As in March, I am now in the middle of a Chinese Cleanse. You could call it ‘an end of the summer spring clean’, clearing out the toxins ready to have maximum absorption of nutrients to boost my immune system for the coming winter months. It’s also advisable to start dry skin brushing and exfoliating, if you don’t already do this. During the summer our bodies are more exposed to the sun and air, drying our skin whether we like it or not, so it’s always a good idea to get rid of the dead cells which will increase the elimination of toxins.

Some people ask me how have Nature’s Sunshine products improved my health. Well, the simple answer is I’ve got much more energy than I used to in my mid-twenties and I now do an awful lot more! I’ve taken vitamins in the past bought from health food shops that were synthetic, but I’ve never felt so good since taking Nature’s Sunshine’s organic products. And combined with their skincare range, my skin is clearer, and I just love their chemical-free make-up.

If you’d like to see the make-up and skincare range, then come along to the National Meeting on Sunday 17 September. You’ll be able to talk to Peter Klein the herbalist, get a discount on all the products, and meet Mr Motivator! It’s a fun day for everyone – and it’s FREE! Just give me a call if you’re interested and I’ll send you the directions to the Hilton Hotel in Coventry. It’s not difficult to find.

Lynne Gully

DID YOU KNOW…?

• Too much phosphorous is bad for our bones. It is present in fizzy drinks and processed foods, which is worrying given the amount consumed by children. Researchers say there may be an epidemic of osteoporosis in later generations because of fizzy drinks, since children may never attain a good bone mass by the age of thirty-five.

• The lack of periods for six months or more at any time in a woman’s life will increase the risk of osteoporosis.

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The Importance of Water

I recently bought a book entitled Your Body’s Many Cries for Water by Dr F Batmanghelidj. The result of his research is that dehydration can cause health problems such as hypertension, asthma, arthritis, migraine headaches, chronic constipation, chronic fatigue, high cholesterol, obesity and many other conditions.

Thinking that tea, coffee, alcohol and manufactured beverages are desirable substitutes for water is a catastrophic mistake. These drinks contain water but they also contain dehydrating agents that get rid of the water they are dissolved in, plus some more water from the reserves of the body! A dry mouth is an obvious sign of dehydration, but as Dr Batmanghelidj explains, this signal is the last outward sign of extreme dehydration. Water regulates all functions of the body and it transports hormones, chemical messengers and nutrients to the vital organs.

Nature’s Sunshine always recommends drinking water as part of a healthy regime. In addition to providing herbs and vitamins that have helped many people’s health problems, they also adopt a thoughtful, preventive approach to healthcare. Many children never drink water, having become too used to the taste of coke and drinks with artificial sweeteners that may themselves be harmful. Most adults start the day with a cup of tea or coffee, which is fine as long as you realise that your body also needs pure water on a regular basis throughout the day.

Two litres of water every day is the recommended amount, which can include herbal teas. So when you are taking your herbs and vitamin supplements make sure you take them with a large glass of water, followed by another glass of water. This will at least give you a head start towards drinking the recommended daily amount.

Key System Products

Since I’ve just completed a Chinese Cleanse I thought it would be a good idea to cover the Intestinal System this month. I have met many people who suffer with bowel problems – it seems to be quite a common complaint - so this information may be of benefit to someone you know.

The Elimination Process

Basically, the body needs material for growth, repair, heat and energy, and these materials are supplied by the foods we eat. But what happens to the waste material? Undigested food in liquid form flows from the small intestine into the large intestine where most of the water content and mineral salts are absorbed back into the body. The semi-solid waste remaining is still about 60% water and between 10 % and 30% bacteria, with the rest being indigestible cellulose material, dead cells and other waste materials. The smooth muscular walls of the colon contract to move waste through it. This may take up to 24 hours or longer, depending greatly on the amount of roughage present. That’s why the lack of fibre in your diet may lead to infrequent bowel movements, constipation or even diarrhoea.

Key System Product – Bowel Build

Specifically designed to nutritionally support the intestinal system, Bowel Build is a food for the gastro-intestinal tract, providing necessary nutrients for proper digestion and intestinal function. Rich in vitamins and minerals, Bowel Build contains antioxidants, bulking agents, beta-carotene, zinc, psyllium hulls, kelp and chlorophyll.

Those of you with a bowel disorder will realise the importance of a healthy diet:

• Fats and animal ingredients are the hardest for the body to digest, so try to cut them out of your diet completely, especially red meat

•  Avoid dairy products for the same reason. I drink soya milk and my nieces drink goat’s milk as alternatives

• Reduce your saturated fat intake drastically

• Reduce your coffee and alcohol consumption

• Most importantly, eat more soluble fibre since it helps push faecal matter through the colon and regulates intestinal contractions. (It is also known to lower blood cholesterol levels, thus helping to reduce the risk of heart attacks).

Nature’s Sunshine LoClo is the perfect source for your daily fibre intake. (I add some to my SynerProtein drink). It contains fibre from five different sources as well as the nutritious SynerPro natural base of vitamins, herbs and minerals, making it more effective. With LoClo you’re not just getting fibre, but many important nutrients too.

Nature’s Sunshine has a whole range of products for the intestinal system. Here are just a few of them:

Bowel Build                         Stock No. 2857
Chinese Tiao He Cleanse      Stock No. 4000
LoClo                                  Stock No. 1346
Aloe Vera Juice                    Stock No. 1680
Cascara Sagrada (Capsules) Stock No. 170
Cascara Sagrada (Vegitabs) Stock No. 172
Slippery Elm (Capsules)       Stock No. 670

Your Letters

Many thanks for your letters and testimonials. Here are two of them. Please keep sending them to me, together with your comments or questions.

I have been suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for many years. My doctor told me that there was nothing he could do for me. After speaking to Nature’s Sunshine herbalist, Peter Klein, I tried Slippery Elm, Bowel Build and Aloe Vera Juice. I started to feel better after about two weeks and now, three months later, I can honestly say that for the first time in many years I am enjoying a more normal life. People who suffer from this complaint will understand what this means, which is why I decided to write. I am very thankful of NSP for all their wonderful products and would recommend the products I have been using for IBS to anyone.

Leiloo Hassan, Middlesex

I have suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for the past ten years, but since starting to take Bowel Build three months ago the symptoms have been greatly reduced. The discomfort and lethargy are a thing of the past and my advice to anyone with the same complaint is give it a try. If you feel as uncomfortable as I did and it works for you, life can only get better!

Liz Allen, West Midlands

Editor’s Note: If you’ve tried any of the intestinal system products that have worked for you then tell us about them. Success stories like these give hope to others who are suffering and may feel that their condition will be with them forever. With Nature’s Sunshine anything’s possible! So please share your success with us.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Nature’s Sunshine National Meeting

Date:    Sunday 17 September 2000

Time:   12pm – 5pm

Venue: The Hilton Hotel, Coventry

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.