Troubled Teens?

Teenagers Don’t Have to Mean TROUBLE!

Learn How Good Nutrition and the Right Supplements
Can Transform Troubled Teens into Terrific Teens!

Our nation is facing a health crisis. Experts are saying that, for the first time in many generations, the youth growing up today will have a shorter life-pan than their parents. Diseases that were once considered diseases of old age are striking younger and younger people each year. Why is this so? 

Well, it largely has to do with nutrition. Refined and processed foods have become the normal way of life for most Americans. Many people are too busy (or perhaps too lazy) to cook, which means that convenience foods and microwaved foods are increasingly common. To raise funds, many schools have soda pop and candy machines in the hallways.
These high glycemic foods raise blood sugar levels rapidly. This causes the body to secrete excess insulin which drives these sugars into storage, often as fat. Thus, obesity has become a serious problem among teenagers, which is also leading to the development of type 2 diabetes in teenagers. An estimated 2.7 million teens are pre-diabetic.
Unfortunately, the tendency of these foods to cause weight gain and the growing concerns about obesity have caused more and more teens to develop eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia in an effort to stay thin.

These empty calorie foods are also lacking in the essential nutrients needed to keep the body healthy. They contain food additives, pesticide residues and other chemicals which cause irritation and, ultimately, inflammation in tissues. The high insulin levels also contribute to more inflammation. 

Because these foods lack essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, they also lead to numerous other health problems, including problems with the development of bones and teeth. Cavities, impacted wisdom teeth and the need for braces are all signs of poor nutrition, not inevitable consequences of growing up.

Empty Calories Create Empty Heads 

Blood sugar imbalances and nutritional deficiencies also affect a child's learning ability. American students rank last in performance on standardized tests among the top 18 industrialized nations and test scores have fallen since the 1960s. A more rigid educational system is not likely to solve this problem if we don't start nourishing our young people with healthier food. 

Blood sugar problems also lead to greater emotional problems such as anxiety, depression and delinquency. In her book Food, Teens and Behavior, juvenile parole officer Barbara Reed reports on her discovery that most juvenile delinquents have serious blood sugar problems and lived on diets of junk food and alcohol. When put on a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and meat with no sugar, white flour, caffeine or alcohol, the delinquents she worked with never got into trouble with the law again. 

With the social pressures from peers, TV and our "fast food" culture, helping teens get the nutrition they need to be healthy-physically, mentally and emotionally-can be tricky. Bur, it's worth the effort!

Helping Young Adults Get the Nutrition They Need 

When seeking a way to help teenagers eat healthy foods it's good to remember a story from the life of Ghandi. A woman came to Ghandi and told him that she was afraid for her son's health. He was eating far too much sugar and would not listen to anyone who told him that this was not healthy. She implored him to tell her son to eat less sugar. Ghandi said that he could not do so that day, but asked the woman to return in two weeks.
The woman and her son returned to Ghandi two weeks later. 

Ghandi told the boy that sugar was a great risk for his health and advised him to stop eating it. The young man was moved by the great man's words and promised to follow his advice. As the mother and son were leaving the mother stayed behind for a moment to ask, "Why did you have us wait two weeks before you offered this charge to my son)" Ghandi smiled and replied, "Well, two weeks ago, I had not given up eating sugar."
The best way to help our young people develop better food habits is by setting a good example. What kind of foods do they see other people eating? Teenagers are entering a stage of life where they are no longer children. They are young adults with a growing need for independence. Lecturing seldom works because it typically engenders rebellion. So, start by cleaning all the junk food out of your pantry and refrigerator and replacing it with healthier versions of familiar foods.

A Good Breakfast is Essential 

Take time to make a healthy breakfast for your self and your kids. Most Americans tend to eat their biggest meal in the evening, but the best advice for good health is to eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. This is because breakfast helps set a person's metabolism for the day.

Studies showed that kids who were fed high glycemic carbohydrates (i.e., simple carbohydrates such as processed breakfast cereals, pastries, white bread, etc.) for breakfast performed worse in school than kids who skipped breakfast altogether. This is not a reason to let your kids skip breakfast, however, because kids who were fed proteins for breakfast performed the best in school. 

The reason is simple. Eating simple carbohydrates for breakfast sets the body on a blood-sugar roller coaster for the rest of the day. Blood sugar and insulin levels spike, and then drop, resulting in low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia causes difficulty with concentration, moodiness and irritability, as well as cravings for more sugar. When more sugar is eaten, blood sugar levels spike once again and the process starts all over. This blood sugar roller coaster typically ends in a mid-afternoon energy slump. 

Providing high quality proteins and healthy fats for breakfast, along with some complex carbohydrates (fresh fruits, whole grains, etc.) helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn reduces sugar cravings and overeating later in the day. Eggs, preferably free range and organic, are a traditional breakfast food that contains all of the essential amino acids the body needs as well as vitamin A, the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin), and vitamin D with only] 11% fat. Egg fat is a good fat as it is unsaturated oleic acid, which is also found in nuts and avocados. 

Whole grain porridge (oatmeal, grits, etc but not instant.) is a good breakfast food, especially if you put the grain into the water the night before and let it soak overnight before cooking it. Add some butter or cream from grass-fed cows or some flax seed oil, hemp seed oil or coconut oil to the porridge as this slows the absorption of the carbohydrates and lowers the glycemic index of the food. This keeps blood sugar levels more stable.

If you're in too much of a hurry to make breakfast some mornings, a good option is to make breakfast shakes. Most teenagers will actually enjoy these shakes and they are quick and simple to make. Take some fresh or frozen fruit (peaches, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are all good choices) and put them in the blender with some protein powder (such as Smart Meals or Nutri-Burn) and perhaps a little yoghurt. Xylitol can be added as a sweetener, if necessary. Blend this mixture and drink it for a quick, but healthy breakfast. 

