Category Archives: Questions and Answers

Health questions answered by Lorene Benoit.

Q & A: Wine, Brain Health, and Herbal Tinctures

Where is cheapest place to buy tinctures?
It ?depends on which tinctures? If they are ones I make,  then I would choose them, as the herbs are from my garden, or wild, unsprayed, and properly prepared in  good alcohol. If  NSP makes them, I trust their quality . Their strength has been proven to me the last 40 years with family and clients. 
Is red wine bad for memory loss?
?Red wine itself is not, as it should contain pycnogenols, which are strong antioxidants,  from grapes. But the alcohol content is not good for the  brain, nor are any additives . 
So as with most things, quality and moderation are the key. 
What fixes memory loss (brain plaque)?
?Gingko biloba is the long standing brain food. Cdn. link. 
Contact me for US link or support., or if this link changes.
Of course, other aspects of healthy living help prevent plaque formation: Four Pillars of Health:  Diet, Exercise, Emotional/Mental health and Supplementation.  Insulin Resistance is important as this can contribute to plaque formation.
Also Anti Aging : Fountain of Youth contains some helpful facts. Keeping active physically, mentally and emotionally is NB.
Hope this helps John.

Q&A: Marine Glo and Natural Flavours

Question:

Can you tell me the source of mango and peach flavouring in Marine Glo Collagen?  There has been quite a bit of info lately about “natural flavours” being a misnomer, in that they are apparently totally unnatural.

H.K.

Answer:

Good question about the Marine Glo, Collagen with Blue Light Protection. This is the response I got via NSP Science Team:

Here is the answer from Product Development Department:

The mango and peach flavors used in Marine Glo® are natural flavors. Under U.S. FDA regulations, a natural flavor must be derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, or other plant or animal materials. These flavor ingredients are extracted or processed from natural source materials and are not artificially synthesized to create their flavor profile.

There has been some discussion online suggesting that “natural flavors” are not truly natural. This can be confusing because the term refers to the source of the flavor ingredients, not necessarily the manufacturing process used to prepare them. Like many food ingredients, natural flavors may undergo processing (such as extraction, distillation, etc) to isolate the desired flavor compounds, but the flavoring components themselves originate from natural sources.

Nature’s Sunshine selects flavor suppliers that comply with applicable regulatory requirements and quality standards. The natural mango and peach flavors in Marine Glo® are used to provide a pleasant taste while meeting these standards.

Thank you.

Additional from Lorene:

We are glad to hear that NSP continues to make Quality 1st! This beverage with Mango and Peach tastes delicious! The stick packs make it great for travelling, adding to sports drinks.

Kids love it too, altho’ they might benefit more from Solstice Nutrition or Chlorophyll Lime sticks – any of these are so much healthier than any beverage options!

Here are some more Q & A about Marine Glo:

Q: HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COLLAGEN
SUPPLEMENTS?
A: Unlike regular collagen supplements that just boost collagen, our
formula does more. With innovative FloraGLO ® lutein, it not only
supports collagen production but also protects your existing collagen
from breaking down—helping skin stay youthful and healthy. It’s
also formulated for the digital age. Marine Glo not only supports
skin elasticity and hydration through high-quality marine collagen, it
protects skin and eyes against the effects of blue light damage from
screens and devices.

Q: WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT AND WHY IS IT HARMFUL?
A: Blue light is a high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by digital
screens like phones, computers and tablets. Overexposure can
contribute to oxidative stress, premature aging, and uneven skin
tone. It can also strain your eyes, leading to dryness, fatigue and
disrupted sleep patterns.

Q: HOW DO BLUE-LIGHT-PROTECTION INGREDIENTS
WORK?
A: Lutein is a carotenoid widely found in nature and the main
constituent pigment in the macular area of the retina. It also
accumulates in the skin. Excessive exposure to high energy blue
light can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells. Lutein can
absorb high energy blue light to protect the skin and the light
sensitive cells in the back of the eye responsible for
fine-detailed vision. An antioxidant, lutein also helps protect
against oxidative stress.

Lorene adds that Perfect Eyes is another exceptional product for eye health, including challenges such as macular degeneration.

