MCT Oil for Ketogenesis

Medium chain triglyceride oil (MCT) is one of those supplements which has been around for decades but has recently come back into style, partly due to the ketogenic diet craze. Its properties extend far beyond just the trendy, however. It has applications for everything from sports performance and energy to weight loss to brain health and conditions such as dementia. Since it has been around for so long there is a huge amount of research published on the benefits of this unique fat.

A Chemically Different Fat

Virtually all of the fats and oils in our diet and used in cooking are large molecules known as long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). MCTs are much smaller molecules and are metabolized in the body in a completely different manner than long-chain fats. LCTs must be circulated throughout the body before reaching the liver, are slow to be metabolized, and are therefore more easily stored as fat. MCTs, on the other hand, are transported directly to the liver and easily enter cells’ mitochondria, where they are nearly immediately converted into ATP (energy) rather than stored in fat cells. MCTs do not occur naturally in isolated form but are derived from palm kernel oil or coconuts and coconut oil. Caprylic acid, a well-known anti-fungal compound from coconut oil, is an example of a MCT oil.

Sports Performance/Cardiovascular Benefits

MCTs spare the use of carbohydrates as preferred muscle fuel during long-term exercise. Stored carbs in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles are a fuel reservoir — especially important for athletes and others who need fast, sustained energy. Since MCTs are burned easily and first as fuel and spare the need for stores of glycogen to be used (burned), supplementing with MCT oil has the potential to prolong exercise before exhaustion. By extending exercise time, athletes can have workouts last longer, and have a higher intensity of work output during important final stages of a competition. Large serum triglycerides have been associated with increased risks of heart disease. These LCTs are also susceptible to oxidation (lipid peroxidation) which is a major factor in unsafe cholesterol levels and exacerbates heart disease risk. MCTs, acting in the body more as a carbohydrate than a fat, and metabolized so quickly, do not pose this problem and in fact have been shown to decrease the levels of both cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Animal studies have shown that long-term feeding of MCTs at fairly high doses helps reduce elevated cholesterol levels. Also reported are less storage of fat in body tissues and decreases in body weight.

Weight Loss/Thermogenesis

Thermogenesis (heat production) is the rate at which cells burn fat/fuel for energy. MCTs have been shown to increase the rate at which the body burns fat for fuel. Multiple studies have concluded that when MCTs are substituted for LCTs in the diet, the body is less inclined to store fat, and a diet containing MCTs is more effective than a low-fat diet at decreasing stored fat. One human study compared the metabolic effects of 400 calorie meals of MCTs and LCTs by measuring metabolic rates prior to and for 6 hours following the test meals. The results showed that the MCT-containing meals caused an average 12% increase in basal metabolic rate, as compared to a 4% increase with the LCT-containing meal. The results here raised the possibility that replacing LCTs with MCTs over long periods of time could produce weight loss, even in the absence of reduced calorie intake. MCT oil can also help increase satiety (feeling full for longer) as well.

Brain Health

The brain is made primarily of fatty tissues (60% of dry weight) and it is well-accepted that healthy fats such as omega-3 DHA from fish oil nourish and support brain matter. However, the brain’s main source of fuel is glucose, not fat. This is one reason why people following a strictly low-carb/high-fat diet such as The Atkins Diet popular some years ago would regularly report “brain fog” and general cognitive impairment. With no glucose available for fuel from carbohydrates, the brain suffers. MCT fats are so easily digested, absorbed and utilized in the body that they can cross the blood-brain barrier and fuel the brain, supplementing its reliance on glucose. To make this most effective, carbohydrate (especially refined carbohydrate) restriction is important. This will allow the body to rely on fats, or ketone bodies, for fuel. Ketones are the byproduct of fat-burning produced by the liver, and are a fuel for cells, increasing mitochondrial efficiency. With regard to brain function, when ketones are present, the brain preferentially burns them and spares glucose. Several conditions may benefit from using ketones as a fuel source, including memory impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In Alzheimer’s there appears to be a pathological decrease in the brain’s ability to use glucose, and brain-imaging scans show significantly reduced glucose uptake in the neuronal areas affected by Alzheimer’s disease. There is some evidence that ketone bodies, and in particular MCTs such as lauric acid may improve cognitive functioning in older adults with memory disorders. Evergreen Nutrition carries several MCT oil products. From Garden of Life’s Dr. Formulated Brain Health line we have an Organic Coconut MCT Oil, and new from their Dr. Formulated Keto line is an Organic MCT Powder, both of which are from sustainably harvested coconuts, non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free. And they are processed without solvents and 100% coconut-sourced.        

