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We do not often consider our iron levels responsible when we feel tired and weak or a little out of breath upon exertion. However, this mineral can sometimes be the root cause of some unexplained symptoms, especially fatigue. Women are more likely to be low in iron during their reproductive years, but don't rule out an iron deficiency as the root cause of your low energy if you are older and of the opposite sex. An iron deficiency can affect men or women of any age.
When iron levels are lower, insufficient amounts of oxygen do not reach tissues, muscles, and organs, including your heart, causing your body to work twice as hard to carry out its functions. The reduced oxygen causes you to feel tired, weak, faint, dizzy, and short of breath. You may even get headaches or heart palpitations.
Low iron can cause more than just fatigue. When our cells are deprived of oxygen, every action in the body is affected, from our brain to our toes. This is why low iron can cause wounds to heal slowly, muscle weakness, difficulty with concentration and memory, depression, headaches, hair loss, and weaken our immune system. Iron deficiency also results in poor cognitive development, behavioural concerns, and ADHD in children.
Iron Fact- Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. In Canada,
Your body only stores approximately 25% of iron for future use, but even this level can become depleted through normal processes such as urination, defecation, sweating, and sloughing off skin cells. Conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, cancer, surgery, bowel disorders (diverticulitis, polys, IBC, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis,) stomach disorders, and uterine fibroids may also affect your iron levels.
Your body continually loses iron through normal processes such as urination, defecation, sweating, and sloughing off skin cells. Conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, cancer, surgery, bowel disorders (diverticulitis, polys, IBC, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis,) stomach disorders, and uterine fibroids may also affect your iron levels.
Some people likely to have low iron include vegans and vegetarians, women with heavy periods during pregnancy and breastfeeding and people taking acid-blocking medications for heartburn.
Signs of Symptoms of iron deficiency may include the following:
How well your body absorbs iron from your food sources often depends on how healthy your gut is (you need a healthy gut to absorb iron). Most iron supplements or OTC forms of iron use a form of "Ferrous Iron," which can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, and black/tarry stools.
We suggest Salus Floradix iron supplements. Salus iron is a gentle, effective supplement that increases iron levels in the body by promoting the formation of healthy red blood cells. The iron used in Floradix Liquid Iron is effectively absorbed, gentle on the digestive system, and reduces unwanted side effects. The additional vitamins in Floradix Iron (B1, B2, B6 and B12) work synergistically with iron to promote the formation of healthy red blood cells. In addition, B vitamins are essential for converting oxygen into energy once delivered to our cells.
Floradix Iron also contains a combination of nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, and herbs carefully selected to improve iron digestion and absorption. The liquid form of Floradix makes it easy to adjust dosing and is more well-absorbed than pills or tablets. It is free from alcohol, lactose, and artificial additives and is vegetarian-friendly.
Optimal iron levels are essential for our overall wellness. If you are experiencing symptoms of low iron, especially fatigue, Floradix Liquid Iron by Salus is clinically proven to increase iron stores and boost energy.
Reclaim your energy with Salus Iron Supplements
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Spring is on the way! While many rejoice, others dread the onset of seasonal allergies and hay fever (rhinitis) – and the itchiness, congestion, and fatigue that come with them.
With the arrival of pollen, it's common for allergy sufferers to reach for the usual over-the-counter antihistamines for relief. While these formulas can suppress some irritating symptoms, they often leave you feeling drowsy, dry, and foggy, and when their effects wear off, the symptoms return! But symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to seasonal allergies. Understanding the underlying causes of symptoms – and treating them – is the key to conquering seasonal discomfort – something that over-the-counter allergy formulas don't do!
St Francis Herb Farm Allergy Relief w Deep Immune tincture – a two-pronged solution. The ingredients in Allergy Relief with Deep Immune® address acute allergy symptoms and provide a powerful defense by supporting balanced immunity, reducing your vulnerability to seasonal allergies – and building resilience against future reactions.
In addition, this non-drowsy formula means you avoid the fogginess and sleepiness that often come with OTC allergy products and – BONUS – the adaptogens in the formula also work to combat fatigue that comes with allergy season effectively, so you get clear sinuses – and keep the spring in your step!
Take Allergy Relief with Deep Immune® throughout allergy season to address immediate symptoms– and to help prevent future reactions. Dosage is ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) 3 times daily, in a bit of water, on an empty stomach.
For an enhanced, preventative protocol, Take Allergy Relief with Deep Immune® daily 4-6 weeks before allergy season, continuing for the period that triggers allergies.
Relieve Symptoms -Target Allergy Symptoms with A Convenient Nasal Spray!
Homeopathic remedies also work to address symptoms – and their root causes effectively. St Francis Herb Farm Allergy Relief Nasal Spray combines nine medicinal homeopathic ingredients that correct the immune system imbalance – a root cause of allergic reactions in the body. At the same time, it has a direct lubricating effect on nasal tissue for fast-acting relief of irritation and inflammation.
A convenient spray formula relieves sneezing, runny nose, congestion and mucus buildup, itchiness, watery eyes, and other conditions accompanying allergies. Allergy Relief Nasal Spray is also a formula safe for infants and children aged one and older, as well as adults,
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Active Immunity results when exposure to a disease organism triggers the immune response to produce antibodies to that disease. For the body to achieve active immunity, exposure to the disease organism through infection with the actual disease or the introduction of vaccination is required.
That much is pretty straightforward. However, natural or active immunity does not always protect us from future infection. Colds, flu and viruses replicate themselves but change a small fraction of their genetic makeup each time to trick the immune system. The immune system is designed to search its memory banks for past infection and pull the necessary antibodies from its internal toolbox. However, the slightest change is considered "new" to the immune system and requires the body to create a "new" antibody to fight back.
The process can be simplified even further by comparing it to saving a file on your computer. If you save the same file on your computer, it sends you a message: "This file has already been saved; do you want to override it?". However, change one thing in the title of your file, and your computer will accept it without question. This is a simplistic view of how the human body continues to catch colds, flu, and viruses.
The body's Immune Response
It can take up to fourteen days for the body to seek out that new invader and create the necessary antibody to fight it. But what if a person's immune system is not as robust as another? There lies the difference in why one person seems to be magnetic for viruses while others can seemingly slide through the flu season.
Your immune response is influenced by your inherited genes (good or bad). Your immune system can weaken due to malnutrition, autoimmune disorders, cancer, medical treatments and medications. Chronic inflammation can cause an immune response but weaken your body's ability to fight infection. Blood disorders, bowel disorders, poor digestive health and chronic stress can also contribute to a weakened immune response.
The health of the immune system also depends on a person's age. As we age, there is a natural reduction in T cells responsible for fighting infection. Did you know that even chronic stress & insomnia cause a strain on your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable?
Natural Immune Support Through Supplementation
Considering the role of the body's systems in fighting viruses, the health of a person's immune system becomes one the most critical factors in a person's ability to push back against viruses and reduce the chance of reinfection. Can supplements play a role in helping to create a robust immune system?
A healthy diet with organic fruits and veggies is the optimum immune system tool, but the likelihood of everyone being able to afford organic or locally grown foods is becoming more challenging to maintain daily. Supplementation has never been an "instead of wholesome foods" they have always been to "supplement" your diet. Micronutrients found in supplements not only fill in the gaps, but they can also act as immune modulators (help maintain the equilibrium of the body) or as immune stimulators (help increase the activity of the immune system )
Knowing what role your supplement was intended to perform can improve your outcome of finding your way to the other side of the cold and flu season. Here are a few of the top immune-supportive supplements and what role they play.
Bee Propolis contains the bioflavinoid quercetin, an immune modulator that benefits viruses that affect the upper and lower airways. It balances the "T" cells responsible for autoimmunity and can significantly and positively increase the effect of the host defence system and immune response.
Bone Broth contains "proline," which can stimulate the immune system to produce more white blood cells and the natural killer cells to fight infection. There is something to be said for consuming chicken soup when sick!
Zinc Supplements modulate the immune system signalling pathways in immune cells and decrease the time it may take for the immune system to develop an antibody to the infection/virus.
Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. It stimulates the immune system by helping fighter cells get to the site of the infection more rapidly.
Vitamin D is classified as an immune modulator by enhancing the function of the innate immune system. It acts as a regulator to maintain a balanced response and improve its effectiveness in fighting infections. It can inhibit virus-cell division and stimulate cells to differentiate when needed.
Elderberry supplements are not an immune stimulator, as one may think. It is an immune modulator providing support when the immune system needs it, keeping inflammatory response cells in balance when viruses have caused them to go haywire.
NAC ( N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) can act as both an immune modulator and stimulator. As an immune modulator, NAC is vital in helping your body replenish glutathione, one of the body's most potent antioxidants (fights against free radicals that cause disease infection, etc.). As an immune stimulator, it can help suppress the replication of viruses and support mucus production associated with respiratory viruses.
Spirulina acts as an immune stimulator by increasing the production of antibodies and other cells that improve immunity. Spirulina is a dense green food supplement that contains immune-boosting antioxidants that provide inhibitory effects against viruses.
Get ahead of the virus season by keeping a supplement tool kit and be better prepared for what may come your way.
Sign of a sniffle?
Stay Informed! Stay Healthy!
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What is adrenal fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue (or rather the symptoms of adrenal fatigue) are real, and perhaps if we remove the name and deal with the symptoms, it can be better defined and labelled as “Extreme Relenting Stress,” “Burnout Syndrome,” or “Exhaustion Syndrome.
Whatever the name, the symptoms cause adverse reactions in the body. When the body undergoes unrelenting stress, its stress response always stays active. The long-term activation of the stress response and the overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands can disrupt the body’s systems.
In isolation, each one of the symptoms relating to adrenal fatigue can mean different things (including stress), but if you can check off most of the boxes, you most likely have “Adrenal Fatigue.” Adrenal fatigue is when the adrenal glands are overworked and unable to perform their functions effectively. Symptoms include:
Understanding the role of the adrenal glands
The adrenals are a pair of glands that sit on the kidneys and produce several hormones, including the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are associated with the “fight or flight” response, stress management, regulating metabolism, sleep, blood sugar and inflammation. When your adrenals are “fatigued,” they are not really “tired” but misfiring. The unrelenting stress forces the adrenal glands to continue to output stress hormones. Over time, the output of hormones from the adrenal glands causes them to become sluggish or compromised, resulting in insufficient amounts of the necessary hormone precursors your body needs.
How can you support your adrenal glands?
There is no specific test for “adrenal fatigue syndrome” and no prescribed medication. So, supporting your adrenal glands involves a more personalized and holistic approach that includes supplements, lifestyle changes and personal counselling to help identify and manage the stress.
It takes years of unmanaged stress on the body for the adrenal glands to get to the point of “adrenal fatigue or “adrenal burnout.” It can take 6-12 months of continued supplementation, food and lifestyle adaptations for your adrenals to heal and those much-needed adrenal hormones to balance out to more normal behaviour.
Start With the Basics
When your body is under stress, it requires a lot of vitamins B and C. The various B Vitamins play a role in improving the metabolic pathways that boost energy, reduce fatigue and help to create adrenal hormones. Vitamin C is directly involved in the production of cortisol in our adrenals. It is also a building block for the recovery of fatigued adrenals. Both vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that do not stick around in the body. We use them; they run out; we need more. A deficiency in either of these vitamins is the start of denying your adrenals the necessary vitamins to produce essential stress hormones.
Your B Vitamins should be a complex combination of all the essential B vitamins, each performing a unique responsibility for the body and central nervous system. CanPrev Synergy B 60 is an innovative vitamin B complex that delivers the full spectrum of B vitamins in their preferred forms, plus an impressive 200 mg of L-Theanine daily. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea leaves that temporarily produces mental relaxation without sedating effects. It’s the perfect companion to a B-complex vitamin, enhancing its stress reduction and mood-enhancing properties. In addition, Synergy B contains all-natural spirulina, a blue-green algae that supplies a rich source of phytonutrients, carotene and additional B vitamins.
CanPrev Synergy C is a premium quality vitamin C formula with a combination of ingredients that ensure maximum absorbability. It provides 1,000 mg of pH-neutral vitamin C using buffered mineral delivery systems. Synergy C promotes maximum vitamin C absorption by binding ascorbic acid to minerals. To further enhance absorption and bioavailability, it also contains therapeutic dosages of antioxidant-rich bioflavonoids from citrus fruits, and sea buckthorn pulp have been added for complete synergy. CanPrev Synergy C is a premium quality vitamin C formula with a combination of ingredients that ensure maximum absorbability. It provides pH-neutral vitamin C using buffered mineral delivery systems. Synergy C promotes maximum vitamin C absorption to enhance absorption and therapeutic dosages of antioxidant-rich bioflavonoids from citrus fruits and sea buckthorn pulp have been added for complete synergy.
Choose The Best Adrenal Supplement for you!
CanPrev Adrenal Pro Recharge is a blend of adaptogenic herbs and nutrients used in herbal medicine, specially formulated to support the adrenal glands with a blend of nutrients and adaptogenic herbs used in herbal medicine, including ashwagandha to help boost immunity, lower stress and fatigue, Siberian ginseng to alleviate fatigue and depression, and astragalus to revive and rejuvenate. Consider this supplement if you show signs of adrenal fatigue and want to improve your mental and physical performance. CanPrev Adrenal Pro is a natural supplement for recharging and providing a sense of well-being!
CanPrev Adrenal Chill Women was formulated with women in mind who are suffering signs of unrelenting chronic stress, which has negatively impacted the function of the adrenal glands. CanPrev Adrenal Chill is a nourishing combination of Ashwagandha and L-Theanine that will increase resistance to stress and anxiety and improve overall quality of life. This formula will also help support the physical aspects of sexual health in women. CanPrev Adrenal Chill contains KSM-66® Ashwagandha, the highest concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha. Ashwagandha has been used for over 4,000 years for its exceptional ability to restore balance in the body, specifically in the endocrine, immune and nervous systems. Several clinical studies demonstrate its anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune and sexual-enhancing effects. The addition of L-Theanine, an amino acid that induces alpha brainwave activity, correlates with a perceived state of relaxation without sedation. In addition, it can help improve concentration and focus. CanPrev Adrenal Chill can help give your mind and body the tools to combat stress and anxiety naturally.
Stress & Anxiety Targeted Supplements
If you are not exhibiting most of the signs of Adrenal Fatigue but are suffering from stress anxiety and are looking for a way to better manage how your body responds to stress, consider these targeted supplements.
CanPrev L-Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in black and green tea. It is a unique supplement that can cross the blood-brain barrier, directly working its magic on the central nervous system. This popular supplement elevates GABA and dopamine levels in the brain, key neurotransmitters regulating emotions, mood, appetite and sleep. L-theanine soothes an anxious mind and, at the same time, helps you stay focused and productive. In addition, L-theanine can improve concentration and focus without making you sleepy. CanPrev L-Theanine provides pure L-theanine and magnesium bisglycinate to promote relaxation so that you can stay focused and productive.
CanPrev GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter produced naturally in the body to help promote relaxation. It also plays a role in motor control and vision. Production of this neurotransmitter can be impacted by chronic stress and lifestyle choices, leading to anxiety, inflammation, and difficulty sleeping. Research has shown that GABA positively impacts cortisol levels and may help initiate sleep. In one study, GABA levels in people with insomnia were almost 30% lower than those without sleep disorders. GABA also helps slow down feelings of fear and stress when neurons become overexcited by reducing the activity of the neurons it binds to.
