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Sharpen Your Mind With Fish Oil!

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Sharpen Your Mind With Fish Oil!

Neuromega Fish Oil

Alterra (by Herbasanté)’s High DHA fish oil contains molecularly distilled mackerel, sardines and anchovy oil, cold pressed thyme oil and natural cran-raspberry or orange flavours.

Per teaspoon: 5000mg (1 tsp.) Neuromega contains: Omega-3 Composition:

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) ………….. 2750 mg

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) …………….. 250 mg

 

One of the most common deficiencies found in children and adults with ADD is the deficiency of DHA. DHA nourishes the brain and contributes to memory, focus and concentration. DHA deficiency is associated with normal aging, hyperactivity, learning activity, depression, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Neuromega presents a therapeutic liquid concentration of DHA that sustains the development and maintains the activity of the brain, eyes and nervous system at all levels.

DHA is an essential component of brain cells, and its scope of action is quite broad. Neuromega reinforces neurological action and efficiency, prevents depression and greatly reduces frequency of foggy concentration.

Improvements with DHA are seen in signal transduction processes associated with behavioral deficits, learning activity, peroxisomal disorders, and psychotic changes in schizophrenia, depression, hyperactivity, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The benefits of DHA have also proven to be effective during pregnancy and for children. The consumption of DHA in children allows for a higher rate of intellectual and language development.

One study has revealed that between birth and 5 years old the brain increases its volume 3.5 times and quadruples its concentration of DHA.

Today numerous medical studies have proven the importance of supplementation with high concentrations of DHA to reduce cerebral degeneration and optimize brain efficiency. Limited dietary sources make it difficult to obtain recommended and therapeutic levels of DHA and thus it becomes important to supplement.

For over 15 years Alterra by Herbasanté’s Neuromega fish oil provides the perfect way to sharpen your mind!

Find us here:

Ref: Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2004 Apr;70(4):361-72

Growth Continues for Retail Sector Stocks and IPOs

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Growth Continues for Retail Sector Stocks and IPOs

Over the last five years, the consumer discretionary index posted returns of approximately 122%

Retail industry stocks in Canada have outperformed the broader stock market in the last several years, and the sector continues to show bright promise. For retail companies, this performance presents a compelling environment to consider a public offering, according to Ryan Thomas, head of business development, diversified industries at TMX Group Ltd., which owns the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

According to Thomas, in the last year, the consumer discretionary index on the TSX increased by 20%, compared to a 6% increase for the broader TSX composite index.

Over the last five years, the consumer discretionary index posted returns of approximately 122%, compared to the broader stock market index, which increased by roughly 30%.

“If you look at the returns for the consumer indexes, they really show a significant outperformance over the TSX over not only the last year, but over a five-year period,” Thomas says.

The gains in consumer stocks have been driven by very healthy performance of companies in the sector.

Dollarama, for instance, has seen its stock rise by over 400% during the past five years, due to repeated solid growth in sales and profits.

The positive economic and market environment has caused numerous retailers to pursue IPO (initial public offerings) in the past few years. In fact, the consumer sector in Canada has experienced 11 IPOs since 2015 – more than any other sector on the TSX, according to experts.

The main advantage of an IPO is access to a vast new source of capital. Extra capital can provide companies such as retailers with the funds they need to pursue growth. Going public also offers a boost in profile, which can be a plus for consumer brands.

However, transitioning into a publicly traded company also presents challenges and significant new responsibilities. Managing quarterly reporting requirements and investor communications, for example, requires considerable resources. Nonetheless, Thomas says an IPO can be beneficial for many companies.

Fast-Acting Immunity and Infection Support

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Fast-Acting Immunity and Infection Support

Herbasante’s Bronkotux syrup is an effective, fast-acting formula for winter maladies, combining 6 medicinal plants with a long history of effective use

The winter season tends to bring about the spread of cold and flu and thus compromised immunity. We are more likely to see the prevalence of bronchitis, wet or dry cough, sinusitis and sinus congestion, cold, flu, rhinitis, ear infections and throat infections.

