Bursting with color, turmeric is taking the world by storm. This popular spice has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Its powerful antioxidants (curcuminoids) support the immune and vascular systems. Turmeric especially helps the body provide a natural immune response.
We get our turmeric from an award-winning partner that is highly praised for both its botanical farming and supply-chain transparency. The raw material is cultivated on Indian farmlands with good agricultural practices. As an ingredient, it has been recognized twice by the Nutrition Business Journal. It’s also non-GMO and has well-established sustainability. We double-check that and about 500 other things to bring you the best!
Contact me if you have any questions, Tiffany White Sage Woman
You’re probably hearing a lot about zinc supplements right now.
It’s become a very popular way to boost your immunity.
But do they really work?
For years, scientists have conducted studies on zinc. And for years they’ve gotten conflicting results. Some studies showed that zinc works. And some studies showed it doesn’t.
But recently, one group of researchers conducted a meta analysis of all the published studies on zinc. They discarded any studies with poor methodology. What they were left with were double-blind, placebo-controlled studies totaling 1,387 participants.
The researchers looked at all the different factors that could have affected the outcome of the studies – what kind of zinc, what form it was in, what dose… everything. When all was said and done, they finally had some answers about zinc that made sense.
The BEST Form of Zinc You Should Take
There are several kinds of zinc that you can take. But only two kinds of zinc are actually shown to be effective.
The best kind is Zinc Acetate. It’s the only kind of zinc that consistently slashes the duration of symptoms in half.
Zinc Gluconate was the second best choice, but zinc acetate worked much better.
None of the other kinds of zinc were effective.
Why are zinc acetate and zinc gluconate effective and other kinds aren’t? Because they both release zinc in the form of a positively charged ion. The ionic form is what makes the difference in whether zinc can work or not.
How does ionic zinc work?
Well, ionic zinc helps your white blood cells fight. It boosts their production of interferon-gamma, which is your body’s primary defense.
Ionic zinc also stops invaders from spreading in your body. You see, invaders get into your cells by attaching to a microscopic molecule that moves between cells. The molecule is called ICAM-1. And if an invader attaches to it, ICAM-1 smuggles it inside the cell. Ionic zinc blocks this process and stops invaders from entering and infecting your cells.
And finally, ionic zinc helps minimize stuffiness, congestion, sneezing and a runny nose. How? It inhibits the release of histamines that trigger those symptoms. In other words, it behaves just like the things some people take when they want to get rid of a runny, stuffy, congested nose.
Once researchers learned that ionic zinc was more effective than non-ionic zinc, they wanted to know which compound was best at releasing zinc in its ionic form. They wanted to know what dose was effective. And they wanted to know which form was best.
As mentioned above, they discovered that Zinc Acetate was best. Zinc acetate releases 100% of the zinc in an ionic form. Zinc gluconate was second best. It only releases 70% of its zinc in the ionic form.
The researchers also found that you need at least 75 mg of zinc acetate a day. And finally, they found that zinc is only effective when invaders are exposed to zinc for at least 20 minutes at a time.
Since zinc needs 20 minutes of exposure… pills, syrups, or sprays aren’t very effective. You need slow-dissolving tablets that release the zinc right where the invaders are.
Here’s What You Don’t Want In Your Zinc Remedy
Other common forms of zinc (zinc citrate, zinc glycinate, and zinc tartrate) release little to no ionic zinc. As a result, they are not effective. And don’t be fooled by combinations, either. If you choose a product that combines zinc gluconate and zinc glycinate, you’re wasting your money.
Not only do you get less zinc gluconate per dose, the glycine interferes with the release of ionic zinc from the zinc gluconate. Only 57% of zinc is released in ionic form. That’s way less than the 70% released by zinc gluconate on its own.
And it’s even worse when manufacturers combine zinc gluconate with zinc citrate, zinc aspartate, or zinc tartrate. These combinations result in 0% of the zinc being released in ionic form. That’s right – zero. No wonder so many of these zinc remedies don’t work!
And finally, when you’re selecting lozenges, check for palm kernel oil and cottonseed oil. If either of these oils are in the ingredient list, don’t buy them. Why? Because they bind to zinc during the manufacturing process and prevent it from being released in ionic form.
My family and I have been taking Nature’s Sunshine Zinc Lozenges for many years now. The maximum dose that can be taken daily, is 6. I personally usually take 1 or 2 a day except for spring or fall time, where I increase it to 3 or 4 times a day. We haven’t been sick in years!
Now, I want to be clear here… there isn’t one product that one can take that will keep you at your optimal health and wellness. Maintaining your health requires multiple aspects; a healthy diet, supplementation of vitamins / minerals and how you take care of yourself – mind, body and soul. This post is about zinc, so I am sharing what product I personally use.
As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I highly recommend that research is done on any products that you consume. I (and my family) have been using Nature’s Sunshine Productions for over 8 years now. If you have any questions, there is more information about Nature’s Sunshine on my website. Contact me if you need any more information.
Stress interferes with sleep, energy levels, immune function, sexual performance, relationships and coping abilities. It can aggravate brain fog, reduce awareness and weaken motivation.
Ashwagandha is clinically shown to support normal-range cortisol (a stress hormone from the adrenal gland), which improves stress response and reduces anxiety! It promotes homeostasis and overall well-being.
