HEALTH MAKEOVER

THE #1 WAY TO RECLAIM

An ancient herb for modern vitality

atigue and a general lack of energy are top complaints in doctors’ offices across the nation. But because fatigue isn’t a cut-and-dry disease they can test for, most healthcare providers are at a loss for practical ways to tackle the problem. The truth is, low energy levels are most often due to our overbooked, on-the-go, modern way of life—and the poor lifestyle habits we’ve adopted to help us get through our busy days just makes matters worse. No matter how we got here, we’re tired. If low energy is one of your top complaints, we’ve got good news for you. A daily dose of Korean red ginseng just might solve your personal energy crisis in a big way. F

GINSENG: THE MODERNDAY ENERGY SOLUTION You’ve likely heard of ginseng, a unique root from the Panax ginseng plant that was discovered nearly 5,000 12 years ago. Ginseng is an adaptogen that is held in high regard for its ability to treat a number of health issues, including high blood sugar levels, stress, sexual dysfunction, and of course, fatigue.

But, while ginseng has been cultivated for centuries due to its medicinal benefits, modern agricultural practices—including heavy pesticide and fungicide spraying, as well as irresponsible processing— have undercut the herb’s efficacy and safety. As a result, it’s been increasingly

difficult to find ethically grown and responsibly processed ginseng with enhanced absorption and bioavailability. New growing and processing innovations, however, have recently challenged the traditional ginseng market with a proprietary type of red ginseng known as HRG80. This revolutionary form of ginseng provides all the benefits that originally put ginseng on the map, but it is grown in a highly controlled way that ensures its purity and potency.

A PESTICIDE-FREE ALTERNATIVE Ginseng is notoriously difficult to grow traditionally without the heavy use of pesticides and fungicides. HRG80 red ginseng has solved this issue by turning to hydroponic farming in ultra-clean conditions. This eliminates the need for toxins or pesticides. The use of high-tech vertical farming also reduces the crop’s environmental footprint. Because the ginseng roots are carefully cultivated and grown in optimal conditions, the plant thrives.

Once harvested, the hydroponically grown ginseng undergoes a processing protocol that respects the plant and naturally fosters a high content of rare noble ginsenosides— ginseng’s most valuable compound.

GINSENG’S SECRET INGREDIENT What are noble ginsenosides? Conventional ginseng contains what are known as “classic” or “common” ginsenosides. These common ginsenosides are converted into more bioactive and bioavailable noble

ginsenosides in the gut. HRG80 red ginseng takes that conversion out of the equation, delivering noble ginsenosides directly to the body for optimal use. Because of its unique growing environment, HRG80 contains considerably more noble ginsenosides in the roots—seven times more than a leading, conventionally grown ginseng. One study found that the noble ginsenosides in HRG80 were also 17 times more absorbable than a leading European ginseng supplement. INCREASED ENERGY

Red ginseng provides a calm, steady energy that doesn’t overstimulate or cause an eventual energy crash. When you’re feeling scatterbrained or having difficulty focusing, red ginseng supports mindfulness and concentration. And because it’s an adaptogen and not a stimulant (like caffeine), there’s no risk of it disrupting your sleep. In fact, red ginseng has the ability to enhance feelings of rest and relaxation when you’re getting ready to turn in for the night. The key to all these red ginseng benefits, again, is the noble ginsenosides. In a usage study with red ginseng that contained a high number of noble ginsenosides, participants reported increased mental and physical energy, more stamina, improved sleep, and better concentration. STRESS RESISTANCE When taking red ginseng, you may also notice how resilient you feel in the face of stress. It alters the reaction to stressful situations by calming neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Red ginseng also balances cortisol levels in a way that helps you stay focused and alert. Research shows that the noble ginsenosides in red ginseng modulate the flight or fight response, which kicks in when you find yourself in situations your brain perceives as stressful. It also boosts circulation in the brain and reduces the negative mental and physical effects of stress. The next time you’re feeling tired, stressed out, and simply spread too thin, consider red ginseng to help you meet the day’s demands. To get the most from your ginseng supplement, check the label for HRG80 to maximize the herb’s noble ginsenosides and energy-boosting benefits. ADAPTOGEN? WHAT’S AN This buzzword is being used more than ever throughout the natural health community, but what does it mean exactly? An adaptogen is an herb known for its ability to help your body better handle physical and emotional stress. Adaptogens interact with your hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis, which is the stress response system within your body. These herbs have the unique ability to calm these areas of your brain, resulting in less stress and fatigue, and increased energy to get you through the day. RED GINSENG PROVIDES A CALM, STEADY ENERGY THAT DOESN’T OVERSTIMULATE OR CAUSE AN EVENTUAL ENERGY CRASH.

