Back to School with Suzanne’s Natural Foods

Supplements That Can Help Your Child In School

Keeping kids safe and healthy is always a priority for parents, especially going into Fall. Many children are back in schools that may or may not be masking. In addition, young children significantly benefit from a healthy immune system due to the lack of an available vaccine against Covid 19 and the Delta variant.

Specific supplements, along with a healthy lifestyle, can support your child’s immune system. Here are some of Suzanne’s favorites she uses with her children.

Chamomile Calm by Herbs For Kids:

Children need to get plenty of sleep to keep their bodies and immune systems healthy. This soothing tincture for kids helps calm and relax during times of stress allowing for a restful and rejuvenating sleep. Easy to take by adding to a glass of juice or water, this product is safe for children 12 months and up.

Dr. Formulated Garden of Life Probiotics for Kids Organic 5 Billion:

Most people understand the importance of “gut health.” This flavorful chewable is a favorite with children and contains vitamins C, D, and Probiotics. It’s a great way to promote digestive health and boost the immune system. In addition, this product is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and contains no added sugar.

Superior Source GABA Microlinguals:

The importance of brain health in children is always something to consider. The ability to focus and retain information is crucial to learning. This product instantly dissolves when placed on or under the tongue, making it easy to take. No preservatives are added to this small-size tablet.

Nordic Naturals DHA for Children:

Let’s not forget those children three to six years old when it comes to brain health. Made from 100% wild Arctic cod, this chewable soft gel supports learning and cognitive development, which is essential for pre-school-aged children. Unfortunately, only 1% of children get fish oil regularly. This supplement is an easy way to ensure your child gets adequate Omega-3 DHA.

Gaia Herbs Kids Daily Elderberry Gummies:

Immune health is more important now than ever as our kids head back into crowded classrooms. Elderberry has a long history of providing immune system support. Each gummy is certified organic, made with natural fruit, and has no added refined sugars, colors, or flavors. Each tasty gummy contains 429 mg of elderberry extract to ensure your child’s immune system gets the boost it needs this time of year.

A quick trip to Suzanne’s can help start your children off right this school year! So stop in today and let us show you our selection of helpful and tasty kids support supplements!

Blood Sugar Balance for a Healthy Life

It’s three o’clock, and you are dragging. So you reach for a sugary snack or maybe a high-calorie soft drink or energy drink. Then two hours later, it sneaks up on you. The sugar crash! A healthy life is about balance. So maybe it’s time you consider a sugar balance for your body. This information is helpful in getting started.

How Do I Know If I Have a Sugar Imbalance?

You may be experiencing blood sugar imbalances if you suffer from fatigue, irritability, weakness, blurred vision, headaches, frequent urination, and increased thirst. These symptoms are your body’s way of saying that your blood sugar levels are not within the normal range.

Benefits of Sugar Balance

Balanced blood sugar keeps our brain healthy, regulates our mood and stabilizes our energy levels so we don’t experience afternoon “crashes.” Sugar balance also reduces the chances of becoming diabetic, a life-altering diagnosis that comes with many serious health risks.

How do you keep your blood sugars balanced?

Along with a healthy diet filled with protein and vegetables, and plenty of exercise, several products are available at Suzanne’s Natural Foods that will help contribute to a healthy balance of sugar in your body.

Here are a few natural support products to consider:

Suzanne’s Glucose Support

Our Glucose Support contains everything you need to keep your blood sugar balance healthy with sixteen all-natural ingredients. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, you will feel more energy, less brain fog, and work through the afternoon without needing a nap!

Berberine

With a thousand years of use by the Chinese and now in western culture, Berberine is proven to lower blood sugar, cause weight loss and improve heart health. It is one of the few supplements shown to be as effective as a pharmaceutical drug and is gaining popularity in the USA.

Cinnamon

Besides smelling heavenly, cinnamon has many natural health benefits. It can reduce inflammation and swelling, lower blood sugar and even lower blood pressure. It comes in many forms. Ask one of our knowledgeable employees which is right for you and how you should incorporate it into your diet or wellness routine.

Bergamot Supplements

If you struggle with high cholesterol and want to balance your sugar, this may be a great option. Bergamot supplements are effective in lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol. It can even increase your “good” cholesterol or HDL. But, of course, another benefit is sugar balance. It comes in supplement form for easy consumption.

