Akin's Healthy Edge June 2011

Page 31

Q&A I am concerned about getting spider veins and varicose veins in my legs. Is there anything I can do to help prevent this from happening?

Q:

The nutritional approach to vein health includes consistent exercise and consuming a diet rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. Vitamin C is very important because it supports connective tissues of the body, such as veins and capillaries. Studies show that flavonoids, such as those found in citrus fruits and grape seed extract, protect the inner lining of blood vessels.

A:

Some common herbs that support veins include horse chestnut and butcher’s broom. Horse chestnut has a long history of use in Europe, and scientific studies have verified its use for improving circulation and reducing swelling in the legs. Butcher’s broom is widely used for improving circulation in the lower extremities and for its anti-inflammatory effect.

VEIN PLEX™ WITH HORSE CHESTNUT EXTRACT

Adrenal Health

BY SALLY KARLOVITZ, CN

ONE OF THE MOST common denominators of health problems today is stress. Stress suppresses immunity, affects the digestive tract, affects the cardiovascular system, and leads to nerve and mood related disorders. When discussing stress, adrenal function must be considered. The adrenals are glands located above the kidneys. They may be small, but they are major powerhouses in the body. The adrenal glands secrete a number of important hormones that help maintain balance in the many functions of the body. One of the key things adrenal hormones do is help our bodies handle stress. Unfortunately, ongoing stress, too many stimulants in the diet (such as caffeine), illness, and medications can cause the adrenals to get exhausted. When the adrenals are exhausted it causes chronic fatigue, anxiety, and weakened immunity (feeling “rundown”). Two of the very best things you can do to support adrenal function are to seek ways to reduce stress in your life and utilize nutrients that support adrenal function. Some of the most supportive nutrients and herbs include: pantothenic acid (B5), DGL (deglycyrrhized licorice), Siberian ginseng, schizandra berry, stinging nettle, and ashwagandha. Pantothenic acid is critical to the manufacture of sex and stress related hormones produced in the adrenal glands. DGL has been used in natural medicine

ADRENAL ADVANCE™

May support healthy blood vessels.*

Stress response formula.*

An herbal blend including horse chestnut extract, butcher’s broom, ginkgo biloba, grape seed extract, and more.

With vitamin C, pantothenic acid, licorice, Eleuthero, and more. No caffeine or stimulants.*

to treat adrenal insufficiency and fatigue. Siberian ginseng and schizandra berry are popular adaptogens. Adaptogens are substances that help your body adapt to stress. They have an interesting property of being able to help balance the body. For instance, if you were tired, an adaptogen may help you have more energy. But if you can’t relax, that same adaptogen can help you calm down. Stinging nettle is a plant with many properties, one of which is to help nourish the adrenals so they will function better. Ashwagandha is an herb from India that is known to be an adrenal tonic with powerful anti-stress benefits. Stress doesn’t have to run us down. To fight stress, nourish your body with healthy foods and nutrients that support adrenal function, exercise, get adequate rest, and be purposeful in taking time out for yourself.

RESCUE PASTILLES Natural stress relief.* Blend of 5 flower essences. Fast-acting, alcohol-free gummy lozenges.

The Healthy Edge

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