Hippies & Heros in Portland

Evergreen Nutrition has long been proud to support local vendors from Eugene and beyond in Oregon. We are excited to represent two vendors from Portland, with a unique herbal line and an innovative skin care line, respectively.

Portland Ashwagandha Farm

Producing only two products, but both special Evergreen staff favorites with good reason, is Portland Ashwagandha Farm. Started by herbalist and student of Ayurvedic medicine Jeff Johnson in 2015, Portland Ashwagandha Farm launched providing the first biodynamically grown, freshly harvested, and spagyrically processed ashwagandha tincture product on the market. This is quite unusual in that most ashwagandha in this country comes from India. Having a locally grown and produced source for this increasingly popular adaptogen is welcome enough, but given that the herb is biodynamically grown and spagyrically processed is downright exciting to us. Spagyric extracts are more complicated and complex than regular herbal extracts and require extra care and time. After the herb is macerated in alcohol, remaining plant matter is burned (calcined) to create the mineral ash residue which is then added back into the tincture to “awaken a superior potency and effectiveness.” Along with their Fresh Ashwagandha Spagyric Tincture, the company makes a blend called Hero’s Blend. This product is beloved by the entire Evergreen staff. In the company’s words, “The hero’s journey is full of trials and challenges. We are all heroes and we need energy for our work, grounded clarity to make wise choices, and an enduring spirit to stay true to our hearts. This formula supports a healthy metabolism and release of unneeded energetic and physical toxins.” We feel that this product imparts a calm, subtle energy and resistance to stress. These products are both available in 2 ounce glass bottles. We carry more than ten different ashwagandha products, and if you have not tried this one yet, we urge you to become a “hero.”

Mad Hippie

Winner of numerous awards for their skin care line, Mad Hippie was “built on the notion that natural skin care can be every bit as effective as traditional. Parabens, synthetic fragrance, dyes, petrochemicals, PEGs, SLS and other nasty additives aren’t necessities.” Along with their avoidance of these, the company also has a strong ethical standpoint, with a stance against animal cruelty. They regularly donate to Save the Elephants as well as Whole Planet Foundation which provides micro-lending to female entrepreneurs globally, helping to lift up families and provide relief from poverty worldwide. Mad Hippie’s “More Actives, More Results” line includes classic botanical ingredients such as carrot seed and pomegranate oils along with cutting-edge cosmeceuticals like peptides and stem cells. Their Vitamin A Serum contains a next-generation form of the vitamin, HPR, which is the most skin-bioavailable and stable form, promising to dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The line includes a Cream Cleanser with soothing macadamia nut oil, a Vitamin C Serum, a Face Cream, and an Eye Cream. Also featured are a Hydrating Nutrient Mist and a Facial SPF Cream with zinc oxide and red raspberry seed oil. Mad Hippie recommends combining products as a system. Their products are formulated to work together and they suggest various combinations for certain routines/skin types.

Mushrooms For Immunity

With the changing of the seasons comes the inevitable shift in many people’s immune systems, often signalling the arrival of a nasty, lingering cold. The body’s immune equilibrium can be easily thrown off by the environmental and climatic variations at this time. Enter the kings of herbal immune defense: medicinal mushrooms. Some of these medicinal mushrooms such as shitake and reishi are quite well-known and popular, but there are many lesser-known yet equally beneficial fungal allies to help our immune systems. The medicinal mushrooms all share the common feature of cell wall polysaccharides—particularly the beta-glucans. These compounds act as “awakeners” of the immune system, activating macrophages and natural killer cells, thereby improving immune function. Singly, all these mushrooms possess this activity, however research also shows that multiple species in combination show a greater effect in immune response than one species at the same dose.

