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CONQUERING Inflammation

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SCIENCE OF MEDITATION YOUR THYROID, INFLAMMATION AND HASHIMOTO’S A “NEW” WAY TO w w w. w h o l e p h a r m a c y m a g . c o mWHAT TREAT ARTHRITIS GUIDE TO NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES IS C-REACTIVE WHOLE PHARMACY PROTEIN? THE HEALING POWER OF MUSIC- SARA AGAH AND MICHAEL FRANTI DOING IT FOR THE LOVE

nutrient draining spotlight

Magnesium EVEN THOUGH THE INTENTION OF MEDICATION THERAPY MIGHT BE TO ERADICATE OR MANAGE A DISEASE, MEDICATIONS COME WITH A MAJOR SIDE-EFFECT OF CREATING NUTRITIONAL DEPLETIONS, WHICH CAN POSSIBLY LEAD TO, OR INFLUENCE STATES OF DISEASE.

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n getting our health pointed in the right direction, sometimes simple tweaks through lifestyle and nutritional habits can make a big impact. One of these tweaks is magnesium. Magnesium is not just a mineral; it’s actually a coenzyme which is required in the activation of over 300 biochemical reactions in our bodies. Magnesium is considered to be the master mineral, as it helps to regulate other minerals and nutrients including calcium, sodium, and potassium. Considering that 75% of our population consumes less that the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for magnesium, which many experts believe is too low to begin with; our magnesium intake is 1/2 of what it was 100 years ago, mostly due to dietary choices and our foods containing less than they once did, adding the reality of drug induced nutrient depletion’s, common sense might say, “Let’s start here.”

Low magnesium can influence disease states such type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, osteoporosis, suppressed immunity, and impaired energy production. Research has shown that people deficient in magnesium are twice as likely to suffer a cardiovascular event. Magnesium deficiency makes all impacts of stress worse, including anxiety, carbohydrate and salt cravings, confusion, depression, insomnia, memory loss, and fatigue. COMMON MEDICATIONS WHICH DEPLETE MAGNESIUM: Antimicrobials such as: Aminoglycosides, Amphotericin B, Doxycycline, Minocycline, Neomycin, Penicillamine, and Tetracycline. Blood Pressure, Diuretics and Heart Medications such as: Bumetanide, Chlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, Digoxin, Furosemide, Hydralazine, Hydrochlorthiazide, Indapamide, Metolazone, Spirono-

lactone, Torsemide, and Triamterene. Corticosteroids such as: Prednisone, Prednisolone, and Dexamathasone. Oral Estrogens, Synthetic Estrogens and Estrogen Receptor Modifiers such as: Conjugated estrogens, Esterified Estrogens, Estradiol, Estrogen Containing Oral Contraceptives, and Raloxifene. Progestins such as: Norethindrone, Medroxyprogesterone, Desogestrel, Fluoxymesterone, Levonorgestrel, Norethindrone, Norgestimate, and Norgestrel. Proton Pump Inhibitor Antacids such as: Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid (lansoprazole), Prilosec (omeprazole), and Protonix (pantoprazole) Magnesium should be avoided in the presence of kidney disease without talking to your doctor. Talk to your pharmacist or health care practitioner, to find out if, and which magnesium is best for you.

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what is CRP IF YOU WANT TO PREVENT ELEVATED CRP AND INFLAMMATION:

What is C-REACTIVE PROTEIN?

FTEN WHEN WE THINK OF INFLAMMATION, WE THINK OF INFLAMMATION AS IT RELATES TO ACHES AND PAINS, SUCH AS IN ARTHRITIS. THEN, THERE IS INFLAMMATION SUCH AS A RASH, HIVES, OR SWELLING FROM A SPRAIN, WHICH OCCURS OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IS WORKING AS IT SHOULD IN ITS OWN DEFENSE AGAINST INFECTION AND TRAUMA. What many people do not realize or recognize is what’s known as hidden inflammation, a silent killer which causes or affects nearly every modern day disease. You often don’t “feel” hidden inflammation, although if left unchecked it can lead to or influence chronic allergies, autoimmune disorders, asthma, colitis, acid reflux, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, cancer and even autism. “If you can’t feel it or notice is, is

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it possible to detect it?” Yes!

Fortunately there is a simple and easy blood test that any doctor can order that will alert you to the presence of hidden inflammation in your body; it’s called C-Reactive Protein (CRP.) C-Reactive Protein is protein that is found in the blood. Its levels become elevated when the body detects an infection or need for inflammation. Elevated levels may also indicate future problems including cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. C-Reactive Protein can become elevated due to diabetes, depression, inflammation, obesity, or from an infection. As you can see, many of the causes are also the end results of chronic inflammation, thus it can become a viscous cycle.

Eat a plant predominant, whole foods diet, which is high in healthy fats and fiber, and free of refined sugars and flour, processed foods, as well as Trans, saturated and hydrogenated fats. Manage stress through lifestyle strategies and relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and nutritional supplementation. Enjoy regular exercise which is appropriate for your state of health- we must move, and sedentary lifestyles can elevate CRP and inflammation. Practice good dental health by brushing and flossing regularly. Gingivitis and inflammation of the gums can open the door for inflammation that can run rampant through the entire body. Avoid food allergies and intolerances. Food allergy testing can provide a great deal of information, although dairy and gluten are the two most common intolerances which attack the digestive system, which plays a leading role in systemic inflammation.

4. 5.

IF YOU FIND YOUR C REACTIVE PROTEIN IS ELEVATED:

1. 2. 3.

Follow the lifestyle and diet recommendations mentioned above. Search for hidden allergens from food and environment, or even toxins such as mercury or pesticides which might be playing a role. Various nutritional supplementation that has shown to decrease CRP: Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols- 800 i.u. daily Co Enzyme Q10- 200 mg to 300 mg daily Vitamin C- 1000 mg daily Krill Oil- 300 mg daily Fish Oil- 2000 to 3000 mg daily Curcumin- 300 to 600 mg daily Green tea- 3 cups daily

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grocery cart upgrade

Himalayan Salt

side from iodine, most table salt is void of health promoting benefits since the minerals and micronutrients have been refined out. One of the most common symptoms we see in people who are adrenally exhausted is a craving for salty foods, and this is because the minerals and micronutrients in a whole salt help feed the adrenal glands to create much needed adrenal hormones. As part of a healthy, whole food diet, we recommend to replace your iodized, refined table salt with Himalayan Pink Salt. Pink sea salt deposits are found in the Himalayan and Andes Mountain ranges. During the Jurassic period, the ocean floor buckled upwards forming the mountains and trapping the sea salt. Pink sea salt contains various amounts of 82 different trace minerals including: calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and gold. This produces the marbled pink coloring of these salts. Possible benefits of whole pink salt have shown to include: balance electrolytes, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pH, normalizes blood pressure, and increases circulation. It is also believed to assist with relief from arthritis, skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes, and flu and fever symptoms.

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balancing hormones

Your THYROID, H INFLAMMATION and Hashimoto’s

INFLAMMATION IS A NATURAL PROCESS DESIGNED TO PROTECT OUR BODIES FROM INJURIOUS SUBSTANCES AND TOXINS. SUCH SUBSTANCES AND TOXINS INCLUDE BACTERIA, VIRUSES, AND OTHER PATHOGENS AS WELL AS HEAVY METALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS. WHEN INFLAMMATION GETS OUT OF CONTROL, IT CAN PREVENT ONES THYROID HORMONES FROM ATTACHING TO THE THYROID GLAND, THUS LEADING PEOPLE TO A STATE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM.