CanPrev GABA Liposomal (liquid) provides a unique and exciting new delivery system for nutrients, protecting them from digestive hazards, enzymes, and other naturally occurring blocking substances, providing better assurances for nutrient absorption. CanPrev GABA ( capsules) is the traditional form of supplementation. GABA works like a “brake” in our brain and central nervous system by slowing down activity, producing a relaxing, cooling sense of calm.
CanPrev Magnesium Sleep Gaba - A person displaying signs of adrenal fatigue will often experience sleep disturbances. Overactive adrenals tend to fire at night, causing sleep-wake patterns throughout the night, leaving you exhausted throughout the day, only to gain energy throughout the night when the body should be at rest. CanPrev Magnesium Sleep Gaba combines highly absorbable Magnesium Bis-Glycinate with melatonin and GABA. This formulation is designed to help people relax, reset their circadian biological clocks, and get better sleep while reducing the time needed to fall asleep for people with delayed sleep phase disorder.
Consider visiting the endocrinologist if your symptoms (listed above) do not alleviate after supplementation. Remember, it takes months and years of constant stress for your adrenals to reach this point. Stay committed to getting them back on track.
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From this, it is obvious that “modern medicine” is no longer doing its job when it comes to the eradication of UTIs. We need to look to natural substances to see that there are other options out there. These options have shown clinical promise in not only treating but also preventing recurrent infections. (information provided by Women’s Voice magazine)
Cranberry is probably the most well-known herbal medicinal treatment for UTIs. Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which help reduce bacteria from colonizing. Interestingly, propolis taken with cranberry may be an even bigger blow to the bacteria in our bladders. Propolis is a resinous material collected by bees from plants and mixed with bee enzymes for use in their colonies to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Propolis’s antimicrobial activities are well documented against different bacteria in humans. In a recent human clinical trial, it was shown for the first time that propolis potentiated the effect of cranberry proanthocyanidins on adhesion, motility, and biofilm formation of uropathogenic E. coli. (information provided by Women’s Voice magazine)
WomenSense Cranberry combines the concentrated 36:1 cranberry extract with D-mannose and propolis to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberry is a source of antioxidants with a long history of use for UTIs. The natural antimicrobial properties of D-mannose and propolis enhance cranberry’s protective benefits, helping to flush out urinary pathogens.
WomenSense Cranberry- UTI prevention formula
D-mannose is another natural substance useful in treating and preventing E. coli-associated UTIs. This simple sugar is found naturally in certain plants and fruits such as cranberries, peaches, cabbage, and tomatoes. It can bind to the outer structure of bacteria, blocking their ability to stick to the urinary tract wall. In a review of randomized, controlled trials, researchers confirmed that D-mannose significantly reduced the risk of recurrent UTIs with minimal side effects.
WomenSense D-Mannose uses a formula made with naturally occurring simple-sugar D-mannose to stop UTI infections before they start. When taken daily, D-mannose helps reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Each daily dose provides 2000 mg of D-mannose to help flush E. coli from the urinary tract without interfering with healthy blood sugar regulation. WomenSense D-Mannose is also available in powder.
WomenSense D-Mannose Stops UTI infections before they start
Overactive Bladder? WomenSense Solutions for Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder can be a symptom of many different things. Speak to your health care provider so they can rule out any possible UTI infections and review any prescribed medications that can also lead to bladder incontinence. Also, keep in mind that After motherhood and menopause, women often begin to have bladder control issues such as stronger urges to urinate, and leakage when coughing, sneezing or laughing. While this is most typically a daytime concern, some women also experience incontinence problems during the night.
WomenSense BladderSense provides supportive therapy for bladder irritation. This non-GMO, gluten-free formula contains a water-soluble pumpkin seed extract that is easy for the body to absorb. Pumpkin seeds have a long history of therapeutic use for incontinence and are nature’s aid for healthy urinary control in overactive bladders.
Supportive therapy for bladder irritation
With the emergence of antibiotic resistance, finding alternative treatments for UTIs is critical. Thankfully, researchers continue to study the effects of natural substances like cranberry, propolis, and D-mannose. With their ability to both treat and prevent the next UTI from coming down the pipeline, this tremendous trio is such an important consideration to help preserve the quality of life for the millions of women who experience UTIs every year. (information provided by Women’s Voice magazine)
WomenSense is a line of products designed to help women reach their full health potential. Carefully and naturally formulated, these products support women from puberty to menopause and beyond for issues such as low thyroid, hormone imbalance, stress, and fatigue. WomenSense products WomenSense is proud to support the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s public foundation for women and girls. They advance gender equality by empowering women and girls in Canada to move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership. Since 1991, they’ve raised money and invested in over 1,400 community programs across Canada, and are one of the ten largest women’s foundations in the world.
Donated funds from WomenSense products will support programs across Canada that empower women and girls to move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership.
$5 from the sale of each WomenSense Bonus Bottle will be donated to the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
ISURA Certified ISURA is an independent, non-profit analytical testing and certification organization backed by a Scientific Advisory Committee of world-renowned experts. The ISURA Seal of Approval is emblematic of the trust that consumers can exercise in ISURA-certified products that are non-GMO compliant, contaminant-free, adulterant free, authenticated, and accurately and inclusively labelled.
]]>Strep throat bacteria spread quickly from person to person by breathing in tiny droplets from a sick person’s cough or sneeze if you get any droplets on your hands and touch your mouth or nose or use the same glass or utensils from an infected person.
Your throat may get sore and scratchy and cause pain when swallowing. Strep throat also has a telling sign of white pus at the back of the throat & red patches or streaks in the throat, your tonsils or the roof of your mouth. You may have swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills or mild headache. If you have a cough, runny nose or hoarseness, you most likely don’t have strep. The only way to diagnose strep is through a throat swap by your family doctor. More likely than not, if our healthcare provider suspects strep, they will start you on antibiotics.
Strep throat typically goes away within 3-7 days with or without antibiotics; however, monitoring the virus in young children is imperative to prevent a more serious ailment from developing (Scarlet Fever, Rheumatic Fever, Sinus, Ear Infection, etc.).
Preventing Strep throat is the first line of defence and ensuring that children receive the best treatment for their age is imperative. Adults have a few more options to manage their symptoms, reduce infection rate and naturally rid the virus from the body.
If your child has contracted the virus or you feel at risk, step up your game with immune-enhancing supplements. They will not guarantee that you will not contract the strep virus, but immune supplements give your over-compromised systems a better chance of not contracting the strep virus or reducing the severity if you do. Consider immune supplements that are formulated with a few different ingredients. Such as St Francis Deep Immune or Living Alchemy Defense.
Elderberry supplements support immune health, and while they are traditionally used to address the cold or flu, emerging studies show elderberry may minimize the growth of bacteria that can cause strep. Elderberry supplements can be found in capsules, syrup/liquid, and cough-drop form.
Bee Propolis deserves accolades for its antimicrobial and fungal-fighting properties. Bee propolis is made by the working bee. It is the glue that holds their hive together but also functions to keep pathogens out of the hive. Human consumption of Bee Propolis works much the same way
Because a bacteria cause strep throat, gargling with apple cider vinegar may be beneficial. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and may inhibit the growth of numerous bacteria strains, including the ones associated with strep throat. The general consensus is to take one teaspoon in a small amount of water and gargle (do not swallow) up to three times a day
Marshmallow root, nothing like the gummy candied marshmallows, may be an excellent choice for helping to alleviate the symptoms of strep throat because it contains a mucus-like substance that coats and soothes the throat.
Oregano oil is one of the favourite go-to products for bacterial and fungal infections, and some studies support its use in reducing Streptococcus. Some studies promote the use of oregano oil as an alternative to antibiotics. We do not suggest this as an option for young children with strep, but it may be an option for adults.
St Francis Herb Farm Fungafect combines oregano with other fungal and bacterial-fighting herbs for an all-in-one option. Their “Stop it cold” spray is another excellent option for strep throat that combines bee propolis, marshmallow and echinacea for sore throat relief and immune-enhancing benefits
Thank you for reading
]]>"I'm so stressed," '" I am always tired," and "I feel anxious all the time" are only a few of the phrases that we hear ourselves or others say all the time. Did you know that these feelings are most often regulated by the hormone "cortisol?" Cortisol plays such an essential role in your hormonal system that misfiring and signaling can disrupt the behaviour of other hormones like estrogen, thyroid and testosterone.
Cortisol is one of the main stress hormones produced in our adrenal glands. Its activity is controlled by the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a role in blood sugar levels, regulating metabolism, assisting memory function and reducing inflammation. It even affects the salt-water balance, which controls blood pressure.
Cortisol is intended to give us a quick burst of energy when faced with immediate stress or danger. It draws this energy from the glucose stores in your fat and muscle cells. A blood sugar drop usually follows this until the systems level out. A constant state of fight and flight (stress response) causes a rise and crash, leaving you tired, hungry, craving sugar and more stressed out.
Cortisol does not know the difference between being stressed out all the time at work or home or being stressed out because you are running from a bear. The body perceives them as threats and increases Cortisol to help you manage stressful situations.
How does Cortisol Make you Fatter?
Research has shown that if you have unwanted belly fat or your weight increases no matter what you do. You likely have a hormone imbalance of some sort. Cortisol is a big culprit of the unwanted "inner tube" around the belly. Cortisol is an essential hormone that our body needs to survive, but if you are stressed out day after day, the body will continue to release Cortisol.
Cortisol affects fat storage because glucose production increases when the body is in a state of stress or perceived threat. This excess glucose provides the required energy to produce the body's expected response. However, if your body is not using glucose to solve the problem, it stores it as fat. Stress-induced cortisol weight gain is usually gained around the waistline because the fat cells in this area contain more stress hormone receptors. These fat cells are susceptible to high insulin and are very effective at storing energy (not burned).
An overproduction of Cortisol also negatively affects your thyroid, which results in fluctuations in metabolism. High or dysregulated cortisol levels wreak havoc over time, depleting those happy brain chemicals like serotonin, robbing your sleep, and can be linked to depression, food addiction, and sugar cravings and negatively affect the Leptin and Ghrelin signaling hormones ( that tell you when you are hungry or full)
Some signs that your cortisol levels may be too high are:
Stress has to be lower & the stress response better managed to get Cortisol to start normalizing before you will begin to see fat loss around the stomach.
Can You Regulate Cortisol Naturally?
Regulating Cortisol requires lifestyle changes to help you better manage your stress response. One way to do this is by introducing supplements knowns as adaptogens. Adaptogens are a unique group of healing herbs that help balance, restore and protect the body from stressors. Adaptogens are unique because they are neither stimulating nor sedating but bring the body into a state of balance.
One of the most valued adaptogen supplements is Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera), which can restore hormonal balance and healthy adrenal function over time. Current research supports the traditional uses of this plant in promoting stress resilience for cortisol and thyroid hormones. In addition to improving the stress response and reducing anxiety, research also identifies this herb for modulating the activity of GABA (the neurotransmitter) that supports calmness.
The recommended dosage to see this herb's effects are 300 – 600 mg two times a day for at least three months. Remember supporting those burned-out adrenals and regulating Cortisol is not a quick fix) Ashwagandha can be taken any time of day and even assist with restorative sleep if taken at night. Look for Ashwagandha, which contains KSM-66 (the researched form of the herb). Research suggests Ashwagandha gets its stress-easing power from unique plant compounds called glycowithanolides, which activate brain receptors to calm the body down during stressful times and support restful sleep. .
Adaptogens such as Ashwagandha are one way to help manage your stress response. It can be even more effective if you support your central nervous systems with a B complex. When your body is under stress, it requires a lot of Vitamin B. The various B vitamins play a role in improving the metabolic pathways that boost energy, reduce fatigue, and help to create adrenal hormones. Your B Vitamins should be a complex combination of all the essential B vitamins, each performing a unique responsibility for the body and central nervous system.
Keeping your blood sugar levels balanced during the day can help keep cortisol levels in check. Berberine supplements stimulate glucose uptake into muscle cells and balance sugar. It has also been shown to delay the breakdown of carbohydrates into simple sugars, thus reducing sugar spikes. Berberine has also shown promise for weight loss due to its effect on fat-regulating hormones, such as insulin, adiponectin, and leptin. Berberine can also inhibit the growth of fat cells at the molecular level (studies were done 500 mg 3 times a day).
Additional Stress Busters
GABA is a natural calming agent of the brain. When we become overwhelmed with stress, the brain typically responds by producing more GABA to produce a more relaxed state, decreasing nervousness, scattered thoughts, and hyperactivity. GABA can improve relaxation without drowsiness and enhance mental focus. GABA also controls stress-related eating & food cravings and can facilitate sleep. Gaba supplements come in several different forms. You can take a yummy chewable throughout the day or a capsule on a more scheduled morning and night routine.
L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found in green tea. It has been used for centuries to promote relaxation without causing any drowsiness. L- Theanine works by decreasing the excitatory brain chemicals that contribute to stress while increasing the brain chemicals that produce relaxation. It is said to be the "Zen" supplement because it quiets the mind. When taken during the day, it helps to take the edge off so you can focus more clearly, whereas taken at night, it helps to produce a state of chill so you can rest.
Try not to get stressed about weight gain! Worrying about weight gain only increases Cortisol and keeps the cycle going. Manage your stress, support your stress response, adrenal glands, and blood sugar, and be patient. It takes some time for the fat to show up on your belly, and it will take some time to get it off.
Stress & Adrenal supplements cannot be taken if you take medications for stress, anxiety or depression without consulting your healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or lactating and have other interaction concerns.
Arthritis is not an inevitable consequence of ageing, but age puts you at more risk for osteoarthritis. In fact, according to stats Canada, the majority of Canadians will be affected by some form of an arthritic disease by age 70, and there are over 100 different forms of inflammatory/arthritic conditions!
Arthritis and joint inflammation are not primarily an "old person's" disease. It is just more common as you age. And what happens in joints with advancing age did not just show up on your 40th birthday. Joint stiffness, pain and inflammation can begin in your early 40s, but it worsens with age. Just how much depends on your health and fitness care level in earlier years.
If you had significant injuries or trauma to any of your joints through a fall in your younger years, played repetitive high-impact sports or struggled with obesity, the wear and tear over time damages the bone and cartilage in your joints. The incidence of arthritic conditions and joint pain is not limited to injury, overuse or extra strain. It can also result from underlying internal/systemic inflammation. It can be the result of inactivity for years, high blood sugar, smoking and improper nutrition ( lack of specific vitamins and minerals)
Why do Joints seem to fail us as we age?
Besides our lifestyle and overall health, ageing affects the musculoskeletal system. Our bones continually go through a process of bone absorption and formation, but as we age, the balance between absorption and formation changes, leading to bone loss. Our bones become less dense and more fragile. Causing instability in the joints and vertebrae
Ageing also affects the properties of cartilage which is the cushion between joints. With age, there is less water in the cartilage. The cartilage structure changes from smooth and slippery to rough, reducing the ability of the cartilage to cushion and absorb the shock of movement effectively. Ligaments and other connective tissues surrounding the joints become less flexible and elastic with age, all of which cause the joint to become inflamed and painful.
Prevention and Reduction of Inflammation is The Key
Face it, when we were young, we felt invincible, and no amount of reminding from our parents that we need to eat healthy now to ensure a healthy life and strong bones and joints later in life was going to resonate. But we can help spread the word to young adults, our younger selves our age-advancing family members that while ageing is inevitable, we can practice prevention and protect our joints at any age. And even if you are experiencing joint pain or arthritic conditions now, you can take some steps to manage the effects of the disease.
Natural health supplements that possess anti-inflammatory properties and supplements that help reduce pain and protect the joints are potent treatment agents for osteoarthritis.
