Author: cantonolivebranch

If you have celiac disease, you should read this article to see if adding CBD oil would be a good addition to your vitamin regimen. Click on the link below to read the article:

Weekly Article 4/015/2019
by Mikele K. @ The Olive Branch
Hey Allergy Sufferers: It’s That Season Again!

Greetings Olive Branch Customers! Today is 4/15/2019, and we are in the third week of the second quarter of the year. Are you noticing your allergies kicking up? Do the sounds of mowers, along with the release of pollen from trees and flowers got your sinuses all stuffed up? Have no fear, The Olive Branch has all of your seasonal allergy supplies to help get you through the sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and congestion with vitamins, herbs, and select homeopathy.

What Are Allergies?

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens. When someone has allergies, their immune system makes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies respond to allergens. The symptoms that result are an allergic reaction.

What Are the Types of Allergens?

• Drug (medicine)
• Food
• Insects that sting (bee, wasp, fire ant); bite (mosquito, tick); or are household pests (cockroach and dust mite)
• Latex
• Mold
• Pet (dog or cat urine, saliva and dander)
• Pollen

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies?

The most common allergy symptoms can simply make you uncomfortable. For example, you may have watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, a rash or hives. Other more serious symptoms, like trouble breathing and swelling in your mouth or throat, may be a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis (“anna-fih-LACK-sis”).

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies?

The most common allergy symptoms can simply make you uncomfortable. For example, you may have watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, a rash or hives. Other more serious symptoms, like trouble breathing and swelling in your mouth or throat, may be a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis (“anna-fih-LACK-sis”).

How Do Doctors Diagnose Allergies?

Doctors diagnose allergies in three steps. They review your personal and medical history. They give you a physical exam. They do tests to identify your allergens.

What Are the Treatments for Allergies?

Good allergy treatment is based on your medical history and the severity of your symptoms. It can include three different treatment strategies: avoidance of allergens, medication options and/or immunotherapy (a treatment to train your immune system not to overreact).

How Can I Prevent an Allergic Reaction?

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid your allergens. It sounds so easy, but you can’t always avoid them. For example, it’s not possible to avoid all outdoor activities if you’re allergic to bees and wasps. But there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of being stung and you can carry the medicine you will need if you are stung. It is important to prepare and have an allergy action plan.

Don’t let allergies interfere with your day-to-day activities at home, work or school. You can live a normal life despite having allergies. See your allergist for treatment and guidance. Take steps to avoid your allergens. Keep medicine with you at all times so you can treat an allergic reaction. Use our tips to help you manage your daily life with allergies.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Allergies?

Doctors diagnose allergies in three steps. They review your personal and medical history. They give you a physical exam. They do tests to identify your allergens.

What Are the Treatments for Allergies?

Good allergy treatment is based on your medical history and the severity of your symptoms. It can include three different treatment strategies: avoidance of allergens, medication options and/or immunotherapy (a treatment to train your immune system not to overreact).

How Can I Prevent an Allergic Reaction?

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid your allergens. It sounds so easy, but you can’t always avoid them. For example, it’s not possible to avoid all outdoor activities if you’re allergic to bees and wasps. But there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of being stung and you can carry the medicine you will need if you are stung. It is important to prepare and have an allergy action plan.

Don’t let allergies interfere with your day-to-day activities at home, work or school. You can live a normal life despite having allergies. See your allergist for treatment and guidance. Take steps to avoid your allergens. Keep medicine with you at all times so you can treat an allergic reaction.

Wanting to take an alternative approach to keeping seasonal allergies at bay? The Olive Branch offers its suggestions such as:

• Rootology brand Breathe Free
• Buried Treasure brand AllerEase
• NOW brand Quercetin with Bromelain
• NOW brand MSM
• Planetary Herbals brand Three Spices Sinus Complex
• Wild Harvest brand Nettle and Quercetin
• Umcka Allergy & Sinus
• XLEAR brand Nasal Spray
• PURE brand Nasal Mist
• NOW brand nasal mist
• SinuOrega
• Peaceful Mountain brand Nasal Rescue
• Naturade brand Nasal Spray with Saline and Aloe
• NaturalCare brand Sinufix
• Source Naturals brand Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray
• OregaSpray

The allergy season is starting to pick up at The Olive Branch! Stop in today to talk with one of our knowledgeable team members to help you find the allergy support product to help you get through allergy season. Do you have a testimony or question about an allergy product we have? Ask us!

