy diet, helps to keep your nutritional bases covered and to ensure that your body has the nutrients there when you need them, regardless of whether you gave your best dietary performance that day or not. As an added bonus, vitamin K can now be added to supplements in Canada; research supports the role of vitamin K in both bone and artery health. If vitamin K is in the multivitamin that you take, your supplement will also be helping to support the bone building and heart protecting effects of your exercise programme.
A mom-to-be
An individual on a weight loss programme
While trying to lose weight, people generally put themselves on some kind of calorie restriction programme. This may, unfortunately, lead to nutrient restriction and depletion that can fall below levels needed for optimum health. For this reason, multivitamins should be a part of a weight loss regime, along with a transition to a healthy, balanced diet that will meet more of your nutrient needs. Studies have also shown that weight loss of more than 5 percent of body weight can have a negative impact on bone density. Calcium supplementation may help to reduce this effect (and, as mentioned previously, vitamin K also has bone protecting effects).
A person experiencing substantial stress
Nutrient needs increase when stress levels rise. Unfortunately, nutrient intake often decreases with rising stress levels; the “comfort foods” that most people reach for in stressful times include processed foods, sweets and starches, which are
statistic. Our food supply is not what it used to be; although modern manufacturing processes have made many foods safer (including reduced food contamination, improved preservation and reduced risk of food poisoning), over-processing, accelerated growing practises for livestock, and reduced soil nutrient quality can make it difficult to get what we need from food. This is especially true if a diet is lacking in variety, a common nutritional pitfall. Lack of variety often means a lack of complete nutrition, and over time this can lead to an inadequate intake of various nutrients.
lise gagne Photo
A person whose diet lacks variety and balance
If most people eating a standard North American diet had their nutrient intake analysed, chances are they would come up short on at least one nutrient. In fact, one study has found that 50 percent of the US population falls below the RDA for vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium, calcium and vitamin A — that’s a pretty grim nutritional
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Recent studies have shown that simply by using a prenatal vitamin, women can significantly reduce the risk of various birth defects in their babies. These statistics show that taking a daily multivitamin provides a 48 percent reduction in neural tube defects, 39 percent fewer cardiovascular defects, 47 percent fewer limb deformities, a 58 percent reduction in cleft palate cases, a 53 percent reduction in urinary tract deformities and a 63 percent reduction in hydrocephalus. There is also an association between prenatal multivitamin use and reduced risk of certain pediatric cancers. These are impressive effects for such a simple intervention. So impressive, in fact, that the authors of one study concluded that all women of child bearing age should be taking a multivitamin. Why? Because about half of all pregnancies are surprises, so that by the time a woman realizes that she is pregnant, many important body systems are already in important stages of development in her baby. This means that it is never too soon to start preparing for the nutritional needs of a healthy pregnancy. So, do you need a multivitamin? Chances are that you belong to one or more of the groups above, which means that a multi could provide the nutritional boost your body needs to carry you through the day. Dr Serenity Aberdour, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Vancouver. She is involved in natural health research and has a general family practice at the Personal Health Solutions Clinic in Kitsilano, which specializes in natural and preventative medicine. For more information, visit www.phs-clinic.com or call (604) 877-1815.
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Probiotics: A Book Review By AJ Keillor Probiotic Rescue: how you can use probiotics to fight cholesterol, cancer, superbugs, digestive complaints and more, by Allison Tannis, published by Wiley, 2008.
A new trend in nutrition has emerged in Canada and its taking the country by storm. Walking down the supermarket aisles, we’re bombarded with new products raving about their probiotic contents. Cheese, yogurt, milk, bread, cereal and ice cream marketing pro‑ motes that their probiotic contents offer you healthy benefits. This explosion of new pro‑ biotic-enhanced food products on the market has many of us wondering about these little microbes. What are they? What do they do? Do I really need them?
I
f you’re asking these questions, you’ll want to know about a new book on the health market called Probiotic Rescue: how you can use probiotics to fight cholesterol, cancer, superbugs, digestive complaints and more by Allison Tannis. This comprehensive book helps answer all of your probiotic questions. Backing the facts by research, it is a surprisingly fun and easy read. It covers all of the latest diseases that probiotics may aid in the fight against, in addition to describing how it promotes healthy bones and heart and healthful infants. It also offers a guide to choosing the best probiotic product for your own needs and discusses probiotic foods and supplements. Discussions on diarrhea and constipation could make this book a good bathroom reader! According to Probiotic Rescue, the world of probiotics is both complex and simple. To help you find probiotics more simple than complicated, the book answers the three most frequently asked questions about probiotics.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are good microbes (i.e. yeasts and bacteria) that live in your body and offer health benefits. You have four to five pounds of probiotics in
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your body at all times and they are as metabolically active as your liver. Living in your mouth, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, vaginal tract and urethra, probiotics help ward off bad microbes such as E. coli, salmonella and candida so that you don’t suffer from illnesses caused by them.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are the food that feed the probiotics. In essence, prebiotics are fibre. Many food products, such as whole grain bread, boast prebiotic contents. Prebiotics are the preferred food of probiotics, so eating prebiotics can help boost your probiotic populations.
Do you really need them?
Probiotics are essential to your health. They prevent infection, promote healthy digestion and can boost your immunity. Your body’s probiotic levels will drop when you experience stress, disease, use antibiotics, travel or change your diet. You can get probiotics in fermented foods, such as kefir and certain types of yogurt. However, with modern food production techniques, the average Canadian’s daily consumption of probiotics is very low. With daily events causing your probiotic levels to drop and the lack of sources in most diets, probiotic supplementation in foods and capsules is growing as a good strategy to attain optimal health. Probiotics are not a fad. This healthy evolution in our supermarkets is only going to grow. Become probiotic savvy by learning more about these good microbes to enjoy better health. Probiotic Rescue is available at health food stores, Chapters and other book stores.
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
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Safer Ways to Scare Away Bugs By David Grace
Y
ou could say that mosquitoes and other annoying insects are the price we pay for warm summer breezes and sunny skies. Expect to hear that familiar high pitched buzz as the season’s insects descend upon our picnics, beaches and barbeques, just in time for vacation; they may be in healthy numbers as a result of our wet and warmer winter. We know a few things about mosquitoes’ habits. They like to bite adults more than kids. They’re attracted to people dressed in light-coloured clothing more than those wearing dark clothes. They prefer men to women. They nibble active people more than inactive ones, and like large people more than thin ones. Is there a safe, natural insect repellent that can protect you if you happen to be a preferred candidate? The most common chemical used,
N-diethyl-metal-toluamide (DEET), is classified as a pesticide by the EPA. DEET is a member of the toluene chemical family, used in rubber and plastic cements and paint removers. Medical Science Bulletin (published by Pharmaceutical Associates Ltd.) reports that up to 56 percent of DEET applied topically penetrates into human skin and of that amount, 75 percent is absorbed into the bloodstream. Although media coverage documenting the health risks has prompted retailers to look for alternative repellants, DEET is still found in most insect brands. News of its toxicity has forced manufacturers to reduce the amount of DEET in their products to 7 percent, a drastic reduction from the 100 percent allowance 15 years ago. In the results of a study carried out by Duke University, the negative health effects of DEET exposure were very alarming. The most serious concerns were the effects of DEET exposure on the central nervous system. Dr. Abou Donia studied lab animals’ performance in neurobehavioural tasks requiring muscle coordination. He found that lab animals exposed to the equivalent of the average human dose of DEET performed far worse than untreated animals. He also found that combined exposure to DEET and permethrin, another insect repellant ingredient, could lead to motor function deficiency and learning and memory dysfunction. ABC’s Prime Time carried a 20-minute expose on DEET. The programme told the story of Tim Christianson who, at 26 years old, died after using a strong DEET insect repellant twice in one day. It explained how Elijah Harrison, an 8-year-old boy whose mother sprayed him with a 25 percent DEET formula once a day for two days, had seizures and still suffers today. The program also claimed that workers in Everglades National Park complained of numbness of the
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lips and harsh rashes after using DEET-based insect repellants. An EPA emergency bulletin notes that DEET may have even greater toxicity when combined with ethyl and isopropyl alcohols and Freon, which are components in some insect repellants. The EPA has made it illegal for any product containing DEET to make child safety claims, and products containing DEET must carry instructions that they should not be used at all on children under six years of age. Health Canada has now banned products with DEET concentrations over 30 percent even for adults, citing health risks and evidence that increasing the percentage does not do much more to repel insects. Health Canada has also banned two-in-one products, which combine sunscreen and DEET, because they create the potential for people to be exposed to too much DEET (by reapplying for sun protection). After relying on DEET-based products for more than 40 years, new breakthrough products with safe ingredients are revolutionizing the market. They’re also considered “green” products because they’re extracted from plants. Over the last decade, major studies have been conducted on the use of natural ingredients including essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, lemon and cinnamon. There is now a great variety of natural insect repellent products available that do not carry health risks. In addition, Consumers Report did an extensive study and found that non-DEET repellants are just as good at preventing insect bites. Citronella for example, has proven to provide long-lasting protection with applications that have equaled or exceeded those of DEET-based repellants. Until a few years ago, insect bites were just a minor summertime annoyance. Then frightening reports brought mosquitoes into the limelight as they were thought to be potential transmitters of tropical arboviruses, perhaps making their way to untropical Canada. Though few reports have been verified, it’s still important to use protection when enjoying the outdoors, if only to avoid scratching and swelling. Make a safer choice with natural insect repellant. A new generation of repellant products is available and includes sprays, patches that can be placed on clothing or your child’s stroller, and even insect repellant bracelets that give protection for up to 72 hours. Enjoy a safe and healthy summer! This text previously appeared in Issue #53 July/Aug 2007
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Meaning of Success:
Canadian Singer Alannah Myles By Carol Crenna Singer/songwriter Alannah Myles has always known what she wanted, but she has found that it takes a lot of strength to get it. She was already performing in night‑ clubs at age 19, and when she released her first album in 1990, the number one hit , Black Velvet, commemorating Elvis Presley, sold six million copies world-wide, making it one of the most successful Canadian releases of all time. Alannah won a Grammy Award, several Juno Awards, has had Top 40 hits including Lover of Mine and Instead of a Kiss, and toured with big names like Robert Plant and Tina Turner. And then she all but disappeared. After a 10 year hiatus, Alannah has re-emerged, energized, and with a new album. Here, she speaks with VISTA about life, loss and looking forward. VISTA: You’ve spoken openly about some of the negative experiences of your past. Why? Did you find it difficult, since you must have known it would draw criticism from some? Alannah: When you’re a good and honest human being and have learned that facing truth in yourself is the only way of gaining inner peace, you don’t gauge what criticisms you must face when you finally open up to the world. My honesty has been met with many who are able to support it wholeheartedly and many who have made it their mission to undo the good I have worked so hard to create. It is my choice not to allow the opinions of others to destroy me. Perhaps this is the reason for my lengthy hiatus from the public – to gain the strength I would need to remain at peace with myself despite the venom that has poured forth from Canadians for my honesty. Thankfully, I am treated with greater respect by the rest of the world. VISTA: Did the experiences as a young performer help you to gain greater self-awareness? Alannah: At the risk of sounding arrogant or overconfident, I feel that I was born with a greater self awareness than most, and a tremendous amount of energy. I have always known what I want creatively. I follow my visionary sense and am unafraid to implement it. If I didn’t have an expansive ego or drive and focus, there would be no reason for me to be giving this interview. There would be no phenomenal success. Success is earned!
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VISTA: What were you working on during the last 10 years? Did you find the industry had changed when you returned? Alannah: I knew my return to the public was never going to be the same as it initially was. The world changed, the internet opened doors to new music from all levels of performers, and the gap widened with music contests that pit wannabe singers against each other for the prize to be famous. Music has lost its art form, and as a result, our creative culture suffers. In the time it has taken me to gather the funds and the right contractual agreement with a record company (Linus Entertainment), I have been working on either crafting songs or recording them. I maintained my status internationally with TV appearances and performances in Europe where they could afford to pay me so that I would have a decent living, because I received no income from the millions of record sales that I had in the past. VISTA: You have re-released Black Velvet 20 years after its first release, why did you choose to do this rather than re-inventing yourself? Alannah: It’s been precisely 18 years since we first released Black Velvet in Canada. Several other bands have re-issued songs as live performances or remakes of their hits (such as Sting with Roxanne and Eric Clapton with Layla), but for 12 years I was prevented contractually by my Atlantic Records agreement from rerecording any of my music. The record company could afford a better lawyer, and I didn’t have the money to battle them for rights. In the time that has lapsed, music lovers who remember Black Velvet have long since forgotten my name. Rerecording the track was a way of reintroducing myself to a new public, some of whom were not even born when that song became a hit. VISTA: Why wait so long? Alannah: That’s how long it takes an artist to get free [from a contract]. A lot of artists just give up the fight, and as they get older it becomes that much more difficult to stay in the game. I’m not bitter for the experiences I’ve had; I’ve learned tonnes and am a whole lot smarter and better for having made that connection with the people who appreciate my music. VISTA: You look fabulous. How do you keep your shape and your youthful looks? Alannah: I’m fortunate that I have my mother’s hourglass figure and my father’s slender hips. Thanks to gravity, I finally have a bum. I’m a minimalist and keep my weight down by eating only what my body needs. It’s ironic that although the greatly touted men of rock and roll look like they need a meal, slimness in women is misperceived as an eating disorder. I haven’t gained or lost a pound in 15 years. VISTA: How do you deal with aging?
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Alannah: Like everybody else, I guess. It’s the only guarantee in life other than death — we all do it. I have been faithfully maintaining my skin with facials and high quality moisturizing products for years. I schedule an appointment with my esthetician the day before a photo shoot to add moisture to the skin, which plumps up facial lines so it glows for the camera. I could never stick needles in my face to plump-out lines artificially or stun my expression with Botox. When I see a woman who is desperately clinging to her last vestige of youth through artificial means, I feel that it is an indication of her insecurity. Our culture is being trained to fear aging through advertising that promotes youth. VISTA: Are you a healthy eater? Alannah: My lifestyle is centred on clean living – no smoking, drugs or hard alcohol. However, I might share a glass or two of red wine with a friend a couple of times a month or have a glass on an overseas flight to help me sleep. I don’t eat fast foods or snack foods. I eat minimally but I make sure I get the protein I need and supplement my diet with herbal liquid vitamins from my homeopath. VISTA: Do you exercise? Alannah: I would have to say that the shape I’m in has more to do with diet than exercise. I was very athletic in the beginning of my career, working out to a dance programme in front of a mirror until my stage performances became the predominant factor in my life that kept me in fine form. I now use swimming to keep in shape and keep my muscle tone and heart rate up. VISTA: Growing up in Ontario, was outdoor exercise a priority with your family? You rode horses, which is thought to be very therapeutic. What did it bring to you? Alannah: I went to school in Toronto but spent every weekend and summer at the family’s cottage, which was on a lake a mile from the barn where we kept our horses. We would ride through the fields and forests, set up courses to jump our horses over or just jump over the split rail fences between farms. It instilled a great feeling of bold independence — one which has served me well over the years of making music. I remember counting out the beats of a horse’s gait to any given song as I rode. VISTA: Was and is your family very supportive of your career?
