marilyns-natural-foods

July Newsletter

laurasnaturalfoods@gmail.com (Scott Weaver) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:49:57 GMT

Triggering Blood Sugar Swings

Caffeine can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, even in beverages like black coffee that contain no calories. This effect is also observed with black tea, green tea, and energy drinks. It's important to note that individuals with diabetes may respond differently to various foods and drinks, so monitoring personal reactions is advisable.

Interestingly, some compounds found in coffee may actually help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in healthy individuals.

When it comes to sugar-free foods, they can still elevate blood sugar levels. This is often due to the presence of carbohydrates from starches. It's essential to review the total carbohydrate content on the Nutrition Facts label before consuming these items. Additionally, be cautious of sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol; while they provide sweetness with fewer carbs than regular sugar (sucrose), they can still contribute enough carbohydrates to impact blood sugar levels.

Sports drinks, designed to quickly replenish fluids, can contain sugar levels comparable to soda. For moderate workouts lasting less than an hour, plain water is usually sufficient. However, for longer or more intense exercise, a sports drink may be appropriate, although consulting with a healthcare provider to evaluate the drink’s calories, carbs, and minerals is recommended.

Certain medications, such as corticosteroids (including prednisone), used for conditions like rashes, arthritis, and asthma, can elevate blood sugar levels and potentially trigger diabetes in some cases. Similarly, diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills, used for treating high blood pressure, may have the same effect. Some antidepressants can also affect blood sugar either by raising or lowering it.

During hot weather, staying indoors with air conditioning is advisable as heat can complicate blood sugar management. Individuals should test their blood sugar levels frequently and stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration. High temperatures can also affect medications, glucose meters, and test strips, so it is important not to leave these items in a hot vehicle.

Aging Skin

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, serving crucial functions such as preventing water loss and safeguarding the body from harm caused by ultraviolet rays, microorganisms, and chemicals. With aging, these protective functions can weaken, making the skin more vulnerable to damage. One noticeable sign of skin aging is the thinning of the epidermis, and research has indicated that levels of vitamin C decrease as skin ages.

In a recent study using a lab-grown model of human skin, researchers explored the effects of two concentrations of vitamin C that typically reach the epidermis through the bloodstream. After seven days of treatment, the results showed that vitamin C contributed to a thicker inner layer of the epidermis compared to untreated skin. By the fourteenth day, the outer layer, which consists of dead skin cells, was significantly thinner, while the thickness of the epidermal cell layer increased notably in the group receiving the higher concentration of vitamin C. These findings suggest that vitamin C plays a vital role in supporting the formation and replication of keratinocytes, which make up 90% of epidermal cells.

Screen Addiction

A significant study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed that it is not just the total amount of screen time, but specifically compulsive phone and social media usage, that substantially heightens the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among teenagers. The research tracked over 4,200 children for four years and found that nearly 50% exhibited signs of screen dependency by the age of 10. The findings indicated that these individuals were 2.4 times more likely to report experiencing suicidal ideation during their teenage years.1

Sources

https://www.naturalnews.com/2025-06-28-screen-addiction-not-screen-time-drives-teen-suicide.html

June Newsletter

laurasnaturalfoods@gmail.com (Scott Weaver) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:55:58 GMT

It's Okay, Eat That Chocolate

Numerous studies have shown that dark chocolate can widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure (a process known as vasodilation). Additionally, it may enhance a person’s attention skills. Larry C. Stevens from Northern Arizona University and his colleagues used electroencephalography (EEG) to observe the immediate electrical changes in the brains of individuals after they consumed dark chocolate. They enrolled 122 men and women aged 18 to 25 years, with a subgroup assigned to consume chocolate containing 60% cacao. The results from the EEG study indicated that dark chocolate improved brain activity related to attention. The authors of the study stated, “This is the first known study to investigate the acute EEG effects of consuming chocolate and suggests a potential attention-enhancing effect.”

Fiber Could Prevent Pancreatic Cancer??

Pancreatic cancer involves malignant cells in the pancreas and has a poor prognosis. In 2009, there were 42,470 new cases in the U.S., with 35,240 deaths. The three-year survival rate is around 30%, but less than 5% survive five years after diagnosis. It’s often labeled a "silent killer" due to vague early symptoms, leading to late diagnoses.

Dietary fiber consists of plant compounds that resist digestion, providing no calories. High-fiber diets are linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and overall mortality. Americans are advised to consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily, yet the average intake is about 15 grams.