For more health facts, and to order Marine Glo Collagen, Perfect Eyes or any other supplement, please contact us, as links can change or corrupt.

We offer professional support, direct discounts and more, via contact above or old fashioned phone 250-748-6802.

 

Q & A: The Dangerous Truth about Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals

 

Question:

What do you think? Which supplement brands are real and safe?
Which are fake and dangerous?  Thanks!

I am asking because of this article:

If you’re like millions of health-conscious people, you probably take handfuls of supplements hoping they’ll boost your energy, sharpen your mind, and help you feel and look your best.

But what if those pills and powders aren’t actually helping you at all? Or worse, what if they’re undermining your health while they’re draining your wallet?

Groundbreaking new research reveals an uncomfortable truth.

 

Answer:

Hi John,

Without even reading the article, and the advertising of a brand that will surely be part of it,  I can tell you I agree, for three reasons:

1. Generally speaking, about 85% of supplements on the market that are accurately tested for quality and accuracy fail. In other words, what the label says and what is actually in the bottle is accurate about 15% of the time.  This has been proven many times over in the supplement market. It used to be proven in Canada before the govt. closed down taxpayer funded testing facilities about 20+ years ago.

This is the main reason I have used Nature’s Sunshine Products (NSP) since 1985, and used them as my primary source since about 1995. In the more than 10 years both before and after 1985, I used multiple brands, including those only available to professionals, such as Standard Process, Attogram, American BioTech Lab, and Nutri Pro. NSP achieved better results, were easier to access, and more affordable.

2. Having visited the NSP Research & Development labs; seen their Quality testing equipment in action; toured the Production plant and warehouse; plus meeting with Quality Control scientists, I understand the efforts and expense to produce in house quality supplements.

The Utah facility produces the products  for every country that sells NSP in the world, meeting the regulations for each specific country, as no other country could afford this equipment and expertise.

3.  As a professional educator and consultant, I have been fortunate to witness the healing power of QUALITY supplements since 1985.

As an aside, I am not a huge fan of vitamins and mineral supplements  from any company. I prefer to get my vitamins and minerals naturally from herbs, which are the powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, in the natural form:

  • From Nature to us.
  • Not through isolation, identification,  or reproduction or pharma processing, but as the whole plant, with its full spectrum of nutrients preserved by picking at the peak,  drying or extracting at the right time, right temperature and humidity, and proper storage – all things NSP tests for, to name a few of the 600+ tests.
  • IF YOU would like a chart of the vitamins & minerals contained in herbs, please just email me: Lorene@NaturalPathRemedies.com

Then there is the whole question – is there really scientific proof of vitamins and minerals? Or are they a story somewhat akin to the Covid “virus”? i.e. models of what people think they are?  I know there is SOMETHING healing in herbs, but is it really vitamins & minerals, or is it energy, frequency, quantum physics…….? But that is the topic for another time.

I have 4 previous posts on Quality, which can be found here:

https://www.naturalpathremedies.com/blog/?s=nsp+quality. 

The first one Quality by Design has a 3 min. video which expands on what i have said.

To your health!

 

Q &A: Bursitis and Hemorrhoids

Question:

Hi Lorene,
Pls how can I help someone struggling with thigh bursitis and hemorrhoids
Thanks
LN

Answer:

Hi LN,
Nice to hear from you. Glad to see you are still helping others learn the benefits of herbal and other forms of natural health.
Bursitis:
I have never heard of bursitis in the thigh, as it means inflammation of bursa, which are only at joints.
See good pictures here:

 

But there is obviously other inflammation, which has lead to this “diagnosis”.
For inflammation, the ART-A formula would be great, maybe with some added Turmeric Curcumin to speed up healing of inflammation and therefore, pain. NSP’s Turmeric is much more potent than most on the market.

 

Nature’s Sunshine just taught a webinar on ART-A, which I think I sent to you recently. It contains a lot of herbs for inflammation, pain and structural healing.
 

And of course, looking at lifestyle, including diet, body posture, or activities that are aggravating is important.

 

Externally, Tei Fu Massage lotion has helped people for over 40 years, with muscular and joint  pain, as well as headaches and  stiff neck.

