The Health Benefits of Colostrum

Colostrum is the thin fluid produced by breast feeding mothers of the mammalian species. It is produced in abundance during the very first few milkings. With each milking less is produced. Colostrum introduces immunoglobins from the mother to the infant and turns on the child’s immune system. Colostrum has incredible immune balancing benefits.

Colostrum contains a rich array of nutrients including growth factors, lipidic and glucidic factors, oligosaccharides, antimicrobials, cytokines and nucleosides. This substance introduces the newborn to more than 95 different compounds that balance and stabilize the immune system. It also brings in eight growth factors that promote normal cell growth, DNA synthesis, fat utilization, and increased mental acuity.

Bovine colostrum has an identical structure to the natural colostrum produced by humans. Research has attributed many health benefits to bovine colostrum. These benefits include improved gut stability and nutrient absorption. Colostrum also provides immunological balance, increases energy, and reduces inflammation and illness.

Colostrum and Gut Health

The gut is responsible for nutrient absorption, detoxification, and immunological balance. Researchers believe the microbial balance in the gut plays a role in roughly 70% of our immunological control. The major player here is a special immunoglobin protein called secretory IgA (sIgA).

Individuals with chronic gut problems, IBS, Candida, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and austism typically have low SIgA. This is a sign of chronic stress in the body that has drained the immune system and the adrenals. Chronic infections, environmental toxins, and poor lifestyle could all be the major causes behind this.

Colostrum is the most prolific substance for boosting sIgA levels in the gut. It provides a balancing effect on the immune system by reducing inflammatory cytokines and reducing pathogenic species in the gut. Colostrum also helps provide raw materials to help repair a damaged gut lining. The intestinal membrane replaces cells every three days and colostrum supplementation can help heal intestinal problems such as leaky gut syndrome and other permeability issues.

Colostrum and The Immune System

Colostrum provides over one hundred times the amount of immunoglobins as regular milk. Colostrum is also rich in transfer factors that educate and modulate the immune system and successfully teach it to recognize specific antigens. These transfer factors also help coordinate the immune system to be able to recognize the difference between normal tissue and pathological microbes or abnormal tissue growth. These important transfer factors include hydrogen peroxide and IgG immunoglobins.

The transfer factors from colostrum are able to boost natural killer cell (NK) activity and calm a hyperactive immune system through activating T suppressor cells. This improves the intelligence of the immune system and allows it to function with greater efficiency. These transfer factors also act as a catalytic memory agent for the immune system to alert naïve immune cells of an impending danger.

These colostrum based IgG immunoglobins can literally save someone’s life who is suffering from acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this condition, the individual is not able to effectively produce sufficient IgG on its own to combat pathogenic microbes like cryptosporidium parvum. According to the Health Science Institute’s Underground Cures, “colostrum is able to ameliorate or completely eliminate the clinical symptoms of those suffering from cryptosporidiosis.”

Getting Clean Sources of Colostrum

The best form of colostrum is from raw, grass-fed milk cows. You can get this from a local farmer or order it online from several different sources. It is important to get colostrum in a minimally processed organic form that is free of chemicals and high heat pasteurization. Be sure to get it in powdered or capsule form for best quality.

Colostrum is important to take on an empty stomach in water so it gets into the digestive system with minimal interruption of saliva and stomach acids. There are no major side effects of colostrum supplementation, but some individuals have experienced major pathogenic die-off symptoms when using large dosages. A good starter dosage would be 250 mg . See how you tolerate that. You can easily work your way up with 250 mg increments till you get to 1-2 grams daily. Experiment with different dosages until you find the right spot for you.

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Beat Seasonal Allergies Naturally

Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever, are symptoms that occur during specific times of the year. Symptoms usually occurs at times when outdoor molds release their spores or when plants release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Allergies are an indication of a malcoordinated immune system. Natural strategies cn be used to beat seasonal allergies once and for all.

In the mid-Atlantic states, tree pollination occurs between February and May, grass pollination occurs in May through June, and weeds pollinate from August through October. Mold spores usually increase between mid-summer and fall. Stronger symptoms during one of these periods helps to identify the particular allergy.

