Natural Choices — Health Food, Organic Produce, Gluten Free, Vitamins, Supplements — Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

Archive for March, 2010

I was happy to hear a news bite on the radio recently saying that the incidence of the H1N1 and other flu strains has been down significantly this year. My first thought was that all those hand sanitizers and antibacterial products must be working.

But then I was on Discovery’s Planet Green website reading about green cleaning products and No. 3 of their Top Green Cleaning Tips was about antibacterial products:

Be careful with antibacterial cleaners

The antibacterial and antimicrobial ‘cleaners’ that many people think are necessary, especially during cold season, don’t clean hands better than soap and water, and also add to the risk of breeding “super germs,” bacteria that survive the chemical onslaught and have resistant offspring. The FDA has found that antibacterial soaps and hand cleaners do not work better than regular soap and water, and should be avoided. (Emphasis added.)

Super germs don’t sound any better than H1N1 or its pet name, swine flu. They say soap and water work just as well. I’m glad I

Natural Choices has a large selection of green household cleaning products.

haven’t been using all the sanitizers available for purchase.

Natural Choices has a wide selection of green cleaning products available. I know owner Carolyn Behrman is just as picky about the household products she offers on the shelves at Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana as she is about the fresh organic produce, GMO-free meats, and organic dairy products.

Stop by to find green products to clean your home, your body and groom your pets. Natural Choices is a one-stop shop for cleaning products you will be happy to bring into your home!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices is not just a healthy food store in Columbus, Indiana, it’s a place to find green cleaning products for your home, your pets and to use for your own personal hygiene.

Carolyn has returned  from the 13th annual lobbying event, Natural Products Day, in Washington, D.C. with good news.

According to the Natural Products Association’s report on the event:

The annual event occurred two weeks after an agreement was announced between Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and industry proponents Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) regarding McCain and Dorgan’s recently introduced Dietary Safety Supplement Act (S. 3002). The original legislation would have radically rewritten the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) resulting in less choice and greater costs for supplement users.

Attendees asked their elected officials to oppose the Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Abuse Reduction Act of 2009 (S. 641), which amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose civil penalties for knowingly selling products containing DHEA to minors, and to support the Tax Equity for Dietary Supplements (H.R. 3405) bill that amends the IRS code to allow certain dietary supplements and meal replacement products to be eligible for tax exclusion for employer reimbursements of employee medical care expenses.

Only a portion of the supplements available at Natural Choices.

Carolyn and her cohorts were able to attend a reception on Capitol Hill with legislators and staff members. Overall, it was a busy, productive trip for all. I know Carolyn is glad to be back home in Columbus, Indiana. Because of the efforts of people like her, people have a greater choice in what they wish to use for health reasons.

Carolyn is familiar with natural health supplements and can help identify those that may be best for many conditions and health issues. With the results of the above, those supplements will still be available for all who seek them. Just stop by and talk with her at Natural Choices.

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices: don’t call it a health food store in Columbus, Indiana. It is really a healthy food store in Columbus, Indiana.

“Secrets of Natural Healing”

Free Seminar

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Natural Choices

1825 Central Avenue

Columbus, Indiana

Make a note on your calendar to attend a

FREE SEMINAR at Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

RSVP by phone (812) 375-1677 or at the store to reserve your seat

Burt Goulding, Jr., Managing Director of Positive Nutrition Institute and President/CEO of Positive Power Nutrition Inc. is coming to Natural Choices to present an interactive, information-packed seminar.

For over 25 years, Burt Goulding, Jr. has been involved in the Nutrition Industry. He has been a nutritionist, owner/operator of a retail food chain, and a successful distributor of nutritional supplements to independent nutritional stores and natural practitioners. He travels the country speaking on the radio, teaching seminars and giving nutritional demonstrations.

The author of several articles on the topic, he will explain how balanced pH levels support the body’s ability to be self-healing. You will have the opportunity to test your pH level and be given lots of information about how to achieve a healthier balance!

In this free seminar, you’ll learn:

• The 4 steps to Natural Healing
• Why over 90% of the population is acidic
• Why the proper pH balance is critical to healthiness
• How to measure, achieve and maintain the proper pH balance
• The importance of good health at the cellular level
• The 7 highly acid-forming sources to avoid

He says, “Bottom Line: You’ll learn how to take control of your own health!”

