HEALTH NEWS

by Lynne Gully

 

March 2008

 

MENOPAUSE

I’ve known for a long time about the benefits of taking the herb Black Cohosh to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause. The oestrogenic effects of black cohosh on the body have been confirmed in research published in the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association. Black Cohosh has helped many women who were suffering from hot flushes and night sweats. This is enough reason for most women to keep taking black cohosh once they try it. Recent research has now revealed that taking Black Cohosh also reduces the risk of breast cancer. US researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine examined records from nearly 2,500 women and found that those who reported using black cohosh had a 61 percent decreased risk of breast cancer. That's a huge finding, particularly since the discontinuation of the patented HRT drugs Premarin and Prempro has already resulted in a dramatic drop in breast cancer cases. Black Cohosh and Licorice – Stock no 1355.

 

Alternatives for the Menopause

  • Base your diet on beans, peas, grains, raw seeds and unsalted nuts, fruits, vegetables and fish high in Omega-3. These foods contain essential nutrients that help your body cope naturally with the menopause. Some fish rich in Omega-3 are Atlantic mackerel, lake trout and blue fin tuna.
  • Limit caffeine, alcohol, sugar, salt, meat, fatty dairy products and saturated fats. These foods will either make your menopausal symptoms worse or increase your risk of developing disorders that often occur during the postmenopausal period, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
  • Include a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. One of the best multivitamin and mineral supplements I have come across to support the menopause is Mega Chel from Nature’s Sunshine. Mega-Chel is a “mega-nutrient” supplement designed to improve circulation and remove pollutants that damage arterial and vessel walls and cause hardening of the arteries 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 colors, preservatives, starches, sugars or yeast. A healthy diet will not include all the nutrients your body needs to completely relive your menopausal symptoms. Keep in mind, however, that supplements should be taken alongside a healthy diet for the full effect.

 

Nature’s Sunshine has put together a ‘Natural Woman’ pack designed specifically for women approaching or experiencing symptoms of menopause. This contains:

  • Black Cohosh & Licorice, Wild Yam and Chaste Tree, which help to balance the hormones and alleviate hot flushes.
  • Nutri Calm, a combination of all the B vitamins together with calming herbs - valerian, hops flowers and passionflowers, helping to reduce stress and strengthen the nervous system.
  • Skeletal Strength is a combination of calcium, magnesium, boron, potassium, zinc, horsetail herb and many other nutrients all designed to strengthen the bones.
  • Flax Seed Oil protects the heart, helps to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure and lowers the risk of strokes. Also helps to break down saturated fats and aids in weight loss.

 

Natural Woman Pack. Stock no 5877
 

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
 

The Truth About Heart Disease

How could a fit man with low body-fat, low cholesterol and a daily exercise regime die so relatively young?

You may find the answer shocking.

 

Recent studies have uncovered what seems to be the REAL culprit behind 50% of cardiovascular, heart and stroke problems. And it's none of the usual suspects. Not fat. Not lack of exercise. And not even cholesterol.

According to research published in the British Medical Journal, homocysteine is THE BIGGEST THREAT to our heart's good health.

A study at the department of cardiology in Southampton General Hospital trawled through 92 studies that focussed on homocysteine levels in over 20,000 patients - an incredible number when it comes to looking at stats.

The result was that high homocysteine levels are a strong indicator that heart problems are present. The good news is that homocysteine levels can be brought down quickly and easily, using a combination of nutritional supplements.

 

What you can do.

Get your homocysteine levels checked out by your doctor. Less than 8 is good. Less than 7 is even better.

Studies (reported in the British Medical Journal) have shown that vitamins B6 and B12, together with folic acid, help lower homocysteine levels. So make sure you eat foods rich in these substances.

For folic acid, liver is absolutely the best source, plus spinach, broccoli, asparagus, beetroot, bananas, oranges and peaches.

For B12, eat liver, beef, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and yoghurt. Vegetarians and vegans need to consider taking a B12 supplement.

For B6 eat whole grain cereals, breads, liver, avocados, spinach, green beans, bananas, fish, poultry, meats, nuts, potatoes, green leafy vegetables.

It’s always advisable to boost your intake of these substances with supplements.

Vitamin B Complex containing the full range of B vitamins. Stock no 1773.

Folic Acid Plus Each tablet of Folic Acid Plus contains 400mcg of folic acid. Folic acid functions as a coenzyme with vitamin B12 and vitamin C, so Vitamin C and Bee Pollen have been added to the formula. Stock no 1585.

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Heart Health Special Offer

Other problems can also affect the health of your heart. Research has shown that heart disease has become the leading cause of death in Europe. Research has also shown that cardiovascular disorders can increase your risk of angina, heart attack, hardening of the arteries, thrombosis, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, embolism and coronary artery disease.

 

Nature’s Sunshine has a special offer only available during March. This special offer contains four heart health products. If you buy Coenzyme Q10, High Potency Garlic and Super Supplemental multivitamin and mineral you will receive Hawthorn Berries Extract FREE.

 

Stock no 9611.

Coenzyme Q10 plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell of the body and its availability is essential for the health of all human tissues and organs. CoQ10 is known to be highly concentrated in heart muscle cells due to the high-energy requirements of this type of cell. Stock no 1796.

Garlic - High Potency. This is probably the finest and most potent garlic supplement on the market providing valuable benefits to maintain healthy circulatory and immune systems. Stock no 292.

Super Supplemental is the finest multi-vitamin & mineral product, providing a unique and comprehensive array of 35 vitamins and minerals, mixed in a herbal base specifically designed to enhance assimilation. Unlike the typical high street multi-vitamin, Super Supplemental is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial colours, sweeteners or additives. Stock no 1817.

Hawthorn Berries Liquid Extract (FREE)
Hawthorn is especially popular in Europe, where it is used in a number of herbal tinctures, herbal combinations and teas. The berries have been shown to maintain a healthy circulatory system. Certain chemical constituents in the berries seem to enhance enzyme metabolism and oxygen utilisation in the heart muscle. The berries should be taken over a period of time for their full nutritional benefits to be realised. They contain vitamins C and B complex, crataegin, carotene and flavonoids. Extracts are rapidly assimilated by the body and can be mixed in liquid or taken directly under the tongue. Stock no 1760.

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When you can have too much iron

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that high iron levels could be bad for you. In fact, if they get too high, it could lead to diabetes.

 

Here's what happens. If your iron levels are too strong, it affects how your body works and tampers with the way your organs function. This in turn can interfere with your body's use of insulin - a hormone needed to convert blood sugar into energy. Diabetes develops when the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or if the insulin isn't used properly.

 

If you are lacking in iron you may show signs of anaemia such as a pale skin, sore tongue, fatigue, listlessness, loss of appetite, nausea or sensitivity to cold.

 

If you need additional iron it is usually better to bolster your blood iron though natural diet. Best food sources are pumpkin seeds, parsley, almonds, prunes, cashew nuts, raisins, brazil nuts, walnuts, dates, cooked dried beans, sesame seeds and pecan nuts.

 

The robbers of iron from your body are spinach, rhubarb, tannic acid in tea, wheat bran, fizzy drinks, food additives and antacids.

 

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

 

 

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Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

As a precaution pregnant or lactating women should consult their health care provider before taking any herbal or nutritional supplements.

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated  and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.