Malcoordinated Immunity

Allergies occur when the immune system is uncoordinated. This can occur from some major bodily stressor that interferes with the natural maturity and function of the immune system. Due to environmental challenges early in life, many individuals never develop a normal immune response and are prone to allergic reactions throughout their life. Others encounter some sort of an immune insult during the course of their life that throws their immune system out of control

The most common immune insults include physical trauma that damages the upper cervical spine. This form of trauma could include a slip or fall, a car accident, bad sleeping habits, or poor posture. This leads to an upper cervical (neck) subluxation that puts pressure on the brain stem. Upper cervical subluxations lead to badly coordinated immunity and allergic reactions in many individuals.

Family Strategies to Reduce Risk of Allergies

There are some great strategies a family could take to ensure that children will not develop allergies. Before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during lactation moms should optimize their vitamin D3 levels to 60-100 ng/ml. They should also boost their microbial friends by eating raw fruits and vegetables and fermented foods and by taking probiotic supplements. They should stabilize their omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acid ratios by eating grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish and purified fish oil supplements. SAnd, of course, they should completely avoid processed foods and foods cooked with inferior vegetable oils.

The newborn baby should be exclusively breast fed for at least the first 6 months and ideally the first 12-18 months. Mother’s milk provides valuable immunoglobins early in life that play an enormous role in supporting the infant’s immune system as it matures. Mother’s milk is also a rich source of medium chain saturated fats such as lauric acid that help feed and strengthen immune cells. Mother’s milk provides IgA and probiotics which inoculate the baby’s gut and give it a defense against dangerous intestinal microbes that can cause damage to the gut lining.

Vaccinated Children and Allergies

Vaccinated children are much more susceptible to allergies. In fact, a 2010 study found that 40% of vaccinated children reported to have at least one allergy, whereas less than 10% of children who were not vaccinated reported an allergy. The same study showed that almost 11% of vaccinated children have seasonal allergies whereas only 2.5% of non-vaccinated children have this condition.

Beating allergies includes an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. This is done by rebuilding the intestinal wall with probiotics and fermented foods. De-inflaming the body also involves avoiding inflammatory foods and consuming whole foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants. Finally, optimizing vitamin D levels and drinking ample amounts of purified water is very important.

Chiropractic Care for Optimal Immunity:

Chiropractic care to remove upper cervical subluxations and restore proper structural and neurological function to the spine and nervous system is especially critical. This includes very specific adjustment applied to release pressure on the brain stem region and specific exercises to maintain this correction and improve postural abnormalities.

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Fermented Foods Optimize Your Health

Our ancient ancestors’ utilized fermentation as a means of food preservation , creating probiotic enriched foods that were eaten on a regular basis. Many ancient medicine men and physicians began utilizing fermented foods to treat certain ailments. These probiotic enriched foods are one of the most important attributes of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

In the early 20^th century, Nobel Prize winning scientist Ilya Ilyich Mechinikov attributed the remarkable health of a group of Bulgarian people to their daily consumption of probiotic enriched foods. He named the unique bacterial species that made up much of their fermented products Lactobacillus bulgaricus. He theorized that probiotic bacteria could have a much greater impact on human health than the much feared pathogenic strains of bacteria.

Every culture around the world has their own unique fermented foods. The Europeans use cabbage, beets, and cucumbers to make foods like sauerkraut, kvass, and pickles. The Koreans make a spiced, fermented cabbage they call kimchi. Asians ferment soy to form products such as tempeh, miso, and natto. They also created a fermented drink known as Kombucha. Many different cultures also made their own fermented sourdough style breads.

Traditional Fermented Foods

Sauerkraut is made by fermenting cabbage, oftentimes in vinegar. Raw cabbage naturally contains probiotics and enzymes that are exponentially multiplied during the fermentation period. Fresh (not canned) sauerkraut is a fantastic source of living enzymes and active lactobacillus and pediococcus strains of probiotics.

