Health Matters Newsletter

A probiotic supplement (friendly bacteria) may be able to help prevent gastrointestinal problems in older people. When comparing the make-up of “good” bacteria in the gut of those over 65 with younger adults, the older folk are found lacking.

In a placebo-controlled study, a daily probiotic supplement (friendly bacteria) was administered to a group of seniors. After four weeks, the level of bifidobacteria increased significantly in the supplemented group. More than that, there was a positive effect on the well-being of these people. Previous research has shown that a decrease in levels of these bacteria may be associated with gastrointestinal disease.

Research has also demonstrated that probiotic cultures can help to protect people with early signs of colon cancer from developing the disease. Bifidobacteria are thought to prevent colonization of the gut by pathogens.

Source: Preliminary results of the Crownalife Project, to be published this year.

Note: For a top-quality, high potency probiotic supplement, consider Nature’s Sunshine’s Probiotic Eleven (stock # 1510-1) or Bifidophilus Flora Force (stock # 4080-4). Because so many of our foods, notably dairy, chicken, turkey, and beef, are produced using antibiotics, a daily regimen of probiotics to replace those killed by antibiotics is critical to our digestion and immune system. Probiotics are especially important following any type of antibiotics therapy to avoid yeast and fungal infections and other serious problems.

If you are consuming Splenda because you think it is a safe alternative to sugar or other artificial sweeteners, you may be in for a big surprise. Research in animals has shown that consuming sucralose comes hand-in-hand with a plethora of health problems. Furthermore, there is now evidence that all artificial sweeteners increase the appetite for sugars and carbohydrates and do not lead to weight loss.

Splenda's Sour Side Effects

*Shrunken thymus glands (up to 40 percent shrinkage)
*Atrophy of lymph follicles in the spleen and thymus
*Reduced growth rate
*Decreased red blood cell count
*Diarrhea
*Enlarged liver and kidneys

You can see many reports of adverse effects of Splenda posted at www.mercola.com on the web. The fact is that many people are uneducated about the negative effects this product can have on your health and body and find out only after they experience a negative reaction.

A great way to satisfy your sweet tooth NATURALLY and SAFELY is with stevia -- a healthy alternative to sugar. Unlike sucralose and other artificial sweeteners that have been cited for dangerous toxicities, stevia is a natural alternative that's ideal for diabetics, those watching their weight and anyone interested in maintaining their health by avoiding sugar. Stevia can be used in appetizers, beverages, soups, salads, vegetables, and desserts -- virtually anything! It is, hands down, the best alternative to sugar you will ever taste. [Editorial Note: NSP has stevia both in convenient packettes, Stock #1381-6, and powdered extract, Stock #1386-7]

Prolonged magnesium deficiency leads to osteoporosis in test animals, a warning to many people who are not getting adequate levels of the mineral through their diets. Magnesium helps to increase bone density.
Osteoporosis currently affects 30 million people (predominantly women) worldwide and the number of related hip fractures is estimated to increase 135 per cent by the year 2050.
Source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2004;23(6):704S-711S.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include:
Nervousnous,
Increased cravings for sugar and sweet foods
Constipation
Many heart conditions, including arrhythmia, angina pain, congestive heart failure, strokes, hypertension, and high LDL cholesterol levels (the cholesterol that needs to be low).
Migraine headaches,
High blood pressure, and heart attacks (without magnesium, arteries, especially in the heart and brain, tense up, causing these problems)
Lack of concentration or difficulty concentrating
Irritability and nervousness, caused by poor transmission of nerve and muscle impulses
Spasmodic pains in women during monthly cycle

The following deplete magnesium in the body:
*stress
*diuretics
*fluoride
* refined flour
*chemotherapy
*too much sugar
*antibiotics
*large amounts of protein
*high fat foods (decrease absorption of magnesium)
*foods high in oxalic acid (such as almonds, cocoa, spinach and tea)

Deficiency is common in those consuming fast-food diets and processed foods, or even a diet of cooked vegetables.
Nature’s Sunshine has a wonderful product called Magnesium Complex, Stock # 1859-8, made up of readily absorbed natural sources of magnesium. Magnesium oxide is not a good source of the mineral. The more stress you experience, the more your need for magnesium increases.
Researchers found that although over 40 percent of the students studied took calcium and vitamin D supplements, they weren't getting enough magnesium. Skeletal Strength, Stock #1806 7 has a higher ratio of magnesium to the calcium than other Calcium/Magnesium combinations. It also has other nutrients necessary to strong bones, including vitamin D, and herbs that will enhance the absorption and utilization of these minerals.

Vitamin D inadequacy is highly prevalent among women treated for osteoporosis.

That’s the conclusion of a group of New York researchers, including specialists who treat osteoporosis. Their findings were presented at an Oct. 4, 2004, meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. The actions of vitamin D in the body include promoting the absorption and retention of calcium as well as phosphorus, another key mineral in bone building. Of the more than 10 million people in the United States affected by osteoporosis, 80 percent are women. Source: Medline Plus, Oct. 04, 2004

Where to find featured products

We promise you that you will get the highest quality products and best customer service when you deal with your Nature's Sunshine representative. If you are a Nature's Sunshine member, these products can be ordered through our office or direct from Nature's Sunshine at www.naturessunshine.com. If you are not a current Nature's Sunshine member, you may order these products on our site at www.naturallyherbs.com.

Note:The information contained in this message is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illnesses. We recommend that you contact a health care practitioner if you have any immediate health care concerns.