Up until recently, it’s been an Indian Summer, followed by a very mild winter. No doubt retailers of merino wool were getting anxious. But just this week, BAM! Winter has hit, so I have devoted this week’s instalment of On My Desk to health supplements. Here’s some health products that have crossed my desk recently, their retail prices, and where to find them.
Qsilica Pro Collagen
I’ve noticed my nails are chipping and breaking a bit no doubt from bad diet and probably my advanced age (!) so I need to look at strengthening them. I do take Magnesium for nails and it works well (*when I remember to take it!) Here’s an easy one-a-day capsule if you’re looking for a skin, hair and nails tablet that’s hydrating and conditioning. Qsilica pro collagen has wheat ceramides, Vitamin C, and mineral silica to support collagen production. They are vegetarian and made in Australia by Planet Health, and are free of yeast, dairy products and soy. The active ingredient is Lipowheat, derived from wheat seeds with ceramides to contribute to skin’s barrier and hydration. For more info see www.qsilica.com.au available from selected health stores and pharmacies; see www.lifestream.co.nz
Xtendlife Kiwi-Klenz
Now this is a bit of a somewhat delicate topic but if you don’t have good digestion you can a range of problems ranging from constipation, tiredness, bloating, to nutrient deficiency and undigested proteins (especially red meat) which can lead to bowel cancer. After I had surgery once they recommended I have kiwifruit iceblocks for good digestive health in recovery (I had those Kiwi crush fruit squeezy iceblocks from the supermarket.) Kiwifruits have high levels of actinidin, a protease enzyme that mimics the natural enzyme pepsin, and naturally occuring high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Potassium and Essential Fatty Acids. Xtendlife Kiwi-Klenz has pure New Zealand kiwifruit extract to support healthy digestion. For more info and to buy ($45.50) see www.xtend-life.com
Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-feeding GOLD
For women who are taking a multi-vitamin and find out the news they are pregnant, so many things suddenly change. One you might not even think about though is that you need to change your multi-vitamin. You can’t have vitamin A anymore for baby’s good development, so you need a tablet without Vitamin A, but boosted in the things mother and baby both need, including folic acid, iodine, and fish oil DHA. Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-feeding GOLD ($29.95 for 60 tablets, $52.95 for 120) and Pregnancy Iron ($14.95 for 30 tablets) are available from pharmacies, health food stores and supermarkets. www.blackmoresnz.co.nz
Lifestream CC Flax
Superfoods are all the buzz, and this powder is a super convenient way to take three of them. Organic Calcium, Cranberry and Flaxseed make up Lifestream CC Flax for women’s nutritional requirements and can be sprinkled on smoothies, cereal, or even salads. When I was younger, flaxseed was known as linseed, and we used to sprinkle LSA onto food. This is a similar idea and an easy way to get phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. I’m going to start by sprinkling this on my breakfast cereal. CC flax is available at selected health stores and pharmacies and www.lifestream.co.nz
Radiance Kids Immune
My 3year old son likes these so much I have to make sure he’s only having ONE! Radiance Kids Immune contains Vitamins A,C,E, olive leaf, and echinacea for the winter months in a chewable tablet. $21.90 for 60 from selected health stores and pharmacies or phone 0508 600 400.
Radiance Diindolylmethane ‘DIM’
If you’re feeling a bit dim, this could be exactly what you need: DIM. It stands for Diindolylmethane and ‘DIM’supports healthy oestrogen metabolism and the health of breast, uterus, prostrate and reproductive tissues for men and women.
Radiance Virodefend
This helps support your body’s natural immune response to infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozea. Radiance Virodefend is a broad spectrum immune formula with six powerful herbal extracts: elderberry, olive leaf, oregano oil, allisure from garlic, ImmunEnhancer AG, and rosemary oil. See www.healthandherbs.co.nz
Xtendlife Omega 3 / DHA Fish Oil PREMIUM
Fish oils are high in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids for skin health. This fish oil actually uses New Zealand Hoki along with distilled, concentrated tuna oil with natural Astaxarthin and Lycopene. Xtendlife Omega 3 / DHA Fish Oil PREMIUM is available from www.xtend-life.com
Manuka Doctor UMF Manuka Honey with Lemon
This is my FAVE; Manuka Doctor UMF Manuka Honey with Lemon. I got onto last year in winter time so it’s not actually brand new but is a repeat love affair. It has UMF5+ honey and lemon juice so you add a spoon to hot water. Amazing. It retails for around $31 from their store on lower Queen Street and online at www.manukadr.co.nz
Lifestream Ginger Syrup
Boost your immune system with this delicious blend of manuka honey, apple cider vinegar and ginger. Mix a dessertspoon with a cup of hot water to make a hot drink. Lifestream Ginger Syrup retails for $29.90 for 200 mls.
Olivado Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This last one is not a tablet as such but is definitely aimed at good health; coconut oil for oil pulling. Olivado Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is raw and cold-pressed and of course you may use it for stir-frying, roasting and baking, but I am using it for oral health with the ancient method of oil pulling, whereby you swish a spoonful around for a few minutes then spit it in the bin (not the toilet or sink as it clogs pipes) and your toxins and bacteria adhere to the oil and get removed. I am hoping for cleaner gums, teeth and oral health.
Megan Robinson
6 June 2014
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