The Good Life March/ April 2013

THE The Magazine of

LIFE

Nature’s Fare Markets Live well. Live organic.

March/April 2013

Get to the Root of Indigestion

7

10

14

16

Integrative Health & Cancer Care

Still Eating Consciously

Echinacea Update

Do you have the Guts to be Healthy?

THE

contents

LIFE

March/April 2013

Good Feature

7

4

Put Out the Fire

Get to the Root of Indigestion

Good to our Planet 10

Still Eating Consciously

Response to the November/December 2012 Article

Good Health 7 Integrative Health & Cancer Care

By: Dr. Joe Schnurr

13

Solid Gold Support for Chronic Inflammation

By: Michael T. Murray, nd

14 Echinacea Update: New Studies Tell All

By: Monika Haefele 18

Your Best Health: Detoxification & Alkalinity

By: Genuine Health

Good

16

events

Do You Have the Guts to Be Healthy?

By: Lisa Kilgour, rhn + Recipe: Lisa Kilgour’s Quinoa Chocolate Cake

March Friday

Kilgour

Vernon

Thursday

All Stores

Ask the Nature’s Fare Nutritionist: Lisa

March 18 March 19 March 20 March 21

In every issue

22

Shopping Guide: Digestion & Detox Wellness

23

Staff Profile

23

Nature’s Fare Update

Friday

Kilgour

Kelowna

Shnurr with InspireHealth Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Ask the Nature’s Fare Nutritionist: Lisa

April 3

Kelowna Kamloops Vernon Penticton

April 4

Thursday

Thursday

LECTURE SERIES: Lorna

April 10

Penticton All Stores

Vanderhaeghe

Wednesday

Langley

Flyer Sale (starts) April 18

Thursday

All Stores

Ask the Nature’s Fare Nutritionist: Lisa

April 22

Monday

Kilgour

Vernon

*Dates subject to change. See store or online for event details.

Flyer Sale (starts) March 21

Wednesday

Kilgour

Flyer Sale (starts)

Flyer Sale (starts)

LECTURE SERIES: Dr.

Feel Well & Be Well With Regular Exercise

By: Rhonda Catt

April

Ask the Nature’s Fare Nutritionist: Lisa

March 15

Fitness

3 Noteworthy Notions

Local Farm to Local Store

By: Jordan Marr

March 14

Good

20

Nutrition

12

March 8

All Stores

*Dates subject to change. See store or online for event details. © 2013 Nature’s Fare Markets. The materials in this magazine are suggestions only.

Nature’s Fare Markets does not guarantee results.

2 | March/April 2013 100%

Noteworthy Notions Supplements

Health & Beauty

Joy of the Mountains Oregano Oil A+

Patrick Curelle Lotion

This new and improved formulation contains vitamin A, which results in a product that is tougher on infection and offers even more protection for compromised immune systems.

Oil of Oregano and vitamin A help to strength the immune system so that it is better able to fight infections, viruses, and bacteria. Oil of Oregano also contains many antioxidants that are effective at fighting free radicals.

A luxurious moisturizing skin lotion for hands and body that absorbs quickly and easily. This silky smooth lotion improves skin’s appearance while simultaneously providing protection from environmental elements such as sun, wind, and pollution. An excellent choice for sensitive skin.

Food Gort’s Gouda Grass Fed Whole Milk Gort’s Gouda Whole Milk is non-homogenized, which means the fat globules are not broken down, but rise to the top to form cream. This is milk in its natural form with a smoother and more delicious flavour. Non-homogenized milk allows our bodies to easily absorb and utilize the vitamins and minerals in the milk, like vitamins A, D, and calcium. Cows on Gort’s Gouda dairy farm in Salmon Arm are completely grass fed, which results in milk with six times as much conjugated linoleic acid (CLA ) than grain fed cow milk. CLA helps in disease protection and muscle growth. Gort’s Gouda believes that good milk starts with the cows, and ensures that their animals graze outdoors and are housed in large, clean, and comfortable barns. The cows are not given any antibiotics or synthetic hormones.

Books Still Alice —by Lisa Genova Still Alice is a compelling debut novel about a 50 year old woman’s sudden descent into early onset Alzheimer’s disease, written by first-time author Lisa Genova, who holds a Ph.D in neuroscience from Harvard University.

This fiction novel was listed on CBC’s top books to read in 2012, and is an excellent account of early onset Alzheimer’s disease. This book is an emotional and powerful read from start to finish.

Movies The 11th Hour Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this captivating documentary explores the perilous state of our planet, and the means by which we can change our course. Contributing to this crucial film are noted politicians, scientists, and other ambassadors for the importance of a universal ecological consciousness.

the good life The Magazine of Nature’s Fare Markets | 3

GOOD 

Feature

Put Out the Fire Get to the Root of Indigestion

Antacids Antacids are intended to reduce the stomach acid that is associated with heartburn, indigestion, sour stomach, and stomach ulcers. There are a variety of different types of antacids, most of which can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies and drug stores. Antacids are able to reduce the effects of problems related to stomach acid in the short term, however, if they are used for an extended period of time, they can cause serious damage to many different systems in the body. Antacids can be made up of a variety of chemicals, including aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. These chemicals work individually, or as a combination, to neutralize stomach acid and reduce the feeling of heartburn through the use of chemical reactions, which lower the pH level in the stomach.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn begins with a warming feeling felt behind the breastbone that makes it way up into the chest, throat, and mouth.

Heartburn usually occurs shortly after eating and is the result of increased acid gastric making its way through the valve

4 | March/April 2013

which closes the esophagus off from the stomach. The presence of gastric acid in the throat causes the burning feeling associated with heartburn. Antacids are effective in reducing the immediate symptoms of heartburn, but are not a cure for the problem. Regular occurrences of heartburn are likely caused by something more serious.

Furthermore, using antacids on a regular basis can lead to more severe problems which can arise from the reduction of stomach acid and an altered pH level, both which are side effects of using antacids.

Hydrochloric Acid & Digestion A key component of stomach acid is hydrochloric acid (HCl) which breaks down protein in food. It is also responsible for destroying bacteria and microbes in food that could potentially cause problems in the body. Without HCl, those microorganisms are able to survive inside the body and can cause their hosts to become very sick. Immediately upon digestion, antacids begin to reduce the amount of HCl in the stomach. With less HCl, it is much

more difficult for the stomach to break down ingested foods, which in turn causes gas, bloating, and constipation. Perhaps even more crucial is the role that HCl plays in assimilating vitamin B12 into the bloodstream. B12 is a vitamin that plays a critical role in the proper functioning of a number of systems in our body, including digestive, cardiovascular, and circulatory. Additionally, B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, the transportation of oxygen, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis. Without HCl the body would not be able to absorb sufficient amounts of B12 necessary to facilitate these functions.