A study in the Annals of Oncology explored the relationship between dietary fiber and pancreatic cancer risk, involving 326 patients with cancer and 652 healthy individuals. Researchers found that both soluble and insoluble fiber, especially cellulose lignin, and, our personal favorite, flax, were associated with a 50-60% reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. Fruit fiber intake also reduced the risk by 50%, while grain fiber showed no protective effect.

Support Your Lungs With Fish Oil

Zhilin Zheng and colleagues from Huazhong University of Science and Technology analyzed data from 248,133 participants in the UK Biobank, focusing on 850 who reported using fish oil. Blood samples were examined for various fatty acids, while lung function was assessed through forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Results indicated that fish oil users had better lung function, with associations found between improved lung metrics and higher levels of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and DHA. The study suggested that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA was primarily responsible for these benefits, potentially due to its role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

Even More Fluoride Problems...

What is it? This is a naturally occurring toxic metal, just like arsenic, lead, and methyl-mercury. Fluoride is added to our water supply, toothpaste, and applied to children's teeth to harden tooth enamel against decay. However, this poison is known to cause fluorosis (teeth staining), and recent studies are proving it has more dire consequences. Exposure to high fluoride concentrations in drinking water has been shown to elevate renal and liver function enzymes in serum and cause severe histological changes of the liver and kidneys. University of Zaragoza found similar results with rat studies.

Overall, this evidence suggests that we should reconsider water fluoridation, especially for those with existing health issues, as fluoride can harm brain and heart health. So, what can we do to prevent tooth decay then? A good start is reducing sugar intake (which is wise in general, mind you), and consider using a hydroxyapatite toothpaste instead to care for your enamel.

Sources

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279741431_The_Acute_electrocortical_and_Blood_Pressue_Effects_of_Chocolate.
Bidoli E, Pelucchi C, Zucchetto A, et al. Fiber intake and pancreatic cancer risk: a case-control study. Annals of Oncology. Jan2012;23(1):264-8.

April Newsletter

laurasnaturalfoods@gmail.com (Scott Weaver) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:18:32 GMT

Selenium

Taking selenium that is readily bioavailable like those sourced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and combined with zinc has shown to prevent the process by which fat-laden cells develop and accumulate at various sites in the body as subcutaneous fat through increasing antioxidant expression while decreasing inflammatory markers. 1

Functional Folate

Folate is an essential B vitamin (B9) that plays a large role in brain development, DNA/RNA production, neurotransmitter production (affecting mood, memory, and cognition), methylation and detoxification. Low levels of folate can contribute to neurological and psychiatric conditions including autism, PANS/PANDAS, anxiety, depression, seizures, epilepsy, and memory loss. In 2018 a study found that treatment with leucovorin (drug acting like folic acid in the body) showed amazing improvements in autism symptoms, epilepsy, irritability, and movement disorders. Another double-blind placebo-controlled trial found children receiving folate for 12 weeks had a significant improvement in verbal communication verses placebo. While other options may be available for those struggling with neurological conditions sometimes going back to the basics may be just what you need!

Chlorella is Stellar!

Algae have gained popularity over the last couple years, and for good reason. Many of these algae are packed exceptionally full with nutrients and beneficial properties, far denser than our usual green sources. One such algae is called Chlorella, a micro-algae that is a close relative to the slightly more popular spirulina. This freshwater organism holds several studied benefits, including weight loss and immune support, but the big-ticket item is detoxification. Heavy metals and a sea of other toxins get absorbed into the body every day, but chlorella has an amazing ability to absorb toxins in our body and protect those toxins from being reabsorbed until it passes through our system. That alone is impressive, but add in the rest of the benefits and you’ve got what truly could be considered a ‘superfood.’ Be cautious though, as quality is essential. Just like chlorella will absorb toxins in our bodies, it also will absorb toxins out of its growing environment, meaning the wrong supplement could bring toxins in instead of taking them out. Check out this article for a deeper overview of chlorella: https://draxe.com/nutrition/chlorella-benefits/

Do You See What I See?

Poor vision is something many of us expect when we get older, or perhaps you are already there (Those of you reading this with a magnifying glass in the brightest room of your house might want to pay special attention!). The leading cause is Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, which is caused in large by oxidative stress to the eyes. The cells in our bodies are constantly oxidizing, or turning ‘bad,’ and this is especially true for our eyes. As we age, we accumulate damage from this oxidation, causing issues that can range from minor to full blindness. You may have heard the term ‘antioxidant’ before, and these powerful nutrients do exactly what they sound like: Reduce damage from cell oxidation. While antioxidants like Resveratrol are used for full body protection, there are some that are especially beneficial for protecting our retinas. Two of these are Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which also filter out blue light that is especially damaging. While this doesn’t reverse AMD, it may slow progression and protect against future AMD development. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are good sources of these powerful nutrients, and you can also use a high-quality supplement for added support. Studies have found benefit for both aging adults and those who spend large amounts of time on screens (which is most of the population if we’re being honest).

