Thyroid disorders affect upwards of 20 million Americans and 80% of incidences affect women. In fact, 1 in 8 women will experience some type of thyroid disorder in their lives. [1] Regardless, thyroid health is an issue of importance for both men and women. Your thyroid is part of your endocrine system and if it’s out of whack, it’s almost certain that your hormones will be as well. A healthy thyroid gland encourages positive well-being, metabolism, and energy levels. If your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, problems can result. Let’s take a look at the five most common. 1. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is overactive and produces an overabundance of T3/T4 hormones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include goiter, heart palpitations, anxiety, excess sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, and muscle weakness. Its causes are as diverse as its symptoms. Grave’s Disease, thyroid nodules, and goiter all lead to inhibition of necessary hormone feedback loop and contribute to over production of thyroid hormones. Conventional approaches to hyperthyroidism include beta­ blockers and anti­-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine­, and surgery. Natural approaches are numerous and often boil down to one thing: diet. Eliminating goitrogenic foods and avoiding fluoride, bromine, and chlorine are important. Reducing gluten and dairy casein may help protect the thyroid gland in some individuals. Nascent iodine, lithium orotate, probiotics, vitamin D3, omega­-3 fats, L­-dopa (mucuna pruriens), and L-tyrosine are supplements that can help support thyroid health. Getting enough sleep, deep breathing meditation, and general relaxation may also be helpful for reducing thyroid stress. [2] [3] 2. Hypothyroidism On the opposite end of the spectrum, an under active thyroid which produces inadequate amounts of T3/T4 thyroid hormones is defined as hypothyroidism. Symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, cold intolerance, baldness, depression, dry skin/hair/nails, and irritability. Common causes include a thyroid deficiency from birth, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, nutritional iodine deficiency, pituitary gland abnormality, metal toxicity, and imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria. The conventional approach is a synthetic hormone called Levothyroxine. With the exception of increasing exercise, the natural steps ­to reduce risk for hypothyroidism are exactly the same for hyperthyroidism. [4] Exercise may help boost thyroid hormones, providing support for a sluggish, under active gland. 3. Hashimoto’s Disease Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder whereby the thyroid gland is attacked by the immune system in response to antibodies produced by exposure to an allergen. This reacts with the cells and tissues of the thyroid, causing inflammation and destruction of the gland, ultimately leading to hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. Fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, goiter, weight gain, paleness/puffiness in face, sleepiness, joint/muscle pain, dry/brittle hair, and depression are common symptoms. [5] Medical experts believe that viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances initiate the process of Hashimoto’s disease autoimmunity. Iodine deficiency in conjunction with fluoride/chlorine/bromine exposure may also be a contributing factor. A gluten allergy may be another hidden culprit behind Hashimoto’s disease. Vitamin D deficiency and flora imbalances are also common concerning factors. The approaches are similar to that of hypothyroidism. Additionally, current [...]

You may have heard about prune juice for babies or older adults, but this purple-colored drink is breaking old stereotypes and gaining a whole new following. Don’t be mistaken, the health benefits of prune juice still include constipation relief, but that is not all it can offer. Made from prunes (also known as dried plums), prune juice is packed full of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that can support your health from head to toe. If you are looking for natural ways to support healthy digestion, bone growth, colon function, heart health, and more, then you need to give prune juice a chance. Below, we will explore all the health benefits of prune juice, who should drink it, and how to make your own organic prune juice at home. What Are Prunes? Prunes are dried plums. Today’s prune farmers carefully select different plum varieties based on their unique potential for being dried and juiced. In the United States, there are only a handful of plum varieties that make their way into mass-produced prune juices, the most popular being Prunus domestica, sometimes called the European plum. In my opinion, prunes should be flying off the shelves. However, they have experienced a popularity crisis over the years as many assume prunes are only for the very young or very old. Sometime around 2001, prune producers started to rebrand their prunes as “dried plums.” While they are the same thing, when selecting the best prune juice you should stick to the ones labeled “prune.” Making this choice helps ensure the distinct color, flavor, and nutrition that prune juice offers. Select certified organic options whenever available. How Is Prune Juice Made? Once the plums are harvested and dried, the juicing process begins. First, the prunes are placed in boiling water and soaked until the juice starts to release and the fruit starts to disintegrate. Next, the mixture is separated and filtered. What remains is a delicious juice that is high in dietary fiber and other health-promoting compounds. What Vitamins & Minerals Are Found in Prune Juice? There are lots of naturally occurring nutrients found in prune juice. Every glass contains an ample blend of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols that have helped support wellness for centuries. Prunes also contain some lesser-known trace minerals like iodine and boron and provide significant amounts of the nerve-boosting mineral, potassium.[1] Below is the nutritional breakdown for one cup of prune juice according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Nutrient Database.[2] Nutrient Value Per 100 g Protein 0.61 g Carbohydrates 17.45 g Fat 0.03 g Fiber 1.0 g Sugars 16.45 g Calcium 12 mg Iron 1.18 mg Magnesium 14 mg Manganese 0.15 mg Phosphorus 25 mg Potassium 276 mg Selenium 0.6 µg Sodium 4 mg Zinc 0.21 mg Vitamin C 4.1 mg Thiamin 0.016 mg Riboflavin 0.07 mg Niacin 0.785 mg Vitamin B-6 0.218 mg Vitamin A 3 IU Vitamin E 0.12 mg Vitamin K 3.4 µg   The Top 7 Health [...]

