Nature’s Sunshine Herbs

BusinessWeek has published a very important article this week about cholesterol-lowering drugs stating, that “most people are taking something with no chance of benefit and a risk of harm.” It really clarifies that cholesterol plays very little role in heart disease and heart attacks. Click here to read the entire article. It is really important information.

What the article does not go into is how lowering your cholesterol too much can actually cause serious problems. Cholesterol is manufactured by the body to protect the cells. Without the cholesterol protecting our cells, the cells are attacked by toxins and mutate. Another name for this is cancer.

Please share this with others you know and care about. The article is long but well worth the read if this is a topic that is important to you.

Cinnamon has become increasingly popular for its positive effects on blood sugar
levels. Cinnamon contains a phytonutrient called methylhydroxychalcone polymer
(MHCP), which has been shown to aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
already within the normal range.1 Different species of cinnamon exist, and some studies
have shown that the Cinnamomum cassia species is most effective in promoting healthy
blood sugar levels.2

In a recent clinical study, 65 people with diabetes were given either a placebo or 3
grams of ground cinnamon bark for four months. Results showed that fasting glucose
levels decreased by 10% in the individuals that were given cinnamon bark and did not
change in those given the placebo.3 Another study, published in the Journal of the
American College of Nutrition, focused on the mechanism of action of the MHCP
component of cinnamon. Results of this in-depth study demonstrated that MHCP
increased glucose uptake, stimulated insulin receptors, increased the synthesis of
glycogen (the storage form of glucose) by up-regulating the activity of glycogen
synthase (the enzyme responsible for the formation of glycogen), decreased activity of
GSK-3B (an enzyme that inhibits glycogen synthase), and that there was a synergistic
effect when MHCP and insulin were combined in both the glucose uptake and glycogen
synthesis assays.4 Insulin and MHCP showed similar effects in all of the tests except the
glucose uptake assay, in which MHCP was even more effective than insulin. A lower
dose of MHCP was needed compared to insulin to achieve the same amount of glucose
uptake by cells.4 It was also observed that MHCP more effectively inhibited GSK-3B
enzyme compared to insulin. To explain the synergism seen when MHCP and insulin
were combined, the researchers suggested that MHCP and insulin may stimulate
insulin receptors through different mechanisms, and when combined, there is a greater
response. MHCP may have multiple effects within the cell. It may cause an insulin-like
response via the insulin receptor and affect enzymes involved in blood sugar
regulation.4 The results of this study show that MHCP exerts its beneficial effects on
blood glucose levels by mimicking the effects of insulin.

The oil of cinnamon has been linked to side effects, including vomiting, dizziness and
diarrhea.5 However cinnamon oil is much more concentrated than the powdered bark or
cinnamon bark extract, and no health hazards or side effects are known to be associated
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages of cinnamon bark.6
Cinnamon bark has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status in the U.S. and is likely
safe when used orally in medicinal amounts.5 As a general precaution, it is
recommended to avoid taking large amounts of cinnamon when pregnant or
breastfeeding due to insufficient information available on the use of cinnamon bark
during pregnancy and lactation in amounts greater than those found commonly in
foods.5

Healthy blood sugar levels are essential to maintaining optimum health. In addition to
seven ingredients that have a history of successful use in promoting healthy blood
sugar levels already within a normal range, the new and improved SugarReg includes
safe, yet effective amounts of cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia) to provide enhanced
blood sugar support.

References:
1. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research
Faculty; 2006:pg 270-271.
2. Verspohl EJ, Bauer K, Neddermann E. Antidiabetic effect of Cinnamomum cassia and
Cinnamomum zeylanicum in vivo and in vitro. Phytotherapy Research. 2005 Mar; 19(3):203-
6.
3. Mang B, Wolters M, Schmitt B, et al. Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar. European Journal
of Clinical Investigation. 2006;36:340-4.
4. Jarvill-Taylor KJ PhD, Anderson RA PhD, Graves DJ PhD. A Hydroxychalcone
Derived from Cinnamon Functions as a Mimetic for Insulin in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2001;20(4):327-336.
5. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 9th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research
Faculty; 2007:pg 332.
6. Murray L. Cinnamon. LaGow B, ed-in-chief. The PDR for Herbal Medicines 3rd ed.
New Jersey: Thompson PRD; 2004:pg 200.
Shannon Larsen
Nature’s Sunshine Health Sciences Dept.
November 6, 2007

As we’re coming into a presidential election year this year, one of the issues that is being debated is how to fix the national healthcare system. Does our healthcare system really need repair?

Well consider the following.

Americans spend more money on health care than any other nation on the face of the planet (over 15% of our entire nation’s expenditures). While we comprise only 5% of the world’s population, half of all the drug prescriptions in the world are taken by Americans.
This wouldn’t be so bad if we were the healthiest nation on the planet, but we aren’t. A report by the World Health Organization in 2000 ranked the U.S. 37th out of 190 nations in health care services. France was rated No. 1.

In terms of life expectancy, America ranks 42nd. Two decades ago we ranked 11th. Experts tell us that American life expectancy is continuing to decrease and our children won’t live as long as we will. France, Spain and Japan rank on top in terms of life expectancy, and they all spend less money on health care than we do. What is wrong with this picture?

More than 1.7 million Americans die of a chronic disease each year. Chronic disease accounts for about 70% of all deaths in the United States. Most of these deaths are caused by three diseases—heart disease, cancer and diabetes. These diseases aren’t just caused by old age, either. They are striking younger and younger people every year.

The American medical system also has one of the worst track records for making mistakes of any health care system in the world. Medical mistakes are ranked as the 6th leading cause of death, and that’s just the information that gets reported. Most errors aren’t reported.

Whatever the solutions offered by the candidates are, they will probably ignore one critical issue—prevention.

