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| Good Health |
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Have an interest in a more holistic or natural approach to good health? In coming months we'll be presenting articles on different approaches to health and healing for both we humans and our animal companions.
Always keep in mind that these articles are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional or from your veterinarian. |
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Nutrients to help you ‘feel’ good
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady (530) 477-1888
The Healing Garden – NATURAL HEALTH & GIFTS
Did you know that St. John’s Wort has been around since the Middle Ages and used by practitioners and doctors alike to help with mild to moderate mood issues? The results are equal if not better and without the side effects found with most prescription drugs for a positive mood. It is suggested, if you have fair skin, use sunscreen when in the sun because long term use can make you burn easier. The only documented report I’ve seen, however, was a cow grassing on the plant in the wild. As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
There are multiple clinical trials reported in the British Medical Journal that document St. John’s Wort’s benefits. When St. John’s Wort is used to support mild to moderate mood changes and to help with a positive mental outlook, most results occur between 4 to 6 weeks. If you’ve been clinically diagnosed with depression, please discuss any nutrient changes with your doctor first. Adding natural things that can be beneficial could cause a problem if you are already taking prescription medications that work similarly. Doubling up isn’t always a good thing!
Did you know there is a variety of additionally beneficial nutrients that can help calm your brain when you are tense and stressed? There are herbs and amino acids that can help with both excessive brain activity and when you are tense or anxious without making you groggy. If you are trying to study and your thoughts drift so you can’t concentrate…there is help. Gaba is an amino acid that can help calm the neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that help nerve cells communicate) and allow you to focus better. Gaba can also be used to get a better quality of sleep.
The homeopathic called Coffea Cruda also helps quiet the neurotransmitters to help you get back to sleep quickly. It’s also beneficial for children who wake with nightmares. By the time the tablets dissolve under the tongue, the child (or adult) is usually back to sleep. It’s also beneficial for those who are ‘nervous’ drivers or people who get easily excited.
There is another amino acid, L-Theanine, mostly found in Green or Black Tea. It helps to calm the brain so you can think and focus better without making you sleepy like some medications can or wired like caffeine can. Theanine can also help support the immune system that gets weakened by excessive stress.
Holy Basil is one of the best adaptogens, a nutrient that helps the body deal with stress, anxiety, and fatigue better. Holy Basil is one of the single best herbs to help promote focus and clarity. Holy Basil is also believed to help lower the cortisol (stress hormone) production in the adrenal glands so it’s perfect for adrenal support. Holy Basil can also help with the excessive radiation we are put through in today’s environment. Whether it’s flying coast to coast or having dental x-rays done, Holy Basil can help the body adapt better and protect the liver.
Chemotyped plant oils are another way to help keep calm, reduce stress and anxiety and help you get a better quality of sleep. Chemotyped Oils are highly concentrated oil extracted from plants that can be ingested and are very potent so only tiny amounts are needed for their benefits. (These special oils are not the ‘essential oils’ that are used in aromatherapy.) Chemotyped Mandarin oil is great for relieving stress and giving you a calm feeling. It’s called the “happy oil”. Lavender Chemotyped Oil is used for relaxation and to help with sleep. It doesn’t make you sleep or leave you with that ‘morning after hang over’ feeling but it does helps to relax so you have a better quality of sleep. It is also beneficial during the day when traveling or if you are over tired and feel stressed or tense.
Amino Acids, Herbs, Homeopathics and Chemotyped Oils are just a few nutrients that can help with mood issues, stress, anxiety, tension, sleep or just trying to be a little calmer. If you need more information about any nutrients, please ask because…as you know, “Knowledge is the key to better health”!
Wishing you all good health, naturally…
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or to diagnosis or treats any health problem.
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| How to take nutritional supplements
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady (530) 477-1888
The Healing Garden - Alta Sierra's own
NATURAL HEALTH & GIFT store
Did you know there are more effective ways to get the most benefit out of the nutrients you take? In general, the key is to find what works best for YOUR body. A label's suggestions are just that, 'suggestions'. Those suggestions are for the average person with an average issue. Some people might need less, some may need more.
When taking anything that has an anti-inflammatory effect to it, take it on an empty stomach (unless the label says specifically to take with food). Empty stomach would be about an hour before or 2 hours after you eat. Several nutrients that can help with inflammation also help with digestion like Pancreatin specifically. Taking an enteric-coated Pancreatin away from food will help get the proper anti-inflammatory effect. Regular digestive enzymes, the ones to digest food, can also be taken away from food to get an anti-inflammatory effect. As an independent enzyme, Pancreatin works the best to digest fat, carbohydrates and protein when taken with food and as an enteric-coated tablet for inflammation.
- Enzymes... for digestion; take them just as you start to eat.
- Probiotics (the 'good bugs')... are best taken away from food but can be taken with food if the food is cold. Either at the end of a meal or between meals is the best time to take them. They need to bypass the gastric juices in the stomach to deliver properly in the intestine. A probiotic that has an enteric (protective) coating works best.
- Omega Oils... can be taken with food. Borage Oil (high in GLA) or Fish Oil (high in EPA) can be taken between meals for a more specific anti-inflammatory effect.
- Herbs... try taking them on an empty stomach. After all, herbs are food! I feel most herbs work best alone. If something causes stomach upset, try at another time with a little food. Again, finding the best way for YOUR body is the RIGHT way to take things, no matter whom suggests how.
- Amino acids... in general, should be taken on an empty stomach for their specific action. Amino acids are the building blocks to protein; if taken with food, they want to become protein. When taken away from food, each has independent actions they do very well. The primary exception would be Glutamine. It can be taken with food to help build stronger muscles and is often recommended by doctors during cancer treatments to help prevent muscle wasting.
