Volume 2 EMPOWER YOUR SALAD WITH DANDELION GREENS (see recipe page 12)
Enzymes for Renewed Vitality
Digestive Solutions
SWEDISH BITTERS Time-Honored Recipe For Health A Wise Approach to Heartburn
It’s bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children’s health than the pediatrician. Meryl Streep
CONTENTS 4
OUR CURRENT FOOD DILEMMA
18 SILICA – SECRET TO
6
HERB FARM INSPIRES DEDICATION
20
8
23
SWEDISH BITTERS Time-honored Recipe for Health
12 RECIPES TO BOOST DIGESTION
13 DON’T JUST SURVIVE
Thrive with Enzyme Nutrition
14 DIET LINKED TO WEIGHT PROBLEMS
16 DELICIOUS SMOOTHIE RECIPES
LONGEVITY
A WISE APPROACH TO HEARTBURN AGING TIPS
24 FAST FOOD SOLUTION 26 BITTERS
Nature’s Solution for Improved Digestion
28 PET HEALTH 30 EMBRACING OUR ECO-SYSTEM
An Inside Look at Green Beaver
Inspiring Health is dedicated to consumers with education supporting safe and healthy living. The information presented in this magazine is intended for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified health professional for individual advice. Inspiring Health is published quarterly by Flora Inc. Post Office Box 73 805 E. Badger Road Lynden, Washington, USA 98264 Copyright, 2011. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form whatsoever without written permission from the publisher. Managing Editor Gabriel Lightfriend Contributing Writers John Mcleod Tracy Marcynzsyn Alberto Trujillo Lynne Lowe Peter Vernon Quenter Klaus Kaufmann
From The Editor
DIGESTIVE TIPS • Set
aside a special time to eat when you are at peace and away from work or distraction.
• Drink
a glass of purified water upon arising each morning (this will help flush out toxins gathered from the previous day). Drinking plenty of water or herbal teas between meals will also help rinse cells and enhance elimination.
• Consume
more frequent but smaller meals to ease the burden of digestion.
• Chew your food sufficiently (20 or more chews per mouthful).
• Eat
fresh, organic and raw whenever possible (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds).
• Follow
basic food combining principals (proteins combine well with vegetables, starches combine well with vegetables, proteins and starches do not mix well, nor do fruits and vegetables).
• Eliminate larger meals late at night. • Rejuvenate the body with a periodic internal cleansing program.
• Replace a typical breakfast or lunch with an invigorating health shake or smoothie (see recipes on pages 16 & 17).
• Participate
in moderate to vigorous exercise (at least 30 minutes, 3 or more times per week).
• Balance
caloric intake with level of physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.
• Enjoy
plenty of fresh air to deliver life enhancing oxygen to the lungs, bloodstream and cells.
• Get adequate amounts of rest and sound sleep.
• Take action to reduce your level of stress. Practice meditation, yoga, tai chi or deep breathing techniques (Pranayama).
• Be optimistic – an uplifting diet of positive
thoughts and emotions can have a profound effect on our overall well-being.
4 Inspiring Health
Our Current Food Dilemma The tradition of sharing an appetizing dinner amidst family and friends has long been a cornerstone of daily life. Unfortunately, in today’s rapid-paced society we seldom take the time to enjoy a wholesome meal, opting instead for frozen microwave fare or a fast food fix. We are constantly bombarded with enticing advertisements extolling the pleasure of indulging in a smorgasbord of selections laden with fats, sugars and preservatives. These man-made meals are often severely lacking in the complex array of vitamins, minerals, fiber, enzymes and other phytonutrients commonly present in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The burden on our wellbeing and the health of our communities is all too prevalent. According to statistics prepared by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the annual medical costs relating to digestive problems in the United States alone exceeds $100 billion. The number of people inflicted with digestive disorders is mind boggling:
• Chronic constipation – 63 million people
• Gallstones – 20 million people • Acid indigestion/heartburn – 20% of the population
• Hemorrhoids – 75% of people older than 45
• Gastrointestinal infections from food borne illness – 76 million people
The average adult will consume around 40 to 50 tons of food during their lifetime. We need to nurture more reverence and respect for our digestive system to minimize the compounded damage that occurs as we age. The digestive system primarily acts to break food down into smaller components so they can be absorbed into the body and utilized for a myriad of functions including energy production and the building and repairing of cells and tissues. It also serves to eliminate wastes from the body. Every organ that comprises the digestive tract, starting with the mouth and ending with the colon, plays a crucial role. Just the liver alone assists with performing over 500 functions. Since many of us do not take the time to consistently eat a proper, balanced and nutritious diet, it might seem prudent to supplement our food intake with additional enzymes, fiber, probiotics, herbals and other digestive aids. This edition of Inspiring Health will shed light on a variety of Digestive Solutions that can positively impact our struggle with the side-effects associated with today’s eating habits.
Sharing Health Community! Our Sharing Health Community provides an ideal place for you, your family and friends to gather information and inspiration about healthy living. We invite you to join us on a journey of discovery about Flora’s unique family tradition and its commitment to developing sustainable herb farms that provide a rich resource of pure and active botanicals. These carefully nurtured organic plants form the foundation for a wide spectrum of innovative formulas prepared for your health and well-being. Learn about the benefits of various herbs, hear about our latest new products, or participate in upcoming, informative webinars on an array of pertinent health topics. And best of all, receive free electronic copies of each issue of Inspiring Health Magazine. • FREE product catalogue
• FREE product discount coupons
• FREE healthy recipe booklets
• FREE membership
• FREE herbal expert advice
• TO SIGN UP visit www.florahealth.com
Inspiring Health 5
Green Corner
Herb Farm Inspires Dedication
picking uva ursi
WRITTEN BY
John Mcleod
(Farm Manager)
Cradled between coastal mountains in the Fraser River’s valley, Flora has created an oasis of organic medicinal plants that is raising eyebrows in the neighborhood. Surrounded by large dairies, Flora’s farm stands out with its eclectic collection of plants that most other farmers are trying to eradicate. The farm grows a widening collection of incredibly hardy, resilient and above all else, beneficial plants, that humans have learned to use for health. Their collection includes some plants commonly thought of as weeds: dandelion, burdock, chickweed, yellow dock, nettles and several kinds of thistles as well as the more commonly accepted therapeutic plants such as echinacea, lavender, valerian, and yarrow. Along with these are culinary herbs like rosemary, watercress, mints and thyme. Numerous trees and shrubs such as gingko, slippery elm, and Oregon grape can also be found as well as fruiting plants like black current, raspberry, apples and styrian pumpkin. Roses,
field of echinacea
6  Inspiring Health
hollyhocks, everlastings, calendula, poppies and feverfew and even a few exotics like Hoodia, passion flower and lemon grass sweeten the landscape. The common theme amongst all the plants grown is mankind has learned over many, many years they provide healing benefits for injuries, various bodily malaises and chronic illnesses. They also help prevent all types of everyday conditions that cause human discomfort. This learning process is ongoing even today, with modern science proving these time-honored and traditional treatments work reliably and extremely effectively. A mosaic of medicinal plants growing in this most unlikely of places was envisioned and created by the owner of Flora, Thomas Greither. Bolstered by a lifetime of exposure to these types of plants by his father and grandfather, the farm is an extension of his beliefs that man has a lot to learn from what
harvesting feverfew
grows around him. Everything he needs for his health is close at hand, if only he knew where to look. Located just north of Lynden, Washington and only a few miles southeast of the Canadian Winter Olympic city of Vancouver, the land was purchased in 1996 and comprises 80 acres of incredibly rich delta soils. It was immediately certified Organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which preceded the National Organic Program standards. In recent years its various certifications have grown to include European, Japanese, Canadian and Kosher compliances. In its earlier years, the farm was like an island in a sea of conventional farming. Even organic seeds and organic soil amendments were not readily available. However, as the organic movement has taken hold, more aids for growing have become available as the enlarging market has had the incentive to create new and helpful products. The farm now uses specialized equipment, as well as rediscovered tools and techniques from before the postwar chemical wave swept over the country. Research is ongoing as they search for new and better ways of producing medicinal plants. Flora’s farming division is directed by a small core of highly dedicated, long-term and motivated staff that swells with
hoeing yellow dock
seasonal workers during the growing season. The crew look after the field and greenhouse growing; coordinate all of its various operational components; and maintain the park-like setting and demonstration beds for the many visitors and tours that have arranged visits. Administration and general management have become key components, as they maintain the audit trails for all of their products, ensure the safety of their employees, and that the requirements for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are being met. The farm staff is especially proud of their seasonal workers who return every spring like the killdeers, robins and geese. High school and university students, genuinely interested individuals and three family teams make up their usual seasonal workforce. Most of these workers have returned year after year, a testament to the work environment, the feeling of personal satisfaction and the overall success of the farm. Like the seasons, the farm is not static. It is constantly changing as new techniques are incorporated, different crops are introduced and its people evolve. Operating its own farm exemplifies Flora’s long tradition of being an innovative and forward thinking company, with its customers as the ultimate beneficiary of Lynden’s oasis.
