Tag Archives: stress

Why Do They Call Vitamin B The Happy Vitamin?

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Why do they call Vitamin B The Happy Vitamin?

Because when you take your B’s, a good quality B Complex it shifts your mood, your mental clarity and your energy. ALL things to feel pretty darn happy about.

Stress, among other things depletes Vitamin B. I swear by my B’s, it’s the number one nutrient I recommend to anyone who leads full and stressful lives.

Vitamin B Complex

Some things to know about B Vitamins:

All B’s must be taken together in a complex form…This includes Thiamin, Riboflavin, B6, B12, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, and Pantothenic Acid. ( all b complex vitamins are not created equal, as a matter of fact most regularly skimp on  folic acid and the biotin )

B Vitamins are water soluble. (this means you burn through them and they are not stored in the body)

The more processed “snicky snacky” stuff you eat the more B Vitamins you need.

B Vitamins are depleted by these foods: coffee, alcohol, refined sugar and white flour. (aka as the four basic food groups - ha! )

They are destroyed by sleeping pills, sulfa drugs, estrogen: birth control and hormone replacement therapy

B Vitamins convert food to energy. ( this is the coolest thing )

Infection and stress increase the need for B’s. ( the stress part especially )

B Vitamins are necessary for normal function by the nervous system.

B Vitamins help produce protective antibodies.

B Vitamins assist with the manufacturing of healthy blood cells.

B Vitamins redistribute fat and convert fat to energy.

B Vitamins are needed by the body to reduce homocysteine levels.

B Vitamins reduce the risk of heart disease.

B Vitamins prevent birth defects, cervical dysplacia, and colon cancer.

B Vitamins promote healthy hair and skin.

B Vitamins support normal growth in children.
If you think of the nerves, the brain, your hormones and your adrenals, all of these are areas in the body that benefit the most from B Vitamins.

above sourced from nutritionist Barbara Lagoni

If your not taking a quality B Complex, please consider our product.

Knowing that no two peoples needs are the same – watch the color of your urine as your gauge

( I know — I’m talking about the color of your pee! Oh my gosh.)

If you take a B Complex in the morning and your urine is pale by lunch time you are burning through your  B.

This means you need to take more and take it though out the day.

Taking B Vitamins definitely can contribute to a shift in attitude!

 

 

 

I’ve Got Holiday Gift Ideas!!

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Tis the season…would you agree?

Here are just a few wellness product suggestions that might be useful to you during the holidays…

because sometimes, along with the holidays, comes …

a little holiday stress, a little holiday eating, a little holiday depression, a few children in the festivities, a few long days and long nights, perhaps a little stack of holiday baking dishes, and maybe just maybe there might be a need to spruce up your appearance??

Stress!!!

Try our product that relieves stress This safe and effective herbal formula promotes a tranquil state of mind without drowsiness. For anyone who is under stress and would like to feel calmer and more relaxed and yet, more alert please consider this product. May be used daily. Contains amino acids L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine as well as Beta Sitosterol and Ashwagandha which blunt the stress hormone cortisol, a hormone that over time can damage vital organs.

B-Complex - Essential for your nerves, brain and a pleasant disposition (something that might be especially useful this time of year!). Helps prevent cravings for sweets…helps metabolize them when you eat them anyway ( ha!) and burns them into energy.

Holiday Eating!!

We all over eat during the holidays! Make it easier on the gut, by taking something to assist digestion. Nutrients are better absorbed from your foods when digestion is working at it’s best.Consider Digestive Enzymes to help alleviate symptoms such as gas, bloating and feelings of fullness.

Colds and Viruses!!!

Natural Interferon is excellent for people with allergies and weaker immunity or high stress. It supports and stimulates the immune system, by increasing the activity of macrophages (white blood cells) and inducing natural interferon production. This product optimizes immune response against environmental irritants and airborne substances.

Vitamin C Most of us need extra Vitamin C in the wintertime, as it is water, lost to air, heat and light and really important for the immune system. Ours provides 500 mg released slowly over a 5-hour period.

Holiday Blues!!!

St John’s Wart— Clinical tests show that St. John’s Wort provides dietary support for uplifted spirits and a sense of well being due to the plant’s positive effect on a number of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Users report improved mood, alertness, productivity and energy without the side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants.

Children!!!

Children’s Chewable- we know that our children are not getting all the nutrients they need. Especially during the holidays. Give them this daily nutritional insurance provided by our chewable multi-vitamin. The kids just love them! It’s simple and valuable. Our children’s multi-vitamin is the most complete on the market

Late nights … Long days…

Soy Protein– Great energy booster! This complete form of soy protein comes with less than 1 gram of carbohydrate. All this delivered from the same high quality source of soy while using the same water-washed manufacturing process. Its extraordinary versatility allows you to enjoy the health benefits of soy in a number of different ways: mix it in drinks, and now you can cook and bake with it.

and Dishes…lots and lots of dirty dishes!!!

Our Company is known for the most complete bio-degradable laundry and cleaning product line on the planet! Following the philosophy of the founder of the company and that science move forward the company completely revamped, upgraded and improved the entire collection!