Herbasante’s Bronkotux syrup is an effective, fast-acting formula for these winter maladies, combining 6 medicinal plants with a long history of effective use.

Bronkotux syrup has been demonstrated to:

  • Work effectively in soothing cough, helping with the flow of bronchial secretions, and acute or chronic bronchitis, acting as an expectorant to drain and clear the lungs of mucous
  • Be effective in pulmonary disease and help to prevent and even treat lung complications arising from Ear, Nose, Throat and flu
  • Help to reduce the use of inhalers for asthmatic patients
  • Elicit an antibiotic-type response without the risk that comes along with conventional antibiotics and antibiotic resistance

The combination of phytotherapeutic components in Bronkotux restores the fluidity and elasticity of bronchial mucus properties required for expectoration and ridding the body of waste and mucous.

Bronchial epithelium will regain its ability to secrete a normal mucosal protective film that will no longer inhibit ciliary cleansing movements which is the reflex of a disappearing cough. In addition, without being an antipyretic (substance used to prevent or reduce fever) this herbal preparation reduces the effect of events related to elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) and prevents infections from becoming more severe.

One of the key ingredients in the Bronkotux formula is Umcka/Pelargonium, a most versatile herb that has many therapeutic properties. The protective effect of Umcka/Pelargonium contained in the syrup aids in the following:

Clinical uses focus on:

  • Respiratory ailments
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Pharyngotonsillitis
  • Colds
  • Flu
  • Antibacterial
  • Antiviral
  • Immunomodulatin
  • Extract of Pelargonium sidoides for acute respiratory tract infections.

Here’s how the unique ingredients in Bronkotunx syrup work together to help prevent and treat illness :

Umcka: In in-vitro studies, Umcka proved to be effective against 3 gram positive bacteria including: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus beta–hemolytic. Also helps with wheezing and rattling in the chest during respiratory infections. Assists with difficulty breathing, and helps to clear chronic mucous secretions and even chest pain when coughing.

Iceland moss : Relieves dry cough and inflamed oral tissues, bronchial diseases.

Sundew : Helps with bronchitis, and is an antispasmodic and expectorant

Ivy : Relieves bronchitis, whooping cough, chronic catarrh and acts as an expectorant

Guaco : Effictive cough suppressant, bronchodilator and expectorant

Thyme : Helps with bronchitis, whooping cough; serves as antibiotic, expectorant, and cough suppressant

Therapeutic results are obtained by consuming 6 teaspoons a day! Make sure to stock Bronkotux, both adult and child versions in your medicine cabinets for a healthy and strong winter season!

Cholesterol and our Health

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Cholesterol and our Health

Two-thirds of cholesterol comes from the liver

Cholesterol plays a vital role in the functioning of the body, since it is found in every cell and is implicated in hormone production.

Cholesterol is either synthesized in the body or absorbed from animal products consumed in one’s diet. About two-thirds of cholesterol comes from the liver, and about one-third from diet. Bile in the liver eliminates about two-thirds of cholesterol.

Lipoproteins are complexes that transport hydrophobic plasma lipids, in particular cholesterol and triglycerides. They are transported in the blood by LDL (low density lipoprotein), HDL (high density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein). VLDL and LDL are responsible for transporting triglycerides and cholesterol from the liver to the body’s cells. HDL returns the lipids to the liver where they are metabolized for elimination via bile salts.

Although essential in the body, high levels of “bad” cholesterol (which is LDL) can have adverse consequences on blood vessels, resulting in cardiovascular disease.

Treating cholesterol is not just about lowering the LDL levels in your blood, however; it’s about much more than that. There is even some debate about whether LDL is the culprit–or the main cause–of cardiovascular disease.

Who is At Risk?

According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of Canadians with above-normal levels of LDL between 2009 and 2011 were, by age group:

Ages 6 to 19, 6%

Ages 20 to 39, 12%

Ages 40 to 59, 40%

Ages 60 to 79, 26%

In Canada, cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for one-third of all deaths and $22 billion a year in associated healthcare costs.