VISTA: Why do I get the feeling that you were treated badly long before your record contract? You’re a strong woman, and this doesn’t come with just being knocked down once. Alannah: What I have experienced in this life no one should ever have to experience. There will always be those who claim your life to be better than theirs, but I can only answer for my own spiritual development. The past is a gift to the future. It does not serve me or any other to conjure the past for mere purposes of garnering another’s empathy or curiosity. It has done its job. VISTA: You have an incredible voice. What song on your new CD is your favourite?
Alannah: Nope.
Alannah: Thank you. I have several: Leave it Alone, Give Me Love, Faces in the Crowd, and perhaps my current favourite, Trouble.
VISTA: How does singing make you feel? Alannah: Songwriting, singing and performing is probably the only harbinger on this Earth where I feel confident and free from life’s obstructions. My voice is the only thing that I trust will not let me down. VISTA: You said that the song Amazing Grace describes your life. That hymn is about someone who had done others wrong while “lost,” yet saw the light and redeemed himself. Does this describe your past? Alannah: Although I didn’t realize that my choice to sing that song was spiritual — I use Amazing Grace to warm up my vocal chords before doing a show — it moves me spiritually. I find myself rewriting it melodically every time I sing it so it keeps me feeling open and creative. It is not I who had lost the light. It was others who attempted to condemn mine. I have rediscovered my faith in God by the very trials I have had to face and the fact that I’m still here to talk about them. I used the experience to discover what it was about me that would have set me up for being victimized. I have dealt with it and it is now my time to become the victor.
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VISTA: What advice would you give people who want to pursue a dream but are held back by fear or by someone or something else? Alannah: If it’s your calling and your heart speaks volumes to follow it, then do it with all of the energy that God gave you to accomplish your dream. Listen to others who support that dream and believe in you. Do not listen to others who will stand in your way. Believe in yourself and, if it’s a goal to be a singer, make sure you’ve got a great song and a good music hook! VISTA: What great things are happening in your life right now? Alannah: I have friends who give me support. I work with kind and intelligent people who I appreciate and admire. I am in the midst of a renewed challenge that gives me a sense of being alive. I feel that I am the boss of me, and I am at peace with that. I have my faith, my health and my whole life ahead of me to enjoy.
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Understanding Tea and Coffee By Michelle Kwon
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ea and coffee are two of the most beloved beverages that we depend on daily to revive and nurture our psyche. They are also one aspect of lifestyle that links almost every culture on the planet. This article offers facts about both of these beverages, to be enjoyed this summer hot or cold.
White tea contains slightly more caffeine than green tea because both plant buds and young leaves are used. White tea is the least processed form of tea, uniquely made using low heat, no rolling, and with extended periods of “withering” under optimal conditions.
Tea
All “true” traditional teas originate from the Camilla Sinensis tea bush, but it is how the tea leaf is harvested and processed that determines whether it results in either a black, green, white or other type of tea. Here is information about how the three “true” teas are processed, and what sets them apart from each other.
White tea
Popular for centuries in both the East and West, herbal teas are not considered a true tea because they are not made with any part of the Camilla Sinensis tea bush. For this reason alone, most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. Herbal teas can be made with a variety of herbal ingredients such as fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds and roots, which are often health enhancing.
Coffee
Green tea
Green tea is overwhelming popular in Eastern cultures and one of the biggest beverage trends to hit the West this decade. Archaeological evidence indicates green tea has been used in traditional medicine for over 5,000 years, treating everything from headaches to depression. Studies continue to show how green tea can have a positive effect on vital organs, especially the heart. It contains a quarter of the caffeine of coffee, and provides a healthier alternative. Green tea is an excellent natural source of antioxidants, which are multi-purpose molecules that help to protect you and your body from cell damage, slow down the aging process and help prevent illness. Delicately processed, the tea leaves for green tea are not fermented and experience minimal oxidization (exposure to oxygen), unlike leaves used in black tea.
Herbal tea
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White tea is growing in popularity, particularly among health conscious tea drinkers. Studies have shown that white tea has more antiviral and antibacterial properties than green tea, and has more nutrient value than any other true tea. At a certain time in their growth, the tea bush’s buds are covered with fine white “fuzz,” which is where white tea gets its name from. When harvested, the leaves are picked before they are fully mature and buds completely open.
Black tea
Black tea is by far the most common, of course, accounting for 90 percent of tea that is consumed worldwide. Dark in colour and full in flavour, black tea also contains more caffeine than any other true tea. The tea bush’s leaves are fully fermented during a complex process where they’re crushed and exposed to air (oxidized) for a strictly defined number of minutes.
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In North America over 650 million cups of coffee are sold per day. It is the world’s second largest commodity, right behind oil. Coffee beans are actually the pits of coffee cherries, and each cherry contains two coffee beans. The coffee “tree,” which is in fact a variety of a tropical evergreen shrub, takes five to six years to mature before producing full yields. Once mature, a tree produces approximately four to five pounds of cherries annually, which is the rough equivalent of one pound of roasted coffee. When roasting, coffee beans double in size due to natural expansion of gases, but lose 20 percent of their weight because of the loss of gases. Is coffee bad for you? Despite information on the negative side effects of coffee, there is some evidence to the contrary. There are positive medical claims that do not always accompany other caffeine sources. One study completed by researchers at the University of Scranton claims that coffee, in moderation, is the number one source of antioxidants, containing higher levels than any other dietary source. The data of this study was compared to an existing US Department of Agriculture database tracking antioxidant levels in other foods, and the information from the study was described and shared at the 230th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. According to some other recently published studies, coffee (again, in moderation) has been linked to an increasing number of potential health benefits including protection against liver and colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. References available from VISTA.
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Give Your Seasonal Sneezes the Slip By Brian Craig
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h, summer. Blooming flowers, lush green grass, a gentle breeze—a perfect day for enjoying a stroll in the park. But just minutes after you step outside, pollen spores fly by, and aachoo! Instead of heralding a time of seasonal pleasures, it may seem like all of the flowers, trees and shrubs are conspiring to attack you, and you react by sneezing, or getting itchy eyes. Welcome to hayfever season. Hayfever, which is not usually caused by hay, affects more than 55 million people in the US and Canada annually, making it the sixth-leading cause of chronic disease. No wonder quick-fix allergy drugs are so successful. Although they can temporarily relieve your symptoms, allergy medications can cause adverse reactions including drowsiness, headache, sore throat and more serious side effects. Long-term use can also have a rebound effect, meaning the more you take them, the more you need them. No drug actually gets rid of the allergy. These medicines treat the symptoms of the allergy by suppressing the body’s natural reactions and defences; they don’t address the root cause. For real and lasting relief, a holistic approach is necessary. Natural remedies can nip seasonal allergies in the bud without the harmful side effects. To pick the right alternative for you, it helps to understand how allergies develop. For all hayfever victims, the body makes the same strategic mistake. It reacts as if under attack by a harmful substance. The immune system springs into action, binding the proteins to an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which attaches to cells found in the nose, eyes and throat. These cells then release chemicals called histamines. Histamines cause inflammation and swell tissues to block entry of the allergens. The body increases mucous to help wash away any of the allergens that may be attached to the nasal passages. These are natural defences designed to keep out allergens, bacteria and pollutants. Since most allergy medications contain antihistamines or steroids, they block these natural reactions and can even dry out the protective mucous membranes that line the nasal passageways. While this may give temporary relief, in the long-run the body will sense the need to produce even more histamine, setting-up a “rebound” response that will require additional medication. These medications also “thin-out” the mucous membranes, so that more allergens and pollutants are able to bypass this barrier, causing increased allergic reactions. Since the natural immune response is compromised, allergy sufferers become more susceptible to bacterial infections, which can lead to additional suffering if sinusitis develops. A hardy immune system is essential for fighting allergies and is the most important step in reducing your symptoms, so make sure that you build your defences with a healthy diet, lots of sleep and daily exercise. But how do you get relief sooner, to be able to enjoy the outdoors? There are time-proven alternatives to the drug approach. One simple but amazingly safe and effective method is “nose washing.” Just as washing your hands effectively reduces the introduction of bacteria and pollutants into the system, washing or rinsing out your nasal passages can dramatically reduce the amount of allergens present in the system. This “washing” is most often done with purified water or a saline solution. On a recent episode of Oprah, Dr. Mehmet Oz discussed using a “neti pot,” a device invented centuries ago in India for rinsing out the sinuses.
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The procedure involves preparing a mild saline solution at body temperature that is poured into one nostril and allowed to flow out of the other nostril. This helps to rinse away pollen and built-up mucous and reduce congestion. People who regularly use this practise notice fewer allergic reactions and less development of sinusitis. Medical specialists encourage the use of saline nasal sprays as an alternative to the neti pot procedure, which take time to effectively irrigate the sinuses. An inexpensive over-the-counter saline spray that is sprayed up the nostrils while breathing in to pull the solution up into the sinuses can have quicker results. While this may seem simple, it has proven to be very effective. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration urged pediatricians to recommend to parents that they use saline nasal sprays and drops to treat upper respiratory problems in their children rather than using medications. Numerous clinical studies have shown the saline nasal spray method to have clear advantages over other treatments. In addition to the saline spray, research about the therapeutic benefits of xylitol—a natural sugar-derived substance already used to promote oral and dental health —for allergy relief. Xylitol may interfere with the ability of bacteria to adhere to the tissues in the mouth and in the upper respiratory tract. Therefore xylitol, when added to a saline spray, is able to dramatically reduce the incidence of respiratory problems.Dr. Alonzo Jones, the doctor who discovered the unique combination, began offering the saline and xylitol mixture to his patients after hearing about impressive studies conducted in Scandinavia. He first noticed a dramatic reduction in children’s ear infections from the mixture, and then saw adult patients’ allergy and sinusitis symptoms dramatically improve. Further studies showed that while the saline solution helped to wash away the allergens and other irritants, the xylitol reduced bacteria (by encouraging the cilia, or hairs, in the upper-respiratory tract to do their work to remove allergens). Xylitol helped to hydrate the mucous membranes, block the entry of allergens, reduce allergic reactions and lessen sinusitis episodes. Ongoing research is also investigating the ability of xylitol to help reduce asthma. By keeping the nasal passageways clean, you reduce stress on your immune system, eliminating the need for the body to release massive amounts of histamine that can lead to congestion, runny nose and watery eyes. Rebuilding and rebalancing the body’s own defence systems by using a saline spray or by following a time-proven method of rinsing the nasal passageways has clear advantages over suppressing the system and struggling through the associated side-effects from drug treatments. Don’t let your day amidst nature’s splendour dissolve into a sneezing frenzy. Use seemingly simple yet effective methods to strengthen your defences against a host of nature’s less lovely companions: pesky pollens, microscopic airborne moulds and other allergens. Why one person can trek blithely through fields of weeds and wildflowers while another sniffles at the mere sight of a meadow is a mystery. The good news is that having hayfever doesn’t have to mean you’re doomed to a season of suffering. Brian Craig has been involved in the health food industry for 25 years, and has actively promoted the knowledge and usage of complementary health care. He has worked with health departments in various countries to increase access to products and has lectured extensively throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Asia and the Caribbean. References available from VISTA.
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Are your Natural Health Products in Danger? By Carol Crenna
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hether it’s to brighten a mood, stave off sickness, increase energy or fight aging, 75 percent of Canadians have adopted the use of natural health products, enthusiastically supplementing, and supporting a range of therapies. But in April, a new bill was introduced into the House of Commons, which, if passed, will have dramatic effects on your favourite supplements, herbal preparations, homeopathic and traditional Chinese medicines, and even some foods and natural beauty products. If it passes, Bill C-51 will substantially alter the Food and Drugs Act, and that will be bad news for Canadians. The controversy centres on the fact the new rules would not only classify herbs, vitamins and other natural ingredients as drugs, which they currently are, but would also now require efficacy and safety regulations even more strict than they currently have. Though we all want the products that we buy to be safe, these requirements are excessive considering the high level of safety of natural health products, over-regulating them to the point that many time-honoured remedies could become illegal. In response to hundreds of Canadians who protested the bill, the Minister of Health, Tony Clement, announced amendments to the Act, assuring Canadians: “We can make the bill a better bill. We can make it explicitly more balanced, and still achieve our goals which are protecting the health and safety of Canadians.” Unfortunately, this means that Health Canada has changed very little. These amendments have been widely reported as a “win” by the natural health community and a huge step in the right direction by those who have not closely examined them or their implications. Those who have scrutinized them, however, feel that they will at best, not affect the bill’s current strict regulations, and at worst, create possibilities for further problems. The bill, which passed its first reading in April and was in the process of passing its second reading in mid-June (after the amendments were made) before parliament adjourned for summer, needs to be completely rewritten or thrown out, according to Shawn Buckley, natural health industry lawyer and president of the Natural Health Products Protection Association (NHPPA). It will be reviewed again in the fall when the House of Commons is in session before it can be passed.
What are the major implications of Bill C-51?
Bill C-51 is a set of proposed amendments intended to modernize the existing Food and Drugs Act, last revised in 1953. Though this is obviously needed, the new regulations need to protect your access to products that don’t belong in the same category as drugs. Updates to the Act began four years ago, and have already resulted in disruptions to many health product companies. Currently, under the Natural Health Products Regulations, which came into effect in 2004, more products are being rejected than are being licensed (over 50 percent have failed). In April 2006, the government’s Natural Health Products Directorate reported a backlog of 10,000 applications that have still not been processed since 2004, meaning that these companies have had restrictions placed on selling products because they need new licenses to market them legally. If Bill C-51 is passed, not only will many smaller companies be forced to pay exorbitant amounts for clinical trials and applications, expectations are that as many as 75 percent of new applications by health companies to obtain the certification will fail to meet Health Canada’s requirements. Therefore, it could effectively put smaller companies out of business. Once the transition period has ended in 2010 all products will have to obtain a Natural Product Number (NPN or DIN-HM) prior to being on the market. In the new amendments offered in June, the government proposes to insert a definition of natural health products into the Food and Drugs Act to “clearly recognize” that they’re distinct from foods and drugs under the law. Will this help? Buckley states, “If I had to make a choice between keeping Bill C-51 as newly amended or without these amendments, I would choose the original one without the changes; however they both won’t protect access to natural health products. The primary amendment is a definition of natural health products which is almost exactly like the definition of drugs; adding a definition doesn’t mean that they will not be legally treated as drugs. The new definition within the Act doesn’t in any way change how the products will be regulated, and will not mean regulations will be any less strict.”
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As defined in the Act, a drug is “any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or represented for use in: a) the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease, disorder, abnormal physical state or symptoms in humans or animals b) restoring, correcting or modifying organic function in humans or animals c) disinfection in premises in which food is manufactured or kept.” It is deliberately broad, and therefore in a court of law, all natural products would still be considered drugs, with the same requirements. The Act could have amended the definition by stating that “drugs” does not include natural health products, and clarified exactly what separates natural health products from drugs, but this was not done. Of utmost concern is that Bill C-51 adds to the Food and Drug Act a “benefit-risk analysis,” meaning that any therapeutic product, whether it’s an herbal supplement or a food that is being used therapeutically, is presumed dangerous until proven safe. (The US’s dietary supplement model, on the other hand, presumes that these products are safe, and therefore doesn’t have the strict regulations.) The Ministry stated that it would recognize natural health products as a unique category, which is what the natural health community was requesting. Will the amendments protect our access to natural health products, even if we get a third category? No. Buckley explains, “Natural health products will still be listed under drugs, even in a new category. And if they create a true separate category for natural products they could still regulate them the same.” The goal is not simply a new category but a category that has no ties with drugs, and that does not assume that these products are dangerous, as it currently does.
