HEALTH NEWS

by Lynne Gully

April 2008

Health Tips for Travelling

A major problem when travelling on long aeroplane flights or sitting for long periods in a car is deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The risks of developing DVT include:

• Those with previous experience of DVT

• Those with a family history of DVT

• Anyone who has experienced trauma to the legs

• Those who have recently had surgery on the legs, feet, or in the abdominal or pelvic areas

• Those who may suffer from diabetes, heart or liver disease, or certain cancers, such as colon, ovarian, stomach, liver, pancreatic, or lymphatic cancers

• Obese people

• Those over the age of 40.

If you fall into one of these categories, you should take the threat of DVT seriously. As ever, nature has thrown us a lifeline...this time in the form of pine tree bark together with grape seeds and skins that contain a substance called Proanthocyanidins (PACs). Numerous clinical studies support the use of PACs for treating microcirculatory disorders associated with varicose veins and DVT, improving both blood flow and venous appearance. PACs also help strengthen red blood cell membranes. Other research shows PACs are an important component in the prevention of heart disease, particularly coronary thrombosis and early atherosclerosis.

Suggested Supplements to Take when Travelling

• Grapine with Protectors - contains Proanthocyanidins (extracts of purple grape seeds and maritime pine bark) - 20mg, Vitamin C - 60mg, grape skin extract - 50mg (red grape skins are rich in anthocyanins, nutritional compounds which are known to protect and strengthen collagen and help prevent oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system). These substances are in a SynerPro Protector base containing cruciferous vegetables, herbs and citrus bioflavonoids, which supply additional antioxidant protection. Stock no 1662.

• Mega-Chel – a “mega-nutrient” vitamin and mineral supplement designed to improve circulation and remove pollutants that damage arterial and vessel walls and cause hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis). Mega-Chel contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs that not only help clear arteries, but also help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels, strengthen the heart, improve vascular integrity, stimulate cardiac and peripheral circulation, increase tissue oxygenation, decrease platelet aggregation, and even enhance immune response. Mega-Chel contains no artificial colours, preservatives, starches, sugars or yeast. Stock no 1821.

• Dandelion and Purslane Liquid Extract - a herbal combination that strengthens immunity against bacterial and viral infections, including extremely contagious diseases. I take this when flying and it has always prevented me from picking up any viruses from the circulating air on aeroplanes. Stock no 3167.

Other Factors to Consider

• Avoid dehydration. Both alcohol and coffee are diuretics and tend to dehydrate the body, so your intake of these should be modest. Instead, drink plenty of water.

• Most airlines now provide compression stockings that help pump your blood around, so don't worry about latest fashion trends; just wear them.

• Exercise in your seat. Make sure you rotate your feet and stretch your legs during the flight. Go further than simply standing up and walking to the toilet and back. Stretch properly till you feel your muscles pulling.

After a long flight, DVT warning signs to look out for include muscle pain, swelling or tenderness in the legs, and discolouration in a painful area. Sometimes these symptoms don't occur until hours after you've arrived at your destination - so be sure to put two and two together.

Flights that last only a couple of hours should be okay, but it still doesn't hurt to follow the above rules no matter how long you're in the air.

If you want copies of any previous newsletters you can visit my website at www.optimumhealth.co.uk

Contact Lynne at lynne.gully@optimumhealth.co.uk or tel: 0030 28920 42356

Natural Ways to Fight Bacteria and Viruses

Silver Shield

Nature’s Sunshine’s Colloidal Silver now has the new name of Silver Shield. It represents the latest technology in metallic silver nanoparticle solutions and is now a patented formula.

Human studies have been conducted using Silver Shield both internally and externally, as an alternative to traditional antibiotics. The studies were conducted in three hospitals in Ghana involving a variety of human ailments including pain and diarrhoea, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, external skin infections, ear infections, gingivitis, malaria, throat infections, rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast (candida) infections. All patients experienced a full recovery and/or complete resolution of symptoms within one to eight days using only Silver Shield.

