Nature's Sunshine herbs and vitamins for health and fitness

With the recent explosion in medical research on the health benefits of herbs, and the resulting media attention toward nutritional supplements, more and more people are becoming convinced that they should be supplementing their diets. However, most people are confused about what they really need to be taking. Every individual has unique biological needs based on his or her history, genetic makeup and lifestyle. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to nutritional supplementation. In order to clear up some of this confusion, we can use the ABC plus D Approach. Instead of the "one size fits all" approach, the ABC plus D approach is a specific and personalized plan to help you get the most benefit from what nutritional science has to offer.

The A stands for Activate. The human body has a remarkable inherent capability of self-repair, providing it has sufficient energy and raw materials. However, after years of stress or neglect, or from eating too many devitalized processed foods, the body's self-repair mechanisms can become sluggish. Certain energy supplements can help wake up the body's energy systems, stimulating its healing ability. These supplements include homeopathic formulations, the essential oils used in aromatherapy, and especially the enzymes.

Any nutritional program will yield better results if one of these energy supplements is included.

A great way to begin energizing the body is with enzymes. Every chemical reaction in the body requires enzymes -- from the digestion of food to the release of energy for cell metabolism. Many enzymes are contained in raw plant foods, but cooking destroys them and so a diet that consists mostly of cooked foods will be deficient. That is why we refer to such foods as devitalized. We should make an effort to eat some raw plant foods every day. The foods that are highest in enzymes are live freshly sprouted seeds, such as alfalfa or broccoli sprouts.

Plant enzymes are also available as a dietary supplement in a product called Proactazyme, a full-spectrum enzyme product that aids the digestion of all foods. In order to stimulate the body's energy systems -- especially its self-healing systems -- we recommend that your nutritional program include one or two capsules of Proactazyme with every meal. Take at the beginning of the meal.

The B stands for Build. Most of the foods we eat today have been heavily processed. This increases their shelf life, but it also destroys many vitamins. Add to this the fact that modern farming practices have depleted our soils of many trace minerals and you have a formula for disaster.

We simply cannot rely on our food today for all the vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health. That is why we recommend that everyone include a high-quality natural multivitamin and trace mineral supplement in his or her nutritional program. I recommend Super Supplemental multivitamins and minerals along with Colloidal Minerals or Mineral Chi to insure that you get all of the trace minerals that your body requires.

The C stands for Cleanse. Cleansing opens the body's channels of elimination so that waste can be properly eliminated before toxins build up in the tissues and blood. Toxins produce stress and deplete the body's energy systems. Proper elimination conserves the body's healing energy making it available for healing and repair.

Modern food processing has removed most of the fiber from our foods. We often eat too many foods that contain no fiber at all, such as meat and dairy products. These slow the movement of the intestines and promote the build up of waste material and toxins in the bowel, liver and blood. Everyone can benefit from a periodic cleanse to clear out these accumulations.

I do not recommend that people who are thin, pale, emaciated or in a weakened condition begin with a cleanse. Such people should begin by building. UltimateBuild would be a good recommendation if you fit in this category. I also do not recommend cleansing for women who are pregnant or lactating. For the rest of us, it is a good idea to begin our nutritional program with a cleanse. I recommend a cleanse twice a year -- once in the Spring and again in the Fall. Nature's Sunshine has developed a special combination called CleanStart. It is an easy and mild, yet complete, two-week cleansing program.

The D stands for Direct Aid. This is where we get specific. Most of us have one or more body systems that are weaker than the others and could benefit from direct nutritional support. For example, if you suffer from stress or insomnia your nervous system may be in greatest need of direct aid. If you have high blood pressure or circulation problems your circulatory system may need the most help. Sometimes we can even be symptom-free and still have a body system that is in need of support. In such cases the body may be compensating for the weakness, but it is just a matter of time before it is overcome and symptoms appear. In these cases the nutritional support is designed to build the weakened body system before a major problem occurs. This is what prevention is all about.

The Lifestyle Analysis Questionnaire can help you determine your weakest body systems(s). Once you have determined that, a specific "Key Product" can be included in your nutritional program to support that system. There is a Key Product for each of the body's nine systems. Key Products are vitamin/herbal combinations that support the health of a whole body system, rather than targeting a specific problem or symptom.

If you have more than one body system that is need of support. It is usually best to target your worst system first. The body systems are interdependent so improving one often helps others as well. If you wish, you may target two systems at a time. After a few months you can retake the systems questionnaire to see what kind of progress you have made. At that time.

	1. Enzymes to break down foods you eat, and aid in digestion and elimination. Proactazyme is a good choices.
	2. Probiotics are essential for good flora, which should naturally inhabit the intestinal track. Probiotics inhibit growth of toxic bacteria and yeast. They are essential for the development of a childs natural defenses. Probiotics reduce liver stress, enhance intestinal function and sweetest the gut. Bifidophilus or Probiotic Eleven are excellent choices.
	3. Minerals have 3 major functions: 1) they provide the structural materials for building bones and connective tissue, 2) they facilitate the production of both neurotransmitters and hormones, and 3) they function as an integral part of chemical and enzyme reactions such as the manufacturing of proteins and replicating of DNA. Most Americans have severe mineral malnutrition as our soil is void of minerals. Two excellent choices are Colloidal Minerals or Mineral Chi tonic, if you need an energy boost, and to be certain that your body is receiving the 64 minerals our bodies need DAILY.
	4. Greens Ultimate Green Zone provides complete whole grain nutrition and a balance of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It provides antioxidant protection, encourages growth of healthy colonic flora, supports the digestion, assists detoxification of the liver and kidneys, and helps protect the body. It is an excellent way to begin any day.
	5. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Flax Seed, Omega 3s and Evening Primrose oil are but a few the NSPs line of essential fatty acids. EFAs help with various chronic degenerative diseases. Research has confirmed the positive result of EFA supplementation for more than 60 major health concerns, including allergies, breast tenderness, cancer, heart disease, intestinal disorders, menopause, neurological disease, skin issues, and autoimmune disorders. Stay away from hydrogenated oils like margarine and vegetable oils. Use extra virgin olive oil instead.

If you have questions or need help putting together your herbal health program you can e-mail me at Tonja@TonjaWells@net

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and herb for the service of man Psalms 104:14

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat diseases. If you have any health problems consult a health care practitioner before embarking on any course of treatment.

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