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Food and Nutrition Health and Diet

5 min read

Vitamin D Questions Get Answered

Vitamin D Questions Get Answered

Vitamin D is vital to health; there are vitamin D receptors in almost every part of the body. It is involved in nervous system, cell growth, reducing inflammation and maintaining the calcium and phosphorus balance in the body.

Where does vitamin D come from?

Body: Our bodies make vitamin D by converting UV rays absorbed through the skin and then
distributing the hormone throughout the body(1).

Food: Vitamin D is primarily found in animal products, most abundantly in fish and eggs. A smaller amount, found in mushrooms is the only naturally occurring plant source as mushrooms are able to convert vitamin D in a similar way that humans do. Many commercial mushrooms are not grown under UV light and have much less than those grown naturally. Fortified foods such as dairy products, orange juice and cereals also have vitamin D3(2).

What does vitamin D do in the body?

Vitamin D is responsible for assisting with calcium absorption in the small intestine and helps the body maintain adequate serum calcium levels. Because of this, it’s necessary for bone growth and remodeling and helps prevent bones from becoming thin or brittle. A vitamin D deficiency in children results in rickets, and in adults is seen as osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
Not only a superstar bone supporter, vitamin D has been shown to help with immune function showing that those deficient in vitamin D are more susceptible to infection.2 The body uses vitamin D to make cholesterol, which is necessary for the production of hormones, building of tissue and creation of bile in the liver(3).

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Who could be deficient in vitamin D?

Since most of us rely on the sun to get our vitamin D, those who don’t spend at least 15 minutes in the sun per day without sunscreen could be at risk. We always recommend using sunscreen before and during sun exposure.

The National Institutes of Health state that cloud cover can reduce UV energy by 50 percent and additional shade reduces it by 60 percent. Those with darker skin have more melanin present and therefore less able to product vitamin D from sunlight(4).

Those who do not eat fish or animal products are also a greater risk of being vitamin D deficient, especially if they consume a primarily whole foods diet, lacking in ‘enriched’ processed foods.

Older adults have a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency as they tend to spend more time indoors and are more likely to be susceptible to bone fractures.

Yes, vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because our skin can produce it during the right conditions when we are in the sun.

Living in the northern hemisphere, sunscreen, wearing clothing that block the UVB rays can make it challenging to generate enough vitamin D from the sun.

In fact the actual amount of sun time a person needs in order to generate vitamin d varies depending on age and skin tone-the darker your skin tone the more sun time you need. On average most people would get adequate vitamin D during the summer if they were outside between 10-30min 2-4 times per week(5).

You might be thinking, well if there is no sun then I will just eat my way to adequate vitamin D.

I would love to do that too, but that could prove to be challenging. Look at this list of some common foods and the amount you would need to eat in order to meet the Recommended Daily Intake of 600IU (international units) is: 14 eggs, 15-7 ounce servings of pork, 10-5 ounce cans of tuna fish, 86-1 cup servings of (un-sunned) whole button mushrooms.

Eating salmon or sunned mushrooms everyday is your only option.

According to the USDA database: 1-4oz serving of salmon or 1.5 cups of (sunned) whole button mushrooms would provide the recommended 600 IU’s.

Should I supplement and if so, what kind D2 or D3?

Ultimately, if you do not eat very specific foods, live in the southern hemisphere and go outside 2-4 times per week, then add a dietary supplement to our diet. The most bioactive form is D3, and that comes a variety of animal sources. The D2 form comes from UVB exposed mushrooms and is vegan. (6)

Is there such a thing, as too much vitamin D? Yes, play it safe and take less than the tolerable upper limit unless a doctor recommends more. (7)

Tolerable upper intake level has been set at 4,000IU for children over 9y and adults. Toxicity has been documented with intake of 10,000IU+ per day in as little as 3 months. Symptoms are not always obvious and take time to manifest. Worst case scenario is kidney problems, hyper calcemia and calcification of soft tissue.

Sources

  1. The physiology of vitamin D. Vitamin D Council. https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/the-physiology-of-vitamin-d/. Published July 6, 2016. Accessed September 7, 2018.
  2. Appendix 12. Food Sources of Vitamin D. Chapter 4 – 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines.
  3. Vitamin D and Health. Obesity Prevention Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vitamins/vitamin-d/#vitamin-d-sources-and-function. Published March 15, 2018. Accessed September 7, 2018
  4.  L.D. KZRD. Vitamin D toxicity: What if you get too much? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108. Published February 7, 2018. Accessed September 7, 2018.
  5. Publications, H. H. (n.d.). Time for more vitamin D. Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/time-for-more-vitamin-d
  6. For health professionals: Council position statement on supplementation, blood levels and sun exposure. (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/for-health-professionals-position-statement-on-supplementation-blood-levels-and-sun-exposure/
  7. How do I get the vitamin D my body needs? (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs/
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Food and Nutrition Health and Diet

5 min read

Support Memory With the MIND Diet

Support Memory With the MIND Diet

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive disease that destroys brains cells. Currently the cause of it is unknown, however researchers are beginning to understand the role of specific nutrients in a persons’ diet and how protective they can be in preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center and Harvard School of Public Health teamed up and published results of an observational study, wherein they found that strict adherence to the DASH or Mediterranean diet decreased risk for AD and those with a moderate adherence to the MIND diet showed the greatest reduction of risk. (1)

The evidence that the MIND diet reduces the occurrence of AD and slows cognitive decline is gaining quick traction. (2)(3)

The MIND diet was developed by Martha Clare Morris, PhD a nutritional epidemiologist and her colleagues. Essentially, it is a hybrid of the DASH and Mediterranean diets and is broken into brain healthy and brain un-healthy foods. (4)

The brain healthy foods include: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, wine.

