Nature’s Cure Archive

The Adrenal Gland

– May 17, 2012Posted in: Columns, Nature's Cure

The purpose of your adrenal glands is to help your body cope with stresses and survive. They are often referred to as “the glands of stress”. It is their job to help the body deal with stress from every possible source ranging from injury, disease, work, relationships, and all the others. Your resiliency, energy, and endurance all depend on their proper functioning.

The adrenal gland is about the size of a walnut- they sit on top of your kidneys.

Your adrenals significantly affect the functioning of every tissue, organ, and gland in your body, they also have important effects on the way you think and feel. Your adrenal glands closely affect the utilization of carbohydrates, and fats and the conversion of fats and proteins into energy and the distribution of stored fat especially around your waist and the sides of your face.

Your propensity to develop certain kinds of diseases and your ability to respond to chronic illness is influenced significantly by the adrenal glands. The more chronic the illness, the more critical the adrenal response becomes. You cannot live without your adrenal hormones and how well you live depends a great deal on how well your adrenal glands function.

If the adrenal glands are properly balanced and functioning correctly the more we are also.

There are signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue, also called hypoadrenia. People who suffer from adrenal fatigue frequently have erratic or abnormal blood sugar levels in the form of hypoglycemia.

With hypoadrenia there is more of a tendency to experience allergies, arthritic pain and compromised immune system. Most women who have low adrenal function have more premenstrual tension as well as increased difficulty during menopause.

Adrenals also have an effect on mental states. People with adrenal fatigue show a tendency toward increases fears, anxiety, and depression. They also have of confusion, difficulties in concentrating and less acute memory recall.

Really common signs of adrenal imbalance are “easily frustrated” and insomnia. These symptoms may sound like they are no big deal, part of everyday life but they should not go unnoticed for long periods of time. Adrenal imbalance can lead to a number of very serious health problems, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, adult on-set diabetes, autoimmune disorders and alcoholism.

These people may appear to friends and family as being lazy and unmotivated or to have lost their ambition, when in reality quite the opposite is true. They are forced to drive themselves much harder than people with healthy adrenal function merely to accomplish life’s everyday tasks.

Some form of stress usually causes adrenal fatigue. Stress can be physical, emotional, psychological, environmental, infections or of these. It is very important to know that your adrenals respond to every kind of stress the same, whatever the source.

People who are more susceptible to having adrenal fatigue may have some of following issues:

Lack of sleep – poor food choices – using food and drinks as stimulants when tired – staying up late even though fatigued – being constantly in a position of powerlessness – constantly driving yourself – trying to be perfect – staying in double binds (no-win situations) over time – lack of enjoyable and rejuvenating activities.

Adrenal imbalance is something that can be corrected with proper nutritional supplementation. Stop and see me if you think you are having adrenal issues. Getting on a good adrenal supplement can make a huge difference in your every day life!

Tags: Adrenal Gland, adult on-set diabetes, autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Healthy living, hypoadrenia, hypoglycemia, Nature's Cure, stress

Maybe B12 may be just what you need

– May 13, 2012Posted in: Columns, Nature's Cure

B12 also called Cobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin with a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and for the formation of blood. It is one of the eight B vitamins. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and energy production. It is the largest and most structurally complicated vitamin and can only be produced through bacterial fermentation syntheses. Meaning you must have enough “friendly bacteria” in your digestive system to make B12.

The complete molecular structure for B12 was not discovered until the 1960’s. It has been prescribed for people with the autoimmune disorder Pernicious Anemia. Pernicious anemia causes damage to red blood cells and occurs when the body cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract. This can be a result of poor gut health, infections from lack of intestinal flora (probiotics-good bacteria). People who have Pernicious anemia feel tired, short of breath, confused and off balance. To this day B12 is still recommended for this purpose.

Vitamin B12 is naturally present in some foods that come from animals, including fish and shellfish, liver, eggs, milk and milk products. It is also available as a dietary supplement and can be found in just about every health food store. One of the most intriguing facts about B12 is that plants and animals cannot manufacture it on their own. Plants or animals make most vitamins, but only microorganisms can make B12 – yeast, molds, algae and bacteria’s. That is an important fact to know because our digestive tract contains friendly yeast and bacteria that manufacture B12. It is very important to make sure you are getting enough B12 because it makes red blood cells and you need those for your very survival. A good source of red blood cells helps you create energy. Plus red blood cells make up your blood!