 

Hemorrhoids:
Hemorrhoids  means one has to get the bowel working properly. Constipation and consequent straining are usually involved, causing the rectal tissue to get pushed outward and irritated.

 

So either Bowel Build or LBS11 can help regulate bowel movements.  If the bowel is already moving EASILY 2x/day, without straining, then maybe a small amount of Psyllium Combo to help soften the stool and make it easier to eliminate. But only use fibre if bowel peristalsis is already working.

 

Plus, ensure enough water or other healthy liquid intake. 1/2 body weight in pounds equals how many ounces required per day. ie. 150 pounds divided by 2 = 75 ounces daily.
More if very hot weather or lots of exercise.

 

Hope this helps. If not, a consultation would be a good idea to get some necessary background and details. You know there is always causative factors. Our job is to help a person figure them out.
Be well!

 

PS:  I DON’T INCLUDE LINKS TO PRODUCTS ANYMORE, AS WITH ALL THE CONSTANTLY CHANGING UNHEALTH CANADA REGULATIONS, THEY CHANGE TOO OFTEN.

 

Anyone wanting assistance with finding quality products are best to contact me, or their NSP trained Health Consultant.

Why Paw Paw and many health supplements cost more in Canada

From a 30 year client and student of natural health:

What would really be ideal is to be able to buy Paw Paw Cell Reg in Canada. So crazy. Paw paw trees grow in South western Ontario. My cousin thinks they originated during the civil war. The soldiers had the fruit and the seeds dropped. Possible.

Absurd that Canadians have to pay the extra shipping, customs, and tax, plus the current outrageous US dollar exchange.

My response:   I agree completely!

It would be great to be able to purchase Paw Paw Cell Reg from Canada Nature’s Sunshine Products again. Unfortunately, unHealth Canada decided not to grant an NPN (Natural Products Number, similar to a DIN for drugs), after 12 -15 years of safe and effective use, with NO adverse events.

On a similar vein, one wishes they would apply some SCIENCE to the CONVID injections, which have been proven neither safe NOR effective, but somehow are still approved, after hundreds of thousands of reported adverse effects, up to and including “sudden, unexplained death”.  It makes one wonder if it is science or money involved $?$?$.

It was not for lack of NSP spending tons of $ with the approval process! They had to eventually give up and luckily, were able to get it approved in the Sunshine Direct program, which allows us to order from NSP US.

I have never heard of this species of Paw Paw growing in CA.  Dr. McLaughlin tested about 300 Annonaceous plant species from US and Central and South America. The one NSP uses is from a plantation in Indiana. Asimina triloba is the species that proved to have the highest levels of necessary active acetogenins in his 30 YEARS of research. And this plantation in Indiana is the one where they can monitor to harvest at the optimum level.

The bark of the Asimina triloba twigs must be harvested at the right time…which can only be determined by lab testing. Then one would have to have the million dollar labs, similar to what NSP has, to prepare the standardized end product.

It would be great if a good source could be found here, so open to hearing more. Any contacts? I would pass that info onto NSP corporate.

In the meantime, we are stuck with ordering via NSP US Sunshine Direct.  Easy to do, but it does make the product more costly. to Canadians. This is unfortunate, as unHealth Canada’s continual assault on natural products severely penalizes the Canadian economy, plus puts Canadians at risk of online ordering inferior and untested supplements.

It’s a lose-lose situation caused by Cdn. government overreach limiting the health care options for Canadians!

Further Research:

North American Health Advances

30 Million More Americans Have High Blood Pressure and Diabetes?

 

Q & A: Hormones and Acne

Question:

Thank you for taking time to look into this for me!

Ever since I started on the IUD I have had acne, mostly located around my jaw and mouth, with a little scattered on my forehead. I’ve tried lots of cleaners and moisturizers but nothing helps. It does fluctuate throughout the month, depending on when my cycle is it gets worse right before.

I’m on the IUD to help with my period as it has always been extremely heavy flow with cramps. As well as for birth control. Period used to last for 7-11 days. It would be a heavy flow with a supersize tampon that I had to change every hour or two for the first 4/5 days and then just normal after that. Still using tampons frequently though.

