Supplements | NonStop Natural

Top 10 Best Probiotics and Why You Should Make It a Resolution

December 22, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

By now, you have probably heard that our bodies are filled with billions of bacteria, both good and bad. While most of the time, the good outweigh the bad and keep them under control, it doesn’t take much for the bad guys to take over.

Since about 80 percent of our immune system is located in our gut bacteria, it’s important that we make sure that this good/bad balance stays in check. This is most easily done by taking a probiotic supplement. This means that by taking probiotics, you can help your body to naturally fight off cold and flu viruses.

If you get sick and need to take antibiotics, consuming probiotics can help prevent a yeast infection and restore the delicate balance in your digestive system.

Not all Probiotics are the made the same, however. We are going to let you in on the top 10 probiotic supplements around, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Renew Life Ultimate Flora

This is a super powerful probiotic supplement. Each capsule has 50 billion cultures and 10 different strains of Probiotics! This delay released formula makes sure that you get all the good bacteria that you need each day.

Healthy Origins Natural Probiotic

This supplement is very good and, perhaps best of all, reasonably priced. Healthy Origins has 30 billion cultures and 8 different probiotic strains for improved digestive health. This product is also shelf stable, so you can buy in bulk and not have to worry about it going bad.

NOW Foods Probiotic 10

With each capsule containing 25 billion active cultures and 10 different probiotic strains, this supplement will greatly improve your digestive and immune system health. This supplement is diary, wheat, and gluten free, which makes it perfect for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Now PB8

This effective, yet affordable, supplement offers 14 billion active cultures and 8 different probiotic strains. While it might seem a bit skimpy on the active culture end, this product is so affordable that you can always take two capsules if need be.

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics

Everyone knows this famous internet doctor, so is it any wonder that he’s got his own supplement? Dr. Mercola’s capsules contain 70 billion active cultures and 10 different probiotic strains. A coated capsule ensures no stomach upset and this product has an 18 month shelf life.

Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic

For those who eat plenty of other probiotic filled food, such as yogurt, but want to add a little extra insurance, Culturelle is a sure bet. With 10 billion active cultures, this single, yet effective, probiotic strain can support a healthy digestive system and help to keep the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines.

Sedona Labs iFlora Multi-Probiotic

This supplement has an amazing number of strains; 16 in each capsule and 32 billion active cultures. This will support a healthy immune system, digestive system, and encourage regular bowel movements. This product is vegetarian, but not vegan. This might be a bit more expensive than most, however, with 2 capsules per serving.

Puritan’s Pride Probiotic 10

Puritan’s rapid release supplement has 20 billion live cultures and 10 different strains, making it effective and well balanced. It does have a lower overall live culture count than some others, but is reasonably priced.

Hyperbiotics Pro-15

While this supplement is on the low side of active cultures at 5 billion, it has more strains than any other product at a whopping 15 per gel coated pills. Not capsules, but a unique gel coated pill ensures that the Probiotics make it past the stomach and into the intestines. This product is designed to get more live Probiotics into the lower part of the intestinal tract where they can do the most good.

Nutrition Essential Probiotic

This is one of Amazon’s top selling probiotic supplements and it’s easy to see why. With a basic formula of 15 million live cultures and tons of positive reviews, this is a good, all around probiotic that appears to get results!

By keeping your immune system healthy, you can avoid those annual flu shots! Also, a healthy digestive tract means healthy bowel movements and while no one likes to talk about that in public, it’s still a fact of life.

It’s a good idea to add Probiotics to your daily diet for three months to allow the bacteria time to “set up house” so to speak, and then a weekly dose should keep you in the pink!

How to Naturally Kick Colds to the Curb This Winter

November 13, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

There is no denying that cold and flu season is just around the corner. With the first major storm of the season poised to hit the east coast and rainstorms in the West, the next thing sure to follow will be colds, coughs, sore throats, runny noses, and the flu.

In this article, we are going to talk about the common cold. While it might be “common” it is anything but pleasant. A severe cold can make you feel like you died from the throat up.