Making your teens lunch or helping them make their lunch the night before will help insure they are getting the healthy nutrients to keep them going throughout the day. Encourage the school they attend to provide healthy choices in vending machines. Check the school lunch menu and learn if it is consists of mostly healthy foods or if it is full of unhealthy foods that are fried, heavily processed or are full of sugar. Many schools are in the process of offering healthy choices for their students; you can help by getting involved. 

Energy Drinks, All natural and Safe

If your teenager or you need more energy there is the all natural Solstic Energy that will give you a slow but steady uplift without crashing at the end of the day like so many of those over the counter energy drinks, which are not safe. Also there is Solstic Revive to give energy and balance electrolytes which are especially great for those in sports or other actives.

To satisfy any sweet cravings try all natural, sweetened with Xylitol that has no calories and much safer than NutraSweet. Also, great for dental health. Chocolate Bars, Gum: Cinnamon, Green Tea, Peppermint and Spearmint. Mints:  Berry, Lemon, and Peppermint.

Basic Supplements for Teenagers 

Like adults, teenagers can benefit from taking the right kinds of herbs and nutritional supplements. Because teenagers don't always eat right, a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement like Super Supplemental is the best place to start.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty acids are important for brain function, hormone balance, regulation of inflammation and healthy skin. In a world of fried and fast foods, these essential nutrients are typically lacking in the diet, and Super Omega-3 EPA is another basic supplement that may benefit teenagers. 

A convenient way to get both Super Supplemental and Super Omega-3 EPA is to take Super Trio, which contains both of these products. It also contains an antioxidant supplement, Super ORAC, which helps counteract the free radical damage and inflammation caused by the environmental toxins present in today's world. Antioxidants are as essential to teenagers as they are to adults. 

Another good antioxidant supplement to consider is Thai-Go. Most teenagers will readily take this mangosteen juice blend. 

Minerals are also vitally essential for growing and changing bodies, particularly trace minerals like those found in Ionic Minerals. Ionic minerals can be mixed with Thai-Go to improve their flavor. 

Another mineral supplement to consider is HSN-W, which supplies silica and other trace minerals necessary for healthy hair, skin and fingernails as well as bones, teeth and joints. HSN-W also helps the brain and memory, making it a great supplement to help teenagers with both their looks and their cognitive abilities. 

Regulating Blood Sugar 

Helping teenagers maintain a balanced blood sugar level is essential to both their mood and their performance in school. Hypoglycemia can cause irritability, lethargy, inability to concentrate and mental confusion. Blood sugar problems also contribute to juvenile delinquency, addictive behaviors and weight issues. 

Besides the basic tips for eating right, there are supplements that can help keep blood sugar levels balanced. Super Algae is high in amino acids. It provides energy, helps balance blood sugar levels and improves mental function.  It is great to take with breakfast or anytime a person is experiencing sugar cravings or a drop in energy.

Licorice Root can be used to balance blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings in teenagers. Take two capsules with breakfast and two with lunch, if possible. (Many schools have issues with kids taking supplements to school because of drug problems. You may have to work with your school on this.)

Balancing Hormones 

It's no great secret that teenagers are undergoing major hormonal changes. These changes affect not only a teen's body, but also their thoughts and emotions, so it is important to talk with kids about these changes and help them through this critical time in their lives. Appropriate herbs and supplements can also help. 

For young women who are just starting their periods, a female hormone balancing formula like NF-X can help. It cleanses the genito-urinary system and can make periods easier, reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and counteract environmental estrogens. It can also help reduce androgens in teenage boys to lessen acne. (Also helpful is Female Comfort or Pro-G-Yam Cream).

Another good hormone balancer is Wild Yam and Chaste Tree. Chaste Tree, also known as vitex, regulates the pituitary gland to balance hormone levels. It is a useful remedy for teenage acne but can also help with excessive aggression in boys and menstrual cramps in girls.

Acne from the Inside Out 

Mild acne is common during adolescence, bur severe or ongoing acne is not. While mild acne can be annoying, severe acne can be painful and cause serious self-esteem issues.
Acne occurs when the glands that secrete oil to keep the skin soft and moist become irritated and inflamed. Where pus is present, this may be due to a bacterial infection. Most treatments focus on dealing with the acne topically, but from a natural healing perspective, acne means that Some form of toxin or irritant is present in the body and is being eliminated through the skin. Because these toxins are affecting oil ducts, they are fats or fat-soluble substances. 

It is well known that teenage acne is related to hormonal changes. Reproductive hormones are involved in the process of fat metabolism, so eliminating unhealthy fats is a good first step. High doses of vitamin A have been known to help acne, and this is probably became Vitamin A is an antioxidant that protects fats from oxidation. Two herbs that have been helpful for teenage acne, Burdock and Chickweed, are both known help to assist the process of fat metabolism. 

Remedies that balance teenage hormones can also help clear up acne. Christopher Hobbs, a fourth generation herbalist, says he has cleared up many cases of teenage acne using chaste tree berries alone. Chaste tree helps balance reproductive hormones via the pituitary and can be a good general remedy for balancing hormones during puberty. It can be found in the formula Wild Yam and Chaste Tree. 

However, on a deeper level, a poor diet and exposure to chemicals may cause intestinal inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, chronic yeast infections and sluggish liver function, all of which play a role in severe acne. This is why it is a good idea to start with a cleanse when dealing with severe acne. The Tiao He Cleanse, along with some extra fiber from Nature's Three or Everybody's Fiber, would be a good cleanse to try. If the acne sufferer has taken a lot of antibiotics in their life, it would be good to add Yeast/Fungal Detox to the cleanse in order to eliminate yeast overgrowth. 