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olycystic ovary syndrome, often referred to as PCOS, causes 1 in 10 women to have an abnormal increase in male hormone levels—including testosterone and androgens. This wreaks havoc in the endocrine system and leads to a susceptibility for a multitude of diseases including infertility issues. The good news? There are natural solutions that may alleviate or even reverse PCOS. P

Signs and Symptoms

In simple terms, PCOS means there are multiple small cysts on a woman’s ovaries that are caused by a hormonal imbalance. Cysts develop when an egg in the ovary isn’t released or a sac closes around the egg and it fills with fluid. Physicians typically diagnose

14 the condition using an ultrasound to look for a series of cysts resembling a “string of pearls,” although it’s possible to have the disease without this visible evidence. Insulin resistance, increased risk for diabetes

High male hormone levels, including testosterone

The most common symptoms of PCOS include:

Partial or total infertility

Irregular or missing periods

Hirsutism (excessive hair growth, including facial or abdominal)

Fatigue, changes in mood, depression, low libido

Weight gain and trouble losing weight

Fatty liver and metabolic syndrome Believed to be caused by genetic, health, and lifestyle factors, it’s a good idea to work with your health care provider to determine whether you may have this complex and frequently under-diagnosed condition.

Supplemental Solutions

Many women suffering from PCOS are relieved to learn there are natural alternatives to the hormone therapy often used to treat the disease. In addition to lifestyle changes, the following herbs can make all the difference in the quest for optimal health.

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Berberine This compound, which is found in barberry and goldenseal, is a potent tool for women with PCOS. Research shows that it can impact numerous

aspects of the condition, without side effects. In one study involving 98 PCOS patients that appeared in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers found that taking berberine lowered sex hormone-binding globulin levels, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, low-density (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides after just four months. The compound also had a beneficial effect on menstruation and ovulation. Other studies point to berberine’s ability to assist with weight loss and reduce fatty liver.

Hintonia Elevated blood sugar levels can be an ongoing problem for women with PCOS. In fact, it’s estimated that 50 to 70 percent of those with the condition also suffer from prediabetes. Hintonia latiflora is a little-known herb clinically shown to support normal blood sugar metabolism, as well as healthy A1C and insulin levels. In one study of 177 patients with prediabetes, those taking hintonia saw their A1C improve by an average of 10.4 percent, their fasting glucose improve 23.3 percent, and their postprandial (post-meal) glucose levels improve as much as 24.9 percent. An effective hintonia supplement should deliver 20 mg of polyphenols from the herb’s bark, as well as supporting nutrients like the B vitamins, chromium, zinc, and vitamins C and E.

Curcumin This Ayurvedic spice provides potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may lessen low-grade inflammation that contributes to many of the unwanted symptoms of PCOS. Preliminary research also suggests that curcumin may help reduce ovarian cysts and was comparable to clomiphene citrate, a

widely used drug to induce ovulation. To get these benefits, choose a curcumin supplement with clinically proven bioavailability like BCM-95 (Curcugreen). This proprietary form of curcumin is blended with turmeric essential oil containing ar-turmerone complex for optimal absorption.

Ashwagandha This herbal adaptogen can help reduce PCOS symptoms by improving insulin resistance and easing the stress that often accompanies the condition. Ashwagandha has been clinically found to lower stress by as much as 28 percent by lowering cortisol levels. This, in turn, may lead to weight loss. Look for a supplement standardized to contain five percent withanolides for a body in greater balance.

Beware of Disruptors

PCOS is a hormonally based disorder so it makes sense to avoid chemicals that can influence the body’s natural hormones. Called endocrine disruptors, these chemicals reside in many of the things we use every day, including plastic food containers, household cleaners, and personal care products. One easy first step? Stop using plastic containers whenever possible and switch to glass. It’s also smart to learn about the ingredients in the products you use. One excellent resource is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetic ingredient database (ewg.org/ skindeep). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also maintains a website to help you uncover the potential endocrine disruptors and toxins in the household products you use. You can find it at householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov.

16 If all of the physical symptoms of PCOS weren’t enough, women with the syndrome often suffer from depression. Fortunately there’s an herb for that, too! Saffron can increase serotonin levels and reduce cortisol, which may help to lift the weight of depression as effectively as the antidepressant drug, fluoxetine. Studies

show that saffron also offers protection against inflammation and oxidative stress. Look for a supplement with EP15 saffron, a form that assures standardization of the clinically studied levels of the compound. Combining saffron with BCM-95 (Curcugreen) curcumin can help enhance mental well-being even more.

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