Silver shield was also tested against MRSA. Beginning with a concentrate of 6 million MRSA bacteria, Silver Shield killed 91% of the bacteria in 10 minutes. After one hour, 99.5% of the MRSA bacteria had been killed and all of the bacteria destroyed in one day.

I always keep a bottle of Silver Shield in the fridge and at the first sign of a sore throat, I gargle with Silver Shield mixed in water. The sore throat very quickly disappears. Stock no 4074.

Echinacea/Golden Seal

Echinacea/Golden Seal Liquid Herb is effective for strengthening the immune system, as both herbs are considered “natural antibiotics.” The liquid form is particularly beneficial for children and for the elderly or for anyone who is unable to swallow tablets or capsules. Echinacea is now considered one of the best-known and extremely safe immune strengtheners available and has been shown to fight bronchitis, colds, flu, infection, blood poisoning, fungal problems, gingivitis, inflammatory skin conditions, laryngitis, sinusitis, swollen glands, tonsillitis, and post viral fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Golden Seal reduces fever and inflammation associated with glandular swelling and sinusitis. It increases the secretion of digestive enzymes and fluids, especially bile, which helps regulate liver and spleen functions. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is high in vitamin C and trace minerals. The combination is very powerful and will either stop the symptoms of colds and flu or greatly reduce the duration of an illness. Stock no 3180

Zambroza

The antioxidant fruit drink contains a unique blend of ten fruits and herbs that have been chosen for their antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. Zambroza helps to prevent premature ageing, increases vital energy, boosts your immune system and protects your body from free-radical damage. Stock no 4098.

Pro-Biotics - Bifidophilus

To boost the friendly bacteria in your intestinal system and boost your immune system it is important to take a pro-biotic. This is especially relevant if you have been taking a course of antibiotics. Stock no 4100.

Best-selling Sanatogen Vitamin pills are dyed with harmful additives.

By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent, The Independent, 15 April 2008.

Britain's best-selling vitamin pill is dyed with artificial colours which can cause rashes and hyperactive behaviour in children.

Two colours – sunset yellow and quinoline yellow – criticised in an official study which led to their censure by tCOLSPAN=2he Food Standards Agency (FSA) last week – are found in Sanatogen Gold, the country's leading multivitamin brand. Sanatogen's Kids A To Z Strawberry Flavour vitamins have another suspect additive: the red colouring Ponceau 4R.

Many customers may have been unaware of the presence of the additives because they are listed by name without their E-numbers in small print in the middle of a long list of ingredients on vitamin pill containers. On its website, Sanatogen acknowledges that the artificial colours are ingredients in its products but claims they are "non-allergenic".

However, EU guidelines state that, if used in medicines, all three colours would have to carry the warning: "May cause allergies". Ponceau 4R and quinoline yellow can cause skin problems including hives and eczema in a small number of people, and are banned in the US.

Last week, the FSA called for a European Union ban on six additives, including the three currently used by Sanatogen, because they made children more hyperactive in a £750,000 study carried out by Southampton University.

The regulator has called for British manufacturers to remove the additives from hundreds of fizzy drinks, cakes, sweets and chocolates by 2009.

Sanatogen, owned by the healthcare giant Bayer, which has vitamin sales of £40m, made no comment.

You need to be very careful when buying your vitamin supplements as demonstrated by the above article from The Independent. Nature’s Sunshine products do not contain artificial colours, preservatives, starches, sugars or yeast.

The Herbasaurs Children’s vitamin range is naturally flavoured with orange, lemon and lime, raspberry, blueberry and banana. All of the Herbasaurs products are free of any artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, starches or preservatives.

Herbasaurs Liquid Multi Vitamins. Stock no 3330.

Herbasaurs Chewable Vitamins. Stock no 1622.

Herbasaurs Antioxidant with Grapine. Stock no 3301.

Herbasaurs Bifidophilus for kids. Stock no 3302.

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To order any of these products– call Nature’s Sunshine Products on 08458 40 50 60 or the main telephone line on 01952 671600.