Important Keys to Health and Weight Loss

Like any other health problem, weight isn't a root cause of anything. Weight problems are just a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body. If we correct this, the body will correct the weight problem naturally.

So, what are the causes of excess weight? They are the same four root causes that contribute to the development of all diseases. As shown on our Disease Tree™ model, these root causes are: unresolved mental and emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, toxic overload and physical trauma to the tissues. This truth about weight loss has been brought to my attention recently by two people. One was Kat James, the featured speaker on weight loss at Leader's Conference (and source for the Untold Truth module booklet) and the other was Deanna Hansen, a woman from Canada who will be working on some projects with Tree of Light Publishing in the coming months.

When Kat James spoke at Leader's Conference, she emphasized correcting nutritional deficiencies, detoxification and dealing with one's mental and emotional issues as the key to weight loss. In fact, she made it very clear that the way to lose weight is to focus on improving one's health, not on dieting or exercise, per se. Kat related that when she started taking care of her physical and emotional health, the weight came off naturally and stayed off without a struggle.

Just a few weeks before, I had been graced by a visit from Deanna Hansen, a Certified Athletic Therapist, who works out of the office of NSP Manager Janis Gordienko in Canada. Deanna had offered me a treatment while on my lecture tour across Canada (something I never turn down, by the way). When she worked on me, my stomach was flatter and I felt taller (if that's possible for someone who is already 6' 4".) Deanna was looking for help in teaching people what she had learned.

I was intrigued by her story and wanted to learn more, so she flew down to Utah in early January. She worked on me, my office staff and others. She also taught me how to continue working on myself By Leader's Conference, my stomach was less than 1/2 the size it was before Deanna came to visit (as those who attended my workshop saw first-hand). I have also dropped about one to one and a half pounds per week with no changes in my diet or exercise patterns. Even more impressive is the fact that my energy level, sleep patterns, digestion and elimination have also improved.

At the Conference, I gave a workshop on Detoxification and weight Loss, and also introduced the basics of what I have been learning from Deanna. I'll share the highlights of my workshop here, then elaborate more on what I've learned about weight loss in the next issue.

Cleansing and Weight Loss

I've recognized that cleansing was important to weight loss for a long time. Fat is one method the body has for sequestering (isolating and storing) toxins. Kimberly Balas has really helped me understand the science of this, and I owe much of my current understanding of this topic to her work with blood chemistry.

Many toxins are not water soluble. This includes mercury, formaldehyde and many petrochemicals, such as gasoline. These chemicals can only be dissolved in fats. Many household cleaning products, cosmetics, dry cleaning solvents, and agricultural chemicals fall into this category. So, when these chemicals get into the body, the body has to attach them to fats in order to transport and eliminate them.

From Kim, I have learned that this is one of the primary reasons why people's cholesterol rises. The body is increasing cholesterol production in order to mop up environmental toxins and protect sensitive tissues like the nerves. This also explains why lower cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

I had a personal experience with this two summers ago. I took my kids camping and we arrived at our campsite after dark. I was wearing shorts and in trying to fill the Coleman lantern with white gas, I spilled gasoline all over my legs. I knew this wasn't good, but I wiped it off and didn't think too much about it, trusting my body was healthy enough to deal with it.

On the second night of our camping trip, I woke up in the middle of the night with my head swimming and my stomach churning. I thought I had food poisoning. After several hours of dozing in and out of sleep, and trying to drink some water to flush my system, I finally managed to throw up. What I threw up was mostly bile.

None of my kids were sick, so I realized that I couldn't have had food poisoning. What was the problem then? I finally realized that it was the white gas. My body had been healthy enough to deal with it. It had used cholesterol in my bloodstream to grab hold of the chemical and transport it to my liver, where it was emptied into the bile ducts (that's how the body eliminates cholesterol). This made me nauseous and caused me to throw up, eliminating the chemical from my system.

If just one exposure to a fat soluble chemical like gasoline could do that, think about what repeated exposure to solvents, cleaning solutions, beauty parlor chemicals, paints, mercury, and a host of other fat soluble chemicals over a long period of time can do. If the eliminative channels can't get rid of it, then it's going to get stored-in fat. If you break down the fat, then the chemicals are going to be released into the blood stream, causing lots of problems if the liver and eliminative organs aren't strong enough to handle them.

So, detoxification is one vital key to weight loss. We have to have a healthy liver, colon and kidneys to lose weight. Often toxins being released from fat breakdown will also try to come out our of the skin, causing itching and skin rashes. So, knowing how to detoxify the body with cleansing techniques is absolutely critical to any weight loss program. Consuming healthy fats is also critical to weight loss, because we need healthy fats to help the body transport and eliminate these toxins.

Deanna taught me a self-massage technique, which I've been using and it has really made a difference, because we also need to get blood and lymph moving to the tissues in order for weight loss to occur. As I've done the self-massage on my stomach, I've had a couple of minor "healing crises," and have had to do some extra cleansing to get the toxins out of my body.

Mental Detoxification

Weight loss isn't just about detoxifying the body. We also have to detoxify the mind. Like Kat James, Deanna had an interesting story to tell about how she lost weight. Up until four years ago, she had problems with both her weight and complexion. In particular, she didn't like her stomach. Then, she read that what we focus mental energy on, we create. She realized that she was constantly thinking about how much she hated her stomach and was thus creating a stomach that she hated. So, she began shifting her thinking.

Kat and Deanna's stories have made me realize how many of us don't like our bodies. Our shame about our bodies comes from early childhood conditioning. Even models and celebrities, who are thought of as having "perfect" bodies, often have issues with not liking "this or that" about their appearance.

When we have constant negative thoughts, about our body we are creating a body we don't like. We may not make ourselves fat, but we will always make ourselves sick in some way. This concept is clearly illustrated in the movie, "What the Bleep" which has been playing in select theaters around the country. What we focus mental energy on, we create. If we focus on disliking aspects of our body, we create a body we don't like.

As I thought about this truth, and experienced a shift in my own attitude about my body, I realized a big mistake most people make when trying to lose weight or get healthy. Since they don't like their body, they try to "punish it" into being healthy.

So, they go on a program of self-deprivation called dieting, or they create an abusive exercise program as a form of self punishment. Dr. Robert Mehndolson, author of Confessions of a Medical Heretic, even suggested that drugs and surgery were a form of self-punishment for the "sins" that created our ill health. Otherwise, why would we want to poison or cut ourselves?

Both Kat and Deanna lost weight when they began taking care of themselves and thinking positively about their bodies. I see this as a big key to success. We have to stop thinking in terms of deprivation and change our attitude about ourselves. Losing weight or regaining health isn't about self-punishment, it's about self-nurturing.

We can't heal that which we hate. Love is the great healing influence and if our body is sick or unattractive, we have to love it back to health and beauty. This means nurturing the body, feeding it properly, paying attention to it and otherwise taking good care of it.

Understanding Fat Metabolism

Fats are very important to our health. They are a major structural component of the body, and particularly the nervous system. Over 50% of the brain is fat. So, when someone calls you a "fat head" you should thank them for the compliment. Fats also transport nutrients, help our skin stay soft and smooth (instead of being rough or dry) and store energy. The body burns fat in order to stay warm (especially in cold weather) and fats are the preferred source of fuel fo r the heart. Fats also form the basis for adrenal and reproductive hormones.

When the body is holding onto excess fat, it is doing so for a reason. The fat is not the real problem. It is the underlying health issues which are causing the body to create and hold onto excess fats that are the issue.