Inspiring Health 7
Herbal Therapy
Swedish Bitters Time-honored Recipe for Health WRITTEN BY
Tracy Marcynzsyn
When a natural recipe for health stands the test of time, it is a true testament to the formula’s effectiveness. Take Maria’s Swedish Bitters, for example. This tried-and-true formulation of bitter herbs, hailed for its ability to optimize digestion and related gastrointestinal issues, was created in the Middle Ages by the father of medicine Paracelsus, later “rediscovered” by Swedish medics Dr. Claus Samst and Dr. Urban Hjärne in the eighteenth century, and introduced to the mainstream in the 1970s by Austrian Herbalist, Maria Treben. With firsthand knowledge of Swedish Bitters’ healing powers, Treben used herbal bitters to treat her own illness, and wrote about the myriad conditions, from headaches and digestive problems to insect bites, that Swedish Bitters relieved in her book Health Through God’s Pharmacy. With her book translated into 24 languages and selling more than 8 million copies, Treben is truly a pioneer in bringing traditional remedies to the mainstream at the end of the twentieth century. She spread the word about natural medicine’s efficacy at numerous seminars and natural health conferences in Germany, Austria and across Europe.
What Are Bitters? Bitter herbs are gastrointestinal stimulants. The bitter taste of the herbs in the mouth causes the release of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates gastric acid and pepsin, resulting in increased intestinal mobility and peristalsis and a healthy flow of bile and pancreatic juice. When all of the juices are flowing in sufficient amounts, the liver is able to digest completely and properly, and toxins are flushed from the body more effectively.
The Main Bitters Swedish Bitters are made from 13 potent herbs. Angelica Root, called the herb of the angels and known for powerful healing properties so strong they were thought to be of Divine origin, is useful for stimulating appetite and treating colic, gas, indigestion and heartburn. Zedoary root is a popular spice and medicine in the Eastern world, used similarly to its cousin turmeric. Used for treating flatulent colic and indigestion, zedoary root also increases the flow of gastric juices, relieving dyspepsia and gastrointestinal upsets associated with digestive organ congestion. Swedish Bitters also contain aloe, known for its exceptional ability to heal wounds; manna sap, used for stimulating bile flow and digestion; rhubarb root, for digestion; and senna leaf, known to ease constipation.
8 Inspiring Health
angelica
Bitters are a natural, effective digestive tonic, especially useful as we age and our digestive “fire” and gastric juices weaken somewhat. Proper digestion allows the body to absorb the vital nutrients from our food and eliminate the waste, without experiencing gas, bloating, cramping and other digestive complaints. Bitters provide the needed stimulation to the liver so it can efficiently and effectively do its job. Most diets today lack the bitter taste element – artichoke, watercress and certain salad greens are about the only foods left with a bitter taste – leaving our internal organs less than stimulated. The absence of bitters in our diets, coupled with the overload of sweets and processed and refined foods, often leads to uncomfortable symptoms like acid reflux, heartburn, fatigue and irregularity and is perhaps a major contributing factor to poor digestion, liver problems, fatigue, constipation, impaired immune function and high cholesterol.The regular use of herbs and herbal extracts to obtain the bitters we lack can be very beneficial.
Maria’s Swedish Bitters From Flora Due to its amazing benefits, natural health supplement manufacturer Flora has developed Maria’s Swedish Bitters. Inspired by Treben’s formula, Flora’s version of Maria’s Swedish Bitters is one of the most potent formulas for stimulating and regulating the entire digestive system. This 13-herb formula, available with and without alcohol, is recommended for overall digestive health. It’s most often used for bloatedness, flatulence, sluggish bowels and constipation and to stimulate stomach and intestinal secretions, easing that “full” feeling. Maria’s Swedish Bitters is also an excellent natural aid for:
• • • • •
minor, occasional digestive difficulties promoting optimal metabolic processes maintaining good circulation energizing those experiencing fatigue supporting strong immune function
How To Use Maria’s Swedish Bitters Just 1 teaspoon diluted with water in the morning and evening may improve digestion, and as individual reactions differ greatly, the amount must be adapted to personal requirements, up to 3 to 4 teaspoons daily in a cup of water or herb tea. Taken before meals, Swedish Bitters can help stimulate the stomach to aid digestion, while taking the bitters after meals may relieve feelings of fullness or gas. Maria’s Swedish Bitters can also be used externally as a compress to soothe inflammation of the skin, insect bites or stings and other skin disorders.
The Amazing Story of Maria Treben and Swedish Bitters Credited
renewed
with
sparking
interest
in
the
natural
remedies still on the rise today,
Maria Treben is one of the those extraordinary
people
whose
life made a real difference in
countless people’s lives, bringing
healing and health to the ailing through herbal medicine. Born in
Austria-Hungary (then Bohemia)
in 1907, Maria grew up with her two sisters on a farm, where making butter, preserving vegetables and gathering and drying wild-crafted herbs where frequent activities. At the end of World War II, Maria and her family were forced to leave and Maria’s husband was put in prison while she spent time
in refugee camps, where she contracted typhoid fever. While
she and her husband were thankfully reunited, Maria suffered
from several health conditions and then emotional trauma with the death of her mother in 1961. An ardent believer in
God, Maria felt spiritually led to learn more about the healing powers of God’s natural pharmacy.
She tells in her writings about a woman who brought her a “small bottle containing a dark brown, strong-smelling liquid,”
called Swedish Bitters. Along with the Swedish Bitters, the woman also gave her an old manuscript from the writings of a Swedish physician. The writing explained, in 46 points, how
these drops could heal any illness. Skeptical at first, Maria put the bottle in the medicine chest, but decided to try it for
the extreme intestinal pain racking her body. Applying the
herbs as an external compress, Maria wrote that she felt a
“wonderful feeling spread through my body and, suddenly, it felt as if with one movement of the hands, everything morbid in my body was pulled out. I assure you that with this single compress which I had on the whole day, all of the preceding months of agony disappeared, never to return.”
From then on, Maria used Swedish Bitters for both external
and internal conditions, from healing skin wounds to supporting a healthy gallbladder. She believed it to be a cure-all and
writes about the Swedish Bitters in depth in her book, Health Through God’s Pharmacy.
Inspiring Health 9
Keep up with tradition, try Maria’s Swedish Bitters – Your body will thank you for it. Available in quality health food stores | www.florahealth.com | 1.888.436.6697
sharing the essence of health
Revitalize your Health with Cleansing Herbs
purify
In today’s world, the human body has to process more toxic chemicals than ever before. A recent study done at Simon Fraser University, found that environmental pollution and toxic wastes are accumulating in our bodies and contributing to serious health problems. The study by David Boyd and Stephen Genuis reports that this is costing our health care system up to $9.1 billion and 1.5 million hospital days annually. As the levels of pollution and waste increase, they overwhelm our capability to remove them. Wastes are deposited in cells and tissues, where they undermine the body’s ability to function effectively, leading to symptoms like fatigue, headache, gas and bloating, body odor, constipation, skin irritations and sleeplessness. These toxins and wastes sow the seeds of future health issues. “Using cleansing and antioxidant herbs as part of a daily ritual of drinking tea can be a simple way to help counteract this accumulation of toxins and wastes,” says Robert Dadd, Master Herbalist. Fortunately, there is a traditional Ojibwa tea of eight herbs that work together as a gentle, whole body, deep tissue cleanse to assist in getting rid of accumulated toxins. In the 1940’s, in Bracebridge Ontario, nurse Rene Caisse employed these herbs to help rejuvenate hundreds of patients. She learned of the herbs used by Native healers and over the next few decades collaborated with Dr. Charles Brusch (President Kennedy’s private physician) conducting research and refining the tea into a powerful detoxification formula. Rene refused to divulge the formula until just before she died. This same formulation has since become popular under the name of Flor•essence®.
pure, balanced & radiant The 8 cleansing and rejuvenating herbs in Flor•Essence® work in harmony with your body to clear away toxins from cells, tissues and organs – leaving you beautiful inside and out. This is Flor•Essence®. This is what purification feels like.
