VISTA Issue #70

Y O U R C A N A D I A N H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S C O N N E C T I O N vistamagonline.com vistamagonline.com

ISSUE 66 Sept / Oct 2009

Issue 70 March/April 2010

ENTER TO

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PAGE 60

Interview

with dragon’s den star

W. Brett Wilson Healthy, Yummy Chicken Piccata

Interview with

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Don’t Shoot the Messenger

Searching for a Younger Body What Does Winning Really Mean?

To Change Your Life, First Change Your Mind Nobel Peace Prize Winner Discusses Our Climate

OOrganic lanet Pacific Garbage Patch DownGreat the Drain: Canada’s Water Use rganicPP lanetfeature: feature: The

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contents Issue 70 | march/april 2010

28 36 Find the Ultimate MultiVitamin

By Brad King How to get what you need

39 Life Without Salt?

24 9

Editor’s Healthlines

By Carol Crenna Eat local or global?

10 Arnica – Nature’s Wonder

By John Austen Healing painful mishaps when you fall

12 Fat Loss Supplements

By Don Gauvreau Help to maintain healthy body weight

14 Pain – Don’t Shoot the Messenger

By Dr. Christian Guenette Reconsider the cause of your pain

16 Alkaline-Forming Foods for Athletes

By Brendan Brazier Choose protein quality over quantity

18 A Healthy, Happy Heart

By Ann Barnes Food that’s heart-friendly

20 Optimize Your Workout to Optimize You!

By Maureen Fontaine How a mushroom helps performance

22 Digestive Health 101

By John Austen Learn about your detox organs

24 W. Brett Wilson: Doing What’s Right

By Rose Walter The health benefits of salt

40 Build Your Bones

By Michelle Kwon The calcium solution

42 Time To Detox?

By John Austen Spring clean your system

44 Sports Nutrition Update

By Cory Holly Training principles

By Carol Crenna Interview with Dragon’s Den star Brett Wilson

26 Introducing: The Energy Nutrient

By Jolie Root Do you know what ribose is?

28 The Power of Green Foods

By Lorenda Stefan Fight disease with convenient superfoods

30 Recipe for Health

By Tracy Kaye Holly Chicken piccata

32 Help For Inflammation

By Mark Schneider The underlying factor in many diseases

34 Anxiety? Try Passionflower

By Robbin Coedy Natural herbal stress relief

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

32

VISTA proudly brought to you by:

This issue of

M A G A Z I N E

www.vistamagonline.com

Publisher’s

word

Publisher:

Trent Nellis

Editor:

Carol Crenna

Marketing Director & Associate Editor:

Shelly-Lynn Nellis

Art Director:

Cindy Hughes

Copy Editor:

Dan Tidsbury

Vice-President, Sales:

Paul Airut tel (778) 222-7775 e-mail paulairut@telus.net

NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER:

James Mohr tel (778) 222-7774 e-mail jmvista@telus.net

cOVER CREDIT:

cbc / Jeff Kirk

Contributing Writers: Ann Barnes, Brad King, Brendan Brazier, Carol Crenna, Dr. Christian Guenette, Cory Holly, David Suzuki, Dr. Delia Simu, Don Gauvreau, Franco Cavaleri, John Austen, Jolie Root, Dr. Kristie, Lorenda Stefan, Mark Schneider, Marva Ward, Maureen Fontaine, Michael Bloch, Michelle Kwon, Robbin Coedy, Rose Walter, Tracy Kaye Holly

Board of Advisors: Dr. Michael Colgan, PhD, CCN, Dr. Gloria Gilbère, Dr. Christian ­Guenette, DC, Cory Holly, DN, Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky, BSc, MA, ND, Tomás Nimmo, Dr. Terry Willard, ClH, PhD, Dr. Zoltan Rona, MD

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) 591-1989e-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 2010, 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 ISSN #1715-8214

Oh, Canada...

A

s I write this we are on day 12 of the winter Olympics and Canada has just entered double digits for medal wins as last evening saw Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue win gold in ice dance. These games have left me utterly in awe and filled with positive emotions. As is common in sport, Canada has had some bitter disappointments and we have had some unexpected surprises over the past two weeks. Who would have thought that our men’s hockey team would be fighting for their lives tonight and facing elimination still two wins away from the medal round? What has been the most astonishing thing to me has nothing to do with our athletes but rather with our unconcealed pride and patriotism. Canadians are rallying together to support our country like no other sporting event in our history has ever prompted. As we come from such a mulicultural nation, visitor’s assumption of Canada has always been that Canadians lack a sense of patriotism and national pride. I can tell you that nothing is further from the truth. Canadians from all across this vast land of ours have changed the way the world and even we ourselves feel about this great nation. The participation by Canadian fans as displayed throughout the streets of Vancouver and Whistler during these Olympic games has been awesome to say the least! Our national anthem can be heard spontaneously on every street corner as groups of us swelling with pride show the world how wonderful it feels to be a Canadian and to be part of this magnificent global spectacle. I have always been proud to be a Canadian but this event—the coming together of a nation, the unwavering support and unbridled enthusiasm of all the people in this country—has made me proud of all Canadians. The historic memories we Canadian fans have provided ourselves will live on forever. Way to go Canada and thank you all for being exactly who we are.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Magazine Fund toward our editorial costs.

Health Action Network Society

Trent E. Nellis, Publisher To contact Trent Nellis via e‑mail, write to thepub@shaw.ca

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

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contents

www.vistamagonline.com

46 Conquering Cellulite

By Dr. Delia Simu Natural ways to reduce “orange peel” skin

55 Heal Rather Than Eradicate Disease

By Michelle Kwon

Natural approaches to cancer treatment

58 Five Foods that Harm the Skin

By Dr Kristie Dietary demons that destroy skin

60 Paperback Heroes

By Michelle Kwon Books that inspire healthy living

61 Sensitive Skin S.O.S.

By Michelle Kwon Treat your skin with TLC

62 Personal Care – A Thing of Beauty?

By Marva Ward Know what’s in your beauty products

63 Your Pet’s Exercise Depends on Joint Health

58

By Franco Cavaleri What your dog needs for joints

49 Down the Drain: Canada’s Water Use

By Carol Crenna We need conservation, says Hans Schreier

50 Earth Friendly Air Fresheners

By Michael Bloch No need to use chemicals

51 Imagine a Brighter 21st Century

By David Suzuki Why grow the economy at the world’s expense?

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

49

Editor’s

Healthlines

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Carol Crenna, rhn

New - Intelligent A daily supplement line.

Eat local or global?

F

irst we fretted over what was more important, to eat local or organic, in regard to food’s nutritional value and environmental cost. Though it’s still debated, it was generally resolved that organically-grown local food was best. Whether or not we felt healthier or more conscientious eating it, we definitely felt smug buying it. Now controversy brews over what’s better, local or global, after new books including Just Food: Where Locavores Get it Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly, in which James McWilliams argues points made in earlier pro-local books like The 100-Mile Diet and The Omni‑ vore’s Dilemma.

Though we may have once been scolded for playing with our food, we’re now preoccupied with dissecting everything on our dinner plate. That’s not a bad thing. Investigative journalists have opened our eyes to the dark side of why it’s possible to buy cherries in January, why once-rare treats like macadamia nuts and fresh figs are now fairly commonplace, and why chicken has become so curiously inexpensive. As writer Marian Scott states, these books have raised disturbing questions about the seamy underbelly of our global food system, and inspired a quest for nutritional redemption that has sent consumers scurrying to farmers’ markets. (The Vancouver Sun, January 2, 2010) Now with every mouthful we consider: carbon footprint – fossil fuel used and pollution created to produce/transport it; food miles – the distance and time it took to get to our plate; nutritional value – whether there’s much left in it after depleted soil, days on a truck and destructive processing denature it, and what’s in it that we don’t want – preservative and addictive chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics and GMOs. Just when we thought local was better than international, Just Food: Where Locavores Get it Wrong says, not necessarily. The author argues that fieldgrown indigenous crops imported from warmer climates are less energy intensive than hothouse produce grown locally, and the energy we use to prepare food at home equals twice as much as its transportation footprint. He says agonizing over food’s origins has made us lose sight of global poverty. The problem of adequately feeding billions using sustainable production methods should be a major consideration. He asks which is worse: using technology and GMOs to increase yields on land that’s available to grow food, or destroying more tropical rainforests and building environmentally disastrous water pipelines to feed locals.

Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia face extreme food shortages. Soaring prices in 2008 sparked riots in 30 countries, with food inflation pushing an additional 100 million people into deep poverty, on top of a billion already starving. Two-thirds of India’s 1.1 billion people depend on farming for their income, but cultivatable land has dropped by one fifth in the past year due to dwindling water supplies, deforestation, and a changing rainy season. China faces great shortages — Beijing recently bought huge tracts of arable land in Africa to grow crops for consumption back home. (AFP News, September 08, 2009) Where does that leave Africans? If we don’t stop getting cheap produce from China, what other options are left them? Eat local and focus improvement efforts on global.

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

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Arnica -

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Nature’s Wonder

By John Austen

Peaceful Nights & Pain Free Days Every mother wants to ease her baby’s pain quickly. Hyland’s provides natural treatment for teething pain: quick-dissolving Teething Tablets and mess-free Teething Gel. Gentle on even the youngest baby’s system, quick and effective on cutting pain. Mothers have trusted us for more than 80 years to relieve teething pain naturally.

W

hen spring’s outdoor activities bring aches and injuries, Mother Nature provides a cure-all plant called Ar‑ nica montana. For its ability to reduce bruising and bleeding, this time-honoured and tested homeopathic remedy deserves a place in your family’s first aid kit. Doctors, dentists, naturopaths, midwives, athletic trainers, and parents of children with everyday mishaps also use arnica’s healing benefits.

“Arnica is the most renowned trauma remedy, and is without equal as the primary remedy for injury of any kind whatsoever,” states Asa Hershoff, ND, DC, in the book Homeopathy for Musculoskeletal Healing.

Health stores and pharmacies offer arnica in diverse internal and external preparations, by itself or combined with other trauma-oriented ingredients. Massage oils, ointments, creams and gels containing arnica help reduce bruising, sore muscles and joint pain. Internal doses of arnica reduce the severity of trauma, injuries and shock and are applied to a wide range of symptoms: bruises, sprains, joint and back injuries, muscle strains, head injuries, fractures, childbirth, surgeries and dental work – in short, any situation that causes bleeding, pain or shock.

For sports and workouts

Those working with arnica in sports medicine agree that arnica should be in the gym bag of every athlete and trainer. In his book, Homeopathic Treatment of Sports Injuries, Dr. Lyle Morgan states, “Arnica should be considered first in all cases of physical injury.” He explains its action:

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“Arnica works quickly to repair damaged blood vessels, to reduce swelling at the site of the injury, and to eliminate pain…”

In his book, Sports and Exercise Injuries, Dr. Steven Subotnick offers the case of a 32-year-old marathon runner who explained, “usually it takes me about a week to recover from a marathon, but if I take arnica right afterwards, I don’t get much pain or bruising. Later in the week, if I still feel stiff I take Rhus tox. I love these remedies.”

Being homeopathic, arnica will not interfere with athlete drug testing or other medications, and thus athletes are becoming loyal and grateful proponents of arnica, especially for the relief of tired, achy, overused and strained muscles and sprained, swollen or sore joints.

Physicians throughout the US, Europe and India extol arnica’s virtues, often using it in place of pharmaceutical medications.

Edward Shalts, MD, DHt., states, “Arnica montana is the most important remedy to have for trauma… Arnica will always provide some degree of help to a traumatized child. It’s an excellent remedy for a baby who has gone through a stressful birth… Arnica is amazing!” He gave arnica to his daughter when she had four wisdom teeth removed, and states, “That same day, she had a few friends over and was talking, laughing and eating without any problems – no bleeding, no pain, no infection.” (The American Institute of Homeopathy Handbook for Parents.)

Homeopathic physician Miranda Castro, FSHom, states in The Complete Homeopathy Handbook, “Arnica promotes healing, controls bleeding, reduces swelling and prevents pus forming and is therefore an essential ingredient of your first-aid kit. It is the first remedy to think of after an accident.”

The praise for arnica’s therapeutic benefits fills volumes — yet its most essential property is that, in homeopathic preparations, it is absolutely safe, with no reported side effects or conflicts with other treatments or medications.

It is also completely natural. This vibrant, yellow-blooming flower grows between rocks in harsh mountain climates and in mountain meadows across Europe, Siberia, Canada and the US. Arnica has been used as a folk medicine since the 16th century. Even mountain goats are known to nibble on it after a fall, instinctively recognizing its therapeutic value, thus inspiring its German name Fallkraut.

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

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Fat Loss Supplements

By Don Gauvreau Natural caffeine

Caffeine is naturally occurring in green tea and is well known for its calorie-burning, energy-boosting properties. Research shows that supplementing with caffeine causes a variety of effects that result in mobilization and oxidation of fat. Studies also show that when combined with EGCG from green tea, caffeine’s thermogenic properties are even greater. Just remember that you don’t want to overdo it with caffeine. Health Canada’s Natural Health Product Directorate advises that healthy individuals can safely consume up to 200 milligrams of caffeine up to three times daily.

Essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs), which include omega-3 and omega-6, are deemed essential for human health and must be obtained from your diet (or supplements) since they can’t be made by the body. EFAs are also very important when it comes to fat loss. Several studies conducted on fish oil (a superior source of omega-3 fatty acids) have shown very positive results in its ability to enhance fat loss. In fact, multiple clinical studies show that 3 to 9 grams of fish oil daily can significantly increase fat oxidation during exercise and at rest This means by simply taking fish oil you can burn more fat both during your workouts and when you’re just sitting around.

Fibre

Shed fat and maintain a healthy body weight with the help of fat-fighting supplements.

Burning fat and losing weight is no simple task. We all know that you need to eat healthily and increase your daily calorie expenditure through exercise if you want to see noticeable results. Some key dietary supplements can also go a long way in helping you reach your weight loss goals. The following will provide a better understanding of the most effective fat-loss ingredients available.

Green tea extract

Green tea extract is one of the most popular fat loss ingredients because of the scientific evidence that proves its effectiveness. Several clinical studies show that green tea extract has a significant effect on increasing thermogenesis (the production of body heat) and fat oxidation (fats metabolized and used by the body to produce energy – so it’s not stored). Since it’s been determined that the EGCG component in green tea has the greatest impact on fat loss, make sure that the green tea you use is standardized for EGCG. On its own, green tea is a powerful fat burner, but when used in conjunction with other fat burning compounds, such as naturally occurring caffeine, its effectiveness can be enhanced even further.

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Adequate fibre is essential if you want to optimize weight loss or maintain your current body weight. Fibre is classified as soluble or insoluble, and each type has unique functions. Soluble fibre binds with fatty acids and prolongs stomach emptying time so that sugar is released and absorbed more slowly. This prevents spikes in insulin release, which can have a dramatic effect on reducing fat storage in the body. Insoluble fibre moves bulk through the intestines and controls and balances acidity in the intestines.

Although this effect doesn’t directly stimulate fat burning, it ensures better digestive health, which in the long run can have a significant effect on weight loss.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

CLA is a clinically-proven “fat-burning” fat. It’s usually derived from sunflower or safflower oil and then made in a lab by manipulating the linoleic acid molecule. Research shows that CLA increases energy expenditure, decreases fat incorporation into fat cells and reduces lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) – the enzymes responsible for fat build up. If you use CLA, make sure it’s a product with high concentrations of the active isomers, cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12, and take at least 3 grams daily to get noticeable results.

