It is hard to believe it is time for a new school year!  As summer wraps up and we prepare to get our children back in the swing of classes and extra-curricular, we are faced with trying to keep our kiddos healthy! Not only is it time for back to school shopping, but back to school immune support is just as important.  That is why Katherine and Rivers Edge are putting on our annual “Back to School August Sale” for immune support supplements. We are here to help keep your family healthy and happy with a variety of supplements to fit your family’s immune support needs.
 
The following supplements will be 20% off for the entire month of August!
 
Colostrum (available in tablets, chewables and powder form): May improve immunity and aid in the prevention of upper respiratory infections and the flu. 
 
D Vitamins (available in soft gels and liquid): Can potentially support the innate and adaptive immune system.  D vitamins may help protect against colds and flu and may also shorten the length of sickness.
 
C Vitamins (available in tablets and chewables): Provide support to the immune system as a whole.  C vitamins have the potential to reduce risk of sickness or decrease probability of further health complications.
 
Children’s Elderberry (available in soft chews): May help relieve the symptoms of the flu. Can potentially help to shorten the duration of a cold and the flu.
 
Nucleo-Immune: Provides support to the immune system as well as the intestinal system.
 
Immunoven: May help to fight off infections and boost immunity.
 
Zinc: Can be beneficial for a healthy immune system.  It may shorten the duration and severity of a cold.
 
Other things you can do to help boost and support the immune system are not limited to hand washing and adequate sleep. Try citrus fruits and red bell peppers for a vitamin C boost. Also, broccoli, turmeric, garlic and spinach are great immune boosters.  Exercise has also been proven to mobilize T cells, which can help guard against infection. Lastly, as if you needed one more reason to keep those stress levels down, chronic stress has been studied and it can wear down your immune response. We wish you and your family the very best this fall and school year!

While our most common New Year's goals tend to center around physical gains, mental health shares an intimate connection with physical well-being. 

*Always consult your health-care practitioner before changing your routine supplements.

Preview our featured supplements this month (25% off) to address mental health.
CBD (cannabidiol): may alleviate stress and improve sleeping patterns
Gaba: may improve relaxation and sleep
L-theanine: may be used to generate calming, anti-anxiety effects
Phosphatidylserine: may improve declining thinking skills due to aging
SAM-e: helps regulate key functions in living cells, which may address depression

     Leaves change, temperatures drop, mold rises, immune systems dip. Fall is upon us. Time for a healthy boost to your body's ability to ward off illness. It may seem like you have heard much of this from me before, but it is always timely in November. Celebratory food intake (tending to be high in sugar), increased holiday stress and travel, and relative to it, our immune tends to drop. Flu season is here and none of us want to slow down to deal with illness. So, in addition to the critical steps of adequate sleep, hydration, healthy diet and regular exercise; you may give your body an edge by choosing one of our November promotional supplements to integrate into your wellness routine.
     Our featured supplemments at 20 % off this month include Vitamin D3, Nucleoimmune, Colostrum, and ReBoost. Vitamin D3, as noted in my July post, when taken with calcium and magnesium is more readily available to the body to help in strengthening bone mass and secondarily combating illness. Nucleoimmune, by Premier Research Laboratories, contains nucleotides, which are the basis of all cellular structure, which better prepare the body to ward off pathogens.  Colostrum contains lactoferrin, which may increase white blood cells and T-cells in order for our body to fight off pathogens. Because lactoferrin is naturally antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral, it may inhibit pathogen growth. Finally, ReBoost helps to relieve the symptoms brought on with the flu. 
     While supplements for immune boosting may certainly help you maintain optimal health this time of year, do not neglect the availability of vitamins in healthy food. The holiday season offers many more sweets; the choices you make on what to take in, in the form of food, have a direct impact on your immune function. Live in a healthy balance of occasional indulgences with primarily healthy food intake. 

Did you know SAM-e has been sold as a prescription drug in parts of Europe for several decades?It has been prescribed for depression, pain relief, osteoarthritis and liver disease, among other conditions. 

SAM-e is a naturally occurring substance found on every cell of the body and brain. It is produced in the liver and used by the body for a process called methylation. This term may be familiar to you, as it is the latest buzzword associated with DNA testing, called the MTHFR factor. Methylation is the process in which the methyl group from one molecule is transferred to another. This process allows for the activation of neurotransmitters, hormones and aids the body's ability to detoxify.

SAM-e addresses depression and anxiety by reducing these ailments through causing methylation to occur more often, which results in better regulation of hormones and neurotransmitters that are deficient and imbalanced.  

The American Arthritis Foundation also has a long-standing history with SAM-e. They have conducted clinical studies proving SAM-e's anti-inflammatory properties and use as a pain reliever to improve joint mobility. 

