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NEWSLETTER - July/August 2001

Highlights include...

Dr. Rosita Arvigo Coming to Pittsburgh September 6th!!
Article: Acid-Base Balance in the Human Body by Dan Wagner
Summer Specials from Head to Toe
Supplement of the Month: Dophilus Plus

...and more Click the July/August 2001 NutriFARMACY Newsletter to view and print out.

NEWSLETTER - Spring 2000
Common Drug Induced Nutrient Depletions
By Daniel T. Wagner, R.Ph., M.B.A., herbalist

The growing fusion of natural medicines (including herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, homeopathy, and other natural products) with nutrition and allopathic medicine has spawned a new area of specialization called drug/nutrient depletion. Current estimates are that 62-68% of Americans are taking "alternative" medicines and therapies, and the growth in this industry has unabated for over a decade. Although the media is full of reports on nutritional supplements, many consumers (and unfortunately many physicians and other health professionals) do not understand that some medications can reduce absorption (and even cause depletion) of certain vitamins, minerals and electrolytes crucial for good health. Pharmacists can play an important role in educating customers about this potentially serious problem.

The pharmacist, widely regarded as the "drug expert" in American medicine, has looked upon this rebirth of herbal medicine use by Americans with skepticism and ambiguity for a few years. Since pharmacists are regarded by the public in high professional esteem, and since they are the most accessible health professionals, it is incumbent that they educate themselves and supply useful information regarding natural medicine to the public. Why? Because that is what the public is demanding. In a recent study done by Dr. Andrew Weil, it was found that the major reason why 62-68% of Americans are leaning toward a more natural approach to medicine (sometimes referred to as Mind/Body medicine) is because it fits their "value system." Quite simply, most people have a better sense of well-being when they take a natural product or try a health intervention that is not conventional. This is powerful information that the nation's hospitals and medical community can no longer ignore. This "natural revolution" should be addressed with professional insight and practical response, not ridicule and judgmental skepticism which has been the short-sided approach that has been going on far too long.

Drug/nutrient interactions frequently share common routes of administration, elimination, and binding sites. They may also compete for transport mechanisms. In addition, many molecular structures of prescription drugs may be similar to all or part of a vitamin's structure. Problems can ensue when the metabolic pathway is equally shared by a nutrient and a drug, and thus the activity of one, the other, or both, may be affected in a positive or negative capacity. Keeping in mind that all drugs have therapeutic indexes (some very narrow) enumerating the difference between effectiveness and toxicity, the importance of nutrient/drug interactions becomes more critical. In reality, it takes computerization with a complete database to adequately interpret and quantify the myriad of possible interactions that drugs and nutrients may impart.

When complementary medicine meets clinical science in the pharmacy profession, it is best to review certain prescription drugs commonly prescribed for various disease states or conditions and review what vital nutrients are negatively affected by continual use of drug(s) commonly prescribed. The following list is a concise, but accurate measure of common drug/nutrient depletions.

Antibiotic Medications
May deplete your body of… Intestinal Bacterial Flora, Acidophilus, FOS and other Probiotic support

Arthritis Medications
May deplete your body of… Calcium/Magnesium, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Glucosamine, Essential Fatty Acids

Anti-Depressant Drugs
May deplete your body of… B-Complex Vitamins, Vitamin C, Selenium, Zinc, L-Gluthathione, Calcium/Magnesium

Diabetic Medications
May deplete your body of... Chromium, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Vitamins B6 and B12, Folic Acid

Corticosteroids
May deplete your body of... Calcium/Magnesium, Vitamin C, B-Complex Vitamins, Selenium, Potassium, Zinc

Diuretics
May deplete your body of... Potassium, Calcium/Magnesium, Vitamin C, B-Complex Vitamins, Zinc

Estrogen & Progesterone Medications
May deplete your body of... B-Complex Vitamins, Calcium/Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Essential Fatty Acids


NEWSLETTER - Winter 1999

Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D: The Right Choice for your Bones and Muscles

What is the best choice for taking Calcium? What is the best absorbed form? Why is Calcium Citrate preferred over Calcium Carbonate?

To help prevent, and to reduce the degree of osteoporosis especially for menopausal and post-menopausal women, taking Calcium/Magnesium/Vitamin D may be the wisest choice.

Cal/Mag/Vit D will also help reduce blood pressure, relax the muscles, relax the heart and aid in nerve integrity. Whether a woman chooses to take Hormone Replacement Therapy, or not, Cal/Mag/Vit D is still a wise choice for building and keeping strong bones.

The calcium present in this supplement is calcium citrate. (Most supplementary calcium is calcium carbonate.) Calcium citrate is a form of calcium that is far better absorbed than calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate comes from crushed oyster shells. This form is harder to digest and there is an increasing danger of oyster shells having higher lead content than what is acceptable by law. Calcium citrate comes from the ground, where all minerals are found.