Combining the top three joint support nutrients into one formula provides superior support for painful joints and connective tissue. Natural Factors MSM Joint Formula contains a blend of MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane), glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate, which work together to relieve the joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and support the health of joints and connective tissue. This combination formula maintains the structural function of joints and connective tissue, improves joint lubrication, and jump-starts the healing process in deteriorating cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin protect the cartilage and connective tissue from degenerating and optimize joint function. MSM is an antioxidant that supports the musculoskeletal system and can help reduce the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Natural Factors MSM uses OptiMSM, the premium form of MSM, certified for quality and consistency and used in clinical efficacy and safety studies. Supplementing the diet with the nutrients in MSM Joint Formula is an effective and natural way to optimize joint health and an ideal option for people with pain from a degenerative joint condition
It contains a synergistic combination of herbal extracts that are effective for natural joint pain relief and healthy joint function. Theracurmin™ curcumin and supercharged extracts of white willow, devil's claw, Boswellia, and InflamRelief™ complex exert powerful antioxidant actions and support a healthy inflammatory response. Together, they help relieve the joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, offer short-term relief for low back pain, and support joint health, comfort, and function.
Theracurmin is an advanced form of curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric (Curcuma longa), widely used to promote a healthy inflammatory response and for potent antioxidant protection against free radicals. Scientific scrutiny has shown that Theracurmin is more bioavailable than other leading enhanced and regular forms of curcumin, ensuring a therapeutically effective level in the blood.*
In traditional herbal medicine, the herb Devil's Claw has a long history of use for relieving pain, while Boswellia decreases the activity of enzymes that destroy the joint cartilage. White willow bark has been used for centuries for pain and inflammation. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds and is a natural source of salicin, which is chemically similar to aspirin. InflamRelief is a complex of seven whole fruit concentrates that are rich in anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
*Scientific scrutiny revealed that Theracurmin was more bioavailable on a milligram-to-milligram basis than other leading† enhanced and regular forms of curcumin.
Natural Factors PEA400 contains palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) that is naturally sourced from non-GMO safflower oil to help relieve chronic pain. PEA is a fatty-acid-like compound made by the body's nervous and immune system cells to regulate pain and inflammation. It is also found in certain foods, such as safflower lecithin, soybeans, peanuts, and egg yolks.
PEA has analgesic, neuroprotective, and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. It activates the endocannabinoid system and has been used successfully for chronic pain and discomfort conditions. It has been studied for nerve compression syndromes, including sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome, and pain caused by pinched nerves and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
PEA400 is made from fractionated non-GMO safflower oil. It then undergoes a micronization process to improve its solubility and absorption by the body. Each vegetarian capsule contains 400 mg of PEA to be taken in a daily dose of three capsules, which is within the range of doses supported by clinical studies. PEA400 is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and is well tolerated with little to no reported side effects. It is an excellent choice for adults suffering from chronic pain but has had limited success with conventional therapies.
NEM® Natural Eggshell Membrane is an innovative nutritional supplement that can reduce joint pain by 20% or more within 7–10 days and by an average of 73% after 30 days. In clinical trials, NEM also reduced stiffness significantly and improved range of motion. NEM provides continued support for joint health by reducing inflammation, improving flexibility, and protecting against the deterioration of cartilage.
NEM is a natural source of type I collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and calcium, nutrients that are essential for healthy joints. It supports the production of type II collagen, the main component of cartilage, and the production of the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.
Human clinical trials show that NEM is free from the potentially severe side effects of NSAIDs and other medications conventionally used to treat joint and connective tissue conditions.
Natural Factors NEM Natural Eggshell Membrane, in a convenient one-a-day vegetarian capsule, provides a full-strength dose of the same NEM formula that quickly improves joint pain, stiffness, and flexibility in clinical trials, particularly for osteoarthritis.
OsteoMove Extra Strength Joint Care is a powerful combination of nutrients for fast and effective relief from osteoarthritis's inflammation and joint pain. This impressive supplement contains an array of natural compounds and plant extracts that have been clinically shown to fight progressive cartilage degeneration and support the repair and recovery of joints and connective tissue.
Glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM) work together to enhance joint lubrication and fight inflammation to maintain joint health and integrity. The addition of manganese, boron, collagen, and hyaluronic acid enhances the effects of the "big three" by encouraging the regeneration of healthy connective tissue after injury or disease.
OsteoMove takes joint care to another level with the inclusion of natural phenolic compounds courtesy of InflamReliefTM Complex, a proprietary blend of seven fruit concentrates. Combined with Boswellia and turmeric, InflamRelief provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage to cells and tissues. This helps expedite the repair and regeneration of healthy joint tissue and lessens painful inflammation, bruising, joint stiffness, and spasm.
OsteoMove features the sulfate forms of glucosamine and chondroitin, which have been used in clinical trials, thus ensuring maximum benefit for those with arthritis and joint pain.
Total Body Collagen is a unique formula featuring Verisol® bioactive collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, L-tryptophan, L-glutamine, vitamin C, and biotin – essential nutrients that promote healthy skin, muscles, and connective tissue.
Collagen and hyaluronic acid work together to provide structure, strength, and resilience in the body's tissues, and are vital for maintaining hydration in the joints. Hydrolyzed collagen promotes collagen synthesis and has been shown to help reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. This formula also supports muscle growth and recovery, helping physically active people to build lean muscle mass.
Total Body Collagen is highly digestible, non-GMO, and from pasture-raised and grass-fed cattle. It comes in tablets, two great-tasting flavours and unflavoured powder to promote healthy skin, connective tissues and joints from the inside out.
Cold-ocean fish oil supplements have become popular as a source of omega-3 oils due to new research showing that consuming enough of these healthy fats is essential to your cardiovascular system, nervous system, and joints. Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) are needed to build and repair cells. They are called "essential" because consuming them in your diet is necessary since they are critical to health but cannot be produced by the body.
Studies have shown that taking a quality omega-3 supplement for inflammatory joint ailments can reduce the intensity of joint pain and stiffness and the use of NSAID drugs.
Joint pain is widespread, and most people have experienced aches and pains at some time. Try to incorporate inflammatory foods into your diet such as berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries), Berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins. These compounds have anti-inflammatory effects. Increase your intake of Omega 3 fatty fish and when you cannot eat enough fish an Omega 3 supplement. The EPA and DHA in Fatty fish can decrease the inflammatory markers that cause inflammation. Other foods to incorporate in your diet that help reduce inflammation include cruciferous vegetables, avocado, green tea, grapes, dark chocolate, or cocoa.
Resources
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/glucosamine-and-chondroitin-for-osteoarthritis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-glucosamine/art-20362874
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458405002852
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372953/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16309928/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3383492/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150191/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24395557/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003001/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26829184/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2711914/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697588/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5094513/
Men have specific health issues that are unique to them, but their natural response to illness is to sometimes tough it out. If the illness has the remote chance of embarrassment, suffering in silence is typically has been the better option. But societal reactions and expectations of men are changing and, thankfully, allow them to speak up about their health concerns without suffering any unfavourable harm to their reputations. Men are even supporting each other, providing platforms and discussion groups to share their experiences in health.
Men are also starting to look at their health from a different perspective. They now look for preventative ways to care for themselves rather than wait to try to fix what part of them is broken. There is a push toward having a more fulfilling life, less stress, better managing chronic conditions, and more sustained energy. They want to understand their anatomy better and prepare for physiological and psychological changes as they age.
Did you know what happens in a man's life as he ages has a lot to do with hormonal changes? The entire body is run on a system of hormones that affect energy, physical performance, sexual health, prostate function and stress reduction. Each of these issues can impact men's health at various ages and stages of their life.
Men differ in their anatomical and physiological make-up and lifestyle habits and have a different propensity to disease than women. Finding and using protective measures to stand up to life's many changes and challenges for men can increase an individual's optimal wellness.
Did you know the most important things to optimize men's health are Sleep- Hormones -Nutrition and Energy-Digestion- Mood- Stress- Prostate?
Prevention with Ultimate Prostate
Did you know That 50% of men between 51-60, and 90% of men over 80 suffer from benign prostate enlargement? Two main risk factors for BPH are advancing age and family history, both factors that are out of their control. What can be controlled is knowing the risks, the symptoms and how to take preventative measures to reduce your statistical probability?
The severity of symptoms in people with prostate gland enlargement varies, but symptoms tend to worsen gradually. Common signs and symptoms of BPH include:
Ultimate Prostate is a synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals & phytonutrients that helps relieve the urologic symptoms associated with mild to moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia and the discomfort of prostate enlargement. Containing Saw Palmetto & other potent plant extracts, Ultimate Prostate helps improve urinary health, reduces the frequency of urination, relieves urinary tract discomfort, reduces swelling & pain, protects & nourishes the prostate and can help reduce the discomfort of prostate enlargement.
Feel Fit & Energized with Ultimate Testosterone Boost
Testosterone production begins to decline in men after the age of 30. While reduced testosterone is often dismissed as part of the normal aging process, this decline in testosterone can affect energy, performance, muscle mass and fat distribution, hair growth, and even emotional and cognitive well-being. Ensuring a good intake of essential nutrients needed for testosterone production can help support male reproductive health, energy metabolism, and hormone health in men, whatever their age.
There are several options to enhance the body's production of testosterone without taking testosterone itself. By supporting the function of hormones, the body can optimize its testosterone levels
Ultimate Testosterone Boost is a synergistic formula designed to address stress and support testosterone production. Ultimate Testosterone Boost is formulated with KSM-66, a full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. KSM-66 has been shown to cause a significant improvement in testosterone levels as well as other areas related to male health and vitality. Aside from the energy and performance supporting effects of ashwagandha, Ultimate Testosterone Boost also contains other male health-supporting nutrients such as; zinc, vitamin D3, B vitamins, chromium, cordyceps and 3’-diindolylmethane (DIM), which support the normal processes of detoxification, including the proper elimination of hormone metabolites
Stamina & Vigor with Male Energy
Men want to feel at their best; they want to have stamina, energy and vigour, and when their hormonal responses are not in balance achieving this can be more difficult. Certain plants and herbal extracts can be used to maintain normal levels of circulating testosterone and provide antioxidant protection to support men's health and energy as they age
Ultimate Male Energy is specifically formulated to assist men close to or over 35. It is designed to help improve testosterone production, which will, in turn, help maintain healthy testosterone levels. Lower testosterone is associated with all kinds of symptoms, including fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and even obesity. Testosterone levels tend to decrease with age.
Ultimate Male Energy contains several key ingredients. Some are used to address the regular detoxification of hormones, while others are used to try and stimulate the production of specific molecules. For instance, Nettle helps increase testosterone levels by binding to the protein sex hormone "globulin (SHBG)" so that less is available to bind to testosterone. Additionally, the beta-sitosterol in Stinging Nettle supports prostate health and helps reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as urination difficulty and prostate enlargement. Chrysin is the active component in passion flower that elevates blood testosterone levels. It works by blocking the activity of aromatase, an enzyme needed to convert testosterone into estrogen metabolites. Ultimate Male Energy also contains other ingredients to that support hormone balance in men, such as indole-3-carbinol, Quercetin, Turmeric and BioPerine
Ultimate Male Energy helps reduce excess body fat, increase natural testosterone production, preserve and build muscle tissue, enhance cellular repair mechanisms and overall liver function, and maintain prostate health.
Support Andropause with Ultimate Maca Energy
Andropause describes age-related changes in male hormone levels. (Also known as testosterone deficiency, androgen deficiency). While the process of dropping testosterone in men may be a natural part of aging. The increased presence of estrogens (from man-made chemicals BPA, BPS, and Phthalates) are known to mimic hormones like estrogen found in aging men. This is not only concerning but can lead to early-onset andropause Male menopause can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems. They typically worsen as you get older. They can include:
Ultimate Maca Energy is a cutting-edge formula designed to tone hormonal processes by acting on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Clinical studies show that maca helps balance estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormones, progesterone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. It helps to increase increases free testosterone levels and decreases estrogen dominance. It provides increased overall energy, reduces stress and supports mood.
Manage Stress Response with Ultimate Anti-Stress
There isn't much difference in cortisol production between men and women, but the hormone oxytocin is a different story. When stress strikes, hormones called cortisol and epinephrine works together to raise blood pressure and circulating blood sugar level. At the same time, cortisol also lowers the effectiveness of the immune system to ward off illness.
In times of stress for women, oxytocin is released from the brain, countering the production of cortisol and epinephrine, which were released into the bloodstream at the first signs of stress. Oxytocin promotes relaxation and nurturing emotions.
However, while men also secrete the hormone oxytocin in times of stress, it's in much smaller amounts, leaving men on the short end of the stick for calming hormones. Rather than producing a more calm, relaxed state, they get more "fired up." Couple this with how society has raised men to compartmentalize their emotions, stress, and anger, and the result is that men tend to have more health-related issues caused by unmanaged stress.
Manage Daily Supplement Needs with Whole Earth & Sea Men's Multi-Vitamins
Men require vitamins and minerals for their bodies to function properly. While few of these substances are naturally produced by the body, others have to be acquired from other sources, namely multivitamin supplements. Multivitamins are one way to ensure that you consume optimum levels of the nutrients we wish were in the foods we eat. They also have the potential to offset deficiencies in the diet that can affect the totality of men's health
Whole Earth & Sea formulas are the next generation of whole food supplements, delivering raw, whole food nutrition with real health benefits. Many of the vitamins and minerals in this nutrient-packed formula are sourced from plants such as lichen, algae, kelp, natto, garlic, tomato, and sunflower. Food-source nutrients are more easily absorbed and used by the human body.
Every Whole Earth & Sea formula contains meaningful amounts of each vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient – The Pure Food Men's Multivitamin & Mineral contains vitamin and mineral complexes important for men, including calcium and magnesium, vitamins D3 and K2, easily absorbed active forms of folate, vitamin B6 and B12, zinc, and selenium. Enzymes, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients are also included for energy and vitality, making this vegan-friendly formula ideal for any man looking for a raw-food-based multi packed full of organic ingredients
Research
]]>Pain is best described as anything that causes physical suffering by illness or injury. Your body responds to pain by activating pain receptors, which release chemicals. These chemicals hold a message that transmits along your spinal cord. The spinal cord takes the pain messages (pain receptors) to your brain, specifically into your thalamus and then to your cerebral cortex, where it processes the message and sends a response back to the area of injury.
The brain reaches into its database of information and determines what response is necessary for the type of pain. It may evoke tears, temporarily increase heart rate, increase adrenalin, generate blood clotting factors, send an inflammatory or any other reaction required to fix the damage. This type of pain response is referred to as the "Acute Pain Response," which tends to recover within an expected period of time. Acute pain will generally resolve itself with time and proper healing methods, but you can certainly help the healing process with specific herbs, supplements and support to reduce the inflammatory response, such as magnesium and curcumin
Chronic pain is a persistent pain that causes the pain receptors to continue to signal the brain well beyond the expected recovery time. When you have chronic pain, the brain will process pain messages differently. At the cellular level, pain receptors and neurons are altered and are easily activated by inflammation within the body. Even the spinal cord's normal signaling process fails to reduce the pain, making the situation feel dire.
Neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult to diagnose and treat; it usually feels like a burning, tingling or shooting sensation. It is often associated with damage to the nerves, which disrupts normal signals to the spinal cord and can be caused by shingles, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy, MS, Amputation, Spinal Injury, etc. Neuropathic pain may cause pain from stimuli that are generally not painful, such as light touch or cold. They can also be more sensitive than usual to stimuli that are usually painful. For example, bedclothes touching the affected area could feel painful, and a pinprick could feel excessively sharp.