Benefits Beyond Immunity

In addition to the immune system benefits provided by these fungi, each mushroom species generally possesses additional health-promoting compounds. Reishi, for example, is a potent antioxidant as well as a liver protector and cardiovascular tonic. Lion’s Mane mushroom has been shown to stimulate production of Nerve Growth Factor, helping to regenerate neurons and thus improve neurological function. This exciting compound has applications for Alzheimer’s disease as well as general brain health. Cordyceps has been found to improve adrenal, kidney and lung function, benefiting asthma and nephritis among other conditions. As mentioned above, combinations of these mushrooms impart the most benefits, and Evergreen carries several respected companies’ products.

Familiar Favorites

The very popular New Chapter Lifeshield mushroom products, long out of stock, have very recently made a return. Their Immune Support blend contains seven mushrooms including Reishi, Turkey Tail and Chaga. This is also certified non-GMO, certified organic, gluten free and vegan. No shelf of medicinal mushroom products would be complete without Washington state’s Host Defense line and their flagship product, Stamets 7. Also containing seven mushrooms, including Royal Sun Agaricus, Lion’s Mane and Maitake, this formula was designed as a daily or general immune support blend. MyCommunity is a more comprehensive immune support blend containing 17 species.

Introducing Myco-Immunity

New to the market from the venerable HealthForce company comes Myco-Immunity, a blend of four revered immune-modulating mushrooms, hot-water extracted in the manner of Traditional Chinese Medicine to assure bioavailabilty of compounds. Healthforce guarantees at least 25% beta-glucans and the mushrooms are wood-grown so as to not contain fermented grain from the substrate. This product is non-GMO, gluten free and organic and is available in vegan capsules or powder form (which makes a flavorful addition to pizza, sauces and other savory dishes). Myco-Immunity is on sale for 20% off through the end of 2015, so it is a good time to support your body’s immune defenses with these wonderful medicinal mushroom products.

To Sleep Perchance to Dream

The Sleep section at Evergreen Nutrition receives a staggering amount of customer attention. Many, many people coming into the store report an inability to sleep properly, or attain a sufficient night’s sleep. Everyone at some point understands how a poor night’s sleep (or no sleep at all) has many detrimental consequences. It is not an exaggeration to say that sleep is absolutely essential for mind and body (and vital health). According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, 40 million Americans suffer from a variety of 70 different sleep disorders. Sixty percent of adults reported problems sleeping a few days out of the week. So, you are not alone! Just as there are many reasons why one may not be able to fall asleep quickly or maintain restful sleep throughout the night, there are many possible remedies for this, ranging from lifestyle choices to supplements. A few tips lifestyle-wise which may not immediately come to mind are limiting alcohol before bed and avoiding heavy meals too close to bedtime. Although many people feel that an alcoholic beverage or two close to bedtime may help them get to sleep, the fact is that alcohol is a depressant and will affect the body adversely after its initial effects wear off. This manifests in a wakeful state several hours later as the body (liver) struggles to metabolize the acetaldehyde formed from the alcohol. Alcohol also interferes with REM sleep (more about this later). If you are bound to have alcohol before bed, try a little liver support such as N-acetyl-cysteine along with it and help your body during the night resulting in a more restful sleep. Heavy meals close to bed will result in poor sleep as the body expends energy to digest. Here digestive enzymes with a meal will assist the process and lessen discomfort and wakefulness. REM sleep is the state where dreaming occurs. This is not the deepest stage of sleep, but is an important stage due to the dreaming process. It has been theorized that the purpose of this sleep state is to solve problems and file/process the day’s events, extracting negative feelings from your memory bank. Thus, if you are unable to reach this state, you will not be able to let go of those negative emotions and instead remain in a perpetual state of anxiety. Also it is believed that dreams are responsible for the transfer of memories between short-term memory and long-term memory. Lack of REM sleep is believed to hinder long-term memory. The physiological process of sleep is linked to GABA receptors in the brain. Some classes of drugs such as benzodiazepines (Valium) work on this mechanism. Some of the classic sleep herbs also work this way, such as valerian, whose compounds bind to GABA receptors thereby inducing sedative effects. GABA is available as a supplement and has long been popular as a sleep and anti-anxiety aid. A standard dose is from 500-1,000 mg up to three times daily. For sleep purposes, however, one dose before bedtime is ample. GABA’s absorption is difficult, not easily reaching the brain where it is needed. Recently an improved form of this compound has become available. Phenyl GABA, or phenibut, is easily able to cross the blood-brain barrier and exert its effects. This form may be considered stronger and much more effective than regular GABA. We have had tremendous feedback from many customers on this product for sleep purposes. Neuroscience’s Kavinace is the standard product and the company also makes a special sleep formula which additionally contains 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and melatonin, Kavinace Ultra PM. Evergreen’s staff members have a few favorites they rely upon when sleep is elusive. Holy Basil is a fascinating herb with many properties, among them the ability to normalize or lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. If one’s cortisol levels are high in the evening, sleep will be very difficult. This herb is not a sedative like valerian; it is calming and relaxing, and by lowering cortisol may improve sleep greatly. Tony swears by Holy Basil when counting sheep doesn’t work! He recommends taking it with a calcium/magnesium product. Reishi mushroom is another favorite at Evergreen. This herb is well-known for its immune-enhancing properties in this country, but in Asia it is also well-known as a calming, grounding herb which may improve sleep. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this herb is thought to calm Shen, or quiet the spirit, thus an invaluable aid to restful sleep.  

