6 Tips to Improve Your Memory and Boost Your Brain
By Peter Klapper Ph.D. As we age, many feel like our brains might not be as sharp as they used to be, however, you’d be surprised to know the human brain can adapt and change.This process is called neuroplasticity which allows your brain to form new neural pathways, alter existing connections, and adapt and react in ever-changing ways. Basically, this gives you the opportunity to continue to learn new information, train your brain and improve your memory. If that’s something that interests you, check out these “6 Tips to Improve Your Memory and Boost Your Brain.”Eat A Healthy DietHave you heard of the term brain food? It shouldn’t come as a shock that the foods you put into your body can affect your overall health.Foods you should eat to support brain health are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein sources, such as fish, beans, and skinless poultry. Also, don’t skip out on your omega-3s which are great for brain health. Fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, and halibut are a rich source of omega 3, so it’s smart to include them in your diet.Also, if you’re trying to improve your memory, be mindful of how much alcohol you consume because of the fact that too much causes confusion and memory loss.ExerciseWhen you are active, blood flow increases throughout your body (including your brain) that can keep your memory sharp. The endorphins you get from working out are a great mood boost but also are helpful for you to feel mentally sharps for tasks at hand. Plus, physical activity also stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline.Brain Activities Just like your body needs exercise to stay healthy, the same goes for your brain. And when you exercise your brain, it gives you the ability to think more quickly on your feet and recall information in moments of conversation.Simple brain activities can consist of routinely doing a crossword puzzle, learning a musical instrument, playing a critical thinking game such as chess, learning a new language, memorizing number patterns such as a phone number, and by driving a new route home. Anytime you challenge your brain to retain new information, you’re giving it a good workout.Socialize Did you know that by socializing with your peers is good for your brain? Humans are social creatures and having stimulating conversation with friends is a great way to exercise your brain and improve your memory. Socializing also helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss.SleepEvery night you hit the hay is when your brain gets to work. When you’re asleep, your brain consolidates your memories from the day so you can recall them down the road. If you’re not getting the recommended sleep for adults, seven to nine hours, it could effect on your ability to recall information. Need help sleeping? Try our natural sleep aid.Try Our Natural Brain BoosterIf you have tried the above and still feel like you could use an extra boost to improve your memory or focus, think about using a natural performance enhancer.Our natural brain boost product, Focus More, helps improve brain power by increasing your focus, enhancing positivity, creativity and motivation all while reducing cognitive decline. Therefore, it helps reduce brain fog and symptoms related to an inability to pay attention.
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The Good Night Guide to Recognizing and Treating Insomnia
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. As many as 40 million Americans experience insomnia every year. Are you one of them? Sleep loss has become something of an epidemic in the US.Millions of us toss and turn each night, unable to fall or stay asleep as our mind races in every which direction.For some, this trouble sleeping may be insomnia. Insomnia is marked by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality sleep. With insomnia, these sleeping issues get in the way of living your life. Short-term insomnia lasts a few days or weeks, while chronic insomnia occurs three or more nights a week and lasts more than three months. As many as 40 million Americans experience insomnia every year, and more than 57 percent of older adults report a decline in their quality of life and overall health due to insomnia, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Are you one of them?If you think you have insomnia, check in with your doctor to get a better handle on what is going on with your sleep.Keep a sleep diary before your appointment. Jot down what happens (or doesn’t happen) when your head hits the pillow at night for a few weeks and share this information with your doctor. Include what you ate or drank before bed and how recently you exercised or engaged in any stressful activities like paying bills. This information will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.If you are experiencing insomnia, many prescription medications are available to help you get more zzzs. These medications do confer their share of risks and side effects. Some may be habit-forming, and others have been linked to unintentional activities while asleep such as walking, eating, or driving.Over-the-counter products that contain antihistamines are often sold as sleep aids, and while they may help, they also may not be the best treatment for your insomnia.Supplements that include melatonin are widely touted for sleep problems, but melatonin is not necessarily an effective treatment for insomnia. Your doctor will help guide you toward the treatments best suited to your situation. There are natural, risk-free ways to help treat insomnia, including: Practicing good sleep hygieneThis includes using your bedroom for sex and sleep only. Keep it quiet and cool and power down your devices before bed as blue light from devices can disrupt your all-important sleep-wake cycle. Set and stick to strict bed and wake times – even on weekends, and make sure not to consume caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol too close to your bedtime. Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants and will keep you awake. Alcohol may make it easier for you to fall asleep but makes it harder to stay that way. Exercise can help you get better-quality sleep, but not if it’s done too close to bedtime. A good rule of thumb is to exercise daily and finish eating and drinking two to three hours before bed. Turning stress downStress makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. Find something that helps you relax before bedtime such as sipping herbal tea, taking a bath, or reading a novel instead of binging a suspenseful or supernatural series on Netflix, paying bills, or even checking social media and risking FOMO (fear of missing out). Give Force of Nature’s roll-on topical natural sleep aid Sleep Well a try. Sleep Well comprises a blend of organic Valerian, Kava, and Lavender, all of which work together to help you wind down and relax before bed, so you wake feeling refreshed and relaxed.Sweet Dreams. Sources:National Sleep Foundation. “Do I Have Insomnia?” Available at: https://www.thensf.org/do-i-have-insomnia/
