Body Cleansing

Cleansing is an important first step to feeling better.

Cleansing and detoxification of the body promote good health and general well-being. Herbs and nutritional supplements can be used to nourish and cleanse the body, especially the body systems that are heavily involved with metabolic processes. The digestive system feeds the entire body and must flow freely to ensure the efficient elimination of toxins from the body. The colon, in particular, must function properly to promote the elimination of waste materials from the body. The liver and kidneys are also important detoxifying organs. The liver aids in the digestive process by secreting bile that emulsifies fat, hence facilitating the actions of digestive enzymes and juices. The liver also controls the metabolism of various nutrients and serves as a reservoir for many of these nutrients. The kidneys act as a filtration system during the production of urine.

Cleansing has always been an important step on the road back to health in traditional healing systems. Today, herbalists have formulated combination of the best cleansing and detoxification herbs and nutrients. An effective herbal detox cleanse seeks to accomplish the following:

·         Transport toxins to the liver and kidneys

·         Process toxins for elimination

·         Protect liver, brain, and other organs from circulating toxins.

·         Release toxin-laden bile fluid from intestines.

·         Bind toxins in the intestine to avoid re-absorption

·         Eliminate bound toxins through the stool and urine

·         Restore function to eliminative organs

Aside from riding the body of disease-causing toxic build-up, an herbal detox cleanse increases energy, improves the immune system, reverses constipation, helps in weight loss and improves complexion.

All Cell Detox is a product which combines 17 herbs that support proper digestion and waste elimination. This formula supports and promotes the proper functioning of the liver, colon and kidneys,

aids digestion and supports the absorption of nutrients.

BoostHerbs believes in helping people to build a healthier life.

Nature's Sunshine products have demonstrated a commitment to using only the finest raw materials available.

The pH of different cellular compartments, body fluids, and organs is usually tightly regulated in a process called acid-base homeostasis.

The pH of blood is usually slightly basic with a value of pH 7.4. This value is often referred to as physiological pH in biology and medicine. Plaque can create a local acidic environment that can result in tooth decay by demineralisation.Enzymes and other proteins have an optimum pH range and can become inactivated or denatured outside this range. The most common disorder in acid-base homeostasis is acidosis, which means an acid overload in the body, generally defined by pH falling below 7.35.

Most of us never considered the pH level of our body or even that our body has a pH level. pH level is about the balance of acid and alkaline in the body. Disrupt that balance in both direction and health problems will result. The only truly acidic environment in the body is the digestive system where acid is required to break down food. The human body is constantly adjusting its PH level in order to keep balanced but in these days our diet consists predominantly of acid forming food. In this situation the body will try to neutralize the acid excess by using minerals such as calcium or magnesium. Calcium gets leeched from bone tissue to buffer acidity and magnesium is taken from cells and the cardiovascular system. The body will always seek to balance acidity and alkalinity at the expense of its own long term health. By eating a diet of 40% fruits and vegetables (all green foods are alkalizing) and the remaining percent meats, fats, whole grains, you can keep your pH level within normal. The result of too much acid in the body will kill friendly bacteria and the immune system becomes weakened as result of changes to the wall of the small intestine which impair its ability to absorb nutrients. The body needs more alkalizing food than acidifying foods. Also too much acid decreases the physical performance which limits muscle contraction and expansion during exercise For those who see the importance of pH balancing, Nature's Sunshine Green Zone and Chlorophyll offer powerful alkalizing potential in maintaining pH balance. Nature's Sunshine products have demonstrated a commitment to using only the finest raw materials available.

Since the discovery that cocoa benefits are not just limited to pleasing the taste buds, cocoa has continued to gather support for its healthful properties. Cocoa, the primary
component of chocolate, is a rich source of epicatechin, a flavonol believed to be responsible for the health benefits of chocolate. Teas (green and black) and red wine are
also noted for their epicatechin content, but cocoa has a higher concentration.1

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that consuming cocoa flavonols improved vascular function in persons with type II diabetes.
Loss of vascular function is one of the primary markers for the development of cardiovascular disease. This is especially true in diabetic individuals.

In a double-blind trial conducted by Malte Kelm, M.D., and colleagues at University Hospital RWTH Aachen in Germany, 41 patients with type II diabetes were given a
beverage containing cocoa flavonols three times a day for 30 days. Immediate improvement in vascular health (measured by the ability of the brachial artery to relax)
was observed in the group with the highest flavonol consumption. According to doctor Kelm, these results demonstrate that dietary flavonols might have an important impact
as part of a healthy diet.