Kim Balas's work in biochemical blood analysis really opened my understanding as to how the body metabolizes and uses fats, which has given me additional clues as to why we gain weight and have trouble losing it. There are five major organs/glands which regulate the metabolism of fat in the body. If any of these organs are not functioning properly, then our fat metabolism will be impaired and we will have difficulty burning off excess fat. These organs are the gallbladder, liver, thyroid, spleen, and uterus in women and prostate in men.

The Gallbladder

To begin with, the gallbladder serves not only to emulsify fats for digestion, but also as the means for disposing of toxins from the liver and excess cholesterol. Most of the cholesterol in the body is used to make bile, and bile is secreted to help digest fats. Low fat diets can actually increase cholesterol levels because less bile is produced to break down fats.

When the gallbladder is congested, fat metabolism is impaired. Cholagogues are herbs which stimulate bile production in the liver and secretion from the gall bladder. Many bitters have this property, including dandelion, blessed thistle, milk thistle, yellow dock and Oregon grape.

The Liver

Fats that are broken down and absorbed through the intestines are transported to the liver for processing. In the liver, proteins are combined with fats to form lipoproteins to transport these nutrients through the bloodstream. Magnesium is also used to transport fats in the body, and many people are magnesium deficient.

When the liver becomes congested, fats are not correctly metabolized. When fats oxidize prematurely, they become rancid. Many skin conditions are the result of problems with fat metabolism or fat soluble toxins. This is why herbs that help clear the liver and decongest it have proven useful for skin conditions. Examples of herbs that affect the liver's ability to regulate fat metabolism are burdock, chickweed and yellow dock. Kim reports that SF is one of the very best formulas for reducing fatty congestion in the liver; it was originally formulated as a weight loss aid by herbalist LaDean Griffin.

In my experience, most of us need support for the liver, which is bombarded by the nutritional deficiencies and toxicity we are exposed to in modern society. Cleansing and supporting the liver, therefore, is absolutely essential to weight loss. Both Deanna Hansen and Kat James found that milk thistle helped them reshape their bodies. The Dieter's Cleanse contains supplements that place a heavy emphasis on liver detoxification. This is essential to losing weight because not only does the liver help regulate fat metabolism, it also has to handle many of the toxins released into the bloodstream when fat is broken down.

The Thyroid

The thyroid regulates the metabolic rate in the body. I like to think of it as the body's "gas pedal" for metabolism. One of the primary roles of the thyroid hormones is to emulsify (make water soluble) and activate fats for metabolism. Since the body primarily burns fat to stay warm, a low thyroid function results in a lowered body temperature. Other symptoms of low thyroid function include dry skin (remember that fats keep the skin soft and moist), fatigue, reduced sex drive and function (sex hormones are made from fats) and, of course, weight gain. In contrast, when the thyroid is hyperactive, as in Grave's disease, the person is "hot," they lose weight rapidly, they are "hyper" and their heart tends to beat too rapidly (remember the heart uses fat for fuel). So, the "pedal is to the metal" and the body engine is racing when the thyroid is running too high.

Low thyroid is very common, and probably, a lot of moderately low thyroid conditions go unnoticed. Kimberly Balas recently attended a class with David Brownstein, a medical doctor who uses supplements and holistic methods. Dr. Brownstein has written a book entitled Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Cant Live Without It, as well as two other books on natural hormone therapy.

Dr. Brownstein believes that most people are iodine deficient. Iodine isn't just needed by the thyroid, it is also used in uterine and prostate tissue, the breasts, the skin and many other organs and systems in the body. In fact, iodine deficiency is a factor in fibrocystic breast disease and breast and prostate cancer.

Our lack of iodine is partly due to dietary insufficiency, but is exacerbated by the fact that chlorine, fluoride and bromine all displace iodine in the tissues. Since most people drink chlorinated water and are exposed to fluorides and bromides on a regular basis, we need more iodine to offset this exposure.

I've added an iodine supplement to my program to see if it will accelerate my own weight loss. I've only been taking it a week, but it appears to be helping. Target TS II was originally developed as a weight loss product to stimulate the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid Activator, Thyroid Support and Liquid Dulse can all be helpful in a weight loss program.

The Spleen

The spleen stores and ages fats by combining them with B12 and calcium and storing them in cell membranes. It balances the iron and fat in the body. It is also involved in regulating immune functions. In Chinese medicine, the spleen is said to build the muscles, so that a spleen chi deficiency results in muscle wasting. Deposition of fut and wasting of muscle is a common sign of aging. Supplements that may help the spleen include Chlorophyll capsules, Dandelion, Fat Grabbers, Immune Stimulator, Trigger Immune, Ultimate Echinacea and Yarrow.

The Uterus and Prostate

The uterus and prostate play a role in fat metabolism because they help bind fat to water. This is done through a mineral catalyst, selenium. Potassium is also used to draw fatty acids into the cell to be burned. Manganese is used in the mitochondria of the cell to combust cholesterol to produce sex hormones. This process of burning fat is involved in creating energy, including creating sexual energy and sexual desire.

Dr. Bernard Jensen called manganese the love element. It is found in abundance in red raspberry leaves, which are used as a uterine tonic. Herbalist James Green maintains that raspberry leaves work equally well as a tonic to the male prostate.

Women who have problems with water retention, a lack of energy and fat accumulation around the hips, buttocks and thighs typically have a problem with their uterus. A chiropractor friend of mine also indicated that he had noted that after having their uterus removed, he observed that women often had trouble losing weight and also developed heart and nervous system problems. This is due to the fact that fats are no longer being processed as efficiently because of the loss of uterine tissue. The help with water retention Kidney Activator.

So, getting this reproductive tissue into good health may also be necessary to weight reduction. Supplements that may help balance uterine and prostate tissue include Breast Assured, Chickweed, C-X, Female Comfort, FCS II, Flash-Ease, Pro G Yam Cream, Men's Formula, and X-Action for Men or X-Action for Women.

Other Considerations

While the pancreas isn't directly involved with burning fat, excess insulin is involved in turning the excess carbohydrates we consume into fat. So, eating a lot of simple and refined carbohydrates is a key factor in weight gain. Not only are these foods lacking in nutrients our body needs, they are also triggering storage of fat. Starchy things like grain and potatoes mature in the fall for a reason. Eating them helps people and animals put away fat reserves to stay warm during the winter. So, focusing on other types of foods helps us lose weight.

Stress is also a big factor in excess weight. High levels of insulin and high levels of cortisol (a stress hormone released from the adrenals) are associated with a loss of muscle mass and the development of abdominal fat. So, stress management is an important factor in weight reduction. Emotionally, weight can be a "shield" that we create in response to stress to push people away. So, there is both a psychological and a physiological component here. I gained my belly during a very stressful period of my life. When my stress level reduces, I always seem to lose weight more easily. To reduce and control test: Stress-J, Nutri Calm, AdaptaMax, Nervous Fatigue Formula or Stress Relief are good choices. Mood Elevator is good if depressed.

Of course, that's where Nature's Cortisol formula (best for type A) Licorice Root (Type O) can come in handy. It can reduce stress hormone output, which reduces stressful feelings (anxiety) and helps block the tendency to gain weight under stress.

For More information Contact:

Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com

Send me an e-mail if you would like to be on my mailing list.

Are You Iodine Deficient?