If you’ve experienced congestion, and we all have, you know it’s not only a miserable feeling, but it also, mechanically, can be difficult to breathe. Regular lung cleansing may just be the answer to many respiratory ailments. We’re always breathing so, unlike some conditions, which may be easy to temporarily ignore, clogged sinuses and lung congestion are a constant and literal in-your-face malady that can make every second miserable. When congestion or upper respiratory irritation happens, most of us long for days prior when easy breathing wasn’t even a thought. Fortunately, menthol crystals can help provide that relief as studies have demonstrated that menthol reduces bronchoconstriction and airway hyper responsiveness. Often found in mouthwashes, toothpaste, balms, and a host of other products, menthol is the primary active ingredient in essential oil of peppermint that provides the familiar cooling sensation and minty odor and taste. Menthol crystals are produced by rapidly cooling the essential oil of peppermint. Menthol crystals are very concentrated and beneficial if added to a lung cleansing formula in small amounts. Menthol Crystals for Cough and Congestion Support Lung cleansing products that contain menthol crystals can provide tremendous relief for symptoms of congestion, upper respiratory problems, sore throat and coughs. In fact, most lozenges, cough drops, and respiratory balms will list menthol as the chief ingredient. It’s no surprise, if you’re congested and start inhaling the scent of menthol crystals, you can almost feel the menthol vapors attacking and breaking up lung congestion. The cooling and soothing sensation can be very relieving. Although many ready-to-use lung cleansing products such as Allertrex® contain menthol crystals, they’re also easy to use in several at-home remedies. Adding menthol crystals to hot water and inhaling the vapors can begin to soothe congestion and irritated nasal or throat passages. Before getting in the shower, try dissolving some menthol crystals in a little water and add a few drops to the shower walls. The steam will release the menthol and provide you with an invigorating shower that provides aroma therapeutic benefits. Research Supports the Efficacy of Menthol An article in Professional Care of Mother and Child noted that menthol can be extremely effective for blocked nasal passages. Furthermore, when used to relieve cough symptoms, menthol, unlike other cough suppressant formulas, does not contain antihistamines, which often result in drowsiness. [1] A separate article in the same publication cited menthol as an effective remedy for nasal congestion. [2] A study by the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan found that menthol was very beneficial for respiratory symptoms because of its ability to inhibit airway smooth muscle contraction. [3] In a related vein, research conducted by the Monell Chemical Senses Center and published in Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that inhaling menthol vapors significantly decreases coughing. The tendency of menthol to reduce the cough reflex explains why menthol alone is an active ingredient in many respiratory therapeutic products and may be almost as [...]

Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient in the B-complex of the eight B water-soluble vitamins. This nutrient must be consumed through animal foods[1] (although supplementation may be more ideal) to ensure adequate intake. Vitamin B-12 is structurally the largest and most complex of all the vitamins that have been discovered, and a surge of research is coming to the forefront displaying its awesome power in human health. Role of Vitamin B-12 Vitamin B-12 is integral to normal, healthy energy metabolism in all cells of the body, as well as amino acid and fatty acid metabolism. B-12 is also extremely important in a myriad of other vital physiological processes such as brain function, nervous system health, production of the myelin sheath (nerve insulation), red blood cell formation, bone marrow health, and DNA synthesis/regulation. A unique nutrient, vitamin B-12 isn’t produced by plants, animals, or even fungi. Instead, this essential vitamin is produced only by certain bacteria. Human requirements for vitamin B-12, as set by the Daily Recommended Intake (DRI) are 2-3 micrograms/mcg (microgram is one millionth of one gram) per day,[2] upwards of 4-7 micrograms/mcg per day in lieu of recent research. Unfortunately, research demonstrates that intrinsic factor only allows upwards of 1.5 mcg of B-12 absorption per feeding. Keep this in mind when planning your daily meals, and consider quality B-12 supplementation on a daily basis to ensure adequate intake. There is no upper limit on Vitamin B-12 and even extremely high doses of B-12 have been shown to be safe with virtually no side effects. What Constitutes Deficiency? Vitamin B-12 is obtained from food and supplements. In a healthy adult, the body can store up to 3 to 5 years worth of vitamin B-12 (a minuscule two to five milligrams in total), in large part because of the efficient use and recycling of B-12 by the liver. Over 50% of total body reserves are stored in the liver.[3] This is one of the main reasons why a B-12 deficiency doesn’t show up until years after poor intake. Common blood testing ranges for vitamin B-12 is measured in ng/L (nanograms per liter of blood) and can be ordered by general physicians or online via specialty mail-order test companies. Vitamin B-12 blood range values include:[4] 180-914 ng/L Normal high/low range 450+ ng/L Healthy/Optimal 180-400 ng/L Conditionally low levels 150-180 ng/L Low levels where disease symptoms start Be aware that in older adults levels between 200 and 500 pg /mL may also produce symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency.[4] Blood testing for B-12 is a very important step everyone should consider doing to be certain that their levels are sufficient for optimal health as well as healthy brain/nervous system function. Though more medical doctors are becoming aware of B-12’s importance and are beginning to test their patients for this crucial vitamin, it’s not something that is widely practiced—yet. Depending on test results and possible symptoms, other simple follow-up blood tests which indirectly test for B-12 [...]

There’s not much gray area when it comes to probiotics and our health and more and more studies suggest positive effects from taking probiotics. A boost in immune function is a prime example. [1] While many have speculated antibiotics–by decreasing bacteria–are responsible for rising obesity, one recent study found lower levels of bacteria could actually cause a person to be overweight. [2] The human gut is home to a plethora of bacteria—some good, some bad—and as “good” bacteria, probiotics could help maintain that balance; but, there’s one thing we can probably all agree on: a healthy gut is a happy gut. 4 Must Know Facts About Probiotics Probiotics are commonly associated with improving digestion, but there’s so much more. Beneficial bacteria is not only essential for digesting food and assimilating nutrients, it’s also important for mood support, cardiovascular health, and a powerful immune system. Here are 4 interesting facts you really should know about probiotics. 1. Probiotics Begin Before Birth At one time, most scientists believed a newborn’s gut was sterile–that it collected microbes during birth and in the first few years of life; however, a recent study suggested the child gets many of those microbes before birth. [3] Another study looked at placental tissue after birth and noted many similarities with bacteria in the mother’s mouth. This casts doubt on the belief the placenta is sterile, suggesting a child’s exposure to bacteria–good and bad—begins before birth. [4] 2. Probiotics Are Good for Your Mental Health In the past, many scientists have been skeptical of claims that probiotics could influence your mental health, but now there’s a hard link between the two. A new study suggests improper levels of certain gut bacteria could be linked to behavioral conditions like autism and depression. [5] Another report went further and examined the link between probiotic imbalances and autism, suggesting probiotic treatments could help autistic children. [6] While all the research is still new, there seems to be a developing connection between your gut bacteria and brain. 3. Probiotics Influence Heart Health While diet and exercise have always been thought to support a healthy heart, a new finding suggests gut bacteria could also play an important role. In one study using probiotics to lower the presence of some bacteria, the amount of leptin—a hormone implicated in heart health—in the blood reduced. [7] While the study only looked at rats, the lower levels of leptin coincided with a decreased risk of heart damage. So far, it has created enough buzz to warrant human trials. 4. Farmers Are Making the Switch to Probiotics for Livestock Not that long ago, I wrote about how antibiotic use is on the rise in livestock. The FDA even estimates farm animals consume about 80 percent of antibiotics in the U.S. [8] With this increase, doctors are seeing more and more critically ill (human) patients immune to antibiotics. How does this happen? One theory is the overdosed animals become resistant to serious bacteria and spread [...]

