Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!

Product Highlight: R-Lipoic Acid

Luckily for those of you still in the winter hum-drum doldrums, we know a wonderful secret to curing your worn out self. R-Lipoic Acid is one of the greatest nutrients for restoring lost energy! It nourishes your cells mitochondria –the furnace inside each of your cells, to increase their efficacy, activity, and energy! Every cell in your body benefits—even your brain, as R-Lipoic acid freely passes your blood-brain barrier, which few other substances are able to do. When your cells are nourished, you become energized!
 R-Lipoic Acid is the only entirely NATURALLY occurring Lipoic Acid. This means, it is naturally found in plants, animals, and in our own bodies. Thus, when we ingest it, our bodies are able to recognize it swiftly for maximum absorption and assimilation. Synthesized Lipoic Acid is difficult for the body to recognize. Also, studies have suggested that synthetic Lipoic Acid actually decreases your body’s natural levels of R-Lipoic Acid!

Here are just a few more highlights of this amazing product:
• Excellent cellular rejuvenation works wonders for hair, skin, and nails!
• Appetite control! The increased cellular nourishment means you’ll need less caloric intake.
• Helps curb sugar/carb cravings-- great aid for weight loss!
• SuperMan of super-antioxidants! It fights off free radicals, oxidative stress and toxins more effectively than Acai, Noni, Gji, Mangostine and Resveratrol—combined!
• Recharges the mitochondria in your cells giving increased energy.
• Assists with mental clarity, focus, and helps repair and refresh your brain cells.
• It converts glucose into energy, so helping balance your insulin levels. Everyone who has (Type 2) diabetes should be taking this!
• It recycles your bodies Vitamin C, E and CoQ10. Go green!
• It has been used in Europe for decades as a preventive treatment for neurological degenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and glaucoma.

 Don’t face winter with circles under your eyes and dragging feet.. You have far too much to do for that!

Here are a couple links for articles regarding R-Lipoic Acid, written by Geronova, an innovative nutrient company located here in the USA.

 http://www.geronova.com/content/effects-r-lipoic-acid-wound-healing
http://www.geronova.com/content/r-lipoic-acid-protects-against-oxidative-stress-retinal-neurons
http://www.geronova.com/content/lipoic-acids-information-studies-research

This article was contributed by Rynn Jacobson, an Apple Wellness employee. Rynn is going to school for herbology and natural medicine, and will be sharing some of her knowledge on various topics.

Meet Dave!

 Hello everyone!  My name is Dave Knott and I am pleased to be the Assistant Manager here at Apple Wellness.  About myself, I have been working in the Health and Wellness industry for almost eight years now.  I began my journey working at GNC where my interest propelled me into management for seven of those years.  Having a positive impact in the lives of others has been the single most rewarding part of sharing my knowledge, and really what drives me to learn more.  As an athlete my whole life, I became interested in nutrition health once I noticed the significance it had for my overall well being.  For this reason, I excel in the exercise science category, where I believe in proper training and supplementing.  Throughout the years I've developed training programs from endurance fitness through strength training.  My knowledge has helped everyone from high school sports athletes through major lifestyle transformations.  On top of my career track, I began school at the University of Wisconsin Waukesha and will have an Associates of Science Degree this year.  I've also been enrolled in the University of Wisconsin system for Business Management as a transfer student.  For the past five years I've switched my athletic focus to the sport of triathlons; swimming, cycling and running.  My wife and I enjoy hiking, cycling, sight seeing, traveling abroad, and above all serving in the community and with our church.  Look for ongoing posts about specific supplements, and feel free to stop in for evaluating your program.  I'm always amazed at how the smallest changes can result in exponential results!

Welcoming Our Newest Employee!

Product Review: Phosphatidylserine

     My favorite time of the day is often bedtime. Is that silly? I can't help it. I just love to get in my jammies, snuggle beneath our enormous downy comforter, fluff our enormous pile of downy pillows, and go to sleep. Bedtime means snuggles, warmth, and dreams.