Another form of calcium is hydroxyapatite. This form is derived from bone that has been specially cultured in a pesticide-free environment. It contains 26 percent available calcium as well as collagen. Calcium Gluconate is the lowest form of absorbed calcium (approximately 9 percent).

The entire significance about taking calcium supplements has to do with absorption. Generally, calcium as a mineral, is water soluble and not well absorbed. In fact, when taking a calcium supplement of any kind (that is 500mg) about 100-150mg actually gets absorbed. How do we increase absorption? Take the citrate form, take it with magnesium, add in Vitamin D, and take it with food. And remember, dairy products, though a good source of calcium, are a poor way to get calcium for your bones. Milk's high protein, phosphorus, sugar, steroid and hormone content assures that little of the calcium gets absorbed. So, contrary to popular belief, drinking milk does not build bones!

Fortunately, calcium citrate does not require the action of stomach acid to render it usable. Finally, calcium citrate is in a capsule form, making it easier to swallow and better absorbed.

Suggested Adult Dose: Two or three capsules daily with meals. Each capsule contains 476mg of calcium citrate, 167mg of Magnesium oxide, and 100 I.U. of vitamin D.


Phytovision- Nutrients for the Eyes
Mixed Phyto-nutrients plus Phytosomes

They have been called windows of the world and mirrors of the soul. Whatever you choose to call them it makes good sense to keep your eyes in good working order.

Most of the following eye problems can be prevented or delayed through understanding what damages the eye and taking appropriate measures to circumvent eye damage.

MACULAR DEGENERATION: In this disturbing condition the central area of the retina (macula) deteriorates resulting in loss of sharp vision. A diet rich in Lutein actively cuts the risk of blindness due to age-related macular degeneration.

CATARACTS: Are a partial or complete clouding of the lens of the eye and are a leading cause of poor vision and blindness. Many researchers believe that exposure to ultraviolet light and infrared light contributes to cataract formation. Antioxidants, especially the deep blue anthocyanins found in Bilberry, have been found to ward off this oxidative damage.

RETINOPATHY: This is a serious visual disorder characterized by hemorrhages in the retinal blood vessels. It is usually associated with high blood pressure and diabetes and is the major cause of blindness in diabetics.

SISU'S PHYTOVISION CONTAINS BILBERRY, LUTEIN, GRAPE SEED EXTRACT, GINGKO BILOBA PHYTOSOME, and MULTI ANTHOCYANIDINS from strawberries, grapes, raspberries, cranberries, and elderberries as the richest source of anthocyanidins.

PHYTOVISION helps with the improvement of vision, probable help in preventing visual problems such as macular degeneration, when lack of antioxidant activity is a primary cause. It can also help in amelioration of various forms of organic visual impairment such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts, and hemorrhagic retinopathy resulting from anticoagulant therapy. People who suffer from varicose veins and high cholesterol may also benefit from this supplement.

Suggested Adult Dose: Take one capsule two to four times a day. Each capsule contains Bilberry 25mg, Grape Seed 25mg, Gingko Biloba 30mg, Lutein 2mg pure, and multi anthocyanidins.


Echinacea: For Upper Respiratory Infection

Echinacea's use for the early treatment of the common cold and flu has been well documented by scientific studies in Europe. It is also considered supportive therapy for colds and chronic infections of the respiratory tract and lower urinary tract. Echinacea provided some benefit in reducing the severity and duration of upper respiratory infection symptoms in eight of the nine treatment trials tested. It is recommended that Echinacea be taken "early in the course of a cold, several times a day for 7-14 days, then abate."

Don't Do Winter Without It!
Many herbalists believe that short-term use is best, however, for people who are more susceptible to frequent colds and flu over the Fall and Winter, a maintenance dose of Echinacea daily (1 capsule or 15 drops of tincture) daily for 3 weeks on, 1 week off, then resume, may be beneficial. Long-term use would be contraindicated in people with autoimmune diseases (i.e. Lupus, hepatitis, Crohn's). Taking daily doses of at least 1,000mg of Vitamin C daily is also advisable.

See your natural pharmacist or practitioner for more information.


NEWSLETTER - Fall 1999
STRICTLY FOR WOMEN...
An Overview of Menopause: Natural vs. Estrogen Replacement
by Dan Wagner, R.Ph., MBA

There are more than 40 million menopausal and postmenopausal women in the United States.Menopause is a change in life for women and is often characterized by hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood swings, and fatigue. Menopause is often treated like a disease by American physicians, and though it is certainly not a disease, it can signal an increase in a woman's risk for certain diseases including osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, a1zheimer's and cancer.