Historically, herbalists have treated skin conditions, like acne, with alternatives, herbs that cleanse without forcing elimination. The afore mentioned burdock and chickweed are both helpful alternatives, but a good alternative formula may also be more effective. BP-X or Skin Detox are good choices. 

Of course, there are natural remedies that can be used topically for acne. Using a fine clay as a facial mask will draw toxic fats and other irritants from the skin. A clay such as Hydrated Benoite can also be used in baths to draw our toxins. To counteract infection, Silver Shield Gel can be applied topically to the skin once daily. Tea Tree Oil can also be used topically on blemishes to fight infection, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
If young women are having problems with painful periods, irregular periods and other menstrual problems, Female Comfort can help. This blend of herbs counteracts PMS and balances the reproductive cycle.

Stress, Mood and Learning Problems 

Many of today's teenagers are under a great deal of stress and pressure. This can cause teenagers to become depressed, lethargic, irritable or otherwise moody. It's important to keep lines of communication open so teens are able to discuss their problems and find a sympathetic ear, but there are also supplements that can help.

If teenagers are agitated, anxious or moody, Nutri Calm may be helpful. Nutri Calm feeds the nervous system to reduce the effects of stress and improve mood. It can also help with learning problems. Adaptagens, like Eleuthero Root, also help counteract the effects of stress and can be helpful for both reducing stress and improving school performance. Stress-J is for stress and can be used with Nutri Calm or alone.
For kids (or adults) who are suffering from over stimulated brains that make it difficult to concentrate, Focus Attention may be helpful. This supplement calms the brain and is available both in capsules and powdered form for younger kids. Brain Protex may also be added.

There are many other challenges teenagers can face and many other supplements and natural remedies that can help. 

QUALITY HERBS DO WORK!

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Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant

Phone: (719) 495-4930

E-mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
 

It’s Spring Again!

Ah....Choo......

It's that time of the year again – spring – when billions and billions of tiny pollen grains start filling 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 allergic rhinitis (known to us lay folk as hayfever).

Hayfever is caused by sensitivity to the pollen released by flowering plants, especially trees, grasses and ragweed. Pollen is the male "seed" of the plant, which is carried by wind or insects for reproduction. These tiny pollen granules enter the respiratory system and lodge on the mucus membranes.

In most people they cause no discomfort, but in the hayfever sufferer the immune system is excessively sensitive to tiny foreign particles. It produces antibodies to destroy them. These antibodies tend to cling to special cells called mast cells which are very prevalent in the lungs and liver. The antibodies attach themselves to the pollen (or other irritant) to destroy it.

This antibody reaction causes the mast cell to rupture, which releases large quantities of chemicals (histamine is one of them). This in turn causes inflammation of the surrounding tissues. It is the inflammation of the mucus membranes in the sinuses, lungs and eyes which causes the suffering in hayfever (i.e., the itchiness, the redness and irritation). It also causes the thin, watery mucus discharge, which helps to "cleanse" the area of debris.

You can see why medically, hayfever is usually treated with antihistamines and ant-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. They typically have side effects such as drowsiness and depression.

Chronic suppression of 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. Most cases of asthma today are allergic reactions in the lungs which are causing swelling of the lung tissue.

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

Think of it like this: Have you ever had a leak in your roof? Putting a pan under the leak may protect your carpet, but it doesn't stop the leak. Drug treatment for hayfever is similar. It may ease the effects of hayfever, but it does nothing to stop the cause.

In a similar manner, a drip from the ceiling doesn't mean that the roof is leaking directly above that spot. When you check the attic, you may find the water is running along a beam and the leak is actually in another location. It's the same with allergies. Don't assume that the respiratory symptoms mean that the original cause is in your lung and sinus tissues.

Believe it or not, your runny nose is probably originating from a "leak" in your gut. When digestion isn't working properly, food ferments and putrefies in the intestinal tract causing inflammation and irritation. The irritated mucus membranes of your stomach and bowels allow large molecules of improperly digested food, as well as the toxic end-products of fermentation, to enter your blood stream.

This overburdens the liver, an organ charged with the responsibility of filtering your blood and keeping it healthy. Your immune system has to deal with all this waste material in your blood stream and your eliminative organs become overburdened and overworked.

Thus, when the hay arrives, it's one "straw" too many and the "back" of your overtaxed immune system "breaks." Put more plainly, the runny nose is a "safety valve" to let off the excess pressure from irritants in the system.

So, from the natural healer's point of view, hayfever isn't a sign that the body's immune system is running "amok." Your immune system is just doing its job. What it needs is for you to take some of the stress off of it. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less junk food. Keep your bowels and liver in good working condition. You may be pleasantly surprised at what the Tiao He cleanse program might do for your hayfever.

Finally, try some of the remedies listed following. They can help your respiratory passages cleanse themselves. Some can stabilize the mast cells so they are less likely to burst and help the liver and other organs remove histamine and other toxins from the system more efficiently. Others can reduce inflammation without side effects.

Trees are the first plants to release their pollen in the spring (all trees have flowers, many just aren't showy, so people seldom notice them). Later grasses get into the picture. Hay, of course, is simply cut and dried grass, so it's the grass pollen allergies that give this disorder it's common name. Ragweed pollen shows up in the fall. Hayfever like symptoms also occur in some people with exposure to dry grass, animal hair, mold and house dust.

Bee Pollen

A homeopathic-like therapy which has worked for many hayfever victims is to eat bee pollen. The encapsulated pollen helps some people, but even more effective is to get pollen from local bees. Eating raw, locally produced honey may help too, because of the small amounts of pollen present in the honey. It's best to start with a very small amount and gradually increase the dose.

Herbs to the Rescue

Although plant pollens trigger hayfever, the plant community also contains many allies which can relieve both the cause and the symptoms of this disorder. Your best bet is probably an herbal combination, which will help not only with the respiratory system directly, but will address the digestive tract, liver and other underlying causes. Here are three popular herbal formulas to consider for hayfever problems.

