Herbal Collective Nov'17

The Better living with herbs and natural health

Nov, 2017

4 Herbs for Better Digestion Essential Oils for Warts 3 Signals for Burning Fat 3 Ways to Boost Iron Intake Herbal Help for Osteoporosis

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The Enormous Impact of Good Nutrition

D

o you want to make a difference?

Starting right Publisher’s Note here, right now – you can make a difference in your own life and the lives of your loved ones.

This will be a difference that you can experience for years to come.

Is it something mysterious? Perhaps something magical?

It’s none of these. You can make a difference by starting with good nutrition that when combined with herbs it can be extra effective.

Sometimes we don’t always make the connection that what we put in our mouths can affect our bodies, our moods, our concentration and much more for hours and days to come.

Incorporating that nutrition into your daily life along with herbs really can make a difference in health issues.

Take, for instance, something as simple as warts.

Warts are caused by a virus. It is more likely to occur in people with low immune systems. So preventing warts is another reason to keep your immune system strong.

Everything is connected. In this issue you will learn how connected good health is with nutrition and herbs. The effect sugar has on the body (see page 4) regarding weight but also emotions.

Understanding how 4 herbs can play a key role in the digestive system can also make a difference. It’s not just about digestion – it affects women’s hormonal balance as well.

This can also affect conditions like osteoporosis so having the right balance of herb, vitamins and minerals such as boron can make a huge difference.

Having an herbal tool kit for a person’s particular health needs can make a huge difference in their lifestyle and how they feel.

Instead of thinking about food as something you want to eat because it tastes good, which can lead to overeating (see page 14), start to think about food specifically in how it will nourish your body.

It’s also about how we digest our food too.

As we head into the holiday season, consider natural health products or services to give loved ones.

See the healthy gift guide on page 13 for ideas.

Sincerely

Marilyn Zink

What is Nature’s Most Potent Aphrodisiac?

Can Herbs Make You Skinny?

What are the Best Herbs for Colds and Flu?

Do yo have burning questions about herbs and natural supplements?

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Herbal Collective Nov,’17

Contents The Theme: Columns and Departments Combining nutrition with herbs for the best In the Kitchen health Apple, squash & brussel sprouts salad........11 Nutrition and food-link to health....................4 Herb of the Month 4 healing herbs for better digestion..............6 Nutritious benefits of pumpkin.....................10 3 ways to boost iron intake...............................8 Herbal help for osteoporosis............................9 See page 6 Nutritious benefits of pumpkin.....................10

Features Essential oils for warts.......................................12 Healthy gift guide...............................................13 3 command signals for burning fat..............14 Special clay removes toxins............................16 How medication interacts with vitamins...18 See page 11

The Herbal Collective published by Pro Write Publishing Publisher/Editor - Marilyn Zink Contact: 250-729-1593 info@herbalcollective.ca, www.herbalcollective.ca Contributors

Klaus Ferlow, Olena Gill, The Herbal Collective is published every month by Pro Write Publishing and distributed through social media, various platforms and the Herbal Collective blog and email list. Advertising deadline is around the 21 of every month. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor. Different viewpoints are welcome. All editorial material is copyrighted. Any medical advice is given solely for information purposes only and no responsibility is assumed on the publisher’s part.

Copyright © 2017

See page 14

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3

Nutrition and Food Your Link to a Healthy Mind-Body

Y

ou are what you eat. A common statement for sure. But it’s an incomplete one. In fact, you are not only what you eat, but, more importantly, you are what you absorb.

How well you absorb food is what truly has the greatest impact on your physical and mental health.

It goes without saying that anything you put into body has a direct effect on your mental state – how you feel emotionally or physically. Food is indeed medicine, and can create an impact, specifically with three different types of effects – positive, negative, or neutral.

In other words, foods may be beneficial, providing the nutrients that your body needs, it can be a poison to the system creating inflammation, aggravating pain, swelling or intermittent sense of discomfort during emotional upsets or stress, or it can be neither of the above.

Some Common Foods that Affect Mood and Health

Sugar: Tasting the ‘sweetness of life’ is probably what all of us do, often on a daily basis. Sugar is everywhere – whether it’s the direct spoonful in your coffee or the hundreds of hidden ways it is added to canned, bottled, baked, or processed foods.

The daily recommended limit of added sugars is about 25 – 35g, or approximately 100 – 150 calories of your daily caloric intake.

Unfortunately, consuming large amounts of sugar has negative effects on many aspects of health, such as an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more.

It has a roller-coaster effect on your emotions and the health of your brain, which directly affects mood. Sugar increases the release of the ‘feel 4

Herbal Collective Nov,’17

good’ neurotransmitter dopamine.

