Spring has Sprung!

b4Spring has Sprung!

Be ready with natural alternatives

By Angel King, Certified Health Coach

There is something about the beginning of Spring that seems to wake us all up from our winter slumber. Whether it is having the opportunity to finally and consistently be outside to enjoy the sunshine or simply the beginning of something new. This  particular Spring, unlike previous ones, seems to be more welcomed that most after our crazy NC winter. However, with all its beauty of budding trees and blooming flowers, it is sure to bring other signs of the new season that many dread. That’s right, the first symptoms of sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. The pollens will definitely let us know Spring has sprung. There are several things you can do to minimize the reactions and calm these annoying symptoms so you are not the one still stuck inside.

Strengthening the adrenals is key to supporting your immune system throughout this time of year.  Add B-vitamins, Vitamins D and C to your health regimen to strengthen your body as it fights off reactions and potentially secondary infections. These allergic signs can also be indicative of a toxic liver or colon. If you have issues with digestion, experience frequent constipation in addition to your allergies, you should consider an evaluation with one of our practitioners to see if other changes can be made to improve your overall health and wellness during this allergic time of year.

There are great natural antihistamines in many of our foods. Flavonoids, such as quercetin, are antioxidants.  They are a group of plant pigments that are largely responsible for the colors of many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine that helps stabilize mast cells to prevent both the manufacture and release of histamine, as well as other allergic and inflammatory compounds. Good sources of quercetin are citrus fruits, onions, garlic, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and legumes. Grapes, dark cherries, and dark berries — such as blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries — are also high in flavonoids, including quercetin.  Reishi mushroom is described by some as “tough” and “woody” with a bitter taste. It holds an important place in the medical systems of China, Japan and other Asian countries for its health promoting effects. It is known for boosting the immune system, viral infections, high cholesterol and fighting many different diseases, including cancer.  Wonderful spices such as Thyme and Oregano have similar effects and are considered an equally powerful antihistamine. Oregano Oil is considered nature’s germ killer. Using any of these natural antihistamines is a great alternative to try.

In addition to these options, you may want to consider supplemental support during this taxing season to our immune systems.  Here are a few to consider:

AllerCaps– Optimal support and detoxification for hypersensitivity reactions to environmental triggers, food, pets, etc. Promotes blood purification, supports healthy histamine response.
Adaptogen– Adaptogenic herbs or phytonutrients that are synergistically combined to focus on nourishing the glands and organs, including the adrenals, ensuring optimal immune function while maximizing oxygen and nutrient transport to the muscles giving increased energy.
Max-B– These completely natural sources of B vitamins provide maximum stress protection and instantaneous energy boosts.
Vitamin C– This well known vitamin effectively supports the immune system. It features the richest source of vitamin C in the world from the Amazon rain forest’s Camuberries.
Vitamin D– The vast majority of the population is deficient in this important vitamin. Not only is it essential for calcium metabolism, vitamin D3 receptors exist on most immune cells playing a vital role in maintaining healthy immune cell maturity. Recommendations now are as much as 1000-2000IU/day.
Hyssop-This purifying herb has a long history of its powerful targeted immune support. It supports liver detox especially during immune concerns. Supports circulation and blood purification and healthy histamine response.

All of these supplements are available on our website: http://otransformation.com/#oid=1002_1. We offer PRL Supplements for many great reasons. After much research through the years, we believe this brand to be the best. It is what we use for each of our families. Premier Research Labs produces the highest quality of excipient-free supplements. Each ingredient is sourced from areas around the world with the richest of soils.

So, as you prepare for Spring, we encourage you to try these many different healthy alternatives that will support you and your family. Don’t let seasonal allergies prevent you from making plans to enjoy Spring and the great outdoors!

Genetics Do Not Equal Destiny

hp5By Angel King, Certified Health Coach

When it comes to our health, is it luck, genetics or do lifestyle choices determine our health destiny?  Countless studies have been done to determine this very answer. While there is some debate in various areas of health, the vast majority of evidence shows we can choose.  Your body is meant to be healthy; it should not need drugs or surgery except in times of emergency. Why, then, have we become so dependent on these interventions? The answer is this: all too often it is the food we eat that is making us sick.

According to Dr. John McDougal, “The current diet is unlike anything that was eaten over the last hundreds of years. Our blood, arteries, and cells are not designed to function under so much fat and cholesterol. Our intestines are not designed to function in the absence of fiber. Our immune system is not designed to function without an abundant supply of plant-based nutrients and phytochemicals. With our cells drowning in fat, cholesterol, animal proteins and artificial chemicals, and our immune system is deprived of what it needs to maintain itself, it’s no wonder so many of us get cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other age-related illnesses.”

So then, if food is a part of the problem it IS part of the solution. Sadly, the healthy food today is largely produced in depleted soil. While we should continue to make healthy food choices, it is nearly impossible to eat the amount of healthy food necessary to maintain a proper level of nutrition. Supporting our diets with plant-based, live-source, preservative-free supplements is now crucial to our health. Try adding Greens caps and/or Chlorella to your daily regimen. Don’t wait until something happens. Make the decision today to take control of your health the easy way!

 

“In Case of Emergency!”

hp6February is celebrated as the month of love. Many of us have celebrated with gifts and have shown love in different ways. This is wonderful, but why do we find it easier to love someone else rather than take care of ourselves? It  should not be considered selfish as this would allow us to love others even better. I find myself often thinking of the airlines example in case of emergency we are to put the “oxygen mask” on ourselves FIRST so we can better care for others. While it may not be an emergency now, we can better help our self by protecting against one of the number killers of both men AND women, HEART DISEASE. What was once considered a man’s disease is now an equal opportunity killer. Sadly, heart disease is taking lives at a much younger age than in years past. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn of the Cleveland Clinic has done considerable research in the prevention of cardiac conditions. He has radiographic evidence that shows this prevalent disease can be prevented and even reversed. As we focus on prevention this month, do not let “genetics” be your excuse. Review these startlingly statistics on heart disease from the Heart Foundation to better motivate you:

  • Heart disease claims 1 million lives annually.
  • Every 33 seconds someone dies of cardiovascular disease, which is like a 9/11 like tragedy repeating itself every 24 hours, 365 days a year.
  • Coronary heart disease alone costs the United States $108.9 billion each year.
  • More people die of heart disease than that of AIDS and all cancers combined.

There are many things you can do to protect yourself from the deadly effects of this disease; namely, consistent weight control, regular weekly exercise, healthy eating habits, quit smoking and reduce cholesterol. Get started today by helping yourself first so you can better help others!

Angel King, Certified Health Coach