Carrier Oils, Part Two

In Carrier Oils, Part One we presented information on the therapeutic value of several well-known carrier oils. Here we continue that topic by introducing some lesser-known, more exotic oils. All of these oils are rich with fatty acids and contain nutrients which we absorb transdermally. They also contain a variety of antioxidants which fight skin-damaging free radicals. These oils can be used straight or mixed with a carrier oil (see Part One). A little bit goes a long way — simply apply a few drops and pat into skin.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Life-Flo produces some very fine oils such as organic rosehip seed oil, also known as rosa mosqueta. This native of the Chilean Andes is an exquisitely rich oil that nourishes and hydrates dry, dull skin, but is not recommended for oily skin or acne. It is also very useful for treating scars (even old scars), burns, and prematurely aged skin. Combine with several drops of lavender essential oil for additional benefits in healing scars and burns. For a luxurious in-home spa experience, use rosehip seed oil as a hot oil treatment to revitalize the scalp and rehydrate damaged hair.

Argan Oil

Argan oil, also known as “The Gold of Morocco,” is a “superfood” for the skin and hair. It is a rich source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids and skin-supporting nutrients. Argan oil can soften the skin, rejuvenate aged or sun-damaged skin and calm over reactive skin. In addition, it can help soften dry, brittle nails and nourish and hydrate dry hair and scalp. For improving the appearance of scars and stretch marks, use a few drops of frankincense essential oil to argan oil and apply to skin. We carry organic, cold-pressed argan oils from Life-Flo and Simplers.

Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil comes from a tree that grows in the South Pacific islands where this oil has been used for generations for its therapeutic action on the skin. Tamanu enhances the skin’s ability to rejuvenate and heal itself. It is helpful for healing cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings. It is also useful for psoriasis, eczema, acne and acne scars and even herpes sores. This exotic oil can also be used as a massage oil for sciatica and neuralgia; add in a few drops of peppermint essential oil to enhance the effect. Life-Flo’s Pure Tamanu Oil is organically grown and cold pressed—no damaging heat or solvents are used to produce it.

From Evergreen’s Archives: July 2009

Be Healthy, Look Younger, Have Better Sex!

RESERVEAGE ORGANIC RESVERATROL

Organically grown fruits and vegetables have up to 30% more antioxidants than those conventionally farmed. Muscadine grapes contain up to 40 times the amount of antioxidants of other tested foods. RESERVEAGE uses organically grown muscadine grapes plus a patent-pending extraction process to give their resveratrol outstanding antioxidant content. Their manufacturing plant is just minutes from the vineyard thus ensuring freshness and potency. BE HEALTHY: Cardiovascular benefits include decreased total serum cholesterol and increased HDL. Helps with fatty liver and cirrhosis. Useful for treating both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and multiple sclerosis. Inhibits candida, herpes, influenza and other harmful microbes. LOOK YOUNGER: Anti-aging and life extension properties due to activation of the longevity gene, SIRT1. Protects the skin from damaging UV-B rays and acne. Increases stamina, metabolism and muscular strength. Also useful in treating Alzheimer’s and depression. Remember: a smiling face looks younger! HAVE BETTER SEX: Increases blood circulation and nitric oxide production, both vital for healthy libido and sexual “performance” in men and women. Reduces prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and inflammatory C-reactive protein. When we are not hobbled by inflammation we can move freely without pain, making life (and sex) more fun. Enjoy some resveratrol today! WHY CHOOSE RESERVEAGE?

• ORGANIC MUSCADINE GRAPES
• NO ANIMAL TESTING
• BACKED BY RESEARCH
• EXCEPTIONAL FRESHNESS
• OUTSTANDING PURITY
• CHEMICAL-FREE PROCESSING
• INDEPENDENTLY TESTED

From Evergreen’s Archive: January 2012

Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletions, Part II

In Part I of this newsletter we described the risks associated with the nutrient depletion side effects of some commonly-prescribed drugs. We will further explore some of these nutrient depletions in this second part.

Mineral Depletions

The list of mineral-depleting drugs is very long, and again, as mentioned in Part I of this newsletter, it is a very good idea to supplement with a quality multi-vitamin/mineral if one is taking pharmaceutical drugs on a long-term basis or is on a cocktail of drugs such as: antiretrovirals, antihypertensives, anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators, statins, corticosteroids, antacids, antibiotics, diuretics, laxatives, oral contraceptives, and drugs for gout and thyroid.

