What is a Lignan?? Understanding the Immune-Boosting Power of Flax Hulls

Lignans are phytonutrients that are believed to be capable of fighting tumor growth, lowering cholesterol, lowering sugar levels in people with diabetes and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are also known for boosting immunity and supporting immune system function. Flax is the richest source of lignans in the plant world, containing up to 800 times more than any other plant.

The major lignan in flax seed is called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). Probiotic bacteria convert the SDG lignans (plant lignans) into the mammallian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone. These mammalian lignans help strengthen the immune system, and may help to naturally lower estrogen levels.

Flax seed hulls also contain large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, which we are lacking in the typical North American diet. Omega-3s impact mental and physical health, improving cholesterol by lowering triglycerides, affecting joint health by reducing tenderness, easing inflammation and providing necessary fat to our brains, skin and bodies.

Flax lignans are especially high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to prevent the development of chronic illness such as heart disease and cancer by counteracting oxidative stress. The antioxidant value of a food is measured by its ORAC value and flax lignan’s value is 19,600 per 100 grams. Compare that to kale’s ORAC value of 1,770! They are powerful free radical scavengers and help stop excessive free radical activity which deplete the body's immune system.

The important benefits of this food supplement are quickly becoming known. The Mayo Clinic, the American Cancer Society, and the FDA all acknowledge the cancer-fighting power of flax lignans.

While you can get some lignans from grinding flax seeds yourself, you’d need to consume gallons of whole flax to reap the benefits of concentrated flax hull lignans. The vast majority of flax lignans reside in the shell, or hulls, of the flax seed. The Osumex natural organic flax hull lignans product is made of hulls only and contains no flax oil. Our flax hulls are also nutritious fibres containing both soluble and insoluble fibres, benefiting digestion and Vitamin B12 in the form of Cobalamin, positively impacting energy levels.

Visit our website to learn more about this immune-boosting product. Osumex ships worldwide. Contact us about having our organic grade flax hull lignans delivered straight to your door.

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Do You Have Adrenal Fatigue?

What is adrenal fatigue? Adrenal fatigue is a collection of signs and symptoms, known as a syndrome, that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Its paramount symptom is fatigue that is not relieved by sleep.

 

Adrenal glands look like hats that sit upon our kidneys. The adrenals allow us to adapt to changes in the environment. They are chiefly responsible for regulating the stress response through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamine, including cortisol and adrenaline. But when our adrenal glands can not meet the demands of stress, adrenal fatigue results. Stress has us in what is known as the 'fight or flight' state. When in this state the adrenocortical hormone is released into the blood stream. The fluctuation of adrenal hormones results in exhausted adrenal glands, causing fatigue, insomnia, irritability, depression, PMS and symptoms related to menopause.

 

The mind-body connection is very evident with the adrenals. Certain emotions, such as anxiety, fear and anger, affect the production of adrenal hormones. Times of personal stress, such as moving, separation and loss greatly influence our stress levels.

 

Adrenal fatigue can seriously disrupt your well-being. In some cases, the activity of the adrenal glands is so diminished that it may be difficult to be out of bed for more than a few hours per day. As adrenal function reduces, our organs are profoundly affected. We experience changes in our macronutrient metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance and cardiovascular system. Changes at the biochemical and cellular levels occur to compensate for the decrease in adrenal hormones that comes with adrenal fatigue.

 

There is a way to test your adrenals simply and privately at home. The Osumex Adrenal Function Urine Test allows you to check adrenal stress and fatigue using a non-invasive method. This test measures the salt content of a urine sample quickly and accurately utilizing a simple titration procedure.

 

It is important to know if you have adrenal fatigue so that you can best deal with it, in a way that suits you. By testing yourself at home you are able to determine if your adrenals are in need of some support.

 

Visit our website to learn more about the Osumex Adrenal Function Urine Test.our website to learn more about the Osumex Adrenal Function Urine Test.

 

 

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Good Guys in the Gut

 

Probiotics are back in the news. The Alberta Children’s Hospital has researchers investigating whether probiotics would help with the numerous cases of stomach flu seen in children every year.

The most basic and best definition of a probiotic is ‘live microorganisms that may confer a health benefit on the host.’ What sort of benefit can you expect from a probiotic? Improved immunity for one thing. It has been estimated that roughtly 70% of our immunity comes from our gut. Keeping this in mind, we must ask what the state of our gut is. Good gut health requires the encouragement of good microflora that will survive, flourish and colonize. Yes, there is beneficial microorganisms in some foods. Often you’ll hear about the probiotics in some popular yogurt brands. Unfortunately, you’d need to eat many fridges full of yogurt to get the amount of microflora that you do from a probiotic supplement.