We tend to think of B12 as an energy supplement and we should for the reasons I have mentioned, but did you know that B12 also helps you sleep. B12 provokes faster release of the sleep hormone melatonin, so you can get sleep easier. It also happens to sensitize you to waking up earlier by causing the melatonin to retreat as soon as light shines into your room, so this is a good vitamin to take if you have sleep problems!

Other symptoms of B12 deficiency are tiredness, profound fatigue and weakness, especially in the arms and legs. You may become depressed and could develop tongue, mouth or gum sores as well as pale skin and lips. Other deficiency symptoms include low appetite, confusion and forgetfulness. A shortage of B12 may also lead to easy bruising and peripheral neuropathy, a feeling of vibration or buzzing in the legs and pins and needles sensation in your hands and feet, like little bee stings everywhere but not quite that intense.

Vegetarians and vegans may become deficient in B12 because they do not eat meat. Any one who consumes alcohol on a regular basis should consider taking B12 as well.

Prescription drugs and over the counter drugs can interfere with B12 absorption. Here is a list of some of them:

Acid blockers such as Tagamet, Nexium, Pepcid and Pepcid Complete, Axid, Prilosec OTC, Zantac

Antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Rolaids, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Alka-Seltzer

Cholesterol Medicines like Atromid-S,Zetia, Tricor, Lopid, Questran, Colestipol, Welchol

Hormone replacement Therapy/Oral contraceptives such as Activella, Climara, CombiPatch, Estraderm, Estring, EstroGel, Menostar and many others.

If you have any other questions about B12 please stop by Natures Cure on Old Dawson road or call 229-446-0505

Tags: B 12, Cobalamin, Healthy living, Nature's Cure

The power of Coenzyme Q 10

– May 6, 2012Posted in: Columns, Nature's Cure

Coenzyme Q 10 or CO Q 10 is something you have probably heard of or may be taking. CO Q 10 is a powerful antioxidant that makes energy for your body by sparking the production of the energy molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is required by every cell in your body in order to function. ATP also provides the energy that helps facilitate blood sugar regulation, muscle contraction and disease prevention, brain health and proper heart function. Co Q 10 is most famous for its role in the heart.

Enzymes are substances that help make chemical reactions take place. A coenzyme is a substance that helps an enzyme do its job. Without adequate amounts of CO Q 10 we would literally die within minutes. CO Q 10 is often shortened to CO Q 10 or Q. It is ubiquitous, meaning it is found everywhere, all plant and animal cells. This explains why it is sometimes referred to as ubiquinone.

As we age our amount of CO Q 10 the body produces start to slow down. Supplementing with CO Q 10 can be very helpful. Studies show that CO Q 10 improves high blood pressure, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and energy levels. This is a great supplement to take if you are fatigued or have heart disease or fibromyalgia. If you have had a stroke it can help speed recovery and reduce damage from the stroke.

The depletion of CO Q 10 is becoming epidemic primarily because of the popular cholesterol – lowering drugs called statins. When statins block an enzyme called HMG –COA reductase, cholesterol production slows down dramatically. Unfortunately this is the exact same pathway where CO Q 10 is produced.

What a lot of people don’t’ realize is the effect is “dose dependent”, meaning that the higher the drug dosage the more depletion of CO Q 10. The damaging effect of this drug-nutrient depletion is most often seen in people with heart failure or in the elderly. Statin induced CO Q 10 depletion is completely preventable.

For the skeptics out there you can look up Dr. Peter Langsjoen, MD a cardiologist in Tyler Texas who has 30 years of experience treating heart disease. His studies show that patients with heart failure from any cause have low

CO Q 10 blood levels and the CO Q 10 level in both plasma and heart muscle is the lowest in the patients with the most severe heart failure. He says by supplementing CO Q 10 repletes this deficiency and brings about dramatic improvement in heart function and quality of life. His studies also suggest that we make congestive heart failure worse with statin cholesterol drugs.

So a take-home point is that CO Q 10 can dramatically reduced the side effects you may get from statin cholesterol drugs and protect your brain, liver and heart as well. You’ll find CO Q 10 in organ meats like kidney, heart and liver.

Here is a list of some drugs that interfere with CO Q 10:

Acid Blockers: Tagamet, Nexium, Pepcid, Pepcid Complete, Prevacid 24 HR, Axid, Prilosec OTC, Protonix, Aciphex, Zantac

Antacids: Maalox, Mylanta, Basaljel, Amphojel, Rolaids, Tums, Phillips milk of magnesia, Alka-Seltzer, baking soda

My suggestion is to ask your doctor about supplementing CO Q 10. It is extremely safe and may make a significant difference. You want to be careful and make sure you get a quality supplement. I can discuss this with you…feel free to stop by Natures Cure on Old Dawson road.