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ypothyroidism is very prevalent in our culture, affecting as many as 15 million men and 30 million females, while it is estimated that about half the cases are misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. This often leads to a patient asking, “If my doctor says my thyroid is normal, why do I feel so bad?” In fact the American Thyroid Association estimates that as many as 60% of people may have thyroid disease and are not aware of it. Hypothyroidism is very much an environmental and lifestyle issue, with root causes stemming from nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, toxins, inflammation and an autoimmune reaction of the body. Our immune system plays a critical role in maintaining a normal inflammatory balance in its attempt to ward off injurious toxic substances; however, the body’s immune system can inappropriately begin to trigger an inflammatory response when no foreign substances need to be fought off. This can transform the normally protective immune system into one which begins to attack and damage its own tissues. Hashimoto’s, also known as autoimmune thyroiditis, is a perfect example. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease where antibodies react against proteins in the thyroid gland, which causes a gradual destruction of the gland itself. One of the tools we have to diagnose Hashimoto’s is by testing the autoimmune antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. The good news is that through diet, lifestyle, nutritional and thyroid therapy, not only can the antibody numbers be lowered; people can begin to feel much better.

STEPS TO REDUCING INFLAMMATION AND HELPING YOUR THYROID

Step #1- DIET Step one is what NOT to eat. Where food sensitivity testing gives us a comprehensive assessment, often the best place to start is eliminating gluten, dairy, and soy, since these are the three most difficult proteins to digest, often leading to problems with our digestive tracts. Step #2- DIGESTIVE TRACT Due to diet, toxins, medications, and stress, the digestive tract can become insufficient in beneficial microflora as well as digestive enzymes, including betaine HCl. If you have an ulcer, you want to avoid betaine and stick with probiotics and digestive enzymes. L-glutamine and other natural supplements can further decrease inflammation, sooth, and support the integrity of the intestines. Step #3- THYROID HORMONE ASSESSMENT AND REPLACEMENT We want to, of course, assess the needs of T4 (levothyroxine,) and T3 (liothyronine,) through a complete thyroid panel and replace it through thyroid hormone medication if needed.

Step #4 – ADRENAL HEALTH Adrenal issues are common in patients with Hashimoto’s disease, and can negatively influence states of hypothyroidism. Stress and elevated cortisol decreases the conversion of T4 to the more active T3, and can unnaturally suppresses thyroid stimulating hormone, thus even if the body wants to raise TSH to create more thyroid, elevated cortisol gets in the way. Identifying adrenal needs and supporting it can be of great benefit to the thyroid. Step #5 - Nutritional Supplementation Nutritional deficiencies are common in patients with Hashimoto’s and even subclinical hypothyroidism. Nutritional testing or even a comprehensive multivitamin or targeted thyroid supplement can be of benefit. Systemic enzymes act as natural immune modulators and anti-inflammatories. Systemic enzymes are a blend of plant and animal derived enzymes, including bromelain, papain, rutin, chymotrypsin, trypsin, and pancreatin. Systemic enzymes lower inflammatory markers seen in autoimmune disease; as well have the ability to break down circulating immune complexes and foreign pathogens such as bacteria and parasites. One study using the systemic enzyme complex supplement, Wobenzym, on patients with Hashimoto’s

and taking the thyroid hormone levothyroxine, produced very promising results. After taking the supplement for 3 months at a dose of five tablets three times daily, the patients reported a reduction of thyroid symptoms, reduced number of inflammatory cells, reduction in TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone,) significant decreases in thyroid antibodies, as well as a reduction in triglycerides and HDL (high density lipoprotein.) Many of the patients were able to reduce their thyroid medication, while some were able to discontinue their medication completely. Due to the numerous factors that can influence hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, it often takes more than just assessing thyroid hormones to get the desired results we are looking for.

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minfullness in schools

s s e n l u f d n Mi

in Schools

AS MINDFULNESS IS GOING MAINSTREAM, IT IS BEING ADOPTED BY CORPORATE AMERICA, PROMOTED IN HOSPITAL SETTINGS, AND EVEN BY THE MILITARY. THE SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE HAS CHANGED AS MINDFULNESS IS NO LONGER LOOKED AT AS BEING ‘NEW-AGEY’ AS FORTUNE 500 CEO’S ARE COMING OUT SAYING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN MEDITATING FOR DECADES AS IT IS A FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENT TO THEIR SUCCESS.

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ll of this leads us to ask, “What about the children and the schools?” We are living in a different world these days, and a child’s life is different than it was as little as ten years ago, especially with the increasing use of cell phones, video games, and all of the constant connection to technology. All of this leads to children multitasking more than ever which in itself is a proven stressor, while general stress adaption is something we as a society have been struggling with for a long time. Mismanaged stress has proven to lead to impaired immunity and many of the “modern day diseases” we find ourselves struggling with. Children are losing their ‘peace of mind,’ they are losing their ability to respond to challenges emotionally, and executive functioning is being hampered, which is a key predictor to academic health, as well as creative thinking, which was once a quality only lost to adulthood; all because they are experiencing increasing issues of stress. From a pharmacist’s point of view, over the years I have been seeing an increasing diagnosis of a multitude of disease states along with increasing medication therapy for ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, allergies, skin disruptions, and stomach issues, which are all symptomatic of the reality of our culture of mismanaged stress. Taking into account that childhood stress is a precursor to adult stress as we carry forth patterns we learn as children, it seems mindfulness training holds a solution that can positively affect generations of today, and for tomorrow. Today we are speaking with Kathleen Belonga, RYT, to find out just how mindfulness can be implemented into the school systems, and what benefits can be obtained. Kathleen has a graduate degree in Holistic Health & Wellness. She is a mom, Holistic Health & Well-

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Mismanaged stress has proven to lead to impaired immunity and many of the “modern day diseases” we find ourselves struggling with.

ness Coach, Wellcoaches® Trained, Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified ChildLight® Yoga Instructor, Licensed Yoga 4 Classrooms® Trainer, Yoga 4 Teens Instructor, who has a passion for teaching mindfulness. WP: Where an official definition of mindfulness can be an awareness of thoughts and feelings without judgment or attachment, what would you say is a beginning step to take in learning how to experience mindfulness? KB: It all starts with bringing focus to our breathing, as it is the vital life force running through all of us. In addition to supporting and helping in regulating the nervous system, focusing on one’s breathing increases self-awareness, keeps us present, and provides an anchor to go back to when we become lost in thought. WP: Can you share with us some of the benefits that children experience from mindfulness in the classroom?

KB: Mindfulness can do so much for children, both in and out of the classroom. We have seen mindfulness practice help increase a child’s self-confidence, reduce test and competition anxiety, increase their mood and attitude towards school and all other aspects in life, such as relationships with teachers, other students and even parents. Grades have benefited, children experience less tension and seem more relaxed with an increase in focus and concentration, and students with problems “acting out” have shown improvement in behavior as well. Additionally, these benefits are extending to home life, as well as extracurricular activities such as sports. WP: As your training spans from you working with young children, to teens and even to teachers as a facilitator, I would imagine that there are different tools which you use, as well as different benefits which expand to each age group. Could you elaborate on this?

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minfullness in schools

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We can help to prepare children to focus and be calm before taking a test or do the opposite by teaching energizing breathing and movements in the afternoon, when children can have post lunch drops in energy.

Kathleen Belonga, RYT, Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach

KB: Absolutely, where the end goal is to achieve a calmer mind and body, while increasing creativity and learning, how we approach different age groups can be tailored. For instance in a classroom, with young children, sitting still for long periods of time can be difficult, so the Yoga 4 Classrooms Program teaches simple breathing work and a concept called “Silent Seconds.” This is where the children remain quiet and still. The teacher or Y4C Trainer keeps track