Never before has the American public been so bewildered and confused over the term "estrogen" and "menopause". What is a middle-aged woman to do? She hears almost daily about the risks of synthetic estrogen, but her OB-GYN keeps insisting the benefits outweigh the risks. She reads a myriad of magazine and media commercials about the natural benefits of soy and other "phyto" estrogens. And now her pharmacist is imploring the benefits of "natural" estrogen versus the synthetic type millions of women have taken for the last few decades. She is worried about the ravages of osteoporosis and heart disease, but cannot be easily convinced that she wants chemicals in her body.

Unfortunately there is no "one" correct answer for every woman, just like we cannot manufacture one correct diet for everyone on the planet. Today, with our endless access to information and data, I implore women to do their homework and seek out as much reliable information as possible before fully making this rather important decision. And ask questions. The physician should still be one main source of information pertaining to the pros and cons of menopausal treatment, however, obtaining information from the pharmacist, the nutritionist, the naturopath, or reputable books and magazines is prudent.

HRT - An Important Decision The fact that an increasing number of pre-menopausal women are pondering whether they want to take HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is evidence that more women are looking for safer alternatives. However, HRT can be a two-edged sword. Estrogen, on occasion, may be a woman's best friend, especially if she is experiencing severe menopausal symptoms (like hot flashes and profuse sweating) that are definitely affecting her lifestyle and sense of wellbeing. The data indicating that HRT may assist in the reduction of osteoporosis is quite well documented with many scientific studies, however its benefits in reducing coronary artery disease is a bit less defined. Many studies prove that whether a woman chooses HRT, or not, for the prevention of osteoporosis, taking a calcium supplement with magnesium and Vitamin D is still better than taking either one separately. I prefer calcium citrate over calcium carbonate (oyster shell). The citrate form is better absorbed and the magnesium adds significantly to its bone and muscle protective qualities.

What About Milk? Despite what you've been told, milk and dairy products are not the best way to get bone-building calcium in your diet. In fact, data from a well-monitored study of 80,000 women from a 12-year Nurses' Health Study found that those women who drank two or more glasses of milk a day were 45 percent more likely to suffer hip and bone fractures after menopause than women who drank one glass or less. The problem with drinking milk is not the amount of calcium (it's actually a decent source) but the fact that milk is high in animal protein, phosphorus, sugar, and other chemicals and hormones that make a woman leach the calcium out of her system and into her urine. (Plant protein doesn't seem to have the same protein-leaching effect.)

What Is Natural And What Isn't? There are only three natural human estrogens: estrone (El), estradiol (E2), and estriol (B). Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen, estrone is the principle hormone present in women after menopause, and estriol, the weakest of the three, is the most active on the vagina, cervix and vulva. Estradiol is the main estrogen influencing the menstrual cycle. Many postmenopausal women produce more estradiol than progesterone and because of this dominance they experience bloating, breast tenderness and swelling, and headaches. Estriol would theoretically be the safest and most effective estrogen to use and is effective in treating vaginal dryness and atrophy (tissue breakdown).

To date, of all menopausal women who begin HRT, about 20-35% of them discontinue its use within 6 months due to unwarranted side effects (weight gain, bleeding, depression). The most common reason for ceasing the therapy is the fear of cancer and the lack of any perceived benefits from the drugs. Although few would dispute there is a slight increase in the risk of breast and uterine cancer and gallbladder disease when taking HRT, it remains uncertain just what that percentage is. Studies have shown that the increased risk of endometrial cancer from HRT is largely eliminated when women take a patentable "progestin" or natural progesterone along with their "estrogen". However, the risk of breast cancer remains highly controversial.

Drugs like Premarin are synthetic "designer estrogens" that function as selective estrogen receptor modulators. Keeping in mind that there are only three human hormones (El, E2, and E3) it is now common to see compounds that are natural hormone replacement therapies (NCRT). Compounding pharmacists around the country are preparing a product called tri-estroqen or tri-est. It is a triple hormone replacement therapy from natural chemicals that most closely mimic the hormones of a woman.

Plants: The Phytoestrogens The current state of knowledge regarding the use of soy phytoestrogens (weak, biologically active plant estrogens) is regarded as alternative therapy to HRT in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Soy-based diets contain isoflavones. Considerable evidence appears to be accumulating that soy isoflavones in the diet exert a weak estrogenic effect that may confer health benefits.