What are the issues?
• The new amendments will not substantially change anything . • Canadians don’t need a parliamentary bill (such as Bill C-51) to change the regulations currently in place which are too strict. They can be amended at any time without a bill. • Products in Canada should be regulated similarly to the US where they are presumed safe, not presumed dangerous, and therefore
www.vistamagonline.com don’t have the strict regulations. • The latest changes were made directly to the Act, and it is much more difficult to change wording of an Act than it is to amend regulations of that Act. This means that, if passed, we may lose our chance to make changes. Many of the amendments being proposed are to strengthen the government’s authority over activities, and give powers to the Minister to request information beyond what is currently required. Bill C-51 would also give the government unprecedented power to take natural health products away from manufacturers, importers and retailers. It increases the power of health inspectors to enforce these regulations, and increases penalties for non-compliance without requiring officials to offer reasonable grounds for their actions. After complaints about these powers, Clement acknowledged that the legislation needed to clarify the powers of inspectors to enter healthfood stores and seize their products. But the new amendments only changed a small part the seizure and detention powers of inspectors.
What new powers will health inspectors have?
In Bill C-51, inspectors are being given authority to access records; to enter private property to inspect goods; to request a warrant by telephone; to hold a manufacturer’s or importer’s products for “testing” without having to legally seize them; and to order removal of unlawful (not newly certified) imports from Canada. Where an inspector thinks an action is a breach of the Food and Drugs Act, he/she can issue an order to stop sales even though there has been no breach proven in a court of law. Bill C-51 proposes to increase fines on indictment to a maximum of $5 million and/or a prison term of up to two years. “The rules and regulations have created a bureaucratic nightmare, especially for small and medium-sized companies like ours,” says Klaus Ferlow of Ferlow Botanicals. His company has not been given a reply though it applied for licenses in December 2005. “When it comes to the safety of our herbal products, we have sold thousands since 1993 and haven’t received a single complaint.” (Health Action Network magazine) Some manufacturers are only seeking product licenses for their top-selling products because the process is too costly for low-volume products; and health food store owners have already experienced difficulty stocking products they once offered. Some American manufacturers have expressed that they may no longer ship products into Canada. If only the larger manufacturers can afford new regulation costs, this may mean that fewer innovative products from smaller manufacturers and importers will be available, and it will result in higher consumer costs for those that remain. Buckley states, “Despite the fact that over 30,000 people die annually in Canada because
“The federal government is proposing to take away your right to make your own health decisions. If you want your favourite products to remain on store shelves, you need to take proactive steps to ensure that they stay there.” of prescribed drugs, the government insists that it is just trying to help consumers by increasing regulations on far safer alternatives (making them more difficult to get). Meanwhile, Statistics Canada reports that hundreds die each year from nutritional deficiencies (that could be helped by supplements). Health Canada should be promoting the natural product industry rather than smothering it by inappropriately applying a drug paradigm to these products. Because drugs have caused massive negative side effects, Health Canada adopted the mindset that all drugs are dangerous until proven safe, which is appropriate. This attitude becomes dangerous, however, when applied to nutrients that have naturally been in our food chain for thousands of years.” In over 100 years, there has never been a recorded death in Canada caused by a natural health product. Considering that there are deaths every year caused by common foods such as peanuts, and thousands of deaths caused by adverse reactions to approved drugs, it is clear that natural health products are extremely safe. Consider that many are derived from traditional remedies used for thousands of years and others are simply extracts from natural food sources.
How will this bill affect the future if it’s passed?
This bill would allow the Canadian government to create regulations that incorporate CODEX standards, which may be a step towards adoption of the World Health Organization’s CODEX treaty that places the sale of health products under the jurisdiction of pharmaceutical companies. In many countries in Europe and in Australia, CODEX has had widespread ramifications, which include restricting even the most common and widely used supplements, now available there only by prescription. This has dramatically increased costs and limited access to many products. In Canada, sales of prescription drugs exceeded $27 billion in 2007. These sales equate to about $800 annually for every man, woman and child in the country. Do we really need to spend more on pharmaceuticals, and less on disease prevention and on safe, natural remedies? Buckley concludes, “Products that provide real and valuable health benefits to Canadians are disappearing forever – apparently to protect against risks that are statistically insignificant. Would Canadians support the im-
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position of costly and onerous regulations on the peanut and shellfish industries to protect us from their potential harm, since they cause numerous hospitalizations every year? Would we support this knowing that the regulations would put small manufacturers and importers out of business? I don’t think we would.” Removing natural health products from the marketplace poses tremendous health risks to Canadians who depend on them for disease treatment and prevention, for relief from pain, mood and sleep disorders, and hundreds of other ailments. The federal government is proposing to take away your right to make your own health decisions. If you want your favourite products to remain on store shelves, you need to take proactive steps to ensure that they stay there.
What can you do?
The time to take action is now, before Bill C-51 is passed and becomes law. Contact your local Member of Parliament (toll-free numbers for MPs: 1-866-599-4999) and let them know that: 1. You are opposed to Bill C-51 and its new amendments, and do not want them to support it as it currently reads 2. You want natural health products and foods to be legally considered as safe, not dangerous until proven safe 3. You want natural products to be clarified as not a drug, and without the regulations required by drugs under the Food and Drug Act 4. You want your access to natural health products protected. Write letters (no postage required) to: Tony Clement, Minister of Health, Minister’s Office – Health Canada, Brooke Claxton Building, Tunney’s Pasture, Postal Locator 0906C Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9 (613) 944-7740 and (705) 746-9053 For more information on Bill C51: Natural Health Product Protection Association www.nhppa.org Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), 1800-661-4510 www.chfa.ca Health Action Network Society (604) 435-0512 www.hans.org Natural Health Products Directorate, Health Canada, 1-888-774-5555 www.healthcanada.gc.ca/nhp
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An Inside-Out Approach to Adult Blemishes By Susan McLoughlin with Natalie Lanoville
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lthough adult acne is common in Western society, the medications used to treat the symptoms are risky and unreliable. There are natural, viable solutions available, without negative side effects.
What is acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that typically occurs during puberty, when teenage hormones stimulate oil production, thicken the skin and wreak havoc on the body’s immune system. Acne forms when naturally-occurring bacteria present on our skin’s surface become trapped in pores along with dead skin cells and sebaceous secretions (skin oil). Chronic inflammation and hormone imbalance increase the likelihood of acne breakouts by causing an excess of dead skin cells, compromising the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria, and swelling the plugged pores shut. Unfortunately, over the past couple of decades, adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s have been experiencing acne in increasing numbers. The upswing in adult acne could be considered an epidemic, frustrating sufferers who thought blemishes were decades behind them, and perplexing dermatologists who have lobbed all their pharmaceutical weapons at the problem with inconsistent results. In the absence of a definitive pharmaceutical treatment, doctors and skin specialists have been increasingly prescribing steroids, antibiotics, and isotretinoin (retinol-A), which are therapies with spotty success and significant side effects. The most successful non-pharmaceutical acne treatments are those that treat the whole body.
What is seabuckthorn?
One natural supplement that fights acne is seabuckthorn. The seabuckthorn plant’s fruit and leaves have been used for hundreds of years to treat inflammatory skin conditions, both topically (applied to the skin) and internally. Seabuckthorn is extremely nutrient-dense, with over 190 micronutrients and active ingredients including quercetin and salicyns, two of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatories. It also has a range of fatty acids (such as the vital omega-3), and a vast array of health-promoting antioxidants including the skin friendly vitamins B, C and E complexes and beta carotene. The most nutritious components of the seabuckthorn plant (including the fruit, seeds and leaves) are packaged for internal use as oil capsules, dried pulp in capsules and in tea. The plant is prepared for topical use within skin and hair cleansers, tonics and pure oil. Skin care specialists and medical professionals in Asia and Europe have been using products from the seabuckthorn plant to improve skin health and heal serious skin conditions, including adult acne, for decades.
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How can seabuckthorn help adult acne?
To understand how it helps, first we must answer the question, “Why adult acne, and why now?” Many acne and skincare researchers are now convinced that adult acne does not have one single cause, but is rather a symptom of a system (the human body) under attack on multiple fronts, including diet, hormonal and immune system imbalance and chemical fatigue. This explains why conventional research, which tests individual factors one at a time, hasn’t been able to identify a solitary cause. For decades, researchers studied individual foods like chocolate or potato chips, but were unable to correlate these foods to acne outbreaks. However, recent studies of more general dietary trends have shown — in books such as Dr. Alan Logan’s The Clear Skin Diet — that a diet high in acne-fighting nutrients, fatty acids and phytochemicals will lead to fewer acne breakouts. The key, skin care specialists believe, is to a) reduce inflammation, and b) balance the hormone and immune systems. Seabuckthorn supplements and topical preparations provide dramatic, long-term relief from chronic inflammation, both directly through anti-inflammatory agents like salicyns and quercetin and indirectly by strengthening cell walls and regulating the flow of fluid between the body’s cells. In the acne sufferer, a combination of chronic inflammation and an unbalanced immune system promotes a frustrating and painful cycle of small, inconsequential blemishes growing larger, more inflamed and harder to heal. Seabuckthorn’s antiinflammatory agents and moderating effect on the immune system break this cycle. It allows the rejuvenated, soothed body to do a better and Lise Gagne Photo faster job of repairing small blemishes and preventing new ones.
The way forward
Our modern diet is becoming more nutrient-depleted, and synthetic vitamins can only do so much to make up for its deficiencies. Every day we’re discovering new, vital micronutrients that only occur in whole foods. Natural, unprocessed seabuckthorn supplements fill the gaps that are leaving our bodies vulnerable to immune system imbalance and chronic inflammation. Seabuckthorn skincare provides a soothing, healing alternative to complex chemical-laden preparations. References available from VISTA. Susan McLoughlin, in partnership with her late husband, pioneered the use of seabuckthorn in Canada. Educated at UBC, she is currently engaged in the manufacture and marketing of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. She can be reached at smcl@shaw.ca or (250) 767-6100.
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
Recipe for Health
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Date Candies By Tracy Holly
D
ate candies are sure to be a hit for your next dinner party dessert or afternoon tea. They are sweet and crunchy, very versatile and can be made in only a few minutes without even turning on the oven. There are so many variations that you can create from this basic recipe that there will be something for everybody. The sky is the limit! Dates are a fresh fruit, not a dried fruit. You can store them at room temperature for up to two months, in the refrigerator for up to one year, or in the freezer for several years. Dates have no fat, no cholesterol, very little sodium and a tonne of potassium. They contain calcium, thiamin, niacin, folate, iron, riboflavin, vitamin B6, phosphorus and magnesium. What candy does better than that? This recipe also uses tahini or raw sesame seed butter. Tahini is not only a good source of dietary fibre, but is also a good source of essential fatty acids, calcium, manganese, copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin B1, zinc, vitamin E and protein.
Date Candies 30 whole, unsalted almonds / walnuts or macadamia nuts 30 medium pitted dates or medjool dates (which you’ll have to hand pit) 1 tbsp tahini 1 tbsp unpasteurized honey 1 tbsp filtered water ½ tsp cinnamon ½ to ¾ cups sesame seeds or any finely crushed nut Insert an almond or other nut into the centre of each date. Press together to close the opening. In a small bowl, combine the tahini, honey, water and cinnamon and mix well. Roll stuffed dates in the tahini mixture, coating lightly, then roll in sesame seeds or finely crushed nuts until covered. Place dates on a wax paper-lined plate and place in the refrigerator for about an hour. Serve at room temperature.
Serving suggestions that are sure to please:
• Why not offer a different selection of dates on the plate. For example: dates with almonds rolled in sesame, dates with walnuts rolled in chocolate, or dates with macadamia nuts rolled in crushed pecans. • Try making the dates with different “stuffings,” such as a piece of chocolate, a chocolate covered espresso bean or a ¼ teaspoon blue goat’s cheese. • Before rolling the dates into the tahini mixture, lightly roll the dates in a finely shaved dark or milk chocolate. Mmmmm good!
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Tracy Holly is general manager of the Cory Holly Institute, as well as a coach, lecturer, emcee and writer for national magazines. She is a health and fitness activist and believes in natural medicine. Tracy is the author of The Athletes Cookbook, teaches Latin and ballroom dancing and competes in Masters’ level Ms. Fitness and natural bodybuilding. Email tracyholly@shaw.ca.
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
www.vistamagonline.com
Facing Summer By Shelly-Lynn Nellis
M
ost of us don’t want to age gracefully — we want to fight it every step of the way. We all want to look youthful and attractive because it inevitably helps us to live life to its fullest. We don’t want anything to hold us back, especially some preconceived notion about what we should or shouldn’t be doing at “our age.” If we don’t look our age, we don’t have to act it! During the summer, when we allow ourselves to relax and enjoy life more, we’re inspired to take time to care for our appearance and reveal our newly bared bodies at their best. It’s also often the time that we make significant-but-oh-so-subtle changes to face the season with confidence. We now have the attitude that “if we can change something we don’t like, why not?” — especially if it’s safe and affordable. Our fascination with esthetic enhancement has been influenced by reality TV shows promoting cosmetic surgery, and magazines offering gossip on who’s been nipped and tucked so often that it’s become the norm rather than a secret to be shunned. The fact that we live in a healthconscious society is another factor influencing the growth of facial treatments. We want our face to keep up to the rest of our body if we’re working hard to keep toned and trim elsewhere. Yet because we are more health oriented, many of us are searching for a more natural approach. We’re looking for ways to achieve youthfulness that are not invasive, dangerous or detrimental to our health. We may still be waging war against wrinkles, but we’re reconsidering Botox, restylane injections and plastic face-reshaping.
these facelifts can produce significant changes in face shape, lifting cheeks, decreasing jowls and eliminating sagging around the eyes to provide a smoother, revitalized appearance. Also called facial toning, the therapy uses tiny amounts of electromagnetic energy delivered through a wand, adhesive patches or a small hand-held machine depending on the type of equipment that exercise and tone each of over 70 muscles on the face and neck. Since this therapy stimulates circulation, it
So why do we look older?