Products in the Flor•essence® line now include individual bottles of the tea blend to be used daily (this may also be prepared from dry packets of the tea blend) and a 7-Day Purification Program which includes Flor•essence®, an effective fiber formula called Floralax II and Pro•essence, a diuretic to assist the urinary tract. There is also a 25-Day Cleanse Program that provides three bottles of the liquid tea along with a diet plan and nutritional guide designed to facilitate the cleansing experience.
Available at health food stores nationwide visit www.florahealth.com to find a retail location 888-436-6697
Digestive Recipes
Recipes to Boost Digestion Warm Dandelion Green Salad • ½ lb kale • ½ lb curly endive • ½ lb beet tops • 1 lb dandelion greens • ½ lb watercress • ½ lb mustard or turnip greens • ¼ cup dill sprigs • ¼ cup Italian parsley leaves • ¼ cup chopped green onion • ¼ cup Flora extra virgin olive oil • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp mustard • 2 tbsp honey • ¼ tsp ground black pepper Tear greens into bite-sized pieces and add to dill, parsley and green onions. Heat olive oil in a skillet and toss greens until half wilted. In a large bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar, mustard and honey. Add greens and coat well. Add pepper to taste. Serves 4.
Yogurt and Muesli Breakfast Oven Roasted Vegetables with Curry Dressing • 1 cup acorn squash cut into small, bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup turnips cut into small pieces • ½ cup parsnips cut into small pieces • 1 cup onions cut into small pieces • 1 cup carrots cut into small pieces Curry dressing
• 2 tsp curry powder • ¼ cup Udo’s Oil 3•6•9 Blend 12 Inspiring Health
• 1 tbsp vinegar • ½ tbsp raw sugar • 1 clove minced garlic • ¼ tsp sea salt • Dash of pepper Preheat oven to 375º F. Place all vegetables in a roasting pan or casserole dish. Roast vegetables until soft and slightly browned along edges (approx 40 to 50 minutes). Remove vegetables from oven and toss with curry dressing. Serves 3-4.
• 2 cups rolled oats • ¼ cup sliced almonds • ¼ cup dried, chopped apricots • ½ cup blueberries • ¼ cup chopped dates • 1/3 cup Flora Golden Flax Seeds • 1/3 cup honey • 1 cup plain, active-cultured yogurt • 1 cup rice, soy or goat milk Combine oats, almonds, apricots, blueberries, dates and flax seeds in a large bowl. Add honey, yogurt and milk and mix well. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Don’t Just Sur vive Thrive With Enzyme Nutrition The digestive tract is one of the most important interfaces between us and the world around us. Every day, every few hours, our guts are faced with new batches of food and drink. The gut’s mission – should it choose to accept it – is to transform what we put into our mouths into absorbable vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fatty acids, amino acids, and many other microscopic components that are essential to our well-being. Any morsel of food that is incompletely broken down cannot be absorbed through the microvilli (tiny protrusions) that line the small intestine. Instead, these undigested bits continue along the digestive tract, and bacteria that inhabit our GI tracts attempt to break them down in order to glean from them whatever nourishment might be left. During these attempts to more completely break down the foods we have eaten, these bacteria produce gas, which can lead to bloating, belching and flatulence. Other consequences of incomplete digestion may include constipation or diarrhea. Incompletely digested proteins can stimulate immune responses that then sap energy that the body could better use for other purposes. Why would a person’s digestive tract fail to completely break down the foods he or she eats? Insufficient digestive enzymes may be part or all of the problem. Of the many thousands of enzymes active in every body, about 22 are
digestive enzymes that are specialized for the job of breaking down the protein, carbohydrates and fats we eat into amino acids, simple sugars and free fatty acids, respectively. The pancreas, the main source of digestive enzymes, can easily become depleted over years of poor diet and the passing of time. Stress, caffeine, alcohol, illness and pregnancy increase enzyme need. The aging process reduces our ability to produce adequate digestive enzymes. Regular users of digestive enzyme supplements report improved digestion and nutrient absorption, increased energy levels and immune function. Food allergy and intolerance issues tend to decrease with digestive enzyme supplementation.
Flora Age- And ConditionEnzyme Blends Internationally known nutritional expert Udo Erasmus, PhD, has worked with Flora to create a line of Udo’s Choice® age- and condition-specific digestive enzymes that support healthy immunity, improved digestion and improved nutrient absorption. Udo’s Choice® Enzyme Blend’s pioneering technology is designed for guaranteed enzyme activity, no matter which of these plantsourced supplements you choose:
WRITTEN BY
Lynne Lowe
for example), it’s easy to end up with nutritional imbalances. This blend of 10 active digestive enzymes is tailored to support adults aged 19 to 65 in getting optimal nutrition out of the foods they eat, minimizing the likelihood of subclinical nutrient deficiencies. Advanced Adult’s Enzyme Blend: For seniors and adults with more compromised digestion. Flex Defense Enzyme Blend: Formulated with seven potent proteolytic enzymes, including bromelain, Flex Defense helps lessen discomfort from minor pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. These enzymes also support the body’s natural defenses in recovery from minor soft-tissue injuries. It’s ideal for sore joints, back pain and inflammation. And it’s especially helpful for getting back into shape! Enzyme Blend: This blend of 15 enzymes has greater potency to support those under 65 years of age. Take with meals.
Adult’s Enzyme Blend: With the heightened consciousness that exists today around the potential value of restricted diets (vegan, gluten/lactose free, allergen-avoiding or raw diets,
Inspiring Health 13
Children’s Health
Diet Linked to Weight Problems by Alberto Trujillo Welcome back to our Children’s Health column. In our inaugural column we shed some light on the disturbing and growing trend of child obesity. In this column we will look at the phenomenon of weight gain and we will begin to explore some of the common causes. Weight change is the result of a complex relationship between many factors of which perhaps three of the most influential are genetic development, environment and behavioral conditioning. Genetically we are programmed to store energy for survival. While there are individual variations, our genetic predisposition is such that if we lose a significant amount of weight, our body will down regulate thyroid hormones to lower the metabolic rate so as to reduce the total caloric expenditure until the lost weight is recovered and the body’s weight set point is reestablished. This explains the all so common tendency to gain back any significant amount of weight lost while on extreme diets. The important thing to realize is that there is nothing wrong with your kids; our bodies are genetically programmed to store and conserve energy. The problem is that our genes are not programmed to live in an environment where excess processed food is readily available. We have changed our environment significantly by making food convenient, cheap and easily accessible to the point that overeating has become in many ways a subconscious behavior. We have been conditioned by savvy marketing companies to eat more, more, and then some more. Kids have absolutely no chance against the big corporate marketing machine that sells them refined sugar foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while they sit in front of America’s favorite babysitter, the television. Our genetic predisposition is programmed more for scarcity than to having a supermarket, a Costco, a convenience store and a fast food restaurant at every intersection. To complicate things we have also created an environment that lacks sufficient physical activity. It has become acceptable for kids to spend more time on the computer or playing video games rather than engaging in some activity that requires them to be physically active. Add to all of that the affect that processed and refined food has on our blood sugar hormones and liver fat production and we have a recipe for disaster because our genes have not adapted to the drastically different environment we have created over the past 60 or so years. While there are many factors all conspiring on weight gain, we still must first consume excess calories in order for weight gain
14 Inspiring Health
to occur. In fact we must consume an extra 3,500 calories to add one pound (lb) of fat. Yes, that is not easy to do either, but if we divide the 3,500 cal by 365 days, then we realize that all we have to do is consume an extra 10 calories a day to add a pound of fat by the end of the year. If there are about 155 calories in a can of soda or sugar sweetened fruit juice or energy drink, then one extra a day would equal a whopping 16 pounds of fat in a year! Dr. Robert H. Lustig, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, and director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health (WATCH) Program at the University of California San Francisco, provides a revealing presentation entitled: Sugar – The Bitter Truth (www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM). Dr. Lustig provides a wealth of information on the role of consuming too much sugar (fructose) and weight gain. Perhaps one of the best examples he offers is something he calls “The Coca Cola Conspiracy” in which he calculates how much fat one would gain if an extra soda was consumed every day. Given that a serving of coke has gotten larger since its introduction in 1915, then naturally the amount of calories have gone up and so would the total weight gained by excessive consumption: • • • • •
1915 - 6.5oz Coke/day = 8 lbs fat/year 1955 - 10oz Coke/day = 13 lbs fat/year 1960 - 12oz Coke/day = 16 lbs fat/year 1988 - 44oz Coke/day = 57 lbs fat/year 1992 - 20oz Coke/day = 26 lbs fat/year
The reality is that weight change is a slow, progressive process that requires the body to develop adipose cells, capillaries, enzymes, peripheral nerves, additional hormones and connective tissue to support it all. We gain weight by putting on a few pounds a year but in a matter of 5 years we could easily be 15 to 20 pounds overweight. For a child this may represent a large percentage of their total body weight. A percentage they may struggle to shed the rest of their life. If there is one single factor that needs to be absolutely eliminated from the diet of children it’s the consumption of sugar sweetened drinks and while high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) might be the worst, I mean all drinks sweetened with added processed sugars.
