bHIP energy

bHIP energy… the product
Peter Swanz, ND, FHANP

*bHIP energy makes no medicinal or health claims. It is simply, in my opinion, a healthier alternative to the plethora of sugar and stimulant laden drinks that are dominating the energy drink market. bHIP energy is not a health supplement or medicinal food, it is an energy drink only.

Based on the current trends in the energy drink market, particularly with young adults, it is vital that there are alternatives to the products that dominate the market. I believe bHIP to be such a product.

If you have any questions about bHIP or wonder if it may be a better alternative to the products your friends or family are already using, please contact me at my office 617-388-5126.

Vitamin C – function of Vitamin C: Collagen synthesis, Norepinephrine synthesis, aids in absorption of iron, supports steroid hormone synthesis, antioxidant, drug metabolism and detoxification, carnitine synthesis, degradation of cholesterol, regulates cellular humoral immune function and increase macrophage activity, cancer prevention, activates certain vitamins into their active forms, and antihistamine effects at doses over 6 to 8 grams per day. (Marz, Russell, ND. Medical Nutrition from Marz 2nd ed. 1999. p. 236-237.)

Niacin – Is a conenzyme for the dehydrogenases, which are responsible for innumerable biochemical reactions in the body including detoxifying alcohol and utilizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. (Marz, Russell, ND. Medical Nutrition from Marz 2nd ed. 1999. p. 201.)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – vital for multiple biochemical reactions in the body, including the synthesis or of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine. (Marz, Russell, ND. Medical Nutrition from Marz 2nd ed. 1999. p. 211.)

Folic Acid – facilitates the synthesis of purines (required for growth and protein building), essential for the formation and maturation of red and white blood cells, crucial for rapidly multiplying cells (stomach, intestines, vagina, and cervix. (Marz, Russell, ND. Medical Nutrition from Marz 2nd ed. 1999. p. 226-227.)

Vitamin B12 – absolutely required for the healthy synthesis of DNA. Also involved in carbohydrate metabolism. (Marz, Russell, ND. Medical Nutrition from Marz 2nd ed. 1999. p. 220-221.)

Maltodextrin (fibersol 2) - soluble dietary fiber, Studies on Fibersol-2 have explored its health properties, including effects on the digestive tract and blood glucose and cholesterol levels; subjects also had significantly increased proportions of bifidobacteria in intestinal microflora. (http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/1b1braning1.html)

Amino Acids (taurine, lysine*, arginine, glutamine, glycine, tyrosine, leucine*, isoleucine*, valine*) * essential amino acids in bold

Malic Acid – provides the tartness in many sweet and tart candies. Malic acid also helps support the body with energy production especially during low oxygen situations (hypoxic energy production)

Guarana Extract – 480 mg of guarana per bHIP packet. Guarana averages between 3 and 10% of caffeine equivalent, so bHIP energy at the upper end of the spectrum may contain 48 mg of caffeine per packet, less than an 8 oz cup of coffee which averages 50 to 60 mg of caffeine per serving. Guarana has been shown in numerous research studies to improve cognition and memory, it increases energy, and along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen can support healthy weight loss. As with any caffeine containing product, excess consumption can contribute to tachycardia (increased heart rate). Guarana containing products should not be used in conjunction with products containing ephedra or by patients using amphetamines.

Green Tea Leaf Extract - in addition to its anti-oxidant properties, green tea contains theanine which is a relaxing amino acid that can help support users through times of stress.
Recent human studies suggest that green tea may contribute to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer, as well as to the promotion of oral health and other physiological functions such as anti-hypertensive effect, body weight control, antibacterial and antivirasic activity, solar ultraviolet protection, bone mineral density increase, anti-fibrotic properties, and neuroprotective power. Beneficial effects of green tea--a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006; 25(2):79-99 (ISSN: 0731-5724)

Ginseng Root Extract – adaptogenic, tonic

Maca Root Extract – adaptogenic, tonic

Quebracho Extract - Tonic, febrifuge, and anti-asthmatic (asthmatic support has been shown to be effective cumulatively over a period of time by decreasing frequency of the attacks… not for acute paroxysms) (http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/q/quebra02.html)

White Willow Bark Extract- effective as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, as well as antioxidant, fever-reducing, antiseptic, and immune-boosting properties. (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/willow-bark-000281.htm)
Glucoronolactone - A substance produced in the liver during the metabolism of glucose. It is a smaller molecule than glucose and may therefore be absorbed into tissues at a faster rate. This may explain, in part, its effect as a stimulant. Glucoronolactone has been also touted to support memory retention, concentration, and may play a role in countering depression. (http://www.performance-edu.com/Glossary/Glucoronolactone.html)
Acai Berry Extract – antioxidant and flavoring