Scientific advancements have discovered tools to “grow young”
Sometimes looking youthful is about rebuilding and rejuvenating what is beneath to produce outward effects. Natural alternatives to surgery include nonsurgical facelifts that do just that. Non-surgical facelifts use a machine to tone and lift skin and muscles on the face and neck, softening fine lines and wrinkles. Utilizing facial muscles and natural meridian points found on the face,
not hurt or harm. The sparks stimulate circulation and create a “super oxygen” gas that sterilizes the skin. They also neutralize harmful contaminants that accumulate on the surface of the skin. It may sound very new, but the technology has been used safely in therapeutic devices for several decades. For example, TENS machines are widely used by physiotherapists to help heal musculo-skeletal pains. Electromagnetic resonance machines also utilize the same principle. All of these therapies’ results are cumulative, so they work over time. Although no dramatic next-day changes will be noticed immediately, others will definitely begin to comment on “how great you look” within a few months. Since there are many different types of nonsurgical facials now offered by day spas and anti-aging equipment suppliers, do a little research to understand the differences, benefits and what’s right for your needs, so you’re not disappointed with the results.
also provides additional benefits: improving acne and other skin conditions, decreasing pore size and relieving puffy eyes due to fluid retention. The system’s electromagnetic current generates a pulsating stream of electric sparks where it touches the skin. The spark is static electricity and does
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Collagen, which supports the cell structure in our skin and connective tissues, can be destroyed by a type of enzymes in the body which break down tissue. Aging, exposure to sunlight, stress and our lifestyle choices are all associated with making skin lose collagen and as a result, its elasticity. Deterioration of collagen results in everything from wrinkling and a sallow, lifeless complexion to pigment changes—age spots or sun damage spots—and sagging caused by the falling “pad” of fat under the cheek. In addition to trying more natural and non-surgical routes to youth, remember to avoid the four factors that can make us seemingly age overnight: stress, which makes the body release hormones that can end up causing free radical damage; UV damage from overexposure to the sun (yet under-exposure caused from applying sun block every minute that we’re outside can also speed aging and disease); lack of sleep — it’s called “beauty sleep” for a reason; and dehydration from drinking too little water and not taking omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. When we’re healthy and vital on the inside, we’re beautiful and ageless on the outside.
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Does Strontium Help Your Bones? By Dr. Douglas Lobay
Y
ou know that calcium and magnesium are minerals needed for strong, healthy bones. But there are other minerals that may be just as important in maintaining your skeletal structure, although they’re rarely mentioned. Strontium, for example, has had very little health promotion over the past few decades. That said, an exception to this has been the both negative and positive publicity focused on radioactive strontium, a poison found in Chernobyl’s radioactive fallout, and a substance used medically for cancer radiation therapy. But what about the natural, non-radioactive mineral that is the 15th most abundant element on Earth, and that makes up 0.2 percent of your bones? This form of strontium is an important mineral found in food and a highly effective supplement used for the treatment of osteoporosis, which has been clinically found to be as effective as commonly used drugs. Strontium, a white to yellow coloured alkaline metal, was first discovered in 1787 in the lead mines of Scotland. It has been used in the automobile industry, as a component in fireworks, in magnets, and commercial paints and glazes for pottery. It has even been used in toothpaste — a 10 percent strontium compound used for sensitive teeth. The human body stores 320 milligrams of strontium in bone and connective tissue in addition to what is obtained daily in food, and it is used in our bones both in place of and in combination with calcium. With a typical North American diet, you consume 1 to 3 milligrams of elemental strontium per day, but much more is thought to be needed for optimal health.
Why do you need it?
Strontium adds strength to bone and is an essential part of its makeup. Although it is only needed in small amounts, strontium is an essential nutrient, so we must get it from the foods or supplements that we ingest. According to Dr. Michael Colgan in his new book, Strong Bones, there have been “dozens of studies during the past 10 years, including the large PREVOS trial, showing that strontium supplementation reduces the risk of fracture in women with osteoporosis. Better yet, strontium supplementation prevents postmenopausal bone loss. And it achieves
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these miraculous effects, not by stockpiling old, weak bone as most osteoporosis drugs do, but by inducing the growth of new bone.” Strontium stimulates the formation of new bone and prevents the breakdown of old bone. Like the drugs fosamax and didrocal, strontium prevents bone breakdown by inhibiting cells called osteoclasts, which break bone down in its natural growth cycle, and prevents bone resorption. However, since strontium is a natural substance, unlike the drugs, it has very few negative side effects. Strontium also encourages bone formation by stimulating osteoblasts (cells that naturally build bone) to produce new bone. Strontium has been safely used as a medicinal substance for more than a hundred years. It was first listed in Squire’s Companion to the Brit‑ ish Pharmacopoeia in 1884. Subsequently, strontium was used therapeutically in the US and Europe, but medical research has been slow to substantiate its effectiveness until the last decade. Research shows that strontium may be beneficial in preventing osteoarthritis and joint deterioration. Strontium was tested in two large clinical trials involving postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The Spinal Osteoporosis Therapeutic Intervention (SOTI) study included
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1,649 patients with previous vertebral bone fracture and showed that strontium reduced the risk of vertebral fracture by 49 percent in the first year. The researchers concluded that the reduction in bone fractures “seems similar” to existing osteoporotic drugs including aledronate, risedronate and raloxifene. The Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis (TROPOS) study included 5,091 women with low hip-bone mineral density and showed a 36 to 39 percent reduction in the risk of hip and vertebral fractures for strontium treated patients. It is important to note that strontium is a heavier mineral than calcium and can replace it within the bone; part of the increase in bone density when it is used as a supplement is due to the weight of strontium. In 2004, the pharmaceutical company Servier launched a new “drug” to treat osteoporosis called protelos, which is made from a form of strontium. It is a prescription medicine specifically used to reduce the risk of vertebral and hip osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Although protelos is only available in Europe, you can find strontium supplements at health food stores in Canada. Current research shows that “ionic” strontium is used in bones, and scientists believe that compounds such as strontium citrate are as effective as prescription drugs. This is because strontium citrate readily separates into ionic strontium in the digestive system, is then absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to bone, where it becomes incorporated into the bone’s structure. Foods high in strontium include fish, whole grains, kale, parsley, lettuce, Brazil nuts and molasses. Include these in your diet as you age to ensure that your bones stay strong. If you are already experiencing bone loss, you may require additional supplementation to counteract the negative effects of aging. If you have osteoporosis, strontium is a safe and effective option to prescription medicine, and it can also be used as a secondary supplement to benefit your bones if you’re currently taking pharmaceutical drugs for osteoporosis. Dr. Douglas Lobay, BSc, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician in Kelowna, BC, where he maintains a busy practice. He likes to play hockey and tennis and do medical research and writing.References available from VISTA.
because you can take a better bone supplement Research over the past 50 years has tied strontium to bone health. Recent research shows that strontium increases osteoblast activity (bone building) and reduces osteoclast activity (bone breakdown).
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Cancer
Prevention Tips By Joanne Carr
T
here are many natural ways to protect yourself from developing cancer, or help heal from cancer. Here are three: take antioxidants, eat fibre, and complete a detoxifying cleanse.
Antioxidants: cancer warriors
Antioxidants help protect the body against cancer-causing free radicals. As people age, become overstressed or ill, free radical levels in the body rise, increasing the need for a continuous intake of antioxidants. However, taking just one type of antioxidant cannot protect the entire body from the large variety of free radical molecules. Research has shown that antioxidants work synergistically (in combination together) and are therefore far more effective when a variety of antioxidants in different types of fruits and vegetables are ingested, not just taken as isolated compounds. The antioxidants will interact with each other to form a free radical defence network across the entire body, to protect every major organ system from damage. Unfortunately for many individuals it is often no easy task to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day, so the next best way to get them is to take antioxidant supplements that will also help fight free radicals. When looking for an antioxidant supplement, choose one with a combination sourced from different ingredients. Green tea extract, curcumin and Maritime pine bark extract, for example, are ingredients known for their cancer fighting properties. Numerous studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals detail curcumin’s ability to protect against cancer by intervening in the initiation and growth of cancer cells and tumours and prevent their subsequent spread throughout the body by metastasis. Taken together, antioxidants are invaluable tools to defend against cancer-causing cell damage and may prolong life.
Make friends with fibre
Increasing fibre intake accelerates digestion through the stomach, small intestine and large intestine, limiting the amount of time cancer-causing chemicals can get into the bloodstream and as a result, reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer. Some types of fibre have been shown to actually absorb cancer-causing substances that then exit the body in the stool. While all women (and men, too) need the hormone estrogen, too much can lead to cancer, especially of the uterus or breast. Excess estrogen levels can occur as we get older and our estrogen ratios get out of balance. A diet high in fibre can bind to or “soak up” the excess estrogen, increasing the rate at which it is excreted from the body. Many health care providers believe that all health issues are related in some way to the process of digestion. Fibre is an excellent way to dramatically improve this process, which is interconnected to every single function in our bodies. With a few dietary changes like eating more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and taking a high quality fibre supplement daily, we can reap the benefits. Increasing fibre can help prevent colorectal cancer, constipation, diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Look for supplements that contain a combination of soluble and insoluble fibre because our bodies need both types. Fibre may also be taken with probiotics (good bacteria) to restore the delicate intestinal balance, certain herbs that stimulate the bowels to gently move material through the colon, and antioxidants.
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Antioxidants
Improve kidney, urinary and prostate health naturally
help protect the body against cancercausing free radicals.
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The toxin connection
Unfortunately, in today’s society we are exposed to many toxins on a daily basis; overexposure to toxic chemicals at home and work is very common since they are present in everything from foods and consumer electronics to cosmetics. Toxins can enter our body by a number of convenient pathways; through the lungs when we breathe, through the skin direct contact, or through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the food and drinks we consume. The toxins are then metabolically processed by the three major organs of detoxification—the liver, the lungs and the kidneys—so that they can be excreted from the body with other waste material. Unfortunately many toxins are stored in the cells of the body due to toxic overload and can then compromise immune system functions.
The importance of detoxification
Have you ever washed greasy dishes without hot water or dish soap? The dishes don’t get clean, do they? When toxic metals and chemical food additives get inside our body, we have to cleanse the body from the inside out. A combination of herbs and antioxidants gently remove toxins from body tissues, organs, water stores and fat deposits within our bloodstream. When toxins are present, the oxygen that we breathe and the body’s food supply cannot get inside our cells to supply needed nutrients, or remove the cells’ waste products. This creates an ideal environment for diseases such as cancer to form. When these body toxins are removed, our body can restore a healthy balance.
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Prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is implicated as a cause of prostate enlargement.
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Supports the bladder and increases urine flow.
Herbal body cleanses to the rescue
A gentle but thorough approach to an inner cleanse is easy on the body and stimulates cleansing mechanisms specific to each organ. Don’t be fooled by marketing that says we can cleanse the liver or entire body in three, five or even seven days. If it took many months or years for an organ to become toxic, do you really think it will be fully cleansed in just days? For best results, look for liquid cleanses that include balanced ingredients (to prevent unwanted side effects) such as herbs used in Western and traditional Chinese medicine to help loosen and expel trapped pollutants along with antioxidants that specifically protect tissue. Most important, remember to enjoy a variety of activities while maintaining a positive attitude and a healthy, balanced lifestyle to prevent any illness. References available from VISTA. With over 10 years experience in the holistic health field, Joanne Carr RHN, BA, is a registered holistic nutritionist who has lectured at natural health seminars for retailers and consumers across Canada.
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www.oapharma.com/ 1-800-651-3172 VISTA Magazine Issue 59
TM – GlucosaPet is a trademark of Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. ® - Omega Alpha and the Omega Alpha logo are registered trademarks of Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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Healing Your Body’s Matrix By Stefan Kuprowsky, ND
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n the previous two issues of VISTA, I discussed how the body’s matrix is an essential component to health. The “extracellular matrix” describes all of the connective tissue and fluid that surrounds all cells and organs of the body. It is the key to the health of the body’s cells, organs and tissues. Modern medical research indicates that the soft connective tissue or matrix plays a crucial role in the development of the typical degenerative diseases of modern times. If the matrix is subjected to long-term stress such as hyperacidity, inflammation, infection, environmental toxins, nutrient deficiencies, or a generally unhealthy lifestyle, then at some point the ability of the matrix to nourish and detoxify the body begins to break down. The result is a host of diseases and complaints such as allergies, lowered immune system, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, skin rashes and mental and physical depression. The common theme of all of these is that they are difficult to treat using conventional medical approaches. Structurally, the matrix is a functional network made up of elastin, collagen and glucosamine that links the vascular, nervous and lymphatic systems with the organ cells. The matrix receives nutrients and oxygen from the capillaries, which are then transported to all of the cells of the body’s tissues and organs. In a reverse fashion, the cells dump waste products and toxins into the matrix, which are then channelled into the lymphatic system for disposal by the liver. If either of these delivery or removal systems breaks down, the onset of ill health and eventual disease begins. The problem with many treatment approaches including nutrition and supplementation is that these nutrients can never reach the cells and organs they are intended for due to the blockade created by an unhealthy and congested matrix. The key to resolving difficult to treat chronic conditions is to begin to restore the integrity of the matrix. The matrix must first be cleansed of its accumulated toxic burden and be allowed to resume its proper function in the body. In my previous article I discussed different ways to begin to detoxify the matrix, including sauna therapy, homeopathic detoxification and manual lymphatic drainage massage. Now I am going to describe a medical technology developed in Germany called matrix regeneration therapy or MRT. MRT is a medical device designed to achieve three therapeutic results: 1) cleanse the soft connective tissue of environmental and metabolic toxins; 2) renew structures weakened by chronic inflammatory processes; and 3) reinvigorate the activity and function of the associated immune system and connective tissue cells. MRT consists of a control unit connected to a hand-held massager that delivers a three part therapy including a gentle electrical stimulation, a suction massage and a resonance frequency generator that inverts a patient’s negative energetics into positive frequencies. Specific organ frequencies can be selected to target weakened organs needing additional energetic support. With this technique the matrix tissues are not only physically cleansed but also energetically stimulated. Here are the three parts of the therapy.
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Rhythmic direct-current treatment:
Chronically diseased matrix tissue exhibits excessive negative charge and is hyper-acidic. MRT is based on the finding that tissue can be re-polarized and balanced from outside the body using weak electrical currents. The MRT has roller electrodes that introduce a low-level direct current into the tissues, which neutralizes the excessive negative charge built up in the matrix. The matrix tissues are able to become alkaline again — a necessary step for health and healing to occur.
Petechial suction massage:
Petechial suction massage is a modern version of the ancient method of cupping that cleanses tissues mechanically. The MRT has suction electrodes that create pressure in the tissue, allowing wastes and toxins to be drawn to the surface where they can be carried off by the lymphatic system.
Resonance frequency balancing:
At the same time, the electrode performing the petechial suction picks up the toxins’ pathological (disease-forming) frequencies. These are processed by the central control unit and re-routed back to the patient as a therapeutic electro-magnetic signal, which is able to activate the body’s self-healing system and ease the burden of the immune system. A treatment only takes 15 minutes; a typical patient needs between six to eight treatments. An immediate effect that can be noticed on the first treatment is a reduction of disease induced muscular tension and pain. The progressive regeneration of the matrix can be seen by the naked eye over the course of several treatments. The tissue of the skin improves dramatically. Initially the skin becomes quite red after the early treatments, but after the matrix begins to regenerate, this reddening fades. Once the matrix is regenerated, other therapies that may not have previously worked for the patient such as diet, supplementation, acupuncture, massage and manipulation will begin to show positive outcomes. Whenever you are dealing with a chronic condition that appears to defy treatment, look to see if the matrix of the body requires regeneration. Matrix regeneration therapy is the foundation to all successful integrative therapies.
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WELCOME TO FEELING GREAT
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
What’s in Your Supplement? By Joel Thuna
M Ready to feel great? Research shows that to be at your best, your cells need two important things: to eliminate toxins, — and to receive pure, vital nutrients. Cellfood is the only formula in the world that will effectively accomplish both at the same time. By making Cellfood the foundation of your health regimen, you’ll be continually cleaning and detoxifying your body, eliminating free radicals, and bringing oxygen, hydrogen and 129 essential nutrients into each and every cell. It’s why Cellfood is now the No. 1-selling oxygen + nutrient supplement in the world! And Cellfood has a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, with no time limit.
