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Is It Possible To Eat Too Much Fruit?

By Markham Heid
June 6, 2018
Time Health

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was, briefly and famously, an ardent fruitarian—meaning he ate a diet composed primarily of fruit, which he believed would cleanse his body of harmful fluids. Just as famously, the actor Ashton Kutcher tried adopting Jobs fruit-centric diet, until he ended up in the hospital with an out-of-whack pancreas.

So is it bad for your health to eat a lot of fruit? Though a famous study from 1980 argued that based on the evolution of human jaws and teeth, our ancient ancestors used to eat a diet dominated by fruit, there’s not a lot of good evidence for or against fruit-heavy diets for modern humans. “There are some people out there who are fruitarians, and from what we can tell they’re perfectly healthy,” says Dr. Robert Lustig, a neuroendocrinologist and professor emeritus of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. (However, full-blown fruitarianism is so restrictive that it has been linked to nutritional deficiencies in some people, and may be unsafe for children and those with certain medical conditions, like diabetes.)

But for healthy adults, experts say that eating lots and lots of fruit is unlikely to get you into trouble, as long as it’s part of a normal diet.

The main concern with overeating fruit is its natural sugar. While fruit is certainly high in the sweet stuff, research has consistently linked whole fruit consumption to a reduced risk for obesity and other metabolic diseases, says Lustig, who is the author of Fat Chance, a book that examines the health risks associated with eating too much processed sugar. Whole fruit also has a few built-it advantages that seem to mitigate any sugar-driven health risks.

For one thing, whole fruit has both soluble and insoluble fiber. Together, these two fibers form a gel-like “latticework” on the inside of the duodenum in the small intestine, he says. That latticework prevents a significant portion of the fruit’s sugar from being absorbed early on during the digestive process. “Like stopping a tsunami wave by building an underwater wall, this gel barrier limits the rate of sugar absorption so that the liver is not overwhelmed,” Lustig explains.

Instead, the sugar and other components of fruit quickly move farther down the small intestine to the jejunum and ileum. While the early part of the digestive tract is largely free of bacteria, these later structures are home to trillions of gut microorganisms. “They ingest and metabolize more of the sugar, so again, even though you consumed it, you don’t absorb it,” he says.

Along with helping to control the absorption of fruit sugars, the combination of soluble and insoluble fiber in whole fruit also “greases the wheels” of digestion, Lustig says. Your gut signals to your brain that you’re full once the stuff you’ve eaten reaches your ileum. And because fruit fiber helps food molecules reach your ileum sooner, you tend to feel full more quickly after eating fruit than if you’d eaten foods lacking fiber. As a result, “fruit consumption is self-limiting, so the chances you will overeat fruit are relatively low,” he says.

Heavy fruit consumption may come with some downsides. “An excess of whole fruit can give you diarrhea,” says Dr. Adam Drewnowski, director of the Center for Public Health Nutrition at the University of Washington. The expense of whole fruit is also not inconsiderable. “People who want affordable fresh fruit are pretty much limited to bananas, oranges, apples, bananas, melon, pineapple,” he adds. Eating lots of berries would cost you a lot more, especially if you prefer organic.

One critical thing to keep in mind: Drinking fruit juice or fruit-based smoothies is not the same as eating whole fruits, and both of those beverages may pose a number of health risks. Some recent evidence, including one 2013 study from Harvard School of Public Health, has linked fruit juice to an increased risk for diabetes. While the evidence tying juiced and blended fruit to health problems is somewhat mixed, Lustig says both of these processes either remove or destroy the stringy bits of insoluble fiber that help limit the rapid absorption of sugar in the small intestine. “A smoothie is probably better than fruit juice or a soda, but you’ll still get a peak of insulin, which contributes to metabolic pathology,” he says.

Some fruits may be better to indulge in than others. Berries, though pricey, have been linked to both improved heart and brain health. And while some online sources give pineapple, bananas, and other so-called “tropical” fruits a bad rap—mostly because they’re higher in sugar than many domestic fruits—Lustig says they also tend to have proportionally high amounts of fiber, and so aren’t inherently dangerous.

There’s only one fruit he says may be worth watching out for: grapes. “Grapes are outliers in terms of their sugar-to-fiber ratio,” he says. “They’re basically little bags of sugar.” While he doesn’t recommend avoiding grapes entirely, they’re not the best fruit to overeat.

If you love whole fruit, there’s little evidence that indulging in it—even a whole lot of it—is bad for your health.

Berberine IR

Written By: Steven Horne

Berberine is an alkaloid found in many herbs traditionally used for fighting infection and improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a bright yellow color, which means some of the plants containing it have also been used as yellow dyes.

Berberine is a major component of the popular Western herbs goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris). It is also found in the two popularly used Chinese herbs, Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) and coptis or goldenthread (Coptis chinensis). Other plants containing this alkaloid include yerba mansa and yellowroot.
Although herbalists have benefited from these plants for many years, recent research into the properties of berberine has brought this compound to the attention of medical science. Here are some of the benefits showing up in the research.

Blood Sugar Regulation
Berberine has shown some benefits in the treatment of insulin resistant (type 2) diabetes. It helps to reduce blood glucose levels and appears to reduce insulin resistance. In one study, 36 adults who had been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were given berberine or the drug metformin. The berberine performed as well as the drug in lowering blood sugar.

Blood Lipid Regulation
High levels of blood fats (triglycerides) are typically associated with diabetes and its precursor, metabolic syndrome. High levels of these free fatty acids are known to be toxic to the pancreas and increase insulin resistance. Berberine has been shown to help lower triglycerides and cholesterol, working by a different method than statins, so it lacks the dangerous side effects associated with these drugs.

Infections
Plants containing berberine have been used by many cultures to treat infectious diarrhea, intestinal parasites, urinary tract infections and other infections. Berberine has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against many types of bacteria, viruses and fungi. For example, goldenseal has been listed in the official materia medica of many countries as a cure for giardia (amebic dysentery) and herbs like barberry have been very effective in treating fungal infections.

Intestinal Dysbiosis
Intestinal dysbiosis is an imbalance in the microbes living in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. One of these imbalances is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO causes belching, burping, acid indigestion about one hour following meals and bloating. SIBO is a primary cause of leaky gut syndrome and has been linked to numerous health problems, including acne, chronic fatigue, diabetes, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity. This does not mean that intestinal dysbiosis is the cause of all of these problems; it just means that it may be a contributing factor or a co-factor in these health problems. Helping to regulate the microbes in the GI tract may be part of the reason why berberine has such broad-reaching health benefits.

I have personally used it for this purpose and found it to be one of the most helpful remedies I’ve tried. It reduced gas, bloating and belching and also increased my overall energy.

MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria are problematic because they resist antibiotics. Berberine not only has activity against MRSA, it appears to help restore the effectiveness of other antibiotics by inhibiting the mechanisms these organisms use to resist the drugs.

Cardiovascular Health
By helping to reduce blood sugar and blood lipid levels, berberine is clearly beneficial to cardiovascular health. But, there is more. Studies suggest that berberine (or herbs containing it) may be helpful for heart problems. Coptis, one of the berberine-containing herbs, has been used in Chinese medicine to treat hypertension and chronic heart failure. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology in 2002 showed that patients being treated medically for congestive heart failure showed greater improvement when berberine was added to their program in comparison to a placebo. Exercise capacity improved, heart function improved and mortality was reduced. Berberine also appears to help lower blood pressure

Other Benefits
There is some researching suggesting that berberine (or herbs containing it) may be helpful in certain types of cancer, such as liver, breast and prostate cancer. Berberine also appears to have antidepressant activity, increasing norepinephrine and serotonin levels while lowering dopamine. It may also have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease.

Suggested Use
Berberine IR contains 335 mg. of berberine from Indian Barberry. Suggested use is one capsule three times daily. One can also obtain the benefits of berberine by taking herbs like goldenseal and Oregon grape.

Selected References
Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/)
Berberine supplement benefit, side effects by Ray Sahelian, M.D. (http://www.raysahelian.com/berberine.html)
Berberine hydrochloride: anticancer activity and nanoparticulate delivery system (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3173044/)
Berberine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berberine)


Berberine IR™ (90 Caps)  Stock Number: 1398

Turn cells from “idle” to “on” in the glucose metabolism process. Berberine IR also combats endotoxins, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Benefits:

  • Supports healthy glucose metabolism
  • Supports gut health to combat endotoxins

How It Works:

Glucose Metabolism Support

Berberine IR naturally supports healthy blood glucose levels by up-regulating enzymes that trigger blood glucose metabolism. Utilizing a time-honored ingredient found in both Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic formulas, Berberine IR works to support blood sugar balance and glucose metabolism through a unique cellular action. Berberine, a constituent of certain plants, helps activate a key enzyme that supports blood glucose metabolism, turning your cells from “idle” to “on” and helping them to use glucose efficiently.