Previous studies have shown that cocoa benefits are not limited to persons with type II diabetes. The flavonols in cocoa may also help keep blood pressure down and help
maintain heart health in persons without specific risk factors. Cocoa is believed to promote optimal cardiovascular health by activating the nitric oxide system.2 Nitric oxide
is an important molecule responsible for controlling multiple functions within the body, including the dilation of blood vessels2 and platelet aggregation (clot formation)3. A
decreased release of nitric oxide into the arterial wall is associated with multiple warning signs of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and the formation of
atherosclerotic plaque.

Cocoa flavonols are a particularly significant type of flavonoid molecule. A recent analysis has found that not all flavonoids and sources of flavonoids provide equal
benefits. Using data from the 133 studies, researchers found wide variations in effects, depending on the nature of the flavonoid and the food source. Of more than 6,000
different flavonoids that have been discovered in various plants, a few stand above the rest in the benefits they provide. Chocolate flavonoids are especially effective in their
support of cardiovascular health. Flavonoids from chocolate were associated with a 4 percent increase in blood flow, and a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.4
On the other hand, black te, which also contains flavonoids, was linked to increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.4

Today, Americans consume an average of about 12 pounds of chocolate per person, per year and this may not be a bad thing. While milk chocolate is still the favorite, the health-
promoting qualities of flavonols are attributed to the dark variety.

1. Ki Won Lee, Young Jun Kim, Hyong Joo Lee, and Chang Yong Lee. Cocoa Has More Phenolic Phytochemicals and a Higher Antioxidant Capacity than Teas and Red Wine. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2003; 51(25) 7292–7295.

2. Fisher ND, Hughes M, Gerhard-Herman M, Hollenberg NK. Flavonol-rich cocoa induces nitric-oxidedependent vasodilation in healthy humans. J Hypertens. 2003 Dec;21(12):2281-6.
3. Rein D, Paglieroni TG, Wun T, Pearson DA, Schmitz HH, Gosselin R, and Keen CL. Cocoa inhibits platelet activation and function. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:30-5.
4. Hooper L, Kroon PA, Rimm EB, Cohn JS, Harvey I, Le Cornu KA, Ryder JJ, Hall WL, Cassidy A.
Flavonoids, flavonoid-rich foods, and cardiovascular risk: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Am J Clin Nutr 2008;88:38-50.

Created by Larisa Wright

Respiratory allergies are a major health problem for many people worldwide. Epidemiologic data

indicate that the incidence of allergies is continuing to rise.1 Experts estimate that allergic rhinitis affects 20% of all adults and 40 % of children in the U.S.2 Allergic rhinitis is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed work/school due to chronic illness.2 Approximately 16.7 million physician office visits per year are attributed to allergic rhinitis.2,3

Allergies are due to an overreaction of the immune system to environmental substances.

Respiratory allergies can be caused by almost any airborne particle, but the most common triggers are animal dander, feathers, fabrics, dust, molds and pollen.4  Allergic rhinitis caused by a reaction to plant pollen is also known as hay fever.4

When an allergen enters the respiratory system of susceptible individuals, it triggers an allergic response. Cells called mast cells (a type of white blood cell) release histamine, which sets off a series of events that cause swelling and inflammation.5 In allergic rhinitis, the resulting symptoms include mucus production, sneezing, congestion, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

Allergic rhinitis can affect individuals throughout the year but is particularly prevalent during the spring season (from late May to the end of June) and is referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Respiratory allergies can occur in conjunction with, and contribute to the development of, other conditions. These include asthma and sinusitis.

BoostHerbs offers a variety of products that are commonly recommended to support the respiratory system as it battles seasonal allergies.

Phase 1:
Detoxification—Are the pipes clean?

Natural health care seeks not only to provide the body with a nutritious diet, but also to open up the eliminative channels to keep the body systems running clean, uninhibited by waste buildup.

Phase 2:
Activation—Is your body firing on all cylinders?

Activation is the process of making your body more efficient. Enzymes and probiotics are two key components of activation within the body. Together these components help your body to better extract nutrients from the foods you eat and promote a healthy intestinal system.

Phase 3:
Vital Nutrition—Are you getting enough?

The concept of vital nutrition addresses an illusion in America today—that we are well-nourished. As Americans we may be overfed, but not with essential nutrients. Being healthy can no longer be equated with the mere absence of disease. The essential nutrients that work on the cellular level to fuel our bodies are what make up vital nutrition.

Detoxification—sometimes called blood purification or body cleansing—is the practice of altering dietary habits to give the body’s eliminative channels a chance to get rid of toxins from the cells, organs, tissues, bloodstream and the lymphatic system more efficiently.

