Feel Like Yourself Again!

Dr. Chad Lundstrom is proud to announce his new vitamin-rich supplement, Prorexin, for natural treatment of mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and lack of energy, in addition to promoting overall emotional and physical health.  The Prorexin mental health supplement contains a complex web of nutrients like Vitamins B6 and B12 and Zinc that are needed by your brain to produce important chemicals like neurotransmitters. A lack of these nutrients can cause mental illness or symptoms like mood swings.  In many cases, prescription medication is not needed to feel like yourself again and more and more people are searching for natural mental health treatments with no side effects, like Prorexin.

Prorexin works because it treats the root of the problem instead of masking the symptoms. Vitamin deficiencies affect millions of people in the US and make people feel tired, uninterested, insecure, depressed, moody, and anxious.  Prorexin is quite possibly the most complete multivitamin on the market today and is safe for the whole family. With a proprietary blend of B Viatmins, Omega-3, Lithium, Ginkgo Biloba (leaf), Zinc, and much more, you’ll be sure to get all essential nutrients required to balance your mind and body. Plus, there are no side effects!

Learn more about Prorexin, the natural solution for mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and more!

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder in which persons with normal mental health experience depressive symptoms during the winter months. A diagnosis of SAD requires that the person experience the depressive symptoms year after year, not just for one winter or part of one winter. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) classifies SAD as a “specifier of major depression,” not a unique disorder.

What are the Symptoms of SAD?

Symptoms of SAD include difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat (especially a craving for carbohydrates), a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. These symptoms lead to the depression, pessimism, and lack of pleasure which characterize a person suffering from this disorder.

What are the causes of SAD?

1. Disruption of Circadian Rhythms: The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may disrupt your body’s internal clock, which lets you know when you should sleep or be awake. This disruption of your circadian rhythm may lead to feelings of depression. This cause is exacerbated the further one lives from the equator (meaning that periods of darkness are longer).

2. Melatonin levels. The change in seasons can disrupt the balance of the natural hormone melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.

3. Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in seasonal affective disorder. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, perhaps leading to depression.

Natural Ways to Fight SAD:

1. Get Outside During Daylight Hours: Most people with a traditional work schedule wind up arriving to work and departing work when it is dark outside during shorter winter days. To fight SAD, try to take a walk during lunchtime, spend some time in a park, or just attempt to sit near a window. Even if it is overcast, the ultraviolet B light in sunlight will still penetrate the clouds and increase your vitamin D levels. Make time on the weekends for outdoor activities.

2. Exercise Regularly: Exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

3. Make Your Home and Work Environment Brighter and Sunnier: Open blinds, trim trees that block windows, and attempt to sit near windows as you work or rest.

4. Use St. John’s Wort: this herb has traditionally been used to treat a variety of problems, including depression.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to relieve depression symptoms in some studies. Sources of omega-3s include fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Flaxseed, flax oil and walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids, and small amounts are found in soybean and canola oils.

6. Socialize: Make efforts to see friends and colleagues often.

7. Take a Trip: A vacation to a sun-drenched location like the desert Southwest of America or a tropical beach will give you a large dose of the sunlight you’ve been missing.

8. Get Enough Sleep, But Don’t Sleep Too Much: Not sleeping enough will hurt your immune system and exacerbate symptoms of depression, but too much sleep will also lead to more depression. Develop a sleep schedule that allows you to get at least six, but preferably eight or nine hours of sleep per day.

Natural Anti-Depression Products from Natural Mountain Health Store:

Truehope CNE™: Truehope CNE is a natural solution for widespread deficiency-related diseases including ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Bipolar Syndrome (manic-depressive), anxiety, depression, and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Deficiency related diseases are more widespread than you might realize, and can have many neurological consequences.

Complete Omega-3 Essentials Tablets from Nutri-West: provide nutritional support for a wide variety of symptoms and deficiency-related diseases:  chronic pain, inflammation, osteoarthritis, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Bipolar Syndrome (manic-depressive), anxiety, depression, and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).  Nutri-West Omega-3 supplements use all-natural ingredients to regulate cholesterol/triglyceride levels and boost your immune, cardiovascular, and kidney functions.

