​November is Gluten Free Awareness month and to prepare you for the upcoming holidays, Rivers Edge is offering Similase® GFCF Gluten and Casein Digestive Enzymes for 25% off for the month of November. For some, hidden gluten and casein can be the cause of bloating, abdominal cramping, pain, gas and indigestion. However, the right digestive enzyme this holiday season can make a difference when trying to support a gluten free or casein free diet. 
The digestive system requires a variety of enzymes to break down food into simple componets that can be used by the body. Gluten and casein can be particularly difficult to digest. Similase® GFCF provides a wide range of enzymes, including DPP IV, to break down hidden gluten and gliadin (protiens in wheat that are essential for giving bread the ability to rise during baking) in foods. These enzymes are active across a broad pH range in the digestive tract. 
Similase® GFCF gluten and casein digestive enzymes is a combination of plant enzymes to support complete digestion of all types of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats with targeted support for the digestion of gluten and casein. This formula contains no animal products in the ingredients or the capsule components; it is a vegetarian formula.
This enzyme professes to: 
* support a gluten-free casein-free lifestyle
* support digestion of gluten and casein
 *relieve occasional acid indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation
* support healthy immune function when consuming accidental or hidden gluten in food products
* aid DPP IV activity 

So, why might this support be helpful? First, we must understand what gluten and casein are and observe our individual responses when consuming them. 
Gluten is a combination of the proteins gliadin and glutenin, and is found in grass-related grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye. As mentioned above, gluten can also be found in many processed foods, such as rice mixes and french fries; even the adhesives on envelopes can contain gluten, strange right? 

Some people do not digest gluten well, which leads to a host of symptoms. Scientists speculate that the modern processing of grains can make them even more difficult to digest. 

Likewise, casein, a protein found in milk and also used as a binding agent, is sometimes implicated in digestive discomfort. One of the peptides of casein, casomorphin, is similar to gliadin in chemical structure, making it difficult to digest. Difficulty digesting casein is different from lactose intolerance. Lactose is the sugar portion of milk. In fact, many products developed for people who are lactose intolerant may still contain caseins!

When the digestive system has difficulty digesting gluten or casein, it may manifest in many ways, including gas, bloating, occasional loose stools or constipation, and occasional fatigue or discomfort. 

Many people have gone on gluten-free and/or casein-free (GFCF) diets to support their health. However, staying gluten free/casein free can be difficult as they are found in many processed foods--even something as simple as chewing gum can have gluten in the powder used to keep the gum from sticking to its wrapper. Casein also hides in unsuspected foods, such as fast food french fries. 
Similase® GFCF is specifically formulated to defend against hidden gluten. 
 
 
Sources for above:
https://www.pureprescriptions.com/similase-gfcf-integrative-therapeutics-inc/p1083  https://www.integrativepro.com/Products/Enzymes/Similase-GFCF
​
Being proactive in your exposure to triggering foods is only the first step this holiday season. Meals offer a common gathering and place for joy and celebration; having food sensitivities does not negate delicious options. The second step is to plan ahead dishes that you too may enjoy. Some personal favorites are noted below: 

Cranberry-Maple Sauce
2 c. fresh cranberries
1 c. maple syrup
1 c. water
1/4 tsp. ground allspice

Combine all ingredients except the allspice in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until berries have burst and sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the allspice, cook and serve at room temperature. The flavor is best if made at least several hours before serving. 
from Spirit of the Harvest--North American Indian Cooking