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Are Cold Sores and Shingles Related?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. When you think of cold sores and shingles, you wouldn’t think that they would be related at first. Cold sores are found on your mouth and lips and shingles can appear anywhere on your body. However, did you know that these two ailments are related? To understand better, let’s dive into the two.Cold SoresMost people are familiar with cold sores and the fact that they appear as a fluid-filled blister or sore on your mouth or lips. These blisters can form together in small patches and eventually will scab over after bursting. Typically, cold sores can last around two to three weeks before fully healing.Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). These viruses are contagious and affect both your mouth and genitals. You don’t even have to see the sores for it to be contagious and spread.How To TreatUnfortunately, there isn’t a cure for cold sores, but treatments are available that can help an outbreak heal more quickly. Prescription antivirals and creams can treat infections, but if you’re looking for a more natural approach, be sure to check out our H-Balm treatment solution specifically for cold sores.ShinglesShingles is another viral infection that is caused by a virus known as varicella-zoster (the same virus that causes the chickenpox.) It can occur anywhere on your body, but tends to appear as a single stripe of blisters around the sides of your torso.It’s important to know that shingles isn’t life threatening, but it does lie dormant in your nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain after having chickenpox. Shingles then can appear years later when the virus has reactivated and can be a very uncomfortable and painful rash.How To TreatIf you think you have shingles, get in touch with your healthcare providers, so you can discuss treatment options. Shingles can be treated with antiviral medications and are most effective if you take them as soon as possible. Lotions and over the counter medication can also help relieve pain.How They’re RelatedSo, remember how we said cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 or 2, and shingles come from the varicella zoster virus? Well, the two are cousins. They belong the same viral subfamily – Alphaherpesvirinae and have similar treatment options, hence the use of antivirals. (Shingles just tends to need a higher dose.)The same goes for the use of our H-Balm Extra Strength. This product is made up of a powerful solution that fights outbreaks in shingles, cold sores and canker sores. It can be used for emergency care during an outbreak or when you feel an outbreak coming on (prodrome.)Homeopathy has been highly successful in relieving of the symptoms with little to no adverse reactions. Indeed, hundreds of thousands of people have benefitted from the amazing curative power of Homeopathy.Give it a try today!
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Six Medication-free Ways to Ease Low Back Pain
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. 80 percent of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives, and if you have ever had an aching back, you know just how debilitating this can be.You may miss work or social occasions due to back pain, and even if you do manage to show up, the pain can be distracting and may prevent you from giving it your all.Back pain runs the gamut, from a dull, near-constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. It may come on suddenly and last a few days to a few weeks (acute back pain) or last for more than three months (chronic back pain). There is a laundry list of potential causes of low back pain, including advancing age, underlying disease, overdoing it, lifting a heavy object the wrong way, a big fall, or even a minor slip. There are also many structures in your back that can be affected, including your vertebrae, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and discs.Over-the-counter and prescription medications can reduce back pain, but these do have side effects especially when used for long periods of time. This is why interest in natural back pain treatments is at an all-time high. In one study in Global Advances in Health and Medicine, more than 40 percent of people with low back pain said they used complementary or alternative medicine to treat their pain in the past year, most commonly herbal supplements, chiropractic manipulation, and massage. And 58.1 percent of folks who used complementary or alternative medicine said these methods worked really well.DietResearch presented at the 2021 Association of Academic Physiatrists conference found that eating an anti-inflammatory diet including whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables will lower your risk for developing low back pain.Homeopathic remedies Our natural Back Pain Treatment contains arnica, which is known to reduce swelling and pain, along with St. John’s Wort and other herbs with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s topical so there’s no risk of systemic side effects or addiction. Just roll the product over problem area and gently rub it into the skin as needed for back pain relief on the spot. Hot or cold packsApplying cold to your back when the pain is acute for the two days after an injury and then switching to heat 48 hours after injury can relax muscles and soothe painful areas, the Arthritis Foundation notes. ExerciseDoctors used to suggest bed rest for back pain, but not anymore. As long as there isn't a serious underlying cause, the party line is to be as active as possible to speed up your recovery. Stretching and flexibility exercises, including Yoga and tai chi, can also help strengthen your back and reduce pain. Weight loss, if you need to, can also help reduce back pain naturally. Hands-on therapiesChiropractic care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and even massage can also relieve back pain and improve function and range of motion.Stress reliefStress makes everything worse, including back pain. Find something that helps you cope with stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, or even just going for a walk, and do it every single day. Your back will thank you. You could even incorporate our Calm Mood into your every day to help combat stress. If your back pain isn't getting better, see a doctor to find out what's causing it, and if there is anything else you should be doing to get relief.