Side Effects of Antacid Use Many people believe that heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux are the result of too much stomach acid, however that is not necessarily the case. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is often reinforced by medical professionals, who turn to quick fixes like antacids rather than looking at the root of the problem. There are two major problems that can arise from overusing antacids. The first is acid over-production.

The body needs stomach acid to properly digest foods, but when acid is blocked by antacids, the cells of the stomach secrete even more acid to make up for the lack of it. The second problem that arises from antacids is actually a long term reduction of stomach acid created as a result of

continuously taking antacids. The symptoms of stomach acid over-production and under-production are essentially the same; one could believe that they are experiencing an excess of stomach acid when in fact the real issue is a lack of HCl. The continued use of antacids can substantially reduce the amount of HCl in the stomach, leading to a number of problems including poor digestion, continuous heartburn symptoms, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Antacids are one of the most overused overthe-counter drugs available on the market today. People often take them because they are unknowingly misdiagnosing themselves. They believe that they are continuously experiencing an over-production of stomach acid, when in fact the opposite is likely true. For many people, heartburn and its symptoms are likely caused by poor diet, overeating, and feeling stress during meal time. Chewing too quickly, eating highly acidic foods, and over-consuming can all lead to decreased levels of HCl, which in turn create the symptoms associated with heartburn. Not only do antacids further reduce the levels of stomach acid, they can

also inhibit the absorption of certain key minerals like zinc, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C because these nutrients need acid in order to be absorbed. Lack of HCl has also been attributed to poor functioning of the gall bladder and pancreas. These two organs secrete enzymes for digestion based on the acidity level of the stomach. Without the proper amount of enzymes, digestion does not occur correctly and can cause inflammation in the intestines. Ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndromes are common side effects of prolonged use of antacids. Continued use of antacids like Nexium, Tums, or Pepcid AC will also seriously affect the body’s assimilation of vitamin B12, which could result in serious side effects like memory problems, paranoia, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and continuous tingling and numbness in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. It’s very difficult for doctors to diagnose a vitamin B12 deficiency because often the symptoms do not show up immediately. Vitamin B12 reserves can be stored in the liver for years, so although the body is lacking the nutrient, the deficiency may not show up on tests.

Alternative Treatments For those individuals who suffer from symptoms of heartburn, supplementing

with hydrochloric acid may be a useful alternative to antacids. Supplementing with HCl will encourage the stomach to begin producing its own acid again, which should help regulate digestion and eliminate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.

Due to the damage caused by antacids, the stomach will likely need repair itself before it is able to function naturally again.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, L-Glutamine, and aloe vera are all excellent supplements for repairing stomach lining and encouraging normal acid production. The combination of licorice, L-Glutamine, and aloe vera work together like an antacid; eliminating painful heartburn symptoms, but is a much safer alternative because it will not reduce the levels of HCl in the stomach.

For those people who consistently take antacids it may take an extended period of time – in some cases as long as two months – before the stomach begins to produce its own acid again. Finally, taking time to slow down and enjoy food during meals will help digestion and reduce the occurrence of acid reflux or heartburn.

Making the effort to fully chew each bite and appreciate the flavours will contribute towards proper eating habits that will enhance the natural digestion process.

the good life The Magazine of Nature’s Fare Markets | 5

Is Your Prenatal Multivitamin Gentle on Your Stomach?

New Chapter’s Perfect Prenatal™ delivers whole-food complexed vitamins, minerals, and medicinal herbs to gently nourish mom’s health every day.

When you’re pregnant, having consistent nutrition is important for helping to maintain a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. In addition to having a healthy diet and lifestyle, it’s also common practice to take a daily prenatal multivitamin. The ideal prenatal multivitamin, which can be taken even before pregnancy, delivers whole-food complexed nutrients including Folate to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Fermented Nutrients for Your Benefit Rather than delivering nutrients that are just synthetic, chemical isolates, the vitamins and minerals in Perfect Prenatal are fermented with beneficial probiotics and organic vegetables (no live probiotics are in these products). Fermenting or culturing whole foods with “good bacteria” to enrich them is a practice that goes back thousands of years. Using a proprietary culturing process, New Chapter’s vitamins and minerals are transformed into whole-food complexes—dynamic, food-based networks of nutrients.

Committed to Sustainability New Chapter has always strongly believed that organic ingredients can be better for people and the environment, so our multivitamins are made with organic vegetables and herbs. We have also long been committed to avoiding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) whenever possible. More than 85% of our products—including our entire line of multivitamins—have already been granted verified status by the Non-GMO Project, the only third-party verification agency for Canada.

Available in 48 & 96 Count Sizes

Formulated for a Healthy Pregnancy Perfect Prenatal is formulated with your needs in mind. Every daily dose provides pregnancy-essential nutrients, including Vitamin D3, Iron, and Folate. In addition, Perfect Prenatal delivers organic medicinal herbs for the maintenance of good health, including Rose Hips, Prunes, and Broccoli. Perfect Prenatal is naturally gluten free. The once-per-meal formula is easy to take and gentle on your stomach.

Caution: Read the label and follow directions. This product may pose risks and may not be suitable for everyone. © 2013 New Chapter Canada, Inc.

Learn more at newchapter.ca

GOOD

Health

Integrative Health & Cancer Care

by Dr. Joe Schnurr

Dr. Joe Schnurr focuses on an integrative approach to health and healing, one that encompasses the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and addresses the underlying causes of illness and not just the symptoms.

He is lead physician at InspireHealth Southern Interior.

The best definition of integrative healthcare comes from the Consortium of Academic Health Centres for Integrative Medicine: “The practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.”

Integrative healthcare is the future of an optimal healthcare program. Integrative cancer care relates to the provision of optimal healthcare support for individuals with a diagnosis of cancer.

Three other important core principles of integrative healthcare not covered by the above definition include: 1. Patient Empowerment The right to choose one’s therapeutic approach.

Individuals and their supportive others need the knowledge, wisdom, and support to be able to make truly informed healthcare decisions.

the good life The Magazine of Nature’s Fare Markets | 7

2. Self-Engagement & Self-Care What can I do to optimally take care of myself?

3. Involvement of Supportive Others Family, friends, support groups, and community.

While an important focus of integrative healthcare is on prevention of illness and supporting optimal well-being, treatment of illness according to the principles above is necessary to achieve optimal healing.

Taking cancer as the illness, let us explore the older model of treatment and the newer, integrative, whole person approach to treatment keeping in mind that this would apply to any chronic illness.

