Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes and Lotion:

Are you stressed out this holiday season?  We don’t need an excuse to relax, we deserve to relax.  Whether you are overwhelmed with the holiday season, suffering from sore muscles or insomnia, or have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis consider adding Ancient Minerals to your regime.  Ancient Minerals Magnesium is an ultra pure source of magnesium chloride that is well tolerated by even those with the most sensitive skin as well as young children.

So often these days we hear about contaminated products and rising levels of mercury and lead.  Not only are these in our food supply, but they are detected in high levels in many epsom salt products.  Ancient minerals is completely free of mercury, lead, arsenic and fluoride and is verified by third party testing.

Bath Flakes are perfect for increasing skin hydration, improving wound healing, and decreasing inflammation from exercise and allergies.  1-3 cups in a warm bath and a relaxing soak and you are well on your way to restoring your health.

Magnesium Lotion, oil, or gel are gentle alternatives, perfect for travel or those without access to a bath.  Apply liberally and feel the tension melt away.

NonToxic Skincare

Belmondo Skincare Line is a locally produced nontoxic skincare line.  Prevention is the best medicine and we often overlook the connection between our health and our skin.  Anything that we put on our skin will enter our system.  Most skincare products are actually full of chemicals linked to hormonal disruption, cancer, acne, and skin irritants.  Reducing our toxic load with what we have control over is one way to prevent disease.  Not only are the products free of toxins, but they are packaged in glass, reducing further exposure to plastics and the associated toxicities.  Good for the skin, and the planet!

Belmondo products are olive oil based and leave your skin velvety soft and smooth.  Our biggest sellers are The Cloud facial moisturizer, The Rain Cleanser, and The Petal Eye Cream.  Curious about them?  Consider the Travel Pack for small introductory sizes.

Q Energy Drink

We all need a boost every now and then, especially at this time of year.  Instead of reaching for that extra cup of coffee or the eggnog latte, we suggest Q Energy Drink.  This all natural energy drink is a safe alternative and is full of vitamins and herbs that improve fatigue, immune function and reduce inflammation.  Best of all it is not loaded with sugar or alternative sweeteners that are damaging to health and associated with energy crashes.  It comes in Wildberry or Lemon Lime and is also a locally produced product.

Stay tuned for more of our favourite things!

Happy Holidays!

Why is gluten such a problem?  Gluten is hidden in almost every processed and packaged food.  It is in hair care and skincare products, medications, vitamins and more.  So what’s the big deal?  Well if you are gluten intolerant or sensitive, and continue to eat gluten you are at risk for furthering the disease process.

Check out this video by Dr. Mark Hyman – he gives a brief introduction to why gluten is detrimental to our health. Gluten: What You Do Not Know May Kill You
Dr. Sara’s previous article on Celiac Disease. Going Gluten Free
Consider visiting our naturopathic physician, Dr. Sara Kinnon, for further discussion on gluten intolerance and or food allergies.  We have a number of noninvasive tests you could consider. Remember, treating the cause is key to rediscovering and maintaining wellness!

Celiac Disease Testing
Food Allergy Testing: minimum 96 foods!
Malabsorption/Maldigestion testing.
Vitamin/Mineral Nutrient Evaluation

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal pain disorder that can cause stiffness, poor sleep, headaches, numbness/tingling, and other uncomfortable symptoms. It can often be associated with depression, memory and concentration difficulties and is more commonly seen in women then in men. For those that suffer with this it can greatly reduce their quality of life, but treatment options are available!

Regular massage therapy treatments have been proven to increase quality of sleep and lower levels of pain (Journal of Clinical Rheumatology April 2002) thereby greatly improving an individuals quality of life and self-esteem. Registered massage therapy can also decrease muscles stiffness, improve muscle strength, promote relaxation, and reduce feelings of depression and/or anxiety.

Registered massage therapy is available Mon-Fri, book your appointment with Matt or Elissa today!

• shelling peas
• snap peas
• asparagus
• nettles
• spinach
• radishes
• and rhubarb!

You can find our what foods are in season any time by going to ediblevancouver.com!

This St. Patrick’s Day don’t just wear green, eat green! Today only, save 10% off Greens First, our most popular supplement. Each scoop contains 10 servings of organic fruits and vegetables, 49 different kinds of super foods (wheatgrass, spirulina etc), and probiotics to promote healthy digestion.  Greens First is wheat and dairy free and contains no GMO’s, MSG, or preservatives. It’s great for the whole family! Simply add a scoop to your juice or smoothie every morning, and get a boost of energy and nutrients that tastes great.

Despite the chilly temperature outside, suffering a hot flash is never a pleasant experience. For women going through menopause this symptom is all to common and many are left desperately seeking new forms of relief. The Seattle Times recently highlighted a study that was published in the Journal of Acupuncture in Medicine. Participants in the study were all experiencing symptoms of menopause, and divided into two groups. Group A received true acupuncture treatments, while Group B received mock treatments.  After 5 weeks of treatment,  group A experienced a reduction in hot flashes and a boost in estrogen, in comparison to the placebo group which did not. The article went on to say that had the sessions been extended to 10 weeks even more significant improvements would have been noticed. Book a consultation with Dr. Chen today and find out how Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can help you feel like yourself again!

Ingredients:

1 Avocado
2 TBSP Cocoa Powder – Pure
1 cup Coconut Milk –can also use almond milk
1/2 -1 banana
2 Tbsp RAW Honey
1 tsp Vanilla
Handful of ice

Directions:

Put all the ingredients in a blender for a minute or until smooth. You can add more or less milk, depending on how you like the thickness of the shake to be. Drink, enjoy, and be healthy!

Topping
•    1/4 cup pecans, chopped
•    2 tsp organic butter, softened
•    a little more pureed dates

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat 4 individual sized ramekins with olive oil. Set aside.
Combine the oats with the sea salt in a medium sized bowl, stirring well. In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla, organic butter, pumpkin, and almond milk. Whisk thoroughly. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the oats, stirring until combined.

Divide mixture evenly between 4 individual sized ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet (this makes it easier to move in and out of the oven.). Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the topping. After the oatmeal has baked for 10 minutes, remove and divide topping mixture evenly between the ramekins. Bake an additional 7 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with a splash of milk and raisins, if desired.

4 kale leaves roughly chopped
1-2 apples diced
1 cup berries or 1-2 tsp of Fruit Anthocyanins (a great tasting berry supplement we sell!)
Water

All that is left to do is blend!
Drink immediately or keep in fridge for a few days.