The brain un-healthy foods include: red meat, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries, sweets, fast food, fried foods.

To implement the healthy foods, follow these daily guidelines. Include three servings of whole grains, one leafy green salad, one other vegetable serving, a glass of wine, snacking on nuts and eating berries twice per week.

The diet also includes eating beans every other day, poultry twice per week and fish once per week.

In regard to the “unhealthy” category, you should limit butter to less than 1 tablespoon per day and less than a serving per week of cheese, fried or fast food.

Researchers also found that participants who had been moderately adhering to the MIND eating plan for longer had an even greater reduction in developing AD. (4) So, start now! Begin by implementing one component of the MIND diet, commit it to memory and then move on to the next and in no time you will be a MIND diet master.

Sources:

  1. Morris, M. C., Tangney, C. C., Wang, Y., Sacks, F. M., Barnes, L. L., Bennett, D. A., & Aggarwal, N. T. (2015, September). MIND diet slows cognitive decline with aging. Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4581900/
  2. Morris, M. C., Tangney, C. C., Wang, Y., Sacks, F. M., Bennett, D. A., & Aggarwal, N. T. (2015, September). MIND Diet Associated with Reduced Incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4532650/
  3. Marcason, Wendy. What Are the Components to the MIND Diet? Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , Volume 115 , Issue 10 , 1744
  4. Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://www.rush.edu/news/diet-may-help-prevent-alzheimers
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Cognitive Care Support Headache Support

5 min read

B Vitamins for Brain Health

B Vitamins for Brain Health

Reduced to the most basic understanding, cognition is our ability to think. But about what and are we always conscious of what we think? There are a variety of factors involved in cognitive functioning such as: memory, attention, perception, coordination and reasoning. (1) These abilities are natural and can be fine tuned through reading, cross word puzzles and memory games but this article is going to tell you what you can eat in order to care for your brain.

A conscientious eater for cognitive function.

Thiamin-In a double blind study those who took 50mg of thiamine vs. a placebo reported being more clear headed. (2) These foods among others contain thiamin: lentils, green peas, long grain brown rice and whole wheat bread.

Riboflavin- For people suffering with migraines, a study revealed that supplementing with 400mg of riboflavin per day decreased migraines by 50%. (2) These foods among others contain riboflavin: milk, cheese, eggs and almonds.

Niacin- A study of 3700 people revealed that those with the lowest niacin intake were 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. (2)These foods among others contain niacin: chicken, tuna, turkey and salmon.

Folic acid- also known as folate, has mixed reviews. Not enough can definitely increase risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and supplementing with 800mg may help memory but very high levels are also bad too and can increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease. (2) These foods among others contain folate: asparagus, lentils, garbanzo and lima beans.

B 12- A deficiency of this vitamin also known cobalamin, is associated with cognitive decline. However current studies do not reveal if B 12 alone or in combination is responsible for the improved cognition resulting from adequate intake. (3) These foods among others contain vitamin B 12: clams, beef liver, trout, salmon and tuna.

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There are a variety of other plant nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are also essential to brain health. Make sure you eat foods containing: iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin E and the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine. (2) The beauty of food is there are a variety of nutrients found in many different foods and it really is in the synergy of these foods that teilds the most potent nutrient power.

Sources:

  1. (2016, February 10). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://www.cognifit.com/cognitive-assessment/cognitive-test
  2. Mahan, L. K., & Raymond, J. L. (2017). Krauses food & the nutrition care process. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
  3. Office of Dietary Supplements – Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Food and Nutrition Health and Diet

5 min read

4 Goals to Maximize Your Iron Status

Anemia is a general broad term that includes a couple possible in variations in red blood cells. Nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate and vitamin B 12 leads to anemia, as do some health conditions related to the production of red blood cells in the body. (1)

In order to maximize on your ability to generate healthy red blood cells, keep these 4 goals in mind.

Goal #1 Get enough iron in your diet.

Adult women need 18 micrograms per day and men need 8 micrograms. Iron comes in two forms: Heme and non-heme, the heme form absorbs more easily into the body.

The heme form is found in animal protein such as: beef, liver, chicken, clams and tuna fish.

The non-heme form is found in plants such as: black strap molasses, raisins, prunes, prune juice, cooked spinach and kale.

Goal #2 Get enough folate and vitamin B 12 in your diet.

Adult men and women both need 400 micrograms per day of folate and 2.4 micrograms per day vitamin B 12. If there is not enough of either of folate and vitamin B 12 then alterations can occur in during the formation of red blood cells.