ALJ

A well-known formula with a popular reputation for relieving allergy symptoms is ALJ. However, as we examine the ingredients, we realize that half of the herbs in this formula are specific remedies for the digestive system! So this formula doesn't just treat the symptoms, it gets to the cause.

The fenugreek, fennel and horseradish in ALJ all stimulate and improve digestive function. They help increase hydrochloric acid production and settle nervous indigestion.

Fenugreek also helps to decongest the sinuses and breaks up hardened mucus in the body. Along with mullein and boneset it helps drain the sinus cavities so they can cleanse and heal themselves.

It's important to understand that ALJ isn't going to arrest sinus drainage like antihistamines do. Quite the contrary, you may actually notice an increase in drainage for the first day or two. As the mucus membranes cleanse themselves of irritants, the drainage stops and healing begins.

Mullein and boneset also help soothe mucus tissues and reduce swelling and inflammation. Be sure to take enough, because these are mild herbs requiring high amounts in order to see best results. Anywhere from two to four capsules every two to four hours is usually required.

Sinus Support

Sometimes, we need some symptom a tic relief because we can't wait a couple of days for our sinuses to drain and clear. That's where Sinus Support comes in handy. Sinus Support contains immature orange peel, a natural antihistamine. It dries out mucus membranes and reduces drainage.

Sinus Support also contains herbs which work on the underlying causes of the problem while affording temporary relief of symptoms.

For example, Sinus Support contains burdock, an herb which purifies the blood and strengthens mast cells (which reduces the release of histamine). Parsley, a diuretic, also helps to cleanse the blood. Goldenseal is a specific for chronic inflammation of the mucus membranes, while yerba santa and horehound act as decongestants to rid the body of excess mucus. Lastly, capsicum not only stimulates digestive function, it also reduces inflammation.

In short, Sinus Support is a good choice for weaning someone off antihistamine drugs, because it provides both short-term and long-term relief

HistaBlock

HistaBlock contains a powerful blend of herbs and nutrients that naturally enhance immune function and inhibit the release of histamine and other inflammatory compounds that initiate the sneezing, swelling and itching of allergic reactions. HistaBlock can be used to safely relieve allergy symptoms and improve breathing, without the side effects commonly associated with over-the counter and prescription antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays.

Four

Long used to combat hayfever, combination Four combines herbs for respiratory congestion together with plants which aid liver and digestive system function. The pleurisy root and yerba santa in this formula are respiratory decongestants which tone-up mucus membranes to reduce watery secretions. Yerba santa helps asthma-like conditions and dries up water secretions. Pleurisy root reduces swelling in the mucus membranes and chest cavity.

Catnip and blessed thistle, also found in this formula, have little direct effect on the respiratory organs. However, both aid digestive function. Blessed thistle helps decongest and protect the liver. It also stimulates digestive secretions. Besides settling the stomach, catnip also reduces nervous stress. An over stressed, excited nervous system will merely add to the severity of the allergy.

Other Products

Other herbs and formulas which may help hayfever or other respiratory allergies include the following:

Breathe Activator TCM is a Chinese formula designed to "ventilate the lungs." It helps to open blocked airways and may help hayfever and asthma. Unlike SN-X, it contains ephedrine.

Eyebright is an herb most people associate only with vision problems. However, that's not even close to eyebright's most important use. This herb is a specific for upper respiratory problems. In particular, it helps reduce itchy eyes and nose and thin, watery mucus secretions. In short, it reduces the allergic response. This anti-allergenic effect is very important in children who are allergic to dairy foods, as eyebright can reduce swelling of the eustachian tubes and thus the incidence of ear problems.

EW is an herbal eyewash formula which contains the eyebright herb just mentioned. Like eyebright itself, however, this combination is extremely useful for upper respiratory problems.

Besides eyebright, it contains goldenseal which we mentioned earlier as being excellent for chronic irritation of the mucus membranes. Another ingredient is bayberry, an astringent which reduces mucus in the digestive tract and respiratory areas.

Licorice root supports the adrenal glands and helps to reduce stress levels in the body. The adrenals also produce cortisol to reduce inflammation levels in the body. Thus, licorice has an anti-inflammatory action and soothes irritated mucus membranes, valuable benefits in hayfever cases.

Breathe Free Essential Oils can be used like an inhaler and/or rubbed on your wrist or feet to help with freer breathing.

Vitamins for Hayfever-

High amounts of vitamin C can act as a natural antihistamine to bring quick relief from hayfever. Bioflavonoids, especially quercetin, help to stabilize the mast cells to prevent the release .of histamine. So, Citrus Bioflavonoids with vitamin C would be a good choice for possible hayfever relief.

B-complex is also helpful, but pantothenic acid (one of the B's) is often all that is needed. Both vitamin C and pantothenic acid aid adrenal function. Your adrenals produce hormones which reduce inflammation. So supporting your adrenals may help relieve hayfever. Vitamin A has also been reported as helpful in some cases.

Additional Helps

The Boomerang air Sanitizer may help to reduce pollen and airborne allergens. Keeping pets outdoors can help, too.

Eat yogurt with live acidophilus or take Bifidophilus Flora Force daily (dairy free). One study showed that regular consumption of yogurt reduced the incidence of asthma attacks. If you have a dairy allergy, of course, this won't be helpful.

QUALITY HERBS DO WORK!

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Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant

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E-mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com

for Women Only

Protect Your Feminine Health by Keeping Your Estrogens in Balance

Modern women face some serious challenges to their health. By the age of 60, at, about one in three women will have lost their full reproductive organs by having a hysterectomy. Breast cancer rates have increased from 1 in 20 women in 1960 to 1 in 8 women. Fertility rates have been declining worldwide. Something is obviously wrong because it hasn’t always been like this.