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and each time they practice going a little longer. Because very young children may find it hard to meditate, guided imagery can be used. The children are really good and take very positively to working with their imaginations. Especially with yoga and children, the training programs that I have attended really stress the need to get children outside. Over the last few decades, children just don’t get outside as much as they used to,

whether it be that they are inside playing with video games, or maybe they live in an area where going outside just isn’t safe. Disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature offers so many benefits and continually supports the yogamindfulness approach I like to take. Whether children are in gym class, the classroom, or outdoors, through different breathing and meditation technique’s we can look to customize the experience that would be best for the students at the given time. For instance, we can help to prepare children to focus and be calm before taking a test or do the opposite by teaching energizing breathing and movements in the afternoon, when children can have post lunch drops in energy. Taking specific training for teenagers was really important to me because of the different challenges that teenagers face today in our society. So many teens report feeling incredibly stressed out with

recipe in the raw so many extra-curricular commitments, schoolwork, and social pressures. When working with teens, I need to be sensitive to their increasing awareness on topics such as their body, thoughts and emotions, which are constantly changing and are often a challenging experience at this time in their life. WP: What I find really interesting is the Yoga 4 Classrooms program, where you actually train the teachers to incorporate yoga techniques into their classrooms and to work directly with their students. Can you elaborate more on how this works? KB: Sure, this is a program which I have been seeing work really well, as the goal is actually to empower the teachers who may be looking for new tools to help manage their classrooms. Many of today’s teachers are feeling the stress that increasing academic demands are placing on them and their students. In addition, the behavioral challenges which result as the increased diagnosis of ADHD, stress, depression and anxiety that more and more children are experiencing. When the brain is stressed, it makes learning more difficult. These tools can help teacher’s to have more options to enhance their student’s learning which may increase the student to teacher relationship, as well as providing a more positive educational experience for everyone. Educators and other professionals who work with children in a school setting can register for an Y4C Professional Development Workshop online or at a location near them. Another option, is enlisting an Y4C Trainer to come onsite to their school for a staff development day. This summer I will be going onsite to a local school to train their staff. In addition, I plan to host workshops in my hometown, St. Joseph, Michigan (1.5 hours from Chicago) a few times a year or can travel by request to schools wishing to train their entire staff. WP: Wow, this has been very informative and it seems the sky is the limit on the benefits of teaching mindfulness in schools, especially how it influences all other areas of students, parents and educators lives. On top of that, where this might seem like a new concept for many, it seems that it has been made very easy to implement, for fast results. For people who would like more information, how can they contact you? KB: Kathleen Belonga, RYT, Certified Holistic Health & Wellness Coach TREE OF LIFE YOGA & WELLNESS, LLC. PO Box 121, St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: 269-983-0302 Treeoflifeyoga416@gmail.com www.treeoflifeyogawellness.com To learn more about the programs mentioned: www.yoga4classrooms.com www.childlightyoga.com www.yogaminded.com

MANGO -BASIL BLISS SMOOTHIE (Chef Adam Graham, Idiot’s Guide to Raw Food Detox) INGREDIENTS 2 mangos, peeled, seeded, and diced 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced 2 cup fresh spinach leaves, firmly packed and chopped 1 cup water or ice ½ cup fresh basil leaves, firmly packed and chopped 1 ½ tsp fresh ginger, minced 1 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of sea salt METHOD Combine all ingredients in blender and purée until smooth. Serve immediately. w w w. w h o l e p h a r m a c y m a g . c o m

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nutrient of the month

UC II

A “NEW” Way to Treat ARTHRITIS

N NATURAL MEDICINE, THERE REALLY IS NOTHING THAT’S NEW. MOST EVERYTHING WAS CREATED MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO, ALTHOUGH THROUGH THE REVISITING OF AGE-OLD WISDOM, OFTEN DONE WITH A CHANGE IN PERCEPTION AND TINY TWEAKS FROM MODERN DAY RESEARCH, “NEW DISCOVERIES” OFFERING PROFOUND BENEFITS CAN RESULT. One of these examples of “new discoveries” is something known as UC- II (undenatured collagen.) We are finding that UC-II offers a unique natural option in treating and managing arthritis and inflammatory conditions. The “itis” in arthritis, denotes inflammation. Conventional belief has been that there are either autoimmune types of arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and then there are non-autoimmune types which are essentially conditions of “wear and tear,” such as Osteoarthritis (OA.) “Autoimmune disorder” essentially means that the body begins to attack itself. Now, research is showing that in the previous believed “non-autoimmune” cases, such as

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Osteoarthritis, there might just be an autoimmune component after all. The immune system reaction is often based on perception; the body perceives what it believes to be a foreign object within its boundaries, and attacks by sending pro-inflammatory components, as well as toxic chemicals to destroy it. Such “foreign objects” can include foods, proteins, pathogens, and the body’s own tissue being “perceived” as foreign. Arthritis conditions are often a runaway snowball in effect; they might begin small, but continually grow at an escalating rate. Let’s take a look at an example with our body’s own cartilage and collagen. Cartilage lines joints, provides protection, lubricates, cushions and

preserves joints. Collagen is the protein that is in cartilage and reduces friction from movement and keeps joints healthy and mobile. Whether due to injury, or general wear and tear, collagen can be exposed through breakdown of the cartilage and the synovial lining. When this happens, the body recognizes it as a foreign invader, and then mobilizes what are known as Killer T Cells to attack. Cytokines are also released which are pro-inflammatory. This creates the cycle of inflammation more attack oxidative stress accelerated joint breakdownrinse and repeat= the snow-ball effect. Over time, the cartilage and local tissue is further eroded and disintegrated.

In lab animal studies, when researchers want to induce inflammation or arthritis, they inject collagen into the blood stream, which incites the Killer T Cells and cytokines to mobilize. Thus, when collagen is in the blood stream the end result is often an autoimmune attack and inflammation. The exposed collagen is then believed to be the chief cause of the inflammation, leading to the immune cells mistakenly identifying it as an invasive, foreign molecule. So this leads to the question? “Is there a way to change the body’s response to exposed collagen, thus putting a damper on the auto-immune attack, while providing complementary support for the health of the tissue, cartilage and joints? Yes! Apparently health benefits of chicken soup are not just an old wives tale, and it’s good for more than just the soul. In the year 2000, researchers from the University of Nebraska stumbled upon why it can help with arthritis. Researchers found that a group of osteoarthritis patients who were consuming chicken soup, experienced a decrease in the mobilization of immune cells to the inflammatory sites which would normally attack joints and lead to pain and inflammation. At first they thought, maybe it was the antioxidants from the vegetables in the soup, but then they realized the benefits came from the collagen from the chicken bones. UC-II is also known as undenatured collagen, which is identical to the collagen found in the chicken bones. UC-II has been found to activate a pathway known as “induced oral tolerance,” which trains the immune system to correctly recognize exposed cartilage proteins as its own tissue, thus it helps to regulate the immune system in auto-immune inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis.

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Arthritis conditions are often a runaway snowball in effect; they might begin small, but continually grow at an escalating rate.

A benefit of UC-II is its high oral bioavailability and ability not to be destroyed by the gastric enzymes which allow it to make it to the Peyer’s Patches in the lower end of the small intestine. Peyer’s Patches are forms of immune tissue, which

act as training centers for the Killer T Cells. Thus, they have the ability to influence and desensitize the immune system to develop a natural tolerance to new foods, and proteins (i.e. - collagen) – the end result is that Killer T Cells are not overly mobilized.

There have been numerous studies on animals and people backing the effectiveness of UC-II. Significant decrease in number of swollen and painful joints in patients with osteoarthritis within 3 months, where 14% experienced complete remission. Patients with juvenile arthritis experiencing significant improvement in lifestyle and mobility.

An 88% reduction in measureable pain in horses. Moderately arthritic dogs were able to place more weight on sore limbs and use those limbs more naturally. Patients with OA, in just 90 days, experienced a significant enhancement in daily activity suggesting an improvement

in their quality of life. OA symptoms decreased by 33% compared to a 14% decrease from glucosamine/ chondroitin. Pain scores on a visual analysis scale (VAS) decreased 40% with UC II compared to a 15% decrease in glucosamine and chondroitin.

