VitaBlog The Vitacost Blog: Views and News on Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs

Kid-Friendly, Gluten-Free Cereal

My kids love cereal and not I’m not talking about the healthy kinds. Frosted Flakes, Sugar Pops, Cocoa Puffs…the more sugar the better! It’s enough to make any mom cringe in horror and guilt. I try to entice them to eat the healthy brands, but they complain that it tastes like wet cardboard. And, truthfully, I have to agree with them…

So what’s the alternative? I discovered that there are many gluten-free, low-sugar organic brands of cereals that are also tasty. You may be wondering, what is the deal with gluten-free foods? Gluten-free foods exclude the protein gluten, which is found in grains such as wheat, barley or rye. Gluten-free diets are believed to support joint health, and enhance balance and memory. Individuals with sensitive stomachs and digestive issues may also benefit from gluten-free diets.

My kids love Arrowhead Mills and Bakery on Main cereal brands, which include delicious flavors such as maple flakes and apple walnut raisin granola. These cereal brands are made with all-natural ingredients, are low in sugar and are gluten free. Trust me… if my kids love them and beg for more, yours will too!

Echinacea: A Natural Germ Fighter?

Many herbalists unwaveringly swear by the herbal supplement echinacea. They believe that echinacea shortens the duration of the common cold and reduces its symptoms, helps to boost the immune system and helps ward off infections. But what is the true story behind echinacea? Is it really worth all the hype and attention that it receives?

Native Americans have used echinacea for its medicinal properties for over 400 years.   Echinacea lost its popularity in Northern America after antibiotics were introduced in the early twentieth century, but has recently reemerged as a natural treatment for many health conditions.

Echinacea contains many chemicals and antioxidants that are believed to have therapeutic effects, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides, volatile oils and flavonoids.
The combination of these chemicals contributes to a healthier immune system. Taking a daily supplement of echinacea will not turn you into a superhero, but it will help lessen the effects of some seasonal cold symptoms… and that is nothing to sneeze at!

Beat the Acne Blues

The alarm rings, you grudgingly roll out of bed, look in the mirror, and spot the largest zit on your forehead you have ever seen. Acne is not just a teenage plight; it is a problem that affects many of us sooner or later. So what do you do? There are hundreds of expensive treatments available through the internet and TV infomercials, but I wonder, is there a natural (an inexpensive) way to cure to the acne blues?

Sulfur, a natural mineral found near hot springs and volcanic regions, has been used for acne treatment since the 1950s. Sulfur acts as a natural exfoliating agent that cleans out pores, and breaks down the dreaded blackheads. Using sulfur treatments on a daily basis helps to minimize breakouts and exfoliate the skin.

 Many expensive acne treatments contain sulfur, but there are many affordable alternatives available. Grandpa's Thylox Acne Treatment Soap with Sulfur is vegetable based and can be used on a daily basis to treat and prevent acne breakouts. CSI SkinBlem Acne Drying Lotion contains all-natural ingredients and works overnight to dry up blemishes and clear pores. Finally there are affordable acne treatments available that won’t break the bank!

No More Grey Hair- Naturally!

I have been coloring my dark hair since I was in my mid-twenties. My grandmother’s hair turned white when she was twenty years old, so this is a genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, I have severely damaged my hair from repeated coloring over the past years. So what’s a girl to do? I t may sound vain, but I am not quite ready to look like Mrs. (Santa) Claus…

I am happy to say that I have found a natural solution to my hair dilemma. I have recently discovered a hair coloring product, called Naturtint, which permanently colors even the most resistant grey hairs. Naturtint contains no ammonia, no resorcinol and lasts for at least 5 weeks.

Naturtint contains a natural vegetable ingredient called Nutrideep which helps to regenerate hair fibers, adding 3 times more strength and volume. Naturtint also helps to improve the overall condition of your hair by forming a protective shield that neutralizes the effects of damaging UV rays. It contains all-natural ingredients, including oats, wheat, soy and coconut which enhance the overall health of hair. Say goodbye to weak, brittle, over-colored hair…try Naturtint!

Got Stress? Get Herbs!

It is almost 6:00 pm, I am stuck in rush hour traffic, my kids are screaming in the back seat of my car, and I am about to pull my hair out! What is an overworked and overstressed mom to do? I could attempt to meditate, do some yoga, or take a long walk on the beach to try to relieve stress… but who has time for that? 

There are many natural and safe herbs that are effective at promoting stress relief. Ashwagandha is a root extract that is helpful for normalizing adrenal function, increasing energy levels, and supporting normal inflammatory response. Siberian Ginseng helps to fight mental fatigue, and strengthen the body’s nervous system. Chamomile is found in many herbal teas and helps promote physical and mental relaxation.

Ashwagandha can be taken as a daily supplement in an easy-to-digest vegetarian capsule. Ginseng and chamomile can be found in many herbal teas, such as Celestial Seasonings Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea and Long Life Teas Organic Chamomile Blend. So next time you are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, call on mother nature for relief!