The intestinal system features the colon (or bowel)-a muscular organ about five feet long. The colon extracts water from the waste matter and sends it back into the bloodstream. Nerves and muscles in the colon regulate the time it takes waste matter to travel through the colon and out of the body. Friendly bacteria in the bowel aid in the breakdown of waste.
Colon health is largely affected by diet. We eat more sugar and processed foods than ever before, and we regularly abuse our bodies with various stimulants and sedatives. In addition, we are all exposed to thousands of toxins and chemicals on a daily basis (air and water pollution, cleaning products, cosmetics, etc.). All of this impacts bowel health and function.
Stress and lack of muscle tone can also affect colon function.
For health and well-being, it is essential that this “sewer system” of the body receives regular cleaning and preventative care.

Transit Time-Too Long—Occasional constipation occurs when waste material stays in the colon too long and too much water is absorbed from it. Toxins can also be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
Too Short—Occasional diarrhea occurs when waste goes through the bowel too quickly and not enough water is absorbed. Beneficial gut bacteria may be lost.

Bowel Detox provides digestive enzymes to aid digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, as well as ingredients to provide needed bulk to encourage proper flow of waste through the colon.
Nature’s Three fiber supplement combines psyllium, oat fiber and apple fiber to support the normal function of the bowel. Fiber binds with cholesterol and bile salts and helps reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which helps maintain cholesterol levels that are already within
normal limits. It can also reduce transit time.
Bifidophilus Flora Force® provides 4 billion friendly bacteria per capsule to help create favorable balance in the gut. These good guys help with digestion and promote immunity.
Liquid Chlorophyll provides green energy and helps cleanse and freshen the bowel and body.

The process of digestion begins in the mouth and is completed in the large intestine. It occurs as food is taken in, broken down, sorted and re-processed—all in an effort to convert it into a usable, absorbable form that can be circulated throughout the body to nourish cells and create energy.

The major organs of the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small intestine and colon. Each of these organs works in a unique way, but they share a common purpose: to help digest food and absorb nutrients. These exist in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Each nutrient type is handled by the digestive system differently, and each gets broken down at a different point during the digestive process; but all are aided by the presence of enzymes.
Digestive enzymes are organic substances that speed up the chemical reactions that break food down into smaller, more usable particles. Without enzymes, body functions would happen too slowly to sustain life. Some enzymes are produced by the body, and others come from the foods we eat. This system is subject to many weaknesses and inadequacies.

These include digestive transit times that may be too fast or too slow, a lack of sufficient enzymes and probiotics, and a deficiency of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Luckily, we can combat these through diet, exercise, adequate water and fiber intake, regular detoxification and supplementation.

Since there are more organs in your digestive system than in any other, it makes sense to support them with quality supplements.
The Digestive Pack from Nature’s Sunshine combines one each of these products:
Food Enzymes provides a blend of the enzymes needed to break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats, as well as hydrochloric acid and bile salts to aid the digestive process. These enzymes can also help prevent or relieve occasional indigestion.

Bifidophilus Flora Force® is recommended for daily use to maintain a healthy balance of friendly flora within the intestinal tract. These beneficial microorganisms help the body break down food into easily absorbed nutrients and they promote immunity.

Gastro Health® Concentrate offers nutritional support for the stomach. The ingredients in this proprietary formula may help inhibit the growth of unwanted invaders. In addition, Gastro Health can help soothe stomach irritations and relieve occasional associated stomach discomfort.

Please check out those great Nature's Sushine products:

Food Enzymes (120) Provides a blend of enzymes to digest proteins,carbohydrates and fats.

Bifidophilus (90) The healthy human intestinal tract contains billions of intestinal flora that live in a delicate balance with each other and in symbiosis with us.

Gastro Health Conc. (60) Inhibits the growth of the dangerous H. pylori bacteria.
 

People are getting more and more fitness conscious in the current day and age. The primary reason for this is the kind of sedentary lives that people lead these days. The realization of the lives that people are leading has lead to a lot of them resorting to regular exercise, supplements, and natural health and fitness related products. The herbal way to make one’s fitness top notch has existed for ages now. This is an ancient art that is now complemented with the advent of new technologies. Sedentary lifestyles, better results, and new technology have resulted in a good market for companies providing fitness products to take advantage. One of the established companies that are doing really well is Natures Sunshine. The following is a brief on how a person can use Natures Sunshine herbal fitness products.

1.    Calculations:

Before going ahead with the use of any product, it is recommended that a person should analyze the kind of life he or she is leading. Needless to say, the kind of lifestyle that is being lead is the most important aspect involved in any fitness related issue. While analyzing your lifestyle the following are the things that should be kept it mind.

a.   Smoking:
This can have a major impact on your fitness levels overall. As everyone knows, smoking kills a person’s stamina and the potential of his or her immune system to battle diseases.

b.   Drinking:
Drinking is another thing that is similar to smoking. Alcohol, even taking into account its medicinal properties, is harmful for a person’s fitness.

c.    Exercise:
The amount of exercise that a person has in his or her life is very vital. However, unfortunately, most people these days are unable to devote proper time to exercising owing to their sedentary work profile and the extremely busy lives that they lead.

