Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Aloe Vera Barbadensis Jelly

At Evolving Nutrition we often receive calls from practitioners looking for a product to help with everything from mosquito bites, to an itchy rash due to an allergic reaction, or even the dreaded PUPP rash found in pregnancy. While we normally suggest products to help support the immune system, that often times can take longer than a patient is willing to wait for relief. When that is the case, we have often times referred practitioners to the product described below, because two of our employees, who suffer from severe allergic reactions, have reported feeling immediate relief. upon application.

* Please note that we are not affiliated with L'BRI PURE n' NATURAL in any way, we just believe in being as helpful as possible!


 Aloe Vera Barbadensis Jelly is a product no home should be without. Knowledge about Aloe Vera and its healing properties has been passed down from the ancients.  Aloe has been known for hundreds of years as the medicine plant, the healing plant, and also Cleopatra’s beauty secret! It contains 75 nutrients, 200 active compounds, 20 essential minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. The trace minerals, vitamins, especially some important members of the vitamin B family, and the enzymes contained in the gel-like juice found in the inner cells of the plant, perform all the magic.

Used topically, Aloe jelly has been well documented to facilitate the healing of any kind of skin wounds, burns or scalds, and even speeding recovery time after surgery. A pure unadulterated gel speeds the healing of cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises and sprains. Aloe takes the sting away and immediately calms sunburn and insect bites. It works quickly to calm irritated and inflamed skin, instantly taking away the itch. In most cases, using Aloe jelly cuts the healing time right in half!

Aloe Vera works extremely well in fading scar tissue from past burns, old wounds, and suture marks. It also can be used on blisters, rashes, sores, athlete’s foot, allergic reactions, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, and dry skin.  Simply apply Aloe jelly to affected areas as needed.  For scar tissue, be sure to apply twice daily. Aloe Vera jelly is also recommended as a light weight moisturizer gel to be used on excessively oily skin and blemished skin to control breakouts and speed the healing of blemishes.

Aloe Vera jelly is for all skin types. It penetrates quickly to calm and sooth irritated or inflamed skin.  It acts as a natural bandage to help the healing of blemished skin. No medicine cabinet should be without it!

This is one truly miraculous plant! 
 

If you have questions about aloe or would like to reach out to a consultant at L'BRI PURE n' NATURAL, please contact Kathy Stubbs (Senior Consultant and Certified Skin Care Consultant) at Kathy@DreamJourney.net or you can visit her website at www.kathystubbs.lbri.com!

Monday, June 23, 2014

Naturopathic Medicine for Global Health Clinic in Panajachel, Guatemala

We are proud to support Dr. Beeson in her endeavors in Guatemala. Please continue to read below about her invaluable work with Naturopathic Medicine for Global Health Clinic.


Dear Interested & generous friends,

Thank you sincerely for your donation of product for the patients at the Naturopathic Medicine for Global Health Clinic  (NMGH)in Panajachel, Guatemala.
 
You can rest assured that all your offerings were put to excellent use. I spent one week treating patients who have little in the way of medical resources and I used the vitamins and probiotics proudly and gratefully, in treating the local population from babies to the elderly.
 
The people who came to the clinic included the indigenous people from the 11 villages surrounding Lake Atitlan, in south western Guatemala, who sell their wares in the street booths, and the Ladinos who live and work in all walks of life. They pay nothing or what amounts to $2.50, if they can. The clinic offers screening for malnutrition for babies and children, performed at no cost by the public health workers.  It also feature home health visits, to follow up patients after their visits to the clinic, and a weekly woman’s clinic held by a Guatemalan ObGyn doctor.
 
It is a different experience to diagnose and treat patients with limited access to diagnostic services, such as laboratory testing, imaging [xrays, MRIs] and minimal resources in the way of supplements and medications. It was necessary to quickly assess what was available in the small dispensary and use my fledgling Spanish to educate and recommend home treatments and nutritional advice.

As in the United States, diabetes is a national health crisis. However rice, tortillas and beans are staples in the local diets, with animal protein generally too expensive for most folks to afford on a daily basis. And, unfortunately, simple, refined sugars and starches are cheap and readily available in the form of soda and white bread & pastry items.


My hope is to help establish a residency site for naturopathic residents and to continue to support the work @ NMGH. Your confidence in me and generous response to my request are greatly appreciated.