A certain female daytime celebrity host touts this product as one of her absolute favorites

Here are a few products that can help with those dishes :

For the Dishwasher - recommended by many environmental groups and magazines. This patented product continues to be one of the ONLY automatic dish washing formulas containing NO phosphates and NO chlorine…clean clincher: one box of our “green and mighty” non-chemical, extremely concentrated powder equals 2 ½ boxes of Cascade!!

For dishes done by hand - Ours is fabulous non-toxic, non-polluting dishwashing liquid & a powerful grease cutter, yet so gentle, it can be used for washing hands & as a bubble bath. Literally, just a few drops provides ooodles of sudsy natural, sustainably sourced, plant – based effective cleaner for dishes. Has a delicious sortof a citrusy scent. I especially love what they have done with this product!! 70% more effective on grease than Method and Seventh Generation.

Let’s not forget parties !! Lots of gala events and entertaining!!

Look Great for the Holidays with…

Anti-aging Skin Care Customers are experiencing wonderful results from our anti-aging skin care line. Particularly impressive is the 400% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after just 4 weeks in the clinical trials! Remember our products are beautifully packaged, reasonably priced and makes a fabulous gift! In the spirit of gift giving we can customize any combination of products to suit your individual needs and price range

Know anyone who might benefit from a nutritional consultation??  My business is based entirely on word of mouth referrals, don’t keep me a secret!! Give the gift of nutritional mentoring.

image by karen hanrahan

10 Reentry Challenges From Studying Abroad

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A study abroad program is ending for my daughter.  I can not believe how quickly the time has gone.   I wrote in my holiday letter that while her studies were about her major, her experiences were hugely about lessons in life.  How remarkable.  Skype, FB and email has been a fantastic way to keep in touch.   I can feel the emotions about her leaving and returning all the way over here.

Her study abroad program sent the top ten challenges a student might feel, I thought they were incredibly useful – it’s reassuring to read the common experiences one might have – not so reassuring that challenges she might be facing will be tough.   I thought these might be useful to others:

  • boredom
  • noone wants to hear
  • they can’t explain
  • reverse homesickness
  • relationships have changed
  • people see the wrong changes
  • people misunderstand
  • feeling of alienation/ critical eyes
  • inability to apply new knowledge and skills
  • loss/compartmentalization of experience

The above list was compiled by Professor Bruce La Brack from the University of the Pacific who has been a leading observer of students in study abroad for many years.  The full commentary can be found here

It struck me how this list applies to many re-entry circumstances.

This month the conversation is stress.  Coming home as heartfelt as it, is also very stressful and hard on the body.

These nutrient coping strategies might be useful

Nutrients Lost Due To Stress

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Nutrients That Are Lost Due To Stress

B Vitamins: “what stress robs, B’s restore.” B’s are water soluble, and are lost very easily from foods and the body. B’s must constantly be replenished. B’s work more effectively when all eight are present abd in balance. Stress, refined foods, sugar, alcohol, steroidal medications and birth control pills, all deplete B’s.  To get all the necessary B’s, you must eat a variety of whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables, each and every day.

If you don’t, supplementation is highly recommended.

Symptoms of B deficiencies: Mood changes, irritability, nervousness, fatigue, depression, mental confusion, headaches, dizziness, trembling, loss of appetite, insomnia, stress, hypoglycemia, anxiety attacks, cracks at the corners of the mouth, low immunity, hair loss, anemia, food cravings, blood sugar irregularities.

Benefits of Vitamin B: converts food to energy, alleviates sugar cravings, assist in formation of protective antibodies and healthy red blood cells, needed for normal growth in children, reduces the risk of heart disease, brings benefit to those who suffer from PMS, morning sickness, anemia, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression and hearing loss, helps prevent birth defects, cervical dysplacia and colon cancer.  Needed to reduce homocystiene levels.

Vitamin C: “the infection fighter.” Stress, extremes in temperature, smoking, alcohol and birth control pills deplete Vitamin C.

Symptoms of C deficiencies: Bruise easily, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, varicose and spider veins, slow healing of wounds and fractures, chronic infection, shortness of breath, allergies and asthma, frequent colds and flu, prickly heat, swollen glands, anemia, weakened immune system, polyps in colon.

Benefits of Vitamin C: Helps the body absorb iron and calcium, natural antihistamine, helps allergies, reduces the risk of heart disease up to 40%, reduces the risk of cancer. Powerful antioxidant, used in prevention and treatment of the common cold, reduces the risk of cataracts, increases resistance to ligament and tendon injury, protects from radiation from xrays.

Zinc: a vital trace mineral known as the “healing nutrient.” A study of oral zinc for the treatment of acne showed an 85% decrease in acne scars in 4 weeks. It assists all other nutrients in the body.

Symptoms of Zinc deficiencies: White spots on the nails, loss of taste, smell and appetite, slow healing, prostate problems, acne, fertility problems, nerve damage, cataracts, zinc loss occurs when one perspires.