Risk factors for cholesteremia (elevated cholesterol):

  • Age
  • Metabolic syndrome/syndrome X
  • Men
  • Smoker
  • Diabetes
  • LDL
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic stress
  • Family history
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle
  • Control C-reactive protein (CRP). Be careful when interpreting whether there are concomitant acute disorders.

 

Especially to note:

Elevated levels of homocysteine are often accompanied by high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome (see below). Coffee consumption, excess alcohol, lack of exercise, stress and being overweight are factors that increase homocysteine. As a precursor of atherosclerosis, homocysteine causes damage to arteries and possibly heart attacks, as well as having adverse impacts on other disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, migraine, macular degeneration and hearing loss. Homocysteine is an amino acid that, when present in excess levels, leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other health disorders.

Metabolic syndrome

Excess weight and a high-fat diet, particularly in saturated fatty acids, are cholesterol contributing factors because they are associated with metabolic syndrome (hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes and erectile dysfunction)

Targeting cholesterol should also automatically include the care of homocysteine, atheromatous plaque, preventing clot formation and caring for liver metabolism.

Treatment

Whether this war against LDL is justified or not, some patients do wish to continue lowering their cholesterol levels, with or without statins, a common method used to do so. Lowering cholesterol without statins has proven to be successful and the results speak for themselves in many cases. Effective options without side effects do exist.

The management of cholesterol requires a comprehensive, holistic assessment of the patient in order to achieve results in a healthy and sustained manner.

Consider the following: eliminate trans fatty acids from the diet and quit smoking; maintain a healthy weight; exercise; learn to manage depression and anxiety and learn to control them; embrace spirituality/meditation; consume essential fatty acids and assess the foods you consume.

Consider cardioprotective supplements: Red rice yeast alone reduces cholesterol by 25% to 35%, according to studies conducted. Herbasante’s Cholester-Aid formula is a synergy of ingredients that acts on various mechanisms to reduce cholesterol. It also helps to support cardiovascular health. Best of all, it’s a natural plant based formula that has no side effects.

Recommended by Experts: Diamond Herpanacine

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Recommended by Experts: Diamond Herpanacine

Through the past 27 years, millions of people have seen clear, healthy, outbreak-free skin and a strong immune system—naturally

Diamond Herpanacine of Pennsylvania, USA, is now celebrating its 27th year in business and originally became a reality to share the incredible benefits and results of the natural formula Herpanacine Skin Support. Dr. Diamond worked to find an answer to his patients many skin conditions and when he did, it was clear it had to be shared to relieve the suffering so many were experiencing.

The twelve powerful natural ingredients are in a vegetable capsule, Non-GMO, Gluten Free and contain no allergens to concern customers.

Dr. Wayne Diamond’s award-winning Herpanacine Skin Support System has been recommended for the past 23 years in several respected reference books, including “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by the Balch’s. It has also been recommended by natural physicians internationally. Herpanacine Skin Support is recommended by product name 18 different times in this respected book. Generally ingredients are recommended in this type of medical literature, rather than actual products by name. It is also recommended by name in the “Healthy Healing” book by Dr. Linda Page and other important books for healing skin conditions and building the immune system.

Through the past 27 years, millions of people have been seen clear, healthy, outbreak-free skin and a strong immune system—naturally. Herpanacine Skin Support has won many awards, including: Best #1 Skin Supplement, Best of Beauty Skin Supplement, Health, Beauty & Wellness Award, and many others. These awards have come from Better Nutrition, Shape You, Amazing Wellness, LUX and other influential sources. The awards keep coming year after year because this unique, revered formula, only sold in natural stores, not in mass market, really works to keep the skin wonderfully clear, the tone great and the immune system strong!

A Family Company That Cares

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A Family Company That Cares

Being a family company, their adult children work in different capacities of the business

Twenty-seven years ago, Dr. Wayne Diamond, a Philadelphia Naturopathic Physician and Psychotherapist in full-time private practice, completed the research and development of a revolutionary formula to combat skin conditions and keep his patients healthy from head to toe.

Dr. Diamond worked successfully with over 150 patients who were suffering from various skin eruptions including all forms of acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, herpes, cold sores, canker sores, shingles and more. Thanks to his knowledge and expertise in natural medicine, this formula—Herpanacine Skin Support—started to change lives. The benefits and results were nothing short of astounding!