Detoxifying the body is an essential step on your path to better health. In practice, it is accomplished by abstaining from food for a few hours or days (fasting), drinking only water or juices, taking special herbs, or any combination of a number of methods to give the body a chance to divert its energies from digesting food to concentrating on detoxifying and renewing itself.

Phase 1: Detoxify—Take That First Step
What can detoxification do for you?

You are what you eat. But you are also what you drink, breathe and absorb from your environment. Any substance that finds its way into your body can affect you for better or for worse. When your body is not eliminating efficiently, wastes may not be expelled for days, weeks or longer. This can cause buildup in the colon, leading to autointoxication. Unfortunately, the digestive and intestinal systems take the brunt of these toxins from our environment and diet. A proper cleansing of these systems can enhance the efforts of the body’s digestive processes. Furthermore, when you consider that 60 percent of the immune system is located in the intestines, cleansing becomes crucial to your overall health and ability to maintain health.

Nature’s Sunshine has developed several products that help the body properly eliminate these toxins.

The CleanStart® cleansing and detoxifying program supports natural toxin elimination, improves energy and promotes a feeling of well-being.

Enviro-Detox
This combination of 13 nutrients provides ongoing support to the body’s five main detoxifying organs: the liver, kidneys, lungs, bowel and skin. It contains burdock root, dandelion root, fenugreek, ginger, marshmallow root, pepsin, red clover flowers, sarsaparilla root, yellow dock root, Echinacea purpurea root, Lactobacillus sporogenes, cascara sagrada and milk thistle concentrate. Each nutrient in this exclusive formula has been carefully selected to provide maximum nutrition to the body. The beneficial microorganism L. sporogenes helps populate the intestinal tract, as cleansing may cause a flushing of friendly flora.

Bowel Detox

This key product contains nutrients that support proper digestive and intestinal function. It promotes healthy, regular elimination of waste from the colon. This formula provides betaine HCl, pepsin, pancreatin and bile salts to aid digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Each capsule also contains 200 mg of psyllium hulls (to provide needed bulk), plus kelp plant and chlorophyll (to encourage proper flow of waste and detoxify the colon). It also contains selected herbs, vitamins and other nutrients that support bowel health, including apple pectin, activated charcoal and bentonite clay.

Specialized detoxification products

Scientists estimate that over 50 percent of Americans consume too many heavy metals. It’s not hard to believe when you consider that metals are found in industrial byproducts, tainted drinking water, pesticides and even dental fillings. Metals can cause a variety of unpleasant health issues.

Heavy Metal Detox
Heavy Metal Detox binds with the heavy metals in the body and pulls them out. Clinical trials show that one of the key ingredients, cilantro, decreases the level of heavy metals in the body and increases their levels in the urine. Other ingredients include N-Acetyl Cysteine, apple pectin, sodium alginate, kelp algae, l-methionine, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium and pyridoxal-5-phosphate.

Yeast/Fungal Detox

Yeast and fungus represent another common detoxification issue. A healthy body hosts a delicate balance of yeast and friendly flora (probiotics). That balance is easily compromised through poor diet and some prescription medications. These microbial imbalances can affect the immune, digestive and urinary systems. This special blend of herbs and nutrients helps maintain the balance of these microorganisms. Key ingredients include oregano, caprylic acid (a naturally occurring fatty acid that has proven effective as an antifungal compound), propionic acid, sorbic acid, Echinacea angustifolia root, garlic, pau d’arco, selenium and zinc.

Don’t let your cells go to waste!

You need to know three things about the lymphatic system:
• The lymph system plays a key role in bringing nutrients into the cells.
• The lymph system helps take waste out of the cells.
• A fully functioning lymphatic system is essential to the detoxification of the body.

Why drain the lymphatic system?

Cells produce metabolic wastes that can be toxic. If the lymphatic system doesn’t effectively remove these toxins, cell function can be adversely affected. Unlike the cardiovascular system’s heart, the lymphatic system lacks its own “pump,” leaving it vulnerable to stagnation.

When should I use Lymphatic Drainage?

• During time of physical stress or lowered immune response.
• Following any type of physically traumatic event or when over-straining with exercise.
• During times of fatigue.

Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Drainage works to maintain optimal function and flow by stimulating movement through the lymph nodes and vessels. The specially formulated blend of herbs helps the lymph system pump toxins out of the body.

Start your detox program today!

“Detox” from the Outside-in
If you thought essential oils were only for perfume and spa products, get ready for something new. Essential Oils provide a great way to help the body in its detoxifying efforts. Many NSP products help you detoxify from the inside out, but NSP Essential Oils give you a two-pronged approach.

