Consumer Lab Approves Nature's Prenatal on Dr. Oz

A recent Dr. Oz episode investigated the quality of the supplements Americans are putting in their bodies. And it revealed that not every supplement is created equal.

“When I found out that the $28 billion vitamin and supplement industry may be cheating you, it made me angry. I wanted to see for myself. And the results may surprise you,” Dr. Oz says in the episode.

Oz interviewed Dr. Tod Cooperman on research from Consumer Lab in a recent report that tested more than 60 leading vitamins and minerals sold in the United States and Canada. Throughout the episode, you can see a bottle of Nature’s Prenatal from Nature’s Sunshine, which received a full approval from Consumer Lab. To see the episode, go here. To see the report from Consumer Lab, go here.

“We tested over 3,000 products and found problems in 1 out of 4 of them,” Cooperman said. The study tested supplements to see if they:

• Provide exactly the claims on its supplement facts
• Have too much of a particular vitamin 
• Are contaminated with heavy metals 
• Break apart properly for absorption.

The products that passed the tests for all these criteria, as well as met FDA labeling requirements, earned an APPROVED rating. In the interview, Cooperman said defects were found in nearly 40% of the supplements. Here are some of the discoveries Consumer Lab lists on its website:

• One popular general multivitamin contained nearly 2.5 times its claimed amount of vitamin A in the retinol form. Too much of this type of vitamin A can be harmful. 
• 12 multivitamins provided less vitamin A, vitamin C, or folic acid, or than claimed, some with less than 30% of the listed amounts. These include a prenatal vitamin and products for men, adults (general), seniors, and even pets. 
• Tablets of a women’s multi and a general adult multi failed to break apart within the required time -- indicating they may not fully release all of their ingredients for absorption. 
• One pet multivitamin was contaminated with lead. 
• A range of multivitamins contained more than the upper tolerable limits established by the Institute of Medicine for niacin, vitamin A, magnesium, and/or zinc.

Consumer Lab tested and approved Nature’s Sunshine Prenatal Vitamin. The report said Nature’s Prenatal contained the claimed amount of nutrients tested, did not exceed contamination limits for lead and disintegrated properly.

This type of quality is what Nature’s Sunshine has been aiming for over the last 40 years. Nature’s Sunshine rigorously tests each product and ingredient to ensure purity, safety and potency.

“Quality has always been, and will always be, central to Nature’s Sunshine Products,” said Lynda Hammons, VP of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs. “High-quality supplements are not an accident. It doesn’t just happen! Nature’s Sunshine spends millions of dollars every year plus a lot of time, effort and expertise, assuring that we offer the highest quality supplements on the market. I have never been asked to cut costs. We have the funding for testing because we need to test to ensure that we can use high-quality ingredients to make the best supplements.”

15 Vitamins and Herbs that Help Lower Stress and Improve Nervous System Function

Long-term stress comes at us from a variety of sources: family struggles, financial difficulties, job worries or pressures, relationships, worry about health, the economy, etc. Continuous or repeated activation of the stress response process takes a toll on the nervous system and can lead to burnout, i.e. emotional and nervous exhaustion.

We can’t very easily change the world around us. But we can take steps to give our bodies the protection and nourishment they need to help handle stressors before they create anxiety.
Important VITAMINS for the Nervous System

B vitamins are food for the nervous system. In times of stress, the body rapidly uses up these nutrients. And, along with Vitamin C, they are water-soluble and must be replenished daily.

    B1 (thiamine) optimizes cognitive activity and brain function.
    Folic acid is considered brain food by some. It helps with depression and anxiety and helps prevent neural tube defects in unborn children.
    B6 (pyridoxine) is needed for normal brain function.
    B12 (cyanocobalamin) prevents nerve damage and helps maintain the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings. It is linked to the production of acetylcholine (a key neurotransmitter that aids memory and learning).
    Biotin helps B-complex vitamins be utilized properly in the body.
    Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is necessary for the development of the central nervous system, for proper adrenal function, for the conversion of fat and sugar into energy, and for the maintenance of normal growth and tissue replacement. Pantothenic acid is needed to make steroid hormones and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The body needs extra amounts of this vitamin when under physical stress.
    Choline is the precursor molecule for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in many functions including memory and muscle control. It helps nerve impulses travel from the brain through the nervous system. Choline aids brain function and memory.
    Vitamin C aids in the production of anti-stress hormones.
    Inositol has a calming effect.