The principle isoflavones in soy include genistein, glycitein, and diadzien. They are also found in a variety of dietary supplements. They are effective in treating symptoms such as hot flashes, lowering serum lipid and increasing bone mineral density. In addition, soy isoflavones have been shown to inhibit the growth of different types of cancer (breast, colon, and prostate) and may lower blood pressure. Of the three isoflavones found in soy, genistein is unquestionably considered the most beneficial. Excellent studies have been done on Chinese women who were menopausal age and seemed to go through menopause with exceeding mildness, had little osteoporosis and their cancer rates were significantly lower. The probable key - they ate very low on the food chain including lots of soy and green foods. A recent study showed that the incidence of hot flashes varies in frequency from 14% in China and Singapore to 70-80% of menopausal women in Europe and the U.S.

Xenoestrogens: The Real Danger? The prefix "xeno" means foreign, and the onslaught of foreign synthetic and chemical estrogens that are ever abundant in our environment and food may be one of the imminent dangers. Pesticides and herbicides can be estrogenic to all tissues in the body. These sometimes toxic chemicals structurally resemble part of the natural estrogen estradiol. Environmental pollutants, plastics, petro-chemiclas, solvents and pesticides, including lawn and garden sprays, contain estrogenic compounds suspected of increasing endoctrine interference and reproductive failure.

The alarming amounts of steroids, antibiotics and hormones that are injected into our cattle, chickens and pigs is a growing menace. These growth hormones are also estrogenic in nature, and the daily consumption of these unwanted and excess estrogens could be a silent threat to public health.

The best advice is always to try to get the "toxins" out of your life and body as much as possible. Eating more organic produce, washing your food thoroughly, avoiding hormone-laced meat and dairy, refusing to buy and consume genetically-altered corn, soy, and grain, eating lower on the food chain and adding more natural soy to your diet can all help.

Conclusion The literature is surmounting with testimonials from thousands of women who have switched from synthetic to natural hormones. Increasingly, many peri-menopausal women are questioning whether or not they want to start HRT to begin with. Many are choosing isoflavones and soy protein. Soy diets have been used worldwide for thousands of years without major safety concerns. Remember, "natural" means naturally occurring in the human body. Get all the information you can from reliable health practitioners, read the literature, and ask your doctor for balanced advice. If you are not satisfied with one informer then seek another. Ultimately what is the best medicine is what's best for YOUR body and health. I always say that the best medicine is simply the one that works!

NEWSLETTER - Summer 1999 (2)

INTRODUCING TWO NEW SISU PRODUCTS . . .

HAPPY TUMMY SELECT
A blend of high potency extracts containing standardized Licorice root, Marshmallow root, Chamomile flowers, Fennel seed and Cardamom seed for digestive complaints and the bloated feeling caused by excess gas. 60 caps for $16.49

ESTER ACES PLUS
This formulation has all of the antioxidants in regular Ester ACES incorporating Ester-C, mixed carotenoids (including beta carotene), vitamin E, and selenium. All of which are capable of quenching destructive free radicals within the body, however it also includes extra protection from a new group of super-antioxidants, including green tea, grape seed, alpha lipoic acid, and reduced L-glutathione.

JULY & AUGUST
No coupon necessary
Buy 3 SISU products get 20% OFF another SISU product of equal or lesser value
Not for use on sale items

CALL FOR OUR OTHER SISU SUMMER SPECIALS


ST. JOHN'S WORT

Many people are familiar with St. John's Wort. This common plant with the bright yellow flowers is found in gardens throughout North America and Europe.

For many decades, St. John's Wort was used as a folk remedy to enhance mood. During the past six years, researchers have been able to isolate the active ingredient responsible for the herb's antidepressant effect - hypericin. This natural compound has pharmacological similarities to synthetic prescription antidepressants. However, users report no unpleasant side effects. The results of over 23 randomized trials demonstrate clearly that St. John's Wort, at a dose of 300 mg, three times a day, is effective in treating various types of mild and moderate depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

St. John's Wort is not a "fast working remedy" in the same way a strong prescription drug may be. As with many herbal remedies, two to three months may be required before the positive effects are felt.

If you are already taking a prescription antidepressant, you should check with a health practitioner before starting any new treatment, including St. John's Wort.


ALPHA LIPOIC ACID

Alpha lipoic acid has been called the new superantioxidant on the block. Besides playing a fundamental role in metabolism, lipoic acid fights the harmful effects of oxidative stress (called free radicals) on the body that are a contributing factor in many diseases. Lipoic acid also helps to recycle antioxidants like vitamins C and E.

Scientists have known about this naturally occurring substance for decades, but only recently has research discovered its therapeutic value. This summer on ABC's World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, D. Lester Packer, a leading authority and researcher on the benefits of lipoic acid, said: "It's probably the most potent naturally occurring antioxidant known to man. It may be the missing link in the treatment and prevention of diseases, and it may definitely contribute to healthy aging."