​
Cauliflower Mushroom Dressing
*As this contains meat, it should NOT be stuffed in the turkey to cook. This works best in a two step process, stove top to oven, but if pressed for time, it may be completed on the stove top. 
1 head cauliflower cut into florets          2 eggs lightly beaten
2 T. olive oil                                           1 tsp. ground sage
1/2 lb. loose pork sausage                    1 tsp. ground thyme
4 oz. mushrooms sliced                        1/2 tsp. sea salt
3 ribs celery, chopped                           1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 small onion, finely chopped                2 T. ground golden flaxseeds
2 c. shredded mild cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 2 1/2 qt. baking dish.
Place a steamer basket in a large pot with 2" of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the cauliflower to the basket and steam for 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. 
Meanwhile in a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Cook the sausage, mushrooms, celery, onion, and garlic for 10 minutes, stirring, or until the sausage is cooked and the vegetables are softened. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cauliflower, cheese, eggs, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Place in the baking dish and sprinkle with flaxseeds. Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese melted. 
From Dr. William Davis' Wheat Belly Cookbook
Raw Chocolate Cheesecake 
Filling:                                        Optional Topping: sprinkle of cacao nibs     
1 c. cashews
1/2 c. macadamia nuts
6 T. honey
4 T. cacao powder 
1/2 c. almond milk
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 c. coconut oil

Base: 
​1/2 c. almonds
1/2 c. hazelnuts
1/2 c. raisins or dates
3 T. honey
4 T. cacao powder
1  tsp. vanilla extract 
pinch of sea salt

Directions: 
1. Soak the cashews and macadamias for 4 hours or more then rinse well. 
2. Grease an 8 inch spring-form cake tin, then line with parchment paper. 
3. For the base, process the almonds and hazelnuts in food processor or high speed blender until a crumb consistency forms. Add the raisins (or dates), honey, cacao, vanilla and sea salt until well mixed. Press the mixture into the tin evenly then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 
4. Melt the coconut oil. 
5. For the filling, add the cashews, macadamias, honey, cacao, almond milk, sea salt and vanilla with the coconut oil in a food processor or high speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. 
6. Pour the filling into the tin to cover the base evenly, then place in the freezer at least 2 hours. 
7. Remove from the tin while frozen and leave it out to soften a little before serving. 
8. Sprinkle with cacao nibs right before serving. 
9. Store in fridge or freezer up to one week.
Substitutions: 
* honey-maple syrup or rice syrup
* nuts-interchange with any nut you desire, such as brazil nuts, pecans, or walnuts
* cacao-carob
* almond milk-quinoa, hempseed or coconut milks

Prep time: 40 minutes
Total time: 6 hours, 40 minutes
Servings: 12

from https://www.rebootwithjoe.com/raw-chocolate-cheesecake-recipe/

​Finally, if you are looking for some good-for-you gifts or indulgences this holiday season, we have a full line of Indigo Wild Zum bath salts to create your favorite combo. 
Two of mine follow:  

Stress Relief:
frankincense & myrrh +peppermint

Calming: 
lavender+rosemary+peppermint

All Indigo Wild products (ranging from Zum Christmas Chi laundry soap to Frankincense & Myrrh candle votives) are 10% off this holiday season!