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What is Thuja occidentalis?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.Have you ever heard of the ingredient Thuja occidentalis? If you use any of our products and browse the ingredient list, we actually use Thuja occidentalis in several medications. So, what is it?Thuja occidentalis, also known as northern white cedar, is an evergreen coniferous tree that is native to Canada and most of the north-central and northeastern United States. The leaves and leaf oil from this tree are used as a medicine that can help treat infections such as bronchitis, bacterial skin infections, and cold sores. The plants oils are so effective that Thuja is known to loosen phlegm, boost your immune system, can work as a diuretic, treat skin conditions such as warts, and help with muscle and joint pain.At Forces of Nature, we see the benefit that natural ingredients have on the body. It’s why we have worked with homeopathic doctors to create a new standard in natural, organic medicine. But we were not the first to use it.Thuja occidentalis actually date back to the 16th century. The French explorer, Cartier, learned after stepping foot on North American soil with sick sailors, medicine could be created from nature. Native Americans showed him the powerful healing properties from the tree and its oils. The sick sailors recovered from scurvy using the tree’s foliage and has since been the first documented use of indigenous medicine from North America. How We Approach Natural MedicineWe combine certified organic homeopathic medicines with certified organic concentrated essential oils to treat specific ailments. This one-two combination delivers an incredibly powerful and effective result to safely treat common ailments. Homeopathic medicine works with your body on a systemic level to fight and prevent illness at the root of the cause. Essential oils cleanse and soothe while promoting healthy skin. These two modalities deliver superior effectiveness when combined for fast, therapeutic healing while some medicine just suppress symptoms.Our Thuja is shipped direct from a small organic cooperative high in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. These are pristine growing conditions, far from pollution sources and population sources, with limited production. Per pharmaceutical guidelines, we sent the material to an independent FDA lab which verified our Thuja as pure and authentic via monograph and chromatograph testing.Our Products That Use Thuja OccidentalisSeveral of our products use Thuja occidentalis and are an integral part of the makeup of these medications.Those include:Athletes FootA natural athlete's foot treatment that quickly relieves and cures the itching, burning, and irritation from fungal infestations associated with athlete’s foot and jock itch.Eczema Eczema Control is an advance natural eczema remedy that works on a cellular level to balance your skin’s overactive immune response, ease the itch and irritation. The active ingredients help relieve eczema symptoms naturally, without side effects.GoutOur gout pain medication works quickly to relieve the burning, stabbing, and stinging pain while increasing mobility.H-BalmH-Balm Extra Strength is a powerful solution for outbreaks including Shingles, Cold Sores and Canker Sores. Use it for emergency care during an outbreak or when you feel one coming on (prodrome).Muscle Pain Our natural muscle pain reliever treats both localized and systemic muscle pain, soothing and healing muscles at the source.Rosacea Our natural rosacea treatment features a blend of certified organic homeopathic medicines and certified organic essential oils that safely relieve itching, rashes, and irritation of rosacea, regulating skin tone while reducing redness on the skin and swollen blood vessels.SinusOur natural and organic sinus medicine is made from potent medicinal plants with the demonstrated ability to safely relieve sinus congestion without adverse side effects. Effective to treat congestion, sinus pain, and sinusitis symptoms.Skin TagOur natural skin tag remover contains naturally occurring phytochemicals and antioxidants. Skin tags will gradually flake away or fall of entirely with this remedy.WartOur natural wart treatment is an advanced extra strength wart remover. It safely removes warts on the fingers, face and body. Results have been seen within one week.