Answer These Questions and Find Out

* Are you overweight, or do you have difficulty losing weight?
* Do you get cold easily or have a consistency low body temperature?
* Do you have problems with dry skin, or hair falling out?
* Do you suffer from a lack of energy?
* Do you often feel depressed or lethargic?
* Have you ever been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder of any kind?
* Do you drink, swim, soak or bathe in chlorinated or bromated water?
* For women only: Have you had fibrocystic breast disease, endometriosis or breast cancer?

If you answer yes to more than three of these questions, it is highly likely that you are deficient in an essential nutritional element-iodine. In fact, if you answer yes to even two or three of these questions, increasing your iodine may be a key to improving your health.

Why Are So Many People Iodine Deficient?

There are two reasons why many people are deficient in iodine. First, iodine is a rare element on Planet Earth. Among the elements, it is 62nd in abundance in the earth. Iodine is most prevalent in seawater, so plants from the sea (seaweed), fish and other seafoods are the most abundant sources of iodine. People who consume seaweed and other ocean-based foods on a regular basis are less likely to be iodine deficient, but people who don't will likely have very little iodine in their diet. Also, seafoods harvested from waters polluted with mercury will not be good sources of iodine because mercury displaces iodine.

But, there is another reason why iodine deficiency is common. There are many chemicals we are exposed to in modern society that rob the body of iodine. These include halogens (such as chlorine, fluoride, and bromide), mercury, aspirin and other salycilates and unfermented soy products. (For more information, see Iodine Robbers inside.) As a result, what little iodine we do get is often "kicked out" of the body.

Like many of the other US RDAs (Recommended Daily Allowances), the amount of iodine recommended is just enough to prevent severe, overt symptoms of iodine deficiency, such as goiters, stunted physical growth or mental retardation. It isn't enough to create optimal health. And, while iodized salt has resulted in a reduction in goiter in many inland states, many people are starting to avoid salt because they believe it is bad for their health.

The primary use for iodine is in the production of the thyroid hormones. One in ten adult American women has a diagnosed thyroid problem, yet some endocrinologists have suggested that as many as one in four women have some form of undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 1 and 1.5 billion people worldwide are at risk for thyroid disorders. WHO also recognizes iodine deficiency as the single greatest preventable cause of mental retardation. It is clear that iodine deficiency may be a very common problem.

Iodine Is Essential for The Thyroid

Many thyroid disorders are nothing mote than an iodine deficiency. Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., in his book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It, states that iodine deficiency may be involved in more than just low thyroid (hypothyroid function). It may also be involved in autoimmune thyroid disorders including Graves' and Hashimoto's disease. Iodine supplementation may be an inexpensive answer to solving many people's thyroid issues.

I Don't Have a Thyroid Problem, Could I Still Be Deficient in Iodine?

While it is true that the highest concentration of iodine in the body is found in the thyroid gland, the thyroid isn't the only organ that needs iodine. Every cell in the body needs iodine. Some of the other organs and systems that have large concentrations of iodine include breast tissue, salivary glands and the gastric mucosa, the ciliary body of the eye, and the cerebrospinal fluid and brain.

Iodine works in the body to emulsify (make water-soluble) fats, oils and waxes. It loosens fatty substances from surfaces and activates lecithin. Iodine also helps the immune system because it is antibacterial, anticancerous, antiviral and antiparasitic. So, besides helping the body burn fats, iodine also helps prevent infections of various kinds. It even has anticancerous properties.

Besides thyroid and immune disorders, a lack of iodine may also be involved in breast, prostate and uterine cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, chronic infections, parasites and other ailments. A complete list of conditions iodine supplementation may be helpful for in is found in the box below.

Conditions Iodine Has Helped – Here is a list of conditions that have shown improvement by increasing iodine intake and/or improving thyroid function:

Allergies
Arthritis
Breast disease
Cancer
Candida
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Sinus Problems
Coronary Artery Disease
Cystic Breasts
Cystic Ovaries
Diabetes
Endometriosis
Excess Mucus production
Fatigue and lethargy
Fibromyalgia
Gout Headaches
Hemorrhoids
Hypertension
Hyportension
Infertility
Mental Disorders
Migraine Headaches
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Obesity
Ovarian Cysts
Parotid Duct Stones
PMS
Psoriasis
Sebaceous Cysts
Skin Problems 

How Do I Correct Iodine Deficiency?

Iodine is most abundant in sea vegetables or seaweeds. In cultures where seaweeds are consumed as a regular part of the diet, there are few, if any, thyroid problems. In coastal areas of Japan, where larger quantities of iodine are consumed there are remarkably low levels of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers, and few prostate problems in men.

The amount of iodine consumed by people living on the Japanese coastline averages about 13.8 mg. daily, which is over 100 times the U.S. RDA. Dr. Guy Abraham, one of the world's leading researchers on iodine, suggested that 13 mg. per day was the amount required for optimal health, at least for women. This is based on 6 mg. being required by the thyroid, 5 mg. by the breast tissue and 2 mg. for the rest of the body.

One of the best ways to get more iodine is to eat more seaweeds, such as kelp, dulse, Irish moss, bladderwrack and others. Black walnut appears to be one of the few land-based plants that contains a significant amount of iodine.

Dulse is available in liquid form, extracted in glycerine. This is a pleasant-tasting way to increase iodine intake, and a good way to increase the iodine intake of children. About 1/4 teaspoon (15-20 drops) of Liquid Dulse will supply 225 micrograms (mcg.) of natural iodine. A full teaspoon, therefore, will supply about 1 milligram (mg.) of iodine.

Kelp is another good source of iodine and can be taken in capsules or sprinkled on food. It is an important ingredient in many thyroid formulas.

Another seaweed, bladderwrack contain di-iodotyrosine, a chemical configuration containing iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. There are two of these configurations (hence the di- ). All the thyroid gland has to do .is join two of these di-iodotyrosine molecules together and it has produced T4 or thyroxin, the main thyroid hormone. This helps explain why herbs like bladderwrack have been historically used to aid weight loss programs. Bladderwrack is present in CelluSmooth, a formula used to help burn cellulite and fat deposits. It is also found in Ultamate GreenZone.

Kelp, Dulse and other seaweeds have also been sprinkled on foods as a salt substitute. Since seaweeds are high in both sodium and potassium, important mineral electrolytes, they have a mildly salty flavor. Various kinds of seaweeds can be purchased in bulk from health food stores and added to soups, stews, etc. to add flavor and increase nutritional value. Other seafoods will also help.

Besides the seaweeds, Black Walnut is a source of iodine. This is especially true for the ATC Concentrated Black Walnut, which concentrates the black walnut 4 to 1 by extracting the herb and then drying the extract on the whole herb powder. Since iodine is highly water soluble, this process concentrates the iodine, too.

Black walnut has traditionally been used for parasites and infections, and part of its action may be due to its iodine content. Dr. Kimberly Balas, ND, participated in an unpublished fibromyalgia study with a respected doctor in the natural health field. In the study, fibromyalgia patients were divided into three groups. The other doctor used Omega-3 essential fatty acids with his group. A second group received a new drug. Kimberly Balas was in charge of the third group and was supposed to pick an herb to act as a placebo. She picked black walnut.

Both the Omega-3 essential fatty acids and the black walnut outperformed the drug, so the study was never published. Kimberly has continued to use black walnut successfully with fibromyalgia sufferers and now understands that its iodine content may be one reason it has helped.