Tags: ATP (adenosine triphosphate), CO Q 10, Coenzyme Q 10, Enzymes, Health, Nature's Cure

Intestinal flora

– April 21, 2012Posted in: Columns, Nature's Cure

When the leaves of a plant start looking sick wise gardeners will dig out the root to take a look. Even though it is buried in the soil, hidden from view the gardener knows that they must go to the root to find where most plant diseases begin. It does not surprise them that it was far away from the root, on the leaves that the first symptoms appeared. They know that for the leaves to be healthy, they must receive nutrients form the roots, where they are absorbed form the soil. Based on this we can look at the body in similar ways. We could argue that health and disease start in the intestines. Just like roots, our intestines absorb nutrients from food- “our soil”.

Most people underestimate the importance of intestinal health. Other organs such as the heart (the king of the organs) tend to get center stage. The human gut is similar to the root of a plant: both are hidden, both absorb water and nutrients and when sick both can show symptoms on organs far away, like the leaves and branches or the skin and hair. When the intestines are in distress, nutrients deficiencies are likely. But your intuition may suffer. Your “gut feelings” may get confused. Your seasonal allergies may come back with a vengeance. You may gain weight despite “not eating”, get depressed or get constipated. You also may start to react to foods that you never reacted to before. Every single organ or function in the body has a direct link to the intestines.

A healthy intestine contains about two pounds of helpful bacteria. It helps with digestion, enabling essential nutrients to be absorbed that otherwise would have not been able to cross the intestinal wall into the circulatory system. Without healthy intestinal flora you are almost guaranteed nutrition depletion and malfunction. Think of it this way, good bacteria is like “prime real-estate” it takes up all the room on the intestinal walls so that other organisms, such as pathogenic flora (disease- causing bacteria), virus and parasites literally cannot get a foothold. This is the first place toxins go through a filtration – neutralizing about a quarter of them before they get inside the bloodstream. Also their presence speeds up transit time of toxic waste in the colon (feces) so it doesn’t sit there too long, which would let toxins get reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Modern living has altered this balance in almost everyone. Toxic chemical, medications and especially antibiotics wipe out the good flora over time. Alcohol and stress also greatly contribute to the problem.

What you eat should be the first thing on your list to check off. Choosing foods that are not processed such as fast food, lunchmeats, prepackaged, are examples of poor choices. These types of food are almost impossible for the body to get any nutritional value. Good choices would be food that I would call “ real”. Eggs, vegetables, organic meats, fish, whole grains and real fruit that are in its “raw” form are excellent choices. The second thing that I would recommend to support the body with healthy flora is by taking a probiotic supplement. I did not say eat yogurt, I said take a probiotic supplement; this will help balance the good flora in the intestinal track. I recommend Dr. O’hhira’s because of the three-year fermentation process. This allows the organic acids to be produced, which allows the bacteria to get past the stomach acid and into the intestinal area.

Stop by Natures Cure and I will discuss this topic with you! We’re at 2818 Old Dawson Road. You can also call 229-446-0505.

Tags: healthy diet, intestine, Nature's Cure, nutrition, probiotic

Battling osteoporosis

– April 15, 2012Posted in: Columns, Nature's Cure

For 50 years, dairy products have been pitched as wonder foods for calcium support and protection against weak bones. Yet the nations with the highest rates of osteoporosis (US, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand and France) are those that consume the most calcium. There are many examples of this. American women of African descent consume four times more calcium than African women in Africa; yet have nine times more osteoporosis. Asian women in the US get 60 percent more calcium than Asian women in Asia, yet have three times more osteoporosis. As calcium consumption in Greece and Hong Kong doubled in the last 30 years, osteoporosis doubled and tripled. Postmenopausal women in the US who eat calcium rich dairy products have over three times more osteoporosis than those who do not.

Why is this happening?

Bones are living tissues that are constantly rebuilt in a two-part process. In part one (resorption), cells called osteoclasts lift old minerals out of mottled tissue and carry them into the blood. In part two (mineralization), osteoblasts deposit new mineral into the areas that have been cleared. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are stimulated by hormones called parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT). PTH causes osteoblasts to pull calcium from bones, while calcitonin stimulates osteoblasts to deposit calcium in them. If we lack sufficient magnesium, the balance between PTH and CT tilts too far toward PTH. This triggers the over stimulation of osteoclasts, which causes net bone loss. Increasing magnesium or decreasing calcium seems to be the only natural way to correct this.

