An Update from Jo

The countdown is on! We may have been a bit slower in embracing the Christmas spirit this year but now have the decorations up and the Christmas aprons on. We are so grateful to you, our loyal customers for supporting us all year, so to say thanks we will be offering double loyalty stamps on purchases over $50 from Monday 12th December to Sunday 18th December! The summer edition of the Community Health Stores magazine is now available instore and some of the specials included in this are mentioned below.

Christmas and New Year can be a time when we overindulge in things we might not often eat or drink. As well as the homeobotanical blend for digestion that was covered in the September newsletter here are another couple of blends that can be supportive at this time of the year.

Hb L – Liver Indications: Used for liver detoxification and liver support in general. Can also be used for gallstones, jaundice and chemical liver damage. It can be blended into any of the other Hb formula’s to support hepatic, biliary or gallbladder function. 

Hb P - Pancreas Indications: This blend may help with sugar cravings, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Hb P also supports other digestive organs (including the liver, gallbladder and the gastrointestinal tract) so may be beneficial for constipation, dyspepsia and flatulence. It stimulates the digestive process and supports normal functioning of the pancreas.

These blends can be made up on their own, or in combination with other blends from the rest of the range. Jo is available most days (except Wednesdays) for a free 5-10 minutes chat to make these up, though for more in-depth prescribing (particularly when combining 3 or 4 different formulas) consultations are available by appointment with Jo or Beverley. 

Christmas Changes to Opening Hours

Open Sunday 18th December 10am to 2pm

Christmas Eve closing at 1.30pm (instead of our usual 3pm on Saturdays)

Closed Sunday 25th to Tuesday 27th

Open 9-5pm Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th

New Years Eve closing at 1.30pm (instead of our usual 3pm on Saturdays)

Closed Sunday 1st to Tuesday 3rd

Normal Hours resume Wednesday 4th January

• Gutsi Mood Biotic 30 caps - save 20% now $37.60! 
• Biosphere Magnesium Powder 300g in Lemon/Lime or Mango/Pineapple - save 10% now $62.90
• Biosphere Nitric Oxide Powder 360g - save 10% now $53.90
• Biosphere Astaxanthin 6mg 60 softgels - save 10% now $35.90
• Biotrace Elite Electrolytes 15% off - 120ml now $28.30 and 240ml now $38.15 (excludes 30ml size)
• Solgar MenoPrime - 30 capsules - now $34.90 save $12
• Solgar Resveratrol 250mg capsules - now $44.90 save $17
• Solgar L-Theanine 150mg 60 capsules - now $43.90 save $12
• Solgar Quercetin Complex 100 capsules - now $53.90 save $17.40
• Solgar Ultimate Calm 30 tablets - now $59.90 save $20
• Solgar Ultimate Calm Daily Support 30 - capsules now $54.90 save $20
• Lifestream Aloe Vera Juice 500ml - now $19.90
• Lifestream Fibre Biotics 100g Powder - now $29.90
• Lifrestream Spirulina Blue 200 tablets - now $43.90
• Spend $59 or more on Living Nature and get a FREE Firming Flax Serum
• Buy any full size Mitchells Bone Broth product and get a FREE metal measuring spoon
• Buy Tui Baby Balm 85g pot and get a FREE Tui Bug Balm 25g
• Buy Tui Extreme Bug Spray 60ml and get a FREE Bee Balm 25g
• Buy any Healthy Bod Co Foot Detox Patches and get a FREE Foot Peel
• Buy any Good Health Product and get a FREE Viralex Lip Ointment

All of the above specials and offers are only valid while stocks last.