- Vitamins and minerals... especially B-vitamins absorb best when taken with food.
As always, when you try a nutrient for the first time, just take one. Any time you add something new, it is like eating a new food for the first time. Trying just one is a good way to see if your body likes it. In a rare instance, you could get a headache, stomachache or other sign of allergic reaction. It doesn't happen often, but I prefer to err on the side of caution. If you have any issues trying the new nutrient, try it 3 different times to make sure it wasn't something else during that day that caused the problem. If you get the same reaction each time, it doesn't mean it is a bad nutrient, it just may mean it isn't the right nutrient for your body.
Remember, knowledge is the key to better health!
Wishing you good health, naturally.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or to diagnosis or treat any health problem.
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| Natural Remedies for Headaches
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady (530) 477-1888
The Healing Garden
Alta Sierra’s own NATURAL HEALTH & GIFT store
Did you know that 45 million Americans suffer from headaches? That’s 1 out of every 6 people! When it comes to migraines, 28 million suffer with 75% of those being women. If you are one of those 1 in 6 that have headaches all too often, there are natural things that can help.
The general headaches that most people deal with are tension, also called muscle contraction headaches, migraine, sinus or structural.
If you are one of the few that doesn’t have a history of headaches and have a sudden onset of severe headaches, a headache that is accompanies by fever and a stiff neck or a headache that is accompanied by confusion or loss of speech, that’s the time to call your doctor immediately. It’s better to rule out more serious causes and be safe.
Tension or Muscle Contraction headaches – the ‘every day’ type headache with the “vise” or “banding” pain around the head, over both temples or at the base of the skull. This type of headache is very annoying, however, it is the easiest for nutrients to help. Any of the calming herbs like Valerian, Hops, Skullcap or Passionflower can help to reduce the pain and stress. Those herbs can be used effectively during the day but are most often found in “sleep formulas” because they help relax the body. That makes them useful with tension or muscle contraction headaches. Magnesium is the single best natural muscle relaxant while White Willow is an ancient traditional herbal remedy for pain and inflammation. Aspirin originated from White Willow. The homeopathic Gelsemium is the single best remedy for the “banding” type headache.
Migraines – with or without auras, Feverfew is the herb of choice for all types of migraines. When taken at small amounts daily, the migraine frequency and duration is greatly diminished. When you feel a migraine coming on, simply increase the amount of Feverfew until the headache subsides. Purple Butterbur has been used in double blind clinical studies in Germany and New York and was deemed “at least as effective as prescription drugs for the treatment and reducing the duration and reoccurrence by 58% – 60%”. The homeopathic Belladonna is a great remedy for several different types of headaches but especially for migraines with bright light as an issue. Another suggestion, find a dark room and take a nap!
Sinus headaches – the pain and pressure of a sinus headache can seem unbearable, especially when bending over. Whether the pain is between the eyes, around one temple or the other or at the back of the head, decongestant herbs help to relieve the pressure. One of the best herbs to help with congestion is Brigham Tea, a mild species (Ephedra Nevadensis) that is native to Utah and was introduced to the Mormons by the Native Americans who used it for “everything”. A small amount of the herb is all that is needed. The homeopathics Sanguinaria, Spigelia and Belladonna are 3 great remedies to relieve the pain and pressure of a sinus headache. This type of headache responds well to massage and moist heat packs over the forehead (avoid directly over the eyes). Sinus headaches are another “dark room” headache. Don’t hesitate to take a ‘time out’!
Structural – when the spine is out of alignment or if there has been an accident, the best suggestion would be to find a good Chiropractor or see your regular doctor. Nutrients can help with inflammation and pain but if something is out of place, let a qualified practitioner help you decide what the problem actually is and the best treatment program for you.
One suggestion that would be beneficial for all types of general headaches is massage! Naturally, there are many other suggestions and remedies that can be offered. Each person is individual and needs to find what helps that person the most. Ask questions and learn…find what is best for you and always remember, “knowledge is the key to better health”!
Wishing you good health, naturally…
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or to diagnosis or treat any health problem.
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| Ginger and Turmeric, two wonder spices
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady – (530) 477-1888
The Healing Garden - NATURAL HEALTH & GIFTS
Did you know that Ginger and Turmeric have been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for over 5000 years? The history and folk use of these two perennial herbs would have been lost if the benefits hadn’t been passed down from generation to generation.
Ginger’s written history goes back to the fourth century B.C. in China. Medicinal uses included stomachache, diarrhea, nausea, rheumatism and more. Turmeric can be found in the early Sanskrit (Ayurvedic) Compendium in 250 BC and was used for food poisoning among other ailments. Doctors in India, today, call Turmeric the “all in one solution”.
Both plants come from the Ginger family and have a root system called rhizomes where the medicinal and culinary benefits come from. These rhizomes have hundreds of active properties in them. In Ginger, one of the most beneficial pieces is called Gingerol and Curcumin is found in Turmeric. Both herbs are now cultivated in India, China and additional tropical countries.
Today’s uses for both spices are well documented. There are new studies coming out each month on the medicinal benefit of both Ginger and Turmeric. The most documented benefits come from the two herbs anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
The general benefits of Ginger and Turmeric (Curcumin) are similar:
- Anti-inflammatory (Curcumin has even better effects than Ginger for acute inflammation)
- Analgesic effects (mild pain reliever for migraine headaches, general aches and pains)
- Cardiotonic (Both spices help support heart health)
- Inhibits platelet aggregation (the clumping of platelets in the blood can be linked to heart disease, atherosclerosis and strokes)
- Lowering Cholesterol (may help by excretion and limiting its absorption)
- Intestinal (calming effect on the smooth muscle and can help inhibit diarrhea)
- Anti-nausea (Ginger is best for morning sickness/vomiting or motion sickness)
- Anti-cancer (a recent report from BBC News stated that “a scientific team at the Cork Cancer Research Center showed Curcumin can destroy gullet cancer cells in the lab”. In his book, The Healing Power of Herbs, Dr Murray ND states that “the anticancer effects of Turmeric and Curcumin have been demonstrated at all steps of cancer formation: initiation, promotion, and progression”.)