If you find that your weight loss has hit a plateau and isn’t changing as quickly as you’d like, then try using some of these metabolism-boosting supplements. In addition to a healthy diet and a good exercise programme, these fat-fighting ingredients can help you burn the extra calories it takes to see noticeable weight-loss results. References available from VISTA. Don Gauvreau, MSc., CSCS, is recognized in the health and fitness industry as a research expert and nutrition specialist.

| VISTA VISTA Magazine Magazine Issue Issue 70 70

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Pain – Don’t Shoot The Messenger Pain? Don’t shoot the messenger. Listen to the message.

It’s telling you something important.

By Dr. Christian Guenette

A

s a healthcare provider, many people come to me in a great deal of pain. When I investigate the cause of a patient’s pain, I consider family and personal health history, diet and physical activities, and how recent changes in daily activities could affect the patient’s symptoms.

If there is an obvious relationship (such as “just started training for a marathon, and now my knees hurt”), I design a treatment plan that corresponds with any physical stress and/or imbalance.

Unfortunately, it‘s rarely a straightforward plan. Most often, the patient reports that he/she woke up in pain, and there’s no clear pattern of physical activity or trauma that could have reasonably caused their injury. I am left to assume that the patient must have slept funny. The majority of patients experiencing this kind of mystery pain tell me this must be the cause. It didn’t hurt when they went to bed, but it sure hurts a lot after they wake up.

My response to this kind of logic is the question, “Does it make sense that the least physically-demanding activity during a 24-hour cycle (sleep) is the cause for the greatest discomfort during the same time period?”

When you sleep, you shift from physical activity to inactivity. As you do, the amount of energy used to fuel the body’s musculoskeletal system is redirected to other bodily functions like digestion, repair and rejuvenation.

Just like a busy office building, once all the businessmen leave at the end of the day, the janitorial staff moves in to prepare the building for the next day of business. This is the opposite of damaging.

If it’s not a case of sleeping funny, what could be causing the pain when the patient wakes up? When you go to sleep, only your conscious mind relaxes. The subconscious mind keeps humming along, sometimes more actively at night than during the day. The subconscious mind is a much

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more complicated information processor than the conscious mind; it processes millions of bits of information per second, all designed to keep the human machine safe, functional and coordinated. The conscious mind, on the other hand, processes only hundreds of information bits per second, and is mostly concerned with one idea at a time. For the mind, sleep is not necessarily the time for rest.

What happens if, during the day, you ignore more painful or problematic issues, trying to keep them “out of sight, out of mind’? Do the problems go away? Nope. However, as you shut off your coping mechanisms when you go to sleep, your subconscious mind shifts into overdrive as it explores your problems, trying find a solution. As you struggle with difficult life issues throughout the night, you may end up feeling un-rested in the morning, even like you’ve been hit by a truck. The problem is that you were the only one doing the driving.

Internalized stress (mental and/or emotional) is more likely the cause of pain, illness and disease than all other causative agents (physical and/ or chemical) put together. Patients’ pain shows me this, loud and clear. A few carefully posed questions, combined with a little knowledge about the mind/body connection, usually reveal the truth.

The first step to figuring out what caused the pain is to check the timelines of your symptoms. When the symptoms first appeared, what was going on in your life? Were you dealing with anything particularly stressful?

Did you experience any significant conflict with a loved one, or someone who is a major influence in your life? If so, this is probably the trigger for the symptoms. Address the issue as quickly as possible, so that you don’t have to keep the negativity of the situation in your mind – and consequently in your body, too.

If the symptoms have been recurring, or slowly building, it may be difficult to remember when they first began. If this is the case, it is significant to look at the location of pain for the clues to what’s bothering you. Carolyn Myss’ Anatomy of the Spirit, or Louise Hay’s Heal Your Body are two books that discuss different body parts and their relationship to mental/ emotional issues.

Once pain is in the body, it’s in the body. While you are working to figure out your issues, get help for the body, too. Don’t ignore the pain. While you’re on the mend physically, ask yourself what the pain may be trying to tell you – is there something significant that needs to be taken care of in your life? You’ll be amazed how quickly the body settles down once you start paying attention, and responding to your needs.

Dr. Christian Guenette is The Common Sense Coach. For more ideas about personal change and transformation, go to www.thecommonsensecoach.com.

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

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Alkaline-Forming Foods for Athletes

By Brendan Brazier

T

he body’s acid/alkaline balance is one of the most important factors in athletic performance. Athletes in peak training are most negatively affected by acidosis, a condition in which the body’s pH is excessively acidic, caused by both the stress of training and the foods used to fuel the training. Acidosis impedes recovery and thus the athlete’s ability to get the most out of training.

Combining the acidifying effects of many protein foods consumed by athletes (with the intent to build muscle) and other foods creates a perfect storm of acidity. This acidity counteracts the very performance gains you were training for and causes sleep impairment, mental and physical lethargy, and body fat accumulation! Knowing which foods, and specifically which proteins, aid in establishing your body’s pH balance will not only help you avoid the negative effects of acidosis, but also help your recovery time and energy levels to train stronger, longer and harder.

pH balance

While training, athletes require more protein-rich food to help with muscle recovery and repair muscle tissue. One important factor of a speedy recovery is pH balance, and the foods you eat directly contribute to the acidity or alkalinity of your body. From digestion to elimination, your body must deal with toxins from acid-forming foods. As the body performs these functions, it becomes increasingly acidic, a natural by-product of a healthy metabolism. This can cause a shift in pH balance when you consume too many acid-forming foods.

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Highly refined, processed foods are toxin producers and, as a result, have the most negative impact on pH balance. Not only do they create an acidic environment, but they’re often higher in calories and more difficult to digest, further counteracting the body’s recovery. Other acid-forming foods include animal protein, dairy products, candy and coffee. Most prescription drugs, artificial sweeteners, modified sugars such as high fructose corn syrup (commonly in sports drinks), synthetic vitamins and mineral supplements are also acid-forming in the body.

Protein: quality over quantity

All proteins aren’t created equal when referring to their alkalizing or acidifying effects on the body. By disregarding the effects of proteins on pH balance, numerous sport supplement manufacturers have significantly reduced the effectiveness of their products. Common sport supplements contain denatured, highly processed, acid-forming ingredients such as whey and soy protein powders which are highly acid-forming and extremely difficult for your body to digest. These powders are highly acidic because their carbohydrates and fats have been removed, thereby making them protein isolates. The isolation process involves high temperatures and usually chemicals, resulting in a protein with a significantly lower pH than it had before processing. The process can also leave behind toxic residues.

The body must work harder to digest protein isolates which, in turn, has an acidifying effect.

Based on personal experience and the extensive research I’ve done for most of my athletic career, I believe that athletes should be consuming good quality proteins instead of over-consuming acid-forming proteins.

Whole, non-isolated, plant-based, chlorophyll-rich proteins are essential to what constitutes a quality protein. These proteins create alkaline balance within your body. Great sources of these alkaline-forming proteins are raw, unrefined, plant-based sources such as hemp (50 percent protein), spirulina (over 60 percent protein), raw alfalfa juice (contains 21 vitamins and minerals), green pea protein and raw sprouted rice. These proteins supply the body with the building blocks it needs for regeneration (muscle and tissue repair), to reduce inflammation, and to maintain a healthy alkaline environment, allowing athletes to train longer and harder. Plant-based proteins protect against chronic diseases, are low in saturated fat, and promote overall health. These proteins are best consumed soon after your workout to counteract the acidifying effects of training.

The greatest advice I can offer athletes is to consume alkaline-forming –unprocessed, raw – foods to keep the body in an alkaline state. The next time you start training for that half marathon or want to increase endurance and recovery time, choose quality proteins!

Brendan Brazier is a professional Ironman triathlete, two-time Canadian 50km Ultra Marathon Champion and bestselling author. Brendan’s follow-up to best-selling book, The Thrive Diet is Thrive Fitness (Penguin Canada) which includes a step-by-step fitness programme. These are complemented by a free online wellness programme at Thrivein30.com.

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

DRIVE

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A Healthy, Happy Heart Heart healthy recipe:

choco-orange balls

By Ann Barnes Eat good fat

W

ith spring in full swing, many of us are focused on health, rethinking some bad habits and making positive changes for our hearts. It’s essential that we educate ourselves on ways to improve this vital organ!

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global deaths, and heart attacks and strokes are the most common CVDs, caused by a blockage of fatty deposits in blood vessels preventing blood flow to the heart or brain. Factors that indicate higher risks of heart attack and stroke include: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (or LDL, the “bad” cholesterol), and being overweight. All of these indicators result in your heart having to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood around your body to feed trillions of cells.

The World Health Organization recently reported that unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and cigarette smoking are responsible for 80 percent of heart attacks. In order to give your heart a break, take a few of these steps:

Studies show that essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital for growth and maintenance of cells; some decrease blood pressure and make your blood less likely to clot. Avoid saturated fats (found in animal and dairy products) and consume a wide variety of plant-based fats, especialy polyunsaturated fats, in moderation. Within polyunsaturated fats are the EFAs omega-3 and omega-6.

EFAs help control an amazing number of cellular processes and are as important as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Monounsaturated fat is also great for cardiovascular health because it reduces high triglyceride levels. Sources include unprocessed vegetable oils and nuts and seeds. One seed called salba, for example, offers all daily EFA requirements in one serving. Medical research proves that adding salba to our daily diet reduces blood pressure and inflammation of the arteries. It also has a blood thinning effect without affecting coagulation (compared to fish oil that does affect blood thickness). In addition to getting good fats, increased gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) combined with omega-3 EFAs may help to reduce total LDL cholesterol and substantially reduce risks of heart attacks. One food source that provides GLA is hempseed (or more concentrated hemp oil).

Increase fibre

Fibre – carbohydrates that aren’t digestible, so pass through our system – is our heart’s friend because it decreases risk of heart disease and lowers LDL cholesterol. Fibre-rich foods include edible-skin fruits (like apples and pears), green vegetables, oats, barley, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds (like salba and hemp).

Be proactive with protein

Protein is used to make the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body and to build muscle — including your heart. But unlike animal sources of protein that are high in saturated fats, plant-based sources are your best bet for heart health. Digestible plant protein including all essential amino acids (protein building blocks) can be easily eaten in two tablespoons of hempseeds (10 grams of whole protein), and of salba (2.6 grams of protein).

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

These no-bake, protein-rich goo dies can be stored in the fridge or freezer for when needed.

3 cups pitted dates 1 cup orange juice ½ tsp vanilla 2 cups cashews 1 cup commercially-roasted hem p seeds ¾ cup cocoa ½ cup salba seeds Soak dates, juice and vanilla in a bowl for an hour. Blend cashews in a food processor until ground and place in a separate bowl. Pulse-mix the date mixture in food processor until it’s still a little chun ky (not completely smooth). Add date mixture to cashews, and add in all other ingr edients. Chill mixture in fridge for an hour.

Make into quarter size balls and keep in a sealed container in the fridge.

Makes about 40 balls.

Eat your vegies

Research shows that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts strengthen and protect the heart because they contain high levels of the phytochemical sulforaphane, which helps your body detoxify.

Garlic has a complex array of phytochemicals that can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Foods rich in the antioxidant vitamin C protect the elastic strength of blood vessels and help keep your circulation pristine.

Lose extra pounds

On average, overweight people have high LDL levels coupled with low HDL levels. This dangerous combo, along with other weight-driven risks such as high blood pressure and inflammation, pose a major risk to our heart. Exercise helps to reduce total blood cholesterol, lower bad LDL and raise good HDL levels.

Equipped with simple steps to a better heart, it’s time to spring into action and do something good for your health!

For other tasty, nutritious treats, see Ann Barnes’ recipes in her new book Better Being, available in health stores across Canada.

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Optimize Your Workout to Optimize You!

By Maureen Fontaine • • •

•

Mental preparation Nutritional discipline Recovery and repair to sustain the journey through fitness Immune system support to handle the excess stress on the body

Exercise – a time for fungi?

W

ould you just hop into your car, suitcase in hand, with no plan, and start driving? Not likely. It is more probable that you would have a destination in mind, and some finances in place to support your journey. If you are really organized, a supply of water and food will also accompany you. There is comfort in knowing that you are prepared to meet almost any conditions.

If you work out, you know the importance of preparing both your mind and your body to produce the desired results. Having a plan is critical to your success. Since exercise taxes your nutritional reserves and immune system, support is essential.

Achieving your goals

How do you get in the way of yourself? Some of the main reasons you may fail in your attempts to achieve fitness goals are lack of time, lack of energy and because you hurt. Evidence continues to accumulate regarding the basic tools necessary for success:

During exercise, the immune system’s white blood cell activity decreases, affecting your ability to recuperate afterwards. Too much exercise depletes the immune system significantly, so building endurance and performance over time is wise. All medicinal mushrooms help to increase proper behaviour of the immune system’s white blood cells, and are known to support the side effects of exercise. The synergistic affect of fungi ensures that all aspects of the immune system are addressed.

World-class athletes use medicinal mushrooms to improve performance and endurance and consequently produce outstanding results. In 1993, the Chinese women’s running team broke world records in track and field in the 1,500, 3,000 and 10,000 metre races. They credited cordyceps (mushroom) as their secret to excellence. Competitive swimmers have used medicinal mushrooms for international competition just as Tibetan Sherpas have used them to improve coping with hypoxia or lack of oxygen while climbing Himalayan peaks. There is no doubt that these fungal contributors have much to offer.

Red reishi

The medicinal mushroom red reishi has been a part of the Chinese pharmacopoeia for centuries, providing important adaptogenic properties to maintain optimal health and immunity.

The revered red reishi affects over three hundred biochemical processes and functions of the liver.

Red reishi addresses both the body and mind, which opens the door to a deeper and more successful experience. Better fitness results become more achievable.

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

Thoughts, emotions, attitudes and behaviours affect our physical performance. Red reishi is known to be the “mushroom of immortality” by promoting agility of body and mind. It increases memory and flexibility of the mind and mood.

Because reishi strongly supports cardiovascular function, it is a perfect adjunct to exercise.

Red reishi has anti-inflammatory properties and contains tripterpenes, which are calming to the system. It normalizes blood pressure, prevents platelet aggregation (blood clots) and fortifies the blood with high levels of antioxidants that counteract the damaging effects of free radicals produced by exercise.

Recuperation

By improving the delivery of nutrition to cells, better performance, endurance and recovery from exercise are possible. Reinforcing the cell structure halts damage that initiates inflammation and spasmodic reactions. Reducing spasm and pain improves the rate that cells are reconstructed after exertion. Preventing the release of inflammation promoters such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes significantly improves flexibility and elasticity, and tempers damage to tissue.

The hurt that you feel from exercise is primarily a result of inflammation, the fragility of tiny veins called capillaries, and soft tissue injury. Recovering requires stabilized collagen links to reinforce the strength and elasticity of all your body’s connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, fascia, bone and skin. Nutrition helps to safely change the inflammatory process, prevents tissue damage, and improves the quality and rate of healing after sports.

Exercise requires mental preparation, nutritional discipline, immune support and repair to connective tissue. No matter what activity you choose, explore your potential and choose to include natural remedies such as medicinal mushrooms that aid all of these processes and help you to fully enjoy the innumerable benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Maureen Fontaine, B.Ed., is a clinical nutritionist and master herbalist.