Our society is bombarded with information to take calcium, but lacks the information about how to properly absorb calcium. Osteoporosis is lowest in cultures where the ratio of dietary and supplemental calcium to magnesium is between 2:3 and 3:2.

At Natures Cure well sell a mineral supplement that is a proper ratio and is in an absorbable state. Ionic-Fizz Calcium Plus is a powder that contains common calcium and magnesium salts. It also contains the exact levels of citric acid (from citric fruits), malic acid (from apples) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) necessary to free the calcium and magnesium ions from these salts. When you drink Ionic – Fizz the minerals are all 100 percent predigested and 100 percent ready for immediate absorption into the blood stream. There is also vitamin D, B-12, B-6, Folate, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Potassium, Silica, Boron and other trace minerals that are vital for building strong bones.

Stop by today and try some! Bring this article in and receive 15 percent off of your purchase.

Tags: calcium, Healthy living, Nature's Cure, osteoporosis

What is candida?

– April 4, 2012Posted in: Columns, Nature's Cure

It is a single cell yeast that is impossible to keep out of the body. When it grows out of control it causes problems like localized itching, primarily vaginal or rectal as well as depression, irritability, dizziness, unclear thinking, difficulty focusing, fatigue, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and many other things.

Up to 100 million Americans are thought to suffer from candida overgrowth.

How can I control it?

Just like we need a home to live in, so does candida. Candida finds its home on the cell wall. So without the cell wall there is no place to live. The yeast cannot thrive without the wall. Cellulase and hemicelllulase enzymes destroy the cell wall. This is an excellent way to fight candida without harmful side effects to the liver that most prescription drugs have.

In addition, candida cannot become resistant to these enzymes. This means that you can continue to take them and have a positive effect, where as prescription drugs always have the possibility of someone becoming resistant to the active ingredients.

How many enzymes do I need?

Enzymes are measured by activity. You need approximately 200,000 units daily of both cellulase and hemicelllulase.

Watching your diet is very important when trying to eliminate candida. Foods to avoid or reduce in your diet include:

Processed meats – anything pre-packaged.

All forms of sugar

All flour products – including pasta!

Vinegar containing foods – mustard, mayonnaise, etc.

Fermented foods – sauerkraut, cheese, soy sauce etc.

Beverages – sodas – caffeine and alcohol

Best foods to choose from include fish, organic chicken and all vegetables!

At Natures Cure we sell a product called Candex. It has the correct amount of cellulase and hemicellulase in it to fight candida!

Stop into today and get started! I promise you will feel the difference!

It is also Safe for children

Tags: candida, Cellulase, diet, Healthy living, hemicelllulase enzymes, Nature's Cure, yeast

What is an Esthetician?

– March 23, 2012Posted in: Nature's Cure

By Jessica Harris

My name is Jessica Harris, and I am skin therapist, makeup artist, and certified esthetician. You may ask, “What is an esthetician?” Simply put, it is someone skilled theory of beauty and artistic expression, and trained in giving facials and other beauty treatments.

Are you suffering with a skin problem, acne, brown spots, rosacea and or aging? If so don’t’ worry, Glymed skin care is a clinical skincare line that treats these problems. With my knowledge and the help of Glymed products we will combat your skin issues!

Treatments vary depending on the specific issue at hand. There is a vitamin E based, anti-aging treatment, a peptide skin remodeling treatment, and a skin restoration series of treatments available. Acne has always been a real concern for people of all ages. There are specific treatments for inflamed and non-inflamed acne, and even one for the back.

Most think that only women have skin issues that require this kind of attention, but men have their own set of concerns as well, and there are treatments designed just for them, including anti-aging and skin repair. Your skin is not different than any other part of your body. Maintenance and proper care are not only good for your appearance and self esteem; it’s good for your overall health.

If you have any concerns, please come by and see me at Nature’s Cure. There is no cost for your initial consultation.

Tags: esthetician, Health, Healthy lifestyle, Jessica Harris, Nature's Cure, skin care

Breaking The Pattern of Depression

– March 16, 2012Posted in: Nature's Cure

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prescriptions for antidepressants have risen almost 400% since 1988. Currently 1 in10 Americans take an antidepressant. There are conflicting studies show that this relatively new class of drugs may not actually help, with side effects that pose serious cause for concern. So we ask the question “why the increase in prescription drugs to fix our mental and emotional health?” I feel we should be asking ourselves “what can we do to support this complex but very critical area of health holistically and naturally?”