Probiotic supplementation provides benefits aside from immunity. You may notice that you’re having easier and more complete bowel movements, and better digestion overall. You may experience a decrease in symptoms related to yeast infections such as Candida albicans. Probiotics set up shop in your body and colonize, so that more good flora follows.

Have you ever travelled for a vacation and come back with a cold or flu? Increasing the amount of your probiotic supplementation before, during and after travel may help to keep the common cold or flu away. Travelling with your probiotic could be problematic if you’re using one that must be refrigerated.

Many probiotic supplements are sold in the cooler sections of health food stores. This is to keep the live cells contained in the supplement as they should be – live. Osumex has created a probiotic supplement that does not need to refrigerated. It is live and contains 17 probiotic strains of live bacteria.  It is called LB17 for this reason. (live bacteria, 17 strains)

 

This probiotic supplement is available in capsules. It is also available in a paste that is called the LB17 Live Probiotic Biomass. Both aid in digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals. They are particularly helpful for the condition of IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome, along with Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. This product aids in soothing gut inflammation while stimulating and improving digestion, as they contain digestive enzymes.

 

A probiotic paste is a unique supplement. The texture and taste is somewhat similar to that of a date. Consider the paste as an alternative for someone that may have difficulty swallowing capsules. Our bodies produce less saliva as we age, making it challenging for some seniors to swallow pills. Young children may put up a fight when you try to administer a capsule. This paste is a simple and effective way to provide a dose of wellness without the battles. A full level teaspoon (spoon provided with purchase) can be taken once daily after each meal.

The LB17 paste also makes a wonderful topical remedy for sores and wounds such as canker sores, diabetic sores  or ulcers. When applied directly it is soothing to the skin and speeds healing time.

To learn more about the specific strains or other details about this supplement please drop us an email or visit our website. We’d be happy to share more information about this super healing product.

For the Good of Your Liver

When it comes to overall wellness your liver may be your most important organ. How much time do you spend thinking about your liver? What do you do to support its proper functioning?

The liver is responsible for over 500 functions, including many that are vital to life. It is one of the largest and heaviest organs in the body. The liver’s main functions include processing nutrients from food, making bile, removing toxins from the body and building proteins.

When we eat, macronutrients from our food go to the liver for processing and storage. They are then made into what the body needs and carried through the bloodstream to where they are utilized. Aside from the foods we eat, everything we breathe and absorb is also processed through the liver.

New statistics recently released by the Canadian Cancer Society indicate that liver cancer has been increasing annually since 1970 by 3.6 per cent for men and 1.7 per cent for women, the society's figures show. (link) Although other cancers are on the decline, liver cancer continues to plague Canadians increasingly.

Our health is impacted by the world around us. Environmental factors such as air pollution, water quality and pesticides in food affect liver functioning. Building materials, furnishings and carpeting lend toxins to the air we breathe every day. Skin care products and perfumes commonly contain dangerous chemicals, and house cleaning and laundry products contribute toxins to our homes and environment in significant ways.

Our liver copes with every toxic chemical we encounter. As well, stress, greasy foods and alcohol also interfere with its processes. A normal, healthy liver processes toxins without any trouble. A damaged or weak liver has difficulty processing these toxins out. As they accumulate, problems begin to occur. A weak liver may weaken the kidneys and contribute to digestive problems.

A good way to check liver functioning is by using a liver test kit. The Osumex 10P Urine Analysis Kit is non-invasive and checks for the presence of bilirubin, blood, glucose, ketone (acetoacetic acid), leukocyte, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity and urobilinogen in urine. The test is capable of detecting glucose in the urine and can serve as an early warning sign of Type 2 Diabetes. Please note that after using this test, it is important to follow-up with your health care professional to confirm results.

By arming yourself with the test results and taking steps to prevent disease, you have the power to impact your health for the better. The 10P test kit is a very good preventative tool that allows you some insight into the functioning of your liver.

Tip
Here are some things to keep in mind when considering liver health.

• Consider the importance of hydration, antioxidants and bitters in the support of optimal liver functioning. A healthy whole food diet supports a healthy liver (and digestion too!)
• Water is important for the flushing of toxins from the body.
• Antioxidants fight against free radicals and aid in the prevention of cellular damage. They help the liver carry out its cleansing process.
• Bitter foods such as such as radicchio, arugula, endive and dandelion encourage the detoxification function of the liver.