Why you should have Fish Oil (OMEGA 3)

WHY YOU SHOULD BE TAKING OMEGA 3 

Fish oil (omega 3) has long been advocated by top pros as the ‘go to’ supplement when referencing support for not only a healthy body but also a healthy mind, fish is brain food! The challenge faced by most is the palatable source of quality omega 3’s, affectionately classified as ‘fishy fish’ such as salmon or mackerel leaves ‘plain fish’ such as cod being preferential choice. Cod is sited as being one of the least contaminated (heavy metals) sources of omega 3 however, it’s not massively oily and therefore not the best source of the two main parts of fish oil (omega 3) considered being the focus of requirement…

• EPA (inflammation properties) and
• DHA (cognitive properties)

The key attribute of omega 3’s are that the body won’t negatively store them as fat, but rather positively use them for the building of stable cell walls amongst other things highlighted below.

1. Aggression 

DHA deficiency has been linked to elevated levels of aggression with doses of around 1.5g per day for adults and 3.6g per week for children being the enough to alleviate symptoms. The aggressive tendencies noted are mainly stress induced but let’s be honest, when can you not relate aggression to stress? So instead of feeding a child more sugar if they have a temper tantrum, pop them a fish oil (omega 3) capsule on a regular basis and bask in the tranquility!

2. Concentration

Long term DHA deficiency has been shown to reduce brain phospholipid (make-up of the grey matter) content by up to 70% over a 5 year period with alcohol contributing to DHA depletion. So yes, alcohol does kill brain cells and a regular shot of fish oil (omega 3) may help reduce that massacre.

3. Learn More, Retain More

DHA levels are correlated with memory formation and greater fluency skills in older persons as well as reduced cognitive decline. The higher your levels the less you forget and quicker your wit, the lower and well, you’ll forget more than you know in the long run! Regular intake of up to 1.2g over a period of 6 months has shown improvements in memory retention and reaction time in younger persons. 

4. Depression

EPA doses as little as 1g per day have been shown to reduce the effect so depression in what is classified as ‘severely’ depressed people. It’s worth noting that it’s not a replacement for prescribed antidepressants but will actually augment the journey to come off them. Fast acting happy pills, who could argue?  

5. Stress

Both EPA and DHA have positive effects on stressed individuals, the EPA supports some immune functions that are associated with stress, mainly slows the time it takes to switch off as we discuss in week 8 – stress. DHA on the other hand is tied with the aggression response as mentioned above, so what you effectively get when taking fish oil is a reduction in secretion of the adrenal hormones for the same amount of stress. 

6. Blood Flow 

It would be safe to assume that plenty of blood, oxygenated for that matter, flowing to the brain – is a great thing. Take as little as 1g per day of fish oil and reap the rewards of providing power to the conductor (that’s your brain being powered by oxygenated blood). 

7. Reduced Age Related Diseases

High dietary fish intake has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive diseases in older and middle aged persons. Around 2g per day over a period of around 18 months, so get taking now, is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. It does not cure or reduce the effects of these cognitive diseases in persons who unfortunately already have them.

Prevention is better than a cure!

C-Reactive protein is a risk factor for various inflammatory diseases such as heart attacks, coronary heart disease, stroke and angina, fish oil, mainly DHA in large doses has been shown to reduce this risk factor. Given the preventative abilities of fish oil, it stands to reason there are so much more protective properties associated with fish oil supplementation.

8. Pain Reduction

EPA is pretty much an anti-inflammatory, therefore people with joint pain or muscle soreness will benefit from taking a regular dose. Take a high dose and reduce accordingly based on pain over a prolonged period, so if you really suffer start off with around 6-10g per day and alter as you go.

9. Fat Loss

Fish oil lowers triglycerides which are free fatty acids (good), attached to a sugar or glycerol backbone (not so good). The EPA and DHA combined help turn on the lipolytic (fat burning) gene and turn off the lipogenic (fat storing) gene. In other words you start using fat for energy and not storing it to keep you warm! It will also stimulate adiponectin, a fat burning hormone, and positively regulates leptin, the long term appetite suppressor.