1. Vitamin C. This is probably the best-known vitamin associated with immune system wellness. Vitamin C protects your cells from free radical damage, lessens your risk of cancer, regenerates your Vitamin E supplies, and improves iron absorption. It also appears to reduce the length and severity of colds and the flu, especially for upper respiratory symptoms. To a lesser extent, vitamin C also provides antioxidant activity to support healing at sites of inflammation. As most people know, citrus fruits provide the best sources for Vitamin C. Some vegetables also provide vitamin C, including fresh parsley, raw cauliflower, mustard greens, and romaine lettuce.

2. Vitamin B5. Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, promotes the production and release of antibodies from B-cells, and deficiency of vitamin B5 results in reduced levels of circulating antibodies. It turns carbohydrates and fats into usable energy, improves your ability to respond to stress by supporting your adrenal glands, and assures adequate production of healthy fats in your cells. The best sources for B5 include raw Crimini mushrooms and cauliflower, and tomatoes, broccoli, grapefruit, and yogurt all provide good sources for it.

3. Folic Acid. A deficiency in folic acid leads to a decrease in T-cells, essential for proper immune function. Excellent sources of folic acid include romaine lettuce, boiled spinach, asparagus, and turnip greens, broccoli, and cauliflower.

4. Vitamin B6. B6 deficiencies result in lessened T-cell effectiveness, and lead to a decrease in blood lymphocyte counts. The best sources for B6 are boiled spinach and turnip greens, and raw red bell peppers.

5. Vitamin B1 and B2. Vitamin B1, or Thiamin, and Vitamin B2, or Riboflavin, contribute to proper antibody responses in your immune system. Excellent B1 and B2 sources include romaine lettuce, boiled spinach and asparagus, and raw crimini mushrooms.

6. Vitamin B12. B12 appears to inhibit phagocytic cells and possibly T-cell function. Great sources of B12 include calf’s liver, snapper, venison, shrimp, scallops, and salmon.

7. Vitamin A. Vitamin A contributes to antibody function and T-cell activity, and also aids in vision (especially night vision). Many foods provide excellent sources for Vitamin A, including raw carrots, boiled spinach, turnip greens, kale, mustard greens, fresh parsley and romaine lettuce, and cayenne pepper.

8. Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and supports a healthy inflammatory response. It also protects your skin from ultraviolet light and prevents cell damage from free radicals. Excellent sources for vitamin E include boiled swiss chard, mustard greens, and spinach, raw sunflower seeds, and toasted almonds.

9. Vitamin K. Vitamin K creates a healthy blood-clotting ability in your body, necessary for seclusion of areas of infections and injury in the healing process. The best sources for vitamin K are parsley, broccoli, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, endive, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, eggs, meats, cheeses, curd, and fermented soybean products.

Diet

1. Eat Properly. Use Michael Pollan‘s simple prescription for healthful eating: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” “Eat food” means that you should eat the types of food that your grandmother would have recognized as food when she was a child. This means that “food” comes from whole ingredients, prepared at home, rather than pre-packaged foods with less nutritional content. “Not too much” is simple: don’t overeat, especially during the winter months when some people compensate for winter depression with overeating. “Mostly plants” doesn’t mean that you have to be a vegetarian, but that the majority of your calories should be derived from nutrient-rich vegetable sources. Serve meats as side dishes instead of the main course. (If you’re interested in learning more about Michael Pollan’s ideas about nutrition, see this excellent New York Times Magazine article).

2. Avoid junk food. “Junk food” isn’t really food–it’s just empty calories without many nutrients. During the winter, your body is burning many calories keeping warm and fighting off sickness, so you need to provide your body with proper nutrients to keep your immune system strong.

3. Consume plenty of fluids. Drink plenty of water during the day, and avoid soft drinks and other products that contain large amounts of fructose and other unnatural sweeteners. Drink juices that contain Vitamin C, like orange juice.

Lifestyle

1. Get plenty of sleep. Eight hours of sleep is essential to allow your immune system (as well as the rest of your body) regenerate and repair itself. Skimping on sleep is one of the worst things you can do during the winter.

2. Exercise regularly. Three to four hour-long sessions of exercise per week are essential to staying healthy during the winter. One danger is that over-exercising can actually be a detriment to good health, so if you feel overly tired after working out or have more trouble than normal recovering, you should probably back off the intensity of your next workout. Of course, dress very warmly going to and coming from your workouts. Never go out into the cold when you are sweaty.

