|
Product Specials
"LINE DRIVES"
20% off
Dr. Hauschka Skin Care
15 % off
30 % off
Carlson Super Two Daily Multi |
|
|
Treat Yourself for Mother's Day!
I personally have a tradition of buying myself a wonderful present for Mother's Day. I don't want to be disappointed about not being appreciated in the grand way that I deserve, due to my many years of selfless service. A perfect treat for you (and me) is to take better care of your skin.
We have a great opportunity for you to learn more about natural skin care. Thursday evening, April17th, two Dr. Hauschka pros will be here at the store, their area rep and a certified esthetician. These products combine the finest quality natural ingredients and effectiveness and are a terrific way to spoil yourself. A rep from Flora will also be here to talk about their incredible new rejuvenating cream , Flor Essence, with antioxidant and renewal properties. Suki and Grateful Body, two lines that are very highly rated by EWG, will also be represented by our own Theresa.
This event coincides with Central Street's Retail Therapy Night where there will be lots of other events, and places to find yourself additional gifts! See below for more details and stop by for some fun and refreshments!
Here's to your Health!
Lynn Bednar
|
|
 Flor Essence Rejuvenating Cream
Try this new, specialized herbal formula for complete skin renewal! Ideal for all skin types, this non-greasy cream will hydrate dry skin, provide healthy oils to maintain appropriate oil balance in the skin, and renew damaged skin cells. Soothing and comforting, it is an amazing combination of herbs and essential oils to help heal and maintain the skin. No synthetic fragrances, no parabens and very therapeutic! |
 Dr. Hauschka Holistic Home Remedies
These new homeopathic medicines are based on an integrated approach to health and healing. They transform biodynamic plants, natural minerals, pure metals and other natural substances into unique healing remedies for common complaints. Choose from Ouch! Arnica Aid Compresses, Arnica Bump & Bruise Relief, Calendula Wound Cleanser, Mercurialis Wound Rescue, Agropyron Cold Relief, Apis Belladonna Throat Rescue, Nicotiana Cramp Relief, and Borage Varicose Vein Relief. |
 Alaffia Body and Hair Care
The finest quality, fair trade, unrefined, wild harvested African shea butter is at the heart of these new products for body and hair care. Shea butter is prized for its moisturizing and protective qualities and is known to heal sun damage, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, treat burns and scars, and help with a myriad of skin conditions. Other prime ingredients indigenous to Africa are used such as virgin coconut oil, virgin cocoa butter, red palm oil, wild African honey and West African neem. All products are free of parabens, use no petroleum products for extraction and contain only unrefined oils made in small batch production. Yummy to the touch and good for you!
|
|
Natural News You Can Use: China Raw Materials Testing Underway
Continuing its strong support of the naturals industry, the Natural Products Association (of which we are a member), now offers a program for testing Chinese raw materials for purity and composition. U.S. manufacturers can test the quality of Chinese raw materials prior to shipment, and members have access to a database of suppliers' test results for consideration when making contractual decisions. We, as purchasers of the end product, can be assured that we are giving you safe, effective ingredients by way of this program.
The program is well underway, and currently, manufacturers and brokers sourcing vitamin A, beta-carotene, CoQ10, and chondroitin sulfate sodium from China can now assure their customers these ingredients are quality, safe ingredients tested by the Natural Products Association. Additional materials will be tested in the coming year. |
|
| |
|
 Natural Skin Care NightThursday, April 17th
6:00-9:00 pm
Join Dr. Hauschka pros Jessica Klemz, Rep, and Certified Hauschka Esthetician Kate Lubeck for a look at one of the best natural skin care lines on the market, combining quality ingredients with effectiveness. They will be available to talk with you about the cosmetics, body care and make-up and how they may work best for you. A rep from Flora will also be available to talk about their new Flor Essence Rejuvenating Cream, an incredible herbal formula for the face. Our own Theresa will be available to talk with you about the Suki and Grateful Body lines. Both lines are very highly rated by EWG (Environmental Working Group), use high quality essential oils, base oils, and herbs. Suki has also been featured recently in fashion mags like Vogue and Elle. Learn to take better care of your skin!!
|
|
Restoring Sleep Naturally
Thursday, May 15th
7 pm
 This great evening has been rescheduled! Having trouble sleeping? Join Archana Lal-Tabak, M.D. and husband Jim Lal-Tabak, Certified Yuen Energy Practioner and Yoga instructor, for an eye opening (and closing!) look at natural methods of restoring restful 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 side effects! Learn more about Archana and Jim's practice at the Heart of Transformation Yoga and Wellness Center. |
 Feature Article: Managing Type II and Pre-diabetes Naturally
Type II diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, with as many as 21 million Americans being affected by this disease. While Type I diabetics do not produce insulin, Type II diabetics produce insulin, but it is not properly used by the body. This type of diabetes used to mainly occur in older individuals and is sometimes called "diet-related" diabetes. It is characterized by "insulin resistance", a condition of high blood sugar (glucose) levels and high insulin levels.