Chronic and neuropathic pain requires a more long-term approach, and both require management of the underlying causes to reduce the ongoing pain response.
Chronic pain can last months or years and affect all parts of the body. There may be obvious reasons for chronic pain, repetitive injury to a part of the body, arthritis, osteoporosis, or other types of disease or illness such as digestive disorders, chronic migraines, back pain, endometriosis or fibromyalgia.
The pain response is very complex, and what is painful to one person may not produces the same pain response in another. Managing chronic pain can be just as diverse and may involve working with your health care provider to find out what prescribed, or over-the-counter medication is best for you. It could include acupuncture, massage or a number of other mind-body techniques. Taking the alternative approach to managing pain is also an option and may be the first step in finding relief before taking a prescribed medication that can sometimes lead to further complications and side effects that cause other complications
Natural supplements are most effective at reducing the inflammatory response to pain which comes hand in hand with the pain response, and the Healthology brand provides a few effective options.
Healthology PAIN-FX Joint Formula provides relief from pain by targeting both the pain itself and the inflammatory component of the pain cycle. It combines herbal supplements such as White Willow Bark, Boswellia and Curcumin to target the pain and inflammatory response to pain. It is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, reducing our sensation of pain. At the same time, it blocks the production of inflammatory mediators, and it protects the body from damage caused by inflammation.
White Willow Bark Extract 50% Salicin provides significant analgesic effects, making it effective for reducing the sensation of musculoskeletal pain. It also reduces the amount of pro-inflammatory mediators being made, helping to lower inflammation in the bod
Boswellia Extract blocks the production of inflammatory mediators to reduce overall inflammation and pain in the body. Significantly reduces joint swelling, pain, and stiffness in osteoarthritis
Curcumin reduces inflammation by preventing the production of some of the body's most potent inflammatory mediators, thereby stopping the cycle of inflammation-induced pain.
Healthology INFLAMMA-MEND targets inflammation by reducing pain and swelling, increasing the production of anti-inflammatory mediators, and preventing the production of pro-inflammatory cells. The combination of OMEGA 3, Curcumin, Bromelain and Magnesium works on the inflammatory signaling systems. They also help block the NDMA pain receptors, which can help lower pain sensation.
EPA and DHA are omega 3 fatty acids that provide building blocks for your body to make anti-inflammatory cells. In doing so, they reduce the formation of pro-inflammatory cells, having a powerful impact on reducing overall levels of inflammation and pain
Curcumin reduces pain and inflammation by preventing the production of some of the body's most potent inflammatory mediators Research shows that curcumin supplementation results in reduced gut lining injury and improvement of bowel symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis, and significant improvement in swelling, stiffness and pain scores in arthritis patient
Bromelain relieves pain and swelling by turning off the signals that promote swelling after an injury. Research shows reduction of pain by 80% and swelling by 72.4% in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Magnesium Relieves both acute and chronic pain by blocking NDMA pain receptors, which lowers our sensation of pain
Salus Nettle Plant Juice has long-term use to alleviate seasonal allergies because of its natural antihistamine properties, but this herb's anti-inflammatory properties also work by blocking the production of the inflammatory mediators in the body and helping to re-balance the immune system. This anti-inflammatory activity is why nettle has been shown to improve symptoms in autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and reduce symptoms of joint pain, reduce pain medication use, and improve quality of life in people with osteoarthritis
Magnesium may not be the first supplement you consider for pain management, but this mineral plays a pivotal role in managing pain and inflammation. Magnesium can block specific receptors that cause pain and produce an analgesic effect. Salus Magnesium is quickly and effectively absorbed, and it does not cause digestive upset. The liquid formulation is flavoured using whole-food extracts for a delicious and easy-to-dose supplement
Early prevention and management of pain and inflammation can play a significant role in your overall health and wellness. You can use the above supplements as stand-alone supplements or in combination with one another to provide the best outcome for your better health. Traditionally herbal medicine has therapeutic benefits; therefore, research and review any possible interactions with other medications or allergies with your health care provider before use.
Vitamin D supplements have been popular for many years and are most recommended for the winter months to replace the lack of sunshine. But research on Vitamin D supplements is beginning to identify why this supplement has become a necessary part of everyday health 365 days a year!
Your body makes Vitamin D when sunlight hits your skin. When the sun’s ultraviolet rays touch the skin, they convert into a precursor molecule called Vitamin D3, which then follows a metabolic pathway through the liver, and the kidneys. Once in the kidneys Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is converted into a new form (calcitriol). Once converted by the kidneys a protein grabs it to the organs where it starts it ‘s cascading list of benefits from building bones, maintaining nervous system function, supporting DNA expression and immune health. You can also obtain Vitamin D from fortified foods or supplementation.
The sun’s is the best source of Vitamin D (between the hours of 10 and 12), but many of life’s contributing factors have affected just how much natural sun rays we are getting or should be getting every day. Long winters, overcast days, the pigment of your skin, air quality, how close or far from the equator you live, obesity, layers of clothes, lack of outdoor time and the use of sunscreens reduce the amount of sun we are getting, which slowly decrease Vitamin D stores in the body.
Low Levels of Vitamin D can lead to low bone calcium levels, resulting in bone loss, increased risk of fractures and Osteoporosis. That alone would seem like enough reason to ensure you are receiving your daily dose of Vitamin D. Still; evidence continues to emerge on the benefits of Vitamin D for intestinal health, muscle support, blood vessel integrity, heart health, endocrine glands and mental health.
Signs you May Be Deficient in Vitamin D
Mood Disorders – Vitamin D helps regulate chemicals in the brain and elevate mood. A deficiency can cause depression, anxiety and feelings of sadness and low energy.
Reduced Immune Function – Vitamin D regulates and maintains the innate and adaptive immune responses. Insufficient levels can weaken the body’s immune system, increasing the risk of more frequent illnesses and infections. Consider Vitamin D supplementation if you often become sick, especially with colds or flu.
High Blood Pressure In recent years, studies are emerging that show low levels of vitamin D may predispose some people to higher blood pressure and chronic blood vessel inflammation.
Weaker Bones – Resulting in Osteopenia, Osteoporosis and bone fractures. Vitamin D promotes healthy bones by regulating calcium and phosphate levels. When there is a Vitamin D deficiency, calcium (which Vitamin D helps to produce) is pulled from the bones, causing a calcium shortage that can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis and bone fractures
Increased Risk of Infection- Cuts and wounds do not heal as effectively or efficiently as they should
Vitamin D3 Supplements- Natural Factors SunVitamin D
If you meet any of the above criteria, consider adding a Vitamin D supplement to your daily routine. Monitor your direct skin sun exposure throughout the year, and on days when you have not been able to acquire the recommended outdoor time, slip in a Vitamin D that day.
Natural Factors Vitamin D3 comes in liquid, tables and softgel forms. They provide a convenient daily dose of vitamin D as cholecalciferol to help support immune function and develop and maintain strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D3 is the natural form of this vital nutrient and is most effective at raising active vitamin D blood levels.
Vitamin D3 typically comes from animal sources, so Vegans tend to shy away from Vitamin D or reach for D2 supplements which are not absorbed as efficiently. Natural Factors Vegan SunVitamin D3 is sourced from wild-harvested lichen. This unique non-GMO formula was developed especially for vegans and vegetarians, who are more likely to lack this essential nutrient.
How much Vitamin D should you take every day?
Your required Vitamin D supplemental intake varies depending on many factors. If you are immune-compromised, you may take a higher dosage of 2500 IU daily during the winter months, cold and flu season. Infants can take up to 400 IU daily for general maintenance, and children may take up to 600 IU. Regular maintenance in adults is suggested at 1000- 2000 IU’S daily. If you are uncertain about what dosage is best for you, speak to your health care provider and do not exceed the recommended dosages on the label without consultation
Foods that are fortified with Vitamin D
If you are consuming foods fortified with Vitamin D every day and are getting adequate exposure to the sun’s rays (without sunscreen), you can reduce your supplemental Vitamin D accordingly. Foods that contain Vitamin D3 are egg yolks, beef liver and fatty fish (cod, salmon and tuna). Fortified foods (added Vitamin D2) are orange juice, dairy products, and cereals.
Resources
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For many years, we have associated inflammation with arthritic conditions. Perhaps that is because it is the most tangible source of inflammation – you can see and feel the pain of a swollen joint. But inflammation is not just about what you see or feel. It is also about what is going on in your cells long before outward signs emerge.
Your body requires some level of inflammation as part of the normal process of living. Inflammation is a natural response your body uses to protect itself, fight off infection and speed up healing. You've experienced your body's inflammatory response if you've ever had a fever, a sore throat with swollen glands, or an infected cut that's become red and warm to the touch. This is a typical (acute) inflammatory response, a sign your body's immune system is resolving the problem. Once the infection has cleared, the inflammatory signals return to normal
However, too much inflammation can create imbalances in the body and is characterized as "chronic inflammation." Chronic inflammation can take years to manifest into disease. Chronic inflammation occurs when your immune system continues to produce inflammatory markers, prompting your white blood cells to attack healthy tissues and organs. Chronic inflammation generally "flies" below the threshold of pain and visible symptoms but wreaks havoc on the body, causing very challenging diseases.
Signs Your Chronic Inflammation Needs Attention
Managing Inflammation Requires Long-Term Commitment
Managing inflammation requires healing at the cellular level. Science & medical intervention treats the symptoms of chronic inflammation and the diseases that result from inflammation, but managing inflammation requires reducing the inflammation at the cellular level.
Herbal supplements also show great promise in reducing the body's chronic inflammatory response. Curcumin is the most recognized and researched for its ability to inhibit the body's production of inflammatory-signalling compounds. Using curcumin supplements can help slow the body's production of eicosanoids (inflammatory compounds) to bring levels back to normal. As a result, chronic systemic inflammation in the body significantly decreases. The healing benefits of Curcumin are very dependent on the raw materials used in the product and how they are processed to ensure the product is bioavailable (how much you absorb). Natural Factors has a full line of curcumin-based products to support the various forms of inflammation affecting your body.
CurcuminRich Double Strength- #1 absorbed form
CurcuminRich Double Strength Theracurmin unlocks the medicinal power of Curcumin. It is made with Theracurmin, the #1 absorbed form of Curcumin available. Its high absorption and bioavailability provide more significant support for your body's natural inflammatory response and added antioxidant protection.
Use this supplement if you have systemic inflammation with unknown causes or suffer from any form of gastrointestinal disease, chronic tiredness, unexplained weight gain, metabolic syndrome, dry eyes. Autoimmune disorders or balance problems
Healthy joint function- Natural Factors CurcuminRich Joint Optimizer
Natural Factors CurcuminRich Joint Optimizer contains a synergistic combination of herbal extracts that are effective for natural joint pain relief and healthy joint function. Theracurmin™ Curcumin and supercharged extracts of white willow, devil's claw, Boswellia, and InflamRelief™ complex exert powerful antioxidant actions and support a healthy inflammatory response. Together, they help relieve the joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, offer short-term relief for low back pain, and support joint health, comfort, and function
Use this supplement to provide relief from lower back pain and relieve joint pain from osteoarthritis
Mind and memory optimizer- CurcuminRich Memory Optimizer
CurcuminRich Memory Optimizer provides comprehensive support for cognitive health and brain function throughout life, particularly in later years. This innovative formula includes key botanical extracts that have shown the potential to inhibit the development of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with cognitive dysfunction. These natural extracts also support a healthy inflammatory response, protect cell membranes, neurons and synapses, and promote healthy neurotransmitter function.
Use this supplement if you show symptoms of brain fog, memory decline or have a history of degenerative brain diseases
Healthy heart and systemic inflammation -CurcuminRich Whole Body Optimizer
Natural Factors CurcuminRich Whole Body Optimizer combines antioxidant Theracurmin™, the #1 absorbed form of curcumin*, with omega-3 EPA/DHA and supercharged extracts of Boswellia, antioxidant-rich InflamRelief™ Complex, and astaxanthin, for a multifaceted approach to whole-body wellness. This unique formula is ideal for supporting the body's natural inflammatory response.
Use this supplement to support cardiovascular health, & immune health,
Muscle optimization after exercise -CurcuminRich Muscle Recovery
CurcuminRich Muscle Recovery & Growth Optimizer is a highly absorbable formula for muscle recovery and growth that combines Theracurmin, the most bioavailable form of Curcumin available, with micronized L-glutamine. Together, Theracurmin and L-glutamine support the body's recovery from physical stress by exerting potent antioxidant activity and supporting a healthy inflammatory response. It encourages muscle cell repair and growth, especially following strenuous exercise, and supports immune and digestive system health to help protect against infections following prolonged or intense exercise.
Use this supplement to aid in muscle cell repair after exercise of physical exertion. This supplement is also beneficial for gut health and illness that affect muscle control.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877505/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7108854_
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279298/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492709/
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This information is not intended to treat or diagnose. The information contains factual and researched-based information to help you make a more informed decision about your health and well-being. Due to the therapeutic results of these supplements, it is essential to review and discuss any interactions with your prescribed medications or health conditions with your health care provider
The holidays are behind you, and we are well into the start of the New Year. Some of you may have made health resolutions or set new weight loss goals. However, how many of you have set goals for healing your gut? We often do not consider daily maintenance of our gut and digestive system until things go wrong. However, healthy digestion is the foundation of a healthy body, and a healthy colon not only plays a crucial role in your overall digestive health but how your body responds to illness, infection, inflammation, healing and even brain health.
At one time, all we understood about the gut was that it functions to break down and absorb nutrients from food and eliminate toxins and waste from the body. Science has come a long way since our early understanding, and the gut is now recognized as a complex and integral part of our whole health
What is going on in your gut has a significant impact on the rest of your body, including your brain! Brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which are partly responsible for mood, sleep and appetite, are produced in the digestive system. And irritation or unbalance in the gastrointestinal system sends signals to the central nervous system and the brain that trigger mood changes. It can affect mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The brain-gut connection may also help explain why an emotional shift can affect people coping with irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Signals from the gastrointestinal tract may also affect metabolism, raising or reducing the risk for health conditions like type 2 diabetes. Research estimates that about ten percent of arterial wall hardening may be caused by unhealthy gut microbes not doing their job of removing cholesterol or regulating blood pressure.
Your gut-brain axis plays an essential role in your immune system and inflammation. If your gut microbiome is out of wack, it can wreak havoc on your immune system and leave you more vulnerable to flu, virus, infection and more serious disease and illness. The delicate balance of gut health also helps keep inflammation in check and reduces the inflammatory response before it causes harm.
Signs you May want to Make Hut Health your New Year's Goal
Support Your Gut Health Naturally with Healthology
Several things can contribute to poor gut health, but there are also a number of things you can do to support gut health.
First, clean up your diet. The foods you eat will directly impact the balance of gut bacteria, food breakdown, nutrient transmission, and waste removal. Commit to drinking more fluids (water and tea) to provide fluid to your colon and get things moving through. Then commit to increasing your fibre intake with fibre that heals the colon rather than putting strain on it.
Take the right type of fibre every day!
Most of us are not reaching the required daily intake to support, improve or heal the colon. We shy away from fibre because of the association with a bad taste and worsening problems by consuming over-the-counter fibre products. But good fibre supplements have come a long way, and products such as Healthology Daily Fibre and Healthology Soluble Blend not only make it easy to get the required 25-38 grams a day that is required, they function to heal an unhealthy gut.