Alberto Trujillo, B.S. Cellular Biology, has over 20 years experience working in the natural foods and alternative health industry. A former health food retailer, he has made many guest appearances on radio talk shows and has traveled across the U.S. and Central America to help educate people on how to improve their quality of life, utilizing natural products for a healthier mind, body and spirit.
Childhood Nutrition Key to Health in Later Life Have you ever noticed how fast life happens when you have kids? Their development and growth seems to happen right before your eyes. One day toddlers, the next day teenagers! For children to thrive through this critical time of development, nutritional needs must be met despite the challenges of busy schedules, fussy appetites and the influx of nutrient-poor foods in the marketplace. Growing bones need calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. A child’s mineral intake should contain the proper ratio of calcium and magnesium to build strong bones that last a lifetime. Vitamins are one way to ensure nutritional needs are met, but getting our kids to take them is another story. Then there is the problem of sweeteners, colors and fillers used to make vitamins appealing to children as well as the preservatives used to maintain shelf life. Raw material sourcing for vitamins is not always ideal and many are excreted from the body, unused. Binders and fillers used in tablet making can further create barriers to absorption. A liquid vitamin formula called Kinder Love® has been developed by Salus, a company known for its high standards in manufacturing. Kinder Love® is a unique mix of essential vitamins and minerals in the right ratio, that developing children need for optimal health. It’s fortified with vitamins A, B, C, D and E, which are key to building strong bones and teeth as well as supporting the immune system and guarding against the spread of undesirable bacteria. It’s easy to swallow because it is a liquid and in a natural food base containing digestive herbs and whole foods to stimulate digestion. It’s also dairy, lactose and GMO free with no added sugar.
Smoothie Recipes
Delicious Smoothie Recipes: Mix thes e e n e r g i z i n g c o n c o ct io n s in a b le n d e r an d drink to yo u r h e a l t h !
Breakfast Start
Almond Monkey
•
1 cup of rice, soy, or goat milk
•
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
•
1 ripe organic banana
•
2 tbsp organic raw almond butter
•
½ cup of frozen berries
•
2 frozen bananas
•
½ cup active cultured yogurt
•
2 tbsp of Udo’s Oil™ 3•6•9 Blend
•
1 tbsp of raw bee pollen
•
Cinnamon to taste
•
1 tsp of wheatgrass or barley grass powder
•
Dash of cardamom
•
½ cup of ice
•
1 capsule of Udo’s Choice® Enzyme Blend
•
1 tbsp Flora Golden Flax Seeds
®
Matcha Latte •
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
•
2 tsp matcha
•
2 tbsp Udo’s Oil™ 3•6•9 Blend
•
½ tsp organic vanilla extract
•
Raw organic blue agave nectar to taste
•
1 or 2 cups of ice
For the Mocha Maca Latte version add 2 tbsp of raw cacao, 1 to 2 tsp of maca
Tart is Smart •
8 oz cranberry juice
•
3 tbsp of “live” yogurt
•
½ cup of cherries
•
½ cup of blueberries
•
1 scoop of hemp/whey protein powder
•
ice
Udo-Cado Shake •
1 ripe avocado
•
1 to 2 tbsp Udo’s Oil™ 3•6•9 Blend
•
½ cup of rice milk
•
½ cup of coconut Water
•
Agave nectar to taste
Essential Nutrients
Silica – S E C R E T TO L O N G E V I T Y WRITTEN BY
Klaus Kaufmann
Following a car accident, my automotive insurance company made me see an orthodox medical doctor to cure me of whiplash and excruciating back pain. The medical doctor, after briefly examining me, prescribed painkillers. I told the physician that I never take any drugs, not even aspirin. Only on repeated insistence was I referred to ‘physio’ therapy, which, however I quickly found wasn’t affording long term relief. Neither did subsequent ‘bone cracking’ therapy. What did eventually work for me was intensive silica supplementation together with massage therapy, obtained only after repeatedly insisting to the doctor that everything else didn’t obtain pain relief. Surprised? Prescribing drugs to suppress symptoms is the standard approach of medicine, even today. Yet some advanced orthodox medical scientists are beginning to realize that prescription of drugs and antibiotics is downright dangerous to the immune system. Drugs, together with camouflaging symptoms (mark you, not healing, but hiding the underlying disease conditions!), shatter the body’s ability to function holistically. What can we safely turn to when accident or illness strikes? The key to maintaining or regaining wellness may truly be prevention, but when accident or illness strike because of oversight or lack of foresight, there still are natural
18 Inspiring Health
remedies we can turn to, remedies that work without dangerous side effects. One of the best for both accidental or degenerative tissue damage is silica! The amazing nutrient combination of silicon and oxygen, i.e., organic regenerative process of healing. Uncovering the Silica Wonder The human fetus has an abundant supply of silica in its unborn tissues. The developing organism needs this glut of silica to form its tissues. The bones, capsules, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, and skeletal systems such as the dental structures, are made up of fibers that are rich in silica. So are the surrounding tissues that keep these structures in place. One of the most important of the ‘connective tissue’ ingredients is collagen, making up one third of all body protein. Collagen underlies the beauty of skin, hair, and nails, forming it, replacing it, keeping it beautiful and young looking, in a word, keeping the body healthy. Loss of beauty and loss of health are closely identified with loss of silica. Scientific studies found that silica diminishes rapidly with age. Studies done on the human aorta show that by age ten, much silica is lost and while slowing down, the downward curve declines with advancing years. In all, silica content remains higher for males. This points to a greater need for silica
supplementation for females. It is a proven medical fact that the stature of children born of weak, undernourished, sickly mothers, could after weaning be dramatically improved by adding supplementary silica to their food. Such children improved their less than ideal weight and chest measurements. Other medical studies show silica of vital importance in bone formation. Many experts, among them Prof. Dr. Kervran and Prof. Dr. Carlisle, presented evidence that silica is more vital in bone formation than calcium. While Kervran’s research suggests that silica transmutes into calcium inside the living body, Carlisle found that silica is vital to bone formation, appearing at the osteoblast and there placing calcium. The conclusion is obvious. Silica has the power to remineralize calcium into bone.
Silica Supplementation: According to Kervran, only organic Vegetal Silica holds the key to health. Kervran discovered and utilized the silica-rich spring horsetail (Equisetum arvense) as, in his words, the most effective silica. Kervran invented and patented a unique aqueous extraction method of neutralizing alkaloids present in horsetail. His method, proprietary and therefore secret, can be briefly
described as a process of “atomization” and “reconstitution” that makes Kervran vegetal silica, and only Kervran Vegetal Silica, safe for long-term therapy.
Silica’s Biological Transmutation I would draw attention to the fact that the discovery of biological transmutations by the late Professor Louis C. Kervran would seem farfetched to anyone with a chemistry or pharmacy background. Yet transmutations are now recognized in medicine. Professor Kervran’s biological transmutation holds that silica transmutes into calcium inside the living body. The contrariety of his views is clearly acknowledged, yet Professor Kervran was a Nobel Prize Nominee for his unique contribution to biochemistry and held that processes that occur inside the body, i.e., in vitro, cannot be judged from mere observations in petri dishes, i.e., from in vitro processes.
More than Silica The proven effectiveness of Vegetal Silica by Flora (Kervran’s patented aqueous extract) is due to the soluble silica content and the synergistic balance of all the trace elements. Clinical studies, research and personal testimonials from around the world have supported its benefit.
