Reversing Prediabetes

Even if you have never been diagnosed with diabetes, you may have a medical condition known as prediabetes, which is reaching epic proportions. While estimates vary, the American Diabetes Association reports that nearly 60 million people in the United States have prediabetes. Prediabetes is when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. If you are prediabetic, you have a substantially increased risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and several other serious conditions. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, if this pace continues, Americans born in the year 2000 will have a one in three chance of developing diabetes. The good news is that this trend can be reversed.

Lifestyle Lessons
Of course, the best way to reverse prediabetes is to lose weight, and the best way to lose weight is through a combination of diet and exercise. From a dietary standpoint, research continues to confirm that fiber is a significant treatment for prediabetes. In clinical studies, a proprietary blend of selected soluble fibers known as PolyGlycopleX (PGX) significantly lowered blood sugar levels after a meal. These fibers have also been shown to help individuals lose weight. A study featured in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association demonstrated that children who ate more soluble fiber had fewer diabetes risk factors, including obesity.
Dietary modifications should be combined with consistent physical activity. The Diabetes Prevention Program study demonstrated that 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day combined with a reduction in body weight of just 5 to 10 percent, produced a 58 percent decrease in diabetes risk.

It has long been known that diet and exercise are powerful tools to reduce diabetes risk. But that’s just the beginning. You may not realize that being sleep deprived significantly increases diabetes risk. Enlightening research presented at the Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Sciences showed that just three nights of interrupted sleep gave people in their 20s the glucose metabolism of people three times there age. When it comes to a diabetes risk, researchers say that failing to get enough deep sleep is equivalent to gaining 20 to 30 pounds.

Also this year, researchers at the University of Chicago found that there is a direct correlation between sleep loss and weight gain. The bottom line: if you want to control blood sugar and lose weight, get enough sleep.

In today’s fast-paced society, it may be tempting to try to catch up on sleep over the weekend. This new research shows that if we are sleep deprived during the week the damage is already done by the time the weekend arrives. Be sure to sleep soundly for eight hours every night.

New Favorite Spice
People who are prediabetic should spice up their diet with more cinnamon or take a cinnamon supplement. Researchers concluded that cinnamon “can reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.” Several studies have shown that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels.

Signs of Prediabetes

Four key factors indicate risk for prediabetes:
1.Being overweight or obese. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, you are considered obese
2.A family history of diabetes, which includes parents and/or siblings with the disease.
3. High blood pressure
4. Being over the age of 45
Prediabetes can cause fatigue, fuzzy thinking, blurred vision, frequent infections, and/or increased appetite. Increased thirst and frequent urination are classic signs of type 2 diabetes.

Supplement Support for Prediabetes
The goal with prediabetes is to lower insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that transports glucose. If we can improve the efficiency of insulin, we will burn more glucose for energy rather than storing it as a fat. Key supplements to accomplish this goal include the following:

*Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Most of the recent research with alpha-lipoic acid involves the reduction of diabetic complications such as nerve damage. Researchers from China demonstrated that alpha-lipoic acid could actually help prevent diabetes by reducing oxidative cellular damage. In addition, research shows that alpha-lipoic acid can help suppress appetite and assist with weight loss. The dosage of alpha-lipoic acid is between 100 and 200 mg three times daily.

*Chromium and Biotin. The connection between chromium supplementation and blood sugar control has been studied for years. The most recent research confirms that chromium picolinate and biotin (a B vitamin) provides the most effective combination. Yale University researchers published their placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial, clearly demonstrating that individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes received significant benefits from chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation. The researchers also observed a reduction in cholesterol levels. Daily dosage for this combination is 600 mg chromium picolinate and 2 mg biotin.

Other natural substances that can help control blood sugar levels include green tea, silymarin, garlic, and Gymnema sylvestre.

A Message from Marge-November 2011

This month’s Customer Appreciation Days will occur on November 4th and 5th during regular store hours. The thought of November reminds me to have the attitude of gratitude and thankfulness. With that thought I am thankful for each of you, our neighbors, and the community we reside in. I am thankful Kari and I were able to attend the 2011 National Products Expo East Trade Show held in Baltimore, MD this past September. This was Kari’s first tradeshow for our industry and proved to be an exciting, educational, and enlightening experience. I was able to network with established experts and was introduced to new products using the latest technology from proven scientific research. I am going to introduce the new products that we found sitting on our shelves, awaiting your viewing:

• ANDALOU Naturals Fruit Stem Cell Science cares as much about the process of fair trade and sustainability as they do about enriching the lives they touch with advanced skin care products. Come and view the display by the check out counter, take the short test to determine your unique needs in advanced skin care.