Bring your friends and family with you. Everyone needs this information to create a healthful inner body!

Don’t forget, RSVP by phone (812) 375-1677 or stop by Natural Choices to reserve your seat.

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Healthful Living Team

Natural Choices is THE place to shop for fresh, organic foods and natural supplements in Columbus, Indiana. Don’t call us a health food store, call us a real food store!

If you have ever had one of those sores in your mouth, you know how painful they can be. It is difficult to eat, drink and talk. Even their name sounds painful: canker sores.

I don’t get them often, but a friend of mine does, so we did some research. Noted naturopathic doctor, Michael T. Murphy says this about canker sores:

What are Canker Sores?

Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis is the medical term) are single or clustered shallow, painful ulcers found anywhere in the oral cavity. The sores usually resolve in seven to twenty-one days but are recurrent in many people.

What causes Canker Sores?

Based on studies of initiating factors, recurrent canker sores appear to be related to trauma, food sensitivities (especially milk and gluten sensitivity), stress and/or nutrient deficiency. Stress is often a precipitating factor in recurrent canker sores. (Emphasis added.)

What dietary factors are important in Canker Sores?

There is considerable evidence that sensitivity to gluten (a protein found in grains) is the primary cause of recurrent canker sores in many cases. Withdrawing gluten from the diet results in complete remission of recurrent canker sores in many people. (Emphasis added.)

Gluten is a protein found in many grains.

This information made me really think about gluten, which is a protein found in grains. I started to realize how many foods contain gluten because they have grain products in them and immediately I realized it must be very difficult to find gluten-free foods.

But there is a solution to this dilemma. Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana has an extensive selection of gluten-free products, perhaps the largest in the nation. Owner Carolyn Behrman makes a tremendous effort to provide the best available. Whether you want packaged, ready-to-prepare foods or products to do your own cooking and baking, Carolyn and her staff are ready and happy to help you navigate the shelves.

Eating a gluten-free diet may not be easy, but if you suffer from recurrent episodes of canker sores, it might be well worth the effort to try it. Carolyn and the staff at Natural Choices will help you stock your shelves and provide guidance.

If you live outside the Columbus, Indiana area, that’s okay. Just call Natural Choices at (812) 375-1677 to get more information about available products. You can order over the phone and they will ship products directly to you.

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices makes living a healthful life easy!

Boy, shopping these days is tough – particularly when shopping for food. If you want food you feel good about ingesting, it’s even more difficult. I mean, tomatoes pretty much look like tomatoes and there isn’t a label with ingredients and nutrition information. Then, you see an ‘organic’ label on it and, if you are like me, you ask what does THAT mean – exactly?

Lynn Jenkins does a good job explaining this in the most recent issue of Indiana Living Green. She says:

National organic standards for organic certification were implemented in 2002. Referred to as NOP, the National Organic Program is administered by the USDA. No state has established standards for organic certification.

100 percent Organic is a term that can apply to fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry. The label signifies the products were produced without the use of most synthetic and petroleum derived pesticides and fertilizers, any antibiotics, genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge. Animals must eat 100 percent organic feed with no animal byproducts or growth hormones allowed. The animals must have access to the outdoors. Products labeled Made with Organic Products must contain 70 percent organic products, but may not use the NOP Organic logo.

That seems pretty clear, but some packages have a ‘natural’ sticker or label. What does that mean? Jenkins explains that, too:

Although this term is commonly seen on food and snack items, the USDA has only defined the standard for meat and poultry. Meat must be minimally processed without any artificial flavors, colors, chemical preservatives or synthetic ingredients.

The term has no legal standards when applied to foods, and its lack of restrictions, such as the acceptance of antibiotic use, should be understood when purchasing meats or poultry. (Emphasis added.)

Her explanation make me think perhaps ‘natural’ really should be called ’sorta natural’ because packaged foods with the label can still be processed with chemicals, preservatives, antibiotics and synthetics.