Clinically, alpha lipoic acid is used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, diabetes mellitus (inhibits glycosylation of tissue proteins), inhibits HIV replication in vitro, nerve cell regeneration, and liver disorders. Most people take it because it creates energy at the cellular level on a long-term basis and may offer some anti-aging benefits down the road.

A good starting dose is 50-100mg twice a day. But as with all supplements, lipoic acid should be balanced with a complete nutritional program supervised by a qualified health practitioner. - Dan Wagner, R.Ph., MBA


YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL

High Cholesterol. You can't see it or feel it. In fact, you may feel just fine, but when your cholesterol sneaks up above a desirable level, it puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, heart disease, and other cardiovascular diseases. Combine high cholesterol with other risk factors such as having a family history of heart disease, being a man over 45 years old or a woman over 55 years old, being a smoker, eating a lot of meat and dairy products, or having high blood pressure or diabetes, and you could be in for even more trouble.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a member of the family of molecules called lipids. Like fat, cholesterol molecules can't travel through blood in their original form because they don't mix with water, the major component of blood. So cholesterol and fat molecules hook up with proteins to form lipoproteins, which can travel through the blood. Most of the cholesterol in your body is made by the liver, which supplies all of the needed cholesterol. Extra cholesterol is taken in by eating animal foods that are usually also high in fat. (Remember, cholesterol ONLY exists in animal foods, there is no cholesterol at all in the plant kingdom, which includes grains, vegetables, fruits, seeds & nuts).

What can you do? Here are some tips for keeping cholesterol under control and following a low-cholesterol lifestyle.

1. Set your cholesterol goal. Identifying your risk factors and knowing your current cholesterol level will help you and your doctor figure out what your cholesterol goal should be. Knowing the main lipoproteins and their normal ranges is helpful.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) "bad" cholesterol should be less than 130 mg/dl.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) "good" cholesterol should be greater than 35 mg/dl.
TOTAL cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dl. (150 ideal)
TRIGLYCERIDES range should be within 50-150 mg/dl.

2. Change your diet. Be a better shopper in the foods you buy and a healthier person in the foods you eat. Remember, eating more plants and less animal protein is the best first step in lowering your overall cholesterol. Try eliminating excess sugar, fat refined foods and eggs. Eating more soy (tofu, soy milk, soy beans, tempeh), fruits, vegetables, oat bran, fiber and garlic is also recommended.

3. Reduce your heart risks. You can help reach your cholesterol goal with weight control, aerobic exercise, cutting down on fatty "junk" foods, and checking your cholesterol levels at least twice a year. In addition, taking certain supplements can help reduce your numbers. I suggest increasing dietary fiber (pectin, psyllium), taking a B-complex vitamin daily, Vitamin E 400-1200 IU/day, Niacin 500 mg three times a day, essential fatty acids (fish or flaxseed oil), garlic, lecithin, vitamin C, and gugulipids.

4. See your health care provider. Sometimes diet and other lifestyle changes are not enough interventions to lower your cholesterol significantly. You may have to take medications to lower your cholesterol (usually called statin drugs). These drugs require a prescription so you must see your doctor regularly. If taking a statin drug (Mevacor, Lescol, Pravachol, Zocor, Lipitor), I suggest you also take Co-Enzyme Q-1 0 as a supplement. This necessary enzyme is depleted by taking these drugs, and it is critical that you supplement Co-Q to protect your heart.

As always, feel free to call Nutri-farmacy (412) 486-4588 to make an appointment to assess your overall drug/vitamin/herb/nutrition regimen. There is no charge and the information and education you gain may not only make a big difference in your cholesterol level, but in your entire life! - Dan Wagner, R.A., MBA



NEWSLETTER - Summer 1999 (1)

THE SKINNY ON GOOD FATS

Americans spend millions of dollars each year on herbs, vitamins, and other dietary supplements in hopes of boosting" their immune systems. Although antioxidants (like vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and beta carotene) can help produce a stronger immunity, eating the right balance of essential fatty acids (EFAs) not only boosts the immune system, but protects the heart, decreases inflammation, and reduces the risk of cancer and diabetes.

For years we have heard about the negative effects of saturated fats. Saturated fats are mainly animal fats; like butter, lard and the fat on meat. Coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter are also highly saturated fats and oils.

Monounsaturated fatty acids, like canola and olive oil, are good fats. They protect your heart and decrease the risk of some cancers. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are the best kind. They include corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, soybean, fish, walnut and flaxseed oils. The greatest health benefits come from eating the right balance of two types of essential fatty acids: omega-3's and omega-6's. Unfortunately, the adulteration of polyunsaturated oils caused by mass commercial refinement of foods containing fats and oils has effectively eliminated most EFAs from our diet. In addition, there has been a tremendous amount of unnatural fats and oils added to our diet in the form of trans fatty acids. Margarine is the ultimate representative of a hydrogenated fat substance and a trans fatty acid. Even some good omega-3 and omega-6 oils have been transformed with toxic compounds via modern chemistry.

