There are very few things that scare older adults as much as the prospect of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. In its advanced stages, the person’s memory deteriorates to the point of even family members being unrecognizable. It is a painful process for family and spouse that can last for years.

New research has shown that there is a possible connection between insulin resistance and dementia. As a result, researchers are suggesting that we may need to call dementia Type 3 diabetes.  Healthline.com recently posted an article saying, “Type 3 diabetes is a term that has been proposed to describe the theory that Alzheimer’s disease is triggered by a type of insulin resistance and insulin-like growth factor dysfunction that occurs specifically in the brain.” Thus, some use the term “diabetes for your brain.” More research is needed, but the results so far look promising.

So what does all this mean? Possibly a way to control the rate of dementia through diet.  Mayo Clinic experts have discussed the current link between Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes*.  There is a 60% greater chance of developing Alzheimer’s or Dementia if you have type 2 diabetes. So it’s essential to watch for early warning symptoms and signs.

The Alzheimer’s Association** lists the following warning signs for early Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

*Memory loss that disrupts daily life

*Challenges in planning or problem solving

*Difficulty in completing familiar tasks

*Confusion with time or place

*Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

*New problems with words in speaking or writing

*Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

*Decreased or poor judgment

*Withdrawal from work or social activities

*Changes in mood or personality

Prevention May Be Possible

So how can you avoid insulin resistance and lower your likelihood of dementia?  By controlling your insulin levels through diet and exercise.  A diet low in carbohydrates and sugars is a great place to start.  Here are some examples from Healthline.com when looking for healthy options.

Best Low Carb Fruits to consider

Watermelon

Berries

Cantaloupe

Avocados

Honeydew

Peaches

Best Low Carb Vegetables to consider

Cucumbers

Iceberg Lettuce

Celery

White Mushrooms

Spinach

Swiss Chard

Broccoli

Bell Peppers

Zucchini

Cauliflower

Asparagus

Alfalfa Sprouts

Radishes

Arugula

Radicchio

Tomatoes

More studies regarding the relationship between insulin resistance and dementia are needed. But avoiding high carbohydrate and high sugar foods is a great way to improve health and possibly avoid early onset Dementia.  To prevent insulin resistance, you should avoid sugary sodas, candy, cakes, cookies, and starchy foods.  Reading labels and learning all the other terms for sugar in the ingredient section of the product label is vital.  Our associates can advise you on ingredients to avoid.  And don’t forget to shop for fresh Organic Fruit and Vegetables in our store.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

*https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/diabetes-and-alzheimers/art-20046987

**https://www.alz.org/alzheimer_s_dementia

You can be sure that many people have suffered from depression since early 2020 and may not even be aware of it. However, many natural supplements support positive mental health and reduce depression in short-term non-severe cases. So how can you tell if you might be experiencing some depression?  Here are some common signs of depression.

Signs of Depression

MedicalNewsToday.com lists the following symptoms as signs of possible depression

*Change in appetite

*Weight changes

*Changes in sleep habits

*Use of Drugs

*Increase in alcohol intake

*Increased fatigue

*Forced happiness

*Pessimism and feelings of hopelessness

*Trouble concentrating

*Disinterest and lack of socialization

*Health complaints

*Angry and irritable (especially prevalent in men)

*Change in sex drive

What if you or Someone you know might be depressed?

There are many types of depression. However, for those people suffering from major depression, or suicidal thoughts, a trip to your doctor for evaluation is necessary.  For those experiencing mild symptoms brought on by stress, life changes, job changes, or even the pandemic, some natural supplements may give you some relief until your life resumes its natural rhythms.

The following herbs and vitamins have clinical studies showing a positive effect on depression.  While additional studies are ongoing, there are great results thus far.  Rhodiola, Saffron, Omega-3, NAC, and Vitamin D all have reduced symptoms when taking as directed. ***  Here are some excellent options suggested by Suzanne’s Natural Foods for temporary relief.

Here are a few of our favorite products:

Organic India Joy!   

This four-herb formula supports energy and vitality.  Joy also promotes a healthy response to mental, physical, and environmental tension and stress increasing in our daily lives.  The four herbs in this formula are Gotu Kola, Shankpushpi, Ashwagandha, and Bacopa.  Improve your stress level and brain function with Joy!

LifeSeasons Mood Stabili-T  

When taken as directed for four weeks, Mood Stabili-T supports a feeling of calmness and emotional well-being. It also helps stabilize and balance mood and promotes proper blood flow. LifeSeasons uses “synergistic ingredients such as L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, 5-HTP, and B Vitamins to normalize nerve transmission, along with Saffron, Rhodiola, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, and Ginkgo to help tonify, nourish, and promote circulation. The result is a more balanced and positive attitude, and a feeling of calmness and resiliency when confronting life’s challenges.”

Suzanne’s Cheerful Essential Oil

The proprietary essential oil blend is bergamot, lemon, tangerine, ylang-ylang, coriander seed, palmarosa, geranium, Roman chamomile, jasmine, and rose.  The uplifting scent gives you a feeling of calm and contentment making it a great addition to your workplace or at home.