UC-II can be found in nutritional preparations alone, or in combination with other pro-joint and anti-inflammatory nutrients. w w w. w h o l e p h a r m a c y m a g . c o m

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destination wellness

A JOURNEY INTO MIND, BODY, SPIRIT, and NATURE JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

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ACKSON HOLE WYOMING IS A SPECIAL PLACE. IT IS A PLACE WHERE WELLNESS IS PART OF THE LIFESTYLE, AND IT’S ENVELOPED IN EVERY PART OF LIFE, NATURE, AND COMMUNITY. ONE COULD SAY THAT JACKSON HOLE LIES AT THE INTERSECTION OF MIND, BODY, SPIRIT AND NATURE. IN A TOWN WHICH IS SURROUNDED BY NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDERNESS, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT YOUR EXPERIENCE WILL INVOLVE COMMUNING WITH NATURE. Getting away from the rat race, and trading it in for rivers, forests, eagles, moose, elk, and many of Mother Earth’s natural wonders that we often lose sight of in our fast paced day-to-day existence, will do wonders for your wellbeing. Something happens when you allow the outdoors in, some would say, going outdoors, as you are really on a journey within. However you decide to get to Jackson, your arrival will be awe inspiring, an experience in itself. Whether flying into the Jackson Hole airport, set at the south end of Grand Teton National Park North of town, or driving down through the national parks, or coming up through the Snake River canyon from the South, or even over Teton pass from Idaho and the West, you won’t be lacking sights of visual magnificence. When you think of Jackson Hole, winter often comes to mind, as the area boasts some of the greatest skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and other activities for winter enthusiasts all over the world. What many people do not realize is that the summer season is even busier; it’s a wilderness playground and a nature lover’s dream. Being the closest town to the south, Jackson is the gateway to both Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, hosting w w w. w h o l e p h a r m a c y m a g . c o m

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destination wellness over 3 million visitors every year. The town of Jackson and the surrounding areas provides you with an amazing trip of body, mind, sprit and nature, anytime of year. Jackson Hole offers numerous activities, lodging and dining options; from the town of Jackson, then extending West to the town of Wilson, which lies at the base of

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the Teton Mountain Range, where Teton Pass, the 8,431 foot elevated mountain pass, connects Idaho to Wyoming. Then traveling just a bit North along what is known as the West Bank, continuing out to Teton Village, is the home of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You will be hard pressed to fit in everything there is to do in

Jackson Hole in just one visit. For the outdoor enthusiast, activities range from world class downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, fly fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, boating, water skiing, hang gliding, mountain and roadbiking, horseback riding, golfing, mountain and ice climbing.

Outdoor Fun and Exercise Each season offers a cornucopia of outdoor fun. In the summer time, whether you want to take a leisurely ride through the extensive pathway system that can take you from the town of Jackson all the way out to Teton Village, or take your fat tires or cycle cross bike down the endless trails stemming from east Jackson, Cache Creek and Snow King, to the trails off of Teton pass and out at Jackson Hole Mountain resort, Jackson Hole will keep your wheels spinning. Hiking is available for any experience level, from the trails on Snow King Mountain in the town of Jackson, hiking out at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, or taking a journey up Teton pass to Ski Lake, or many of the other high alpine treks. Grand Teton National Park, which is just to the north, offers some of the most picturesque and often wildlife-filled hikes, such as the trail around Jenny Lake. For the more adventurous and fit, contact one of the local mountain guide services to find out how you can tackle climbing one of the peaks along the Teton Mountain Range. The Snake River provides leisurely river rafting north of town in Teton National Park, or for the more adventurous, a white water rafting trip awaits south of town through the Snake River canyon, offering famous rapids such as Lunch Counter, which has gained recent notoriety as a sought after surf break. If you are looking to expand your nautical fun, Teton National Park offers boating, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding, as well as desolate, isolated high mountain lakes and beaches which are perfect for an afternoon lunch within nature. World-class fly fishing can be found all through the valley; south of town or even to the east through the town of Kelly, which rests on the edge of the Gros Ventre Mountains. Winter time provides some of the best alpine skiing and snowboarding in the world. Whether you are

hitting the slopes at Teton Village, sliding the town hill of snow king, or opting for a more adventurous back country skiing expedition, Jackson Hole promises some of best winter snow conditions you can find, from beginner to expert. Dining Jackson Hole has always offered plenty of options for dining, from world glass gastro delights, to more touristy tastings that highlight its history of the Wild West. In any town, it’s always comforting to find a local brew pub, a place where you can find good food, drink, and a local vibe. Look no further to what the locals refer to as “the brew pub.” Snake River Brewery is Wyoming’s oldest and largest microbrewery and has been one of the most award winning small batch breweries in the country since 1994, as they have been brewing beers to match the scenery. Deemed as Jackson’s “Hangout” or “the living room of Jackson Hole”

with large windows that frame Snow King Mountain, and an outside deck to enjoy during the warmer season, Snake River Brewing continues with the essence of communing with nature; albeit over some food and drink. If you are looking to keep with comfort, but dial the nob to casual sophistication, just on the South end of town is Rendezvous Bistro, referred to as “The Bistro.” With food that is described as gourmet comfort cuisine, the menu changes seasonally, and also offers a selection of wine that you would expect to see in a fine European restaurant, as well as great brews, and their famous raw bar. The Bistro has become a strong locals’ and tourists’ favorite and it’s perfect for families and diners of all ages. Taking a trip to the town square offers one of Jacksons’ oldest and finest dining institutions, the Snake River Grill. If you are really looking for a true rustic meets elegant dining experience guaranteed to set your taste buds dancing, Snake River Grill is for you. What’s described as

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Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”- John Muir w w w. w h o l e p h a r m a c y m a g . c o m

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destination wellness

a modern-American menu, organic produce, jet-fresh seafood, prime steaks and local game chops will never disappoint. Heading out towards Wilson, Nora’s is a must stop. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Nora’s Fish Creek Inn makes the best breakfast in the valley, with their Huevos Rancheros being a world renowned favorite. This is the perfect place to fuel your body before heading out on a hike or a ski in the Tetons. And don’t confuse this with any old breakfast place. In their comfortable and rustic atmosphere, Nora’s has won the coveted James Beard award in 2012, so these folks are not messing around. On the entertainment side of things, Jackson style, no trip to Jackson Hole is complete without checking out the world famous Stage Coach Bar, which sits at the base of Teton Pass in Wilson, just across the street from Nora’s. The Stagecoach Bar has been a Jackson Hole favorite since 1942. Known as ‘The Coach’ by locals, you don’t want to miss what is known as Sunday Church from 6 to 10 p.m.

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every Sunday with the world-famous Stagecoach Band. The five-member band has played more than 2,500 nights during the past 44 years. While starting the day at Nora’s, the Stagecoach Bar is a perfect stop after a day in the mountains. Play some pool and darts, and in the summer season you can lounge on the deck or play beach volleyball while grabbing some drinks and a bite to eat. Heading North to Teton Village and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is going to offer you some of the finest world class dining, most extreme mountain views, and some of the best après ski bars and restaurants in the world. You can easily make a day (or many) out of all the outdoor activities at Jackson Hole Mountain resort to fuel your soul, as well as find many options to fuel your body with great food and drink. A 15 minute ride on a gondola will take you to The Couloir Restaurant. Located at the summit of the Bridger Gondola, Couloir is Jackson Hole’s most unique dining experience. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring American cuisine

with Rocky Mountain roots. Steadfast in a sustainable policy, promising that the majority of the ingredients come from a 250 mile radius to ensure fresh and natural flavors and to source superior products from local purveyors. Not to mention the amazing view of the surrounding mountain ranges. If you are looking for something more casual, a perfect stop after a day of outdoor revelries, or a happy hour to start your evening, you will find the best view in Jackson Hole at The Deck, one of the best happy hours in the valley during the summer season. The same Gondola ride that takes you to The Couloir Restaurant will take you to be greeted by expansive views and happy hour favorites at the deck, including appetizers and shared plates, margaritas, mojitos, draft beers and wine by the glass. Nine thousand feet below waits what has been touted by both Forbes Traveler and Inspirato Magazine, as one of the best après ski bars in America, The Mangy Moose, and it is just as fun in the summer time. The world famous Mangy Moose has been a main stay at the Jackson Hole

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You can easily make a day (or many) out of all the outdoor activities at Jackson Hole Mountain resort to fuel your soul, as well as find many options to fuel your body with great food and drink.