Mineral Silica
Potassium Iron
Boron
Calcium
Manganese Magnesium
Phosphorus
mg/capsule 11.0 mg
65.10 mg 0.07 mg 0.03 mg
18.60 mg 0.038 mg 8.65 mg 1.84mg
Regeneration with Silica Decline in mobility and associated discomforts are the complaints of aging. But consider these overwhelming ‘youthful’ facts: silica is the vital ingredient in maintaining shiny, youthful looking hair. Silica, by enabling proper formation of collagen under our skin, prevents wrinkling. Silica is the key ingredient in growing beautiful nails that stay flexible and don’t become brittle or break off. Silica speeds up the repair of broken bones and prevents scar tissue. Through its elastogenic facility silica restores flexibility to aging joints. Not surprising, organic Vegetal Silica has become the therapeutic choice of self-medication. Silica, in close cooperation with vitamin C, has the unique and vital ability of holding moisture in body tissues known as mucopolysaccharides. Also known as glycosaminoglycans, these mucous carbohydrates together with collagen and elastin make up our connective tissue, the body’s most prevalent tissues. Wouldn’t you know it, both collagen and elastin are rich in silica, too, and require silica for their formation. Collagen has been rightly called ‘the glue that holds us together.’ As if that wasn’t enough, silica is truly vital to our tooth structures. It is involved in the hardening of enamel, prevents bleeding gums and recession, the cause of loosening of teeth, which ultimately leads to the need for dentures. Here we have one more indicator for silica’s ability to prevent premature aging.
Dr. Louis Kervran, professor emeritus of the University of Paris, France, began studying trace elements including silicon in 1949. A method of deriving a silicon extract from horsetail rushes using only water, with no chemicals or solvents, was developed and patented. As a result of this revolutionary technique, a water-soluble silicon extract was made available for continued research and new applications.
Grandmother’s Remedy of Choice Though silica-containing herbal plants, most notably horsetail, have been known for a long time in folk medicine, silica’s restorative powers are ignored by the medical establishment. Yet already a hundred years ago the great scientist and healer, Dr. Louis Pasteur, proclaimed silica the ultimate future remedy. Silica puts calcium back into the bones and provides the major lubricant in our bodies. Nature provides silica, a vital nutrient, in a number of foods. It is plentiful in potatoes, oats and other cereal grains. Yet, through the over-refining and processing of grains and the continuous and combined onslaught of impeding environmental pollution, bad eating habits, and loss of adequate absorption ability, i.e., aging, body silica diminishes with age. To get it back into the tissues, we can boost silica metabolism through supplementation. Increased bioavailability to the body’s metabolism can be assured through naturally chelated supplements. The rate of absorption is a major criterion in choosing the right supplement. Natural chelates present in organic silica assist in successfully absorbing it through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream and from there into the tissues. Successful supplementation can be ensured if silica is extracted from natural horsetail herb, carefully extracted according to the aqueous extraction method that eliminates horsetail’s abrasive quality.
Natural Solutions
A Wise Approach to Heartburn INDIGESTION! It happens to us all. A fine meal, a good drink, and the inevitable bloated, burning sensation due to the inadequate digestion of food. This could also be caused by high protein diets, rich foods, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, too much caffeine or mixing several types of food in one meal. My father, who is older than I by several years (90+ years old) loves good food. Being alone he often eats out. With his age and diet he “suffered” quite a bit from HEARTBURN. Like many others, he used to eat the standard antacid like candy as a treatment. At the time, he wasn’t aware of their drawbacks. Around 5 billion dollars a year is being spent on blocking acid production when our ability to produce acid often peaks around age eleven and diminishes as we grow older.
Heartburn is bad anytime, but it always seems worse at bedtime. The reason being that when we lie down, the stomach’s contents come in contact with the sphincter. When the sphincter is not fully closed, the burning sensation follows, along with very little sleep.
What to Do? A change in diet and eating small meals in a relaxed environment (soft music and candles, quiet children, etc.) is a good start. But when can we do that on a regular basis? Not too often. The proper diet can and does curb heartburn tremendously but when we can’t eat right and it does flare up we need to do something that is safe and helpful. Reaching for standard antacids is not the way to do it. Standard antacids neutralize stomach acid. The stomach needs these acids to digest food properly so it responds by producing even more and we create a vicious cycle known as “Acid Rebound”. The product I recommended to my dad was Acid Assist®. It is produced in Denmark by a company called New Nordic and is distributed by Flora in North America. It is all natural and it works effectively.
20 Inspiring Health
The methodology of its effectiveness is simple. When Acid Assist’s active ingredients come into contact with the gastric acids, they produce a pH-neutral foam barrier in the upper part of the stomach, which acts like a “lid” to keep the stomach acids down where they belong. This soft foamy barrier stays in place for up to 5 hours, letting your digestion proceed normally. There is no acid rebound with the product. Remember, I said, “when it comes in contact with gastric acid.” It also takes care of any acid which may have already reached the top of the esophagus easing quickly the discomfort there. It is different from other antacid preparations because it contains no aluminum hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate. As a scientist, I have questioned, along with others in the scientific community, the possible side effects of aluminum. Most, if not all, of the biggest overthe-counter (OTC) antacid products contain aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum makes up between 8.4% and 14% of the Earth’s crust, and most people will ingest approximately 30 to 50 mg/day of the metal which, unfortunately, is toxic. “Large numbers of people in our aluminum-using society are the victims of slow aluminum poisoning,” said Yale School of Medicine’s Stephen E. Levick, M.D., in Toxic Metal Syndrome: How Metal Poisons Can Affect Your Brain (1995), by H. Richard Casdorph, Ph.D., M.D., and Morton Walker, D.P.M. Also the long term use of sodium bicarbonate is not recommended. Acid Assist® contains pectin or fruit fibers which have been specially developed for theraputic use. It also contains quality tested natural dolomite chalk from the mountains of Norway. It is this chalk which gives the foam a neutral pH of 6. Acid Assist® has no sugar, just a natural peppermint taste that is easy to chew and swallow with no side effects. Ladies, if you have a little one on the way, note that it is safe for use during pregnancy.
Skincare that makes you look good and feel even better* Scientific research has indicated that regularly taking Efamol® Pure Evening Primrose Oil can noticeably improve healthy skin, giving it a smooth, natural glow.1* An antioxidant for the maintenance of good health, Efamol® is a source of vitamin E.* This formula is high in Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), a vital element of skin structure.* Efamol® helps maintain skin moisture.* What’s more, because it’s extracted from a special seed called Rigel, which is unique to Efamol®, it contains up to 33% more GLA than most evening primrose oils.* Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil has been proven effective for the treatment of dry, itchy skin caused by atopic eczema (dermatitis).* Available at your favorite health food store. *R Muggli, Systemic evening primrose oil improves the biophysical skin parameters of healthy adults, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2005.
1
Flora is the exclusive North American distributor for Efamol®. www.florahealth.com | 1.888.436.6697
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Tired? Tired? Tired? You may be low in ir on . If you have found your energy to be flagging for no apparent reason, consider the possibility of low iron in your blood. This extremely common nutritional weakness occurs due to excessive loss in body fluids or poor intake from diet and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, pale complexion, dark circles under the eyes and more. Deficiencies also occur because by nature, iron is difficult to absorb. One in four women (25%) suffer from iron deficiency. This condition often goes
undiagnosed because the symptoms begin in a subtle way and the body learns to do without iron by functioning at a lower but less efficient rate. Iron is required for peak performance, but because it is lost through sweat, as well as menstruation, females are even more vulnerable than males for developing this deficiency. In fact, all women of childbearing age are at risk of iron deficiency. Iron literally gives the body energy by helping to form hemoglobin, a part of blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the
muscles. Everyone requires a good supply of iron because of its importance in energy production. Iron is difficult to absorb. Supplementation is important to get levels back up to normal. Floradix liquid iron has a much better absorption rate compared to solid iron tablets due to the form of iron as a plant-based iron ferrous gluconate teamed with the necessary B vitamins, herbal extracts and juice concentrates to boost its effectiveness.