There is no known toxic level for either of these spices. Excessive amounts of Ginger, over 6000 mg on an empty stomach, can cause stomach or intestinal upset. As with all things, use in moderation. Please discuss any new herbs or nutrients with your doctor to make sure they are appropriate for you.
If anyone has additional questions, please feel free to give me a call and remember, “knowledge is the key to better health”.
Wishing you good health, naturally…
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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| Coconut Oil, the misunderstood fat
By De Linda Brady (530) 477-1888
The Healing Garden – NATURAL HEALTH & GIFTS
Did you know that all saturated fats aren’t bad fats? Typically, when we hear “saturated fat” we think it’s bad for us because we have been conditioned to believe that all saturated fats are artery clogging. The truth is that there are different types of saturated fat and Coconut Oil is one of the exceptions.
Coconut Oil is a nutritionally beneficial saturated fat. The “hydrogenated” vegetable oils and “trans fats”, especially when heated and become oxidized, are the bad guys. Watch food labels to avoid products that use those words! When eating non-organic meats and poultry, make sure you cut the fat off first because in non-organic foods that naturally contain fats, the pesticides, antibiotics and hormones the animals ingest will store in their fat.
There are hundreds of studies documented in prestigious journals such as the Lancet and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on the medicinal benefits of Coconut Oil. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and is used both topically and internally for its benefits.
Researchers show that the medium-chain fatty acids found in Coconut Oil makes it different than other saturated fats. The medium-chain fatty acids convert to energy faster and more completely and directly through the liver so the oil does not store as fat in the body or affect blood sugar levels. It does not aversely affect blood cholesterol levels either. It’s great to cook with because it is not easily oxidized and doesn’t collect in the arteries.
Some of the many benefits of Coconut Oil include:
- Helps reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke
- Can help raise HDL (the good cholesterol)
- Helps reduce the risk of diabetes
- Helps reduce fatigue
- Helps support the liver
- Helps increase absorption of minerals, B-vitamins and fat soluble vitamins
- Supports the immune system
- Contains Monolaurin, a natural antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Helps with dry skin conditions (both internally and topically)
If Coconut Oil were really bad for us hospitals wouldn’t use it to feed critically ill patients or those who have digestive or malabsorption problems. Hospitals also use it for infants and small children who have trouble digesting other types of fats. It’s even used in infant formulas because it has some of the same nutrients as human breast milk. Even the FDA has it on the GRAS (generally regarded as safe) list.
Coconut Oil is easy to digest and provides a quick and easy source of nutrition without storing as body fat. Coconut Oil helps stimulate the metabolism and is heart healthy. It’s a perfect oil to add to anyone’s diet whether you are an athlete looking for faster energy conversion, have gallbladder problems and need an oil that is easy to digest, or have immune issues. Coconut Oil can benefit everyone!
If you have additional questions, please feel free to give me a call and remember, ”Knowledge it the key to better health”!
Wishing you good health, naturally…
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional.
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| GOT “GOOD BUGS”? Probiotics, the “good bugs”
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady – The Healing Garden
Alta Sierra’s own NATURAL HEALTH & GIFT store
(530) 477-1888
Did you know that the description of a “probiotic” is just the opposite of an “antibiotic”? A Probiotic (the word comes from pro, ‘for’ and bios, ‘life’) supports the good (friendly) bacteria (or flora) in the intestine. An “antibiotic” (against life) kills bacteria, good or bad. Antibiotics have their place. When you have to take an antibiotic, it’s most important to take a probiotic as well. Take the probiotic about 2 hours after the antibiotic so the antibiotic doesn’t kill the probiotic. That will help support the good bacteria (‘good bugs’) in the intestinal tract. It’s generally suggested to continue taking a probiotic for two more weeks after the antibiotic is finished.
Those ‘good bugs’ play a major role in keeping our immune systems healthy. There are over 400 different types of bacteria found in the intestine alone. Most of them are the “good guys” and they need to be kept in healthy numbers so they can keep us healthy.
There are many reasons that the balance of good and bad bacteria can change. Stress, poor digestion, travel or simply catching a cold are just a few reasons for change, but antibiotics are one of the major reasons. An antibiotic can throw the balance between good and bad bacteria off enough to create other problems like candida overgrowth (a yeast infection) and diarrhea. Adding the good bacteria back in is really important.
There are many different types of probiotics. TV commercials can attest to that! Unfortunately, although there are a limited number of good food sources for probiotics like yogurt and a few other fermented foods, very little of the probiotic from a food source is actually left after digestion in the stomach. Any probiotic has to reach the intestinal tract in order to start re-colonization. It’s more beneficial to take a form with a protective coating that will assure the friendly flora (probiotics) will arrive intact into the intestinal track in order to break down there and begin multiplying.
Additional benefits for taking a probiotic would be to aid in poor digestion, but it doesn’t replace a digestive enzyme. Probiotics can help ease gas and bloating, diarrhea or constipation (probiotics help balance intestinal flora). Probiotics help in the natural production of the B vitamins, vitamin K, and the absorption of minerals in the intestinal tract. Probiotics also help produce the enzyme that digests lactose in dairy products.
People of all ages, including infants, can benefit from probiotics and probiotics can be used daily. Pets can also benefit from probiotics, especially if they have digestive issues or are aging.
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Remember, “knowledge is the key to better health”! Also remember that Alta Sierra residents receive a 10% discount on any purchase, every day (see the sponsor corner in the Alta Sierran).
