Ten Nutrients for the New Year

Welcome to 2008!!
I can't believe it's already here, but writing 2008 on things is coming naturally, so I think its' going to be a great year. We had a great year in 2007--rearranged the store, changed our name, brought in lots of new products and generally had a very successful year. We want to thank all of our loyal customers--we couldn't do it without you!!

Our article this month is called "Ten Nutrients for the New Year" and suggests ten top easy and safe ways to promote and maintain good health. Take a look to see if there is something missing in your diet that might be remedied by these quick, easy additions.

If your vice is sugar, like me, please come to our January program "Beating the Sugar Blues" to learn how to make healthier choices with alternatives that will not make you feel deprived. Check out our new product section below for new items to help with weight loss if that is one of your goals for the new year. We also have a program in February that addresses what seems to be one of the most common complaints among our customers--a lack of restful sleep. Please join us at "Restoring Sleep Naturally" to improve your slumber. We hope to see you there!

Here's to your Health!
Lynn Bednar

Fucothin by Garden of Life

Fucothin supports the burning of fat in white adipose tissue, including belly fat, with a compound called fucoxanthin, found in seaweed. Fucoxanthin is carotenoid like lutein or lycopene and is a powerful antioxidant. It works by stimulating thermogenesis, or fat-burning, without stimulating the nervous system and causing sleep and other issues. Customer recommended!

Bite by Bite (CD)

Geneen Roth had been on a diet or binge every day for 20 years when she decided it was time to change her relationship with food. This talk CD will guide you through seven eating guidelines that will eliminate the need for diets permanently. Use this step-by-step program to help you determine what you are really hungry for and change the way you relate to food.

Grateful Body D-Congest/Rx

Two synergistic formulas in one box for bronchial, sinus and lymph congestion, colds, cough and stuffiness. One formula is an oil-based, topical rub and the other is a spray mist that you inhale. Clear, calm and drain the nasal passages and soothe the bronchial passageways. Uses organic and wild-crafted herbs including pleurisy root, cowslip root, astragalus, white horehound, horseradish root, cherry bark and more.

Activitist's Corner:
Stop Congress from Restricting Access to DHEA

Your access to DHEA is in jeopardy! The Senate is considering a bill, S. 762, to classify DHEA as an anabolic steroid, adding it to the list of controlled substances and removing it from the market. H.R. 1249 is the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. Your immediate help is needed to keep this safe and effective dietary supplement legal and accessible.

DHEA is not an anabolic steroid. It is a naturally occurring hormone that has a wide range of benefits, including maintaining muscle strength and strong bones, boosting immunity, and improving mood and sleep patterns. Further studies suggest that DHEA may be helpful for such conditions as obesity, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. DHEA dietary supplements, which have been on the market for over 20 years, are derived from a plant in the wild yam family (Click here for more information.)

We need your help to keep DHEA legal. Send a message to Congress asking your Senators and Representative to oppose S. 762 and H.R. 1249 and any amendment to restrict access to DHEA to minors. Congress should not restrict access to a dietary supplement that has given health to millions of Americans. Take action now!

Beating The Sugar Blues

Wednesday, January 23, 7:00 pm

Are you constantly craving sweets and don't know why? Join Alyse Rynor, LCSW, and Certified Holistic Health Counselor to learn why you crave sugar and the steps to take to break free of your sugar cravings. Gain control without the need for major willpower or deprivation! Start feeling healthier right away by making healthy replacements that satisfy your real cravings. You can check out Alyse's website at www.alyserynor.com.

To RSVP, email us at info@walshnaturalhealth.com

Restoring Sleep Naturally

Thursday, February 28

Having trouble sleeping? Join Archana Lal-Tabak, M.D. and husband Jim Lal-Tabak, Certified Yuen Energy Practitioner and Yoga Instructor for an eye opening (and closing!) look at natural methods of restoring sleep with homeopathy, herbs, aromatherapy, nutrition, hormone balancing, yoga postures and more! Learn about the daily circadian routine and sleep cycles to help get the most out of your sleep. Feel refreshed and energized each day as you employ these methods that are without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Learn more about Archana and Jim's practice at Heart of Transformation Yoga and Wellness Center.