Vitamin B 12 can be found in these foods: clams, beef liver, trout, salmon and tuna.

Folate can be found in these foods: asparagus, lentils, garbanzo and lima beans.

Goal #3 Avoid drinking milk with meals.

There are a variety of factors within our body and our diet that determine iron absorption. Calcium in our diet is one such thing, during digestion calcium competes with iron for absorption in the intestine. Although the actual amount of competition varies, some studies report as little as 70-300 micrograms can inhibit iron absorption. (1)

Goal #4 When eating iron rich foods, include citrus fruit and add a squeeze of lemon to your water.

Just as there are factors that compete for absorption of iron, there are factors that encourage absorption. The ascorbic acid found in citrus fruits has been shown to enhance absorption of iron. (2)(3)

Sources

  1. Mahan, L. K., & Raymond, J. L. (2017). Krauses food & the nutrition care process. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
  2. And, R. H. (2010, May 01). Iron Bioavailablity and Dietary Reference Values . Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/91/5/1461S.long#ref-34
  3. (2017, May 05). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iron#food-sources
  4. Ballot, D., Baynes, R. D., Bothwell, T. H., Gillooly, M., Macfarlane, J., Macphail, A. P., . . . Bothwell, J. E. (2007, March 01). The effects of fruit juices and fruits on the absorption of iron from a rice meal | British Journal of Nutrition. Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-fruit-juices-and-fruits-on-the-absorption-of-iron-from-a-rice-meal/9D3406A98BB336370F6412B614861950
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Uncategorized

5 min read

Vitamin C for Gout

Vitamin C plays an active role in preventing Gout.  Gout, a form of arthritis, results from the build-up of uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product in the blood and is caused by a diet rich in fatty, processed and sugary foods.  The Center for Disease Control lists gout as the most prevalent inflammatory disease among men.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

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Current research has revealed that supplementary vitamin C has been correlated to the reduced incidence of gout. Vitamin C supplementation is also more useful in treating elevated levels of uric acid than other forms.  This is because many natural sources of vitamin C also include high amounts of sugar and sugar further exasperates gout related inflammation.

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Beauty From the Inside Out

Uncategorized

5 min read

Beauty From the Inside Out

When it comes to beauty, your skin and body are a direct reflection of what you put into it.  While many people think expensive wrinkle creams, botox and even plastic surgery are the answers, there is a more natural approach you

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Nervous System

5 min read

How to Think Positive and Empower Yourself Daily

Okay friends, here are the super simple steps you can take to become your own “Greatness Guru” and to lead an amazing, happy and empowered life.  No worries, you can do this!  Just take your time and before you know it, you will be helping others get their “Greatness Guru” going on too!

  1. Take a deep breath and smile! Feel your heart beating and give yourself a moment to thank your body, mind, and soul for its amazing-ness! Excellent job!
  2. Now, take the following few moments to reflect on this present moment, on YOUR life. Reflect on where you are. What you are doing. How you feel. What you do. Who you love. Who loves you. What brings you joy. What you want to do. What you want to be. How you want to feel. Who you want to love and who you would like to love you.
  3. Ok, great job.  Now, take all of these reflections, ideas, and feelings and write them down. Notice if what you are doing, where you are and how you are feeling in this moment differs from what you want.  Simply allowing yourself the time and creativity to write these feelings down and compare is the first step to living an amazing, empowered and truly happy life.
  4. Breathe deep and give yourself the time to be honest with yourself.  Take a beat and just digest what you are feeling and the answers that came up.  Let these feelings and emotions toss in your head for a while.  Begin to realize that you are the only person who can make these reflections and ideas come to fruition.  Realize that becoming “Great” and living a “full” life depends on YOU. You have power. You have the power needed to make what you want in life happen.
  5. Ok, now is the time to relax into these new found reflections and to embrace your own capacity to put greatness into motion.  An example of doing so is to grant yourself grace in this moment, knowing that you have ideas, passions and goals and perhaps you have not “arrived” yet, but you can, as of this moment, design a path, a journey working to make all of these wants and desires happen.
  6. Smile.  You are actively addressing ideas, thoughts and desires that most people sweep under the rug and settle for a life less lived, less happy, less awesome and less amazing than it should be.  You can affirm what you truly want, create a plan and seriously manifest greatness.
  7. Going through the motions mentioned here and staying true to who you are, what you want and truly planning change, embracing your path and choosing to enjoy journey to your dreams makes you your own “Greatness Guru”.  You do not have to look to anybody or anything else to achieve happiness, amazement or empowerment.  You have it all inside you! You really do!  Just follow through and follow your heart!

Living a “great” life is living a healthy life.  Please take great care of yourself and pass these tools along to those you love.  I just know you can do the work to get to where you really want to be in life.  I believe in you.  Just do it!