Wishing you good health, naturally…
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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| February is “National PET Dental Care Month” & “National Heart Health Month”
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady - The Healing Garden
Did you know February is “National PET Dental Health Month”? It doesn’t get major media attention like February being “National Heart Health Month” for humans does.
Make sure when you take your pet in for their annual check up, ask the vet to check their teeth and gums too. Are they healthy? Are the teeth white? Are the gums pink? Do they need to be cleaned? Once they are clean and healthy, it is easy to keep them that way!
Did you know there are natural things you can do to help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy? Some of the newest things available are enzyme-based products that you either add to your pet’s water dish or to their food. The fizzy enzymes that goes into the water doesn’t have a taste so even the fussiest pets will enjoy its benefits.
There are treats for dogs that include nutrients to help keep the breath, fresh like Chlorophyll, and a newer form of Vitamin C that has been clinically proven to disrupt plaque and tartar formation, slows the growth of oral germs and can help control foul breath. Cats can have the treats too if they like the taste.
Did you know that all bad breath isn’t from bad teeth or gums? It could be simply poor digestion, which is generally easy to help by adding a digestive enzyme to their food but it could be the signs of other health problems. Have your pet checked to make sure it isn’t something more serious.
Not to forget “National Heart Health” for humans…there are several nutrients that can support the heart.
Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral. The body doesn’t produce it so we have to get it through our diet or add it as a supplement. Magnesium calms nerves, relaxes muscles (the heart is the most important muscle we have) and helps keep blood flowing freely. Magnesium also helps the blood vessels relax and dilate to help keep blood pressure more normal.
CoQ 10: CoQ 10 is one of the most beneficial nutrients for all heart conditions. CoQ10 is vital to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production to help get energy into the cells. CoQ10 helps support heart health, immune function, brain function and gum health. CoQ 10 is called a “ubiquinone” because it is found in every cell of the body. The older we get, the less we produce. A disease state and some drugs can also cause a deficiency. A newer form of CoQ 10 called “ubiquinol” absorbs 8 times better that the original dry form which needs some type of fat to help it absorb better. Did you know CoQ 10 has been studied since 1957? Lots of studies and clinical trials have been done with it to find out how and why it works so well.
Hawthorn: Known as a “cardio protector”, because it helps with all heart conditions without the side effects of traditional drugs. Hawthorn helps improve the heart’s pumping ability. Hawthorn can also help strengthen the heart. At least 9 double blind, placebo controlled studies have been done with Hawthorn. It takes time for Hawthorn to become really effective but Hawthorn is safe for long term use.
There are several other nutrients beneficial for heart health like Arginine to keep the artery walls clean and flexible. Carnitine, which many heart health studies have been done on. Nattokinase, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin in the blood to help keep blood flowing properly and Fish Oil to balance cholesterol levels and inflammation.
As with all nutrients, if you have a medical condition, discuss the nutrients with your doctor first. Ask questions and learn as much as you can and remember, “Knowledge is the key to better health”.
In good health, naturally…
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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| Natural Cleanse
Natural ways to cleanse and detox the body to start the New Year off right!
by De Linda Brady - The Healing Garden
Alta Sierra’s own Natural Health & Gift store
Did you know that ‘doing something good for your body’ is one of the most often made New Year resolutions? Have you made your resolutions? Are you going to eat healthier? Are you going to exercise more? Are you going to give your body a good start and try a simple total body cleanse? Did you know in order to “cleanse” you don’t have to be in the bathroom all day long???
There are several ways to help your body by starting a gentle cleanse or detox. There are natural products that range from homeopathics to herbs that can be healthy and help on multiple levels.
A homeopathic detox tincture can support liver and kidney function. It would be taken just before bed. It’s just a few drops under the tongue. That’s it…simple. Very, very gentle. This homeopathic detox can also be used for children or pets. Homeopathics are non-contraindicated with anything else so they are safe for everyone to use.
If you are taking medications, especially something like statin drugs, please work with your doctor or practitioner on any cleanse or detox, other than homeopathic. Also consult your doctor before using any cleanses if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions that might not warrant a cleanse.
Getting more complete but still remaining gentle, a Daily Multi-Cleanse that supports the body’s 7 elimination systems and organs (liver, lungs, colon, kidneys, skin, blood and lymph) without using Senna or Cascara Segrada is safe to take every day. A multi cleans/detox product should include nutrients to support the cleansing, nutrients to help strengthen the intestine/colon and nutrients to support circulation to make them all work effectively.
If someone just wants to do an intestinal cleanse, there are combinations available that do not have stimulant herbs like Cascara Segrada or Senna. They are perfectly safe and helpful herbs when used in moderation but I prefer only recommending them if someone is constipated and needs fast help. Senna or Cascara Segrada should not be used longer than 7 days without a break.
If you have already used products for body cleansing before, you might like to try something that is even more complete that would encourage your body to have 3 to 5 eliminations a day without a laxative effect. They are the best to really help support your organs and intestinal tract.
Some herbs to look for that should be in any herbal combination would include Milk Thistle for the liver, Dandelion for kidneys and liver, Red Clover to cleanse the blood, Artichoke for the gallbladder, Mullein, Fenugreek or Marshmallow for the lungs and Slippery Elm Bark for the intestine. Adding Bentonite Clay, Glucomannan and Activated Charcoal to any fiber or colon cleanse combination can help provide even better support for the body’s natural detoxification and can help with overall digestive health.
Do you need to work on a specific problem? Perhaps you just want to cleanse the Liver. Or maybe you have a Candida issue or Parasites. There are cleanses for Heavy Metals or Mercury specific. There is even a Smoker’s cleanse that could also be helpful for people with lung problems, not just smokers. I wouldn’t suggest doing a Rapid Cleanse unless you have done at least one cleanse before so you know what to expect!