Running Out of Steam? You may be iron deficient! The symptoms are easy to spot: Dark circles under the
•
Clinically proven to improve low iron levels*
•
Naturopath- and Midwife-recommended*
athletes and the elderly. Despite being the most widespread
•
Safe, absorbable dosage avoids excess iron*
nutrient deficiency in the Western world, it’s easily
•
Easy on the digestive tract*
•
Formulated for maximum absorption*
•
Additive- and preservative-free
eyes. Pale skin. A lack of energy. Dizziness and difficulty concentrating. It’s most common among women, children,
preventable by taking an iron supplement.* So why let iron deficiency leave you feeling flat? Floradix® has been providing safe, quality supplementation worldwide for over 60 years.*
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Quality European Tonics Since 1916
TRUST FLORADIX® – NORTH AMERICA’S MOST RECOMMENDED IRON SUPPLEMENT Available in quality health food stores and natural pharmacies | www.requiredforlife.com
Aging Tips Liver Health Aids Good Digestion!
Preventative Health Care the Best Policy
Situated just under the rib cage on the right side, the liver is the largest yet possibly most overlooked organ in the body. One crucial function of the liver is digestion: the liver regulates blood sugars, storing and releasing them as energy requirements dictate; it manufactures bile acids which break down fats; it detoxifies bacteria and chemicals, breaking them into inactive forms and it stores and manufactures important vitamins.
When was the last time you cleaned your garbage can? It’s probably not very high on your to-do list because, after all, it’s still working as a method of removing waste from your home. Chances are, however, that remnants of rotting debris, and disease-causing rubbish are left in the can long after the waste has been trucked away. When it comes to health, our body has many systems to help take out the garbage. But, like the garbage can example, it takes a special effort to cleanse the last remnants, especially those in the elimination organs.
The liver suffers routine trauma through poor diet, drugs, alcohol, stress pollution, preservatives, overeating and more. Its saving grace is its ability to regenerate itself. Herbs that promote the production of bile and the protection of vulnerable liver cells can aid in liver regeneration. One of the best herbs for this process is Milk thistle. Silymarins are the substances in Milk thistle that aid the liver and prevent damage by protecting it, even after the damage has occurred. The liver works in close association with the pancreas, and remedies that benefit one, also help the other. Using Milk thistle preventively promotes good digestion through healthy liver function benefiting the entire body by improving nutrient absorption and utilization as well as overall health. Many Milk thistle products mistakenly use the leaves, flowers and roots of the plant, but the silymarins, the active part of the milk thistle plant, are only contained in the seeds. For best results look for a product containing 80% silymarin.
Milk thistle
The bowels, the urinary tract, the skin, the lungs, the liver and the kidneys all work to remove waste and excess materials from our system, allowing other functions to take place more efficiently. Preventative health care looks at cleansing the organs that purify the body, so that they can do their job more effectively. Kind of like a good spring cleaning. Many natural health practitioners recommend cleansing with liquid or fresh food. Such a cleanse gives the digestive system a well-deserved break and supplies it with nutrition that places little demand on the digestive organs. Elderberry is one of the most versatile remedies known. By using elderberry in a detoxification program, such as SambuÂŽ 5-Day Cleansing Kit, the organs will be supplied with adequate nutrition and waste will be efficiently removed.
Elderberry
Wholesome Nutrition
Fast Food Solution Redefining Fast Food with Udo’s Choice ® W holesome Fast Food WRIT TEN BY
Tracy Marcynzsyn
Most days, life is a whirlwind. Out the door by 8 a.m., whiz the kids to school and put the pedal to the metal to make it into the office on time. After a full day of work, it’s time to race home, do errands and help with homework, make dinner, and if we’re lucky, get a little exercise and family time before bedtime. 24 Inspiring Health
So where in our stuffed schedules do we find the time to shop for, let alone consume, healthy whole foods, enough fruit and vegetables to get our recommended five a day, and adequate vitamins and nutrients? Let’s face it, the average American diet leaves something to be desired. Eating on the run, which includes fast food most weeks, is the norm for many. Unfortunately, our fast-paced food choices are causing us to come up short on nutrition. Americans’ dietary intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and milk result in inadequate consumption of potassium, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, a public health concern for both adults and children, according to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines For Americans, 2010 report. We fall far short of the recommended 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories, or 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. Most Americans consume only about 15 grams of fiber per day, resulting in increased risk of numerous health problems.
Fast Food Solution In spite of these grim statistics, we may not always succeed at slowing down and ensuring we eat a balanced diet every day. The good news is we can make healthy food choices, even when time is tight. Revolutionizing fast food, Udo’s Choice® Wholesome Fast Food is one product that makes it so easy to maximize nutrition quickly. Packed with a synergistic blend of natural source fibers with added whole food concentrates, essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, lignans, greens, and digestive enzymes, Udo’s Choice® Wholesome Fast Food provides all the nutrition we need to achieve our healthy eating goals on a daily basis. Every serving of Udo’s Choice® Wholesome Fast Food contains a Who’s Who ingredient list of the most nutritious and healing foods: tofu,
carrots, tomato, beets, broccoli, kelp, kale, artichoke, ginger, licorice root, parsley, cinnamon, chrysanthemum, lemon grass, yucca, hawthorn berry, milk thistle, burdock root, red clover, bee pollen, American ginseng, Pines Barley Grass, spirulina, chlorella, certified organic flax seed, sunflower seed, sesame seed, and psyllium husk. This combination of primarily organic ingredients was developed by Udo Erasmus, an internationally renowned expert on fats, oils, cholesterol and human health and author of Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill. Driven by his own experience of healing himself from pesticide poisoning using nutritional therapy, Udo dedicated himself to studying nutrition. With a B.Sc. in Honors Zoology from the University of British Columbia and graduate studies in biochemistry and genetics, Udo’s resolve to take control and responsibility of his own health led him to become passionate about achieving optimum health, and helping others do it too.
Redefining Fast Food Udo’s Choice® Wholesome Fast Food is Udo’s answer to today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Designed to quickly deliver optimum nutrition, support normal cholesterol levels, bowel regularity and increased energy, Udo’s Choice® Wholesome Fast Food also helps balance blood sugar, improve endurance and mental performance. When you need a quick and healthy breakfast, a mid-morning pickme-up, or an afternoon snack, why not have one that truly does something for your health? Simply add juice or water, mix and enjoy, or give a healthy snack an added boost – try it on oatmeal, in yogurt or added to a smoothie. We also love it in protein shakes or soup, sprinkled on salads and mixed with vegetable or apple juice. Substituting this “fast food” for coffee, tea or an energy sapping drink, makes for more sustained energy and better health.
Loaded with Lignans With more than 100 times the amount found in other foods, flax fiber is the highest known source of lignans. Numerous studies document the benefits of lignans and their powerful antioxidant activity which supports cellular health. In the past, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains provided sufficient lignan intake, but today’s standard American diet is deficient in lignans, due partly to postIndustrial Revolution food processing methods. Thankfully, Udo’s Choice® Wholesome Fast Food provides an abundance of lignans to support optimum health.
Phytonutrients and Herbs Wholesome Fast Food special selection of phytonutrient-rich vegetables and healing herbs, chosen for their amazing health benefits, provide an extra boost of goodness. Herbs like milk thistle cleanse the liver and improve digestion, while Ginkgo biloba serves to enhance memory and increase circulation.
Digestive Enzymes The formula’s special blend of digestive enzymes work like scissors to cut up the foods we eat into the basic building blocks our body needs to renew cells, tissues, organs, and glands. Digestion becomes sluggish with age, affecting the absorption of the nutrients we consume. Udo’s Choice® Digestive Enzymes tune up the digestive process and ensure the maximum absorption of all the essential nutrients and healing compounds from foods. It just takes a couple of minutes to incorporate Udo’s Choice Wholesome Fast Food into your daily routine – a small investment to make for a lifetime of lasting health benefits.
Full of Fiber Wholesome Fast Food contains natural sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber to help meet your daily fiber requirements. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stools to ease elimination, while soluble fiber from flax, slippery elm, dulse and psyllium bind cholesterol, toxins and heavy metals so they can be expelled from the body. As noted, most Americans are fiber-deficient and suffer from subsequent digestive conditions. Udo’s Choice® provides a quick and easy way to ensure adequate fiber intake.