 

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Health and Diet Mental Health

5 min read

Supplements Supportive to MS: Scientific Studies Recommend These Three

If you have MS and are looking to further support your health with supplemental vitamins and minerals, please consider the following three supplements.  Numerous studies have linked Vitamin B12, Glucosamine and Alpa-lipoic Acid to MS. All three supplements have been found to be useful in the support and maintenance of both brain and overall wellness particular to individuals with MS.  Here is why:

1. Vitamin B12: B12 is essential for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is necessary for the conversion of fatty acids.  Fatty acid conversion is important to the health and integrity of myelin. People with MS have been shown to have lower than normal levels of B12. A deficiency in B12 has also been linked to Alzheimer’s. When sourcing a B12 supplement, methylated B12 is best.  *A prolonged B12 deficiency leads to nerve damage and irreversible neurological damage which compounds the effects of MS.

2. Glucosamine: Glucosamine has been found to be helpful for individuals with MS as it benefits and enhances the drugs usually prescribed for MS and also might aid in the reduction of the prescribed drugs.

3. Alpha-lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid has been found to both suppress and treat MS in animal models, but, the great news is, it has also been shown to promote greater T cell access to the Central Nervous System in humans! Alpa-lipoic Acid is indeed beneficial for individuals with MS.

If you have MS or have a family member with MS, please consider sourcing the three supplements discussed and described above.  Remember that quality supplements are what you are after and that quality supplements are always tested, reviewed and approved by a science advisory board. With quality supplements, you are ensured safety and effectiveness.

 

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Why A Multi Matters

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Why A Multi Matters

Why a Multivitamin Still Matters Even with a balanced diet, many adults still fall short on essential nutrients. This is why a multivitamin still matters for supporting everyday health. Factors like aging, medication use, and dietary

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Add Healthy Habits, Not Restrictions

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Add Healthy Habits, Not Restrictions

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Immunity

5 min read

Could You be Adding to Your Allergies?

Sometimes seasonal allergies seem to take over our world and often prevent us from doing the things we love and enjoy.  We try to do all the right things to prevent this from happening and many times, we are actually adding to the allergy, making it worse.  There are a few things we should all try to avoid in order to best prevent additional allergy suffering. Here is a quick list:

  1. Removing your shoes and jacket before entering the home is a great way to prevent carrying allergens around with you and throughout your home.
  2. The best idea to completely protect yourself from bringing allergens into your home and into your bed is to take a shower as soon as you return to your home after your day outside is over.
  3. Keep your windows closed and use an air purifying air circulator instead.  With open windows, pollens and allergens are brought into the home with every slight breeze.
  4. Do not drink alcohol.  Drinking any kind of alcohol increases blood flow to the nasal passageways which in-turn cause worsening of allergies and nasal distress.
  5. Use homeopathic remedies.  These include quercetin and stinging nettles.
  6. Try a Neti Pot. Neti pots are natural saline rinses that help with nasal constriction and irritation.
  7. Humidifiers, steam rooms and placing warm towels over the face soothe allergy symptoms.  Humidifiers and moisture are not good for those individuals suffering from mold allergies.
  8. Remove certain foods from your diet. If you are allergic to rag weed, fruits such as bananas, melon, cucumber and zucchini may cause your lips and mouth to swell.
  9. If you are allergic to tree pollens, certain fruits such as apples and pears and nuts might produce an increased allergic response.

The very best method to understanding and preventing additional allergy suffering is to have the facts on what you are truly allergic to.  Visit an allergist and have an allergy test performed.  Request a comprehensive allergen panel and learn what exactly provokes the allergic response for you and then can you treat yourself to the best prevention and care possible.

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Healthy Lung Support 1 Healthy Lung Support 2

5 min read

Do This: Breathe Deep and Breathe through Your Nose!

For all of us, and especially those that suffer from Exercise Induced Asthma, optimal oxygenation is essential to our health and overall wellbeing.  Every person requires fresh air, yet we all tend to forget that there is the best way to do so; through the nose.  Nose breathing is key to optimizing both proper oxygenation and relaxation and works to prevent hyperventilation.

When we breathe through our mouths, and our breathing becomes out of balance, we are promoting a state of vasoconstriction (a tightening of the venous circulation) as opposed to the preferred and needed vasodilation (an elongation and widening of veins which promote the best vascularization).  Furthermore, when we breathe through our mouths and disallow optimal oxygenation we actually create stress within the body which increases both our adrenaline and cortisol levels.  Compounding matters, our body responds to the stress cascade by producing excessive histamines which make our body more susceptible to foreign bodies and allergens.  All of which could be prevented with a switch from mouth breathing to nasal breathing.

Nose breathing promotes an increase in energy, lessens stress and improves immune function.  Nasal breathing accelerates the regeneration of tissues as it promotes a deep and full body oxygenation required for optimal tissue repair and healing.  Nasal breathing also stimulates the nervous system, decreases fatigue, massages the internal organs, calms the parasympathetic nervous system and depending on technique can work to balance the brain hemispheres.  Breathing through the nose truly improves overall bodily functioning from the head to the toes.  Take the time to be thoughtful about your breath and start a practice of nasal breathing today.  With practice, routinely begins and with a followed routine, one becomes habituated.  You can do this and your body deserves the best breath.

“He who breathes most air lives most life.”
– Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Lung Seasonal Allergy Support

5 min read

Win the Battle Against Seasonal Allergies

Spring is on its way!  Birds are returning, the weather is warming, flowers are starting to bloom, and your nose is dripping!  Yes, springtime is the height of allergy season for over 30 million of us across the United States.