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do once you catch the virus. There is no cure. However, the good news here is that there are plenty of natural ways you can prevent, lessen the severity of, and shorten the duration of that oh so common, sniffling, sneezing, stopped up head, sore throat, runny eyes, and coughing cold.

Prevention

You know the old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is absolute truth! The best way to deal with a cold is to try to prevent one in the first place. There is nothing new here, but if you’ve been skimming over this advice for years, perhaps it’s time you paid attention.

Wash your hands. Again and again and again. Try to not touch your face (which is easier said than done). A friend once made a “buddy system” with a co-worker where they would snap their fingers every time they saw them touching their face.

If you can’t avoid touching public spaces, such as ATM keypads, railings, shopping cart handles and such, get in the habit of using hand sanitizer afterwards.

Getting plenty of sleep and vitamin D (via sunshine if possible) has also been shown to reduce the number of colds people catch.

Despite your best efforts, if you should catch a cold, here are some ways to make it shorter and easier to bear.

Hot Drinks with Cinnamon or Ginger

This works best if you start at the first sign of the sniffles. Drink hot herbal tea with cinnamon or ginger. Lemon and honey will soothe a sore throat, but using cinnamon or ginger will help to thin the mucus in the sinuses, clearing them out. The virus is lurking in your sinuses, so keeping them clear of mucus as much as possible will help.

Zinc

This natural mineral is vital for the proper functioning of the immune system. Adults over the age of 18 can take 40mg a day. Taking a zinc supplement will not only help your immune system fight the cold, it is known to prevent the virus from reproducing, so if you take it regularly, you can stop those little stinkers from making you any more sick than you are when you start taking the zinc. Lozenges are a great way to slow the progression of the virus in the mouth and throat. Start with these at the very first sign of illness and continue for 7 days.

Yarrow

A very old fashioned remedy that really works. Many people claim that their cold was completely gone in 36 hours. Most people consume this in tea form with lots of honey as it can taste bitter. You can also make a mix of yarrow tea and either peppermint or chamomile tea for extra soothing, cold fighting power.

Nettle Leaf Tea with Red Raspberry Leaf

Make your own mix of nettle leaf tea with red raspberry leaf tea for one of the best cold fighting teas around. Both have trace minerals and vitamins that remove toxins and stimulate the immune system.

Garlic

Garlic is a great cold fighter, but you have to be a toughie for this one. This herb is a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral powerhouse. Finely mince one or two cloves, put them in a glass of water and drink it straight down! If this is just too strong for you, add plenty of garlic to chicken soup, broth, or perhaps even make some garlic “tea” with honey. Most kids will not drink this, but for the hearty, this method works wonders.

Coconut Oil

This natural oil is high in a compound called lauric acid and is believed to remove the protective coating around viruses, making them vulnerable to your body’s immune system. Add 5 to 6 tablespoons of coconut oil each day until symptoms of your cold subside. Try it in your coffee, tea, cooking, toast, or, if you like the taste, just swallow it down right out of the jar.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Yes, there is no denying it, this tastes terrible, but it really works. Add a tablespoon in a glass of water and gargle with it at least 4 times a day. Then, drink one glass of this each morning and night. The earlier you start, the better this will work.

Steam

If your head is so clogged you think you need a plumber, try this.

Put a pot of water on the stove. Add three or four drops of Eucalyptus oil to the water. Once it boils, turn off the heat and pour the water into a bowl. Now stand over the bowl with a towel draped over your head. Close your eyes and breathe in the steam. If you must, start breathing with your mouth. You will find that your nose clears up quickly. Be careful not to stand so close to the steam that you burn your face!

Natural Chest Salve

If that cold should move down into the chest, make your own non-petroleum based chest salve by mixing about 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil into half a cup of coconut or almond oil. Rub this on your chest and under your nostrils, the same way you use vaporub. Wash off with warm water when it feels cold.

If you do catch a cold, please be kind to everyone else and avoid passing it on. Wash your hands, use virus killing tissues, and stay home at least for the first 3 days when you are most contagious.

Top 10 Natural Ways to Stop Night Time Leg Cramps

October 12, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

If you have ever suffered from one of those jump-out-of-bed-and-dance-around-the-room nighttime leg cramps, you know how awful, and painful, they can be!