Vectomega Omega-3 Compex

Greetings from all of us at Evergreen Nutrition and welcome Spring! There has been an increased concern about the quality and purity of supplemental fish oils lately and we’d like to assure you that Evergreen carries high quality, very pure fish oils that meet or exceed International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS). It is very important not to skimp on the quality of your fish oil — it is actually harmful to consume rancid or toxin-containing oils. Choose only products made from cold-water fish from pristine waters. For those of you who like to see for yourselves, Renew Life’s Norwegian Gold products have lot numbers which you can use to check the actual purity report on their web site. Vectomega is a whole-food omega-3 complex containing EPA, DHA, phospholipids and amino acids from salmon wild farmed in the north Atlantic Ocean near France and Norway. It is processed within one hour of being harvested in a sustainable manner. There are several other things that set Vectomega apart from other omega-3 supplements. It is created using a patented solvent-free extraction process that uses proteolytic enzymes and a cold-water flush, maintaining the natural DHA to EPA ratio, then freeze dried and made into very stable, water-soluble tablets. No chemicals, no heat and no fishy aftertaste make it a superior product, indeed, but there is more. The really exciting news about Vectomega is that it is not, technically speaking, a “fish oil” since it does not contain triglyceride chains. Instead Vectomega’s omega-3s are attached to natural phospholipid chains. Don’t find that exciting? Read on! Every cell in our body contains a phospholipid membrane. The unique chemical structure of phospholipids (PLs) means that it is both water-soluble (the phosphate part) and fat-soluble (the lipid part) which creates a truly marvelous “gate keeper” controlling everything that passes into and out of our cells and the organelles within them. The phospholipids in Vectomega know the secret password, so to speak, to easily get across the PL barrier of our cell membranes creating five times more intestinal absorption and up to fifty times more intercellular absorption compared to regular fish oils. In addition, the unaltered PL chains in Vectomega have a natural affinity for the tissues of the brain and heart. “The root of all disease is oxidation and inflammation,” states Dr. Decker Weiss, NMD, FASA, a naturopathic cardiologist who has achieved outstanding success with his patients. In an article published by www.terrytalksnutrition.com, Dr. Weiss recommends phospholipid-bound-omega-3 supplementation and the use of the powerful botanicals Indian gooseberry (also known as amla), curcumin (from turmeric), green tea and reseveratrol. Together, these five supplements achieve superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity to help prevent plaque buildup and reduce inflammation in the arteries and to reduce the risk of LDL cholesterol oxidation — all of which contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke. Vectomega from EuroPharma is easy to take: just one tablet (smaller than a one-gram fish oil softgel) is equivalent to more than eight capsules of fish oil and more than six ounces of salmon. Please keep in mind that most of us eat cooked salmon and heat can oxidize beneficial fatty acids into detrimental ones, but Vectomega is processed without heat thereby maintaining fatty acid integrity. And it’s burp-free.