Mulberry Leaf Tea

This tasty tea has many health benefits. Among them are lowering blood sugar, promoting heart health, and even weight loss. Currently, Mulberry Leaves are involved in research for their anticancer activity against cervical and liver cancers. In addition, it is an easy and delicious way to balance your blood sugar.

Now that you have information on how to re-energize your days through sugar balance, stop in and find out which supplement is right for you. We have the solutions…Naturally!

Hydrate for Health

Have you ever eaten foods like potato chips, movie popcorn, and fast foods only to find your fingers and face puffy the day after? We’ve all been there, and it’s called water retention. Usually caused by consuming too much salt, it causes the body to retain water making a person feel bloated. Here are a few water tips to help and why there are so many types of water to choose from these days.

Benefits of Consuming Water.

Your body depends on water to survive. From cells to tissue to your vital organs, they all require water to function and keep you healthy. Sixty percent of your body is simply water. Check out some of the work that all that water does after you drink it.

Flushes out waste from your body
Regulates body temperature
Helps with optimal brain function
It helps create saliva and tears
Protects your tissue, spinal cord and joints
Helps to maximize physical performance
Aids in digestion and elevates your mood
It enables the body to absorb nutrients
It helps with weight loss and gives glowing skin
Water can help fight off illness and boost energy

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Many factors need to be considered in how much water to consume. Weather, geographical location, exertion, and time of year all determine your intake. Your body will tell you when you need to increase your water intake. The first sign is a dry mouth. Dark urine is also a sign you may be dehydrated. Urine should be a very light shade of yellow. Typically men should consume 125 ounces a day for regular activity. Women should drink about 91 ounces a day.

Water is NOT Created Equal

Have you ever stepped into Suzanne’s and noticed all the different types of bottled water we carry? Spring water, filtered water, mineral water, water with electrolytes, flavored water, we have it all! Here is an easy guide to which water is best for your needs.

Mineral Water: Provides minerals your body needs and can’t create on its own. It can also help aid in digestion, and many people find the taste preferable over tap water.

Spring Water: Spring water is ordinarily clean and free of toxins. It also contains some of the helpful minerals previously mentioned.

Sparkling Water: This choice comes in regular and flavored. Many people find the fizz appealing. While it does contain some minerals, it doesn’t have all the health benefits of noncarbonated water. However, it can satisfy a sweet tooth, and that is a bonus.

Flavored Water: Many people find flavored water makes drinking the recommended amount easier. While it’s true that flavored or infused water is refreshing, it also contains either large amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners. Many brands of flavored waters include artificial flavors.

Purified Water: This is water that is usually boiled like distilled water to remove contaminants. The source is usually tap water.

Alkaline Water: Alkaline water has a higher PH and contains alkaline minerals and negative oxidation. Many people feel that increasing their body’s PH keeps certain illnesses like cancer at bay and slows the aging process.

Electrolyte Water: Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. They are found in the bloodstream, urine, and sweat. Water infused with electrolytes is an excellent choice after a strenuous workout to replenish and hydrate. Suzanne’s has several top-selling electrolyte supplements for hydration and replenishment, including Hydration I.V. and Nuun Tablets.

Now that you have information on all the different types of water, Suzanne’s encourages you to drink up! Increasing your water intake will make your body function better, make you feel better, and maybe even help you look more youthful! Cheers!

Clean, Organic Wines at Suzanne’s

For thousands of years, Italians have said “Festeggia il Vino!” which means “Celebrate the Wine!” Even the ancient Egyptians saved wine for royalty, leaving ordinary people to drink beer. Wine has changed over the years. Many of today’s wines are full of additives and other things that give you that morning-after headache! Suzanne’s Natural Foods is excited to talk about some of the new exceptional wines we are featuring right now. Have a look…or a taste! Cheers!

Shannon Ridge Winery, California

Located in Lake County, California, thirty-five miles north of Napa, Shannon Ridge is a favorite with customers and employees alike. Surrounded by wildlife, the grapes are grown in volcanic soil off the shores of Clear Lake. The rich soil produces a superior flavor and quality that is hard to find at this price. This wine is a favorite – try it soon!

The Wonderful Wine Company, California

Clean! Clean! Clean! Did we mention this is clean wine at its best? That’s what you’ll find with this line of wines. They like to say it’s sustainable from grapes to glass because they have an emphasis on packaging as well as grape quality. Enjoy a lovely glass or two of your favorite with no worries about a morning-after headache. Vegan-friendly and organically farmed, try a bottle or two with your next meal.