With any type of cleanse, a good probiotic (the good bacteria in the intestine) taken at a different time of day and increasing water intake (at least through the cleanse) is a good thing to do. Naturally, clean water on it’s own is the single best thing you can do for your body! Drink plenty! And remember, “knowledge is the key to better health!”
Wishing you a Happy New Year with good health, naturally…
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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| Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin…
By De Linda Brady – 530 477-1888
The Healing Garden – NATURAL HEALTH & GIFTS
Did you know that Vitamin D is called the “sunshine” vitamin? Do you know why? It’s because when sun hits our skin it converts through a multi stage process in the body to an active form of Vitamin D. Did you know that it’s estimated that up to 80% of us are deficient of Vitamin D with those being in nursing care homes at the highest risk of deficiency? Doctors are finally starting to check Vitamin D blood levels. Has yours been checked?
One basic reason so many people aren’t getting the D they need is because of less sun exposure. It’s generally thought that for the 6 months of the year when the sun is the brightest, 15 to 20 minutes in direct exposure to sunlight is enough time for fair skinned people in our part of the world to make adequate D. Darker skin requires longer exposure.
It’s difficult to get enough Vitamin D through diet alone so at least during the winter months it’s good to add D-3 (Cholecalciferol) daily. D-3 converts easiest to its active form in the body. D-3 generally comes from either fish liver oil or lanolin. D is found in small amounts in oily fish, green leafy vegetables, fortified milk and egg yokes.
There is so much information available now in articles, studies and trials showing Vitamin D’s many benefits. It’s not just for osteoporosis any more! It is being used for strengthening the immune system, reducing the risk of cancer (especially breast and prostate), high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes, heart disease and even memory problems.
Vitamin D is most often added to Calcium and Magnesium combinations to help strengthen bone. D helps Calcium absorb better and slows bone loss. When supplementing begins in your 30’s and 40’s, before bone starts to degrade, it can greatly reduce the chance of hip fractures later in life.
During the winter when sunlight is at it’s shortest, some people go through the “winter blues”. Adding the “sunshine vitamin” before winter actually sets in could prove beneficial.
FYI, there are several prescription drugs that interfere with the absorption of D. Those with intestinal disorders, or who have kidney, liver or gallbladder issues may also have less D absorption. There is a prescription form of D that might absorb best for those people. Your doctor will know what is appropriate for you.
As always, remember “knowledge is the key to better health”!
Wishing you good health, naturally…
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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| The Flu Season is Nearly Upon Us
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady
The Healing Garden – Natural Health & Gifts
Did you know…the flu season is nearly upon us? With all the constant updates and reminders in the newspapers, on the radio and on TV, I would bet everyone knows the flu season is coming. Are you ready for it? Are you one that needs the flu shot or would you prefer improving your immune system enough ahead of time to protect against it? There are several simple things you can do in advance to be better protected and lessen the chance of getting the flu this year (or any year).
First and foremost…the basics:
Drink plenty of clean water to keep your body hydrated and allow the organs to work more optimally, especially the kidneys.
Wash your hands regularly if you are in areas where you touch things everyone else has touched like doorknobs, shopping cart handles, telephones, money etc. Use anti-bacterial soaps and hand cleaners but sparingly. If used on a regular everyday basis, the germs will become stronger and immune to the germicide like they have with the over use of antibiotics. A good time to use an antibacterial soap or hand cleaner is if you are around someone that is actually sick or after touching those shopping cart handles etc. Antibacterial products can help reduce the spread of germs.
Eat well. Eliminate all the high sugar foods. SUGAR FEEDS BACTERIA! Reduce dairy and oranges because they can cause excessive mucus to form.
Take a high quality enteric coated Probiotic (to make sure it actually gets into the small intestine) daily to help keep the beneficial bacteria stronger. That keeps the immune system stronger. If you've been on an antibiotic or are taking one, Probiotics are essential to help repopulate the good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics CAN be taken with antibiotics, just take them two hours after the antibiotic so the antibiotic doesn't kill the probiotic as well. Get plenty of rest. When you are overly tired, your body can't fight as well.
If you need additional help to keep your immune system strong or if you feel like you are coming down with something, Oregano Oil is beneficial on multiple levels. It works like an antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antibiotic without harming the good flora in the intestine and can be taken on a regular basis if needed. Elderberry or Olive Leaf are also good antiviral herbs.
Extra Vitamin C is always beneficial for keeping the immune system strong. Take the amount YOUR body needs. You can take it to bowel tolerance (diarrhea) then back down. Regular Vitamin C does not store in the body. A general amount suggested for most adults is 2000 mg a day in divided amounts. When you are going through an illness the body typically needs several times more than on a regular, everyday, basis. Vitamins A and Zinc can also be good immune support.
Homeopathics are always beneficial, safe and non-contraindicated for any one or taken with anything else. Homeopathics work the quickest if used at the very first signs the flu is coming but they can also help for chronic and acute situations. In Europe, doctors recommend the single remedy, Anas Barbariae Hepatis Et Cordis Extractum (Oscillococcinum) at a 200C HPUS dilution, over all others. According to the Materia Medica that remedy reduces the duration and severity of flu symptoms.
There are additional beneficial single nutrients and great combinations that include several nutrients together. See what is best for you. Read, learn, ask questions, research for yourself and remember…”knowledge is the key to better health”.
Wishing you good health, naturally…
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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| Good Digestion, Naturally
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady
The Healing Garden – NATURAL HEALTH & GIFTS
Did you know…digestion doesn’t have to be such a problem? There are easy things you can do naturally to help yourself feel better and not have that gas and bloating or ‘heartburn’ we hear so much about.