In gratitude,

Margaret Beeson, ND

Monday, March 17, 2014

Aloe Vera for Your Hair, by Kathy Stubbs


Aloe Vera for Your Hair, by Kathy Stubbs

Hair issues, such as hair loss, thinning, excessive dryness, itchiness around the scalp, and dandruff, can make any one frustrated. To get rid of these hair problems people will try all sorts of remedies. Like many other remedies for healthy hair, using products with Aloe Vera is quite popular. In fact, it has been popularly used by many cultures as one of the top remedies for hair related issues.

Aloe Vera is a short stemmed plant; its leaves are thick and fleshy with grayish green color. It produces a yellowish flower on a spike towards the top. It is mainly the gel of the leaves that is used in hair care products.  

Just look around and you will be amazed to find different hair care products such as hair cream, shampoo, conditioner and so on with Aloe Vera as one of the main ingredients. This is mainly because Aloe Vera is good for hair. It contains more than 20 minerals and vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E that are essential for healthy hair.

The many hair benefits of Aloe Vera:

Reduces Sebum - Sebum is a naturally produced oily substance secreted by the hair glands. Sebum helps in keeping the scalp well moisturized, but excess amount of sebum can hamper healthy hair. When excess sebum accumulates on the scalp, it mixes with dirt and blocks the pore from where hair grows out. The antibacterial properties of Aloe Vera help the problem of build-up of excess sebum on the scalp.

Balances pH Level - Aloe Vera contains a kind of enzyme that helps cleanse the scalp by balancing the pH level of the scalp. When the scalp is clean and blood circulation to the scalp is good, hair growth is healthier. 

Great Moisturizer - Aloe Vera also acts as a great source of moisturizer for the scalp and hair follicles. It contains over 20 minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. When your hair is getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals, you will enjoy healthier hair.

Conditioner for Hair - Aloe Vera is also a great natural hair conditioner. Regular use of Aloe Vera will help in restoring the sheen, luster, and shine of your hair. It also makes hair soft without any trace of dryness. The best thing about Aloe Vera is that it does not have greasy buildup that many hair care products often leave behind.

Stops Dandruff - Aloe Vera is a cooling agent so it helps in preventing dryness that often causes dandruff. It also has anti-fungal properties which stops dandruff and prevents it from reoccurring. As Aloe Vera helps in keeping the natural oil of hair in balance there will never be the problem of hair dryness. Also Aloe Vera brings a refreshing and cooling sensation to the scalp.

You can try many hair care products containing Aloe Vera. There are gels, shampoos, conditioners, and hair creams, to name a few. Natural Aloe Vera hair care products are an ideal alternative to commercial hair products which have harsh chemicals in them. 

Important Note:  There is no doubt that Aloe Vera is a great natural product for your hair. Using Aloe Vera for various hair related problems is safe, natural, and affordable. But you must remember that there are a variety of different causes for hair loss, such as scalp infections, reactions to medications, illness, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and other medical reasons. Please consult a doctor to discover the actual cause behind your hair problem. This will help to determine if Aloe Vera can effectively treat you and get you back into healthy hair.

 

If you have questions about aloe or would like to reach out to a consultant at L'BRI PURE n' NATURAL, please contact Kathy Stubbs (Senior Consultant and Certified Skin Care Consultant) at Kathy@DreamJourney.net or you can visit her website at www.kathystubbs.lbri.com!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Clear Mind Diet – Food for a Healthy Mood, by Dr. Corey Schuler, MS, DC, CNS, LN

Our Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Corey Schuler recently released a teaser to his Clear Mind program to improve serious mood issues, cravings, and brain health.

"Bipolar disorder is sometimes referred to by its older, more familiar name: manic depression. This is highly descriptive but also a very isolating term for those who suffer from the condition. When it comes to mood, these individuals have higher than average highs and lower lows.

While more than 6 million people in the US are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there are likely many more who are undiagnosed. These people go through each day not realizing that their lack of sleep at night, their need for naps during the day, the tendency to crave drugs or alcohol, and the angry outbursts and irritability followed by sadness, are more than simply"...to read the full article, click HERE
 

 

 

Monday, June 10, 2013

Leaving Caffeine Behind is a Mental Disorder, by Dr. Corey Schuler

Leaving Caffeine Behind is a Mental Disorder

Because I’m immature, ever since Starbucks introduced their new lighter “blonde” roast and their size nomenclature violates the small, medium, large that I grew up on, my favorite thing to do is to go through the drive-through and order “Two, Tall, hot Blondes, please.” Of course, I am always corrected by the barista, “You’d like two blonde roasts in the tall size, no ice?” which I’m sure she expects to be a less chauvinistic version of my idiocy, but I laugh to myself each time nevertheless. I guess it is my version of “You said ‘butt’, hehe.” And while many of us thought that paying $5 for a tasty herbal beverage was the real mental disorder, we’ll have to wait for DSM-VI for that diagnosis because a new one is on the table.