True, there are over the counter and prescription medications galore with which hay fever sufferers valiantly attempt to stave off the tell-tale runny nose, watery eyes, and general inflammation brought on by the increased number of particulates in the air around us. And, yes, great relief can also be found in less conventional remedies like nasal lavage, acupuncture, hypnosis, and homeopathy. But recent research has also shown positive results for seasonal allergy sufferers through dietary intervention. In other words: certain nutrients can help treat hay fever; no prescription necessary!

Allergies are an inflammatory immune response to something the body recognizes as foreign. Supporting your immune system and reducing overall inflammation in the body can be amazingly effective at reducing your body’s reactions to these foreign substances.

Some foods can increase inflammation in the body, making your immune system more likely to react to allergens. Think of it like this: we all occasionally have “one of those days” when petty annoyances pile up, one after another, throughout the day, until we’re so much on edge that we then we blow up at our spouse/partner/roommate/kids/pets when we get home because we just can’t take it anymore! The body too is much more likely to over-react to annoyances, like allergens, if it is already “on edge.”

Other foods can decrease inflammation in the body and/or support our general immune health. This is beneficial in all sorts of ways, including in the body’s ability to deal with the allergic response.

The idea is to reduce the foods in your diet that contribute to inflammation and increase the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods, while also supporting your immune system.

Enough theory. The following is how to put this into practice:

1. Reduce the amount of protein in your diet to no more than 10% of your total Calories per day. For a 2000 Calorie/day diet, that’s no more than 50g protein. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average American consumes closer to 16% of his/her daily Calories from protein; those partaking in the low-carb diet fad may consume over twice that.  Excess protein has to be broken down and excreted from your body, which wastes energy and increases inflammation.

2. Reduce your intake of dairy products. The protein and fat in milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products contribute to inflammation, thus taxing the immune system. If you are unable to eliminate dairy products from your diet, try to reduce your consumption to 1-2 servings per week, and mix it up by trying goat’s or sheep’s milk products instead of cow’s milk all the time.

3. Reduce your consumption of sugar (including sugary drinks and alcohol), caffeine, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, and processed foods. These items all tax your immune system and increase inflammation in the body.

4. Drink lots of water. Take your weight in pounds, change “pounds” to “ounces,” divide by two, and you’ve got a good guideline for how much water you should drink per day, i.e., a 150-pound person needs 75 ounces of water per day. Add to that as needed when you exercise or sweat. Carry a water bottle with you to sip on throughout the day, and you’ll find it easy to meet this goal. If you dislike plain water, try adding a couple of tablespoons of 100% fruit juice to plain or sparkling water to sweeten it up a bit, but avoid artificial water additives and powders.

5. Eat foods containing quercetin. Quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine compound found in many fruits and vegetables. Good sources include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons (it’s in the white part, so be sure to eat the whole sections of the fruit), red apples, red grapes, red onions, dark berries (like blueberries and blackberries,) buckwheat, kale, and black plums. Quercetin is also available as a dietary supplement in capsule form.

6. Cook with ginger, turmeric, and chili peppers. These hot little numbers are natural decongestants and anti-inflammatory foods. Ginger is especially effective as an antihistamine and for opening up bronchial tubes to help you breathe easier.

7. Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. By shifting the balance of fats in your diet to include more Omega-3s and less of the other types of fats, you help shift your body into an anti-inflammatory state. Good sources of Omega-3s include cold water fish (salmon, sardines, herring, cod,) walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Walnut, flax, and hemp oils also make great salad dressings. Buy them in small quantities and keep them in a cool, dry place as they oxidize quickly.  If you find it tough to get Omega-3s through your diet, try a fish oil supplement or a Vegan-friendly EPA/DHA capsule if you don’t do fish.

8. Support your immune system with a diet high in fiber, phytochemicals, and probiotics. Your digestive tract houses about 75% of your immune system, and fiber keeps it working correctly. Phytochemicals (compounds found in plants) have antioxidant properties, help your body eliminate toxins, and support your immune system in general. Support this cause by eating a wide variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.  Probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and tempeh (and also available in supplement form) replenish the good bacteria in your gut and keep everything in balance.

Start now! It may take a few weeks for you to see the results of these dietary changes, so it’s best to get on it early in the season. The benefits, however, are long-lasting as well as beneficial to your overall health. Think how much more enjoyable it will be to stop and smell the roses when they don’t make you sniffle anymore!

 

Sources

Fulgoni, V. L. (2008, May). Current Protein   Intake in America: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination   Survey, 2003-2004. Retrieved from The American Journal of Clinical   Nutrition: http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/5/1554S.full

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.   (2013, July 16). Treatments for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Retrieved   from Effective Health Care Program:   http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?productid=1587&pageaction=displayproduct

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Immunity

5 min read

Six Super Health Enhancing Herbs to Boost Your Immunity

In this New Year we all have the awesome opportunity to improve our health with the healing and immune boosting power of herbs.  Herbs have been used throughout time to heal and soothe our bodies and our souls.  Herbs are an all -natural, safe and effective modality to nourish our body’s systems.  Natural medicine practitioners and many diverse populations throughout the globe have used herbs with great success to treat, cure and boost health.  If you are looking to increase your immunity and naturally tend to your body’s needs, herbs are the place to start.  Here are six wonderful herbs that will enhance your health and give to your body the helping herbal hand that it needs!