Using natural Sea Salt is another way to increase iodine intake. Many people think that salt isn't good for you, but this is only a problem with commercial salt, which is full of additives and fillers. Natural salt is healthy
and a good source of iodine.

How can I Tell If I Have Low Thyroid?

At least 10% of the female population have low thyroid and some experts believe the actual number to be 30-40%. Medical tests don't always work when identifying problems with the thyroid gland, but one test that appears to be very effective is the basal body temperature test.

This test tells the amount of energy your body burns at rest. Your base metabolism is largely determined by hormones from your thyroid and adrenal glands. Your metabolic rate is at least partially indicated by resting body temperature, sothis test measures your resting body temperature over a period of five days. (This test will not be accurate if you sleep with an electric blanket or in an over heated room.)

Testing Basal Temperature
1. Use an ordinary oral or rectal thermometer.
2. Shake down the thermometer the night before and place it on your night stand.
3. First thing in the morning BEFORE you get out of bed, place the thermometer under your arm for TEN minutes.
4. For women, the temperature should be taken staring the second day of menstruation. The reason is that a considerable temperature rise may occur around the time of ovulation and give incorrect results. If you miss a day, that is okay, but be sure to finish testing before ovulation.
5. If the average temperature for the five days is lower than 97.8, then a thyroid condition is possible.

Other Symptoms of Low Thyroid

Other symptoms of thyroid problems include: anemia, dry skin, edema, fatigue, goiter, hair loss, high or low blood pressure, edema around the eyes, poor eyebrow growth, a puffy face and sluggish reflexes.

Thyroid Supplements

Many people suffering from thyroid problems have successfully used herbal formulas to improve their thyroid conditions. These formulas contain iodine-rich seaweeds along with other herbs (or nutrients) that can aid thyroid function. Thyroid problems otten involve the liver, pituitary and other organs as well, so these formulas provide broader-acting benefits.

TS II with Hops
Formulated by Stan Malstrom, TS II contains two seaweeds, kelp and Irish moss to supply iodine. The formula also contains parsley, hops and capsicum. TS II is the best formula for people who have thyroid problems coupled with a tendency to stress and anxiety. It not only feeds the thyroid, it also calms the nerves. A related formula,Target TS II, increases the pituitary's stimulation of the thyroid.
Thyroid Activator

Thyroid Activator is a John Christopher formula and is stronger than TS II. It contains the same sea vegetables, Irish moss and kelp, plus a third source of iodine, black walnut. In addition, Thyroid Activator also contains parsley, watercress and sarsaparilla. Many people don't get the results they desire from these formulas because they don't take enough. Optimal results are seen when taking 3-4 capsules ofTS II or Thyroid Activator taken three times a day.

Thyroid Support
For those who need an even stronger formula, Thyroid Support combines thyroid glandular substance with nutrients needed to synthesize thyroid hormones. Thyroid Support contains I-tyrosine (the amino acid base of thyroid hormones), kelp as a source of iodine, and nutritional co-factors like zinc, copper, B6 and manganese. It also contains protease, stinging nettle and a pituitary and hypothalamus glandular. Again, people otten get better results with higher doses than the amount recommended on the label. Sometimes 1 three times a day or 2 twice daily works better. Thyroid Support is best taken with food.

Iodine Robbers

There are many chemicals which rob iodine from the body, but the worst are the halogens, which belong to the same group as iodine on the periodic table of elements. Because they have similar electrical properties, these halogens (fluoride, chlorine, and bromides) easily displace iodine in the body.

Chlorine, of course is used to purify water. Unlike iodine, which helps emulsify fat and keep it water soluble, chlorine makes fats gummy so they more readily adhere to surfaces. This may be one reason why the rise in cardiovascular disease paralleled the chlorination of water supplies world-wide. Drinking water purified by a Nature's Spring Reverse Osmosis water treatment appliance is one way to protect yourself against chlorine.

Bromides are even worse than chlorine and are finding their way into our environment in ever increasing quantities. This is shown by the fact that the amount of bromide found in breast milk has increased ten-fold during the last decade. Bromides have no therapeutic or nutritional value, but they do adversely affect the accumulation of iodine in the thyroid and the skin.

Many hot tubs and swimming pools are switching to bromide for water purification. In the 1960s, bakers stopped using iodine as a dough conditioner and started using bromides instead. So, instead of contributing to iodine intake, breads made from brominated flour now help rob iodine from the body.

Since iodine is needed to make thyroxin, the hormone that triggers fat to burn in the body, is it any wonder that the increase in exposure to these iodine robbers has paralleled an increase in obesity?

For more information contact:

Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-Mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com

Send an e-mail to subscribe to my newsletter.

FREE membership with $40 purchase at direct cost:
www.mynsp.com/karen

Does Your Body's Spark Plugs" Need Replacing?

Is most of the food you eat cooked or microwaved?
Do you eat a lota of fast foods"?
Have you tried various diets but can't lose weight?
Do you suffer from indigestion, gas or bloating?
Do you have lots of chronic aches and pains?
Are you recovering from chronic illness or fighting a virus?
If so, you may be enzyme deficient.
Learn how to enhance your enzymatic "spark plugs"

Jump Start Your Body's "Engine" with Enzymes

Perhaps you've heard the saying, "You are what you eat?" Well, that's only partially true. In reality, you are what you eat, digest and metabolize. You can eat the best food in the world, but if your body can't digest and utilize it properly, it isn't going to do you any good.

You see, your body needs to break down proteins into amino acids before it can use them. Your body can't utilize fats, either. It has to break them down into fatty acids. And it can't use starch without breaking it down into simple sugars first. And you aren't done yet, because the body also has to be able to reassemble these nutrients into the compounds it needs.

How does the body do this? With enzymes.

Just as your car can't burn the fuel you put into it without a spark plug to unite it and release the energy it contains, the body can't release the energy found in the food you eat without enzymes. So, enzymes are the "spark plugs" that "ignite" the food we eat to produce energy. But, they do much more than this. Enzymes also catalyze all of the life processes, not only in human beings, but in all living things.

So, just like a car can't run efficiently when the spark plugs are worn or damaged, when we're deficient in enzymes, we won't get the energy and benefit we need from the food we eat. And unfortunately, most Americans are "driving" their body with deficient spark plugs. Why?

There are a couple of reasons. First, as we just mentioned, all living things contain enzymes. This includes the plant and animal life we utilize for food. However, enzymes are destroyed by heat! So, when we cook, can, microwave or otherwise process food, we destroy enzymes. Since most Americans eat very few fresh, raw foods, they are getting very few enzymes in their diet.

Of course, the body makes its own enzymes, but the fact that these enzymes aren't being supplemented from our diet means we're placing a great deal of unnecessary stress on our digestive organs. This rapidly depletes our digestive systems, which is why most Americans develop problems with digestion as they age.

But, that's not all! In order to increase shelf life, food manufacturers often add preservatives to modern food. Many of these preservatives act as enzyme inhibitors, which means they actually interfere with our own digestive function. Also, all seed-based foods, which includes grains, nuts and legumes, contain natural enzyme inhibitors. This can make these foods difficult to digestive if not prepared correctly.

If you suffer from fatigue, indigestion, excess weight, infections, parasites, cancer, auto-immune disorders or chronic illness of any kind, there is a good chance you may be enzyme deficient. If so, supplementing your nutritional intake with more enzymes may be just the "spark" your body needs to increase your energy, catalyze tissue healing and repair and otherwise, put your "metabolic" engine back on the road to better health.

