THE ALTERNATIVE TO ...… IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - QUEST L PLANTARUM

How do you treat a problem that has not just one, or two or even three different symptoms, but a whole myriad of them? When the symptoms range from constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, cramping, excessive flatulence and general abdominal pain you may soon find your medicine cupboard resembles a chemist shop.

Fortunately there is now a single supplement which deals with all the symptoms of IBS, and it is actually a specific strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarum - otherwise known as L Plantarum In fact, L Plantarum is the only probiotic that has been shown in research to alleviate the symptoms of IBS.

At Elixir we have had excellent results with this particular supplement, and no wonder as one study found that 95% of patients receiving L Plantarum over a four week period showed significant improvements in all IBS related symptoms including bloating, constipation and diarrhea - and the majority found it worked within four days.

L Plantarum has been shown to adhere to the intestinal wall, forming a physical barrier against harmful bacteria and at the same time increasing the production of fuel for intestinal cells. In fact, L Plantarum helps to maintain a healthy heart, can help lowering cholesterol levels and helps boost your immune system at the gut level. However, for IBS sufferers it has been found to be so specifically helpful that in most cases using just this one supplement has resulted in great improvement in their condition. At the same time it is very safe, even during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and may be taken long term for as long as required.

We have therefore found that L Plantarum is the single most effective supplement you can use for IBS, which can at times be debilitating to say the least. Life doesn't have to be a pain in the backside!

To buy this product, click on the following link Quest L Plantarum. If you wish to speak to a customer adviser, you an telephone us on 01208 814500 for further information.

By Randi Henderson

Elixir on Facebook!

Well, if trying to keep a blog up-to-date isn't enough mischief for Jason to get up to, he's now launched a Facebook Page! On our Facebook Page, friends, family and customers alike can join our community and share news and goings-ons in the Elixir world and, of course, their own. We'll try to stick to health matters but fresh anecdotes and points of interest are always welcomed.

At the moment, I'd like interesting recipes to add to the blog, especially all time favourites - dug from the caverns of childhood or present day stuff you can't live without! I know there's plenty out there (yes, I'll even part with my third-generation secret fudge recipe Sam Ravelle - a little bit of what you fancy is good for you!)...

So get scribbling people! Our Facebook Page can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elixir-Health-Foods/51988572538#

Solgar PM PhytoGen Complex - Amazing feedback

In February 2008, Elixir undertook a promotion in the local advertiser on a little known herb for the menopause, Solgar's PM PhytoGen Complex.

We have done many promotions over the years but nothing prepared us for the colossal interest and demand for the product in the last three weeks! Increased sales are always a good thing but we were also astonished at the unprecedented feedback from women (and chaps!) who have returned, in such a short time, to tell us how good the product is working, and to repeat their purchase. "Brillant," is all we could say! Happy customers is what it's all about...

Well done PM PhytoGen Complex!

The Menopause and Sea Buckthorn Oil

Menopausal women may benefit from the effects of Sea Buckthorn Oil, according to a study from Finland.

Supplementing with Sea Buckthorn Oil, which is extracted from the berry of the sea buckthorn plant, is believed to help maintain natural lubrication during the menopause and help with vaginal dryness due to its soothing action on mucous membranes, such as those of the vaginal tract.

Vaginal dryness is something around half of all women suffer from and is caused by the drop in oestrogen levels when a woman hits the menopause. Acid levels also begin to decline, leaving women open to invading microorganisms, which can cause yeast infections and urinary tract infections.

The results of the first three months of the study also showed positive effects of Sea Buckthorn Oil on typical symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, including dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, joint pain, pale finger, and atopic skin.

Source: Pharma Nord

Graham's Bread!

Graham is one of our customers; he buys his flour from us at Elixir Health Foods and lives in Bodmin, Cornwall. His talent for bread-making has brought him into demand with a local pub, where the customers have quite rightly fallen in love with his delightful loaves and buns. He brought me in a couple of his buns and I too became a fan of his. Totally unselfish, he happily provided me with his recipe.