     Perhaps my joy over bedtime is directly tied to the fact that I dream every single night. These aren't just any humdrum dreams, either. I always have epic good vs. evil hero dreams. They are always vivid, brilliantly colored, and thrilling. When I wake up in the morning, I feel like I read a novel the night before, and finished it when I opened my eyes.

    My friend has vivid dreams too. She doesn't dream about fantasy battles, or historic pivotal moments. She dreams about gardens. She dreams about oceans, about walks in the forest, about calm, quiet, peaceful things. Her dreams are also dazzlingly vivid, and feel entirely real.

    I tell you this, because I have recently discovered that there are others in life who love to dream, and want to be able to dream well, dream deeply, and dream the dreams that best refresh their spirit in preparation for the morning. One day, just last week, I recommended a new combination for a lady who was having difficulty sleeping.

   "We use phosphatidylserine for sleep primarily due the fact that it is a wonderful brain food, recharging and resetting neurotransmitters in your brain. It also helps to give a calming effect on 'racing brain' when you're trying to go to bed. But I love it because it's gives you epic dreams!" I said. She tried it. A friend who happened to overhear us decided to try it. Both ladies came in this morning, and with excited smiles, reported their dreaming adventures!

    It was then that it occurred to me, I am not the only one out there who truly loves bedtime and dreaming. Others out there besides we starry-eyed three, would love to hear about phosphatidylserine!

    For those of us who look forward to the adventures we have beneath our covers, I give you my personal recommendation. Sweet dreams!

Tea Party: Pau d'Arco Tea

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How To:

Loose Leaf/Bark: Use approximately 1 tablespoon of loose bark chips per 8oz of water. Pour approximately 8oz of water into a pot and allow to come to a slow rolling boil. Add the bark, and boil for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool with the bark still in the water until it is at a comfortable temperature to drink. Strain and enjoy!

Tea Bags: You won't need to measure anything when using tea bags. Pour approximately 8oz of water into a pot and allow to come to a slow rolling boil. Add the tea bags and boil for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool with tea bags still in the water. Once it is at a temperature comfortable for you, drink and enjoy!

You may have a cup of this tea up to 3 times per day. It is recommended not to exceed this amount daily, as overuse may cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Also, you may continue the regime of 3 cups per day for as long as six weeks. After that, it is recommended by Pau d'Arco specialists to allow a four week hiatus. You may resume use after this break for another six weeks. 


Flavor: This has a gentle earthy taste. Be sure you're buying from an excellent source, because if the tea is poor quality or has become a little rancid it will taste foul. A good Pau d'Arco tea, however, I found to be very mild and soothing. It isn't a floral tea, so unsurprisingly, it is reminiscent of twigs. Add a teaspoon or two of honey, and you'll be happy as can be!


Good For:
     As I was preparing this post, I became almost overwhelmed with the volume of information regarding the health benefits of Pau d'Arco. It has been used for centuries, and is amazingly healthful. Listed below are just some of the benefits of Pau d'Arco tea.

   1. Anti-viral--this tea is exceptionally useful in boosting your immune system to hold out against all            those quickly approaching seasonal colds and flu. It is especially powerful for the weakened                  immune system due to chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis, fibromyalgia,                  cancer, tumors, human immunodeficiency virus, and those who've used antibiotics or steroids.
 
   2. Cancer--There have been many studies performed indicating the benefits of Pau d'Arco tea for                cancer victims. These patients have experienced alleviation of chemotherapy symptoms to                      complete remission of tumors. The active nutrient, lapachol, was touted by Dr. Daniel B Mowrey          as "producing clinical anti-cancer effects without side effects."

  3. Candida-- Candida is an overgrowth of intestinal fungus. This typically manifests as a yeast or               thrush infection. If not treated properly, or if the infection keeps recurring, it may become a                     systemic problem.  One of the properties of the lapachol found in Pau d'Arco is that of an anti-               fungal. It has proven very effective and is widely used for treatment of Candida.
 
  4. Anti-bacterial-- This can be used to assist in treatment of any type of bacterial infection. This can           include pneumonia, strep throat, tuberculosis, h. pylori, infected wounds, and staph infections.

