How can you tell if you’re deficient in essential fatty acids (EFAs)? Here are some clues. There are two families of EFAs, the omega 6s and the omega 3s. Omega 6 Deficiency Dry, flakey skin is the cardinal sign that you aren’t getting enough omega 6, which maintains the skin barrier against excessive water loss. Your skin should be soft and velvety, but water loss can lead to “alligator skin,” “chicken skin,” thick patches of skin, cracked skin (especially on heels or fingertips), or frequent nosebleeds. Also look for brittle nails that break easily; dry eyes; dry, dull and unmanageable hair; dandruff or hair loss; itchy skin, eczema and other skin lesions. Canker sores in your mouth may be another sign. Water Loss can lead to excessive thirst. Other signs of deficiency include poor immunity, wounds that are slow to heal, PMS and other reproductive problems, kidney malfunction, joint pain and heart beat abnormalities. Omega 3 Deficiency Fatigue can be caused by many thin…

High-quality supplements are a pivotal part of Raymond Francis’s approach to getting well and staying well, and supplying them is a cornerstone of our business at Beyond Health. We believe that even if you eat an exceptionally healthy diet, high-quality supplements, especially a multivitamin, essential fatty acids extra vitamin C, and vitamin D if levels are tested and found to be low, are essential to maintaining optimal health. (For the many reasons why, see Raymond’s free report, The Roadmap to Supplements.) So we were pleased to read that Mark Hyman, MD, Director of the prestigious Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine, wholeheartedly agrees. The Cleveland Clinic is an academic medical center and a leader in research, education and health information in Cleveland, Ohio. It is rated the second best hospital in the country by US News & World Report, and #1 for heart care. Dr. Hyman himself is well-known for his best-selling books and many appearances on public te…

Inflammation is a major factor in pain and in all kinds of disease from arthritis to allergies, heart disease, obesity, neurodegenerative brain disease and more (see Inflammation: a Common Denominator of Disease).  And one of the primary causes of inflammation is an imbalance in the modern diet between two types of fats called omega-3s and omega-6s. These two fats are sometimes referred to together as the “essential fatty acids.” They are “essential” because our bodies can’t make them, so it’s essential that we get them from either food or supplements.  Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, while most omega-6s are pro-inflammatory. The typical modern diet provides far too few omega-3s and way too many inflammatory omega-6s.  To make matters worse, those omega-6s are usually from toxic, processed vegetable oils.  Processing these omega-6 oils damages them, often converting them into dangerous trans fats, while contaminating them with added toxins. …

For years, we’ve repeatedly warned that you can no longer get all the required nutrients your body needs from food, and we’re not alone. Researchers from four reputable institutions recently took issue with the latest claims that vitamin supplements are a waste of money.In a commentary published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Tufts University, and the Harvard School of Public Health asserted that while a proper diet is the preferred way to get nutrients required by your cells and necessary for optimal health, it’s no longer possible for most Americans. Current lifestyle and dietary choices create “nutritional gaps” that simply cannot be overcome by food alone.What are these nutritional gaps?Most Americans eat a typical diet of overly processed foods containing white flour, sugar, red meat, dairy, and processed vegetable oils. Yet, you may remember us mention…

Seed Cycling for Hormone BalanceIn the quest for hormone balance, many turn to natural remedies. One such method is seed cycling, a practice rooted in naturopathy.Seed cycling involves consuming specific nuts and seeds at different phases of the menstrual cycle. The goal is to harness their nutrient profiles to support hormonal health.This article delves into the science and practice of seed cycling. It explores how this dietary strategy may help manage hormonal issues such as PMS, fertility, and menopause symptoms.We'll also discuss convenient options for incorporating nuts and seeds into your diet. Products like Clif Bar nuts and seeds, and pre-mixed nuts and seeds can simplify the process.Whether you're new to seed cycling or seeking to deepen your understanding, this article aims to provide valuable insights. Let's embark on this journey towards hormonal balance through the power of nuts and seeds.Understanding Hormonal Imbalance and the Role of DietHormonal imbalance is a common h…