Newsletter #15

3 Sure-Fire Energy Enhancers

Supplements to help you get a jump on life

by Linda a. Odum

With the days getting longer, you probably have a list of things to accomplish, in addition to varying your exercise routine and enjoying the warmer weather. If the stress of juggling daily demands zaps your body of its pecious energy reserves, consider these three supplements shown to boost energy.

SIBERIAN GINSENG

Native to southeastern Siberia, eleuthro is an adaptogen that keeps the body functioning normally. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) helps the body deal with stress--both physical and mental--and boosts the immune system.

Thanks to the success of Russian athletes, eleuthro has become widely accepted for its athletic benefits. A study conducted at Old Dominion University showed that athletes who used Siberian ginseng had higher maximum heart rates and higher rates of oxygen consumption. They also did not become as fatigued as the athletes in the placebo group. These benefits could also be attributed to this herb's ability to

prevent illness and help the body deal with the stress of training.

A very versatile herb, Siberian ginseng can be used not only o fight fatigue and stress but also for jetlag, adrenal weakness, and altitude sickness. A typical dosage is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of a tincture in water, taken twice daily.

Eleuthro may cause insomnia if used at the end of the day, and there have been a few reports of mild, short-term diarrhea in some people. Recent studies have shown promise for the use of Siberian ginseng with some diseases of the immune system. However, if you have an autoimmune disease, only use this herb under the supervision of your healthcare provider.

L-CARNITINE

Another element important in the prodution of energy, L-carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells. The fatty acids are then transformed into ATP for fuel. The body can produce L-carnitine, mainly in the liver and kidneys, and this nutrient can also be found in animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy. If you're a vegetarian, you'll get very little L-carnitine from plants, except possibly avocados and fermented soy products.

This nutrient was introduced to the world stage in 1982, when the Italian soccer team credited their world championship play to taking L-carnitine supplements. Some studies have shown that it can help athletes work out longer without becoming tired by increasing the body's use of oxygen. It can also help prevent muscle soreness after exercise. A number of studies now in progress are looking at L-carnitine's benefits in treating chronic fatigue syndrome and facilitating weight loss.

The standard dosage is 500 to 1,000 mg twice daily, before breakfast and lunch. However, because of a few reports of gastrointestional upset (nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea), it's best to begin with the smaller dose of L-carnitine and work up to the higher amount, if necessary. For women who are pregnant or nursing, use this supplement only under medical supervision.

NADH

An important energy booster, NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) activates energy production by replenishing the amount of ATP stored in the cells. Found in all living cells, the most common food sources of NADH are meat, fish, and poultry.

There are a number of promising studies on NADH's benefits in fighting Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disease. Also, a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed beneficial effects from using NADH in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Take 5 milligrams once or twice daily. There are no known contradictions or interactions to NADH. Some people have reported side effects that include nausea and loss of appetite, and pregnant or nursing women may want to avoid this supplement.

Selected Sources

*Earl Mindell's Peak Performance Bible by Earl Mindell, RPH, PhD

*PDR for Nutritional Supplements, edited bySheldon Saul Hendler, PhD, MD and David Rorvik, MS

*Prescription for Herbal Healig by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

*Vitamins for Dummies by Christopher Hobbs, LAc, and Elson Haas, MD

Items of sale through May 31, 2002

SPECTRUM ESSENTIAL

Dietary Supplements-Cold Processed Norwegia Fish Oil 1000mg

EPA 360mg, DHA 240mg

Regular Price----$9.95.............Sale Price----$6.79

NATURE'S ANSWER

Oil of Oregano Leaf

alcohol-free extract, promotes healthy immune system - 1oz.

Regular Price----$24.99............Sale Price----$14.99

SCHIFF

Dietary Supplements

Super Calcium 1200 with Vitamin D

supports healthy bones and teeth - 120 Tablets

Regular Price----$13.49............Sale Price----$8.99

NATURE'S GATE

Herbal Moisturizers

Original Herbal Moisturizing Lotion, Fragrance-Free Herbal Moisturizing for sensitive skin. 18oz.

Regular Price----$6.25.............Sale Price----$4.29

Herbal Moisturizing Lotion with Papaya - 18oz.

Regular Price----$7.75.............Sale Price----$5.29

ALVITA

Caffeine Free Herbal Teas

Red Clover - 30 Tea Bags

Regular Price----$4.25.............Sale Price----$3.49

Ginger-Peppermint - 30 Tea Bags

Regular Price----$3.95.............Sale Price----$2.79

Red Raspberry Leaf - 30 Tea Bags

Regular Price----$4.95.............Sale Price----$3.49

BARBARA'S

Natural Cheese Puffs

Real cheese you can taste in ever bit! Crunchy, all natural cheese puffs are made with real aged cheddar and blue cheeses.

Original or White Cheddar Cheese Puff Bakes are made with real aged Cheddar cheese - 5.5 oz. each

Regular Price----$2.39.............Sale Price----2 for $3.00

Prices are good through May 31, 2002