Sources

Nutrition TT. Can Selenium Stop Fat Formation? | Terry Talks Nutrition. Terry Talks Nutrition |. Published March 5, 2025. Accessed April 9, 2025. https://terrytalksnutrition.com/study-spotlight/can-selenium-stop-fat-formation/

February Newsletter

laurasnaturalfoods@gmail.com (Scott Weaver) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:23:40 GMT

Dementia and Acid Reflux Medication

A study published online on August 9, 2023, in the journal Neurology , reports a potential link between popular acid reflux medications known as proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Nexium, omeprazole, etc.) and an increased risk of dementia. After adjusting for various demographic and health factors, the researchers found that PPI users who had taken these medications for more than 4.4 years had a 33% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who had never used the drugs. 1

The Sleep Apnea Risk

Poor sleep, a problem that plagues our lives now more than ever, can cause a whole lot more than just daytime exhaustion. A study from Sleep Medicine Reviews explores the connection between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and greater risk of health disorders such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and mental health issues. 2 In the case of metabolic disorders, OSA may lead to 6-9 times more likelihood of developing these problems compared to the general population.

So, what causes OSA? While OSA can be associated with a few sources, a large predictor is visceral fat content. Visceral fat is the layer of fat that surrounds our internal organs, and can be high in both cases of obesity and non-obese people, but higher levels of abdominal fat generally correlate with high visceral fat levels.

OSA is not the only sleep issue that may cause health complications. Nighttime disruptions, low sleep duration, and other sleep issues can all cause both acute symptoms and chronic disorders and diseases. Sleep is essential to our longevity and quality of life.

Palmitoylethanolamide...Say That Three Times Fast

Palmitoylethanolamide, or PEA, is a fatty acid amide that is naturally produced in the body, with high concentrations found in the central nervous system. It is synthesized by neurons, glial cells, and immune cells. PEA is part of a group of endocannabinoids known as N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). It binds to both CB1(influences memory and learning) and CB2 receptors(expressed in immune tissues), with a higher affinity for CB2. The activation of CB2 receptors by PEA is believed to play a significant role in pain management. Research indicates that PEA may be an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and neuro-inflammatory conditions.

Microplastics, Macro-Problems

Microplastics, which result from the degradation of plastics, are recognized as environmental pollutants that can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or medical devices. Though nanoscale plastics have been associated with neurological disorders and inflammation, the effects of micron-sized microplastics are less clear. Previous research has indicated that microplastics can trigger immune responses and affect blood flow.

A recent study published in Science Advances examined the effects of microplastics on blood flow and neurobehavioral functions in mice. 3 Three researchers used advanced imaging techniques to find that microplastics can block cerebral blood vessels by trapping immune cells in capillaries, revealing a novel way these particles disrupt vascular and neurological functions without crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Sources

Northuis C, Bell EJ, Lutsey PL, et al. Cumulative Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Neurology. Published online August 9, 2023:10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747-10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747. doi:https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000207747
Gaines J, Vgontzas AN, Fernandez-Mendoza J, Bixler EO. Obstructive sleep apnea and the metabolic syndrome: The road to clinically-meaningful phenotyping, improved prognosis, and personalized treatment. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2018;42:211-219. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2018.08.009
Huang H, Hou J, Li M, Wei F, Liao Y, Xi B. Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities. Science Advances. 2025;11(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr8243

December Newsletter

laurasnaturalfoods@gmail.com (Scott Weaver) — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:11:44 GMT

The Importance of Magnesium

Some recent research has revealed that low magnesium levels may be the best predictor of heart disease. While this challenges the usual predictors, such as looking at your cholesterol levels or saturated fat intake, studies as far back as 1937 show a strong connection between low magnesium and various cardiovascular risk factors, which include:

-High Blood Pressure

-Plaque Build-up in the Arteries

-Hardened Arteries

-High Cholesterol

On top of being associated with heart disease, if you take a Calcium supplement without adequate magnesium levels you can increase your risk of heart disease. You can increase your magnesium levels through both quality, correct-form supplements, and also with high-magnesium foods like fish, almonds, soybeans, and spinach.