​ “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness,” William Arthur Ward. As October is Dental Hygiene Month, River’s Edge highlights dental-health promoting products at 25% off. Caring for our mouths may be two-fold--gum health and clean teeth in the initial appearance of the smile, as well as the underlying issues that may be revealed upon closer examination.
In regard to appearance, the four ingredient Magic Mud® Whitening Tooth Powder featuring calcium bentonite clay and activated charcoal (with organic orange peel extract and organic mint extract) touts impressive results in a short period of time. Dr. Griffin Cole, DDS, NMD Holistic Dentist, testifies that the powder helps “strip stain and remove toxins” (1).  Utilizing a careful brushing method, as it is a black powder, will help you enjoy the results. If looking for similar results but in a more traditional toothpaste, we also carry Magic Mud® brand activated charcoal fluoride-free toothpaste in three flavors including peppermint, cinnamon clove and wintergreen.
Additional cleaning may be accomplished through Premier Research Laboratories Medi-Dental Pack. Premier identifies Medi-Dental Pack as an effective, cleansing dental pack which contains premium quality bentonite clay and zeolite minerals. High quality clays and minerals have been used for centuries in many cultures to promote cleansing. In the past, certain sources were highly prized for their amazingly diverse cleansing effects. Bentonite is a smectite clay that has been formed through volcanic activity (2).
A smile not only shares an encouraging gesture but may reveal indications of overall health. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research identifies the mouth as a mirror of health and disease (3). “The mouth is a readily accessible part of the body and provides health care providers and individuals with a window on their general health status” (3)
As we continue to understand more about the biology of bacteria in our systems, we seek to colonize with healthy bacteria accordingly. Premier also produces DentaVen™ which encourages healthy microbiome, specifically for the mouth.
Premier describes DentaVen™ as a probiotic-based formula for superior oral health for adults as well as children. This product offers a specialized, patented strain of Streptococcus salivarius, a beneficial bacteria that commonly colonizes the oral cavity. Although beneficial, friendly bacteria act as an important foundational support in the mouth area, the oral cavity can often appear like a war zone in which non-native bacteria attempt to outnumber the resident beneficial bacteria. The total number count of beneficial bacteria may become imbalanced in relation to their non-native counterparts. (4)
In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing, DentaVen™ assists in supplying beneficial bacteria for optimal oral health. Taking one capsule daily supplies 500 million colony-forming units (CFU) of the unique BLIS M18™ strain of beneficial, friendly bacteria, S. salivarius, that is able to colonize and beneficially reside in the mouth. This specific strain of probiotic bacteria has been researched for its ability to promote healthy oral bacteria levels, an essential support for healthy teeth and gums. (4)
Finally, neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from seeds of the neem (evergreen) tree. A number of small studies and generations of traditional use, all agree neem oil may aid in all of the following: prevention and reduction of gum disease, prevention of cavities, elimination of bacteria that causes cavities and inflammation in the jaw, prevention of bacteria and plaque from adhering to the teeth, enhancement of mouth immunity, and freshening breath.
After examining superficial appearance and systemic health, it is important to pause and consider oral history and current practices.
The principles of holistic dentistry, based on the research of Weston Price and Francis Pottenger, are as follows (5):

• Eat nutrient-dense whole foods, properly grown and prepared.
• Avoid root canals. If you have root canals that you suspect are causing disease, have them removed by a knowledgeable dentist.
• Avoid mercury (amalgam) fillings. If you have amalgam fillings, have them removed by a holistic dentist who specializes in mercury filling replacement.
• Orthodontics should include measures to widen the palate.
• Extract teeth only when necessary, and then in such a way as to avoid leaving the jaw bone with cavitations, which can be focal points of infection.

Hopefully, the October Special of 25% discount on the above-mentioned products will inspire you to pursue greater dental care. As you maintain your own dental health, we encourage you as well to seek out a holistic dentist to encourage your best possible smile and assure the least disruption to overall health as a result of necessary dental interventions.

September, deemed Healthy Aging Month, reminds us that as the weather shifts, so too do our health needs change with age. With increasingly more time in front of the screen and exposure to blue light, we must be proactive to protect and increase our own body’s ability to optimize vision. Therefore River’s Edge is highlighting MacuHealth this month for 25% off in September. This supplement contributes to keeping eyesight bright and clear and protects central retina from disease.
 
According to MacuHealth, “Only visible light reaches the retina (because non-visible wavelengths are filtered out by the front layers of the eye). Of the visible spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue), only blue light causes injury (because the blue wavelengths are short, and therefore high energy) and only blue wavelengths are deleterious to image formation (because only blue wavelengths are scattered and defocussed by the eye’s optical system).”

Over our lifetime, cumulative exposure to visible blue light (whether atmospheric [outdoors] or whether generated from the light-emitting diodes [LEDs] from screens) is known to cause macular degeneration) and also limits visual performance (because only blue light is appreciably scattered, causing glare and image degradation).

Macular pigment (which is yellow in color) selectively filters out these damaging and image-degrading blue wavelengths of light.”

MacuHealth with LMZ3 Formula contains all three of macular pigment’s constituent nutrients in order to improve visual performance at any age.  In addition to supplementation, we may take proactive lifestyle changes to further support our eye health. Keeping electronic devices in “night shift mode”, consider wearing digital screen protection glasses, taking 20:20:20 eye breaks (every 20 minutes, glance away from screen a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds).