If you listen to the TV commercials, they want us to believe most of us produce too much hydrochloric acid and that we need something to stop it when just the opposite is truer. About 90% of us produce too little and that is were problems begin. When we don’t produce enough enzymes or hydrochloric acid, food sits in the stomach and ferments, causing gas and bloating. Gas and bloating are NOT normal responses to digestion. If food is digesting properly, gas doesn’t form. Have you had foods when you have no problems at all? No gas? No bloating? Have you eaten something that causes nothing but problems? That would be the difference between foods that are good for your body, that you digest well and foods that could be causing sensitivities (not necessarily allergy reactions – those are typically shown as rash, breathing problems or possibly headaches and should be discussed with your doctor). Adding enzymes can easily address the problem. And if it is just an occasional thing, something as simple as Fennel can stop the gas quickly. Fennel would be more addressing the symptom rather than trying to avoid the problem.
When we eat, enzyme production actually starts with our first bite. As our chewing begins so does the production of enzymes. When food finally ends up in the stomach, the stomach should begin a “washing machine” action to start the digestion process. When the digesting food gets sloshed around, hydrochloric acid should splash up against the esophageal sphincter and trigger it to close. The sphincter keeps food in the stomach were it belongs and prevents acid reflux or ‘heartburn’. When there isn’t enough hydrochloric acid production, the sphincter eventually weakens and allows food to pass back into the esophagus and possibly cause damage to the lining of the esophagus. The stomach has a protective lining that doesn’t allow the hydrochloric acid to harm it…the esophagus does not.
I’ve been there myself. After 6 rounds of antibiotics to knock out a sinus infection…it knocked out my digestion too. All the antibiotics I had to take took away too many of the good “bugs” in the intestine as well and I simply started having all kinds of problems with gas and bloating, stomach aches, diarrhea and even constipation. Even though my ENT had me take a “pro”biotic (acidophilus/bifidus etc) after the antibiotic, it wasn’t soon enough or strong enough. Nowadays, there are probiotics that can be started while on antibiotics…you just take them a couple of hours after the antibiotic (so it can do it’s job) and then the good guys come along to help repopulate the good bacteria for balance.
It took me 3 years of trial and error and a lot of help from both my ENT and my Chiropractor’s suggestions to get me back on track. One of the first things they both suggested was supporting the good bacteria in the intestine by adding lots of probiotics. It would be much easier today because there are ones that really get into the intestinal tract much better. When we ingest a probiotic, enzymes and hydrochloric acid start breaking them down as soon as we ingest them. That is when I learned about probiotics that are coated to make the trip more intact and deliver where they should. Getting the “good bugs” to thrive again also stopped the constant constipation or diarrhea problems I had due to the antibiotics.
After I was diagnosed with esophageal damage from all the acid reflux, it didn’t take long to correct it after I found a new nutrient. After my last Barium Swallow test, it showed the past signs of esophageal damage but no current signs. That let me know what I found to help with the ‘heartburn’ and acid reflux really did a good job to repair the damage. What was it, you might ask? It’s a nutrient called orange peel extract. I know, I thought the suggestion was crazy too. I was having severe stomach and esophageal problems and the recommendation was to take orange peel extract…that sounded like putting gas on a fire to me! Wasn’t orange peal acid? Wouldn’t it hurt? Well…except for burping it back the first couple of times I took it (didn’t take me long to know to take it with food!) it did it’s job well. (It’s not recommended for anyone with an ulcer or during pregnancy.) The really nice thing…it wasn’t something I was going to have to take forever!!! I was rather surprised by how well the orange peel extract could change things for me and only in about a months time. I’m happy to say my acid reflux has stopped and my doctor said there are no current signs of damage. I was grateful for that…the next step was sending a scope in to see what was going on. Lucky me!
So, if you have digestion problems, you might think about trying a digestive enzyme. If there is just a little gas and or bloating…perhaps give fennel a try. If you take an antibiotic, it’s really important to take a probiotic to help the good bacteria, after all, the intestinal track is the base to our immune system. And if there is a problem with acid reflux or heartburn, investigate a little orange peel extract. Oh, and just in case…mastic gum is great for ulcers! As with all nutrients, feel free to discuss them with your doctor. It’s always good to help others learn and remember…”knowledge is the key to better health”!
In good health, naturally…
De Linda Brady
Courtesy of The Healing Garden, Alta Sierra’s own Natural Health & Gift store ~ (530) 477-1888
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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| The Natural Medicine Cabinet
Did you know? By De Linda Brady
The Healing Garden - NATURAL HEALTH & GIFTS
Did you know there are seven natural products that you can stock your medicine cabinet and emergency kit with to be prepared in case of emergencies? How prepared are you?
1. ARNICA in both the homeopathic tablets or pellets and a tube of the homeopathic gel for any bumps, bruises, strains, sprains, pains or any other trauma that doesn’t break the skin. If you’ve been in an accident, it’s best to use both as quickly as possible.
2. CALENDULA in a homeopathic gel as well. It’s extremely beneficial for cuts, scrapes, rashes, burns (there is nothing better for sunburns!) and after surgery (once you can get to the stitches). The area will heal much faster with Calendula than Aloe but Aloe is a good second choice.
3. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL is one of the best natural adsorbent agents available. Charcoal will absorb anything around it that caused gas, bloating or stomach/intestinal irritation. Since it absorbs anything around it, don’t take medications or other nutrients around it or they won’t absorb properly. If necessary, additional Charcoal can be taken again in two hours for more severe problems.
4. OREGANO OIL is one of the best “catch-all” herbs. It has anti-biotic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties to it. It supports the immune system and goes after the bad bugs while leaving the good bacteria alone. It can be taken internally as well as used topically unlike Tea Tree Oil, which is best used topically.