Mountain resort, which continues to build around it, and fortunately the vibe and the fun at “the Moose” stays the same. The Mangy Moose Restaurant and Saloon has showcased the best of Jackson Hole with locally sourced, seasonally fresh food for over 45 years. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a great happy hour and live music, “the Moose is about good food and fun in an eclectic and entertaining atmosphere. At the village base, Hotel Terra offers you one of Jackson Hole’s favorite dining destinations, Osteria, an Italian cuisine and wine bar holds true to its roots while expanding to the reaches of gastronomical delight. II Villagio Osteria serves a predominately Italian wine list along with deliciously simple plates of imported meats and cheeses, to wood-oven pizza, house made pastas to specialty dishes such as Beef Cheek Ravioli, Osso Buco Milanes, Braised Short ribs, and a Red Wine Risotto with Truffle Butter and Wild Mushrooms. If your adventures take you to Grand Teton or Yellowstone, a must stop, especially at the end of a beautiful day, is Dornan’s, in Moose,

just at the entrance of Teton National Park. Dornan’s is a complete resort including restaurants, wine shop, adventure sports and cabin rentals, the view from the upper deck at Dornan’s restaurant is amazing. Kick back and take in what the majesty of the Teton Mountain range and meandering Snake River is really about. Another world class hotel destination at your footsteps, The Four Seasons Jackson Hole, offers The Handle Bar, which Ski Magazine named one of the best hotel bars, and you can bet the fun does not stop in the winter time. As Ski Magazine reports,“Where else can you get Maitake Mushrooms? The Handle Bar also serves a stout float, plus seasonal cocktails and an extensive range of international whiskeys. One editor used to devour their Lobster Corn Dogs, too. In addition to the Handle Bar, The Four Seasons also houses Westank Grill. A cozy setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, The Westbank Grill offers views of Teton Village and Rendezvous Peak, highlighted by distinctive flavors with casual elegance, creating a fine dining atmosphere embraced by the Western heritage of Jackson Hole. Over at the Teton Mountain Lodge, the Spur Restaurant and bar sticks to its local mountain style with a dedication to local and regional food sources, and organic and sustainable farming. Highlights include the Snake River Farms Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin, Buffalo Short Ribs braised in Zonker stout, and Nebraska Wagyu Sirloin. The summertime offers dining on their scenic patio that overlooks the beauty of the surrounding area. Lodging Jackson Hole will offer you every imaginable type of lodging, from old west style cabins, to high end resort spas and everything in between. If a piece of Jackson Hole history is high on your list, check out the historic Four Diamond Wort Hotel. An elegant boutique hotel rich in

history, the Wort sits just off the Town Square, and is in the center of the restaurants, nightlife & shopping in the town of Jackson. There are always the quaint individual cabin rentals at the Cowboy Village Resort, and of course a mainstay in Jackson Hole, Snow King Resort, offering the convenience of town with every amenity and activity for the whole family. Taking your visit out to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, if you are looking to “get your spa on” you will find numerous resort destinations; from the Four Seasons, to The Hotel Terra, and the Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa. What can be described as both contemporary and luxurious retreat on a foundation of sustainability, Hotel Terra allows you to go green, in both comfort and style. While providing a top-notch experience, Hotel Terra’s commitment to sustainability relates well to the essence of Jackson Hole awarding it the Gold for the best eco-friendly business in Jackson Hole, as well as a favorite hotel in the eyes of locals. For indoor exercise and Spa time, Hotel Terra offers you a state of the art exercise facility, complete spa services, as well as their Salt of The Earth Blend Bar allowing you to custom blend your very own spa products. Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa provides a distinct rustic styling which meets plush comfort in a luxury mountain retreat which will delight every whim. Solitude spa at Teton Mountain Lodge is the complete spa and wellness experience. From massage and spa services, the tranquility lounge, steam showers, hot tubs (including a roof top 24 person tub), indoor and outdoor heated pools and a state-ofthe-art fitness center, Solitude Spa is a perfect place to get back in touch with youth and wellness. If you are looking for a mountain yoga experience, Solitude spa offers yoga classes, group and private, for both hotel guests and visitors.

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science of meditation

The Science of

n o i t a t i d e M

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IF THE HISTORY OF YOGA IN THE UNITED STATES IS ANY SIGN OF WHERE MEDITATION CAN GO, WE ARE LOOKING AT A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF OUR SOCIETY.

hink about it. Even though Hindu monks brought yoga to the West in the late 19th century, it didn’t really begin to gain steam until the late 60’s and 70’s. For many it still seemed like it was far out, something only hippies and the spiritual folk do, although social consciousness continues to evolve. Now we are seeing a similar embracing of meditation as it is taking a mainstream role in people’s health, wellness, and stress reduction practice. What was once promoted by monks in robes and reluctantly accepted by the mass populace, is gaining acceptance spurred by the promotion of scientists and practitioners in white lab coats as the body of scientific evidence continues to grow. The military is experimenting with meditation to make soldiers more resilient, as well as to help with treatment and management of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and related issues such as substance abuse. Corporate America has begun incorporating meditation rooms and programs into their campuses, such as General Mills in Minneapolis. Google has begun their own in house mindfulness program called “Search Inside Yourself,” and has even created a labyrinth so employees can practice walking mediation. Meditation is about finding silence, and stepping back from being lost in random, incessant thoughts which waste our time, creativity, mood and energy. Meditation is witnessing thought without judgment.

When you give yourself the chance to step back, you familiarize yourself with the present moment, also known as mindfulness, not re-living the past or worrying about the future. Research has shown that we have over 50,000 thoughts a day, and a Harvard study has shown that the average person is lost in random thought about 47% of the time. Essentially, we have become a society of chaotic thought factories. Much of the growth of meditation and mindfulness practice is based on stress reduction, and for good reason. In our over-connected lifestyle and culture of chaos where technology has practically built a wall separating ourselves from peace of mind, meditation has proven to calm the mind of over incessant chatter, the worrying about tomorrow while reliving the past. The benefits don’t stop at a calmer, more peaceful mind and stress reduction. Meditation has benefits in a number of areas of health, including: Reduces blood pressure Reduces cortisol levels Reduces pain Enhances the body’s immune system Reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, fear, anger and confusion Increases blood flow and slow heart rate Helps reverse heart disease Increases energy Enhances memory and prevent cognitive decline Reduction of crime in areas where people regularly practice …All with a profound impact on medical costs.

There have been numerous studies of the financial benefits of meditation including; 28% cumulative decrease in physician fees; 55% less medical care utilization with lower sickness rates, including 87% less hospitalization for heart disease and 55% less for cancer. Where meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, it continues to evolve. One of the leaders the field is Jon Kabat-Zinn, who at the University of Massachusetts has been teaching a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program which has been used in major University studies since the late 1970’s. He and his colleagues have been leading the way in the integration of meditation in mainstream medicine and healthcare. A new mindfulness based intervention has been created and implemented by Eric L Garland Ph.D to help patients manage pain, as well as reduce the chances of pain medication abuse. Called MindfulnessOriented Recovery Enhancement, this program is designed to train people to respond differently to pain, stress and opioid (painkiller)related cues, resulting in a 63 percent reduction in opioid misuse, as well as a 22 percent reduction in pain-related impairment. Meditation, from a pharmacists’ point of view, is a perfect fit. It has shown profound success in both preventative medicine, as well as complementary therapy to medication and surgical treatments. Whether you are looking for meditation to maintain or improve your heath, or just to feel better, there are a ton of options which make it ever so easier to accomplish. What many might call a double edged sword, technology in the form of smart phone apps has literally put guided meditation and assistance at your fingertips.

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natural medicine guide

Guide to Natural ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES

HERE ARE NUMEROUS NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS WHICH CAN BE USED FOR THEIR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BENEFITS, BUT -WHICH ONE(S) ARE BEST FOR YOU? People’s anti-inflammatory protocols could be improved by utilizing targeted supplementation that also has additional benefits, such as im-

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mune support, while also addressing many foundational anti-inflammatory elements that are often passed over. Below you will find some foundationally core supplements, not just for anti-inflammatory support, but many other benefits as well. Then you will find some of the most effective and research backed natural anti-inflammatories that come with a multitude of other benefits as well.