Herpanacine Skin Support System was the first product to be shared by Dr. Diamond and Leslie Anne Diamond via their new company, Diamond Herpanacine of PA, Inc. It was always clear to the Diamonds that this incredible formula was to be marketed to natural health food stores and never through mass market. It remains their policy to this day.

Using only the finest quality non-GMO, gluten and allergen free ingredients continues to be of upmost importance. Being a family company, their adult children work in different capacities of the business to this day and both Jay and Debbie have been extremely essential in helping to run the business from the beginning.

In keeping with the family’s strong concern for our fragile environment and climate crisis, Diamond Herpanacine uses recyclable bottles, caps, shipping materials and all other materials wherever possible. Respecting and protecting our Earth is of immense importance to the family and part of the mission in doing business.

Of course, customer service is also an extremely important factor and the team at Diamond Herpanacine work diligently to make sure that each customer’s needs are taken care of every day. Customers are often surprised when they reach a human being, not a machine, when calling the office with questions or to share the many testimonials that the company receives daily.

Studies show that Herpanacine Skin Support helps to overcome unsightly and painful chronic eruptions—with a focus on prevention. It starts working internally, where it counts, on day one. Herpanacine has been used safely and effectively by men and women worldwide—from babies to boomers—since its inception in 1990. Thrilled clients even give Herpanacine Skin Support to dogs and cats suffering from skin issues like mange and hotspots.

Dr. Diamond’s vast knowledge of natural medicine led him to combine 12 powerful natural ingredients in the award-winning Herpanacine Skin Support System. Due to his total understanding of the root causes of skin conditions, he was able to ensure that the formula had the desired benefits and results, targeting all the triggers of an outbreak.

Herpanacine Skin brings the toxins out, cleanses the skin layers, blood and the liver, balances bodily chemistry, pH levels and the nervous system, and most importantly builds the immune system to prevent skin conditions and other illnesses before they can start.

The 12 ingredients in this multi-award winning formula are work synergistically to assure clear, beautiful, outbreak-free skin with this unique formula. It is respected and loved around the world, including in Canada where after the completion of Health Canada’s application process, Herpanacine Skin Support earned an NPN number, making it available in health food stores throughout Northern America.

Support Your Skin from Within

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Support Your Skin from Within

Many lived with various skin conditions for years until Herpanacine was formulated.

Herpanacine Skin Support is the brainchild of Dr. Wayne Diamond, who researched and developed this incredible healing formula to prevent the discomfort and difficulty that was caused by the skin conditions his patients were plagued with. Many lived with various skin conditions for years until Herpanacine was formulated.

The vast knowledge Dr. Diamond had of natural medicine after many years in private practice led him to combine ingredients that work synergistically to bring the toxins out, cleanse skin layers, blood and liver, balance bodily chemistry and the nervous system, and provide an important first line of defense by building the immune system to fight off skin conditions and other illnesses.

The twelve ingredients in the award-winning Herpanacine Skin Support are:
Beta Carotene: cleanses skin layers, stimulates overall immune function
Vitamin C: necessary for collagen production and a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals in the skin
L-Lysine: directly attacks the virus and stimulates glands to increase immune function
L-Tyrosine: reduces the intensity of stress, which can often make skin conditions worse
Vitamin E: soothes skin layers, while cleansing from within, and increases skin circulation
Selenium: directly attacks viral particles, while cleansing the skin layers of toxicity
Dandelion Root: balances PH, reduces blood acid, cleanses liver and detoxifies the blood
Sarsaparilla Root: a blood cleanser, also helping to stimulate proper hormonal function in relation to the skin

Astragalus Root, Ligustrum Berry & Echinacea: strong supporters of immune function to combat bacterial and viral eruptions on the skin
Zinc: essential for the production of certain hormones and assists wound healing, immune system support and circulation of particles in the blood

With these powerful ingredients in the Herpanacine Skin Support System, finally there is healthy, beautiful, outbreak-free skin and a strong immune system! The Diamond Herpanicine team is pleased to have received 27 years of rave reviews about Herpanacine from those who previously suffered with various skin conditions.