When the brain (and the gut!) starts to crave sugar, rapid fluctuations in mood swings, irritability, headaches, and even anxiety or depression can occur.

Unfortunately, when we feel unsafe, scared, stressed, or ‘hangry’, we tend to search for quick energy sources (snacks), which are usually sugarbased and none too healthy.

Caffeine: Mostly found in coffee, the #1 most consumed beverage in the world, caffeinated drinks can also cause a problem with your mind-body health.

Caffeine is a stimulant, which provides mental alertness, decreases fatigue, but equally increases heart rate and stress, interferes with sleep, increases blood sugar, leads to bone loss in post-menopausal women, and interacts with many different medications for thyroid, depressive disorders or certain antibiotics.

Like sugar, caffeine wreaks havoc on the gut lining which, if damaged, leads to leaky gut, and impaired absorption of vitamins and minerals. This translates to potentially higher levels of mood issues such as anxiety and depression, stress and fatigue, simply because our bodies are not able to be supplied with

adequate levels of nutrition.

Journalling

I yearned to write this article because in my practice, the biggest hurdle for most people is food.

More specifically, the hurdle lies in the action of removing the offending foods because they create a negative sense of well-being or are a burden on the body. With every first-time patient in my office, I have people go home and track their food intakes for several weeks. With that in mind, I strongly advocate a Mind-Body Food Journal.

While initially I find that people are often concerned about being judged on what they eat, but at the same time at the conclusion of the exercise, the journal reveals interesting patterns, perhaps ones that go unnoticed until we zoom out and look at the big picture.

It also allows us to really connect the dots between your specific emotions, your physical symptoms, your beliefs, and food cravings. Here are a handful of questions that I may ask in this journal exercise: 1. What I ate today 2. What was my energy like just before I ate? eg. tired, low, high etc.

3. What is my energy like after I ate?

4. What was I feeling just before I ate? eg. stressed, angry, happy, etc.

5. What was my feeling after I ate?

6. Why did I eat this?

7. How much did I eat?

8. Could I have made a better, healthier choice?

What is important to get out of this exercise is to ultimately bring more mindfulness into your daily food habits.

Far too often, we rush around our day and don’t stop to take the time to really pay attention to ourselves and our food choices – about why we choose certain things, and how we are feeling prior to eating them. So consider doing this exercise if you want to have a deeper insight into your eating habits and explore your mind-body relationship to food.

Dr. Olena Gill is a Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist practicing in Parksville and Gabriola, B.C. She can be reached at 778-762-3099 or www.indigomedicine.com . Disclaimer: Information in this article should not be construed or used as a substitute for medical evaluation or personal advice. See your Naturopathic Physician for proper evaluation and prescription.

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www.ferlowbotanicals.com Herbal Collective, Nov,’17

5

4 Healing Herbs for Better Digestion

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our herbs have wonderful healing qualities that work singly or synergistically on the digestive system.

These herbs include cocoa bean, cinnamon, clove and peppermint.

While some might argue that cocoa is actually a food but if it’s found in books like The New Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman, it’s both an herb and a food.

Cocoa As cocoa can be consumed as a food – as a dark chocolate bar (minus the sugar and diary), or as a beverage in hot chocolate, it can be combined with the spices of cinnamon, clove or even nutmeg to make a more powerful food with healing herbs.

Cocoa contains theobromine, a compound that relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract. Could this be why people sometimes consume chocolate after a meal to soothe their stomach?

Dark chocolate is also high in anti-oxidants as it contains large amounts of flavonoids and phenolics.

Two tablespoons dissolved in water contains 611 milligrams of phenolics and 564 milligrams of flavonoids. This is higher than red wine, green tea and black tea.

Cocoa also has aphrodisiac powers as it contains phenylethylamine, or PEA, that plays a key role in the biochemistry of falling in love. That’s because PEA is an anti-depressant chemically similar to amphetamine. It’s what can make lovers feel like they’re walking on clouds.

This and the other compounds is what makes cocoa so endlessly compelling.

Cocoa also lowers blood pressure, balances cholesterol, improves brain health, treats diabetes, relieves bronchial asthma, speeds up healing and manages obesity.

Cinnamon If cocoa is delicious, cinnamon added to it can make it and foods like apples taste much better.

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Herbal Collective Nov,’17

Cocoa pods on a branch

Cinnamon, which comes from the bark of a tree, also known as Cassia or Ceylon cinnamon, has been providing flavor to foods for hundreds of years.

What many people don’t know is that this popular spice is good for digestive problems.

Cinnamon helps to break down fats in the digestive system, likely by boosting the activity of a digestive enzyme known as trypsin.