SAM-e should be taken with B vitamins for efficacy; be sure to look for one with added methylated B vitamins or take an additional high quality B vitamin along with your SAM-e. 
Dosage for SAM-e varies, while the average is 400-800mg, it may be as high as 1600mg for more severe depression or arthritic pain. These higher doses require precaution, as side effects include stomach aches or slight nausea. SAM-e should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal, and most effectively in the morning and noon. Note that SAM-e may be energy producing and thereby disruptive to sleep patterns. 

As always, consult your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your regime. If you do find that SAM-e is an appropriate fit, please enjoy 15% off our SAM-e lines for the month of October (including Jarrow and Designs for Health). 

Blessings for a stress-reduced holiday season!
​Katherine

Pursuing optimal health is grounded in homeostasis. What we eat and drink, how we exercise, when and how much we sleep, what supplements we consume, our daily routines—ultimately these choices pursue balance. As we evaluate our health, there will be diverse conclusions on what needs the most recalibration. Areas of interest may range from any number of concerns, including but not limited to quality of sleep, specific diseases, anxiety or inflammation. As consumers, we need to closely examine products with cure-all claims. Fortunately, as we learn more about how our systems work, we can better understand why something like cannabidiol (CBD) may aid many areas.

​CBD is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of ingredients called cannabinoids (Dr. Axe 3).  In our biological system, endocannabinoids are naturally present throughout our body, bridging both our body and mind by acting upon the nervous system, immune system and all of the body’s organs (Dustin Solak, DO 2). River’s Edge currently carries a line of CBD Living products including CBD oil to vape, CBD Freeze for sore muscles, CBD Sleep, and CBD Living water with nano technology. The cannabidiol oil acts on our endocannabinoid system to promote efficiency in a variety of realms, which ultimately promotes cell health.

​“The presence and critical function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) across many systems of the body, including the nervous and immune systems, explains why such a wide variety of ailments and disease states are responsive to cannabis-based interventions." Nick Jikomes, PhD 1

​Because the endocannabinoid system is widespread, when we add CBD oil, be it through drinking infused water, vaping oil, swallowing a syrup or applying a roller, they may aid in activating the endocannabinoid system. Or course our biology is complicated and consuming cannabis does not guarantee homeostasis. Instead, understating more of the science gives us reason to try, as CBD so far appears to have little negative side effects.
 
While CBD Living products address internally rooted needs due to how our endocannabinoid system is designed, sometimes our needs are also influenced by external circumstances. The month of April does not only bring showers of rain but an influx of pollen. For some, pollen triggers an excessive histamine response. Histamine causes our blood vessels to dilate in order to allow our white blood cells to quickly find and attack the problem. Once again, we are motivated to seek biological homeostasis while our environment relatively upsets it. River’s Edge carries a multitude of products designed to support combating the impact of seasonal allergies. 

In response to the time of year, we are featuring at 20% off D-Hist, D-Hist Jr., Bee Pollen, Sinus Rejuvenation Oil, Sinus Support, Sinatrol, and Dry Nose Oil. D-Hist and D-Hist Jr are a regular, spring & fall seasonal addition for many of my clients. Therefore, it is helpful to understand the proprietary blend. According to D-Hist maker, Orthomolecular, this supplement includes:

1. a targeted blend of flavonoids [diverse plant chemicals found in most fruits and vegetables],
2. antioxidants [a substance that reduces damage due to oxygen, such as that causes by free radicals],
3. proteolytic enzymes [any of a group of enzymes that break the chalking molecules of proteins eventually into their components, amino acids]

All of which are designed to provide comprehensive support for seasonal challenges caused by common environmental allergens.
The formula includes:

• quercetin [pigment in plants],
• bromelain [enzyme from pineapples],
• stinging nettles leaf [perennial flowering plant],     
• N-acetyl cysteine [comes from an amino acid, which are the building blocks of proteins]

This powerful combination actively promotes healthy nasal and sinus passages for individuals with elevated histamine and respiratory irritation.
Whether actively fighting environmental influences or seeking to boost our bodies’ own biological systems, it is exciting to pause and educate ourselves on what is available. At River’s Edge we hope to support our clients in their pursuit of homeostasis. Please feel free to reach out with questions, as we highlight our supplements that provide opportunity for greater physiological balance.

Our attention should be piqued when noting that one person dies every 38 seconds from related heart issues (1). Therefore intentional decisions we make each day may add up to heart disease prevention and heart health. 
Here are four small action steps to add to your week and greatly impact the overall health of your heart:

• Simple movement: Understand and picture the heart as a muscle; be aware of the heart’s need for exercise. Exercise does not have to be complicated. Consider swimming in open lanes (note, Carmel High School and the Monon Center). Look for any styles of yoga that elevate the heart during the session, which also doubles for stress reduction. Or keep it simple by pairing extended, brisk walks with an accountability partner.
• Small diet modification: The latest research reports are out, and what we have suspected for many years is confirmed that saturated fat is not the deadly cause of many heart related diseases. No, it is what we have suspected—SUGAR! Making one shift in your diet to lower or remove sugar will make the greatest impact on your health (2).