3. Dress Properly. Winter is not the time to be a slave to fashion. Dress with as many clothes as necessary to keep warm. Wear a hat: there’s an old mountaineer’s saw that advises those with cold feet to wear a hat. The wisdom behind the old saw is that a disproportionate amount of heat is expelled through the head versus other parts of the body.

4. Stay positive. Remember the mind-body connection. Studies have shown that laughing, listening to positive music, and watching uplifting movies and television have a positive effect on the immune system. Load up your Netflix queue with some comedies!

5. Wash your hands often. Proper washing involves using soap and warm water, and lathering for at least twenty seconds. If you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

6. If you smoke, quit. Smoking cigarettes damages your upper respiratory system and makes you more susceptible to cold and flu. Of course, it also drastically increases your chances of dying of lung cancer or emphysema in the long term.

If You Get Sick

1. Stay home and rest. Although it seems like you can never take time off from the duties of work and everyday life, taking just one day off to rest can drastically reduce the length of the flu or a common cold. If you can bounce back more quickly, you’ll lose less time in the long run.

2. Keep your home clean. When you or someone in your household is sick, they leave germs around the house by using towels and touching common areas. Segregate the sick person’s towels, wash them often, and ensure that common areas are kept clean and free of germs. Consider replacing things like toothbrushes after you get better, because they can retain germs. Pay special attention to places like bathrooms and kitchens.

3. Determine whether or not you need to see a doctor. Read our recent blog about the H1N1 Flu strain, and see a doctor immediately if you think you have it.

Traumeel Tablets

Traumeel, developed by Heel Worldwide, is a natural remedy that regulates inflammation and results in effective anti-inflammatory response. Traumeel is the #1 selling all-natural pain reliever in the world. It provides temporary relief from muscular pain, joint pain, sports injuries, and bruises. With a vet’s approval, it can even be given to your dog!

Sports Medicine and Traumeel:

Traumeel has been prescribed to athletes for more than fifty years. The German Olympic Team has used Traumeel for both summer and winter Olympics in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006. Traumeel is in cooperation with both the European College of Sports Medicine and Exercise Physicians and the Asociacion Espanola de Medicos de Equipos de Futbol. Athletes should know that in the microdoses present in Traumeel products, none of the ingredients are considered doping agents, so Traumeel is not included in the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) list of banned products.

Dr. Lundstrom’s Advice about Sports Medicine and Traumeel:

Dr. Lundstrom recommends Traumeel tablets for regular use and Traumeel ointment for areas of localized pain. Muscle aches, pains and bruising are common but don’t have to be incapacitating. When the show must go on, there’s a natural way to alleviate pain without popping potentially harmful ibprofuen or naproxen. Whether recent studies about liver-damaging pain killers prove true or not, there’s no need to take part in the case study. Whether you need temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with sports injuries, sprains, muscle aches and bruises, or minor arthritic pain and inflammation Traumeel is the natural alternative for an anti-inflammatory.

Dr. Lunstrom also recommends the following suggestions to naturally avoid sports injuries:

1. Warm up and stretch muscles before exercising heavily
2. Stay hydrated with plenty of water
3. Avoid excess fatigue
4. Work up to activities gradually
5. Cool down after hard sports or workouts
6. Wear shoes that fit properly, are stable, and absorb shock
7. Use the softest exercise surface you can find; don’t run on asphalt or concrete
8. Work hard but don’t overdo it

Learn More About Traumeel:

Read about Traumeel on Facebook.

Heel Worldwide’s Traumeel website.

Watch an animated movie about the Mechanism of Action in Traumeel.

Learn about a Clinical Trial of Traumeel: It found that “[a]ll subjects’ vital signs [who took Traumeel for 28 days] remained stable throughout the study.”

