Quorum Sensing: What is your gut telling you?

Chronic and excessive stress can build over time and become harder for our bodies to adapt and cope. While men and women share many of the same stresses, studies show that women are more affected by high levels of stress than men. The most common symptoms of stress women experience are fatigue, irritability, sleep issues, lack of motivation, digestive challenges and nervousness. In addition, there are life experiences unique to women that bring their own set of stresses – namely pregnancy and motherhood. Let’s take a look at some effective traditional and modern remedies compounded by Redd*: Lactium® This patented, clinically studied ingredient is a unique bioactive peptide called α-casozepine. Peptides are short chains of amino acids. This particular peptide is also made naturally in babies tummies and creates that blissful peace babies experience when nursing. Lactium® has been clinically studied and proven to reduce perceived stress in women and promote restful sleep which improves women’s quality of life. Lactium® is a mom’s ally in any stressful situation. * Ginger Root Historically, Ginger Root has been cultivated and used in Traditional Chinese Herbalism and Ayurveda for over 5,000 years to support healthy blood flow to the limbs and support a calm, healthy digestive system.* Lemon Balm Lemon Balm has safely been used for centuries to support digestive health and emotional wellness. Traditionally, it has been used to soothe occasional restlessness, irritability, and nervousness.* B Vitamins B Vitamins play an important role in the production and regulation of our neurotransmitters, which play a role in promoting a positive mood for women and for pregnant moms, they are also important for a baby’s development.*

In today's fast-paced world, the pursuit of holistic wellness encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing. Emerging research underscores the profound impact of diet on mental and emotional health, highlighting the interconnectedness of what we eat and how we feel. As we look into this intricate relationship, a deeper understanding emerges, revealing how the foods we consume can serve as powerful allies in nurturing both our minds and bodies.

The scientific evidence is in—we all need Omega-3s. That's why they're called essential fatty acids. And, while there's no doubt that Omega-3s are critical for staying healthy, they cannot be made in the body. You must get them from your diet or supplements, but should you take flax oil or fish oil to get what you need?

It is time to dig into hearty spring salads that truly satisfy and nourish! Salad doesn't have to be a boring, endless sea of greens. From protein-packed bowls adorned with fresh vegetables and grains, to vibrant fruits balanced with savory flavors, each recipe is a celebration of abundance. Whether you're seeking a delicious meal or a rejuvenating side dish, these fantastic salads are sure to delight your senses. Grab a fork and dive into these satisfying and nutritious combinations!

When we talk about healthy aging for women, conversations tend to focus on menopause, hormones, and breast and bone health. While these are all important topics regarding women and aging, we can’t forget to look at some other crucial areas regarding a woman’s overall health and longevity. Heart health in particular is an important–but often sidelined–topic when it comes to women’s health.* While it can seem like we have no control over how well we age, there are vital steps a woman can take to do her best to ensure heart health throughout her lifetime. Focusing on a healthy diet and consistent exercise, while also managing mental and emotional well-being, are critical to maintaining heart health. There are also powerful supplements that women can incorporate into their daily health routines to support cardiovascular wellness and overall healthy aging.* Olive Extract EP20™ for Overall Healthy Aging* Nothing says healthy aging quite like the Mediterranean diet, full of lean proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich dietary staples. If you’re looking for a way to reap some of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet yourself, try Olive Extract EP20. This exciting new formula supports an array of healthy aging benefits, including immune function, balanced cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health.*† The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in olives and olive oils provide many health benefits, but those aren’t the only healthy components that make up these healthy foods. Polyphenols and other compounds in olive fruits and leaves (including oleanolic acid, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and alpha tocopherol) support healthy aging, cognitive function, and the cardiovascular system, plus protect against the risk of oxidative stress. Because Olive Extract EP20 delivers a full spectrum of olive fruit and leaf compounds in one concentrated supplement, it provides a convenient, consistent source of these nutrients daily.* Aronia Berry Complex™ for a Strong Heart* Another simple way to support heart health as you age is with Aronia Berry Complex. This product combines Aronia Berry Extract AB40™ with French Grape Seed Extract VX1® to deliver powerful antioxidant protection and support virtually every aspect of cardiovascular health.* Aronia berries by themselves have an incredible antioxidant ORAC value, outshining the benefits of many other berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries. But they also have a tart taste that many people don’t enjoy. In order to make aronia berries palatable, they’d need to be blended with a high quantity of sugar, which would diminish any health gains from the botanical. Additionally, with berries, your intake of compounds would vary greatly depending on when and where the berries were harvested. That’s why an aronia extract standardized for 40 percent polyphenols–like Aronia Berry Extract AB40–is a better choice. It provides a consistent level of beneficial compounds in a convenient form. The other ingredient in Aronia Berry Complex–French Grape Seed Extract VX1–features powerful health-promoting nutrients called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) that support a wide range of health needs for women. These OPCs are small and easily absorbable, allowing them to deliver maximum benefits. Taken on a daily basis, this supplement supports weight management††, cholesterol balance†, focus and concentration, blood pressure health†, cellular protection^, and healthy immune function.*

I discovered Pranic Healing by chance, more than nine years ago in Brazil, where I’m originally from. As a successful software engineer for more than two decades, I had always been very skeptical about anything that was not palpable or fully endorsed by western science. After stumbling upon an article featuring a Harvard study on the benefits of meditation, I decided I had to give it a try. So, I reached out to this genius childhood friend of mine who simply told me to take a Pranic Healing Level 1 class, and my journey began. I registered without thinking and barely read what the class was about, so I had no idea what to expect of this weekend long work-shop. Perhaps some new age, handholding, “let’s get together and feel all right” kind of thing? It couldn’t be farther from that! In a Pranic Healing class the human energy anatomy is taught very methodically and with a high level of detail. We learn about the 11 major chakras (energy centers), their physical and psychological functions, plus practical and powerful no-touch hand movements to remove energy blockages and improve the quality of the energy flowing through a person’s body. Ultimately, a Pranic Healing session can lead to an accelerated rate of self-healing, substantially improving the quality of one’s health, both physically and emotionally. As cool as this may sound, my engineer’s mind instantly rejected it all. I even considered not returning for the second day of class, but there was something inside telling me to “finish what I had started”. Besides, on the second day we would learn the Meditation on Twin Hearts, my main goal from the very beginning.

For 45 years, the herbalists at WishGarden have made it our mission to enhance the relationship between people and plants. One of the most important aspects of that mission has always been helping people understand how to use herbs for the best results. As our owner, Catherine, says, “use strategy is a game changer for efficacy!” We’ve distilled herbal remedy usage down to three unique strategies that encompass what these plants and product do best. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to using herbs, so always listen to your body and consult a practitioner on what’s most appropriate for you.