Vitamin D Depletions

Cholesterol-lowering drugs, corticosteroids, gout drugs such as colchicine, laxatives, antacids, antidepessants such as SSRIs.

Glutathione & Liver Support

Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant and detoxifier. Glutathione helps your liver do its job. Everything that you eat or drink or smoke or take gets processed by your liver, filtering out toxins with the help of glutathione. Hundreds of medications go through your liver and it is glutathione’s job to help break them down for use and then clear them from the body. If liver function is compromised by diet, lifestyle, or simply an excess of medications at once, toxins cannot be metabolized and excreted. In sensitive individuals this can become dangerous and even fatal. A proper level of glutathione in the body will prevent the liver shutting down due to overload of toxins. A short list of glutathione-depleting drugs follows, but it is important to remember that nearly every pharmaceutical drug out there passes through the liver and needs to be processed and excreted using glutathione.

• Acid Blockers
• Analgesics
• Antacids
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Antivirals
• Also Alcohol & Nicotine

NAC for Glutathione

Glutathione is best formed from its precursors. There are glutathione supplements available, but they are generally difficult to absorb as this compound is broken down into its respective amino acids before it can be used. The best precursor nutrient to increase this powerful detoxifier is the amino acid N-acetylcysteine, or NAC for short. NAC is widely available in pill form and is not expensive when compared with actual glutathione supplements. This compound is so effective at liver protection that it is routinely used in hospitals to save the lives of acetaminophen-poisoning victims.  A powerful antioxidant, it is nonetheless mild enough to be taken every day as general antioxidant support, while protecting the liver and helping lung function. It is a good idea if supplementing with this compound to take additional vitamin C, as NAC may increase formation of kidney stones. The vitamin C will help minimize kidney stone formation.

Beneficial Bacteria Banishers

In Part I of this newsletter, we began with a discussion of how antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria. We will close with more information on friendly bacteria, and the importance of replenishment after certain diet, lifestyle, and medication factors have destroyed gut flora. Beneficial probiotic bacteria not only assist with digestion and absorption of food, they are essential to immune health and create some vitamins in the gut. In addition to antibiotic drugs destroying the good as well as the bad bacteria, virtually all prescription medicines deplete the body’s beneficial bacteria! Here is a short list of those drugs:

• Acid Blockers
• Antacids
• Antibiotics
• Antivirals
• Hormone Replacement Therapy/Oral Contraceptives
• Sulfonamides

We will close with our reiterated recommendation that anyone taking a prescription drug be on a supplement regimen containing a good probiotic and a good multi vitamin/mineral.

Vitamin D & Viral Respiratory Infections

Research on the benefits of vitamin D is ongoing. The known and accepted mechanisms/roles of this vitamin are too numerous for this article to mention in depth, but recent research has focused on the vitamin’s influence in immunity, and specifically in respiratory tract health. It has long been known that a deficiency of vitamin D is linked to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and bronchiolitis. Pneumonia is a severe form of acute lower respiratory tract infection and is the leading cause of death in children worldwide. Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), which are often caused by bacteria or viruses, are the source of roughly five million deaths around the globe each year.

Prevention of ARTIs

Recent research has shown that vitamin D supplementation can prevent acute respiratory tract infections. The results of one review found that vitamin D3 supplements did, in fact, lower the risk of developing ARTIs, with no serious side effects observed. The potential benefits were studied in people of all ages, and in both healthy individuals as well as those with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The greatest benefit was seen with daily or weekly supplementation, especially in people who had low vitamin D levels to begin with.

Viral Infections/Mechanisms

In viral respiratory infections, specifically, new research has come to light showing mechanisms by which vitamin D influences respiratory tract health. One is through the vitamin’s role in maintenance of tight junctions (restricting undesirable matter from passing through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream). Viruses disturb junction integrity and increase infection, including by other microorganisms. Another influence vitamin D has on viral infections is that of its enhancement of cellular immunity, and in particular its effect on the cytokine storm which occurs in response to viral and bacterial infections.