Although you can also experience these painful cramps in the feet or thighs, for most people, it is the calf muscle that seems to be the main culprit.

There are numerous reasons why people experience these cramps; everything from pregnancy, particular medications long periods of sitting or standing, even a nutritional deficiency. However, in many cases, no one really knows why we get them.

A quick look at Google will reveal hundreds of “cures”. Some work for some people, but don’t for others. If you are unable to find the reason for your leg cramps, you might want to try these one at a time. Hopefully, one of the following 10 methods will give you relief from these painful episodes.

Soap

This one has been proven to work, although scientists and doctors are at a loss to explain it. We can personally attest that this method has worked for one of the admin’s of this page!

Simply by placing a bar of unwrapped soap inside the bed, you can stop cramps from occurring. Be certain that you are using real soap and NOT a “beauty bar” or “complexion bar”. Those are not real soap, but merely detergent. Ivory soap or Irish Spring is two common soaps. Unwrap the bar and put it between the sheets, down towards your feet. You don’t have to actually touch the soap with your feet, but you can if you like.

If you should experience a cramp, or if the soap starts to dry out too much, replace it. As we mentioned, this method works for many, although scientists don’t understand why this is.

Stay Hydrated

Simply being a little dehydrated can cause muscle cramps. Water makes up about 75 percent of our muscle tissue, so you can see how lacking even a little bit of water in our bodies can cause our muscles to react strangely. Water balances the electrolytes in the body, without which, our muscles simply wouldn’t work right. Be certain that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women will experience leg cramps at night, especially during their late second trimester and right up until birth. This is most likely due to increased pressure on the nerves and/or circulation in the legs. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about this, ladies, until you give birth. Try the soap method listed above and/or speak with your doctor.

Nutritional Deficiencies

There are several minerals in the body that are important for muscle contraction and nerve impulse. Sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, are all necessary for proper muscle function. A lack of any of these can result in leg cramps.

Consider taking a multi-vitamin supplement if you feel you are eating a proper diet, but are still suffering from leg cramps. You can also try adding more bananas, nuts, seeds, spinach, and seafood to your diet to see if these mineral rich foods help to stop your cramps.

Overexertion

For those who must stand for long periods of time or those who wear high heels regularly, you will find that these activities put excessive pressure on the calf and foot muscles, often causing leg cramps. Be sure you wear shoes that fit well and if you must stand all day, put a soft mat under your feet. There are mats designed just for this purpose!

Ladies, take a break from heels! Vary the size of your heels at the very least! Don’t wear heels around the house or anywhere you don’t really have to. High heels are pretty, but they are detrimental to your feet, legs, and back!

Hypothyroidism

Low levels of thyroid hormones, known as hypothyroidism, can also cause nighttime leg cramps. Since thyroid hormones affect how the body uses calcium and other minerals, you can suffer from a deficiency not due to poor eating habits, but poor absorption because of an underactive thyroid. If you suspect this might be the case, a simple blood test will tell your doctor if your thyroid is working properly.

Prolonged Sitting

Unfortunately, many people work behind a desk for most of the day. This can lead to a lack of circulation, which can cause nighttime leg cramps. Try to at least stand up for 2 minutes out of every 30. You might want to set a timer on your phone or computer to remind you. Walk during your breaks and after work to help improve muscle tone and circulation.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

As much as we love it, caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, which rob the body of water and important minerals. No one is expecting you to cut out that morning cup of Joe, but stop after two or three cups in the morning. Consider replacing your lunchtime soda with water or green tea, and limit your consumption of alcohol to no more than 1 drink (5 ounces) per day. If you do drink before bedtime, you should drink a full cup of more of water just before hitting the sack.

Stretch the Legs

Some people say that simply taking a quick walk or riding a stationary bike for about 10 minutes in the evening helps to stop leg cramps. This is most likely due to increased circulation and the stretching of the calf muscles. You can also try yoga to stretch the calf muscles.

