Daily Archives: October 8, 2014

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Featured Brand: Amrita Aromatherapy

AmritaSusanBiconBy Susan Brown
Health & Wellness Editor
 

Founded in 1989 by Dr. Christoph Streicher, Amrita Aromatherapy offers an extensive line of unique aromatherapy products and high quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils. With a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Physiology, Dr. Streicher focuses on the holistic relationship of plant life to human health and consciousness by means of 5,000 year old Ayurvedic medical science. Ayurveda addresses health issues within the context of the wellbeing of the mind and the body in the belief that physiological balance is the basis of perfect health.  

Certified Organic and wild-sourced ingredients, a commitment to science, formulation skills, and an understanding of healing plants form the basis of these complex products. Every essential oil is verified for purity, authenticity, effectiveness and therapeutic usefulness in an in-house gas-chromatographic laboratory. This verifies the botanical oil is 100% natural and unadulterated. No denatured or reconstituted oils are ever utilized. The oils contain no alcohol, chemical compounds or synthetic ingredients.

Our customers’ favorite products include:

Lavender Extra Essential Oil (France)
 
Lavender Extra Essential Oil (France) – This fresh, sweet, floral herb provides a refreshing and soothing aroma. Lavender is one of the most versatile of the essential oils and, as an adaptogen aids with stress and imbalances. Diffuse or inhale lavender essential oil to calm the mind, body and spirit.
 
Headache Reliever Roll On
Headache Reliever Roll On – Relieve migraine, tension and sinus headaches with traditional essential oils of birch, peppermint and lavender. Birch helps to relieve occasional minor headache discomfort associated with normal stress. Peppermint helps to relieve tension and lavender provides relaxation support.
 
 
Nebulizer Diffuser Room ModelNebulizer Diffuser Room Model – Essential oil diffusers allow the creation of an uplifting and fragrant atmosphere. This small, quiet diffuser is meant to be used in areas up to 150 sf. Flawless operation and revolutionary design ionizes the oils, enhancing their biological effects. Handy on/off switch allows for ease of use.
 
Tea-Tree Organic
 
Tea-Tree Organic – Tea Tree oil is widely used to antiseptically treat bacterial, viral and fungal organisms. Useful for its remarkable skin healing and analgesic properties, Tea Tree oil has been revered and utilized for centuries for its immune stimulant properties.
 
 
Ball Room Diffuser
 
Ball Room Diffuser – An inexpensive and convenient way to diffuse essential oils, this diffuser plugs into an electrical outlet and comes with 10 reusable felt pads. Perfect for traveling, placing 10 drops of oil on a felt pad before placing in the diffuser will cover an area up to 500 sf with aromatherapy for approximately 3 hours.  

Hormonal Imbalance

hormones2

JacquieIconBy Jacquie Eubanks
BSN, RN
 

Fundamental to the life of every multi-celled organism, hormones are a crucial part of our biology and play a critical role in health and disease. Our largely invisible endocrine system runs and chemically regulates our bodily functions, including growth, development, metabolism, digestion, reproduction, stress reactions and the regulation of other hormones. Each of the numerous identified human hormones, or chemical messengers, have a specific purpose, as they precisely target cells that perform specialized tasks. Endocrines may be tucked away in small corners of the body but hormonal balance plays a huge role in the regulation of physiological processes.

Along with the nervous system, which is built for speed and rapid changes, the endocrines, with their long lasting and powerful effects, slowly continue to regulate and exert influence throughout life. When our body chemistry is balanced, hormones help to keep us physically and emotionally healthy. Hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc with our weight, appearance, mood, fertility, energy and stress levels, all symptoms that can adversely affect our quality of life. When hormones are in balance, weight is easier to maintain, moods are more stabilized and energy levels are optimized.

