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Would You Put It On Your Face?

by Karina, BSN

So yes… this sounds a little odd but give me a minute to explain. The statement came from a conversation with a close friend. We were talking about foods that are good for the gut and how with all the articles on social media, random blogs, magazines, and the everywhere in between..how do you know which to believe and which foods really are healing and helpful when it comes to gut health?

It may sound like just another fad idea or possibly like I am going to give you an amazing spa facial treatment recipe but no. I am going to give you some insight into things to put IN not ON your body.

We all have days…or weeks where we don’t eat the best, have a little more stress, or are possibly recovering from an illness and feel our bodies need a little extra care. If you don’t think that, perhaps it is time you should. I live my life fully in the 80/20 land of accidents happen… aka cake happens.

So let’s break down the basics of: would you put it on your face.

  1. HYDRATION – Much like your face your GI tract is made up of delicate yet resilient tissues that needs some care. This is where moisture comes into play. So yes, I am going to start with telling you water is very important both inside and out. Just like keeping your skin moisturize with lotions and creams, you need to put water in your body to keep things happy, lubricated, and moving smoothly. I would and do put water on my face and in my body daily… multiple times!
  2. NUTRIENTS – Think yogurt/probiotics. I know it sounds silly and I am pretty sure this is roughly where the original conversation got started. Yogurt is full of probiotics which is essential to a healthy gut function. It can be soothing. Just think about slapping some yogurt on your face. Cooling, soothing, moisturizing, revitalizing to the face. It can do all that AND MORE for the gut. Nourish, replenish, and calm your entire digestive tract.
  3. FAT – Not a lot, just enough, and most importantly the right kind. For this think avocado or coconut oil. Yes, they are saturated fats but that is why I said not a lot. You wouldn’t want to put animal fats like butter on your face and we all know fried foods are directly reflected on the face in the form of pimples. Avoid the heavy, modified, and fried.
  4. FIBER – Think nourishing oatmeal mask. Just like the fibrous texture of the oat can take away the impurities and scrub your face… it does similar for the GI tract. Little gut scrubber that is fiber can help remove impurities. It slows rate of absorption of sugars. Fun fact: if you eat your fats and sugars with fiber you can sweep the extras away. Teacher once said, “If you’re going to eat ice cream top it with some berries and granola for the added fiber.” Teachers wouldn’t lie about something as important as ice cream!? High fiber foods also have the benefit of being more filling so you eat less AND they feed the above mentioned probiotics.

No one has the perfect diet but if you start thinking about your gut like the delicate yet strong organ it is then you might be on your way to having a healthier body. When you pick your foods and fill your plate, occasionally stop to think…. would I put this on my face?

 

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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3 Natural Ways to Fake Sun-Kissed Skin

by Courtney, MPH, CN

Who doesn’t want beautiful glowing skin? Unfortunately, UV exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and many of us have to protect ourselves by wearing sunscreen. I compare sunscreen to the old parent who crashes the college party. Simply put, lame. For all of the wonderful (and lifesaving) qualities of sunscreen it does have one major downside; preventing us from achieving that Hollywood-worthy tan. The good news is that there is more than one way to achieve beautiful skin indoors that doesn’t involve a tanning bed. Here are three great ways to get that natural sun-kissed look you want.

 

Cocoa Tanner

If you love chocolate, you’ll love this two-step homemade tanner. Choose your favorite lotion, preferably unscented, and place in a mixing bowl. Next, slowly stir in powdered cocoa into your lotion until you reach a desired color. Be sure to exfoliate well before application and apply evenly.

 

Tea Tanner

Much like the cocoa tanner, tea tanner is another great way to get instantly dark skin. Starting with a lotion base, boil hot water and soak four black tea bags for 10 minutes in a cup. Next, remove the tea bags and let the water cool completely. Slowly mix in the tea water until the desired color is achieved. As stated above, exfoliate before application.

 

Waterproof Bronzer

Yes, it is a thing, and yes, its glorious. For a quick and easy shade change, brush waterproof bronzer on your chest, legs, arms, and face. Focus on applying bronzer to the areas the sun would naturally tan, such as the sides of the forehead and the shins. For an extra pow, apply a little highlighter on top.

 

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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Summer Skin Tips!

by Ivy, BSNEx

Now that summer has fully arrived, we’re all spending much more time outdoors. Taking care of your skin in the summer is not just about wearing sunscreen, here are the best days to keep your body’s largest organ as healthy as possible!

Spread It On

If you’re spending lots of time in the sun, choose light colored long layers. Choosing a hat with SPF built in a great option and don’t forget sunglasses to protect delicate skin around the eyes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even on cloudy days, as much as 80% of the sun’s rays can still penetrate your skin.