Although scientists have yet to determine the exact origin of autism, some research has shown a potential link between iodine deficiency and autism.[1] Because of this, many alternative health care practitioners are looking at methods that involve nutrition, detoxification and iodine supplementation. Over the past two decades, the incidence of autism spectrum disorder rates among children has skyrocketed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates one out of every 88 children in the U.S. will display autistic symptoms.[2] This is astonishingly high.   The Link between Iodine Deficiency and Autism Proper thyroid activity doesn’t happen without adequate iodine levels. The hormones produced in a well-functioning thyroid support metabolism and normal immune health.[3] There is direct a link between the underproduction of thyroxin in the thyroid and weakened neural connections in the brain.[4, 5] Some have questioned if mothers with lowered iodine levels are more likely to produce offspring with neurological imbalances such as ADHD and autism. Studies and Research Children with autism, and their mothers, consistently have lower iodine levels.[6] The American Thyroid Association urges pregnant mothers to take iodine supplements, one reason is to ensure the mental health of their offspring. Research conducted by James Adams at Arizona State University included hair analyses on 51 autistic children, 29 mothers of autistic children, and a control group. This study found that iodine deficiency in mothers could be a cause or exacerbating factor for autism. The study also found that children with autism spectrum disorder had up to 45% lower levels of iodine than the control children. According to a NHANES survey, average iodine levels in the US population are 50% less during the period between 1988-1994.[1, 7] An Italian study found that women from an iodine deficient area of the country had reduced levels of thyroid hormones when compared to women who lived in iodine rich areas.[8] Researchers hypothesized “the imbalance of maternal thyroid hormone homeostasis during pregnancy was a consequence of endemic iodine deficiency may be responsible for the impaired psychoneurological development observed in children from that area. Appropriate iodine and/or thyroxine prophylaxis to women in that area may prevent the neurobehavioral, cognitive, and motor compromise of that population.”[9] If you’re looking for a supplement to help boost your iodine levels, check out DETOXADINE at the AlrightStore. References (9) Hamza RT, Hewedi DH, Sallam MT. Iodine deficiency in Egyptian autistic children and their mothers: relation to disease severity. Arch Med Res. 2013 Oct ;44(7):555-61. doi: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2013.09.012. Epub 2013 Oct 10. Eunice Kenndy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. How many people are affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Last reviewed: December 18, 2013 Nussey S, Whitehead S. Endocrinology: An Integrated Approach. Oxford: BIOS Scientific Publishers; 2001. Chapter 3, The thyroid gland. Delange F. The role of iodine in brain development. Proc Nutr Soc. 2000 Feb;59(1):75-9. Delange F. [Disorders due to iodine deficiency] [Article in French]. Acta Clin Belg. 1990;45(6):394-411. Adams JB, Holloway CE, George F, Quig D. Analyses of toxic [...]

It’s common knowledge that calcium plays an important role in maintaining strong, healthy bones later in life. For women who have passed their reproductive years, this fact is especially true. But according to new research from Italy [1], there may be another important reason for postmenopausal women to keep an eye on their calcium levels. Italian researchers at the Gaetano Pini Institute Department of Rheumatology in Milan followed 825 postmenopausal women already diagnosed with hypertension. They found that just over 35 percent of the women sampled who consumed low amounts of calcium from dairy sources also exhibited signs of osteoporosis. Women in the same sample group who consumed higher levels of calcium showed significantly lower levels of the condition – roughly 20 percent in all. Upon further investigation, they found that lower calcium levels was also statistically tied to an increased risk of developing both hypertension and osteoporosis when compared to postmenopausal control populations. The researchers conclude that these findings support the theory that there may in fact be a strong connection between hypertension and decreased bone mass, which further implies that low calcium intake in postmenopausal women puts them not only at increased risk for osteoporosis but hypertension as well. Eat More Foods Rich in Calcium In a ideal world, women of all ages should be getting sufficient amounts of calcium from a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in calcium. The sad reality, however, is that many people fail to consume their daily requirement of calcium. Vitamin fortified cereal grains and fruit juices are often rich in both calcium and vitamin D. Certain beans and leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach can also be excellent sources. If you’re looking for a supplement to boost your vitamin D levels, check out SUNTREX D3 at the AlrightStore. A handful of raw seeds, including flax, sesame or chia, will also provide you with plenty of calcium, among plenty of other nutrients. Broccoli and oranges are also very high in calcium, as well as vitamin C and vitamin A. Find out how much calcium is in your favorite foods, and then eat those on a daily basis. Is There an Easier Way to Get More Calcium? While giving your body all the calcium it needs from diet alone is ideal, doing so becomes increasingly difficult with age. Women of all ages can benefit tremendously from taking a high-quality calcium dietary supplement to meet their body’s needs. The problem is only a small percentage of the calcium in most dietary supplements actually makes its way into the cells that make up the human body. In fact, over 90% of it usually goes to waste. I recommend IntraCal™, which is a scientifically designed form of calcium orotate, combined with magnesium orotate salts, which efficiently ferries mineral atoms across cell membranes so they can be better absorbed and utilized. And because IntraCal is completely free of lactose and other animal byproducts, it’s an especially great way for [...]