From Evergreen’s Archive: March 2010

Cruciferous Veggies & Your Health, Part 1

Let your food be your medicine … Diet and health are inextricably linked. When it comes to a class of foods with health-giving properties, everyone’s mother knew of the value of vegetables. Within this noble group, however, exists a family of vegetables with truly profound health benefits: cruciferous vegetables (crucifers). Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, collards, kale, and mustard greens are all examples of crucifers. They are readily identifiable by their pungency, indicating the presence of sulfur compounds and other valuable phytonutrients. Think of the peppery tang of watercress or arugula, for example. Think of healthy goodness. Cruciferous vegetable compounds have been extensively studied for their activity in the human body and role in health. The phytonutrients present in crucifers are some of the most detoxifying, cleansing and cell-protective substances found in food. The term “detoxification” may be defined as the cleansing process by which our bodies eliminate harmful compounds. We will explore some of the specific chemicals found in crucifers and their amazing abilities.

What Do They Do?

The compounds found in cruciferous vegetables have a broad array of activity. Some have been shown to act directly by blocking cancer-causing compounds. Other chemicals present increase the body’s antioxidant enzyme glutathione, and thus protect and detoxify in multiple pathways. The body’s primary detoxification system through the liver is composed of three steps, or phases. Phase I, II and III are a system of proteins and enzymes that requires balance. Various combinations of phytonutrients in crucifers both increase and balance the activity of Phase I, II and III enzymes. In short, these vegetables provide a “mini-detox” with their consumption. We will go into depth looking at two cruciferous cancer-fighting and antioxidant nutrients.

Sulphoraphane

This is a compound not actually stored in crucifers, but rather formed in the digestive system from other compounds after ingestion. Accelerated breakdown and the production of cancer-preventing compounds can enhance the elimination of carcinogens before they have chance to damage DNA and halt the process of normal cells becoming transformed into cancer cells. Numerous studies have been conducted on sulphoraphane with regard to reduced risk of many types of cancers. One of the first studies split rats into two groups, one of which was treated with the compound. All of the animals were then exposed to a powerful cancer-inducing chemical. The sulphoraphane-treated rats developed 39% fewer tumors than the untreated group. Also the tumors that did develop progressed at a slower rate. Other studies concluded similar findings, showing that sulphoraphane kills cancer stem cells, slows the growth of tumors, and promotes the death of cancer cells. In various studies, the compound has been shown to reduce the risk of many types of cancer: breast, bladder, lung, prostate, cervix, and blood (leukemia). It also has been shown to suppress inflammation and  inhibit angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth feeding tumors). Supplements are available of this phytonutrient, and Evergreen carries several. DIM Supreme from Solaray supplies 10 mg of sulphoraphane from broccoli extract. Breast Gard supplies 10 mg along with other cruciferous nutrients for detoxification.

DIM

Dindolymethane (DIM) has been shown to help the body keep a healthy balance between “good estrogen” (2 hydroxy-estrone) and “bad estrogen” (16-alpha,hydroxy-estrone). As well, it has been shown to slow or halt cancer cells from growing. In one famous study, women with a cervical cancer precursor (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) were treated with DIM. After three to six months, 100% of the women receiving 200 mg of DIM daily had their neoplasia completely resolved. Certain estrogens stimulate existing breast and prostate cancers. DIM’s ability to shift the balance between the two estrogen metabolites can prevent estrogen-induced stimulation of prostate cancer, since estrogen and testosterone are closely related. Men taking testosterone boosters may help retain their hormone levels by taking DIM which will prevent the conversion of some of that hormone into estrogen. Xeno-estrogens (hormone-mimickers) found in the environment wreak havoc on healthy sex hormone balance. DIM helps the liver to detoxify these “false” estrogens, particularly in men for whom excess estrogen is undesirable and unhealthy. DIM is widely available in supplement form. Evergreen stocks the above-mentioned DIM Supreme and Breast Gard. Life Extension offers its Optimized Broccoli and Cruciferous Blend which supplies 100 mg of DIM. If consuming the vegetables themselves, remember to choose organically grown. Plants concentrate these phytonutrients as protection against environmental stressors. Thus pesticide-laden plants will not have these optimal levels. Be sure to check out Part 2 for more information on protecting and detoxifying with crucifers.