Mushroom Mayhem

Mushrooms - These fungi that grow in some of the oddest places are know to us as either a delicious food or poisonous growths to stay away from. There is more to mushrooms though, as some have very high medicinal qualities that make them stand out in our field. Names such as Lion's Mane or Cordyceps may be familiar to you if you've ever looked into helping your mind and focus, but there are others as well that have varying qualities:

Lions Mane - Known to enhance memory and cognitive function in healthy older adults as well as those experiencing mild cognitive decline. Lions Mane supports communication between neurons and increases cognitive speed and plasticity

Reishi - One of my personal favorites, Reishi mushrooms have been known to reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and protect neurons against toxins and oxidative stress

Chaga - Known to combat harmful brain inflammation and offer neurological protection, even in cases of progressive cognitive decline such as Alzheimer's disease

Cordyceps - Enhances oxygen delivery, boosts mental endurance, protects neuron cell membranes, fights oxidative stress in the brain, and may combat early cognitive decline. If you had to choose on mushroom to take daily, this just might be it!

While each of these mushrooms have their own strengths and weaknesses, you can also combine them together into a blend to get synergistic, improved support. Blends by companies like BIOptimizers or GT's Alive contain extract forms of some of these mushrooms so you can get a large amount of beneficial mushrooms in one delicious drink. Careful with the Alive mushroom soda though, you may just get hooked on both how delicious it is, and how it makes you feel! I personally use it to keep myself going strong through that dreaded afternoon slump!

Vinpocetine: Protection and Support

Vinpocetine has been used traditionally for things ranging from stroke recovery and cognitive support to eye health, and though these things all seem fairly unrelated they all deal with sensitive tissues in our body. Inadequate blood flow, known as Ischemia, can play a devastating role for these sensitive tissues, which is what Vinpocetine has been known to protect. While it works through complex mechanisms in our body such as blocking certain sodium channels and regulating ions, the support Vinpocetine brings can be related to protecting against the damage Ischemia causes. At the same time, Vinpocetine is an antioxidant which is crucial to the health of our brains and cognitive function. While the effects of Vinpocetine on areas like retinal metabolism have not been fully studied, the support and protection it may bring are tried and true.

The Glycemic Index

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a system that ranks carbohydrates based on how quickly they raise your blood sugar levels. Each food is assigned a numerical value depicting this speed of digestion and absorption. Foods with a high GI, 70 or higher, are digested quickly which leads to a swift increase in blood sugar levels and a harsher effect on your body as it attempts to deal with sudden glucose increases. Foods with a low GI however, 55 or lower, are broken down slowly, which results in a gradual rise in blood sugar, leading to our bodies having an easier time adjusting to cope with the blood glucose. Not only is this important for healthy individuals, aging adults or those suffering from Type II Diabetes need to be extra careful with elevated blood glucose levels. If you are interested in learning more about the GI and why eating foods with a low GI value are critical for you, feel free to stop in at the store and have a chat with us!

November Newsletter

laurasnaturalfoods@gmail.com (Scott Weaver) — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:51:38 GMT

CoQ10 and Women's Health

While known for its essential role in maintaining optimal health, coenzyme Q10 also provides benefits for women who aim to age gracefully. Here are just a few of the possible benefits of CoQ10:

**Combats Fatigue**

If you rely on multiple cups of coffee throughout the day, consider Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to boost your energy. This cofactor is essential for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses. ATP is a neurotransmitter linked with both energy levels, and keeping our bodies in balance, also known as homeostasis ( 1 ). Keeping this 'muscle fuel' operating well can improve your energy levels and more!

**Protects Against Free Radicals**

CoQ10 also protects cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are produced in various biological processes. As an antioxidant, it helps defend against cellular damage. Oxidative stress may cause a plethora of issues ranging from cancer to general inflammation, so reducing the amount of free radicals in our bodies is an important aspect of our health that is often overlooked.

**Promotes Heart Health**

CoQ10 is important for heart health, especially for women during menopause. It supports heart muscle integrity and protects blood vessels from oxidative damage, maintaining overall cardiovascular function.

**Supports Liver Health**

The liver requires significant energy to filter and cleanse the bloodstream. While studies are varied and uncertain about that exact benefit of CoQ10 on the liver, the results overall show a positive effect on liver enzyme levels (2). This promotes healthy liver function and health, which is crucial to keep toxins out of our bloodstream, and in turn, out of our most important organs.