The standard or conventional approach to cancer treatment has been the “tumouroriented model” where the focus is on eradication of the tumour through surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Since substantial expertise is required in the provision of these treatments, oncologists play a directive role and patients tend to have a passive role potentially leaving them feeling disempowered and unable to contribute to their own healing. Little to no support is provided to assist patients

8 | March/April 2013

in exploring the benefits of healthful nutrition, exercise, emotional, spiritual, and immune system support to overall healing.

This treatment approach does not address the broader concepts of health and illness, or the underlying factors that can predispose to, or assist in preventing, cancer occurrence and/or progression.

The emerging science of epigenetics provides clear evidence that the pattern of gene expression of cells in the tumour stroma or microenvironment (in other words, the activity of the genes in the cells surrounding the tumour) is more highly correlated with prognosis than the tumour grade or whether the tumour has spread to the lymph nodes. The mechanisms of dysfunction that influence gene expression and that play a major role in most every chronic illness, including cancer, are oxidative stress, inflammation, elevated blood sugar levels, and the hormones and other molecules associated with the chronic stress response. It is these mechanisms that often go unrecognized and untreated in the conventional healthcare system.

The integrative, whole person approach to cancer treatment recognizes the growing

evidence that individuals themselves play a fundamental role in their own healing.

While the standard treatments of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can still play a very important role in cancer treatment, it is the person who is the focus of care and their health – body, mind, and spirit – is optimally supported. Personal empowerment and self-care are honoured and individuals are encouraged and supported to explore options and make choices that are right for them. There is a growing body of research that confirms the anticancer benefits of good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress reduction, emotional and spiritual support, and the judicious use of supplements. Furthermore, they are interrelated and each contributes to the benefit provided by the others in a synergistic way. They are positive epigenetic modifiers, meaning they activate genes that are health promoting and deactivate genes that are disease promoting, and they address the underlying mechanisms of dysfunction.

By supporting the whole person approach to cancer treatment (and/or that of any chronic illness), solid foundations are created to optimise healing.

Advertisement

CLEANSING

it’s like health insurance for your body

We all want to be healthier, there is no question. People spend thousands of dollars a year on supplements, healthcare, gyms, weight loss products and more. But what if there was an underlying issue that is zapping your energy and degrading your health? There is and it is called TOXICITY. Detoxification is the body's natural process of elimination or neutralization of toxic materials from cells, organs and the bloodstream. Cleansing is the action of helping your body to perform detoxification more thoroughly. One of the most important things you can do to improve your health is to adopt a detox‐friendly lifestyle that includes regular internal cleansing.

A total body cleanse is one that supports each of the body’s seven channels of elimination—the liver, lungs, colon, kidneys, blood, skin and lymphatic system; • The Liver ‐ changes or detoxifies harmful toxins into substances that can be safely eliminated from the body.

• The Colon ‐ eliminates toxins from the liver as well as the waste which has accumulated in the intestines.

• The Blood ‐ flows through the vascular system and carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body while removing harmful waste.

• The Lymphatic System ‐ eliminates poisons from cells through a network of vessels that extend throughout the body.

• The Skin ‐ eliminates waste and toxins through perspiration.

• The Lungs ‐ expel toxins through breathing (ex. Carbon dioxide). Deep breathing stimulates lymphatic flow to eliminate toxins.

• The Kidneys ‐ receive water‐soluble waste from the liver, so that they can be further filtered and finally eliminated through the bladder.

Together, these vital organs and organ systems work nonstop to purge and eliminate harmful toxins from deep within the cells and tissues. It is a process that occurs continuously and naturally. The issue is that our toxic load is heavier than ever before. There are more than 80,000 chemicals in use today and 1000 more introduced each year. Add to this our processed diet and stressful lifestyle and it stands to reason that our body’s natural processes could use some assistance from time to time. Natural cleansing formulas are designed to support the innate processes by which the body gets rid of toxins and waste.

TESTIMONIAL After suffering from fatigue, headaches and chronic constipation, I did a cleanse and it changed my life. That was 7 years ago and I still cleanse 2‐3 times per year. I have tried other cleanses but I always come back to Renew Life cleanses. They just WORK! Evelyn P, 2012‐05‐04.

READ MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCTS IN THIS ARTICLE First Cleanse

CleanseSMART

Rapid Cleanse

is designed for the first time or sensitive cleanser.

It is gentle yet effective.

is a 30 day advanced cleanse that deeply detoxifies the whole body. CleanseSMART is designed to work regardless of diet or lifestyle.

is a 7 day cleanse that is perfect if you need results quickly or if you would like to cleanse on a more regular basis.

GOOD

to Our Planet

Still Eating Consciously Response to the November/December 2012 Article We got a lot of response from readers about the “Eating Consciously” article featured in the November/December 2012 issue. We would like to take this opportunity to address some of the questions and comments that were raised.

The intent of the article was to provide readers with information that would allow them to make informed choices about the food that they buy for their families.

Armed with this knowledge, we hope that readers would choose to support ethical farmers and their operations as well as invest a little of their time to discover where their meat and poultry products were sourced. By mentioning SPCA farm certification, we hoped to help readers by providing a certifying body that stands behind ethical farmers and their practices.

We wanted to give people an identifiable symbol to look for when purchasing their food products. Most of all, we wanted to expose the negative practices of factory farming while at the same time highlighting the efforts of ethical farmers so that readers could understand the differences between the two. The article was not intended to offend or insult those farmers who treat their animals with dignity and respect. In contrast, it was meant to commend these farmers.

10 | March/April 2013

Chicken Production We received an email from the BC Chicken Growers’ Association concerning the “Eating Consciously” article. They asked us to educate our readers on the true facts of chicken production and provided us with some links to information regarding chicken production in Canada. After doing some additional research we found some great chicken producers that concern themselves with the wellbeing of their birds. All of the chickens and turkeys at Rossdown Farms are free run and are not kept in small coops.

The birds are not necessarily allowed access to the outdoors; however, they are permitted to engage in natural behaviours. We also found Rockweld Farm in Abbotsford, owned by a husband and wife team who believe in the importance of animal welfare.

Rockweld Farm is SPC A certified and certified organic. It was no surprise to us that there are a great number of producers who act with care and attention in regards to their animals’ welfare. We believe that there are a vast number of farmers who uphold strong ethical values when it comes to their practices. Unfortunately, we also know that there are some operations that do not have empathy when it comes to the conditions in which animals are raised.