Lubanzi Wines, South Africa

Named after a dog who followed two men on a mission trip backpacking for six days across the South Africa Wild Coast, this wine is committed to delivering real and meaningful social impact while providing an outstanding and tasteful experience. This Fair-Trade wine delivers 50% of its profits back to the people who make it and is a Certified B-Corporation. Make a difference while you enjoy its smooth, bold flavor. Packaged in cans, it’s a different look but great taste. Cheers!

Wildman Pet Nat Wines, South Africa

Meaning “naturally sparkling wine made from the ancestral method,” these are an imported, small-batch pleasure in a bottle. Suzanne’s carries both the Astro Bunny and the Piggy Pop. Sourced in South Africa with no additives which means no need to shake before opening. Very pizza friendly, so these wines make the perfect addition to your weekend (or weekday) plans. Serve chilled!

Koval Spirits, Chicago

Crafted as grain to bottle in Chicago, IL. While these are spirits and not wines, they still fit in as organic and made intentionally in small batches. All grains are sourced from Midwestern farmers, distilled in the Koval facility in Chicago using Lake Michigan water naturally purified through the charcoal method. Each bottle is Certified Organic and Certified Kosher. They are also a proud member of Slow Foods USA, promoting sustainability and preservation of traditional cuisine and techniques. These internationally acclaimed spirits are great for gifts… or yourself!

From California to South Africa, we have healthy and clean wines for every taste at Suzanne’s. Try one today!

Dry Brushing

Dry Brushing is the New (and old) Trend for Self-Care

If you follow social media, you have undoubtedly heard of dry brushing. It is everywhere right now, saying it’s a cure all for everything. Let’s take a closer look at this ancient technique and what it can and cannot do.

Dry brushing is a type of Ayurvedic medicine that has gone in and out of popularity for centuries. It works by exfoliating the skin. Using a special natural-fiber brush with course bristles, it is brushed over the skin using a specific pattern. This removes dead skin cells and is said to improve the body’s ability to cleanse itself by allowing toxins to be purged through the pores. Here are some other benefits of dry brushing:

stimulating the body’s lymphatic system
removing the dead skin on the body
increasing circulation and energy, especially as people age
exfoliating creates fresh glowing skin
reducing the appearance of cellulite

Healthline.com provides the following technique to follow at home.

Note: If you have an open wound or skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, avoid dry brushing that area. It could introduce bacteria and lead to possible infection.

Remember to clean your brush with a gentle soap and water bath every week. If you have more than one person in your household utilizing dry brushing, each person should have their own brush. Suzanne’s Natural Foods carries several dry brush options. Stop in and see which one is right for you.

For additional information you can check out the instructional videos on YouTube or this article from the Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-truth-about-dry-brushing-and-what-it-does-for-you/

Natural Pest Repellants

Bzzzzzzzz… that pesky buzzing sound in our ear lets us know that we will soon be a meal for a hungry mosquito. With all the rain this spring, we are sure to have an increased number of pests just waiting to bite us! Suzanne’s Natural Foods has a great selection of natural pest repellents for babies, children and adults. Here are a few of our most popular products.

Nantucket Spider Insect Repellant Spray for People and Pets

These natural products work great at repelling ticks and mosquitoes. These Deet-Free sprays are made with organic essential oils that smell amazing and are vegan and cruelty free. Most options are available in several sizes, so they are perfect for vacations, a day at the lake or summer camp! Don’t forget Fido! Nantucket Spider has a great spray for pets as well. It is cedar based so it doesn’t have that citronella smell most of us hate. While you are looking at the sprays, consider getting a few incense sticks for those summer evenings on the deck or patio. Great for picnic and cookouts too! Stock up today.

Bug Ban Insect Repellant for Babies by Yaya Organics

When it comes to protecting your baby’s sensitive skin, consider this great product made by three New Hampshire moms who wanted a safe and effective non-chemical alternative for their children and pets. This 100% plant-based bug repellant formula is perfect for babies over 6 months, nursing moms and anyone with sensitive skin and offers 4 hours of powerful protection. It has a natural, fresh floral scent and is free from DEET, permethrin, synthetics, GMO’s, mineral oil, alcohol, clove, peppermint, cedarwood, rosemary + citronella. Baby your skin today!

