We had a great “Ask the Nutritionist” webinar on Saturday – thanks to all who participated!  For the next few weeks, I will use this blog as a forum to answer the questions that we were unable to answer during the 1-hour session.  Enjoy!

Q: Sometimes when I feel like I’m getting sick I exercise, and I start feeling better.  Why is that?

A: Exercise causes lymph (a mixture of immune cells and body fluids) to be circulated through your body, which causes filtration and detoxification of the lymph.  This filtration of the lymph may help your immune system to clear infections faster, and allow you to have more resistance to sickness.  One type of exercise that is especially helpful for filtering lymph is rebounding (jumping on a small trampoline).

Q: Which Marilyn Farms supplements could I take for constipation?

A: Either of our fiber products (Essential Fiber or Essential Fiber – Psyllium free) may be helpful for adding bulk.  Colon Cleanse capsules are useful for short-term relief from constipation during times such as travel or cleansing but should not be used long-term because the colon can become dependent on it as it would with any other herbal stimulant laxative.  Mag Calm is a pure magnesium supplement which can relax the colon and allow bowel movements, and any of our Vitamin C formulas (Vitamin C 1000, Fruit Chewable C, or Vitamin C Powder) can help to draw water into the colon, which will encourage a bowel movement.  For dosage info, please refer to each product’s package.

Q: What are nutritional ways to remedy dry skin in the winter?

A: One of the best ways to keep skin healthy through the winter is to eat enough healthy fats to keep skin moist.  Include plenty of healthy fat-rich foods such as fish, grass-fed meat, Ghee, organic butter, coconut, avocado, raw nuts, olives, olive oil, and cold-pressed sunflower and flaxseed oil.  In addition, coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil are very helpful when applied topically to dry skin.

Q: What are the top produce items that should be purchased organically?

A: The top 5 most pesticide-laden produce items are currently Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, and Nectarines.  The Environmental Working Group offers an extensive list and a  convenient wallet guide at http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php.

Q: Should all meat and dairy be purchased organically?

A: It is best to purchase animal products that are raised in as clean and humane an environment as you can afford.  This is important because animals raised commercially tend to be exposed to antibiotics and hormones in their feed, which in turn ends up in their milk and meat.  The term “certified organic” does not necessarily mean that it is the best, however.  The best option would be to get to know the sources of meat and dairy available to you and opt for products from farms that raise animals on pasture and allow them plenty of room to move around.  Animal products from such farms may be labeled as “free range”, “grass fed”, or “pastured” and may not always be certified organic.