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ost of us know that omega-3 fatty acids, the fats found in fish and seeds, are good for us. Here is a more indepth look at taking supplements to increase your intake of these essential fatty acids. In the May/June issue of VISTA, part one of this article concluded that the best forms of omega-3 are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Now that the best omega-3s to take have been identified, I will explain what to look for and how to choose omega-3 supplements for maximum health benefits. The important questions to ask when comparing biologically active omega-3 (DHA and EPA) supplements are: How pure is the omega-3 oil? What other ingredients are in the supplement? And what type of supplement is best?
Question 1: How pure is the omega-3 oil?
All DHA and EPA blends come from fish oil. There are hundreds of possible source species, and some are “cleaner” than others. Some fish and their oils have been shown to have small amounts of toxins and heavy metals. The highest grade oils use pure, pristine fish free of contaminants, extracted and processed in facilities that exceed good manufacturing practices (GMP) guidelines. Once processing is complete, the oils undergo myriad tests to ensure they are pharmaceutically pure and completely free of heavy metals and toxins.
Question 2: What other ingredients are in the supplement?
Due to the inherent fragility of omega-3s, they are extremely sensitive to damage from heat, light and oxygen. If left alone, the omega-3s will spoil and go rancid quickly, so that virtually all products have to contain other ingredients. The vast majority of products on the market therefore contain both natural and artificial ingredients including fillers, excipients, sweeteners, stabilizers, flavours, colours, scents, thickeners and dilutants. But problems can arise from many of these additives; they can reduce the bioavailability (the amount the body absorbs) of the omega-3s, interact with the omega-3s, or can be allergens or irritants to the body.
Question 3: What type of supplement is best?
Omega-3 supplements are available as soft gels (oil-filled squishy capsules), gel packets, chews,
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bottled liquids or powders. Manufacturers try different ways to preserve the potency of their product and prevent rancidity. They also to try to reduce the inherent unpleasant (fishy) taste of EPA and DHA, which can lead to repeated “fishy burps.” Each format has its advantages and disadvantages. Soft gel capsules: The most popular format for omega-3 supplements are soft gel capsules. They avoid the issues of fish taste and smell, but they’re unable to overcome fishy burps. Since they’re encased in a capsule, they are impervious to damage from oxygen, and as long as they are kept away from light and heat, they will remain stable from rancidity. However, soft gel capsules contain numerous added ingredients to enable the capsule to form properly. Some of the ingredients used are soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, water, beeswax, carnauba wax, lecithin, annatto extract, titanium dioxide and colours. Any or all of these ingredients can react in your system, causing reduced absorption or in the worst case, an allergic reaction. Liquid: The second most popular format is liquid fish oil in bottles, which are unflavoured or flavoured. The unflavoured ones taste like fish oil. The flavoured oils are filled with numerous flavourings and scents, some artificial and some natural, all designed to hide the fish smell and taste. Whether you choose flavoured or unflavoured, both share some common characteristics. Liquids are usually the most concentrated forms of DHA and EPA. However, liquids are also highly susceptible to rancidity and may even go rancid before you can finish the bottle. To prolong their usability, keep them refrigerated. No matter how much flavour or sweetener is added, oils still cause fishy burps, and, in addition to the healthy DHA and EPA oil, also contain saturated fat. Gels and chews: Two of the new formats for omega-3 are gels and chews. The gels are small packets that contain a “gel-like” paste that is heavily flavoured and sweetened. The chews are like soft candy squares that are also heavily flavoured and sweetened. The rationale behind both is to be more palatable than oils or capsules. Both avoid the issues of fishy taste and smell, but they’re still unable to overcome the fishy burps. The gel packets are sealed in metallic foil, making them less susceptible to damage from oxygen and light, and as long as they are kept away from heat, they will remain stable from rancidity. Chews are slightly less susceptible to damage
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
Perform Better Here, Here, Here and Everywhere!
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from heat, oxygen and light than liquids, but are much more at risk than capsules. Similar to soft gel capsules, both gels and chews contain a multitude of added ingredients to enable them to form properly. Some added ingredients include apple juice, egg yolk, sunflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, water, cane juice, fructose, carageenan, lecithin, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, vanillin, xanthan gum, menthol, flavours and colours. Any or all of these ingredients can react in your system, sometimes causing reduced absorption and/or allergic reactions. Powders: Until a couple of years ago, it was impossible to get a stable omega-3 oil in powdered form. Then it was discovered that you could microencapsulate omega-3s, enabling them to be stable against heat, light and oxygen. This microencapsulation process has a couple of pleasant side affects. It dramatically reduces the fishy smell and taste, and eliminates the fishy burps. To increase (rather than decrease) absorption of the omega-3s in
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powdered form, some manufacturers have limited added ingredients, adding only natural flavour, inulin and citric acid. The natural flavour serves to enhance the microencapsulation, enabling greater stability, while both the citric acid and the inulin increase intestinal absorption of omega-3. With all that we now know about omega-3 supplements, we can effectively choose the supplement that is best for us. Whatever form you choose, consider whether it is pure, stable, biologically active, well-absorbed and whether it tastes good. Remember, however, that a supplement can only be effective if taken regularly according to label directions. Take your omega-3 supplement every day to give your body systems a healthy boost.
Joel Thuna, MH, is a fourth generation master herbalist with over 25 years experience in nutrition.
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
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How the Body Rebuilds Itself
By Alain Prud’homme
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Why does the body age?
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our body ages because changes occur both in individual cells and in whole organs that result in tell-tale changes in function and appearance. As cells age, they don’t work as well as they once did, and eventually die as a normal part of the body’s functioning; usually this happens because they don’t divide like they should or they’re damaged by harmful substances in the environment or normal processes such as the creation of free radicals. Whether the body can efficiently rebuild and repair itself and create new cells is dependent upon its ability to convert one body resource into another. This is a process of protein synthesis—building different types of protein which make up cells. It is a metabolic process requiring collagen. Collagen is a catalyst; a construction worker in this building project. What is collagen? Collagen is a family of proteins that plays a critical role in tissue architecture, tissue strength and cell to cell relationships. The major component of all connective tissue, collagen is found literally everywhere in the body—in skin, blood vessels, joints, muscles, hair, bone and ligaments. Collagen provides the structure to your body, forms the cables that strengthen tendons, and makes up the sheets that support skin and internal organs. In addition, bones and teeth are formed when the body adds mineral crystal to collagen. Collagen fibres are woven together like pieces of fabric to form a network in which new cells grow and reproduce. In other words, collagen is both the material and the glue that holds your body together. Any time the body needs to build new cells, collagen plays the central role. The body manufactures its own collagen every single day, but since production diminishes with age, the available supply of collagen quickly becomes less than enough. As production of collagen slows and the supply diminishes, both the resource that your cells need and the catalyst to help build tissue are reduced. Deterioration of various body parts gradually follows. Things you have always done, like running or jumping, suddenly seem more painful. Injuries that have never proven serious before begin to hurt. Joint pain becomes more problematic. With continued aging, your connective tissues and muscles break down due to collagen deficiency and damage. As a result, you experience a weakening of your skeletal structure. On the outside of the body, the slowing of the skin’s production of collagen becomes increasingly more pronounced, and wrinkles begin as your healthful radiance vanishes. You develop ridges, furrows and brown spots, and your skin looses elasticity and moisture. The noticeable wrinkles and joint pain are only part of the result, of course, since collagen affects all of your cells. Since health begins inside the body, the secret of a young and healthy appearance is to act on the source of the degeneracy.
What should you avoid to maintain healthy collagen?
Many lifestyle factors can harm and also reduce your body’s collagen production; smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee, intensive stress and excessive physical training are some of the elements responsible. Also, in-
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www.vistamagonline.com fections, pollution, medications and drugs deplete the body of collagen, and sugar is responsible for nearly half of all skin aging because it inhibits the effectiveness of collagen within your skin cells,� says Nicholas Perricone, MD, professor at the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University and author of The Wrinkle Cure. After being attacked by sugar and binding to it, collagen fibres become cross-linked and stick to each other, resulting in sagging, wrinkled skin and age spots.
What should you take to increase youth?
Food supplements can enhance the rebuilding or the healing process of your body. There are many different nutrients that you can obtain in foods and supplements to aid collagen production. Collagen fibres have large amounts of hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline. These two amino acids seem to be important for formation of collagen and provide strength and flexibility. It seems logical to eat foods high in lysine and proline to potentially support collagen. Animal foods are the primary source of both of these amino acids, but there are also vegetarian options available. Egg whites and wheat germ are good vegetarian sources of proline, and low-fat dairy products, fish and legumes are significant sources of lysine. Vitamin C is also required, in order to change proline into and lysine into their collagen forms, hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. In addition, garlic and two sulfur-containing nutrients, taurine and lipoid acid, may have the ability to support damaged collagen fibres, and phytonutrients called catechins and anthocyanidins are important in a collagen-building. Catechins found in green tea have shown to help prevent breakdown of collagen, and anthocyanidins found in cherries, blueberries and blackberries help collagen fibres link together to strengthen them. snap Photo
Nutrients for the Brain By Mark Schneider
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o you struggle to concentrate at work or school? Do you find that you lose your focus easily? Is your memory not what it used to be? Chances are that you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions. If so, there are certain key nutrients and herbs that you should know about that can help you to get your cognitive functioning to the level that you want it to be.
Fats
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Effective Supplements Through Science www.oapharma.com / 1-800-651-3172
Gluco-Lo is a trademark of Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. ®The Omega Alpha is a registered trademark of Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. Photo©Peter Teller
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First, it is important to recognize that 60 percent of your brain and the nerves that run every system of your body are made up of fat. Therefore, the better the quality of fat in your diet, the better your brain. This means that you need to get the right kind of fats, specifically the two essential fatty acids omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid). These fats are needed to create healthy brain cells because they are the building blocks of cell membranes. They are also an important part of the enzyme activity within cell membranes that allow valuable nutrients to be transported in and out of the cells; nutrients necessary for proper brain function. North Americans typically get more than enough omega-6 fatty acids and far too little of the omega-3 fatty acids, which can lead to an imbalance. When the cell membrane is unhealthy because it is composed of the wrong kind of fatty acids or excessive omega-6, brain function suffers. Particularly important to brain health is the omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found abundantly in coldwater fish. DHA is the major structural component of brain tissue, so a deficiency of this fatty acid in the diet can lead to a deficiency in cognitive function. In fact, research indicates that DHA has a crucial influence on neurotransmitters in the brain, helping brain cells communicate better with one another. The brain-building effects of DHA have long been appreciated in Asia, where students frequently take DHA supplements before examinations to improve their mental clarity. Low DHA consumption is correlated with higher rates of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and poor academic performance in children. In contrast, increased DHA levels are correlated with lower rates of central nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, which speaks to the protective effect of this essential fatty acid.
Herbs
While omega-3 fatty acids are essential brain nutrients, the herbal kingdom also has a lot to offer in terms of supporting and enhancing mental abilities. The best-known herb for improving memory is ginkgo biloba. One way it does this is by increasing cerebral blood flow, which boosts the brain’s ability to use oxygen, glucose and other nutrients. It also protects brain cells by scavenging harmful free radicals, and improves neurotransmitter function by increasing their synthesis, storage, secretion and uptake. Ginkgo biloba is also popular with students during exam time; those who use it report that they process information quicker and more clearly — a phenomenon validated by scientific studies. Many herbs are neuroprotective, meaning that they protect brain and nerve cells (called neurons) from sources of oxidative damage. These sources include beta amyloid, a neurotoxic peptide that has been shown to be a contributing factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease when it accumulates in the brain. Gotu kola and cat’s claw are two herbs that have displayed promise in countering beta amyloid oxidation. Gotu kola is a traditional brain tonic herb that has been used for
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generations in Asia to improve mental functioning. It stimulates the brain by reducing anxiety and increasing clarity and alertness. Others, like ginger, chamomile and turmeric, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that also protect and support the longevity of the brain. Turmeric in particular has recently demonstrated great potential in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Also noteworthy is the traditional Chinese herb called club moss. It contains a compound called Huperzine A, which has been found to reduce the breakdown of acetylcholine (an important neurotransmitter for memory and cognition) caused by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (another major role player in the progression of Alzheimer’s). The Indian herb ashwagandha has also been found to counter the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, as well as the common herb rosemary. Bacopa, an ayurvedic herb, is another renowned memory aid. Research has shown that bacopa increases memory retention and cognitive functioning while reducing drug-induced memory impairment. Calming herbs like sage and holy basil promote mental clarity while another, lemon balm, improves cognitive performance and supports the health of the hippocampus, a key area of the brain involved in memory. Whether you’re studying for school, dealing with challenges at work or sitting on your porch enjoying your retirement years and reminiscing, a sharp mind is a priceless possession, and knowing how best to protect it can prove invaluable. Mark Schneider graduated from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto and currently works as a certified nutritional practitioner (CNP) in the Greater Toronto Area.
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Balancing Act By Matthew Tim Anderson If you’re active, you probably down energy drinks and gels, hoping that they will increase your performance. You are told that their ingredients include electrolytes, which are said to be like a battery to boost energy in the human body.
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any people hear the word “electrolytes,” though, and have no idea how necessary they are to health. Electrolytes are minerals capable of transmitting electrical charges within fluids. This function, in addition to the reciprocal relationship between water and electrolytes, is extremely important since 60 to 70 percent of the average human body is made up of water and other fluids. Within our bodies, electrolytes are transmitters for the 100 million or so messages per second that are relayed within the central nervous system. Electrolytes are necessary for all brain functions; without these electric transmissions, the brain could not stay in control of the body’s many functions. Every time one of our thousands of muscles contracts or relaxes, electrolytes are in use. They are also responsible for maintaining proper fluid balance within the cells. In fact, every one of our trillions of cells relies on electrolytes for the transportation of nutrients and waste. In addition to these duties, electrolytes are responsible for the basic metabolism of every cell in the body. Our bodies normally excrete water and electrolyte solutions at an average rate of 1,300 millilitres per day through urination, 600 millilitres per day through perspiration and 200 millilitres per day through feces. Other factors that increase our need for electrolytes include pregnancy, poor diet, dehydration, use of diuretics (including coffee and other caffeinated drinks), disease, exertion, vomiting, diarrhea, trauma and excessive perspiration. It makes sense then that we should optimize our health and vitality by maintaining levels of fluids and electrolytes in our diets. When our bodies thirst for water, we almost
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certainly also crave electrolytes. There have been numerous high profile cases among top athletes who have suddenly died as a result of cardiac arrhythmias, usually linked to electrolyte instability. Prominent signs of electrolyte imbalance or deficiency include muscle weakness, cramps, swelling, slowed nerve conduction and muscle function, general weakness and apathy.
What are the electrolyte minerals?