Another front line advocate for natural health, Dr. Mercola has some things to suggest for healthy eyes too... 

Natural, Common-Sense Strategies to Help Protect Healthy Vision

Before we get into specific nutritional factors that specifically benefit your eyes, it's important to address some of the lifestyle basics that can impact your vision. Natural, common-sense strategies that will help protect your vision as you age include:

1. Quit smoking. Smoking increases free radical production throughout your body, and puts you at risk for less-than-optimal health in many ways, including the risk of decreased vision.

2. Care for your cardiovascular system. High blood pressure can cause damage to the miniscule blood vessels on your retina, obstructing free blood flow.
One of the primary ways to maintain optimal blood pressure is to avoid fructose. Research by Dr. Richard Johnson, chief of the division of kidney disease and hypertension at the University of Colorado, shows that consuming 74 grams or more per day of fructose (equal to 2.5 sugary drinks) increases your risk of having blood pressure levels of 160/100 mmHg by 77 percent!

3. Normalize your blood sugar. Excessive sugar in your blood can pull fluid from the lens of your eye, affecting your ability to focus. And, it can damage the blood vessels in your retina, also obstructing blood flow.

4. Eat plenty of fresh dark green leafy vegetables, especially kale. Studies have shown that a diet rich in dark leafy greens  helps support eye health. And that those with the highest consumption of carotenoid-rich vegetables, especially ones rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, had increased vision health.

5. Get plenty of healthy omega-3 fat. A study published in the August 2001 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids was protective of your healthy vision. Unfortunately, due to widespread pollution and fish farming, fish is no longer an ideal source for omega-3 fats unless you can verify its purity. My favorite alternative is krill oil, which also contains astaxanthin. This potent antioxidant also has specific benefits for your eyes.

6. Avoid trans fats. A diet high in trans fat appears to contribute to macular degeneration by interfering with omega-3 fats in your body. Trans fat is found in many processed foods and baked goods, including margarine, shortening, fried foods like French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts, cookies, pastries and crackers. So, to protect your eyes, avoid trans fats like the plague.

7. Avoid aspartame. Vision problems is one of the many acute symptoms of aspartame poisoning.


In closing, may we take time this month to evaluate our appropriate supports for eye health and overall healthy aging, as we transition from the bounty of summer to the quiet of fall!

Blessings,
Katherine

​We are excited to be able to offer the My Magic Mud product to our Rivers Edge clients.  It contains only natural ingredients…

“Many are committed to eating well and working out, but most simply forget that detoxifying the mouth is paramount to whole body health. This activated charcoal and calcium bentonite clay based tooth powder is the most effective formula for purifying your mouth and gums. We’ve also added organic extracts that complements the blend and delivers everything you need to maintain optimal oral health.” – My Magic Mud website

My Magic Mud is safe for both kids & adults.  Here are some of the great benefits…

• Whitens & Polishes
• Removes Toxins
• Boosts Immunity
• Flavorless
• Safe to Swallow
• No Fluoride
• No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Detoxes Mouth
• Whitens Teeth
• Total Body Health
• Raw Formula
• Paleo & Vegan Friendly
• Natural Alternative
• Great for those with sensitive teeth
• Breaks down stains and pulls out toxins
• Completely gentle on your enamel
• No harsh chemicals

For a limited time, we will have free samples available at the office for you to try. 

​STOP IN TODAY!

​Sinus Issues...
​
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. It is often caused by bacterial (germ) infection. Sometimes, viruses and fungi (molds) cause it. People with weak immune systems are more likely to develop bacterial or fungal sinusitis. Some people with allergies can have "allergic fungal sinusitis." Acute sinus disease lasts three to eight weeks. Sinus disease lasting longer than eight weeks is considered chronic.
The sinuses are air-filled cavities. They are located:

• Within the bony structure of the cheeks
• Behind the forehead and eyebrows
• On either side of the bridge of the nose
• Behind the nose directly in front of the brain