Kimchii is most commonly made with Chinese cabbages. There are also other variations of kimchii using cucumbers, eggplants, leeks, radishes, and other seasonal veggies. Often these are prepared with a combination of fermented veggies, giving it among other things, unique antioxidants, live enzymes, and the special organism lactobacillus kimchii.

Fermented soy comes in three major forms: miso, tempeh, and natto. Miso and tempeh often incorporate brown rice and barley fermentation with two unique probiotic yeast species. These yeasts enhance the bioavailability of the amino acids and produce high amounts of B vitamins. The bacillus subtilis bacterium is used to produce natto, which is rich in proteolytic enzymes and vitamin K2.

Fermented Dairy as a Staple of a Healthy Diet

Almost every region has their own fermented raw dairy products. The Bulgarians eat yogurt, the Indians eat Lassi, the Africans have Amasi, and the Eastern Russia/Slovakia areas have kefir, to name a few. Each of these dairy products are fermented with lactic acid based bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Leuconostoc, among others.

These raw, fermented dairy products share many of the same bacterial strains. In particular, they share the lactic acid based lactobacillus family of bulgaricus, kefir, parakefir, brevis, casei, etc. Raw, fermented dairy also provides a variety of healthy yeast saccharomyces species. These include saccharomyces unisporus, turicensis, cerevisiae, and exiguous. Finally, these dairy products contain one of the most potent probiotic strains, bacillus coagulans. The combination of these probiotic organisms’ works in synergy to repair and protect the gut and destroy even the harshest of opportunistic organisms, such as the Candida yeast species.

Many individuals struggle to digest the milk sugar lactose and the protein casein. Fermented raw milk products such as those listed above have not only metabolized lactose but provide large doses of the enzyme lactase to assist in digestion. Most individuals who are naturally lactose intolerant do very well with fermented raw milk products.

Milk coming from cows that produce Beta Casein A1 can be problematic even after undergoing fermentation. It is best to purchase fermented, raw dairy from 100% green-fed animals that are completely free of Beta Casein A1. These acceptable animals would include goats and cows that have been selectively bread to no longer produce Beta Casein A1.

Beat Pancreatitis Naturally

Pancreatitis is a severely painful chronic inflammatory disorder of the pancreas. It happens when the pancreatic enzymes become activated within the pancreas and begin digesting the cellular wall. You can beat pancreatitis with natural healing strategies.

The most common signs and symptoms of pancreatitis include severe, burning pain in the upper abdomen that often radiates into the back with nausea and vomiting that worsens with eating. During an acute attack , the individual goes into a state of dehydration; blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate spike. Chronic pancreatitis will often lead to low energy, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis and Gall Stones

Pancreatitis is most often associated with excessive alcohol intake and gallstone formation. When gallstones get large they obstruct the pancreatic duct from effectively emptying their enzymes into the small intestine. Pancreatitis is characterized by lab results through blood amylase or lipase levels that will be four to six times higher than normal variations.

When the pancreas is hyperstimulated (alcohol or excessive eating) or when the bile-pancreatic duct is obstructed (gall stones), increased pancreatic duct pressure activates the enzyme trypsin. When intracellular protective mechanisms to prevent trypsinogen and trypsin activation are overwhelmed, it leads to activation within the pancreas with auto-digestion of the pancreatic gland and resulting inflammation. This can result in severe pain common to acute pancreatitis and chronic symptoms associated with chronic pancreatitis.

Steps to Prevent Pancreatitis

The best action steps to prevent pancreatitis flare-ups are to follow an anti-inflammatory nutrition plan that is free of sugars, grains, high fruit consumption, and processed foods of any kind. Meals should focus on good fat sources, anti-oxidants, clean proteins, fiber, and fermented foods.

Be sure to avoid all common food allergens, alcohol, and caffeine as these can trigger further problems. If you have pancreatitis or gallstones, or are at risk of getting these, be sure to make coconut oil your primary fatty acid. The small and medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil are easy to metabolize and do not depend on high amounts of pancreatic enzymes or bile. Use other good fats in moderation to reduce stress on the gall bladder and pancreas.