**Encourages Healthy Inflammation**

CoQ10 enhances the body’s inflammatory response, helping to inhibit inflammatory factors and promoting overall wellness so that your organs can function optimally. Inflammation is a fuel to the fires of disease, pain, and general unhealth. Giving your body what it needs to heal inflammation instead of covering it up with pharmaceuticals can help you feel less worn down and may aid prevention of developing more drastic health issues.

Give Your Body The Best

After careful consideration Marilyn's Natural Foods has decided to discontinue Garden of Life, which includes the beloved Vitamin Code multivitamin. We encourage everyone to look into our new Emerald multivitamins, which stand out in excellence for their commitment to quality and cleanliness. They are completely additive free, and as far as multivitamins go they contain a multitude of other supplements within them to further complement your personal best health. We as a company desire to offer our customers the best options for their health and wellness, and we believe this change reflects our mission in that. Feel free to ask any of our employees for further information on specifics and reasoning behind this change!

Liposomal: Absorption is Key

Liposomal vitamins are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. These vitamins are essentially "little packages" designed to enhance the internal delivery of essential compounds, such as nutrients like vitamin C. If the term "liposomal" brings to mind "lipids," you're right. Liposomes are made up of lipids, which include fats and fat-like substances, such as phospholipids. So, why is it beneficial to deliver a vitamin within a liposome? The outer membrane of our cells is also composed of phospholipids, which allows the nutrient inside the liposome to easily pass through the cell membrane and allow for better absorption. Since both structures are made of the same type of substance, this delivery method is highly effective.

Sources

Franco R, Rivas-Santisteban R, Lillo J, Camps J, Navarro G, Reyes-Resina I. 5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, and ATP: much more than neurotransmitters. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:66815. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.667815
Soleimani Damaneh, M., Fatahi, S., Aryaeian, N., & Bavi Behbahani, H. (2023). The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Food Science & Nutrition, 11, 4912–4925. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3478

October Newsletter

laurasnaturalfoods@gmail.com (Scott Weaver) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:19:28 GMT

What in the World is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance that oozes out of rocks at high altitudes. It is formed over hundreds of years through the decomposition of plant materials, minerals, and microbial activity. Shilajit is composed of a complex blend of organic molecules such as fulvic acid, humic acid, minerals, trace elements, and other bioactive ingredients. Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic therapy for centuries and is rich in antioxidants, which protect the brain from oxidative stress and promote overall brain health. It may help preserve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Shilajit also has potential cognitive-enhancing benefits and can improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance. Additionally, it may improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, regulate neurotransmitter levels, and promote healthy brain aging.

You need more Fiber!

A recent review found that higher dietary fiber intake is associated with reduced blood pressure, independent of medication. For every additional 5 grams of fiber per day, systolic blood pressure may decrease by 2.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.1 mmHg. Despite its benefits, global fiber intake is low, averaging around 11 grams per day. The review recommends a daily intake of over 28g/day for women and over 38g/day for men to manage hypertension effectively. It also provides guidance on prioritizing high-fiber foods. The study emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers prioritizing dietary fiber for hypertension management to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The paper is published in the journal Hypertension.

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Thirsty?

We all love our tasty drinks, from a nice hot coffee to start our day to a cold glass of juice, water often gets put on the backburner compared to all the other options. All our camp counselors were right though, a lot of our problems can be helped just by getting the right hydration! Drinking enough water affects everything from our skin to our mood to our bowels. Who would have thought that the thing that makes up 60% of our bodies is so important? Still not convinced? Here's a short list of the benefits of being adequately hydrated:

Healthier Regulated Bowels
More Efficient Kidney Function
Less Muscle Fatigue
Healthier Skin
Less Hunger Pangs

Even as the weather cools, hydration is still crucial to our health, so try to keep drinking lots of water to keep giving your body what it needs to stay healthy!

What's that Smell?

The harmful effects of chemical pollution in the soil, water, and air are alarming, leading to an estimated 9 million premature deaths annually, with half of these deaths being of cardiovascular origin. Soil degradation threatens the health of 3.2 billion people, and over two billion people live in areas significantly affected by water pollution. Soil and water pollution are caused by factors such as deforestation, airborne dust, over-fertilization, and poorly designed urban areas. Exposure to chemicals contributes to cardiovascular disease, and airborne dust leads to around 770,000 cardiovascular deaths annually. To reduce cardiovascular risk, it is crucial to address soil and water pollution through improved water filtration, air quality management, and good agricultural practices.