And just like that we are into the second half of 2022 already! June was a busy month for us here, with some pretty nasty colds and flus around, and like Covid they have been taking a while to bounce back from. You may remember reading about some popular products to help with recovery from illness in our May newsletter. If you no longer have the May newsletter in your in-box you can read previous copies of our newsletters on our website. We also have articles from our newsletters posted to our blog which is helpful if you don't want to read the whole newsletter or you don't know which month the article was in. Coming up with new content each month can sometimes be a challenge so we are keen to hear what you would like to read more about. All ideas are gratefully received! We are also always on the lookout for expanding our product ranges and offerings. Lately we have had a few people asking for Homeobotanicals so we are looking to have these available in the near future. Let us know what you would like to see more of in store. Have a wonderful July everyone and if you visiting other parts of our beautiful country over the school holidays wishing you safe travels.

Our Vision

At Bethlehem Health Shop, we support ethical suppliers and sell quality, researched products. We offer sincere advice from our team of caring, trained staff.

Thank you so much for supporting your locally owned Community Health Store.

• Nuzest Clean Lean Protein - 15% off
• Nuzest Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff - 10% off
• Biotrace Organic Zinc and Liposomal C liquid - 10% off
• Kiwi Herb Stress Care Daily, Calm Down with L-theanine, Speedy Recovery Capsules and all chest syrups -  15% off
• All sizes of Neocell Super Collagen plus vitamin C tablets - 30% off
• Lifestream Aloe Vera Juice 1.25 litre - was $35.90 now $27.90
• Solgar Ester C Plus Immune 60's - now only $32.90 (save $10)
• Solgar Ester C 1000mg 90's - now only $41.90 (save $10)
• Solgar VM 2000 90's - now only $59.90 (save $17)
• Puriti Manuka Honey Snap Packs 21 x 5g - 30% off now $24.40
• Puriti Manuka Crystals Natural Sweetener 40 x 5g sachets - 30% off now $24.40
• Living Nature - Spend $55 on Living Nature products and get a  FREE Advanced Renewal Night Serum or a Toning Gel
• Buy any 2 full size Antipodes products and get a FREE Baptise H2O Ultra Hydrating Water Gel 
• Buy any 2 full size Giovanni products and get a FREE quick dry hair turban
• Buy any 2 Trilogy products and get a FREE Trilogy Vitamin C 50ml Moisturiser
• Buy any Harker Herbals Immune Product in June, July and August and go in the draw to win a Harker Wellness Pack!

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

• Dr Bucha Kombucha - flavours available include Passionfruit, Blueberry and Ginger. See below for you chance to win a bottle!
• Orgran Gluten Free Flour, Quinoa Porridge, Flakes and Puffs
• BuonTempo Gluten Free Pastas
• Oku Kumarahou Tea Bags
• Hampstead Earl Grey Tea and English Breakfast Tea
• Harker Herbals Healing Balm
• Raw Protein Bars - Creamy Vanilla Fudge and Triple Chocolate Brownie
• Golden Fields Roasted Dandelion and Burdock Sachets
• Holistic Hair Quinoa Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner
• Bees Brillance Manuka Blossom Hand Wash and Hand Cream, Propolis Throat Spray, Super Fruity Lip Rescue and Honey and Beeswax Lip Rescue
• Key Sun Homeopathic Kids Lollipops - Cough and Echinacea and Acerola 

Slippery Elm 

Slippery Elm powder is made from the inner bark of Ulmus rubra and Ulmus fulva.

It has three main actions on the body. It is a demulcent (soothing effect on the mucus membranes), an emollient (soothe, soften or protect skin) and a laxative (helps facilitate bowel movements). Slippery Elm places a soothing coating on the membranes of the digestive system, helping to heal inflammation and making it a valuable herb for the gut. Slippery Elm powder should be taken with plenty of water. The powder does have a tendency to float, a bit like cinnamon, so mix 1 teaspoon with a small amount of water or yoghurt to make a runny gruel and take this followed by a glass of water. If using for gastritis or peptic ulcer slippery elm should be taken before meals. If using for gastro-oesophageal reflux take after meals and before bed. A larger dose may be necessary if using to help with constipation or anal fissure. In the case of diarrhoea, slippery elm supplies an increase in dietary fibre plus absorbs toxins and aids in balancing of good gut flora.

