health front

find your balance

A simple balance test might be an indicator of longevity, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Researchers linked an inability for older adults to stand on one leg for 10 seconds with a higher likelihood of dying within a decade.

Unlike aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility, balance tends to be reasonably well preserved until middle age, when it starts to decline. In general, participants in the study who failed the test had poorer health, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and unhealthy blood fat profiles. Type 2 diabetes was three times as common in this group compared to those who were able to complete the test.

The researchers recommended that the balance test become part of routine health checks for older adults.

SELECTED SOURCES “Inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds in mid to later life linked to near doubling in risk of death,” BMJ, 6/21/22 • “Successful 10-second one-legged stance performance predicts survival in middle-aged and older individuals” by C.G. Araujo et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 6/21/22

try this

The American Heart Association offers advice on its website for improving balance. It provides these steps to make the progression toward standing longer on one foot easier: n “Hold on to a wall or sturdy chair with both hands to support yourself.” n “Next, hold on with only one hand.” n “Then support yourself with only one finger.” n “When you are steady on your feet, try balancing with no support at all.”

SOURCE “Balance exercise,” American Heart Association, www.Heart.org

berries may slow cognitive decline

Adults with a higher probability of dementia may lower their risk by eating more blueberries. Researchers determined that the high concentration of micronutrients in the berries can reduce inflammation that can lead to cognitive decline.

“The sample size [33 participants] is an obvious limitation of the study, so it will be important to reproduce these findings,” said lead researcher Robert Krikorian, PhD. “In the meantime, it might be a good idea to consume blueberries on a regular basis.”

Dr. Krikorian noted that Alzheimer’s disease, “like all chronic diseases of aging, develops over a period of many years beginning in midlife.”

SELECTED SOURCES “Blueberry supplementation in midlife for dementia risk reduction,” by R. Krikorian et al., Nutrients, 4/22 • “Regular blueberry consumption may reduce risk of dementia, study finds,” University of Cincinnati, 5/11/22

O3 for BP

The Journal of the American Heart Association reports that about 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids is “the optimal daily dose” to help lower blood pressure. The omega 3s EPA and

DHA are concentrated in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. They are widely available in supplement forms as well.

About 3 ounces of Atlantic salmon provides 3 grams of omega 3s, according to the heart association.

“Our study supports the FDA guidance that EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering high blood pressure, especially among people already diagnosed with hypertension,” said researcher Xinzhi Li, MD, PhD.

SELECTED SOURCES “About 3 grams a day of omega-3

fatty acids may lower blood pressure, more research

needed,” American Heart Association, 6/1/22 • “Omega-3

polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and blood pressure . . .”

by X. Zhang et al., Journal of the American Heart Association, 6/1/22

Kind Thins Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate

Made with #1 ingredient almonds, Thins have 100 calories, 4g of sugar and they are gluten free. The thin layer of sliced and diced nuts is paired with a sweet chocolatey coating layered on the bottom and finished with a drizzle on top for a rich and indulgent experience.

Attitude Natural Care Little Leaves Science 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash

Gently cleanse your child with love while nourishing their delicate skin. This juicy formula, scented with watermelon and coconut, is made with natural, plant based, and hypoallergenic ingredients like soothing blueberry leaf extract and detoxifying moringa seed extract.

Healthy Heights Grow Daily Mix Chocolate

Clinically studied formula supports children’s growth.* This whey protein and nutrition shake mix is uniquely formulated with the right combination of protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to fuel a child’s growing body. It’s the perfect option for short stature or lean children, picky eaters, athletes and active kids, or a child in need of a protein boost.*

Gaia Herbs Sleep Gummies

These great tasting, plant-powered gummies provide adaptogenic support to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.* Formulated with ashwagandha, passionflower, reishi, and jujube date, these gummies are naturally tasty thanks to apple, tart cherry, and sweet orange oil, with no refined sugar and nothing artificial. Lupii Plant-Protein Bar

Powered by lupini beans and whole food ingredients, these bars have a whole lot of flavor! Each bar supplies 9-10 grams of protein and one third of your daily fiber, all with just 5-6 ingredients. They are vegan and gluten free, so perfect for any lifestyle. They are a tasty, healthy, on-the-go addition to your busy day!

Little Moon Essentials Magical Muscle Oil

This topical massage oil offers an alleviating aromatherapeutic experience. The strong and 100% natural ingredients work together to relieve sore muscles, strains, sprains, and all kinds of bodily pains. It provides cooling and warming relief to soothe discomforts. Formulated with wintergreen, menthol, cayenne, ginger, and more.