Keep It Loose

Don’t tuck those covers in too tightly around the foot of the bed! Some people say that they experience leg cramps when their feet or toes become twisted because they are caught in the covers. You want the sheets and blanket to cover the feet, but not so tight that your feet are pointed down or in some other awkward position.

Do you have any other natural remedies that have worked for you? We would love to hear how you avoided nighttime leg cramps.

You Can Rely on These Top 10 All Natural Antibiotics This Winter!

October 9, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

Antibiotics are, and have been, a lifesaving medicine for millions. Unfortunately, the overuse or incomplete use of antibiotics has now created bacteria that are resistant to all known types of antibiotics.

This means that, once again, unless we develop new antibiotics, bacteria will reign supreme and people will die from simple infections.

You can avoid these dangers by only using antibiotics when you truly need them and by consuming all of the medication your doctor gives you.

You can also avoid these dangers by using nature’s antibiotics whenever possible.

Of course we aren’t suggesting that these are better than or even equal to prescription antibiotics, but many times these natural foods, spices, and oils will do the job.

Want to know more? Keep reading and find out which are the top 10 antibiotics given to us by Mother Nature.

Garlic

This is perhaps the most common and most used all natural antibiotic. Simple, everyday cloves of garlic contain antifungal, antiviral, and antibiotic compounds. Garlic needs to be crushed or cut in order to release these compounds, however. So be sure to add plenty of garlic to whatever you are cooking to keep yourself healthy, even if it won’t get you voted Most Kissable!

Echinacea

Native Americans have used this flowering plant for eons. It can treat bacterial infections, wounds, and keeps the immune system working properly. You can use Echinacea creams to treat many skin problems and stop infections. You can also take supplements to fight off internal bacterial or viral infections or to simply keep your immune system working at its best, drink a cup or two of Echinacea tea each day during the flu season. Please note that those who have immune disorders should avoid this supplement.

Honey

This is a sweet remedy that has been used for hundreds of years! Honey contains antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Before bandages or antibiotics, honey was often applied to skin wounds to prevent infections, as well as being used as a face wash to prevent breakouts. Always use raw, organic honey for best results.

Turmeric

Used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, turmeric is a super anti-inflammatory with antibiotic compounds that not only destroy bacteria, but encourage the body to use its own natural defenses to heal itself. You can consume fresh turmeric via food or tea, take supplements, or mix turmeric powder with honey and milk for a super antibiotic potion!

Oil of Oregano

A chemical compound in oregano oil, called carvacrol, is such a powerful antibiotic that it has been known to work in cases where antibiotic resistant bacteria refused to budge! You can mix a few drops of this healing oil in water to bathe wounds, help stop skin problems, treat foot or toenail infections, and much more! For cough or flu symptoms, add a few drops to a pot of boiling water and breathe in the healing steam.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaves have good antimicrobial benefits, as well as a natural anti-inflammatory action. You can consume this one via supplements, or make your own tincture for external use by filling a jar with fresh olive tree leaves and covering them with vodka. Leave in a dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, then strain out the leaves. This makes a terrific wash to cleanse wounds or cuts.

Goldenseal

This is another herb that has been used by the Native People of America for centuries. It works well for both internal and external bacterial infections and activates the white blood cells of the body so they can fight infections naturally. This is very powerful medicine, however, and should only be taken for 3 or 4 weeks at a time. You can take supplements or make a tea from fresh leaves and flowers. Be careful if you harvest this plant wild, however, as it is on the endangered list due to over harvesting. Consider growing your own!

Ginger

You might already know that ginger is a natural way to stop nausea and vomiting, but did you know that it can also help to stop food borne bacteria, such as salmonella? Drinking ginger tea after each meal ensures not only proper digestion, but will kill any unwanted bacteria and pathogens in your food.

Neem

Sometimes called Indian Lilac, neem is another powerful plant that fights bacteria without the bacteria building up a resistance to it. Neem oil is the perfect answer for oral problems such as gingivitis and bad breath. You can also use the leaves or powder to take care of most skin problems.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

These tiny but powerful seeds are terrific for their antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral compounds. Grapefruit seed extracts have been shown to be effective in fighting more than 800 types of bacteria and viruses. You might want to consider taking these supplements during the cold and flu season this winter!