*According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA): Those who consumed 17-25% kcal from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who only consumed 8%. The key is Modification and Moderation.

• Self-Love: Having positive self-esteem has been shown to correlate with stronger health (3). Consider how loving others as yourself may extend this positive impact.
• Increased sleep: A 2011 study by the American Heart Association concluded that poor sleep quality is linked to heart disease. Individual’s sleep needs vary but 6-8 hours is the average (4). 

The beauty of taking these steps to increase heart health is that they too improve a myriad of health concerns. If you wish to continue to support heart health in particular, we are offering 20% off this month on Premier Research Laboratories Cardio ND (a natural supplement for cardiovascular support that uses a probiotic-derived formula), as well as Coenzyme Q10, (which is naturally found in our cells and our bodies use it to promote cell growth, energy, as well as acting as an antioxidant). 
May your hearts be full of joy this month and your bodies increasing in health and stamina! 
 ​Katherine
​

Flipping the calendar to January often means turning the page on old habits as well. As evidenced by the health club sales, supplement discounts, and weight loss promotionals abounding, many are motivated to make changes. Detoxification represents one important factor in making more permanent changes. While it supports a number of positive health habits, the word may conjure up images of bad side effects and extreme measures.

​Taking a moment to consider its elementary definition, detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances or qualities. While for some it may mean a more regimented plan of drinking juices and taking additional supplements for a period of days, it may also be, by definition, a removal of a substance. This month, River's Edge will be focusing on the removal of sugar.
 
So, what would it look like to remove the burden on your body from sugar for these next six weeks? In considering detoxification, it can still be basic to have big impact.
 
Let’s review Sugar…an overabundance of sugar can be a cause for a condition called candida. Candida is yeast that is normally present in the gastrointestinal tract. Your gastrointestinal tract is made up of “good” bacteria and “bad” bacteria. They work synergistically with your intestinal cells when good and bad bacteria is out of balance. The inner ecology is out of balance and the harmonious ecology begins to breakdown. When your ecology is out of balance you can be prone to crave the following:

• Sugar 
• Dairy
• Breads
• Fruit
• Soft drinks

It also: 

• Elevates triglycerides
• Increases harmful LDL (so-called bad cholesterol)
• Promotes the buildup of fat around organs (visceral fat)
• Increases blood pressure
• Makes tissues insulin-resistant, a precursor to diabetes
• Increases the production of free radicals, energetic compounds that can damage DNA and cells

 
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/abundance-of-fructose-not-good-for-the-liver-heart
 
So, what if your chosen detox this New Year was simply this one substance? Omitting sugar from your diet will require a few precautions:

1. Consider if there is a certain time of day which you find yourself drawn to it (i.e. added to coffee in the morning). What will you put in place to help you at more difficult times (i.e a substitute like Stevia)?
2. Carefully read labels (i.e. bottled health food drinks may be laden with extra sugar).
3. Give yourself reasonable, attainable goals (i.e. note that our ability to truly form a habit takes a minimum of 21 days and increases from there depending on behavior and person, according to an article published in European Journal of Social Psychology and conducted by Phillippa Lally reporting “How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world”).
4. Recognize the reality of side effects. There may be headaches, fatigue, or irritability. Be proactive (i.e. implement more mindfulness practices, increase daily water intake, try an Infrared Sauna session, one free in the month of January, $25 value).
5. Consider supporting supplements including Berberine by Prothera, Capsule Plus Grapefruit Seed Extract by NutriBiotic, Oregano Oil by Premier Research Laboratories, Candida ALB 30x by BioActive Homeopathic, Yeast Fungal Detox by Nature's Sunshine, and Agrisept-L by Nutri-diem. *See below for specific benefits.

Berberine has been shown to possess excellent anti-microbial activity against candida. It also works to support the immune system.
 
Grapefruit seed extract is effective in killing off yeast fungal pathogens. Grapefruit seed is also packed with vitamins and minerals, which are particularly important during and after the candida cleanse.
 
Oregano makes an excellent choice for candida because the candida yeast is less likely to develop a resistance to it.
 
Candida ALB 30X aids relief of gas and abdominal discomfort after eating and may ease the candida detoxification process.
 
Yeast Fungal Detox may serve as a more comprehensive supplement to address organ support and also create an unfriendly environment for excesses of yeast and fungus.
 
Agrisept-L works as a broad-spectrum agent in addressing candida as well as molds, influenza, and parasites.
 
Work closely with a health professional to assist you in safely implementing.
 
Note the above mentioned products are featured at 20% off for the month of January.
 

 
 ​