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Digestive Health 101 Without proper digestion, your body won’t absorb and use all of those healthy foods you’re eating and the nutritional supplements that you’re taking. So what is proper digestion and how do you get it?

By John Austen Your inner plumbing

D

igestion starts as soon as you fork in your food or swallow supplements, beginning in the mouth and ending in the rectum. At many spots along the way, the chemical and mechanical food-in-wasteout process can get bogged down. Prolonged poor digestion disturbs your intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, fight foreign bacteria, and eliminate them through the colon. It also causes symptoms including gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities, irritable bowel, weight gain, headaches, backaches, fatigue, bad breath, body odour, irritability, skin problems and sciatic pain. Don’t let a digestion problem get worse simply by avoiding it or thinking it’s “normal.” And don’t rely on medications for relief, which only cover the symptom rather than addressing the cause, and may make the problem worse. Prolonged poor digestion may result in your immune barrier becoming weak, allowing foreign bacteria and waste from the colon to create disease.

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The colon is susceptible to a continual buildup of toxic material from food. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water. Impacted feces, dead cells, mucus, parasites, harmful bacteria and worms all pose eventual health problems because the colon “backs up,” and these poisons enter and circulate in the blood stream. Dairy products, white flour, sugar, and foods with preservatives slowly clog the intestines, decreasing the digestive tract’s ability to absorb nutrients and slowing metabolism. Many natural health practitioners believe that everything from diabetes to cancer is caused by an impacted colon.

Your liver is responsible for neutralizing and removing harmful substances from the blood. Overloading the liver with toxins can lead to serious fatigue, weight gain, water retention and plaque in the arteries. A healthy liver will increase energy, improve metabolism, and help you to burn fat.

Like the colon and liver, your kidneys are vital to daily health. If they don’t function properly, your body becomes weak and vulnerable to disease. Kidneys eliminate toxins, regulate blood pressure, help the urinary system, and filter the blood of toxins by producing urine. In order to maintain healthy kidneys, they should be flushed out with a detox product on a regular basis, and processed foods should be eliminated.

Prevent or alleviate problems now by cleansing your system of debris.

Detoxification breaks up and flushes toxins from these organs. Though there are many detox/cleansing tonics and kits available, many only target one organ or use harsh ingredients which can damage the delicate balance of the intestinal tract. Choose products such as herbal teas or remedies that are diluted in water which restore the body’s health in a gentle but effective way.

The best herbs for liver, kidney and colon detoxification include milk thistle, blessed thistle, persimmon leaves, malva leaves and marshmallow leaves. Blessed thistle has bitter properties which increase gastric juices, relieving indigestion and headaches associated with liver congestion, and stimulate bile flow, aid digestion and cleanse the liver. Persimmon leaves, commonly used to make tea, have general health benefits, but are also used for constipation, hypertension, weight loss (since it increases the amount of fats removed from the body as feces), and even atherosclerosis. Marshmallow leaves are used to treat inflammation and digestive tract ulcers, and relieve irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract. Malva leaves are made into tea to help soothe the membranes of the digestive system. They’re mildly astringent and diuretic, sometimes used to treat gastroenteritis, stomachache and spleen conditions in addition to detoxification.

In healing your digestive tract, you will not only lose unwanted weight and other uncomfortable symptoms, you will enable your body to absorb the vitamins and minerals in food and supplements, increasing your energy and overall health.

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W. Brett Wilson: Doing What’s Right

By Carol Crenna

Calgary’s Brett Wilson, panelist on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, is a highly successful entrepreneur and co-founder of investment-banking firm FirstEnergy Capital Corp who has shared podi‑ ums with Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Called a “capitalist with a heart,” he’s given away, and mobilized others to give, tens of millions of dollars. photo Jared Sych

H

e’s shaved his head, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, built homes in Mexico, hosted annual celebrity events at his own home, and organized a joint 50th birthday party (raising over $3 million) for worthy causes. Then there’s the Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence and the Wilson Centre for Domestic Abuse Studies. But Brett Wilson has also overcome devastating personal challenges. Here he speaks to VISTA about creating opportunities from what life brings.

VISTA: You admit to still being driven.

VISTA: Did you always have such ambition and passion?

VISTA: You climbed Kilimanjaro for a worthy cause. Are you fit?

Brett: My passion developed over time. As I began accomplishing more, I realized I had the capability to accomplish even more than I was already doing. But the early drive was to be successful based on the measures that I now make fun of — money and power.

Brett: I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2002, and when I got back I told my friends that I would never do that again. Then my children asked if I would go back to climb with them and I said, of course I would. My 24-, 22- and 18-year-old and I are climbing Kilimanjaro as a family in July, so I will be

Brett: If there is such a thing as an AA type personality, I would qualify at times. I retired two years ago at age 50, and I’ve never been busier. But I’m evolving. Now much of my time is spent pursuing my personal interests – my children, friends, passions, and having fun. I manage to fit in business opportunities and investment in real estate, energy, and oil and gas; I haven’t abandoned that world but have a different set of priorities.

24 | VISTA Magazine Issue 70 24 | VISTA Magazine Issue 70

www.vistamagonline.com training for that and for a biathlon with my daughter in June. I’m reasonably fit. Last month was fabulous for fitness; this month is terrible, since I’m traveling most of the month. I travel with my running and swimming gear; as a former competitive swimmer, I love swimming.

VISTA: You openly regret your early parenting.

Brett: I chose work over parenting for many years. It wasn’t until I separated from my wife that I recognized the gap in my life, and really became a parent. My ex-wife observes that she went from being a “single mother” (while married) to having her kids half-time when divorced. Before, weeks would go by when I would be in town (in Calgary), but I wouldn’t see my family because I’d be living at the office, up early and out before they woke and home after they went to sleep. The business was growing and needed attention, but it came at a cost.

VISTA: You admitted yourself to a centre to treat your work addiction?

Brett: I attended The Meadows, a well known addiction and trauma treatment centre in Arizona, about a decade ago to deal with issues including work addiction. There I realized that the cost it had on my relationships wasn’t worth it. I knew changing my priorities wasn’t going to be easy, and if changes were to be sustainable, they would be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. My wife felt that type of change wouldn’t be enough to sustain us, so our marriage ended. I began evolving, recognizing that without my physical, emotional, and intellectual health, I was of no use to anyone including myself.

VISTA: How have you evolved so far?

Brett: I consciously try to improve myself through training, personal development programmes, working with a coach for life planning and with a psychologist. If the number one golfer in the world still needs three coaches (a putting, swing, and mental clarity coach) it must mean that using a coach for my own purposes is okay. First, you need the awareness of problems, and then you need to take the time to do something about them.

VISTA: As an investor, how have you invested in yourself?

Brett: I pay attention to what I eat. Though I eat out a lot, we have a full-time office chef to ensure that my entire team eats well. It’s becoming increasingly obvious that the more food is processed the less healthy it is.

Eating organic or vegetarian isn’t as much the issue as the fact that the closer food is to nature the more it has what man needs; though man has been around for a long time, processing of food – and illnesses (like obesity) related to it – have been around for a short time.

VISTA: Why did you decide to go public with your cancer story?

Brett: I couldn’t disappear from the workforce to have treatments without telling others. I wasn’t embarrassed by it, and spoke about it publicly because, particularly with prostate cancer, awareness is the key to early detection.

Over the years I have spoken to many patients about my experience and still receive feedback about an internet video that discusses my journey.

VISTA: Did you use treatments other than conventional ones?

Brett: I worked with a healer, a naturopathic doctor, and an acupuncturist and was very open to complementary modalities. I feel that western medicine is fairly closed minded to alternative therapies, yet those practising alternative therapies are fairly open to all forms of treatment. Within the medical system I became very frustrated: two professional groups – one supporting surgery and the other radiation therapy – were arguing, both convinced that if I didn’t use their treatment methodology, I was going to die.

VISTA: What advice do you give others?

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Brett: Do your homework. Dr. Peter Scardino’s Prostate Book: The Com‑ plete Guide to Overcoming Prostate Cancer is a well written, balanced point of view. Find the treatment that suits you. The earlier you catch it the more options you have, but in my (advanced) case I felt that I didn’t have a choice in my options. I chose radiation therapy. But no one should have to worry that they’ve chosen badly.

VISTA: How did having cancer affect you?

Brett: You take a closer look at your own mortality. After living through cancer, it’s a rare person who wouldn’t come to the conclusion that there is more to life than the life you were leading. This, like a major injury or death in the family, becomes a wakeup call.

VISTA: You’ve given millions to nonprofits. How did you become interested in philanthropy?

Brett: Twenty years ago my wife and I began giving 1 percent of our pretax income to charity, and, appreciating how good it felt, realized that we could afford to increase that. Over time we became more involved and it became more interesting. A pet peeve is the concept of “corporate social responsibility”: if you feel that it’s a responsibility, it means that you’re getting it wrong. Anything you do out of responsibility carries with it a sense of obligation. If you look at it as an opportunity rather than obligation, you will also look at the outcome differently.

VISTA: How is it an opportunity?

Brett: By realizing the influence that directing your wealth has on your client relationships and your staff ’s good will. FirstEnergy supported over 250 charities — a lot for a relatively small organization. The reason we chose breadth over depth – giving less money to many rather than more to a few – was all about marketing. We were extraordinarily proactive in supporting charities that our clients and community leaders were involved with, which became vital for networking and connections. Using unique ways to make our contributions known to them became a branding opportunity. It’s a matter of being a little more creative at distributing funds.

VISTA: As a marketing expert, how would you market health to create change?

Brett: A lot of change occurs in this world with awareness. It’s a matter of raising the profile of the results of living a healthier life, keeping it at the front of everyone’s consciousness. Then maybe a health scare wouldn’t be needed, like it was for me, to make people change.

VISTA: Why are you on Dragon’s Den? Brett: I’ve been doing for many years what Dragon’s Den does – investing in small companies that may turn into large companies, or early-stage investing – so the show is a logical extension. It provides a national platform to celebrate entrepreneurship. And the profile that it has been developing for me has been extraordinary.

VISTA: At 52, what are your future plans?

Brett: I have another 48 years to go; the last 10 will be in a reclining chair watching home movies of the previous 90. I’m currently working on two books. One, with the working title Doing What’s Right, is about redefining the ethics of success — not defining it by the size of your wallet, car or office, but by the size of the smile: happiness as the highest priority. The other measures aren’t irrelevant, but if they’re the only ones, your life might be lacking. The other book will be about philanthropy. And perhaps a third book, Tales from the Den, will disclose things that have happened behind the scenes in the Dragon’s Den studio and occurred as a result of it.

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

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Introducing: The Energy Nutrient

By Jolie Root

I

f you would like to boost your energy or enjoy faster recovery from exercise, consider adding ribose to your supplement regimen. It can help increase energy for everyone, but particularly for athletes.

Ribose is a naturally occurring sugar produced in the body from glucose. Ribose serves as the carbohydrate backbone for our genetic material (RNA and DNA), and it is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of ATP. ATP is the fuel that runs our cells.

Our mitochondria, the energy producing part of our cells, use two pathways for building or conserving energy. Ribose is necessary for both of those pathways to function. Simply stated, if we want energy we need to have ribose available to our cells. Without ribose, our bodies would quickly run out of energy, they could not make proteins, and our cells would lose the ability to replicate. As a result, we wouldn’t survive.

While ribose is formed in the body from glucose, this process takes time and sometimes we need ribose faster than the process can provide it. The problem is that foods are not able to provide enough ribose to rapidly restore ribose levels, should the need arise. Examples of situations where we need rapid replenishment are during exercise or physical work or during extreme challenges such as during a heart attack or stroke.

Scientists have found that ribose supplements can rapidly restore ribose levels in nerves and muscles, especially in the heart, and ribose supplements can dramatically improve recovery of failing ATP levels during and following acute or chronic oxygen deprivation. Age, illness, strenuous or infrequent exercise, overexertion, and metabolic disorders can seriously deplete ATP reserves from your cells, tissues and organs. And that can leave you fatigued, sore, weak and drained of energy.

Ribose also improves athletic performance, lifting your energy levels and combating fatigue. In one scientific study, supplementing with 10 grams of ribose per day in young male recreational bodybuilders led to

26

significant increases in muscular strength and total work performance after only four weeks. A mere four weeks of supplementation was enough to enhance strength and muscular endurance. You’re not a bodybuilder?

Since almost all sports require muscle strength, endurance or a combination of the two, ribose is still beneficial.

If aerobic training is more to your liking, a study of healthy men who performed two sessions to exhaustion on bicycles during a one-week interval found that ribose supplements led to higher energy production. This was shown by reduction of oxidative stress (free-radical damage) during vigorous exercise. The dose in this study was 7 grams of ribose. Ribose supplement users had a reduction of urinary MDA (an indicator of oxidative stress), and lower heart rates at the same intensity of exercise as compared to the unsupplemented group. No adverse side effects were reported by the subjects in either of the studies mentioned.

Do you get sore when you work out? That is not unusual, but ribose may help reduce the soreness you feel. Normally in the muscles, several days of rest will allow energy levels to return to normal. But, during that time, muscles can feel tired, weak and sore. Supplementing with ribose will accelerate the energy recovery process and help overcome the impact of overexertion.

Whether you are a dedicated athlete or a weekend warrior, adding ribose to your supplement protocol may mean higher exercise tolerance, better oxygen utilization, less soreness, and a better quality of life. Research has shown that 5 grams per day of ribose is sufficient to maintain normal ATP levels. However, if you exercise a lot, you may want to double that dose. And if you suffer from recurrent fatigue frequently, take several 3 to 5 gram doses throughout the day to boost your energy.

Jolie Root, NC, is a licensed practical nurse, licensed nutritionist and medical journalist in private practice in Denver, Colorado. She educates about the role of nutrition in integrative medicine, has been interviewed on dozens of television and radio programmes, and is a vibrant public speaker.

| VISTA Magazine 70 | 26 VISTA Magazine Issue Issue 70

Ribose Naturally Supports Energy Levels Each box of Carlson Ribose Packets contains 30, 3-gram packets of pure d-ribose, perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. The convenient packets are easy to travel with and quickly dissolve into the beverage of your choice.

Ribose has been studied by medical professionals for its role in supporting heart energy and cellular energy.

Current research suggests that this essential sugar:

• • • •

Increases energy reserves Helps maintain healthy energy levels in heart and muscle tissues Promotes the relief of post-exertional muscle cramping and soreness Promotes increased cardiac efficiency and lowers stress during exercise

Look for Carlson Ribose Packets in your natural health foods store or for more information call: 888-234-5656 or visit: www.carlsonlabs.com Statements in this ad have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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The Power of Green Foods

By Lorenda Stefan

W

e all know the importance of eating a variety of wholesome foods. Our mothers have preached the goodness of fruits and vegetables since we started eating solid foods as infants. But how many of us actually eat the recommended 5 to10 servings a day? If a 2008 Statistics Canada survey is accurate, only about 44 percent of Canadians over the age of 12, do; that’s more than half of us who don’t! We live in a fast-paced, fast-food society where little priority is given to ensuring that our bodies and minds are well nourished.

A great way to help meet daily nutritional needs is to use a concentrated green food supplement. Green food supplements help to alkalize, energize and nourish the body’s cells along with improving the body’s pH level. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that are the building blocks to good health.

