Laguna Yaurihuiri en Ayacucho

I recommend everyone get tested for vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is the “free vitamin” because you can get it from the sunshine. However, vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent than you may think, affecting up to 40% of Americans.4

When I got tested for vitamin D, I was surprised that my own levels were low, since I spend a good amount of time in the sun. Since vitamin D defi- ciency is linked to cancer, depression and intestinal problems, among other health issues, I highly recommend get- ting tested to see how your vitamin D levels are. You may want to get tested in the winter as well, if you live in a cold climate where you’d have less sun expo- sure. With plenty of time in the sun- shine, you may not need to take vitamin D at all. Testing for vitamin D levels will help you know for sure. Chapter 7 has more information on vitamin D testing.

One thing to keep in mind is that vitamin D3, the form that your body uses, is not available from a plant-based source. If you’re a really strict vegan, you might have a moral issue with this, but remember High Raw Principle #2: Make Your Health Your Top Priority. Your health is of the utmost importance, so you may want to consider what your body needs most of all. The good news is that you can get vitamin D3 sourced from lanolin or sheep’s wool. While lanolin is an animal product, it’s not a part of the huge, destructive conglomerate business that is destroying life for food. What

Symptoms of

Vitamin D

Deficiency:

• Depression

and mood swings

• Low immunity

• Sleep irregularities

• Renal problems

• Intestinal issues,

like IBS or

Chrohn’s disease

• Fatigue or

low energy

• Weak bones

supplements 169 happens is the sheep releases vitamin D2 and then the sun

converts it to vitamin D3.

There are many good brands of vitamin D. I use Bio-D Mulsion Forte by Biotics Research, which provides vitamin D3 in an emulsified form. Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vita- min, this helps with the bioavailablity. Work with a practitio- ner to determine how to supplement with vitamin D because you can overdo it. Your health practitioner can recommend how much you should take, particularly if you have some sort of deficiency and need to rebuild your vitamin D levels.

While there are many other excellent supplements, my goal is to highlight some of the key products to create a base- line of good health. Green powders, probiotics and enzymes are in my opinion, a kind of insurance for optimal health. Vitamins B12 and D are also critical, but just like with any other supplement you are considering, I highly recommend you get tested so that you can tailor your supplements to the needs of your body.

From time to time, you may also be looking for natural solutions for a specific health situation. The questions I get most often are about natural supplements to boost immu- nity, decrease inflammation, detoxify your body and fight viruses.

Here are some great herbs for your immune system: Olive Leaf Extract

The olive leaf herb has been used since ancient Egyptian times for its medicinal properties. Research has shown that fresh olive leaf extract is higher in antioxidants that extra virgin olive oil, gogi berries, noni juice and vitamin C.6 _{Most recently,}

due to olive leaf extracts powerful anti-viral properties, it has been getting attention as a possible avian flu remedy.

If you are experiencing a viral infection, like the flu, Epstein Barr or Lyme disease, you might consider taking olive leaf extract in the form of a tincture. Work with your health practitioner though, because there are certain contraindica- tions for taking olive leaf tincture. For example, if you are taking antibiotics, the olive leaf tincture may decrease their effectiveness.

Cat’s Claw

A vine from the Amazon and South America, cat’s claw has been used for its immune-stimulating properties since the Inca civilization. Cat’s claw is made from the root and bark of the vine and has properties that help reduce inflammation and fight certain viruses.7

Cat’s claw has been studied for its benefits for osteoar- thritis, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, MS, lupus and Chrohn’s disease.8

Cilantro

Cilantro is the leaf of the plant also known as coriander (seeds). Cilantro is used to improve digestion and fight infec- tion. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cilantro is often used as part of natural chelation therapy, which helps remove heavy metals from your body. Cilantro has been used in many ways from simply eating the herb in salads or smoothies to making tea or using the tincture.

Oregano Oil Extract

Often included in candida and parasite cleansing formulas, oregano extract has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antiseptic properties. Oregano oil extract has been used to boost immunity and settle upset stomach, treat food poising and relieve other digestive problems.

supplements 171 While herbal remedies have many medicinal benefits, they

may also have contraindications, so make sure you know what they are before using them. Working with a health practitioner is a great way to receive guidance on herbs that will benefit your specific health goals.