Key HERBS for Stress and Anxiety

    Passionflower provides natural support to the relaxation centers of the nervous system and has been used historically to help with restlessness. Calming and soothing, it doesn’t affect mood.
    Fennel seeds have long been known to strengthen the digestive system, where emotional stress is most likely to center.
    Feverfew, an aromatic herb, helps the body deal with muscular tension, which may lead to head and neck pain.
    Hops (flower) is a tonic herb. It promotes sleep and helps the body deal with occasional restlessness.
    Chamomile flowers are known for supporting nerve health and mental alertness. This soothing herb also aids digestion and supports circulation.
    Schizandra fruit—allows the body to respond quickly to stress, thus increasing ourcapacity to work. Its bitter compounds also support circulation.

Try these stress-busters:

    Talk it out. Communicating about your worries with a trusted, emotionally stable confidant. Often a friend can help you see things from a different viewpoint and regain your perspective.
    Sleep. Operating in a sleep deficit can overburden your nervous system and make you more prone to meltdowns. Shoot for eight hours of sleep a night. Take naps when you’re tired or behind in your sleep. Try to catch up on shortages within the same week.
    Breathe Deeply. Sometimes a few deep breaths can help you remain calm in the face of mounting pressure and chaos. Deep breathing gets more oxygen to the body cells and may help you take a second to think before you act.
    Take a stroll. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which help improve mood. Get out and walk for 10-15 minutes.
    Listen to uplifting music. The right music can change your mood and help you feel more energy and greater well-being. The wrong music can do the opposite. See what works for you.
    Get a massage or take a hot bath. Physical relaxation goes hand in hand with mental relaxation. Find ways to relax physically and your brain will usually follow suit.

Herbology 101: Immunity, Circulatory and Other Health Benefits of Goldenseal and Lutein

Herbology 101: GoldenSeal

This popular product for the immune system is a bitter herb that has some astringent properties. The root contains the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine and canadine.

The alkaloids in goldenseal support immune system health and support healthy inflammation response.

Historically Goldenseal was used by the Cherokee Indians at least 300 years ago and has been highly prized by Native Americans for ages. It was used for immune-building and for a wide variety of topical and skin issues. This root was also used for help in balancing blood-sugar levels.

Benefits:

    Helps support mucous membrane health.
    Provides a friendly probiotic environment.
    Supports the immune system.
    May support digestive, respiratory and urinary health.

Note: Do not use during pregnancy

Herbology 101: Lutein

Lutein is a carotenoid, a colorful class of phytochemicals that give many fruits and vegetables their colors. Carotenoids help protect the body with their antioxidant properties. They especially support eye health, the heart and the circulatory system.

Historically Lutein has been used to support the health and structure of the macula, a surface of pigment at the center/back of the eye that is responsible for focus and for color differentiation. It also has been used to support general eye health as it helps to filter out damaging light and thereby protects eye tissues.

Benefits:

    Supports vision.
    Helps protect against UV damage to eyes and skin.
    Provides powerful antioxidant support (quenches damaging free radicals)

13 Tips For Healthy Aging

1. Stay active. Keep moving. Walk, work in the garden, play tennis or golf. Do anything that sounds fun if you can. Not all of us will be skydiving on our 80th birthday, but regular activity keeps the circulatory and respiratory systems in better shape, burns calories, warms us up, and helps lower the risk of debilitating diseases. And it’s good stress therapy.

2. Use your brain every day. Do mental math, crossword puzzles, jumbles, etc. Keep those neurons firing and active to help preserve healthy neural pathways. Also eat brain foods and brain supplements known to support brain health and function. 

3. Antioxidants. Fight cellular damage to your skin, eyes and circulatory system by getting plenty of antioxidants in your diet. These nutrients have extra electrons that neutralize dangerous free radicals caused by sunlight, pollution, radiation and other things in our environment. Choose colorful fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens like spinach, purple and red fruits, orange and yellow veggies, tomatoes, dark chocolate and more. Or drink your antioxidants in a potent beverage like Thai-Go® or in a supplement like Super Orac.

4. Put things on your calendar. Look forward to a concert, a family gathering, lunch with friends, etc. Australian researchers found that elderly people who are more social live longer compared to those with fewer friends.

5. Drink plenty of water. Proper hydration keeps blood and waste moving and helps the kidneys flush toxins and waste out of the body.

6. Take a nap! Naps may help combat stress in the body. One study of 24,000 people found that those who take a nap regularly are 1/3 less likely to die from heart disease than those who don’t get regular naps.

7. Go fishing. At the dinner table that is. Fish provides important essential fatty acids, including omega 3s and 6s, that are often lacking in our diets. These EFAs support circulation, heart health, brain health, blood pressure and more.

8. Eat less. Cutting back on calorie consumption by 20–25% is enough to increase your lifespan markedly. Instead of filling your stomach, fill your time with learning, moving and socializing.

9. Get a little nutty. Adding uncooked nuts and seeds to your diet adds important trace minerals like selenium and the essential amino acid tryptophan. The former helps quench free radicals and eliminate heavy metals, and the latter helps with both mood and sleep.