Curcumin • Active metabolite of the spice turmeric • Healthy inflammatory balance • Supports cellular health • Immune support and modulation • Various forms have varying types of bioavailability, thus is recommended to use a form with higher bioavailability such as Curcumin Phystosome

FOUNDATIONAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUPPORT Multivitamin/Multi-mineral/ Micronutrient- A well rounded, comprehensive, quality multivitamin is designed to plug the holes where a conventional diet and food sources might leave off. A multivitamin provides a balanced nutritional profile with ingredients such as boron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, and antioxidants which can provide antiinflammatory benefits as well as support for healthy tendons, ligaments, and joints. Research has shown that many food sources are depleted in nutritional relevancy compared to decades ago, and such nutritional deficiencies can play a critical role in issues of inflammation. Optimized Vitamin D- Vitamin D has shown powerful anti-inflammatory and immune supporting benefits. The anti-inflammatory role of vitamin D is broad and it’s not just for aches and pains. The connection between optimized levels of vitamin D and development of chronic conditions where inflammation has a role such as cancer, dementia, stroke and heart disease, has been well documented. It is best to have vitamin D levels measured for an optimized dose, although dosages of 1,000, 2,000 units or higher have been shown to have the most benefits with inflammation and immune modulation and this is a target range for many experts, and is higher than the RDA. Omega 3 Essential Fatty AcidsIt has been said that every modern disease is either caused or affected by hidden inflammation, and having omega 3 essential fatty acids in your nutritional arsenal is like casting a wide net against most diseases tied to inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids have shown benefits in support of; cardiovascular health, joint comfort, cognitive health and function, respiratory health, immune health, gastrointestinal health and skin health.

Hyaluronic acid • Supports synovial fluid and cartilage • Joint lubrication and comfort • Supports tissue hydration • Supports skin hydration and appearance Glucosamine • Build, maintain and support matrix of collagen and connective tissue that forms the basis of cartilage. • Supports healthy joint function • Reduction of inflammatory cytokines Undenatured Collagen (UC-II) • Promotes joint flexibility and comfort • Immune support and modulation

TARGETED ANTIINFLAMMATORY SUPPORT AND COMPLEMENTARY BENEFITS Boswellia • Supports structural integrity, motility and comfort of joint cartilage • Inhibits cartilage degrading enzyme MMP (matrix metalloproteinase activity) • Immune support • Digestive support • Various forms have varying types of bioavailability, thus it is recommended to use a form with higher bioavailability, such as Boswellia AKBA

MSM • Source of organic sulfur, critical for maintaining healthy tissues • Maintains connective tissue health • Immune normalizing effect • Inhibits pain impulses along nerve fibers • Anti-inflammatory support

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homeopathy

HOMEOPATHIC First AID KIT

Where it is important to seek proper medical attention in emergencies, homeopathy can play a significant role is treating some of. Whether you are donning a backpack strapping on skis or toting a beach cooler, here are our favorite “homeopathic must haves” and the conditions which they serve.

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SUNBURN Apis mellifica 30C Belladonna 6C Take 5 pellets of each medicine every 30 minutes. Decrease frequency with improvement. For Sunburn prevention Sol 30c Take 1 pellet every 4 hours, especially in people sensitive to sun-light.

INSECT BITES & STINGS In all cases; Apis mellifica 30C Take 5 pellets immediately and then repeat every 30 minutes. Mosquito Bites Ledum palustre 6C Take 5 pellets every hour Jelly Fish Sting Urtica urens 6C Take 5 pellets every hour Spider Bite Tarentula cubensis 6C Take 5 pellets every hour Hives and Skin Irritation from Bites Calendula Gel Apply a thin layer on the sting after properly disinfecting the area. Repeat 3 times a day or as needed.

HIVES Histaminum 30C Apis mellifica 30C Urtica urens 6C

Take 5 pellets of each medicine 4 to 5 times a day.

BLISTERS Cantharis 30C Take 5 pellets three times daily until relieved.

PRICKLY HEAT /HEAT RASH Apis mellifica 30C Histaminum 6C Take 5 pellets of each medicine as soon as possible and repeat every hour. Decrease frequency with improvement.

SKIN IRRITATIONS/ MINOR WOUNDS Skin irritations, scratches, small wounds, scrapes, blisters, chafing, and small burns. Calendula cream and/or aloe Vera gel Apply a thin layer on clean and disinfected skin. Repeat 3 times a day or as needed.

MUSCLE CRAMPS Cuprum metallicum 6C Arnica montana 6C Take 5 pellets of each medicine when cramps occur or at bedtime.

SPORT INJURIES

In all cases Arnica montana 6C Take 5 pellets as soon as possible after exercise, then repeat 3 times a day. Arnica cream or gel Apply to the sore area as soon as possible, and then repeat 3 times a day or as needed.

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TRAUMA, SPRAINS, BONE FRACTURES In all cases Arnica montana 6C Take 5 pellets as soon as possible and every hour. Decrease frequency with improvement. Sprains Apis mellifica 30C Bryonia 6C Ruta graveolens 6C Take 5 pellets of each medicine every hour for 48 hours, then 3 times a day for 3 weeks. And Arnica gel or cream Apply a thin layer to the affected area as soon as possible and repeat 3 times a day or as needed. Bone fractures Symphytum officinale 6C Calcarea phosphorica 6C Take 5 pellets of each medicine in the morning and evening until the cast is removed.

EARACHE Belladonna 9C Capsicum annuum 6C Ferrum phosphoricum 9C Take 5 pellets of each medicine every 2 hours. Eardrums must be examined by a physician Travel Disorders Sleeplessness from Jetlag Cocculus indicus 30C Take 5 pellets every 4 hours. Motion Sickness In all cases Cocculus indicus 6C Tabacum 6C Petroleum 6C Take 5 pellets of each medicine 3 times a day the day before the trip, and every 30 minutes during the trip, if needed. For air or sea sickness Borax 6C Take 5 pellets 3 times a day the day before the trip and every 30 minutes during the trip, if needed. For more information, or to further dial in and pin point your treatments, you can purchase a complete homeopathic first aid kit, or grab a homeopathic repertory, which is an index of symptoms and systems of the body with remedies that affect the system listed under each heading.

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The Healing Power of Music

SARA AGAH and MICHAEL FRANTI DOING IT FOR THE LOVE 26

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July ยง August 2014

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WHOLE PHARMACY

The Healing Power of Music

HE POWER OF MUSIC SPANS BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT, RITUAL AND CELEBRATION; MUSIC IS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE, WHILE BEING EVER SO POWERFUL IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE FACED WITH ILLNESS AND TRAUMA. I am really excited to share a very special project for healing, Do It For The Love Foundation (DIFTL), founded by Sara Agah and her business partner, musician and boyfriend, Michael Franti. DIFTL brings the worlds of music, medicine, compassion and healing together by granting wishes to people with life threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans with a one-on-one experience with their favorite artist at their live concerts. Research on the physical and emotional benefits of music therapy are many, including; enhancement of memory, pain reduction, positive effect on mood, promotes activity, encourages feelings of relaxation, reduces anxiety, promotes sleep, and enhances quality of life. If you have ever had the pleasure of seeing your favorite musician or band play in person, enjoying the live experience that no album or mp3 can emulate, then I know you have felt that emotional buzz, that positive stimulation of your emotions. Emotions have a profound impact on our health. Aside from enhancing mood and quality of life, emotions can support healing and help to overcome mental, emotional, and physical challenges. Anecdotal evidence has shown music’s ability to influence through the mind and bodyproviding an almost immediate relief through the emotional release that music, dance, and joy can bring. Providing for those with physical challenges, life-threatening illnesses, or those overcoming trauma with a musical experience that inspires joy, hope, and lasting celebratory memories is exactly what Sara Agah,

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Michael Franti and their team of musical ambassadors are doing with the Do It For The Love Foundation. In addition to Sara Agah’s work with DIFTL, Sara is an Emergency Room Nurse and owner of SaraLua, a sustainably made jewelry company. What really stands out is that as Sara practices in allopathic and emergency medicine, she believes in preventative healthcare through nutrition, exercise and the power of positivity- thus it is a perfect fit with our philosophy at Whole Pharmacy. WP: Sara, can you explain what you see day in and day out as an Emergency Room Nurse, and what your experiences as an Emergency Room nurse has influenced you to create DIFTL?