As I have said before, I know that Carolyn Behrman at Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana watches labels and is a real stickler about the ingredients and products she offers in the store. I think rather than try to decipher and wade through the ocean of label after label, it would be much easier to stop by Natural Choices where Carolyn and her staff can point me to the organic products I can be assured pass her demanding standards. I know they can explain the labels to me and answer any questions I might have.

I know the produce will be fresh and true organic vegetables and fruits. I know the labels and ingredients on the packaged foods have been scrutinized. I know the dairy and eggs are farm fresh and come from truly organic farms and producers. Many products are from local organic farms.

With their help, my grocery cart can be filled with, well, wholesome Natural Choices!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices is not just a health food store in Columbus, Indiana. It’s a real food store in Columbus, Indiana!

This winter has been especially hard on my hair, nails, and skin. Dry, dry, dry! My hair and nails are breaking and my skin just itches and cracks. Thank goodness I stopped by Natural Choices in Columbus!

Carolyn Behrman led me to the aisle where she has stacks of educational information for all of us poor souls in need of help. She handed me a publication written by Dr. Michael T. Murray. In the first paragraph, he says,

While most people try and improve the appearance of these tissues from the outside alone, the real key to healthy skin, beautiful hair, and strong nails is building them from the inside out through good nutrition and key dietary supplements. (Emphasis added.)

He suggests following the “Mediterranean Diet.” He says, “The traditional Mediterranean diet has shown tremendous benefit against heart disease and cancer, as well as diabetes.” It has the following characteristics:

• It centers on an abundance of plant food, including fruit, vegetables, breads, pasta, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Foods are minimally processed and there is a focus on seasonally fresh and locally grown foods.
• Fresh fruit is the typical daily dessert, with sweets containing concentrated sugars or honey consumed a few times per week at most.
• Dairy products, principally cheese and yogurt, are consumed daily in low to moderate amounts in low fat varieties.
• Poultry and eggs are consumed in moderate amounts, about 1 to 4 times weekly, or not at all.
• Red meat is consumed in small, infrequent amounts.
• Olive oil is the principal source of fat.
• Wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts, normally with meals.

Sweet apples and fresh lettuce at Natural Choices.

One of the keys I see in this information is that fresh, unprocessed foods are best, including sugar. Perusing the aisles and shelves at Natural Choices, I find local, organic produce, natural, unprocessed sugars and honey and organic meats. Carolyn also has a selection of organic beers and wines to complete meal plans!

Not only can I improve the hair, nails and skin issues, it sounds like this would go a long way to improve the chances of avoiding other serious diseases, too. I just can’t argue with that. Thanks, Carolyn!

No matter what the problem you’re experiencing, stop by Natural Choices and talk to Carolyn. She has a wealth of resources at her fingertips and stocked shelves to help you move toward a solution.

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana is not a health food store, it is a REAL food store!

According to a recent Associated Press article:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a new rule that requires livestock to be grazed on pasture at least four months a year to qualify for an organic meat or dairy label. The animals also must get at least 30 percent of their feed from grazing. Previous rules required only that animals have “access to pasture.” (Emphasis added.)

I know Carolyn Behrman at Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana pays close attention to these matters. Recently she was saying she opted to change one of the organic dairy products carried at Natural Choices because there was a questions as to whether or not the manufacturer was, in fact, abiding by the product and labeling requirements. She does not leave it to chance.

You may know fresh organic produce and food is always available at Natural Choices. But what you may not know is that Carolyn works with LOCAL organic farmers to get the freshest organic produce and meats available into Natural Choices. She has even established a program to have produce and products delivered on a regular basis to customers.

Just think what it would be like to get a basket of plump, juicy raspberries or crunchy carrots on your doorstep! Or know just when you begin to run low on wheat germ or your favorite herbal supplement a knock on the door replenishes your supply. It’s not everywhere you can get service like that!

Of course, it’s an educational experience to stop by Natural Choices. There is always some new bit of information or something interesting to learn. You can depend on the staples in your deliveries and visits become an adventure looking for new and healthful ideas and products.

Stop in or call Natural Choices to talk to Carolyn about signing up for the delivery program. It’s a great way to keep the pantry and larder filled with organic produce and natural products you know your body will appreciate!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Our own Carolyn will be traveling to Washington, D.C. later this month in her capacity as a Board Member of the Natural Products Association to lobby against the proposed “Dietary Supplement Safety Act.”