5. PROBIOTICS in case of diarrhea OR constipation. Probiotics balance the intestinal flora so it can help both problems. There are newer forms available that are shelf stable. Look for one that has a high billion count with a variety of bacteria strains. Acidophilus and Bifidus are the two primary types of bacteria. (Guests will love you for having this one on hand!)
6. HISTAMINUM (the homeopathic) or NETTLE for any allergic reaction. If something has been ingested that is known to cause a reaction (like peanuts), call your doctor for assistance and ask if it is appropriate to take charcoal (to absorb it) and immediately put the Histaminum tablets/pellets under the tongue. The homeopathic pellets can be used every 5 to 10 minutes in an emergency. Homeopathics are NOT contraindicated with any other medication or nutrient.
7. FLOWER ESSENCES to support the emotions during and after an emergency or crisis situation. A combination of Clematis, Cherry Plum, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem is best. Flower Essences are beneficial for children and pets as well.
Is your medicine cabinet ready to handle emergencies, naturally? I’m sure if it wasn’t, it is now! Remember, “Knowledge is the key to better health”!
Wishing you good health, naturally…
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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| Cholesterol Confusion
Did you know?
By De Linda Brady
The Healing Garden – Natural Health & Gifts
Did you know…cholesterol doesn’t have to be so confusing?
Are you confused about cholesterol? Don’t be surprised but most of us are! We are led to believe that all cholesterol is bad for us and that the foods that we eat are the reason our cholesterol gets so high and the only solution to this is prescription drugs.
The truth is that our bodies need cholesterol, especially our brains, and that only a minute amount actually comes from our diet. The balance of LDL (low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein or “good” cholesterol as it is commonly referred to) as well as Lp(a) (Lipoprotein (a), another fat molecule from LDL) are believed to be the most important things to manage.
Cholesterol is produced predominantly in the liver. Eating a good diet and including cardiovascular exercise are very important for a healthy cholesterol level. The key to keeping cholesterol under control is by helping the liver do it’s job more effectively. If needed for a short time, to get extreme numbers down, prescriptions might be necessary. Nutritional supplements can be of great benefit without the potential side effects of prescription drugs. Just a few side effects mentioned in the doctor’s PDR for the Statin drugs are possible heart failure, liver problems and muscle weakness or pain. If you have muscle weakness in your legs or arms, what is happening to the heart muscle? Remember that the heart is the most important muscle we have!
Another key is to a balanced cholesterol is to keep our HDL cholesterol high. The HDL (good cholesterol) is like a broom that sweeps the LDL (bad) back to the liver to be processed. The risk factor ratio between the LDL and HDL is more important than the concerns of just having high LDL. Eating fish is a good way to help get the HDL (good) up. Fish oil can also help lower Triglycerides. If you don’t like to eat fish, for whatever reason, taking an essential fatty acid supplement will help. There is a newer tablet form that shows the same benefit as 9 softgels, also without any fishy burp back. To me, any fish oil that you burp back is rancid oil. After all, you don’t pick up fresh fish at the market, take it home, cook and eat it then burp it back, do you? If you do, you might need help with digestion! Fish, flax and borage oils are all of benefit in assisting good cholesterol levels.
There is also a new clinical evidence showing that Indian Gooseberry, taken before bedtime, increased HDL by 14% and significantly decreased total serum cholesterol 17%, LDL was lowered 21% and triglycerides were lowered 24% within three months.
High La(a) levels (generally inherited) carry a greater risk factor and found to be far more dangerous than LDL. No prescription drugs have been found to lower La(a), however, Niacin (B-3) does help. Niacin lowers elevated production of cholesterol and lipoproteins in the liver. Vitamin C, and two amino acids; Lysine and Proline also help to keep La(a) from sticking to the artery wall. There is a blood test called CRP (C-reactive protein) that you can request from your doctor to check your Lipoprotein (a) level if you are concerned.
One more key is getting LDL down. We have had many success stories that attest to the benefit of nutritional supplements lowering the bad cholesterol. If you need to bring LDL cholesterol back into a more normal range, quickly, or perhaps work with your doctor to switch from a prescription to a more natural form, supplements like Red Yeast Rice or Policosanol can be used. If you are currently taking one of the Statin drugs or are using Red Yeast Rice (which is a natural statin) or Policosinol it is suggested you take at least 30 mg of Co-Q 10 (50 – 100 is even better) to replace what is being use up in the liver. Co-Q 10 is an important nutrient for healthy cardiovascular function. Another type of nutrient, Plant Sterols, can be used to absorb cholesterol from the food we eat in the intestinal tract. On a more long-term basis, plant sterols can eventually help the liver produce less cholesterol too.
One last note…when cholesterol numbers are taken too low, we raise the risk having memory problems. Dr. Rowan, MD says “your liver isn't the only organ in your body that produces cholesterol. Your brain makes it as well. Cholesterol makes up a large portion of the membranes in your neurons. Since neurons are mostly membranes, a lack of cholesterol might impair their function.” Dr. Rowan MD predicted years ago that research would eventually connect low cholesterol to poor memory and overall brain function. Research now supports his thoughts.
I hope this has shed some new light on the issue of cholesterol. Everyone has their opinion, mine is just one of many.
As with all of my information I share, please feel free to discuss it with your doctor. It’s great when a traditional MD incorporates natural with the traditional. As always remember: “Knowledge is the key to better health”.