It was the father of medicine, Hippocrates, who once said “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food”. He was absolutely correct! Mother Nature has already provided us with almost everything we need to live a healthy, natural life; if only we would take advantage of it.

To Supplement or Not to Supplement: Everything You Need to Know

July 22, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t want to eat healthier, lose weight, put on muscle, and feel great? While it sounds fairly simple; eat a good diet, get some exercise, get some sleep, however, most people feel that they need to take supplements to “make up” for the things they lack or to speed the process along.

Is this necessary? Do you really need supplements to help you lose weight, bulk up or to have more energy?

No, not really. Worst of all, they can actually do you far more harm than good.

What The Feds Found

One large study performed by the federal government, found that supplements which were meant to either help you lose weight or gain muscle, (some of the biggest names out there too, such as Xenadrine and Hydroxycut) were the cause of more than 20,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms every year.

This is no joke. The Department of Justice has filed both criminal and civil enforcement actions against more than 100 manufacturers of these kinds of products.

The Problem with Protein Powders

Many young men consume protein powders as a means of building muscle and putting on weight. In fact, protein powders are one of the best selling supplements on the US market today.

No one is denying that protein is good for you. It is absolutely necessary for building muscles; however, most Americans already consume far too much protein. There is (in most cases) no lack of fish, meat, beans, nuts, tofu, and other types of protein in the average American diet.

To make things worse, many of these companies have been using cheap fillers in their protein powders, which mean you are paying a whole lot of money for very little protein.

Homeopathic Hype

Let’s not forget the homeopathic hype, such as pre-exercise drinks and energy bars. It has been shown again and again through scientific studies that homeopathic remedies do absolutely nothing. NOTHING. You might was well thrown your cash in the fire. The results will be the same.

One example was published in the very distinguished medical journal The Lancet, in 2005. This study confirmed hat diluting the active ingredient until there was literally nothing left to measure (which is what homeopathic remedies are) was every bit as effective as a sugar pill. This is just one example and there are literally hundreds more like it.

The Most Dangerous

Workout boosters are perhaps the most dangerous of the bunch. With names like Oxy Elite Pro or Jack3D, they sound super cool, don’t they? These supplements promise to increase oxygen to the body, increasing your ability to exercise.

After two soldiers who used Jack3D died, the active ingredient in this supplement was found to be DMAA (dimethylamylamine) a plant compound that is known to contract the blood vessels, increasing blood pressure to dangerous levels.

The makers of Oxy Elite Pro have had indictments made against them for claiming that their product contained natural plant extracts, when the truth was that it contained synthetic stimulates imported from China. The indictment claims that several people have suffered from liver damage and that at least one death was linked to this supplement. Oxy Elite Pro has been recalled and removed from stores.

Creatine or Meat

Don’t waste your money on creatine supplements. Your body naturally makes this whenever you eat meat. Opt for a steak dinner once or twice a week if you want to improve the output of energy from muscles.

What About Zinc?

When you feel a cold coming on, it is perfectly OK to take small amounts of zinc (no more than 11mgs for the average adult) can help to interfere with the replication of the bug that is responsible for the common cold, rhinovirus. Studies show that people who take zinc lozenges or supplements have shorter colds and far less severe symptoms than those who do not.

Last But Not Least: Weight Loss Supplements

All these supplements, whether they are powders, bars, or pills, that claim to help you slim down, are definitely not worth your money. Almost all of these supplements contain things like caffeine (which you can get pretty cheaply from a few cups of Joe) and herbal extracts such as wild mint, wild olive, or cumin. There are no studies showing that these supplements work. None. Save your dough.

Oh, and those green coffee extracts? Complete bunk. There was only one study and it was retracted after it was discovered that the entire study was funded by and monitored by the company who makes this stuff.

Green tea extracts or drinking green tea has been found to have some health benefits, but don’t think that drinking a cup a day is enough to prevent cancer. Almost all studies show that green tea is most effective when you drink 5 to 6 cups of freshly brewed tea each day.

Your best bet continues to be the boring stuff you have heard over and over. Eat a plant based; varied diet, get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.