Mandarin Extract - antioxidant and flavoring

Orange Extract - antioxidant and flavoring

Aloe Vera Concentrate - latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been used as an oral laxative, the gel is a demulcent and is healing to wounds and the skin. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aloe-vera/NS_patient-Aloe)

Maltodextrose – easily utilized sugar and energy source

Fructose – easily utilized sugar and energy source

Stevia - body does not metabolize the sweet glycosides from the stevia leaf or any of its processed forms - so there is no caloric intake. Stevia doesn't adversely affect blood glucose levels and may be used freely by diabetics. (http://www.stevia.com/)

Spring Clean with Greens at the Co-op

Get Your Green Smoothie on at SPRING CLEAN WITH GREENS.

Tuesday, May 27, 6-7pm, Harvest Co-op 581 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139

Please join Jeanette in this interactive workshop where she will talk about the missing food in the majority of people's diets: greens.

Participants will learn how to make a yummy green smoothie, and discuss how greens can increase our energy, help us understand cravings, and inspire us to create optimal balance in our lives! We will also touch on seasonal eating, exercise, and preventative steps we can take to stay healthy and feel energized.

Complimentary Green Smoothies will be provided!

For more information on this event, please contact Jeanette Richelson, Holistic Health Counselor(Institute for Integrative Nutrition): 617-645-6757, or jeanette@livityhealthcoaching.com or simply visit www.livityhealthcoaching.com

A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. -Francois Auguste Rene' Chateaubriand

I read this quote the other day and was amazed by the simplicity and eloquence with which it describes the joy I feel at being able to practice Naturopathic Medicine. I just wanted to share it.

The Vis

What is the “Vis Medicatrix Naturae”? The term is commonly translated as “the healing power of nature”. I have continuously pondered this physically elusive concept during my training in Naturopathic medical school and through my practice while watching it work. I believe part of the difficulty with conceptually grasping the “Vis” is that the “Vis” is not a thing that is directly perceivable. And we do not yet have a means to measure the effects of the “Vis” and hence confirm its existence.
Gravity for example is not measureable directly. Gravity is a force with an influence affecting other objects. Gravity is a term used to describe the force of attraction exerted by one body on that of another. And we can verify this force of attraction by measuring the speed with which one object accelerates towards another. We do not measure gravity itself. We calculate the gravitational force proportionately based on the mass of the objects and indirectly proportional to the distance between the objects. There is no tool that allows us to measure gravity. When we drop an object towards the earth, we perceive the speed and motion of the object falling toward the earth with our eyes. We are seeing the results of the gravitation force affecting the object, but we do not visualize gravity itself. We have been indoctrinated since grade school, since hearing the story of Newton sitting under the apple tree, that when we see something fall, we understand and believe it is gravity that is influencing this object and is crucial to this phenomenon of falling towards the earth.
I believe the “Vis” is as intricately crucial to healing as gravity is to falling; like gravity the “Vis” is not able to be measured directly; but unlike the recognition of gravity, the “Vis” is not yet recognized and accepted as a crucial component of the healing process. Fortunately, like gravity, we do not have to believe in the “Vis” to experience its effects. The “Vis” is not magical or mystical, it is a term used to describe the healing process of the body. The “Vis” can be supported and encouraged through any means. There is not one area of healing that holds ownership of the “Vis”. Chinese medicine, Western Herbs, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, physical manipulation, etc., can all be used effectively to bolster the healing of the body. I would even argue that western pharmaceuticals can support the “Vis” when applied synergistically to the healing process. I have made this statement many times before and it is certainly worth repeating. It is not what we give to support healing, but why we give it that is important.
The healing that is possible through the support of the “Vis” is the ideal of healing. I feel fortunate to witness, practice, and support this ideal daily. I am encouraged by the feedback from my patients, as they begin to recognize the significance of their healing process. As more and more individuals experience true healing our collective acceptance of the influence of the “Vis” will become universal and our actions will be more congruent with a lifestyle that is beneficial to our own health and the health of the planet. That truly is the healing power of nature.

Homeopathic First Aid Kit - basics

Homeopathic First Aid Kit

Arnica Montana
It is ideal for the aches with bruises and sore muscles. Arnica is especially suited when the skin color turns black and blue. It is perfect for bumps on the head and other parts of the body.