10. Pray. A 12-year study of adults over 65 shows that people who attend religious services more than once a week had stronger immune systems that those who did not attend services. They were also less likely to die. Worshipping together creates strong social bonds between friends, which may boost health.

11. Sprinkle on the seasonings. Shakespeare was right. Rosemary is for remembrance. Cooking with herbs like rosemary, sage and turmeric can help improve mood and memory.

12. Watch your waistline. Being overweight puts you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and other unwelcome conditions. Stay active and eat smart to keep your weight in check and disease at bay.

13. Invest in a healthy future. Get a physical once a year, and stay on top of your recommended health screenings.

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Ideas

Frankincense & Myrrh Essential Oils — These traditional gifts are traced back to gifts the Magi presented to the Christ child. Frankincense is soothing, centering and elevating and may possess other beneficial healing properties. Myrrh is centering and peaceful and has been associated with strength and endurance.

One of 10 System Packs, or one of each — Health for the holidays? There are 10 System Packs that support health in each system of the body. No matter who it is, it's a good chance that one of these System Packs will be exactly what they need to start of the New Year off a little bit healthier.

Stocking Stuffers Under $10

Tei Fu Essential Oils — A unique blend of menthol, wintergreen, camphor and other essential oils to invigorate the mind, stimulate the respiratory system (wake up the sinuses) and enhance mood. Some people even use it to help repel insects!

Peppermint Oil — Freshen your breath anytime with this trusted digestive aid. A little goes a VERY long way.

Vitamin D3 — Give this immune-system and bone-health supporter to anyone who needs a little reminder to take care of him/herself. 2,000 IU per tablet. For kids, also see Sunshine Heroes Calcium Plus D3

11 Ways to Help Bring Relief to Menopause Symptoms

Approximately 40 million women in America are nearing or are currently experiencing menopause. But there are options and remedies to help women manage their symptoms to be more comfortable as they go through these changes. October for Nature's Sunshine is "Women's Health Month" and we're having specials through Halloween on supplements for women.

Managing the Change, Menopause Relief

Estrogen and progesterone, two primary hormones in the female body, need to work in harmony to perform their many and complex regulatory functions. As women age, levels of these unique hormones become imbalanced as the body produces much less of them.

Symptoms of this imbalance can include hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness, low libido, irritability and more. During this challenging transitional phase of life, women can try a variety of medications and natural means to help restore balance.

Somewhere between age 45–55, most women begin peri-menopause, a prelude to official menopause, which, by definition, is the time when a woman has naturally ceased having menstrual periods for one year.

Nutrients that Can Support the Changing, Mature Female Body

Essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Flaxseed Oil can be converted into eicosanoids—hormone-like compounds that regulate many important bodily functions and processes, including heart health, already-normal-range blood pressure maintenance and hormonal responses.

As we age, many forces rob the structural system of strength and flexibility. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D can help bones and muscles stay strong and flexible.

B vitamins support the nervous system under stress. And if your body’s all freaked out, you’re stressed out.

Black cohosh herb has been used for decades by women who want to keep cool during menopause.

Soy foods like tofu and edamame contain phytoestrogens, hormone-like compounds that can help balance hormone levels in the body. One group of these compounds, isoflavonoids, is found in abundance in soybeans and other soy products. Studies show that isoflavonoids can help improve estrogen levels.

Wild Yam root helps balance the female glandular system and is widely used to support menopausal women. It contains diosgenin, a steroidal saponin that is used commercially to produce steroid hormones.

Hot Flash Relief

Fact: 80–90% of menopausal women in North America experience hot flashes. Some up to 15 times a day.

A hot flash is a brief sensation of heat that may include a red face, sweating, rapid heart rate or chills. When these occur at night, they are called night sweats. Hot flashes happen when blood vessels near the skin’s surface expand to help cool the body. Hot flashes are the most frequent symptom of menopause and peri-menopause.

Tips for Taking the Heat out of Hot Flashes

7. Avoid certain triggers that may bring on hot flashes more frequently or cause them to be more severe. These include stress, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, tight clothing, heat and cigarette smoke.

8. Keep your bedroom cool at night and dress in light clothing.

9. Practice slow, abdominal breathing.

10. Keep moving! Walk, swim, dance or ride a bike.

11. Use a cool pillow.

 Resources
www.womenshealth.gov
www.webmd.com

5 Tips for a Better Night's Sleep

Americans get 20% less sleep today than they 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, 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 air, gel, water, and good old springs and foam. People are quite different and so are mattresses!

Supplements
Herbs and supplements for sleep can play an important role in getting proper rest.

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.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally present in the brain. It can help restore the body’s natural sleep rhythm and may help you feel more alert and rested when you awake. Our bodies make less melatonin as we age. NOTE: don’t use melatonin during the day; not for pregnant women.