There are two types of fibre., soluble fibre, which binds with water to create a gel-like substance (think of it like oatmeal), and insoluble, which is the "roughage" portion mainly found in skins and seeds of plants (think of it like celery).
Healthology Daily Fibre Blend is a blend of insoluble and soluble fibre. Its most important role is to promote bowel regularity. It provides bulk to the stool, which keeps waste moving through the digestive tract. Insoluble fibre attracts water into your stool, making it softer and easier to pass with less strain on your bowels. Insoluble fibre is also important for keeping us full after eating because it takes up space in the digestive system. It curbs cravings and promotes feelings of satiety to help us maintain a healthy weight
Healthology DAILY FIBRE BLEND provides a healthy boost of fibre easily added to meals and snacks. It contains 3g of fibre per serving, and is non-GMO, Certified Organic, and free from additives.
Consider Taking Healthology Daily Fibre Blend if you suffer from chronic constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, weight management
Healthology Soluble Fibre Blend dissolves in water and gastrointestinal fluids when it enters the stomach and intestines. It is transformed into a gel-like substance, which is digested by bacteria in the large intestine. Soluble fibre is an excellent source of food to promote good gut bacteria. Because soluble fibre can slow down the rate of digestion, it provides many other health benefits, such as reducing the amount of digested carbohydrates. It absorbs fat and can prevent some dietary cholesterol from breaking down and digested. It may also help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugars.
Healthology SOLUBLE FIBRE BLEND provides 5 grams of soluble fibre from a Certified Organic, non-GMO blend of Baobab and Acacia fibres. It does not contain artificial sweeteners, colours, sugars, or additives and is less likely to cause constipation than psyllium-containing formulas that are often recommended.
Consider Taking Healthology Soluble Fibre if you suffer from IBS that produces chronic diarrhea. Soluble fibre is also an excellent choice if you are trying to lower your cholesterol, slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, manage weight, stabilize blood sugar, lower cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk, and promote healthy digestion
Repair, Heal & Support your Intestinal Tract
Healthology GUT-FX is the ultimate formula to heal inflammation and restore our gut-neighbourhood. It provides the building blocks that your body needs to repair the intestinal tract lining. It contains herbs to reduce inflammation and soothe digestion and probiotics to support healthy gut flora. GUT-FX provides a well-rounded approach to supporting gut health, which improves our ability to absorb nutrients, eliminate toxins, balance the immune system, and support neurological hormones.
Healthology GUT-FX- Mix 1 teaspoon (6g) with water or juice before use, and drink once daily. Take at least 2-3 hours before or after antibiotics. Take a few hours before or after other medications or natural health products.
Consider Taking Healthology GUT-FX as an everyday natural solution to better your gut health if you suffer from any bowel disease inflammatory conditions or suffer from any form of bowel or abdominal discomfort. Take in combination with Healthology Soluble Fibre if you suffer from chronic diarrhea or constipation, if you are more prone to colds, viruses, and infections, or you have more frequent autoimmune flare-ups or need to manage cholesterol.
Give Yourself a Helping Hand When Needed
Healthology Go Lax Bowel Formula - Although we should strive to identify and fix constipation's cause(s), we may occasionally need additional support to keep our bowels moving regularly. Healthology GO-LAX gently and effectively relieves occasional constipation by stimulating the colon's natural peristaltic action and drawing water into the bowel to soften stool, making it easier to pass. GO-LAX gently activates pelvic nerves and motility receptors in the colon to enhance peristalsis and promote bowel motility. It also soothes and heals the digestive tract to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including reductions in pain and straining and improved stool consistency and frequency.
Healthology GO-LAX does not contain purgative herbs like senna and cascara sagrada, which can cause cramping pain and are more likely to cause laxative dependence. It can be taken every few days when things get sluggish or once or twice a week for colon maintenance.
Consider Taking Healthology GO-LAX if you occasionally need a gentle push to get your bowels moving or if you regularly take prescribed medications that lead to constipation
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You most likely have heard about the benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3 is considered essential because your body does not make Omega 3 (DHA and EPA). Many of us are likely consuming Omega three either through diet (by eating ocean wild-caught fish) or through supplementation. But when it comes to giving Omega 3 supplements to our children, we put the brakes on. It makes sense as there is confusing information on the merits of providing children Omega 3 and just how old should they be before you supplement their diets?
But science is catching up, and there is a very distinct understanding to ensure a healthy brain and all its functions requirements for this vital nutrient is on the increase. The need for Omega 3 and children begins much earlier than you may realize. It starts before birth, while the fetus is growing.
Fish Based - wild salmon, black cod, halibut, trout, anchovy, sardines, mackerel and herring
Food-Based- hemp hearts, hempseed, chia seeds, chia seed oil, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, walnuts, walnut oil, pumpkin seed, pumpkin seed butter and natto.
If you are pregnant and are concerned about consuming too much fish, considering taking an Omega 3 supplement during your pregnancy, continue to take your Omega 3 supplement after childbirth, especially if you are breastfeeding. Your baby is using your reserves for their growth. If you are not breastfeeding your child, consider a good quality liquid Omega 3 (0-3 years) added to their formula.
Whether your toddler requires Omega 3 supplementation depends on their consumption of Ocean Wise Wild Caught Fish(2-3 servings a week). A serving size is equal to the size of a deck of cards.
The terms “adrenal fatigue,” “adrenal exhaustion” or “adrenal burnout are often used interchangeably to explain not only fatigue and stress but a number of other symptoms including sleep disturbances, low libido, poor concentration, poor exercise tolerance and recovery, difficulty losing weight and weak immune function. The more recognized medical terms used to describe some of these symptoms are General Adaption Syndrome (GAS) or “ HPA Axis Dysregulation ((HPA-D)). Both touch on some underlying causes for adrenal burnout but do not yet hit the mark on the unrelenting tiredness and systemic response in the body. We will stick with the more mainstream names recognized through integrative medicine for this wellness article.
In isolation, each of the symptoms outlined can mean different things (including stress), but if you can check off most of the boxes, you most likely have “Adrenal Fatigue /Adrenal Burnout. Adrenal fatigue is best described in a state where the adrenal glands are overworked and unable to effectively perform their functions.
The adrenals are a pair of glands that sit on the kidneys and produce several hormones, including the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are associated with the “fight or flight” response, stress management, regulating metabolism, sleep, blood sugar and inflammation. The constant over response placed on your adrenals affect your hormones, causing your adrenals to become less responsive to cortisol, causing irregularity and burn out symptoms to emerge.
It has taken years of unmanaged stress on the body for the adrenals to get to the point of “adrenal fatigue” or “adrenal burnout.” It can take 6- 12 months of continued supplementation, food and lifestyle adaptations for your adrenals to heal and those much-needed adrenal hormones to balance out to more normal behaviour. Supplementation for adrenals usually involves balances with B Vitamins, adaptogenic herbs and minerals such as magnesium.
B Vitamins found in supplements such as Can Prev’s Synergy B play a role in improving the metabolic pathways that boost energy, reduce fatigue, and create adrenal hormones. Synergy B is an excellent choice as a B complex because it not only contains all of the essential B vitamins in their preferred form. It also includes an impressive 200 mg of L-Theanine.
L-Theanine is one of our personal favourites and provides so many benefits that it deserves a full article itself. L-Theanine is an extract from green tea that contains no stimulating effects. It is one of the few supplements that can cross the blood-brain barrier and positively affect the brain directly. When an element or nutrient can pass the ‘blood-brain barrier,” it means that it does not have to go through all the normal processes within your body to get to the brain. Rather than stimulating the brain, it produces a calming and relaxing effect without sedative, sleepy effects. L-Theanine also increases serotonin (the transmitter responsible for feelings of happiness) and dopamine levels (responsible for cognitive function, creation, and motivation). We like to say it “quiets the mind.” It is often found in sleep products because active minds are often a problem for sleep. When taken during the day, it can help reduce anxiety and nervousness.
Can Prev L- Theanine contains 250mg of L-Theanine, which works great as an evening supplement taken about an hour before bed. It includes a small amount of magnesium, which starts the relaxation process.
Consider taking additional magnesium before bed, such as Can Prev Magnesium Bis-Glycinate. This form of magnesium is gentler on the stomach highly absorbable. Magnesium is required for numerous chemical reactions within the body, but it is most recognized for its muscle relaxing effects. It is often used for restless leg syndrome and to reduce cramping and muscle spasms. It also produces a calming effect on all muscle tissue. For the adrenal glands to heal and cortisol levels to regulate, you need a good night’s sleep.
You can certainly take each of these supplements as stand-alone. However, we suggest a multi-ingredient adrenal supplement. This can help ensure you receive the full range of benefits from each of the different herbs in the correct ratios needed. Two more recognized Adrenal Specific Products are Can Prev Adrenal Chill and Can Prev Adrenal Pro.
In some cases, people have taken both of these products, one during the day and the other in the evening. We suggest a slightly different approach.
Adrenal-Pro is specially formulated to support the adrenal glands with a blend of nutrients and adaptogenic herbs. adaptogenic supplements are unusual because they modulate your cortisol and stress hormones based on what your body needs when it needs it. Adrenal Pro includes ashwagandha to help boost immunity and lower stress, Siberian ginseng to alleviate fatigue and depression, and astragalus to revive and rejuvenate. It also contains rhodiola, which is suggested for people with reduced physical energy due to stress and those that over train. Consider this supplement if you are getting enough sleep but yet still feel tired upon waking. It is also suggested if you lack the physical stamina to get through your day or have a low exercise tolerance. If you find that you cannot settle down at the end of the day, take the additional L-Theanine and Magnesium before bed.
Adrenal Chill is an excellent choice as a mid-afternoon and again in the evening supplement, especially if you start your day with Vitamin B. Adrenal Chill provides 600mg of KSM-66®, the highest concentration, full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha with an impressive and full dosage of L-theanine. Ashwagandha helps the body manage it’s stress responses by balancing the cortisol levels. Ashwagandha also has immune-modulating properties.
Consider a visit to the endocrinologist if your symptoms (listed above) do not alleviate after supplementation. Remember, it takes months and years of constant stress for your adrenals to get to this point. Stay committed to getting them back on track.
Precautions
Ashwagandha is safe for most people, but if you are immune suppressant or thyroid medications, you should avoid it. You also need to monitor blood sugar and blood pressure medications while taken this herb as it may decrease the number of medications required. Review other supplements and herbs discussed in this article with your health care provider to ensure there are no interactions with prescribed medications.
]]>Vitamin D has been in the news quite a bit lately due to its benefits for the immune system. And most of us are pretty comfortable taking the supplement for ourselves. The recommendations from health Canada have just changed to allow for non-prescription status at higher doses of up to 2500 IU per day. However, when it comes to children, we tend to put the breaks on with vitamin D supplements?
Perhaps it is because we have always believed our children were getting enough Vitamin D through fortified cereals, milk and the sun. Surprisingly, this is not necessarily the case. We know that Vitamin D is produced with the sun's ultraviolet rays on your skin. However, the intensity of the sun today has led all of us to become necessarily overprotective against the potential harm. Starting at an early age, children wear sunscreen, which blocks out the ultraviolet rays, the very thing that is required for vitamin D production.
Besides the sun, the only other way your children can obtain vitamin D is through limited types of foods such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks. Vitamin D is also found in foods that have been fortified (added D), such as cereals and dairy. Consumption of these foods is not high on the list of children's favourites, and the intake of dairy has decreased due to parental and child food choices or childhood allergies. If you are breastfeeding your child, the only way they can get vitamin D is through you. If you are deficient, their risk of deficiency also increases.
Vitamin D ensures the body absorbs and retains calcium, phosphorus, and other critical minerals required to build bone and deposit these minerals in bones and teeth, making them stronger and healthier. It also strengthens the immune system and helps regulate cell growth. Vitamin D supports nervous system health, strengthens defences against infections, and may improve lung and heart health. Vitamin D is also necessary for mental health and wellness.
A vitamin D deficiency in young children may continue and worsen in adulthood, increasing bone fractures in older children, teens and adults. Children who continue to have insufficient Vitamin D levels may display signs of mental illness such as anxiety and depression. A long-term deficiency starting from childhood may also lead to cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, autoimmune disorders, MS and insulin resistance in adults.
Research has changed; in more recent studies, the recommendation is that infants under 12 months require 400iu per day and older children and adolescents require 600 IU per day. Mothers that are breastfeeding should consider taking a Vitamin D supplement or put a drop of Vitamin D oil on your nipple before the baby breastfeeds.
Our bodies need 10- 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on our arms, legs and face every day to start the process and maintain constant Vitamin D production. Our bodies store some Vitamin D, so missing a day here or there will not cause a deficiency. Here is a quick checklist on when to consider a Vitamin D supplement for your child.
If you are considering giving your child a vitamin D supplement, look for age-specific brands. Platinum Naturals Vitamin D drops come in an option for babies and kids. The Big Friends brand also has a liquid drop for kids and a Big Friends D chewable. Other options are gummies, such as Sisu U Cubes Calcium & D3 and Herbaland D3. And for the children that are a bit older (over six years old), Progressive Sunshine Burst which comes in a small softgel for easy swallowing.
Click here to Shop for Kids Vitamin D Supplements
Foods such as salmon, sardines, tuna, cod-liver oil, egg yolks and shiitake mushrooms contain a lot of vitamin D. However, many children may not love these vitamin D superfoods. Luckily, store-bought milk is often fortified with vitamin D, as are many kinds of cereal and even orange juice. Not all dairy products are fortified with vitamin D, so read the labels to be sure.
If you are still uncertain about giving your child a vitamin D supplement, reach out to your health care provider to discuss how much Vitamin D your child is getting daily and the best option for supplementation.
Resources:
]]>There is a lot of talk about the immune system and keeping it healthy to help fight off colds and viruses. But what is our immune system, and how does it function to make this happen? The Immune system is made up of specialized cells, tissues, lymphatic organs and chemical messengers that work together to help you fight off perceived foreign invaders. Foreign invaders are best described as germs, bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The foreign invaders' job is to break into the immune system and take over to survive. The role of the immune system is to seek them out and destroy them before they settle in.
Your immune system is impressive and can recognize if a particular virus has tried to attack before. It can search through its database of information and produce the necessary antibodies against the virus. If the invader or virus is new to your body, it can take up to fourteen days for your body to seek out the invader and create a new antibody to help get rid of it. Your immune system is so amazingly complex it can remember and recognize millions of different enemies and produce the secretions, chemical messages and cells required to vend off the attack.
Your immune system stockpiles several different cells (lymphocytes, plasma cells, phagocytes, killer cells, T cells, etc.), which have different functions. Some are trained to attack, others to eliminate, and others to rebuild. Your skin provides one of the first barriers to invading microbes, but invaders can also enter through the digestive and respiratory systems. With each step along the way, your protective immune system tries to prevent the invade
However, things do not always go according to plan. Viruses and bacteria can move past all the roadblocks your body has created and infect your system, which is especially true if you have a weakened immune system. Your immune response is influenced by your inherited genes (good or bad); it is also sparked by immunization. Your immune system can become weakened due to chronic inflammation, malnutrition, autoimmune disorders, medical treatments and medications. Blood disorders, bowel disorders, and poor digestive health and chronic stress can also contribute to a weakened immune response.
If our immune systems are so unique, why do you still catch colds and why are some viruses non-responsive to your body's fighter cells?
The best defence against colds, flu and viruses is prevention. Protecting your immune system during the cold and flu season can often make the difference in not catching the cold or virus and lessening their severity when you do get them.