Pakistani researchers did a study in 2003 that showed cinnamon helped drop total cholesterol. The study also showed that cinnamon reduced blood sugar by about 20 per cent.

Clove Clove has a reputation for numbing toothache pain and for oral hygiene. That’s because clove contains the compound Eugenol. Clove oil is 60-90% eugenol, which is the source of its anesthetic and antiseptic properties.

Like other culinary spices, clove helps relax the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, supporting the herb’s age-old use as a digestive aid.

This powerful spice also kills intestinal parasites and “exhibits broad antimicrobial properties against fungi and bacteria” according to many reports that support the herb’s traditional use as a treatment for diarrhea, intestinal worms, ringworm and other digestive ailments.

Clove, which is the bud of a highly aromatic Asian

Clove buds in a bowl

tropical evergreen, was first used in China. Traditional Chinese physicians have long used clove to treat indigestion, diarrhea, hernia and ringworm as well as athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

Ayurvedic healers used clove in ancient times to treat respiratory and digestive ailments.

Safety Factor: Small amounts of clove oil are used in some foods, beverages and toothpastes. However clove essential oil should never be ingested in amounts greater than one or two drops. Even one teaspoon can cause toxicity. Clove oil is not recommended in cases of gastritis, digestive ulcer, pregnancy and lactation.

vone, which soothe the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract and also prevents muscle spasms.

This makes peppermint especially useful for conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS. Danish researchers who reviewed 16 trials of enteric coated peppermint oil capsules found that 58% of the participants experienced relief compared to 29% of those who took a placebo.

Peppermint has also been used as a treatment to soothe morning sickness in pregnant women as it relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus.

The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines suggests that medicinal concentrations of peppermint may promote menstruation and miscarriage.

Besides soothing digestive issues, peppermint is useful for colds and congestion, coughs, headaches and infections.

Safety Factor: Pure menthol should not be ingested as even a teaspoon can be fatal.

Pure peppermint oil should not be ingested either, as it can cause heart rhythm disturbance.

Peppermint Peppermint has always held a reputation for being good for the tummy.

Mint was recommended as a stomach soother in the Ebers Papyrus, the world’s oldest surviving medical text. Greek and Roman homemakers added mint to milk to prevent spoilage and served the herb after meals as a digestive aid.

Mint contains the compounds menthol and car-

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Nov, ‘17

7

Feeling Fatigued?

3 Ways Women Can Boost Iron Intake

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f you’re a woman who feels like you're constantly fighting fatigue, there could be a physical reason for that sluggishness.

In the US and Canada, 1 in 10 women, between 12 and 49 years old, are dealing with the results of low iron, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and that can easily lead to extra fatigue and muscle weakness. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly affecting menstruating women, pregnant women, vegans and vegetarians, athletes (especially women) and recent blood donors.

"Many women have low iron levels and simply don’t know it," reports Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, an internationally recognized expert in the fields of integrative medicine, herbal medicine and dietary supplementation, and author of National Geographic’s "Fortify Your Life: Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and More."

"Iron is absolutely critical to some of our most basic functions, like energy production, oxygen circulation and healthy brain function."

The good news is, low iron stores can be easy to correct. Scientists at Mayo Clinic suggest the following remedies: 8

Herbal Collective Nov’17

* Eat more foods rich in iron; these include meat, eggs, soybeans, seafood, beans, peas, peanuts, dark-green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, oatmeal and/or iron-fortified breads, cereals and pastas. * In conjunction with high-iron foods, eat foods high in vitamin C that promote iron absorption. This group includes citrus fruits and juices, melons, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, leafy greens, peppers and tomatoes. * After talking to your doctor, choose an ironboosting supplement that doesn’t cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation.

Blood Builder, made by MegaFood using nutrients with farm-fresh whole foods, is clinically proven to increase iron stores in women without upsetting your stomach and digestive tract.

To support healthy red blood cell production and iron bioavailability, Blood Builder also includes food state folate, B12 and vitamin C delivered through Uncle Matt’s Organic whole oranges.

In addition to fatigue, the most common symptom of low iron, symptoms can also include muscle weakness upon exertion; heart palpitations; pale skin; decreased focus; occasional sadness and/or an inability to stay warm.

Seeking more information about addressing an iron deficiency? Learn more at BloodBuilder.com.

Herbal Help for Osteoporosis

N

early 30,000 Canadians have hip fractures every year. Over 80% of fractures can be attributed to osteoporosis.

It affects both men and women, with 28% of women and 37% of men who suffer a hip fracture will die within the following year.

These shocking statistics should make anyone sit up and take notice.

A Canadian study found that a hip fracture patient who returns home after hospitalization costs the health care system more than $21,385 in direct costs, while a patient who must be institutionalized costs more than double at $44, 156.