Suzanne’s says get out there and enjoy these glorious days without worrying about fleas and ticks. Stop in today and ask one of our knowledgeable employees about which products are perfect for your family…naturally!

Natural, Imported Beauty Products

Did you know that your skin is your bodies largest organ? It covers your entire body and accounts for around 16 percent of your total body weight. Daily use of chemical laden soaps, coupled with the effects of the sun and natural aging can wreak havoc on your skin. Suzanne’s Natural Foods has a few ideas on how you can show your skin some love…naturally!

Weleda – Weleda products are celebrating 100 years of connecting people with nature. Founded in Switzerland in 1921 on the belief that people are part of nature, Weleda products harness the power of the natural world to balance mind, body and spirit encouraging your unique beauty to shine through. Stop in and see the line of face, body and baby products that will pamper, nourish, and restore your skin’s beautiful glow while respecting the planet.

Sukin – Sukin products are imported from Australia. This all-natural skin care line is vegan, cruelty free, and focused on providing superior results without harming the environment. Their antioxidant eye serum is one of several signature items that help moisturize the skin and minimize fine lines. These nutrient rich products have everything you need. No heavy perfumes and chemicals, just pure hydration from down under!

Crepey Skin has received a lot of attention lately. It can be improved upon with an excellent body moisturizer. May people believe taking collagen supplements can improve it as well. Suzanne’s Natural Foods has a generous selection of body creams and moisturizers, including options for people with allergies. Make sure to ask about supplements to help improve your skin. Our knowledgable staff can show you the products perfect for you! And finally, don’t forget to drink a lot of quality water! Most people need about 3 liters a day to keep their bodies happy. It may keep you running for the first few days, but you body will adjust and you will see the benefits quickly! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Self Care Basics

As Life Gets Back to Normal…

This past year has changed many people’s way of thinking about almost everything. You may have taken up gardening for the first time, tried yoga or maybe updated the inside of your home. One thing is certain, we all keep a bit more toilet paper in our closets these days!

May’s self-care topic is getting back to basics on caring for ourselves. Here is the “go to” list we all need to follow.

Daily use of Sunblock. For years it was thick and white, and people avoided it except at the beach or lake. Suzanne’s has an all-natural option that goes on the skin CLEAR. Badger Sunblock is reef safe, ocean safe and contains no harmful chemicals or fragrances. Make sure and stock up and bring it with you on vacation.

Regularly taken, Probiotics can make a real difference in your health, especially for women. They help with digestion, regulate bowel movements, improve your skin and some even lose weight. Taken on an empty stomach daily, probiotics should be part of your daily wellness regimen. Make sure and ask one of our knowledgeable employees which one is best for you.

Taking a Multivitamin daily gives you multiple benefits. Thirteen vitamins and fifteen minerals are essential to your body’s good health. A good multivitamin insures you receive these important nutrients, so your body is functioning at it’s optimum. All vitamins are not created equal. Suzanne’s carries only the best options available. From gummies, to pills, to liquid; we are sure to have an option perfect for you.

Getting adequate Sleep is a huge part of health, just ask new parents. It’s your bodies natural time to rejuvenate and restore itself. How much sleep you require varies from person to person but it’s a safe bet that somewhere between 6-9 hours will be the range most people say is perfect. Make a point to eliminate caffeine and sugar consumption in the early afternoon. Shut off electronic devices 40 minutes before bedtime and consider spaying a lavender mist on your pillow or using a calming essential oil before bedtime. Suzanne’s has many products to help you get a great night’s sleep…naturally!

Water, Water, Water! Drink at least 2 liters of clean water a day.

Get Outside and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and company of good friends. Just remember to be responsible and follow guidelines to keep you and those you love safe!

Remember, self-care is necessary. We give our best when we feel our best. Suzanne’s is here to help…naturally!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Finding the perfect gift for a Mother who has everything is challenging. Suzanne’s Natural Foods invites you to preview several of the unique gift ideas available at Suzanne’s that she is sure to love.

Eco Friendly Birdhouses

Not only are these birdhouses adorable and environmentally safe, but they are a bird’s best friend for years. Each one is hand-made with sustainably harvested materials such as 100% natural sheep’s wool, a crocheted jute hanging cord, and a hand-carved bamboo perch. They provide a beautiful and whimsical home to small birds such as the wren for several years outside. Birds can harvest the felt to make a nest when the birdhouse is no longer habitable. They are Fair Trade, eco-friendly, and sure to make Mom smile every time she sees it. Stop in and see our generous selection!