If you are a committed coffee drinker or enjoy a few too many caffeinated sodas or drinks on the weekends and are considering modifying your habits, your morning routine and entire world as you know it now has new implications. You may be crazy.

As part of the roll-out of ICD-10, the International Classification of Disease version 10, that medical rule book that places you squarely into a box based on a series of 3-5 digits, the DSM-V (American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version five) has a quirky new diagnosis that may affect you.
 
It is called withdrawal from caffeine intoxication. The diagnosis is well meaning. People who consume 250 mg of caffeine can experience caffeine intoxication and can fundamentally change their brain chemistry and the withdrawal period of this drug, yes drug, is now a listed and recognized diagnostic mental disorder. How much is 250 mg?
  • 12 ounces (Tall) Starbucks Coffee            
  • 32-56 ounces of green tea, brewed for 3 minutes            
  • 100 ounces of most sodas (5 – 20 ounce bottles)
  • 1.5-16 ounce cans of most energy drinks
  • 1.9 ounces of 5-Hour Energy (contains about 208 mg)
Caffeine-related disorders include intoxication which first made it into the DSM-IV in 2011 with symptoms of restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushed face, excessive urination (diuresis), gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitching, rambling flow of thought and speech, tachycardia or cardiac arrhythmia, periods of inexhaustibility or unintentional motion (psychomotor agitation). If you know me at all, you might not recognize me if I didn’t express these symptoms.

Caffeine withdrawal and its inclusion as a mental disorder started rumbling almost 10 years ago when an article appeared in Psychopharmacology where researchers from American University (Washington, DC a bastion of caffeine consumption) wrote about the symptoms of withdrawal including
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased energy/activeness
  • Decreased alertness
  • Drowsiness
  • Decreased contentedness
  • Depressed mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Foggy/not clearheaded
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Muscle pain/stiffness
With a list of symptoms like this, I’m starting to believe this should be included in the manual. They go on to say “the incidence of headache was 50% and the incidence of clinically significant distress or functional impairment was 13%.” Those are high numbers for withdrawal from a widely available, freely distributed, and highly utilized drug.

What is interesting to me is that they noted that these symptoms of caffeine withdrawal tend to occur 12-24 hours after the high and continue for 2-9 days. 

And this may come as no shock, but the higher the daily dose of caffeine, the worse the symptoms. What I found really curious is that symptoms were caused by doses as low as 100 mg. They concluded, mind you, this is 2004, “The caffeine-withdrawal syndrome has been well characterized and there is sufficient empirical evidence to warrant inclusion of caffeine withdrawal as a disorder in the DSM and revision of diagnostic criteria in the ICD.” It is 2013 and now it is included. So instead of being shocked, maybe we should be appalled at how long this inclusion took!I can attest to the validity of the new withdrawal diagnosis. As part of my support of a client who is training for a bikini competition, I gave up, with her, coffee for the month of June. On May 31st, I enjoyed a medium Americano and probably a pot of home-brew in expectation of the worst month of my life.

June 1st hit hard. The entire first week, I exhibited all of the tell-tale signs of an addict. I searched for every version of “coffee-methadone” I could find. I even [gasp] drank a soda, which has no redeeming qualities. I just about sputtered it out and certainly tried to neutralize the toxins with pH Quintessence the 40:1 concentration of alfalfa from Natural Health International as well as SoleTherapy from Original Himalayan Crystal Salt. Yes, the symptoms are transient, but they are intense. Headache and irritability were my symptoms. I’m still writing apology notes.

In regards to the inclusion of withdrawal from caffeine intoxication into the DSM-V, I have some concerns that should perhaps be addressed sooner than later. With the public discourse on gun control and the implication of mental disease being the basis of failing a background check, will reduction in the routine overconsumption of energy drinks be the cause of limited civil liberties? “Sorry guys, I’d love to go to the range with you for the afternoon of the bachelor party, but I recently stopped a two venti a day habit, so I can’t go.”  I recognize, I’m in the realm of hyperbole, but the reality is that while new legislation is aimed at safety and reduction of violence, the possible unintended consequence is a further reluctance to seek mental health help. Different topic for a different day.