Mixing essential oils into your bath is an ideal way to relax and detoxify your body. Many commercial products contain artificial dyes and fragrances that can penetrate your skin. But natural bath products will pull toxins out rather than soak them in.

Natria™ Deep Detoxifying Mask™
Try the Deep Detoxifying Mask from the Natria line of premium hair and skin care products. Deep Detoxifying Mask draws out excess oils, impurities and toxins from deep within the epidermal layer of the skin, leaving skin soft, smooth and free from impurities.

Kelp “Detox” Bath
1/8 to 1/4 cup dried kelp*
1/2 cup sea salts
2 tablespoons jojoba oil
1/8 cup glycerin*
5 drops pink grapefruit
4 drops geranium
7 drops thyme

First, add the essential oils to the sea salts. Stir with a wooden spoon. Next, blend the jojoba into the salts. Add the glycerin to the salt mixture. Add the kelp, according to desired strength. Yield: 1 bath.

Mineral Bath Salt
1/2 cup fine sea salt or dead sea salts*
1/4 cup borax (a natural mineral)*
1/4 cup baking soda
10 drops lavender
6 drops geranium
5 drops pink grapefruit
7 drops bergamot

Mix essential oils with the sea salts first. Then add borax and baking soda. This combination will soften and re-mineralize your skin. It’s also great for body detox. Be sure to soak for at least 15 minutes. Yield: 2 baths.

*Available at your local drug or health food store.

Horizons (1/1/2003) by Brian Gill

As people age, tissues in certain parts of the body break down. Poor microcirculation in these areas damages fatty tissue while blood- and lymphatic-vessel walls become more permeable. These vessels leak fluid into surrounding tissues, causing congestion and swelling. This prevents oxygen from being carried to the tissues, hindering the drainage of toxins. Poor elimination of toxins, especially in the lymphatic system, can cause scarring and stretch marks as fat cells become trapped.

Women have special needs. Their bodies go through cycles and changes from puberty through the senior years. While these changes are indeed miraculous, they aren’t always comfortable. Nature’s Sunshine has formulated three new herbal products to address some of women’s unique needs.

Juicing Tips

-          Always serve juice immediately. Juice is at its peak when freshly squeezed. After seconds, it starts to lose vitamin potency. So juice, stir and drink up! When juicing for a group do it just before serving.

-          Always turn the juice machine on before inserting fruits and vegetables.

-          When juicing a mix of fruit and vegetables, juice the softer items first, then follow up with a firmer one. For example, juice tomato first, then celery; juice papaya, the apple.

-          Bananas cannot be juice in any juicer. To enjoy their taste and benefit, add them to your juices in a blender. The consistency of banana will turn juice in a smoothie.

-          Use apples to sweeten vegetable juices.

-          The sweet taste of carrots blends well with fruit juices.

-          When you find juices you like you can try variations, adding other fruits or vegetables for a change of pace and added nutrients.

-          Juice the vegetable of your choice and stir sour cream or yogurt to thicken. If you want to watch your weight use non-fat sour cream or yogurt.

Citrus Tips

-          Orange and grapefruit peel is bitter in taste and it should be removed. When peeling, leave the pith on (white soft layer between peel and fruit) and juice it to get all the vitamins.

-          Lemons and limes are used to flavor dishes and may be left on for more flavors when juicing. Keep the pulp and add it to spice up Caribbean and South-of-the border style dishes as well as lemon or lime bars, cookies and pies.

Health tips

-          Drink Juice before meals can help to curb appetite

-          Adding vegetables and fruits pulp to cooked dishes aide the digestive tract, as well as providing additional vitamins and minerals.

-          Caffeine junky? Replace that morning cup with a glass of juice for energy and a boost that your body will appreciate.

Vitamin and mineral Health

Fruits and vegetables contain a wealth of nutrients. Get them naturally by fitting more of them into your diet through joys of juicing. Identify the properties which suit your lifestyle and health needs and drink up.

APPLE:                  boron, cellulose and pectin

CHERY:                  calcium, vitamin C, iron and potassium

CRANBERRY:      antibiotic and anti-viral elements

ORANGE:             natural aspirin and boron

PAPAYA:              vitamin A and potassium

PEACH:                 boron, antioxidants, vitamin C and beta carotene

PINEAPPLE:        bromelain, manganese and vitamin C

PRUNE:                sorbitol, natural aspirin (sorbitol is a natural laxative)

BEET:                     folic acid, iron, calcium and potassium

BROCOLI:             beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, folic acid and chromium

CABBAGE:           antioxidants, calcium and potassium

CARROT:              beta carotene, vitamin A and C, pectin, fluorine and potassium

KALE:                     antioxidants, calcium, iron, vitamin A and C

PARSLEY:             antioxidants, folic acid, iron, vitamin A and C

TOMATO:            beta carotene and vitamin C

SPINACH:            antioxidants, potassium, iron, calcium and vitamin C

Vitamins. How much do we need and where do we take them from?