Weston Price, a dentist who toured the world in the 1930s studying indigenous people found almost no reproductive health problems in native women eating traditional diets. So, these problems aren't normal. Their causes lie in our modern lifestyle, and one of the primary causes of these problems is a class of environmental toxins known as xenoestrogens.

What are Xenoestrogens?

To understand what a xenoestrogen is, we need to begin by realizing that there is no single hormone called estrogen. The term estrogen should really be used in the plural-estrogens. For starters, there are three estrogenic hormones produced in the human body, estrais, estrone and estradiol. But, that's not all! Plants also make substances that have estrogen-like effects. These plant-based estrogenic compounds are called phytoestrogens.

Xenoestrogens are a third type of estrogenic compound. They are environmental pollutants that have estrogen-like actions. Xenoestrogens come to us in the form of eggs, meat and dairy products from hormone-fed animals, pesticide residues on food, plastics and other sources. Individually, these chemicals may not be a serious health threat, but when a person is exposed to multiple xenoestrogens, the estrogenic effect is 100-1,000 times stronger than the most potent form of estrogen made in the human body.

This excessive estrogen stimulation can create many health problems. By over stimulating estrogen sensitive tissues, xenoestrogens cause abnormal changes in breast and uterine tissue, contributing to the development of breast lumps and uterine fibroids. Other symptoms of this excessive estrogenic activity include mood swings, menstrual irregularities such as cramps or heavy bleeding, thinning hair, hot flashes and weight gain. Xenoestrogens also play a role in endometriosis, breast cancer and other reproductive cancers in both men and women. The American Geriatric Society also reports that postmenopausal women with higher levels of circulating estrogen also experience greater cognitive decline.

It's not that estrogen itself is bad, it's just that xenoestrogens over stimulate an estrogen response. So, in this article, we'll tell you how to avoid exposure to xenoestrogens, how to rid your body of excess estrogens, and how to keep your hormones more balanced, in general. We'll also introduce you to some effective natural remedies for specific female problems.

Protecting Yourself from Xenoestrogens

Biologists, environmentalists and health care professionals all agree we are living in the age of excessive estrogen stimulation. Our food and water supplies are laden with xenoestrogens from herbicides, pesticides and petrochemical residues from plastics. Estrogen compounds are fed co chickens and cattle to increase meat, egg and dairy production. The common practice of microwaving food in plastic containers produces more xenoestrogens. They're even found in shampoo.

Since xenoestrogens are involved in numerous health problems (including uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian cysts, menstrual irregularities such as heavy bleeding and cramps, menopausal symptoms, breast cancer and cervical cancer), it is wise to both reduce your exposure to them and improve your body's ability to balance them and break them down at the same time.

Use Organically Grown Foods

Meat, eggs and dairy foods can be a source of xenoestrogens. Estrogens are fed to dairy cattle to encourage more milk production and to chickens co increase egg production. Animals that are raised organically can't be given estrogens. So choosing organically grown eggs, milk and meat not only reduces your own exposure to estrogens, it reduces the amount of estrogens released into the environment.

Pesticides are another source of xenoestrogens. So, eating. organically-grown fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and beans will also decrease your exposure to xenoestrogens. Many pesticide are fat soluble and they accumulate in animal fat as they work their way up the food chain, resulting in reproductive problem in birds, fish and, of course, human beings. So, also avoid animal fat from non-organic animal foods as both xenoestrogens and other toxins tend to concentrate in the fat.

When you can't get organically grown food, be sure to thoroughly wash your produce with water and Sunshine Concentrate to remove pesticide residues.

Eat Foods Rich in Phytoestrogens

Many natural foods contain phytoestrogens, plant-based estrogen compounds that bind to the same estrogen receptor sites that xenoestrogens do. When a receptor site is already occupied by a phytoestrogen, xenoestrogens can't attach to it.

The great thing about phytoestrogens is that they are generally much weaker in their estrogenic effects than xenoestrogens, or even the body's more potent natural estrogens. So, phytoestrogen help to protect the body against excessive estrogen stimulation by binding receptor sites against more potent compounds with estrogenic activity.

Soy products, such as Phyto-Soy, are frequently touted for their phytoestrogen content, but all beans contain phytoestrogens. Other foods rich in phytoestrogens include many whole grains and dark green, leafy vegetables. So, add more legumes, whole grains and dark greens to the diet. Flax seeds and Flax Seed Oil with Lignans are also excellent ways to gain the protection of phytoestrogens in your diet Lignans are a phytoestrogen.

Detoxify Xenoestrogens

Since the liver is responsible for breaking down excess hormones, environmental toxins and other substances for elimination; the liver is often overworked in today's world. It is also frequently malnourished, due to poor diet.

You can help your liver rid your body of xenoestrogens and other toxins by supporting it with appropriate herbs and supplements. All Cell Detox is a great formula for helping the liver get toxins, like xenoestrogens, our of the body. Enviro-Detox is another formula that may help.

You'll detoxify faster if you also take a fiber supplement like Psyllium Hulls Combination or Everybody's Fiber. Fiber binds toxins, including xenoestrogens, in the intestines and carries them out of the body.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, are also valuable in reducing levels of xenoestrogens because they contain compounds like indole-3-carbynol, which enhance the liver's ability to break down excess estrogens in the system. Indole-3-Carbinol is also available as a supplement.

Enhance Progesterone

Progesterone and estrogen compete for the same receptor sires and good reproductive health requires a balance between these two hormones. Since the scale in many women is ripped towards estrogen, a natural progesterone supplement, such as Pro-G-Yam Cream is helpful for many women.

Herbs such as sarsaparilla and false unicorn can also be used to counteract excess estrogen by enhancing progesterone. These herbs have been used to help sustain pregnancy and prevent miscarriage and to relieve heavy menstrual bleeding and cramps. Wild Yam & Chaste Tree, taken regularly for several months, can also balance out estrogen and progesterone.