The body’s major electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium as positively charged ions, and chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate and sulphate as negatively charged ions. Any mineral or trace element in ionic form is capable of functioning as an electrolyte, but it’s important to understand that not all of the various forms of minerals taken as supplements are capable of becoming electrolytes within the body. Minerals become electrolytes or “ionic” when they are completely dissolved, not just suspended, in liquid. For example, if a substance in a glass of water disintegrates so that no particles remain, it is dissolved; if thousands of its particles that just float around in the liquid, it is suspended. As ions, they are either missing or have an extra electron, giving either a positive or negative charge. Only minerals that are already ionic, or those capable of becoming ionic through digestion, can perform the vital roles of electrolytes. Like the spark plugs in your car, electrolytes give you the power to move, and are essential for people of all ages and all physical conditions. Deficiencies or imbalances are almost universal but are difficult to reverse by diet alone, since our foods are generally over-processed and grown in mineral-deficient soils. Fortunately, electrolyte balance can be easily restored by taking quality supplements. Don’t forget to eat a well balanced diet every day, full of mineral-rich foods such as dried fruit, raw seeds, fish, green veggies, beets and bananas, and support them with a quality supplement. Look for supplements with a balance of the major electrolytes and other trace elements, adequate concentration and minerals that are either ionic or easily become ionic in water for easier absorption by the body. You’ll notice the difference improved electrolyte balance can make to your health! Matthew Tim Anderson, BIS (bachelor of integrated studies) has been involved in harvesting minerals for human nutritional use since 1969.
Editor Selects
www.vistamagonline.com
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Nature’s Way Primadophilus® Intensive Rapid Replenishment Primadophilus® Intensive contains 100 billion active probiotic cultures, plus prebiotics to rapidly replenish your intestinal flora. The most powerful probiotic in Canada. Ideal for distressed digestive systems, as a traveler’s aid, or as part of a cleansing/detox program. Primadophilus Intensive is easily in beverages or soft foods. Available in fine health food stores. naturesway.com; 800-463-8412.
New Nordic Vitaberry Vitaberry is a new product from Scandinavian manufacturer New Nordic. Vitaberry is composed of high quality plant extracts, such as lemon balm, schisandra, Bbuberries, holy basil, as well as crucial micro nutrients, combined in one tablet to ensure health and vitality in the most efficient and simple way. For more information, please call 1 800 261 4223 or visit www.newnordic.ca.
OxyLift™: Your very own “non surgical face-lift in a box.” Oxylift is a simple, affordable system that banishes wrinkles, saggy skin, puffy eyes, cellulite and acne in just minutes a day. 1-866-612-4145.
SwiMP3 by Finis Inc. The SwiMP3 is a waterproof MP3 player that uses bone conduction technology to directly transfer sound vibrations through the cheekbone and into the inner ear, allowing for clear, non-muffled sound. It has a 60 song capacity (256 MB) with a built in rechargeable battery and easy to use controls for up to 4 hours of continuous playback. For more information on how to purchase the SwiMP3v2 and all other Finis products, go to your local aquatic dealer or log onto www.finisinc.com.
These products have been selected by the VISTA staff. This is not paid advertising. If you have a product you would like considered for “Editor Selects”, please contact VISTA Magazine at (877) 905-7771 or (604) 5919991, or by e-mail at vistamag@shaw.ca.
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Essential Nutrients for Your Pet By Franco Cavaleri
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In order to fulfill the unique requirements for your dog or cat, a precise blend must be used. It may include flaxseed and olive oils accompanied by a correctly proportioned cold water fish oil. It may also include lecithin, which not only provides the additional arachidonic acid required for cats, but also provides health benefits for dogs. Dogs and cats have distinct omega-3 to omega-6 needs that are very different than human requirements. Canine- and feline-specific fatty acid supplements cannot meet the nutritional needs of humans, but the reverse also holds true for your four legged companions; a human-intended fatty acid supplement cannot be successfully used to meet the distinct nutritional needs of pets. If these important
nutrients are provided in the right proportion and the right biological form, their bodies will be able to maintain vitality indefinitely. Choose supplements that are carefully designed for your pets. The results will confirm that you did the right thing. References detailed in the book Potential Within, A Guide to Nutritional Empowerment. Franco Cavaleri, B.Sc. is a nutritional biochemist and a graduate of the University of British Columbia, who is involved in the latest gene- and insulin-related nutraceutical research. His findings have been scientifically applied to improve human and pet health. He speaks throughout North America and overseas on human and pet health and is author of Potential Within, A Guide to Nutritional Empowerment. For more information call (1-877) 560-8440.
TM
Trademarks of BiologicVET, © 2008 Biologic Nutritional Research Inc.
ogs and cats have unique biological make-ups that can be very different from the biochemistry of the human body. As a result, dogs and cats require different quantities and ratios of essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and other nutrients in order to achieve optimal health. Essential fatty acid supplements such as salmon oil are now commonly given to pets and added to their food because they provide an abundance of health enhancing omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Unlike us, our pets’ bodies can manufacture alpha linoleic acid and the other omega3 fats that they need from a type of omega-6 fat called linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is the essential fatty acid required to maintain health long term for dogs and cats; their diet must supply it in abundance. Cats also require a second omega-6 essential fat called arachidonic acid. Salmon oils do not supply relevant amounts of the essential omega-6 fats that your pets need. Since the production of omega-3 in their body can become limited for various reasons, cold water fish oils are effective to compensate for this. Fish oil supplements are a good fit, however, only if they are accompanied by the precisely proportioned essential omega-6 fatty acids. A fish oil fatty acid supplement can deliver immediate health improvement in our pets. But if the relatively incomplete sources of omega-6 such as salmon or other cold water fish oils are supplemented on their own for long periods, the effect will be an imbalance of fats that can actually hinder their health, since omega-3 and omega-6 have to be delivered in a natural balance. You may have witnessed their improvement of skin, coat or other markers of health when supplementing your pet’s food with essential fats. But perhaps you also noticed that this original improvement diminished and didn’t know why. It is likely that the supplement was not properly balanced for species-specific fatty acid ratios. These delicate nutrients must also be supplied in the most bio-available form to be absorbed quickly in a dog’s or cat’s gastrointestinal tracts, which are much faster moving and shorter in length. The quantity and proportions of the oils are critically important, but the form and quality of the nutrients are also factors in how well they are used by the animal’s body.
TURN YOUR PETS' DREAM INTO REALITY. SUPPLEMENTS FORMULATED FOR PETS. Supplements designed for humans are not the best fit for dogs or cats. Although a human-intended supplement can deliver immediate health benefits in these animals, the long-term effect will be an imbalance in the other direction. Give your pet biologically active nutrients that will show up as a beautifully lustrous coat, a new spring in their stride, emotional stability, and heightened intellectual capacity. You’ll know for sure you did the right thing. OPTIMAL NUTRITIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAM. BioFATS: A fatty acid complex composed of cold-pressed organic flaxseed and olive oils carefully combined with an accurate blend of cold water fish oils rich in DHA and EPA — plus phosphatidylcholine. BioVITES: A comprehensive mix of the right essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes to escort and protect the fats.
1.877.560.8440 . NUTRITION FOR DOGS & CATS . www.biologicVET.net
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Vegan approved!
One Person’s Food May Be Another’s Poison By Vince Ziccarelli
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n my nutrition practice I’ve witnessed a growing trend towards food sensitivities in an increasing number of clients. Many of these clients eat a very healthy balanced diet, are very active and take vitamin supplements, but are still faced with suboptimal health. Often, I hear these people complain about tiredness, difficulty concentrating, problems with digestion, or feeling like something isn’t right, even though medical tests show no evidence of any problems. Many of these people are likely suffering from food sensitivities.
Food allergies – the first step
While food allergies are commonly diagnosed in a small percentage of the population, food sensitivities are largely overlooked since no reliable laboratory tests can confirm there existence. Food allergies are known as immediate-type reactions to foods involving the IgE mediated immune response. Classic food allergy related symptoms include itchy mouth and throat, hives and swelling of the mouth, lips and face. People with food allergies may be at risk for anaphylaxis (life threatening) reactions that require immediate medical attention. Allergic reactions can also be felt in the digestive tract, usually occurring a few hours after eating a particular food. The stomach and the intestinal tract may be affected with symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, indigestion or overall stomach discomfort. While any food can pose an allergenic risk, most common food allergens include wheat, eggs, dairy, soy, peanuts and shellfish. The best remedy for a food allergy is avoidance of the food or any source of the food from one’s diet. This involves diligent food label reading and researching any questionable food product directly with the manufacturer. The first step is to rule out a potential food allergy through an examination by a medical doctor specializing in allergies. Their years of clinical experience are instrumental in proper diagnosis. A nutrition specialist such as dietitian will usually combine a “food symptom diary,” listing the client’s cues, with skin-prick testing to determine the culprit foods. Often people will find that they do have food allergies, and experience dramatic improvements in their health once they eliminate the allergens. However, many people are not found to have classic food allergies but are still showing signs of food reactions. These people are then likely candidates for possible food “sensitivities.”
Food sensitivities/intolerances
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Food sensitivities are non-IgE mediated immune reactions to foods, and are often very difficult to detect since they can take up to 48 hours to manifest. In other words these reactions are not immediate, and most lab tests are unreliable for their detection. Another form of reaction that has no relation to the immune system is known as idiopathic food intolerance, also known as masked food allergy. Unlike the metabolic abnormalities associated with well recognized food intolerance syndromes (such as lactose intolerance and celiac disease), health care professionals are, for the most part, unable to explain the exact mechanism responsible for these food reactions. For this reason, many physicians ignore its potential health consequences. There are many registered dietitians and nutritionally oriented
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www.vistamagonline.com physicians that acknowledge idiopathic food intolerances in their clinical practice. They often find dramatic improvements in the health outcome of patients, particularly those patients that have tried all other treatment options including conventional medication. Although an idiopathic food intolerance may produce a variety of symptoms ranging from headache to joint pain, following is a list of more common symptoms: • • • • • • •
Migraines or headaches Irritability, fatigue, mental fog, memory difficulties, anxiety, depression Nausea, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea Stomach and or duodenal ulcers Swelling, water retention Muscle aches and joint pain Learning and behavioural difficulties
The King of Super Foods
Possible causes of idiopathic food intolerance
Some nutrition experts believe that food intolerances may be caused by the body’s gut flora (bacteria) being out of balance, when the level of unfriendly bacteria greatly exceeds the number of friendly bacteria (probiotics). This has been found to be the case particularly if the client has used antibiotics, which destroy much of the beneficial bacteria in the gut in addition to unfriendly bacteria they’re meant to destroy, predisposing the person to food intolerances. Other possible reasons include food-derived exorphins, which are similar in structure to the endorphins produced in the body. Endorphins are largely known as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Exorphins from foods have similar effects, which may explain why certain individuals crave foods that they have intolerance to. Wheat and dairy products are rich in exorphins, and most people consume a lot of these foods, potentially setting the stage for intolerance.
How to identify idiopathic food intolerances
There are many foods that may produce an intolerant reaction; some are the same as those that cause an allergic reaction. The most common include wheat, eggs, dairy, soy, nuts, red meat, corn, alcohol and caffeine. The standard procedure to identify idiopathic food intolerance and sensitivities is to carefully conduct a food symptom diary under the guidance of a dietitian. They can guide you through the process to help you identify those foods most likely causing symptoms. A systematic elimination diet with avoidance of suspect foods is then followed for at least three to four weeks. People usually experience dramatic improvement if correct foods were avoided. Foods are then re-introduced to make conclusive associations of the exact foods responsible for sensitivities. The end result is a diet programme with foods that are tolerated and those that are not tolerated, in other words, a list of “foods to avoid.” Although most people feel much better once they avoid food sensitivities, they need to ensure appropriate food substitutes to get the equivalent nutrition to prevent malnutrition. Guidance from a dietitian will ensure complete nutrition when following an avoidance diet.
Nutritional support for sensitive guts
Many people with allergies, sensitivities or idiopathic intolerances within their gastrointestinal tract experience challenges in getting enough protein because they have to avoid many foods. In these cases, protein supplements with low allergy potential provide nutritional support. High quality rice protein powders and hemp protein powders are the ideal supplement choices for many people with sensitivities. These proteins are known to be well tolerated by many people and provide improved protein calorie nutrition. Making tasty smoothies with these proteins using fresh fruit are excellent ways to enhance the intake of valuable nutrients. When selecting a protein powder, choose certified organic products that are made by a reputable company for safety and quality. Vincent Ziccarelli, MSc, RD, FICN is a fellow of the International College of Nutrition and a holistic nutritionist. Vincent has had several years of experience working within research, development and education. He has a private practice in Vancouver, and can be reached at www.nutritioncoach.ca.
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Vincent Ziccarelli MSc, FICN, RD Director of Research & Development Marine Phytoplankton Products Ltd. www.Gesundheit.ca www.nutritioncoach.ca Available only at finer health and natural food stores across Canada.
Exclusively from
www.NorthCoastNaturals.com VISTA Magazine Issue 59
Whittle Your Waistline Features a strategic blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, whole food concentrates, essential fatty acids and plant extracts designed to help support as many aspects of conception, pregnancy and lactation as possible
By John Austen
O
ther than the nursery rhyme about going “’round the mulberry bush” or perhaps their use as food for silkworms, you probably know very little about the mulberry plant and its health-giving benefits. Mulberry trees, Morus alba, are from the same botanical family as fig trees. Although the berries are eaten as fruit in many countries, including Canada, mulberry leaves are also consumed since they’re rich in calcium, vitamin C, carotene and protein. They are used as a tea in Japan, eaten as a vegetable in India, and in other Eastern cultures, made into a pancake with a mixture of leaf powder and wheat flour. The medicinal qualities of the leaves have also been known for centuries — they’re used as a blood purifier, a diuretic and, more recently, to treat diabetes. Mulberry leaves show promise for diabetes because they have been found to help glucose regulation and to have anti-hyperglycemic properties. For centuries, the Japanese, who are generally known for having a long life and a slim, healthy physique, have enjoyed the benefits of mulberry leaves. There may be a correlation between this and the fact that we now know from clinical studies how mulberry leaves regulate blood sugar levels. For dieters, this means lower production of insulin after eating carbohydrates. Insulin is responsible for storing excess calories as fat and for shutting down our body’s fat burning mechanisms. Too much insulin is a dieter’s worst enemy!
How was mulberry discovered for weight loss?
NEW!
Available through traditional health food retailers across Canada.