• For fun and added enhancement of nails we have all the newest colors of No Miss Nail Polish that is free of formaldehyde and toluene. The polish can be safely removed with polish remover that is free of acetone and ethyl acetate.


• Food is a hot topic at home with the frequent question of what’s for dinner. Cook Simple carries a line of products that is a natural alternative to Hamburger Helper. The Cranberry Wild Rice meal will be featured this Customer Appreciation Day. This company simplifies healthy home cooking with complete nutritious meals that are gluten free, 30 minutes from stove to table.


• I also discovered Plant Fusion, nature’s most complete plant protein. It is a proprietary blend of pea, artichoke, sprouted organic amaranth, sprouted organic quinoa proteins fortified with glutamine and branch chain amino acids. This is a gluten free protein and is available in four flavors; vanilla, chocolate, chocolate raspberry, and unflavored. Sample Plant Fusion this Customer Appreciation Day!


• The last company I wish to feature is a peanut free facility offering bulk foods of premium quality and certified organic. They offer a variety of nut and dried fruit blends that are perfect for that quick snack or pick me up in the middle of the morning or afternoon. The ingredients in each of the mixes are simply unbelievable in the quality and choice of blend. All dried fruits are unsulphured. As an example the Hunza Goji Granola is sweetened with Agave Syrup and made with extra virgin coconut oil, Hunza raisins, dried mulberries, dried Goji berries, and Hunza Apricot kernels.


• For the newest arrivals in your home, we now offer PVC and PBA free sippy cups, teethers, stacking cups, and baby food mills. We also have organic cotton blankies, rattles, burp pads, as well as organic lip & cheek balm, and organic diaper balm. This company prioritizes values that protect our children and the sustainability of Earth. Parents love the assurance of growing healthy, happy, children with safe, toxic free products.

We look forward to seeing you November 4th and 5th and sharing in our excitement in offering these wonderful new products to you! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Boost Your Immunity

It’s that time again: shorter days, cooler temperatures and the beginning of the flu season. How do we survive and even thrive in this world that is teeming with microorganisms? The answer, in short, is our immune system. Composed of millions of cells circulating throughout the body, this system protects us by fighting off microscopic enemy invaders such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, fungus, and parasites. Keeping the immune system in top fighting form requires improvements in lifestyle and diet. And we can further enhance its functioning with the right dietary supplements.

Lifestyle Matters
When we are exposed to stress, our levels of a hormone called cortisol can become chronically elevated, suppressing immune activity. Therefore strong immune function depends on an effective stress-reduction program. Strategies such as exercise, yoga, and meditation have been shown to reduce both stressful feeling and to improve immunity. Adequate sleep is also essential for proper immune system function. Sleep-deprived individuals have decreased natural killer cell activity and decreased cellular immunity.
If you smoke, or overindulge in alcohol, your immune system is more likely to be impaired. The good news is that when smokers quit, their immune function improves dramatically and quickly. Within just one month of quitting, previous smokers demonstrate increased natural killer cell activity and elevations in antibody levels. Within two weeks of abstinence from alcohol, previously depressed cellular immunity improves. Within two months of sobriety, cellular immunity normalizes.

A Defensive Diet
Just like any of our bodily processes, our immune system relies upon good nutrition to function at its best. Creating a rainbow of color on your plate is one of the best ways to build a healthy immune system. By eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, you are consuming a full spectrum of antioxidative flavonoids. In addition to flavonoids, fruits and vegetables contain important immune-enhancing vitamins and minerals. These nutrients include zinc, vitamin E, vitamin D, sterols, and carotenes such as vitamin A and lycopene. Eat zinc-rich pumpkin seeds and almonds; vitamin E-rich wheat germ, sunflower oil, and spinach; dietary plants sterols (such as unrefined oils, nuts, seeds, and grains); and free radical-scavenging carotenes found in dark green vegetables, carrots, yams, and tomatoes. Be sure to obtain daily safe sun exposure for adequate vitamin D, and eat vitamin D-rich foods, such as cold liver oil, sardines, salmon, mackerel, and tuna.

Fat is also an essential nutrient. Saturated fats and trans fats are unhealthful and should be avoided. Better choices are polysaturated and monounsaturated fats found in vegetables and nuts and their oils. Certain fats are considered essential fatty acids, (EFA’s). Fish, especially sardines, salmon, cod, and halibut, is an excellent source of omega-3’s (EPA and DHA). Omega-3 EFAs are critical to strong immune function.

