HEALTH NEWS

by Lynne Gully

May 2008

Solutions for Respiratory Problems

Hay Fever: A probiotic may stop the sneezes

Hay fever season is with us again, and a study has discovered that surprisingly a probiotic is one way of treating the allergy successfully. Sufferers were given the probiotic, Bifidobacterium longum, over the 13 weeks that they were allergic to pollen, and a similar group was instead given a placebo. The probiotic group reported a dramatic improvement in their allergic reactions while they took the probiotic, and they reported an overall 40 per cent reduction of symptoms, such as itchy eyes and throat, sneezing and nasal blockage, compared with the placebo group.

Although previous studies have shown that a probiotic can help ease allergic symptoms in children, this is one of the first to record successful treatment in adults.

Nature’s Sunshine Bifidophilus-Flora Force is a milk-free, probiotic (“pro-life”) supplement, providing two different strains of intestinal flora: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. Both types of bacteria are “friendly” microorganisms, which naturally inhabit the intestinal tract, aiding digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as enhancing immune function.

Bifidobacteria are the most predominant intestinal flora in a healthy body, inhabiting primarily the large intestine. These microorganisms naturally secrete acids, which inhibit the growth of toxic bacteria. Bifidobacteria also manufacture volatile fatty acids such as caprylic acid, which prevent the overgrowth of Candida albicans (yeast). The protective functions of bifidobacteria are most obvious in infants, as they are essential for the development of a child’s natural defenses. Bifidobacteria, which naturally occur in breast milk and are passed to the infant via breastfeeding, are rarely found in infant formulas. This lack of protective flora often results in the development of thrush, an oral form of Candida albicans, in bottle-fed babies.

Bifidobacteria also safeguard the body and reduce liver stress by neutralizing harmful substances, which may not have been eliminated by the body’s tissue-based cleansing functions. Furthermore, bifidobacteria produce substances, which enhance intestinal function and prevent constipation and diarrhea.

Acidophilus flourish in the small intestine where they assist in the production of enzymes. An article in Clinical Nutrition reports Lactobacillus acidophilus help to prevent the formation of carcinogenic growths in the intestinal tract. Further studies have confirmed the anti-carcinogenic and antitumor activity provided by these bacteria. Individuals having had antibiotic therapy, colonics, diarrhea, enemas or prolonged cleansing, which can reduce healthy intestinal flora, should consider probiotic supplementation. Furthermore, since acidophilus supply the greatest source of vitamin B12, those with anemia may find acidophilus supplements helpful, as sufficient levels of B12 are essential for proper utilization of iron in the body.

Each capsule of Bifidophilus-Flora Force contains 2.5 billion Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1 billion Bifidobacterium longum cultures, and 100mg of fructooligosaccharides (FOS)—a dietary fiber—in a base of carrot powder to assist proliferation of these bacteria. Cultures are freeze-dried to preserve viability and each capsule is enteric-coated so the contents will not be released until they reach the intestines. This product contains no corn, wheat, soy products, or preservatives. Store in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain viability of live bacteria.

For Adults - Bifidophilus (milk free) stock no 4100.

For Children - Herbasaurs Bifidophilus for Kids – stock no 3302.

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

Asthma and Sinusitis

Nature’s Sunshine has some excellent products, which help to alleviate the symptoms of asthma, hayfever and sinusitis. By reading excerpts from the detailed fact sheets available, you can decide whether any of these products may help your condition.

Fenugreek and Fennel Combination

Some of you may know this product by its former name, ALJ.

It is an excellent respiratory formula for relieving sinus and upper respiratory congestion associated with allergies. The combination of herbs improves digestion and helps reduce allergies and respiratory problems resulting from poor digestion. It is recommended for a number of uses including allergies, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, earaches, hay fever, insomnia, nasal drainage, respiratory tract infection, sinus congestion, and swollen glands.

The herbal combination is made up of boneset, fennel, fenugreek, horseradish and mullein.

Fenugreek and Fennel Combination – stock no 775

Fenugreek and Fennel Liquid Extract in an alcohol-free vegetable glycerin base especially suitable for children – stock no 3166

Astragulus and Aster Combination

This is a herbal combination that strengthens the lungs and immune system and enables the body to recuperate from illness. It is especially beneficial for dry, weakened respiratory conditions and poor digestive function.

It contains Chinese herbs that improve circulation, dilate the bronchioles for easier breathing, increase the production of mucosal fluids to moisten dry and inflamed tissues, and relax muscle spasms to suppress coughing. It also promotes expectoration, reduces fever, calms the nerves, and fights infection, particularly where there is chronic respiratory weakness.

Astragulus and Aster Combination is often recommended for asthma, body aches/pains, chronic bronchitis, chest constriction/pain, chronic coughs, debility, fatigue, fever, irritability, liver problems, poor appetite, respiratory congestion/infection, sore throat, thirst, tuberculosis, and wheezing.

Astragulus and Aster Combination – stock no 1887

Burdock and Parsley Combination

This is a herbal decongestant and expectorant which helps soothe lung and sinus inflammation and fights infection. The herbal combination clears sinus congestion, expels excess mucus, shrinks swollen tissues, lowers fever, and relaxes muscle spasms to control coughing. It does not cause drowsiness like many over-the-counter decongestants.

Burdock and Parsley Combination is recommended for allergies, asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, pleurisy, rhinitis, sinus headache, sinus infection, sinusitis, and sore throat.

Burdock and Parsley Combination – stock no 1244

Here are some testimonials written about the effectiveness of these products.

HAY FEVER FREE !!!

I started suffering with hay fever thirteen years ago and each year it got worse. I used all of the well known products that are available from my pharmacy for hay fever and was using two inhalers for my asthma. I was also using a spray for my nose and drops for my eyes. Day trips or barbecues during the summer were very unpleasant. I would look and feel unwell.

It was then that my mother started to take Nature's Sunshine Products to help her lose weight and she was about to place a repeat order when she noticed that there was a product available called Burdock & Parsley Combination that contained a combination of herbs that have been used to help with the effects of hay fever.

I started to take them last year and although I was still taking some of my usual medication I noticed a considerable difference. This year I started to take Burdock & Parsley Combination when I started to get my first symptoms. I took it four times a day and increased my dosage to six a day as my symptoms increased.

I am now only on six tablets a day and using no other medication at all. I can sleep with my window open at night and don't have to use my asthma inhalers at all.

Thanks to Nature’s Sunshine I can now do normal things that other people take for granted, without the discomfort that hay fever causes.

I am now hay fever FREE.

Miss D Sansom -Notts

ASTHMA

Being an asthma sufferer and wanting to try the natural approach I decided to call the experts at Nature’s Sunshine for free advice. They suggested I try Dandelion and Purslane Combination together with Fenugreek and Fennel Combination. I ordered the liquid extract for both these products. As soon as I started taking them my nasal passages cleared and I haven’t used my pump ever since. I still get bunged up and congested when I forget to take the Fenugreek and Fennel Combination so I know it works. In fact, everything I’ve tried from Nature’s Sunshine has worked for me. I think they’re excellent products.

Vivienne Lloyd, Treorchy.

ASTHMA in BABIES

Paula's seven-month-old baby had always suffered with a cold and asthma.

Paula herself had had several courses of anti-biotics so she was advised to take Bifidophilus, because her stomach was swollen and she was constipated. Both of these problems disappeared. Because Paula was breast-feeding, the baby also benefited. She also put the baby on Nature’s Sunshine Herbasaurs Liquid Multi Vitamins and Minerals and he started to sleep at night and his breathing was better. Paula was so much happier and a lot less tired.

Marlene Williams - Somersham

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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.