Burn fat and kill cravings? Pick some up here 

10. Cholesterol

If you don’t have any issues with cholesterol then fish oil is perfect for lowering your LDL (less beneficial to people with cholesterol problems) and raising your HDL (more beneficial to everyone) cholesterol’s It’s not advisable therefore, for people who have what is classed as high ‘non-beneficial cholesterol’ to take a high dose of fish oil unless they are also taking a medicinally prescribed statin or other drug to lower cholesterol. The two of them work synergistically you see.

In other words, if you have been diagnosed with high ‘non-beneficial cholesterol’ and are not taking a prescribed drug then do not take a high dose of fish oil (over 10g), if you are taking a prescribed drug then you can take a high dose as it will help you get off the negative pharmaceutical grade drugs. 

11. Diabetes

Fish oil has been shown to help stabilise blood sugar levels before, during and after meals, effectively slowing the uptake of (excess) sugar from your blood in to your fat cells. You’ll get less fat from controlled carbohydrate intake. If you have diabetes then up to 6g is enough to help you control your fasting glucose levels (blood sugar when you are not eating) but if you don’t then yet again there’s another reason fish oil is perfect for preventative measures.

Playing a synergistic role with the above blood sugar notes, fish oil will help those with insulin sensitivity issues such as diabetics, obese and potentially elderly people – increase insulin sensitivity. This means that insulin will actually do its job effectively and allow an uptake of sugar in the blood to be used for energy in the muscles, fuel for the brain and store less in the fat cells. Couple that with a good resistance training program and you get a massive reduction in fat mass.

12. Builds Muscle

Fish oil helps stimulate muscle growth by metabolising sugar and fat, meaning more calories burned, more insulin site receptors and less fat! Once again, put that together with a decent weights program and you get a slim, toned and strong physique. 

13. Pregnancy

Fish oil offers a potential reduction in the risk of birth complications and premature birthing, with evidence supporting increases in birth weights also. The DHA element of fish oil plays a significant role in foetal development and parent ingestion is shown to increase cognitive development of unborn children. It’s also just as important for the cognitive function of a new-born and consumption comes mainly from breast milk, hence the importance of parent ingestion, or will be a staple part of any infant formula on the market.

An increase of 80% for EPA and 90% DHA in parental breast milk during the final 20 weeks of pregnancy is proven with just 3.5g of fish oil per week, therefore it’s preferred that a couple of fish dishes eaten as part of your meal plans will suffice with no need to supplement fish oil. If however fish is not for you then supplementation is a requirement for best results.

14. Skin Health

A dose of around 5g per day has been shown to decrease the effects of sun exposure both from a reddening of the skin and from immunosuppression point of view. In other words it may not make you ill from sunlight exposure and act as a natural sunblock. This does not mean you can forget to use whatever preventative measures you see necessary when out in the sun.  It has also been shown to reduce the DNA damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight.  Vitamin D and fish oil, powerful combination!

15. Overall Health Benefits

You need fat to lose fat and given that fish oil provides you with essential fatty acids, essential meaning that you can’t produce them within the body and therefore need to ingest them, it stands to reason that the entire body benefits in one way or another. Areas not specifically talked about above but directly or indirectly benefit from adequate levels of omega 3 are your kidneys, eyes and hair and skin.

Caution: 

Quality should not be compromised when taking a fish oil, the cheap tub you can pick up down at the super market is not acceptable, reasons why? Toxicity, rancidness and even potency all are markers of sub-standard fish oil. Even the standard is sub-standard. 

You need to invest in extremely good quality fish oils not the sub-standard from your local supermarket.

For the best quality fish oil please click here.

Help you Liver

HELP YOUR LIVER

'The liver is the body's primary fat-burning organ and the first place to collect toxins entering the body, so you can't have a healthy body without a healthy liver.'

The liver is the largest organ in the body, weighing between 2lbs and 10oz to 3lbs and 5oz, and pumping blood at around three pints per minute. It's the body's primary fat-burning organ and the first place to collect toxins entering the body. It acts as a natural filter, converting toxins into waste - so it's no surprise you can't have a healthy body without a healthy liver. With over 500 specific functions, this complex organ also helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels, stores vitamins, regulates and manufactures proteins, and detoxifies and eliminates toxic substances from the body, therefore acting as an internal cleanser.