  5. Lupus-- This is particularly helpful for the skin issues that often arise from lupus.

  6. Parasites-- Pau d'Arco is wonderful destroyer of parasites! It may even be used to help treat serious         diseases such as malaria, schistosoma, and trypanosoma. 

  7. Lymes Disease--There is a growing number of people with Chronic Lymes Disease. This tea is a           powerful tool in healing the body from those damaging spirochetes.

Cautions:
     Pau d'Arco, when used internally, has the potential to strengthen the blood-thinning effects that are seen in certain medications known as anticoagulants. Do not take Pau d'Arco if you are taking these medications or if you suffer from a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia. 
    It is also recommended that you do not take Pau d'Arco tea if you are or may become pregnant. It is wise to avoid while breastfeeding.
    As with any herb or medication, some people may experience side effects due to a sensitivity or overuse. If taken in excess, this herb may cause nausea, diarrhea, or possibly vomiting. Consult a naturopathic or homeopathic physician before giving to a child. 

Product Highlight: Speak

            

Watching your child develop and learn is one of the greatest gifts in life. We rejoice over our little ones the first time they learn to roll over. We coach and cheer them on as they lift themselves to their hands and knees and totter across the floor, learning to crawl. We hold their hands and encourage as they step from the couch to the coffee table, and then with proud hearts we gloat as they figure out how to climb those stairs-and then perhaps later wish we’d thought better of allowing that…

And finally, every parent, grandparent, and aunt anxiously listen for their darlings first words. But what if those don’t come? What if, despite our chanting like parrots, “Mummy! Daddy! Puppy! Bye-bye!" the words don’t come?                                                  

We have recently encountered some concerned parents who expressed worry about their children’s late speech development.  Tim, the store owner, determined to investigate this dilemma.

Several days ago, a new brand called Speak: Speech Nutrients was delivered. Speak combines seven key nutrients needed to support normal speech development and maintenance. The primary ingredients in this product are vitamin E and omegas. Omegas provide metabolic support for proper nerve and brain function, as well as structural support and reduced inflammation. They are also a necessity for proper intestinal function, and may reduce food allergies which, according to pediatric studies, appears to have a direct correlation to speech impairments. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant that works in the lipid portion of the cell membranes with other fats. Without it, the cells function is diminished, resulting in less cognitive retention.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, or even an adult you know, stop in the store, give us a call, or shoot us an email! We will gladly help you overcome these obstacles, and join your family's cheerleading team!

Local Organic Love

        This was last weeks CSA share. Glorious, right? All veggies are certified organic, locally grown by my NEIGHBORS. This is the bounty of the earth. GLORIOUS. 

       Because the fact is, our food is not what it once was. Despite all this genetic mutations that are supposed to enhance our crops, protect against crop destruction, and induce higher yields, our food is becoming chronically nutrient deficient. But I don't want to get started on the dangers of GMO's--in this post, anyway. 

        It starts with dirt. Soil wasn't created to be farmed relentlessly year after year after year with plants that deplete, not enhance, the soil itself. This nutrient consumption is not effectively replenished through fertilizers. There should be dozens of minerals and other nutrients in healthy dirt, but fertilizers and soil enrichment products contain maybe five or six of these essential trace minerals. Even when farmers fertilize with manure, this is often contaminated with antibiotics, growth hormones, and various other chemicals from the cows that actually damage the soil further. In addition, plants are sprayed with herbicides, pesticides and fungicides, which wash off into the soil and cause even further damage.

      Herbicides, fungicides, pesticides and waxes coat supermarket groceries, reducing their permeability to pests and disease. But it is this that we later ingest when we finally get this food home and into our meals. The last thing our chemically bombarded bodies need is to be ingesting and absorbing these poisons off of our food. 