Additionally, Berberine IR supports healthy gut performance to help combat endotoxins. High-carbohydrate diets change the microflora of the gut, increasing bacteria that produce endotoxins. These endotoxins are released into the bloodstream and interfere with normal glucose metabolism. Berberine specifically supports gut health by inhibiting the ability of endotoxins to bind to muscle cells, thus helping to support proper glucose metabolism function. Its unique mechanism of action makes Berberine IR an excellent option for those who wish to start or strengthen their glucose management regimen. Support your body’s ability to metabolize blood glucose with Berberine IR.

Ingredients: Berberine (Berberis aristata)

Recommended Use: Take 1 capsule three times daily before a meal.

Complementary Products:
CardioxLDL (60 caps) Stock #1195
Probiotic Eleven (90 caps) Stock #1510
Super Omega-3EPA (60 softgel caps) Stock #1515
COQ10 (100 mg) (60 softgel caps) Stock #4135

News from Nature’s Sunshine Products

NSP continues the fight to combat our competitive internet sales

NSP will offer the “buy 9, get 4 free”, etc specials less frequently. When they are offered, each account will be able to purchase only one of these. Although this may be disadvantageous to those who have retail storefronts, it will prevent the internet sellers from buying huge quantities of them and undercutting our prices when they advertise them.

 

Director of Training and Development for Distributors

Rebecca Trevino, a former NSP Manager and In.Form coach from Kentucky, has joined the NSP Corporate team. Coming from the field and knowing members needs, Rebecca plans to structure training events and webinars to follow a schedule so we know in advance how to plan our calendars and time commitments. Rebecca’s email is RebeccaT@natr.com.

 

Retiring from Nature’s Sunshine

Chairman and CEO Greg Probert will be retiring as CEO after transitioning his responsibilities to a successor to be identified by the Board of Directors. Greg will continue in his roles as CEO and chairman of the board, and as chairman will be deeply involved in the selection and on-boarding of his successor. The board of directors has engaged a leading national executive search firm to identify his successor as CEO. Upon transitioning his responsibilities to his successor, Greg will continue to serve as chairman of the company’s board. The newly appointed CEO will report directly to him.

“We are fortunate to have had Greg lead our incredible company over the last five years,” said Kristine Hughes, founder and member of the Board of Directors. Greg was appointed CEO in October 2013. He has served as executive chairman since January 2013. Prior to this, he served as executive vice chairman since June 2011, and served as an independent consultant to the company from October 2010 to June 2011.

“It has been a privilege serving Nature’s Sunshine over the last seven years, both on the board and as CEO,” Greg said. “I will remain committed to supporting our executive and governance teams to ensure we are well positioned to capitalize on all our opportunities. I look forward to continuing to serve this great company as we continue to drive value into the future.”

Dr. Matthew Tripp, Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Vice President of Research and Development for Nature’s Sunshine Products, retired on May 4. During the past five years, Dr. Tripp made many mind-blowing contributions to Nature’s Sunshine, including the founding of the Hughes Center for Research and Innovation, which under Matt’s guidance created patent-pending groundbreaking products, such as AnxiousLess and Equolibrium…all incredible products! In announcing Matt’s retirement, Greg Probert said, “I appreciate the many contributions Dr. Tripp has made over the past five years. The strong foundation Dr. Tripp has built in our R&D organization will allow us to continue our commitment to providing the highest quality, most efficacious products in the world. Please join me in thanking Matt for his incredible contributions to our company and wishing him all the best in his retirement.”

Dick & Joy consider Matt and his wife Debbie friends as well as colleagues. We will miss the personal times we shared together on I.Inspire trips and in Utah. His replacement will definitely have some big shoes to fill! We are sure you join us in wishing Matt and Debbie all the best in their next ventures.

Herbal First Aid Kit

Written By: Steven Horne

People don’t get sick or injured at convenient times. You can’t always run to the health food store or herb shop when something happens. So, it’s wise to make up a home preparedness kit so that you have the tools on hand to be ready to take care of injuries and illnesses as they arise.

You can put together your own herbal First Aid Kit and learn how to use it to handle common ailments and injuries. In this first part of this article you’ll find a list of NSP products I recommend for an herbal first aid kit. In the second part, you’ll find a mini-guide on how to use them.

Stocking Your First Aid Kit

Here are my recommendations for what to put in your home health care kit.

Capsicum Extract or Capsules: Capsicum is an important remedy for stopping bleeding, treating shock and stimulating circulation and healing. It is also a valuable remedy for colds and has mild analgesic qualities.

Lobelia Essence: Lobelia is an antispasmodic that relaxes muscle cramps or spasms and can be used to ease pain, relax the body during anxiety attacks and stress, ease asthma attacks, and relieve tension headaches. Lobelia can also be used as an emetic to induce vomiting in cases of food poisoning or flu. Blue Vervain is a milder alternative some people prefer for young children (no longer available).

Ultimate Echinacea or Immune Stimulator: It’s good to have something to stimulate the immune system to help fight off contagious disease when it’s “going around.” Ultimate Echinacea is a liquid immune booster, suitable for young children and adults. Immune Stimulator is an encapsulated remedy for older children and adults who can swallow capsules. These remedies can not only help prevent infections, they can also boost your immune system to fight them off more effectively.

Silver Shield and/or Silver Shield Gel: I keep both of these in my first aid supplies as natural antiseptics. Silver Shield is a very effective and nontoxic silver product that can be taken internally or applied topically. You can use it as a sinus spray, throat gargle or as ear drops for infections in the sinuses, throat and ears. It can also be taken internally for infections, but I have better results with other remedies for colds, flu and other acute ailments. The gel is excellent for all topical applications and is safe to use on open wounds. It can also be used as a hand sanitizer.

Activated Charcoal: Every home should have some activated charcoal on hand for use in case of poisoning, especially if there are small children. It lasts forever, so there is no worry about it going bad on you. You can take it to absorb toxic substances, but you should call a poison control center for advice. It can also help with severe intestinal gas and bloating and diarrhea. It can be mixed with aloe vera gel or silver shield to make a poultice for spider bites. Activated charcoal can also be applied as a poultice to draw pus and infection out of wounds.

Tei Fu Oil or Tei Fu Massage Lotion: Tei Fu oil is a topical analgesic and can be rubbed in to ease the pain of headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, sore throats and much more. It can be inhaled for respiratory congestion and makes a great remedy for bites and stings. I’ve also rubbed it into the chest for congestion. I think it’s one of the best topical analgesics on the market.

Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil settles the stomach where there is nausea and vomiting and eases gas and bloating. It can also help to promote mental alertness.

Distress Remedy: In any injury or emergency situation there is going to be stress. Distress Remedy can be used to relieve both physical and emotional shock and help a person be more calm and centered following an injury or a severe trauma. It can also be applied topically to speed the healing of minor injuries. Because it is sticky (due to the glycerin in it) you may wish to dilute it with a little alcohol for topical application.

AL-J Liquid or Capsules:  If you are prone to colds and respiratory congestion, this is a great remedy for clearing mucus from the lungs and sinuses. It is useful for coughs, colds, earaches, digestive upset and allergies.

Aloe Vera Gel or Herbal Trim Skin Conditioner: A high quality aloe vera gel is useful to keep on hand for burns, sunburn, abrasions and other skin irritations. Herbal Trim Skin Conditioner works even better than plain aloe vera gel.

IF Relief: No first aid kit is complete without something for pain. This natural anti-inflammatory is a great remedy for easing pain and promoting recovery from minor injuries, headaches and other aches and pains.

Golden Salve and/or Black Ointment: Golden Salve is a soothing salve that promotes rapid tissue healing and can be helpful for reducing swelling and promoting healing of bumps, bruises, sprains, pulls, torn ligaments and other injuries. Also consider Black Ointment, which can help draw out pus and infection.

Nature’s Fresh: This product is great to have on hand for stains and odors, but is also an amazing topical spray for helping to ease pain and promote healing. Spray it on all kinds of minor injuries and painful areas to ease pain and promote healing.

Other Products: You should also add to your first aid/emergency kit other products for the specific needs of yourself and your family. For instance, I also like MSM/Glucosamine cream for pain and VS-C for chronic viral infections.

Other Items: Of course you should also include standard first aid items in your kit, such as an assortment of bandages, gauze pads and other dressings for wounds, a pair of tweezers and a needle for extracting slivers and a small pair of scissors. Splints and elastic wrap bandages are handy for breaks and sprains. Hot and cold packs are also useful. A flashlight that you can put on your head so your hands are free is a great item, too.