Start layering

If you’re spending lots of time in the sun, choose light colored long layers. Choosing a hat with SPF built in a great option and don’t forget sunglasses to protect delicate skin around the eyes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even on cloud days, as much as 80% of the sun’s rays can still penetrate your skin.

Get Shady

If you can, avoid spending prolonged time in the sun when it’s rays are strongest, typically between 10AM – 2PM. A good test is to check your shadow – is it shorter than you? Find yourself some shade.

Drink up

Your skin is an organ and is made up of cells that require water to properly function. If your skin doesn’t get adequate water it will become dry, tight and flaky and more likely to wrinkle.

  • Aim to get water throughout the day and shoot for half your body weight in ounces. Try cleansing your body with daily doses of lemon infused water.  Simply clean your lemon, cut and squeeze into hot, warm or room temperature water.  Drink upon waking and as often as possible.
  • Try juicing. Juicing vegetables and fruits is a wonderful way to cleanse the body, nourish the body and increase the vitality of your skin.  Beets are a wonderful detoxifying vegetable that enlivens the skin.  You can juice beets with greens, carrots, ginger and garlic for an excellent skin elixir.
  • Smoothie your skin radiant! Combine fruits, vegetables, almond milk, stevia, herbs and other green foods (such as chlorella and spirulina) cocoa nibs, hemp seeds, flax and chia into a vita-mix, blender or other smoothie making machine and drink yourself gorgeous! Your body will absorb the nutrients and your skin will soak up the benefits too!

Moisturize

Applying a moisturizer immediately after getting out of the shower will help your skin maintain moisture and make sure to avoid super-hot water as it can be extra drying for the skin.

Stay safe out there and have fun!

Sources:

  1. Sunscreen FAQs.| American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs. Accessed August 8, 2018.
  2. University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. The Benefits of Drinking Water for Your Skin. UW Health – Gender Services. https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/the-benefits-of-drinking-water-for-your-skin/26334. Accessed August 8, 2018.
  3. If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.PersonaNutrition.com and take our on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona Nutrition is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of our 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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Mixing medications and supplements? Here’s what you need to know.

by Persona Nutrition

Are you one of the nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population taking prescription medications (1), and 68 percent of Americans taking dietary supplements (2)? I speak to patients all the time who don’t realize they should be clearing their dietary supplements with his or her doctor prior to consumption.

Mixing meds and supplements can be risky since some drugs can deplete nutrients while other medications add nutrients to the body. Too much of one or the other can significantly impact your health.

 

Common Interactions

A few common drug-nutrient interactions to keep on your radar, include:

 

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 (3).

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.

 

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.

 

 

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  2. Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
  3. 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.

 

Written by Persona Medical Advisory Board member Michael Roizen, M.D., Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic and chairman of Persona’s medical advisory board

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Are You Experiencing Adrenal Fatigue?

by Courtney, MPH, CN

Stressed, exhausted, and having a hard time bouncing back from long days? It may be time to look at your adrenals. You may feel your heart palpitate or notice you sweat more during times of intermittent stress, but chronic stress typically goes physically unnoticed. Stress isn’t like an open wound you get stitched at the doctor, it’s a silent attacker that works internally and over a long period of time.

While too much stress can be dangerous, stress is also a sign of a healthy body. Cortisol, the stress hormone, naturally rises and falls throughout the day. About 20-25mg of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands in a 24-hour period. Your adrenal glands must walk a tight rope to keep the perfect balance for cells, tissues, and organs and cortisol must be able to respond to stresses as needed. A body check, called a “feedback loop”, for stress hormones happens every 3-6 seconds. In other words, your body is paying close attention to your mental state hundreds of times per day!

Naturopathic Doctor, James Wilson, states, “When the amount of stress continually exceeds the capacity of the adrenals to secrete sufficient hormones to make the physiological, and biochemical compensations necessary for that level of stress, adrenal fatigue occurs. In adrenal fatigue, the adrenals function but not optimally.”1 While there isn’t one symptom that defines adrenal fatigue, there is a unique fatigue pattern seen in many with adrenal fatigue. This typically includes early morning fatigue with a mid-morning low, afternoon low, and increased energy after 6:00pm, following with a “second wind” around 11:00pm.1 Other symptoms of adrenal fatigue include the need for caffeine or stimulants, decreased stamina and energy, salty food cravings, hypoglycemia, low libido, inability to feel refreshed after sleep, and mild depression.