Throughout our research, we also found circumstances that corroborate the information printed in the “Eating Consciously” article. Reading through information from the Vancouver Humane Society confirmed that there are farms that are more interested in making quotas than in the health and wellbeing of their chickens. On some farms, chickens are bred selectively and overfed

to the point that their bones cannot support their body weight. It is also true that battery cages exist and that some farms choose to implement a factory style production method in efforts to produce the largest quantity of eggs possible. The most important thing that we took away from this additional research is that there are excellent choices for poultry and poultry products available on the market.

Choosing meat and eggs from free range or free run chickens reduces the number of chickens that must be subjected to a battery cage or to small cramped living spaces. Taking a minute to determine the source of one’s eggs and meat can truly make a difference because it not only supports humane treatment of the birds, but it also supports those farmers who are making the effort to provide a natural existence for their poultry.

Beef Production During research for the original article we discovered the National Farm Animal Care Council, which is responsible for creating a Code of Practice for each animal species.

The Code include standards surrounding housing systems for the animals, feed and water requirements, husbandry practices, and transportation. The NFACC is currently in the process of developing an Animal Care Assessment Model which will be distributed to farmers nationwide by 2014 and should help to create a standard of care for all farm animals. As we read through the Code of Practice we immediately thought of Cache Creek Natural Beef, a ranch operating on the core values of natural grazing, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare.

The owners and operators of Cache Creek Natural Beef embody what it means to farm ethically.

Cows are raised without hormones, antibiotics, or steroids, because owner Don Millerd and ranch manager Tyler Goold both believe that healthy animals produce healthy, tasty meat. Only those animals that come down with a medical condition are given any type of antibiotic. This is to ensure that the cow does not suffer unnecessary pain as a result of withholding the medication. Illness is extremely rare at the Cache Creek Natural Beef ranch as a result of the care and attention provided to the animals. The cows are truly allowed to engage in natural behaviours and roam the ranch’s grassy fields for the majority of their lives.

We know that there are many other farmers out there that practice the same type of moral, principled farming. We commend these dedicated individuals for their commitment to animal welfare and we wish that all operations could be as positive for the animals and for the environment. As we discovered after writing the “Eating Consciously” article, there are still a great number of cows that must spend their lives on feedlots and that are slaughtered without care or sympathy. We feel that it is important to celebrate compassionate farmers like those from Cache Creek Natural Beef, because we know that there are others out there who have decided not to take the additional steps necessary to preserve their animals’ dignity.

Our hope was that the “Eating Consciously” article would raise readers’ awareness of farmers that are making the extra effort to provide a natural, comfortable, and dignified environment for their livestock. By making mention of the atrocities that are committed on some Canadian farms we hoped that readers would be encouraged to seek out these principled farmers and choose to support their ethical operations. We know that there are a number of researchers who are working towards improving farm animal welfare, like Professor Tina Widowski, from the University of Guelph, who suggested that female sows be moved to group pens rather than kept in gestation stalls for most of their adult lives. Professor Joseph Stookey, from the University of Saskatchewan, is another example of a dedicated individual

Q+A

We talked to two industry experts about meat production in Canada: Jason Pleym, Two Rivers Meats Don Millerd, Cache Creek Natural Beef

Q: To the best of your knowledge, does factory farming exist in Canada?

A: Yes. There is plenty of factory farming in Canada. Almost all (90 – 95%) of

the beef consumed in BC comes from Alberta. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, it takes about four pounds of grain to finish one pound of beef, so it is much more efficient to truck the calves to Alberta where they are close to the grain supply. Secondly, there are two massive killing plants in Alberta that can achieve the economies of scale to drive their costs down.

Where the small abattoirs we use might kill up to 20 head per day, these big plants do about 5,000.

Q: What is the best way for consumers to become educated about their meat purchases?

A: Ask the grocer where the meat comes from! My guess is that most, unless they are a small butcher, won’t know.

Q: For those individuals who are concerned about the origin of their meat products, what is the best way for them to determine if their meat has come from a factory farm?

A: Consumers would be quite safe to assume their beef comes from a fac-

tory farm unless the grocer is saying clearly what farm it comes from. This is because it costs a lot more to raise cattle in the “natural” way. Therefore, the rancher must sell it for significantly more to a grocer who is then able to sell it to customers who are prepared to pay a higher price to buy meat that is raised differently.

Q: What can we as individuals do to ensure that farm animals are treated humanely?

A: As individuals we can ensure that farm animals are being treated humanely by asking about their origin and farm practices.

who is working to reduce the amount of stress and pain that some farm animals must endure. Through education and sharing information we hope that more and more people will become aware of the choices they have when it comes to meat and poultry products and as a result, reduce the viability and prevalence of factory style farming.

What Can I Do? As a consumer there are a number of things you can do to ensure that the meat and poultry products you are eating are raised ethically. First, take the time to ask your butcher where the products are coming from. If they don’t know, find someone who does. Second, take the time to do some research and learn the facts surrounding factory farming.

Visit farmers’ markets and speak with the farmers. This will provide you with first hand information on how factory farming is affecting their industry and livelihood. If you are active in social media, share what you have learned on your homepage and encourage others to do the same. Finally, add your name to a petition (there are many available online), contact your local SPC A , or write a letter to the Member of Parliament in your area to become an advocate for farm animal rights and welfare.

the good life The Magazine of Nature’s Fare Markets | 11

GOOD

Nutrition TA L E S F R O M

Local farm to Local store

by Jordan Marr

Jordan Marr is a certified organic farmer at The Homestead Organic Farm in Peachland. You’ll often find The Homestead’s fresh produce in Nature’s Fare Kelowna and West Kelowna locations. To read more of his writing, visit www.thehomesteadorganicfarm.ca

Here’s my definition of refreshing: downing a cold can of coconut water in the cloistered heat of your car on a hot July day in the parking lot of the grocery store you just bought it from. Here’s another – this one’s a little more specific to my circumstances as a small-scale organic farmer – the same grocery store is willing to buy your produce.

When I started out growing vegetables for a living, this is what I was told: don’t bother marketing to grocery stores. You’re too small, and modern grocery stores – especially the chains – make their profits by exploiting economies of scale. They’re interested in bulk purchases from as few suppliers as possible, which is why they tend to 12 | March/April 2013

buy veggies from large-scale champs, rather than small-scale chumps – like me. I was advised to stick to the farmers’ market.

This was a hard pill for me to swallow.

Grocery stores are where the vast majority of shoppers buy their produce, and on the drive to the farmers’ market, I pass seven of them. And yet, the logic of what I was told made sense to me.