Last year my doctor prescribed minocycline. I took that pill every day for three months as prescribed, my face cleared up completely but once that ran out it came back. My doctor said if it was acne it would come back, but if it was just a skin infection it would stay away. So I have acne.

Last week she prescribed a medicated cream that I could take indefinitely,. I have to call to ask what was in it as I don’t remember the drugs but I didn’t end up buying it. It was $260 for the bottle that would last possibly two months. I’m still willing to try this but wasn’t expecting that cost and would like to go a more natural route if possible.
She did mention that it might be due to high estrogen levels in me but didn’t speak to extensively on that.

I’m happy to do blood work or anything like that if you need. Look forward to hearing your thoughts and if you have any questions I’m happy to answer !
Thank you

SMH

Answer:

Due to the cyclic nature of the acne, it definitely sounds hormonally driven, rather than caused by infection, which can be another major factor in acne and other skin conditions. 

A hormonal balance like this is often improved within 3 months with Women’s Formula. Have you ever used it? One would usually use 2- 3x = 6/day for 1st bottle. Often one will notice at least some improvement in this time. Then next bottle can be decreased to 2 x 2= 4 day.  

Yes, the medication minocycline is for acne. It can relieve symptoms but does not address the cause, which is why it returned when you stopped. Antibiotics also destroy your gut bacteria, or microbiome,  and can lead to Candida / yeast infection, which can also contribute to acne.  Long term use of antibiotics is very detrimental to health. After 40 years consulting, I have never met a person who is sick because they have a deficiency of antibiotics. That applies for most drugs.

The pricing for this drug  is ridiculous! Likely in the range of 300 – 400 % mark-up, as with many drugs. Also, please look up the side effects, and send me the link. This should help your decision. 

Going natural is a smart decision on your part, especially if you are looking to bring your hormones into balance for optimum long term health.

Re the doctor suggesting it might be estrogen. Back to the Women’s Formula. If given the tools, your body will balance the hormones you need, whether it be estrogen, progesterone or testosterone. I will email you some separate Fact sheets on this formula.

In addition, diet is always a factor. I think with your lifestyle, you probably know the culprits of too much sugar, bad fats or processed carbs. A quick reference to see how on track your diet is can be found here: Optimum Diet. 

Drinking Chlorophyll – at least 10 ml. per day re-mineralizes your body, balances pH, and provides gentle cleansing.

Other topical aids for acne are: washing with a natural , non chemical soap to which you add a couple of drops of tea tree oil.  The moisturize with Pau D’Arco Lotion, which is excellent for all skin conditions. The other option is Silver Gel. A little goes a long way for both of these products.

Dietary suggestions are covered in more detail in The Paw Paw Program book, will give you more detail. This book is for all health, not just Cancer treatment and prevention.

Please contact us to help you get the correct formula as links can change. Plus we can make sure you receive  20 – 25% discount; Free Shipping, plus our consulting expertise at discount. We will place 1st order for you at no charge.

 

Q&A: Anti Aging – Fountain of Youth?

Question:

I would like to know if there is a herb or substance I can take to improve my muscle tone and perhaps muscle size.  I don’t really expect to recover my youth.  But would like to add anything to my routine of regular exercise and good diet, that may help my muscle tone and/or size ?
So now that you have picked yourself up off the floor from laughter; maybe  you could make a suggestion of a herb,  or a hormone,  or maybe a plastic surgeon (just kidding) that  could help.
Please don’t take this too seriously, but – HELP !!!!!  (just kidding again)  Thanks much, all the best, D

Answer:

No joke D, your concerns are shared by most people over 60, myself included.
Many magic fountain of youth formulations have been touted for years; I have never known any of these to be scientifically backed. However, there are certain things I believe help, which I personally use; some of them for years. The evidence and research is solid, and I have seen positive results during my 40 years of helping people.

 

I take Melatonin, Collagen powder and Skeletal Strength every night before bed.
I sleep like a baby and so far, touch wood, have none of the aches and pains that many in their 70’s have to deal with.