Poor digestion, gallstones, high blood pressure, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, mood fluctuations, low mood, and headaches - do these symptoms sound familiar? As well as the internal health imbalances, visible signs of an unhappy liver include abdominal bloating, being overweight, dark eye bags, skin spots and rashes, a coated tongue and bad breath.

Common causes of liver malfunction include excess alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, drug abuse, auto-immune diseases and infections - but one of the main attributes to an unhealthy liver in the developed world is lifestyle. Eating a diet high in refined carbs and processed fats, smoking and leading a stressful life can all take its toll on the liver's efficiency. However, giving your body a break and making changes to your lifestyle can improve the function of this hard-working organ.

Boost your liver - Follow these rules for soaring energy levels, speedy weight loss and a healthy immune system...

1. Listen to your body: Place meal times around your hunger rather than the clock. If you are eating meals when you're not hungry, it will place extra strain on your liver.
What to do: Consider how hungry you really are before you decide to eat. If you find you are not hungry enough to eat a full meal, have a small snack such as a piece of fruit or a handful of raw nuts instead.

2. Stay hydrated: Aim to drink at least 2 litres of filtered water per day to cleanse both the liver and the kidneys. Dehydration shrinks the body's cells and also raises the risk of degenerative diseases.
What to do: Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with meals and instead regularly sip on water throughout the day, as well as herbal teas to keep your fluid levels up.

3. Avoid Sugar: Steer clear of refined sugars, as the liver converts these into unhealthy fats called triglycerides. These build up inside the body's cells causing deterioration of the organs and leading to fat storage.
What to do: Load up on fresh and dried fruits, carob or fruit based sorbets.

4. Ease digestion: Foods containing gluten, like wheat, rye and barley, processed foods and dairy, can put a strain on the digestive system. These contain reactive proteins and lactose, which can cause bloating.
What to do: Always chew food properly as digestion begins in the mouth. If you suffer from a weak digestive system, take a digestive enzyme capsule with meals or begin each meal with a salad or glass of water containing two or three tablespoons of cider vinegar.

5. Encourage good intestinal hygiene: The liver filters and destroys bacteria and viruses contained in food. But if too many unfriendly organisms enter the bloodstream, they can cause illness, as the liver can't cope.
What to do: Avoid reheating foods, wash your hands before eating and stay away from packaged and processed foods, which are packed with unfriendly organisms.

6. Don't use food to de-stress: Stress eating causes the blood flow to be diverted away from the liver and intestines, and can lead to bloating and poor digestion.
What to do: Try to de-stress by taking a few deep breaths and clearing your mind of all thoughts, or if you want a physical release go to the gym or outdoors for a run or walk.

7. Go organic: Avoiding food loaded with pesticides and preservatives, colourings, flavourings and artificial sweeteners helps the liver to perform efficiently.
What to do: Buy organically reared meats, fruits and vegetables where possible. Also buy meat from local butchers and fresh produce from farmers markets, which can often be a cheaper alternative to supermarkets.

8. Load up on Protein: Protein can help to minimise liver disease. It is best to try to pack in dietary protein from a range of sources in order to reap the full health benefits.
What to do: If you want to avoid animal protein, combine grains, nuts, seeds and legumes in one meal as these contain eight essential amino acids for optimum health, or take a protein shake that is suitable of vegetarians.

9. Boost your bowel health: Avoiding constipation will prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the bowels. Drinking plenty of water and eating raw fresh fruits and vegetables will also help.
What to do: Take a Probiotic or fibre supplement and eat fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and organic dairy yogurts.

10. Avoid Bad Fats: Saturated fats will harm the liver while excluding healthy essential fatty acids (EFAs) will slow down the metabolism and lead to weight gain. They are vital for good health as the body cannot naturally manufacture them.
What to do: Include lots of seeds, raw nuts and oily fish in your diet. Taking omega 3 supplements is a good option.

Finding health with digestive enzymes

Finding health with digestive enzymes

What are enzymes?  They are said to be the “powerhouse” of every cell in the body.  Intertwined with nearly every system in the body, digestive enzymes determine how effectively the body breaks down food. The body can’t function without them.