      Additionally, we don't eat fresh food anymore. Think about it-- lets say there's an orange farmer in Florida. He picks his oranges and puts them into crates. He then ships them out. They travel for a day or so, maybe more, then arrive at their destination. They are unloaded and put out onto shelves. A day or so later, you show up to buy your oranges for that summery fruit salad you've been craving. At BEST, there is a four day gap between when the fruit was picked and when it arrives at the supermarket. Your groceries will travel an average of 1300 miles. 

     The fact is, if the vegetable or fruit is no longer attached to the plant, it has begun decaying. Enzymes inside the food begins to slowly die. The longer the time it takes to get from the plant and into your mouth, the less nutrients there are. 

     So...what do we do? Well, we absolutely need to be taking a good multi-vitamin to make up for the depletions. No matter how well you eat, our food does not have the nutrient pack that it used to, and we have to restore this somehow. I know that a lot of you are making every effort to eat well for yourself and for your family. I know that a lot of you struggle to afford good, organic, healthy food. And a lot of you come in and say, "I'm eating organic, lots of raw food, I'm exercising, and I still don't feel right." Often this can be resolved with a good multi-vitamin. 

     We are so blessed in Madison. There are farmers markets on almost every day of the week, spread throughout the capital and all the suburbs! There are many CSA programs you can get signed up with, and many local restaurants that support local organic farmers. We have access to good healthy organic food--lets take advantage! You'll find that if you buy organic local food it tastes better (I PROMISE you, it truly does taste better!) and you need less to eat because you'll be getting SO MUCH more nutrients in the food! You won't be ingesting chemicals and poisons. You'll be eating food that can nourish and heal your body. You'll be eating to live well. 

Just to help you on your way, here are some links to the various CSA share programs and info on farmers markets in the area. 

   

FairShare CSA Coalition: http://www.csacoalition.org/

Full List of CSA Farms: http://www.csacoalition.org/our-farms/full-list/

Harmony Valley Farm: http://www.harmonyvalleyfarm.com/csa.php

Tipi Produce: http://www.tipiproduce.com/csa/

Troy Gardens Community Groundworks: http://www.communitygroundworks.org/what-we-do/troy-community-farm/csa

Madison Area Farmers Markets

Mondays: 2524 Rimrock Rd., 2-6pm

Tuesdays: 953 Jenifer Street, 4pm-7pm; Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park St., 2pm-6pm

Wednesdays: City-County Building, 215 MLK Jr. Blvd., 8:30am-2pm; Hilldale Mall, Segoe  Ave. off  of University, 7am-2pm; Gilbert Rd. at United Church of Christ, 3pm-7pm

Thursdays: The Villager Mall, 2300 S. Park Street 2pm-6pm; Agora Pavilion on Cheryl Parkway, 3-6pm; Greenway Station (Middleton) 8am-1pm

Saturday: Capitol Square 6am-2pm.; Labor Temple, 1602 S Park St 9am-2pm; Hilldale, Segoe Ave off University, 7am-2pm; Hill Farms DOT 4802 Sheboygan 7am-1pm.

Sunday: Town Center, Northside and Sherman 8:30am-12:30pm; Ahuska Park on Broadway 9am-1pm; Labor Temple 1602 S Park St 11am-3pm. 

You can find more in your area at: http://thealvaradogroup.com/2010/06/08/looking-for-a-farmers-market-in-the-madison-wi-area/#sthash.Tgeymjmb.dpuf

SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!

This weekend only, buy 1 beauty product at 10% off and get the 2nd 20% off! 

Time to beautify!

Fun Fact!

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Constipation!

      Did you know that women who are constipated are 4 1/2 times  more likely to develop breast cancer?

                 (Constipation is defined by natural health professionals as having less than one bowel                                               movement per day; optimum is 2-3 times per day.)

Tea Party: Nettle Tea

How To:

Fresh Herb: Carefully chop the young leaves of stinging nettles. Use two tablespoons of fresh herb per cup of water. Allow to steep in hot water for 10-15 minutes, covering tightly. 

Dry Loose Herb: Measure a generous teaspoonful into a tea strainer or tea bag. Allow to steep for 10-12 minutes in hot water, covering tightly. 