Essential Oil Jewelry

Essential oils are a part of many people’s daily lives. They soothe, relax, calm migraine headaches, offer energy and so much more. Suzanne’s has a selection of beautiful jewelry that house essential oils, so they are always ready when needed. You can choose from several colors and shapes. Suzanne’s also carries a full line of quality essential oils to complete your gift. This is a lovely and thoughtful way to support a healthy lifestyle.

Tea Sets

Is your mother a tea lover? If so, Suzanne’s has the perfect gift. Beautiful tea sets. They are displayed in several areas of our store and come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are sure to perk up any display shelf when not in use. Why not pair it with several of our delicious organic teas to complete the gift? Let us help you make her day special with a unique gift she can use every day!

This year give your Mother a special gift that is healthy for her and the planet. Stop in and see our selection of gift ideas. Organic chocolate, body care products, organic wine, or maybe a selection of coffee from around the world. Can’t decide? A Suzanne’s gift card is always a perfect gift. Happy shopping!

Earth Friendly Living

Earth Friendly Living Starts With Us!

We all want a planet with clean air, pristine water, and chemical-free soil. It won’t happen overnight, but it can happen. The Earth Day 2021 theme is “Restoring Our Earth”. Suzanne’s is dedicated to being part of that solution. Not only do we search high and low for “planet-friendly” options to offer in our store, but we also practice what we preach. Here are just a few of the ways that we support a clean planet…

ECO Products

Suzanne’s uses dinnerware for the salad bar and smoothie cups that are eco certified. We are proud to say we’ve provided ECO serving products for years. It may not sound like a big deal, but according to the EPA data for 2018, 830,000+ tons of plastic paper plates and cups entered the landfill. The number of years it is estimated for a plastic cup to decompose is 450 per cup…a plastic plate up to 1000 years for each one. This chart from Australia’s World Wildlife Fund shows several popular items most of us use daily and how long it takes for decomposition. Consider we added 3,300,000 TONS of diapers to our landfills in 2018 and they take 500 years to decompose. Smart, eco-friendly choices make a huge difference.

Recycling

If we are going to protect and restore our planet, recycling must be part of our daily lives. Suzanne’s makes it easy by providing recycling bins at our store for our customers’ use. The bins behind the store accept glass, plastic, and aluminum. We bring all the goods to Joplin’s local recycling center weekly. Here is a great guideline from the EPA to help https://www.epa.gov/recycle.

Reusable Products

Give the landfills a rest and consider reusable products. From buying “bulk” without packaging to reusable tumblers for coffee, there are so many options for products you can clean and use over and over. Buying bulk and keeping it in glass containers is a great option. Suzanne’s even offers a reusable e-cloth for cleaning that not only provides multiple uses, but also cuts down on chemical use. Fewer chemicals in your home are always a good thing! https://us.e-cloth.com/pages/about-e-cloth

Plant-Grow-Enjoy

There is nothing quite like the “farm to table” flavor of freshly picked produce to take a meal to new heights. Consider adding a raised or container garden. They are easy to manage even in small spaces. Start with organic soil mixtures based on what you are planting. Then add famous heirloom seeds from Baker’s Creek. Suzanne’s carries a wide variety of seeds featuring the most popular veggies including some that may be completely new to you! Next time you are shopping with us, look at our enlarged garden behind the store. We grow much of the salad bar ingredients that everyone raves about in that garden! Organically grown, of course! And don’t forget all the natural pest control options for inside and outside the home that Suzanne’s carries. Lungs were made for fresh air, not harsh chemicals, so commit to natural options this year!

Composting

The circle of life for food and plants comes together in composting. Take your kitchen leftovers and create a compost bin. It is hard to beat the natural benefits of nature’s fertilizer. The EPA has a great website about these benefits and how to get started on your own composting. Suzanne’s kitchen leftovers are always added to the compost bin. Nothing is wasted. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

To find out more about how you can make positive changes, visit the official Earth Day website.

https://www.earthday.org/press-release/building-on-the-growth-and-resilience-of-the-environmental-movement-worldwide-earth-day-network-launches-restore-our-earth-as-2021-theme/.