No discussion of diet and immunity would be complete without mentioning sugar. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, and any other form of sugar impair lymphocyte activity, which is essential for immunity. The average person consumes 150 g of sucrose every day. This means that most people are suppressing their immune systems by consuming sugar. If we simply decrease our sugar intake, we would experience a major decrease in colds, flu and other infections.
In addition to the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that have been shown to elicit a positive immune response, there are some excellent immune-stimulating supplements and herbs that have become my favorites:

Coenzyme Q10: Also known as ubiquinone, CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant nutrient that enhances cellular production of energy and immune function. It supports antibody production, phagocytic activity, and is especially necessary during active infection.
Echinacea: Perhaps the most widely used herb for supporting immune function, echinacea stimulates the activity of macrophages (natural killer cells) and lymphocytes, and scavenges free radicals.

Garlic: Garlic has a strong antimicrobial activities against bacteria, viruses, fungal organisms, and parasites. Aged garlic extract increases B cells antibody production, as well as the activity of macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells.

Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria in the intestines activate immune cells, increase natural killer cell activity and are necessary in our fight against disease-causing bacteria.

Elderberry Extract: Effective against flu viruses. It enhances immune system function as it builds the blood and cleanses the system. Relieves coughs and congestion and lowers fever.

Olive Leaf Extract: Fights all types of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It helps stave off colds and flu and is good for virtually any infectious disease.

Sovereign Silver: Probably the most universal natural antibiotic substance, it is tasteless and nontoxic. Many forms of bacteria, viruses and fungi utilize a specific enzyme for their metabolism. Silver acts as a catalyst to disable the enzyme. Importantly, the bacteria, fungi and viruses do not seem to develop an immunity to silver as they do to chemical antibiotic agents.

52nd Anniversary Schedule

Greg Brown Friday Oct. 7th 9-12 Noon

Many of you have gotten to know Greg Brown from Cincinnati over the years. He has been in the health food industry for over 25 years. He really supports what we do here at Schlarman’s and enjoys the folks in this area. Greg is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to health and good nutrition. He will be on the floor from 9-12 noon on Friday, Oct. 7th to sample products and answer any questions you may have.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lecture & Lunch
Friday Oct. 7th 12 noon

Title:
Supporting Respiratory Health this
Cold and Flu Season

Speaker:
Stacey Littlefield

Stacy is passionate about natural medicines and a firm believer of utilizing nutritious foods to improve overall health. Her enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise in the health food industry makes her a dynamic speaker. You will be glad you made the extra effort to be here!

We also are having many great specials ranging from 20 to 25% off!! Here is a list of some of the things on special this weekend:


20% OFF
Entire Line of Enzymatic
Therapy Products

20 % OFF
Entire Line of New Chapter Products

% OFF
Entire Line of Redd
Remedies Products

20% OFF
Entire Line of Barlean’s
Organic Oils

25% OFF
Seagate Olive Leaf Extract Capsules 45, 90 or 250 ct.

25% OFF
Boiron Oscillococcinum
Flu Remedy
25% OFF
American Health Chewable Acidophilus 100 wafers
Assorted Flavors

25% OFF
Pure & Basic Paraben Free Body Wash and Body
Lotions. Assorted Scents

25% OFF
Nature’s Alchemy Essential Oils—These make great stocking stuffers!

Also be sure to check out our end cap specials at the front of the store!!

A Message from Marge

This October we are celebrating our fifty-second anniversary. In those fifty-two years we have seen society come full circle, acknowledging the importance of food and health. Today we are constantly reminded of the importance of our physical health and the safety of our food delivery system. As an alternative health care provider and being a part of health food services, I find these times challenging, yet exciting. I strive to maintain the initial focus that my mother, Malinda, instilled in me to provide stellar products, professional services, and the latest, most updated information for our community.

We have a full schedule beginning the week prior to our anniversary celebration. On Saturday, October 1st from 10 AM – 12 PM, Angel DeLong, our Yoga instructor, will conduct an orientation to familiarize us with the benefits and purpose of yoga. As with all forms of exercise, yoga requires a commitment to fit it into our daily lives but the rewards are immeasurable. Pick up a flyer in the store, contact Angel at 419-733-3066, or email Angel: angel@wttcore.com to reserve a spot in the class or for additional information. Angel’s Wednesday night classes begin this October 5th at 5:45 PM.

On Friday October 7th from 9 AM – 12:00 Noon, our informative and personable Greg Brown will be out on the floor to share a wealth of knowledge and information concerning health and nutrition. He is from Cincinnati, has 25 years of service to the industry, supports what we do here at Schlarman’s, and immensely enjoys our community. Come to sample products and have your questions answered by Greg.