Feature Article: Ten Nutrients for the New Year

Each of us could use a boost in our nutrition due to the lack of availability of fresh, nutritious food while we are on the go, the depleted levels of the soil in which much of our food is grown, and the diligence and education it takes to really do what's best for our bodies. We all know that locally grown foods, good variety in our diets and most importantly, exercise, are crucial to our overall health. At Walsh, we believe in doing these things, but also understand that life's stresses get in the way at times and that our diets and the way we take care of ourselves can be less than perfect. Supplements can be a useful part of a nutritious diet to "fill in the gaps" and make sure we are giving ourselves the best edge for maintaining and promoting good health.

Below are some of the top nutrients that we believe will help you live a healthier life and that are very safe for the large majority of people. If you are dealing with a serious illness, you should consult your health care practitioner and decide together what your regimen should be in terms of nutrition and supplements.

Food for the Mind

Okay, it's not really a nutrient, but one of the best things I can suggest for someone who is trying to live a healthier life is to get either a general book about a variety of health conditions that helps you to learn about natural remedies or get a new cookbook that focuses on healthier ways of eating. The former is a great reference that you can consult on anything you come up against, be it a cold, acute stress, eczema, menstrual issues, arthiritis, or anything else. Three great books we have here at the store that I would suggest keeping at your fingertips are Prescription For Natural Cures, Smart Medicine For Healthier Living and Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child.

Many of us don't eat well because we don't have time to cook or don't really know what healthy eating is. We have gotten accustomed to eating packaged, frozen, fried, simple carbohydrate-laden, and generally Un-food kind of foods! A great way to cure this is to get a book about foods and use it as a guide to experiment. Many of the books have not only information on the healing qualities of certain foods, but also have recipes to try that are simple and easy to prepare. Some great books we have here at the store are:

The World's Healthiest Foods
Healing With Whole Foods
The Ethical Gourmet
Food and Healing
A Cookbook for All Seasons

A High Quality Multivitamin

A multivitamin should be taken by anyone and everyone! It takes real work to get absolutely everything we need from food unless you have loads of time to devote to searching for and preparing your food. In addition, many of the foods we eat are devoid of the kind of broad nutrition that our bodies need. Taking a high quality multi will ensure that all of your base nutrients are met and that the cells can do their job with an adequate level of nutrients. Certain nutrients like magnesium are involved in so many biochemical reactions that if they are in short supply it interferes with bodily function in numerous ways. The absolute best vitamins are those that are food-based as they are absorbed well into the system and recognized as food by the body. We do, though, also carry a number of very good vitamins made from isolates.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's, a.k.a fish oils, flax, etc.)

Contrary to what the low-fat craze would have us believe, the some fats are good for you!! EFA's increase the absorption of vitamins and minerals, nourish the skin, hair and nails, promote proper nerve functioning, help make hormones, reduce inflammation, and ensure normal growth and development. Fish oils and flaxseed or flax oil are common ways to increase our intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which the American diet lacks. Omega-3's are important to maintaining heart health and cognitive function, as well as improving mood and nourishing the skin.

GLA (gamma linoleic acid) is also commonly missing in the diet (or poorly converted into its usable form) and can be supplemented with black currant oil, evening primrose oil or borage oil. GLA is known to be effective in treating a number of women's issues including hot flashes, PMS, endometriosis and many skin and neurological issues, as well as respiratory illness.

Fish oils should only be taken with coumadin or other blood thinners if you first consult your physician since the fish oils can enhance the blood-thinning effect. For this reason it is not recommended that you take fish oils directly preceding surgery as it can result in excess bleeding.

Probiotics

Healthy bacteria is essential to the proper functioning of the digestive system and therefore crucial to making sure our bodies absorb the nutrients we need, get rid of waste efficiently and have a healthy immune response. Healthy bacteria fights pathogens in our system, including excessive yeast. Probiotics can be taken by almost anyone and are sure to improve overall health. The primary culprits to an imbalance in the healthy bacteria that inhabits our gut include previous illness, the use of antibiotics and environmental factors. The most common strains are lactobacillus acidophilous and bifidobacterium, which live mainly in the upper and lower intestinal tract, respectively. Probiotics can be taken in powder or capsule form and can require refridgeration or not. The refridgerated types are generally more active, but the non-refridegerated type is a good substitute if you are travelling or for some other reason don't have access to a refridgerator. Fermented drinks such as Kombucha or kefir are also an excellent source of probiotics.