Tea Bag: Use one tea bag per cup of hot water. Allow to steep 10-12 minutes in hot water, covering tightly.
     I have found a mason jar to be very effective for the above methods of brewing tea. Plop the tea bag or strainer into the jar (doesn't work with tea strainers that rest on the lip of the cup) and then screw the lid on tightly. Once its done brewing, you can drink it right from the jar! 




image source- check out this adorable blog!         

Flavor:

Nettle tea has a surprisingly pleasant flavor. It is reminiscent of alfalfa, or perhaps sweet hay, but rich and robust. You can also taste the minerals in it, and for a good reason! Nettles are packed with essential minerals! It may sometimes be a little bitter for some, but with a dash of lemon or honey to sweeten it up, you'll find this tea quite refreshing! 

Good For:
       

1. Allergies. Many drink nettle tea to help relieve allergies. This may include pet allergies, to seasonal allergies, or bronchial allergies including rhinitis, asthma and sinusitis. This beverage helps to clear phlegm from the body and in so doing, help reduce symptoms commonly associated with these conditions. It is also anti-inflammatory, and the powerful anti-oxidants within boost the immune system to fight off the allergic reaction In fact, nettles have been used to treat allergies for hundreds of years! Note: Those allergic to ragweed may have an allergic reaction to nettle!
2. Anti.inflammatory. Nettle tea may be helpful in reducing inflammation as it contains hox alpha, which diminishes the effect of cytokines on the joints of the body. This is soothing for arthritis, gout, and other pains. In fact, it's said in ancient times people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism where whipped with stinging nettle for relief from the pain of their condition. We don't suggest such practices-I'd MUCH rather just drink the tea!
3. Sterols. This helps to limit the possibility of enlarged prostate or hyperplasia. 
4. Immune function. Nettle tea can neutralize toxic antigens in the body, strengthening the immune system. It is also very high in vitamin C, which can help reduce headaches, cramps, allergies, and spikes in blood sugar levels. Research has proved nettles to be effective against up to 9 varieties of harmful microbes. 
5. Urinary tract. Nettle tea is a natural diuretic that helps to flush out excess uric acid from bladder. This a wonderful herb for those who struggle with urinary tract infections. It also helps to purify the blood by flushing out the kidneys. 
6. Anemia. Nettle contains a very high amount of iron, which is beneficial for those suffering from anemia. It encourages the regeneration of red blood cells and replenishing of the hemoglobin in the blood. 
7. Blood clots. Nettles contain a very high amount of vitamin K, which is a natural blood thinner. Consult a physician before drinking this tea if you are taking any prescription blood thinners!
8. Worms. Nettle tea discourages worms in the intestinal tract, washing them right out of you! 
9. Diarrhea/hemorrhoids. Nettle tea can be used to calm the intestinal tract for relief of diarrhea. It also acts as a relaxant on the anal sphincter to help relieve hemorrhoids. 
10. Calcium. Nettle tea is also high in calcium and may be used by those who need to increase calcium/calcium absorption. 

High In:

          Calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silica, iodine, silicon, sodium and sulfur. They also contain high levels of chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamin C, and a variety of the B vitamins. 

Product Highlight: Vita PQQ

            Everyone one of us likes to think that there exists some sort of magical substance that can stop our aging and render us eternally youthful—or at the very least, eternally healthy. While practicality tells us that this is a wonderful fantasy, we continue to either hope for a miracle pill, or simply ignore our own wrinkles and aching backs.        

            Aging has been scientifically linked to mitochondrial degradation. In other words, as the furnace in your cells slowly dies out, like a worn out engine, you begin to experience the unpleasant side effects of aging; hair loss, bone fragility, diminished immune function, gastrointestinal or heart disease, memory loss, etc. We know that list all too well.  But how do we stop our mitochondria from burning out? How can we keep our cells furnaces going?

            I offer up not necessarily the Holy Grail or Water of Life, but a recently discovered vitamin.  In 2003, Japanese scientists shocked the world by introducing the first new vitamin since 1948. They dubbed it pyrroloquinoline quinone. We call it Vitamin PQQ instead.