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If you think you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue, be sure to discuss care options with your health care provider. The good news is that adrenal fatigue treatment is a mixture of simple lifestyle changes. Here are four ways you can get started today:

  1. Eliminate stressors. Healing from adrenal fatigue is a long process, taking up to two years for chronic cases. Re-evaluate your schedule, social plans, and free time activity. Focus on what makes you feel relaxed and begin to prioritize activities for your healing. Dr. Wilson suggests creating aGood for Me, Bad For Mechart to gain a better perspective.
  2. Sleep, sleep, sleep! Don’t resist sleep, the body is healing while you are dreaming. View sleep as an important medical appointment that you simply can’t miss. Not a bad treatment, right? Allow yourself to sleep when you feel tired and keep a consistent sleep schedule even when you don’t feel tired.
  3. Don’t skip the physical activity. You don’t have to run a marathon to heal your adrenals, but you can commit to walking the dog every morning or evening. Keep your body in good shape; this not only improves your stress response but also allows your body to heal more efficiently.
  4. Hone in on your diet. During your time of healing focus on healthy fats found in fish, nuts, and seeds. Make protein a priority in your diet by including a serving at every meal. Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey, beef, beans, lentils, and yogurt.

Sources:

  1. Wilson J. Clinical perspectives on stress, cortisol and adrenal fatigue. Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2014;1(2):93-96
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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Is a cGMP Label Important?

by Courtney, MPH, CN

If you have never looked for the little cGMP label on a supplement bottle before, you should. Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) refer to a set of supplement quality standards enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a time where up to 76 percent of Americans are consuming dietary supplements, it is increasingly important to advocate for transparency.1Any supplement that is stamped with the cGMP label is required to be held to certain standards, but do cGMP labels matter and are they really that important?

 

When you purchase supplements off the shelf, it is difficult to imagine how they are produced when bottles are covered in pictures of fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables. As a consumer, we don’t have a way of easily inspecting the quality of a supplement just by looking at it. It is difficult to tell if a supplement truly contains what it claims to. According to the FDA, “CGMPs provide for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. Adherence to the CGMP regulations assures the identity, strength, quality, and purity of drug products by requiring that manufacturers of medications adequately control manufacturing operations.”2

 

Another benefit of purchasing from a cGMP certified supplement company is assurance of government and regulation. When a participating company doesn’t comply with cGMP guidelines they are subject to recall requests or public warning from the FDA. The FDA can also issue a seizure or injunction case in court to address violations. However, even if a supplement is not cGMP certified they may still meet high quality standards, but the ones that proudly contain a cGMP label have gone the extra mile to prove to their customers they care about quality. If you aren’t sure whether or not your supplements are cGMP certified, reach out to the supplement company or visit their webpage. Don’t forget to ask the hard questions, your health matters!

 

Sources:

  1. Facts About the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs). S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/developmentapprovalprocess/manufacturing/ucm169105.htm. Accessed July 26, 2018. Published June 25, 2018.
  2. Dietary Supplement Usage Increases, Says New Survey. Counsel for Responsible Nutrition.https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/dietary-supplement-usage-increases-says-new-survey. Accessed July 26, 2018.

 

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4 Surprising Facts About Cigarette Smoking

by Angie, MS, RDN

You may know the toll cigarette smoking takes on the lungs, as well as increasing the risk for heart and lung disease, but did you know what it does to the rest of the body?

It can cause heartburn and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Smoking weakens this sphincter, allowing the stomach contents to go back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

 

It can make your blood sugar go out of whack

Did you know smokers are 30-40% more at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes than nonsmokers? And the more they smoke, the higher this risk goes up. In addition, people with diabetes who smoke are more likely to develop diabetic complications like heart and kidney disease, damaged nerves, and the need for amputation.

 

It can cause erectile dysfunction

Male sexual function is negatively affected with smoking. For a man to sustain an erection, there must be enough blood flow to the penis. The chemicals in cigarettes can damage the lining of blood vessels, which disables this blood flow, causing weak erections.

 

It can contribute to blindness

Over time, smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness over the age of 65. Smokers are also twice as likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers.

 

Need help quitting? It’s never too late!

https://smokefree.gov/ is free online resource offered by the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. It provides you all the tools you need to quit smoking and offers separate portals for women, teens, veterans, seniors, and Spanish speakers.

 

 

References:

1. 10 Health Effects Caused by Smoking You Didn’t Know About. American Lung Association.  http://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/tobacco/reports-resources/sotc/by-the-numbers/10-health-effects-caused-by-smoking.html Accessed July 10, 2018.