Vitamin D

The "sunshine vitamin" has recently taken center stage with researchers who are now, more than ever, promoting the vitamin's positive effect on immune function, bone health, and even calling it cancer-protective. Scientists have upped their recommneded level of supplementation of this vitamin in recent studies, calling for up to 2000 IU's per day, particularly for the elderly and those living in northern climates. It is even thought that children can benefit from some vitamin D supplementation. Part of the reason so many Americans are so deficient in vitamin D is the lack of exposure to sunlight due to concerns over skin cancer. About 15-30 minutes of sun 3 days per week may actually be very healthy for you, but many fear the harmful effects of the sun or don't live in a climate where it is possible to get adequate exposure to the sun. Supplementation of this important vitamin is a great way to fill in the gaps.

CoQ10

This nutrient is an essential component of the mitochondria, the energy producing unit of the cells of our body. It is akin to the spark plug in an engine as it manufactures ATP, the energy currency of all body processes. CoQ10 deficiency is more common as we age and some level of supplementation can benefit nearly anyone over 40. It can help with sore muscles, as well as athletic performance. CoQ10 is especially beneficial in the prevention of heart disease and cancer due to its major contribution to energy production and its potency as an antioxidant.

A Greens Blend

Greens supplements are good for a variety of reasons including detoxification, nutrient content, and energy production. Greens formulas contain natural antioxidants to prevent the "rusting" of the cells and provide a host of vitamins. A greens blend is a great regimen for someone who has trouble finding healthy food on the go, or who is just not a fruit and vegetable aficionado. Greens formulas can be found in both capsule and powdered form. Two of my favorites are New Chapter's Berry Green with 40 organic fruits and vegetables and Ortho Molecular's Deeper Greens.

A B-Complex

B vitamins are important to a number of body processes, most notably in managing stress and producing energy. B vitamins are water soluble (i.e. not stored in your body's fat cells), so there is no great concern for overdoing them. Your body will excrete what it does not need. B vitamins are vital for fatty acid metabolism, skin health, memory, the manufacture of adrenal hormones and red blood cells, heart health, the synthesis of DNA and the conduction of nerve signals.

Time for Yourself

Probably the most overlooked component to healthy living today, giving time to ourselves to recharge is vital to health. What recharges you? A walk on the beach, dinner with friends, a glass of red wine, soothing music, reading a good book, a beautiful scented candle, a bath, etc., etc., etc. Pick your passion! Recharging is an essential part of health. Say no to one "obligation" and yes to one recharging activity per week. It's much easier than it sounds.

Natural or Organic Body Care Products

A hidden source of many problems with our health relate to some of the chemicals that are put into our body care products. It is a problem not only because our skin absorbs about 70% of what is put onto it, but also because it is being washed down our drains and getting into or rivers and streams. Many compounds that are used in skin care products are petroleum by-products, known carcinogens, disrupt our hormones, and/or actually work against the natural make-up of our skin. We are not just talking about lotions and shampoos, but also toothpaste, shaving cream, perfume and cologne, hair dyes, nail polish, face creams, deodorants, soap and sunscreen.

How can this happen? The problem is that there is currently no governmental body that regulates these products, so manufacturer's can put whatever they want in them. Certain substances like parabens, which are preservatives used to keep mold and other fungus out of products, have been found in breast tumor tissue. Pthalates, often disguised under the term "fragrance" in skin care products, are known to cause problems to the male reproductive system, including the feminizing of the reproductive organs. If that isn't enough to discourage you, many of the products actually work against the fatty acid profile of the skin and in the long run do little to nourish the skin.

The marketing of skin care products is confusing to consumers because the word "organic or organics" can be used in a trade name and imply nothing about product cleanliness or quality. In addition, there is no standard for what may be called "natural". The Environmental Working Group, a consumer watchdog organization, has a database of over 15,000 skin care products (see ewg.org/skindeep) that they evaluate for safety. Walsh carries several of the most highly rated, cleanest products out there including Dr. Hauschka, Grateful Body, Suki and Weleda. They use pure essential oils instead of syntheic fragrances, and also use high quality moisturizing oils like jojoba, almond, peanut, olive and others that match the fatty acid profile of the skin and help to nourish it.

Sooo...

Fill in the gaps! If you are fruit and vegetable challenged, take a greens supplement. If you need help with cholesterol, joint stiffness or cognitive function, go for the fish oils or other omega-3's. If you struggle with heart problems or need help with energy, try adding CoQ10. If stress management is your issue, go for the B's. And so on! We hope that you've gained some valuable information to add something to your diet that you're currently missing!