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In this issue…
♦ The hormone haze… ♦ The 3 main female hormones
♦ Feeling strange? Maybe it’s your hormones…
♦ A special supplement for women… GLA Complex
♦ Managing menopause… ♦ What is Black Cohosh?
♦ Menopause Balance Complex
♦ An answer for female hair loss… ♦ The ProSanté® solution
“We eat vitamin- and mineral-rich Food Supplements in order to enrich our bodies with the values so essential to good health, and we know that the PRESENCE of health means the ABSENCE of disease. We know that any disease a vitamin will cure, that vitamin will also prevent. Let the doctors prescribe vitamins and minerals for the treatment of disease. We who are health-conscious will study the cause of good health, and will continue to provide our bodies with all of the vitamins and minerals supplied by Nature for the building of health.
We need concern ourselves with nothing more. NATURE KNOWS BEST!”
~ A Study Course in Nutrition by Forrest Shaklee Sr., DC, DD
The hormone haze…
Many people have a conceptual understanding of what hormones are, but would struggle to explain their function. There is little appreciation or understanding of just how vital hormones are to every aspect of human health.
Hormones are immensely powerful in minute amounts, and their cycles of production, release and decay or neutralizing are critical to our unseen but vital bodily functions. These happen without conscious effort on our part.
It is no wonder then, that the tiniest fluctuations in hormone release or ratios can have a profound effect on our physical health and emotional state. Some of the most powerful hormones in our arsenal are the sex hormones. While these are vital to our sexual and reproductive health, they are also essential for the development and maintenance of much of our physiology, including things as basic as bone growth.
This newsletter will provide insight into the hormones that most particularly affect women, the effects of hormone imbalances, and how to help correct any imbalances naturally.
The 3 main female hormones
While there are about 50 types of female hormones, these three have the greatest effect on the body:
Estrogen: Vital for the reproductive system, it helps bones retain calcium, balances HDL and LDL levels and regulates blood-sugar levels, memory function and emotions.
Progesterone: Prepares the body for pregnancy and keeps estrogen levels regulated.
Testosterone: Affects mood, libido, energy and the accumulation of body fat as well as mental acuity.
Feeling strange? Maybe it’s your hormones..
Do you sometimes feel… and maybe act… a little “odd” without an apparent cause? Do many of your female friends have the same experience, as well? Don’t worry… you aren’t going crazy. It’s probably just… hormones!
Both men and women are highly responsive to their hormones. Although released in minute amounts, hormones exert incredibly powerful influences on the body. They are responsible for triggering and regulating much of the body’s automatic responses and functions. They are absolutely vital. We could not exist without them.
However, hormonal release… or lack of it… often triggers unwanted physical and/or emotional reactions. Although men and women are both subject to the effects of hormones, females are more regularly and powerfully impacted by their menstruation cycle.
Being a woman means having a body designed to conceive and nurture a child. Whether pregnancy occurs doesn’t matter. Every month is a cycle of preparedness and readiness for that event. Because of this monthly hormonal process almost every woman has at times felt the resulting physical and/or emotional highs and lows.
Preventing hormonal imbalances naturally
Hormones play a huge role in our lives, but if there’s an imbalance, there’s a problem. For example, if you have trouble sleeping… or if you’re trying to get pregnant and cannot… your doctor may tell you that you have a “hormonal imbalance”.
Hormones can tremendously affect our moods, digestion, weight, stress, menopausal symptoms and overall health. And lifestyle changes can have a profound effect when normal hormonal balance is compromised.
If you want to keep your hormones in balance, try these tips.
Decrease caffeine
Too much caffeine can adversely affect your endocrine system, which is responsible for much of your hormone production and release.
Get enough sleep
Sleep alone can have incredibly positive effects on balancing your hormones. Disrupted sleep patterns will trigger stress hormones, depleting adrenals, resulting in hormone imbalance. If you’re having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, try Dream Serene.
Increas
e omega-3s
The body requires fat to perform many processes, including hormone production and the rebuilding of cells. Unfortunately, Americans consume too many omega-6 fats, and too few omega-3s. Reversing this ratio will help balance hormone production. For most people this means taking an omega-3 supplement. We recommend OmegaGuard.
Exercise regularly
Intense exercise can often worsen a hormonal imbalance. Choose low-impact mild-exertion exercises such as swimming and walking to promote relaxation while reducing stress.
Increase magnesium and vitamin D
Magnesium helps promote sleep and allows the muscles to relax, which is crucial for achieving better hormone health. Since more than 40% of the general population is deficient in magnesium, supplementing with VitalMag makes sense.
Sun exposure, which allows your body to make vitamin D, is also vital for hormone health. If you can’t get enough sun, Vita-D3 will provide what you need.
DREAM SERENE™ | Fall Asleep Faster. Wake Up More Rested.
A special supplement for women… GLA Complex
If you suffer from the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as PMS, bloating, or cramping during your menstrual cycle, GLA Complex can help.
The omega-6 fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E in GLA
Complex are combined in this unique formulation to help promote a sense of well-being throughout a woman’s monthly cycle.
Key ingredients in GLA Complex can help.
⇒⇒ GLA is used by the body to form prostaglandins, molecules that signal cellular actions to help regulate many normal bodily processes.
⇒⇒ Vitamin E helps protect arterial walls and supports the immune system by helping to maintain cell integrity.