You do not have smoke to have polluted lungs or to have a reason to cleanse your lungs. The air we breathe has been heavily polluted by car exhaust, chemical byproducts, and various forms of industrial emissions. Even worse, indoor air in many dwellings has been found to be up to six times as dangerous as outdoor air. Without proper filtration, it is inevitable that a certain amount of stress, and possibly severe damage, can impact the lung tissue that breathes this air. Pollution is Everywhere In today’s civilization, people who should have perfectly healthy lungs suffer from many of these maladies because of toxins present in their environment that they are not aware of. Every one of us has been exposed to these toxins since the day we were born. Studies have revealed that a baby crawling over a section of an average carpet inhales the toxic equivalent of four cigarettes per day [1]. A lifetime of exposure to outgases, dust mites, mold, mildew, and chemicals in carpets is one motivator to cleanse your lungs of its cumulative effect. The hazard of indoor air is another. According to the EPA findings, 60 percent of all homes contain airborne pollutants that are hazardous to human health. The American College of Allergies corroborates these findings by reporting that half of all illness today results from indoor, not outdoor, air pollution. Allergens are concentrated in super-insulated homes 200 percent more than in standard homes. Even worse, indoor air can have as much as 100 times the amount of toxins in it as the air right outside your windows! Allergens Contribute to Respiratory Ailments Did you know that there are over 1,000 species of mold and mildew that thrive in indoor environments? Many of you reading this article now suffer from allergies due to mold and mildew. This is another reason to cleanse your lungs, when you consider that your own home may be the source of chronic respiratory and sinus problems. Other allergies in the home are often related to pets. Many people think that pet allergies have to do with the type of hair a dog or cat has. They assume that if the animal has short hair, then they are less likely to have an allergic reaction. Actually, it is the dander beneath the coat of hair that is the source of most allergies, so the length of hair, or even the amount of hair, is irrelevant to the reaction. There are those of us who love animals so much that we are willing to put up with a few sniffles and a little coughing for the sake of the unconditional love we receive from our quadruped companions. If this describes your view of the world, we do not criticize your devotion to other life forms. However, we do encourage you to cleanse your lungs on a regular basis to help minimize the risk of getting really sick from a severe allergic reaction. Natural Lung [...]

A member of our customer service team recently received feedback from a customer who had been experiencing such severe constipation that it was transitioning into lower back pain. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard a report like this. Soreness and lower back pain can definitely be related to constipation and not only severe constipation, even minor cases of constipation can lead to back pain. Can Constipation Cause Back Pain? Constipation occurs from obstructions in your system or from slow transit time through the colon. When back pain is a factor, obstructive constipation is usually to blame. Obstructive constipation is fairly self-descriptive; defecation is painful or halted due to a blockage. Although defecation stops, the traffic in the intestines does not. Just like a real life traffic jam, it gets worse before it gets better. When blockage becomes significantly backed up, pressure on the lower back can increase, and pain can result. Since the body will continue to produce waste, the pain can increase if the impaction is not eliminated. Sometimes attempting to alleviate the problem can be a catch 22. By straining and trying to force your body to do something it’s already having a problem with, you can create more pressure and cause additional pain. Can Back Pain Cause Constipation? If you’ve ever experienced a pulled back muscle or chronic back pain, you know it can be extremely debilitating. Your back is central to your core, most of your movement originates in that area. When its very existence is constantly hampered by sharp pain, every movement hurts and most movements are slow and avoided. The pain can even prevent you from making it out of bed. If it takes 20 minutes to make it up the stairs, isn’t it probable that straining during bowel movements could also be a source of misery? It’s also not uncommon to see constipation in folks who have sustained back injuries from strenuous activities or lifting. In some cases, it’s simple- the lower back muscles spasm and interfere with the autonomic nerves responsible for the intestinal action that cause bowel movements. A Secondary Influence The cause and effect in other back pain / constipation combinations may be scenarios that have absorbed other contributing factors- medications. Chronic lower back pain is a common clinical problem, one of the most common in the nation. Meaning that a lot of people who go to the clinic are going because their back hurts. Medications in the form of pain relief drugs, prescription and not, and even antidepressants are commonly used to treat back pain.[1] Many medications, especially opioids (painkillers), can cause constipation.[2] 7 Things You Can Do Eliminating the unpleasant experience of back pain and constipation is a journey of many routes. Many people can find relief by adopting simple lifestyle adjustments. Develop a water addiction. Dehydration can exacerbate constipation. Consume extra fiber and enzymes from fresh fruits and vegetables. Get up and move. Sedentary habits make things settle; motion keeps things [...]