Cytokine Storm Damage

  The “cytokine storm” phenomenon refers to the exaggerated, uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines as the end stage progression of an initially healthy immune response. Cytokines signal immune cells such as macrophages to travel to infection sites when the immune system is fighting a pathogen. More production of cells is activated by this signaling and this loop is normally managed efficiently. In some cases the process becomes unregulated, and too many immune cells are activated in a single location. These cytokine storms have the potential to cause damage to various organs and tissues. For example, in a respiratory situation, the storm may cause macrophages and fluids to accumulate in the lungs, eventually obstructing airways. Vitamin D has been shown to support/modulate the healthy expression (balance) of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This suppression of cytokine release may improve disease conditions where these storms play a major role in mortality.

Other Factors/Benefits

It has also been found that most viral respiratory outbreaks occur in winter, when vitamin D concentrations are lowest. Along with this, cases in the Southern Hemisphere near the end of the summer are low.  Serum vitamin D concentrations tend to decrease with age. It may be prudent to raise concentrations in the elderly and especially in cases of needed additional immune support. One more benefit of vitamin D is that it enhances the expression of genes related to antioxidant status. Of particular interest is its effect on glutathione synthesis. The “master antioxidant” in the body, increased glutathione levels will have the effect of sparing ascorbate (vitamin C) use, thereby leaving more for that vitamin to exert its formidable germ-busting powers. All in all, it seems that vitamin D supplementation is strongly recommended in cases of viral respiratory infections. It should be stated also that the mineral magnesium helps to activate and metabolize vitamin D. Interestingly, deficiencies of both these nutrients are very common.   Evergreen Nutrition carries a wide range of vitamin D supplements, with dosages and forms available for every customer’s taste. The same holds true for magnesium. Evergreen Nutrition offers optimum options for healthy living.

Stress Wreaks Havoc on the Body

It is commonly understood that the brain/mind and body are very closely linked and influence the other’s health and functioning on many levels. One aspect involving the brain which has profound effects upon the body is that of stress. Stress may be perceived by the mind (psychological) or be environmental, such as extremes of temperature. It is the perceived stress (or anxiety) which may create many physical challenges in the body and may over time exacerbate problematic conditions and cause real damage. “Stress” may be described as what a person feels when life’s demands exceed the person’s ability to meet or adapt to those demands.

Mechanisms of Stress in the Body

There are many stressors that affect us daily: noise, crowds, driving, crime, racism, abuse, school, work, negative emotions, overexercising, lack of sleep, angry emotions, loneliness and more. When these accumulate they disrupt not only our immune system but also our hormone balance, throwing multiple body systems into chaos. The body has developed mechanisms to protect it from stress damage. The “fight-or-flight” response is a method the body uses to deal with extreme stress situations. Adrenal stress hormones adrenalin and cortisol are secreted when we feel in danger. This enables the body to fight or run as needed to deal with the source of danger. This response is designed to be short-lived. As a result of modern life, however, many of us are in a “continual state” of this fight-or-flight response, with debilitating results for the body.

Stress Effects in the Body

Our ability to adapt to stress depends on optimal adrenal gland health (adrenal hormone balance). Cortisol imbalances can lead to blood sugar problems, compromised immune function, weight gain, chronic fatigue, infertility, memory loss, and sleep disturbances. Studies have also shown high cortisol levels are linked to high triglyceride levels, heart disease, and breast cancer. The immune system in response to certain stressors releases pro-inflammatory cytokines which cause damage, possibly worsening symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Adaptogens/Adrenal Support

Nourishing the adrenal glands is important for resisting stress and the attendant damage it may cause. Various nutrients and adaptogenic herbs offer support here. Vitamin C is required for optimal adrenal function, as is vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid). Prolonged stress will create deficiencies of these nutrients, exacerbating the situation. Herbs known as adaptogens help the body to adapt to and resist stress, both physical and psychological. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been shown to reduce stress hormones including cortisol. The herb enhances mood, alleviates insomnia, increases energy and reduces anxiety. The herb rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) works in essentially the same manner with the same beneficial effects upon the body.  Phosphatidyl serine (PS), is a fat-soluble phospholipid found in the human brain. It has been shown to blunt cortisol levels, especially following physical stress such as strenuous training.