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Everything You Need to Know About Cold Sores
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. If you are one of the millions of people prone to cold sores on your mouth or lips, you probably think you know all there is to know about fever blisters, but there’s likely more to know and do to help keep these painful sores at bay. We’ve got you covered. Here are 10 fast facts about cold sore prevention and treatment.Cold sores are commonThere’s no need to feel embarrassed during a breakout. You’re not alone. As many as 80 percent of American adults are infected with oral herpes (HSV-1), the virus that causes cold sores, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cold sores can be painfulThe blisters may sting and burn. Your first cold sore outbreak is usually the worst and may be accompanied by a fever because your body doesn’t have any antibodies against the virus yet. This is why cold sores are also called fever blisters. These blisters can also spread to the surrounding skin or into your mouth. They may break open when you talk, laugh, or chew and ooze fluid. Fever blisters eventually crust over and scab, and the scabs can also crack and bleed. Cold sores keep coming backMost people develop one or two cold sores per year, but as many as 10% of folks may develop more than five per year, and some never experience any symptoms. The virus lives quietly in a group of nerve cells until it becomes activated again.Cold sores sound warning bellsYou will know when a cold sore is coming. You'll likely feel a tingling or itching sensation in the area. This is known as a prodrome.Cold sores are contagious The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Think kissing and sharing straws, cups, or beverages. It is most contagious when you are actively shedding. This begins with the prodrome period. You are less contagious when the lesion has scabbed over and you don't see active blistering.There is no cure for cold soresThis doesn't mean you are powerless. Many products can help limit the course of an outbreak, relieve any pain associated with the cold sore, and possibly prevent future fever blisters.Cold sores are preventableIf you are susceptible to cold sores, avoid any triggers when and where you can. Cold sore triggers coax the dormant virus out of hiding. They may include stress, sleep loss, sunlight, and trauma to the area. If you get multiple outbreaks per year, talk to your dermatologist about taking antiviral medication daily to prevent outbreaks.There are ways to reduce any painIcing the area with a cold compress or applying topical painkillers with benzocaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, or benzyl alcohol can take the sting out of your fever blisters. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen also may help reduce cold sore pain. It’s also a good call to limit acidic foods and drinks like juice or vinegar as these can irritate the wound if your blister is open.There are ways to limit the length of your outbreakAntiviral creams such as over-the-counter Abreva (docosanol cream) or prescription acyclovir cream may shorten the duration of the outbreak if you start using them at the first sign. Oral acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir also can shorten the length of the outbreak.There are natural treatments for cold sores Our H-Balm Control Extra Strength contains homeopathic ingredients such as echinacea, thuja occidentalis, natrum muriaticum, and calendula officinalis to boost your immune system’s ability to ward off cold sores. These plants can penetrate deep into cell membranes. This is crucial as the virus resides in the nucleus of the cell. Essential oils are added to soothe and heal the skin and ease pain. For best results, dab 1-2 drops of H-Balm to an outbreak around 3 or 4 times a day during an outbreak. Your lesion will begin to dry out, often within 24-72 hours if you apply it during the prodrome period.Additional Resources:Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Oral Herpes”American Academy of Dermatology: “Herpes Simplex Overview”American Sexual Health Association: “Oral herpes”
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How To Prevent Ringworm in Athletes
Athletes who play contact sports or find themselves meeting their competition on the mat are more at risk for developing ringworm. In fact, skin infections, particularly in athletes, account for up to 10% of time-loss injuries in some sports. So, how can you participate in the sports you love, while protecting your skin at the same time? Let us help shed some light on “How to Prevent Ringworm in Athletes”
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Understanding Ringworm in Animals: A Comprehensive Guide