Load up On SuperFoods

Eat good fat sources such as coconut, avocados, raw chocolate, extra-virgin olive oil, and sprouted seeds. Loads of phytonutrient rich vegetables, lemons & limes and organic herbs should be used. This includes red onions, which are rich in anthocyanins and quercetin and dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, and spinach which are loaded with lutein, zeaxanthin, and chlorophyll.

Clean proteins include organic poultry, 100% grass-fed beef and wild caught fish. Great sources of fiber including sprouted chia, flax, hemp, and pumpkin seeds. The best fermented foods include sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, kombucha, coconut kefir, fermented herbal botanicals, and fermented raw dairy from 100% grass-fed cows.

A lifestyle build around superfoods and intermittent water fasting for periods of 16-24 hours daily is especially helpful. Intermittent fasting allows the digestive system to rest and heal. During the fast, drink as much clean water, green drinks, herbal teas, and herbal anti-oxidant extracts as possible. No calorie rich foods or high sugar fruits should be used during this period.

Steps to Alleviate Acute Pancreatitis

If you are suffering with acute pancreatitis then you will want to do a water fast with anti-oxidant extracts. No solid food should be consumed during this period and absolutely no high sugar, protein, or fatty foods as these all require specific pancreatic enzymes to digest.

The best herbal extracts for pancreatic function include turmeric, milk thistle, holy basil, ginger and dandelion. These herbs are best taken in a fermented form with organic acids, enzymes and probiotics for optimal absorption. Drinking lemon water and organic herbal teas is also highly recommended to soothe the pancreatic duct.

One could also juice lemon, ginger, dandelion, cucumber, celery, and kale to make a powerful anti-inflammatory green drink. This should help soothe the pancreatic duct and allow for healthy secretion of pancreatic enzymes. The individual should rest and can do coffee enemas to help move out toxins and relax the pancreas and gall bladder.

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The Extraordinary Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is a common Asian drink that has picked up popularity throughout North America. Many are choosing green tea as a healthy alternative to coffee and other warm drinks. Research has shown that green tea is rich in polyphenol anti-oxidants that have extraordinary health benefits.

Green, black, and oolong tea are all part of the same species called Camellia sinensis. Local growing conditions create variability and a multitude of distinctive leaves. The processing of the leaves plays the biggest role in the creation of the three types of teas. The length of time they are processed dictates the color, taste, and nutrient content of the different varieties of tea.

Green Tea is Highest in Anti-Oxidants

Green tea is the least processed of the three and contains the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity) of the three teas. Green tea is rich in the polyphenol anti-oxidant catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This anti-oxidant is thought by most to be responsible for the health benefits linked to green tea consumption.

ECGC is considered to be one hundred times more potent than vitamin C and twenty-four times stronger than vitamin E. The powerful ability to scavenge free radicals makes green tea one of the best anti-aging herbs. ECGC is one of a handful of unique anti-oxidants that has shown an ability to influence mutant DNA formations to reverse chronic disease states.

Green Tea Lowers Mortality Risk

A September 2006 study in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that drinking green tea lowers the risk of mortality from all causes including cardiovascular disease. This was an eleven year study following 40,530 adults ranging in age from 40-79 in the northeastern region of Japan. Eighty percent of this population drinks green tea and over half consume at least three cups per day.

Those who drank five or more cups a day had a significantly lower risk of death from all causes than those who drank less than one cup of green tea daily. Men had a 12% lower risk of mortality, 22% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, and 42% lower risk of dying from stroke. Women had a 23% lower mortality rate and 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and 62% lower risk of dying from stroke.

Green Tea and Cancer

A metanalysis of thirteen studies that was published in Carcinogenesis July 2006 demonstrated that women who drink green tea have a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not drink green tea.

A study published in December 2004 in Cancer Research discussed how ECGC in green tea was able to decrease insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) while increasing levels of IGF binding protein-3, which binds IGF-1. This reduces the risk of breast, colon, prostate and lung cancer. It also inhibits key cancer survival proteins and reduces the expression of compounds associated with cancer metastasis.