~In Good Health

~Mikele K.

Weekly Article 4/08/2019
by Mikele K. @ The Olive Branch

Listen up Men: Getting to the Root of Prostate Issues

Greetings Olive Branch Customers! Today is 4/8/2019, and we are in the second week of the second quarter of the year. Time sure is flying isn’t it? We’re not that far from grilling out and summer vacations for Summer 2019. In this week’s article, we will focus on a specific men’s issue that is common in the medical community. Prostate issues with men are not talked about much in the store, and even men are for some odd reason embarrassed to talk about it until it becomes a big issue. Today, we will talk about men’s prostate health, the three prostate issues men encounter in their lives, and what alternatives are out there to assist in the healing of prostate issues.

To begin, this is a topic that is seen frequently in the store weekly, but the number of cases vary. Many men who come in asking or assistance in this area are unaware of what exactly a prostate issue is. Firstly, the prostate is a walnut sized gland that sits below the urethra which produces seminal fluid, and contains a big part of sperm, which makes up the components of semen in men during sexual activity namely ejaculation.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s see what the three types of prostate issues men can encounter:

1. BPH namely known as benign prostatic hyperplasia this is basic prostate enlargement. BPH blocks the flow of urine out of the bladder. This causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms, and can also cause bladder, urinary tract, or kidney problems. A condensed list of symptoms according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Inability to completely empty the bladder

1. Prostatitis -This is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, and is common, but not always associated with, a bacterial infection. Prostatitis causes painful and/or difficult urination, and can include pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals, and flu-like symptoms. Mayo Clinic states the symptoms of prostatitis can be: Prostatitis signs and symptoms depend on the cause. They can include:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
• Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination
• Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia)
• Urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back
• Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum (perineum)
• Pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles
• Painful ejaculation
• Flu-like signs and symptoms (with bacterial prostatitis)

Now, this is where things get interesting. Stick with me. Most men who come in to the store have no idea what their swollen prostate means, or how to deal with it. Conventional medicine says that many times the prostate will heal itself, while other times an antibiotic is needed for bacterial infections. However, many men do the wait-and-see method to see if they get better before heading to the doctor. Matter of fact, many spouses and significant others notice the signs mentioned above which warrants the trip to the doctor. Alpha blockers are the most commonly used medications for an enlarged prostate in most situations. Common names of alpha blockers are:

• Flomax
• Uroxatral
• Rapaflo

Now, many are asking, So what is the issue? According to AskMD, Well, common side effects of alpha blockers, while they do work, can cause some harsh side effects such as: Side effects may include headaches, drowsiness, weakness, fainting, nasal congestion, and nausea. Other side effects may include frequent urination or loss of bladder control, and a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. Alpha blockers can make it dangerous to drive or to operate machinery. The whole point around alpha blockers for prostate issues is to help urine flow more easily. These drugs change the behavior of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. These help relax the muscles in the urinary tract, making it easier to urinate.

As always with any topic we talk about, we do not advise our customers go against the advice of their doctors or health professionals. However, we do ask that you educate yourself on all options that are available for any condition to have a more informed talk with your doctor to come up with the best treatment plan for you or a loved one. Now, if one is looking for alternative options, please consider coming into the Olive Branch store and talk with one of our staff members to see what alternative options that may be a fit for you for prostate health:

• Saw Palmetto
• Beta Sitosterol
• Pygeum
• stinging nettle

The Olive Branch carries the following products that may be beneficial for men’s prostate health