Enzyme Supplements to Spark Up Your Life

Western eating habits have changed substantially over the past 50 years. At one time, people lived primarily on food they grew or gathered locally. Much of this food was eaten raw or was fermented for preservation.

Traditional diets were not only more nutritionally dense (i.e., had higher levels of vitamins and minerals), they were also richer in natural enzymes.

Today, almost all the food we eat has been baked, fried, boiled, steamed, pasteurized, microwaved or otherwise cooked.

Unfortunately, this cooking and processing destroys many nutrients, including vitamins and enzymes. Enzymes are inactivated in water that is heated above 118 degrees. They are also deactivated with a dry heat of just 150 degrees. (For reference, remember that water boils at 212 degrees at sea level.) This is unfortunate, because this lack of enzymes in our diet results in a lot of unnecessary stress on one's digestive system.

When food is not properly digested, it can begin to rot in the digestive tract - proteins putrefy and fruits and vegetables ferment. The result is ingestion, gas, bloating, bad-breath and body odor. These toxic by-products of poor digestion cause inflammation in the colon and weaken our immune system.

Enzyme production that could be utilized for other purposes is diverted to try to deal with the toxic overload. This results in depleted energy throughout the body and can lead to chronic pain and illnesses like arthritis and hardening of the arteries.

Supplementing with enzymes to replace those missing from the diet can have far-reaching benefits on health. Among other things, enzyme therapy can:
*Enhance digestion
*Promote weight loss Reduce allergic reactions
*Detoxify the body Enhance immunity Decongest lymphatics Ease pain
*Increase energy

That's a pretty impressive list of benefits for one supplement. So, to help you choose the enzyme supplement (or supplements) that are right for you, here's some information on some of the valuable enzyme supplements available for our use.

Amazing Enzymes
Enzymes are molecules, composed of amino acids (the building blocks of protein), which are created by all living organisms. Enzymes are the catalysts for all the metabolic processes oflife. Since the 1930's, over 5,000 enzymes have been discovered in nature, with over 3,000 found in the human body.

There are three basic kinds of enzymes as follows.

Plant Enzymes. This first group consists of the enzymes we get from out diet when we eat fresh, raw food or consume fermented foods. These enzymes have an enzyme-sparing effect on the body because they take stress off our digestive tract by partially digesting food for us. Plant enzymes have also been shown to have beneficial effects such as reducing inflammation and enhancing immunity.

Digestive Enzymes. These are the enzymes released by glands in the mouth, stomach and intestines to break down (digest) the food we eat. This second kind of enzymes break down starches and complex sugars into simple sugars, fats into fatty acids and proteins into amino acids.

Metabolic Enzymes. This is a third class of enzymes which regulates numerous chemical reactions in the body. Metabolic enzymes take sugars, fatty acids and amino acids and reassemble them into hormones, neurotransmitters, cell membranes and other components the body needs. Metabolic enzymes are also used to break down substances the body no longer needs, such as excess hormones, metabolic by-products or toxins.

Proactazyme Plus
For most people, Proactazyme Plus is the best enzyme supplement to take. It contains the plant-based enzymes that are missing from our modern diets. It contains enzymes that assist the body in breaking down all three major types of foodstuffs-proteases to break down protein, lipases for fats and amylases for carbohydrates. It also contains enzymes that break down the complex sugars in beans and vegetables that cause intestinal gas. The formula also contains herbs that stimulate natural digestive functions, including: beet root, caraway seed, fennel, gentian, dandelion root.

Food Enzymes
For more serious digestive problems, Food Enzymes are a better choice. This formula supplies the digestive secretions and enzymes normally produced by the human body to break down food. It contains hydrochloric acid and pepsin (secreted by the stomach to break down proteins), bile salts (secreted by the gall bladder to emulsify fats) and pancreatic enzymes (which break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates). The blend also contains bromelain, an enzyme from pineapples, and papain, an enzyme from papayas, both of which help to break down proteins.

Food Enzymes is particularly helpful for elderly people whose digestive systems often produce less digestive fluids and enzymes. It is also beneficial for people who are suffering from chronic illness and "wasting" because they are having a difficult time absorbing nutrients.

Papaya Mint Tablets
This blend contains papaya, a fruit containing the enzyme papain which breaks down protein. It also contains the essential oil of peppermint, which is traditionally used for gas and indigestion. Sweetened with fructose and sorbitol, these tasty, chewable tablets will help to relieve acid indigestion, acid reflux, belching, bloating, gas, heartburn and poor digestion. They are a safe enzyme remedy, even for children, and make excellent natural breath mints, too.

Digestive Bitters
This isn't an enzyme formula, but it is a blend that will stimulate your own body's enzyme secretions and digestive fluids. Liquid bitters have traditionally been used to settle digestive upset and stimulate the appetite. Taken about 15 minutes prior to meals, it will increase the flow of digestive secretions and stimulate appetite. Taken after the meal, it will setde digestive upset and enhance fat and protein metabolism.

Protease and PDA
When people have specific problems with breaking down proteins, there are three products that may be helpful. PDA Combination supplies bemaine hydrochloric acid (HCI) and pepsin, the digestive secretions produced by the stomach to break down proteins. As we age, HCI production tends to diminish, making this a very good supplement for the elderly.

Protease enzymes, which break down protein, are also available in two potencies, Protease Plus and High Potency Protease. High Potency Protease is about three times stronger than Protease Plus. These supplements are very beneficial for people with poor protein metabolism, food allergies and immune problems. Taken between meals, they can help rid the intestines of parasites and assist the body in fighting cancer. Caution: Protein-digesting aids should nor be taken with gastric ulcers or by those with blood clotting disorders.

Other Digestive Enzymes
If you suffer from gas after drinking milk or eating dairy foods like ice cream, you may be lactose intolerant. Lactose is a sugar found in milk that requires the lactase enzyme to digest. Lactase Plus will help those who have difficulty digesting dairy produet5 as it contains both lactase and protease enzymes that break down milk sugar and milk proteins.

Lipases are a class of enzymes produced by the salivaty glands, pancreas and stomach that assist in the breakdown of dietary fats. For individuals who have had their gall bladder removed or for those with difficulty digesting foods containing fats, such as nuts or fried food, Hi-Lipase can be a useful enzyme supplement.

Nattozimes Plus
A relatively new enzyme supplement on the market is Nattozimes Plus. The enzymes in this formula help to dissolve fibrin and prevent platelet aggregation. This provides a safe, natural blood-thinning
effect for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The formula also contains hawthorn berries, capsicum fruit, dandelion leaf and resveratrol, which also support the cardiovascular system. This formula should not be used by those with clotting disorders, an aspergillus allergy, or anyone taking anti-coagulant medications.

Nature's Fresh
One final product that utilizes enzymes is Nature's Fresh. This versatile product contains six different classes of enzymes, which not only can be used to remove stains and odors from your home, but can also be used therapeutically to enhance health. Many people have found that spraying these enzymes on topically has helped to clear up skin problems, reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.

Should I Eat Everything Raw?

When some people learn about enzymes, they draw the erroneous conclusion that everything we eat should be raw and that all cooked food is bad. This isn't really true.

Traditional diets did incorporate raw foods, but they also contained cooked foods. Because human beings lack the enzyme cellulase (which breaks down the cellulose in grass and other vegetables), it is difficult for the human digestive system to break down many plant foods. Steaming or stir-frying these vegetables breaks down the cell walls and makes these nutrients available to us.