It’s reported that up to 23% of women and even a higher percentage of men who suffer hip fractures will die within six months of complications.

The typical Standard American Diet, SAD, with is emphasis on soft drinks, is particularly dangerous for people who consume them on a regular basis.

That’s because the phosphorus levels leach calcium out of the bones making them porous and fragile.

From a herbal perspective, plants are a particularly important source of calcium, encouraging the body to absorb the mineral more readily.

Green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, parsley and lettuce offer significant protection from osteoporosis.

Why? They contain vitamins and minerals, in particular calcium, Vitamin K and boron.

In one study, very low levels of Vitamin K were found in patients who had fractures due to osteoporosis. The richest sources of Vitamin K are broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, spinach and green tea.

Yogurt with live bacterial probiotics like acidophilus help create Vitamin K in the intestines.

Boron is a trace mineral that has gained recent attention as a protective factor for osteoporosis as it is required for the body to activate certain hormones like estrogen and Vitamin D. Vitamin D, often taking with calcium to increase absorption, is converted to its most active form in the kidneys and this conversion is impaired in postmenopausal woman.

Boron helps this reaction to occur. A deficiency in boron may greatly contribute to osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms.

A woman discusses osteoporosis with her doctor

Magnesium is often included with calcium as well as it helps with absorption.

Fruits and vegetables are the main sources of boron. Yet fewer than 10% of Americans (and also Canadians) meet the minimum requirement of 2 fruit servings and 3 vegetables servings per day.

Cabbage ranks the highest for boron content and is also a fair source of silicon, which some studies suggest strengthens bone density. Cabbage contains 145 ppm boron on a dry weight basis.

Dandelion is the second highest for boron content, containing 125 ppm and more than 20,000 ppm calcium, meaning that just 10 gm, or just under 7 tbsp. of dried dandelion shoots could provide more than 1 milligram of boron and 200 milligrams of calcium.

Other plants that provide good sources of calcium in descending order: lamb’s quarters, broad beans, watercress, licorice, marjoram, savory, red clover shoots, thyme, Chinese cabbage (bok choy), basil, celery seed, dandelion and purslane.

Garlic and onions contain sulfur which is needed for healthy bones and connective tissue.

Best Sources of Calcium Supplements Calcium citrate or calcium bound to gluconate is one of the bet sources as the gluconate increases absorption of calcium and other minerals.

Studies show that we can’t absorb any more than 500 mg. of calcium from a supplement at a given time, so split intake between meals or at night to help you sleep.

Do not take calcium supplement with other medicines, wait at least 2 hours.

Herbal Collective Nov,’17

9

Herb of the Month

Nutritious Benefits of Pumpkin

A

hh – what would autumn be without pumpkins?

Pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, Jack-oLanterns at Halloween.

But beyond that, most people don’t know about all the other attributes that pumpkins contain.

Pumpkins are native to Central America with the oldest seeds found in Mexico dating back to 14,000 B.C. By biblical times they were growing throughout the world.

The word pumpkin comes from the Greek pepon, meaning large melon. The custom of carving pumpkins to make jack-o-lanterns originated in Britain and England, where hollowed out vegetables, particularly turnips, were used with candles inside for decorative use during the winter.

Pumpkins can weigh 1,000 pounds. The pulp is very nutritious and with that large a pumpkin, there would be a lot of pulp.

The pulp is particularly high in Vitamin A. The

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Herbal Collective Nov,’17

Sweet N Salty Roasted Pumpkin Seeds 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds, washed, dried 1 tbsp. coconut oil 1 tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. sea salt 1 Tbsp. sugar or honey In a small bowl, toss seeds with cinnamon and sea salt.

Melt coconut oil and combine with sugar or honey.

Spread evenly on baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Keep an eye on the seeds so they don’t burn. seeds and oil became a culinary specialty in Europe, as the oil gained a reputation for treating symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement such as reduced flow, trouble starting and stopping and night time bathroom trips.

Pumpkin seed oil contains compounds that stop the growth of prostate tissue, the cause of BPH. It is packed with tryptophan, antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids that can provide a long list of benefits. The oil can be used as a treatment for diabetes, anxiety and can reduce the effects of specific carcinogens, particularly breast cancer. It is reputed to fight hair loss in men due to the zinc content which helps balance hormones.

Pumpkin seeds may also reduce the risk of kidney stones according to two Thai studies.

Pumpkin seeds are high in protein as well as zinc so they are frequently used in vegetarian or vegan foods. Zinc helps the immune system to fight off colds and flu .The seeds are also reputed to be effective for killing intestinal parasites.

