“Not everything touted as a ‘health food’ is good for you”, said Kasara D’Elene, owner of TruHealth Herbs and Health Food, at 18001 Bothell-Everett Hwy. in the Market Place Center in North Creek. “In fact, some fad products may be downright unhealthy.

“Does your health food store pay attention to the ingredient labels for you?” she asks. “You might be surprised, just read the labels. Many health food stores carry products with artificial colors and flavors, synthetic ingredients and harmful additives. Also, some stores buy into the latest fads, carrying products that not only are ineffective in reaching a problem but also create a false sense of security.”

Kasara says, that this is something that TruHealth will never do. She works hard to make sure the products her store carries meet the highest standards.

“Our goal is to help you achieve your health goals with products that nourish your body the way nature intended, naturally, “ she says.

Kasara is a Certified Natural Health Professional/Certified Herbalist with more than 16 years of experience to help customers choose the best products for their unique bodies.

She majored in medical technology and has a bachelor in science degree.

“We continue to do constant research to keep up to date on the latest health information.” she said.

TruHealth also offers a wide range of health classes, covering subjects from herbs and nutritional products to energy therapy and sugar-free cooking.

If it sounds like much of Kasara D’Elene’s life is centered on natural health practices, it’s probably because she feels her conversion to that lifestyle literally saved her life.

About 20 years ago, Kasara was suffering from many painful health problems. She tried conventional medicine. “It almost killed me,” she said.

A therapist steered her into the use of herbs. Within a month her pain was gone and within a year her major health problems were gone.

And Kasara had found a new mission in life. She left a career in the computer industry and began studying under many doctors. Her studies in natural health foods and methods have continued ever since.

Kasara, an Oregon native who now lives in Clearview, opened the TruHealth store here last year after having a similar store in California. Her partner in the TruHealth store is Jeff Foster, who continues to learn more about natural health. Kasara’s mother, Susan Pleas, also helps in the store’s operation. And frequently in sight at the store is Kasara’s son, 18-month-old Dean.

Kasara believes that herbs offer the best route to true health. TruHealth offers American, Chinese, American Indian and Ayurvedic Indian herbs, herbal combinations and extracts, vegan formulas, vitamins and minerals. Then there are individually tailored programs for problems ranging from allergies to insomnia. Complete health consultations by iridology and muscle checking are available by appointment.

“People don’t have to do drugs to cope with their problems,” she says. “They have other options. We’re here to show them all the options they have.”

For more information about what TruHealth has to offer call for the store’s free newsletter, check out their website at www.truhealth.com or attend one of their weekly health classes.