Also, nuts, grains, beans and other seeds contain enzyme inhibitors. This is why seeds and nuts can remain viable for many years (sometimes hundreds or even thousands of years) . The enzyme inhibitors are preventing premature breakdown of nutrients. These foods must be soaked or "sprouted" in order to deactivate the enzyme inhibitors and activate their enzymes. Seeds and nuts are not "alive" as there's no enzymatic activity. Soaking or sprouting nuts, grains and seeds before eating will make available the enzymes needed to digest these nutritious foods.

Fermented Foods

Traditional cultures where a lot of cooked foods were eaten typically supplemented their enzymes with cultured foods. This provided natural enzyme supplementation for their diets. Cultured dairy products, such as unpasteurized yoghurt, cheese and kefir, supply both probiotics (friendly bacteria) and additional enzymes. Other fermented foods which supply both probiotics and enzymes include cultured soy foods (miso, Nano), pickled vegetables (sauerkraut, cucumbers, Kim Chi), naturally fermented beverages, fermented fish and sourdough bread.

Unfortunately, in modern society most of these pickles, sauerkraut, fermented beverages (beers and wine), etc. are cooked or pasteurized after the fermentation process, which destroys both the probiotics and the enzymes. This increases shelf life, but destroys many of the benefits traditional societies derived from these foods. Fortunately, many health food stores sell "raw" fermented products which are enzyme-rich. You can also learn to make your own or take enzyme supplements.

Many fresh foods also supplement enzymes and will help to digest cooked foods. Foods that are excellent sources of plant enzymes include avocado bananas, dates, figs, grapes, kiwi, mango, papaya, pineapple as well as extra virgin olive oil and raw honey. Eating these foods in an un-pasteurized and un-processed form will aid in proper digestion and absorption.

For More information Contact:

Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com

FREE membership with $40 direct cost order.

Send me an e-mail requesting my free "Herbal" Newslett

Transform Your Weight, Transform Your Shape

Revealing the Untold Truth about Weight Loss

The truth is that our society is overfed yet undernourished.

Though we eat a lot, we may be starving nutritionally. Any good weight-management program should begin by making sure your body gets the nutrients it needs to function best. NSP core products give your body proper nutrition-which should be the jumping off point for any weight-management program.

The truth is that people experience unhealthy weight gain for different reasons, and no one product or diet fits everyone's needs. For instance, some people's weight gain is triggered by emotional concerns. Others have a slower metabolism that contributes to weight problems. Diabetes, stress, hormone levels and toxins also affect weight. Revealing the Untold Truth about Weight Loss gives you the tools you need to determine the root of your weight problems. Armed with this knowledge, you can design a health and weight-management program specifically for you and the factors that contribute to your weight gain.

Whatever the root of your weight concerns or the goals of your weight-management program, Nature's Sunshine can help. NSP products offer the nutritional and weight-management support you need.

THE CORE PRODUCT PACK Healthy Weight Begins Here

Any weight-management program needs to begin with proper nourishment. Too often, dieters eat less without considering what they are putting-or not putting- into their bodies. They often cut out the good with the bad! NSP's Core Product Package is the perfect starting point for a complete weight-management program.

Thai-Go – This delicious liquid supplement features bioflavonoids, antioxidants and xanthones to support most body systems.

Nature's Three or Psyllium Hulls. Fiber supplements help with proper waste elimination. Fiber also is known to bind fat in the intestinal system.

Bifidophilus Flora Force. Friendly flora support a healthy digestive and intestinal system.

Super Omega 3 EPA – Supplement with heart-healthy Omega-3 essential fatty acids-the good fats!

Super Supplemental or Vita Wave – A multivitamin ensures that your body is getting adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals.

Food Enzymes or Proactazyme Plus – Enzymes help your body more effectively digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Nature's Cortisol Formula
Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands in response to stress. It promotes the formation of glucose, which is used as fuel during stressful situations. Emerging scientific research is exploring the possible link in cortisol levels with abdominal fat storage and calorie consumption.

Nature's Cortisol Formula combines herbs and supplements to aid in buffering the effects of stress and maintaining cortisol levels that are already within the normal range. This product contains Relora (magnolia bark and phellodendron extracts), to help maintain cortisol levels already within the normal range, while banaba, holy basil, chromium and vanadium help maintain blood glucose levels already within the normal range. This formula also contains DHEA, decaffeinated green tea extract, l-theanine (supports the body during times of stress) and calcium ascorbate.

NATURE'S CORTISOL FORMULA FEATURES:
*DHEA - interacts with the adrenal glands, which may help lower cortisol production.
*Holy basil - may normalize cortisol levels and may have a positive effect on maintaining blood sugar levels already within the normal range.
*No stimulants like synephrine from bitter orange. Some competing products add stimulants unnecessarily.
*A more cost-effective formula.
Compared to two competitors on the market, Nature's Cortisol costs less. Get the best and spend less!
*The patented Relora' formula has been proven effective when suggested daily dosage is followed in accordance with patent information.
*More magnolia bark extract than competitors.
*Green tea extract standardized to deliver 60% EGCG (others have less)
*Banaba extract standardized to deliver 1% corosolic acid.


Fat Grabbers -Help with Some Dietary Fat Is on the Way!
Fat Grabbers is one of NSP's most popular products. This formula combines the high-quality fiber found in guar gum and psyllium hulls with chickweed and lecithin for a unique formula that emulsifies and binds some of the fat molecules from the foods that are present in the intestinal tract before they can get into the bloodstream. This can be viewed as "grabbing" the lipid molecules and trapping them so that some may not be absorbed. Using Fat Grabbers in conjunction with a sensible dietary plan and exercise will help you create an effective overall weight-
management program.

Carbo Grabbers -Reduce Carb calories Absorbed
Carbo Grabbers is a nonstimulant dietary supplement derived from northern white kidney beans. It naturally and safely reduces the available calories your body may otherwise get from complex carbohydrates in the diet.

NATURE'S HOODIA FORMULA
Benefits:
•Offers safe, caffeine-free, non-stimulant weight management support.
•May reduce the desire to eat.
•May help metabolize fats.

Nature’s Hoodia Formula -- Used for centuries by the San tribesmen of the Kalahari Desert to reduce hunger, Hoodia gordonii was first studied by the South African national laboratory in a study of indigenous foods. When researchers fed this succulent plant to animals, the animals began to lose weight. After years of study, scientists now theorize that hoodia appears to affect the brains of laboratory animals by making the stomach feel full and reducing the desire to eat.

Nature’s Sunshine has combined Hoodia gordonii with other natural ingredients that may help in your weight-management efforts. Nature’s Hoodia Formula contains a blend of Hoodia gordonii, Caralluma fimbriata, dry apple cider vinegar, Garcinia cambogia, l-carnitine, gymnema leaves, chromium, marshmallow root and psyllium hulls.

7-Keto – Support the Thyroid Gland
Every dieter knows about the weight plateau. After a
rigorous diet and exercise routine, you lose a few pounds and then hit a plateau. 7- Keto is a safe, natural metabolite of DHEA, which supports an active thyroid gland. Taken twice a day, 7- Keto significantly lowered body fat over an eight-week study period. People who participated in the study group lost about three times as much fat as those in the control group.

Dieter's Cleanse - A Cleanse Just for Dieters
Dieter's Cleanse is a safe, convenient cleansing program for those who want to
promote natural, healthy waste elimination and get the most nutrition from their food-an important starting point for any dieter.