Say a grocery store wants to buy $5,000 worth of produce for the week. Assume they could get that produce either from one distributor, or five “little guys” like me. The produce manager can field one sales call, versus five. The store’s delivery door receives one box truck, versus five dilapidated

pick-ups with rust spots so bad they temporarily lower the local real estate values in the area. The store’s accountant writes and posts one cheque and logs one entry into the books, or five cheques and five entries. I think you get my point. Dealing with one distributor is simply easier for them. I do think we “little guys” can usually beat out the distributors on freshness, but, unfortunately, most grocery stores aren’t well-structured to support local, small-scale farmers on an individual basis.

Yet, that’s just what Nature’s Fare Markets is doing with my local farm and many others like me. Every Monday during the growing season, I call Noreen in Westbank, and Garret in Kelowna. I find out how their weekend went, and vice versa. Then we get down to brass tacks, making lists of greens, radishes, and kale they need to be delivered.

Then, I show up on Wednesday in my crappy Mazda to unload my truck and find six offers of help from staff members. Everyone is in a good mood and soon the truck is unloaded. And, like clockwork, the cheques from Nature’s Fare arrive once a week. It’s a great way to do business. And, what’s more, it belies the notion that chain grocery stores and small farmers are incompatible.

Of course, this arrangement wouldn’t be possible without customers asking for the local stuff, which is also refreshing. So if Nature’s Fare is the cold can of coconut water, customers can be that huge piece of foil you put in the windshield to keep the car’s interior from heating up too much in the first place. Remember those?

Another local produce season has begun.

As we go through it, Nature’s Fare has invited me to share my perspectives as an organic grower. I’m very much looking forward to it.

GOOD

Health

Solid Gold Support for Chronic Inflammation Michael T. Murray nd is one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine and has published over 30 books featuring natural approaches to health. His research into the health benefits of proper nutrition is the foundation for a best-selling line of dietary supplements from Natural Factors, where he is Director of Product Development.

The root of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, has been used in India for thousands of years as the principal spice in curry and as an Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. A century ago, two chemists, Lampe and Milobedzka, isolated turmeric’s primary active compound, curcumin. This natural phenol gives turmeric is vibrant yellow colour and its medicinal qualities. An explosion of scientific

research with curcumin has deepened and expanded our understanding of curcumin’s unique pharmacological activities as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and its effects on cancer and neurological health.

While the preclinical work with curcumin is nothing short of miraculous, its clinical evaluation has been hindered by its low bioavailability. Clinical studies show that

CURCUMIN

chemical structure

O O H3CO

OCH3

HO

OH

therapeutic application Cancer

Breast cancer Cervical cancer of the uterus Improvement in QOL Skin cancer Pancreatic cancer Kidney cancer Colorectal cancer Oral cancer

Lifestyle-related disease Myocardial infarction Heart failure Cardiac hypertrophy Arteriosclerosis Diabetes mellitus Alcoholism Liver dysfunction Kidney disease Metabolic syndrome

Neurological disorders Alzheimer’s disease Parkinson’s disease Epilepsy

Other

Depression Muscluar fatigue Osteoporosis Psoriasis

Infection Malaria HIV

Inflammation

Arthritis Gastric ulcer Pancreatitis Ulcerative colitis Inflammatory bowel disease Allergy Rheumatism

by Michael T. Murray n d curcumin is poorly absorbed and once absorbed is rapidly metabolized and excreted.

Dosages as high as 12 grams of curcumin powder have failed to significantly raise blood levels. A number of processing techniques have been developed to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin.

Natural Factors CurcuminRich contains Theracurmin, a natural turmeric extract.

Theracurmin has an absorption rate 27 times greater than regular curcumin. It also has superior absorption compared to all other commercial forms tested, including other enhanced forms, such as phosphatidylcholine-bound curcumin.

How Curcumin Works The curcumin molecule is highly pleiotropic, meaning it has several different actions.

This seems to be the key to curcumin’s potent effects in chronic degenerative disorders, which often have multiple pathways of dysfunction that converge to cause disease. For example, research shows curcumin can regulate numerous pathways that have been linked to inflammatory diseases, including transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases, adhesion molecules, redox status, and enzymes. Curcumin’s effectiveness in neurodegenerative diseases may also be due to it’s pleiotropic activities including it’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloid properties.

Recommended product

Curcumin Theracurmin by Natural Factors provides antioxidants for the maintenance of good health. Curcumin is the yellow pigment of turmeric valued for its many health benefits. Theracurmin is an enhanced form that increases absorption over 300 times compared to regular curcumin.

the good life The Magazine of Nature’s Fare Markets | 13

GOOD

Health

Echinacea Update: New Studies Tell All

by Monika Haefele Chances are, you’ve heard about echinacea being recommended as a treatment for colds and flu. It’s been the go-to choice for natural health buffs for years, but more recently, its efficacy has been called into question. In order to come up with a definitive answer, in 2009, a group of scientists at the Common Cold Institute of Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences undertook the largest study ever conducted on echinacea (E. purpurea). After three years of double-blind, placebo-controlled tests and exhaustive analysis, they released their findings to industry professionals and the media at a conference held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on September 27th and 28th, 2012. Their conclusions? Echinacea is effective both as a remedy and as a preventative treatment, and is safe to take continuously for up to four months in order to fortify the immune system.

Colds and flu are the most common ailments in the western world and represent billions of dollars lost to the global economy, hundreds of millions of days of restricted activity, and a huge burden on health care systems due to increased visits to doctors and clinics. In terms of their costs to western societies, colds and flu rank in the same category as hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But finding a viable solution can be like chasing smoke, because there are over 200 known viruses with more being discovered every day. Try to focus on stopping just one and the others proliferate, while the original shifts and morphs into something new. Although it may sound simple, the best solution is not to get sick to begin with.

That’s where echinacea comes in. Taken regularly, echinacea improves the performance of the immune system, giving the greatest performance increase to those at the greatest risk. The Common Cold Institute study revealed that cold episodes were substantially higher among key groups without echinacea.

Best taken at the first sign of a cold, echinacea has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It works to kill the viruses that cause cold and flu while, at the same time, boosting the immune system to rally the body’s own powers of recovery.

14 | March/April 2013

echinacea product that will offer the best protection and maximum results.

The Results Higher risk of cold if echinacea is not taken:

66%

higher risk of a cold in those who were under stress

68%

higher risk of cold among those who got inadequate sleep

82%

Better protected from cold and flu viruses with echinacea:

53%

fewer colds

50%

more than reduction of viral infections (those who took echinacea daily for four months compared to those who took a placebo)

Reduced cold symptoms with echinacea:

63% 1.5

reduction in the severity of cold symptoms day reduction in the duration of the infection

higher risk of cold among smokers What’s more, echinacea has a modulating effect on the immune system, bringing it up to its peak efficiency without over-stimulating it, which means that, unlike many synthetic medications, it won’t result in rebound symptoms when you stop taking it. Patients taking echinacea had a 52% less chance of having to take other medications in fighting off colds and flu, according to the Common Cold Institute research.