One cup of pumpkin seeds contains 6.6 mg. of zinc, 168 mg. of magnesium, 588 mg. of potassium, 52.1 mg of iron, 9 mg. of phosphorus and 35 mg. of calcium.

(Got a recipe to contribute?

Email info@herbalcollective.ca

Apple, Squash and Brussel Sprouts Salad This is a great salad or side dish to serve in the fall – perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or Sukkot lunch.

1 ½ lbs (700 g) Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved 3 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp avocado, sunflower or safflower oil, divided 3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm.) cubes 3 tbsp. maple syrup 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp. water 1 red apple, unpeeled, chopped into ¾ inch (2 cm.) pieces ¼ tsp. salt, or more, to taste ¼ black pepper Preheat oven to 400 (200C). Place the prepared Brussel sprouts on one side of a jelly roll or roasting pan and toss with 1 tbsp. oil. Place the butternut squash cubes on the other side of the pan and toss with 2 tsp. oil. Roast for 3 minutes, or until forktender. Let vegetables cool.

Place the roasted vegetables into a large serving bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tbsp. oil and the maple syrup, garlic, rice vinegar,

allspice, cinnamon and water. Pour over the vegetables and toss well. Add the apple pieces and toss again. Add salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature.

Cleaning Brussels Sprouts

rim off the ends and then remove and discard two layers of outer leaves. Rinse sprouts and be extra careful to avoid bugs. Chop sprouts, soak them in water, drain them and check the water to see if any dirt or bugs are present.

Dry sprouts well before proceeding with a recipe.

Recipe reprinted from The Healthy Jewish Kitchen by Paula Shoyer, Sterling Epicure/November 2017

Herbal Collective

Nov’17

13

Essential Oils for Warts

W

arts are unsightly bumps on the skin that can sometimes be painful.

There are different ways to treat warts, but you first have to know what type of wart it is to use the correct treatment.

Many people treat warts topically which you can do effectively with essential oils. Another way to prevent and heal warts is to boost the immune system with good nutrition, probiotics, Vitamin C, zinc rich foods and herbs.

Warts commonly appear on the hands and feet, but they could also appear elsewhere on the body such as the genitals. They are caused by a virus and about 20 per cent of them clear up in three months so treatment is often not needed. But some don’t and are painful so you need to know what to do.

Types of Warts Common warts (Verrcua vulgaris) are often seen on the hands. They have a rough surface and are 70% of cutaneous and non-genital warts.

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection, appear as soft growths on the gentials and are caused by a specific strain of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Plantar warts (Verruca plantaris) appear on the soles of the feet and have very thick callouses.

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Herbal Collective Nov,’17

Mosaic warts are closely grouped plantar warts.

Subungual and perungual warts appear on and around the fingernails or toenails.

Causes of Warts The root cause of any and all warts is HPV virus, which has more than 100 types.

HPV is contagious and causes skin to grow faster than usual. It can get in through cuts or abrasions.

Common areas where the HPV virus can be transmitted are communal showers, occupational handling of meat, a suppressed immune system or illness like HIV/AIDS. People who have strong immune systems find that warts are harmless and resolve on their own.

Treatment Many people have had cryotherapy or freezing with liquid nitrogen to get warts removed. This treatment causes a blister to form around the wart, requires repeat treatments and can take weeks for it to disappear. It is likely to work better with salicylic acid treatment after the area heals.

Salicylic acid is a topical treatment that works by removing the layers one wart at a time. It must be applied regularly and takes time to resolve.

Laser treatment can burn or destroy the wart but it can also cause pain and scarring.

Essential oils – One of the best essential oils to use for wart treatment is tea tree.

However other essential oils such as oregano, lemon, thyme, frankincense and eucalyptus are also popular choices.

Frankincense oil makes a synergistic blend when combined with other oils such as oregano and tea tree.

These need to be applied on a regular basis, even after the wart is gone.

So help your body fight off the virus, use antiviral herbs like elderberry, Echinacea and astragalus root.

Warts can spread easily to keep a strong immune system and healthy diet.

Healthy Gift Guide

A

s the holiday season draws near, take the time to search for a gift that has meaning and value for loved ones.

The gift of health is one that is always appreciated. This gift can be given in many different ways – a gift certificate for a visit to a spa, massage therapist for a gym membership.

Or it can be a book on herbs, healing remedies or perhaps a natural health product such as a skin care product, essential oils or supplements.

First, consider a book on Salvestrols, fruit and vegetable compounds that suppress tumour growth by killing cancer cells. It’s considered a must read for cancer sufferers according to reviews on Amazon.com where it gets five star reviews.