            This vitamin is one of the very few substances known to actually increase both the quantity and quality of function in your mitochondria. It promotes an entirely new generation of growth in those shriveling cells. It also boosts your energy, as the mitochondria are responsible for producing energy. And finally, because it rejuvenates the powerhouse of your cells, it may actually slow down the aging process.

            And just to make this more impressive, when you combine CoQ10 and PQQ, it produces a near double effect. Nerve cells are protected from damage, improves clarity of mind, ability to focus, and short term memory—and goodbye old age!

            Holy Grail? Well, not quite…but we’re getting closer!

Fun Fact!

Did you know...?

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           Every seven years, your body COMPLETELY regenerates every single cell you have in your body! Doesn't that make you want to make sure that every cell your body produces today is in perfect health? Seven years of healthy cell growth means a healthier happier you!

Recipe: Peach Perfection Smoothie

Peach Perfection Smoothie

Taken from ‘Raw Energy’ by Stephanie Tourles

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        This chef is a magician with raw food! Her recipes are inventive, delicious, and, I admit it, entirely addictive. This scrumptious smoothie deserves your two prettiest glasses, sipped out in the sunshine on this beautiful Saturday morning. Just so you can enjoy it even more, know that what you’re drinking is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins B and E, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and healthy fats. Yum!

              2 cups almond or walnut milk

              2 cups super-ripe fresh peaches, peeled and cut into chunks, or frozen peach slices

              1 tablespoon raw honey or agave nectar

              2 teaspoons raw, unrefined coconut oil

              pinch of sea salt

    Put the nut milk, peaches, honey, oil, and salt in a blender and blend on medium until smooth, about       30 seconds. Blend in a few ice cubes for an extra-frosty treat.

Tea Party: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

           

How To:

               Use one mounded teaspoon of dry loose leaf or one tea bag to 8 oz. of distilled water.  Pour freshly boiled water over the leaves/bag. Wait a few moments, however, before pouring the boiling water over the tea, allowing it to cool just slightly. These leaves are sensitive, and will release less bitter tannins if you have just below boiling water.

            Allow this tea to steep for 10-15 minutes, tightly covered for maximum absorption of minerals and nutrients. Most herbal teas benefit from a longer steeping time than your black, green, or white tea.

            Enjoy with or between meals 1-5 times a day.

Flavor:

          It is mild, earthy, and sweet, yet robust enough to be reminiscent of a black tea. You may add honey, agave, or whatever natural sweetener you enjoy. Remember, this is raspberry leaf tea, not raspberry tea, so don’t expect it to taste like fresh fruit!

Good For:

This is the tea God gifted to women and mothers. It is delicious, mild, and a powerful remedy for virtually all the trials of a feminine life. It may be safely used throughout your entire pregnancy without concern, increasing your intake even more as you near ‘the big day’! It may be used just as harmlessly following birth for babies and small children will enjoy the sweet flavor.

Also use Raspberry Leaf Tea to…

•          Relieve excessive menstrual bleeding or pain during the menstrual cycle
•         Regulates infrequent or irregular periods
•        Prevents spotting during pregnancy
•        Aids in avoiding miscarriage
•        Allays the tortures of morning sickness (truly, it does!)
•       Tones the uterus in preparation for childbirth, by promoting strength and elasticity of the uterus.
•      Diminishes the pain of the birth.
•       Helpful for eliminating Braxton Hicks
•        Helps nursing mothers provide nutrient dense milk for their newborns
•           A gentle treatment diarrhea in babies and mild diarrhea in adults
•          Eases nausea, stomach pains, colic, flu and vomiting in children (and grown ups too!
•          Natural antacid
•                   Eases fevers, colds, and coughs
•          Relieves flatulence, gastritis and digestive problems
•           Canker sores, ulcers, or bleeding gums
•          Hemorrhoids
•          Thrush and yeast infections (Candidiasis)
•          Diabetes
•          Healthful for any struggling with chronic diseases

High In:

            Calcium, manganese, iron, potassium, phosphorous, selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin F (Linoleic Acid).