Men’s Health: Dads and Grads

In addition to the obvious outward differences between men and women, the two sexes have different nutritional needs as well. Just as women’s bodies change during pregnancy and may require additional nutrients during this time, men have certain nutritional requirements, especially as they age.

The Importance of Zinc

The primary nutrient men need throughout their life for a multitude of health concerns is the mineral zinc. Zinc is required for healthy sexual development in males in early life, and in adolescence the mineral becomes important for testosterone production and subsequent growth, as well as healthy skin. Sexually active men will lose zinc as it is required for healthy sperm motility and is a primary constituent of semen. A shortage of zinc may also contribute to a low sperm count and loss of libido. In mid-life zinc levels become even more critical as most of the zinc stores in a man’s body are in the prostate. This gland requires zinc for normal functioning, and adequate zinc stores may prevent the enlargement and abnormal growth which interfere with normal urine flow among other issues. Zinc is relatively difficult to absorb, so supplementation may be of great benefit. Dosages generally range from 15-50 milligrams. Higher potencies usually contain some copper as well since the two minerals compete for absorption.

Nourish Your Heart

The B Complex vitamins are important to a man’s cardiovascular health in midlife and beyond especially. Vitamin B-12, Folic Acid and Vitamin B-6 together help to decrease levels of the toxic amino acid homocysteine, a byproduct of protein metabolism which is implicated in increased risk of heart attack, stroke and even Alzheimer’s disease. The most famous attribute of the B complex, energy, comes partly from helping the body deal with stress, and what man couldn’t benefit from less stress and more energy?

Whole-Food Nutrition is Best

A good way for men of any age to cover their nutritional bases is with a quality multivitamin. Food-grown multivitamin formulas are a particularly good choice for their ease of use and absorption. They may be taken conveniently any time of day, on an empty stomach if desired, and since the energizing B vitamins are in a food coenzymated form the effects are immediately noticeable. Several companies have taken the food-grown process a step beyond, producing formulations in which every nutrient is sourced directly from a particular vegetable, fruit or herb. These are truly 100% whole food nutritional products with absolutely no synthetic nutrients in sight. As they are considered food by the body, their absorption and utilization may far surpass conventional isolated/synthetic vitamins.

MyKind from Garden of Life

One of the forerunners of the whole food vitamin companies is Garden of Life. They have recently teamed with actress and best-selling health advocate Alicia Silverstone to produce a line of whole food multivitamins which are 100% certified organic, non-GMO Verified, gluten-free and vegan. myKind Organics uses power foods like kale, blueberries, broccoli and ginger to obtain the nutrients in their multivitamins. There are several men’s formulas available including a one-a-day packed with nutritional punch for those men who prefer less fuss. The Men’s Multi 40+ is a two tablet serving size and includes extra botanical support for heart and prostate health such as pomegranate and pumpkin seed.

Whole Earth & Sea

Another completely food-derived men’s multiple comes from Whole Earth & Sea by Natural Factors. All nutrients come from organic produce grown at their own farm along with sea vegetables and organic herbs such as milk thistle and green tea. Formulas are non-GMO and gluten free. Their Men’s 50+ multi includes prostate-supportive saw palmetto and lycopene. Evergreen is featuring all of these men’s formulas during June. All will be on sale with several formulas as much as 40% off. There are formulas for everyone from grads to Dads.