So don your pinny and go for it:

TO MAKE TWO LOAVES OF GRAHAM'S BREAD...

500g Mixed grain flour
50g Oatmeal
300g Strong white flour
1 sachet of dried yeast (7g) or 30g of fresh yeast
1 and half teaspoons of salt
50g butter
1 egg
500ml of warm water
Two and a half teaspoons of sugar

Sieve flour into a bowl, add sugar and salt then mix.
Melt butter and add to the water, egg and yeast in a separate jug.
Create a well in the centre of the flour than add contents of jug.
Stir until all flour has absorbed into the dough.
Cover with cling-film for 20-30 minutes, until doubled in size.
Once risen knead well (add flour as necessary).
Divide dough into two equal parts, shape and leave to rise again for a further 25-30 minutes.
Bake for 20-30 minutes at 190 degrees celsius.
Bread is cooked when it sounds hollow when tapped on the underside.
Leave to cool on a cooling rack for 15 minutes - until done...

...and there you have it - Graham's bread - enjoy!

SOLGAR PM PHYTOGEN COMPLEX - THE ALTERNATIVE...TO MENOPAUSE MISERY

If you have ever lived with a woman as she is going through the menopause, be it your wife or your mother, you will be aware that it can be a tough time in a woman's life! Some women are fortunate enough to make the transition easily, but most experience at least one of a long list of symptoms which can range from hot flushes, disturbed sleep, stress, low energy and libido, bladder problems, osteoporosis, muscle and joint aches and pains, vaginal dryness, weight gain and IRRITABILITY! Well, who would be happy with all that going on?

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

There are several options in how to deal with all of this. You can try to persuade the body not to be menopausal by using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but this is not suitable to every woman and is only postponing the inevitable. Some women are also understandably concerned about side effects reported in the press, such as an increased risk of breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots.

Many herbs have been given the status of 'miraculous', however, the little known herb Pueraria mirifica PM PhytoGen really does live up to its name - in fact mirifica is a Latin word meaning 'miracle maker'. PM PhytoGen experienced positive results immediately, and after six months every woman reported improvements in all 20 menopausal issues monitored in the study. It also has a long history of promoting youthful skin and hair, as well as strength and vitality.

AND NOW FOR THE SCIENCE BIT...

PM PhytoGen contains phytoestrogens which are also found in other helpful herbs such as Red Clover and Dong quai, but is unique in that it contains a nutrient called miroestrol. Miroestrol is similar to oestriol, a weak oestrogen found in the female body that plays a protective role in health, and it is thought that it is the action of miroestrol which is the key reason for the miraculous properties of PM, making it much stronger than other phytoestrogens in helping to relieve hot flushes, night sweats and headaches.

It is not hard to see how menopausal symptoms can make life a misery, particularly coming at a time when perhaps children are leaving home, parents are becoming old and frail, and at the same time realising that you are not getting any younger yourself. It is therefore important to know that there is help available even if you are not able (or willing) to take HRT. Pop in to our shops in Wadebridge and have a chat with one of our knowledgeable members of staff, and we might be able to put a spring back in your step!

To buy  Pm Phytogen Complex click on the link. If you wish to speak to a customer advisor, you an telephone us on 01208 814500 for further information.

By Randi Henderson

Milk Thistle and Liver Support

Consuming more than the usual amount of alcohol puts extra strain on our livers and the inevitable morning after feeling. Milk Thistle is a well-known herb with a traditional use for hangovers.

It's effective as a liver tonic, used as a fat metaboliser and to help treat psoriasis.The main constituent of Milk Thistle appears to be the substance known as silymarin. This has the unique function of being able to act directly on the cells of the liver, producing a liver-protective effect.Silymarin is able to prevent liver cell damage, through stimulating the function and regeneration of liver cells.

All these factors are important in overall health, with the liver acting as the most important avenue for the elimination of toxins found within the body. Milk Thistle may be one of the best presents you treat yourself or friends to on a night out or after boozy dinner party!

Available either in easy to take drops or tablet form.