It was an accidental discovery that the leaves help to enhance a weight loss regime. In the small town of Alesund in Norway, many of its residents began eating this plant, and it made over 1,500 of them lose weight! They were given the plant on the recommendation of health food store owner who felt that he had stumbled upon a new dieting strategy. It began in 2006 when a customer asked him for advice on how to eliminate sugar cravings. He said that he gave his customer mulberry leaf tablets because mulberry is known to lower your blood sugar after meals. When blood sugar is stable, sugar cravings disappear. It worked very well. He then began recommending mulberry to many customers and soon noticed that they were losing weight. This made him curious, so he began studying the effect of mulberries on blood sugar, insulin and fat burning. He found that because of the effect on blood sugar, mulberry leaves lead to lower insulin secretion, which made his customers able to burn stored fat better – like clinical trials have now shown. It also helped reduce the fat that was caused from eating excess calories. The store owner then increased the dosage, recommending two mulberry tablets before each meal. He found that his customers not only controlled their sugar cravings, but also lost significant amounts of weight. He recommended that customers follow the programme for a minimum of 10 days in order to eliminate their need for sugar stimulation. Since sugar works like a drug on the brain and many people are addicted to the “sugar high” that it gives, these individuals had to eliminate this need if they wanted to become and stay slim. By taking mulberry leaves, his customers changed to a healthier diet without even noticing it — they simply didn’t crave sugar. After the success of the first customers, word travelled fast. Even though he is not a health practitioner or a weight loss
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www.vistamagonline.com
Mulberry Zuccarin™ from New Nordic
reGuLATeS bLood SuGAr ANd cHoLeSTeroL LeveLS! HeLpS you coNTroL crAviNGS for SweeTS! Mulberry leaves have long been used in Chinese medicine and the Japanese have been drinking Mulberry Tea for its curative properties for over 700 years! Several studies have shown that all-natural Mulberry extracts effectively stabilizes blood sugar levels, by inhibiting the intestinal metabolism of polysaccharides. cindy hughes Photo
consultant, the health store owner worked closely with over 1,500 customers in Alesund and the surrounding area within a year of his discovery. So perhaps the verse, “Here we go ‘round the mulberry bush so early in the morning,” which originally described traditional cultures picking its leaves and berries, will be resurrected as an anthem for dieters who hum it triumphantly as they take the plant each morning before breakfast.
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With Mulberry Zuccarin, New Nordic delivers a daily dose of 4.5 g of the highest quality Mulberry extract. Simply take one tablet, one hour before every main meal of the day, and let Mulberry finally allow you to control your sugar cravings and your weight.
Look for the Silver Tree logo - your guarantee for high quality. for more information, please call 1-800-261-4223 or 1-877-688-7478 (for Quebec). Available soon in canada at natural health food stores and at GNc. www.newnordic.ca
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
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Eco-Tips: What You Can Do Now Greener green thumbs. Gardening and yard work done by hand is far more rewarding, and is a healthy way to burn calories and build muscles. Forget the power tools; weed whackers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers and lawn mowers are notoriously hazardous to the environment. By John Austen
O
ne lawn mower can produce more pollution than 73 new cars. In one day, Southern California’s lawn tools do more to pollute the air than every airplane in LA. Grab a rake, trowel, pruning shears and a push mower, which are all designed to be far easier to operate and more effective now than they were 20 years ago. You’ll enjoy peace and quiet, fresh air, and a health-enhancing workout. Time it takes to dig out the “old-fashioned” tools in your garage: 5 minutes. Invest in a bright idea.You’ve heard it before — replace incandescent (regular) light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescents produce the same amount of light, but use about a quarter of the electricity and last seven to 10 times longer. Start with those bulbs which are turned on the longest, such as exterior porch lights and kitchen lights. The bonus: You won’t have to replace them for several years, and you’ll save money on your electricity bill (10 to 15 percent of your electricity bill is lighting). Time it takes to change a light bulb: 1 minute. Flip the switch. Rethink your use of “hot” water, “full load”, “extra rinse”, and “pots/pans cycle” settings on your dishwasher and clothing washer. Wash clothes using lukewarm or cold water. Many detergents clean just as well in cold water. Don’t keep the water running when you brush your teeth, shave, wash dishes by hand, or clean vegetables. Time it takes to switch the control or tap: 5 seconds. Turn down your thermostat. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit you lower your thermostat you can save 2 percent on your heating bill. A reduction of 3 degrees Fahrenheit at night and
when you are away during the day provides optimal savings and can reduce your green house gasses by half a tonne. Pull your blinds each evening when the sun sets and raise them each day (unless it’s hot), to use your window coverings to help warm or cool your house. Time it takes to change your thermostat and pull down your blinds: 30 seconds. Plant power offers protection. There’s danger lurking inside your home: newer buildings’ walls, carpets and sealants give off eco-unfriendly, health-depleting toxins (reported to be linked to cancer) like benzene and formaldehyde, and these practically air-tight structures don’t let fresh air in or stale air out. To combat it, buy a shade-loving houseplant, that adds oxygen, keeps your house cooler, and filters out gases in just a few hours (a spider plant is thought to absorb 85 percent of a room’s formaldehyde in six hours). Consider common plants like an indoor fern, spider plant, bamboo palm, mother-inlaw’s tongue, or pygmy date palm. Time it takes to put one in your shopping cart: 30 seconds Don’t waste water to feed your plants. Collect and use your rainwater for the lawn and plants in your backyard. It’s free and better for your plants. At least fix that leaking hose and dripping nozzle to save escaping water; it will keep your shoes drier, too. If you don’t have a backyard, collect the water used to wash vegetables in your sink (without soap) to water your house and balcony plants. Time it takes to carry collected water to plants and water them: 3 minutes. Be a conscious commuter. If you must take the car, make sure that your tires are at the right pressure to ensure optimal fuel efficiency. And consider being kind to a neighbor or coworker
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by offering a ride — carpool! Put a map up in the office to make it easier for commuters to connect with drivers. Time it takes to check your air pressure and refill tires: 3 minutes. Don’t bring home more than your actual purchases. Take your own bags to the store to carry home your groceries and other items. Keep them at your front door and in the front seat of your car to remind you. Use the bulk food sections at health food stores and big box supermarkets to greatly reduce packaging. Time it takes to grab your fabric bag, and to give it to the checkout clerk: 10 seconds. Save trees. The average person in the US consumes about 700 pounds of paper, but recycles only about half of it. Producing paper from recycled materials saves 40 percent of the energy and 75 percent of the pollution, including CO2, which would result if the product came from virgin wood. Recycle every piece of paper you get; recycling a stack of newspapers four feet high will save a good-sized tree. Buy 100 percent recycled products, including stationary and computer paper, and send e-greetings instead of paper cards. Time it takes to put your paper waste into a recycling container five times a day: 1 minute. Don’t stand by while the world collapses. That little red light “stand-by” button telling you that the TV, DVD player, stereo, iron, coffee maker, and computer are ready to turn back on is slowly but surely sapping the planet’s energy. Save energy and money by turning these electronic devices completely off when you’ve finished using them, even if it means pulling the plug from the wall. Time it takes to switch off after each use, and turn back on when you need them: 5 seconds.
Making a Difference: Peter Robinson By Carol Crenna
H
e has saved lives as a park ranger, run BC’s social housing programme, volunteered for the Red Cross in Rwanda and headed the eco-conscious outdoor-rec giant Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). Now, Peter Robinson is the new CEO of the David Suzuki Foundation. After proving that you can be environmentally sustainable, socially conscious and still run an extremely successful business, he now wants to create lasting change by helping to extend David’s Suzuki’s reach at the prominent environmental group. VISTA spoke to Peter about Canada’s eco-concerns. VISTA: Why did you move from MEC to the David Suzuki Foundation? Peter: To be most effective in a leadership position, you should limit time with a company to a period of 5 to 7 years. After that, you’re not as effective as when you began. I like to take on new challenges because I can be fresh and contribute more. I have known people who had lineal careers—moving up in the same organization into higher positions —but it doesn’t broaden your perspective as much as going laterally. I’ve been fortunate enough to be CEO at a crown corporation, a co-op retailer and an environmental group, gaining a depth of experience not obtainable in one field. VISTA: You’ve also been a forest ranger and worked with the Red Cross. Do you use this experience in each job? Peter: I’ve applied lessons learned in each of these diverse areas in my current position. VISTA: There are so many environmental issues that it’s difficult for the public not to feel overwhelmed. How does the David Suzuki Foundation (DSF) stay focused to actually get something done? Peter: David Suzuki is both a scientist and a broadcaster. When he established the foundation in the 1990s, the organization was grounded on the basis that it would be science-based and seek to make changes through education to a far reaching market—using both of his backgrounds. It looks at issues that are critically important but might not be addressed well by other organizations. It does the research and then makes the information intelligent, reliable and very accessible to the general public, businesses and government, moving it into action. The average Canadian cannot deal with today’s very complex issues that have no easy solutions. If you want their support, you have to ensure that the information is well understood before discussion happens; otherwise you can sometimes lead them to draw the wrong conclusions. VISTA: The environment has been in danger globally for years. Why are Canadians only now making it the number one issue of concern?
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Peter: The first reason is that since we have such a large country with vast wilderness, there is an enormous myth that we must be a “green” nation because we have a lot of green. Many people therefore mistakenly believe that we are in an environmental leadership position. But now, because we are more exposed to what other countries are doing, including leading environmental nations in Europe, and conversely, emerging ecological problems in the developing world, we begin to see that other regions are dealing with issues with a greater degree of urgency than we are. As a result, we’re beginning to look at ourselves more critically and consider that maybe we aren’t the leaders that we had thought and that we should pay greater attention to our own problems. The second reason is that one of the unique attributes to living in Canada in a mid-northern latitude is that it has not been subjected to global warming issues that many other areas have. If you travel to the Canadian Arctic, however, the Inuit will tell you that the changes are much more profound than we ever could have anticipated. As you start to see more unusual weather events in this country—more droughts and storm power-outages —you’ll realize that we aren’t isolated from what is happening globally. VISTA: What projects is the David Suzuki Foundation working on right now? Peter: We’ve come to the conclusion that the link between human health and environmental health is not being addressed properly. Part of that has to do with putting a value on what nature provides us as human beings other than monetary. We’re exploring a full “systems assessment” for each natural resource. For example, when we build a dam, traditionally all we consider is the value that is contained in the water as an energy source, used like a battery to generate power from the force of the water. And a forest, in traditional accounting, has no value until you cut it down. But in fact, a forest provides many other services in terms of filtering CO2, and various species that we rely on within it, like spawning grounds for fish, that only remain if the forest remains. VISTA: Any specific applications? Peter: In Ontario we are currently working with pollinators—specifically what bees and other pollinators contribute to agriculture, which is enormous. The loss of bees is creating great risks to our future food supply. If we don’t start putting a true value on these aspects, other than just for their
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output, we have missed a big component of how we should be looking at nature. VISTA: Social justice is important to you. Peter: I’ve become more aware of the link between the environment and human security or social justice. To see the linkage, simply go to a developing country that lacks human security and witness the rapidly deteriorating natural environment that exists with it. The two aspects spiral downward together. We have to look more closely at the intersection of social justice and ecology to make a real difference in environmental issues. VISTA: When you volunteered with the Red Cross in Rwanda, did you find that the civil war was partly caused by environmental degradation, or was it that the war caused the environmental degradation? Peter: Both, which is why it’s critical to study them together. When a region goes into conflict the environment degrades more quickly because you lose the rule of law, and as the environment becomes degraded you also see the social justice further erode. If food supplies dry up when there’s drought, it exacerbates the conflict. VISTA: You’re very environmentally conscious but also a successful business person. MEC doubled in size during your seven years as CEO, adding over a million new members and increasing sales from $147 million to $240 million. During that time the co-op also earned international accolades for ethics, sustainability and millions of dollars donated to environmental causes. How do we convince more companies that the two can work in harmony?
water quality. In Canada, 25,000 deaths and 1.5 million hospital days a year are caused by environmental factors, with a total value to the economy of $9 billion. Yet our gross domestic product measures some of those negative environmental aspects as being positive to the economy. It’s a great irony that a car accident causing death is actually good for the economy, according to the GDP, because of the jobs and services it supports, ignoring the tragedy in the process. We can help the environment by ensuring that people live healthily, including the way they eat; it’s much like the social justice issue. But Canada is one of the few countries that don’t have an environmental health strategy. From a preventative standpoint, improving how we live benefits not only health but the environment and the economy. VISTA: What are some eco-eating tips? Peter: The David Suzuki Foundation promotes steps to create a “diet for a healthy planet.” They include eating meat-free meals one day a week. Meat requires far more water for production and processing than any other food and is also the world’s largest land user. Canadians eat more than twice as much meat as the global average and three times the amount recommended by the World Cancer Research Fund. We also discuss eating locally. Anything that travels generates greenhouse gases (even organic produce), so the less distance something has to move to get to your mouth, the better. Talk to the produce manager and tell them what you want. We promote replacing chemical pesticides with natural methods and native species that thrive without need of chemicals. Over 6,000 pesticide poisonings are reported in Canada annually and half involve children under six, often from gardens and lawns. Concerns have led a few Canadian cities to ban them. Get rid of the poisonous substances you’re using now, but discard them appropriately so they don’t end up in landfills.
Peter: It’s a myth that all business people don’t see the value of the environment in their bottom line. I have seen a real movement in the business community towards the recognition that the two are compatible and that they have to become more responsible. This is because it can actually help your bottom line; conserving water and reducing waste streams positively affect profits.
VISTA: What about our air quality?
VISTA: Even oil companies?
VISTA: With all of the “green washing” —when a product’s environmental/social responsibility is more about marketing than making a difference —how do we know which products to buy?
Peter: Even them. There’s a debate beginning in Alberta relating to tar sands development because the future limiting factor is going to be availability of water. They’re realizing that water is not limitless and they have to conserve it, treat it and recycle it because it will affect their business if they don’t. There is also a growing movement in the Western world that businesses have to be more transparent and socially responsible; the concept of triple bottom line is starting to become important. VISTA: Even to publicly traded businesses? Peter: Yes. Reputation is valuable in any equation, and trust encourages loyalty among your customers. Every business makes mistakes, but more businesses are recognizing that if you have a “high trust capital” with customers, they will be more likely to forgive as long as you don’t do it again. VISTA: The David Suzuki Foundation is promoting that the food we choose is important to the environment. Why food, why now? Peter: We’re concentrating on food and other lifestyle issues because we’ve seen the strong connection between human health and food, air and
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Peter: Canada’s air quality is regulated by voluntary guidelines, which is embarrassing. Australia, the US and most European countries have laws governing air quality that limit acceptable levels of ozone, particulates, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and lead.
Peter: Do your homework. There are lots of websites that give information including the David Suzuki Foundation’s (www.davidsuzuki.org), but when you research a “green” company’s promotion, go deeper. I look for an accountability report, which includes the environmental programmes they’re doing and how well they’re doing them. A true report states what the company is doing well but also what it is not doing well yet, and this transparency helps create trust. VISTA: You said that your early career as a park ranger inspired a life long interest in the environment. I hear that you were even decorated for bravery then? Peter: One might say rather foolishly. VISTA: Why? Peter: It was for a river rescue. When one is young and foolish, one takes risks because it’s the right thing to do – like jumping into rapids.