Inspiring Health 25
Bitters
N ature’s S olution for Improved Digestion Taken before meals to enhance digestion and after meals for indigestion, Gallexier Herbal Bitters is an ideal alternative to over-the-counter laxatives and digestive aids. Gallexier contains 13 herbs, including artichoke and dandelion, to stimulate liver detoxification, improve bowel tone, and reduce occasional gas and bloating. It’s not uncommon to experience indigestion after a meal: bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and uncomfortable fullness. Chances are you experience some of these symptoms on a regular basis, simply by eating too much, too fast and eating too many greasy or fatty foods. Unfortunately, today’s fast-paced society, work oriented lifestyles, and processed on-the-go fare support this type of relationship with food, which keeps us reaching for over-the-counter drugs with hard-to-miss artificial coloring. While changes in diet can help alleviate indigestion, thankfully, nature has provided us with a healthy option – digestive stimulants in the form of herbal bitters. Herbal bitters can also be taken prior to eating in order to improve the digestive process.
Herbal Solution with Gallexier Popular bitters, as contained in Gallexier® Herbal Bitters from Salus, include artichoke leaves, dandelion, turmeric, yarrow, and fennel. These bitter-tasting herbs stimulate the bitter receptors located toward the back of the tongue, sending a message to the brain, which triggers the flow of digestive juices from exocrine glands and increases the production of bile in the liver to help dissolve fats and aid in digestion. A recent study published in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2010;33:223-29) looked at the effects of artichoke leaf extract on acute gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach that may cause indigestion, bloating and other abdominal upset). Researchers concluded, “Results indicate that artichoke leaf extract is effective against acute gastritis and its beneficial effect is due to that of cynaropicrin. The gastric mucus-increasing action of artichoke leaf extract may be, at least in part, related to the anti-gastritic action of the extract.”
26 Inspiring Health
Another bitter herb, the common dandelion, provides vitamin A, and, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, has historically been used to treat liver, kidney and spleen conditions. Today, it is used as a liver or kidney tonic, as a diuretic and for minor digestive problems. Turmeric has also been used to aid digestive function in traditional Chinese medicine, and today for heartburn and stomach ulcers. Commonly enjoyed as herbal tea, the bitter properties and essential oil found in yarrow make it useful for treating gastrointestinal complaints such as gas and cramps. The German Pharmacopoeia recognizes fennel seed as a source of essential oils and bitters that treat mild stomach cramps, bloating and flatulence. The seed is also recommended as a taste enhancer, to counteract the mild cramps accompanying the use of laxatives and to dissolve mucus in the upper respiratory tract. Chamomile, gentian root, blessed thistle and buckbean – all of which help increase the flow of gastric juices to help relieve gastrointestinal complaints – round off the Gallexier Herbal Bitters formula. The chamomile and gentian root help protect the digestive lining and relieve the discomfort associated with heartburn. With all of these benefits, consider a serving of Gallexier (4 tsp) to help improve your dietary habits. Since it’s the bitter taste that actually activates the digestive process, this liquid tonic is more effective than a capsule. Plus it’s alcohol, gluten, wheat, yeast, dairy, lactose, GMO and preservativefree! After eating or taken as a pleasant-tasting appetizer, Gallexier is nature’s remedy for the best digestion.
Alan’s Recipes Alan Roettinger is a private chef, blogger, speaker and author. He is passionate about empowering and encouraging people to cook and eat at home, where he believes the healthiest food can be enjoyed. His first cookbook, Omega 3 Cuisine, offers a wide variety of delicious ways to incorporate healthful essential fats into our diet. For more information, visit his website: www.alanroettinger.com.
Quinoa Pilaf This is a delicious dish, providing a complete protein, a varied complement of vegetables and all your essential fatty acids all in one shot. Feel free to substitute vegetable broth for the carrot juice, if you prefer. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, diced 4 stalks celery, diced 1 green pepper, diced 1 yellow pepper, diced 1 red pepper, diced 2 bunches scallions, sliced 2 zucchini, diced 2 carrots, grated 1 cup quinoa, well washed and drained 2 cups carrot juice salt and pepper to taste ½ cup Udo’s Oil™ 3•6•9 Blend ¼ cup chopped parsley
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot and add the onion, celery and garlic, stirring constantly. As soon as the mixture heats up, add the peppers and continue stirring. When mixture has heated through (but is not sizzling), add half the scallions, the remaining vegetables and quinoa. Stir well and add the carrot juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, adjust the heat to medium, cover and cook about 15 minutes, or until the juice has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from the heat, stir in the remaining scallions and oil and serve at once, garnished with the chopped parsley.
Bitter Melon Salad Bitter melon is one of those things you either love or hate. It has a very bitter taste (hence the name), but it does grow on you if you can deal with the initial shock. It is extremely good for you. In Chinese medicine, it’s used as a medicinal herb for treating all sorts of ailments, including diabetes and anemia. The best variety is found at Indian Groceries, where it’s known as “karela”. While you’re there, also ask for “methi”, which is fenugreek (make sure you indicate fresh leaves, as opposed to the seeds). It looks a bit like a cross between cilantro and clover. Both bitter melon and fenugreek are powerful blood purifiers and tonics. This particular salad has the added advantage of perking up the appetite. Once you “get” the taste for it, you’ll be hooked for life. • • • • • • •
4 medium bitter melons 2 bunches fresh fenugreek 1 red onion, finely diced 1 large ripe tomato, cut in ½ inch dice ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup Udo’s Oil™ 3•6•9 Blend 2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce (optional)
Split the bitter melons in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the tip of a spoon. Slice them fairly thinly (about 1/8 inch) into little arcs. Bring about one quart of water to a boil and blanch the slices for about 2 minutes, until tendercrisp. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and let cool. Remove the coarse stems from the fenugreek and blanch in the same water for about 30 seconds, drain and immediately quench in cold water. Drain well, squeezing out the excess water, then chop coarsely. Mix all the ingredients together and toss well. Serve as a first course to your most adventurous friends. Note: If you prefer, you can steam the bitter melon.
Inspiring Health 27
Pet H ea lth
Essential Nutrition for Healthy, Happy Dogs and Cats Just as you may supplement with vitamins and minerals that you aren’t getting enough of from the foods you eat, supplements for your dog and/or cat can provide them with the nutrients missing from many popular dry and canned pet foods. Truth is, by the time your pet’s favorite processed kibble reaches their bowl, it has lost most of its nutritional value due to refining techniques which remove or destroy vitamins, minerals and fiber. As with the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” the same could go for most bags and cans of pet food. The wholesome chunks of beef, chicken, lamb and salmon paint a pretty picture of rich nutrition, but remember, pet food is marketed to you, the owner, not your pet. The pet food companies are convincing you to buy their products using these wholesome images.
Jean Hofve, DVM, wrote in The Whole Dog Journal, “Researchers at the University of California at Davis found that some foods that pass feeding trials still won’t support animals over the long term. They estimated that, “of 100 foods that pass AAFCO analysis criteria, 10 to 20 would not pass the feeding trials, and of those, 10 percent would not be adequate for longterm feeding.’”
It was well noted in The Journal of Nutrition (124:2520S-2534S) that “Claims of nutritional adequacy of pet foods based on AAFCO nutrient allowances (‘profiles’) do not give assurances of nutritional adequacy and will not until ingredients are analyzed and bioavailability values are incorporated.” (AAFCO is currently in the process of updating the nutrient profiles.)
Nutrients that Boost Your Pet’s Health
While the Association of American Feed Control Official (AAFCO) creates standards for the amount of nutrients required in pet food that are followed by U.S. pet food makers, it has been observed that these “nutrient profiles” may not be adequate.
The AAFCO created a six-month feeding trial that can be used as a tool to determine whether a food can sustain life in a target test population.
28 Inspiring Health
Dogs and cats face a number of health issues associated with nutrient-depleted foods. According to the non-profit group Born Free USA, nutrition related diseases from continuous grain-based, processed diets can include heart condition, hyperthyroidism and obesity. It’s very important to provide your dog and/or cat with essential nutrients that are lacking in their daily diets, and if your pet doesn’t get raw, fresh foods they probably aren’t getting enough of what they need. But don’t worry, just as you take supplements to support modern-day processed diets and improve your health, so can your pet. There are a lot of great natural and organic products too, but even the best products can be made even better with supplements. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) says proper nutrition is the best preventive medicine.
Added to your pet’s regular food, Udo’s Choice® Pet Essentials powder offers the crucial nutrients to supplement your pet’s normal diet. It contains a synergistic blend of all-natural vegetarian source whole food concentrates such as certified organic flax,
sunflower and sesame, organic cereal grasses, bee pollen, organic soybean powder, plant enzymes, and a wide variety of herbs and other phytonutrients. As studies have shown, these whole foods and nutrients provide optimum nutrition for increased energy, enhanced calmness, cellular renewal, improved coat, tissue regeneration, better regularity, body repair, stopping excessive shedding, and improved general well-being.