I keep my home health care kit in a large tackle box. This gives me various compartments for bandages, herbs and other supplies, making them easy to locate. I think of it as my home health care toolbox. I also have a lot of first aid supplies in a small back pack that I can pick up and use to help people in emergencies.

Your Mini First Aid Guide

There are numerous natural remedies for all of the following situations. However, we have limited our recommendations to those remedies in our suggested first aid kit. That way, you can put this mini guide with your kit and use it for a quick reference when needed.

Abrasions and Scratches: Any of the following can be applied topically to abrasions, scratches and similar injuries to prevent infection, ease pain and/or promote healing: Aloe Vera gel, Silver Shield, Nature’s Fresh and Tei Fu Oil.

Asthma Attack: Lobelia acts as a bronchial dilator and can be used in cases of asthma attacks where other medications are not available. Administer doses of Lobelia Essence every two minutes (about 1/4 teaspoon) until the attack subsides. This may cause vomiting, but will ease the attack.

Anxiety Attack: Administer small doses (5-20 drops) of lobelia every 2-3 minutes while encouraging the person to breathe slowly and deeply. Distress Remedy is also helpful for anxiety attacks.  (Joy suggest adding REFUGE Calming Blend EO)

Bites and Stings: Insect bites and stings can be treated with a wide variety of remedies. Tei Fu oil, Lobelia and Nature’s Fresh are all remedies that can reduce swelling and ease the pain of insect bites and bee stings. For poisonous spider bites, apply a poultice made of activated charcoal and seek medical assistance. Also seek assistance for allergic reactions.

Bleeding: To stop external bleeding, apply pressure directly to the wound. You can also sprinkle capsicum into bleeding wounds to help stop the bleeding. Capsicum can be taken internally to help stop internal bleeding, too. Of course, seek medical help for internal bleeding.

Blisters: Apply remedies like Tea Tree oil, Golden Salve, Silver Shield and Aloe Vera Gel topically to blisters and cover with a bandage to promote healing.

Bumps and Bruises: Golden Salve can be applied directly to bumps and bruises to rapidly reduce swelling and ease pain. You can also hold or rub the afflicted area for 5-20 minutes to take down swelling even more rapidly. Tei Fu oil or Nature’s Fresh may also be helpful.

Burns and Scalds: First degree burns involve redness, pain and swelling; second degree burns cause blisters. You can treat both first and second degree burns by applying cold water immediately to the burned area to cool it down. You can also dress the burn with Aloe Vera Gel to soothe pain and cool the burn.Nature’s Fresh and Silver Shield also make useful burn remedies
Two other good burn remedies you will probably have in your kitchen include real vanilla extract (not imitation) and raw honey. Both ease pain and promote rapid healing. IF Relief can be taken internally for pain. For third degree burns, which involve charring of the skin, seek medical attention.

Colds: At the first sign of a cold, stop eating and start drinking lots of fluids. Take remedies to clear congestion like AL-J or Capsicum. You can use Ultimate Echinacea, Immune Stimulator or Silver Shield to help the body fight the infection. It is also helpful to rub Tei Fu oils topically into the chest and throat or inhale them into the sinuses.

Canker Sores (Mouth Ulcers): A small, painful mouth ulcer usually is called a canker sore. Apply Tei Fu oil or Peppermint oil directly to the sore to ease pain and promote healing.

Cramps and Spasms: Lobelia is excellent at relieving cramps and spasms. It can be taken internally, but works even better when the extract is applied topically mixed with equal parts capsicum extract. This draws blood into the afflicted area and relaxes muscles.

Cuts: Styptics are herbs, usually astringents, that have the power to stop bleeding, close cuts and speed the healing of cuts. Capsicum is a useful styptic. Silver Shield or Silver Shield Gel is a good remedy to apply to cuts to prevent infection.

Diarrhea: Activated Charcoal makes an excellent remedy for diarrhea. It absorbs substances that are irritating the colon and firms up the stool. You can also take infection-fighting remedies such as Silver Shield, Ultimate Echinacea and/or Immune Stimulator internally if the diarrhea is caused by infection.

Ear Infection or Earache: Two remedies which make good ear drops for ear infections are lobelia (which eases pain) and Silver Shield (which fights infection). Before putting these into the ear they should be warmed to body temperature. You can do this by putting the bottle into a cup of warm water or holding under your armpit or some other warm spot of your body.

Here are two other simple home earache remedies. One, cook an onion and put some body temperature drops of the juice from the cooked onion in the ear. Two, cut a clove of garlic in half, coat it with olive oil and place it on the outside of the ear.
Internally, AL-J, Ultimate Echinacea or Immune Stimulator can be helpful for earaches. It is also a good idea to avoid wheat and dairy foods in children with frequent earaches.

Food Poisoning: You can induce vomiting by taking large quantities of lobelia or you can take activated charcoal to absorb toxins (or both). Silver Shield will help fight the infection and Peppermint Oil will help settle your stomach (after you throw up). Seek medical assistance if the problem is severe.

Frostbite: Sprinkle tiny amounts of capsicum in socks or gloves to prevent frostbite. Warm areas affected by frostbite in cold water and seek medical attention.

Headache (Sinus): Headaches in the frontal region of the face are usually caused by congested sinuses. Inhale Tei Fu oils, take AL-J internally or spray Silver Shield into the sinuses to help decongest them. Drinking several glasses of water may also help.

Headache (Tension): Headaches involving a sense of pressure and tension can be eased by massaging the neck and shoulders using Lobelia and Capsicum and following this with Tei Fu oil. You can take lobelia internally to relax muscle tension or use IF Relief as a pain reliever.

Nausea and Vomiting: Peppermint oil can be used to settle the stomach in cases of nausea and vomiting. Lobelia in very tiny doses (2-3 drops) can do the same thing. Large doses of lobelia induce vomiting.

Pain: Remedies in the first aid kit that can be helpful for pain include IF Relief and Lobelia, which can be taken internally. You can also apply Tei Fu oil or Lotion, Peppermint oil, Nature’s Fresh, Golden Salve, Aloe Vera Gel or Lobelia and Capsicum mixed topically for pain.

Poison Ivy or Oak: Wash thoroughly after exposure. Aloe Vera gel or Silver Shield gel can be applied topically to aid healing.

Shock: Shock is a response to severe physical or emotional trauma and is characterized by paleness, rapid but weak pulse, rapid and shallow respiration, restlessness, anxiety or mental dullness, nausea or vomiting associated with reduced blood volume and low blood pressure and subnormal temperature. Cover the person to keep them warm, elevate their feet and give them Capsicum or Peppermint oil. They can also inhale Tei Fu oil.

Smashed Fingers: Grab and hold the finger tightly until the pain subsides (about 5-20 minutes), then apply Golden Salve or Nature’s Fresh. Tei Fu oil can also help.

Sore Throat: You can gargle with Silver Shield and/or Capsicum extract diluted with a little water or spray Silver Shield directly on the throat. You can also rub Capsicum and Lobelia,Tei Fu oil or Silver Shield Gel on the outside of the throat.

Sprains and Pulls: Nature’s Fresh is an excellent remedy to apply topically to help sprains heal. You can also apply Capsicum and Lobelia. IF Relief can be taken internally to ease pain and promote healing.

Sunburn: Aloe Vera gel, Herbal Trim Skin Conditioner and Nature’s Fresh are good remedies to apply topically for sunburn.

Wounds and Sores: Remedies that can help various kinds of injuries and sores to heal faster include Aloe Vera gel, Golden Salve, Ultimate Echinacea, Nature’s Fresh and Silver Shield.

Tips for Overcoming Allergic Rhinitis Naturally

Written By: Steven Horne

As the temperature grows warmer, the grass grows greener and flowers start poking their heads out of the ground, we know it’s spring.  And, after being cooped in up all winter long indoors, we often get the urge to be outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and letting our skin convert cholesterol to vitamin D3.Unfortunately, it’s also the time when trees and grasses bloom, releasing billions and billions of tiny pollen grains into the air, causing some 22 million Americans to experience itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and irritability. If you’re one of those unfortunate souls who suffer from hayfever (medically known as allergic rhinitis) then your idea of “spring fever” probably isn’t the joy of being outdoors; it’s the misery associated with upper respiratory allergies.

Hayfever is caused by sensitivity to the pollen released by flowering plants. In most people these tiny particles associated with “male” seed needed for plant reproduction cause no discomfort, but in the hayfever sufferer the immune system is excessively sensitive to these particles.