Versatile Flower Essences

Flower essences are potentized dilutions of blossoms and buds from a wide variety of flowers and trees. They are vibrational in nature, as are homeopathic remedies. Flower essences act upon the person, not the symptoms or disorder, energizing us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. By using flower essences we transform negativity into positive energy which allows suppressed symptoms and emotions to surface thereby facilitating integration of all aspects of our Self to promote healing and attain well-being through balance. Flower essences are not essential oils. They have no scent, may be safely taken internally and are in a base of water and brandy. People of all ages, animals and even plants may use them alone or as an adjunct to other modes of healing. They are very safe and effective. Essences may be taken diluted in water, placed directly under the tongue or added to a room spray or massage oil. Choose a single essence or custom blend several to suit your needs.

VERSATILE, SAFE, EFFECTIVE

BLACKBERRY for decisive action. OREGON GRAPE to gain the ability to trust. POISON OAK if you seek emotional openness. MUSTARD for depression without an obvious cause. DANDELION to release emotional tension in the body. FIVE FLOWER FORMULA for calmness under stress or in an emergency; traveling with animals; re-potting plants. At Evergreen Nutrition we have over 100 flower essences and several good books to help you choose the right one(s) for you or your animal friends. We also carry a locally-grown and -made flower essence brand, Cortesia. See the December 2007 Newsletter for more information.

USE FLOWER ESSENCES FOR:

• Adjusting to City Life
• Eating Disorders
• Learning Difficulties
• Addiction
• Healing
• Breaking Bad Habits
• Motivation
• Vitality
• Meditation
• Self-Esteem
• Forgiveness
• Anxiety
• Resentment
• And Much More!

From Evergreen’s Archive: April 2012

Staff Faves for Immune Health

Despite the fact that spring is finally here, good old-fashioned germs are still floating around at any season. Evergreen Nutrition staff members, working with the public as we do, are well-versed in supplements for immune support and health. In this newsletter, we would like to share some our favorite remedies with you.   Paula likes the grand triumvirate of a high-quality, whole-food multivitamin (with minerals), probiotics and fish/cod liver oil for a great start to maintaining over-all health. For immunity specifically, taking extra food-sourced Vitamin C, like HealthForce Truly Natural Vitamin C, is a smart option. “I also take Stamets 7 by Host Defense every day and notice a big difference in my immune response. In addition, when I’ve been exposed to sick people or feel like I’m fighting something, extra zinc and Vitamin A are on the menu. And liquid elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a pleasant preventive against viral onslaughts plus it’s yummy on vanilla ice cream — just for fun!”   Tony likes Eclectic Institute’s Lomatium Osha Compound. He says that it contains herbs that are “immune-enhancers and help to heal any cold that settles in your chest.” This product is, incidentally, one of our perennial best-sellers in the immune section.   Kelley recommends Planetary Herbal’s Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup for coughs and respiratory congestion. “It loosens things up and is soothing,” she says. “It has lots of good lung herbs.” She also is a fan of olive leaf extract, probiotics and Wellness Herbal Resistance Formula from Source Naturals.   Lauren is a big fan of oregano oil. She takes it on a regular basis, as well as making sure it is available when others around her are sick, and she enjoys the benefit of never becoming sick herself. She also likes Super Lysine Plus from Eugene’s Quantum Health. She appreciates the formula, with its garlic and anti-viral lysine.   Paul likes zinc for basic immune support. “The monomethionine form is one of the best as far as absorption,” he says. “It does not bind to phytates found in grains and legumes like other forms of the mineral. OptiZinc from Solaray is this form.” Also a big fan of the medicinal mushrooms, he is particularly fond of reishi (Ganoderma lucidum s.l.), since it supports so many different body organs in addition to bolstering the immune system. “It can be taken on a daily basis and will generally keep one from becoming sick,” he adds.   Craig says, “Moducare is all you need. For many years I have taken three capsules a day.” Moducare strengthens weak T-cell activity thereby helping your immune system to effectively fight off viral and microbial diseases and it is helpful for autoimmune conditions because it reduces inflammation.   Yaakov, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, relies on old stalwarts Vitamins A, D and C, and, as a nutritionist, he understands their immune-supportive properties well. Host Defense mushroom products are high on his list after the vitamins. He likes MyCommunity and Stamets 7 for daily and comprehensive immune support. Also agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis), a medicinal mushroom which he says is particularly good for people with auto-immune conditions.   Terri, Evergreen’s Certified Clinical Nutritionist, has several recommendations. “Vibrant Health’s Gigartina Red Marine Algae (Gigartina skottsbergii) is an excellent source of sulfated polysaccharides which form a shield that inhibits a virus’s ability to adhere to cell membranes.” Terri also likes probiotics. She says, “The beneficial bacteria in your gut are a huge part of your defense system. It only makes sense to support and expand their populations.” Her secret weapon? Garlic! “I eat garlic every day. It was used effectively for infection before penicillin and other antibiotics and has been shown to be effective against colds, flu, stomach virus as well as more serious infections like tuberculosis, botulism, typhoid fever and cholera.” From all of us at Evergreen Nutrition, we wish you the best of health!

