Single Herbs, Supplements, & Ingredients

In this series, join Rebecca, a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and the manager of our Lindsay store, and Jonathan, our Marketing Assistant, as they dive into various health and wellness topics.

Everybody has been talking about collagen recently and there's a good reason why. It's incredibly beneficial for you! Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up 30% of your protein mass. It can be found in bones, connective tissues, muscles, hair, skin, nails and even our blood vessels.

Let's talk about spirulina. This bright green powder is an amazing superfood full of vitamins and nutrients that benefit the body in so many ways.

We have had some questions lately from customers about Magnesium Stearate. What is it? Where does it come from? Why and where is it used? And most importantly, is it safe? Let's dive in. What is Magnesium Stearate? Magnesium Stearate is a simple salt made of two common nutritional substances: magnesium (mineral) and stearic acid (a kind of saturated fat). The two are bound together to create magnesium stearate. Magnesium is most commonly found in nuts and seeds. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many foods such as eggs, chicken, grass-fed beef, coconut oil, walnuts, cheese, salmon, and even human breast milk. Where and Why is it Used? Magnesium Stearate is used as a 'flow agent', lubricant, binder, or anti-caking agent in the production of many nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals. In supplement and pharmaceutical production, it helps ensure consistency and quality control. Without it, the encapsulation machinery can jam up and potentially cause differences in the amount of active ingredients in each capsule. Magnesium stearate can also be used to delay breakdown and absorption of medications, so they’re absorbed in the correct area of the bowel. In foods, it can be found in a variety of products such as milk and cheese products, breakfast cereals, candy, baby formulas, vinegars, prepared foods, and others. In foods, it is an emulsifier, helping ingredients bind to one another. Is it Safe? The short answer is yes, in moderation. We have had customers express concerns that magnesium stearate has been linked to suppressed immune T-cell function - but there is no human data to support this. Magnesium stearate is an FDA & Health Canada approved product and it is rated “Low Risk” in all categories by the Environmental Working Group. The National Center for Biotechnology Information considers it safe for consumption at amounts BELOW 2,500 milligrams per kilogram per day (170,000 mg per day for a 150lb adult). Adults in North America typically only consume 7,000mg per day. How much stearic acid is generally found in supplements? Between 0.25 and 3%. Meaning if you took 20 500mg supplements containing 1% magnesium stearate per day, you would only be consuming around 96mg - WAY under the daily limit! If too much magnesium stearate is ingested, it can have a laxative effect which can cause bowel spasms. Research shows that pharmaceuticals can contain 0.15 - 5% magnesium stearate, whereas supplements contain 0.25 - 3%. Therefore, some pharmaceutical medications that contain higher percentages of magnesium stearate (especially if they are taken multiple times a day), may cause gastric upset. Sources: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 24. Tebbey PW, Buttke TM. Molecular basis for the immunosuppressive action of stearic acid on T cells. Immunology. 1990 Jul;70(3):379-84. PMID: 2379942 Food and Drug Administration, Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Opinion: Magnesium stearate, accessed Sept. 10, 2012. www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ GenerallyRecognizedasSafeGRAS/ GRASSubstancesSCOGSDatabase/ucm260466.htm https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/1-anticaking-agents.html https://www.purelabvitamins.com/blog/Magnesium-Stearate-Safety-and-Efficacy.php https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/703708-MAGNESIUM_STEARATE/ 

ReCleanse Herbal Cleanse activates your body’s natural cleansing systems during this one week program. Each person is different based on lifestyle, genetics, and toxic accumulation over years, or even decades! Elimination of these toxins can take more than one week. Repeated use will gradually assist in cleansing and healing the body so you can enjoy an enhanced state of health and wellbeing. ReCleanse consists of two parts: a Multi-System Cleansing Formula, and a Colon Cleansing Formula. A free nutrition guide is included for easy meal planning that integrates healthy food choices. Improved general health, digestion, and energy levels in as little as 7 days!

Formulated by Naturopathic Doctor, Brenda Watson, this 30-day cleansing system is designed to reduce toxic load and relieve constipation. Over the course of 30 days your body is able to detoxify at progressively deeper levels. By the end of the month many people notice a significant improvement in energy, digestion, and elimination. For those individuals who are burdened with a heavy toxic load, this cleanse can be repeated, and when necessary, taken in half doses to reduce detoxification symptoms. The two part system is easy to use – 2 capsules of formula one in the morning – 2 capsules of formula 2 in the evening. Dietary suggestions are well suited to the average Canadian diet. This has long been a favourite at Jo Anne’s Place for staff and customers who are transitioning to a healthier lifestyle.

This 14 or 30 day homeopathic cleanse works at subtle levels to stimulate detoxification through the liver, kidneys, skin, and lymphatic system. It is generally well tolerated due to the mild dosage of the ingredients. During, and after the cleanse, they recommend increased water, fiber, and antioxidant consumption, in addition to an alkaline forming diet and daily exercise. Because homeopathic remedies work at the energy level, some people may experience a release of suppressed “toxic” emotions. This presents an opportunity to let go of the past and embrace a healthier, more satisfying present. This cleanse is super easy to use. It includes three homeopathic preparations. You simply add 30 drops of each to a 1 liter bottle of water and sip throughout the day. A bottle is included in the 5 week version of the cleanse, as well as mineral tablets to assist in alkalizing the system. Some of our local Naturopaths routinely recommend this product for their patients as part of their healing protocol.

Flor-Essence by Flora