2.    Natures Sunshine Herbal Products And Their Purpose:

As is more than evident, herbal products that are made from naturally occurring herbs and can even fall under the alternative science of naturopathy.  It should be noted that the primary purpose of herbal fitness products is to supplement a person’s fitness regime and good diet. They are not wondrous products that will fix everything by themselves. In fact, a person would find it very beneficial if he or she consults a nutrition expert or a herbal specialist. Visiting these professionals will help the person establish a fitness regime and dietary routine.

3.    Choosing:

Choosing the right supplements matters. Once a person has done enough research on all kinds of herbal products, he or she can go about finding which brands are good and effective. A bad product can be really detrimental to the person’s well being. This is the reason that herbal products should be well researched before they are bought and used. In fact, running your choices by your herbal specialist would be also good.

4.   Balance:

A person should understand that Natures Sunshine herbal products, food, exercise, and in fact the whole fitness rigmarole only works if it is done in a balanced way. For example, it is not right to exercise heavily one day and not do it for the rest of the week. Therefore, maintaining balance and routine is extremely important.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea), pronounced ah-sigh-ee, is a small, round, purple fruit that is produced by a certain species of palm tree native to Brazil. Açai is an antioxidant-rich super-food currently considered by many to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth. Açai has traditionally been used for improving general health and well-being.1 Açai berries contain protein and fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, thiamine, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron.1 This fruit has been shown to have higher levels of antioxidants than raspberry, cranberry, blackberry, strawberry and blueberry.

1Açai contains high amounts of anthocyanins—water-soluble pigment compounds with potent antioxidant actions.1 Anthocyanins have some of the strongest physiological effects among plant compounds.

2 They may also aid the eyes and improve night vision. Other beneficial phytochemicals that have been identified in açai fruit include proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids and plant
sterols, including beta-sitosterol.

3,4 Açai fruit has been shown to have significantly high antioxidant protection against a variety of free radicals, especially for superoxide and peroxyl radicals.

5Recent studies have demonstrated that antioxidants in açai fruit are able to enter human cells in a fully functional form and neutralize free radicals even at low doses.

5 The antioxidant actions of açai fruit may also protect against abnormal cell growth and division. In a recent study, açai polyphenols were shown to have antiproliferative effects on human leukemia cells.

6 The antioxidant effects of anthocyanins such as those found in açai fruit have been associated with improved cardiovascular health. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation have been associated with cardiovascular disease

7 preliminary studies indicate that açai fruit decreases lipid peroxidation.

4 Anthocyanins such as those found in açai fruit are known to improve circulation by reducing capillary permeability and increasing the strength of microvessel walls. Other cardiovascular benefits include helping to prevent blood clots, improving circulation and preventing artherosclerosis. Plant sterols, such as those found in açai fruit, have been used to maintain cholesterol levels, aid the immune system and maintain a healthy prostate. Açai fruit may decrease inflammation by inhibiting specific enzymes that are involved in causing inflammation (COX-1 and COX-2).5 Thus açai may be helpful for individuals with joint pain and other inflammatory conditions.

REfERENCES
1. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz f, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database. 9th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research faculty; 2007.
2. Health & Medicine on Squidoo. 2008. Available at: http://www.squidoo.com/açai-research Accessed October 8, 2008.
3. Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Patel D, Huang D, Kababick JP. Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freezedried
Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (açai). J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 1;54(22):8604-10.
4. Jensen GS, Wu X, Patterson KM, Barnes J, Carter SG, Scherwitz L, Beaman R, Endres JR, Alexander SG. In Vitro and in
Vivo Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Capacities of an Antioxidant-Rich fruit and Berry Juice Blend. Results of a Pilot and
Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study. J. Agric Food Chem. 2008; 56, 8326-8333.
5. Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Huang D, Owens J, Agarwal A, Jensen GS, Hart AN, Shanbrom E. Antioxidant capacity
and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (açai). J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov
1;54(22):8604-10.
6. Del Pozo-Insfran D, Percival SS, Talcott ST. Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone
forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 feb 22;54(4):1222-9.
7. Castelao J, Gago-Dominguez M. Risk factors for cardiovascular

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.

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

Holiday Weight Gain Worries?
Discover Weight Management Help from NSP

The average American gains about one pound during the holiday season. That may not seem like much, but some gain more, and not everyone loses that extra pound. Over the years, these pounds add up.
Nature’s Sunshine offers a wonderful selection of weight-management products that can help you and your customers prevent or get rid of that extra holiday weight.

With the long days of summer quickly approaching, our sun exposure is likely to increase.
While we indulge in outside activities, it is important to remember to protect our skin from the sun’s potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure can cause more than just sunburn. Skin cancer, premature aging, and ocular damage all have been attributed to excessive time in the sun.
Three common types of skin cancer exist, each named after the type of cell from which it arises;
basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually.

1. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is
the most common of all cancers and accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
2. Extended sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. The effects of sun exposure are cumulative, and contrary to popular belief 80 percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure is not acquired before age 18; only about 23 percent of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18.
3. In 2004, approximately 34 percent of adults reported experiencing at least one sunburn in the previous year.
4. Even though sun exposure may be unavoidable, sunburns are preventable. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends following the “ABCs” to prevent a sunburn. “A” stands for stay  away from the sun in the middle of the day, “B” stands for block  the sun’s rays by using an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, and “C” stands for  cover  up using protective lothing such as long sleeves and a hat.
5. NSP Natria Sunscreen SPF 30 (Stock No. 6018-2) provides  comprehensive UVA and UVB protection, and contains soothing plant extracts and antioxidants. Additional skin care products with sunscreen include: Natria Balancing Daily Defense Lotion SPF 15 (Stock No. 6006-8), Natria Nourishing Daily Defense Lotion SPF 15 (Stock No. 6005-2) and Natria Lip Balm SPF 15 (Stock No. 6019-0).
Despite the importance of the sun to vitamin D synthesis, getting vitamin D primarily from sun
exposure is not advisable. When considering the best source of vitamin D, the American Academy of Dermatology says, “Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.”
6. Sunscreen with an SPF of 8 can inhibit more than 95 percent of vitamin D synthesis in the skin, and our ability to manufacture vitamin D from sun exposure also declines with age.
7. Experts are finding that most people would benefit from a greater amount of vitamin D than the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of 400 IU. Considering the latest research on vitamin D, NSP Vitamin D3 (Stock No. 1155-1) provides a wonderful source of this needed nutrient. Each tablet supplies 2,000 IU.

References:
1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2008. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2008.
2. Robinson JK. Sun Exposure, Sun Protection, and Vitamin D.
JAMA 2005; 294: 1541-43.
3. Godar DE, Urbach F, Gasparro FP, Van der Leun JC. UV Doses of Young Adults. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2003, 77(4): 453-457.
4. Armstrong, B.K., and A. Kricker, How much melanoma is caused by sun exposure?, Melanoma Research, 1993: 3:395-401.
5. Available at: http://ymghealthinfo.org/content.asp?pageid=P02855
6. Available at: http://www.aad.org/public/sun/smart.html
7. Holick MF. “Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease”.

Created by: Larisa Wright
Health Sciences

General info

Vitamins and minerals are substances your body needs in small but steady amounts for normal growth, function and health. Together, vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients. Your body can't make most micronutrients, so you must get them from the foods you eat or, in some cases, from dietary supplements.

Vitamins and health.

Vitamins are essential to good health. Vitamin A helps to develop and maintain body tissues such as bone and skin; it also helps the body’s vision, nervous system functioning, reproduction, and growth. The B vitamins are responsible for increasing the production of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well as assisting with metabolism, building red blood cells, and maintaining the protective covering of the nervous system.

Vitamin C helps form tissues, cells, bones and teeth; heals wounds; and improves the immune system’s performance. Vitamin E protects the outer cell membranes from harm, thus assisting the immune system in fighting off diseases. Vitamin K helps the body’s blood lot in wounded areas.

Minerals.

Minerals also have a broad range of functions. As many as 20 minerals play significant roles in the body. “Microminerals,” or minerals that the body only needs traces of, can fight off serious illness. These include copper, iodine, chromium, iron, fluorine, tin, zinc, nickel, vanadium, manganese, silicon, molybdenum, and selenium. “Macrominerals,” or minerals that the body needs large amounts of include magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur.
Zinc is responsible for helping metabolize proteins and keeping enzymes functioning. Copper is needed by enzymes for metabolizing. Iodine assists the thyroid gland in working properly. Calcium and phosphorus build bones and teeth. Iron delivers oxygen to the body’s cells. Potassium helps muscle contraction, maintains the fluid balance of cells, helps transmit messages through the body’s nerves, and keeps the kidneys and heart working correctly.
How they interrelate. Vitamins and minerals not only help the body function, but they work to strengthen each other. The body absorbs iron through the help of vitamin C. Vitamin D helps the body absorb phosphorus and calcium. Vitamins D and K are the only vitamins the body can supply for itself. The skin creates vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin K is produced by intestinal bacteria. Outside sources must supply the body with all other vitamins.

Stress how to avoid it

Stress is everywhere. A variety of situations can produce stress: job pressure, family discord, illness, and injuries. Over time, stress can exhaust natural defenses, leaving the body susceptible to a wide range of health problems.

To combat the problem, consumers are looking at many possible answers. Yoga is gaining in popularity, as are other relaxation options like meditation, massage and reflexology.
Likewise, certain nutrients can help you cope, and various herbs and other supplements can calm the mind and restore the balance.
Vitamin B complex promotes health of the nervous system and reduces fatigue.

Calcium and Magnesium relieve the muscle tension and strengthen the heart.

What else you can do to reduce stress

Exercise regularly
Eliminate or restrict your intake of caffeine and alcohol
Maintain a social life with family and friends
Consider counseling and therapy if needed.

Most of all don't let stress destroy your relationship. Admit that you are stressed and use help as needed.