Methods for Lowering Stress

Here are some things which one may do to help alleviate stress. Some are very simple and require little change to your routine. 1) Exercise outdoors in a park or other natural setting, while still maintaining a safe distance. Even your back yard will do. Along with the exercise itself, sunshine and fresh air can go a long way to change your body’s tendency to hold stress. 2) Avoid information overload. Get your facts from a trusted source. Reduce exposure to social media and the internet in general — these can cause unwanted stress. In addition, the blue light radiation from your screen or device is doing your already stressed-out body no favors. 3) Maintain a healthy diet. Over-reliance on inflammatory foods (refined, processed, sugar-laden) can depress the immune system. Eat from a healthy rainbow palette (green foods contain abundant magnesium, a natural stress buster). 4) Laugh! Laughter relaxes the body and mind alike, reducing stress. Watch a comedy on Netflix occasionally rather than that sobering war drama. 5) Don’t procrastinate. Do it sooner rather than later, regardless of the task or plan. Procrastination is inherently stressful. 6) Deep Breathing & Meditation can both reduce stress and anxiety. When under stress we have a tendency to breathe shallowly. Try to take five deep slow breaths (your lungs should fully expand and your belly swell) the next time you are stressed or anxious. This simple exercise is calming and relaxing. For a free guided meditation, see Alicia Love’s website. Alicia has a Bachelors in Herbal Science from Bastyr University and is a certified Spiritual Life Coach with over 15 years experience helping people “to strengthen their connection to their own Divine Wisdom, Personal Power and Self Love.” For more information on coping with stress see Evergreen’s other Newsletters on the topic.

Meet Natural Factors

Family Owned, Internationally Respected

We would like to share some information with our customers on one of our long-standing companies, Natural Factors. Natural Factors, based in British Columbia, is one of the most respected supplement companies in the industry, and in our opinion also maintains some of the highest standards with the highest quality products.

Standards & Certifications

Family-owned for more than fifty years, the company is one of the only nutritional companies to have their own organic farms; their own extraction, encapsulation, and production facilities; and their own labs and research facilities. In addition, they are also one of the few branded manufacturers of nutraceuticals in North America to have their own softgel encapsulation facility. Their manufacturing facilities conform to all the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and they are also certified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA). The TGA has the most stringent guidelines for manufacturing dietary supplements in the world — if you meet their standards, you meet them all. Natural Factors uses ISURA, Canada’s only independent natural health supplement and food product verification and certification organization that provides mass spectrometry and non-GMO testing from seed-to-table to insure, in their words, “the seal of approval that is your guarantee that our products are non-GMO, safe, pure, and potent.”

Extensive Organic Farmland

Natural Factors has almost 1,000 acres of certified organic farmland in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia where the fertile soil has been in the making for thousands of years. Water from Otter Lake flooded the valley and left behind organic material creating rich alluvial soil that is six feet deep. Natural Factors uses no pesticides — not even organic pesticides.

Science & Scientific Team

Natural Factors consults with scientists and researchers at universities and research centers around the world, including Bastyr University in Seattle, many of which have been instrumental in developing new standards, procedures, or testing methodologies that have contributed greatly to the research and development of safe, efficacious, natural health products.

Products With History & Results

Some products from Natural Factors are among the most popular on our shelves. Natural Factors is the exclusive distributor for BioSil®, the famous, perennial silica supplement for bone, collagen, and hair, skin and nail support. BioSil is a very well absorbed form of silica. Their PGX® products reduce appetite by promoting a feeling of fullness, help lower the glycemic index, and help maintain healthy blood sugar and total cholesterol levels already within the normal range.   CurcuminRich® Theracurmin® has more published trials than any other curcumin product on the market as to its bioavailability and efficacy. The reduced particle size of this curcumin and its unique natural suspension have demonstrated a dramatic increase in its absorption compared to other enhanced forms of curcumin. The WellBetX® line includes a 500 mg berberine product. Berberine plays an important role in blood sugar (glucose) metabolism and cardiovascular health. It also helps maintain healthy blood sugar and total cholesterol levels already within the normal range. WellBetX Berberine is the #1 selling berberine.

Stress-Relax Line For a Calmer Life

The Stress-Relax line encompasses ten products offering nutritional and herbal support for a healthier, calmer life. Products for stress management, relaxation, and sleep are offered. Pharma GABA® is a superior source and naturally produced form of the important brain compound Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA). Clinical studies have shown that Pharma GABA® helps increase the production of alpha brain waves to create a profound sense of physical relaxation while maintaining mental focus. Tranquil Sleep® provides a unique combination of compounds, including L-theanine, to support relaxation and enhance natural sleep quality. Melatonin in different dosages rounds out this helpful little line. We hope you enjoyed learning about this excellent and respected company!      