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is a cleansing herb that helps to promote proper liver functioning.  When your liver is strong and functioning optimally, your whole body feels better and can better fight common colds, flu and other seasonal ailments.

Valerian

Valerian is a calming herb that will help you manage and keep your stress levels in check. Stress creates harmful hormones that diminish our immune responses.  Including a stress reducing herb into your daily routine can effectively calm, soothe and help you better deal with stress.  This will increase your immunity and increase your happy hormones!

St. John’s Wort

Like the fore mentioned herb, St. John’s Wort is a calming herb that helps your body adapt to internal processes with a certain calm.  This effectively allows the body to relax and in turn protects your body from harmful stress hormones.  What a great natural way to chill-out and boost the body!

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a natural way to boost your wellness by better controlling your blood sugar and cholesterol.  Fenugreek helps the body to optimally metabolize foods and process cholesterol and to increase libido! With all these good things going on, your immunity and wellness just might soar!

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is an herb traditionally used to help women deal with the side effects of exogenous hormones and menopause.  Using Black Cohosh reduces hot flashes and night sweats which allows the body to get better rest. The more rest you get, the better your body can function!

Evening Primrose (Oil) (EPO)

EPO is an excellent herbal oil rich in Omega 6 fatty acids that support healthy hormone regulation, radiant skin health and quick wound healing.  EPO has been used for centuries and Native American populations relied on and still use EPO for its natural properties to heal the body and increase immunity!

Check these amazing herbal health boosters out!  Now is the time to claim your best health, naturally!

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Take the assessment

Fitness

5 min read

Fat Loss Secrets That You Need To Know

Fat Loss Secrets That You Need To Know

These are the secrets that you can use in your personal wellness routine that will help you lose fat and that target fat weight loss. These tips list the ideal ways to increase your metabolism and increase your lean muscle fiber. You will learn what activities cause you to burn calories even when you are not exercising and which activities increase fat loss.

Here is a killer list of the secrets that will get you lean and mean and that will help you burn body fat:

  1. Build Muscle Fiber through moving heavy things.  Moving or lifting weight increases your metabolism. Start lifting safely. Prioritize this!
  2. Fight Inflammation through your diet.  If your body is in a state of inflammation, your body will shut down its ability to burn fat and this decreases your metabolism. Cut out sugars, artificial sugars, processed foods, refined oils and other inflammatory foods. This includes low calorie and no calorie products that are artificially flavored such calorie free flavored waters that are loaded with chemicals and fake sugars.
  3. Burn your storage fat through sleep. Resting well takes calories.  Discontinue eating for the day a few hours before bedtime and let your body use storage fat to repair your body and heal.
  4. Drink water, green tea and more water! This increases fat burning through “Beta Oxidation”. Beta Oxidation rev’s your metabolism and water increases Beta Oxidation!
  5. Stay active…eat less calories than you burn and be sure to include healthy fats that satiate your appetite and nourish your body and mind and promote balanced blood sugar levels. Avocados, olives, nuts, seeds and oils are good sources of healthy fats.  Fat is energy dense…go very easy.
  6. If you increase your fat, decrease your carbohydrates.  Also, eat less fat at a sitting than you would eat carbohydrates.  Try to pair fat with protein.  Do not pair fat with carbohydrates.
  7. Replace your fruits with vegetables.  This will save you from the sugars in fruit and increase your fiber intake.
  8. Do not eat too many calories throughout the day and try to eat the bulk of your food early in the day… learn to eat early and relax and eat light late.  Eating early provides energy that you need and that you will burn.  Food at night gets stored as fat.
  9. Just eat three meals a day….grazing actually prevents your body from tapping into your fat stores….  You need to go at least five hours without eating between meals.
  10. Go easy on cardio on an empty stomach to utilize stored energy and go hard on the cardio after you eat…not long hours of cardio, but cardio circuits.
  11. Exercise on an empty stomach in the morning.  You are in a fasted state in the morning and exercising in a fasted state is excellent for fat burning. This can be as simple as walking the dog upon waking and before breakfast.

Pay attention to your body and try to implement these simple tips to see quick results.  If you are interested in learning more about healthy fat loss, look into the information provided by and Ben Greenfield Fitness, Rich Roll and The Fat Burning man on I tunes.  These guys are great and know what they are talking about!  Have fun with it, never give up and claim the body you always wanted to have!

Source:

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QqVknURp1c

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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S.M.A.R.T. Steps To Achieving Optimal Health

S.M.A.R.T. Steps To Achieving Optimal Health

Are you considering making healthy changes in your life and are you hoping to do so over time incrementally? If so, please take your time reading through the following information helping you to understand how to healthily approach your new goals using the SMART approach. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. These steps give you the tools to develop practical and attainable goals. Here is how to put SMART into action.

Start by asking yourself a few questions: Who?, What?, Where?, When? and Why?  Truthfully answer these questions to formulate your Specific health goal. An example of this step is: “ I want to jog in the park every Thursday for twenty minutes to better deal with my stress.”.