Thyroid Activator
Thyroid Activator supports the thyroid gland and contains trace minerals known to be important for human nutrition. This formula contains Irish moss plant, kelp plant, black walnut hulls, parsley herb, watercress herb and sarsaparilla root.

SugarReg -Helps Make Life "Sweet"
SugarReg is a formulation of eight nutrients that help support the body's effort to maintain levels of blood sugar and insulin that are already within their normal ranges. The levels of these substances help determine how the body stores carbohydrates as fat. SugarReg contains banaba leaf, gymnema extract, bitter melon, nopal fruit, bilberry fruit, fenugreek herb, chromium and vanadium.

MetaboMax EF - Ephedra Free Nutritional Supplement
MetaboMax EF is a nourishing, caffeine- and ephedra-free weightmanagement formula. The ingredients in this combination appear to support weight-loss efforts. Lotus leaf extract and green tea extract help support the body. Cordyceps, eleuthero root and chromium may aid the body during times of stress. Bee pollen, spirulina, vitamin E and kelp nourish the body through the rigors of weight loss.

Adrenal Support
The adrenal glands are primarily responsible for addressing the effects of emotional, mental and physical stress on the body. This may include increases in., body weight. Modern dietary habits can negatively affect the adrenal glands. Adrenal Support contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and adaptogenic herbs to support and strengthen your body as it deals with stress.

Nutri - Burn - A Nutritious, Delicious Way to Go!
Sometimes it is difficult to eliminate certain foods and still have a balanced, nutritious diet. Nutri-Burn balanced meal replacement drink mix provides essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. It contains essential nutrients that support metabolism. These include whey protein, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), l-carnitine and
chromium.

Indole-3-Carbinol- Why Mom Insisted on Brussels Sprouts
Indole-3-Carbinol is a powerful antioxidant found in the cell walls of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts. This antioxidant is helpful in the metabolism of estrogens, protecting estrogen influenced organs and maintaining hormonal balance.

Pro-G-Yam Cream
Pro-G- Yam Cream contains progesterone along with wild yam extract from the Mexican Wild Yam. This deep-penetrating formula provides prolonged release action by means of a patented liposome delivery system.

These are just a few of the products that will help with weight loss.

If you would like a weight loss program customized for your body, I can help you, let me know.

For More information Contact:

Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-Mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com

YOUR BODY IS TALKING TO YOU!

“ARE YOU LISTENING?”

Every day, your body is giving you feedback about the choices you are making in your life. If you are taking good care of it, your body rewards you with vibrant energy, pleasurable sensations, a positive mood and good health. When you abuse it, your body lets you know that it doesn’t like the choices you’re making. It does this by upsetting your mood, making you feel anxious, irritable or depressed, and/or by giving you frequent headaches, indigestion and other aches and pains. It will also tell you how well you’re taking care of it by your physical shape.

Excess weight is just one of the many signs that show us our diet and lifestyle choices aren’t working. So, if we take a good look at ourselves in the mirror and then tune in to how we are feeling, we will know instantly whether we need to make changes or not. If we look around and apply this yardstick to the average American, it becomes readily apparent that the American lifestyle is very unhealthy-----and people’s bodies are screaming this message!

According to the National Center for Health Statistics about 65% of all Americans are overweight and 30% of those are clinically obese. It’s a major national health concern because obesity is associated with a greater risk for diabetes, gallbladder disease, hypertension, hyperlipedemia, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, osteoarthritis of the knees, gout, cancer and low back pain. But, excess weight and its associated health problems aren’t the only message saying our lifestyle is wrong. The average American also suffers from a wide variety of other health problems, such as depression, anxiety, frequent headaches, indigestion, fatigue, skin problems, allergies, sinus or respiratory congestion and so forth. Just because all of this is typical, doesn’t mean it’s normal!

If this describes you, how would you like to get some positive feedback from your body for a change? Wouldn’t it be great to have a happier mood, vibrant energy, a sensation of pleasure from your body and get to “look good” in the process? Of course it would!

Well, you won’t get there by having some kind of “extreme make-over.” You won’t get there by feeling guilty or bad about yourself and mentally punishing yourself for a “lack of willpower.” Willpower has little to do with it! It’s all about forming healthy habits, and since the body likes being healthy, once you start adopting healthy habits, the positive feedback your body will give you makes living a healthy lifestyle additively positive.

The secret is learning to work with the body’s messaging system. You see, the cells of your body talk to each other by means of little chemical messengers (hormones, prostaglandins, etc.). These chemical messengers control cycles of rest and activity, mood, maturation, reproduction, immune responses, metabolic rate and appetite----the last two being very important when it comes to weight loss.

If you create the right chemical messengers in your body, your metabolism will increase, your appetite will decrease, your mood and immune system will be enhances and you’ll look and feel better without struggling with your body. You will learn how to co-operate with your body rather than trying to control it with willpower.

Learn how to work with your body instead of against it!

WHY DIET AND EXERCISE DON’T WORK

For years, the weight loss mantra has been, “eat less, exercise more.” Yet, the research shows that 90% of the people who lose weight in this manner simply gain it back. Why is this so?

Well, as we mentioned above, appetite, metabolism and mood are all controlled by messenger chemicals in the body. When you restrict calories, the cells of the body assume that there is a “famine” going on. In response, cells send chemical messengers that reduce metabolism (the rate at which you burn calories). This conserves the body’s energy during the “famine.”

Because your metabolism is lower, your energy is reduced, so you become less physically active. Your mood also changes because you feel deprived, so your body is attracted to foods that enhance mood----particularly carbohydrates. When food is available, other chemical messengers are released to stimulate the appetite and program the body to store energy (fat) in preparation for the next famine. Thus, a vicious cycle of “feast” and “famine” ensures.

In addition, fat itself acts like a gland, secreting its own chemical messengers. One of these is a hormone called leptin. Leptin is supposed to increase your metabolism and reduce your appetite. However, inflammation blocks the action of leptin.

Inflammation is very common in most Americans because of the large quantity of chemicals in our food, water and air. Inflammation cause fluid retention and since it is very common for Americans to have intestinal inflammation, it’s very common to have excess fluid and fat in the abdominal area. Since a gallon of water weighs eight pounds, it is very easy to have 5-15 pounds of excess water stored in the tissues of the body.

One can see that unless one changes the type of chemical messages being sent by the cells, one is fighting a losing (or “gaining”) battle. Conversely, by getting our cells sending the right chemical messages, we can increase energy, reduce appetite, enhance mood and have a better functioning immune system. There are four basic keys to achieving this goal, as follows.

1. Don’t Worry About Calories, Just Eat Quality Food

The single biggest reason why so many Americans are overweight and sick is because we are eating refined and processed foods. These foods are lacking in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other phytonutrients the body is looking to obtain from food. When we eat these foods, we may be getting enough calories, but we still feel hungry because the body is still looking for the nutrition it needs.

Refined sugars (sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, fructose, etc.), white flour, polished rice, processed vegetable oils, margarine, shortening and just about all processed and packaged foods fall into this category. If you want to lose weight and be healthy, you must start eliminating these foods from your diet and replacing them with who, natural unprocessed foods that are nutrient-rich. When you do so, your body will get the nutrition it needs and stopo telling you it is hungry.