Baxyl Baxyl Boost

Baxyl Boost provides the same high quality MHB3 Hyaluronan concentration as the original joint formula, but pairs it with the powerful benefits of astaxanthin. This added antioxidant assists in soft tissue health and muscular recuperation.* Helps improve joint performance and recovery time.*

Ancient Nutrition Herbal Cider Vinegar Gummies

These tasty strawberry apple gummies are made with apple cider vinegar and 10+ organic, regenerative superfood ingredients, including turmeric, moringa, elderberry, and more. This formula supports healthy microbial balance, detoxification, and gut health.* Natural vegan pectin gummies.

HealthForce Superfoods Warrior Food Vanilla

Enjoy this highly-digestible, hypoallergenic, vegan protein powder made from organically-grown yellow pea protein and sprouted brown rice protein. This formula is enhanced with whole leaf nopal cactus for endurance support.* Great in any smoothie, drink, or food of your choice.

Nature’s Way Sambucus Advanced Immune

This 9-in-1 formula supplies EpiCor, zinc, concentrated black elderberry extract, vitamin C, vitamin D, quercetin, echinacea, ginger, and turmeric. The clinically tested immune booster EpiCor activates immune cells in two hours for rapid response support. The formula is enhanced with powerful antioxidant action from vitamin C.*

Bio Nutrtion Pine Needle Tea

This herbal tea is made with the finest Korean pine needles. Pine Needle Tea has traditionally been used to support the immune system.* It is aromatic and has a great taste. Brew and enjoy hot, or chill and drink cold. Caffeine free.

Bluebonnet Intimate Essentials Fertility Support

These unique gender-specific multivitamins have been designed to deliver targeted nutrients to help support a man’s and a woman’s optimal reproductive health and wellness with a complementary combination of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. Formulated with active coenzyme B vitamins and easily absorbed Albion chelated minerals. Life Extension Brain Fog Relief

Sharpen your mental focus with Brain Fog Relief. This novel nootropic formula combines polyphenol-rich mango leaf extract and standardized peppermint oil for a powerful cognitive boost. Brain Fog Relief helps restore focus and concentration and supports cognitive performance without caffeine.*

Eastwest Boost

For women who need an extra lift during the day, this formula can help boost energy levels and memory, work to stabilize mood, and promote hormone balance.* Feeling fatigued or blue, or struggling with hormone imbalances, could be due to a deficiency of B vitamins and the powerful mineral magnesium. This blend supplies active methylated B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium, which supports the immune system.*

Beekeeper’s Naturals B.Soothed Honey Lozenges

Soothe your throat with these honey lozenges. Made with naturepowered ingredients, they promote immune health while soothing dry, scratchy throats.* Supports the immune system with propolis, vitamin D, and zinc. Only 1 gram of sugar per lozenge.

Dr. Mercola Biothin Probiotic

Each serving provides 10 billion CFU of beneficial probiotics from Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17, which works by converting dietary carbohydrates to indigestible fibers in the gut. It has been shown in clinical studies to help support healthy blood glucose levels already in the normal range, and promote healthy weight management.*

SPINSscan Natural / Natural Products Supermarkets >$2MM / Total US - Natural Channel / Mushrooms Ingredient Report / 52 Weeks Ending 3/20/2022.

1,400mg

LION’S MANE PER SERVING

1,500mg

LION’S MANE PER SERVING

760mg

LION’S MANE PER SERVING

800mg

LION’S MANE PER SERVING

MYCOBREW ®

LION’S MANE DRINK MIXES

Our MycoBrew® mycelium-powered drink mixes are reinforced with organic, USA-grown Lion’s Mane, “The Smart Mushroom”!

TRY ALL FOUR MYCOBREW® DRINK MIXES FOR AN UPGRADE TO YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE!

MYCOBREW® COFFEE Organic Lion’s Mane and 100% Arabica instant coffee are the perfect upgrade to your morning routine! MYCOBREW® MATCHA An uplifting blend of Lion’s Mane and shadegrown Japanese matcha. MYCOBREW® COCOA A delicious blend of Lion’s Mane and Fair Trade Certified™ cocoa and coconut sugar. MYCOBREW®MOCHA This superfood formula combines 100% Arabica instant coffee, Lion’s Mane, and Fair Trade Certified™ cocoa and coconut sugar.