Normal sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs and other particles in the air. Tiny hair-like projections in the sinuses sweep the mucus (and whatever is trapped in it) towards openings that lead to the back of the throat. From there, it slides down to the stomach. This continual process is a normal body function.
Sinus disease stops the normal flow of mucus from the sinuses to the back of the throat. The tiny hair-like "sweepers" become blocked when infections or allergies cause tiny nasal tissues to swell. The swelling traps mucus in the sinuses.
Some people have bodily defects that contribute to sinus disease. The most common of these defects are:

• Deformity of the bony partition between the two nasal passages
• Nasal polyps (benign nasal growths that contain mucus)
• A narrowing of the sinus openings

People with these defects often suffer from chronic sinus disease.

​
Allergy Issues...
​
Allergy symptoms occur when your immune system overreacts to something that is harmless to most people but triggers a reaction in anyone sensitive to it. This substance is known as an allergen.
Allergies can be seasonal (worsening during certain times of the year, such as pollen allergies in the spring) or perennial (occurring year-round). Common allergens include weed or grass pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, insect stings and a variety of food types, such as eggs, shellfish, nuts and grains. If you come in contact with something to which you are allergic, your immune system considers it dangerous and releases a chemical called histamine to counteract it.
The release of histamine can cause a variety of symptoms, including a skin rash, headache, sneezing, runny nose, swelling, nausea and diarrhea. The most severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening.
If the allergen is something you breathe in, your reaction will most likely affect your eyes, nose and lungs. If the allergen is something you consume, you’re more likely to have symptoms in your mouth, stomach and intestines.
An appointment with a board-certified allergist can help determine the severity and cause of the problem. The allergist will discuss your medical history and symptoms and may useblood or skin tests to find out whether you have an allergy and what the allergen is. Medications (over-the-counter and prescription) and immunotherapy (allergy shots) may provide relief; making changes to your environment can also be helpful.
To learn more about specific types of allergies and their symptoms, visit the page that relates to your situation:

First and foremost, bone broth has been around for centuries. It was the way our ancestors made use of all that was provided for them. Bone broths are staples in the traditional diets of every culture and the basis of all fine cuisine. It is nutrient rich, easily digested, promotes healing and full of flavor.  Like many folk remedies that have become the latest trend...bone broth is at the top. 

Bone broth is a mineral rich infusion made by boiling the bones of healthy animals.  You can also add vegetables, spices and herbs for flavor and added minerals.  Bone broth differs from your average stock. Let’s look at the differences.

Broth- Typically made with meat and a few bones. It is boiled for a short amount of time, 30-45 minutes. It produces a great flavor.

Stock- Made from meat, bones and some spices, vegetables and herbs for a period of 2-3 hours.  It will be rich in minerals and some gelatin will be produced.

Bone broth- Differs by the amount of cooking time. Bone broth is typically cooked 12 to 24hrs. (I add spices, herbs and vegetables for extra flavor).  The extended cooking time allows as many minerals and nutrients to be removed from the bone as possible. Additionally, healthy amounts of gelatin will be produced.

The minerals are ones that the body can easily absorb.  According to Sally Fallon’s book Nourishing Traditions, “Bone broth contains calcium, magnesium phosphorous, trace minerals and amino acids. It also contains the broken down material from cartilage and tendons; thus, producing chondroitin and glucosamine… These things,” Sally states, “are inexpensive supplements that you can easily and more cost effectively get from bone broth.” So now you see why bone broth has been used as an anti- inflammatory for the treatment and repair of arthritis, joint pain and other degenerative bone diseases.

Because the minerals are so bio-available for absorption, Dr Natasha Campbell-Mcbride the author of the book Gut and Psychology Syndrome believes, “bone broth is a basic tool in healing the gut lining.”  She states, “we are experiencing an epidemic of mental disorders that include autism, dyslexia, ADD and  ADHD.”  Most of the following disorders also coincide from digestive disorders, such as asthma, eczema, ear infections, allergies and chemical sensitivities.  She believes there is an inability in the gut to digest and absorb food properly and typically those with gut dysfunction have severe nutritional deficiencies. Dr Campbell-Mcbride believes that nutritional deficiencies prevent the brain and immune system from functionally normally. She also noted that 84% of the immune system is in the gut and that 80-90 % of the neurotransmitters (ie seratonin) are in the gut.  One of the basics of her protocol to heal the gut lining and restore gut health is the use of bone broth.