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Sara: Being an emergency room nurse, you see people in their most trying times and their most difficult times. And as a nurse you have the opportunity to help people work through those moments and while the pace is fast, and you sometimes see patients over and over again, you see a lot of cracks in the system and you can see where there is lack in information with the kinds of treatment you are given or the kind of attention you are able to give someone. So, when you speak about the power of positivity, just going in as a health care provider the energy that you’re giving back to your patients I think really affects the way they’ll receive the treatment and care. I share a lot of positivity and real feel it’s important to make that person

Anecdotal evidence has shown music’s ability to influence through the mind and bodyproviding an almost immediate relief through the emotional release that music, dance, and joy can bring.

feel significant for who they are. In terms of health promotion I feel that we just don’t have that time to give the teaching and we take for granted what we think they know, versus what they actually know about themselves, self-care and ways that they can prevent the things they are coming into the emergency room for. WP: What I love about DIFTL is that it stems from your experience in medicine, and Michael’s experience in music. Is there a shared experience that inspired you and Michael to start DIFTL? Sara: Yes, absolutely. We were in Florida last April, and there was this couple, Hope and Steve, and Steve is living with ALS, and they kept tweeting at Michael saying they would be at the Wanee Festival, and this might be Steve’s last concert, and they

would really love to meet Michael. I would always see Michael put out these retweets and the day before the show, Michael asked if I have seen him send these tweets. I was always curious about the backstory, so we went online and we got to read about whom they are, and got to see their wedding video, and they are a young couple, Steve’s 32 now I believe, and Hopes 30, and it was really beautiful. The next day we were able to spend some time with them back stage and Steve was in a wheelchair, and wasn’t really able to speak. We took them to the side of the stage, and Michael was able to bring them out on a song called Life Is Better With You, and Michael brought Steve and Hope out and introduced them. This was the third day of the festival, and up until that time, Steve was known as the guy in the wheelchair, so when Michael was able to

introduce them, he became Steve, he no longer was just the guy in the wheel chair, he was seen for the person that he is, and not identified by his condition or illness. It was a really emotional experience. Michael was playing and dancing and Steve told hope he wanted to get up and dance, so she picked him up and they had this really spiritual moment, and there was not a dry eye, if you can imagine, 20,000 people who were bawling, and I was bawling on the side of the stage, it was really life changing for us, and being in the music industry it’s such a simple thing to share your music this way, but it’s so significant for those people. So with Do It For The Love, Michael and I have different passions in our work so we are able to bring this all together. Music is healing and provides these lasting memorable

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The Healing Power of Music experiences, but it’s also the key to make the individual feel significant for who they are, recognize the work of the caregivers, and then there is the raising awareness of what people are going through. So we went home that night and said that we need to do this for as many people as possible, so that’s how we started Do It For The Love. We always knew we wanted to do something so that was

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the moment we knew what it was meant to be. WP: For everyone reading this, or listening to this, you have to go to www.doitforthelove.org, go under “What We Are About”, because there is a video titled, “Watch the video that has moved thousand’s.” When I first saw it, yeah, I understand the non-dry eye effect”

WP: Illness, as challenging as it can be, can be a powerful learning experience. Is there a standout lesson you have taking away from all of this? Working with people who have been positively influenced who are facing such challenges? Sara: I feel like the biggest lesson for me is that life can be challenging. And sometimes you do the best you

to this…what the “bystanders” at the shows experience?

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... through the foundation you learn that not everything can be cured and sometimes you have to deal with end of life situations, and the energy and the positivity you are going through it with, just changes the experience. can, and you have these bumps in the road, you know, and the power of coming together and support and love really changes the experience, and through the foundation you learn that not everything can be cured and sometimes you have to deal with end of life situations, and the energy and the positivity you are going through it with, just changes the experience. An example is that last May, Michaels son was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition called SFGS, which is a chronic kidney condition where your immune system is attacking your kidneys, and three days later we got the diagnosis that my mom has breast cancer and I feel that if we didn’t have the experience with these families through Do It For The Love, where you just see that they have so much strength, and such love for each other no matter what they were going through, we would not have been able to cope as well as we did with everything that was happening. I think that’s the biggest lesson I have learned. Even when I worked in the ER, it’s like, when you have love, and it might sound a little cliché, but its real. WP: Going through the DIFTL website, reading the stories, it is apparent that lives are being positively changed. Not only are the recipient’s and loved ones’ lives affected, it seems that there is a spreading of joy and compassion to all who are at the shows- that’s powerful- can you speak

Sara: We always do our best for people who are around, we want to provide the best experience for the individuals, but we also always encourage people to share their stories through social media as well, and you always hear those thingsthat an audience member saw them, interacted with them, and I think its very eye opening to realize that anyone can have these experiences. We want to create these really special experiences and it definitely does that for the audience members who experience it, and some artists are really great, and they will bring them on stage and introduce them, or they will be at meet and greets with other artists, people will see the work that DIFTL is doing. I just think its very eye opening and very inspiring for the bystanders and other audience members, for sure. WP: Can you speak of “after the show?” Is there a lasting impact that is made on people’s lives, any instances or examples you can share? Sara: Oh, yeah, totally, even just the connections that you make. We have a family, you probably read about them online, Azaria, and her parents are Debi and TJ, and she has Aicardi Syndrome, and Michael brought them out on stage in California. Aicardi Syndrome is very rare, and there was another family in the audience whose daughter had the same condition, so just making that connection is life-long. Those connections are what I think are the after the show effect, and they can go on and help support other people. Debi went on and nominated someone else. We had a wish grant happen this past Saturday, and it was another child living with Aidcardi Syndrome, and let her know about Do It For The Love, and the experience she could have. Just sharing, or paying forward is a very positive effect that we see.

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The Healing Power of Music WP: Looking at the DIFTL website, there seems to be a growing network of musician ambassadors working for the cause. How has the response been within the musician community with the DIFTL project?

WP: I also wanted to say congratulations as I just heard that Michael Franti is being honored with the Universal Smile award from Operation Smile- this is a great tribute to the work the two of you are doing.

these adults age out of the government school system, parents aren’t sure where else they can direct them. Spectrum designs helps make these individuals feel significant, and we want to make sure we support that.

Sara: The response has been incredible. Do It For The Love gives wish granting experiences for any artist for any genre of music. We have hip hop, country, classical, we’ll do opera, and artists really understand the power that their music can have, so they are very excited about supporting the foundation. We are really proud of the artists that have been on board with Pink, Jay-Z, and Blake Shelton, so it’s been really exciting to have everybody supporting the foundation the way that they have.

Sara: Thank you, we are really excited, he is the first individual in the bay area to be honored with that award, so we are really excited and happy to be working with Operation Smile.

WP: How else can someone get involved?

WP: What impact do you hope to see made on both the fields of medicine and music in regards to the work you are doing with DIFTL? Sara: The amazing thing with music is that it can give people words that they normally would not be able to find. We just recently partnered with University of California San Francisco. They opened a new hospital in San Francisco, it’s an amazing structure with 3 buildings; a women’s’ hospital, children’s hospital and a cancer hospital. We are going to be really involved with them in the children’s hospital to let them know about these live concert experiences that are available. And they have a small music program where there is a music therapist who is in the hospital going into see children in their rooms and we really want to support that program. We are like the Make a Wish Foundation, but for music. We have been doing wish granting in The United States, Canada and Australia and really want to make that grow as far as possible and serve as many people as we can.

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The amazing thing with music is that it can give people words that they normally would not be able to find.”