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. It’s no secret that most of us think of ringworm as an infection that is common in athletes. Despite its ubiquitous name, the fact is that ringworm can affect anyone ranging from babies to the elderly and surprisingly – animals.That’s right. Animals can also be the host to skin infections such as ringworm. And it doesn’t discriminate. Many species of animals can become infected including dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rodents, rabbits, and birds. So, whether you live in the city or in a rural area, it’s possible to come into contact with an animal that has ringworm.How Do Animals Get Ringworm?It’s not like your cat or dog is spending time at the public pool, so how does an animal get ringworm? Well, the fungi that causes ringworm live in ineffective spores in the environment and direct contact can lead to an infection. With animals, spores may be living on the hair of an infected animal, or any items used at the vet or kennels such as brushes or clippers.Also, strangely enough, while there is no sex or age predisposition of ringworm in animals, Persian, Himalayan and Rex cats, and Yorkshire and Jack Russell terriers, are overrepresented in published studies looking at the dynamics of ringworm infections.For animals such as livestock or cattle, ringworm is likely to happen from being kept in their stalls in the winter and rubbing up against wood and other stall materials.How Do You Treat Ringworm in Animals?While our products work great on treating ringworm in humans, we do not recommend using them on animals without consulting a veterinarian first. (FYI - We don’t test on animals, only humans.)That said, if your animal has contracted ringworm, what should you do? First off, it’s important to know that after exposure, it will take two to four weeks for your animals to show signs of infection. You might notice hair loss or crusts and scales developing on the skin that seem to be an irritant for your animal. If you can get a closer look, you’ll even notice that the red irritated area will be in the shape of a circle or ring in your animal’s fur.If this sounds like your animal, contact your vet immediately to get your pet treated. How To Protect Your AnimalGenerally, ringworm is often seen in animals with a weak immune system. If your animal has any immunity conditions, try to keep them in a clean environment. Also be mindful of puppies and kittens. Their immune systems are so new that they need to be kept in a clean area to reduce the risk of infection.How People Can Contract from AnimalsUnfortunately, yes, it can happen. If you have encountered any animal that has been infected with ringworm, chances are you can get infected, too. Ringworm is contagious and can be passed between animals or people by direct skin contact or by touching contaminated objects such as combs, bedding, food bowls, furniture, or other surfaces. The best way to prevent an infection is to keep all areas clean, or if you have to come into contact with your animal, wear gloves.If you have been exposed, ringworm can be treated with our natural ringworm product. Check out a foster cat mom’s experience below. “I contracted a horrific case of ringworm from some cats I was fostering. It was on both arms, hands, fingers, my face!!, legs, butt and boobs. Yes, boobs. I looked like someone burned me with a cigarette all over my body. I was desperate to get it under control. Did a ton of frantic research and stumbled on this product. It started to work immediately!!! I saw a difference every 24 hours!! I put it up on every spot 2 - 3 times a day. Each spot got dryer and dryer and shrunk in size! I had been using Lotrimin which did not make one difference. So glad I ordered this and stopped wasting my time with the Lotrimin. This product is a game changer!” – Review by Stephanie L.
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Homeopathic Resurgence
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. Homeopathy has seen recent surges in popularity in America with sales increasing over 20% per year. Some of this growth has stemmed from the fact that medical experts have demonstrated that the right homeopathic remedy can be uncannily effective. Homeopathy has been embraced in Europe and Asia with thousands of doctors prescribing this valuable healing modality to their patience as they know firsthand, it works. Homeopathy was also extraordinarily popular in the USA in the nineteenth century; but it lost ground to at the turn of the century to pharmaceutical drugs, which were more lucrative and afforded its practitioner’s greater political leverage. There was more money in treating symptoms from pharmaceuticals than curing ailments as homeopathy sets out to do. Homeopathy’s current renaissance in the USA is due in part to studies that have brought credence to its long-touted efficacy. Going back to 1997 the British medical journal Lancet reported the results of 89 placebo-controlled studies of homeopathy. It found homeopathic medicines had an average effect 2.45 times greater than placebos. This number also exceeded results of many pharmaceutical drugs. Thus, homeopathic resurgence became a reality. This article from the Washington University School of Medicine further provides a nice background of homeopathic medicines.
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Does Your Child Have Ringworm?
Ringworm is common in school aged children. So, what exactly is ringworm? And how do you distinguish if it’s ringworm or another skin condition commonly found in children like eczema?
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Did You Get Nail Fungus from Your Local Nail Salon?
Did you notice nail fungus under your toenail after a manicure or maybe you got nail fungus from acrylic nails, either way nail fungus is contagious and can spread in salons if equipment is not properly cleaned.
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5 Tips on How to Manage Holiday Stress
It’s that time again! The most wonderful time of the year full of holiday parties, delicious treats, and visiting family and friends. However, while keeping busy this holiday season can be a lot of fun, it also can be draining. That’s why we’re listing “5 Tips on How to Manage Holiday Stress.”
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