Vitamin C and Vitamin D are well researched and documented supplements to support the immune system. They can play an active role in reducing the severity and likelihood of colds and viruses. Vitamin C can support the lung's sensitive capillaries, protecting them from bacterial diseases and reducing fluid accumulation. Vitamin C works by neutralizing viral toxins and stops the formation of new viral units. A Vitamin C deficiency has also been shown to increase the risk and severity of influenza infections.
Lower levels of Vitamin D have been linked to decreased immune function, more frequent infections and increased risk for respiratory disorders. Vitamin D treatment has been found to reduce viral respiratory tract infections, especially in people with vitamin D deficiency.
Natural Factors Bio C Gel is an excellent choice for Vitamin C because it contains a high-absorption, pH-neutral calcium ascorbate that is easy on the stomach and is enhanced with citrus bioflavonoids. Vitamin C also comes in chewable forms and powder forms to accommodate all forms of supplementation.
Quercetin is often found in combination with Vitamin C, such as Natural Factors C Extra + Quercetin, because Quercetin is also involved in regulating the immune system's response to outside stressors and pollutants.
Vitamin C is also found in combination with L-Lysine in supplements such as Dr. Giffords's Medi C. In combination, Vitamin C and L-Lysine help to build collagen and strengthen the coronary cells and prevent arteriolosclerosis. But they also work together as a superior immune formula. L- Lysine helps boost the immune system by adjusting the body's chemistry, so it is less hospitable to foreign organisms
The herb Echinacea helps with the immune response and may increase the number of white blood cells, which help fight infection. The increased action of your immune system may lower your risk of developing colds and shorten their duration. Supplements such as Natural Factors Anti- Cold Echinamide contain the only Echinacea extract clinically proven to increase the immune response. Supplements such as Natural Factors Anti- Viral not only contain Echinamide (Echinacea) it also has Astragalus and Reishi Mushroom, both of which are potent immune modulators.
Other notable mentions that provide a more immediate immune response to reduce the symptoms and severity of a virus are Oregano Oil and Elderberry. Oregano Oil provides potent antibacterial activity. It may even stop bacteria from reproducing and is suggested for bacterial infections found in the mouth, lungs, vagina, urinary tract, intestinal tract, and other bacterial types. Elderberry produces an anti-inflammatory response and may help with pathogens that have affected the upper respiratory system, reducing their effect and symptoms. Elderberry may also reduce the rate of entry of a virus into a cell, and upon infection, reduce the viral transmission to other cells.
Practice good gut health. Over 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, so it would be reasonable to assume that keeping your gut full of healthy microbiomes is a good defence. The intestinal immune system also contains more antibody-producing cells than the rest of the body. And research has shown that taking specially formulated probiotic supplements that contain multi-strain bacterial cultures may help boost your body's immune response.
Check for possible drug interactions with the supplements mentioned in this article. The increased immune response may have a negative effect on people with some autoimmune disorders. They may also interact with medications used to suppress the immune system or negatively increase medications' effectiveness. Taking Oregano oil supplements in high dosages for extended periods may decrease the efficiency of nutrients and mineral absorption from food. The phytic acid (a compound in the plant) could limit iron and zinc absorption in children and infants. Please check with your health care provider to discuss any concerns or interactions.
Research
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201027092216.The concept of supporting your immune system to reduce the incidence of cold and flu has taken centre stage. But your immune system is not just a defense mechanism to reduce the severity of your body's response to a virus. Your immune system also plays a role in the inflammatory response to injury and allergies. Your immune system is a natural defense system to protect the body from anything that it deems harmful. Unfortunately, in some cases, the immune system malfunctions and considers healthy cells to be harmful. This behaviour is referred to as autoimmune and leads to several diseases.
How the body's immune system responds to internal and external forces have scientists worldwide making new discoveries. It has also enabled some of nature's simplest remedies to find their way back into mainstream therapy to support a healthier immune response.
An excellent example of this is Vitamin C & D, both of which have scientific studies abound to support their use for reducing the severity of colds, flu and viruses. What has emerged from the use of Vitamin C is the little-known flavonoid most often found in vitamin C supplements and many foods you eat every day, called quercetin.
Quercetin is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus, apples, berries, grapes, dark cherries, blueberries, cranberries, red onions, kale, green tea and even red wine! Quercetin is considered a plant pigment (which is why it found in deep coloured fruits and vegetables)
Quercetin has multiple influences on your immune system, aside from cold and flu prevention. The immune research on quercetin focuses on its immune-enhancing and anti-viral aspects. Because quercetin boosts white blood cell activity and helps to mobilize them towards the area of infection. A unique benefit of quercetin is its ability to enhance the anti-viral effects of ionic zinc. When zinc is in an ionic state, it is better equipped to block viruses from replicating.
Quercetin provides anti-inflammatory benefits, which further protect the body from diseases that arise from inflammation, such as respiratory diseases, , gastrointestinal diseases, skin infections, and heart disease. Quercetin may also block histamine, the inflammatory response caused by allergies. It is considered a natural antihistamine, effective for lowering the effects of seasonal allergies and skin reactions.
If you are committed to eating quercetin-rich foods each day, you may be able to consume 100-300mg of quercetin daily. If you are looking for quercetin's medicinal benefits, you should be consuming between 500-1000 mg a day, which would require supplementation.
Quercetin is most often combined with other nutrients such as vitamin C because it is not easily absorbed and used in the body on its own. When paired with Vitamin C, it not only increases the absorption of quercetin, but Vitamin C helps the body to regenerate quercetin within the body.
It is important to repeat "regular quercetin supplements are not absorbed very well on their own, "and the degree of absorbability of standard quercetin varies from one person to another.
To reproduce the anti-viral effects of the quercetin used in studies, it requires the use of specific forms of quercetin. If you are looking to increase your intake of quercetin there are only a couple of forms of quercetin available on the market that have the necessary characteristics for immune enhancement and absorption
Of the two, the one that stands out for producing the best results for anyone suffering from conditions related to constricted blood vessels or looking for additional immune and antioxidant support is Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix™.
Quercetin is a naturally soluble compound in fats, oils and lipids, but has limited solubility in water. This makes it challenging to absorb efficiently through the intestines. Encasing quercetin in lipid molecules (micelles) with lipophilic centres where it can be dissolved makes it more soluble and absorbable into the body. Natural Factors Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix is the only supplement that contains this advanced form of quercetin, which disperses quercetin into tiny micro-droplets that makes it ten times more absorbable than standard forms.
Natural Factors Quercetin EMIQ or Enzymatically Modified Isoquercitrin is a highly bioavailable soluble quercetin compound created using a natural enzyme process for superior bioavailability. Natural Factors Bioactive Quercetin EMIQ® reaches peak level in the bloodstream in just 15 minutes for almost instantaneous antioxidant support. It is more recommended for daily use, seasonal allergies.
Quercetin is very safe, and no side effects have been reported (or are expected even when using these higher dosages). However, quercetin may increase the absorption of some drugs. If you are taking any drugs in these classes, the dosage may have to be lowered to avoid side effects or toxicity.
Resources
]]>The natural order of life seems to be when something is broken; we fix it. This applies to the cars we drive, the houses we live in and even the relationships we cherish. However, the coined phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" should never apply to our health.
We often take the systems and organs that keep our body functioning every day for granted, and it is not until something goes wrong before we move into action to fix it. We recognize that a painful response in the body needs attention. A cold, flu, headache etc., all need to be addressed to help bring the body back into a place of order. These things make sense, but we do not always apply the same urgency to our organs or internal systems and wait until they become injured, diseased or distressed.
Your lungs and respiratory system are an excellent example of a process within our bodies that needs your attention all the time, but we take breathing for granted. Poor air quality, allergens and pathogens bombard you every day, negatively affecting your respiratory system. But the health of your immune system and your respiratory system is required to bring oxygen into your cells to prevent the entrance of pathogens, heal, repair and prevent illness, disease and damage.
The respiratory system is a series of organs responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide (cellular waste). The respiratory system's primary organs are the lungs, which work with your circulatory system as a whole to pump oxygen-rich blood to all your body cells. Your blood collects all the carbon dioxide (cellular waste) and transports it back to the lungs to be pumped out of the body when you exhale.
We are so dependent on the health of the respiratory system that after about five minutes without oxygen, our brain cells will start to die. Now Imagine a lung disease that impedes this process? Think back to your last cold or flu and how it affected your breathing.
Amp that experience tenfold and beyond, and you may get a glimpse of how a person with Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) struggles every day. Amp that experience even further, and you may get a glimpse of what COVID may be like for some people.
The Health Of Your Lungs Matters
The health of your lungs and your respiratory system matters, not only to help prevent chronic disease and illness but to help reduce the severity of viral and bacterial infections. Your lungs, just like your other organs, joints and body parts, also age and can lose their strength, which makes even regular breathing more difficult. While there is no cure for ageing, there are ways to strengthen and protect lung tissue. The obvious ones are to stop or reduce smoking and increase your cardiovascular output (exercise hard enough to cause an increase in heart rate), which forces your lungs to work harder. When you force your lungs to work harder, you help expand your diaphragm and increase lung efficiency.
Other less obvious ways to protect your lungs are to reduce pollutants by investing in-room air purifiers. Keep your home clean and dust-free, look for areas where mould may be growing and use natural cleaning supplies. Avoid synthetic air fresheners and candles that can expose you to additional chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. Instead, use an aromatherapy diffuser and essential oils to more naturally scent the air.
Take deep breathes throughout the day and try to eat a clean and healthy diet. It may help to count your breaths. For example, as you inhale, count 1-2-3-4. Then as you exhale, count 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8. Did you know that you breathe in out more than 20,000 times a day?
People with existing lung disorders may benefit from vitamins & supplements that help promote lung tissue repair, reduce further damage, and loosen and expel mucus. Supplements such as N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Fenugreek Seed, Mullein Leaf, Ginger and Reishi Mushroom are a few of the researched supplements for promoting lung health.
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and protects the lungs from damage. NAC also increases the body's production of Glutathione, which is a powerful detoxifier for the lungs. NAC's mucolytic properties further support the lungs by helping to thin mucus, making it easier to expel.
You may associate Fenugreek with reducing digestive problems or increasing milk production during lactation, but it is also researched for improving lung function. Fenugreek helps reduce internal inflammation and produces an antispasmodic effect on the lungs. Fenugreek seeds contain a wide array of beneficial compounds for the respiratory system, including mucilage, which helps to clear mucous from the lungs.
Mullein Leaf is rich in mucilage, which has soothing and relaxing expectorant properties. Mullein Leaf is helpful in cases exhibiting thick or sticky mucous, which is hard to remove. Mullein relaxes the lungs and encourages the production of thin, loose mucous, which is more easily voided.
Ginger helps to open up the airways, significantly relaxing spasms to improve asthma and tightness in the chest caused by chronic lung disease. It also reduces inflammation of the lungs and helps to break down mucus.
Reishi Mushroom is not only a powerful antioxidant and stress supplement. It helps to support the immune system to prevent infection. Traditionally, Reishi Mushroom has been used to reduce coughing, wheezing and disperse phlegm. More recent research demonstrates that Reishi Mushroom may help increase the alveoli's ability to absorb oxygen. It also has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
On their own, each of these supplements produces the desired effect on the lungs, but in combination, they provide a unique and powerful lung formula. Healthology LUNG-FX combines all of these supplements to provide targeted support to improve lung function, protect and heal lung tissue, thin and expel mucus to clear toxins and other particles from the lungs. LUNG-FX provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support to soothe the airways, heal damage, and protect the lungs. LUNG-FX supports overall lung function and helps people with chronic lung conditions to breathe more deeply
The supplements discussed in this article may help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels; combining them with diabetic and/or anti-hypertensive medications may alter their effectiveness and cause unwanted side effects. If you have any concerns, discuss the use of herbal supplements with your health care provider. Do not use LUNG- FX if you are taking antibiotics or nitroglycerin or if you are pregnant.
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https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P01300In a perfect world, we would get whatever nutrients and antioxidants from the food we eat, the sun that shines down on us and the soils that we walk upon. But we all know we don't live in that word. And even our best intentions to eat well-balanced meals are often sidelined. This is where supplements can help. Supplements are not meant to replace food, and taking any supplement does not mean you throw out your attempts to make healthy choices. The right supplements are intended to bridge the gap between average nutrition, protect against deficiency, enhance our diets' nutrient density, and provide extra support and healing to help bring the body to a place of balance.
Supplementation plays a pivotal role as we age and when the body is diseased or ill. During these times, the body does not have the same capability to effectively break down and absorb nutrients. Prescribed medications and harmful chemicals often deplete the body of essential nutrients, resulting in damage to your cells. Supplements can help protect and restore the damage they cause.
There is no denying that taking the right supplements to achieve the best outcome can often be confusing. So we provided a list of some of the key supplements that you should put on your list for 2021
Reduce Your Stress
Stress is inevitable, but your body comes equipped to handle most stress. It is the unrelenting stress that causes harm to the body and reduces the body's ability to repair, heal, and recover. Supplements such as L- Theanine and Ashwagandha can help manage your stress response, reduce cortisol spikes and provide relaxation during those uncalm moments.
Natural Factors Mental Calmness provides a therapeutic dose of L-Theanine. L-Theanine can produce a calm and relaxation without the sedative, sleepy effects. It also increases serotonin (the transmitter responsible for feelings of happiness) and dopamine (responsible for cognitive function, creation, motivation).
Ashwagandha is one of the most important medicinal herbs found in Ayurvedic medicine. It is classified as an "adaptogen" An" adaptogen" is a supplement that helps the body to adapt to both internal and external factors that affect the body. Ashwagandha helps the body manage its stress responses by balancing the cortisol levels in the body. Too much cortisol can negatively affect blood pressure. It can also cause stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight gain, etc.
There are enough headlines and medical reports to remind us that we are causing harm to our bodies if we are not sleeping enough. Sleep helps to strengthen the immune system, stimulates hormone production, heal the brain and encourages neurons to regenerate. Sleep stimulates specific systems to remove cellular waste and produce naturally occurring antioxidants. If you cannot achieve a regular night's sleep, consider supplements such as Natural Factors Tranquil Sleep. Tranquil sleep can play a pivotal role in regulating your sleeping patterns. The combined supplement profile includes L-Theanine, 5HTP,and Melatonin, which work synergistically to address different sleeping concerns. L- Theanine helps to quiet the mind. 5HTP is an important initiator of sleep, and Melatonin helps resets the body's "biological clock" to promote sleep quality and a longer duration of sleep.
Chronic inflammation occurs when your immune system continues to produce inflammatory markers, prompting your white blood cells to attack healthy tissues and organs. Chronic inflammation generally "flies" below the threshold of pain and visible symptoms. But it wreaks havoc on the body which increases the risks of Heart Disease, Diabetes, Arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. Inflammation is also a contributing factor in digestive, bowel and lung disorders. Curcumin supplements are the most researched and recommended choice for reducing inflammation. Curcumin can inhibit the body's production of inflammatory-signaling compounds and reduce chronic systemic inflammation in the body. The healing benefits of Curcumin are very dependent on the raw material sand how they are processed to ensure the product is bioavailable (how much you absorb). Natural Factors CurcuminRich Theracurmin is the best-absorbed form of Curcumin backed by studies to verify its efficacy.
Vitamin C and Vitamin D are well researched and documented supplements to support the immune system. They can play an active role in reducing these verity and likelihood of colds and viruses. Vitamin C can support the lung's sensitive capillaries, protecting them from bacterial diseases and reducing fluid accumulation. Vitamin C works by neutralizing viral toxins and stops the formation of new viral units. A Vitamin C deficiency has also been shown to increase the risk and severity of influenza infections. Due to Quercetin's added benefits, it is often found in combination with Vitamin C supplements, such as Natural Factors C Extra + Quercetin is also involved in regulating the immune system's response to outside stressors and pollutants.
