IN THIS ISSUE

Daily Dose    
Preventing Holiday Sweet Overload




ANNIVERSARY SALE 
20% off storewide

 

 

The Perfect Gift    

Estrogen and Its Impact on Our Bodies 

   Brenda Houdlette   

Dear Friends:

It is hard to believe that we opened our doors to all of you 3 years ago on November 17, 2008. As many of you may recall, that was a very exciting (read scary) time to be opening a brand new business - Lehman had just failed, the banking crisis had begun and the economy was in a nosedive.

Entrepreneurial businesses live or die based on the conviction of their owners and their passion for their mission. Our business has been no different. Apothecary by Design has not only survived - we are thriving. We fundamentally believed (and thankfully so have you) that there was a better model of pharmacy patient care. In some ways that model reflects the neighborhood pharmacies of old with personal relationships and individualized consultation; while in other ways it is the model for the future with clinically appropriate integration of alternative and conventional therapies and the careful coordination of care between the patient, the health care provider and the pharmacy.

In the spirit of thanksgiving and as we approach our 3rd anniversary we would like to take this moment to thank you for your support. We are so appreciative of the friends and family you have referred to us
- entrusted them to our care. We were also so heartened to read the results from the survey we sent out in September and grateful to all whom took a moment to complete it. We were overwhelmed with
your kind comments, but also took to heart all suggestions made. We look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with all of you. Please enjoy this month's newsletter and take advantage of our anniversary sale to stock up on items you need, stocking stuffers and gifts of health to family and friends for the holidays.
       

Happy Thanksgiving!      
The Apothecary by Design Team

These next few months of the year are often filled with friends, family, and good tidings. They are also  filled with sweets, treats, and sugar-laden snacks that can have a significant effect on blood sugar levels. The resulting insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar from holiday sweet overload has been linked to an increased risk of developing Type II diabetes (not to mention weight gain). As you begin being festive, consider these tips on how to prevent your sweet tooth from turning into a health danger. 

1. Plan Ahead
Here is some great advice from wellness expert James LaValle: "Develop a strategy for limiting your intake of high-carb, high-sugar foods in the coming weeks. For instance, before going to a party, curb your appetite with a higher-protein snack, a bowl of soup, or a cup of hot tea. Whenever possible, opt for higher-volume, lower-calorie foods, such as vegetables with bean dip and lower-sugar fruits and vegetables. Go ahead and enjoy your favorite dessert - but take a small piece and share it with your spouse or friend. Meanwhile, try to increase your exercise to rev up your insulin receptors and help your body better deal with the excess sugar you're almost certainly going to be eating." Read on here... 

2. Stregthen Your Adrenal Glands
Adrenal fatigue can impact the body's ability to handle stress and maintain healthy blood sugar levels so it's important to become aware of these glands and how they (and you) can become exhausted from poor diet/nutrition.

The adrenals are two small glands located above each kidney that produce hormones such as norepinephrine (adrenaline), DHEA and cortisol to help you handle physical, emotional and psychological stress. Low levels of DHEA and high levels of cortisol - brought on by stress - cause the body to store fat, lose muscle and slow the metabolic rate. And adrenaline is released to help you in stressful situations in which a burst of energy is required to help sustain you. Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances which directly impact the body's production and processing of insulin, ability to burn glucose and increase insulin resistance. These imbalances can contribute to a number of health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

So, what can you do to strengthen your adrenal glands? Eliminate sugar and processed carbohydrates. Focus on a low-glycolic diet that consists of whole foods such as organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. If you eat meat, make sure to choose the cleanest available sources. Reduce/eliminate caffeine consumption, reduce stress, and get plenty of rest. And consider taking an adrenal supplement. Come in to talk with our staff about which one may be right for you.  

3. Don't Eat Carbs in the Morning... 
It's good to consider the time of day that you eat carbohydrates because they have an impact on your blood sugar levels. First thing in the morning, when cortisol levels are often high, your appetite increases. Your body reads the high levels of cortisol as a time to refuel and your body may urge you to stock up on the foods it thinks will be most useful after all that 'activity' - carbohydrates (like sugar) and fats. It's best instead to avoid carbs and gluten and to store up on protein-rich foods such as smoothies/shakes, eggs and veggies. 

4. ...Eat Carbs Instead at Night. (Just Make Good Choices)
In the evening, your body is in rest and restore mode (rather than fight or flight/refuel mode) and it's a good time to eat healthy carbohydrates. The key is simply to avoid processed carbs and to make good choices...eat a bowl of oatmeal with fruit before you head out to your next party so you can steer clear of the sweets. Incorporate brown rice or quinoa into your daily dinners.  

5. Add Resvertarol to Your Healthy Diet and Exercise Plan
Consider adding a glass of wine, a bunch of grapes, or a square of dark chocolate into your eating regimine. A recent study found that a substance called resveratrol (found in all three above) may lower blood glucose-and even extend life. Dutch researchers reported in the journal Cell Metabolism that a daily 150-milligram dose of resveratrol lowered blood pressure as well as blood glucose levels and liver fat in obese men after 30 days. The study was small and research is still ongoing but those with type II diabetes may be among the first to benefit from the findings. Diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by insulin resistance and 30 study subjects showed signs of improved insulin sensitivity after 30 days of resveratrol.  

Exercise and healthy eating habits overall are still crucial to lowering risk for diabetes and maintaining health with the disease but when deciding which desserts to enjoy, you may opt for a glass of red wine or a piece of dark chocolate over the eggnog and cheesecake for added benefits. 

6. Take The Universal Antioxidant - Alpha-Lypoic Acid
Alpha-lypoic acid is an antioxidant that is made by the body and found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. It is considered the universal antioxidant due to its unique ability to neutralize free radicals--waste products created when the body turns food into energy. Free radicals cause harmful chemical reactions that can damage cells in the body, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. They also damage organs and tissues.

Alpha-lypoic acid works effectively throughout all tissues and in all areas of the human body - both in water and fat. Its antioxidant abilities may limit development of diabetic complications. It increases muscle-cell glucose uptake (bringing blood sugar down) and also increases insulin sensitivity in those with type II diabetes (making insulin work better.) What's more, alpha-lypoic acid may help another diabetes-related condition called autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves and internal organs. Consider adding the beneficial supplement to your daily routine and come chat with us to learn more!

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

 
From November 15th - December 15th, save 20% on ALL nutraceuticals.

PLUS save on our skin care line, cookbooks, mom and baby products, mens products and more.

 It's the perfect time to begin your holiday shopping and save!  

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LORRIE LALLIBERTE, PA-C & ROBERT COBURN | NOVEMBER 15 | 6:30 p.m.