This bill was introduced by Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) on February 4th. Carolyn explains that this legislation would mandate that every dietary supplement would have to go through a brand new process of government review in order to stay on the market.

Carolyn  tells us that if this bill becomes law, your health choices will be drastically reduced and many of the supplements available today will be come illegal. This legislation would affect ALL dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, sports and diet products.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Drug enforcement Administration already have the power to police the market, she explains.

While she is going to Washington to share her view with congressmen and women, she suggests that anyone concerned about the passage of this bill go to www.saveoursupplements.org to send a note directly to your two senators, or use the information on the website to write a personal letter. Whichever you choose, please act immediately to voice your opinion before the legislation is presented for a vote.

If you want more information, visit the website, or stop by Natural Choices and talk with Carolyn.

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices is THE place to find fresh, organic foods and natural supplements and herbs in Columbus, Indiana.

GMO is definitely not a Good Meal Option. GMO is an acronym for genetically modified organisms. The definition according to ResponsibleTechnology.org is:

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are the result of laboratory processes which artificially insert foreign genes into the DNA of food crops or animals. Those genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans.

Very scientific. There is growing concern that genetically modified (GM) food has a detrimental impact on health. It is suspected that increasing allergy and nutritional problems may be linked to this change in foods we eat.

You may be interested to know GM foods have been in the food supply since 1996 and are now present in many packaged foods. Not only are GM foods available in stores, GM products are being used as feed for animals or as ingredients in packaged and processed foods.

The only way to be certain the foods you consume have not been genetically modified is to eat and use organic products. Certified organic products are not allowed to contain any GMOs.

The shopping guide available at responsibletechnology.com has a brief explanation of what “organic” means. It says:

Current USDA regulations allow food products that contain 95-100% certified organic ingredients to use the USDA Organic seal.  These regulations:

• Prohibit the use of chemical fertilizers, various synthetic substances, irradiation, sewage sludge, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in organic production.
• Prohibit antibiotic and synthetic hormone use in organic meat and poultry.
• Require 100% organic feed for organic livestock.

When you become aware of the widespread use of GM food and ingredients in foods available in groceries today, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about what to consume and use on your body.

Then come see us at Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana. When you visit our shelves and aisles you’ll find a wide selection of fresh and packaged organic foods and lots of help to select healthy, real food.

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

The liver is the largest organ in the body!

I’m sure most people don’t give their liver much thought. I know I don’t. But learning more about it makes me think I should stop taking it for granted and show some consideration.

In its description of the large organ located under your ribs, the Mayo Clinic explains just how critical maintaining good liver health is to vigorous daily living:

Liver problems include a wide range of diseases and conditions that can affect your liver. Your liver is an organ about the size of a football that sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. Without your liver, you couldn’t digest food and absorb nutrients, get rid of toxic substances from your body or stay alive.

I know Carolyn Behrman can identify easy ways to improve and maintain liver function waiting to be discovered in the aisles of Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana. To keep the liver functioning in top form makes real sense if you want to lead an energetic, vital life.

One way to love your liver is to eat food that promotes good liver function. Michael Murray, ND, a naturopathic physician recommends  eating vegetables and legumes for their high fiber and nutrient content. Since the liver helps to eliminate toxic chemicals from your body, eating fresh organic produce like that found at Natural Choices would be a great first step to help the liver function well.

A few items he would suggest you put in your shopping cart at Natural Choices include:

• Cabbage-family vegetables, especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage
• Garlic, legumes, onions, eggs and other foods with high sulfur content
• Artichokes, beets, carrots and dandelion greens
• Good sources of water-soluble fibers such as pears, oat bran, apples and legumes

A second way to show some love for your liver is to add a supplement to the fresh organic produce from Natural Choices. Dr. Murray suggests a high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. Some supplements are formulated based on age and gender and contain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals along with important phytochemicals that support detoxification reactions.

Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana has a good selection of fresh, organic foods and natural supplements to help you in your quest to love your liver. Stop by or call Carolyn today at 812-375-1677 to start showing your liver just how much you care!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Healthy Living Team