***** ***** ***** *****
“I love this product! Totally helped with my PMS symptoms. Noticed more even moods and no cramping like normal. Felt more balanced. Also worked for my daughter.”
~ Kimberly W, Shaklee Ambassador
***** ***** ***** *****
“This makes every month much better!”
~ Tracy F, Shaklee Ambassador
Managing menopause…
Many women worry about entering menopause because they fear they’ll experience all of the negative symptoms they’ve heard about:
♦♦ Night sweats
♦♦ Hot or cold flashes
♦♦ Weight gain
♦♦ Mood swings
♦♦ Slow metabolism
♦♦ Migraine
♦♦ Vaginal itching
♦♦ …just to name a few.
As these menopausal symptoms appear, most women will look for ways to manage and adapt to their changing hormones. This is why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) sounds so attractive.
Hormone replacement therapy relieves symptoms of menopause and is claimed to help prevent problems such as osteoporosis. Its purpose is to lessen the symptoms caused by menopause by providing the body with the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Traditional HRT uses one or more medications to synthetically boost the hormone levels in the body and make up for the loss of natural hormones. But… there are side effects.
Clinical trials have proven that the combination of progesterone and estrogen administered can also cause heart disease, cancer, stroke and blood clots. As a result of these studies, prescribing HRT has been banned in some countries.
As the risk factors of hormone replacement therapy became apparent, newer and safer, natural ways of diminishing menopausal symptoms become more mainstream. Here are a few you can try:
____ Food rich in soy helps decrease the occurrences of menopausal symptoms. Soy has natural hormones called phytoestrogens, a type of estrogen, which makes up for the loss of natural hormones in the body. Drink or eat foods rich in soy and the incidence of hot flashes will decrease. Shaklee offers Life Shake with non-GMO soy that will enrich your diet with phytoestrogens.
____ Papaya is rich in nutrients which reduce stress, helping you to relax. And… papaya is also rich in powerful antioxidants like lycopene which may reduce your risk of developing heart disease and cancer.
____ Vitamin B complex helps the nervous system and repairs the cells
in the body. It also decreases many menopausal symptoms and promotes sleep. A good 8-hour sleep pattern is very beneficial to all aspects health. Shaklee B-Complex provides B vitamins in the balance nature intended. And for even better sleep, try Dream Serene.
____ Exercise regularly! Exercise strengthens the body and releases seratonin to make you feel healthier inside and out. When you feel healthy, menopausal symptoms can feel milder or disappear completely.
Whatever option you choose, be it traditional or natural, the benefits should outweigh the risks.
All About Life Shake
What is Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), is a flowering plant found primarily in central and southern
North America. The valuable part of black cohosh is found underground in the root.
While cohosh root has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years, it is now most commonly found in supplements.
The active ingredients in black cohosh include serotonin-like compounds, as well as components that can mimic estrogen in the body. Cohosh also contains triterpenes, isoflavones, tannins, essential fatty acids, and certain starches. As an anti-inflammatory. analgesic, and sedative, in addition to its now-famous role in the treatment and management of menstruation and menopause, black cohosh is an extremely valuable herb for both preventative and treatment measures.
Menopause Balance Complex
A key ingredient in Menopause Balance Complex, black cohosh has been widely studied, for 
its effects on:
⇒⇒ reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes
⇒⇒ promoting restful sleep
⇒⇒ reducing mild mood swings
Menopause Balance Complex also provides both soy isoflavones and flaxseed lignans… phytoestrogens that are currently being studied for heart, bone, and breast health.
An answer for female hair loss…
Losing 50 to 100 strands of hair per day is a typical occurrence for most adults. Any higher may
mean balding (alopecia).
Hair loss may indicate a nutrient deficiency. Here are some nutrients you might need (and their Shaklee sources).
____ Omega-3 fatty acids (OmegaGuard) help keep the scalp healthy by nourishing hair follicles, moisturizing and hydrating the scalp, reducing dryness and itchiness, and supporting oil production. They also improve hair strength and thickness.
____ 95% of every hair strand is made up of protein (Life Shake), which strengthens the hair roots and follicles, reducing hair loss and damage and improving elasticity. It is also critical for new hair cell production and helps repair and reconstruct damaged hair.
____ Biotin (B7), folate (B9), and other B vitamins (B-Complex) help in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
____ Iron (Iron plus vitamin C / Liqui-Lea) plays a role in the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body, including the scalp and hair follicles. It’s also important for cell division and production that promotes hair regeneration and strengthens hair strands and structure. Iron also assists in nutrient absorption, transporting key vitamins and minerals to the hair follicles for optimal growth.
____ Low levels of vitamin D (Vita-D3) have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin D stimulates the follicles to promote hair growth and alleviates inflammation in the scalp. Vitamin D contributes to hair density and thickness, as well as reducing dryness and itchiness on the scalp.
The ProSanté solution
Shaklee’s unique ProSanté hair care line can help your hair stay healthy and luxurious:
Nourishing Scalp Treatment… 10 powerful vitamins, minerals, and herbs clinically proven to thicken and strengthen hair, soothe scalp irritation and protect the scalp’s natural, healthful oil/moisture balance.
Revitalizing Shampoo… improves the condition of dry and damaged hair.
Replenishing Conditioner… moisturizes hair for intense shine and softness. Repairs surface damage, mends split ends, and strengthens for a silky smooth effect.