New solutions for weight loss

Nature’s Sunshine unveiled new and improved weight-loss products at our national convention in August. See how these safe, natural dietary supplements can help you achieve the results you want.

Q: How can I turn up my metabolism?
A: Your metabolism, or the body’s rate of burning fuel for energy, depends on a few factors. Genetics and age definitely play a part. But you can help boost your metabolism with certain natural ingredients.
Bitter orange fruit, yerba mate and guarana stimulate metabolism with synephrine and natural caffeine. Ginger also has a metabolic-boosting effect. These ingredients are present in our new MetaboMax® Plus formula.
MetaboMax Plus may help increase metabolic fat burn along with healthy diet and exercise. In addition to the above ingredients:
• Capsicum and green tea extract help to decrease body fat.
• Chickweed is an integral component of our popular Fat Grabbers® formula.
• Guggulipid herb contains guggulsterones, which help maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range and decrease circulatory fat deposits. Guggulsterones also have thyroid-stimulating activity.
MetaboMax Plus may help you burn more calories, burn more fat and boost energy levels. It also provides beneficial antioxidants (EGCG from green tea) and may have healthful effects on already normal-range cholesterol levels.
Note: The herbs yerba mate and guarana provide natural sources of caffeine (20 mg per capsule).

Q: What if I don’t want any extra caffeine?
A: MetaboMax Free formula was developed in tandem with MetaboMax Plus for those who desire weight-management support without caffeine. MetaboMax Free contains capsicum, decaffeinated green tea extract, bitter orange fruit, ginger, chickweed and guggulipid.

Q: I love bread and pasta. Is there a way to block starches without Rx drugs?
A: Amylase is one of the enzymes the body uses to break down starchy foods. Carbo Grabbers with Chromium contains an amylase inhibitor derived from a bean plant, which naturally and safely interferes with the digestion of starchy carbohydrates. This interference means that undigested starches travel through the intestinal tract and are eliminated, thus reducing the calories available to your body. We’ve added patented, food-bound chromium, which helps transport glucose from the blood into the cells. Chromium can have a positive effect on blood lipid levels and helps maintain blood sugar levels already within the normal range. Don’t avoid carbohydrates. Grab them!

Q: I’m not a meat lover. Do I really need more protein in my diet?
A: Protein helps build and repair muscle tissue. And increasing your lean muscle mass increases the rate that your body burns fuel for energy. If you don’t want to increase your meat intake, try Nutri-Burn®, a delicious, nutritious powder that supplies pure whey and calcium caseinate protein for a powerful, musclebuilding meal replacement. Lactose-free Nutri-Burn provides 25 grams of protein per serving and 60 percent or more of the Daily Value of 14 essential vitamins and minerals! It also contains CLA (to enhance lean muscle mass), l-carnitine and green tea extract for extra fat-burning power, plant enzymes (to break down protein into amino acids for better absorption) and prebiotic fiber (to support gut health). Nutri-Burn helps boost energy levels and tastes great. For best results, use the NSP Power Shaker.

Nutri-Burn features two types of lactosefree protein. Whey protein provides essential amino acids and releases quickly into the body for fast, efficient musclebuilding and repair. Consume whey protein within 45 minutes of exercise. Calcium caseinate protein offers a sustained release of amino acids and may help curb appetite
Consider Additional NSP Weight-Loss Products MetaboStart Plus—our most complete weight-loss program! Formulated to boost metabolism, reduce fat stores and help feed lean muscle,
MetaboStart is composed of 7-Keto™, Fat Grabbers®, Carbo Grabbers with Chromium, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and MetaboMax Plus in a convenient, portable packet.
• 7-Keto helps increase the body’s resting metabolic rate and stimulates production of T3 hormone, which is essential to metabolism.
• Fat Grabbers traps some fat molecules, eliminating them through the intestinal system.
• CLA helps sustain lean muscle mass and enhance fat burning. It may help support cholesterol levels already in the normal range. (Each of these products is available separately.)
Collatrim Plus provides protein and amino acids to help rebuild muscles and support lean muscle mass. Nature’s Cortisol Formula helps support the adrenal glands and maintain cortisol levels already in the normal range. This product may help the body manage stress, which can affect metabolism. Dieter’s Cleanse helps the body remove toxins and waste from the colon, which can affect nutrient absorption and weight loss. The best way to start a weight-loss program!

by Darlyn Britt (Nature's Sunshine)