Energetix Fields of Flowers 

Fields of Flowers is taken orally to temporarily relieve symptoms such as fear, despair, anxiety, worry, hopelessness, withdrawal, irritability, and more.  A great product to have on hand for those stressful days when you need a little ‘calm’ in your world. Visit Suzanne’s and see if this product is right for you.

Source Naturals SAMe  

SAMe is present in every living cell in the body and plays an essential part in many critical cellular functions. However, some studies show that the levels of SAMe in our bodies decline with age. Nevertheless, this popular supplement is shown to be effective in dozens of clinical studies to support joint comfort, function and mobility in the spine, hips and knees. It has also been shown to support a positive feeling and outlook.  Both of these benefits are important as we age.

Suzanne’s Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years to manage stress and is considered an ‘ancient medicinal herb.’ It can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, and even boost brain function.  Many scientific studies have shown multiple benefits of Ashwagandha.  Healthline has documented many of these in this article:  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

Everyone experiences depression and stress during their lives.  For help coping with mild, temporary symptoms, visit Suzanne’s Natural Foods and discuss which products may offer some relief for you.  For more severe symptoms, always contact your physician first.  Mental Health is an integral part of your overall health.  Don’t ignore the signs.  You have questions.  We have answers…Naturally!

Clinical Trials Prove this Product is Effective Against Viruses including  Covid-19.

The season for bugs and flu symptoms is here, and because many illnesses mirror the symptoms of covid-19, it’s essential to be proactive and support your immune system. Suzanne’s Natural Foods has a new product that every home needs in their medicine cabinet right now.  CV Acute has been shown effective in multiple clinical trials, including current viruses like Covid-19.  We are incredibly impressed, and we know you will be too!

If Traditional Chinese Medicine intrigues you, but you don’t know where to begin, you’ll be happy to know that CV Sciences have made it easy for you.  They combined three of the most thoroughly studied plants that support the immune system, all in one product.

• the fruit of the forsythia
• the flower of the honeysuckle
• the root of the Baikal skullcap

CV Acute was designed as intense support when the body’s immune system needs additional help. CV Acute is a Super-Protector based on an old tradition and verified by the latest scientific methods. This berry flavored liquid herbal supplement is taken three times a day for three consecutive days to see maximum results. The clinical study revealed,

“Analysis of chest computed tomography images showed that treatment with high-dose SHL significantly promoted absorption of inflammatory focus of pneumonia, which was evaluated by density reduction of inflammatory focus from baseline, at day 7.”

Coupled with rest, hydration, and a healthy diet, it can make a profound difference in just a few days. But, of course, it’s always recommended to consult your doctor immediately when you feel ill.

Based in Canada, CV Science is obsessive about plant sourcing, meeting their strict quality standards to ensure you get the highest quality ingredients without heavy metals found in other products.

Let’s look at what makes CV Acute stand above other products.  Below is an excerpt from the CV Science website regarding the plants that make up Shuanghuanglian (the three ingredients combined in CV Acute).

Ingredients (copied from CV Sciences CV Acute Information)

Forsythia suspensa (Forsythia fruit)
Forsythia has been used in China for over 4,000 years and is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The fruit is a bitter, astringent herb that stimulates the heart and nervous system. In traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, forsythia fruit exhibits heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, and actions on the lung meridian support its anti-inflammatory effects.

In the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 114 Chinese medicinal preparations containing forsythia fruit are listed. The relation between ancient uses and peer-reviewed science is strong.

In modern research, more than 200 compounds have been separated and identified from the fruit of Forsythia suspensa. Lignans and phenylethanoid glycosides are considered as the characteristic constituents of this herb, such as forsythiaside, forsythin, rutin, and phillygenin.

Lonicera japonica (Honeysuckle flower)
This classic twining vine of Asia has spread around the world, and the sweet nectar at the bottom of the flower makes it a perennial favorite of schoolchildren.

The most authoritative book on Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), first published in 1593, recorded that honeysuckle flower could be applied to clear away the heat-evil, treat swellings and dysentery, protect the body and prolong life. Interestingly, modern science confirmed the last point when it found that the roundworm C. elegans, when given an extract of honeysuckle flower, lived 20% longer.

It’s been found to positively modulate the immune system in mice. In addition, one of its major components, chlorogenic acid, has been proven to play an essential role in anti-aging and health span promotion.

More than 200 compounds, such as flavonoids, organic acid, iridoids, saponins, and volatile oil, have been identified in the honeysuckle flower. These active ingredients significantly contribute to its excellent function in the clinic. Phenolic acids, especially chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, are regarded as the main anti-inflammatory active ingredients. In addition, flavonoids act as antioxidants.

Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal skullcap root)
It’s telling that the first Google result for this plant is a report by Sloan Kettering, one of the world’s premier hospitals. When Western doctors are as enthusiastic about a plant as Eastern practitioners, you know there’s fire there.