Another gift to consider is the gift of skin care. There are many natural products that are beneficial for the skin and help it to heal from conditions like eczema and psoriasis in addition to moisturizing the skin.

Look for ingredients like Neem tree for skin conditions by Ferlow Botanicals or tamanu oil for acne and improving the texture of skin

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Supplements

are popular choices for gifts for people who may want to try a supplement but may be reluctant to purchase it themselves. Products like medicinal mushrooms by Purica are worth considering as they can be used to improve immune health.

Gift certificates from natural health care practitioners are another popular choice for gift giving.

These can be for massage therapists, reflexology or even naturopathic doctors such as Olena Gill at Indigomedicine.com Head to your favorite health food store where you can also pick up lots of ideas - perhaps a gift certificate for organic groceries, body care, vitamins and supplements like the products offered at Edible Island.

Finally, if you’re not sure, why not put together a nice gift basket with a combination of natural health products to delight and surprise the receiver. It’s one gift they are sure to remember.

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Nov,’17

13

3 Command Signals

P

erhaps you’ve heard the expression “middle-age spread.”

As you reach middle age and beyond, your body begins to store and release fat differently.

And this all happens out of sight at your body’s cellular level. Your fat cells control their size and number by secreting three different ‘command signals’: • Leptin • Adiponectin • Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase These command signals tell your brain whether to stop or to continue to eat. If you’ve ever been mystified by how many young, physically active people can consume what seems like endless calories without packing on the pounds, you’ll soon discover it’s because of these three substances.

Leptin

The hormone leptin is key for helping your body maintain its lean composition. Here’s how it works… The fat cells in your body secrete leptin which works like a chemical signal in your blood that tells your brain you have eaten enough.

When things are working optimally, you “hear” that message and you stop eating. Your body really doesn’t want to pack away more pounds than it needs.

Your body naturally seeks to stay within your ideal weight zone.

Not only does leptin help shut 14

Herbal Collective Nov,’17

down your hunger, it also helps you burn more calories. Leptin stimulates the breakdown of stored triglycerides from your fat cells. But, as you’ll soon see, all doesn’t always work perfectly.

The BIG Problem…

Most overweight individuals already have high levels of leptin circulating in their bloodstream.

And this overload causes fat cells to become less sensitive to leptin – that is, cells do not receive and respond to leptin signals optimally.

Researchers now understand how leptin resistance can lead to weight gain and stubborn weight loss.

When you’re overweight, your fat cells also increase in size.

They pump more and more leptin into your bloodstream in an attempt to better get their message through to your brain. But, alas, your brain does not “hear” the message in an optimal way.

So two things happen.

•First, your body burns less fat.

•Second, your fat cells soak up fewer free fatty acids from your bloodstream. The overabundance

of fatty acids in your blood causes your muscles to become less responsive to insulin than they ideally should, which ultimately leads to a rise in blood sugar. This in turn only leads to more free fatty acids, more fat stores and a vicious cycle.

We’ve talked about leptin and how it’s an important chemical signal that commands your brain to cease eating.

Adiponectin

The second signal produced and released by your fat cells is adiponectin – a hormone that helps to maintain your body’s normal insulin sensitivity. As the amount of fat tissue increases, the level of adiponectin decreases. Larger fat cells naturally produce less adiponectin. Levels of adiponectin also appear to be directly related to belly fat.

These levels are lower in overweight people and higher in lean people. When you lose weight, more adiponectin is available to promote health.

Glyerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is the third command signal that your fat cells produce.

This is an enzyme that helps convert starch and sugar calories to stored body fat.

I’m sure you’re beginning to see why maintaining healthy, normal levels of these three substances

...that burn fat and control middle age spread may be helpful for not just a lean and trim body, but for total health.

Just to summarize how these three substances can help contribute to maintenance of your ideal weight… in my opinion, the perfect weight loss tool would help: • Increase adiponectin • Decrease glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase • Allow leptin’s natural signals to be “heard” optimally Fucoxanthin is one of the most exciting substances to hit the weight loss market in quite some time.* A natural carotenoid (natural pigments found primarily in plants and algae), Fucoxanthin exists naturally in brown seaweed, a type of kelp. Preliminary animal research performed in Russia and Japan suggests that fucoxanthin may help burn fat.* Also, here's a huge plus for you and others searching for an effective yet natural option that doesn't disrupt your activities and sleep.

Fucoxanthin revs up your metabolism without stimulating your central nervous system.* Although it's not fully understood how fucoxanthin works, it appears to target a protein called UCP1 that increases the rate at which belly fat is burned.* Evidence is emerging showing that the fucoxanthin component is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your cells from free radical damage*. It also may support your: •Cardiovascular health* •Healthy immune response* •Maintenance of healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are already within the normal

range* •Maintenance of healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range* •Healthy liver function* So, for natural weight loss, along with eating a healthy diet according to your Nutritional Type plus exercising, But wait!