We are born with some digestive enzymes. However, these alone cannot sufficiently break down all of the food that we eat.  The body can produce and replenish enzymes; but still it needs more from outside sources. Natural, raw foods have enzymes in them that are designed to break down the food. These are the same molecules that make fruit ripen and then eventually rot. However, today’s food preparation processes can kill these enzymes, making digestion difficult on the body. If you cook, freeze, dry or can your food, you’ll most likely kill the enzymes your body needs for healthy digestion.

As most of today’s diets include some form of processed food, it’s likely that you have an insufficient level of digestive enzymes. This causes stress on the digestive system, which can lead to indigestion, heartburn, bloating and more. Moreover, digestive stress can affect how many nutrients your body is able to absorb. Often, those with symptoms of digestive stress have a weakened immune system.
Since it’s nearly impossible to maintain a diet of just raw, natural foods, it’s important to supply your body with the essential digestive enzymes it needs. It’s easy to do so with a safe, healthful digestive enzyme supplement that will help you feel better as you find greater health.

To find out more please visit my website here

Super Brain Foods

Super Brain Foods You Can Find in the supermarket 

A fast-paced world requires us to stay mentally sharp.  But the average persons diet is doing all it can to keep our brain synapses from firing on all cylinders.  

While life demands more and more from your brain, the food you eat may be giving you a lot of calories without the nutrients you need to meet those demands.

Fortunately, it isn’t hard to find the nutrient-dense foods your brain is craving. So, next time you’re at the supermarket, pass up the processed, sugary items for some of these brain-healthy (and delicious) alternatives:

In general, you want foods that provide 4 things:

• Omega-3s 
• Antioxidants
• Anti-inflammation
• Blood circulation

Why Omega-3s for the Brain

Your brain is mostly composed of fat, and it needs fatty acids to process information and for brain cells to communicate.  Omega-3 fatty acids – particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – play an essential role in allowing brain cells to transmit signals properly. Lack of DHA can cause brain signals to become garbled and difficult to read. The harder it is for your brain cells to talk to one another, the harder it is for you to control mood, concentrate, and remember things. 

Research also suggests that DHA can actually help you feel happier by prompting your body to release serotonin, the chemical the body uses to boost mood and relieve depression. Some people choose to supplement with Flaxseed oil or Super Omega 3's 

Why Antioxidants for the Brain?

Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps control the buildup of free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and halt the damaging effects they have on the body. Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, goji berries, and many others are a great source of antioxidants, as are a variety of nuts and seeds.  Zambroza is a great supplement drink it is the most powerful antioxidant on the market. 

Why Blood Circulation for the Brain?

While only making up two percent of total body weight, the brain consumes 20 percent of the oxygen your body takes it. Your brain needs oxygen, and your blood is what delivers it. Having a healthy blood flow means that oxygen and nutrients can keep the brain going at full power.  Foods like goji berries naturally promote circulation.  Mega-Chel is a great natural product that suports the Circulatory system.

Why Anti-Inflammatory Foods?

Various factors contribute to the gradual decline of mental acuity as we age. Recent studies suggest  that inflammation, high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, obesity, arterial inelasticity and a condition known as metabolic syndrome are all risk factors and can lead to a decline in brain health.

13 Super Brain Foods:

Fish: Salmon, anchovies, mackerel, tuna

Awash with nutrients, coldwater fish like salmon are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in strengthening synapses in your brain, strengthening brain function and memory. One concern that many have about consuming fish are the levels of mercury that accumulate through the food chain and residing in salmon. To avoid contaminates, experts recommend eating wild salmon. Wild Salmon is also an excellent source of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), two potent omega-3 fatty acids that douse inflammation. Sardines, anchovies, and mackerel are also packed with brain-healthy omega-3s, but have lower levels of mercury that may be found in other fish. They’re easy to find canned in grocery stores and you can easily make them an ingredient in snacks and meals. 

Turmeric

This Asian spice Turmeric is commonly found in pre-mixed curry powder and contains a powerful, non-toxic compound called curcumin. Studies found that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects are on a par with many potent drugs yet has none of their side effects. Although we don’t recommend substituting anything in place of a doctor’s advice. 

In studies, Turmeric upregulates LDL receptor activity. 

Mushrooms 

For thousands of years, the Chinese have revered mushrooms, specifically Shiitake, Cordyceps, and Reishi, for their immune-boosting properties. Mushrooms may reduce platelet aggregation, increase blood flow, and supports lower cholesterol levels. 