Hormonal imbalance can occur at different life stages, such as during puberty, and largely affect men and women approaching middle age. Hormonal dysfunction can be the result of both an overproduction or an underproduction of specific hormones. Hormone production can be altered or affected by aging, genetics, chronic stress, and infections or diseases. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise, and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins and endocrine disrupting chemicals, can also result in hormone disruptions.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women can include:

  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Infertility
  • Irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes or night sweats
  • Insomnia and fatigue
  • Irritability, depression or anxiety
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Skin changes including acne or dryness
  • Hair thinning or increased hair growth
  • Decreased interest in sex and vaginal dryness
  • Forgetfulness
  • Mood swings

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men can include:

  • Decreased libido
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Loss of muscle mass, endurance and energy
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Abdominal weight gain
  • Skin and hair growth changes
  • Forgetfulness

If you are suffering from adrenal fatigue or are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which may cause serious health related side effects, you may want to try some of these lifestyle changes first.

Improve your diet – There’s a link between diet and hormone health. Avoiding processed foods is a good strategy for preserving natural hormone function. Eliminate chemically altered oils and fats and refined carbohydrates that can elevate estrogen levels. Eat foods that are rich in essential fatty acids and fruits and vegetables high in flavonols, phytonutrients and fiber. Go organic whenever possible.

Eliminate toxins – Toxic chemicals, found in pesticides, plastics, household and even body care and beauty products, can contain hormone disrupting chemicals that mimic natural hormones and interfere with hormone production. Try switching to more natural cleansers and products. Cook in glass or non-coated metal pans and store food in glass containers. Improve indoor air quality by adding plants, which help to remove indoor pollutants and purify the air.

Reduce stress levels – The adrenals manufacture numerous hormones in addition to stress monitoring hormones. These hormones are involved in blood sugar regulation, mineral regulation, and energy level maintenance. Chronic stress can lead to adrenal exhaustion in which the adrenals can no longer maintain adequate hormone production. This can lead to extreme fatigue, inability to concentrate, insomnia, depression, anxiety and diabetes. Rest and nutrition can help to restore adrenal function. B vitamins, minerals such as magnesium, zinc and potassium, adaptogenic herbs and adrenal extracts can be useful in rebuilding the adrenals.

Get adequate sleep – We all skimp on sleep sometimes but sleep is one of the best tips for improving hormone balance. Stress hormones regulate while you are sleeping. Adequate sleep is linked to more optimal weight and improved immune function.

Don’t over exercise – Hormones released during exercise are directly proportional to intensity and duration. Keeping exercise short and sweet (30 – 40 minutes) with high intensity and maximum effort is most effective for fat burning and hormonal balance. Try yoga for its stress reducing and hormone enhancing benefits. Yoga practice can lower cortisol levels, reduce adrenalin and stimulate production of GABA, a brain calming chemical.

Products that support hormonal balance include:

PhytoB-L 4X
 
PhytoB-L 4X by Bezwecken – This plant derived formula provides naturally sourced progesterone and estrogens to support a desirable hormonal balance.
 
 
 
Hormone Balance #501
 
Hormone Balance #501 by Ness Enzymes – This enzyme and herbal formula provides nutrition based ingredients for hormonal imbalance. Gluten free formula.
 
 
 
Every WomanEvery Woman by New Chapter – This whole food multivitamin and mineral supplement provides immune, stress and hormone support and is specifically formulated for active women over the age of 40. Organic herbs, probiotics, cultured whole-food and herbal blends work synergistically to promote optimal health and address nutrient deficiencies. Vegetarian, gluten-free, Non-GMO formula.
 
Testron SX
 
Testron SX by Nutraceutics – This botanical based formula is designed for maximum hormonal support for the active male. Preferred by athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this safe and natural supplement provides broad support for men’s health and is suitable for all men over the age of 18.
 
Adren-All
 
 Adren-All by Ortho Molecular – Formulated with vitamins, minerals and herbal nutrients, this supplement is designed to nutritionally support healthy adrenal function, boost energy levels, and provide a general sense of wellbeing.   Gluten and soy free.