NOW Prostate Health

The Olive Branch Prostate Support

Pure Essence Prostate Essence

NOW Saw Palmetto Extract

Source Naturals Prosta-Response

Source Naturals Saw Palmetto

Solaray Saw Palmetto/Berries

Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto

NOW Pumpkin Seed Oil

Jarrow Formulas Prostate Optimizer

In summary, at some point in every male’s life they will experience a form of prostate issue that we have discussed. The goal of treatment for prostate issues is to first get a confirmed diagnosis of the actual issue, and then reduce the swelling to bring urinary flow back to normal. Stop in today to talk with one of our knowledgeable team members to see if any of our prostate products would be a good fit for your prostate health needs. Join the discussion on Facebook and our website: theolivebranchnutrition.com to tell us a success story, or if you have any questions about any of our products!

~In Good Health

Mikele K.

A Closer Look at Diabetes: Natural Approaches That Help with Sugar and More

by Mikele K.

Article 4 April 1, 2019

Happy April Olive Branch Customers! Today is April 1, 2019, and do we have a sweet article for you today. This week’s article is on another topic we see at the store that many come in looking for alternative ways to treat and manage. Our topic stems from last weeks’ autoimmune disorder talk, and that is Diabetes. In this week’s article, we will touch lightly on the types of diabetes, natural methods that assist in lowering blood sugar, and a detailed look into an herb that is causing quite a stir in the store (and doctor’s offices around the country).

Before we begin, some statistics to let you know where we stand (as a country) with diabetes:

According to the National Institute of Health:

• Total: An estimated 30.3 million people have diabetes (9.4 percent of the U.S. population)
• Diagnosed: An estimated 23.1 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes (7.2 percent of the U.S. population)
• Undiagnosed: An estimated 7.2 million adults, ages 18 years or older are undiagnosed (23.8 percent of people with diabetes)

The results are staggering to say the least. I know on a personal level we are seeing an increase in customers wanting information about lowering blood sugar lately mainly men. A majority of those we speak with are on some sort of glucose management in the form of pills or insulin, depending on severity. Once again, as previously stated in our earlier blogs, many people are misinformed and/or uneducated on how to treat and/or manage their condition. So, if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, let’s educate you on what’s going on with your body!

OK, so you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. There are technically three different types of diabetes:

1. Type I Is considered an autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin producing cells of the pancreas. This type is most common with children, and low occurrence in adults. Atypical patient can’t produce insulin, and require lifelong insulin. This type is commonly known as juvenile diabetes.
2. Type II There is controversy that this type is autoimmune-based, but this is commonly inherited genetically, and through lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and some environmental factors. Typical treatments are diabetic medications, and possibly insulin replacement depending on severity to control blood sugar
3. Gestational -This type of diabetes occurs with pregnant women; The condition usually disappears once the baby is born; however, a history of gestational diabetes increases a woman’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The condition may be managed through eating a healthy diet, and physical activity, although diabetes medication, including insulin, may also be required to manage blood sugar levels.

Now, this is a condensed listing of the three types of diabetes. Since type 2 diabetes is more common as a whole in this country, as well as what is seen in the store, we shall continue and expand our discussion on type 2 diabetes. Treatment of type 2 diabetes usually includes replacing the function of damaged tissues, and possibly steroid therapy to suppress dysfunctional immune cells. While conventional treatment of Diabetes, in essence, does work, but like all synthetic medicines, they carry the potential for side effects both short and long-term. Where do you go from here? Hang tight, there are options.

While we do not prescribe, nor recommend going against the advice of any medical professional, we do ask that you educate yourself. It would be helpful to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your family doctor to see what works best for you. The best possible outcome for this scenario would be to heal yourself naturally, and get off or avoid synthetic medications for treatment. There are quite a few treatments that greatly assist and can even help you get off your diabetic medications. Here are some suggestions from dailyhealthpost.com, as well as our from our team:

• Cinnamon-Research indicates that powdered cinnamon, about a half teaspoon a day, may help prevent diabetes or reduce blood sugar in adults who have diabetes. One study found that cinnamon helped reduce levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Garcinia Cambogia- According to the American Diabetes Association, Natural weight loss can help lower your blood pressure, improve your blood fat levels and lower blood-glucose levels especially for those who are not in the healthy range. Because Garcinia Cambogia uses natural extracts, it will definitely help shed the excess pounds the natural way
• NOW SuperCitramax-Super CitriMax is a potent combination of herbal extracts rich in hydroxycitric acid (HCA), naturally derived from the Garcinia cambogia fruit in India and designed to help support a healthy body weight and proper glucose management.
• Berberine discussed further in this article
• gymnema Sylvestre makes sugar taste bitter so you limit your food cravings
• flax seed-How does flax help control blood sugars? Flaxseeds may improve insulin sensitivity in glucose intolerant people. After 12 weeks of flax, researchers found a small but significant drop in insulin resistance, perhaps related to the drop in oxidant stress due to the antioxidant qualities of flaxseeds. Studies show a tablespoon of daily ground flax seeds for a month appears to improve fasting blood sugars, triglycerides, cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c levels in diabetics was a non-blinded, non-randomized small study.
• l-arginine-L-Arginine has long been recommended as part of the nutritional treatment of diabetes alongside medication. L-Arginine increases the rate of release of insulin from the pancreas, improving diabetics tolerance of sugar. The dangers that stem from diabetes are side effects of having a high blood sugar level
• chard-Swiss chard nutrition is especially well known for having special chemical properties that make it extremely useful for preventing and treating diabetes. Swiss chard helps the blood sugar-regulating system within the body by helping to regulate activity of the enzyme called alpha-glucosidase, aiding in the slow release of glucose (sugar) into the blood stream
• corn silk- Corn silk has been used like a folk remedy for diabetes in China for hundreds of years. Corn silk extract has become used as a treatment for diabetes worldwide and it is no longer just a folk remedy
• genistein -A number of health benefits are attributed to isoflavones and recent evidence indicates a potential for genistein as a preventative and therapeutic treatment for patients with IR and diabetes. Following dietary supplementation, concentrations of circulating genistein may reach as high as 7 µM in humans and rodents, suggesting that many of the studies conducted with genistein in both cell culture and animal models have physiological relevance.
• nigella sativa – The black cumin seed of Nigella sativa contains a high level of essential oils, which is why black seed oil has immense medicinal healing power, especially when dealing with diabetes. Research suggests this is due to the high levels of antioxidant activity that is found in black seed, which helps to protect the pancreatic cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. This makes black seed oil one of the best alternative treatments for people who suffer from diabetes (according to Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, 2009).
• stevia -stevia sweetener is attractive as a sugar substitute that does not cause an adverse affect on blood glucose levels. Even more encouraging for the stevia and diabetes link, stevia has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity. Meaning, it may reduce insulin resistance, helping the cells use insulin.
• Turmeric – Turmeric has anti-inflammatory property that helps in suppressing inflammation caused due to diabetes.

• Turmeric serves as an antioxidant and helps to reduce oxidative stress observed in diabetes.
• Turmeric lowers blood sugar levels.
• Turmeric can repair pancreas cells and benefit in type 1 diabetes.
• It can reverse prediabetes

• a healthy diet reducing sugar and carbs, along with a rounded diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps with weight loss and keeping sugar levels in check
• exercise walking just 20 minutes each day has significant effects on the body. Seek out a fitness trainer for more info.
• quality regular sleep strive for 7-8 hours each night

Of all the suggestions mentioned above, we will finish the article out by discussing the herb berberine for the treatment of high blood sugar associated with diabetes. With diabetes being a metabolic disorder, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Diabetes is characterized with inflammation (the source of many diseases) and should be treated as such to bring the inflammation down. According to an article by Dr. Mercola, Berberine is a yellow-colored alkaloid compound found in several different plants, including European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric.

Berberine has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties. It’s effective against a wide range of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. It can be used topically on cuts and other wounds, and it’s perhaps most commonly used to treat gastrointestinal issues, including traveler’s diarrhea and that from food poisoning.

