This article was written by John Biggs, BSc, NCP. John has been counseling people on how to achieve and maintain better health naturally for 24 years, and started Optimum Health in 1993. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Alberta, and he is registered with the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants as a Nutritional Consulting Practitioner. John is also an eager and ongoing student of the Institute for Functional Medicine.

As discussed in the last article, when our joints wear down we can support them by consuming the substances that cartilage and other joint connective tissues are made of, such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and others. But when the problem is more than
simple wear and tear, and involves excess inflammation, these components are not likely to help as much as they are not readily incorporated by the joint until the inflammation is reduced. Therefore, when dealing with ailing joint(s) a good approach is to reduce
inflammation first before attempting to rebuild. READ MORE TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT INFLAMMATION!

PROTEIN

This article was written by Nakita Valerio, B.A, CSN, BMSA Technician. She has been working for Optimum Health Vitamins since 2007 and has been assistant manager of the Southside location since June 2009. Her passion for education and learning led her to her certification as a Sports Nutritional Consultant in January 2010 and her current training as a Biomeridian Technician. Working closely under the supervision of John Biggs, BSc, NCP has deepened her understanding of nutritional healing and preventative therapies. Her current position also includes operations as the Campaign Manager and Communications Advisor for Optimum Health's non-profit Freedom of Access to Dietary Supplements Association, which is heavily involved in the current national Health Freedom campaign to have the Natural Health Product Regulations suspended.

Pioneers of Natural Medicine (An Historical Series):Dr. Christiane Northrup 

This article was written by Jacqueline Spencer, health consultant at the Oliver Square location of Optimum Health Vitamins. The goal of this series is to educate people on where certain natural medicine therapies and theories came from, how they developed and how this can help us to understand how they fit into the alternative medicine paradigm. Stay tuned in the coming months to  catch up on Jacqueline's research regarding these important individuals!

Are you getting enough Omega 3s? Learn more in this Guest Editorial article from Ascenta and find out why you should be taking an Omega 3 supplement and which one is best for you and your family!

 In this article, part 1 of a 2 part series, I will review some of the principle substances that joint connective tissue, specifically cartilage is composed of or reliant on; namely glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, collagen type II, sulphur, and vitamin C.
 

This article was written by John Biggs, BSc, NCP. John has been counseling people on how to achieve and maintain better health naturally for 24 years, and started Optimum Health in 1993. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Alberta, and he is registered with the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants as a Nutritional Consulting Practitioner. John is also an eager and ongoing student of the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Pioneers of Natural Medicine (An Historical Series): Illia Ilich Metchnikoff

This article was written by Jacqueline Spencer, health consultant at the Oliver Square location of Optimum Health Vitamins. The goal of this series is to educate people on where certain natural medicine therapies and theories came from, how they developed and how this can help us to understand how they fit into the alternative medicine paradigm. Stay tuned in the coming months to  catch up on Jacqueline's research regarding these important individuals!

This spring Kolya invites you to take your skin and senses on a journey to the beautiful Antipodes islands of the pacific.

Read more to find out about our new skincare line from New Zealand!

This article was written by Michelle, a Wholistic SkinCare Consultant  at Kolya Day Spa.

Read more to find out the latest research on Neptune Krill Oil for PMS and DHA supplementation to prevent or help with symptoms of postpartum depression...

Pioneers of Natural Medicine (An Historical Series): Vincenz Priessnitz

This article was written by Jacqueline Spencer, health consultant at the Oliver Square location of Optimum Health Vitamins. The goal of this series is to educate people on where certain natural medicine therapies and theories came from, how they developed and how this can help us to understand how they fit into the alternative medicine paradigm. Stay tuned in the coming months to  catch up on Jacqueline's research regarding these important individuals!

Balanced immune function is vital to health, and the body’s inflammatory response is necessary to keep us alive. But when the immune system’s inflammatory response gets carried away and out of control, the molecules the body produces can overwhelm its own tissues, and impair their ability to use oxygen. In turn, this can have a very negative impact on our energy production, and is largely what makes us feel “sick” when dealing with immune challenges.
Read more to find out what John recommends...