California’s Proposition 65 Warning Labels

You may have seen this warning on your supplements:

WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California

to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

In 1986, the people of California approved an initiative to help people make informed decisions concerning exposure to certain dangerous chemicals. Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (or simply Prop 65) requires the State to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. This list, updated annually, now includes over 800 chemicals. Some of these chemicals are found in foods and supplements, as well as common products like household cleaners and beauty and body care products. Prop 65 also requires companies to provide a “clear and reasonable” warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical. Signs are posted, for example, in enclosed parking garages (toxic gasoline and diesel exhaust) or in beautifully landscaped parks (pesticides/herbicides). In addition, the warnings are sometimes so vague as to be unhelpful. While Prop 65 is a worthy concept, in reality it can be confusing—especially for non-Californians—since many manufacturers find it logistically and financially difficult to have two sets of product labels. Thus confusion may arise when Prop 65 labels are seen on store shelves outside The Golden State.

Should I Be Worried?

Some toxins are unavoidable in our modern world: fossil fuel combustion creates acid rain; vehicle and factory emissions foul the air; food is sprayed with poison; prescriptions flushed down toilets end up in drinking water. Some drugs are actually on the Prop 65 list: lovastatin, Warfarin (coumadin), ACE inhibitors, codeine phosphate, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and some antibiotics. There are endogenous substances on Prop 65’s list, too: testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, for example, as well as chemicals that occur naturally in food: caffeic acid (coffee), safrole (sassafrass, basil and black pepper) and acetaldehyde (coffee, bread, ripe fruit and metabolized by the liver from ethanol/alcohol) which may be consumed on a daily basis. We do have cause for concern, to be sure. But what about supplements? Are they safe? Lead, arsenic, mercury and other heavy metals may be the reason for Prop 65 warnings on supplements. Although these minerals occur naturally in soil, higher levels and/or more toxic forms can result from industrial, agricultural and other kinds of pollution. While everything grown outdoors is subject to toxic assault, even in the best of conditions, trustworthy supplement manufacturers will source raw materials from the cleanest farms available. In addition, they comply with industry standards known as Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP, and test for identity, purity, potency and for limits on contamination. The best manufacturers will let a product go long-term-out-of-stock rather than accept inferior or contaminated raw materials. In addition, purity assays for specific batches obtained from the manufacturer or via The International Fish Oil Standards Program can help put your mind at ease.

Be Cautiously Optimistic!

It is important to note that “a product does not have to contain a level of the substance that represents an actual risk to trigger a Prop 65 warning” according to the American Herbal Products website. “Thus, because of Prop 65’s stringent warning thresholds, a warning may be required … even if no one would ever be harmed …” (See the AHP website for more details, you may be surprised.) Consider that the real issue here is the totality of our toxic exposure — our body burden. We live in a world where glyphosate is found in breast milk and urine and even umbilical cord blood contains toxins. But you can help protect yourself and your family by eating organic and/or non-GMO foods; by drinking filtered water; by turning off your car engine rather than idling; by supporting legislation to promote a cleaner environment; and by supporting companies using sustainable practices. Liver support, antioxidants and an occasional cleanse might also be helpful. Evergreen carries products from many companies that use organic botanicals and/or are certified sustainable: Flora, Gaia, Garden of Life, HerbPharm, Himalaya, Metagenics, Natural Factors, New Chapter, Nordic Naturals and Standard Process are just a few options on our shelves (there are too many to list here). If you have any concerns or questions about the safety of the products we sell, please don’t hesitate to ask. If we don’t know the answer, we will do our best to find out. We appreciate your business and value your trust in us and our products.

New Research on Turmeric & Black Pepper

For quite some time now, turmeric/curcumin products have been one of the most popular items in the herb section wherever one finds supplements. It is easy to see why this popularity shows no sign of waning, with the myriad applications this substance has for health conditions ranging from joint inflammation to liver support to brain health. In this newsletter we will look at some of the most recent (and eye-opening) research available on this herbal superstar. In addition, we will discuss the popular perception that turmeric products cannot be absorbed without black pepper extract, and also some surprising news about the black pepper extract itself. For this article, the terms turmeric and curcumin will be used interchangeably.