These are some basic suggestions to improve your overall feminine health. Talk to the person who gave you this information for more specific help and advice.

Natural Solutions to Common Female Health Problems

In addition to the general suggestions for helping improve your feminine health, here are some specific suggestions for common feminine health problems. Be sure to obtain a proper medical diagnosis of these problems and to work in conjunction with a qualified health care provider.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are growths made up of muscle cells and other tissue that grow in the uterine wall. They can cause pain during periods and heavy menstrual bleeding. They can also cause abdominal swelling and bleeding between the periods. Uterine fibroids are the number one reason for hysterectomies.

Because estrogen stimulates uterine tissue, uterine fibroids are a sign of problems with xenoestrogens and the inability of the liver to detoxify excess estrogen. If you have problems with fibroids, follow the tips for avoiding xenoestrogens and use some detoxifying supplements like All Cell Detox.

When there is heavy bleeding associated with fibroids, Menstrual Reg may be helpful. Yarrow is a single herb that can be very effective for fibroids. Yarrow not only helps control bleeding, it is a "blood moving" herb that breaks up stagnation and helps the body dissolve the fibroids.

Another great tip for helping fibroids heal is to use vaginal boluses made with combination V-X. Empty the powders from the capsules of V-X and mix with cocoa butter to make a thick paste. Form them into small boluses the size of the end of your little finger. Refrigerate them until ready to use.

Many women have found that inserting one V-X bolus in the evening and one in the morning helps tissues heal faster and is very effective at shrinking fibroids. Some women don't bother making the boluses; they simple insert one capsule direcr1y into the vagina twice daily.

Endometriosis

The second leading cause of hysterectomies, endometriosis involves the growth of estrogen-sensitive uterine lining tissue outside of the uterus. This tissue sheds and bleeds with the monthly cycle and can lead to scarring and infertility. It can cause painful periods, pelvic pain, bowel disturbances and cramps. Because of its relationship to the monthly cycle, problems with endometriosis naturally end with menopause.

As with uterine fibroids, a good place to start with natural therapy for endometriosis is to reduce overload of xenoestrogens by avoiding them and enhancing liver detoxification.

False unicorn, which down-regulates estrogen and up regulates progesterone is also helpful for endometriosis. Also consider black cohosh or Wild Yam & Chaste Tree for hormone regulation.

Because it targets abnormal cell growth, Paw Paw Cell Reg has been helpful for some women in getting rid of the uterine tissue growing outside of the uterus. It can be taken with IF-C to reduce inflammation and pain. If there is cramping, antispasmodic remedies such as Cramp Relief and/ or Lobelia Essence may be helpful. Surgery may be necessary in some cases.

If either fibroids or endometriosis have caused anemia due to blood loss, consider taking I-X or Chinese Blood Build.

Ovarian Cysts

A cyst is a sac containing fluid or semi-solid material that develops somewhere in the body, in this case in the ovaries. Ovarian cysts typically occur where there aren't enough hormones to properly mature eggs, so they don't get released. As a result, ovulation fails to occur and the body doesn't produce enough progesterone.

Ovarian cysts can be symptom free in early stages, but they can also cause absent or scant periods, pelvic pain and distention and excessive bleeding. While medical science doesn't know the exact cause, in natural medicine, cysts are considered a sign of toxicity and are created to store toxins the body is having trouble eliminating. So, taking supplements to enhance liver detoxification, such as All Cell Detox, is a good place to start when approaching this problem naturally. Pau d'Arco is also helpful for detoxification.

To ease pain and promote healing, you can apply Nature's Fresh and Helichrysum essential oil topically over the affected area. To help balance out hormones, consider taking Wild Yam &Chaste Tree for at least three to six months. Since diabetes and obesity are risk factors for ovarian cysts, cleaning up your diet by avoiding refined carbohydrates and eating more complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and whole grains is also important.

Fibrocystic Breasts

This condition involves cysts that develop in the breast tissue and cause swollen, tender or painful breasts. A common problem, over 30% of women between 30 and 50 develop breast cysts. Fortunately, they are usually benign and only 10% of fibrocystic conditions develop into breast cancer.

Again, avoiding xenoestrogens and enhancing liver detoxification is the starting place for natural therapy. Because caffeine tends to aggravate this condition, it should be avoided. Essential fatty acids, like Super Omega-3 EPA are also helpful for cystic breasts, as are Vitamin E and Vitamin B6.

To reduce breast swelling and tenderness, it is important to improve lymphatic drainage by wearing correctly fitted bras. Lymphatic Drainage Formula and exercise will also help.

Additional Suggestions

Used with the tips for protecting yourself from xenoestrogens, the following practices can reduce your risk of feminine health problems, including breast cancer. First, consume good fats such as Super Omega-3 EPA, Flax Seed Oil, organic coconut oil and butter from grass fed animals.

Second, avoid excess alcohol and caffeine. They can tribute to reproductive disorders. Third, reduce stress by filling your life with pleasurable activities. Find ways to pamper yourself regularly. And finally, regular exercise will also help maintain both your reproductive and general health.

For additional tips and suggestions on maintaining feminine health, take to the person who gave you this article. They will be happy to help you

For More information Contact:

Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist

Phone: (719) 495-4930

E-mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com

Web: http://www.a-renewedhealth.com

Real Health Insurance

Tips on “Insuring" Good Health in Your Retirement Years

Many people spend a lot of time and energy saving, investing and planning for retirement. Unfortunately, most of these people will develop chronic and degenerative health problems as they age, which diminish the quality of life they experience in their senior years. It won't do any much good to have a fat bank account if they die of a heart attack or cancer, or suffer from crippling arthritis or other conditions that prevent them from enjoying life as they grow older.