Fermented Foods & Herbs

Even people with the most mainstream or typical “Standard American Diet” have heard of fermented foods, although they may not realize it. Yogurt, sauerkraut, and wine are all examples of the wonders of fermentation. Natural fermentation of food and beverages has been utilized by nearly every civilization going back more than five thousand years. Fermentation naturally preserves foods and this was most likely the main reason for ancient peoples devising these methods. Cultured (fermented) vegetables can last unrefrigerated for up to eight months.

What is Fermentation?

Simply put, fermentation is “pre-digestion” of a food, with a complete transformation taking place in the end product. Friendly bacteria naturally present in the foods or in the air environment reproduce and convert sugars and starches into lactic acid bacteria (very friendly critters), yeasts, enzymes, and vitamins. The result is a substance dramatically more nutritious and also easier to digest than the original. These foods enhance digestion and assimilation of other foods eaten with them, and thanks to the presence of the lactobacilli, protect against unfriendly, or pathogenic, bacteria which may cause food-borne illness. This was another bonus for ancient peoples. It is not an exaggeration to state that the more friendly bacteria in your gut the healthier on multiple levels you will be. (See our three-part series on probiotics: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.) Some examples of traditional fermented foods include kimchi (Korea), natto and miso (Japan), yogurt and sauerkraut (various European cultures). Nearly any food can be fermented, and many beverages also. Kvass, kefir, lassi, and kombucha are latter examples.

“Supplementary” Fermentation

Not only food can be fermented. Savvy supplement shoppers may be familiar with companies such as New Chapter and Megafood who use fermentation methods to create their multivitamins and other supplements. These products not only have superior absorption and utilization in the body, but thanks to the culturing process using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a beneficial yeast, they contain naturally-occurring nutrients such as immune-enhancing beta-glucans and superoxide dismutase. Several companies are now producing herbal products using fermentation to create increased bioavailability dynamo versions of popular herbs and formulas. Dr. Mercola has a line of fermented herb products including Fermented Ginseng for energy and overall well-being, Fermented Ginger for healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract function and inflammatory response, and Fermented Beets with Red Spinach for cardiovascular health and exercise performance. Mercola’s products offer improved absorption, reduced digestive issues, ingredients with greater benefits and strength, and prebiotics for a healthy digestive system.

“Traditional” Booster Powders & More

New Chapter has taken some of their previous herbal products and released new fermented versions using their clinically studied strains of probiotics and whole foods. Fermented Maca Booster Powder contains, in addition to maca, an energizing blend of schizandra and cardamom. This product is touted for endurance and recovery support.  Fermented Aloe Booster Powder contains a detoxifying and digestive support blend including peppermint and coriander. Fermented Turmeric Booster Powder contains only the revered super-herb turmeric, touted for inflammation, brain, and heart support. Genuine Health is another company that strongly believes in fermented products. They offer several kinds of fermented protein powders, which are 25%-40% better absorbed than unfermented proteins. Fermentation also eliminates allergens and anti-nutrients (compounds in some foods — especially grains, beans, legumes and nuts — that interfere with nutrient absorption), making a much more nutritious and digestible product. New from Genuine Health is an addition to their joint health line featuring natural eggshell membrane. They have added fermented turmeric to their fast joint+care to create a truly effective anti-inflammatory with tremendous testimonials from users. Let fermented foods and supplements help make a healthier you!