What Does Curcumin Do?

Without a doubt, the most well-known and popular property of curcumin is that of its anti-inflammatory action, particularly with regard to joint health. Both singly and in formulas, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory power simply makes people feel better. It works. How it works, however, is interesting and a bit different than assumed previously. Reams and reams of clinical studies have shown that curcumin is anti-inflammatory in multiple pathways, predominantly as a COX-2 inhibitor. (The drug Celebrex is a COX inhibitor.) Reams and reams of clinical evidence have also shown that curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, as well as being rapidly metabolized. It may be said that it has an extremely short half-life. Because of this poor absorption, methods have been developed to increase bioavailability. These include nanotechnology, fats, and, most famously, black pepper extract, also known as BioPerine, a trademarked and widely-used extract.

Newest Research on Curcumin’s Mechanism & Absorption

As one of the most studied herbs out there, this means that new research’s conclusions are constantly coming to light. Some of the newest information about the primary mechanism through which curcumin exerts its effects comes from studies by Shobha Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of medicine and physiology at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. (To take a look at one study, click here.) According to Ghosh and her team, the typical Western diet, due to its highly inflammatory nature, affects the intestinal barrier at several levels. Not only does it contribute to high levels of harmful (and inflammatory) bacteria, but this unhealthful diet also decreases the expression of tight junction proteins that are required to restrict the movement of these inflammatory compounds into the bloodstream. “Collectively, these direct effects of Western diet on the intestinal wall itself result in the movement of bacteria-derived toxin into the circulation where it contributes to the low-grade chronic inflammation.”

— Shobha Ghosh, Ph.D.

Ghosh notes that once in circulation, the bacteria-derived toxins can activate key cells involved with metabolic diseases as well as inflammation. Her team found that oral curcumin, with its well-known poor absorption, was able to protect and restore normal intestinal barrier function, in essence “tightening up” the membrane junctions to reduce intestinal permeability, thereby preventing the influx of inflammatory compounds. This is fascinating information on how curcumin accomplishes some of its anti-inflammatory effects. It exhibits its anti-inflammatory action in an indirect manner rather than being itself directly anti-inflammatory. What this means is, contrary to prior belief, the level/rate of absorption of curcumin into the bloodstream is not terribly important. It does not need to be in high levels in the blood to work its wonderful magic! One important result of this finding is that curcumin may help prevent leaky-gut syndrome. (To watch Dr. Ghosh’s talk, click here.)

Black Pepper Extract: —Why?

Many people in our store looking for curcumin products tell us that they were told that these products are useless unless they also contain black pepper extract. This was never exactly true. Using certain extraction methods including the addition of the volatile oil compounds present; taking your curcumin product with a fat source (butter, olive or coconut oils); certain nanotechnology delivery systems; all of these enhance absorption. Aside from the recent research revelation that absorption isn’t so important after all, there is some information regarding black pepper extract which may be of interest. First of all, black pepper extract, or BioPerine, undeniably improves absorption of nearly anything with which it is taken. It is the mechanism by which this occurs that is not such a good thing, as we will see. The concentrated extract of black pepper acts as an irritant to the mucosal membranes of the intestinal barrier. It essentially disrupts proper barrier function and increases intestinal permeability. This is how it allows compounds to have increased absorption. However, increasing the ability of compounds to cross the intestinal barrier means that undesirable compounds are also let through the loose junctions created. In other words, leaky gut syndrome is set up or exacerbated. This is certainly not a desirable condition. Another problem with BioPerine is that it inhibits Phase I liver detoxification through its action on a critical detox enzyme. This means that many pharmaceutical drugs, among other things, are not properly metabolized and excreted, keeping them in the body longer and possibly causing harm, not to mention the issue of adjusting dosages for these medications due to this. People on certain/multiple medications thus may wish to be cautious when taking BioPerine-enhanced products. It is also important to stress that normal culinary black pepper use will not produce these effects, only the concentrated extract. Evergreen Nutrition is proud to stock more than 40 different turmeric and curcumin products in all sorts of delivery systems. We have options with black pepper extract and without and, as always, we strive to offer you optimum options for healthy living.