Wishing you good health, naturally…
De Linda Brady
The Healing Garden – Natural Health & Gift
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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| Pets and Cars
By De Linda Brady – The Healing Garden NATURAL HEALTH & GIFTS
Did you know that the temperature in a car parked in the sun, even with the windows part way down, can reach 160° in just minutes? Did you know it can take as little as 20 minutes for a pet left in a hot car to sustain brain damage or die? Besides leaving a pet in a hot car, leaving them in the back of a truck with only the hot metal truck bed to stand on can cause their pads to become severely burned. Summer is here and the temperatures are going to climb. We love our animals and want to take them everywhere with us. When in doubt about the weather, be kind and leave them behind where they are safe.
During hot weather, pets can also run into problems at home. If you leave your pet outdoors, please make sure you provide them with enough fresh, clean water and somewhere protected to get away from the sun or rain. Make sure, no matter what time of day it is, shade can be provided and remember cement retains heat.
We tend to take our beloved pets for granted. They don’t complain or can’t tell us they need something. These days, it is so much easier to care for our pets and give them good quality food, pure water and good nutrients to help with their health care when needed.
Just a few years ago, if you walked into a grocery store or even a pet store to buy pet food, it was a limited selection. You didn’t have the choice to select something without byproducts or without colors, fillers and synthetic vitamins. Today…life as we knew it has changed for our pets. Fortunately for our pets, we do have options today. Know the company that you choose for your pet’s food and nutrients. Is the company reputable? If they were one of the companies that used cheap nutrients that were in the pet food recall last year, has their policy changed? You can call them and ask questions. Reputable companies are eager to share information. Do they use “human grade” nutrients? Do they use a synthetic Vitamin E or is it natural? Are their raw material safety checked? Do they check again at the end of the manufacturing process? Is it a company that also produces nutrients for us? Do they use science to back their formulas? Do they put good amounts of nutrients in the product or is it at a minimum level? These are all questions I ask before choosing nutrients or food for our cats. They don’t get anything I couldn’t ingest! After all, when I adopted them I promised to give them the best care I could for their full lives. I intend to keep that promise!
I have to thank my old dog Shannon for helping me learn. She was the one that actually got me interested in alternative ways. She was diagnosed with hip displasia and arthritis of the spine. Her vet told me it would be better for her to let her go then. I couldn’t! She still had life in her eyes but after he told me the medicine that he was prescribing would eventually cause liver problems, I knew at that point, I had to find another way. I’m grateful for the journey and the lessons I learned seeking information on nutrients to try and help her. I went back to those two books I bought when my ENT said he would be willing to try different things with me. Search I did. Nutrients I found! At the time, information wasn’t out on the benefit of Glucosamine Sulfate for joint health. If I had only known about it then…she might have had even longer than the 3 additional years we had with her. I was able to get her off the meds the vet prescribed by using a combination of herbs that the books recommended for Arthritis like Boswellia, Feverfew, Devil’s Claw root or Yucca root. I also found an amino acid called DLPA (dl-Phenylalanine) that the books said could be used for pain and inflammation. Once I found those, finding how much to give her was another journey! With the combination of the two things, she was able to get into the car by herself again (she would have to jump onto the floorboard before jumping up to the seat). She was also able to come in and out of the house without having to be lifted up the steps. The part that made the biggest difference was that she wanted to go for her walks again. Yes, she was doing much, much better. The vet couldn’t believe the difference. We finally had to let go when her hips wouldn't hold her up anymore. We had 16 good years with our Collie/Shepherd and I learned a great deal about nutrients and life because of her. It was because of her response to nutrients that I eventually found things that changed my life too!
Today, there are so many better nutrients that can help. I started our two rescue cats on nutrients as soon as they came to us. Our little boy was found in a box on the side of the road with the rest of his litter, just a day or two old. Our little girl did have a mom but happened to be the runt of her litter. The two were 6 weeks apart in age but bonded, none-the-less. Our boy was bottle fed from the beginning. Without the nutrients he should have had from him mom, he started out with a weak immune system and diarrhea as well. It didn’t take long to find out he has allergies. When either of them do their little cough/sneeze, I use the same thing for them as I use for myself…a little Nettle. If they are ‘sneezy’ it’s good to get them checked out so you know what they need. Cat’s can cough or sneeze for different reasons. Make sure it isn’t something that needs medical attention. For the diarrhea problem, I used a good probiotic. Within two weeks of bringing him home with us, he was finally going potty normally. If they seem to not be as active as usual, for a day or two I might give them a little Colostrum (for their immune system) and a little extra probiotics (the good intestinal bugs and also good for the immune system) just to make sure things are ok.
Homeopathics are great for pets of all ages and sizes. My little guy would eat the pellets right out of my hand when he was really little. Now, I just have to pop them in his mouth or drop them in his water dish. They melt instantly so it’s a lot easier than trying to pill an animal…that just causes stress for them and us. Homeopathics can be dissolved in their water dish if it is a small amount of water that will be consumed completely. Liquid homeopathics are even easier and are usually put into combinations for specific problems. Most meds or nutrients can be mixed with enough water so an eyedropper can be used. Just squeeze the liquid on the inside of their cheek. No need to pry open their mouth…just squirt it in. They can’t spit a pill out that way! Less stress and hassle all the way around.
I’m glad companies are finally putting out high quality products I feel good about giving our babies. I started our two on a new soft chew form of a multi-vitamin/mineral complex that they just love. If I don’t get the bag open quick enough…they offer to help! Even thought they are both only 3 years old now, I’ve started a joint support soft chew that includes Glucosamine Sulfate for them too. If you saw how they chase each other and bounce off things…you wouldn’t wonder why I’m starting BEFORE they show joint problems! I’m a very fussy ‘mom’ when it comes to my two. I ask a lot of questions before I choose what they get. You be fussy too. Ask questions. Learn about the company that makes the nutrient and what it should do. After all, “knowledge is the key to better health”. That goes for our pet companions too!
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment including any information contained on or in any product label or packaging you may find relating to nutrients mentioned in the article. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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