Deep ocean minerals show post-exercise blood flow and anti-inflammation benefits

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Deep ocean minerals show post-exercise blood flow and anti-inflammation benefits

Supplements containing over 70 minerals and trace elements derived from the deep ocean may improve blood flow and hemoglobin levels in the brain after exercise, says a new study.

The desalinated deep ocean minerals (DOM) used in the study were provided by Taiwanese company Pacific Deep Ocean Biotech. The more than 70 minerals and trace elements are derived from water collected more than 600 meters below the earth’s surface in the West Pacific Ocean. The water is micro-filtered to remove any microorganisms, and then ultra-filtered to remove any macromolecules and/or viruses.

Consumption of DOM before, during, and after exhaustive cycling exercise was associated with significantly elevated cerebral hemoglobin levels in both young and middle-aged men, compared with placebo, scientists from Taiwan, Thailand, and the UK report in Frontiers in Physiology.

“Vascular function is known to deteriorate with age, which may have ramifications on cerebral hemodynamic regulation during a physical challenge,” explained the scientists. “In this study, we found that mineral and trace elements from deep oceans can substantially increase the cerebral hemodynamic response during high-intensity cycling. The enhanced hemodynamic response with DOM was somewhat more pronounced in middle-aged men compared with young men at the same relative exercise intensity.”

Why deep ocean water?

The deep ocean minerals concept is anchored to paleobiology, which suggests that life on earth originated from the deep oceans (deeper than 0.5 km) and that our transition from sea to land led to compromised nutritive complexity. Photosynthetic organisms living at the surface may deplete certain biogenic components from the water, but these can still be found in the deep ocean water where sunlight cannot reach. Therefore, ingestion of these deep ocean components may, “replenish any innate incomplete molecular complexity and increase the physical capacity of humans against entropic physical challenges”, said the authors.

A previous proof-of-concept study appeared to have supported this concept for both recovery and leg muscle power. The new study sought to test the effects of DOM in young and middle-aged men, with a particular focus on the so-called cerebral hemodynamics.

Study details

The researchers recruited 12 young men (average age of 21) and 9 middle-aged men (average age of 47) to participate in their double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. The men were randomly assigned to consume the DOM drink or placebo before, during, and after cycling exercise. The men observed a two-week washout period before crossing over to the other interventions. Erythritol was used to mask flavour differences between the DOM and placebo beverages.

Results showed that, while there were no significant differences between the beverages and age groups for lactate response when cycling at 75% VO2max, significant differences between the beverages were observed for the so-called cerebral hemodynamic response (hemoglobin levels) in the men. The effects were greater in the middle-aged men versus the younger men.

In addition, DOM consumption was also associated with an attenuation in increases in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in middle-aged men after the exercise.

“The attenuated NLR increase suggests that DOM might either reduce the amount of damage or increase recovery rate after exercise,” explained the researchers. “NLR is a commonly used marker of systemic inflammation and has been shown to be elevated 2 h following aerobic exercise, in an exercise volume dependent manner. The lowered systemic inflammation after exercise suggests that the increased molecular complexity provided by DOM supplementation improves the robustness of the cells against an entropic challenge.”

The authors concluded: “Our data suggest that minerals and trace elements from deep oceans possess great promise in developing supplements to increase the cerebral hemodynamic response against a physical challenge and during post-exercise recovery for middle-aged men.”

The study was supported financially by Pacific Deep Ocean Biotech and the University of Taipei.

“We think that we are about to see a new category emerging in sports nutrition”

A spokesperson for Pacific Deep Ocean Biotech told NutraIngredients-USA that two companies have launched products formulated with DOM in North America: Natural Factors under its Whole Earth and Sea brand, and Patriot Health. The ingredient is distributed in North America by CK Ingredients.

“We have had a number of major nutraceutical companies evaluate and review DOM. We needed this additional clinical work to demonstrate the application benefits,” said the spokesperson. “We think that we are about to see a new category emerging in sports nutrition. Particularly as Danone has started investing in this category through Kona Deep.”