At 12:00 Noon on Friday the 7th you will be treated to a traditional Schlarman anniversary luncheon along with a lecture by Stacey Littlefield, entitled Supporting Respiratory Health this Cold and Flu Season. Stacey is highly regarded as a researcher, specializes in educating the professional market and will provide us with insightful expertise into maintaining optimal health. She is the primary formulator for Redd Remedies. I am unsure what we would do without Adult Sinus Support, Children’s Sinus Support, SinuZyme and Lung Care in this area, as these products are able to support healthy sinus, bronchial, and immune function. In addition, the products help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract. Redd Remedies helps to put health in order by maintaining a commitment to balanced, therapeutic, and trusted holistic wellness solutions. This is one lecture you will not want to miss, come to hear one of the best in the industry! Following the lecture she will remain in our store until all of your questions are answered.

Saturday we will continue celebrating with our traditional anniversary food, drawings, door prizes, gifts, and fellowship. Come on out to the Red Barn; bring your family, neighbors, and friends. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy having you!

Blessings,

Marge

Orientation to Yoga

We are happy to announce that Angel DeLong will be back on Wednesday evenings for Yoga classes!! She will be starting a new six week series beginning on October 5th at 5:45 P.M. Classes will be located on the 2nd floor of Schlarman's Health Center. Cost is $9 per class or $50 for the series!

If you are interested in learning more about Yoga, Angel will have an Orientation to Yoga on Saturday, October 1st from 10AM to 12 Noon. To help us celebrate our 52nd Anniversary, she will be running a special: 2 hours of Wellness for only $15!!

This brief orientation will familiarize you with the benefits and purpose of yoga, explains how Yoga works for everyone’s body, addresses ways to fit yoga into your schedule and lifestyle, and answers frequently asked questions about yoga.

If you would like to attend or would like more information please call Schlarman’s at 419-375-2659 or Angel at 419-733-3066 – to confirm a spot!

Herbal Teas Good for Colds and Flu

When you aren’t feeling well, few things are more comforting than a hot cup of tea. Whether it is herbal, green or black, tea seems to calm the soul. Better still, teas are a great way to combat the viruses that run rampant, especially as we get back into school and heading into cooler weather. It is important to drink plenty of fluids during an illness. Teas not only help fulfill this requirement, but they also help the body quickly absorb the healing attributes of any number of herbs. It is no wonder that brewing tea has been a popular method of medicinal delivery for thousands of years.

Symptoms—coughing, sore throat, fever, nausea, etc.—are signs that the body is working to send viral or bacterial invaders packing. Herbal teas can help stimulate the body’s natural defenses, as opposed to over-the-counter medications, which suppress symptoms and therefore might actually prolong an illness.

Colds and Flu Brews:
There are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Adults will average two to four colds per year, while children can have as many as six to eight. Cold symptoms include congestion, sneezing, coughing, and a scratchy or sore throat. If body aches and a fever are also present, then it is more likely that you have the flu. However, some children often run a low-grade fever with the common cold. It can be hard to distinguish between a cold and the flu. One way to tell the difference is with the onset of symptoms. A cold can take one to three days to develop, while the flu comes on quickly. Also, symptoms are more severe with the flu than with a cold.

Below are some herbal teas (as single herbs or as a blend) that treat both colds and the flu:

Elderberry: One of the best herbs at fighting the flu, it also works against the common cold. Research suggests that elderberry might keep the flu virus from replicating. It also helps reduce coughing.

Fenugreek: It loosens and expels mucus and phlegm accumulated in the bronchial tubes and is good for coughs.

Throat Coat: Contains herbs such as slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, and wild cherry bark that provides a protective coating on the membranes that line the throat.

Echinacea Plus: Activates and stimulates immune cells, helping to reduce the duration of symptoms.

Breathe Easy: Promotes normal respiratory tract health by reducing mucus and helping to keep nasal passages open.

Queasy Stomach Teas:

Ginger: This is a warming herb that can ease an upset stomach and nausea. It may also help with a sore throat and chills caused by a cold or the flu.

Peppermint: It reduces nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, and can also help with indigestion. For colds, peppermint tea may be a good way to relieve nasal and sinus congestion.

Eater’s Digest: Promotes healthy digestion and relieves stomach distress after eating. Contains organic peppermint, fennel and ginger.

Ginger Aid: Promotes the flow of digestive juices and increases tone in the muscular walls of the stomach, aiding digestion.

We also have children’s teas—Just for Kids-- in Organic Tummy Comfort, Throat Coat, Cold Care and Nighty Night Tea bags. Fun!