Avocado

Many consider avocadoes to be the food of the gods. This nutrient-packed fruit (yes, it’s technically a fruit) is high in monosaturated fat, which helps lower cholesterol and improve blood flow. Since the brain uses 20% of all oxygen the body consumes, it’s vital to have healthy blood flow to carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Avocados are a good source for omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which functions as an antioxidant and promotes healthy brain activity. 

Go Nuts!

Researchers have linked tree nuts to a decreased risk of many diseases. Now there’s evidence that they also improve cognition. Most have high concentrations of vitamin E, B vitamins, antioxidants, magnesium, minerals and Omega-3s. All support the nervous system.  

The walnut’s shape resembles a brain, so why shouldn’t it be a brain food? It is! Rich in both omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, walnuts offer a variety of benefits for brain health.  Since omega-3 fatty acids are typically found in meats, walnuts provide a great non-meat alternative. They can help you concentrate and protect your brain against the effects of ageing. Walnuts have also been shown to improve mood by influencing the brain’s serotonin levels. For those who suffer from depression, insomnia, or related issues, walnuts may be a helpful food to munch on.

Almonds may help save your memory. In studies on laboratory mice, the rodents rendered temporarily amnesiac were more apt to remember their way around a maze 24 hours later if they first consumed an almond paste. The evidence suggests that almonds slow the decline in cognitive abilities linked to Alzheimer's disease. Investigators attribute the memory effects to the presence of the essential amino acid phenylalanine and L-carnitine, believed to boost neurotransmitters essential to memory.

Brazil nuts can spare the obese the vascular damage associated with adiposity. An excess of fat tissue stimulates low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

With high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and bioactive substances that combat inflammation--selenium, phenolic compounds, folate, magnesium among them--Brazil nuts improved microcirculation, lowered cholesterol levels, and normalized blood lipid profiles without causing weight gain in 17 obese female adolescents.

Green Tea

China’s favorite drink has been shown to provide many benefits for memory and spatial learning, and may impact cellular mechanisms in the brain. The organic chemical, EGCG (epigallocatechin-3 gallate) that is also found in green tea extract, is a key property of green tea and is a known antioxidant. EGCG is also found to boost the production of neural progenitor cells, which like stems cells can adapt, or differentiate, into various type of cells. In laboratory studies, EGCG enhances learning and memory by improving object and spatial memory. 

Seeds: Flax, Chia, hemp, sesame

These small seeds provide big benefits for both the body and the brain. An even more potent source of omega-3 fatty acids than walnuts, and also a source of B vitamins, eating flaxseeds can be a great way to give your brain cells what they need for improved cognitive function and memory. Flaxseed is also a source of manganese, which acts as a powerful antioxidant.  It’s best to grind flaxseed before eating it, since the body has difficulty absorbing the seed’s nutrients when left in its natural state. 

Chia seeds are a super-food that the ancient Mayans and Aztecs heavily relied upon. These seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and contain more antioxidants than blueberries. Add chia seeds to your diet for improved concentration, memory, mood, and protection against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

Sesame and hemp seeds contain plant sterols that help modulate the immune system and bring down an overreaction. 

Quinoa

Quinoa is an all-around good grain. It makes up a complete protein, containing all nine of the essential amino acids. Quinoa is also an excellent source of iron, which is needed to produce energy for the brain’s neurons. It is also rich in riboflavin (or vitamin B2), which is another important energy source. Since the brain consumes such a large amount of the body’s energy, it’s important to eat the right foods to supply it. Riboflavin also functions as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Collard Greens, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, and cabbage

Kids may not consider this the world’s best-tasting food, but broccoli has become highly regarded for being a great source of nutrients. One thing that it’s rich in is Vitamin K, which has been shown to prevent arterial calcification in the brain, which may be linked to Alzheimer’s. Vitamin K also plays a role in creating important fats that the brain needs to perform properly. Other good sources for Vitamin K are kale, spinach, collard greens, and brussels sprouts. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane that helps the body get rid of potentially carcinogenic compounds. In studies, broccoli, red cabbage and sulforaphane have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.  