Great, once you have your specific goal written out, start asking yourself: How will I do this?, How Many?, How will I know when I have reached half of my goal, three-fourths of my goal or when my goal is fully complete? Write the Measurement out next to your Specific goal. Here is an example of this step: “I will drive to the park every Thursday and track my Thursday jogs on my desktop calendar. I will measure my dedication to this goal by not missing a Thursday and by journaling about my stress management.  I will reach my goal when my stress is managed better and I when I feel better.”.

Next, ask yourself what skills, traits, resources, friends, family members, and groups might help you Attain your goal.  Ask yourself what groups, places, resources, friends or family members might hinder your goal.  Be real here, stay true to your goal and jot down all of the tools, resources, groups and allies you need to enlist to help achieve your goal. You can do this!!! An example of this step is: “ I will ask my friends to not ask me out on Thursdays and to send me motivational emails so that I will not miss my jogs.” “I will not go to the mall on Thursdays or over schedule myself on Thursdays, Thursdays are just for jogs”.

Keeping all things Realistic is paramount to the success of your goal achievement.  You know yourself better than anyone else.  Do not set yourself up for failure by putting unrealistic expectations on yourself or fool yourself.  There is no such thing as an overnight miracle or a goal-in-a pill.  This will take time.  You can do it.  Stay real, be pragmatic, practice self-respect and you will be on your way. An example of this step is choosing to jog for twenty minutes, not an unrealistic amount of time like three hours! Or like taking collagen for weight loss, these things do take time.

Last, create a Time frame.  You need a timeline spelled out before your brain and body will understand the urgency of starting and following through with your goal. You must use dates and real times, “someday” and “sometime” will not cut it!  This last step makes your goal real and puts
the fire underneath you.  Now is your time to stoke the flame of desire and move towards realizing your goal.  Go make it happen! An example of this last step is: “I will begin my Thursday jogs on the first Thursday of January.  I will be ready and prepared to start my goal.”.

Source:

  1. Gene Donohue, Top Achievement, 1998
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Vitamins & Supplements

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Are Your Supplements Safe? Or Are They Messing With Your Med’s?

Nearly 70% of Americans are on drugs – prescription drugs, that is – according to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic and the Olmsted Medical Center.  And over half of Americans take dietary supplements.  That means there’s a significant number of people who take both.

So, you are proactive and take charge of your health.  You get regular check-ups, try to follow your doctor’s advice, and take your prescription medications as directed.  You also read health-related articles, like this one!  Maybe you recently read that Omega-3’s are the latest thing, and everyone should be taking them.  Fish oil supplements are an excellent source of these essential fatty acids, so you run out and buy fish oil capsules to ensure you’re all set on Omega-3’s.

But wait!!!  You take Warfarin (Coumadin), a prescription blood thinner.  That means that taking Omega-3-rich fish oil, which also has a blood-thinning effect, could actually harm you!

This is what health care providers refer to as a “negative drug-nutrient interaction.”  That means that some nutrients or supplements don’t work well with certain medications.  It also means that if you take prescription medications, it is extremely important to check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist before adding new supplements to your health care program.

Common negative interactions between drugs and supplements:

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) and Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Fish oil and other Omega-3 supplements may increase blood thinning to dangerous levels when taken with prescription blood thinners.
  • Oral Contraceptives and St. John’s Wort – This botanical supplement may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
  • Antibiotics (Cipro, Doxycycline, Tetracycline, etc.) and Mineral Supplements – Mineral supplements can bind with some antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness.  If you regularly take a mineral supplement (like Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Copper, or Manganese), be sure to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist if you need to stop taking your mineral supplements while on the antibiotics.
  • Prozac (Fluoxetine) and L-Tryptophan – This amino acid supplement may a cause undesirable side effects when taken along with the antidepressant, Prozac.
  • Taking a statin? You will want to add Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) because the average blood concentration of CoQ10 in blood plasma decreases within 30 days by an average of 50 percent (5).
  • Taking a blood pressure medication? You should know that taking an iron supplement two hours before or after taking this type of medication can decrease its absorption rate.
  • Taking a synthetic thyroid hormone? Look at your supplement facts to be sure you’re avoiding soy, iron and calcium. Soy, iron and calcium, if taken within four hours of taking a synthetic thyroid hormone, may reduce the absorption rate.

 

Positive interactions between drugs and supplements:

On the flip side, some supplements can actually work with your prescription med’s to increase their effectiveness, decrease side effects, or replace nutrients that the drugs may deplete in your body.  This is, of course, referred to as a “positive drug-nutrient interaction.”  Check out the examples below:

  • Zinc/Copper with AZT – These minerals may decrease the risk of pneumonia and candida infections in people taking AZT by replacing lost mineral stores.
  • Milk Thistle with Percocet – This botanical supplement may decrease the side effects of the opioid pain medication, Percocet (Oxycodone-Acetaminophen).
  • Fish Oil with Citalopram – The Omega-3 Fatty Acids in fish oil (and other EPA/DHA supplements) may enhance the antidepressant effects of this common SSRI.