A well-balanced green food supplement will include nutrient-dense plants like certified organic cereal grass juice powders such as alfalfa, barley and kamut. Alfalfa is especially rich in vitamin K, and is often used to treat vitamin K disorders. Barley leaves have been shown to contain 1,000 of the 3,000 enzymes including the potent antioxidant called superoxide dismutase. Kamut grass juice powder possesses 49 percent higher antioxidants compared to common wheatgrass powder. Kamut is also far less allergenic than wheat or wheat grass and is often tolerated by those with wheat allergies. Kamut grass juice powder is gluten free and is usually suitable for those on a gluten free diet. It is important to ensure that the grasses are juiced immediately after harvesting since this helps improve their digestibility. These cereal grasses are a rich source of chlorophyll, beta

Our mothers have preached the goodness of fruits and vegetables since we started eating solid foods as infants. But how many of us actually eat the recommended 5 to10 servings a day? If a 2008 Statistics Canada survey is accurate, only about 44 percent of Canadians over the age of 12, do; that’s more than half of us who don’t!

carotene, vitamins A, D, E, B6 and K, and contain several enzymes which improve absorption of nutrients.

Green food supplements may also contain a variety of berries, which provide numerous health promoting benefits. Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries have particularly high ORAC scores (ORAC, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, is a measurement of antioxidant content) with blueberries having the highest score. Scientists have discovered that the darker the berry, the more health benefits it has. The dark pigments in these berries seem to offer protection against cardiovascular disease, degenerative eye disease such as cataracts, and may offer some help in preventing some cancers and bladder infections.

Ensure that your supplement contains a heat-stable, human strain probiotic culture that requires no refrigeration. The most beneficial bacteria have been shown to resist stomach acid when consumed with food, increasing their likelihood to survive and colonize throughout the intestinal tract. Probiotics have a wide range of benefits including lowering cholesterol, and boosting the immune system to help combat infections, allergies and exposure to toxins. They also assist in regulating the digestive system, relieving lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome.

These powdered superfoods offer a convenient, easy way to incorporate more health promoting vegetables and fruits into your diet. Think of them as “healthy fast foods.”

Lorenda Stefan, CNPA has been involved in the natural health industry since 1988.

She is currently working on her Bachelor of Science Degree in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health.

| VISTA Magazine Issue 2828 | VISTA Magazine Issue 70 70

Two teaspoons every morning.

Or groceries by the truckload.

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Recipe for Health

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Chicken Piccata

By Tracy Kaye Holly

C

hicken piccata is fast and easy to make, but is elegant enough for a fancy dinner. This chicken piccata recipe can be made in just a few minutes.

You’ll love this seasoned chicken breast covered with a smooth buttery lemon sauce and topped with capers and fresh parsley. Capers are the little flower buds of a spiny shrub called Capparis spinosa, native to the Mediterranean. The buds are picked and dried. When dry, the capers are brined in vinegar, wine or salt. Fresh out of the jar, capers are too salty, so rinse them well in a strainer before adding them to dishes. Capers impart a sharp, slightly lemony taste to foods. Since they have such a strong flavour, only a few are needed. You can find capers in glass jars near the olives at your grocery store.

Chicken Piccata Serves four: 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 1/3 cup whole wheat flour 1 tsp garlic powder Sea salt and crushed pepper 4 tbsp olive oil 1/2 cup water (or dry white wine, optional) 2 lemons 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1/4 cup brined capers Sprig of parsley (optional) 1. Cut the chicken breast halves horizontally, butterflying them open, and then slice into single thin pieces.

2. Mix together flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper. Rinse the chicken pieces in water. Drench the breasts thoroughly in the flour mixture until well coated; shake off excess.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and lightly brown on each side for approximately three minutes. Don’t overcook. Remove the chicken from the pan and reserve to a covered plate.

4. Add water (or white wine), lemon juice and butter to the pan. Bring to a boil, add capers. Reduce heat and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits. When the sauce thickens, add the chicken to the skillet and reheat for two minutes.

Serve with the sauce poured over the chicken. Sprinkle with parsley.

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Sleep Deeper.

Awake Refreshed.

Help For Inflammation

By Mark Schneider

O

Clinically proven to improve deep sleep*

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1-800-361-6320 *Phases III & IV of deep sleep.

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ne of the “hottest” topics in medicine is inflammation. Modern science now recognizes it to be an underlying factor in the development of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke and other degenerative diseases. Effective anti-inflammatory drug therapies have emerged over the years, but unfortunately they carry with them significant potential for side effects. These range from gastrointestinal damage to serious negative effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular (brain and related blood vessels) systems.

Research is continuing to validate what traditional medicine has long known to be true: many herbs are safe and effective anti-inflammatories.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), for example, is known for its cardiovascular and cell-protective benefits. Turmeric is considered by some to be the most important herb for promoting and maintaining good health, in large part due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Many studies have demonstrated turmeric’s ability to inhibit the inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase2(COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase(5-LOX). Turmeric is often confused with curcumin, which is in fact a chemically isolated constituent of turmeric.

Unfortunately, to isolate curcumin, manufacturers typically use solvents like acetone. High-heat distillation is then required to remove residues, which damages the spice oils. Standardized extracts such as these focus on one isolated part of the herb at the expense of the whole, leading to the loss of other known anti-inflammatory substances within the plant such as turmerones. For this reason, it is better to seek out whole herbal extracts that deliver the full spectrum of therapeutic compounds within the herb.

For superior purity and potency, look for broad-spectrum “supercritical” extracts, which deliver concentrated herbal oils without the use of chemical solvents.

Closely related to turmeric is ginger (Zingiber officinale). A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger supports healthy blood flow and cardiovascular function, and liver, joint and gastrointestinal health. Organically grown ginger should be emphasized whenever possible because it is routinely doused in chemicals after conventional harvesting. Look for supercritically extracted ginger to avoid agricultural or processing contaminants.

Another remarkable herb is rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). One of the most powerful herbal antioxidants, research demonstrates that supercritical extracts of rosemary have potent anti-inflammatory and antitumour properties. Like the aforementioned herbs, rosemary contains numerous COX-2 inhibiting properties. Herbal extracts that don’t isolate individual compounds are preferred since single chemicals are drug-like in their effect on human physiology and can have detrimental side effects (as evidenced by COX-2 inhibiting drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex).

The Chinese herb hu zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum) is both antiinflammatory and rich in the same anti-aging and cardioprotective compound found in red wine (resveratrol). Likewise, holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is revered in ayurvedic medicine as a multi-tasking anti-inflammatory; if you’re interested in reducing cortisol and balancing blood sugar, consider this herb. Other valuable anti-inflammatory herbs include baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis), barberry (Berberis vulgaris), oregano (Origanum vulgare) and green tea (Camellia sinensis).

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www.vistamagonline.com

A Whole Food Approach to

Inflammation Why take isolates?

Take whole food supplements!

In addition to promoting a healthy inflammation response in your body, many of these herbs have shown great promise in the fight against cancer. These anti-inflammatory plant compounds are capable of balancing inflammatory pathways, including COX-2 and 5-LOX, which have been implicated in the development of numerous cancers. Formulations of these herbs in combination have been studied at renowned medical institutes in North America, yielding dramatic results. Colombia University published the results of one study demonstrating the ability of a combination of these herbs to not only suppress the growth of cancer cells but also to promote their self-destruction. The MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas found that this combination was able to suppress cell and tissue inflammation.

“We think that this is a strategy for control of inflammation that may be more appropriate and perhaps even safer compared to the single targeted high dose pharmaceutical agent,” says Robert A. Newman, PhD and Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at the university. “The combined anti-inflammation components in these selected herbal extracts may contribute to a broad-based modulation of factors involved in inflammation and related diseases such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, and even cancer.”

Many people think that only joints are affected by inflammation. The truth is the body’s natural inflammatory response affects everyone and every major organ system, often “silently”, without being perceived. Given the link between inflammation and whole body health, a supplement strategy geared toward promoting a healthy inflammation response is as fundamental as a daily multivitamin.

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Distributed by Advantage Health Matters Prevention · Regeneration · Longevity www.advantagehealthmatters.com

Anxiety?

Try Passionflower

By Robbin Coedy

T

ightening of the chest, sweaty palms, heart palpitations: we all know the effects anxiety can have on us. For many people, anxiety is a constant companion, arising in situations as diverse as flying, writing exams, or going for a job interview. Current pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety – including benzodiazepines such as clonazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam – can have side effects including drowsiness, decreased concent\ ration, and even behavioural changes. In addition, people become tolerant to these medications over time, leading to increased dosages or withdrawal symptoms to get back to square one: living with anxiety.

Several herbs claim to be useful for anxiety and stress, but one of the best studied is passionflower. Passionflower has recently been featured on shows such as Dr. Oz for improving symptoms of stress and anxiety, and for breaking the stress cycle. Passionflower – particularly the species known as Passiflora incarnata – is a flowering plant native to the southern US, the Bermudas and tropical Asia. It has long been used in traditional medicine for sleep disorders, anxiety and nervousness. Passionflower products are popular in Europe. In Canada most products which contain passionflower use it as one of many ingredients. However, on its own passionflower is a powerful, well-tolerated and well-researched herb for treating stress and anxiety.

Benefits of Passionflower • well-studied for treating generalized anxiety • very safe and well-tolerated • can be used to improve sleep, nervousness & other symptoms of stress • works quickly for acute anxiety

Passionflower can be used successfully to treat acute anxiety (associated with fear of flying, pressure at work, exam anxiety, panic attacks) and long-term anxiety (such as chronic stress). Since stress and anxiety can have major impacts on health, it is important to have a safe, effective, natural therapy to treat these conditions.

Studies on passionflower

A 2001 double-blind, randomized study found that passionflower was equal in effectiveness to oxazepam (a prescription anti-anxiety medication). Passionflower had a quicker onset of action, fewer side effects, and no impairment of work performance as compared with oxazepam. Another double-blind, randomized study found that passionflower had equal effectiveness for anxiety with fewer side effects than the prescription medi-

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www.vistamagonline.com your ability to concentrate, you don’t have to fear negative effects which would stop you from performing at your best. Passionflower can also be taken over time for chronic generalized anxiety.

What to look for

Ensure that you are taking Passiflora incarnata – this particular species seems to have the most powerful anxiety-relieving effects. Be sure that it is an alcohol extract of the aerial parts of the plant, which have the greatest effectiveness. This should be marked on the product box. A dose of 400 to 500 milligrams is ideal, or you can take it twice daily for longer-term effects.

cation mexazolam. A third double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that patients given a single dose of passionflower before surgery had significantly less anxiety but no adverse sedative effects. While there is also at least one study which shows that passionflower can be used successfully to treat ADHD – its effect has been shown to be as good as ritalin – there is not yet enough evidence to recommend its use in children under 13.

The European Medicines Agency evaluated passionflower for safety in 2008 and found that it is quite safe, with only very rare reports of hypersensitivity (allergic reactions). In Britain, passionflower is indicated for sleep disorders, restlessness, nervous stress and anxiety.

Passionflower works quickly and can therefore be used just before an acute situation: right before a flight, an interview, an exam, or public speaking engagement. And with no impact on

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The next time you have that anxious feeling, take a deep breath: and reach for passionflower. plant, which have the greatest effectiveness. This should be marked on the product box. A dose of 400 to 500 milligrams is ideal, or you can take it twice daily for longer-term effects.

The next time you have that anxious feeling, take a deep breath: and reach for passionflower.

References available from VISTA. Robbin Coedy B.Sc., M.Sc., holds degrees in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences and Human Biology and is currently responsible for product education for a naturopathic company in Richmond Hill.

Find the Ultimate

Multivitamin

By Brad King

It’s tan coloured, it’s spotted, and it smells funny, but you take it every day because you know that a multivitamin is good for you. You’re far from alone: research from Consumer Labs found that a multivitamin tops the ultra-competitive supplement sales charts year in and year out.

I

s there science backing this daily pill popping? According to a duo of top Harvard researchers, there is without question. In a paper published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, they proclaimed, “It appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements.” This emphatic conclusion was based on a review of 23 studies that showed a clear correlation between inadequate vitamin and mineral intake and diseases like osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease.

Multi: No longer an option

How could it be that taking a multi is such a nobrainer? Believe it or not, it’s because of dirt. In order to feed a burgeoning population, farmers are now forced to reuse the same soil over and

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over again. Because the soil doesn’t get a chance to “rest” and refresh itself with nutrients from the Earth, it quickly becomes sapped, drained and hollow.

Research from The University of Texas found that the end result of our grow-now, worry-tomorrow philosophy is a 40 percent drop in nutrient levels in the last 50 years. In other words, the tomato you had as a kid was a nutrient superstar – containing double the levels of important nutrients like potassium, vitamin A and calcium.

This news doesn’t mean that it’s wise to put your box of Clementine oranges on EBay so you can stock up on multivitamins. First, fruits and vegies remain an integral part of a healthy diet. And as you’ll soon see, the vast majority of multi-vitamins on the market today don’t begin to give us the nutrients our bodies need.

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

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One-a-day multi? Not so fast!

Basic one-a-day multivitamins lack one important asset: scientific evidence. A recent large-scale study that looked at supplement use in over 160,000 women found that a run of the mill multivitamin didn’t do a thing to prevent disease or prolong lifespan.

This study proves what many scientists have long suspected: multivitamin formulations created in the 1940s, which are still used today, are hopelessly inadequate for our modern times.

You need more

Although million dollar marketing budgets have led us to believe that all of our nutrition can be obtained in a single pill, this simply isn’t the case. Our bodies need far more than the nutrients listed on the side of a multivitamin label – and in higher amounts.

Here are three nutrients necessary for health that most multivitamins don’t do justice in sufficiently adding and which should be supplemented separately: Vitamin D: Widely regarded as a public health epidemic, vitamin D deficiency impacts more than half of the Western world. While the Vitamin D Council recommends 2,000IU per day of vitamin D, most multivitamins contain only 10-20 percent of that.

Maximum Energy Maximum Absorption Maximum Repair The Most Advanced Multivitamin Available!

How could it be that taking a multi is such a no-brainer? Believe it or not, it’s because of dirt.

Bioavailable minerals: Even if a multivitamin states that it provides 100 percent of the RDA for a specific mineral, that doesn’t mean that you’ll absorb close to that amount. That’s because most multivitamin formulations contain high levels of nutrients that compete for absorption, like iron and calcium for example, which results in you absorbing less of both.

R lipoic acid: While every bite into a fresh fruit might contain 100 unique antioxidant compounds, a multivitamin only contains two: vitamins C and E. One of the most important natural antioxidants discovered thus far is R lipoic acid, a nutrient that not only wages war on free radicals on its own, but also “recycles” other antioxidants in your body to boost their effectiveness. As you may have guessed, you’d be hard pressed to find a multi with R lipoic acid.

References available from VISTA. Brad J. King, MS, MFS, is a nutritional researcher and author of 10 books, including the new Beer Belly Blues (Abundant Health Systems Inc.). Subscribe to his free monthly newsletter at www.AwakenYourBody.com

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MULTI

new to the market

1

Purica Aztec Nopal® The Super Food of the Aztecs and Mayans. Aztec Nopal is primarily known for its positive effect on blood sugar because of its ability to normalize levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Blood sugar control is attributable to its fiber content and specific hypoglycemic molecular agents.