One of the greatest healing properties of the broth is the collagen. You probably have seen the jiggling top layer of a cooled roasting pan and discarded it, that is collagen.  Collagen is the protein found in connective tissue, it is abundant in the bone, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. The breakdown of the collagen in broth is what produces gelatin.

Gelatin facilitates the healing of the gut lining; thus, it is important for the protocol in gut disorders such as IBS, crohns, ulcerative colitis, acid reflux and food allergies.  Gelatin also promotes probiotic balance and maintaining proper levels of gut flora.  Because bone broth increases collagen naturally it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and facilitate the reduction of stubborn cellulite. Cellulite comes from a lack of connective tissue, those with smooth skin have an increased level of connective tissue. Consuming collagen rich bone broth is known to decrease cellulite and smooth skin  resulting in you looking younger!

Many people are exchanging their morning cup of coffee for a healing cup of broth.  Best results are found when 8oz of broth are sipped daily.  You can achieve this also by always having bone broth around as a base for your favorite soup recipes.

Bone broth is very easy to make using beef, turkey, chicken or fish bones.  I use the carcass of a turkey or chicken I have made.  I get my beef bones from my local Whole Foods (in an attempt to ensure that they are grass fed) or order on-line from US Wellness Meats or Tropical Traditions.

Bone Broth Recipe:

*You can also just boil the bones without anything else added if using the broth for a favorite recipe

1 carcass or 2-3 pounds of beef bones

3 quarts of water (or enough to cover the bones completely)

1 onion (I usually leave out the onion because I give my dogs broth every day)

3 carrots

2 stalks of celery

2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps de-mineralize the bones)

Adding herbs and spices to taste and simmer on stove or in Crockpot for 12-24 hours

Once the broth is done strain into containers

*After my broth is done I generally put it in glass jars, storing in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.  If I have enough that will last longer than 4 days I freeze it in the glass jars for later use.  

*If time is an issue, “Pacific” brand has a wide variety of bone broths to choose from. Homemade is always best… but you can still enjoy these benefits of bone broth! 


Beef Soup Recipe:

1 lb. grass fed beef

6 cups bone broth

4 cups fresh water

1 large organic onion

 4 organic carrots

3 organic celery stalks

3 medium red potatoes (optional)

Sea salt to taste

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp basil

Sauté onions at medium heat. Add chopped celery and continue to sauté. Add carrots and potatoes. Sauté until ingredients are tender. Add sea salt and spices. Transfer to stove top or crock pot. Add meat.  

Stevia, a sweetener that has become immensely popular in recent years, is a 100% natural, zero calorie sweetener with a number of health benefits that have been confirmed in human studies. 

It's even something you can grow in your own garden as I have!  This picture is from my garden.

"Stevia is a small shrub-like perennial plant belonging to the sunflower family.  The leaves of Stevia are a source of natural zero-calorie sweetener which is considered sweeter than sugar (sucrose)."1

"Recent scientific trials firmly establish that this sweet-leaf herb has, in fact, many health benefiting plant-derived phyto-chemical compounds that help control blood sugar, [heartburn, blood pressure, even mouth health,] in addition to its use as natural sweetener. Together with the rise in demand for low-calorie food alternatives, stevia has drawn the attention of health conscious fitness lovers all over the planet."2