Vitamin C is also found in combination with L-Lysine in supplements such as Dr. Gifford's Medi C. Vitamin C, and L-Lysine can help build collagen, strengthen the coronary cells, and prevent arteriolosclerosis. But they also work together as a superior immune formula. L- Lysine helps boost the immune system by adjusting the body's chemistry, so it is less hospitable to foreign organisms
Quercetin is found in some fruits and vegetables, but to achieve Quercetin's health benefits, supplementing with highly absorbable forms such as Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix is the better choice to provide the recommended 500-1000 mg dosage. Quercetin supplements such as LipoMicel Matrix has multiple influences on your immune system. Quercetin has immune-enhancing and anti-viral properties. It can boost white blood cell activity and mobilize them towards the area of infection. Quercetin also provides anti-inflammatory benefits, which further protect the body from diseases that arise from inflammation, such as respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, skin infections, and heart disease. Quercetin may also block histamine, the inflammatory response caused by allergies. It is considered a natural antihistamine, effective for lowering the effects of seasonal allergies and skin reactions.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient. The sun is the primary source of the nutrient, but it is also found in some foods. Vitamin D is not just about bones. It plays a significant role in heart health and has a vital role in regulating healthy cell growth, increasing serotonin (the happy hormone).Vitamin D helps keep your immune system healthy and more resilient in fighting off infection and viruses. It is pivotal in lung health and fighting lung diseases and ailments.
Natural Factors has recently introduced a Super Immune Formula that contains Vitamin D and Vitamin A, Zinc and Omega 3. Together all these supplements can support immune system function, connective tissue formulation and healthy membrane support
The herb Echinacea helps with the immune response and may increase the number of white blood cells, which help fight infection. The increased action of your immune system may lower your risk of developing colds and shorten their duration. Supplements such as Natural Factors Anti Viral not only contain Echinamide (Echinacea), it also has Astragalus and Reishi Mushroom, both of which are potent immune modulators.
Elderberry produces an anti-inflammatory response and may help with pathogens that have affected the upper respiratory system, reducing their effect and symptoms. Elderberry may also reduce the rate of entry of a virus into a cell, and upon infection, reduce the viral transmission to other cells.
Several other supplements not mentioned in this article provide specific and specialized support for ailments and conditions. Speak to your health retailer to source out further supplements for your particular needs. If you are taking medications, please check with your health care provider for possible interactions.
Stay Well, Stay Healthy
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356951/Many risk factors that lead to high cholesterol can be managed. Start with the obvious and adopt better lifestyle habits by reducing high sugar diets, increasing physical activity, and decreasing tobacco smoke use. Adopt a Heart health food program by increasing your fibre intake. More fibre includes organic fresh fruit, vegetables and healthy whole grains. Fibre reduces appetite and helps remove unwanted cholesterol from the digestive system and regulate blood glucose levels. If you cannot achieve your daily fibre requirements, consider supplements such as Natural Factors Organic Reliefibre. Organic Reliefibre Low FODMAP is a source of soluble fibre not only helps gastrointestinal functions. Soluble fibre helps block the absorption of fats and cholesterol in your small intestine, preventing them from entering the bloodstream. Soluble fibres also slow the absorption of sugars from the intestines and reduce LDL cholesterol.
Sytrinol is a patented formula supplement derived from natural citrus and palm fruit extracts. Human clinical trials (over 12 years of research) have shown that Sytrinol improves total cholesterol by 30%, lowers LDL cholesterol by 27%, and reduces triglycerides by 34% (compared to a placebo). Sytrinol has also been shown to increase HDL levels. The recommended dosage used in the studies is 150 mg of Sytrinol twice a day.
Another emerging supplement for balancing good cholesterol is Dr. Gifford Jones Medi-C Plus (which comes in capsules and powder). This unique product combines Vitamin C and Lysine, two natural ingredients that can help reduce atherosclerosis when combined. L-Lysine, an amino acid, adds strength to the coronary arteries (like steel rods used in concrete to increase their strength). Vitamin C is required for the manufacture of collagen, which serves as the "glue" that holds cells together – just like mortar is needed for bricks.
The supplement Niacin is often associated with increasing circulation and lowering blood pressure. Still, it is well researched and should be considered a heart-healthy supplement for cholesterol management.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) can increase your good cholesterol HDL and lower triglycerides but tends to work only in higher dosages (250 mg twice a day or 500 mg once a day). Taking niacin in higher dosages can cause flushing, itching, and possible headaches, which why the alternative option would be supplements such as Natural Factors Niacin Inositol Hexanicotinate. (niacin no flush). Inositol nicotinate more slowly releases niacin, or vitamin B3, when processed by the body, reducing some of the regular niacin effects.
Using garlic as an addition to your diet can enhance the Nitric Oxide signals in your body. Garlic has a blood pressure-lowering effect and an excellent way to boost your immune system. Several studies have indicated that garlic can inhibit specific enzymes involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. The unwanted lingering taste and smell of garlic may be off-putting to some, which deter garlic use in everyday cooking. However, there are supplement options such as Natural Factors GarlicRich . GarlicRich is made from the whole bulb, and each odorless softgel is equal to eight cloves of garlic! Natural Factors new Super Strength Garlic and Reishi provided not only cardiovascular health but supports the immune system.
Managing blood sugar is also a critical aspect of preventing heart disease and lower cholesterol. Berberine is one of the most versatile and effective supplements for lower blood sugar, but Berberine, for reasons not yet understood, can also increase the number of LDL receptors in the liver, helping clear cholesterol from the body. Berberine also acts similar to phytosterols by blocking the absorption of lipids in the small intestine.
Omega 3 fish oils (1000-2000 mg per day) can effectively increase your good HDL cholesterol and help decrease the rate at which the liver produces triglycerides. And CoQ10 Ubiquinol (200-300 milligrams daily) is useful in lowering cholesterol levels by removing excess cholesterol.
The take away is awareness and prevention through the foods you eat and with the addition of supplements to augment what your diet is lacking. Know our risks and take preventative action. The supplements mentioned above may interact with prescribed medications. It is imperative that you review each supplement and its possible interactions before you start a supplement regime.
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Maca Root has such a fantastic story of how it was first discovered and harvested and how it has remained intact to be the supplement that it is today. Maca Root (Lepidium Meyenii) is an important vegetable in the mustard family. It is one of only a few crops that can be grown in some of the most inhospitable regions in the world. True Maca is grown high in the Andes Mountains at altitudes of up to 15,000 feet. It has been cultivated for over 3000 years as stable food for Inca people.
The plants' roots are bulbous; they are cultivated, dried (turn hard as stone) and can be stored for years before use. The dried roots can then be boiled, which softens them to be eaten. The juice is often consumed as a tonic, or the roots are turned into a powder form, the form you most often see them in today.
If you follow the legend of Maca Root, Inca warriors consumed it before going into battle for its energy and stamina. Maca was also used for its libido-enhancing effects and as a nutritiously-dense staple food for their diet. The plant became so well known for its enhancing benefits that Spanish Colonists in South America accepted it as a tax payment in place of gold. Hundreds of years later, the health benefits of Maca started to reach other countries, and in approximately 1843, a German Botanist began researching and documenting the health benefits of the plant. In roughly 1964, Maca was introduced to the world, but it did not gain acceptance until the 1990’s when natural healthcare providers and herbalists began to recommend it to their patients.
As time evolved, so too did the research and the health benefits of Maca which have given us the product you most recognize in health stores. Maca can be grown in other climates. However, "true" Maca is still cultivated in the Andes Mountains and should be the only Maca that you consume if you are looking for the nutrient-dense properties of the herb.
The Health Benefits of Maca
Maca grown in the Andes are nutrient-dense plants, often referred to as a "superfood" containing proteins, healthy fats and fibre. Maca also contains calcium and magnesium, and several other essential minerals. Maca Root is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body to adapt to mental and physical weaknesses.
Maca also has a tonic effect on the body's endocrine functions. Your endocrine system includes glands and hormones that control fertility, sexual function, digestion, nervous system, brain function and energy levels. It is used as an energy tonic, and a means to stabilize and reduce stress and anxiety. Maca may positively affect sex drive in men and women, increase semen volume and sperm count. The results of most studies included a dosage of 1500-3000 mg daily. Maca can help alleviate symptoms of Andropause, Menopause and PMS.
Maca supplements are found in powdered form or capsules, and in some cases, a concentrated liquid form. Look for products from Ultimate Maca. They are all made with 100% pure sundried and certified organic Maca Root that has been grown in the Andes Mountains, where it was first discovered. Ultimate Maca products use yellow Maca (may also appear white), which is more widely used in Peru for its energy and libido-enhancing properties. Ultimate Maca Black Liquid is a more powerful stamina-boosting aid. Evidence shows that it contains powerful neuroprotective qualities, improving memory and concentration. It may also help the immune system to fight infections and the common cold. Maca, referred to as Red Maca, is also valued for its high antioxidant content and is traditionally used for prostate health and to elevate mood.
There are no reported drug interactions with Maca, but if you have thyroid problems, you should use them with caution because it contains goitrogens, which may interfere with a compromised thyroid gland. Reliable data about this product's safety with pregnancy or breastfeeding is not yet available, so err on the side of caution and avoid.
Resources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753476/Inherently we know that not sleeping is unhealthy, and no one goes out of their way to get as little sleep as possible. We cannot escape the headlines that continually remind us that we need to sleep, so what keeps everyone awake at night? The required amount of sleep considered for good health varies per individual and age, and the effects associated with insufficient sleep differ just as much. What is consistent is what we know about sleep why it is required.
What Keeps You Awake at Night?
We all want a good night's sleep, but for some, getting a good night's sleep consistently is not as simple as you would think.
How Can you Get Better Sleep?
There are five stages of a healthy sleep cycle. To achieve the healing and rejuvenating affects of sleep, our bodies need to experience each of these cycles throughout the night.
Supplements can play a key role in helping you to achieve each stage of the sleep cycle. The most recommended supplement for helping you to reset your internal sleep clock is melatonin. Whereas L-Theanine and Schisandra can help to slow down a racing mind and lead the mind into a place of relaxation.
Supplementing with GABA, an amino acid produced naturally in the brain, can significantly reduce the overactivity of neurons in the brain and central nervous system, which provides a broad range of effects on the body and mind, including relaxation, reduced stress and balance mood.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan – Griffonia simplicifolia -)- is a compound produced in the body. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. Serotonin is also referred to as the "Happy Hormone." 5HTP can be an effective natural anti-depressant and positively affects sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation.
There are also some supportive herbs to help activate the "Sleep Cycle," such as Loquat fruit which helps trigger the neurotransmitters GABA and Serotonin, which we now know positively affects mood. Loquat fruit may also produce a sedative effect when taken at night.
Skullcap and Passionflower also stimulate the action of GABA, which will positively affect mood and reduce anxiety. Valerian root is another herb that is researched for its sedative effect on the brain and nervous system, which can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.
Taking all of these supplements to help achieve the five stages of sleep is not realistic, which is why most natural sleep supplements are presented as combination supplements, providing a range of ingredients. Healthology SLEEP GREAT is a complete formulation that provides a synergistic balance of herbs and supplements. SLEEP-GREAT works by enhancing the body's natural sleep hormone pattern to enter all five healthy sleep stages. It helps you fall asleep quickly, stay asleep and achieve deep, restful sleep.
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6366437/It is challenging to get the daily required amount of greens, fibres, fruits, and veggies recommended, which is why people will choose to take a multivitamin or other supplement such as green food supplements to augment their diet.
Green foods supplements that contain organically harvested ingredients can step in where your diet is lacking and where organic food options are out of reach. Green food supplements can also provide a balance of phytonutrients, antioxidants, omegas, amino acids and fibres for picky eaters.
Green food supplements can also be alkaline-forming, helping neutralize and flush out harmful acid from the body, providing a more well-balanced system. Some green supplements help support the body's natural detoxifying systems.
Minerals found in green food supplements like calcium, potassium and magnesium are associated with good blood pressure management. Greens also contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Selenium, related to maintaining a healthy immune system. An antioxidant-rich green supplement can help support healthy cell growth and prevent cell-damaging free radicals. Vitamin K, found in leafy greens, helps maintain healthy blood vessels and prevents bone loss. The high density of nutrients found in the right green food supplement can boost energy and reduce daytime mental fatigue.
Green Food Supplements- The Best Start to Your Day
Looking for the right green food supplement can be overwhelming. Some products provide numerous ingredients in small amounts, while other brands such as Enerex GREENS provide less and more focused ingredients to provide a more well-rounded health outcome.
Enerex GREENS's uniqueness extends even further in the Enerex GREENS MIXED BERRIES blend because it provides superfruits for a high immune and antioxidant response. Enerex Mixed Berry Blend combines unique grasses like Kamut and Alfalfa and Spirulina for their added benefits of chlorophyll. The formula also supplies soya lecithin for essential fats, apple fibre pectin and brown rice bran for fibre, beet juice powder as a detoxifier, and organic millet sprouts for cholesterol reduction protein. Enerex GREENS MIXED BERRIES extends their uniqueness even further with specialized strains of probiotics for gut health.
Enerex GREENS ORIGINAL provides all the unique grasses, fibres and probiotics but is boosted with nutrient-dense royal jelly and bee pollen for energy stimulation, acerola berry for vitamin C, Pacific kelp for iodine, and licorice root for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Enerex BEST START is a genuinely unique energy bolstering drink that not only contains a full green blend but stamina-building ingredients such as MCT's and Green Matcha Powder. BEST START also has mental focusing supplements such as Lion's Mane Mushroom and Cordyceps Mushrooms to increase energy and stabilize the stress response. The Reishi Mushroom in the formula accentuates the immune system. Highly digestible certified organic protein sourced from fermented brown rice provides a balance to the formula, making it a complete meal replacement or additional option to start your day.
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Anyone can have an allergic reaction at any age or time and to just about anything. You may have overeaten shellfish and then had an immune response of hives, or you were gardening, touched a plant and had an immune response such as a skin rash. You may break into a spasm of sneezing while visiting a farm or petting an animal. In many cases, the allergic reaction may happen once, and you are not bothered again. In other cases, you may be stricken with a lifetime of allergies.
Your allergic reaction may be more severe such as a food allergy or an allergic reaction to a medication, or you may have persistent pollen or plant allergies. In all cases, an allergic reaction occurs when your body comes into contact with a specific substance. The body mistakes these particles as harmful invaders and produces antibodies to render the invading particles harmless.
This process releases a chemical called histamine. The histamine, in turn, causes inflammation, creating several allergic reactions. Some reactions can be mild such as red, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. Others may be more problematic such as sinus and lung congestion, rashes and hives that can range in severity. More serve reactions can result in gut disturbances, breathing difficulties and life-threatening aphylactic shock.
Are there Natural Products for Seasonal Allergies?
The best way is to remove yourself or the offending allergen, which is very difficult when the allergen is pollen. The next best option to reduce the allergic reaction from the body is to reduce the histamine response that is causing the symptoms. You are most likely familiar with Over-the-Counter Medications referred to as "Anti-Histamines." However, as with many OTC medications, they come with a list of unwanted side effects, so we like to suggest a more natural approach.
Quercetin supplements should be your first go-to supplement for managing seasonal allergies. Experts believe that quercetin can help to manage allergic rhinitis symptoms in a few different ways.