Beat Cholesterol

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Beat Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a complex issue.  Managing high cholesterol is not solely about lowering your cholesterol level. Contrary to popular belief, lowering cholesterol cannot simply be boiled down to lowering levels of LDL, because it is a complex issue with many factors at play. In order to achieve successful, sustained and long-lasting health results, all of these issues must be understood and addressed.

 

If your blood tests do show an elevated level of cholesterol, make sure to look into a cholesterol busting formula that helps to:

  • Support liver metabolism
  • Reduce homocysteine
  • Attack the build-up of atheroma plaque
  • Prevent clot formation
  • Reduce lipid peroxidation
  • Lower cholesterol

 

You want your natural formula to contain therapeutic doses of certain key ingredients in order to lower cholesterol and help your overall body function.

Herbasante’s new cutting edge formula, Cholester-Aid contains the key essentials for lowering cholesterol:

  • Red Rice Yeast: lowers cholesterol. In fact Red Rice Yeast alone reduced cholesterol by 25%-35% according to research studies conducted.
  • Plant Sterols: lowers cholesterol
  • Milk Thistle: a powerful liver regenerator
  • B- Complex Vitamins: reduce homocysteine
  • CoQ10: contributes to heart health and must be replenished when one is on cholesterol-lowering medication
  • Policosanol: reduces platelet aggregation
  • Serrapeptase: inhibits and degrades the formation of atheroma plaque.

 

Our unique, innovative cholesterol-fighting formula will help you even when you’re doing your best at living a healthy lifestyle.

Addresses cholesterol, homocysteine, hepatic support, cardiac support, blood thinner; all in one formula.

Let’s consider the factors that contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In order to evaluate your risk, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are you over 50 years of age?
  • Are you 10% or more over your ideal weight?
  • Do you suffer from high blood pressure?
  • Are you a smoker?
  • Are you live a sedentary lifestyle?
  • Do you exercise less than 3x per week?
  • Have you ever suffered from heart disease?
  • Do you eat plenty of processed foods or eat at restaurants regularly?

 

If you’ve checked off more than 3 of the above, it’s time to make some lifestyle changes and use the right product to support your health.

 

Herbasante’s Cholester-Aid formula provides a synergy of ingredients that acts similarly to cholesterol-lowering medications upon various mechanisms, and also supports many elements related to cardiovascular health.

Herbasanté Health Capsule

Herbasanté Alterra:

Your Natural Path to Healthy Living

Established in 1984, Herbasante is a Canadian made, owned and operated company. As a trusted and long-established entity with over 30 years of experience in the natural health and wellness sector, we have made it our goal to improve the well being and health of our clients with our unique, professional therapeutic health formulas.

Our products are manufactured in Canada, and they exceed strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. This is a system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards, designed to minimize any risks involved.

Herbasante is dedicated to offering you the most diverse assortment of scientifically based herbal and phytonutrient complexes, vitamin formulations, detox products and homeopathics on the market. Our wide range of products are available at health food stores across Canada, in practitioner clinics and in pharmacies.

Our holistic and time-tested approach to relieving and preventing numerous afflictions and chronic illnesses with diverse homeopathic, phytotherapeutic and mycotherapeutic remedies has placed Herbasante at the forefront of alternative medicine.

We are constantly innovating, growing, and yet we remain true to our unique, effective and time tested formulas offering products that our clients love and swear by.

While some of our products and offerings have evolved over the past three decades our mission has always remained the same: to provide you and your family with a wide range of professionally formulated, high-quality, safe and effective Canadian-made products that treat a multitude of health ailments at truly affordable prices.

Visit us at:

http://herbasante.ca/

Find us on Facebook where our goal is to educate our clients and offer valuable health tips: https://www.facebook.com/HerbasanteENG

info@herbasante.ca

 

Modulating Stress

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Modulating Stress

The Advantages of Choosing KSM-66® Ashwagandha

In today’s action-packed, fast-paced society, stress is simply a fact of life. No matter who you are or what your day-to-day schedule entails, you’re sure to have feelings of stress over your personal life, career, and occurrences on the global stage.