Other Clinical Studies:

• Böhmer, D., Ambrus, P. Treatment of Sports Injuries with Traumeel Ointment,A Controlled Double-Blind Study; Biological Therapy Vol. X (4): 290-300 (1992)
• Birnesser, H., Oberbaum, M., Klein, P., Weiser, M. The homeopathic preparation Traumeel S compared with NSAIDs for symptomatic treatment of epicondylitis; Journal of Musculoskeletal Research 2004; Vol. 8: 119-128
• Schneider, C., Klein, P., Stolt, P., Oberbaum, M. A homeopathic ointment preparation compared with 1% diclofenac gel for acute symptomatic treatment of tendinopathies; Explore Vol. 1 (6): 446-452 (2005)
• Zell, J., Connert, W.-D., Mau, J., Feuerstake, G. Treatment of Acute Sprains of the Ankle: A Controlled Double-Blind Trial to Test the Effectiveness of a Homeopathic Ointment; Biological Therapy 1989; Vol. VII (1): 1-6

Purchase Traumeel from Natural Mountain Health:

Traumeel tablets: for regular use.

Traumeel ointment: for localized use on painful areas.

H1N1/09 Influenza A Virus (credit U.S. Centers for Disease Control)

The H1N1/09 (pandemic) virus, commonly (and mistakenly)  known as “The Swine Flu,” is a swine-origin Influenza Type A virus that contains genetic information from five other influenza strains. The virus cannot be passed from pigs to humans, and eating pork or pork products cannot transmit the virus. Studies at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found in May 2009 that most children had no existing immunity to this novel strain, but some adults aged 60 and over have some degree of natural immunity due to exposure to other, similar strains. H1N1/09 virus is contagious, and current science indicates that it is more contagious than other, more common strains of Influenza virus. Curiously, H1N1/09 either produces extremely severe symptoms in the patient, or it merely mimics a mild, common seasonal flu. Dr. Anand Kumar, an intensive-care expert at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, explains: “This pandemic is like two diseases. Either you’re off work a few days, or you go to hospital, often to the intensive-care unit. There’s no middle ground.”

How dangerous is H1N1/09?

The CDC estimates that 36,000 Americans die each year from seasonal flu strains. The most likely persons to die from the seasonal flu are the very young and the very old. Denis Coulombier, who heads the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control‘s preparedness and response unit, explained that H1N1 “killed a very small proportion of those who caught it, at about 0.2-0.3 deaths per thousand — a lower rate than seasonal flu, which kills around one patient per thousand.” However, he warned that a second wave of swine flu infections could be expected within weeks, which could be more severe. Scientists also fear that evolutionary processes could morph H1N1/09 into more pathogenic strains.

Those most at risk for H1N1:

While normal seasonal flu is generally most dangerous to newborn children and the elderly, H1N1/09 is far less likely to kill the elderly or newborns. In contrast, the four groups of people most at risk are: (1) children aged six months to nineteen years (however, the younger the child, the more at risk) (2) pregnant women, (3) people aged fifty years and older, (4) people of any age with chronic medical conditions, especially heart and lung disease, emphysema, auto-immune deficiencies, and diabetes.

Natural Ways to Prevent Catching and Spreading H1N1/09 (and also the seasonal flu):

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then immediately discard the tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Do not cough or sneeze openly or into your hands.
2. Wash your hands with soap often during the day, especially in public places. Proper hand-washing involves using soap and warm water and lathering for at least twenty seconds. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
3. Do not touch your face, mouth, eyes, or nose, especially after you’ve been in a public place. Influenza virus is most often transmitted when another person sneezes or coughs into their hands and touches something in public like a doorknob, leaving some virus on the public object. You obtain the virus by touching the same public object before the virus dies and then transmit the virus into your body by touching a part of your face such as your mouth or eyes.
4. Stay home if you get sick. Don’t go to work or allow children to attend school.
5. Follow and listen to public health advisories by local, state, and federal government concerning school closures, closures of public places, etc.
6. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Take special precautions when caring for another sick person, or when a person in your household is sick.
7. Take actions to boost your immune system like eating healthful food, exercising regularly, and implementing natural ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

Some common misconceptions about H1N1:

1. Wearing a mask: Viruses are among the smallest living things on earth. Nearly all masks available to the layperson are designed to prevent the inhalation of particulate matter, such as sawdust, PM-2 matter in the air due to pollution, and volatile organic compounds emitted by things like deck stain and paint. They are not designed to prevent the transfer of things as small as viruses. Regardless, it is very uncommon for a virus to be passed directly from one human to another via a cough or sneeze in one’s face. As stated above, the most common vector of virus transfer is by your own hands onto your face and into your upper respiratory system. The only group of people who would benefit from a face mask might be adults treating children who might inadvertently cough or sneeze in the adult’s face.
2. Swimming Pools: Viruses like influenza enter the human body via the upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of virus transfer via skin contact in water. (However, one may still contract H1N1 outside the water at a public pool in the same manner as you might catch it in any public place).
3. Eating pork: You simply cannot catch a flu virus from eating pork, or any other food product for that matter.
4. Drinking Water: Public sources of drinking water are carefully regulated. Chlorination of public drinking water has been found scientifically to neutralize other highly pathogenic strains of influenza. To date, there has never been a documented case of flu virus transfer via a public drinking water source.

Natural Mountain Health Products for Flu and Cold Prevention and Treatment:

Heel Engystol^® Tablets: Part of our Heel Allergy Relief Kit, these tablets provide natural treatment for symptoms of viral infections, feverish conditions, and skin disorders through stimulation of your defense system.  Engystol^® is safe for people of all ages from infants to adults.

Heel BHI Sinus Tablets provide all-natural relief from most sinus conditions, such as sinusitis, rhinitis, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and headache.  Heel BHI is fast-acting (tablets are dissolved in mouth) for quick relief from incapacitating symptoms, and is safe for people of all ages, from children to seniors.

Heel Euphorbium Sinus Nasal Spray (aka Sinusin^TM) provides temporary relief from most sinus issues, such as nasal congestion, rhinitis, phinitus, sinusitis, dry nasal membranes, and cold/flu nasal symptoms.  The all-natural and fast-acting ingredients are safe to use on people of all ages, from infants to seniors.  Euphorbium is the #1 selling homeopathic nasal spray in the US and can be used in conjunction with Heel BHI Sinus Tablets.

During the spring, Hay Fever runs rampant as pollens are diffused into the air. Additionally, animals release dander – furthering sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes.  With all of these allergens floating through the air, spring is a focus to many suffering from chronic allergies.

Those suffering from fall allergies often blame Ragweed, and for good reason. Ragweed, which is prevalent in the late summer and early fall months, produces up to one billion pollen grains from a single plant and is the fifth-leading chronic medical condition in the U.S.

In the fall, when strands of flu and the common cold begin to infiltrate our offices and schools, many Americans zero in on those ailments and ignore signs that their flu-like symptoms may actually be caused by indoor allergies.  This is especially important to keep in mind with the recent H1N1 flu news.

As daylight dwindles, the air grows colder, and we spend more time indoors in the late fall, dust mites and mold can become an issue for those suffering from fall allergies.  Symptoms of these indoor allergens include itchy eyes, runny nose, rashes and wheezing.

House Dust Mite

Household dust mites are microscopic relatives to the spider, and can be prevalent in carpet, mattresses and furniture. These tiny mites consume minute organic materials such as dead skin flakes, and are typically transported throughout the house by dust bunnies (clumps of dust) and minor air currents. Mite feces can trigger a variety of allergic reactions, including sneezing, itchiness, and asthma.

In addition to regular fall cleanings to deter mites, as the first cold temperatures of the year come this month and next, it is important to cleanse the air ducts in your house. These air ducts can develop mold when unused for several months, and if they are not cleared can project mold about your house, furthering coughing, sneezing and asthma symptoms.

Should you suffer from fall allergies after the Ragweed season declines, carpet and bedding cleaning as well as duct cleanings should be a priority. If that does not relieve symptoms, many Americans turn to pharmaceutical antihistamines and decongestants. These chemical prescription and over-the-counter drugs may cure the allergy symptoms, but at the same time can cause other adverse symptoms such as drowsiness, upset stomach, and a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

Natural Mountain Health offers an all-natural allergy relief kit. The Heel Allergy Relief Kit is available at the discounted price of $65.00 ($11.15 saving) and includes:

• 2 Heel Luffeel^® Nasal Sprays (20ml/each)
• 1 Heel BHI Allergy Tablets (100 Tablets)
• 1 Heel Engystol^® Tablets (100 Tablets)
• 1 Oculoheel^® Eye Drop Pack (Ten 0.45ml Vials)
• Free “Allergy Field Guide” Informational Brochure
• Free Storage Tote

This popular allergy relief kit is safe for children and adults alike, and provides a safe, natural alternative to chemical remedies.