The results of this study clearly demonstrate that properly formulated echinacea fills a therapeutic gap in the treatment of colds and flu, functioning as long-term prevention during the season when viruses are most active, short-term prevention during periods of increased risk due to stress or inadequate sleep, and as a treatment for acute symptoms of an infection.

recommended product But not all echinacea products are created equal. For their study, the doctors at the Common Cold Institute selected a formula that was organic and made from whole plants: a mix of 95% herb – 5% root, freshly harvested. We instinctively know that fresh is better when it comes to the food we eat, but the same often applies to the medicines we take. The quality of the ingredients is key in choosing an

Echinaforce by A.Vogel helps your immune system stop germs before an infection takes hold.

The active ingredients in this remedy decrease the ability of infectious agents to penetrate within the body’s cells. They also improve the speed at which the immune cells respond to invading germs. They can be taken daily for prevention of infections and can reduce the need for antibiotics or other prescription medication.

the good life The Magazine of Nature’s Fare Markets | 15

GOOD

Nutrition

Ask the Nature’s Fare

Nutritionist Do you have the guts to be healthy?

Gut Bacteria Balancing Cleanse Supplement

Lisa Kilgour is Nature’s Fare Markets’ very own Registered Holistic Nutritionist. She is Board Certified in Practical Holistic Nutrition and provides one-onone consultations and speaks for select vendors in our stores. Come in and speak to BC’s favourite nutritionist.

You are 90% bacteria. Let that sink in for a second… Just think – for every cell in your body, you have nine cells of bacteria living in and on your body. It can be more than a little creepy if you think about it too much.

Most of your bacteria are living inside your intestinal tract, otherwise known as your “gut”. The health of this organism is paramount to the health of your body. “Why,” you may ask?

80% of your immune system spends most of its time around your gut. The health of your gut bacteria and the health of your immune system are vitally linked. When your gut bacteria is balanced, your immune system is also balanced. But, when it’s out of balance, so is your immune system. You know your immune system is out of balance when you are suffering from any of the following: food and seasonal allergies, chronic inflammation, chronic sinusitis, and colds and flus that linger for weeks.

So, if the best way to balance our immune system is by having a healthy and strong digestive system, then our gut bacteria needs to be in balance. Most traditional cultures protect their gut bacteria by regularly consuming fermented foods like natural yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. In North America, however, we tend to do the opposite.

Processed food, refined sugar, chlorine, and antibiotics all create a gut bacteria imbalance.

16 | March/April 2013

When the prevalent bacteria in your gut are “bad” bacteria (bacteria that doesn’t assist us), they allow for an overgrowth of yeast, molds, and fungus in our gut. This leads to a whole host of digestive ails like bloating, gas, distention, pain, constipation, diarrhea, and a “leaky gut”. Not exactly fun stuff.

Spring is a great time for cleansing, and a gut bacteria cleanse is by far the most common cleanse I recommend to my clients as I feel it’s also the most beneficial.

It’s also not as difficult as it may seem; although, if your diet is currently full of refined flours and sugars then you might have a tough first three to four days. But, here’s the best news – I’ve noticed that the more difficult your first three days are, the better you feel by day five. Horrible sugar cravings and headaches become feelings of wonderful euphoria. It’s definitely worth it, but please be prepared. My downfall when I do this type of cleanse is that I usually run out of my favourite gut bacteria friendly foods by day three, just in time for a day full of cravings.

Try this cleanse for two to four weeks and repeat regularly throughout the year. Even one week will help to balance your digestive system. My motto: Keep your digestive system and immune system working optimally by keeping your gut bacteria healthy and happy!

Week 1 & 2 take an anti-bacteria/microbial supplement like oil of oregano or grapefruit seed extract Week 3 & 4 take a good quality probiotic that is balanced in both acidopholis and bifido strains of bacteria

Food Remove • all gluten grains • refined grains (like white rice) • dairy • sugar • vinegar (except apple cider vinegar) • yeast (bread, wine, beer) • corn Keep • gluten-free grains (quinoa, brown rice, etc.)

• vegetables • organic meats (reduce or remove red meat) • healthy fats and oils (butter is okay) • beans (unless they cause gas) • nuts and seeds • and… fruit and honey!!

That’s right – you don’t need to go without fruit or honey during a gut bacteria cleanse!

These sugars don’t feed “bad” bacteria but they are commonly removed to “reset” your taste buds. I say bah humbug to that! The idea of going completely sweet-free during a cleanse stopped me from attempting it for years! Enjoy fruit and honey, but just don’t go overboard. Try to keep it to two servings of fruit and one teaspoon of honey per day.

Lisa Kilgour’s Quinoa Chocolate Cake (Gut Bacteria Balancing Cleanse approved)

Ingredients 2 3

/ cup

quinoa (white or golden)

1 1/3 cup

water

13

/ cup

unsweetened almond milk

4

large eggs, or equivalent egg replacement like “flax eggs”

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract

¾ cup

butter, melted and cooled

1 cup

honey

½ cup

brown rice syrup

1 cup

unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ tsp

baking powder

½ tsp

baking soda

½ tsp

salt

Directions Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and leave covered for another 10 minutes until all of the water absorbs into the quinoa. Fluff with a fork and cool.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 8” round or square cake pans.

Line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Combine milk, eggs, and vanilla in a blender or food processor. Add 2 cups of cooked quinoa and the butter and continue to blend until smooth.

Whisk together the sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the quinoa mixture and stir to combine. Divide the batter evenly between the 2 pans and bake on the centre oven rack for 40 – 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and cool completely in the pan before serving.

Frost and decorate as desired.

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.

Makes: 1 cake

the good life The Magazine of Nature’s Fare Markets | 17

GOOD

Health

Your Best Health: Detoxification & Alkalinity Realizing your health goals, whether it’s introducing healthy new habits or bidding adieu to unnecessary ones, can go a long way in achieving beauty, vitality, and longevity! Your body is an extraordinary machine and you can achieve your optimal health by supporting your “machinery” with a detox preparation and providing continuous, nourishing maintenance.

Preliminary Cleaning – Detoxing You have several organs of elimination – the most prominent being your liver. Not only does your liver play a big part in detoxing your body, it’s responsible for over 500 functions including metabolizing nutrients absorbed through digestion. Having your liver in prime condition is integral to feeling good and to overall good health!