There’s more...

Garcinia Cambogia (also known as "gambooge") is a small fruit resembling a miniature pumpkin. Naturally found in India and parts of Asia, it has a long and popular history as a condiment.

The dried rind is used as a flavoring in many dishes.

Preliminary research suggests that its biologically active compound, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), can inhibit the body's ability to store lipids and fatty acids.* This natural extract may also inhibit conversion of excess calories to body fat.* And it may suppress appetite by signaling your brain that enough food has been eaten, possibly through its effect on neurotransmitters.

Apple Cider Vinegar ACV has been used for cen-

turies as an energizing tonic and elixir. ACV is a completely natural product resulting from a two-step fermentation process of apples, from which it retains all the nutritional benefits of the apples plus gaining the extra acids and enzymes from fermentation.

While the research is only preliminary, there are four suggested ways ACV may help you lose weight*:

1. ACV May Increase Satiety* The same hormonal reflex that sends a "full" message from your digestive system to your brain (discussed when talking about Hoodia earlier) is also triggered

by ACV*. Scientists think that satiety – or feeling "full" – occurs more quickly with acetic acid* (the 'sour' part of ACV).

A preliminary Swedish study suggested that higher intake of ACV before meals was associated with significantly lower glycemic responses and an increased satiety score.* 2. May Suppress Appetite* Preliminary evidence suggests that pectin, the water-soluble fiber in apples and ACV, may absorb water and make your stomach feel a little full before beginning your meal.* 3. May Improve Digestion* Improving your digestion means fats stay in your digestive tract for a shorter time, with less absorption of those fats into your system. A number of other health benefits you may receive from ACV include: • Helps support bone health through minerals (calcium, magnesium, silicone, plus a number of vitamins).* • Helps maintain healthy lipid levels that are already within the normal range.* • Helps maintain healthy heart and circulatory system.* • Support healthy immune response.* • Aids in normal detoxification of your body.* Many people don't care for the taste and smell of apple cider vinegar by itself.

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Special Clay Removes Toxins

H

ow our bodies are fighting to eliminate the increasing number of toxic chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis Add one more to the list… The State of California, a leader in exposing the harmful effects of common chemicals to the public, recently added the most widely used herbicide, Glyphosate, to its Proposition 65 list of known carcinogens (cancer causing agents). While this substance is widely found in a large portion of the food supply, there are natural supplements you can add to your daily diet that can help the body eliminate toxic chemicals.

Glyphosate is just the latest chemical added to intestines and bowel,” says Hays. “It is efficient at California’s list, which has grown to include about doing that, but it can become overloaded by toxins.

900 industrial and household chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. It is Bentonite aids the body in naturally eliminating toxso prevalent that, according to a recent UC San Fran- ins so your liver doesn’t have to deal with as much.”

When hydrated within the intestines, the unique cisco study, 93% of the people tested had detectable clay’s physical structure and large surface area atamounts of the herbicide in their urine samples.

Adding to the concern, the highest levels were found tracts and drags toxins – including pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and aflatoxin – from the body. in children.

This helps to remove Glyphosate, which is “Bentonite aids the body in naturally toxins, like Glyphosate, used to kill weeds on as well as heavy metcommercial farms as eliminating toxins so your liver doesn’t als like arsenic, lead, well as gardens, parks, have to deal with as much.” mercury, cadmium, and playgrounds, and roadaluminum, which can ways, is now being found in grains, breakfast cereals, produce and a variety of improve digestion and energy levels, while protecting the liver, brain, and support overall health. other foods.

The clay can also help the body clear itself of “While the human body can eliminate toxins chemicals like plasticizers, xenoestrogens, pollutthrough natural means, it has not evolved to handle ants, drugs and alcohol. This can help to reduce althe rapid proliferation of toxins – such as pesticides lergies, headaches and other reactions to chemicals, and heavy metals – in the environment today,” says as well as improve skin health, and protect DNA Craig Hays, Quality Assurance Director at Yerba Prima, an Oregon based herbal supplement company throughout the body for anti-aging benefits.

As we move into an age where we are constantly credited with developing the first internal cleanse. bombarded with harmful chemicals and toxic agents, While seemingly impossible to avoid the chemithe need to aid the body’s natural ability will concals surrounding us, there are natural supplements tinue to grow. that can help reduce the body’s workload. For “It’s one supplement that will probably help you example, Bentonite, a natural volcanic clay, works feel better, but more importantly, it will help release by pulling in and binding to toxins within our bodthe toxins we are all exposed to,” concludes Hays. ies, like a chemical magnet, and then safely passing “Any natural supplement that can do this really them through the bodies elimination systems.

