Supplements: Hints on Label Reading

[OCNaturalDoc]

There are mind-boggling numbers of supplements available on today's market. In addition to the primary ingredients, many products contain other questionable ingredients in the form of fillers, additives, and excipients. An excipient is a substance added to the supplement as a processing or stability aid. One ingredient, magnesium stearate (also know as stearic acid), is a potentially toxic metal additive from pill production. Another ingredient, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate (DCP), may even inhibit the absorption of essential minerals within your system. There are others you may find as well, but you don't want or need these ingredients in your supplements. Some pose potential health risks, and really are unnecessary.

Make Sure Your Herbal Supplement Comes from a Certified Organic Producer Committed to Quality Processes. The key to delivering an organic-based supplement rests in the manufacturer's commitment to quality and excellence. In fact, without these quality processes in place, it really doesn't matter what organic herbs are harvested. You simply won't end up with a top-notch consistent organic formula. And in turn, you won't receive the maximum potential value of the herb.

It's also important for you to highly scrutinize and research the manufacturer's credentials. And don't stop there -- Bear in mind the total organic process involves planting, cultivation, selective harvesting, and then producing and packaging the final formula. Reputable companies will know their sources. They may even grow their own organic crops to maintain quality control. According to Dr Joseph Mercola, here are some types of certifications to look for:
• Hazards and Critical Control Points (HACCP) -- International food safety certification that World Health Organization (WHO) standards are met.
• Safe Quality Food (SQF) -- HACCP-based food safety and risk management system covering the identification of food safety, quality risks, and the validation and monitoring of control measures
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) -- International certification verifies all required practices necessary for an effective food safety program are followed.
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2000 -- International standard for quality, safety, ecology, economy, reliability, compatibility, inter-operability, efficiency, and effectiveness
• Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher -- Certifies compliance for Kosher observers and followers.
• International organic certifications such as: USDA, EU, and NSOP (India)

Understanding "Organic"
To grow organically is to grow without the use of pesticides, herbicides or genetic engineering. That’s good, but simply growing organically can still leave the soil unable to properly support future plantings.

Sustainable
To grow sustainably is to grow organically in a way that preserves the soil for future planting of organic crops – for years to come, for generation after generation.

Biodynamic
Biodynamic agriculture takes full advantage of the complex relationship between the farmer, soil, plants, animals, sun, moon and tides. It recognizes the farm as a closed, self-nourishing system, often using livestock to work the earth instead of machinery.

Demeter Certified

Luna Nueva, New Chapter’s organic farm in the rainforests of Costa Rica, is certified biodynamic by Demeter International, the largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture and the oldest traditional organic certification in Europe.

It’s regarded as the highest grade of organic farming in the world and the most difficult to come by. That’s because it requires biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, soil husbandry, livestock integration, prohibition of genetically engineered organisms, and labor-intensive practices that treat the farm as a living, holistic organism.

Why does LNH feature New Chapter and NewMark (practitioner-only) products?
NEW CHAPTER is a small company owned by families and friends, and is located in Brattleboro, Vermont. The company also operates an organic estate near the Children’s Rain Forest of Costa Rica. Founded in 1982, New Chapter has been producing the finest probiotic nutrients and herbal formulations in the world. Their purpose is to create the finest products that are truly natural, made of 100% real food and herbs. New Chapter has never made products with chemical isolates or solvents, and cultures all of their vitamins and minerals. They are not synthetic---they are food. New Chapter is committed to supporting and protecting the environment, and their Costa Rican farm is a world model for organic sustainable farming in the rain forest.

We also chose them because we share A Commitment to “Conscious Nourishment”
We ask you to really think about what you’re putting into your body. To think not only about its effect on you but its effect on the earth, nature and all of us who rely on nature’s incredible gifts to continue.

New Chapter’s 6 principles of Conscious Nourishment
• We are all a living, breathing part of nature, so we should eat things that are created in harmony with the laws of nature. You’re not a chemical isolate, so why consume chemical isolates?
• Recognize that nature got it right the first time. Choose health-preservation via natural nutrition, now, vs. treatment later.
• Nourish and heal the body through organic and sustainably grown foods, herbs and beneficial botanicals.
• Thinking about nourishment requires thinking about how something is grown, processed, delivered, packaged and returned to the environment -- and how it affects the rest of our world.
• Be conscious that the products we choose and the lifestyle decisions we make daily all have a ‘ripple’ effect – ensure it’s a positive one.
• Give back to the earth, its people, its creatures and to the generations that will come after us.

Choosing Conscious Nourishment every day benefits every one of us.

New Chapter products are available at Whole Foods Markets nationally and other regional and local health food stores. For more information about their remarkable story, go to http://www.newchapter.com/
NewMark products are available only through a qualified practitioner's office.



These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.