These specific phyto-nutrients have been shown to augment the body’s cellular response to insulin. www.purica.com

Naka’s Nutri Collagen softgels

2 Help maintain youthful, supple skin with Naka’s Nutri Collagen softgels.

Help to regenerate cartilage, maintain healthy joints and bones plus youthful, supple skin with Naka’s Nutri Collagen. Do you suffer from arthritis or joint pain? Are you concerned about the deterioration of cartilage and bones as you age? Would you welcome a natural alternative to promote healthy, supple skin? If so, Naka’s Nutri Collagen softgels may be the ideal daily supplement to help you stay pain free, active and youthful looking. This advanced formula features Collagen (400 mg) and Bromelain Extract (50 mg) in easy to swallow softgel capsules. Naka Herbs & Vitamins Ltd. www.nakaherbs.com

3

Cook Without Fear

4

Bone Chillin’ energy drink

5

A tag line that delivers what it promises, an all natural & pure product with no salt, no MSG and no preservatives. Make Indian curries in a flash. Easy & quick recipes on packaging guarantee a stress free cooking experience. Find Ace Curries to Go at select retailers and online at www.acecurriestogo.com

Bone Chillin’ is the new 473 ml high value energy offering from Cott beverages. Bone Chillin’ is positioned to be great value brand in 473 ml energy drinks. Available in 24 loose and 4 pack packaging, Bone Chillin’ delivers all the benefits of a great energy drink. Bone Chillin’ is an energy chill that also enhances physical and mental alertness. www.cott.com

You Need Vitamin D-Producing UVB Rays!

Discover the new innovative safe system that combines the best in vitamin D-producing, tanning, and healthy skin support all in one! Recommended by Dr Mercola. www.safetanningsystem.com

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Life Without Salt?

The Magic of

Salt

By Rose Walter

W

ith all of the advice surrounding getting too much salt in our diets, we’re losing sight of a simple fact: there is no life without salt. No cell and no organism can exist without it.

Electrolytes, which give the spark of electricity required in every one of our cells to make them perform, are a group of vital minerals. The main ones are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride. These electrolyte minerals must be kept in healthy balance for our bodies to thrive. Natural, unrefined crystal salt has up to 84 minerals and trace elements which the body needs to function properly.

Therefore, as with many aspects of health information, the facts should be clarified and understood before we undertake drastic changes to our diets. Pure, unprocessed salt, and not the refined sodium chloride chemical found in many canned and packaged foods, is an important part of a meal. In moderation (so as not to create imbalance) this salt, with all of its accompanying minerals, helps to promote health. Any nutrient – be it a vitamin or mineral – in excess will cause imbalance, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have them at all!

In fact, even the too-much-salt theory has been challenged. An eight-year study of a New York City hypertensive population on sodium intake levels found that those on low-salt diets had more than four times as many heart attacks as those on normal-sodium diets – the opposite of what the “salt hypothesis” would have predicted. (1995) A ten-year follow-up study to the extensive Scottish Heart Health Study found no improved health outcomes for those on low-salt diets. (1997) An analysis of the health outcomes over 20 years from those in the massive US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) documented a 20 percent greater incidence of heart attacks among those on lowsalt diets compared to normal-salt diets. (1998) Further evidence against the theory can be found. A health outcomes study in Finland reported to the American Heart Association that no health benefits could be identified and it concluded, “…our results do not support the recommendations for entire populations to reduce dietary sodium intake to prevent coronary heart disease.” (1998) Analysis of the MRFIT – Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial, a long-term study on coronary heart disease risk factors – using 14 years’ worth of data confirmed no improved health benefit from low sodium diets. Its author conceded that there is “no relationship

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observed between dietary sodium and mortality.” (1999) In 1999, the Canadian Hypertension Society, the Canadian Coalition for High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control, the Health Canada Laboratory Centre for Disease Control and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada issued a joint statement going against the general recommendations for sodium reduction.

Salt’s role in our bodies? Salt helps maintain the fluid in our blood cells, is used to transmit information in nerves and muscles, and to uptake certain nutrients from our intestines. Since the body cannot make salt, we’re reliant on food to ensure that we get enough. Based on the requirements of a human body, an average adult requires 4.2 grams of salt per day, but some of this is naturally found in vegetables and grains without requiring added salt.

Of course, salt isn’t only used internally.

Bath salts have been used for centuries to mimic the properties of natural mineral baths or hot springs. Bath salts are known to have many therapeutic effects on muscles and the nervous system. Salt also changes the balance of bathwater so that less water is absorbed by the skin; some salts soften calloused skin and aid exfoliation; high concentrations of salts in water increase buoyancy so are used in flotation therapy.

In moderation, high quality, natural, unrefined crystal salt is a healthy addition to your diet.

If you would like more information about salt, contact Rose Walter at 1-604-898-7258.

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

Salt is as vital as water.

Your body needs it!

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Build Your Bones Your body’s 206 bones are living, breathing, everchanging tissue. How does your body go about maintaining this complex structure that your human form depends on? Without it, your organs and skin would be a mass of wobbly flesh!

By Michelle Kwon

T

hroughout life, your body continuously lays down new bone while breaking down and absorbing the old. It puts a lot of energy into managing this continual turnover. At any one time 1 percent of your skeleton is being replaced, and your entire skeleton will be replaced every 7 to 20 years (estimates vary). Bone density and strength peak at about age 30, and then the balance between forming bone and losing bone starts to tip, and bone mass decreases.

You may have heard it before: healthy bones are maintained throughout life by getting regular weight-bearing exercise, the right amount of absorbable calcium and other minerals needed for calcium absorption (such as sodium, potassium and magnesium), and vitamins, particularly vitamin D (which requires minerals like magnesium and boron to be made), essential for calcium absorption.

However, everyone still experiences bone loss, and because of hormonal changes during and after menopause, women may experience loss at a faster rate than men. Poor diet is a prime risk factor for accelerated bone loss and osteoporosis. Nature intended you to get nutrients from whole natural foods rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Processed foods don’t provide the necessary nutrients, and some whole foods grown with intensive agricultural practices on depleted soils are stripped of essential nutrients.

Loss of bone is more than the loss of calcium; bone thinning is also caused by the breakdown of inner bone protein, which holds the calcium and other minerals, which are then lost in the process. To slow the rate of bone loss, it’s important to maintain high levels of calcium, which maintains the structure. Calcium absorption and metabolism depend on an intricate balance of many factors. Deficiency in minerals required to absorb calcium is common. This deficiency is further aggravated by stress, lack of exercise and environmental toxins. Because you may lack the required minerals, the body’s pH (acid-alkaline) balance may be disturbed. To compensate for rising levels of acids, buffering (binding and releasing) may be required by alkalinizing agents like calcium, magnesium and potassium — the very minerals your bones may be lacking. Your body will begin to leach away these alkaline minerals from the bones, creating conditions that can lead to osteoporosis.

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Poor diet is a prime risk factor for accelerated bone loss and osteoporosis.

Nature intended you to get nutrients from whole natural foods rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Processed foods don’t provide the necessary nutrients, and some whole foods grown with intensive agricultural practices on depleted soils are stripped of essential nutrients.

How do you compensate for lost calcium and its helper minerals?

Many people take calcium supplements for bone health, but most supplements don’t provide the nutrients in an easily absorbed whole-food form, or include all of the minerals and trace elements that work together to prevent bone loss.

What type of calcium/mineral supplement is in food form? In Europe and the Middle East, alkaline-based goat whey is prized because it is more easily digested and absorbed than many other foods and because its 25 naturally occurring minerals, trace elements and electrolyte minerals help to replace deficiencies. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine reports that, compared to cow’s milk, goat’s milk contains 13 percent more calcium, 134 percent more potassium, 350 percent more niacin and 28 percent more selenium. It is also higher in sodium, copper and manganese, and includes magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc, all perfectly balanced in the proportions that nature intended. Approximately 90 percent of the minerals in milk are contained in whey. Mineral supplements using goat whey are made by dehydrating it and then removing fat and protein, leaving all of the minerals intact.

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This alkalinebased whole food supplement is easily recognized and absorbed by the body.

Go Pro® Matrix, the original premium goat’s milk protein powder, is an excellent wholefood nutritional supplement and superior source of high-quality protein that promotes health and well-being.

Made from lacto-fermented goat’s milk, GoPro® Matrix retains the natural enzymes and probiotics of whole milk, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption.

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Time To Detox?

By John Austen

Even if you’ve sworn off Diet Pepsi and Doritos, your body needs a break from the daily stress, toxins, bacteria and pollution that can take their toll. Because a weakened inner cleansing system can result in everything from fatigue and food sensitivities to depression and disease, helping the detox organs – liver, colon and kidneys – to do their work is vital to maintaining health. Here are three easy ways to come clean, inside and out, on a daily basis.

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Advertisement No stro w N form ger ula

“At one point I lost so much weight that my mother got a little worried!”

1. Break a sweat.

Perspiration is one of the most important ways that your body eliminates toxins, even those caused internally by stress.

Consider a sauna that can ensure thorough perspiration of your entire body – often more efficiently than through exercise. Saunas’ soothing heat is absorbed into the muscles, fat cells and joints, opening clogged pores and eliminating toxins through the skin. Far infrared saunas, in particular, are recommended for detoxification.

Through their detoxifying heat, they increase circulation and oxygen supply to damaged tissues, boost the immune and cardiovascular systems, eliminate heavy metals, relieve arthritis, and may even help to heal serious diseases. In combination with sauna treatments, add herbal cleaners.

2. Get herbal help.

There are many powerful herbs that detoxify cells, and assist the three top cleansing organs to do their jobs. Herbs include chicory root, which protects the liver, encourages a balance of healthy bacteria in your gut, and optimizes the colon’s function.

Chicory root increases the flow of bile (helping to break down fats), builds your body’s resistance to gallstones and liver stones, and has diuretic properties that protect the urinary tract and kidneys.

Dandelion is a well known “bitter tonic” (helping the digestive organs) that stimulates the elimination of toxins from every cell in the body. It aids the liver, is a strong diuretic, cleans the blood, increases bile, and has immune-boosting properties.

Globe artichoke is also a bitter tonic and diuretic.

Thyme is anti-fungal and helps to e-establish a balance of healthy bacteria in your gut.

Milk thistle is particularly potent; it protects the liver against damage from acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, environmental chemicals, long-term alcohol consumption, and prolonged use of medications while helping to regenerate healthy new liver cells.

Other well known detoxifiers are bitter orange, which promotes digestion, aids constipation and is antifungal, and red clover, which cleanses the blood and liver of toxins.

These herbs may be included in detoxification “kits”, combined in supplemental capsule form, or taken individually. In addition to these herbs, remember two vital cleansers: water and fibre.

3. Scrub and rinse your body… on the inside.

Fibre and water work together to help cleanse toxins from cells and push your elimination system to work hard daily.

Drinking at least eight glasses of pure water per day (1.5 to 2 litres) flushes out toxins from cells, cushions joints, regulates your body temperature, helps process food, prevents muscle strain, helps remove wastes and even decreases bloating by flushing out sodium.

Taking fibre not only aids your elimination processes, it reduces bad cholesterol and fights chronic disease, yet most people don’t get nearly enough. Eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits (like fibrous mangoes, strawberries, asparagus, celery and carrots), flax seeds, unprocessed grains and psyllium to increase fibre in your diet.

Why not make being healthy your top priority this season, and get your body in shape by using these one, two, three simple steps?

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“I cleansed my body and the kilos started melting off!”

Lise Marie lives in Norway and works at a car dealership. She has always loved candy and sodas, but after years of low energy and steady weight gain, she decided to make a change in her life.

“In only 10 weeks I lost 25 kilos! It was wonderful and I am in no doubt that Biofirm was the reason for my success. It was like getting a kick-start back to my old self. I felt more energetic from the start and that motivated me to change my lifestyle.”

Kick-starting the diet Then I read about Biofirm in a newspaper, and about how it would help my body expel toxins and thereby lose weight. I bought a package and started taking the tablets every day, while drinking lots of water and eating almost as usual.

Very quickly I noticed a change. Initially I didn’t feel so great, but then after a week, I felt better and more energetic, which then made me want to move around more. After about 2 weeks the weight started dropping fast. At one point my mother actually starting getting worried about me, which I can understand. But I was sure it was because my body needed the cleanse, in order to release the fat.”

Maintaining my weight “Today my body feels light and I can fit my old clothes again. My sugar cravings are much weaker, and I am more physically active.

That combination has really worked for me, to keep the weight off. Now I maintain my healthy weight with a cleanse once a year.”

Biofirm™ is a Danish Detox product used for cleansing the body and reducing weight.

It’s the No. 1 detox product in Europe.

Biofirm™ is available at leading pharmacies and health food stores. For more information, please call 1-877-MY NORDIC (696-6734) or visit us at www.newnordic.ca

WHAT IS DETOXING? Whenever you eat food it gets processed in the body, to create energy.

In the process, waste products, or toxins, are created. Other toxins, such as chemicals, air particles, pesticides and heavy metals also enter your body. But whether it’s toxins your body makes or toxins your body receives, they all need to be excreted. If they are not, they affect your health and you start getting symptoms like fatigue, repressed immune system, skin problems, joint problems, mental cloudiness, increased fat accumulation and problems losing weight.

Sports Nutrition Update

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Training Principles

By Cory Holly

I

am celebrating 40 years of weight training. I began lifting at age 12 when many believed that weight training at that age stunted your growth, caused an enlarged heart and made you inflexible. We now know this isn’t true. Weight training is my anchor. It’s been faithful through thick and thin. During my training in countless gyms and recreation centres on six continents, I met many great coaches, athletes and bodybuilders. I learned much and applied what made sense.

Here are a dozen reliable training principles for your consideration.

1. Train each body part once a week (legs, chest, back, shoulders, arms). Train five days in sequence, then rest. Sometimes I train five days straight, or 3-on, rest a day, then complete the programme, but you can do whatever is needed to complete the cycle. The key is to make it work for you, and to pick up where you left off. Find ways to get to the gym instead of ways not to.

2. On days off, go for a walk or perform some low-intensity leisure activity. Discover the benefits of active rest. Go for a swim; hike up a mountain; play with your kids; go bowling. Use the body you’re building or it becomes no different than a picture to look at on a wall. Enjoy your strength and beauty. Take out the garbage or vacuum the house; paint the garage. Use it or it’s useless.

3. Train progressively; train with intensity.

Log your strength gains and keep track of your progress. Challenge yourself. Don’t waste time.

Focus on the work at hand. Put your mind in your muscle. If you understand how this is done, then you know the secret of steel. If you don’t, watch Conan the Barbarian (1982 film) again and again.

4. Less is more. As strength increases and exercise performance and execution quality improves over time, it should take less volume

of work to get the job done. My workouts with weights average three to four minutes per workout. That’s right. I’m talking time under load, not setting up the exercise or putting weights away, but actual lifting time. Make the execution of the movement count, and be top notch.

5. No sitting down between sets. Sip on a carbohydrate-electrolyte-buffered vitamin-C drink constantly to stay well hydrated. Prepare your next exercise in advance while resting between sets. Walk around the gym — your body will recover faster. Think about what you’re doing, what’s at hand, and what’s to come in the next minute, not next Thursday! Get ready to explode. Sitting pools blood, encourages acidosis, and turns you into a slug.

6. Rest one to three minutes or longer between sets. It’s not a race. In the gym, haste makes waste. Train for strength and power if size and muscularity is your goal. Manage carbs and fat intake to modify body fat. Keep your daily protein intake at two to three grams per kilogram of your lean mass. Think in terms of body composition: “fat,” not weight; “muscle,” not weight. Unless you’re an Olympic wrestler, get your mind off how much you weigh! You’re either fit or fat.