As for me, I’ve learned my lesson. I have been controlled by a substance for far too long. However, I enjoy coffee for its flavor, its effects, and health benefits, and will find a more healthful way to enjoy my warm beverage of choice.
 
There is a take home point. For those who are embarking upon a new detoxification program, a new health habit, or simply shifting your gears in relation to the food, supplements, or medications you are using, please remember that it is not always the addition of a substance that causes symptoms, but it can also be the removal of substances that causes symptoms (or improvements). The next substances you might see in an article like this might be sugar (sucrose or fructose) or any of the artificial sweeteners (sucralose aka Splenda, aspartame, acesulfame potassium aka ace-K). So, don’t just tell your healthcare provider what you started to fix your problem, but also tell them what you stopped. 

Reference: Juliano LM, Griffiths RR. A critical review of caffeine withdrawal: empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2004 Oct;176(1):1-29. Epub 2004 Sep 21.

Monday, May 13, 2013

We Are Hiring!


Evolving Nutrition Is Looking To Hire Insides Sales Representatives!

An Inside Sales Representative is responsible for generating new business by following up on inbound marketing leads, qualifying their needs, selling nutraceutical products from the brands Evolving Nutrition offers, and developing strong customer satisfaction via phone (inside sales) and web contact. Please note that this is a contract position.

This representative will be responsible to:

  • Set their own monthly goals
  • Meet and exceed monthly goals
  • Provide prompt phone/email follow up to all inbound leads and properly document and track results
  • Make calls to healthcare professionals and clinics in a designated territory
  • Feel comfortable speaking on the phone with doctors and office managers
  • Build and maintain knowledge base of the brands Evolving Nutrition offers
Qualifications:

  • Excellent verbal (via telephone) and written(via email) communication skills Strong listening skills and presentation skills
  • Ability to build strong rapport, establish trust and credibility through a consultative approach, and balance assertive sales follow-up
  • A self-starter who can effectively work from home. This is strictly a work from home position during normal business hours.
  • Time Management skills -- able to manage multiple priorities effectively
  • Highly effective at web-based product demonstrations

Compensation:

·         Commission only

 If you are highly motivated, energetic and seek the challenges & rewards of supporting healthcare practitioners in their nutritional needs, we would like to hear from you! This is a unique opportunity to work in a rapidly-growing, fast-paced organization that believes that the customer’s needs come first. We offer you the ability to work from home and set your own monthly obtainable monthly quotas. To apply please email your resume and cover letter to info@evolvingnutrition.com. Please make sure that you title your email in the subject line “I Love Evolving Nutrition”.

Evolving Nutrition is a family owned nutraceutical distributorship providing professional grade supplements and superior customer service. We make it our mission to set the industry standards in customer service, and to partner with practitioners in their nutraceutical needs, while treating each client with the compassion and respect they deserve. For additional information please visit our website at www.evolvingnutrition.com

Friday, April 5, 2013

Irritable Bowel Syndrome by David Musnick MD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome by David Musnick MD 


Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal condition. It is the most common gastrointestinal condition that is diagnosed in the US and Canada. The US prevalence is estimated at 10-15% of the population. There is a higher incidence in women than men and the incidence appears to increase with age. The diagnostic criteria are:

1.      Recurrent and intermittent abdominal pain for at least 3 days per month in the last 3 months. The pain is periumbilical and can be fairly widespread. The pain is usually mild to moderate but not severe. The abdominal pain can be set off by foods, stress etc. For the diagnosis the abdominal pain must have been a consistent but not necessarily constant symptom.
 
And at least 2 of the following symptoms:

1.      Gas and bloating.

2.      Irregular frequency of stools. The patient may have constipation or diarrhea. Often these patients have multiple unformed stools per day. (Note: of concern is more than 4 watery stools per day.  Also cause for concern would be any blood in the stools as this is not associated with IBS).

3.      Mucous in the stools. This is a minor criterion.

4.      Straining and urgency with bowel movements or incomplete emptying.

Causes of IBS

One known cause is post-GI infection IBS in which the GI infection precedes the onset of IBS or makes it a lot worse.