So, when your are planning and preparing for our senior years, you ought to invest some time, effort and money into improving and maintaining your health at the same time. And remember that government health care programs like Medicare and private health insurance policies don't really insure good health. All they cover is the costs of “disease care” -the use of drugs and surgery to treat symptoms of disease after they develop. This is not the same as investing in creating good health.

Senior Citizens and Prescription Drugs

It's no secret that senior citizens have more health problems and take more medications than any other age group. According to the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in 2005 Americans 65 years and older spent $70.2 billion dollars on prescription drugs, with $48.4 billion (69%) of that being provided via Medicare. Total drug expenses for all age groups during that same year totaled $198.9 billion. So the age 65 and over bracket accounted for 35% of the prescription market.

The top five classes of drugs used by senior citizens are 1) cardiovascular medications (such as heart and high blood pressure medications), 2) metabolic agents (such as cholesterol lowering and anti-diabetic agents), 3) central nervous system agents (pain relievers, brain medications, etc.), 4) gastrointestinal drugs (antacids, acid blockers, etc.) and 5) hormone replacement therapy. From this, we can conclude that the most critical health concerns facing senior citizens are cardiovascular problems, diabetes and cholesterol management, pain and mental function, digestive upset and menopausal symptoms.

It would be great if these drugs were actually improving the health of senior citizens, but more often than not, they aren't. Americans use more prescription drugs than any other country, yet have some of the lowest health statistics of any industrialized nation. All one has to do is take a close look at the quality of life of those taking these medications to realize that drugs aren't improving the health of senior citizens. The goal of this article is to provide some suggestions on how one can invest in creating real health. Take a look at some natural alternatives of the top five categories of drugs listed above. The goal is to help everyone, both young and old, to learn how to build real health. The younger you are when you start doing this, the better off you will be and it's never too late to get started, because unlike financial investment plans where the benefits won't he received until many years in the future, investing in one's health reaps immediate positive benefits as well as future ones.

Investments for Creating Radiant Well-Being and Longevity

Investing in your health isn't all that complex. It doesn't even require that much self-disciple. Self-discipline suggests some type of self-deprivation, but caring for your health is the exact opposite of self-deprivation. Instead, it is self-nurturing.

What it takes to invest in one's health is a change of habits. You simply start investing in health by forming positive health habits. Once you start making these investments and notice how much better you feel, you'll want to keep investing because the physical, mental and emotional dividends will become obvious. So, here is a checklist of places to invest time, energy and money in your health.

Eat Quality Food

Obviously, good nutrition is the place to start. The basic investment rule here is simple; avoid putting your money into refined and processed foods and purchase whole, natural and organically-grown foods instead.
The most important dietary habit you can establish is to eat five to seven 1/2 cup servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. It's also important to select whole grain products and natural sugars (such as raw honey, xylitol, organic natural brown sugar, etc.) over their refined and processed counterparts. If you crave sugary snacks and white flour products, you need to eat more healthy fats and protein.

When selecting fats, avoid margarine, shortening and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Instead, use olive oil, organic butter and cream from grass-fed cows, coconut oil, avocados and nuts as good sources of quality fats. Starting your day with a tablespoon of coconut oil will greatly reduce sugar cravings, too.

Food is both the fuel that energizes your body functions and the source of raw materials to produce healthy structures. Eating cheap junk food is no way to save money. It will reduce your energy, weaken your tissues and you'll wind up spending far more in doctor and hospital bills than you saved by eating low quality food.

Use Appropriate Supplements

Even if you're eating a healthy diet, you can take out some additional health insurance by selecting a few well-chosen supplements. These can be general supplements, designed to support overall nutrition, or specific supplements to address common health concerns associated with aging. Here are a few ideas for some basic supplements.

Super Trio is a great basic program containing three important supplements, Super Supplemental, a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral; Super Omega-3, a source for the essential omega-3 fatty acids; and Super ORAC, a powerful antioxidant blend. Super Trio can provide basic nutrients that may be lacking in the diet, reduce the inflammation and oxidative damage associated with aging and degenerative disease and support general health.

Three other basic supplements to consider are Thai Go and Ultimate GreenZone, and Mineral Chi contains trace minerals which help ensure healthy tissue function and tonic herbs that enhance energy production, reduce stress and balance hormones. These tonic herbs are traditionally used to counteract the effects of aging.

Thai Go is a delicious juice made from antioxidant fruits and herbs. It reduces the free radical activity believed to be responsible for aging and the development of chronic and degenerative disease.

Ultimate GreenZone is a whole food supplement. It supplies extra nutrients to insure the body is getting what it needs. In many ways, GreenZone is even better than a multi-vitamin because it supplies numerous trace elements found in whole foods that science may yet discover are critical to our health.

Drink Water and Breathe Deeply

Two very simple things one can do to insure one's health are to drink plenty of pure water and practice deep breathing. For optimal health one needs to drink about 112 ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. Practicing any form of deep breathing will also greatly benefit one's health. These two practices alone can reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body while increasing energy levels and overall health.

Balance Rest and Exercise

It is very important to stay physically active as one grows older. A rigorous exercise program isn't necessary, but some form of moderate physical activity such as walking, swimming or gentle bouncing on a mini-trampoline is essential to good health. The lymphatic system stagnates when we aren't breathing deeply and moving around. This causes toxins to accumulate in the system and contributes to aging and degenerative disease.

Of course, it's also important to balance activity with rest. As we grow older, it's natural to slow down a little. Taking short naps or otherwise resting when you are tired is good for your health. It's also important to get a sound night's sleep, something that often becomes a challenge as we get older.

If you're having trouble sleeping, there are numerous herbs and supplements that can help such as Herbal Sleep or Nervous Fatigue Formula.

