December 6, 2002

Newsletter #31

By Linda A. Odum

A certain amount of anxiety is normal. However, for some people, coping with anxiety is a daily occurrence. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders afflict approximately 19 million American adults. A recent study suggests that a shorter form of a specific gene may cause some people to experience more anxiety than others.

People with anxiety disorders can experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, muscle tensing, and depression. Sufferers experience debilitating worries and fear--with no clear-cut reason for anxiety. Over the long term, anxiety can lead to physical problems including chronic fatigue, diabetes, high blood pressure, and lower immune resistance.

Whether you're dealing with everyday stress or an anxiety disorder, first review your diet, then consider some natural ways to ease your fears. Both calcium (1,000 to 2,000 mg daily) and magnesium (500 mg daily) offer a calming effect. You can also support nervous system function with a well-balanced

Alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed oil, may prevent panic attacks (2 to 3 tsp of flaxseed oil daily), as does inositol (6 to 12 g daily). Niacinamide (500 mg twice daily) helps

combat anxiety.

Also consider herbal supplements like California poppy, which relieves anxiety with-out drowsiness.

Kava is known to ease tension while actually enhancing mental concentration. Like alcohol, kava can help you relax and even ease social interactions for those who are shy. "But, of the two, only kava allows you to maintain a clear mind__with no hangover," says Hyla Cass, MD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry

At UCLA Medical School.

Valerian is useful when you're anxious or have nighttime panic attacks. St. John's wort helps alleviate depression and promotes emotional balance. And who among us hasn't relaxed with a hot cup of chamomile tea? (When using any herb, always follow label directions.)

Avoid stimulants like caffeine, ephedra, and mate. Eliminating your morning cup of coffee for just 1 week often relieves the jitters. And regular exercise is a great way to burn off stress and tension. Finally, practice some form of relaxation each day, such as deep breathing, yoga, stretching, and meditation.

Natural supplements and lifestyle changes offer gentle ways to find peace. But if your level of anxiety begins to affect your work or relationships, or if you are already undergoing treatment for anxiety disorders, professional supervision is important.

• "Behavior: Fearing More than Fear Itself" by Eric Nagourney
• "Dr. Earl Mindell's Natural Remedies for 101 Ailments by Earl Mindell, RPh, PhD
• Natural Highs by Hyla Cass, MD, and Patrick Holford
• Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Despite its long history of safe use, kava has recently come under scrutiny. Mark Blumenthal,. Founder and executive

Director of the American Botanical Council, suggests caution in using kava if you take any medications with reported adverse effects on the liver or if your regularly drink alcohol. To be on the safe side, limit daily kava use to no more

than a month. Taking even an herbal medicine that long on a daily basis for anxiety suggests the need for professional help.

PRODUCTS ON SALE DECEMBER 1, 2002 THRU DECEMBER 31, 2002

C-1000 Caps Crystalline Vitamin C 1000mg - 250 capsules

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Daily One Caps Without Iron - 90 Capsules

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Lycopene Antioxidant Natural Carotenoid 10mg - 60 Softgels

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Magnesium Caps 400mg - 100 Caps

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Cayenne and Hawthorn Berry - 200 Capsules

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Kyo-Dophilus Acidophilus Supplement

"The Friendly Trio" - 45 Capsules

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Kyo-Green Barley and Wheat Grass Powdered Drink Mix - 2.8oz

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Ginger-Peppermint Tea - 24 Tea Bags

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

Kava Kava Tea or Echinacea & Golden Seal Teal - 24 Tea Bags

Regular Price----$7.50…………………………..Sale Price----$5.29

Valerian Root Tea - 24 Tea Bags

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Ginger Aid, Nighty Night or Throat Coat - 16 Bags Each

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Cold Season herb Tea Sampler - 16 Herb Tea Bags

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All Natural Beef Broth or

All Natural Free Range Chicken Broth - 32 oz. Each

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Almond or Smokehouse Almond - 4.25 oz. Each

Regular Price----$2.69…………………………Sale Pricee----$1.89

You don't need complicated side dishes to make a Holiday meal extra special.

Simply roast your favorite fall vegetables right along with your turkey or other main dish.

Roasting brings out the rich natural flavors of your vegetables by concentrating the flavors.

Below are some suggestions for vegetables and seasonings.

Well to Roasting Include: -- Your favorite spice blends, such as southwestern, fines herbs, or

Potatoes (white or sweet)

Italian blends make for a delicious taste compliment to your entrée.

Carrots --Freshly ground salt and pepper added before cooking add flavor, too.

Parsnips --If you are watching your sodium intake, there are many low salt and

Turnips salt free herb and spice blends that add rich flavor to your vegetables.

Beets

Celery To Roast Your Vegetables:

Cauliflower Cut vegetables into bite site chunks. Place enough olive oil in a

Onions (pearl onions are espe- 9" x 14" pan to lightly cover the bottom. Add vegetables in a single

cially nice for a holiday feast!) layer. Sprinkle with seasonings to taste, then toss to coat vegetables.

Mushrooms Cover with foil and place in oven at about 350 F. Cook for about 20

Sweet Red or Green Peppers oven and cook until vegetables are lightly browned and fork-tender.