The immune reaction triggers the release of histamine, which produces an inflammatory reaction. The itchiness and redness of the eyes and sinuses is the result of this inflammation. The inflammatory process also causes thin, watery secretions on the mucus membranes and eyes, which flush the particles away. The release of histamine can cause a cascade reaction that also affects the digestive tract, resulting in digestive upset, loss of appetite, gas and bloating.

You can see why medically, hayfever is usually treated with antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. The goal of orthodox medicine is to counter the histamine or reduce the inflammation. These chemicals may help to alleviate symptoms, but they are not getting at the root causes of the problem.

Chronic suppression of the histamine and the inflammatory response in the lungs through the use of these drugs can actually make the problem worse. It reduces the ability of the mucus membranes to keep themselves clean. A little recognized fact is that suppressed hayfever can turn into other problems like asthma and probably other chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders.

Don’t worry, though. Mother Nature has nontoxic and inexpensive answers to these problems that are overlooked by most people, perhaps because her methods aren’t considered “scientifically proven.” Herbs, supplements and dietary changes may not afford the rapid symptomatic relief offered by drugs, but what they do offer are hope of a lasting cure.

Start with Better Hydration

Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D., author of the book, The ABC of Asthma, Allergies and Lupus, explains that asthma and allergies are a sign of cellular dehydration. Normally, tears and mucus, secreted by the eyes and nose, wash particles of pollen and other irritants away. When the body is dehydrated, there isn’t enough moisture to wash these pollutants away, which triggers inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, the body uses histamine as a neurotransmitter to regulate moisture to organs when there isn’t enough water for all the body’s functions. So, when one is properly hydrated, histamine production is reduced.

The first step anyone suffering from allergies should take to reduce their allergic reactions is to increase their intake of water.  Dr. Batmanghelidj recommends drinking at least one half ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, but he indicates that asthma and allergy sufferers may need three-quarters of an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.

Also, it is important to take a little natural salt with the water. You’ve probably noticed that tears, mucus and sweat are all salty, which means you need extra salt to help the water produce more mucus and tears. Sea Salt is an excellent salt to use for this purpose. Blood is like ocean water in the body. The trace minerals found in natural salts like this help the blood maintain its ocean-like quality. A little natural salt helps to hydrate the blood and body even better than pure water. (But, don’t use table salt for this purpose, because it has been stripped of these trace minerals and is full of unhealthy additives).

It is also essential to avoid all beverages that dehydrate the body, which include tea, coffee, caffeinated sodas and energy drinks, artificial sweeteners and alcohol. These substances all act as diuretics, which means you lose more fluids drinking them than you gain. Dr. Batmanghelidj believes that the rise in childhood asthma and allergies is linked to the increasing use of caffeinated beverages by young children.

Natural Allergy Relief

There are also a number of supplements that can reduce allergic reactions. HistaBlock is a natural antihistamine formula that can be effective, not only for respiratory allergies, but also for food allergies and allergic reactions on the skin. HistaBlock, like all antihistamines, is a little drying to mucus membranes, it is important to stay well hydrated when taking it. Vitamin C is

also a good natural antihistamine when taken in fairly large doses (2,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day. Try mixing some Vitamin C Ascorbates in water and drinking it throughout the day (along with your plain water) to help control allergic reactions. Since bioflavonoids stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine release, you may also find taking Vitamin C Citrus Bioflavonoids helpful. The key is to take the vitamin C repeatedly throughout the day at regular intervals to reduce histamine reactions.

The xanthones in mangosteen have anti-allergic properties, and I have found Thai-Go helpful for reducing allergic reactions. I make a quart of lemonade with fresh lemons and maple syrup and then add a couple of ounces of Thai-Go (See recipe below). I drink several quarts of this and it relieves allergy symptoms when I get them. It works even better if you add some of the Vitamin C Abscorbates to the drink.

One way of desensitizing yourself to pollen is to take some pollen internally. It’s the “hair of the dog that bite you” or homeopathic approach. It is best to use pollen from local beekeepers or raw, unfiltered honey from local beekeepers, but even the pollen from capsules may be helpful.

Take just one or two grains of pollen per day to start and then gradually work up to about a teaspoon (about four capsules) per day. You can also eat a spoonful of local, unfiltered honey each day. A homeopathic preparation made from local pollen may also be helpful.
Bee Pollen is not just good for allergies; it’s also a good source of energy and nutrition.

Speaking of “the hair of the dog,” it’s interesting that many of the herbs that cause allergic reactions actually help relieve them. Ragweed, from the genus Petasites, has been used to ease allergies. It’s sold as butterbur. Goldenrod is also used to combat some types of allergic reaction. Stinging nettle, an ingredient in HistaBlock, stings you because it actually contains formic acid (found in ant bites) and histamine, and it also has anti-allergenic properties. This is an interesting principle of nature that the solution to a problem is often found in the same plant that causes it. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you to suffer spring hayfever less, so you can enjoy the real spring fever and be motivated to get outdoors.


Did you know??? The biggest trigger for springtime allergies is pollen. While flowers are usually associated with pollen, it’s actually trees, grasses and weeds that release the grains. The type of plant that releases pollen depends on the time of year. Currently, tree and grass pollination is occurring.

NSP’s I-Inspire Baltic Cruise 2018

March 31st ended the qualifying time for NSP’s I-Inspire Baltic Cruise for 2018. Once the leaderboard figures are calculated, we will be excited to hear how many of you earned this trip.

We want to thank all of you who helped us to qualify for this trip. After much thought and considering the health issues we encountered in recent months, we have decided to forego this long flight trip and recall its port destinations with the vivid memories of a previous TAC 2005 Mediterranean cruise we attended.

If you didn’t qualify for the 2018 I-Inspire trip…start setting your sights on the May 2019 trip to beautiful Costa Rica, with a much shorter qualifying time of April 1-December 31, 2018.

You Are What You Digest: Food Enzymes

Summer is on its way. What better way to help your body get toned and fit than by feeding it the proper digestive enzymes.

You Are What You Digest: Food Enzymes | Sunshine House

You’re at your favorite restaurant. You’ve just been seated. Your eyes scour the menu: barbecue bacon cheddar burger, three-cheese macaroni, loaded steak fries, Cajun chicken alfredo. Your stomach grumbles and like one of Pavlov’s dogs, you start to salivate. Can you believe it? You haven’t even placed your order yet, but the process of digestion has already begun.
Your body is a miraculous machine that knows just what to do when you give it the fuel it needs to maintain health, upkeep your internal organs and systems, and recover from illness. But how does it all work and how do you keep it all from going wrong?

Our bodies are sensitive machines.

We’ve all heard the old adage, “You are what you eat,” but if we want to get technical (and we do, don’t we?), a more accurate credo would be “You are what you digest.” After all, eating is a superficial part of the process while digestion goes behind the scenes to perform the latent tasks that keep us going, literally. Ever tried making through an entire day’s to-do list on an empty stomach? It’s a drag.
Eating is a conscious, voluntary act we often do more for pleasure than practicality, and that’s typically where we run into trouble. Why? Well, the most pleasurable things to eat are usually the least healthy for you: processed foods high in fats and sugar. But you eat them for the experience, or convenience, and (un)fortunately you don’t have to give much thought to what happens afterwards. Your body simply picks up the baton (your meal) and starts running with it. That is, until the first cramp hits:

  • indigestion
  • constipation
  • bloating and gas
  • diarrhea, heart burn
  • weight gain (or loss)

Why is your body reacting this way?

Well, as miraculous as your body is, it can’t function at optimal capacity without your help. These adverse side effects are a result of kinks in the digestive process, often beginning with your general digestive health.
And what’s one thing all healthy digestive tracts have in common? You guessed it: digestive enzymes (enzymes that specifically aid in the digestion of food) and pancreatic enzymes (enzymes produced in the pancreas). Or, more accurately, the presence and quantity of naturally occurring or supplemented enzymes that are hard at work breaking down the foods we eat.

What is an enzyme? Enzymes help us digest food.

The digestion of food is a process of biochemical reactions that serve to break macronutrients down into absorbable micronutrients. Essentially, enzymes disassemble the complex structures of our foods, reducing them to a molecular level which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine.

One word you will often hear associated with enzymes is “catalyst.” Without enzymes to catalyze (speed up) the biochemical reactions within our digestive tracts, the process of digestion would move too slowly for the body to benefit from the essential micronutrients contained in what we eat.

For the three major macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—there are certain digestive and pancreatic enzymes that, like specially designed keys, unlock or break down a certain type of food.

Carbohydrates:

  • Key enzymes: salivary amylase and pancreatic

Proteins:

  • Key enzymes: protease (pepsin, chymotrypsin, trypsin).

Fats:

  • Key enzyme: lipase

Of course, there are many different types of digestive enzymes and agents at play in the digestive process, but these players are key in the work of providing us energy, rebuilding tissue, and cleansing and replenishing our systems.