RECOGNIZING EFA DEFICIENCY

The signs and symptoms of EFA deficiency may be overt, ranging from mild fatigue to a fatal heart attack. Most conventional medical doctors may never make an association between health problems and EFA deficiency, because they are not trained in nutrition, and laboratory analysis to measure EFA deficiency is not widely available or appreciated. Symptoms can be broad and varied but in 80-90% of all cases of people eating a 'typical' American diet, a small amount of omega oils (especially flaxseed oil) should be supplemented. Other conditions conducive to adding EFAs are: high cholesterol, angina, heart disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer and metastasis, psoriases and eczema, attention deficit disorder, dieting and high blood pressure.

KNOW YOUR OILS

Saturated Fats & Oils:
Butterfat, animal fat, coconut and palm oil, cocoa butter

Monounsaturated Oils:
Olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil

Polyunsaturated Oils:
Corn oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, soybean, fish oil, walnut oil, borage oil, primrose oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower & safflower oil

Omega-3 fatty acids:
alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), docosahexaenoc acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), flaxseed oil, fish oil. walnut oil, canola oil and soybean oil

Omega-6 fatty acids:
linolenic acid (LA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (AA), primrose oil, borage oil, corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonsced, peanut, and sesame oils

SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE

1. Choose the right type of vegetable oil. Many fast-food places and restaurants are using mostly saturated and monounsaturated fats. These are high in calories and will add "fat" to your body.

2. Reduce the amount of saturated fats and total fat in your diet. There is so much research linking saturated fats to numerous cancers, heart disease and strokes. The American diet is typically more than 30% of calories from fat. This shou1d bc less than 20%, ideally 10%. The easiest way to achieve this is by eating more plant foods and less animal foods.

3. Eliminate the intake of margarine and other foods containing trans fatty acids. During the manufacturing process margarine, shortening and vegetable oils are hydrogenated, that is, structured to make them more saturated.

4. Take one or two tablespoonfuls of flaxseed oil daily, combined with an omega-6 for many conditions. Eating more deep sea (not shell) fish is helpful.

Nutri-Farmacy's Top 15 Selling Supplements:

1. Calcium/Magnesium/Vit. D
2. Multi-Vit. w/Minerals
3. Ester C
4. Vitamin E
5. Ginkgo
6. Glucosamine w/shark cartilage
7. St. John's Wort
8. Echinacea
9. Grape seed/Pycnogenol
10. Garlic
11. Saw Palmetto
12. Evening Primrose Oil
13. Aller-quell
14. Probiotic support
15. Flax and Borage Oil


NEWSLETTER - Spring 1999

SIMPLE vs. COMPLEX CHOs

What is a Carbohydrate?
Carbohydrates (CHO) are chemical compounds. Like fat, they contain carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Unlike protein, they do not contain nitrogen atoms. The body uses CHOs to produce energy.

What are some simple Carbohydrates?
These are highly concentrated simple-sugar foods. They include soft drinks, candies, honey, fruits, jelly, table sugar, syrup, and desserts.

What are complex Carbohydrates?
Examples are starchy foods, such as breads, rice, pasta, grains, cereals, corn, beans, potatoes.

What happens when you eat a CHO?
It begins to degrade in the mouth with saliva. Very little digestion takes place in the stomach (high acid-low pH). Most absorption takes place in the small intestines. Here the molecule is broken down to its smallest component, glucose. Glucose is then absorbed through the intestinal wall and enters the bloodstream. Once the body recognizes glucose, the pancreas excretes a hormone called insulin which escorts the glucose out of the bloodstream, through the cell membranes, and utilizes it for energy. All the glucose not used is stored in the form of glycogen. Glycogen is stored in the liver, muscles, and spleen to be used for later energy. However, it can only store so much, in excess the body has an excellent capacity for storing it as fat.

What are some of the differences?
Let's take a bag of M&Ms versus a banana. Both contain approximately 27 grams of CHOs. So are they equal as a food choice because of equal carbohydrate content? Of course not, for the other nutritional ingredients are clearly not the same. M&Ms have 250 calories, 13 grams of fat, five grams of protein, no fiber, and less than 2% of RDA Vitamin C and K. The banana has 110 calories, no fat, one gram of protein, four grams of fiber, 15% RDA Vitamin C, 11% potassium.

How should you eat, then?
Plan on consuming the most calories from complex CHOs because of the added nutritional value. Of the 3 major food groups - CHOs, protein, and fat - CHOs should contribute the greatest percentage of daily caloric intake. Complex CHOs are derived from fruits and vegetables, while simple CHOs are found in the bakery and candy shop.