7. Don’t exercise to lose fat, exercise to get fit. Exercise to maintain optimum structure and function. Train with weights to build or maintain muscle, bone density and ligament structure. Perform aerobic exercise to improve cardiovascular endurance. Stretch to maintain flexibility. Eat fresh whole food to fuel your body and manage body fat. What you eat is a function of how you think. Clean out your head like a computer with a bad virus; download some new software; the old may be obsolete. Change your thoughts and you will change your life. The excess fat around your gut is there because you put it there, because you want it there! It’s caused by eating what you think you’re a slave to.

8. Exercise intensity and success is determined by repeated failure. Each set is carried to absolute momentary failure (except for reasons of safety such as when not using a spotter, when you don’t go beyond the target rep number).

The objective is to initiate tissue damage in the selected muscular region in a controlled and progressive manner, to disrupt the inner cellular environment, forcing the body to adapt and compensate by increasing the strength, size and/ or number of muscle fibres and cells.

9. After you elevate your body temperature by warming-up, perform several warmup sets of the first exercise scheduled for that day (bench press, for example). Each warm-up set is an engram – a message sent to your brain that is stored and used as a reference regarding range of motion, line of movement, technique and execution. Repetition is the mother of skill, provided the reps are performed with precision.

Add weight to each successive warm-up set and reduce the number of reps as you approach the weight you are going to lift for your two primary work sets. Condition your mind and body for the approaching stress to minimize risk of injury and to maximize your performance.

10. Ideally, train in the mornings when testosterone levels peak naturally. Go to bed earlier and get up earlier to start the day right. Pump some blood through your veins and sweat. Stimulate your mind. Visualize success. Train early to create a post-workout thermogenic response for the next 12 hours, which jump-starts your metabolism, increases your mental acuity and creates a demand for food. You’ll be energized all day long! After the real work is done, the rest of the day is like a rest stop on the highway.

11. Determine progress and training results by: a) Recording your strength (facts on paper don’t lie) b) Monthly or bi-monthly body composition assessment c) Completing an annual or bi-annual fitness

To be successful in the lifting game you have to overcome the monotony of training, eating and sleeping, scheduled at the same time each day, in the same way, day after day.

analysis including bio-age d) Visual identification of changes in your physical appearance (stand naked in front of a full length mirror with the lights on) e) Direct use of a measuring tape (gentlemen, for optimum symme try, your neck, upper arms and calves should all be the same) 12. Eat as hard as you train. Put as much effort into planning your meal as you do your workout. This is by far the hardest component and where the great majority of people fail, not because they’re incapable, but because they don’t understand the importance of nutrition to defend against oxidative stress, fatigue, depression and degenerative disease.

To be successful in the lifting game you have to overcome the monotony of training, eating and sleeping, scheduled at the same time each day, in the same way, day after day. The body loves routine; it’s the mind that seeks variety and that gets us into trouble. Let your mind wander off course and you’re bound to wind up on the rocks.

As always, stay well and live free…CH The Cory Holly Institute (Chi) specializes in online sports nutrition certification. Visit CoryHolly.com to enroll in courses, subscribe to monthly audio tutorials, watch ChiTV or register online for Chi Camp Hawaii April 15th-18th, 2010.

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Editor Selects Purica’s Red Reishi A Full Spectrum product (58.4% verified polysaccharides), including mycelium, fruit, spores, primordial and extra cellular compounds. NANO sizing also adds 5 - 10x the potency of raw material. Intestinal epithelial membrane is very selective for size but readily accepts nano particles.

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IronVital F® liquid helps fulfill your daily requirement for iron and contains iron in bivalent form. It *While supplies last. has a pleasant fruit taste and is ideal to take during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, growth stages and while exercising intensely. The combination of vitamin C in IronVital F® helps the iron to be absorbed readily by the human body, while the B vitamins enhance the effects of the iron. Get a FREE Compact Mirror with your IronVital F® purchase while supplies last at select retailers! Naka Herbs & Vitamins Ltd. (416) 748-3073 www.nakaherbs.com.

RECOVERY® Extra Strength with Nutricol® Healing and Pain-Relief Formula - Recovery is a potent pain relief and helps to halt damage (anti-catabolic), accelerates and improves recovery (anabolic-healing), modulates inflammation and spasm throughout the body and improves insulin and IGF cell sensitivity (anabolic) Recovery has been used successfully for musculoskeletal damage, pain, and spasm and recovery from overtraining and trauma. Find out more at www.purica.com.

The products featured in Editor Selects have been chosen as features by Vista Magazine and are not paid advertisments.

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Conquering Cellulite

By Dr. Delia Simu

C

ellulite affects approximately 90 percent of women in their lifetime. It is a localized metabolic disorder of the subcutaneous tissue which produces an alteration in the skin’s appearance. Cellulite is characterized by a padded or “orange peel” appearance.In its classical pattern, it almost exclusively affects women on the pelvic region, lower limbs and abdomen. The most accepted medical term for cellulite is gynoid lipodystrophy (GLD). GLD is considered to be a hereditary condition that is influenced by hormonal, dietary, lifestyle, associated disease, and iatrogenic (conditions caused by drugs and other medical interventions) factors.

The reason why women have such a propensity for the development of GLD is strongly related to their higher circulating levels of estrogen, which encourages fat deposition into the subcutaneous fat tissue below the skin. In turn, the increased fat cell size and irregularly shaped fat cells that form increase pressure against the blood vessels. This slows blood flow and forces fluids to leak out of blood vessels into the interstitial area (small, narrow spaces between tissues). This effect accounts for the temperature changes associated with cellulite, and the heaviness, cramping and accompanying venous insufficiency, along with decreased oxygenation of local tissues. This decreased oxygenation results in abnormal thickening and architectural changes to the skin, which together produce the characteristic dimpling, padding, orange peel appearance of GLD (cellulite). It is well documented that women experiencing a high estrogen to progesterone ratio, using birth control pills, and on estrogen replacement therapy are known to have more severe cases of GLD. And these factors have been shown to aggravate or initiate the development of cellulite.

In addition, factors such as a high fat diet, chronic over-consumption of calories, stress, inactivity, excess sodium intake, alcohol consumption, the use of certain drugs, factors that impair lower limb circulation (pregnancy, prolonged standing/sitting in one position, tight fitting pants, high heeled shoes) and smoking are also known to aggravate cellulite.

In botanical medicine, a number of plant extracts have been used traditionally to release fat from underlying cells. Researchers working at the Estetique Clinic (Cluj-Napoca, Romania) and the Plantextract Laboratory (Cluj-Napoca, Romania) tested a topical cream containing a blend of plant extracts as a means to reverse cellulite in a large population of adult women. The results of this four-year study involving 2,500 women aged 14 to 65 showed that this blend, in a topical cream, applied twice daily, produced significant reversal in cellulite appearance and related measurements within the first month of treatment in 80 percent of participants. (No untoward side effects were reported.)

One important ingredient is a naturally occurring compound in Myrica cerifera leaf. Myrica cerifera (also called bayberry) is a medicinal plant that has healing compounds including dihydromyricetin, flavonoids, myricitrin and phenols. These have varying effects ranging from antibiotic and astringent properties to fever and diarrhea reduction. Recently dihydromyricetin has been found to help reduce cellulite when used in com-

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

www.vistamagonline.com

Cellulite affects approximately 90 percent of women in their lifetime. bination with other compounds. These include tocopherol (vitamin E), calendula, Berberis aquifolium (a homeopathic ingredient, also called Oregon grape), aloe vera, and Oleoresin Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary).

This herbal cellulite blend has been shown to effectively reverse cellulite, to a marked degree, in a high percentage of adult women of all age groups. Its safety, natural-based ingredient composition, and lack of reported side effects makes it desirable to help control and even reverse GLD throughout adult life.

Women are also encouraged to perform lower limb endurance exercise (walking, cycling), eat a low animal fat diet with adequate dietary fibre and protein, avoid smoking, minimize alcohol intake, reduce stress (since high cortisone levels tend to make cellulite worse), avoid use of estrogen-containing drugs where possible, and avoid excessively tight fitting pants and undergarments and high heels that inhibit circulation.

It’s also advisable for women affected by cellulite to take a hormone balancing supplement to reduce the impact excess estrogen has on the formation of cellulite.

Dr. Delia Simu, DHMS., HD, MD (Europe), D.Ac, graduated as a medical doctor from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania. She ran a busy medical practice at the Communal Health Center of Garbau (Salaj, Romania), and Estetique Clinic in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She then earned a certificate in Recent Advances in Oncology in Amsterdam, and went on to receive her diploma in acupuncture and in homeopathy. After moving to Canada from Romania in 2001, she was granted the title of acupuncturist and doctor of homeopathy.

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

In This Section:

Down the Drain

Canada’s Water Use

By Carol Crenna

Earth Friendly

Air Fresheners

By Michael Bloch

Imagine a Brighter 21st Century

By David Suzuki

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

Down the Drain

Canada’s Water Use

By Carol Crenna

C

anada is one of the highest users of domestic water in the world. Hans Schreier, an award-winning expert in water resources management and a professor at the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of BC, wants to do something about that. Schreier states, “Canadians seem to believe that we have unlimited water supplies.

Most people don’t want to meter their water consumption and pay an appropriate price for its use. At the same time, consumers gladly spend money on bottled water while their community drinking water remains of high quality. How ethical is our use of water?”

For almost three decades, Schreier has taught courses in water management in 17 countries. Here he outlines why Canada urgently needs to conserve water.

Why do we need to conserve?

Severe water shortages are expected in the near future due to: 1. Increased variability in the climate that will create problems with water sources (such as droughts in Alberta and melting glaciers in BC).

2. Water shortages in the summer due to increased demand, which was witnessed in past years.

3. The need to maintain the flow of water for the environment. (For the first time in history, we’re now required to leave enough water in streams to maintain aquatic life and ensure natural purification. In the past, stream water was designated for human use only — we didn’t worry about taking too much.)

How do provinces compare in their use of water?

Daily indoor water use is highest in New Brunswick, second highest in Quebec and third highest in BC. Per person, per day, New Brunswick residents use 425 litres, Quebec residents use 400 litres, and British Columbians use 350 litres.

Other provinces use 225 to 275 litres per day except PEI, which is lowest at 185 litres. This is city use; Canadians living in outer-lying communities use 500 litres per day!

How does Canada rank compared to other countries?

Europeans use about 150 litres per day, half of what Canadians living in cities use on average (300 litres). US residents use the most, just slightly more than in Canada, and Australian and Japanese residents use slightly less than us.

What impacts differences?

Cost directly relates to the amount consumed.

Water costs are lowest in Canada and the US, where we use the most, and highest in Denmark and Germany, where they use the least water.

What measures can be taken so that Canadians conserve water?

1. Price water differently. It’s been found that when using flat rate pricing, residents use 450 litres per day, and when using a volume-based meter (paying for amount used) residents use only 260 litres per day, obviously conserving to save costs.

2. Use more efficient devices. Low-flush toilets should be mandatory. Conventional toilets use 21 litres per flush. The average person flushes eight times per day, which is 168 litres.

Low-flush toilets often feature two buttons that use 3 litres and 6 litres (depending on requirements). Eight low-flushes average 27 litres per day, which results in a savings per day, per person of 141 litres!

3. Change our diet. We should farm appropriate crops in appropriate climates (not growing certain grains/vegetables that require intensive water in areas without adequate rainfall simply due to consumer demand). About 70 percent of fresh water is used in agriculture, which could be changed by improving irrigation methods, by using grey water and reusing water. We should rethink intensive livestock production – such as cattle and pork factory farms – that take enormous amounts of water.

4. Change our habits. Between 30 and 50 percent of domestic drinking water is used for watering the lawn. This could be reduced to less than 10 percent by switching to roof water

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captured by barrel, xeriscaping, and requiring 30 centimetres of topsoil to be placed before planting a lawn (to hold water). Another habit requiring change is bottled water consumption.

Isn’t bottled water safer?

City water is classified under health regulations whereas bottled water is under food regulations. Under health regulations, city water has to be tested (and reported) daily for pathogens, nitrates and other chemicals, arsenic and heavy metals. Under food regulations, bottled water has to be tested and nutritional information reported once per year. Bottled water does not have to disclose where it comes from (Everest brand is from Texas, Yosemite brand is from LA municipal water, Glacial and Arctic water brands are from Florida). They don’t have to disclose what treatment is used, when and what testing is done, or list on the bottle (in Canada) any chemicals such as nitrates, chloride, sulphates and fluoride. Instead, for food regulations, they list that there is no fat and no protein in water, which is irrelevant. We need a massive public education programme to explain the financial and environmental cost of using bottled water, remove misconceptions that it is safer/better than tap water, and change regulations for what’s listed on labels.

Where do we use the most water in the home?

People use most in the toilet –one third of the day’s water (27 to 32 percent); 19 to 25 percent in the shower and bath; 16 to 19 percent running faucets; 14 to 22 percent in the clothes washer; a whopping 12 to 16 percent wasted on leaks; and about 2 percent in the dishwasher.

Earth Friendly Air Fresheners

By Michael Bloch

I

was an air freshener abuser, big time. But in fooling my nose, I was also poisoning myself and the environment. There are greener ways to keep nasty smells at bay. Most fresheners do not destroy odours, but simply mask them. They create a coating on your nasal membranes that fools your brain into thinking that the smell has gone. As for those air fresheners that claim to kill bacteria, our bacteria paranoia is leading us to kill good bacteria while creating strains of drug resistant bad bacteria. While anti-bacterial air fresheners have their place, they should really be limited to hospital environments.

Many commercial air fresheners contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals. Up to 3,000 synthetic chemical ingredients are used by the air freshener industry.

Some chemicals you may find include: formaldehyde, a known carcinogen; phenol, a skin and nervous system irritant; petroleum distillates such as butane and propane; methylformamide, an organ system toxin that may contribute to cancer and developmental/reproductive toxicity; butanoic acid, related to neurotoxicity, endocrine (hormone) disruption and organ toxicity; and nitro- and polycyclic musks, which are linked to cancer and hormone disruption.

These chemicals accumulate in carpet over time since they’re sprayed in the air, which is particularly of concern to parents with young children. Being rather sticky, the chemicals also adhere to shoes and feet to be taken outside where they wind up in soil. A trend in air fresheners includes 24/7 products that spray automatically every few minutes, whether it’s needed or not. Based on the chemical cocktails, I feel these are terrible and should be pulled from the market. We also build up a tolerance to fresheners — we get used to the smell and start using more to get that same olfactory “kick.” If you really feel the need to use one, try rotating fragrances you use regularly.

Added to that, there’s the non-recyclable or reusable packaging of these products – millions of spray cans and plastic bottles hitting landfills each year – not to mention the factory production of the chemical ingredients and the packaging.

Green commercial air fresheners

Thankfully, some manufacturers are responding to consumer concerns regarding the health and environmental issues associated with these products and “green” air fresheners can be purchased. Still, be wary of these products: a common trick companies play is to claim a product contains “natural pine (or other natural) scent”, which it may, but what about the other ingredients?

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Check the labels and if it’s unclear, contact the company for a complete ingredient list.

Alternatively, search for the product’s MSDS online. An MSDS is a Materials Safety Data Sheet. These usually contain more information than you’ll find listed on a product’s packaging and may also include toxicological and environmental data. You can also use online databases such as Skin Deep to find out the potential effects of the product’s chemicals.

Homemade alternatives

Here are tips to keep your home smelling fresh. Be cautious of how you use some of these ideas if you have young children or pets scurrying around the house.