Awaken the Mind + Body Connection
UNIQUE ADAPTOGENIC BLEND
with standardized extracts of ashwagandha root, bacopa leaf and rhodiola fruit, plus schisandra fruit. Adaptogens improve your body’s natural ability to ADAPT to environmental factors.
SUPPORT YOUR MIND
Support your stress response
Support mental health and well-being
Enjoy a sharper mind-body connection
Helps support cognitive performance in aging
BUILD YOUR BODY
Support physical performance,
endurance and wellness
Decrease physical fatigue
Support muscle strength
PLUS
Immune system support
Nervous system support
YOUR DAILY IMMUNE BOOST
A hectic lifestyle can punish your immune system. Fight back with a unique blend of six carefully selected mushrooms to naturally stimulate your immune defenses and promote health.
Why Settle for a Single Mushroom?
REISHI, TURKEY TAIL, CHAGA & SHIITAKE
mushrooms have the ability to stimulate immune cells by means of their beta-glucans, and they support a healthy immune response.
CORDYCEPS supports physical endurance and improves metabolic or lactate threshold. It also offers strong antioxidant support.
WHITE BUTTON (AGARICUS) mushrooms naturally contain Vitamin D2, which is critical for an innate immune response. Calcitriol (derived from vitamin D), plays an important role in innate cell defense against pathogens.
MY-Immune Defense
Supports the immune system
Supports physical endurance
Provides anti-fatigue support
Provides naturally occurring Vitamin D—essential to an active, healthy immune system
Organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free and Kosher
Take Advantage of this Sale to purchase your NSP Products
Helps the body maintain normal-range cholesterol levels.
How It Works:
Red yeast rice is a natural byproduct of fermented red rice that supports the body’s normal ability to maintain normal-range cholesterol levels.
Ingredients:
Red yeast rice.
Recommended Use:
Take 2 capsules with a meal two to three times daily.
WARNING: Do not use this product if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding because using this product may cause birth defects. Consult your health care provider before using if you are currently taking any cholesterol-lowering agents. Do not reduce cholesterol levels below 175 as this is unhealthy. Normal cholesterol should optimally be between 200 and 250. Cholesterol levels should be checked regularly. For adults 20 years of age or older. People with or at risk for liver disease should not use this product. Keep out of the reach of children.
~ Rev. Tiffany White Sage Woman, NSP Independent Distributor
Note: The Essential Oils mentioned in this article are the Nature’s Sunshine EOs. However, you can use other Authentic Essential Oils.
Because of their unique natural properties and powerful individual benefits, blending essential oils can be a bit of both art and science. But not to worry. There’s not really a “wrong” way to blend, and with Authentic Essential Oils experimentation is half the fun!
Getting Started
Oil blends are typically created for a specific purpose. Some are worn as perfume while others are created for boosting feelings of energy and cheer, or bringing a sense of calm. Step 1 for blending beginners is deciding what you’d like to accomplish. Are you blending for fragrance or blending for benefits?
Personal Perfume
Wearable blends used as perfume are built on personal preferences of top, middle and base “notes”. (“Notes” are determined by how quickly an Authentic Oil’s scent fades after being exposed to oxygen.)
Top notes are the lightest scents; the first ones we smell and the first to evaporate. Top notes are usually derived from flowers, leaves, and flowering herbs. Examples of top notes include Organic Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Ravintsara.
Base notes are deeper. Their fragrances last the longest and they are often more “earthy” in scent. These oils ground the entire blend and are often derived from trees, roots, and barks. Some favorite base notes are Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Organic Frankincense and Organic Neroli.
Middle notes bring harmony. They balance the top notes with deeper base notes and bind all the fragrances together. Middle notes are most often derived from whole herbs and spices and include Roman Chamomile, Jasmine, Rose, Tea Tree, Organic Ylang Ylang, Cinnamon Leaf, and Clary Sage.
Blends with Benefits
If you’re blending for support with a physical or emotional need, choosing oils from the same aroma category is a great way to start. First, research the oils most recommended for your desired outcome. Since Lavender is often recommended to help with feeling calm, use Organic Lavender to start a blend for use before bed. Peppermint helps with feeling more alert and mentally aware, so it’s a great choice for blends that help with focus or tension. Once you’ve identified one core oil, choose two or three additional oils from the same aroma categories and mix and match.
To start creating a brand new “uniquely you” blend start with small amounts and don’t be afraid to play! Choose an oil to “anchor” your blend (lavender for a restful blend for example) then experiment with additional oils to add specific benefits, as fragrance variation, or just to incorporate your favorites. We recommend starting with three oils in a blend then growing to five and even up to nine.
Start blending in very small batches to save ingredients during experimentation. Try 3 drops of your anchor oil or a favorite top note in a glass roll-on bottle, then add 5 drops of a middle note and 2 drops of a base note. Allow the blend to rest for 24 – 48 hours then give it a try. Smell it straight from the bottle. Apply carrier oil and try it on your skin. If it’s a keeper, fill the remainder of your bottle with Carrier Oil and you’re ready to apply. If you think it needs a boost, add an additional middle note and try it again. Vary the number of drops, the number of oils, and the oils themselves until you find a mix you absolutely love.
Foundation of Favorites
For inspiration, here’s a list of favorite oils and blend suggestions for the most common benefits you might be after. Try various ratios of these oils in your own blends, or add or subtract oils until your blend is simply the best.
Supports joint health and comfort