“The body gets rid of toxins primarily through the should be a part of your healthy lifestyle.”

For more info, email yerba@yerbaprima.com. liver, skin, urination, and elimination through the 16

Herbal Collective Nov,’17

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17

How Medications Interact with Vitamins

T

echnology, science and research are offering a personalization powerhouse at our fingertips, including products made specifically for us delivered to our doorsteps.

We wear personal fitness trackers to track our steps, sleep and heart rates. Personal trainers design fitness routines made just for us.

We understand that our family history, lifestyle choices and even genetics are predictive of our health needs and this information is integrated into our health care plans. But with all of this personalization, nutritional supplement options still deliver the same cookie-cutter solutions.

According to New Nutrition Business and its report “10 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition and Health 2017,” personalized nutrition is the next big nutrition movement, as people want individually tailored diets. When creating a personalized nutrition plan, it’s important to take into account holistic wellbeing; however, deciding what is truly right for you can be confusing.

“Personalized nutrition shouldn’t be taken lightly.

It’s not a catchy-named pack of vitamins or nutrition plans curated from a few questions about how you want to feel; it needs to include everything that makes you unique, down to the medications prescribed by your doctor,” said Dr. Michael Roizen, original chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic, co-author of the new book "Age-Proof: Living Longer without Running Out of Money or Breaking a Hip" and Vitamin Packs science advisory board member.

“Technology is creating amazing advances in personalized nutrition, but it’s only as good as the data it can collect and the information you are willing to share.”

Medication and Nutrition Interactions

Nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population is taking prescription medications, according to the Centers 18

Herbal Collective Nov,’17

for Disease Control and Prevention, and 68 percent of Americans are taking dietary supplements, based on Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) estimates.

With several new personalized vitamin subscription services launching, it’s important to select one that takes into account your diet, physical fitness, sleep patterns, lifestyle habits and family health history as well as medication use.

Some drugs can deplete nutrients while others add nutrients to the body. One subscription service, Vitamin Packs, delivers customized vitamins and nutritional supplements in daily packs based on what it learns during a free nutritional assessment. Its technology cross-examines more than 650 possible medication interactions and recommends only what an individual’s body needs.

Mixing Meds & Nutritional Supplements

* Taking a statin? You will want to add Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) because the average blood concentration of CoQ10 in blood plasma decreases within 30 days by an average of 50 percent. * Taking a medication for allergies or inflammation? Consider adding vitamin D and calcium.

These types of medications may reduce calcium absorption, which can lead to unnecessary bone loss.

Supplementing with vitamin D and calcium together may support bone health and calcium absorption. * Taking a blood pressure medication? You should know that taking an iron supplement two hours before or after taking this type of medication can decrease its absorption rate. * Taking a synthetic thyroid hormone? Look at your supplement facts to be sure you’re avoiding soy, iron and calcium. Soy, iron and calcium, if taken within four hours of a synthetic thyroid hormone, may reduce the absorption rate. Personalized nutrition should focus on the whole person.

Natural Health Directory The Natural Health h Directory is a resource for that particular business. our readers who are looking for practitioners, products,

education, herb farm or other herbal and natural health information.

Each listing links to a listing on the Herbal Collective website with links and contact information to

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Health Food Stores

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Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery....................tel 250-748-4421 4-180 Central Ave, Duncan, www.lynnsvitamingallery.ca

Herbal Products

www.herbalcollective.ca/natural-health-directory-herbalproducts AnneMarie Gianni Skin Care - natural, organic ingredi ents free of chemicals and preservatives Ferlow Botanicals, www.ferlowbotanicals.com, info@ferlowbotanicals.com.....................604-322-4080

Purica, medicinal mushrooms and more,.......www.purica.com........................................................250-746-9397 Wild Oil of Oregano, www.wildoiloforegano.com www.wildtamanuoil.com.............................250-339-3015

Reflexology

Pacific Institute of Reflexology Directory Chris Shirley, www.pacificreflexology.com....... ......................................604-875-8818 or 1-800-688-9748 Discover the power of aloe vera..Maureen..250-338-7105 Mickey, 250-338-1363, www.maureenglowasky.com Offers a wide selection of natural health products and nutritional supplements....................................905-695-0631 Canadian Bio Supplements Quality manufacturer of natural health products backed by over 5 years of clinical trials...................306-291-0871

Natural Health Practitioners

Olena Gill, ND, ND, www.indigomedicine.com................ .....................................................778-762-3099 www.herbalcollective.ca/directory-naturopathic-doctors.html

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