• It’s simple, but improve air circulation by opening windows.

• Try a tablespoon of salt combined with the flesh of a half an orange. I’m told this is a good one for the toilet.

• 1 to 2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract placed in small containers around your home.

• Potpourri made from lavender, roses or scented plants and flowers you have in your garden.

• Use baking soda to soak up acidic odours; also great for ash trays.

• Baking soda can be used as a spray: one teaspoon dissolved in a cup of water and then sprayed as a fine mist.

• Use vinegar to neutralize alkaline odours. Yes, vinegar is a little smelly itself, but the initial pong quickly fades.

• A couple of drops of essential oil in an atomizer/mister full of water sprayed around (this masks the smell rather than neutralizing it) or dabbed on cotton balls placed in inconspicuous places around a room.

• If you have extraction fans in the kitchen or toilet, ensure the screens are kept clean. If you haven’t cleaned yours for a while, I guarantee the difference will amaze you.

• Treating the cause rather than the symptom is always a preferred strategy. For example, pet bedding can create an awful stink and while it may not be viable to wash it every week, simply putting it out in the sun regularly and giving it a good shake will help.

Michael Bloch publishes Green Living Tips, an online resource powered by renewable energy offering a wide variety of Earth-friendly tips and environment related news to help consumers reduce costs, consumption and environmental impact. www.greenlivingtips.com

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

Imagine a Brighter

21st Century

By David Suzuki

I

n our short time on Earth, we humans have emerged from a chaotic world, imposing order and meaning in myriad ways, imagining the world into being. That was our great gift. As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, will we prove ourselves to be imaginative beings capable of creating a better world?

Our challenge is to imagine a world where our wealth is in human relations and where we learn to live in balance with the rest of nature. By imagining a future, we can make it happen — as we always have. If we continue, though, to set human borders and the economy as our highest priorities, we will never come to grips with the destructiveness of our activities and institutions.

In imagining a better future, we must open ourselves to the idea of change. And we’d do well to remember that people with vision have been overturning outmoded ways of thinking and acting throughout our brief history on Earth — often in the face of great resistance. It wasn’t long ago that people in countries such as the US believed slavery was an economic necessity and that abolishing it would destroy the economy and the way of life of “free” citizens.

Consider the cost and the speed that we act in our own best interests: the US was able to build its space programme quickly, for example, after the Russians launched Sputnik I in 1957. In putting tremendous energy, thought, and resources into getting people onto the moon, the US also sparked innovations such as 24-hour television news channels, cellphones, and GPS navigation.

On the environmental front, world leaders converged in 1987 to confront the effect humans were having on the ozone layer with our use of chlorofluorocarbons. The international treaty they signed used trade sanctions and incentives to get countries to phase out the use of chemicals (CFCs) that were contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer.

We have to think big to imagine a future that offers the most good to the most people and to all life on this planet. Obviously, reducing poverty, conflict and human-rights abuses is paramount. Environmental problems exacerbate those issues and so must also be dealt with. Part of the problem is that political leaders are stuck in the mindset that constant economic growth is essential. Consider what Stephen Harper said in a speech to South Korea’s National Assembly in 2009: “Without the wealth that comes from growth, the environmental threats, the developmental challenges and the peace and security issues facing the world will be exponentially more difficult to deal with.” But with constant growth comes depletion of and increasing competition for scarce resources, and more waste —in other words, increased environmental threats, developmental challenges, and peace and security issues.

Constant growth is not possible in a finite world with finite resources.

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Our focus on constant economic growth also leads to bizarre anomalies.

War and natural disasters, for example, contribute to economic growth by creating employment and resource-use activity. In thinking beyond these artificial parameters that humans have set (they were only set during the middle of the 20th century), we can imagine a more sustainable way of living, as York University economist Peter Victor did in his book Managing Without Growth: Slower by Design, Not Disaster. As Dr. Victor points out, we can’t change overnight, but by imagining a future in which humans live within the Earth’s capacity to provide for our ongoing needs, we can steer ourselves in the right direction.

Once we have imagined this better future, we can get serious about solving challenges we have created with our now outmoded ways of thinking.

Issues such as climate change, mass extinctions of plant and animal species, pollution and toxic chemicals in the environment and water shortages require scientific and political solutions — along with the efforts and support of citizens throughout the world. We’re well into the 21st century. It’s time we started thinking and acting like responsible 21st century citizens.

David Suzuki is the Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation, and an award-winning scientist and broadcaster. He is host of the television series, The Nature of Things, founded CBC’s Quirks and Quarks, and presented documentary series, 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 70

Get the goodness of Organic.

Astro Original Organic is yogourt kept simple. It’s made with only pure and natural ingredients that are certified 100% organic. Plus, our set style yogourt is exceptionally thick, rich, creamy and naturally delicious.

Naturally Good. Naturally Delicious.

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

Food for thought Dan-D-Pak: Goji Omega Boost Oatmeal

BC’s Dan-D-Pak has surprised us again with another instant classic. The perfect combination of goji berries, oats, blueberries and flax seeds gives you what you’re looking for in a powerful mix of anti-oxidants, fibre and energy.

An extremely healthy start to your day or the perfect ingredient in baked treats, Dan-D-Pak’s Goji Omega Boost Oatmeal can be enjoyed by the entire family. Visit www.dan-d-pak.com

red rain Tropical Mango energy drink

red rain energy drinks have expanded their offering of unique flavours to the energy market. red rain now offers four unique flavours to attract new consumers into the energy category ; Original red rain, Acai- Blu , Cran – Orange , and now Tropical Mango. red rain energy drinks offer consumers flavours that are refreshing and appealing to both women and men . With four great flavours to choose from red rain is easy to ” Drink Twice Daily TM “ see the entire family at redrainenergy.ca

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Dan-D-Organics

You wouldn’t expect anything less than a wide array of Organic foods from the creators of Dan-D-Pak. BC’s own, Dan-D Foods Ltd. has always been known for their high standards in taste and innovation and for the past few years they have been steadily expanding their Dan-D-Organic product line. You’ll find a list including items like flax seeds, dried fruits, their famous nut selection and other grocery items like the popular Organic Quick and Rolled Oats at a grocer near you. Visit www.dan-d-pak.com for more info and recipe ideas. www.dan-d-pak.com

WHEY GOURMET

Whey Gourmet, “The World’s Best Tasting Protein Shake,” delivers a unique combination of amazing taste with high-quality ingredients and proven health benefits! Made with a blend of whey protein to make a rich and thick shake, Whey Gourmet keeps your body feeling full and satisfied. Every serving of Whey Gourmet delivers a full serving of protein (21 grams), contains only 120 calories, and is low in fat, carbohydrates and sodium. For more information, please visit www.WheyGourmet.com

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

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Inside the Shopping Bag

1. Bags that are Built to Carry! Enjoy a complete line of

Reusable Shopping Bags to cover all your shopping adventures. Patsy Pocket weighs just 1 oz and opens up into a full size shopping bag, Eliza Elf is made from 100% recycled polyester with a flat bottom for easy loading. Visit www.bettybags.ca for a complete product line. All Betty Bags can carry over 9 kg (20) lb and are machine washable. Made in Canada T: 604-597-0737 www.bettybags.ca

2. Natren’s healthy start system probiotics

Natren’s Healthy Start System is the complete probiotic regimen and the foundation for optimum wellness. It contains all 3 of the most potent super strain beneficial bacteria to diminish gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn and helps to improve digestion, increase nutrient absorption, increase immune function, and help maintain regularity.

3. Naka’s Nutri BONE liquid Naka’s Nutri Bone liquid is the perfect daily supplement - An advanced liquid formula featuring a great tropical berry flavour plus: Collagen (2000 mg), Calcium (400 mg), Magnesium (200 mg), Vitamin D (500 IU), and more! This superior blend of natural ingredients helps fight bone density loss and supports connective tissue formation. Plus it has Vitamin D, which studies suggest can help prevent major breast, colon and ovarian diseases. Naka Herbs & Vitamins Ltd. www.nakaherbs.com.

4. Naka’s Vital Greens Liquid Naka’s Vital Greens is a superior liquid formula featuring over 40 herbs and superfoods to help you live life to the max!

Mixing up goopy, bad tasting, powdered greens is a thing of the past. Join the liquid greens revolution and discover the great taste and superior absorbability of liquid Vital Greens today. Vital Greens is the official green food supplement of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Help to energize, detoxify, stop cravings plus aid digestion with this liquid boost of essential green nutrients! Naka Herbs & Vitamins Ltd. www.nakaherbs.com.

5. red rain beverages and energy shots It’s raining red!

6. Awaken my Senses Rosehip Oil Combat aging the

natural way. Clinical trials found Rosehip oil to be extremely beneficial in tissue regeneration. The oil has been used in Europe for years to prevent the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Gently massage a few drops a day before moisturizing and experience Mother Nature’s wonderful gift. Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is imported directly from Chile. Ask for it at your local health food store or visit www.awakenmysenses.com for a location near you.

7. HIMALAYAN CRYSTAL SALT There is no life as we know it without salt. No cell and no organism can exist without salt. Apart from sodium chloride crystalline primeval salt provides up to 84 essential minerals and trace elements.

A few of the most important are: potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, silicon, iron, zinc, iodine, manganese, selenium, chromium, copper, and cobald. Imported & Distributed by Canadian owned: Heartfeltliving® Health Products Inc. Toll free: 1-888-898-SALT • www.saltforhealth.com

8. BONEhealth™ ESC® (EggShell Calcium) is a 100% natural, highly

concentrated ultra-pure source of calcium with naturally occurring transporter proteins which enhance calcium absorption. Eggshell Calcium combined with magnesium and Vitamin D3makes BONEhealth™ from Membrell® exactly what bones need to stay healthy and strong. BONEhealth™ doesn’t just maintain bone density — it increases bone density. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial in post-menopausal women found that eggshell calcium significantly increased bone mineral density of the hip within 12 months.

9. Enerex’s GRAPE SEED/GREEN TEA extract This winning combination is one of the most potent anti-oxidant formulas available, containing 100 mg grape seed extract plus 200 mg green tea extract (NPN # 80005995 - Gluten Free). Grape seed extract is 20 times more potent than Vitamin C, and 50 times more potent than Vitamin E. Green Tea contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), the most abundant and perhaps most important catechin found in green tea. Scientific studies suggest that green tea EGCG can effectively be used in dietary supplements for weight management and cardiovascular health.

Cott Beverages has expanded the red rain product line with the red rain 12 energy drink, which promotes mental focus and clarity. Red rain 12 has a unique blend of energy boosting ingredients and choline to enhance mental alertness. The red rain 54 VISTA Magazine Issue 70 brand continues to provide value in the energy category.

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www.vistamagonline.com

Heal Rather Than Eradicate Disease

By Michelle Kwon

A

re chemotherapy and radiation the only ways to eliminate cancer? Are they the most effective protocols? It depends on what doctor you speak to. Some are now rethinking these approaches as being not effective for everyone. Given the side effects and inconclusive results of chemotherapy and radiation, our best hope may be in therapies that enhance the body’s own immune protection and the way it responds to cancer cells.

Our immune system is our greatest ally in healing cancer. Evidence shows that natural approaches to support the immune system can significantly decrease the risk of cancer recurrence and increase survival. Diet, exercise, stress reduction and cancer-specific natural treatments have shown, without a doubt, to aid in healing cancer.

Cancer is not an alien being that has inhabited the body, but a growth of the body. It needs to be handled in a way that heals, rather than drastically trying to kill the invader at great expense to the rest of the body. And although surgery plays a very important role in cancer treatment, it doesn’t address the underlying factors that predispose you to the disease and even prevent your healing.

Dr. Mamdooh Ghoneum, PhD, Chief of Research, Department of Otolaryngology, Charles Drew University of Medicine in Los Angeles, has spent 20 years studying substances that effect immune response. While experimenting with natural extracts, he discovered a substance that interested him enough to abandon other projects, including government-funded research, to

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focus on it for cancer treatment. The substance, MGN-3, is an extract of rice bran, modified by enzymes from shiitake mushrooms.

Dr. Ghoneum’s research suggests that MGN3 simulates the production of chemicals that have direct anti-tumour effects and activate the body’s Natural Killer cells, our immune system’s key defense cells. MGN-3 led to a significant increase in NK cell activity after only one to two weeks, which correlated with increased survival rates. It can be safely used in conjunction with conventional treatment, including chemotherapy.

Other clinical studies have also verified its effectiveness. A 1996 study involving 27 patients with different forms of cancer (presented at the 87th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research), all taking conventional treatments and 3 grams of MGN-3 per day, showed that patients had significant rises in NK cell activity when taking MGN-3. These ranged from 100 percent to 537 percent increases. In 1998, a study documented in the International Journal of Immunotherapy (XIV-2, pg 89-99) involved 24 patients taking MGN-3 in three different concentrations. NK cell activity was significantly increased after one week and peaked at two months in all individuals.

Though conventional therapies reduce cancer cell numbers very effectively, unfortunately, it‘s impossible to achieve a 100 percent kill rate without harming the patient. When 95 to 98 percent of the cancer cells with these therapies are killed, a patient may be considered “in remission” and treatment is stopped. However, these remissions are frequently short-lived. Chemotherapy and radiation suppress the immune system, lowering the fighting power of anti-cancer cells. Following treatment, the few hardy cancer cells that survive may be left to replicate largely unchallenged by a damaged immune system.

Dr. Mamdooh Ghoneum feels that “watchful waiting,” monitoring patients in remission, wastes the opportunity to provide increased support to the immune system. At early stages of detection, or in advanced stages when the tumour has been reduced as far as possible by surgery and/or chemotherapy, boosting the immune system allows the body to eradicate the remaining cells that have escaped. MGN-3 cannot replace these therapies in advanced malignancies. Dr. Ghoneum recommends that cancer patients begin MGN-3 at the same time or immediately following other therapies.

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Five Foods That Harm The Skin

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ome people are willing to spend a fortune for skin creams that promise to rejuvenate aging skin, but give little thought to the role that diet plays. Just as there are foods that enhance skin health, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, there are ones that can harm skin and increase the risk of skin laxity and wrinkling. Isn’t it time to take a closer look at the foods you’re eating? Here are some dietary habits that can harm skin health.

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Eating high carb, processed foods

High carbohydrate, processed foods such as white bread, white potatoes, white rice and sugary desserts not only destroy the waistline, but also harm the skin. A carbrich diet causes rapid elevation of blood sugars which promotes glycation, where sugar molecules bind to a protein such as skin collagen and damage it. When skin collagen is damaged, it leads to wrinkles and sagging. How do you prevent this undesirable sequence of events? Substitute processed carbs with whole, unprocessed grains.

Drinking alcohol

Alcohol harms skin in a variety of ways. By dilating blood vessels, it aggravates the condition known as rosacea, causing worsening of the characteristic redness and flushing.

Alcohol is also associated with the formation of telangiectasias – those ugly, red spider veins that form on the face and body. Alcohol is dehydrating to the skin, leading to excess moisture loss which can increase skin dryness. It also increases inflammation which can damage collagen and elastin, leading to skin wrinkling and sagging.

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Excessive salt

Too much salt in the diet harms skin appearance in the short term by causing under-eye puffiness and swelling – when fluid collects in the tissues around the eyes and face. Reducing sodium in the diet and getting more potassium rich foods can help to reduce puffy eyes. Drinking more water also helps to flush out excess sodium.