Sweet Potato

A good complex carbohydrate, it’s also a good source of beta-carotene, manganese, vitamin B6 and C as well as dietary fiber. Combined, these are powerful antioxidants that support inflammation in the body.

Berries: Blackberries, Blueberries, Goji Berries, StrawBerries, Cranberries -- there is no bad berry

Adding berries to your diet can help your brain better process information stay mentally sharp. Loaded up with polyphenols and antioxidants, berries can help reduce inflammation in brain cells, making it easier for them to talk to each other. Polyphenols found in blackberries also help reduce accumulation of toxins in the brain. 

Some evidence suggests blueberries, strawberries and cranberries can improve metabolic syndrome through lessoning inflammation. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to slow brain aging. Virgin olive oil is Mediterranean’s secret to longevity. Its rich supply of polyphenols protects the heart and blood vessels from inflammation. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are also turned into anti-inflammatory agents by the body that can lower occurrences of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Water

Don’t forget this important nutrient. Water makes up 85% of brain weight. A study in Neurology found that dehydration decreases brain volume, and rehydration increases cerebral volume significantly. 

Supplements

Please take a look here at my website for natural healthy supplements 

5 Tips for a better nights sleep

5 Tips for a Better Night's Sleep

We get 20% less sleep today than we did 100 years ago. More stress? Probably. Less physical activity? Perhaps.
In any case, some type of insomnia will affect one in three of us. And women, you’re up to twice as likely to experience sleeplessness as men.
But don’t take this news lying down (staring at the ceiling). Here are 5 tips to do your part to make every night a restful night.

Time

Allow yourself some time to wind down each evening. Bustling around, trying to get a few more things done before you retire is counter-productive to good sleep. Even social networking before bed can stimulate the brain, making it hard to truly relax when your head hits the pillow.

Environment

Some people can sleep anywhere. Most of us can’t. Creating a sleep-friendly environment might include controlling the amount of light in your bedroom, your room temperature and the amount of noise reaching your ears. Consider black-out curtains, earplugs, turning on a fan, listening to mellow music, a bark collar for the dog and other changes that might make your sleep room a better place for real rest.

Create a Routine

Doing the same thing every night can help train your body that it’s time for sleep. Drink a glass of warm milk, or hot coco, brush your teeth, read for 10 minutes, then listen to relaxing music. Whatever your routine should be, stick with it for at least two weeks and see if sleep is less elusive. Note: Exercising too close to bedtime can stimulate the mind, making sleep much more difficult for some people.

Get comfortable

Don’t underestimate the importance of a good mattress and/or pillow. Before you buy a new mattress, do some research. Talk to friends, check out blogs and ask about doing a 30-day test-run to see if you like it. Nowadays you can choose from memory foam, air, gel, water, and good old springs and foam. People are quite different and so are mattresses!

Supplements

Can play an important role in getting proper rest. 

For our Hops & Valerian with Passion Flower supplement please click here.

• Valerian root has been used for over a thousand years to help people sleep. It helps relax the central nervous system, promotes feelings of calm and can help decrease anxiety or stress. And unlike some sleep aids, it does NOT leave you feeling groggy.
• Hops flowers have nervine properties and promote restful sleep.
• Passionflower can help relax tense muscles and soothe frayed nerves.

Lavender is the most popular essential oil for relaxation and encouraging sleep. Diffuse lavender in your bedroom or spray a mist of it onto sheets and pillows before bed.

Natural Products to Improve Digestion

Digestion is at the core of maintaining good health. As you provide your body with essential nutrients and it breaks them down into usable fuel for energy, you create a solid foundation for health.

It’s Good to Break Down

Proactazyme

We’re not talking about cars or machines here. We’re talking about digestion. Enzymes are specialized proteins that speed up normal, necessary reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes can help make digestion infinitely more efficient.
Proactazyme provides natural, plant-based enzymes that break down starches, proteins and fats. It assists the stomach and small intestines in breaking down food into smaller particles, thereby enhancing proper digestion and helping to eliminate gas, occasional bloating and occasional indigestion.
Contains the following enzymes:

• A blend of proteases and peptidase—breaks down protein 
• Amylase, glucoamylase, malt diastase—digests starches (carbohydrates) 
• Invertase and alphagalactosidase—simplifies sugars 
• Lipase—breaks down fat into fatty acids and glycerides

 Proactazyme features a base of herbs that support digestion, including beet root, dandelion, fennel, gentian and ginger. You know this product is working when you eat a big meal and don’t feel the after-effects. 

