Mom is the one who rises before the entire household, the one who wipes tired brows and mops up messes. She makes sure there is food in the refrigerator and clean, comfy sheets to wallow in while we sleep. Because mom deserves so much, we’re honoring MOM in several ways this May at Betsy’s, all month long.

     First, buy a Country Life B vitamin or one of their Maxi-Hair/Maxi-Skin products and be entered to win a prize basket or one of several individual prizes. We’ll draw for winners at the end of May.

     In addition, buy a Natural Factors WomenSense product and receive a FREE copy of the book, Women’s Health Matters, by Dr. Karen Jensen, ND (while supplies last).

     Mom’s health matters. Look for information geared toward mom in this month’s blogs, email and in-store. Learn how selenium and cinnamon may be useful for mom in the article below:

Nutrients improve cervical health, menstrual cramps

Selenium improved cervical cell health

The surface of the cervix can develop abnormal cells as a result of human papillomavirus, but inflammation and oxidative stress may also play a role. The condition is called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), or cervical dysplasia.

In this study, 56 women diagnosed with CIN, grade 1, took a placebo or 200 mcg of selenium per day. After six months, 78 percent of the women taking selenium had improved cervical cellular health, compared to 50 percent for placebo. The selenium group also saw a 23 percent increase in total antioxidant capacity compared to 5 percent for placebo; fasting blood sugar levels decreased 7.2 percent compared to a 1.4 percent increase; insulin levels decreased 34.6 percent vs. 17.3 percent; insulin resistance decreased 39.4 percent vs. 17.8 percent; and signs of oxidative stress fell 26.4 percent compared to a 1.7 percent increase for placebo.   Reference: British Journal of Nutrition; December, 2015, Vol. 114, No. 12, 2039-45

Cinnamon relieved menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps are nearly universal and can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. The most common treatments are over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or prescription medications, both of which can have serious short- and long-term side effects.

In this study 76 college women with untreated, moderately painful menstrual cramps took a placebo or two 420 mg capsules of dried cinnamon bark three times per day during the first three days of the period. Compared to placebo, bleeding was significantly lighter, pain scores were one-third lower at 24 hours, and 50 percent lower at 48 hours. Also, nausea and vomiting were much less in the cinnamon group.  Reference: IRC Medical Journal; 2015, Vol. 17, No. 4, e27032

At Betsy’s, we’re honored to help moms make the most of their family’s healthy living choices. We look forward to helping you honor mom this May and everyday.

Betsy’s Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any condition or disease. Consult your healthcare provider before taking a supplement, especially if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications or have a medical condition. For example, cinnamon and selenium may also thin blood.  You can also get too much of a good thing: more than 200 mcg/day of  supplemental selenium can have detrimental effects on health.

Article copyright 2018 by Natural Insights for Well Being. All rights reserved. Used with permission.