* Melatonin Extra

Melatonin has many advantages, in addition to helping many people sleep more soundly, Sleep is when the body rebuilds and regenerates all cells, including organs and bones.
 As explained on p. 63 of my Paw Paw Program book. Melatonin is not only an essential hormone, from which other hormones can be created; but a potent anti-oxidant; it slows abnormal cell growth; and is critical for natural healing processes.

* Collagen

Collagen that I use contains effective peptides derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, leading to substantial beauty & wellness benefits.  A quality processed Collagen contains premium collagen peptides. Studies have shown that when collagen hydrolysate is taken orally, it is absorbed as di- and tripeptides (two or three amino acids) typically rich in hydroxyproline. These smaller peptides are able to  reach target tissues like skin or cartilage where they help support collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts).

  • Supports healthy skin, hair and nails
  • Supports joints, bones, and gut health
  • Promotes elasticity and hydration
  • Offer a clean, effective source of pure protein
  • Aid in promoting and maintaining a more youthful appearance

* Skeletal Strength

Skeletal Strength is the ultimate combination of more than 20  vitamins, minerals and specially chosen herbs for enhanced nutritional support, known to support  your bones & healthy teeth. Plus it’s great for what’s NOT in there… For example, our calcium citrate is free of pesticides, animal derivatives, allergens and gluten. It’s also Kosher and Halal certified. Our vitamin D3 is non-GMO and allergen-free.

  • Vital for Bones, Muscles, Ligaments, Tendons, and Skin
  • Provides nutrients for proper structural system function
I follow the dietary suggestions in my book. Plus there are a few healthy recipes. No matter what diet you choose to follow, keto, vegan, intermittent fasting, blood type, always includes more  low carbohydrate vegetables and fruits. Here are 2 or 3 other articles that deal more specifically with diet. 

In my 284 page book I cover the 4 Pillars of Health. Two more Lifestyle Pillars are:

  • Exercise -to build muscles, one must use them! Weight bearing exercises are essential for building the bone matrix – i.e. flexible and strong bones.
  • Stress – destroys many nutrients, in addition to affecting our emotional & mental health.  Managing stress is important.

All pillars of health are essential for healthy aging.

To order my book for detailed why’s and hows, including a few recipes. Canadians save money if you contact me to order this book. US clients can order using PayPal button in top R of this page:  Paw Paw Program

*Should you choose to purchase any product recommendations

Links change frequently so please contact Lorene if I can be of assistance to you in your natural health journey. I can help you get the best product, 20-25% discount, plus Free Shipping, with no obligation.

 

Note that someone will receive a commission when you purchase any health supplement, whether the company, some unknown Amazon seller, or me. If you go through me, or an associate who works with me, you will get professional support in addition to the discounts and Free S/H.

 

Warnings on Natural Products – should you worry?

Question:

Sorry to have to ask about this but pretty important for my health.

I was going to start Para Pak tomorrow, full moon as you suggested.

HOWEVER I read the “Risk Information” and it would appear not many (if anyone) should take the supplements. One of the reasons I want to take this is I am quite sure my issue is parasites. I have taken a course of Wormwood and digestive enzymes and had some relief thought this might clear every thing up. I still have diarrhea although I get to sleep all night now YAY!!! The Risk Info warns against taking Para Pak if you have that. Can you give me some guidance? Have you ever read the Risk Info? It’s extensive!!! Do you have clients who’ve taken it? Are they house bound for the entire time?

TIA!

Answer:

Not a problem to ask this, as yes, it is important. I do get this question once in awhile, and finally found the time to write  a post on it.
 

Yes, we have used this product, Para Pak for 20- 25 years, at least, with very good results.
Nothing has changed in all those years. EXCEPT unHealth Canada warnings. Every time they want to make work for themselves, get a raise, get bonuses, or please the BIg Pharma lobbyists (Millions of $ of bribes every year), they apply new regulations, new warnings, new fake “adverse effects”. They have never been capable if divulging any details, medical reports to show any evidence of any harm from herbs or other natural supplements.

 
There has been one I can remember in 30+ years. A “natural” supplement approved by unHealth Canada, was found to contain a diet drug. It was pulled.It was not from a reputable company like Nature’s Sunshine, which has the been the leader in Quality since 1972.
 