Health Benefits

• Blood Sugar Levels. Research has shown that Stevia may stabilize blood sugar levels, increase insulin resistance, and may even promote insulin producing by promoting the pancreas health, discourage glucose absorption in the blood, and inhibit candidiasis - a yeast infection that flourishes with sugar.1
• Gingivitis.  Studies show that antibacterial properties of Stevia may help with gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay and mouth sores.  I may suppress the development and reproduction of infectious organisms in the gums and teeth, inhibit the growth of plaque and may improve overall oral health.1
• Heartburn and Indigestion.  People of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia have been using Stevia tea to soothe upset stomach, heartburn and to improve indigestion and gastrointestinal function.  Drinking Stevia tea after every meal may serve as a digestive aid and relieve heartburn and stomach pain.1 
• High Blood Pressure.  A few longer term studies done over a period of 1 and 2 years show that Stevia may lower elevated blood pressure levels.  Simply drinking Stevia tea twice daily may help stabilize the blood pressure levels.1 

Stevia is available in organic grocery and herbal food stores in the form of raw dried leaves, white or green powder, sugar tabs, granulated and crystalline sugar, concentrate and flavored and non flavored liquids.  When buying Stevia look for Stevia rebaudinana because it's considered the best type and the FDA approved sterol glycosides are extracted from this genus in the whole Stevia family.1 



1. http://www.homeremediesweb.com/stevia-health-benefits.php
2. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/stevia-plant.html

Co Enzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant synthesized by the body.  In general a Co Enzyme supports Enzymes in their various bio-chemical functions.Co Q10 is a vital participant in the chain of metabolic chemical reactions that generate energy within cells.  It is found in every cell of the body and is present in higher concentrations in organs with higher energy requirements.  Such organs where this concentration is higher are the Kidneys, Liver and the beloved HEART!

Research has shown that Co Enzyme Q10 is beneficial for heart health in several ways:  it assists in maintaining the normal oxidation state of LDL cholesterol; increases circulatory health; supports optimal functioning of the heart muscle; shows tremendous support for heart vessels; and also helps maintain normal blood pressure levels.  

Co Q10 has been proven to cut mortality rates in half for patients with heart failure as reported by researchers in Denmark at the Heart Failure National Association Meeting of the European Society of Cardiologists.  The research team went on to explain that Co Q10 is the first mediation to improve heart failure mortality and stated that, "Co Q10 should be included as a standard treatment plan for any heart related conditions."  They also presented that Co Q10, "reduced the risk of heart attacks by 50%."  

So... the essentials in my mind... If anyone on your LOVE LIST this February is currently taking a statin lowering cholesterol medication, it is essential you give them the gift of Co Q10 to immediately start replenishing their Co Q10 levels!  Why?... statin drugs work to lower your cholesterol in the same pathway your body uses to produce Co Q10, not only is this medication then lowering your cholesterol; but it also depletes the Co Enzyme that helps protect the heart and supports the actual cholesterol levels to remain within normal limits. Statin drugs block the synthesis of both cholesterol and Co Q10 which explains statin's common side effects of fatigue, muscle pain, muscle weakness and worsening conditions of the heart.  

Signs of Co Q10 Deficiency include and are associated with high blood pressure, angina, arrhythmia, heart failure, problems with blood sugar regulation, gingival health and stomach ulcers.

The average daily diet will provide approximately 10-30 mg. of Co Q10 daily; however, it is recommended that over the age of 50 that supplement be added to reach the recommended dosage of 100-200 mg a day.  Co Q10 is naturally derived from some of the following foods: Meats- beef liver, poultry, fish (sardines/mackerel/tuna) at 2/3 mg an ounce of these meats; Nuts- peanuts, sesame seeds, almonds, walnuts at 1/2 mg an ounce of these nuts; 
Eggs; 
Vegetables- spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, garlic, peas, cauliflower and carrots.

Give the GIFT of LOVE... Co Q10... to support the HEART of the ONES YOU LOVE! 

My dear friend and sister in Christ, Rebecca, began practicing yoga during a very dark period in her life, child bearing.  What has been deemed by many women as a beautiful yet challenging time was not her experience.  It was beyond difficult; it was dark, isolating and filled with panic--a moment by moment grasping to function and breathe.  Darkness overwhelmed any ability of hers to engage fully in life and all became too dark to see any light.  She felt her family was better off without her; “I’m ruining my family and my children.”  Medication did not work (several were tried), well meaning prayers and insights of fellow believers did not help, and her own prayers felt unanswered.  It was hopeless. The conclusion…if medication and prayer could not help, then a life of panic was her new reality.