SIX BRANCHES OF COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE (MIND-BODY HEALING)

1. SUBSTANCES - Nutritional healing with herbs, vitamins, food, minerals, other natural nutraceuticals
2. SPIRITUAL - Prayer, ceremony, Divine Healing, faith
3. BODY THERAPEUTICS - touching the body to promote healing: massage, rolfing, chiropractic, napropathy, reflexology
4. ENERGY THERAPEUTICS - Reiki, acupuncture, chiropractic, therapeutic touch, homeopathy
5. LIFESTYLE THERAPEUTICS - Diet, exercise, yoga, Gi Gong, Tai Chi
6. GROUP THERAPEUTICS - Therapy sessions, meditation, stress management

THE STUDENT RAINFOREST FUND

Natural Pharmacist Dan Wagner leads 25 medical & health profession students back to the rainforests of Belize.

For the fourth straight year, American college students who are studying medicine, pharmacy and the environment, will embark on a "green adventure" to the rainforests of Belize, Central America. These young men and women will participate in a "hands-on" field study to explore the natural history of medicine, learn about plant drugs and herbs, prepare and compound natural products in a jungle laboratory, and interact with native healers who have innate knowledge about what plants have been used for centuries to treat illness and disease. This year's trip will be from May 14-21, 1999.

This precedent-setting expedition of discovery and wonderment will bring the student to the very rudimentary roots of their chosen health profession. Their classroom will be the greatest pharmacy in the world - the rainforest. Dan Wagner and Dr. Norbert Pilewski will be the team leaders again this year.

Some of the highlights of the 1999 expedition include:
* Participation in an ethnobotanical field collection of plant samples for the National Cancer Institute
* A workshop at Terra Nova, the world's first national park strictly dedicated to the preservation of medicinal plants
* The compounding and preparation of forest-based drugs at Ix Chel Research Lab
* A visit to the hospital facilities and school of pharmacy in Belize City
* Doing some amateur archaeology at ancient Maya ruins

Read the article from "Newsline for Pharmacists," U.S. Students Meet Rainforest Medicine, about one of the student trips to the rainforest.

Nearly $20,000 will be needed to finance this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Your generous donation will help assure that the students will be able to go at minimal cost and maximum benefit. Thank you for your kind consideration.



NEWSLETTER - Fall 1998

VITAMINS vs. MINERALS
We all hear about the benefits of vitamins and minerals and how they can help with vitality, immune boosting, energy, and general maintenance of a healthy life. Listed below is a simple, non-biased account of what vitamins and minerals are, how they work, and why we need them.

Vitamins
Vital for life, vitamins are highly-ordered messengers in our systems. Subtle deficiencies in one or more of the 70 known vitamin substances may cause illness or even death; while adequate attention to vitamins often alleviates nagging and chronic disease.

Their main function is in supporting enzymes. The vitamin substances we use in our digestive, reproductive, nervous and muscle tissue processes, and the antibody-protecting effect, must be supplied regularly, or without them, the body suffers immediate noticeable deficiencies.
Water-soluble vitamins are: B-complex, C, Bioflavanoids.
Fat-soluble vitamins are: A, D, E, and K.

It is estimated that 50% of American children are deficient in vitamins. U.S. food groups leave 2/3 of college students deficient in E, B6, Zinc and Iron -- 88% have at least one vitamin deficiency and 60% have at least two. The elderly tend to be deficient in vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium. Adolescent diets deplete vitamins A, C, D, and Folate (too much sugar, salt, and fat.)

Separating Minerals from Each Other
Minerals are water soluble and affect the body's alkaline-acid balance. Positive charged minerals are alkaline but poorly absorbed. Negative charged minerals include Iodine, Phosphorus, Chloride.

Minerals
A mineral salt is a combination of a metal with an acid. Five minerals provide the building blocks around which the rest of the body is composed; Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen, Calcium, and Nitrogen. Minerals are just as important as vitamins because without minerals, vitamins do not work. Cell ratios of major minerals are 100 parts Potassium; 5 parts Sodium; 3 parts Calcium; 2 parts Magnesium. They are needed for bones, teeth, nails, soft tissue, elasticity of muscles, blood and nerve transmission; and are conveyors of electricity and magnetism.

The 77 organic mineral salts and trace elements compose 5% of the body weight, regulating the precious osmotic exchange between lymph, blood and cells. Minerals also improve blood pressure, anemia, arthritis, energy, liver and kidney problems.

All minerals are present in the Earth's crust. In soil, they are hardly digestible, but plants and microorganisms are capable of absorbing them.