Insulin resistance usually occurs after many cycles that go something like this: 1) you eat refined sugars or carbohydrates that cause a major spike in blood sugar (glucose) levels 2) your body produces a large amount of insulin, the hormone that helps reduce blood sugar 3) the body overestimates the amount of insulin needed and actually causes a condition of low blood sugar 4) you crave refined sugars and carbohydrates for a quick fix to upping your blood sugar, and on and on. Instead of step 4, the adrenals can respond by setting off a stress response which will cause glucose to be released by the liver, but this is not desirable either since the adrenals can become taxed by repeating this response. Insulin resistance means that the body can eventually become "resistant" to the insulin you produce, and therefore it no longer helps reduce your blood sugar. High blood sugar causes numerous unfavorable inflammatory conditions in the body and can lead to atherosclerosis, kidney disease and failure, retinopathy, nerve tingling and pain, and poor healing of wounds.
High insulin levels increase fat formation and storage and actually inhibit fat breakdown. This makes it easy to gain weight and very difficult to lose weight. High insulin enhances sodium reabsorption from the kidneys, thus promoting water retention and hypertension. This is the reason that being overweight and having diabetes are so closely related.
Type II diabetes is not typically diagnosed until the resting glucose level is over 140, but a really healthy resting glucose is 75-80 (with anything in the 80's also considered acceptable). Insulin levels of 0-5 are very healthy, with 5-10 being borderline and over 10 being a problem. This leaves a wide gap in the area between being diagnosed with the disease and having a condition that could eventually lead you to develop it. It is estimated that as many as 100 million Americans now have pre-diabetes, a condition characterized by the "space between" really healthy levels of glucose and insulin and full-blown diabetes. The really concerning factor is that children as young as 7 are now being diagnosed with this condition and if something is not done, full-blown Type II diabetes will most likely be in their future. This has lead researchers and doctors to identify people as being pre-diabetic if they fall in this in between space where they have a great risk of having diabetes in the future. Fortunately, most people who are pre-diabetic can still reverse the condition with the use of proper diet, exercise and the use of supplements.
The dietary causes of pre-diabetes are too many sugars and sugar-like carbs, too many calories, too many trans fats, too many refined omega-6 oils, and too many deficiencies of the nutrients required for proper glucose and insulin control. White flour and refined sugars can cause the spikes in blood sugar that set off the cycle of too high/low blood sugar and the constant struggle our bodies have to go through to rebalance. This is especially true when the carbs or sugars are eaten in the absence of protein and/or fiber. Protein stabilizes and safely lowers blood sugar. Try eating a little protein with each meal. Some great foods that have protein but don't have any carbs are lean meats, cheese, and eggs. Other sources of protein without too many carbs are fermented soy products, legumes, and nuts and seeds. Fiber also helps lower blood sugar. Opt for whole grains if you feel you want to eat carbohydrates, rather than bread, pasta, rice or potatoes.
Trans fats are found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, which interfere with the body's processing of fats. Low quality vegetable oils such as corn and soy are rich in omega-6 fats, which compete for absorption with more healthy omega-3 fats found in flax and fish oils. All of these "bad guys", in terms of foods we should eat less of can be found in fast foods, processed foods, microwave foods and other"convenience" foods. I guess we need to start thinking about how convenient it is to eat foods that ultimately kill our energy and the function of our bodies.
Certain supplements can be used to help us regain control of our blood sugar and insulin levels. According to the sources consulted, the lower end of the recommended range is best for those experiencing mild blood sugar issues, while the higher end of the range is more appropriate as you approach full-blown Type II diabetes.
Chromium--is the number one mineral that is recommended for improving blood sugar levels and insulin function. 400 mcg to 1000 mcg daily are recommended.
Alpha-lipoic acid--has been used for years in Europe to improve insulin function and gradually lower blood sugar. It is also one of the most helpful supplements in treating diabetic nerve-related problems. 100 to 200 mg are recommended daily.
Cinnamon--lowers glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and utilization. You can take cinnamon as a tincture or in pill form, about 500 mg twice daily. If you prefer, just adding high quality cinnamon to your food daily, anywhere from a 1/4 teaspoon to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Biotin--a B vitamin that enhances the effect of chromium and alpha-lipoic acid in improving glucose tolerance. A range of 750-2000 mcg's is recommended.
Silymarin--an extract of the herb milk thistle, studies show that it can reduce blood sugar and insulin. A range of 100-200 three times daily is recommended.
Omega-3 fish oils--the DHA in omega-3 oils blocks the formation of fats, protect against atherosclerosis and augment insulin secretion.
Panax ginseng-- an herb that lowers glucose levels. Try 3 to 9 grams with meals.
Gymnema sylvestre-improves insulin production in the pancreas, as well as its ability to lower blood sugar. About 400 mg of a 25% standard extract per day.
Vitamin C--improves insulin sensitivity and is a potent antioxidant. Is at the core of all repair in the body, including tissue repair. Take up to 2000 mg daily.
Magnesium--is involved with insulin production and utilization. Take 500-1000 mg per day.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids--the important thing here is the GLA, the best sources of which are evening primrose oil, borage oil and black currant oil. Take 500 mg of GLA daily.
Bitter Melon--an herb that can help balance blood sugar. Try 5 ml of a tincture or 200 mg in capsule form, three times daily.
Vitamin E--improves insulin action and prevents cholesterol oxidation. Take 800-1200 IU's daily of a formula with mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols (forms of Vitamin E).
I want to reiterate that many of the symptoms of t ype II diabetes and pre-diabetes can be alleviated by changing your diet and getting regular exercise. The selection of herbs and other nutrients above can help when diet and exercise are not enough to bring the body back into balance. We encourage you to employ some of these to manage your condition instead of depending on prescription drugs, where appropriate. |
|
| |