However, what newer research is uncovering (and what traditional medicine has likely known for centuries) is that the benefits of berberine extend far beyond its antimicrobial properties. As reported in the Natural Medicine Journal:

“In recent years, the botanical extract berberine has been pushed from relative obscurity to front and center on our supplement shelves due to newly published research. Over a third of the approximately 2,800 studies on berberine listed on PubMed were published in the last 5 years. These studies reveal that berberine may have clinical applications in a range of conditions.”

Dr. Mercola also states: One of the most celebrated studies on berberine compared taking 500 milligrams (mg) of the compound two to three times daily for three months with the diabetes drug metformin. Berberine was able to control blood sugar and lipid metabolism as effectively as metformin, with researchers describing berberine as a “potent oral hypoglycemic agent.” A separate meta-analysis also revealed “berberine has comparable therapeutic effect on type 2 DM [diabetes mellitus], hyperlipidemia and hypertension with no serious side effect.”

On top of the blood sugar lowering effects, an article in the Natural Medicine Journal by author Jacob Schor ND, FABNO, as well as Dr. Mercola, berberine is also effective in treating:

• reduces inflammation
• helps lower blood pressure
• lowers cholesterol
• lowers triglycerides
• reduces oxidative stress in the kidneys
• cancer* (in review by scientific community for validation)
• metabolic syndrome

In summary, type 2 diabetes is a controversial blood sugar disease based on an autoimmune disorder theory that stems from inflammation dealing with the pancreas’s inability to regulate sugar properly via metabolic syndrome and other factors. While conventional medicine is traditionally prescribed, some may wish to approach this disorder naturally. Out of many natural therapies, berberine has shown promise to reduce blood sugar levels, as well as other conditions associated with metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes. The Olive Branch carries different versions of berberine, on top of other blood sugar lowering herbs mentioned in this article. We also have educational literature to help educate yourself on diabetes, as well as berberine, to help manage your diabetes/blood sugar. If you have any questions, please stop in and talk with one of our team members to see if berberine would be a good addition to your blood sugar management regimen today.

Sources For Your Convenience:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diabetes-types

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/06/22/berberine-benefits.aspx

https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2012-12/clinical-applications-berberine

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/diabetes-statistics

~In Good Health

Mikele K. @ The Olive Branch

Weekly Article 3/25/2019
by Mikele K. @ The Olive Branch

The Treatment of Auto Immune Disorders: Are There Natural Remedies for Treatment?

Good day Olive Branch customers! We are in Spring 2019, and the days are beginning to have more sunshine in them! The days of mowing lawns, spring concerts, BBQ’s, hot weather, and bonfires are upon us.

This week’s topic is a frequent occurrence that is seen in the store on a daily basis, and that is the topic of an autoimmune disorder and how somebody could treat it naturally. It can be a scary ordeal to be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, but rest assured that there is a lot of information out there among ways to treat them naturally. Information truly is power in these days when attempting to treat autoimmune disorders. If you were to come into the store and talk to me, among our other helpful members, this is what we will discuss to help you better understand what you are up against.

First off, most customers come in stating they have been freshly diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. If a customer hasn’t been freshly diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, it is highly recommended to have a qualified medical professional accurately test and diagnose properly. I’ve seen customers who Google diagnose themselves, and that is typically not a good idea to do, let alone can be hazardous in the long run if something is critically wrong. If you are freshly diagnosed, we will move on.

One thing I notice is many customers do not understand what exactly an autoimmune condition actually is. Throughout this article, I will reference a peer-reviewed journal that you can directly link to do your own research and see factual references based on medical science here:

https://www.intechopen.com/…/probiotics-applications-in-aut….

In my multiple author peer-reviewed journal (Al-Salami, Calcetta, Golocorgin-Kon, and Mikov), the authors state that an autoimmune disorder is where the body mistakenly attacks its own body cells via antibody production. This process thereby increases inflammation and are seen commonly through metabolic disorders/disturbances/and imbalances. Some common autoimmune disorders are:

diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Grave’s disease
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis
IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and
Crohn’s disease

According to research, genetics plays a 30% prevalence, while an overwhelming 70% prevalence of autoimmune disorders come from environmental factors such as lifestyle and the food we consume. 6-8% of the population at a given time suffers from these conditions. Interestingly enough, research suggests that the root of the majority of autoimmune disorders originates from gastrointestinal abnormalities directly linked to initiation and progression of autoimmune disorders in the form of slower gut movement and microfloral overgrowth such as candida and yeasts.