How do enzymes break down foods?

Let’s circle back to that drool-inducing menu from your favorite restaurant. This is where the digestive process began, so that’s where we’ll start. Contained in your saliva are a number of secret agents anxiously waiting to prepare your food for digestion: lubricating agents (to get that food nice and soft for swallowing), buffering agents (to neutralize acidity), antibacterial agents (to nix those gross germs), and finally the enzymatic “tip of the spear”: salivary amylase.

The Mouth
Salivary amylase begins the process of digesting complex carbohydrates and starches (polysaccharides), breaking up the bonds that hold them together and creating smaller structures: maltose and dextrin. Protein-based foods will go on to begin digestion in the stomach while fats will primarily be digested in the small intestine.

The Stomach
The stomach’s gastric juices (hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen) begin the work of dissolving foods to kill off harmful stowaway microorganisms and to aid in the digestion of protein by triggering the conversion of pepsinogen into pepsin, another protein-hungry enzyme. Here, trypsin and chymotrypsin are given a head start as the pepsin conditions the proteins for further digestion in the small intestine, where the majority of protein’s amino acids will be released and absorbed.

The Small Intestine
From the stomach, food gets deposited in the duodenum, the upper section of the small intestine. At this point, fats are all still intact while proteins and carbohydrates are further along in the process. It’s at this stage that the pancreatic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin double-team proteins while another pancreatic enzyme (pancreatic amylase) gets to work on further breaking down those starches. Finally lipase gets called to the forefront as well, converting fats into glycerol and fatty acids. Moving along into the jejunum (another section of the small intestine), the final stages of nutrient absorption takes place.

Colon
Our food takes its final form in the colon (also called the large intestine), where our bodies extract the final bits of water and sodium from it before it’s cued up for a trip to the toilet.

What’s the cause of poor digestion?

As you follow the course of your food’s journey through the digestive tract, it’s easy to see how something can quickly go wrong. In the essential and complex work of digestion, any imbalance, including an imbalance of enzymes, can upset the entire process. Poor digestion, or the malabsorption of life-sustaining micronutrients, creates lasting damage that can lead to chronic conditions if left untreated, such as:

  • Ulcers
  • Acid reflux
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • IBD diverticulosis (Crohn’s disease)

What can upset the balance of enzymes? A poor diet, illness, aging, and the use of antibiotics can all throw off the digestive process, which makes the work of maintaining a healthy digestive system an ongoing and unavoidable task. Remembering that you are what you digest, don’t put off consulting an expert if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of poor digestion. Make the decision to prioritize the health of your digestive and pancreatic enzymes today and start feeling better for years to come.
Food Enzymes assist the body with the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats to help prevent and relieve occasional indigestion.

Digestion

Almost half of Americans complain of digestive difficulty. Some break down food too fast. Others have sluggish digestion. Normal, efficient digestion helps support other healthy body processes. Natural digestion supplements, including enzymes and probiotics, help support a healthy digestive system and allow you to maximize the nutritional benefit you get from your food.

Nature’s Sunshine Digestive Enzyme Products

Food Enzymes (120 caps) Stock #1836

Hi Lipase (120LU) (100 caps) Stock #1528

Lactase Plus (100 caps) Stock #1655

PDA Combination (180 caps) Stock #3245

Proactazyme (100 caps) Stock #1525

Protease Plus (90 caps) Stock #1841

Protease High-Potency Stock #1876

Whole Food Papayazyme (Sunshine Heroes) Stock #3345 (90 soft chew tabs)

Nature’s Sunshine Probiotic Products

Acidophilus (90 caps) Stock #1666

Bacillus Coagulans, NutriBiome (90 caps) Stock #6109

Bifidophilus Flora Force (90 caps) Stock #4080

Eleven Elevated, NutriBiome (60 caps) Stock #1514

Probiotic Eleven (90 caps) Stock #1510

Complementary NSP Digestive Products

Chlorophyll ES, Liquid (16 fl. oz.) Stock #1483

Digestive Bitters Tonic (4 fl. oz.) Stock #3113

Gastro Health Concentrate (60 caps) Stock #917

Stomach Comfort (60 chewable tablets) Stock #1820

New Product Pricing Takes Effect April 1, 2018

There will be no changes in QV, only on product costs. NSP’s bylaws state that managers and members must sell their products at the published prices. This will increase your profits beginning April 1 when you sell products to clients at the newly published prices. Copies of the new prices can be downloaded and printed from NSP’s website.

New pricing will take effect April 1, 2018. Save money by purchasing your favorite products and top sellers this month.
As always, it is our goal to provide you with the world’s finest natural health supplements at the best possible prices. We continue to seek innovative ways to lower our production costs. We have recently completed negotiations with our raw material suppliers and other vendors, and although many products will see a price increase on April 1, please understand that we remain committed to providing you with the highest quality products at the best possible value. We will never sacrifice quality, purity, potency or safety in order to cut costs.
Thank you for trusting Nature’s Sunshine with your health goals.

(And thanks to Lynda Hammons who is currently on a trip overseas to check facilities NSP purchases their raw product materials from to make sure they are up to NSP’s standards of quality).

Blood Types & Nutrition

There is more to heart disease care and prevention than just the heart. Supporting your heart thru diet and cleansing shows the correlation of our body working together for its total well-being. Steven does his usual awesome job of putting it all together. Keep those mental marbles flowing!

Note: Use the advice given in this article as guidelines as you progress in your program of using natural health alternatives, including herbs, for your health care program. Always Remember – there is a time for herbs and natural healing modalities and a time for traditional allopathic medicine. The smart person knows when to choose each one for improving their health.

Written By: Steven Horne

One of the puzzling problems in working with nutrition is that individuals can react differently to the exact same diets and supplement plans. A nutritional program that produces positive benefits for one person may elicit a negative reaction from another. Fortunately, there are tools available to help us understand why this is the case and to help people find the appropriate program for their type.

Research conducted by Dr. Peter D’Adamo and his father, Dr. James D’Adamo, demonstrated a strong correlation between a person’s blood type (O, A, B or AB) and the foods and supplements they need to consume for optimal health. Dr. D’Adamo has widely promoted this concept in several popular books, including Eat Right for Your Type and Live Right for Your Type (my personal favorite). In this article, I’ll introduce you to the basic principles of the blood type diet and discuss some of the supplements that have proven beneficial for each type.

Why the Blood Type?

Dr. D’Adamo believes that the history of man holds the secrets to the blood type diet, since our blood type is a consequence of our genetic ancestry. The types of food that these ancestors adapted to provides the key to understanding why certain foods are genetically compatible with our bodies while others are not.
The oldest blood type is Blood Type O. Blood Type O traces back to the hunter-gatherer peoples who subsisted primarily on meat and wild vegetables. In contrast, the ancestors of Blood Type A settled on plains and by rivers and started farming. So their bodies became more adapted to a vegetarian, plant-food based diet with some fish and poultry.

Blood Type B emerged from the Himalayan highlands. They are fairly balanced, as these people adapted to utilize meats, vegetables and dairy. Finally, Blood Type AB grew from the blending of people with A and B ancestry. This resulted in a blending of the characteristics of the A type and the B type, with a resulting blending of beneficial foods.

To further understand the blood type diet, we need to realize that all organisms are equipped with a system which enables their bodies to identify structures that are part of their organism from structures belonging to other organisms. Our blood type is one of the most fundamental methods the body utilizes to separate self from not self. This ability to determine what is self and what is not self is at the core of our immune function.

All foods contain chemicals known as lectins. Lectins that are incompatible with one’s blood type create negative reactions. For starters, they cause agglutination of the blood, meaning they make red blood cells “sticky” so they clump together. This results in a reduction in oxygen supply in the body and lowered immunity. Lectins can also interfere with protein digestion, block hormones, trigger immune reactions and impair absorption.

Understanding which foods contain lectins compatible with the body and which foods contain lectins that are not is the basis of the blood type diet. A food is classified as an Avoid because it produces negative lectin reactions in that blood type, which act as toxins. On the other hand, foods that are Beneficial for a particular blood type are highly compatible with that type. These foods actually serve as a type of medicine, strengthening health and preventing disease. Foods that are Neutral merely supply nourishment. They do not have negative lectin reactions, but they also do not have positive, healing properties either.

In addition to diet, the four blood types have other unique differences that require specialized supplementation. Each blood type is prone to a unique set of health challenges which can be mediated or eliminated through appropriate herbs and nutrients. So, with that basic understanding, here are some basic things people of each blood type can do nutritionally to enhance their health and wellbeing.