However, you’re not alone in this struggle: according to Statistics Canada, one in four workers describe their everyday lives as highly stressful. In fact, 27 per cent of Canadian workers experience high levels of stress every day, while 46 per cent have reported feeling slightly stressed on a day-to-day basis.

When stress levels are at an all-time high, anxiety is likely to rear its ugly head. A response to both external and internal stressors, anxiety is characterized by an increase in heart rate and rapid breathing. This is due to the body’s release of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone.  Unfortunately, frequent and prolonged spikes in cortisol are extremely detrimental to overall health, possibly leading to depression, heart disease, panic disorders, and high blood pressure. As such, learning to cope with stress—and control the body’s responses to it—is imperative in the maintenance of overall health and wellness.

SOOTHE YOURSELF

When faced with severe stress and anxiety, employing relaxation techniques can help to induce a sense of calm. A wide variety of these activities exist, including deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and positive visualization and affirmation. To stop stress in its tracks, try the following:

  1. Focus and slow your breathing. First, inhale deeply through your nose, filling up the entirety of your lungs. Then, pause at the peak of your breath, holding in the air briefly before exhaling slowly through your mouth.
  2. Relax your muscles. Concentrate on the way your body feels, taking note of any areas that feel tense. Unwind and let go of these areas, allowing them to become limp and heavy.
  3. Change your thoughts. Rid yourself of negative feelings by replacing them with positive affirmations. Continue this process until your mind is wiped clear of anxiety and pessimism.

MAKE A CHANGE

Sometimes, combatting stress is as simple as making a few lifestyle changes—especially when it comes to nutrition. In order to keep stress at bay, ensure that your diet is chock-full of whole grains, fruits, and veggies. What’s more, don’t skip meals: doing so may result in fluctuations in blood sugar, which may worsen any underlying stress and anxiety.

Certain nutrients have been shown to reduce anxiety, as well. Specifically, magnesium-rich foods, like Swiss chard, spinach, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, have been shown to induce feelings of calm. Probiotic-rich foods, like pickles, sauerkraut, and kefir, have also been shown to decrease stress signaling in the body through the gut-brain axis. Additionally, foods rich in antioxidants, like apples, turmeric, and ginger, have also been found to ease stress.

NATURE’S LITTLE HELPER

If you’re looking for some extra help with stress and anxiety, give the natural supplement route a go. KSM-66® Ashwagandha is a unique ingredient that works to combat stress, reduce anxiety, and aid with memory and cognition. As the highest-concentration root extract available on the market, this award-winning option harnesses the ancient power of the ashwagandha plant.

An Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha is an adaptogen that amplifies the body’s ability to self-regulate key systems—specifically, the neurological, immune, reproductive, endocrinal, and energy-production systems. This is attributed to its complex blend of active constituents, including alkaloids like withanine, somniferine, and tropine, as well as lactones called withanolides. For ashwagandha to work its magic, each of these constituents must be present in their full, natural proportions. Only KSM-66® has managed to perfect this balance—plus, it’s standardized to the highest percentage of withanolides in the world, among root extracts.

What’s more, KSM-66® is backed by the most extensive set of research studies and clinical trials out there. One study, published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, found this powerhouse ingredient to significantly reduce serum cortisol levels, drastically lowering feelings of stress and anxiety.

However, KSM-66® is no one-trick pony: it has also been proven to increase endurance, strength, and testosterone production, as well as improve sexual function in both women and men. Another clinical study also found KSM-66® to increase overall happiness and aid in weight management.

KSM-66® is an ingredient you can feel good about taking: its 100% organic formula is USDA affirmed, non-GMO, vegetarian, gluten-free, and totally safe. What’s more, KSM-66® was issued a Natural Product Number (NPN) by Health Canada, thereby approving its claims about stress and anxiety management, athletic support, and healthy testosterone production. Additionally, KSM-66® is manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in India, which uses world-class production and quality assurance processes. This includes the practice of “green chemistry,” a sustainable procedure that minimizes the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Regardless of how you manage stress, it is important to get a handle on feelings of anxiety. Doing so will not only improve your health—it will boost your overall quality of life.