There has never been one proven death nor serious side effect in Canada from approved natural health products that are from quality sources.
 
Compare this to hundreds of drugs that are pulled every year due to serious side effects, including death.  There  more than 100,000 documented  adverse events every year from pharmaceuticals.  Many millions more since Covid. You were unfortunately one victim of this corrupt system. And you know how hard it is to get a doctor to submit one of those adverse reaction reports, right?
 
This constant change costs the health food industry and therefore the consumers inordinate price increases in natural products, which are our birthright.In Canada, Bill C-37, clauses 500-504 are just another example. Millions of Canadians have responded to this, and it will likely become  an election issue.

Rather than testing product suppliers like they used to, they just blanket all products with Risk warnings.
 
Luckily, I have the fact sheet from 2004 for this exact SAME product, which I sent you.

You will notice there are NO warnings. Every  2 or 3, or 5 years,  the warnings increase. And you are absolutely right – if people believe these cautions, no one would take any natural supplement.
 
Hmmm…..do you wonder if that is the idea behind this?
 
If people ever read the counter-indications for any pharmaceutical, they would never take a drug either, which would be a good thing. Unfortunately this door doesn’t swing both ways. I find this puzzling when one looks at any warnings on pharmaceuticals. Most include multiple serious adverse effects, and many conclude with, “….and may cause death”. Doesn’t seem to stop anyone.
 
And you well know,  who lobbies, rather bribes, unHealth Canada? Of Course, pharmaceuticical companies. They do not want any competition.
 
The good news is – more people are learning – latest surveys say at least 74% Canadians are using natural health products. These are the wise ones who question and discern.

Somewhat like mainstream news – believe the opposite.

 

PS     If you get  “housebound”, from this, or any other detox or cleanse, just slow down the dosage -and  please contact us if you have any further questions.

If anyone reading this would like to join the majority who know the benefits of herbs and other natural health products, please contact us to get you started with professional expertise since 1983.

We have used Nature’s Sunshine Products since 1985, and can ensure that you get results. If you use our sponsor #1143615, you get our support to choose best products for your conditions, in addition to 20-25% discount and free S/H. As I do not find their website first time freindly, we do not charge to get your first order figured out.
 

Q & A: Paw Paw Cell Reg and Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question:

Cell Reg – 2 brief questions

Hello! First time writer here. 1. Is there anything Cell-Reg should
NOT be taken with, for example melatonin, Vitamin C, etc? 2. Do you
have any experience with using Cell-Reg with Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Thank you!

Answer:

Charles, these articles may help you re: contraindications.
 I especially recommend Melatonin, and include reasons why in my book, The Paw Paw Program.

 

And yes, good results with all Cancers, including basal cell. This usually involves external application of Paw Paw Cell Reg in a carrier, such as Silver Gel, Pau D’Arco Lotion or Aloe Vera Gel. One may also choose to add Frankincense EO.
Depending on the severity, one may want to also do the internal program.

 

You are welcome to call the office 250-748-6802 for free 10 mins. consultation about how to use it for this condition, plus how to get the correct quality products, at discounted price.  Best time is 9-10:00 am PST Tuesday or Wednesday.Lorene an usually get back to you within 48 hours.
PS. Great that you included your phone number, as Lorene already contacted you due to  your email reply being rejected.

Foot Fungus

Question:

Hi Lorene,

I thought I read somewhere that Paw Paw and Pau D’Arco were good to cure foot fungus…I wanted to use the Pau D’Arco cream with some Paw Paw capsules opened and mixed in for my husband’s athletes foot, but now can’t find the info…can the Paw Paw and Pau D’ Arco cream be used for this? Thanks, K

Hi K,
Absolutely. Mix enough Paw Paw capsules into a small quantity of Pau D’Arco Lotion – just keep stirring – with a toothpick works well – until you get consistency that works for you to apply.
 I will also send you 2 articles from my web that explains another option more for stubborn nail fungus, and dietary recommendations.
 
He is also encouraged to check out diet which can contribute to fungus, candida, etc. 

 

Lorene,
Thank you so much!! He started feeling relief with the cream almost instantly!