• Solimara SPF 50 Sunscreen for Face and Body, two fragrances and available in 88g and 150g
• Solimara Hydrate and Repair Body Cream 150g
• Living Nature’s new Daily Protect Facial Lotion SPF20
• Living Nature Hydrating Glow Exfoliant
• The Herb Farm Radiant Dawn and Tranquil Dusk Body Oils
• Be Pure Good Gut Protein (arriving next week)
• The Remarkable Chocolate Company Smore's Kits, Luxury Bars in Dark Ginger and Caramel, and 70% Dark, Milk Chocolate Organic Scorched Almonds
• Solomans Gold Mylk Berry 45% 55 g (made with coconut milk, vegan and gluten free)
• Selection of Christmas Chocolates from She Universe including Christmas Whiskey Fruitcake 144g, Drunkn Droplets 120g and She Style Chocolate Coated Liquorice 160g (all gluten free and the fruitcake and liquorice are also vegan)
• Hemp Farm Organic Kiwi Hemp Seed Oil 250g
• Nectar shampoo and conditioner bar travel kits for men and women
• Dream Catchers, Wind chimes,  and Eco keep cups 
• Garden of Life once a day women's multi
• Tru2U Sweet Cherry Plus Liquid - also contains Magnesium and L-Theanine

Anemia and low iron are often confused. It is important to understand the difference before taking supplements.

Think of it this way:

• Anemia is caused by lack of Hemoglobin.
• Iron Deficiency is caused by lack of Iron.
• Iron Deficiency with Anemia is caused by both a lack of Iron AND a lack of Hemoglobin.
• Iron Deficiency without Anemia is the same thing as Iron Deficiency and is caused by lack of Iron, but Hemoglobin is still normal.

You can have Anemia (low hemoglobin) without having iron deficiency. That’s because anemia can be caused by issues other than low iron including infection, inflammation or blood loss. Anemia (low hemoglobin) can be detected through a finger stick blood test and is what they test before you donate blood.

Likewise, you can have iron deficiency without having Anemia. Your iron can be low, even severely low, without yet reaching the point where your hemoglobin starts to drop. Iron levels are detected through a blood test for ferritin.

Ferritin is a blood protein and is the main storage protein for iron. Ferritin is, therefore, a good indicator of how much iron is stored within your body. Approximately one-quarter of the total iron in the body is stored as ferritin. Ferritin has a vital function in the absorption, storage and release of iron. Most ferritin is found in the liver but it can also be present in the spleen, bone marrow and muscles. 

Ferritin is therefore the best indicator of iron deficiency. By assessing the levels of ferritin in the body, you can clearly identify whether you might be iron deficient or even have levels that are raised. If a Ferritin test comes back showing a risk of iron deficiency, further tests may be suggested by a medical professional, including a test for iron itself. 

What are normal ferritin levels? 

The range for normal ferritin levels varies due to age and is different for women. It also seems to vary depending on the laboratory or the country doing the testing. A general guide in NZ is a reading under 15 ng/ml is low if you are younger than 19, and for anyone over 20 a reading under 20 is low. The upper limit can be up to 300/400 (though less for women, children and teens). We have Ferritin test kits available in the store, they wont give you an exact reading, just an positive result if your level is less than 30 ng/ml (which in other countries is considered low)

Low ferritin levels - symptoms 

If you have low ferritin levels, you MAY experience symptoms including: 

Pale skin        Fatigue        Very low energy levels    Headaches        Difficulty breathing    Dry skin and hair    Restless leg syndrome     Increased heartbeat 

Iron deficiency usually occurs because of increased requirements or pressure on the body. For example: High-performance sport. Vegetarian/vegan diet with limited iron supply, Pregnancy or Increased blood loss e.g. menstruation 

Up to 20% of menstruating women are iron deficient and up to 5% have iron deficiency anaemia.  In females, iron status is largely dependent on menstrual blood loss. In Europe, the amount of blood loss resulting from menstruation is on average 30 ml per day which is equivalent to a 0.45mg daily loss of iron. 

High ferritin levels  

It is also possible for excess iron to occur, too.   Symptoms of high levels of ferritin include fatigue, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, joint pain and weakness.  The ferritin test is used in combination with other tests to check for iron overload.

Improving Iron Nutrition 

There are two types of iron; haem and non-haem. Haem iron is found in animal products like meat, fish and poultry. Non-haem iron is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, cereals and legumes.  There are certain dietary components which can enhance iron absorption, too, such as vitamin C. 