You see, what we have is a disease-care system, not a health-care system. We eat poorly, fail to exercise, don’t get enough sleep, live high stress lives and then go to the doctor looking for the “magic” answer for the health problems our lifestyle has created.

It’s not a popular message, so it’s unlikely that anyone is going to champion the cause of prevention, but the truth is, if we don’t start taking some responsibility for our own health, we’re going to continue to be one of the sickest industrialized nations on the planet.

If you’re ready to stop taking care of your diseases and start taking care of your health, here are a few things to consider.

• Start by upgrading your food choices. It’s not that hard to start eating more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods.
• Continue by getting some physical activity. You don’t have to go to the gym, you just have to get up off the couch and take a walk, or go dancing or participate in any activity that gets you moving.
• Get a good night’s sleep is next on the list. Most people are getting short-changed on sleep, and your body needs sleep in order to heal itself.
• Finally, instead of relying so much on drugs that just manage the symptoms of your disease, consider taking a few supplements that might actually improve your health.

Here are a few that most people benefit from taking.

• A high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement can be thought of as a nutritional health insurance policy. It’s a way to make sure that you’re getting most of the major nutrients your body needs even when you’re diet is less than perfect.
• As more and more research demonstrates that chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, dementia, and arthritis are linked to free radical damage and chronic inflammation, the importance of antioxidants in the diet is becoming firmly established. The primary source for these nutrients is fresh fruits and vegetables, which is why many experts say that the best way to protect yourself from chronic diseases is to eat 7-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Since few people do this, taking an antioxidant supplement is the next best thing. A good antioxidants supplement can reduce pain and inflammation, promote faster healing and overall health, slow the aging process and help prevent chronic disease.
• Omega-3 essential fatty acids are lacking in modern diets and they are essential for cardiovascular health and managing inflammation and pain. If you want to protect your heart and blood vessels or are suffering from any kind of chronic inflammatory disease you should consider adding omega-3 to your diet.

Super Trio - 60 packets containing all three mentioned above: Super Supplemental Multi Vitamin and Mineral, Omega 3 EPA, and Super Orac Antioxidant.

In addition, you may need to supplement the following if you do not get enough in your everyday diet.

• Fiber is lacking in most diets and is necessary for bowel health. Fiber can reduce cholesterol, improve blood sugar levels in diabetes and protect against colon cancer and other diseases of the intestinal tract. (Take at a different time of day than your Omega 3’s)
• The bowel also benefits from Probiotic supplements, which replace the friendly bacteria in the colon that are destroyed by antibiotics, chlorinated water and many drugs. These friendly bacteria are essential to the function of the immune system and help prevent both bacterial and yeast and fungal infections, as well as make certain nutrients available to the body.
• Speaking of the digestive tract, raw and naturally fermented foods contain enzymes that take stress off the digestive tract. Since most of us eat very little raw food, a good enzyme supplement can improve digestion, prevent gas and bloating, enhance immune function and even reduce inflammation and pain.
• Finally, modern agricultural methods have depleted mineral content in our foods, so most of us aren’t getting the trace minerals we need, even if we’re eating healthy foods. So, a trace mineral supplement can also be beneficial for many people.

It’s time we stopped waiting until we are sick to do something about our health. We need to stop thinking in terms of disease care and start creating a genuine health care system in our lives. It’s something neither the medical profession or the government is going to be able to do for you. Start caring for your health today by taking steps to integrate a health-care system into your life today.

Article Provided by Steven Horne of Tree of Light.

“I purchased mega-chel through a local supplier about 4 months ago. I had heaed from a friend that Herbal Supplements were save and healthy. Of course like most people you have your doubts unless you experience the results yourself.  Well, the only reason I chose to try it is because I am a healthly 45 year old and storng believer in “health is for Life” well I saw my doctor about 4 months ago, it was time for my yearly check up.  Once I received my blood results I was disappointed by my docotr told me he was going to prescribe LIPITOL for high  cholesterol. Well, I started the mega-chel treatment and 3mos. later I re-ran my blood test and it was suprising to know that my cholesterol went down from 277 to 236, I was told that all my blood tests done that day results in 40% lower which meant all was good.  the doctor said “keep doing what you’re doing” because your cholesterol is going good.  I also started watching my food intake and exterice atlease 3X’s a week.  Now I tell all my friends that have some type of medical problems, to at least try it, they have nothing to lose.”

I will continue to searching your website for other herbal supplements to maintain my family healthy as well.

thank you,

gloria salinas - del rio, tx

January Focus Call

When: Wednesday, January 9 (2nd Wednesday of the month)
Time: 6:00 p.m (Pacific Time)
Topic: Cellular Abnormalities
Guest Speaker: Richard Lund

At the scheduled time dial our Focus Call number, 1-800-432-6383, and enter PIN 8626#.

Product Focus: Flax Seed, Milk Thistle, Nature’s Noni, Omega-3, Paw Paw Cell Reg, Thai-Go, Vitamin C

Richard began his Nature’s Sunshine business in 2000, joining his wife who had started her business several years before. In 2004 he took four weeks off from his other pursuits to spend time with Dr. McLaughlin in order to get to know the science behind Paw Paw Cell-Reg. He was gracious enough to talk to him every day for an hour or so about his life’s work.

Richard adds, “My Swedish grandfather and my mother came before me in using herbs. My Grandpa Nelson used to brew fenugreek tea at the stove. I could not stand the smell but it helped make his life better. He also gave me alfalfa tablets when I was a child. But I became a critic and was sure that herbs and supplements were all a big waste of money. By accident, that is a car accident, I came to see that Western Medicine did not have sufficient answers for my health problems. The help I received from an herbal practitioner changed my life forever.”