Blood Type O

blood type OBlood Type O generally does well on a diet of meat and other high protein foods. They can eat most types of animal protein, but, like all blood types, they must prepare these protein-rich foods properly to be able to derive positive benefits from them. Overcooking protein denatures it and taxes the digestive system. Meat should be organic and eaten rare or slow cooked to obtain maximum benefits.

Large portions of non-starchy vegetables that are Neutral or Beneficial should also be consumed with protein foods. Examples of Beneficial non-starchy vegetables for Blood Type O include beet greens, broccoli, romaine lettuce, okra and Swiss chard. Eating generous portions of these vegetables also helps maintain proper acid/alkaline balance.

Grains, especially corn and wheat, as well as dairy products, are major Avoids for Blood Type O. Other Avoids include pinto beans, lentils, cashews, black olives and avocados.

Generally an energetic blood type, Blood Type O people tend to burn the candle at both ends, so NutriCalm and adaptagens like Siberian ginseng may be helpful for them. People with this blood type are also prone to depression, particularly manic/depressive disorders. Chinese Mood Elevator (AD-C) is a good antidepressant for them, but St. John’s wort is not. 5-HTP Power may also be helpful with depression in Blood Type O, but not where hyperactivity is present.

People with Blood Type O tend to do better with a mineral supplement than they do with a multiple vitamin, so Colloidal Minerals or Chinese Mineral Chi Tonic are good choices for general good health.

Blood Type O people need protein and have a special need for the amino acid l-tyrosine. L-tyrosine helps maintain levels of dopamine and epinephrine, two neurotransmitters involved in mood. The best sources of this amino acid are red meat and wheat. If Blood Type O people do not eat red meat, they may crave wheat, which is an Avoid for their type. I’ve helped many Blood Type Os to enjoy more stable moods and energy by eating red meat daily. Super Algae and Ultimate Green Zone can supply the amino acid, tyrosine, and keep protein levels stable in Blood Type O. Blood Type O people who are vegetarians often need to supplement with l-tyrosine.

ADD and ADHD are most prevalent in Blood Type O. Energ-V provides adaptagens that improve stress response and nourish the adrenals, which can be very helpful for ADD/ADHD children. For older Blood Type O children and adults with this problem GABA Plus, Focus Attention and Nature’s Chi may be helpful.

Because of their tendency to an overactive immune system, Blood Type O should generally avoid immune stimulants. Colostrum is an excellent balancer of the immune system in Blood Type O. The overactive immune response also increases the tendency for allergies. HistaBlock can be helpful here. It reduces hyperactivity associated with food allergies, too.
High carbohydrate diets in this blood type can lead to hypothyroidism. Used in conjunction with dietary changes, TS II can help to bring the thyroid gland to balance.

Blood Type A

blood type ABeing the more agrarian type, Blood Type A doesn’t do well with large quantities of animal protein. Beef, lamb and other red meats are Avoids for them, however, Kimberly Balas has learned that if these animals are 100% grass-fed they do not produce the reactions that grain-fed meet does. I am a Blood Type A and for years I avoided red meat, but when I started to be able to purchase grass-fed meat I found I could tolerate it quite well. I still don’t do well with large quantities of red meat, however.

Dairy foods are also Avoids for this type. So Blood Type A people must make certain they get adequate protein from other sources. Fortunately, poultry and eggs are Neutral for Blood Type A. Many types of fish are Beneficial, making fish a good protein food for this type. Fish is also an important source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids which reduce the risk of heart disease for Blood Type A.

There are also vegetable sources of protein which are highly compatible with the metabolism of Blood Type A. In particular, soy products are Beneficial. (Avoid GMO soy products, however.) Given that the A antigen is more susceptible to the xenoestrogens in the environment, the phytoestrogens in soy can reduce cancer risk and improve glandular function, too. Also Beneficial to Blood Type A are lentils, pinto beans and black beans.

Blood Type A is generally more tolerant of grains that other blood types. Grains and beans can be combined to form a complete vegetarian-source protein. Their systems are also compatible with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, which should be used in large quantities to balance protein, beans and grains so that proper acid/alkaline balance is maintained.

Blood Type A has a difficult time with protein digestion. I find the pea and rice proteins in Nature’s Harvest and Love and Peas are the easiest to assimilate. Ultimate Green Zone and Super Algae also provide protein that is easily assimilated by Blood Type A. Another protein supplement that is valuable for Blood Type A is Collatrim, which promotes muscle gain and fat loss. Under stress, Blood Type A loses muscle mass and gains fat.

Digestive enzymes such as Proactazyme and Protease Plus are extremely important for helping Blood Type A break down proteins. PDA (Protein Digestive Aid) can be used to supplement low hydrochloric acid (HCl) production, or Digestive Bitters (mixed with goldenseal to make it more bitter) and Safflowers can be taken 15-20 minutes prior to meals to stimulate HCl production.

Blood Type A people may also have problems with a sluggish liver and gallbladder. Hi-lipase can help when there is difficulty breaking down fats. Liver formulas like Blood Build (BP-C) and Liver Balance (LIV-C) can also help by increasing bile production and detoxifying the liver to improve digestion.

One of the biggest enemies of Blood Type A is stress. People with this blood type are very prone to high levels of cortisol, which results in anxiety, lowered immune response, compulsive behavior and premature aging. Adaptagens like Nervous Fatigue Formula (HS-C) and Chinese Mineral Chi Tonic can reduce stress and improve sleep patterns. Other supplements valuable for reducing stress include B-Complex, NutriCalm and HVP.

Blood Type B

blood type BMore balanced than the other types, Blood Type B people will find that wild game provides their best protein. Chicken is a major Avoid for this blood type. Eggs do not possess the lectin found in chicken, so eggs are a Neutral for this blood type.

Blood Type B people are unique in their ability to handle dairy products. The B antigen and the dairy sugar, d-galactosamine, possess a similar structure, which makes milk, yogurt and even some types of cheese Beneficials for this type. (Make sure these are organic.) However, those of Asian or African descent may have difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar in milk, due to a lack of the enzyme lactase, because dairy products were not a part of the dietary pattern in those early cultures.

Corn, wheat, and certain legumes like lentils, pinto beans, peanuts and soy are Avoids for Blood Type B. Beneficial vegetables include beets, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, parsnips, peppers and yams .

Blood Type B people often has problems with their adrenal glands and stress. B-Complex, especially B1 and B6 are important to help improve the cortisol function and normalize the activity of the adrenal glands. Supplementation with pantothenic acid (B5) may also be valuable as this nutrient helps the adrenal cortex respond to stress without become exhausted. ENRG-V can also be used to support the adrenals and helps with lethargy and lack of motivation sometimes found in Blood Type B people.

Stress Relief (STR-C) can also be used to balance emotions and reduce stress. It helps deal with repressed stress or overreacting to stressful situations, problems common in Blood Type B. Focus Attention helps create mental clarity and a consistent mood , as well as contributing to concentration and memory retention, in Blood Type B people.

Blood Type B people assimilate calcium very easily, which often results in a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium and Fibralgia help reduce stress and fatigue and helps with the body’s ability to handle sugar.

Blood Type B people are more prone to certain types of infections. For starters, they are more susceptible to the influenza (flu) virus. Elderberry Defense can be very helpful here as elderberry inhibits the replication of the flu virus. Blood Type B people, especially those of Asian descent, are also at higher risk for tuberculosis. Cordyceps helps improve stamina and respiratory strength by acting as a tonic for the lungs.

Another bacteria Blood Type B are susceptible to is the streptococcal type. IN-X helps support the immune system in fighting this bug and flushes the lymphatics. Finally, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in Blood Type B. Cranberry Buchu helps prevent recurring UTIs. Urinary Maintenance (URY) is another great formula which contains all of the nutrients which are beneficial to Blood Type B.

A classic sign of insulin resistance in Blood Type B is the apple-shaped figure. It is the stress hormones which cause hormonal imbalance, sugar cravings and insulin resistance. SugarReg is very helpful here because it overcomes insulin resistance.

Blood Type AB

Possessing the rarest blood type, people with Blood Type AB have the antigen structure of both the A and B types. Because of their A antigen structure, red meat is an Avoid for them, and because of their B antigen structure, chicken is also an Avoid.

Due to the B antigen, Blood Type AB can utilize milk and eggs, as these foods are Neutral (when organic). Yogurt and egg whites are actually Beneficials. Too much dairy, however, can contribute to increased mucus production.

A number of fish are Beneficial to Blood Type AB. These include cod, mahi mahi, salmon, red snapper and tuna, among others. Some legumes are also Beneficial, including pinto beans, soy beans, peanuts and green lentils. Blood Type AB people have some of Blood Type A’s tolerance for grain, with rice, oats and rye being Beneficial and sprouted wheat being Neutral.