Tradition + Modern Science = Redd Synergy

We would like to introduce you to Redd Remedies, a line that we are pleased to carry as they “tick so many boxes” favorably. Based in Illinois, their formulations are based on a synergy between ancient healing traditions and modern science. They offer over thirty products targeting a range of health issues in ten categories, including Stress & Energy, Body Structure, Joint Support, and Sinus & Respiratory. In their words:

“First we must identify what is ‘out of order’ in the body, the health conditions which are causing imbalance, discomfort and damage. Next we thoroughly research which areas of the body need to be targeted in order to bring the body back into balance. The objective is to nourish and support, not stimulate, push or suppress. We believe giving the body the nutrients it needs to be healthy is a significantly better approach to health than forcing it.”

Redd Remedies accomplishes this by using the highest-quality ingredients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, essential oils, natural extracts, and herbs used for thousands of years in traditional medicine.

Commitment to Quality Control

Redd Remedies verifies every raw material vendor, every raw material used, every step of the manufacturing and packaging processes, and every product specification for each batch — including testing by industry-leading, independent laboratories. In addition to using third-party labs to screen for heavy metals, contaminants and pesticide residues, Redd Remedies ascertains that glyphosate is not present in any of its ingredients. Glyphosate is the active ingredient found in popular herbicides used heavily as weedkiller for yards and other grassy areas and also by high-yield farmers. It may contribute to many health problems, including neurological and immune function. (See previous post.) All but three of Redd Remedies products are certified gluten free, and additional ingredients and binders in products, such as sunflower lecithin, glycerin and cane sugar, are certified non-GMO. Products which are not chewable, tablet or liquid are exclusively vegetarian capsules.

Unique Formulas

Master Herbalist Stacey Littlefield is Product Formulator and Research Director at Redd Remedies, and the formulas reflect her traditional herbal background with the blends of Chinese, Ayurvedic and western herbs used alongside more familiar ingredients. Here are three examples of their synergystic formulas from Redd’s Body Structure category:

Healthy Nerve Function

Nerve Shield combines vitamins B-12, B-6 and other B vitamins with turmeric extract, several Chinese herbs and alpha lipoic acid and acetyl L-carnitine to support healthy myelin sheath and overall nerve structure as well as circulation. This formula may be of benefit to people with (diabetic) neuropathy.

Healthy Uric Acid Levels

One of the prime products in our Gout section is Gouch! Tart cherry is combined with a blend of traditional kidney tonics to gently support healthy kidney function and uric acid levels while encouraging healthy immune function. Gouch! comes in a tablet as well as a very tasty liquid.

Joint Comfort & Flexibility

In their Joint Health Advanced formula, NEM® (natural eggshell membrane) along with classic anti-inflammatories boswellia and turmeric support the health of the joint structure and comfort as well as a balanced immune response. It is clinically proven to work in 4-10 days. The word redd is a Scottish/Irish verb meaning “to put in order.” Redd Remedies’ mission is to provide you and your family with high quality, natural supplements that will help you put your health in order.

Inflammation: The Fire Within

When we think of inflammation, we may think of hot, swollen, painful joints. But did you know that inflammation can be anywhere in the body? Prostate and breast tissue, heart and vascular tissue, and the digestive tract lack sensitive nerves so chronic inflammation may go undetected. This silent menace is particularly dangerous because cellular damage is untreated and ongoing. In fact, the Center for Disease Control says chronic inflammation is at the root of our most deadly diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Chronic inflammation is also at the heart of autoimmune disease. Acute inflammation is a good thing. Really. It’s necessary to repair an injury or stop an infection, for example. But chronic inflammation is destructive and potentially fatal. By stopping the fire within, we slow the downward spiral of degeneration and disease which can lead to premature aging. We look and feel better because we are better.

“FIRE FIGHTERS”

• Fresh, raw foods
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Boswellia
• Rosemary
• Holy Basil
• Green Tea
• Baikal Skullcap
• Omega-3 fats
• Probiotics

“INCENDIARIES”

• Standard American Diet (SAD)
• Processed foods
• Trans fats
• Polyunsaturated fats
• High glycemic foods
• Gluten & casein
• Environmental toxins
• Stress/cortisol
• Negative emotions

From Evergreen’s Archive: March 2012