According to the Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences (2010;4[9]:4304-12) “The essential fatty acids alphalinolenic acid (present in flax seed) and linoleic acid (sunflower and sesame seeds) contribute to a lustrous coat, help prevent dry skin and dandruff, and also help in reducing digestive and skin problems in animals.”
In the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2009;93[4]:505-11) “Improvements of canine skin and coat conditions were investigated after feeding three diets containing increased total dietary fat (i.e., 13 percent total fat) including fatty acids from sunflower oils and flax for 12 weeks in relation to a lower fat acclimation diet (i.e., 9 percent total fat)… Significant improvements were found in hair-coat glossiness and softness in all dogs fed the higher fat diets in relation to the acclimation diet. Appearance aside, nutrients such as flax have major benefits below the skin’s surface, including for the prevention and treatment of cancer. According to the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (2008;26[4]:30-5), “Refined foods, dead food, synthetic chemical supplements and junk food must be eliminated from the diet.” Therefore, whole foods, one-third to one-half of it raw, are highly recommended. This may include raw or lightly steamed veggies and super concentrated food nutrients. These nutrients include barley greens powder, natural vitamins and plant minerals and flax.
“… Good fats, in fact, are absolutely essential for a strong immune system. This includes flax and olive oils. Did you know that cancer risk actually decreases with good oils but increases on a diet which includes sugars and refined carbohydrates? Saturated fats must be limited but flax and other good oils increased, according to the size of your pet.” Burdock root is a good source of calcium which helps build and protect bones and teeth. It also contains inulin, an anti-inflammatory that helps correct imbalances of the immune system. Red clover offers chromium, a mineral used in the metabolism of cholesterol, fats and proteins, and potassium to aid muscle function. Milk thistle contains silymarin to support and protect the liver. Hawthorn berry improves blood circulation and transportation of nutrients throughout the body.
Udo’s Choice® Digestive Enzyme Blend (protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase, maltase, glucoamylase, invertase, pectinase with phytase, lactase) is also added to Pet Essentials to aid digestion and absorption to help your pet obtain the maximum nutrients from the food. The Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association also notes why enzymes are so important. “Enzymes have over 1,000 functions! In addition to effectively digesting foods, their functions include those of digesting cancer cells, destroying parasites, preventing diseases and also the important job of eliminating toxins.”
Plus, Pet Essentials uses processing and packaging that protects the biological value of the fresh ingredients, and pets love the taste! Remember, many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with a healthy diet.
Pet Essentials is the perfect way to provide your dog and/ or cat with the proper nutrition they need, and in turn you are rewarded with the simple joy that a healthy, happy pet brings to your life.
DOGS
Weight
Daily Dose
Up to 15 lbs. 15-35 lbs. 35-70 lbs. Over 70 lbs.
1 tsp 2 tsp 3 tsp 4 tsp
CATS
Weight
Daily Dose
Kittens/small 1/2 tsp Over 5 lbs. 1 tsp
Inspiring Health 29
Embracing Our Eco-System A n Inside Look at Green Beaver WRIT TEN BY
Alain Menard
Chemicals In Our Lives From Personal Care Products Sometimes we don’t stop to think just how many chemicals we have contact with. On average, we apply 8 personal care products on our bodies every day. Personal care products include shampoos, conditioners, soaps, face creams, body lotions, lip balms, deodorants, toothpaste and much more. Given an average of 13 ingredients per product, this represents over 100 ingredients we are exposed to every single day. Over the average year, we are exposed to well over 10 liters of various personal care products. These numbers for most people are understated. Most personal care products contain synthetic ingredients that are not found in nature e.g. chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, dyes etc. These are foreign to nature and to our bodies. Many of these chemicals have not been tested for their safety over the long term. We are becoming more aware of how these chemicals can get into the environment, the water supply and into our bodies. We might not realize it, but skin is not a complete barrier. Many ingredients are absorbed through our skin and into our blood stream. A recent study tested urine samples from 163 infants in the United States for phthalates whose mothers had used infant personal care products on them in the previous 24 hours. Phthalates are commonly found in synthetic fragrances used in products such as shampoos and lotions. The study found at least one phthalate in the urine sample of all infants and seven or more phthalates in 81 percent of them. The health risks with long-term use of some of the synthetic ingredients found in personal care products have not been well established. One third of 7,500 products assessed in a recent survey, contain one or more ingredients classified as “possibly cancer-causing”. Other synthetic ingredients used in personal care products have been shown to affect reproduction and childhood development. Not only are we personally exposed to a cocktail of chemicals but we also put these chemicals into the environment. When you
30 Inspiring Health
take the amount we each use and multiply it by the population you end up with a massive volume, enough to pollute many rivers and lakes. Many of the ingredients that make up these products are chemicals foreign to our environment and wildlife.
The Inspiration Behind The Green Beaver Company, By The Founders; Karen Clark & Alain Menard We live on our small organic fruit and vegetable hobby farm along the shores of the beautiful Ottawa River in Canada. Every morning when we get up we see the changing seasons, the ice on the river in winter, the deer grazing in the woods and the beautiful wildflowers that surround our home. We make every effort to live alongside nature, as appreciatively and undisruptively as possible. From our vegetable garden, apple orchard, raspberry and rhubarb patches, maple trees and from our greenhouse, we love to share our harvest with family and friends. Our son, Joshua gave us the inspiration to develop safe, natural personal care products. Like most babies, Joshua was
always drinking the bubbles in his bath water! With both our science degrees and our years working in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, we had wellfounded concerns about the chemicals used in personal care products. When we started researching the subject, we were shocked to discover how many household and personal care products were filled with chemical preservatives, fragrances, dyes, etc. Science has made the manufacturing of new chemicals easy, but it is almost impossible to determine their effects when used in combination and over long periods of time. We found that there were too many chemicals in personal care products for our own wellbeing. Consequently, Alain and I left our jobs and started formulating our own personal care products without the use of chemicals. That was the beginning of The Green Beaver Company. Now our mission is to produce wholesome, healthy products made with natural ingredients that are safe for you, your family and our environment. We believe in Mother Nature to help us take care of ourselves. For centuries, humans have been living with and safely using natural ingredients. That is why we rely on pure natural ingredients such as cranberry, borage seed oil and lavender when formulating our products. We do not use synthetic or petrol-derived ingredients, chemical preservatives such as parabens, quaternium, triclosan or artificial fragrances, flavors or dyes, sulfate cleansers and other unwanted chemical ingredients. We simply do not believe in ingredients that are foreign to this planet’s eco-system and of course, our bodies. We also believe in using certified organic ingredients that have been harvested here in Canada and in the United States. There are real benefits to using certified organic ingredients:
• Reduces the amount of pesticides being poured onto our land and environment. By using our products made with local organic ingredients, you are encouraging more farmers to grow organically. That’s a good thing for all!
We believe in taking care of Mother Nature so that she can continue taking care of us.
• Cuts down on pollution. Using local ingredients instead of importing them from overseas burns less transport fuel thus pollutes less. Go local wherever you can! We recently became a licensed certified organic manufacturer of personal care products, meaning our products have been manufactured according to strict organic and ecological standards verified by a recognized independent organization. Certified organic also means that our products are: • Biodegradable • GMO Free • Ecologically Manufactured • Packaged in Ecologically Sound Material • Not Tested on Animals
Our Products We offer a wide range of personal care products that will take care of the whole family from head to toe. Please visit our website at www. greenbeaver.com to get to know our products.
Karen is a biochemist and worked in the pesticide and chemical industry for more than 10 years. Alain is a microbiologist and worked for years in the pharmaceutical industry before founding The Green Beaver Company with Karen. They have developed over 60 natural and certified organic products that are safe for the whole family. Joshua is now 9 years old, in grade four and an avid hockey player.
Inspiring Health 31
3 GLUTEN FREE 3 Certified organic 3 vegan 3 BIODEGRADABLE 3 not tested on animals
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Strength Stamina Recovery
After 20 years of research and multiple studies measuring the effect of Udo’s Oil™ on physical performance, we know the human body, like most machines, needs oil to run its best. People around the world are experiencing greater strength, improved stamina, and faster recovery using Udo’s Oil.* Now it’s your turn.
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Photography by: Jim Hurst
“
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. J.R.R. Tolkien,
(author of Lord of the Rings)