Again, Beneficial and Neutral fruits and vegetables must be consumed in larger quantities than protein foods in order to keep pH balanced in the body. Beneficial vegetables for Blood Type AB include beets, broccoli, celery, cucumber, eggplant, parsnip and yams.

Blood Type AB people have better protein digestion than Blood Type A, but not as good as Blood Types O and B, so they may need some assistance with digestion. Protease Plus and Food Enzymes can both be helpful.

Blood Type AB people have a tendency to high cholesterol levels and environmental sensitivity, resulting in reduced immunity. High blood pressure may also be a problem with Blood Type AB, especially from overly emotional reactions to stress.

Blood Pressurex can help Blood Type AB because it helps bring blood pressure in hypertension back to balance. It also supports and strengthens blood vessels and helps them deal with bruising and other damages, while preventing the agglutination of red blood cells, which causes blood to become sticky and clog the arteries.

Cordyceps helps to regulate nitric oxide, which helps regulate blood pressure. It also strengthens the immune system, which may be a problem for Blood Type AB people. Other supplements that may help the immune system in Blood Type AB include EnviroDetox, E-Tea, Germanium and Nature’s Immune Stimulator. Several of these products may help prevent or even treat certain types of cancer.

Stress can be a serious issue for people with Blood Type AB. B-Complex vitamins are needed to promote a balanced stress response in Blood Type AB. CelluSmooth contains rhodiola, which has antistress activity. It has the ability to prevent stress- induced catecholamine activity in the heart and promote stable heart contractility. It can also prevent abnormalities in cardiopulmonary function, especially at higher altitudes.

Following the Program

You don’t have to follow the blood type diet perfectly to obtain results. If you focus on eating mostly Beneficial and Neutral foods seventy-five percent of the time, this will allow you to eat the Avoid foods once in a while. The more serious your illness, the more you need to adhere to the program by following it ninety to one hundred percent of the time.

Obviously, space in this article does not allow for a complete list of foods that are Beneficial, Neutral or Avoid for each blood type. Steven can provide Blood Type, pH and Nutrition charts and Blood Type Chart tablets that do list this information. He also provides Blood Type Testing Kits to test your blood type, too. There is also a webinar on Blood Type and Nutrition with Kimberly Balas.

Steven encourages you to read some of Peter D’Adamo’s books listed below:

Cook Right For Your Type by Peter D’Adamo.
Eat Right for Your Type by Peter D’Adamo.
Live Right For Your Type by Peter D’Adamo.

How to Get More Mental Marbles

What an exciting article by Steven Horne!!! Written in 2012, its contents are totally relevant for today’s health issues as Steven teaches us “How to Get More Mental Marbles.” Steven’s goal in this article is to teach us how to tap into our extra brainpower and start using it, from both the physical and the psychological approaches. Thanks to Steven for sharing his knowledge and experiences with us. We could all use tips on how to improve and generate more mental acuity in 2018.

 

When I was in elementary school I had a collection of marbles. Although I liked my marbles, I didn’t actually play the game of marbles very often. I didn’t like the game of marbles because I lost my second favorite marble in a game. So, I decided to be more careful with my marbles because I really wanted to keep the marbles I had.

I just turned 58 this year (2012), and while I don’t have the marble collection I had as a kid, I still want to keep my marbles. Of course, I’m talking about mental marbles, as in maintaining a sound mind. In fact, I’m a little greedy when it comes to mental marbles—I want as many as I can get!

With the rising problems with Alzheimer’s and dementia among the elderly, many people besides me are concerned about keeping their marbles. However, focusing on the negative—in this case avoiding losing your marbles (memory)—is not productive. Focusing on the positive—as in increasing your brainpower—is what will really get you what you want. And, it is possible to increase your brainpower.

Most of us assume that our intelligence is something that is fixed. We think that some of us are smarter and some of us are just plain dumber, but this is simply not the case. It’s true that all of us are talented in different ways, but most of us are quite capable of learning just about anything we want to. The idea that we can’t is a warped belief, usually brought on by parents or the intellectual damage done by the public school system.

We are a lot smarter than we think we are. Unfortunately, most people don’t access this extra mental capacity simply because they don’t believe it is there. Well, I do! And the goal of this article is to teach you how to tap into your extra brainpower and 7start using it.

As is my typical pattern, I’m going to divide this topic into two parts. The first is more physical and has a lot to do with nutrition. The second is psychological and deals with how we approach learning something. Let’s get started by talking about how to supply the brain with what it needs to generate more mental marbles for us.

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #1: Get Water on Your Brain

Interestingly enough, some of the clues as to how you can feed your brain better are found in the insults we use to criticize someone’s intelligence. For example, “water on the brain,” is a very good thing as your brain is mostly water. Dehydration will interfere with your ability to think clearly. While caffeine may seem like a good idea to stimulate your mind, caffeinated beverages tend to dehydrate you shows they aren’t all that good for having a clear mind. Drinking ample amounts of water (at least .5 ounces per pound of body weight) will help keep your thinking clear.

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #2: Become a “Fat Head”

Being a “fat head” is also a good thing, as the dry weight of the brain is over 50% fat. Children’s intelligence suffers when children are raised on a low fat diet because their developing brains crave fat. This is why kids love fatty foods. Unfortunately, we’re feeding our children (and ourselves) the wrong kinds of fats.

The brain is primarily composed of omega-3 fatty acids. These are abundant in pastured (grass-fed) animal foods, including beef, chicken, wild game, eggs and meat from pastured chickens and dairy products from grass-fed cows (as long as they aren’t homogenized or ultra-pasteurized).

Deep ocean fish like wild salmon, sardines, etc. are also great sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are particularly good for the brain because they contain an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA which makes up a large portion of brain tissue. (So, if you want to be smarter than the next guy or gal, there should be something “fishy” about you.) Sushi is really good for your brain (just eat the pickled ginger and wasabi and take a black walnut capsule to avoid parasites).

Flax seeds, walnuts and avocados are also good sources of omega-3’s and good brain foods. Walnuts, in particular, have long been considered a brain food because the nut looks like a brain.

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #3: Be a “Meat Head” (Especially for Breakfast)

It’s also a good idea to be a “meat head.” Protein foods are also good for the brain because neurotransmitters are made from amino acids. I’ve observed that people on low protein diets are often mentally dogmatic and rigid. They lack mental flexibility and often suffer from mood disorders (such as getting very angry and upset over the idea that they need more protein in their diet).

Of course, here again, it’s the quality of the protein you’re getting that makes a difference. An overcooked piece of cheap beef from a feedlot cow raised on commercial feed isn’t going to do the trick. Look for organic, preferably “grass fed” animal proteins and don’t overcook them—it not only denatures their proteins, they don’t taste as good.

Protein is especially important at breakfast time because that’s when your hydrochloric acid is highest and protein is easiest to digest. Studies show that people who have protein foods for breakfast instead of just carbs (coffee and donuts or breakfast cereals) perform better at mental tasks.

A good way to supplement amino acids for brain function is to use spirulina, sun chlorella or blue-green algae supplements such as Super Algae. If you don’t want animal protein, try some kind of protein powder in a breakfast shake, preferably whey protein over soy protein.

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #4: Get Complex (Carbs That Is)

When it comes to sharing information, I like to follow the KISS rule (“Keep it Simple, Steven”), but when it comes to carbohydrates, I like things to get complex. In fact, the single most important thing you will ever do to increase your mental clarity is to get rid of the simple carbs in your diet. Completely! Yes, you heard me, completely!

Many years ago, an iridologist told me that I was “pre-diabetic.” I decided that I didn’t want to end up being a diabetic. So, I gave up refined carbs completely, cold turkey! I stopped eating refined sugar and white flour and started eating only whole grains and natural sweeteners like raw honey and maple syrup. It was really hard for about three weeks. I went through massive withdrawal symptoms and fought severe cravings, but I succeeded. The most interesting thing was that I felt like my brain was coming out of a fog. It was like a light turned on in my head and I could think more clearly than I’d ever been able to think in my entire life. Many of my best insights into healing and life came during the time when I was completely off the refined carbs.

Unfortunately, some years back I “fell off the wagon” and started allowing little bits of refined sugars and white flours back into my diet. However, I’ve noticed that when I eat those foods that my brain quickly “fogs up” again. I don’t think as clearly and my mind isn’t as sharp. So, I’m learning to socially resist these foods. Foods that are a problem here include refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, glucose, white flour, white bread, most pasta and polished white rice. Alcohol also fits into this pattern because it acts like a refined carb in the system.

When I think of my own experience of how clear my mind gets when I avoid simple carbs and how fuzzy my thinking gets when I eat simple carbs, I wonder how anyone in our society is able to think clearly. Add the various drugs people take for their health problems and I can understand why all kinds of crazy things are happening in our society—most people have “junk food” brains!