There appears to be a dysregulation of the enteric nervous system in all forms of IBS and thus there is sensitization of the GI nervous system. This leads to abdominal pain with less provocation and less gas and distention.

Patients with fibromyalgia are at more risk for developing IBS and there appears to be some inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathophysiology.

Contributing and Aggravating Factors

1.      Food allergies can trigger worsening of IBS and need to be tested for and treated.

2.      Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease need to be checked with antibody panels or specialized arrays from Cyrex Labs.

3.      GI inflammation.

4.      Deficiencies of stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes can make IBS worse

5.      Dysbiosis in the small and large intestine can make IBS significantly worse. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can make IBS worse.

6.      Leaky gut

7.      NSAIDS

8.      Stress

9.      Dysfunction of the enteric nervous system. There appears to be sensitization of this system. The implications of this is that it takes less to trigger and set off abdominal pain. A little gas may trigger pain in a patient with IBS compared to a patient without IBS. The degree of this sensitization can vary patient to patient.

10.   Gastroenteritis can greatly flare up IBS.

11.  Menstruation can aggravate IBS.

Approach to Treatment

1.      Determine if the patient has a constipation-dominant IBS or a loose stool, diarrhea-dominant IBS. For constipation-dominant recommend magnesium-rich foods. Add magnesium in supplement form in either a powder or capsule. The oxide form is more likely to lead to bowel movement output. Consider also powdered vitamin C 3-5 grams to achieve bowel movements without an actual laxative. Also use aerobic exercise 20-40 minutes per day to improve GI motility.  Consider adding some non-absorbable sugars like xylitol-containing gum unless that provokes pain. For diarrhea and loose stool IBS limit all of the non-absorbable sugars. For this type consider all of the below recommendations including a low FODMAPS diet (fermentable oligo-, di- and mono-saccharides, and polyols) if the other recommendations are not enough.

2.      When taking any mineral or bone products make sure there is a balance of magnesium with it or take extra supplemental magnesium. Evolving Nutrition offers Tri-Magnesium (BioGenesis).

3.      Use and introduce fiber in small amounts. Try to use food-based fiber sources first and if unsuccessful introduce small amounts of fiber in a supplement form. Monitor carefully to make sure the fiber does not increase symptoms. Limit wheat bran fiber. If you use a fiber supplement do not use it in the morning and use more soluble than insoluble fiber. Do not introduce very much supplemental fiber especially in diarrhea-dominant IBS. Always have a lot of water with the fiber.

4.      Consider the addition of lubricant type foods such as: chia, flaxseed, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, okra, leeks, etc.

5.      Limit caffeine in diarrhea-prone IBS. Use caffeine in constipation-dominant IBS.

6.      Limit or eliminate irritant-prone foods such as: alcohol, sugar, non-absorbable sweeteners, sugar alcohols, etc.

7.      Use an anti-inflammatory diet.

8.      Avoid long periods of time with the patient going without food. Ask them to eat protein regularly.

9.      Avoid eating sweets, chips and other non-nutritive foods.

10.  Test for food allergies with at least an IgG panel as well as test for gluten sensitivity.

11.  Eliminate all allergic foods. If the patient is gluten sensitive they must eliminate all gluten completely and consistently.

12.  Eliminate NSAIDS and spicy foods.

13.  Start treating the leaky gut syndrome with supplements to heal the GI lining. Consider Intestinal Repair Complex powder mixed in water in between meals for at least one month. Consider adding extraL-glutamine powder with BioGenesis GlutaminePowder.

14.  Use a good probiotic that resists stomach acid or is protected from the stomach acid and use at least 5 billion organisms per day. The strains that have been tested and show efficacy in IBS are: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and LC705, Bifidobacterium breve, VSL#3, Bifidobacterium animalis as well as Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptoccocus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Consider BioGenesis Pro Flora Colonizer.

15.  Run a test for stool parasites and dysbiotic bacteria and yeast. If you find them, treat them. Consider BioGenesis Para Biotic Plus to treat parasites and dysbiotic bacteria.

16.  Support digestion with BioGenesis PanZyme or VegiZyme.

17.  If necessary, support stomach acid with Betaine HCL.

18.  Consider zinc carnosine to also aid in healing the gut lining.

19.  Consider curcumin to treat the inflammatory component if the prior steps do not work well enough. Use highly bioavailable forms.