So, we know the origins and what exactly an autoimmune disorder is, but how are they treated? In a traditional medical setting these are treated two ways:
1. replacing function of damaged tissues (ie. Give insulin for diabetes)
2. steroid therapy to suppress dysfunctional immune cells

While these conventional therapies do work, the side effects associated with these treatments causes a lot of discomfort and issues down the road. This is the reason why many look to the alternatives to help correct their autoimmune disorder.

Now, for those who are looking to help naturally heal their autoimmune conditions, consider this train of thought…the article states that the majority of autoimmune disorders originate from gastrointestinal abnormalities. There is a condition that is called leaky gut syndrome that deserves attention here. Leaky gut syndrome is recognized as a phenomenon that occurs within the intestinal tract where the epithelium tissue’s tight junctions open slightly, allowing undigested food particles and potential bacteria (endotoxin) to make its way into the bloodstream. These compounds are typically only found in the gut, so our immune system goes on high alert when it starts seeing new and unusual things.

In layman’s terms, in leaky gut we have holes in our gastrointestinal lining that allows things to pass back and forth into our blood. The immune response to this is linked to the formation and progression of autoimmune conditions.

At this point, most people ask me, “What can I do at this point?” Here are some considerations to ponder in natural remedies for autoimmune conditions:

1. Probiotics probiotics are good beneficial bacteria that are added to our digestive systems to repopulate and correct any candida or yeast overgrowth to put the system back into balance. According to our article authors, probiotics are dietary supplements containing bacteria which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Combinations of different bacterial strains can be used but a mixture of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria is a common choice. Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial in a wide range of conditions including infections, allergies, metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
2. Aloe- aloe has many uses, but it regulates metabolism and decreases inflammation in the digestive track
3. Food enzymes by properly breaking down your food you take away more nutrition and nutrients to give your body the fuel it needs for bodily processes and immune health
4. L-Glutamine- L-Glutamine is an amino acid that basically patches up the holes in the colon to keep leaky gut in its place so the immune system doesn’t start its attack on the body through recognition of a potential foreign invader
5. MSM aka Methylsulfonylmethane, This naturally occurring sulfur is found in all vertebrates – although the extent of its importance still has yet to be explored. It can be obtained through a variety of food sources in small amounts, but occurs higher in [raw] nutritionally-dense foods such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage as well as dairy products and certain cuts of meat. A heavy duty anti-inflammatory for many conditions where inflammation is causing issues
6. Look into doing a heavy metal cleanse
7. Fish Oil
8. Increase Vitamin C
9. Increase Vitamin D
10. Consider eating a more alkaline diet to help ease inflammation

We have talked about a lot concerning autoimmune disorders and how to treat them naturally. There are a lot of options to help in treating these naturally, but do remember that every is different and some things may or may not work for you. It’s a trial-and-error situation for each person who is going the natural route. If you need additional help, please stop in and talk with one of our members to see what could help you today.

~In Good Health
Mikele K. @ The Olive Branch

Weekly Blog #1

The Importance of Mental Health: How Anxiety, Stress, Tension and Lack of Sleep Affect Us

We’ve all been there. Many are there now. The winter months are hard on some people-especially the holidays. The holidays are behind us, but sometimes the effects can be everlasting for some. The effects of trying to make ends meet, eat right, take care of a family, work, and maintain relationships take their toll on us in many different ways. Multiple aspects of stress and anxiety are unavoidable in everyday life, and some stress is good for us. Stress (good) can push us to achieve goals, and get through stressful situations. However, what happens when stress and anxiety take over our lives? Mental health for men and women is no different between the two, but both have slight differences in how they manage their symptoms. For example…The top ten stressors in life are as follows:

Death of a spouse (or child*): 100

1. Divorce: 73
2. Marital separation: 65
3. Imprisonment: 63
4. Death of a close family member: 63
5. Personal injury or illness: 53
6. Marriage: 50
7. Dismissal from work: 47
8. Marital reconciliation: 45
9. Retirement: 45

So, looking at the list above, we can see that death (in any form close to you) and separation from a loved one top the list. Seems losing ones we love is one of the hardest, along with loved ones walking away from us can push us to our limits which can push some into breaking points. It is important to monitor our own mental health, but the mental status of our loved ones as well which can take the form of anxiety and depression. How do we spot anxiety and depression in ourselves or loved ones? Here is some good information to consider:

If you ask someone to name two common mental health problems, chances are they will think of anxiety and depression. Despite the fact that they are commonly referenced in conversation, people still struggle sometimes to determine the difference between these two conditions. This is because many people with anxiety also develop depression and vice versa. Roughly 50% of people diagnosed with depression with also be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. However, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis in order to treat the correct conditions.

Many people with depression may experience what is known as anxious distress in addition to their low mood. People with anxious distress often feel tense, restless, and have trouble concentrating because they worry so much. They are deeply afraid that something bad is going to happen or that they might lose control of themselves. People who experience anxious distress with depression may be at higher risk for suicide or need more intensive treatment, so it is important to identify these symptoms along with the depression.

Above all, it’s important to remember to let a doctor or mental health professional evaluate you to see if your symptoms meet the criteria for a depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of Major Depression

• depressed mood
• lack of interest in enjoyable activities
• increase or decrease in appetite
• insomnia or hypersomnia
• slowing of movement
• lack of energy
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• trouble concentrating
• suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• excessive worry
• restlessness
• being easily fatigued
• trouble concentrating
• irritability
• sleep disturbance
• muscle tension.

It is important to know the difference between depression and anxiety. There are two main points to make here. First, our customers and their health are vital to us. Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. Please know that if anybody you see close or not is considering suicide or has intentions thereof, please please please contact your local suicide prevention hotline to save a life. Second, the list of depression and anxiety symptoms are generalized and beyond the scope of this article, and there are other conditions that can mimic anxiety and depression which need to be ruled out by a qualified physician to ensure quality life. However, if you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and/or depression, don’t fret there are options.

The typical recommendation of health professionals for patients with anxiety and depression are anxiolytics and antidepressants. Both of these come with side effects that can be troublesome. Many are unable to function due to sedation effects of such drugs. If you are looking for an alternative to these drugs read on. A viable option for many with stress and anxiety should consider stopping into the Olive Branch and sitting down with one of our members who can help you find alternatives to help you effectively manage your stress and anxiety. Second, consider looking into adding these into your supplement regimen:

• B vitamins
• L- Theanine
• 5-HTP
• Ashwaganda
• Terry Naturally AnxioCalm (non-sedating)
• adrenal support herbs

Also consider:

• eat a balanced nutritious diet
• get plenty of quality sleep
• exercise
• get plenty of vitamins and minerals
• seek out the advice of a therapist/counselor when needed

A little about Terry Naturally AnxioCalm:

AnxioCalm is clinically studied to quiet your nerves and relieve your occasional anxiety without drowsiness!

It’s the safe and effective way to help relieve

• Occasional anxiety and nervousness
• Everyday stresses
• Excessive worry
• excessive sweating
• upset stomach
• muscle tension
• insecurity
• occasional restless sleep

AnxioCalm is perfect for everyday use, or occasionally when you need extra support. It provides relief when you need it, without drowsiness or mental fogginess.

In summary, life is tough. Stress in small amounts can be helpful, but in the long term stress can wreak havoc on our lives. Knowing what to look for, getting a proper diagnosis, and having an action plan are crucial. The key is being informed about all of your options for treatment. Stop in today and talk to us to see if Terry Naturally AnxioCalm, or the other supplements mentioned could help you get back on track mentally.

Do you have a testimonial about your stress journey with one of our stress-relieving products? Have a story you want to share? Let us know below!

~In Good Health

by Mikele K. @ The Olive Branch