Belladonna
A very common fever remedy. Extreme heat and redness, often intense and throbbing pain. Typically red, flushed face, especially right sided. It comes on quickly and progresses rapidly, a sudden attack. No thirst with the fever.

Chamomilla
A common children’s remedy for colic and teething, but also ear infections, fever, etc. A chamomilla child is sensitive and irritable, almost besides themselves with pain. The children are whiny, restless, and impatient. They don’t want to be spoken to or touched. Often point at something they want and when given it will through it away. Chamomilla children can also be red and hot, like Belladonna, but typically it presents on both cheeks of the face with Chamomilla. Typically the only thing that calms the child is being held and carried about the room.

Drosera
A common cough remedy. A cough that comes on at night as soon as the child’s head hits the pillow. A cough in prolonged and periodical fits of rapid, deep, incessant barking and choking. Sounds like a loose cough, but nothing comes up. The cough is typically better when the child sits up in bed.

Hypericum
An excellent first aid remedy for injury to the nerves, especially localized to the fingers and toes. Perfect for fingers slammed in the door, toes stubbed on walls and doors. An intense, extreme pain. Hypericum may also be indicated for insect stings and bites as well as burns on the fingers and toes – if the pain is intense.

Ledum
Ledum is a first aid remedy for puncture wounds produced by sharp-pointed instruments. An injury that requires ledum is typically purple, puffy, and cold… may feel numb. Even though injury feels cold to the touch, it is better with cold applications and worse with heat. One should strongly consider ledum for insect bites and stings in areas other than fingers and toes. Ledum can also facilitate the removal of foreign bodies stuck in the skin, like splinters, ingrown hairs, etc.

Coffea Cruda
Sleeplessness with nervous agitation and restlessness. Difficulty falling asleep or back to sleep because of an active mind. Restless sleep. Inability to fall asleep due to excessive caffeine intake.

Nux Vomica
A broad acting remedy especially suited to digestive disturbances (nausea and vomiting) following over indulgences in food and/or drink. Head pain as if head was beaten with an axe and extreme tension in forehead. A Nux Vomica patient is very irritable with heightened senses, can hardly bear noises, odors, bright light, etc. Generally want to be left alone to sleep it off.

*synthesized from the Concordant Materia Medica, by Frans Vermeulen

Homeopathic Dosing Instructions: Take 3-5 pellets every twenty to thirty minutes for a few hours. If symptoms do not begin to subside after three doses of a given medicine, it most likely is not the best suited remedy for the patient.

Medicine and Politics

While at SCNM (www.scnm.edu) I was advised multiple times not to mix medicine with religion or politics. Yet I am perpetually fascinated by both topics. And now in the midst of an election year, the significance of politics and medicine is of vast importance. I find myself drawn to the presidential primary debates to determine, if that is possible, where the candidates stand on health care for our country. I yearn for an awareness of the candidate’s ideals and of the ramifications of those ideals for Naturopathic Medicine. 2008 -2009 may be a bit premature when looking for a candidate that supports Naturopathic licensure throughout the United States. But the significance of the healthcare reform that all candidates propose can not be overstated.

I do not have an answer as to which candidate would be best. I am not sure any of the candidates will have solutions to my questions. I imagine that all the candidates have plans limited by the paradigm of the conventional medical establishment, limited by how to work within the confines of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. This is a broken system. I have yet to hear any solid solutions for how the proposed healthcare reforms will meaningfully restructure this monetarily driven industry into a configuration that truly values the health of the consumer over the financial bottom line.

I believe when health becomes the true focus; when the well being of the individual overshadows the financial ramifications to the industry; when gentle prevention is valued equal to invasive treatment; Naturopathic medicine will play an emphatic and vital role in the this new and truly holistic health care system.

What is possible?

2008 is here. It is a new year with new hopes and ideals about the many ways we can live a more healthy life. I am optimistic about the possibilities. It seems that this is a very common occurrence. People say good bye to the old, welcome in the new, and expect that this is the year for change. The enthusiasm is a vital part of the requirements for change. But it is only one of the pieces. For things to happen differently, there must be a shift in thoughts and behaviors as well. A new paradigm where eating healthy and exercising regularly are fully conceivable, even if these behaviors have been absent from the past.
2008 is an opportunity to imagine and create what is possible. Imagining and believing are the very first steps.
Who do you want to be in 2008?