Food Enzymes

All foods require processing (digesting), and enzymes are able to break down food compounds for assimilation into the bloodstream.  A number of different enzymes are needed to deal with differing food compounds. Some of these are produced by the body, some are found in foods. However, most processed foodslack the enzymes needed for proper digestion.
Food Enzymes formulation supplements the body’s production of these enzymes. For example, pepsin is used for the digestion of proteins in an acid environment (betaine hydrochloride or HCl); pancreatin is produced by the pancreas to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats in alkaline environments; mycozyme digests starches; papain and bromelain digest protein; bile salt makes fats soluble and prepares them for further digestion by lipase.
One capsule will help you digest a minimum of 30 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of fats. Each capsule supplies, alpha-amylase (mycozyme) 90mg, betaine HCl 162mg, bile salt 40mg, bromelain 50mg, lipase 15 IU (contains lactose from milk), pancreatin 22mg, papain 45mg and pepsin 60mg.
When taken between meals, Food Enzymes acts systematically to help maintain a healthy immune system.

Maintain Harmony in the Stomach

The stomach is home to a variety of living organisms, some of which can negatively alter normal balance. The effects of certain invaders, especially combined with hydrochloric acid, can be deleterious to the stomach lining and raise digestive-system issues.

Licorice & Dandelion

This formula is designed to meet the nutritional needs of the digestive system. Licorice root helps soothe the gastro-intestinal tract and promotes balance and well-being. Dandelion has a long tradition of use in Europe for for liver and kidney health. Licorice & Dandelion contains sesquiterpene lactones, which may positively influence digestion. Safflower and Horseradish are added for their nutritional benefits.  This formula also contains natural sources of Chromium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Silicon and Sodium.

A process of elimination

Bowel Build

This very popular Key Product is a unique formula of vitamins, mineral and herbs to maintain a healthy intestinal and digestive system.  This clever combination provides elements that encourage the proper flow of waste, with added ingredients for a soothing effect on the digestive system. 
 
BENEFITS OF BOWEL BUILD

• Bowel Build is the Key System Product for the intestinal system, and contains key nutrients and plant extracts perfectly balanced for the healthy digestive system.
• Many health experts agree that the cause of most chronic health concerns is a toxic colon
• Bowel Build supplies enzymes and vitamins formulated for the healthy digestive system
• This formula provides betaine HCl to aid digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract
• Contains Psyllium Hulls and Chlorophyll to provide fibre and bulk, which in turn encourages the proper flow of waste
• Althea and Ginger have been added for a soothing effect on the digestive system

Get Your Beneficial Bugs

Probiotics are healthful bacteria that perform a number of good and necessary functions in the body, including promoting immune system health, aiding in the absorption of vitamins, breaking down some foods, and more. Adding probiotics to the daily diet can pay huge dividends in maintaining smooth digestion.

Probiotic Eleven

Getting extra quantities of friendly bacteria helps to rebalance the normal, healthy populations in the gut. It’s especially important to replenish probiotics after intestinal cleansing or any illness or medication that may harm this delicate population.
Probiotic Eleven provides a full complement of 11 strains of beneficial bacteria that offer a variety of aid to the body, including intestinal, digestive and immune support.

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTIC ELEVEN

• A high potency, multi strain probiotic supplement that provides almost 12 billion bacteria per serving
• The eleven strains of bacteria in Probiotic Eleven ensure you replenish your gut with a variety of beneficial flora
• Each capsule contains a built-in prebiotic to nourish and spread the bacteria throughout the gut
• Lactobacillus strains release unique enzymes which help to break down larger milk proteins for absorption
• Contain Bifidobacterium strains: longum, infantis and bifidum, which help to create B vitamins

Help if you are feeling unconfortable

Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm is rich in nutrients and easy to digest, making it an excellent food during times of digestive discomfort.  Slippery elm is very mucilaginous, making a slippery substance when mixed with water.  It can be made into gruel. In times of famine, early American settlers used it as a survival food and some people still use it to help wean babies.