A study published in Cancer Research in March 2005 showed that ECGC inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which cancer cells need in order to grow. In fact, DHFR is a common target of many expensive and toxic cancer drugs such as methotrexate. ECGC does not bind as strongly and is not as powerful as methotrexate , but it does not have the negative effects on normal cells found with methotrexate use.

Green Tea Boosts Immunity and Prevents the Flu

A November 2005 issue of Antiviral Research demonstrated how EGCG inhibits the flu virus from replicating in a cell culture. Scientists found that it blocks the hemagglutinin enzyme in the virus which inhibits its ability to infect other cells. It also suppresses viral RNA synthesis by altering key properties of the viral cell membrane.

ECGC has been shown to suppress the pathogenic viruses such as Epstein Barr, herpes simplex, HIV-1 and the influenza virus. Green tea contains high levels of L-theanine which has been shown to activate human gamma-delta T lymphocytes to proliferate and make interferone gamma If-G. If-G is a potent antimicrobial cytokine that is the first line of defense in the blood stream against infection.

Green tea also contains small amounts of alkylamines which are also present in pathogenic organisms. When we drink green tea, the alkylamines present act as relatively weak antigens that don’t fully activate the immune system but get it in a ready state. This primes the immune system against bacterial and viral invaders.

Green Tea as a Th2 Immune System Stimulator

Some natural health practitioners have labeled green tea as a Th2 stimulating agent. Although this hasn’t yet been proven through research, there are various case studies indicating that green tea may have this effect. This herb would be particularly effective for individuals with a Th1 dominance as it will help balance out the immune system.

It is advisable for individuals with Th2 dominant conditions to do a supplement challenge where they intentionally see how their body responds to green tea or another Th2 stimulating compound before they begin indiscriminately using it . If it is shown through a cytokine blood test or through an herbal or supplemental challenge that the individual has a Th2 dominance, then it is best to avoid green tea.

Green Tea Caffeine Content and ContraIndications

Green tea contains caffeine, but it is less than half of that found in coffee. The amount of caffeine found in green tea varies depending upon the amount of tea used, the brand, and the quality. The first infusion of green tea leaves is the highest quality and has the most amount of caffeine.

It is extremely important to get organic green tea since the conventional tea may be highly sprayed with toxic pesticides and herbicides. Many coffee shops and big companies carry green tea that is commercially produced and contains an abundance of environmental toxins. This is not healthy and should be avoided.

Pregnant women and newborns shouldn’t drink large amounts of green tea as its ability to bind to DHFR may increase the risk of folate deficiencies in the newborn and increase the risk of spina bifida or other neural tube disorders.

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Dry Brushing Detox

Dry brushing your skin may be one of the easiest and best ways to detoxify your body on a regular basis. The skin is estimated to eliminate over a pound of waste each day through its pores and through the elimination of dead skin cells from the body. Dry brushing is an effective way to maximize the toxin elimination channels of the skin.

The integumentary system is made up of a network of dead epidermal cells forming the skin, hair, fingernails and toenails. All of these are a form of pulling toxins out of the body. The hair is often used to measure the level of toxic heavy metals in the body. The sweat glands also play an active role in flushing toxins out through perspiration.

Detoxifying through Your Skin Cells

As skin cells get closer and closer to the outer surface of the body they lose their blood supply and die. This is an effective strategy of the body to eliminate wastes in these cells by sloughing off these old dead cells. Every minute we lose over 30,000 dead skin cells which are replaced by new healthy skin cells. Bathing and good personal hygiene practices enhance the normal eliminatory patterns of the skin.

Dry skin brushing helps to improve circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage and firms the skin. The improvement in circulation improves brain function and gives an individual more energy. By improving lymphatic flow, it can help prevent the formation of unsightly cellulite. Dry brushing also sloughs off old dead skin cells and the toxic debris within them while initiating the development of new healthy skin cells.