WP: What I love is that you totally practice what you preach. You also have a jewelry business called SaraLua (www.saralua.com), where everything is made sustainably and ten percent of sales goes to Do It For The Love, and I love your tagline; Be Your Best. Serve The Greater Good. Rock Out Wherever You Are. Sara: YES! And we are also really excited to announce that we have a new cotton tote bag, imprinted with our mantra, and we have collaborated with Spectrum Designs to create it. Spectrum Designs is a non-profit organization that provides employment opportunities to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related conditions. I see their work as huge and very important! Once

Sara: If anyone wants to get involved, you can go to the website (www.doitforthelove.org), you can donate, we have a regular monthly donation program also, and you can fill out a wish grant application. And the biggest thing people can do is spread the word and share the work that we are doing so we can help as many people as we can. WP: I also saw that you have a host a fundraiser offering, so there are many different ways to get involved and have a blast while doing so. Sara: Totally we’ll support them the best we can, we have tattoos and stickers to send to them, so they can really make it a party and we have our Do It For The Love T-Shirts that have had a huge response and they will be online by the end of September as well. Michael wrote a song for you, Life Is Better with You, and it’s apparent that life is better for a lot of people because of the work that you all are doing at DIFTL. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to seeing all the good that you will continue to do. I think if we have learned anything today, it is the powerful impact music can make on one’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Take the time today, tomorrow and the next to allow music to move you, and make sure you go over to the Do It For The Love Foundation Website (www.doitforthelove.org), check them out socially on Instagram and Facebook to experience the healing power of music for yourself and see what it has done for others.

YOGA HOW YOUR HEART MAY BENEFIT IN MORE WAYS THAN YOU KNOW

oga helps bring peace to your mind and may bring peace to your heart as well. Research suggests yoga can lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate, which in turn lowers levels of anxiety and depression in people who may suffer from these. Heart -health guru Dean Ornish, MD, explains, “Emotional stress makes plaque buildup happen twice as fast in the coronary arteries that feed the heart. Stress also causes the coronary arteries to constrict, thus reducing blood flow to the heart. It makes the platelets stickier and more likely to form blood clots that may precipitate a heart attack.” Yoga reduces stress through relaxation exercises, deep breathing, meditation and strength poses that work the muscles. This heart-healthy form of exercise has been practiced for more than

5,000 years, longer than most of the organized religions have existed on the planet today. Yoga traditionally is part of a larger picture of a lifestyle of mindfulness, though it is most definitely not a religion. Yoga means “union” and specifically in this fitness form, it stands for the union of mind, body and breath. The poses practiced increase the strength of some body parts, while increasing flexibility in others, thereby fusing the two principles of stability and mobility. If practiced on a regular basis, it is known to bring inner peace and is recommended as a way to gain better sleep, improved balance and betterments in digestive health. In addition, people who experience migraines find that doing yoga will help them to have fewer headaches and less intense migraines than when taking medication. Other positive side effects include improved bone density and better cardiovascular health. Hatha yoga is the type of yoga that unites breathing with physical movement to create subtle changes on all levels of your body. The word “hatha” can be translated as the union of sun and moon. Holding each yoga pose will allow participants to quiet their mind and focus energy into the flow of each exercise. Additionally, yoga or Ujjayi breathing, if done correctly, will nourish and warm the body while aligning the brain with the body and spirit. Consider finding the balance you need to stay healthy by practicing yoga, for 20 to 60 minutes, with a regular schedule in your daily routine. Studies suggest that yoga helps diffuse emotions such as anger, hostility and impatience, which are linked to heart attacks. Also, research shows that people, who combat loneliness by meeting with others on a regular basis, live longer. Either way you look at it, yoga is a heart-healthy exercise that will benefit individuals for their entire lives. Mary Alice Johnson, CYI

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WHOLE PHARMACY

Book Review Make Your Own Rules Diet: TARA STILES

IS IT TIME TO MAKE YOUR OWN RULES?

ave you ever felt that the rules you have been following have been taking you in the wrong direction? Has the merry-go-round of cutting calories, over-analyzing your food choices, and feeling there is no gain without pain, been leaving you tired, frustrated, feeling like you are treading water at best, or worse, sliding backwards? Tara Stiles has been taking the yoga world by storm by breaking the rules. If you watch any of her YouTube videos, you will most likely hear Tara guide you through the motions with instructions and support with sayings like “if it feels good to you” or “try this move if it feels even nicer” with an emphasis that yoga is all about feeling good, and not mastering poses. This is a far cry from the “no pain no gain” and “perfect pose” mantra’s that have been associated with many fitness and yoga programs. Tara has been helping people achieve more, with less effort and time, and is doing it in a laid back, fun, and easy going way. Tara has transformed the practice of Yoga to be more simple and fun, with an emphasis on feeling good. She

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July § August 2014

is now doing it in the category of lifestyle health and eating with her new book, Make Your Own Rules Diet. In “Make Your Own Rules Diet”, Tara eliminates the barriers that set people up for failure in other diet programs by bringing together yoga sequences, simple meditations, with easy, tasty and healthy recipes. The yoga sequences and meditations are designed to address the mood the reader is in, based on one’s emotions and emotional triggers. Whether you are looking for a yoga routine to help you to feel more energized, maybe one that helps curb cravings, or want a breathing exercise that helps put your nervous system at ease, Tara has you covered. The healthy and tasty recipes can be done in a matter of minutes, requiring no hard to find ingredients or special kitchen equipment. Unlike most diet and weight management books, the focus of this book is not a special program or a set of rules, the focus of this book is on you. As Tara guides you in making your own rules through getting in touch with yourself, shifting towards feeling, intuition, and self-discovery, and away from over-thinking and analyzing, you ultimately will be feeling great and making better choices for your health and happiness. Tara tells her own story, sharing her struggles with disordered eating, along with her personal anecdotes on finding her own path to healing and vibrant wellness. Bringing together yoga, meditation, and healthy eating, Tara shows you how to do it all while living with ease. Actually, it’s the combination of the three which allows you to live with ease, promoting your body’s natural relaxation response while

igniting the mind and body connection. This is the key to efficient, fun, and easy health and weight management. Tension is rampant in our society, and we can all use more ease. Too many people are finding themselves on autopilot for survival, desensitized from their true self and their needs, and are buckling to feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, over-consumed and overstressed. “Make Your Own Rules Diet” will cast away the rules that got you here, possibly swimming in the sea of tension, and will introduce you to finding, and ultimately creating the rules that work best for you and your life. Tara provides you with a 7 Day Kick Start plan, as well as a 30 Day plan to get you on your way. But I am sure you will find yourself effortlessly creating your own rules, your own program of healthy living that comes naturallywithout the hang-ups and roadblocks the “usual rules of the road” have been guiding you towards. And that’s just the content that awaits you. The design and look of the book is an artistic showing in itself. When you get your hands on your copy, you will find it is full of Tara’s personal pictures, many from her personal Instagram account, thus bringing it all together in a casual, fun, quirky, and highly relatable way. Have fun finally making your own rules.

{Ask the

PHARMACIST}

Q: My husband can’t take statins as it causes him muscle pain. I heard that Red Yeast Rice might be a good natural option for elevated cholesterol, is this true? A: There are many natural supplements to lower cholesterol, and sometimes it’s just figuring out what is the best choice for the individual. Red Yeast Rice has been shown to raise HDL (good cholesterol), and lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, although it does come with some warnings. But first, back to the family of medications you mentioned, statin drugs. One of the problems is that they cause a depletion of CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is important for energy production and muscle health (note: the heart is a

muscle.) So for anyone on a statin, it’s recommended to supplement with a quality CoQ10. Red Yeast Rice has also been shown to deplete CoQ10, thus even though it’s natural, it is recommended to supplement with CoQ10 as well. Another thing to look out for is the quality of the red yeast rice. If not properly cultivated, processed, and tested, red yeast rice could contain a type of mold recognized as a mycotoxin that is known as citrinin. Citrinin acts as a nephrotoxin, meaning that it can attack ones kidneys. Thus, in addition to supplementing with CoQ10, you want to go with a red yeast rice product that you know is free of toxins such as citrinin. As far as CoQ10 is concerned, there are generally two different

forms of CoQ10 on the market, known as the cis-isomer and the trans-isomer. We recommend the trans-isomer form, which is identical to naturally occurring CoQ10 found in meat, fish and other food products, and is the form of CoQ10 which the body produces. Stay tuned for the next issue where we will be discussing supplements for metabolic syndrome, which includes unbalanced cholesterol levels.

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July ยง August 2014