The diet and exercise connection – There is a powerful connection between lack of exercise, irregular sleeping habits, poor nutrition and the battle against depression. A multitude of published studies show that the combination of a sedentary lifestyle, inadequate rest and a nutrient deficient diet can fuel feeling of depression, anxiety and even anger by negatively affecting brain chemistry. Add in high levels of stress that most humans face on a daily basis and you have the perfect formula for occasional depression. If we continue this pattern you can almost be guaranteed depression may be more familiar to you than you would prefer.

Simple lifestyle changes related to nutrition and exercise have shown drastic benefits to those with mild to moderate depression. Exercise being the foremost strategy for addressing depression. It is a significant way to relieve stress and boosts positive mood chemicals (endorphins) in the brain. Nutrition is also a key player in the fight against depression. Consuming more fruits and vegetables and taking certain supplements particularly omega -3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Along with these there are many other natural solutions to help support depression and positive mood.

On a personal note I have had times that I have felt depressed and had to figure out how to feel better. I do not rely on antidepressants but have used supplements to successfully raise my mental spirit. Please stop by and I will help you find a more positive path!

Tags: Healthstyles, Healthy living, Nature's Cure

Vitamin D Data

– March 7, 2012Posted in: Nature's Cure

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and is necessary for bone health. Although more research needs to be done, it is possible that vitamin D may provide protection from high blood pressure, osteoporosis, cancer and a number of autoimmune diseases. Some people may also find that vitamin D supplements can help treat skin conditions, including psoriasis, scleroderma, actinic keratosis, vitiligo and lupus vulgaris. Those with low levels of phosphate in the blood may also find vitamin D supplements beneficial. It is also possible that vitamin D supplements may help women taking calcium supplements lose and maintain their weight, although this benefit seems limited to women who did not get enough calcium before beginning supplementation, notes MedlinePlus. Supplementation may also decrease the risk of flu, prevent tooth loss, reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis, reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and reduce bone loss in women with hyperparathyroidism, although more research needs to be done to confirm these potential benefits.

Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency

Without proper supplementation, the risk of a vitamin D deficiency increases. Breastfed infants, the elderly, the obese, those with fat malabsorption, those with limited sun exposure and those with dark skin are at greater risk than the rest population. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children, which can cause soft bones and skeletal deformities. In adults, a vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in weak bones and muscle weakness.

Jami Jones is a Natural Health Consultant and owner of Natures Cure.

jamigreenjones@yahoo.com

Tags: Healthy living, Nature's Cure, Vitamin D

Mind, Body, and Spirit of Exercise

– March 4, 2012Posted in: Columns, Nature's Cure

As the new year approached, came, and went, many people reflected on the year gone by and resolved to make changes in the year ahead. One of the most common changes people vow to make is their exercise habits – and this is definitely a good one! So lets take a look at what exercise can do for you from a holistic viewpoint, “mind, body, and spirit”. It’s never too late to reconsider the commitment you wanted or tried to make.

Exercise is important to maintain weight. The analogy is simple. We must consume calories to fuel our body. If we consume more than we need, we gain weight. Cardiovascular activity is the calorie burner. Aerobic exercise like walking, biking, hiking, and running train the body to become more efficient and improve stamina. The benefits are many –heart health; reduce risk of diabetes, cancer and release of the “feel good” endorphins. Strength training is another component of exercise. Combine this with proper nutrition and aerobic activity and the body becomes a fat burning machine. Whether you are sleeping, working, sitting or exercising. Unfortunately when we age adults can lose up to 5-7 pounds of muscle mass every decade or one and half pound of muscle every year after age 25. Your muscle is a powerful calorie burner, using 40-120 calories per day per pound of muscle! Fat only burns 1-3 calories per day per pound – you do the math!

So we know exercise is great for the body – what does it do for the mind? Researchers show that exercise focuses the brain. A study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise student athletes proved they were faster thinkers compared with non-athletes. We also know that exercise releases endorphins – you experience a sense of euphoria, calm and wellbeing. Along with these feelings you will also have less anxiety and depression. Exercise is a healthy way of dealing with emotional pain and trauma. It can increase your confidence to deal with emotional challenges and turn your mood into a much more positive one. As your physical strength and emotional health become better developed, so too will your connection to your inner spirit. Our bodies are meant to move, our minds are meant to be active and our spirit needs to feel connected!

On a personal note, I am a member of World Camp/Crossfit. It is the most physically challenging workout I have ever done – I find not only my physical appearance changing – I have found my inner spirit has changed more. I surprise myself daily on what my true capabilities are and it crosses over into every part of my life! Please feel free to come in and ask me about my personal experience.

Tags: Healthy living, Nature's Cure