Every day we are exposed to a number of chemicals, both in our foods and in our environment. With this continuous exposure, our liver becomes over-worked and unable to eliminate toxins as efficiently, causing a variety of health problems. So how can you tone and improve the function your liver?

Important steps to include are: eating well, avoiding processed non-organic food, and drinking plenty of pure water for hydration with coffee and alcohol in moderation.

Another way to maximize liver health is by supporting it with safe, natural supplements. While a natural liver toning supplement can’t take away the chemicals in your foods or environment, proven, natural ingredients including turmeric, artichoke leaf, milk thistle, and dandelion root can help your liver function better. Green food supplements (or green drinks) can safely and gently continue the cleansing process all through the year. Unlike other detoxification treatments, which can leave you feeling drained, green food supplements increases energy and vitality!

Proper Maintenance – Go Alkaline Too much acid causes your body to overcompensate by robbing minerals from bones and preventing tissues from getting the minerals they require. Alkalinizing your diet can improve digestion as well as natural metabolic and detoxification processes.

An alkaline-focused diet can be sustained all year round for supporting overall health, energy levels, healthy immunity, and digestion.

Be healthly and happy: eat whole foods – mostly green vegetables and brightly coloured foods – stay active and hydrated, sleep well, detox, and go alkaline!

5 Steps to Increase Your Alkalinity Breathe Deeply Take a few moments each day to breathe with mindfulness using deep, slow breaths.

Stay Hydrated Drink lemon water, herbal teas, and, of course, plain water.

Minimize soda, alcohol, and coffee.

Reduce Acid Minimize consumption of acid forming foods such as animal products as well as refined and processed foods and beverages.

Bring on the Alkaline Fresh vegetables (especially greens) and fruit can tilt the balance in your favour – aim toward building a 80% alkaline forming and 20% acid forming diet.

Test Your pH Levels Watching your body shift to a more alkaline state can be insightful into your health and a great motivator.

For more information about how Genuine Health can help you reach your personal best, visit: genuinehealth.com

Detoxify & improve your body’s alkalinity

liv-tone by Genuine Health is a unique blend of all-natural detoxifying ingredients that helps cleanse and tone the liver for easier toxin elimination. It also helps to improve sleep, mood, and skin.

18 | March/April 2013

greens+ daily detox by Genuine Health contains the same cleansing and energizing ingredients from greens+, PLUS a specific formula giving you noticeable health benefits: daily detox, supports and cleanses the liver, skin, kidneys and GI tracts, improves energy, digestion, and sleep, improves mental clarity and focus, and improves appearance of skin, hair, and nails.

pH paper by Genuine Health is an easy to use, at-home pH paper kit that can be used to measure your pH level using urine or saliva. You can also become more alkaline – which means more energy for work and play, in just 7 days by following our acid/alkaline food guide, and includes a greens+ formula daily!

GOOD

Fitness

FIT

FIT Feel Well & Be well

with regular Exercise Rhonda Catt specializes in athletic conditioning at the professional level, as well as for the weekend athlete. Rhonda encourages clients to be life-fit rather than gym-fit. She is one of the co-owners of Excel Fitness, Vernon’s premier training facility.

We know there are many physical benefits to sticking to a regular fitness program: increased performance, reduced body fat, increased strength, endurance, and many more. Those benefits are obvious and we hear about them all the time. Yet, what goes unnoticed and is sometimes forgotten are the benefits we can't see. For instance, have you ever wondered why so many people talk about the “natural high” they get after exercise? This is one such benefit that you can’t necessarily see but is another important reason why choosing a healthier lifestyle should be made a priority.

Exercise to Boost Your Mood Training doesn’t have to be excruciating for you to reap the rewards. In fact, training can

20 | March/April 2013

be quite enjoyable especially when you think of the various rewards you get. Engaging in even moderate levels of activity increases serotonin levels – giving you that “natural high.” In addition to contributing to a better mood, serotonin improves sleep as well.

EL

EXC

TIP

NESS

by Rhonda Catt is sinus congestion or skin rashes. Increased breathing during exercise means more oxygen is delivered to the cells and muscles.

Skin is the body’s largest organ and the biggest contributor towards detoxification.

The sweat produced during training does an amazing job of detoxing the system. Dr. Entner estimates that approx 30–50% of the population does not adequately perspire – meaning they are not effectively mobilizing and eliminating the toxins they are exposed to each day. So, what are you waiting for?

Get out and exercise!

Ask yourself: How well do I sleep? Are my moods sporadic? Do I find that during the colder months with less sun I feel down in the dumps? Do I feel restless or irritable?

Regular exercise acts as a natural anti-depressant and anxiety fighter. Who wouldn’t want to wake up feeling rested after a full night’s sleep and ready to enjoy the day with a smile on their face? But, are their other benefits? Does anything else happen when we exercise that we can’t see?

Getting Started

Exercise to Detox Think of your body as its own detoxification machine. The natural function of this machine is to eliminate toxins from the body.

Now imagine regular exercise as the oil for this machine – it optimizes those processes to help your body run more smoothly and efficiently. Dr. Shelby Entner of Okanagan Natural Medicine explains that our bodies handle toxins by neutralizing, transforming, or eliminating them. Blood carries waste to the kidneys and the circulation of blood during exercise brings nutrients to muscles and organs. The liver transforms toxic substances into harmless agents and aids in the elimination of waste. Yet, did you know that our skin and sinuses also play an important role in detoxification? Excess mucus or toxins can be released when there

Exercise Regularly Exercise cannot be a hit and miss habit. Stay consistent to see results. It must become your lifestyle!

Do you want to start a fitness program but don’t know where to begin? Follow these steps to get started on your path to improved emotional health.

Speak to a professional Education should be your first step in order to start an exercise routine successfully.

Slow down The hustle of our daily life becomes “normal” to us. That stress can cause many health problems yet often goes unnoticed as the cause.

Rest Up Be regular in your sleeping patterns and make sure to get at least eight hours per night.

Learn About Nutrition Educate yourself on a well balanced diet and about adequate nutrition timing to avoid binge eating and reduced performance.

The most important step… Do it NOW! Don’t wait!

For more information check out www.excelfit.ca, or www.cattconditioning.com

Digestion & Detox Wellness shopping Guide Many people are becoming more aware of the impact their digestion has on their overall quality of life. Food sensitivities to certain types of foods like gluten, wheat, or dairy, as well as conditions such as bloating, gas, and constipation, are all symptoms of poor digestion. They can create great feelings of discomfort and can be very frustrating. Maintaining a healthy digestive system impacts our peace of mind and our bodies; if we are not digesting properly it is likely that we are missing out on a great deal of nutrients that we should be gaining from our food. Products like those listed below can help to ensure proper digestive health.