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The Year of the Frog By Dr. David Suzuki
D
uring my high school years in Ontario, I spent a lot of time at a swamp near my family’s home. Smelling the sweet air in spring, listening to the frogs croak, and catching the insects that would become so important to my life and career gave me solace during those lonely years. Although I became fascinated by insects, I’ve always loved frogs. These amazing amphibians occupy a crucial place in the natural order. They are both predator and prey, providing food for larger species and keeping insect populations in balance by eating them. If frogs were to disappear, the planet would soon be covered in flies and other insects. I like flies, but not that much! In fact, frogs are disappearing. Many of us can remember drifting off to sleep to the sound of frogs, but unless we act now, it’s unlikely that our children and grandchildren will hear the same lullaby. Scientists estimate that one third to one half of the world’s 6,000 known amphibian species could become extinct in our lifetime, including many of the species in Canada. This would be the largest mass extinction since the disappearance of dinosaurs. More than 100 species are already believed to have vanished since 1980. The situation has become so critical that conservationists and institutions including universities, zoos and aquariums have named 2008 the Year of the Frog. The motto, “Frogs matter. Jump in!” is one that we should all take to heart. The more we understand about frogs and the reasons for their disappearance, and the more we all get involved in trying to save them, the more likely we will be to head off this impending disaster. It’s not just the frogs that we have to worry about. Biologists consider frogs and other amphibians as the “canaries in the coal mine.” Because they live in both the aqueous and atmospheric part of the planet, frogs are often the first species affected by environmental problems. As a result, they can serve as a warning to other species, including ourselves. There are many factors that are threatening amphibians, including global warming, habitat loss, pesticide use, pollution, invasive species and overuse by humans as food or pets. Another of the main threats to frogs and amphibians around the world is the spread of a fungus called chytrid (kit-rid). Dealing with the fungus will be a challenge. Chytrid is thought to have been spread initially by trading in the African clawed frog, which was used for pregnancy tests from 1934 to the 1950s. The fungus has now infected more than 100 species of frogs, killing them in a way that is still baffling
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scientists. The spores infect the outer layer of skin, but scientists have yet to figure out its mechanism. Ironically, the fungus is not fatal to the African clawed frog. In an attempt to ensure the survival of frog species most threatened by the fungus, biologists from zoos, aquariums (including the Vancouver Aquarium), and botanical gardens, working with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, set up the Amphibian Ark. Under the programme, conservationists have started gathering threatened frogs to breed and protect in captivity. There’s no guarantee that the scheme will work, but it’s worth a try. One of the challenges will be to maintain genetic diversity under such a programme. Another big challenge, though, will come when it’s time to put the frogs back into their natural habitat. Will there even be places left for them to live? Given the crucial role that frogs play in the natural cycle, what will become of those ecosystems while the frogs are away? Global warming is already shifting the areas where species are found, so when it’s time to release the frogs, it might not even be realistic to return them to their former homes. These are challenges that we Jared Bell Photo can all work to overcome, and some progress has already been made. For example, many municipalities and some provinces such as Quebec and Ontario have banned the use of harmful pesticides sprayed on lawns and gardens that threaten frogs and other wildlife. However, the habitats of frogs and other species are poorly protected when building planning and development decisions are made. We can rectify this situation through involvement with conservation groups and by lobbying governments at all levels to implement and enforce laws to protect dwindling frog populations. Our efforts to slow global warming and to cut down on the waste we produce are also steps that will add up to make a real difference. We must listen to the frogs now, so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the symphony of their songs as we did in our childhood.
David Suzuki is the Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation, and is an award-winning scientist and broadcaster. He is host of the television series, The Nature of Things. He founded CBC radio’s, Quirks and Quarks and presented two documentary series on the environment, From Naked Ape to Superspecies and It’s a Matter of Survival. Dr. Suzuki has received a UNESCO prize for science, a United Nations Environment Program medal and the Order of Canada.
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
Plant Power By Joel Thuna
T
he big fad these days is to jump on the “green” bandwagon. Everyone is trying to leave a small carbon footprint with the products we buy, while we continue to eat very little green. Essentially we are ignoring our internal “greenness.” Why all the fuss about going green for the Earth while leaving our bodies as “un-green” as possible? Being green on the inside means eating lots of dark green foods. Dark green vegetables are powerhouses of nutrition, overflowing with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. They help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other health conditions. In fact, these foods are often called super foods because of their positive impact on your health. What is the main source of health power in these super foods? It is the phytonutrient called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the dark green pigment found in plants. In a complex process, chlorophyll converts energy from the sun into food energy, while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. The energy is used by animals and humans when we eat the plants. This is how energy enters the food chain. Very few of us, including vegans, get adequate chlorophyll in our diet each day. Less publicised than vitamins or minerals, chlorophyll is no less vital to our health and well-being. This chlorophyll shortfall is primarily a result of two factors. First, the general nutrient content of our foods has been steadily declining over the past several decades. Industrial farming, pollution and produce ripening in the backs of trucks instead of on the vine are all partial contributors. Studies have concluded that over the past 50 years the nutritional content of our produce has declined dramatically. In fact, some nutrients have declined by 40 percent. Second, our consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly dark coloured vegetables, is on the decline. Health experts recommend getting as many as 17 servings of fruits and vegetables each day (for example, one serving equals a cup of salad or one piece of fruit). Less than 10 percent of us reach that mark consistently. Without adequate intake, we need supplements to get the vital nutrients we need.
Energy
In addition to being a powerful antioxidant preventing degenerative diseases, chlorophyll offers many other powerful and unique health ben-
efits. One of chlorophyll’s unique characteristics is that it is a non-stimulant, non-caloric energy booster. Unlike drinks that rely on the action of stimulants like caffeine and are loaded with calories from sugar or fructose, chlorophyll works on a completely different mechanism. Chlorophyll, unlike stimulants, is safe. The key to chlorophyll’s stimulation is its action as a mild bronchial dilator. It gently opens up your airways, enabling you to breathe better and increase the amount of oxygen you are able to take in. The increased oxygen nourishes blood and cells throughout your body, increasing energy, stamina and endurance while reducing exercise recovery time. Chlorophyll can beat the mid-afternoon blahs. Most of us have an energy dip around 3:00 pm, when we get lethargic and hungry. Taking chlorophyll after lunch effectively eliminates the drain and the munchies!
How Green Are You Inside?
Feel Clean Fresh & Energized Naturally
Green and clean
Chlorophyll has the ability to make you clean on the inside; because it is a gentle detoxifier and cleanser, it can be a safe addition to your daily routine. Chlorophyll binds to a wide variety of toxins, helping your body to rapidly and safely eliminate them. Many of these toxins are carcinogenic (cancer causing) products and by-products that can also lead to organ failure. Chlorophyll also assists in the removal of heavy metals, and as an antioxidant, helps neutralize harmful free-radicals. It removes carbon dioxide and monoxide, and has been found to reduce fecal, urinary and body odour. Everyone could use more chlorophyll in their diet, and a chlorophyll supplement adds power to your health green diet. When choosing a supplement, make sure that you are receiving at least 130 milligrams of pure chlorophyll in each dose and that you take it at least twice a day. Liquids are better than capsules or tablets because they provide higher doses and much greater absorption. Ensure that the liquid you choose is as pure as possible and contains only the required ingredients — water, chlorophyll and potassium — and perhaps natural flavouring, as any additional ingredients can reduce the absorption and effectiveness. Most importantly, remember that you will need to take it regularly to get the maximum benefits. Enjoy the refreshing energy boost and go green!
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www.PureleNatural.com 1-800-887-6009
Sports Nutrition Update
www.vistamagonline.com
The True Wealth of Health By Cory Holly
E
xercise and nutrition are the ultimate prescription for optimum health and a long life. But the exercise must be correct and the nutrition must be biologically compatible with our human genome complex. Fall short and you can expect negative consequences more reliable than rising gas prices. Obey the laws that dictate optimum health and that is exactly what you get. Exercise and nutrition are still light years ahead of prescription drugs as the best medicine. Dr. James Wright, professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia, extols the multiple benefits of exercise and nutrition therapy. Annual statin drug sales of $29 billion can’t hold a candle to bathing our genes in whole food, routine physical conditioning and an almost endless variety of natural health products. His expert advice is to do what works and what is proven through scientific research. Statin drugs fall short on both counts, but only a very small percentage of people using them knows or even cares. The simple truth is that our bodies are meant to move. Until recently, if you didn’t farm, fish, hunt or gather, you didn’t eat. You had to expend calories to get calories. That’s balance. Today we can simply order-in or drivethrough. Of course our original diet consisted of organic, unrefined whole food teeming with micronutrients. That’s quality. This wholesome, clean dietary approach is called the ancestral or paleo diet (for more information, read Dr. Loren Cordain’s The Paleo Diet for Athletes. Now what we call “food” is chemically produced, genetically modified, highly refined, packed with added salt, sugar and fat for taste and extremely low in micronutrients. It is foreign to our DNA and highly toxic to the neurons in our brain. The acronym for DIET is Discipline In Energy Transfer. Do you have any? The function of food is first and foremost related to biological supply and demand. This concept ties in with
the prime directive of nutrition—to supply your own individual biological demand for energy and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and enzymes). The prime directive of nutrition ranks higher than taste, mouth feel or pleasure. Food is far more than just fuel for the fire. It’s a drug according to Dr. Barry Sears, author of The Zone Diet, a drug consisting of thousands of bioactive natural chemicals in their primal organic state. Eat the correct amount of protein, carbs and fat at the right time and you can expect insulin stability and blood sugar balance. No more highs or lows. No more cravings for sugar and refined sterile food or what Dr. Abram Hoffer calls “food artifacts.” Controlled exercise and physical activity are necessary to our survival because they are the only means of compensating for living without physical effort in the 21st century. They both pave the way to better health and longevity of life through transformation of mind and body. The body is servant to the mind. Measure your health by the state of your mind. To measure the state of your mind, look at your body naked in the mirror. Most people do not understand what exercise is. Going for a walk isn’t exercise. Neither is golfing, gardening, hiking, dancing or any sport. These are all examples of physical activity, but they are not exercise. Here’s the difference and it’s a major one. Physical activity refers to any expenditure of energy brought about by bodily movement through the contraction of skeletal muscles. This includes a complete spectrum of activity ranging from very low resting levels, like walking, to maximal exertion, like a shift in a hockey game. Exercise is a component of physical activity but its distinguishing characteristic is that it’s planned in advance, structured and organized by science to develop and maintain total physical fitness for the benefit of health and performance. It’s something you measure and calculate pro-
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gressively using sets, reps, poundage and time. Exercise is the means; physical activity is the end. You strengthen and condition your body so you can use your body as it was and is designed to do life long. If you don’t, it literally disintegrates prematurely due to neglect, poor diet, uncontrolled free radical oxidation, gravity and entropy. The medical term is sarcopenia or “poverty of flesh.” The ancient Spartans understood that both mind and body are equal in terms of value, development and condition. If you watch the movie 300, you will recognize that they valued courage, honour and integrity. No single sport or physical activity provides total physical fitness. Ever wonder why professional athletes all go the gym? Why don’t they just play their sport? Hockey players don’t do full squats on the ice. Soccer players don’t perform yoga poses in the middle of a game. At work, bricklayers don’t perform crunches on a Swiss ball. Think about it. A good workout is a full meal deal! Walking is therapeutic but it will not prevent the atrophy of muscle observed in men and women as they age. It’s also not strenuous enough to release growth hormone or elevate testosterone. Try sprinting and you’ll soon discover why the 100 metre run is the most popular single event in the summer Olympics. Strength training targets every muscle symmetrically and keeps your anabolic drive alive, but you still need to stretch to retain the flexibility of youth and perform some form of continuous aerobic activity for the sake of your heart, lungs and arteries. Life is in the blood. That’s why nutrition, which nourishes the blood, is critical and continues to surface as a significant health factor in current medical research. I will discuss this further in the next issue of VISTA. As always, stay well… The Cory Holly Institute is dedicated to educating the world in sports nutrition, anti-aging, health and fitness. Visit CoryHolly.com for more information.
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Extensive research conducted at Dr. Rath’s Research Institute in Cellular Medicine has proved that team work (synergy) of specific cellular nutrients like Vitamin C, L-Lysine, L-Proline, EGCG (antioxidant compound of green tea) and other nutrients has a powerful effect on maintaining a healthy body. Together, these nutrients can enhance the body’s natural defense process, strengthen the integrity of connective tissue, help in controlling and blocking abnormal cells from spreading. Ecomax Nutrition. 1-800668-4559 * 514-344-7008 * ecomaxah@bellnet.ca
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Wendel Clark recommends Naka’s LIQUID Nutri-Flex, now featuring 1000 IU of Vitamin D! Wendel Clark says “During my NHL hockey career some fans called me “Captain Crunch”. You don’t get a name like that without knowing a thing or two about joint pain. That’s why I recommend Nutri-Flex for effective joint pain relief. It’s the official joint care supplement of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the winning choice for both joint and arthritis pain. Thanks to Nutri-Flex, I say it’s game over for joint pain! Try Nutri-Flex today.” Discover the new LIQUID Nutri-Flex formula featuring the added health benefits of 1000 IU of Vitamin Nutri-Flex is D plus Boswellia. Help to ease official joint care supplement of joint pain and inflammation, the Hockey Hall of Fame plus protect and rebuild cartilage with just one easy
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
www.vistamagonline.com
Why Do I Need to Use a Sauna? Most people have experienced the warmth of a sauna at least once in their lifetime, but often associate it with a pampering indulgence simply for re‑ laxation. However, some people know the many other benefits that saunas have to offer, especially for the stresses and toxicity of today’s world. By Michelle Kwon
O
utdoor saunas have increased in Canada, partly due to the fact that aging baby boomers are simplifying life—semi-retiring and buying recreational property—and have restructured their new lifestyle to accommodate a European-styled sauna bathing ritual. The “sow-nah” (sauna) has been an essential part of the life in Finland for nearly 2000 years. The Finns are dedicated to their traditions of sauna bathing. Many have incorporated a traditional outdoor sauna as part of their cottage, within its landscape design, located close-by to be part of their daily regime for the promotion of good health. The high temperatures of these traditional outdoor saunas open clogged pores through perspiration, eliminating harmful toxins from the body through the skin. Within the past five years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of far infrared saunas. Infrared sauna rooms have had many studies documented on their benefits from naturopathic doctors. These doctors highly recommend their use for detoxification and therapy. Infrared heat penetrates 1.5 inches (3.8 centimetres) into the body, and soothing heat is absorbed into the muscles, fat cells and joints. The infrared sauna is used to treat people who suffer from overload of heavy metals, stress, anxiety, arthritis and poor complexion. It is useful for general immune system and cardiovascular health; it increases circulation and oxygen
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supply to damaged tissues; and it may even help to heal serious and chronic disease. Infrared saunas are certified for indoor use. They are often incorporated into basement renovation projects, recreation rooms, large bathrooms, home gyms, and any small space within the house where homeowners can find a place to “plug it in” for use. Infrared sauna rooms have also become very cost effective as they are free standing, pre-built and feature “plug and play” setup. They are also very energy efficient; the power consumption is approximately one third of the majority of traditional sauna equipment. Infrared sauna rooms eliminate the need for construction within a home’s room unlike a traditional sauna. The sauna rooms are fully manufactured and take approximately 45 minutes to assemble and become fully operational. No tools are required and they are extremely easy for even the inexperienced handy-person to assemble, but if you are more experienced, an alternative is a do-it-yourself kit that can be made to accommodate any room size or design. The health benefits and cost effectiveness of far infrared saunas have made this type of sauna more popular, as Canadian consumers learn from the Finns and make them an essential part of their lifestyle. Far infrared heat emitting devices have a 30 year history of safe therapeutic applications and are even used in hospitals to nurture and give warmth to premature babies.
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
®
Introducing Restful Legs...
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Calms Agitated Legs to Help You Rest.
Hyland’s Restful Legs contains six homeopathic ingredients to calm the creeping, crawling itch, the constant urge to move the legs, leg twitches and jerks that occur during extended periods of rest. TM
Safe. Effective. Natural | 67
VISTA Magazine Issue 59
www.restfullegs.com