Natural Alternatives to the Top Five Categories of Drugs Used by Senior Citizens

In the beginning of this article was mentioned the top five categories of drugs used by citizens aged 65 and older. Also mentioned how these drugs may be relieving symptoms, but are not improving overall health. Here are some natural alternatives to these categories of drugs that can actually improve health rather than just treat symptoms.

(1) Cardiovascular Drugs
With cardiovascular disease accounting for half of all deaths, it's little wonder that cardiovascular drugs are number one. Nearly three quarters of all Medicare patients are on at least one cardiovascular medication. The interesting thing about this is that cardiovascular disease as we know it was rare prior to 1900 and practically non-existent in traditional cultures. This means it is an illness largely brought on by modern diets and lifestyles.

So, if cardiovascular health is a concern to you, the place to start is with the basic health investments listed above. It's also a good idea to regularly use herbs that enhance cardiac health such as garlic, capsicum, hawthorn and ginkgo. Two great formulas to consider are Capsicum, Garlic and Parsley and Ginkgo and Hawthorn. These formulas can help maintain blood pressure, improve blood flow to the heart, brain and extremities and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Using Mega-Chel as part of an oral chelation program can dramatically improve circulation throughout the body. The Mega Chel oral chelation program has enhanced mental clarity, improved macular degeneration, helped with diabetic neuropathy, reduced blood pressure and relieved coldness in the extremities in numerous people. Talk to the person who gave you this newsletter for instructions on how to use Mega-Chel to improve circulation.

If high blood pressure is a concern, RG-Max may be helpful. It supplies l-arginine, an amino acid that enhances nitric oxide production to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Blood Pressurex is another supplement that also helps reduce blood pressure in many people.

(2) Metabolic Regulators

Metabolic regulators are drugs that help to lower cholesterol, treat diabetes or other altered metabolism. The best way to regulate your metabolism is with diet. Avoiding refined sugars and processed grains and oils, while eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, high quality fats and proteins is the best way to keep cholesterol and blood sugar balanced. However, there are supplements that can help, too. Let's start with cholesterol.

Before seeking to lower one's cholesterol, the first question to be asked is: does your cholesterol really need to be lower? Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease and lowering cholesterol with drugs like statins does not necessarily reduce your risk of dying of heart disease. If your cholesterol is between 200 and 250 don't worry about it; you're actually within a healthy and perfectly normal range.

If your cholesterol is actually high (say 300 or above), consider using Red Yeast Rice. It contains the natural compounds from which statin drugs were originally produced and is much safer.

Better yet, just increase your intake of dietary fiber. A fiber supplement like LoClo or Nature's Three will absorb cholesterol released from your liver and gall bladder and will remove it from your body. It will also help protect you against colon cancer, regulate your blood sugar and improve your general health.

If blood sugar problems are present, two great supplements to consider are Target P-14 and Sugar Reg. Both of these supplements supply herbs and nutrients that reduce insulin resistance and help to improve blood sugar levels.

(3) Nervous System Remedies

This class of drug remedies includes pain relievers, remedies for memory loss and mood disorders like depression. Again, making the investments will go a long way to preventing and relieving these problems. Specific supplements can also be taken to help.

Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions that cause pain and decreased mobility are common among the elderly. Pain medications may provide temporary relief, but do little to actually fix the problem. Consider taking Joint Support, a tried and true herbal formula that has helped people for decades. Joint Support helps reduce inflammation and pain, detoxify the body, balance the pH and supplies minerals for healthy bones and joints.
Another supplement many people find helpful is EverFlex. This blend of g!ucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid also helps reduce inflammation and pain while assisting the rebuilding your damaged joints. As a general remedy for pain, IF Relief may be helpful. It contains pain relieving and anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients.

For enhancing memory and brain function, Ginkgo/Gotu Kola w/Bacopa is an excellent choice. It enhances circulation to the brain and acts as a general tonic to improve memory and cognitive function. To protect the brain against free radical damage and memory loss, consider Brain Protex, a blend of antioxidants and nutrients to enhance the brain cells responsible for memory.

(4) Gastrointestinal Medications

Many elderly people suffer from digestive system problems. This is because levels of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes tend to decline with age. Believe it or not, the most common cause of acid indigestion isn't excess stomach acid; it's actually due to a deficiency of hydrochloric acid and enzymes in the stomach. Taking antacids and acid blockers only makes the problem worse.

What is more likely to help is to take Food Enzymes or Proactazyme to enhance digestion. If acid reflux is a problem, get checked for a hiatal hernia and use Digestive Bitters to reduce the acid reflux and promote better digestion at the same time.

When elderly people are losing weight and becoming thin and pale due to poor digestion and metabolism, the Chinese formula Spleen Activator can help. It enhances digestion and improves metabolism and utilization of proteins.

(5) Hormone Replacement Therapy

In 2003, hormone replacement was the third leading class of drugs prescribed to elderly patients. By 2005, it had dropped to fifth place, probably due to concerns over the safety of hormone replacement therapy. Fortunately; there are safe natural alternatives that can help to balance hormones in the elderly.

Ginseng, for example, has been used as a tonic for the elderly for thousands of years both in Asia and by Native Americans. It reduces stress, enhances immunity and improves energy. Just one capsule of Wild American Ginseng or Korean Ginseng per day can make a big difference. For those whose general health and immunity is weak, consider Trigger Immune. This is a general tonic for improving overall health and is a great hormone balancer for the elderly.

Low levels of hormones can be enhanced with DHEA-F for women and DHEA-M for men. DHEA is a building block for estrogens and androgens like testosterone and may have anti-aging characteristics for people with low levels of it.

Another natural hormone replacement product is IGF-I made from deer antler velvet. Deer antler velvet has been used in Asia to enhance function of the immune system and sexual performance, slow aging and promote cell growth and repair.

There are many other produces that will help for most of the above problems. Let me know if you need more information and help with what is best for you.

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For more information Contact:

Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist

E-Mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com

Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com