Vitamins, minerals, and botanical supplements can be a great pathway to optimum health if taken responsibly.  Always tell your doctor about the supplements you’re taking, so he/she can take that into consideration when prescribing your medications.  Take your list of supplements with you to your next doctor’s appointment, and discuss it with him/her.  And if in doubt, ask your pharmacist or a nutritionist about specific drug-nutrient interactions.

So don’t rule out the Omega-3 supplements you’ve been reading about.  These essential fatty acids are great for decreasing chronic inflammation, promoting healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and supporting the health of your cardiovascular and nervous systems.  But if you take prescription medications, please check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist before adding Omega-3’s (and other dietary supplements) to your daily routine.

Big Data

So, where should you go to check whether your prescription medication has any interactions with supplements? My number one answer is your health care practitioner.  Your doctor has electronic medical records (EMRs) – big data – at his or her fingertips and can easily scan for potential interactions.  In addition, rely on your local pharmacist as they too have access to databases that can quickly and easily scan for areas of caution. In my opinion, pharmacists are one of the most underused and most valuable resources for you.

You’re in Good Hands

One of the reasons why I’m excited to be a medical advisory board member of Persona is because the company is using big data to inform dietary supplement recommendations. Did you know that Persona can quickly and easily cross reference more than 650 possible drug-nutrient interactions?  It doesn’t and shouldn’t take the place of your health care practitioner, but it will put you on the right, healthy, path from the start.

Sources:

  1. Gahche, J. e. (2011, April). NCHS Data Brief:   Dietary Supplement Use Among U. S. Adults Has Increased Since NHANES III.   Retrieved from CDC Publications and Information Products:   http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db61.htm
  2. Mayo Clinic . (2013, June 19). Nearly 7 in 10   Americans Take Prescription Drugs, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center Find.   Retrieved from Mayo Clinic News Network:   http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nearly-7-in-10-americans-take-prescription-drugs-mayo-clinic-olmsted-medical-center-find
  3. Health Notes http://www.myvitaminpacks.com/healthNotes.cfm
  4. Rx List http://www.rxlist.com
  5. Rundek T, Naini A, Sacco R, et al. Atorvastatin decreases the coenzyme Q10 level in the blood of patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Arch Neurol 2004;61:889-92.
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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Evening Primrose Oil Benefits

Evening Primrose Oil for Healthy Skin

Evening primrose is a plant that is native to North America. The plant has historically been used medicinally to treat skin issues, such as bruising and wound healing. The oil extracted from evening primrose is a natural source of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), a type of omega-6 fatty acid.

Most North Americans get too much omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. However, the GLA found in evening primrose oil (EPO) is healthier than the omega-6 fats found in most foods, because studies have demonstrated that it has anti-inflammatory properties. Other sources of GLA include spirulina, borage, hemp, and black currant oils. The omega-6 fat provided by dietary supplements that contain GLA is minimal and will not disrupt the balance between the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids consumed in your diet.

Evening Primrose Oil Topical Uses

The GLA in evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory action without the negative side effects of powerful drugs. Evening primrose oil is available in oil or capsule forms and is often used to improve the painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, or breast soreness during menstruation.

Evening primrose oil is well known for easing PMS symptoms and breast sensitivity, but it may also be a useful natural skin care treatment. The beneficial oil contains a natural painkiller and can be used to help various skin conditions, including aging skin. EPO can be safely used for children and adults with skin conditions.

Evening Primrose Oil for Eczema and dermatitis

Eczema symptoms include redness, scaling, and itching. Experts have determined that eczema may develop when the body struggles to convert fats from the diet into GLA. This is why evening primrose supplements may be helpful for this condition. More than 30 human studies report the benefits of evening primrose oil for eczema and dermatitis. A study of 1,207 patients found that evening primrose oil helped relieve symptoms including itching, crusting, edema (swelling), and redness.

Evening Primrose Oil for Acne

It is believed that EPO may help to dilute sebum, which is the oil our skins produce naturally to lubricate and protect itself. Those who suffer from acne often have excess sebum production, and diluting or breaking down the sebum may prevent the pores from clogging up. If the pores are clear, pimples and blackheads are less likely to develop. The anti-inflammatory action of the oil may also reduce redness and help existing pimples heal.

Evening Primrose Oil for Skin

EPO may be used to combat the signs of aging, including dry and sagging skin. It can be used to improve skin discoloration and for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The GLA in EPO is believed to aid cell regeneration, which may help with firmness and a smoother, younger appearance.

What Do I Need to Know About Using Evening Primrose Oil?

Evening primrose oil is generally safe, however, it can have anticoagulant effects that increase the risk of bleeding for people taking blood-thinning drugs like warfarin. If you are on a blood-thinning medication, consult your physician before taking any nutritional supplements. Adding evening primrose oil to your routine may be worthwhile for numerous healthy skin benefits. Current studies have used 2 – 8 grams of evening primrose oil daily, standardized to contain 8% GLA. Take the Persona Assessment to determine if evening primrose oil may be helpful for you.

Source

  1. Evening primrose oil | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/evening-primrose-oil#ixzz2jnvTPo9d
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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