I would love to report that I gave her a nutritional program, a blend of supplementation to help and one yoga class cured her… that’s not the case.  What I can report is that with time, God did hear her prayers and the above protocol did work!  The greatest of these answered prayers actually came through Breath and Praise in yoga.  It gave her a sense of quiet, a sense of peace in the storm; she could breathe; she could hear.  Her racing mind began to quiet enough to hear God.  Her physical body could stretch out the tension and the fear of motherhood.  Her spirit, through a unique form of worship, could rise higher than the panic that rose within her.  “God’s voice is mightier than any of the crashing waves of the sea.” Psalm 93:3-4

You might wonder isn’t yoga New Age, mystical and definitely wrong for believers; how could Rebecca “pray through yoga”?  I know these were my thoughts!  I researched; I studied; I prayed.  I sought out those already pioneering the field of “Christian Yoga.”  I visited Pneuma Yoga several times (located in Daphne, AL) and met with the owner and also the author of the book, Yoga for Christians, Susan Bordenkircher.  Being a Christ follower, she explains how she came to a place of peace that a Christian can practice yoga.  Susan states, “For a Christian, yoga becomes a meditation in motion, preparing your heart and body to work together as tools for worship.”  I also visited Living Waters Yoga in Grosse Point, MI, also meeting with one of the owners, Sarah Mebus-Holder, reaffirming that we can apply movement of our bodies, minds and souls to worship God.

Once again, I found myself in a place of surrender of hearing God’s voice above the judgment of others… so began my yoga journey, which has continued for the past 3 years.  While not a Christian Yoga studio, my primary practice is at HTL Yoga in Carmel. HTL, a pioneering yoga studio in the state adds the benefits of detoxifying heat to breath and movement. It is a studio that has allowed me to practice my form of yoga, Praising and glorifying God.  I appreciate, owner and teacher, Heather T Leo, for opening her studio, to make available for us a class that will serve to provide a place of Breath, Movement, and  Praise.

While the scientific evidence to support the power of breath is abundant,  Ann Voskamp, author of A Thousand Gifts, illustrates breath and praise experientially.  “She inhales, soft whistle breath calling Him, her very existence an unceasing invitation for Him to come. She exhales, breath returned to Him, a circular ventilation of the soul. Tonight in a soundless house surrounded by soundless fields, she simply is, breath after breath. And in this state of breathing, being, she utters the name of her Maker, YHWH. Inhale: YWHW. Exhale: YWHW. We breathe…. And call His name. In the soul-quiet of a tranquil farm night, I listen to the sound of breathing and feel how close He comes. He’s as close as the sound of your every breath. Lord, every breath is Your name. Come.”

As a practitioner, I would be remiss to not share with you what my research has shown to be the health benefits of yoga, which include but are not limited to relief of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, obesity, back pain, and arthritis. It has aided in general health maintenance, building muscle tone, and flexibility. According to Dr. Jim Mercola’s research, “an overview of more than 100 studies, looking at the effect of yoga on mental health found evidence that yoga has a positive effect on depression, sleep problems, schizophrenia, and ADHD” 
(http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2013/02/22/yoga-benefits.aspx)

I share this with all of you to invite you to experience Rebecca McGuckin’s “Graceful Yoga” class on Sunday December 1st  1pm @ the HTL Yoga Center in Clay Terrace (Carmel, IN). Come experience Breath, Praise and Movement in a heated room, whether you are an experienced yoga participant or have never tried yoga…. all levels welcome!

Go online to htlyoga.com, click schedule, scroll down to Dec  1st and click to register. You can purchase the 40 Days Pass online or in the studio for $10. Feel free to call the studio today to sign-up 317-843-9642, or just show-up that day and share in the worship experience with me!  See our flyers at the River’s Edge offices this week.

Relieve Holiday Stress with Breath, Movement and Praise!

*Want to see more of the redemption for Rebecca and her family, see our testimonial page!