Benefits of Zinc: Promotes healing of wounds and burns, protects eyes, improves prostate health, necessary for alcohol detoxification, essential during pregnancy and lactation, decreases premature delivery, improves common cold and sore throat.

Calcium : Natural “muscle relaxant.” More women will die from complications of osteoporosis than from breast cancer, cervical cancer and heart disease combined.

Symptoms of Calcium deficiencies: Muscle cramps, leg cramps, joint pains, osteoporosis, arthritis, PMS, insomnia, arrhythmia, headaches and irritability, poor teeth, restlessness, numbness or tingling in the extremities, backache, menstrual problems.

Benefits of Calcium: Helps build strong bones and teeth, natural tranquilizer, promotes colon health, builds peak bone mass, prevents polyps and colon cancer lowers blood pressure, reduces lead toxicity, regulates heart beat, protects the heart, promotes restful sleep, essential for blood clotting, reduces the many symptoms associated with PMS.

above sourced from nutrition and you

Take Care Of You First Moms

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Moms do it all don’t they?

They work, they cook, they clean, they juggle, they shuttle, they worry.

It shows up in stress which takes it’s toll on the body, and it’s now showing up more than ever before.

Moms are tired, maxed out, they can’t sleep, they are overweight.

Woman according to a 2008 survey by the American Pysycholigical Association, are more affected by stress than men. Unhealthy behaviors like comfort eating, poor food choices, smoking and inactivity now shows up in their physical health.  Stressed woman are at risk for serious health concerns down the road

The stress response, also known as flight or flight is a very automatic function of the nervous system. It’s one thing to have it kick in and give you the ability to run like heck when you need it. Yet if the response becomes chronic it can really goof up our hormonal and physical chemistry. This can show up in your heart rate, your blood pressure and your blood sugar. It can actually effect major systems of the body like the immune system, the digestive system, and our reproductive and growth processes.

Normally the stress response is self regulating.  Example: a child gets lost – we go into a full alert panic as we try to find him or her, yet once we find resolve ( and the child ) our bodies become calm again. Balance.
However nowadays everything has become full alert, the body never gets a chance to chill out – it never gets to recharge.

Which are the areas of the body that feel it most?

Digestion - when digestion shuts down it manifests itself physically; a stomach ache, diarrhea, or constipation – if you are stressed and shutting down digestion due to fight or flight responses you are creating a chronic concern. Our digestive system was not meant to be in constant stress. Woman experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome 3 times more than men

Immune Response – suppressed immunity occurs after repeated call to action. The immune system is a very complex balancing act, when it’s in full working order it’s pretty darn miraculous. Yet our full and rigorous lives have us increasing our immunity risk not only to infections but to more serious disorders. Auto-immune diseases are more prevalant in woman.

Cardiovascular Health - if you are constantly stressed you actually raise your heart rate altering your personal chemistry – this chronic acceleration increases risk for heart attack and stroke. Constant fight or flight response can cause an overproduction of cortisol and may have you feeling anxious and depressed

Nervous System - brain cells lose their ability to function and structure when stressed. This shows up in memory function. I thought my classic where is my car parked syndrome was a function of getting older!

Sleep Deprivation - chronic stress and anxiety contributes to sleepless nights, while normally this was thought to be a new mom syndrome, it is now is found in all stages of their lives – woman aren’t getting enough sleep more than ever before. Woman tend to have more insomnia than men. Sleep is what recharges the cortisol connection.

Obesity - the collection of central obesity or the accumulation of abdominal fat is seemingly a direct corrulation to the levels of cortisol in the body, this apple type body shape increases the risk of heart disease dramatically.

SIX Ways to Manage MOM Stress

Being a single mom of two has had it’s moments, however parenting by far has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Some of my very roughest times were managed simply by taking care of me first, being a better me – created me as a much better mom

ONE - Identify the stressors, we can not fix what we haven’t identified. Strive to find solutions. Be determined. Besides creating less stress, strident problem solving is a great example for our families

TWO – Schedule personal relaxation times – simply pausing several times a day to breathe, collect and organize your thoughts can recharge even the busiests of moms. Additionally actually scheduling something, anything outside the home regularly can provide just the right relief valve, don’t have the money? A walk with a friend is free. Just do it.

THREE – Eat right. We all know this. I have personally had success with being mindful, eating a variety of foods, and not buying the junk- if it’s around – I’ll eat it!

FOUR – When is bed time? We establish that routine for our kids perhaps it would benefit us as moms too. If our child doesn’t get their nap are they cranky? fatigued? Why would we think anything less for us as moms – go to bed!

FIVE – Movement stimulates all the systems of the body. 10 minutes each and every day is better than nothing. Start with 10 minutes of anything after a big glass of water each and every day and see what a difference that makes for you

SIX – Oh my goodness — Take your vitamins!! Nutritional gaps are inevitable, a really good multi-vitamin is a great start, yet often we need more. Not sure what you need ? I’d love to help.

Choose high quality nutritional supplements that can assist your stress free path.

retro flickr image credit

Mom’s don’t forget that a sense of humor goes a long way too!