Not choosing protein wisely

A diet rich in red meat induces inflammation which can be damaging to skin collagen. Eating fatty fish high in omega-3s has the opposite effect. Omega-3s are believed to be anti-inflammatory and healthy for the skin. Wild Alaskan salmon is a good choice since it is high in DMAE, a compound that some studies show can reduce the signs of aging skin.

Not getting enough fat

Too much of the wrong kinds of fat in the diet can clog the arteries, but too little can lead to skin that appears older. A study showed that animals that were given a diet without essential fatty acids developed skin dryness and signs of aging skin. The key is to add the right kinds of fats – polyunsaturated ones – particularly omega-3s.

The bottom line: processed foods, a diet high in red meat and processed carbs, and excessive salt and alcohol use are all dietary habits that can lead to skin problems and premature aging.

Avoid these dietary demons as much as possible for more beautiful skin.

Dr Kristie is a medical doctor concentrating on family practice. She also has an undergraduate degree in biology and psychology and a master’s degree in clinical pathology.

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Paperback Heroes

Books that Inspire Healthy Living

By Michelle Kwon

Celiac Disease: Safe Food List and Essential Information on Living with a Gluten Free Diet by Jaqui Karr, selfpublished, (Amazon, ISBN 978-0-9813198-3-4), $12.99

Author Jaqui Karr was frustrated that eating simply to make a positive difference to her celiac disease became so difficult. Tome-sized resource guides with advice that would suggest “taking time to mourn your lack of ability to eat anything” she found less than helpful. She created her own 60-page guide to what’s important to know, and what’s vital to list for shopping grocery stores without bringing home gluten. There’s a list of “safe” foods (hemp, amaranth, chickpea flour, cheddar cheese, apple cider vinegar, corn…) and “unsafe foods” (blue cheese, mustard, buttermilk, miso, starchy vegetables, potato chips…). Essential basics for survival are covered — kitchen care, specific vitamins needed (since many celiacs have nutrient deficiencies), foods that heal, and staying hydrated with water; the negative aspects of microwaving on food, detox diets, cosmetics (harmful ingredients), and food additives; and restaurants specifically for celiacs.

Also covered are celiac-related depression, and keeping positive and steadfast in a world where other people can eat anything.

Kitchen Yoga: “Off the Mat” Yoga for People Who Have No Time, by Ruth Shaw, self-published (www. ruthshawyoga.com), $29.95

Toronto yoga instructor Ruth Shaw started offering her personal solution to the yoga time-crunch to students after she found that they worked for her own busy schedule. When she couldn’t squeeze in enough practice, those few minutes of “dead time” in the kitchen – while waiting for a pan to heat or pot to boil – were perfect opportunities to do yoga. With no more excuses for not having time or space to practise, students found that these few minutes of kitchen yoga added up to an extra half hour per week, resulting in more strength and flexibility. These techniques aren’t meant to replace mat yoga at a studio, but to be a maintenance programme appropriate for all levels. The book is kept simple with 24 easy poses demonstrated in full colour. But the best part is the 24 “recipe cards” that you pull out to leave in the kitchen (or your purse) with each reproduced pose. Classics like the tree pose, the eagle, the standing forward bend and the standing pigeon are modified for your kitchen’s floor, appliances and countertops.

Even if you’ve got muscle or joint issues, you’ll find yourself easily sliding into the poses after a few test-trials with your kitchen table.

Art of Recovery: Transforming Shame and Addiction Mythology, by Paul Stiles Randak, Eagle Heart Publishing, www.artofrecovery.net (or Amazon), $12.95 (US)

Art of Recovery isn’t just for addicts per se, but for everyone addicted to something: sugar, shopping, a relationship pattern, reliving a past event, or a role you play. In other words, everyone will learn something from this beautifully and thoughtfully written book. Author Paul Randak calls it a deep exploration of the connection between shame and addiction and how the beliefs you have about your life are formed by the effects of unresolved grief, loss and trauma. The author has years of experience in treatment of addiction, developing holistic treatment agencies in Salt Lake City, Scottsdale and Sonoma County. But he also offers his own personal story of recovery to illustrate the addictive mind and how he discovered tools for transformation.

Of course, without actually incorporating the inspirational messages into your life, it doesn’t become transformational, only interesting. You still have to do the work. Randak advises readers to “appreciate the path of recovery as a process of healing and a restoration of the most important relationship in life: the relationship with truth and authenticity, faith and spirit — the Artistic Self.” When you stop lying to yourself and begin to heal your intuition, enabling you to listen to your creative spirit, you unlock the self-shackled chains of self-gratification and fear, and awaken from your nightmare. Suddenly, every day becomes a new day filled with possibilities.

Art of Recovery teaches Five Keys to freedom, the power of forgiveness and acceptance, and the grief process, and helps you to open your thoughts to another way of dealing with life’s difficulties.

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Sensitive Skin S.O.S.

By Michelle Kwon

Y

ou may try to ignore it, slather it with soothing lotions, remedy it with supplements, or bake it in the sun, but you still can’t hide from having sensitive skin. Whether your complexion reflects a lifetime of abuse or of careful attention, it may still reveal a skin type that is extra high maintenance, affected by everything from your makeup to your moods.

Sensitive skin has its benefits. Those with it are often described as having a very youthful appearance, with a complexion compared to that of babies and young children. It is often fair, delicate and almost translucent — all synonymous with beauty throughout history. It is, however, sensitive to heat, cold and other environmental changes, which can make it become dry, taut and painful. A sensitive skin reaction may express itself as redness, itching, burning and sometimes even small pustules filled with a watery liquid.

cause a reaction, whereas zinc oxide, which is not absorbed but simply sits on the skin’s surface, is less irritating but still blocks ultraviolet light.

Diet plays a key role in nurturing skin to prevent reactions. Here are skin-friendly tips to help you save face.

Many factors can aggravate sensitive skin: Certain cosmetic ingredients Certain preservatives Facial scrubbing Astringents with high levels of alcohol Wind, sun and heat Prescription medications Stress and anxiety Rosacea, eczema and psoriasis Harsh shampoos and conditioners Synthetic chemicals found in makeup Alcohol consumption It goes without saying that great care should be taken when you have skin sensitivity. Always use a gentle touch when cleansing the face, avoid hot or cold water (use lukewarm only), and softly pat dry. It’s best to avoid having commercial facials unless the esthetician is trained to work with this skin type.

If you have chronic flare-ups or reactions, seek the advice of a naturopath or nutritional expert. Keep in mind that any chemical you put on skin may cause irritation — for example, many sunscreens contain PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) that is part of the B vitamin family but may

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1. Drink water. The amount you should drink depends on your environment, your physical activity and your health, but generally, drink eight glasses or one and a half litres every day.

The water content of skin cells determines how moist and supple your skin is. Cells filled with adequate water are healthy and plump whereas drier skin is prone to cracking, scaling, eczema and irritation.

2. Eat bright colours. Get 5 to 10 servings of bright fruits and vegetables each day since they’re full of antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals that nourish skin. Red and pink indicate lycopene; green provides lutein and zeaxanthin; and orange and yellow supply beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C and E. 3. Get the right fats. When you eat essential fatty acids, they incorporate into the skin to stabilize the protective membranes, reduce inflammation, and keep skin supple. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of fish or flax oil daily, sprinkle ground flax on cereal, and try eating fish twice per week.

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

Personal Care – A Thing of Beauty?

By Marva Ward

I

n the holistic health industry, it is widely recognized that the onset of disease and the breakdown of the human body is a multifaceted process and cannot be blamed on one particular dietary or lifestyle choice.

The “barrel effect” is an excellent analogy in demonstrating this philosophy of the disease process.

Consider that the healthy body is like an empty barrel. Day to day living slowly begins to fill the barrel: the air we breathe; the chemicals additives and residues from the food we eat; pharmaceutical and recreational drugs, including tobacco and alcohol used, and the lack of vitamins, minerals and nutritional support in our diets. Once it reaches its capacity, it starts to overflow. At this point maintaining homeostasis (healthy balance) is difficult because the capacity for toxins has reached its limit, often resulting in symptoms that can lead to illness, and if not corrected, ultimately to chronic or life threatening disease.

The alternative approach recommends many effective options in bringing the body back to a state of health. Often the regimen will consist of a combination of nutritional support and lifestyle changes in addition to orthomolecular levels (significantly higher doses than the typical daily dose) of a supplement regimen until the individual has regained health. However, due to the number of toxins that enter our body via skin absorption, a component that is often added to this quest for wellness is the removal of toxic beauty and personal care products.

They are replaced with healthier alternatives. There are five ingredients that commercial and mass market companies use in the preparation of these products. They are:

Emollients

Emollients create a barrier by sealing the skin, which prevents dryness.

Synthetic emollients coat the skin like Saran wrap, and are often a skin irritant. Over time, they can accumulate in the liver and lymph. They are non-biodegradable, which has a negative effect on the environment, and are potentially carcinogenic.

Synthetics to avoid: PEG compounds, the synthetic alcohol isopropyl plamitate, hydrocarbons such as mineral oil, petroleum, paraffin wax Organic emollients: may include the plant oils of jojoba, avocado, shea, coconut and cocoa.

Humectants

Synthetic humectants keep skin moist by forming a barrier which suffocates the skin, and are potentially carcinogenic.

Synthetics to avoid: sodium laurel sulphate (SLS) and propylene glycol, (these two ingredients also penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream),

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PEG compounds, ethyloxylated surfactants (often contains dioxane) Organic humectants: natural phospholipids such as lecithin, panthenol, sugar and vitamin B5.

Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers are designed to hold compounds together that don’t usually combine well. They are potentially carcinogenic.

Synthetics to avoid: alkoxylated amides such as DEA, TEA, MEA, synthetic alcohols, PEG compounds Organic emulsifiers: candelilla, carnauba, jojoba, xanthan gum, rice bran

Surfactants

These dissolve oils and hold dirt in suspension to be rinsed away, and are potentially carcinogenic.

Synthetics to avoid: ethoxylated surfactants and amides such as TEA, DEA, SLS, ammonium lauryl sulfate, quaternium -7,15,31,60 Organic surfactants: castile soap, yucca, soapwort

Preservatives

Preservatives are designed to preserve and increase the shelf life of a product. They’re potentially carcinogenic, can irritate the skin and trigger allergies.

Synthetics to avoid: methyl/propyl/butyl/ethyl parabens, 2-bromo-nitro-propane-1,3-diol, 2-bromo-nitro-propane-1,3-diol, butylated hydroxyl toulene (BHT) Organic preservatives: vitamin E, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, rosemary oil Personal care and beauty manufacturers often argue that minimal amounts of these potentially harmful ingredients are used in their products and, therefore, they have been deemed safe at these levels. This may be true if the ingredients were found in just one product. Often, however, they are found in many other toiletry products on the market. Thus our minuscule exposure from one product becomes multiplied in every product that we apply to our skin, hair, and even use in our mouth.

Other practices that tend to blur the truth are labeling loopholes that allow manufacturers to make claims that sound official but, in reality, have little meaning. Consider the term “dermatologist tested”. What exactly was tested and what was the outcome? There are no specific rules that determine this perceived professional label. Forewarned is forearmed. Knowing what to look for in a product, and even more important, making your own decision about what you want in your personal healthcare products may be another proactive step in maintaining optimal health.

Marva Ward, CNP, is a registered nutritionist.

VISTA Magazine Issue 70

www.vistamagonline.com

Your Pet’s Exercise Depends on Joint Health

By Franco Cavaleri

R

companion canine’s staple cannot deliver all of these needs. Antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids are often added to these foods but they cannot survive the processing or long-term shelf storage. Chondroitin and glucosamine are also often added to pet foods, but the quantity and form may not be adequate.

Chondroitin plays a huge role in joint maintenance, but the form it’s in is important. Chondroitin literally frees the genes of the chondrocyte involved in making collagen from inhibiting factors such as nitric oxide and peroxy nitrite (which create free radicals/oxidation). Chondroitin teams up with the other antioxidants to allow the cells to use glucosamine to rebuild cartilage tissue. Not all chondroitin is the same. The key to its activity is the size of the chondroitin molecule. Smaller bits of the compound can be absorbed more easily by the worker cells so they can start the cartilage-building process. Crude

forms (larger molecules) found in food cannot deliver the same result.

Healthy, unprocessed dog or cat food, and a properly designed supplement formula for your pet empower the body to be self-sufficient and do what it was designed to do. They allow your pet to stick with the lifestyle programme that will help keep you both in peak physical and mental health. Joint health will ultimately be the limiting factor when it comes to your pet’s exercise.

Prevention is the best solution; supplementing with glucosamine on its own won’t cut it. And if disease is creeping in already, it’s especially important to get a properly designed joint-activator to stop it as soon as possible. You’re in charge of your pet; so take charge!

Franco Cavaleri, BSc, is a graduate of UBC, and majored in Nutritional Science and Biochemistry. Franco is a bestselling author of POTENTIAL WITHIN: A Guide to Nutritional Empowerment and YOUR DOGS HEALTH.

TURN YOUR PETS' DREAM Name: Ch ar lie

Age: 11 ye ars Loves:

to ru n an d play!

(of increased mobility & reduced joint pain)

Trademarks of BiologicVET, © 2008 Biologic Nutritional Research Inc.

esearch confirms that the cause of joint degeneration as we and our companion animals age is the slow decline of cells called chondrocytes. Chondrocyte cells use glucosamine to build collagen. Collagen is needed to rebuild cartilage. If this worker cell-chindrocyte-of the body is not functional, even shovelfuls of oral glucosamine supplements won’t result in building new cartilage. The supplement may deliver a mild anti-inflammatory effect, but this only frees our pets from joint pain. This means that it will get them active enough to run around and wear off even more cartilage tissue in an already damaged joint.

Vitamin C’s known role in joint construction and repair is to help activate this cartilageproducing cell. Unlike your own body, your dog’s body can actually manufacture vitamin C. Although supplementing with vitamin C is not as important for your canine, it is very important for a dog recovering from illness or injury or an extremely active dog. As physical and metabolic activity increase, vitamin C demands also increase and can do so beyond the body’s capacity to keep up.

The direct physical wear caused by your pet’s exercise is not always the cause of degenerating joints. The common cause is the declining amount of work the worker (chondrocyte) cell does — it doesn’t keep up with the tissue wear. This is increased by oxidation. Physical work contributes to oxidation (a negative reaction produced by oxygen). Antioxidants like vitamin C, grape seed and green tea neutralize, or reduce, this damaging oxidation. Processed bagged and canned pet foods have been stripped of their nutrients including antioxidants and can also supply “damaged” nutrients that contribute to oxidation. Chondrocyte cells and the body’s ability to use glucosamine are greatly compromised by this.

The key to long-term health is nutrition.

By supplementing your pet’s diet with connective tissue-specific antioxidants that protect the worker cells from the rigors of oxidation, you allow cells to do their job daily and keep up with the repair. Natural aging also contributes to uncontrolled oxidation. As we and our pets age, joint health tends to decline — our body’s production of antioxidants is reduced, and with this our natural protection from free radicals (oxidation) declines. This is the oxidative factor that interferes with joint tissue worker cells. Excessive physical work, age and processed food can add up to an overwhelming strain on the metabolism. Biologically active nutrition through supplements acts as a countermeasure to this strain.

The processed bagged food we accept as our

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VISTA Magazine Issue 70

Colours: CMYK Date:Jan 28, 2009 Contact: Andrea Smith 604-460-8440 x265

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