Congratulations to last months winner of the She Universe Chocolates - Merle Bray

This month we wanted to talk about Gut Issues and whilst trying to decide what to write about, we came across this article and wanted to share it with you all. 

Many factors affect your gut health, like your family and genetic history and how your body is built. There are also factors you can control, like stress and diet. When your gut functions properly, there’s a good balance of bacteria helping your body process and get energy from the foods you eat, clear toxins, fight against disease, and boost your mood. You’re also free of symptoms like diarrheoa, constipation, loose stools, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Here are 10 warning signs you may have an unhealthy gut

1. You have an upset stomach. Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrheoa,  and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and  eliminating waste. 
2. You feel tired more often than not. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in  the gut. One study found that almost half of people with fatigue also had IBS. 
3. You have trouble sleeping in general. An unhealthy gut can cause insomnia or poor  sleep, which leads to fatigue. The majority of your body’s serotonin, which affects mood  and sleep, is produced in the gut. So, when there’s bacteria or inflammation in the gut,  your sleep may be affected as well. 
4. You are intolerant to some foods. Food intolerances may be caused by poor quality of  bacteria in the gut. You may have a food intolerance if you struggle to digest certain  foods. This can cause bloating, gas, diarrheoa, nausea, and abdominal pain. 
5. You have extreme food cravings, especially sugar. Eating too much sugar can cause too  much “bad” bacteria in the gut. High amounts of sugar, especially high-fructose corn  syrup, are linked to inflammation in the body and puts you at risk for other diseases. 
6. You have unintentional weight gain or loss. When your gut is imbalanced, your body  may struggle to absorb nutrients, store fat, and regulate blood sugar. Weight loss or  gain may be caused by bacteria overgrowth or lack of nutrients. 
7. You have skin irritations. Some skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis may be  related to gut issues.
8. You get migraines. There may be a link between headaches and gut health, especially if  you experience nausea or vomiting with migraines. Studies suggest that people with  frequent headaches are more likely to have gastrointestinal disorders too. 
9. You have autoimmune problems. Some “bad” gut bacteria may trigger autoimmune  conditions like thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1  diabetes. 
10. You have frequent mood changes. Gut problems and inflammation in the nervous  system can lead to anxiety and depression.  

So, how do you balance your gut health?  

• Eliminate food intolerances. If certain foods always cause cramping, nausea, or acid  reflux, you may have a food intolerance. Try an elimination diet to determine your  trigger foods, then remove them from your diet completely. If you need help, consider  Nutrition Counselling. 
• Drink water. You’ve heard it before, but staying hydrated really does improve your  body’s overall health. Drinking water aids with digestion. 
• Have a grocery game plan. Avoid the center aisles with processed foods and refined  sugars and stay around the outside of the grocery store. Choose healthy, fresh fruits and  vegetables. 
• Exercise regularly. Moving your body improves the healthy microbes in your body,  keeps your bowel movements regular, and prevents disease while improving your  overall health. 
• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours each night. Proper sleep helps to balance your  hormones and prevent many scenarios that can negatively impact your digestive health,  like stress or eating too close to bedtime. 
• Reduce stress. Some studies show that people who have early life stress more likely to  develop IBS. Finding ways to manage your stress can help manage your gut, too. 
• Avoid or quit smoking. Smoking can harm your digestive system in many ways—from  heartburn and ulcers to liver disease and cancer. If you smoke, try to quit. Get medical help if you need it.

If you are experiencing any gut issues, we would recommend seeking advice from a qualified health practitioner or have a chat with one of our staff instore to discuss your options.

Written By: Frederick Health Services and posted online Jul 29, 2021

2 INGREDIENT BANANA COCONUT COOKIES

BY CERES ORGANICS - VEGAN  - READY IN 30 MINUTES | SERVES 6

Whether you’re trying to eat clean, quit sugar or just find something better to snack on, these are for you. With only two ingredients you have zero excuses. You can have yourself a batch of these banana coconut cookies in 30 minutes.

These cookies are free from refined sugar, nuts, egg, dairy and gluten – so pretty much everyone can eat them! Plus banana and coconut is a winning flavour combo, even kids will love them. Double the recipe and you’re sorted for the gym, the kids, at work, and those late night sugar cravings.

Method

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with grease-proof paper.

Pulse the two ingredients in a food processor or blender until combined.

Form balls and press down to create a round cookie shape and bake for 25 minutes or until slightly golden.