Described medicinally in the earliest systematic summary of Chinese herbal medicine, the Shennong Bencaojing, also known as The Classic of Herbal Medicine, Baikal skullcap root was noted for its beneficial effects on the liver and the lungs. In China, Scutellaria baicalensis is still an essential traditional Chinese medicine with the functions of clearing away heat and dampness, purging fire, and detoxification. In the most recent edition of the official Chinese Pharmacopoeia, over 180 prescriptions contain Baikal skullcap root.

So far, over 40 compounds have been isolated and identified from Scutellaria baicalensis, including flavonoids, terpenoids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides. The compounds and extracts isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including effects on the nervous system, the immune system, and the liver, as well as and protection from microbes. Widely studied for its protective effects on the brain, it’s even helped improve mice’s memory in preclinical studies. It’s also an antioxidant often used traditionally against infections.

Overview

Now that you know how CV Acute can help your immune system battle viruses stop by and stock up.  This fantastic immune system support liquid has everything you need to feel better in days.  And don’t forget to incorporate a healthy diet, exercise, and plenty of sleep!  We hope to see you soon.  You have questions, and Suzanne’s has answers…Naturally!

Clinical trial Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33909260/

Kids Need a Healthy Immune System too!

Now that school is back in session and kids are sitting in packed classrooms, boosting their immune systems with natural supplements can help keep them healthy! Fall is always a time for sniffles and flu.  A healthy immune system can reduce symptoms and shorten the length of time they are feeling ill.  Suzanne is happy to share some of her favorite natural immune boosters for kids.

Suzanne’s Kids Echinacea Plus  

This berry flavored herbal supplement is not only tasty but packed full of great organic ingredients like:

Vitamin C

A proprietary blend of fresh Echinacea Augustifolia root

Elderberry root

Atstragalus root

Fresh Echinacea Purpurea flower

Add to juice or water for a welcome daily immune boost.

GaiaKids Black Elderberry Kids Daily Gummies

Elderberries have been used for centuries and provide immune system support and help in overall wellness. Each gummy contains 3 grams of fresh elderberries and is vegan and vegetarian friendly. Kids love the taste and look forward to taking them daily.  One gummy a day will give your child 429 milligrams of elderberry extract to provide immune support.

Natures Plus Animal Parade Multi-Vitamin

We love this fun and chewable daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement for kids.  It is not only packed with all the daily vitamins and minerals your child needs to maintain optimal health, but they also come in whimsical animal shapes to make them smile when it’s time to take them.

PRI Manuka Honey Strawberry Lollipops

Designed for busy families who always seem to be on the go!  Made with luscious Manuka Honey MGO 263+ straight from New Zealand, these are designed for ages 2 and up. Packed with bioflavonoids and other organic ingredients, they are the perfect answer to a healthy snack or to soothe a sore throat.  Individually wrapped for convenience.

Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports a robust immune system by combating free radicals and building strong bones.  It also helps children absorb iron and promotes overall health.  Make sure your children get their daily vitamin C with these delicious gummies.  These gummies are vegan, GMO-free, and each serving is 250 mg, all in a pleasant tangerine flavor.

American Health Probiotic KidChewables

Support your children’s immune health and digestive system with daily probiotics.  This option from American Health is popular due to being chewable and with the added benefit of teeth-friendly Xylitol. In addition, the naturals colors and flavors are plant-based, sugar-free, and vegetarian.  Every day is a good day for Probiotics.  Available in strawberry-vanilla or grape flavors.

Garden of Life Kids Immune Gummy

Seasonal bugs are here, and it’s time to support our kids’ immune systems.  Garden of Life is a favorite here at Suzanne’s because it’s made with antioxidant whole food vitamins C and D and Zinc. They have been shown to help keep kids healthy through immune system support. In addition, this product is organic, without sugar, artificial flavors, toxic pesticides, or GMOs. Great taste too!

Suzanne’s has a generous selection of products, tinctures,  and supplements to help support your kids’ healthy immune systems.  Stop in today and speak with one of our knowledgeable staff about which products are suitable for your family.

You have questions.  We have answers…NATURALLY!  At Suzanne’s Natural Foods.

Why Does Covid Cause A Loss of Smell, And How Can I Reverse It?

According to  David Valencia, M.D. (Ear, Nose & Throat) at the Mayo Clinic, smell dysfunction is common and often the first symptom of a COVID-19 infection. Therefore, you should self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19 when you can. It is also common in other viral upper respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, but rarely is it the only or first symptom in those cases. Most of the time, taste also is affected since smell and taste work together to create flavor. There is a natural way to help speed the recovery of your damaged sustentacular cells, which is the suspected cause of loss of smell.

Suzanne’s Natural Foods has an all-natural Smell Recovery Kit based on Professor Thomas Hummel’s 2009 study using short-term exposure to smells over twelve weeks at a German University. Many of our clients have experienced success in recovering their sense of smell, making this kit a must-have for every household during covid outbreaks.  The four essentials oils used are lemon, clove, eucalyptus, and rose. Just a quick ten-second sniff twice a day can aid in recovering your sense of smell.

Suzanne’s Smell Recovery Kit is available exclusively at Suzanne’s Natural Foods.

For more COVID recovery products, call us or stop by.  Masking encouraged.