Of course, if you focus on the negative (what you shouldn’t be eating) you’ll never succeed. The way to succeed is to start incorporating more whole, natural foods into your diet. Eat the foods that are good for you first and your body will start craving the good foods while your desire for the “junk” foods will diminish.

2. Don’t Put Yourself On A Guilt Trip, Instead Seek Out Pleasurable Experiences

If you stop and think about it, the biggest reason people “pig out” on junk food (or acquire any other bad habit, for that matter) is because they are unhappy. Being unhappy sends the wrong chemical messages to your cells. So, “beating yourself up” mentally and emotionally for being overweight is only going to perpetuate the problem.

Conversely, it has been scientifically documented that pleasurable experiences (such as loving relationships, laughter, enjoyable activities, time spent in nature, etc.) cause the body to send out chemical messages that reduce inflammation, enhance immunity, promote healing, improve metabolism and otherwise enhance health and well-being. In fact, the biggest single factor in having a long and healthy life isn’t your weight, your diet or your exercise level----it’s your attitude. People who experience pleasure in life live longer, healthier lives.

So, instead of being hard on yourself, be gentle with yourself and find ways to experience pleasure in your life. Find activities you enjoy (walking, gardening, swimming, dancing, etc.) and do them. Treat yourself to a massage or a pleasant bath. Make friends. Make love. Do things that help you find joy and fulfilment.

Furthermore, enjoy your food! Make a decision to enjoy whatever you decide to eat (even if it isn’t the healthiest food). This means taking time to notice the color, aroma, texture and taste of each bite. It also means eating your food slowly and chewing it thoroughly. A good way to train yourself to do this is to put your fork or spoon down after each bite and take some nice deep breaths while chewing. If you do this, you’ll automatically eat less and feel more satisfied.

3. Eat Small, But Balanced Meals On A Regular Basis

Here is a sure-fire recipe for gaining weight, even on good foods. Skip breakfast and eat a big meal right before going to bed. This puts your blood sugar on a roller-coaster and results in a daily famine-feast cycle. You aren’t hungry in the morning, so you don’t eat. Your body, thinking it is starving sends messengers to lower your metabolism and energy level throughout the day. By night, your body is starving, and you eat too much. However, since you are inactive (going to sleep), the body stores the excess calories for tomorrow’s famine.”

To change this cycle, always “break your fast” by eating something for breakfast. Always start the day with some quality fat and protein. For example----avocado, eggs, meat, whole milk yogurt with fruit, nuts or oatmeal with butter or cream (not sugar).

Then, whenever you feel a little bit hungry during the day, eat a healthy snack such as nuts, fruit, organic cheese, fruit, vegetables, tuna, a salad, etc. By eating small, regular meals your body realizes there’s no more famine and will start adjusting your appetite accordingly. You won’t be so hungry at night and won’t overeat at bedtime. You will feel better and these meals will help you lose weight.

4. Correct Underlying Health Problems

Part of the secret of weight loss is to identify some of the specific health issues that may be inhibiting your ability to lose weight. These can ben be corrected with appropriate supplements or lifestyle changes. Consult with the person who gave you this newsletter to help you create a program that is custom-tailored for you, but here are a few of the most important problems to consider.

Low Thyroid

The body burns fat in order to stay warm and the gland that sends the chemical messages to burn that fat is the thyroid. Low thyroid is extremely common, especially among women, and can result in weight gain, fatigue, depression, cold hands and feet and dry skin. If you have any of these symptoms, check your temperature first thing in the morning by putting a thermometer under your armpit before getting out of bed. If your body temperature is consistently lower than normal, consider taking supplements to help your thyroid.

Thyroid Activator is a good choice because it contains both a thyroid glandular and nutrients to support healthy thyroid function. Other supplements that may be helpful include Thyroid Support, Liquid Dulse and Black Walnut.

If lab test show you have normal levels of thyroid hormones, but you still exhibit symptoms of low thyroid, you may have a problem with conversion of T4 (the inactive form of the thyroid hormone) to T3 (the active form). 7-Keto, a metabolite of DHEA can be very helpful in this case, as it increase the conversion of T4 to T3 which increases metabolic rate and increases fat metabolism.

Toxicity and Inflammation

Toxins contribute to weight gain in two ways. First, toxins cause inflammation and inflammation cause fluid retention in the tissues. The rapid weight loss most people experience at the beginning of any diet program or cleans is typically due to a reduction in inflammation and fluid retention. Conversely, when a person gains 5 to 110 pounds after a weekend of binging, most of it is fluid retention caused by the irritating food additives and chemicals in junk food. Kidney Activator is excellent for water retention

The second reason toxins contribute to weight gain has to do with the fact that many toxins we’re exposed to are fat-soluble. So, if the body can’t break them down, it stores them as fat. It may also increase cholesterol levels to transport them. The body won’t release the fat if it can’t deal with the toxins.

This is why learning to eat natural foods is critical to weight loss. Not only are natural foods free of the chemical additives found in processed foods, they also contain more vitamins and minerals to break down toxins. It also explains why a cleans can help a person lose weight.

Clean Start Cleanse is a convenient pre-packaged, cleansing program that can be helpful for anyone trying to lose weight. It not only contains herbs that promote detoxification and reduce fluid retention in the tissues, it also contains herbs that help balance hormones and metabolism.

Adding fiver to the diet is another way to increase weight loss. Fiber blinds toxins for removal and results in a feel of fullness that reduces appetite. Psyllium Hulls Combination or Fat Grabbers are good choices for helping with weight loss. Be sure to take fiber supplement with plenty of water.

STRESS

There is a lot of research showing that stress contributes to weight gain. This is partly because stress promotes the release of cortisol, a hormone from the adrenals. Cortisol is a chemical messenger that cause the body to break down proteins for energy and also cause carbohydrates to be stored as fat (particularly in the abdominal area). So, stress can cause a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat deposition. This is one reason why creating pleasure and relaxation in your life is so important to losing weight.

Herbs and supplements, however, can also help us manage stress better. Nature’s Cortisol is a formula that can help reduce the output of cortisol, lower stress levels, boost metabolism and balance mood. If stress is a factor in your weight gain, it may be a helpful supplement.

Remember that cortisol is also released in response to chronic inflammation, so a supplement like Thai-Go liquid or Super ORAC or Super Antioxidants have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce cortisol output. Reducing inflammation also increase metabolism and helps leptin, the fat burning hormone, work better.

Manager your stress with Nutri Calm and/or Stress-J. In some cases Nervous Fatigue is better or for depression Mood Elevator.

Food Cravings

Sometimes, it seems that food cravings are our worst enemy when trying to change our diet. Therefore, supplements that reduce appetite or specific food cravings may also be helpful as part of a weight loss program. Nature’s Hoodia can help reduce overall appetite. So can SF combination, which also boosts metabolism.

Cravings for sugar are signs of blood sugar problems and usually indicate that the diet is lacking fat and protein. Licorice Root, Super Algae, or Chromium GFT are supplements that can control blood sugar levels and reduce the cravings for sweets.

Addiction to sugar and other simple carbohydrates is a big problem for some people, so it is also helps to substitute a healthier form of sweets. For instance, Xylitol-sweetened Chocolate Bars, Gum or Mints can satisfy the occasional cravings for sweets without causing the blood sugar spikes that lead to weight gain.

These are just a few examples of the many supplements available that can assist your weight loss program.

Other problems areas may be glandular, digestion, emotional or hormonal.

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Just sent me an e-mail requesting it.


For more information contact:

Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com