Because dietary iron can be poorly absorbed the body has a clever way of conserving its iron stores. When our red blood cells are broken down, the body reabsorbs the iron released from them to boost iron stores. The usual 1-2 milligram daily loss of iron is usually replenished by the absorption from dietary sources in the small intestine. 

In summary it is important to include iron rich foods in our everyday diet. It is also a good idea to get tested before adding supplements for iron as it is also possible for ferritin levels to become too high. It is interesting to note that whilst researching this topic we found a paper that reported that when the body gets flooded with iron it releases more of the hormone hepcidin, which suppresses iron absorption.  In one study women were getting iron every day or every other day for 14 days. The total absorption in the everyday iron group was 131mg versus 175mg in the alternate-day group.

(as this article was written using many references we have left them out, to save space, but you can contact us for more info)

Living Nature’s new Daily Protect Facial Lotion offers broad spectrum SPF 20 UVA and UVB protection. The dual effect serum-like formula feeds the skin with powerful ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, organic Aloe Vera and antioxidant hero Vitamin E. Organic Coconut Oil and Shea Butter provide an infusion of moisture and hydration while reducing inflammation. With a light-as-air skin feel and no white cast, Daily Protect Facial Lotion is designed to wear alone or layered under makeup. This month we have one to giveaway! See below for details

• Tested to meet the rigorous Australian and New Zealand SPF standards
• 70% organic
• Oxybenzone free
• Vegan friendly
• Made in New Zealand and suitable for all skin types

As well as the Living Nature Daily Protect Facial Lotion we also have 2 new kiwiherb products to giveaway

Kiwiherb Bedtime Bliss 100 ml - Calm your unsettled child with Kiwiherbs strawberry flavoured seed supplement, Bedtime Bliss.   Formulated with Chamomile, Withania and Hops for effective sleep support for children and babies to help them get to sleep, stay asleep while waking refreshed.  Bedtime Bliss supports healthy sleep patterns and deep relaxation for fuss-free bedtimes and happy mornings to support healthy growth. 

Kiwiherb Colic Comfort 100ml - Calm, settle and soothe a bloated, upset stomach with Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Ginger and Rhubarb for babies and children.  Best given before feeds and in small frequent doses.  A non-habit-forming formula that can be used as needed.   

Congratulations to Annette Fitzpatrick who is the winner of the November giveaway for the two Wild Kiwihearts Magnesium products.

• 5 tbsp.  extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 medium size pears, quartered lengthwise and cored 
• Kosher salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper 
• 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar divided 
• 1/2 c. pumpkin seeds 
• 2 tbsp of sugar of your choice (we used coconut sugar)
• Sea salt 
• 4 tsp.  honey 
• 1  head of lettuce of your choice, torn into bite-sized pieces 
• 2/3 c. crumbled blue cheese (whilst delicious, blue cheese can dominant the other flavours, crumble well or try feta as a substitute – BHS test panel) 

Step 1 

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until just smoking. Add pears in a single layer cut side down and cook, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on both cut sides, 4 to 6 minutes total; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. 

Step 2 

Reduce heat to low and add 1 tablespoon vinegar. Gently stir until liquid is thickened and coats pears, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer pears to a plate and let cool. Halve each piece of pear lengthwise. 

Step 3 

Wipe skillet clean and heat over medium-high heat. Toast pumpkin seeds, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just starting to brown and pop, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to another plate and let cool. 

Step 4 

Return skillet to medium heat. Pour in sugar, shaking pan so it settles in an even layer. Cook undisturbed, until sugar melts and is deep golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a heatproof spatula, stir in pumpkin seeds and 1/4 teaspoon salt. When pumpkin seeds clump together with sugar, transfer to plate and let cool until cool enough to handle. Break into small, bite-sized pieces. 

Step 5 

In a large bowl, whisk honey and remaining 4 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Fold in greens, gently tossing to combine; season again with salt and pepper, if needed. Top with pear slices, pumpkin seeds, and blue cheese. Enjoy!