Acidophilus Pearls

by Enzymatic Therapy

Full Spectrum Enzymes

by Organika In addition to increasing our intake of raw, enzyme-rich foods, we can also supplement our intake of digestive enzymes. Organika’s Full Spectrum Plant Enzymes is a full range enzyme supplement that aids in the body’s ability to properly digest fats, proteins, carbohydrates, fibre, and milk sugar. Organika’s Full Spectrum Plant Enzymes includes digestive enzymes with a wide pH range to accommodate the body’s pH needs during different stages of digestion.

It’s The Smarter Probiotic™: Acidophilus Pearls™ delivers active cultures where you need them – guaranteed. Aiding in relief from occasional gas, loose stool, constipation, sensitive stomach, and lactose intolerance. Probiotics reduce the buildup of harmful bacteria, therefore strengthening the immune system and eliminating free radicals and toxins.

Estro Detox

by AOR

Wild Rose Detox Kit

by Trophic Internal cleansing is considered to be the cornerstone of good health by many natural physicians. To help maintain a healthy balance of assimilation and elimination, the Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox Program is uniquely designed to enhance all aspects of metabolism by promoting bile production by the liver, supporting digestion and enhancing the elimination of toxins. It also supports the cleansing and elimination of wastes from the system. The diet associated with the program is of great importance and should consist of at least 80% alkaline and neutral ash foods with less than 20% acid ash foods.

Liver

by New Roots Liver formula nutritionally supports the liver’s ability to maintain normal liver function. The nutrients in Liver have shown positive effects in treating nearly every known form of liver disease by inhibiting the factors responsible for liver damage. These nutrients have tonic properties aiding the spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. Liver also helps dissolve kidney and bladder stones, and stimulates the liver cell reproduction. It is also good for hepatitis, jaundice, anaemia, acne, and other skin conditions.

22 | March/April 2013

Estrogen has long been considered a risk factor for a variety of women’s cancers, especially breast cancer. Research has shown that natural estrogens can also be classified as “good” or “bad”. Fortunately, there are natural solutions available that can help tip the balance towards the “good” estrogens, and to help detoxify and eliminate “bad” estrogens and xenoestrogens.

The ingredients in Estro Detox work together to promote a healthy estrogen balance and the detoxification of harmful substances.

FibreSMART Powder

by Renew Life FibreSMART’s dietary fibre enhances the body’s ability to remove toxins and increases the volume of your stool. It is not only a source of dietary fibre, but a complete digestive care formula. It contains herbal ingredients that work to heal damage to the intestinal tract.

FibreSMART contains flax seed, acacia fibre, and guar gum which contains a blend of roughly 50% soluble fibre and 50% insoluble fibre. This ratio allows FibreSMART to absorb toxins, excess cholesterol, and increase elimination – without the constipating side effects created by some other fibre products.

Staff Profile What is your favourite part of working

Seeing people genuinely thankful for your help and information, and… when the Canucks score goals!!!

for nature’s fare?

Pretend this is an award speech; who would you Like to give a

What is your Role at Nature’s Fare?

Grocery Purchaser, Vernon

Brenton Mackenzie

The satisfaction of helping people reach their health goals and obtain all around wellness.

What makes you smile?

What are your favourite foods from

Every person in my life who took the time to teach me and believed in my abilities even when I did not. And, I feel lucky to have this opportunity to grow and thrive with Nature's Fare.

the apple bistro?

what is your greatest personal achievement ?

Vegetable Pakora.

Tuna Melt and

what are your favourite vit/sups from Nature’s Fare?

Vega sports products, Genesis Today Goji 100 pure goji juice. what does organic mean to you?

Clean, safe, and responsible methods of farming as nature intended.

shout out to and why?

Taking the risks to take on responsibilities at a young age and to have been in retail management since I was only 18. the once piece of advice you would give to the world?

Never fear the unknown as everything was undiscovered at some point. Treat our world well as it is the only one we have. Diet is key to good health: EAT YOUR GREENS!

Nature’s Fare Update Certification We are a certified “Climate Smart” business. www.climatesmartbusiness.com

Contest

Awards BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE

Congratulations to our Kamloops store! This November, they received The Kamloops Daily News “2012 Reader’s Choice” award for “Best Health Food Store.”

Congratulations to Jeanne Bates of Kelowna, winner of the Nature’s Fare and Natural Factors “Escape Cold & Flu Season” contest. She won airfare for two to anywhere in continental North America.

Apple Bistro Look for exciting new items: Caramelized Peach Cake Turkey & Mushroom Chowder Moroccan Chickpea Salad

Contributions We are very proud of our contributions to the community.

• We have donated over $62,000 to the SPCA, Children’s Wish Foundation, Salvation Army, Food Bank, WWF, and more in the past year.

• Our Save-a-Bag Campaign has raised $18,041.12 for the Food Bank and $6,664.31 for the Sierra Club as of the end of December 2012.

Kelowna Expansion Our Kelowna store now has more of everything! We are pleased to annouce that our Kelowna store has almost completed the expansion renovations. Look for more Apple Bistro seating, Vitamins & Supplements, Fresh Foods, and Grocery.

We Want to Hear From You We want to make sure you don’t miss an issue.

Please take a minute to let us know where you pick up your copy of The Good Life.

Take the poll:

http://conta.cc/SI1my1 or scan the QR Code.

Have more to say? We want to hear it!

Email: the_good_life@naturesfare.com

the good life The Magazine of Nature’s Fare Markets | 23

Making sure your picky eater gets all of their necessary nutrients each day from food alone can be a battle.

Let us heLp you with that.

Locations Live well. Live organic.

“

Ethically assisting our customers on their journey to better health.

Shop smart

”

Lowest Price Guarantee We will beat any local competitor’s advertised price on vitamins & supplements by 10%!

5% Discount Days* Senior’s Days (60+): Wednesday & Thursday | Family & Student Day: Sunday *On regular priced merchandise. Days may vary depending on store.

Kelowna 120 – 1876 Cooper Road 250.762.8636 Langley 120 – 19880 Langley ByPass 778.278.1300 Penticton 104 – 2210 Main Street 250.492.7763 Vernon 104 – 3400 30th Avenue 250.260.1117 West Kelowna 104 – 3480 Carrington Road 250.707.3935

Stay connected

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter

Kamloops 5 – 1350 Summit Drive 250.314.9560

Subscribe to our Blog

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

Watch us on YouTube

Mail Order 1.800.406.6646 www.naturesfare.com