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #5: Don’t Poison Your Mind

Before we move onto the psychological part of learning how to increase our mental marbles we need to talk about protecting our brain from toxins. There are many substances that can damage the nervous system, including drugs, alcohol and environmental toxins like lead, mercury and petrochemical solvents (gasoline, spot removers, glues,

Reduce exposure to chemicals. Drink purified water. Avoid drugs of all kinds, both prescription and recreational. Brain scans show that these substances can cause deterioration of brain cells.

Alcohol is a big cause of brain damage. Alcohol kills brain cells. So, either don’t drink at all, or only drink occasionally in small amounts, preferably with food.

Avoid drugs of all kinds, both prescription and recreational. Brain scans show that these substances can cause deterioration of brain cells food additives. Use non-toxic household cleaning products and personal care products. Avoid beauty parlor chemicals, dry-cleaning chemicals, carpet cleaning chemicals, paint fumes, etc. When exposed to these substances, take products to help the body detoxify from them, such as Milk Thistle Combo, All Cell Detox, fiber and good fats. Do a periodic cleanse and take antioxidants regularly.

I think that covers the basics of what we need to create a healthy brain nutritionally. Now let’s talk about some attitude adjustments and behaviors that will also increase our mental marbles.

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #6: Be a Curious Cat

Curiosity may kill cats, but curiosity is not going to kill our brain cells. It does exactly the opposite. Being curious (interested in learning about things) is a good quality that keeps the mind young and active.

We all start out life being curious. Nobody had to “force” or “bribe” us to learn to walk and talk. We decided to learn these skills on our own. As children, just about all of us were naturally curious, informational “sponges” anxious to soak up as much knowledge as we could.

Research shows that most children entering kindergarten love to learn, but most teenagers graduating from high school have come to hate learning. What happened? Obviously, the forced instruction of public education turns learning from a natural, fun experience that satisfies curiosity and interest, into a boring, stressful experience that most people want to avoid. Unfortunately, this isn’t good for our brains. The brain, like our muscles, gets healthier when regularly exercised; exercise for the brain is learning something new.

Even if they do engage in learning things, most adults tend to stick with fields of study they have already mastered and tend to read stuff that agrees with what they already believe. This basically keeps their brains stuck in mental “ruts” and “boxes.” If you want to develop more mental marbles, study something new and read things that present new information that challenges your existing beliefs about things. This will actually form new neural pathways in your brain and increase your intelligence and creativity, but it requires that you reawaken your childhood curiosity.

I am fortunate that I made a decision in junior high that I wasn’t going to let school interfere with my education. I’ve kept that pledge to myself and have become a life-long learner as a result. I regularly get curious about new fields of study and I also regularly read books that challenge my current paradigms. I’m a curious cat, and if you want to increase your mental marbles, you should be, too. When you challenge your brain by developing new interests, you not only develop more connections between your brain cells, you also become more creative and flexible in your thinking. It also makes you more tolerant of others.

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #7: Learn Like a Kindergartner

One of the reasons people lose their love of learning is because we make learning so stressful. The brain is designed to help us blot out unpleasant memories, so when we are stressed, we have a harder time learning.

On the other hand, pleasant experiences help store information into long-term memory faster. Bright colors, music, games and other learning tools we use with kindergartners and preschoolers work on adults, too. In fact, we’d all learn a lot better if we continued to use the tools we used in kindergarten to learn throughout our life.

When you’re learning something new, play with it. Make the information fun. Take notes with bright colored markers. Draw pictures. Make up a song about what you are learning. Act it out. Put on classic instrumental music while you’re studying (it has been shown to enhance memory). Make a game out of it. All these things will increase your retention of material two or three fold.

In contrast, if you make learning into work, get stressed over it, beat yourself up about it and otherwise turn it into a negative experience, you will greatly interfere with your ability to learn. This leads directly into the next tip for increasing the number of mental marbles you possess.

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #8: Make Lots of Mistakes

One of the reasons adults don’t like to venture into new areas of study is that you always make lots of mistakes when you’re learning something new and challenging. Public education drills into us the idea that making mistakes is “bad.” It’s a strange notion because nobody learns anything new without making a lot of mistakes. You fell many times in learning to walk and you babbled a lot in learning to talk.

One of the things I’ve noticed about many people is they suffer a sort of paralysis about the idea that they might do something “wrong.” They are afraid to try some herb or supplement because they might have a bad reaction to it. Or, they are afraid to start helping people because they feel they don’t know enough.

The problem is that book learning isn’t really learning. Books only give us abstract, symbolic ideas. I can read a lot of cookbooks, but I won’t learn to cook unless I start actually making stuff in the kitchen. I may burn something, season it wrong or otherwise mess it up. However, I won’t ever be able to cook if I don’t go through this process. The key is to learn to enjoy your mistakes instead of beating yourself up for them.

While it may seem contrary to what you’ve been led to believe, people who achieve the most in this life are people who have made a lot of mistakes. People who are overly cautious and conservative usually don’t discover anything great. It’s the person who steps outside their intellectual box and jumps out of their mental rut who is likely to win the mental marbles game.

I hope you’ll follow my example and start doing things where you get to make some great mistakes. You’ll definitely acquire more mental marbles if you do.

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #9: Get Off the Bell Curve

The public education system uses a “bell curve” model for grading. The “bell curve” model is based on the idea that some students are really smart, most students are average, and some at the bottom are stupid. This is a completely false way to view intellect.

I was fortunate enough to participate in an experimental class in learning and teaching my final semester in college. I was also working as an undergraduate research assistant in the Instructional Science department as my original intent was to get a Master’s Degree in Instructional Media. There, I was exposed to ideas that forever changed my concept of learning and teaching. I learned that there are over 100 aptitudes that can be measured with testing and that if you administer the full battery of aptitude tests to any group of people, that everyone tests as a genius in at least one and often two or three areas.

So, all of us have outstanding skills in at least some areas. In other words, there are many different kinds of intelligence and everybody is a genius at something.

By forcing a “bell curve” model and assigning grades to students, the school system has caused some people to think they are “slow” or “stupid” when it comes to learning. This really isn’t true. If you struggled with a particular subject, (math, reading, science, spelling, etc.) you may have just been in a position at that time in your life where you weren’t ready to master that subject. Our brains develop different areas at different speeds, but the fact is that most of us are capable of learning just about anything and we’re functioning far below our natural aptitude because we’ve absorbed the negative ideas of others.

Jump off the bell curve and stop comparing yourself to other people. Whenever you venture into a new field, you’re going to be terrible at it at first. This doesn’t mean you’re dumb. Don’t compare yourself to other people; instead, celebrate your own progress! Pat yourself on the back for every step you take, no matter how small the progress has been. When you encourage yourself for making progress, you’ll find that you can probably master just about anything you want to. And, even if you don’t master something, the effort of even working at it will give you more neurological connections in your brain cells and enhance your overall intelligence. In other words, you can’t lose!

Mental Marble Enhancing Idea #10: Let’s Get Physical

One of the topics I’ve studied in the last couple of years was the Summerhill boarding school in England, where students were not required to come to classes. In other words, they weren’t forced to learn. Interestingly enough, most kids eventually attended classes voluntarily without being compelled to, which shows most of us have a natural love for learning. What is interesting though is that the most well attended classes were shop and art classes.

In our early years, especially between birth and age eight, most of our brain development occurs through neuromuscular activity, that is, crawling, walking, running, tasting things, smelling things, touching things, etc. In fact, studies have shown that watching TV when we are young inhibits rather than enhances intelligence because it is a passive activity, which does not develop the brain.

Dyslexia occurs in children because they did not crawl enough or otherwise stimulate the development of brain communication through physical activity. Brain Gym, a system of physical activities that helps overcome dyslexia and learning disabilities, shows that movement can enhance learning and intelligence.

All of this makes it a shame that in an attempt to “improve the intelligence of our children,” governments have been cutting funding to gym, dance, shop and art classes in favor of more “academic” programs. This actually diminishes development of the brain rather than enhancing it. Physical activity not only stimulates the development of neuropathways in the brain, it also stimulates circulation to the brain, which enhances brain function and memory. So, if you want to increase your brainpower, also try learning new physical skills—painting, pottery, dance, playing an instrument, learning a new sport, etc. The physical activity will send more blood to your brain and getting movement involved will develop more neural connections to increase your mental marbles.

With all of these ways to increase our mental marbles, there is no reason for anyone of us to “lose our marbles” as we grow older.

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Success Magazine Working At Home (Winter 1995-1996)
Change Your Brain Change Your Life

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