How to Dry Brush Correctly

It is important to find a brush with soft natural bristles. Synthetic bristles often contain chemicals that are best to avoid. The brushes are typically available at a local health food store in the price range of six to ten dollars.

It is best to begin with light, gentle brushing and overtime the skin will be able to handle brushing a little deeper. The strokes should move toward the heart to improve lymphatic flow back through the venous system towards the heart. When dry brushing the stomach it is best to go in a clockwise motion as that works with the natural digestive flow.

The Dry Brushing Rules For Success

The skin may be slightly flushed afterwards but should not be red or sore. Be sure to avoid brushing over fresh wounds, burns, and cuts. The skin should be dry but not excessively dry when brushing. One can use coconut oil during the brushing process if the skin is very dry but be sure to clean the brush thoroughly after finishing brushing. Shower after brushing to help remove exfoliated skin cells.

Most individuals notice that they feel refreshed and energized after dry brushing. This is due to the elimination of toxic debris and improved circulation. The skin also glows and feels smoother after the whole body exfoliation experience.

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Chia Seeds Health Benefits

SuperCharge Your Health with Chia Seeds!

Chia seeds are an ancient fuel source used for centuries by some of the world’s healthiest people. These super seeds contain an abundance of life-enhancing nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants. Super charge your health by incorporating chia seeds in your diet.

Chia seeds are native to South America where they were revered by two of the most powerful tribes: the Aztecs and Mayans. These tribes considered chia to be more valuable than gold. The Aztecs would traditionally consume chia for extra energy and stamina before going into battle or before a big hunt.

Chia is easy to grow as it survives in very temperate environments and is quite self-sustaining. It is hardly bothered by insects and grows very efficiently. An individual could survive quite well on chia alone due to the rich blend of nutrients it provides.

Chia’s Nutritional Profile

Chia boasts an impressive array of flavonoid and polyphenol anti-oxidants including quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid. It has three times the amount of anti-oxidants as blueberries for equal volume. Chia is also loaded with the small chain omega-3 fatty acid ALA and soluble and insoluble fibers. These key nutrients make chia a powerful defense against everyday stress and chronic disease processes.

Improve Blood Sugar Sensitivity

Chia seeds’ nutritional components include healthy fats, anti-oxidants, clean proteins, and fiber. Chia contains no sugar and very minimal amounts of non-fibrous carbohydrates. Chia also contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This combination is perfect for healthy blood sugar levels and sustained energy. A diet that includes chia seeds is a powerful combatant for diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Healthy Gut Function

The healthy gut bacteria that our digestive system depends upon thrive off of different forms of fiber. Sugar is the enemy of these life giving microorganisms because it feeds the parasitic organisms that are in competition. Chia’s makeup of essential fats, antiparasitic anti-oxidants, and a rich array of fibers is a perfect nutritional blend to build a healthy gut.

The chia fibers are able to absorb ten times their weight in water which helps to hydrate the colon and move toxins out of the gut. The blend of insoluble and soluble fiber helps to sweep and sponge microorganisms and environmental toxins out of the colon and into the feces.

Boosts Mental Function

Chia is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids and nueroprotective anti-oxidants such as quercetin, caffeic, and chlorogenic acid. These essential fats and anti-oxidants produce cell membranes that are more flexible and efficient. Healthier cell membranes results in more efficient nutrient delivery systems and faster nerve transmission processes. This improves brain function including memory and concentration.

Using Chia in Everyday Life

Chia seeds can be used in a wide variety of dishes including soups, no-grain cereals, smoothies ,and baked goods. They are also a great addition to any salad or veggie sauté. Many vegans are lacking healthy proteins and fats in their diet while many carnivores lack anti-oxidants and fibers in their diet. Chia, being a complete protein source, is the perfect addition for both of these groups.

To optimize your health look to add two to four tablespoons of this superfood into your diet daily. Two tablespoons of chia give you seven grams of fiber, four grams of protein, and five grams of omega 3 fatty acids. The most bioavailable form of chia is sprouted and enzymatically activated for optimal nutrient delivery.

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