Unfortunately, the poor bioavailability of some quercetin supplements required people to take large amounts to obtain the desired relief. Natural Factors Bioactive Quercetin EMIQ (Enzymatically Modified Isoquercitrin) offers a more efficacious product. EMIQ is prepared by using a natural enzyme process that attaches polysaccharides to convert quercetin, into a soluble form. EMIQ provides the benefits of quercetin with high absorption and superior bioavailability. According to pharmacokinetic data, the absorption of EMIQ is up to 40 times greater than that of quercetin and reaches peak levels in the bloodstream in just 15 minutes. Bioactive Quercetin EMIQ is the most recommended form of quercetin for seasonal allergies.
Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix™ provides quercetin in a micro-emulsified form. Encasing quercetin in lipid molecules (micelles) with lipophilic centres where it can be dissolved makes it more soluble and absorbable into the body. Natural Factors Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix is the only supplement that contains this advanced form of quercetin, which disperses quercetin into tiny micro-droplets that makes it ten times more absorbable than standard forms. (even more than Bioactive Quercetin EMIQ)
Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix™ is an excellent option for those who need relief from allergy symptoms and require support for blood vessel disorders and heart conditions, and a compromised immune system.
Whole Earth & Sea Pure Food Horseradish Respiratory Relief is an all-season formula with a unique complex of potent botanicals that work synergistically to boost immune system activity and soothe irritated upper airway membranes, which are often a symptom of allergies. The unique combination of Horseradish, Echinacea, Garlic and Vitamin C in this formula makes it highly effective for most upper respiratory conditions. It can help reduce the lung and sinus congestion and open clogged sinuses caused by seasonal allergies.
N-Acetyl -L-Cysteine (NAC) is a free-form amino acid and a vital part of the body's antioxidant defence system. NAC supplementation has been clinically shown to increase the body's antioxidant capacity and reduce the severity and frequency of influenza-like symptoms in adults. N-Acetyl -L-Cysteine (NAC) also has an extensive history of use as a mucolytic in treating acute and chronic lung conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis. It reduces the viscosity of bronchial and lung secretions. As a result, it improves bronchial and lung function, reduces coughing, and improves oxygen saturation in the blood. NAC: (N-acetyl-cysteine) breaks up mucus in cases of chronic congestion, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and asthma and is an effective decongestant in allergy sufferers.
Staying hydrated is an important natural remedy to reduce nasal secretions' viscosity and saline nasal rinses with added essential oils can increase nasal lubrication and prevent environmental allergens from getting trapped in the respiratory tract.
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There is growing research on the benefits of mushrooms (we are not talking about the white button mushrooms you use in cooking. We are talking about exotic-sounding ones) such as Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, etc. Lion's Mane and Cordyceps, which are referred to as medicinal mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms have been traditionally used for protection against infectious diseases and immune system dysfunction for centuries. Medicinal mushrooms are edible macroscopic fungi that are the source of many nutrients, including fibre, protein, potassium, minerals & vitamins. They contain a large number of components called polysaccharides, glucans, flavonoids and other micronutrients, providing therapeutic benefits for immune health, anti-ageing, & virus protection. They are also an excellent source of prebiotic fibre, which positively influences the gut microbiome.
Medicinal mushrooms are categorized as adaptogens, meaning that they help the body adapt to the stressors and bring them back into balance. They are also immune modulators, which means they improve immune function, whether your immune system is deficient or excessive. For example, some immune system diseases (autoimmune conditions) are caused by an overactive immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Medicinal mushrooms may help to calm and stabilize the overactive immune responses. Some of their therapeutic properties include:
Different Mushroom Function Differently
Each specific medicinal mushroom species has its distinct combination of polysaccharides allowing them to boost the immune system in slightly different ways.
Whole Earth & Sea Pure Food Super Mushroom blend contains six of the most rresearched mushrooms (Cordyceps, Chaga, Lions Mane, Maitake, Shitake, Reishi and Beta Glucan). The addition of clinically studied beta-glucan primes and strengthens the immune system to manage everyday stress better. Whole Earth & Sea Pure Food Super Mushroom is a unique mushroom blend. It is
made with fresh, raw earth and sea vegetables, cruciferous sprouts, polyphenol-rich fruits and herbs, Theracurcumin and green tea to retain and intensify the total goodness of whole food.
A combination mushroom supplement is often a good choice for overall immune health, or if you are unsure, which mushroom supplement is right for you.
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It is no wonder beetroot supplements have become the new rage. The benefits of beets, beetroot juice and powdered beet supplements such as Salus Red Beet Crystals are impressive.
Beets are a compact powerhouse of phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals but their advantages are more than just being vitamin-packed. They also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that are beneficial for eye health. (Macular Degeneration and Cataracts) Beetroot also has a high concentration of naturally occurring nitrates, converting them to nitric oxide in the body. This molecule relaxes and widens blood vessels and affects how efficiently cells use oxygen. For this very reason, consuming beetroot juice every day has shown promise for lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There are more advantages to increased blood flow than just heart health. The increase of oxygen in your blood has shown benefits for brain health and even endurance with athletes, especially when consumed before the activity.
This same increase of oxygen means that an athlete's heart and lungs do not have to work as hard during exercise, allowing them to perform a more vigorous activity for more extended periods. The recommendation for this effect is to consume Beet Root Juice or Powder 90 minutes before exercise.
Beets contain pigments called "Betalains" that play a role in cell protection and helping the body to fight inflammation by inhibiting the production of specific enzymes (cyclo-oxygenase enzymes), which are partially responsible for creating the inflammatory responses.
The high fibre content of beets helps to keep you regular and naturally detoxifies the liver. Beet fibre moves through the intestines undigested (insoluble fibre) and soaks up water along the way, adding bulk to your stool, providing a cleansing effect on the large intestine.
It is the same cleansing effect of beets that helps lower triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, which, if left uncontrolled, can lead to fatty liver and heart disease.
Beets are a great addition to any diet plan, not just for the cleansing effect, but they are high in potassium, which is a critical mineral in electrolyte balance, and many diets such as the Keto Diet can play havoc on the body's electrolyte balance. (Electrolytes are required for proper nerve and muscle function.)
For all the significant advantages of beets, the likelihood of eating them every day in their raw form, which is where the most health benefits come from, is improbable. They are time-consuming to cook and extremely messy to prepare. Leaving your choice of beets to come from ready-made juice versions, canned or pickled, that all tend to be overcooked, over-sugared and contain other non-essentials. You can, however, choose to get your daily dose of beets through a powdered supplement such as Salus Red Beet Crystals. Salus Red Beet Crystals are made from organic beetroot juice freshly pressed 2-3 hours of harvesting and then specially dried to retain all the powerful antioxidants, nutrients, fibre and goodness. Salus Red Beet Crystals are super easy to incorporate into your daily routine. You can add them to smoothies, soups, meals or mixed in water or any liquid.
Keep in mind that no matter how great beets, beet juice and powders are, consuming beets in high amounts every day can have some unwanted effects. First, the colour of your urine and stools may turn red or pinkish after eating beets.
It is harmless and even has a name known as "beeturia." If you have low blood pressure, drinking beetroot juice every day may cause a temporary blood pressure drop.
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Approximately 30 years ago, Glucosamine Sulfate (also referred to as GLS) became the mainstream supplement for arthritis. When it first started showing up in health stores, it was one of the most sought-after natural health products. It continued to gain in popularity, and then as the years went by, other supplements began to take their place. Glucosamine was first discovered 30 years ago, in the 1960s, by a pharmacologist specializing in osteoarthritis.
Today, glucosamine can still be found in natural health products for joint health, usually in combination with other supplements such as Chondroitin, MSM and Curcumin. But it has also started to emerge as a stand-alone supplement for heart health.
To see the connection, you need to first understand what glucosamine is and how it works in the body. Glucosamine is a polysaccharide that naturally occurs in joint tissues, skin, nails, bones and ligaments. GLS is also found in synovial fluid, (that occupies the space in your joints) You may better associate GLS with its support for building cartilage. Cartilage is flexible, connective tissue that functions as the padding at the end of your bones where your joints meet. Your body’s glucosamine levels start to fall as you age, and your cartilage becomes less flexible. Synovial fluid is not as fluid, which in part all leads to the breakdown of joints.
The evidence on the benefits from GLS and joint health is all over the place, with some research speaking favourably for the product, others scratching their heads trying to sort out why and how it works and those that do not believe it does.
Some common threads in the research believe that the naturally occurring sulphur found in GLS is the key to joint health because sulphur must be present in cartilage to maintain and repair it. GLS also helps to build hyaluronic acid levels, you may recognize this as a skin supplement, but it provides strength and elasticity to your joints ligaments and your skin.
The other common conception recognized in studies is that GLS helps reduce inflammation, which results in the reduction of pain. For this reason, it GLS is still used today as a natural remedy for arthritis conditions.
A new study in the British Medical Journal has reignited interest in GLS and heart disease, specifically Atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammatory disease, and GLS provides anti-inflammatory results which protect your heart by enhancing the repair of damaged tissue and reducing inflammation. The results of the new studies were all based on the long-term use of GLS. There is still more research needed, and GLS will may not completely eliminate your risk for heart disease. However, it is a factor to consider and a new way to look at Glucosamine supplements, not only as a means to support healthy joints but in reducing overall inflammation.
You can still find stand GLS in a stand-alone supplement. Natural Factors Flexable Glucosamine is made with shellfish and potassium rather than sodium, which is a better option for people that are on a restrictive sodium diet and those with heart disease and high blood pressure.
Natural Factors Flexable Glucosamine used as a stand-alone supplement is a good choice if you want to take a preventative approach to joint health with the added benefits of heart and skin health.
If you suffer from joint conditions, consider a combination product such as Natural Factors Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate. When Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphates are combined, they provide double action support to relieve the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis symptoms. Glucosamine sulphate is used to make the cartilage needed for repairing joints, while chondroitin actively fights the enzymes that break down joint tissue.
Natural Factors MSM & Glucosamine Sulfate provides the same benefits relative to GLS, but MSM helps maintain the nutrients and fluid within joints that allows for smooth and cushioned movement.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941227/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17716251
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458409000557
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17543549
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3937866/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5240031/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19020780
https://www.bmj.com/content/365/bmj.l1628
Information provided in this article is not intended to treat or diagnosis. It has been provided for informational purposes only. Please discuss the use of natural health products with your health care provider. If you have an allergy to shellfish, you must take a GLS supplement not made from shellfish. The only significant drug interaction with GLS supplements reported is with blood thinners. However, there are some reported contraindications with people who have glaucoma (increased eye pressure) or uncontrolled diabetes
]]>B Vitamins often come up in conversation when a person is tired. “Oh, you must be low in B Vitamins and are most likely referring to B12, or when a person is discussing hair and nail care, they often refer to Biotin. However, these two vitamins are only two of the eight essential B vitamins required for everyday good health. B Vitamins are so essential that food manufacturers fortify packaged foods to ensure that you are getting an adequate amount.
Did you know besides B12 and Biotin, there are several different vitamins within the B Vitamin group? Eight essential vitamins make up the B Vitamin group (referred to as a B Complex), with each of them having a unique responsibility for your body’s regular function but yet work together in tandem to support one another as well.
No natural chemical reaction within your body does so in isolation. The same theory applies to a B complex. While taking a single B12 or Biotin will undoubtedly help with the specific functions attributed to it, each of the B vitamins relies on one another for optimum functioning and absorption.
As a whole supplement, a Vitamin B Complex (all eight B vitamins together) helps stabilize the entire central nervous system and convert your food into fuel, thus providing energy. A B Complex also stabilizes metabolism, reduces stress, benefits heart health, hair, skin and nail health, memory and brain function, to name a few.
While certain conditions make it necessary for some people to supplement with individual B vitamins, research has shown that taking a B-complex supplement and then adding in the extra required single B may be helpful to ensure the best results from these nutrients.
B (Thiamine) helps the body make new cells, helps to protect the immune system, and helps break down simple carbs and metabolize food for energy. Get it from whole grains, peanuts, beans, spinach, kale, blackstrap molasses and wheat germ.
B2 (Riboflavin) is vital for Red Blood Cell production. It keeps your skin, the lining of your gut and blood cells healthy. It also helps to prevent free radical damage. Get it from almonds, wild rice, milk, yogurt, eggs, Brussels sprouts, spinach and soybeans.
B3 (Niacin) helps to boost good cholesterol. Get it from yeast, red meat, milk, eggs, beans and green vegetables.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid) helps to break down fats and carbs for energy. It is responsible for the production of sex hormones and stress-related hormones. Get it from avocados, yogurt, eggs, meat and legumes, broccoli and kale.
B6 (Pyridoxine) plays a significant role in enzymatic reactions in the body. It helps regulate homocysteine (associated with a healthy heart), helps produce mood hormones such as serotonin, melatonin and norepinephrine. Vitamin B6 is also involved in brain development and plays a role in the body’s inflammatory response. Get it from chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, lentils, sunflower seeds, cheese, brown rice and carrots.
B7 (Biotin) is associated with healthy hair, skin and nails, but it also helps the normal growth of the unborn child and helps regulate glucose control. Get it from barley, liver, yeast, pork, chicken, fish, potatoes, cauliflower, egg yolks and nuts.
B9 (Folate/Folic Acid) helps with depression, memory, the growth of an unborn child, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Get it from dark leafy greens, asparagus, beets, salmon, root vegetables, milk, bulgur wheat and beans.
B12 (Cobalamin) works with folic acid to produce red blood cells, increase the efficiency of iron, creates an oxygen-carrying protein and hemoglobin. It plays an essential role in nerve function and the production of DNA. Get it from fish, shellfish, dairy, eggs, beef and pork.
Signs You Should Consider a B Complex
B Vitamins are water-soluble, which means your body does not store them. It takes what it needs from the nutrients and foods you consume and excretes the rest through urine and sweat. Depending on how rich your diet is in the foods mentioned above, you may be getting adequate amounts of all the B Vitamins but watch out for signs that you may be B Vitamin deficient.
You may also want to consider a B Complex if you are Vegan or Vegetarian, pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, and not taking a prenatal vitamin that contains a B complex. You should also consider a complex if you have IBS and other malabsorption health concerns because you cannot get sufficient nutrients from the foods you eat. Older adults are more susceptible to deficiencies in many of the single sources of B. If you are under stress or have anxiety and sleep disorders, you can benefit from the combined effects of this supplement.
Prairie Naturals Liquid B Solution
Prairie Naturals Liquid B Solution is a simple solution to taking a B Complex that provides all the eight essential B Vitamins. It also contains Choline and PABA that offer additional unique benefits to stress, heart and brain health.
Prairie Naturals Liquid B solution was created to provide a complete B vitamin profile and superior absorption! The unique formulation of this product makes it fast-acting, with a pleasant taste. It also does not upset the stomach, which may occur for some people when taking B Complex capsules or tablets that do not dissolve quickly or efficiently.
It is important to take your B Complex with food, either a morning meal or lunchtime meal, to avoid some possible nausea as the B Vitamins break down for absorption. Try to avoid taking your B Complex at night. The energetic effects may keep you awake. Taking a B-complex supplement can also turn the urine bright yellow. This effect is temporary and harmless. Once the kidneys get rid of the extra water-soluble vitamins, the colour will return to normal. In most cases, a B complex will not interact with other medications, but some medicines can cause a vitamin B deficiency, such as medications for blood pressure, anti-seizure, certain drugs, birth control pills, ulcerative colitis and some types of antibiotics
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