Vitamin B12

In addition to increasing energy, reducing stress, improving memory, and aiding the digestive system, this water-soluble vitamin is also a necessary ingredient in the production of DNA.

Found in a variety of animal proteins, including meat, shellfish, milk, cheese and eggs, the human body can store several years’ worth of Vitamin B12. For that reason, it is not typically a vitamin deficiency among healthy children or adults who eat meat, or vegetarians who consume dairy products.

However, Vitamin B12 deficiencies can occur in individuals who are unable to absorb B12 from food, and also in strict vegans who do not consume any dairy products.

In addition to individuals with anemic or gastrointestinal disorders, older adults often are susceptible to developing B12 deficiencies. A recent study by the National Institute of Health showed that up to 30% of adults 50 and older may have an increased growth of intestinal bacteria (atrophic gastritis), which prevents the normal absorption of B12 from food.

Early stage side effects of a Vitamin B12 deficiency can include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Pallor
• Shortness of breath
• Mouth and Tongue Soreness
• Weakness

In later stages, Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to neurological problems such as numbness and tingling of hands and feet, memory loss, depression, and even dementia.

For those who either do not consume enough Vitamin B12 or those whose B12 levels are depleted by drugs such as phenytoin, metformin (diabetic therapies), or methotrexate (arthritis treatment), products such as Truehope CNE Capsules are a natural solution to combat and prevent a B12 deficiency.

In our nation’s pharmacies, many commercial vitamin supplements are synthetic based and produced chemically instead of from plants or other natural materials.

These synthetic vitamins are often cheaper to produce than natural vitamins, but are suggested to be less effective than natural options such as TrueHope CNE, which contains 4000% of the suggested Vitamin B12 daily value in addition to 13 other vitamins, 16 minerals, 3 amino acids and 3 antioxidants.

New NSAID Warning

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently ordered all over-the-counter products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (better known as NSAIDs), acetaminophen, or aspirin to revise label warnings by April 29. 2010.

New labels for certain anti-inflammatory drugs will include specific warnings regarding possible long term heart or liver damage as well as the potential of stomach bleeding.

Commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil & Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Excedrin) all include NSAIDs.

The risk of severe stomach bleeding associated with NSAIDs increases if an individual is:

•  60 or older
•  Dealing with stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
•  Taking blood thinners or steroids
•  Combining prescription drugs and/or nonprescription NSAIDs

Conventional pain relief treatments such as NSAIDs treat symptoms by suppression and can come with a variety of long-term side effects.  Over 30 million people take OTC pain relievers on a daily basis and each year over 100,000 people are hospitalized from the side effects of chronic use.  

Homeopathic products, such as Heel’s ZEEL and Traumeel, are safe and healthy alternatives to NSAIDs for joint stiffness, headaches, and arthritic pain. Traumeel, an all natural product containing 12 botanical substances and 2 minerals, regulates inflammation instead of suppressing it. Without any adverse side effects, these products can be used to treat patients of all ages.

Whether you are looking to improve your diet or are searching for a safe Omega-3 supplement, be sure to consider the source.  It is especially important for women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing and young children to avoid fish with potentially high methylmercury levels.  Below are lists of fish that are considered a low mercury risk and of fish to limit or avoid.

Low Mercury Risk Fish – Best Choices:

• Pacific Halibut
• Alaska Wild Salmon
• Tilapia
• Rainbow Trout
• Oysters (farmed)
• Mussels (farmed)
• Dungeness & Stone Crab
• Catfish (US farmed)
• Arctic Char (farmed)

High Mercury Risk Fish – Avoid or Limit Consumption:

• Blue, King, & Snow Crab (US)
• Oysters (wild)
• Swordfish
• Canned Tuna
• Chilean Seabass (Toothfish)
• Grouper
• Blue & Striped Marlin
• Orange Roughy
• Salmon (Atlantic, farmed)
• Shark
• Sturgeon
• Albacore, Bigeye, Yellowfin, & Bluefin Tuna

If you are looking for an Omega-3 supplement, we recommend Nutri-West Complete.  While we didn’t include everything on the lists, let us know if you have a question about a specific fish & we’ll try to provide an answer!