GLUCOSAMINE - The Whole Story for Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joint. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is also known as degenerative joint disease. Although osteoarthritis affects mainly the elderly (over 40 million Americans), it can also attack people under the age of fifty in the form of gout or rheumatoid arthritis. The pain caused by arthritis is primarily caused by cartilage destruction followed by hardening and the formation of large bone spurs in the joint margins.

Recently, a huge amount of information has been made available to the public concerning the arthritis benefits of Glucosamine. Personally, I am amazed at the positive results I am receiving on testimonials from people using Glucosamine. I think it is the single most amazing product I have recommended since I opened my natural pharmacy in April, 1997. Glucosamine diminishes pain by building cartilage and stopping the further deterioration of cartilage, especially in the body's largest joints, i.e. the knees, shoulders, hips, and back.

What about conventional medical treatment for arthritis? The primary drugs used in the treatment of osteoarthritis are called NSAIDS "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs." Some common examples of NSAIDS are: ibuprofen, Advil, aspirin, Naprosyn, Relafen, Voltaren, Feldene, Daypro, and Tolectin. These drugs are strictly used as anti-inflammatory agents and can have limited use as short-term, pain-reducing and inflammation-reducing agents. But be careful! These drugs have many side-effects, most commonly upset stomach, gastrointestinal distress, heartburn, and water retention. Over extended use they can be particularly hard on the liver and kidneys. It is my opinion that these agents should be relegated to short-term use, and not extended use, for their adverse effects are too great, and they have no long-term benefit in decreasing the pain or progression of osteoarthritis.

How is Glucosamine different? Glucosamine is NOT an anti-inflammatory agent. It decreases the pain of arthritis by building and regenerating joint cartilage. It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks until effectiveness is noticed, for regenerating cartilage takes a little time. You can use both NSAIDS and Glucosamine together, and hopefully in time your arthritis pain will subside enough to decrease the use of the NSAID, and thereafter use them only when absolutely needed.

Is one form of Glucosamine better than another? Many recent studies and existing, good scientific examination have found that Glucosamine Sulfate is superior to Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCl). I prefer and recommend the sulfate form. The use of Chondroitin Sulfate with the Glucosamine is a bit controversial. Although some researchers claim that there is no additional benefit to adding Chondroitin to the Glucosamine, my gut feeling is that the combination works a little better, especially for seniors. My recommended dosage is to start with 500 mg at breakfast and dinner for 6-8 weeks. After that time you can increase the dose to three daily if optimum relief is not met, or decrease it to one daily if you are doing well.

What else can I do or take to help relieve my arthritis pain? Because a deficiency in any one of a number of nutrients can lead to impaired cartilage formation, I would also recommend a high-potency multi-vitamin with extra antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, A, and Selenium). Extra doses of Vitamin C are helpful (1000-3000mg daily). I also recommend an essential fatty acid like Flaxseed Oil or Primrose Oil twice a day, which can have natural anti-inflammatory action along with lubricating joints. A calcium/magnesium/Vitamin D supplement is also a good idea to help bone, muscle, and nerve growth and maintenance. In some extreme cases, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) can lessen the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis.

Spotlight on Herbs .... REVIEW OF PHYTOESTROGENS
The review of the literature on plant estrogens or "phytoestrogens" covers a wide range of information. The overall conclusion is that phytoestrogens are indeed estrogenic in their actions and that high phytoestrogen consumption is strongly linked to lower risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, hormone-related cancers, and the unpleasant symptoms and manifestations of menopause.

The best studies indicating the relevance of these claims have been done in the Far East, especially Japan, where the consumption of soy products is the highest on the planet (about 200mg of soy isoflavones per day.) This compares to the typical "Western" diets consumed by Americans with less than 5mg of soy daily. In all, the Japanese women have a much lower incidence of breast and uterine cancer, go through exceedingly mild menopause (hot flash incidence averaged 40% less), and find that osteoporosis is virtually non-existent. However, studies have also noted that when Japanese women migrate to the West, and start to consume the same high-fat, high-cholesterol, low-fiber, high-protein diet, they get the same diseases as Western women.

With continued fears of the association between estrogens, progesterone and dihydrotestosterone and the possible relationship in the pathogenesis of cancer, there seems to be growing evidence of soy product consumption with a lower risk of malignancy. High intakes of green vegetables and fresh fruit have also been reported to have protective effects.

The conclusion of these studies represents clear evidence that isoflavones are a large and exciting group of compounds with potential benefits in many diseases. The lack of clinical data presently available, however, must signal caution, specifically in relation to the possible risk of adverse effects, as well as enthusiasm regarding potential gains. So ladies, eat more tofu, soybeans, and vegetarian foods. This style of diet will inevitably lead to increased exposure to phytoestrogens.

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