2. Smoking and Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/diabetes.html Accessed July 10, 2018.

3. Definition & Facts for GER & GERD. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts Accessed July 10, 2018.

 

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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Benefits of Adding Lemons to Your Diet

by Courtney, MPH, CN

When life hands you lemons, eat them! Lemons are a pucker-worthy fruit that are packed full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Unlike other animals, humans are unable to make vitamin C on their own and must obtain it from the diet.1Lemons have been studied as health-promoting fruits that contain phenolic compounds as well as vitamins, minerals, fiber, essential oils, and carotenoids.2Lemons are tasty way to flavor your water, tenderize your meat, and “zangify” your salad. Here are 3 Benefits of Adding Lemons to your Diet:

 

Lemons may act as antipoliferative agents

An antipoliferative agent is something that suppresses unhealthy cell growth. Cell growth that spirals out of control can be highly damaging to the body. In one study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers compared water drops on liver cancer cells to that of common fruits. Water had no impact on repressing cancer growth, nor did pineapple, oranges, or pears. Fruits that were more successful at combating cell proliferation included peaches, bananas, grapefruit, grapes, strawberries, and apples, some cutting cell growth by up to 50%. However, the two most successful fruits were lemons and cranberries, only needed in small amounts to inhibit cell proliferation.2

 

 Lemons support satiety

Citrus fruits are high in pectin, a gelatinous polysaccharide that is commonly used as a thickening agent in jams. Pectin can promote feeling full after a meal, therefor reducing hunger and providing satiety. Lemons are a great source of pectin and can be used to support healthy weight management. One study fasted 49 men and 25 women overnight, then fed them orange juice and later, ice cream.  One of the two days, participants were fed orange juice mixed with pectin and found a significate decrease in hunger, with effects lasting up to 4 hours after ingestion.3

 

Lemons can boost mood

Essential oils are often used for the practice of aromatherapy. In one study, participants were exposed to stressful events and then exposed to scents of lavender, lemon, and a placebo. Researchers concluded “…clear and consistent evidence that lemon oil inhalation enhances positive mood” when compared to a placebo and lavender oil.4Lemon is commonly used in aromatherapy as an energizing agent, perfect for boosting mood and getting you through the day.

 

 

Sources:

  1. Vitamin C. National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Updated March 2, 2018. Accessed July 9, 2018.
  2. Sun J, Chu YF, Wu X, Liu RH. Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of common fruits. J Agric Food Chem. 2002;50(25):7449-54.
  3. Tiwary CM, Ward JA, Jackson BA. Effect of pectin on satiety in healthy US Army adults.J Am Coll Nutr. 1997;16(5):423-8.
  4. Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Graham JE, Malarkey WB, Porter K, Lemeshow S, Glaser R. Olfactory Influences on Mood and Autonomic, Endocrine, and Immune Function. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008;33(3):328-339. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.11.015.

 

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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5 Things You May Not Know About Peppermint

by Angie, MS, RDN

We’re all familiar with peppermint from toothpaste to gum and even holiday drinks, but did you know peppermint has some pretty impressive abilities and where it comes from? Read on to learn more!

Peppermint AKA, Mentha piperita, is a hybrid plant from water mint and spearmint originally grown in London in the 1700’s.

Peppermint has two different forms grown in North America and Europe: black mint and white mint. Black mint is known for its high oil content, while white mint has a mild taste.

Orally, it has been shown to help with IBS symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bloating.

Ongoing research suggests peppermint oil capsules relax the stomach and digestive tract offering relief from abdominal pain. It’s also known as a carminative agent, which can reduce gas and bloating. Both are common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

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Medicinally, it can reduce pain and postoperative nausea.

Peppermint isn’t just beneficial for digestion issues, its ability to ease pain in the body has been shown to improve overall quality of life. Various studies have shown inhalation of aromatherapy after having an operation reduced their symptoms of nausea.

Topically, it can be a quick solution for headaches.

Carrying around a solution with 10% peppermint oil with you is not a bad idea if you have headaches. Try applying a thin layer on the front of your head every 15-30 minutes up to 3 times total.

Beware if you have heartburn or indigestion.

Research is inconclusive as to whether peppermint can help or hurt heartburn. People with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) already have a loose lower esophageal sphincter (AKA the door at the bottom of your esophagus that opens and closes to let food into the stomach). The relaxing properties of peppermint can actually loosen this door up more, causing stomach acid to go back up the esophagus. On the other hand, peppermint’s relaxing properties can also accelerate digestion of food passing through the stomach and reduce GERD symptoms. If you have any indigestion or heartburn, it’s best to take an enteric coated capsule of peppermint oil at least an hour apart from antacids, and see how you feel.

Questions about peppermint or any other supplements? Chat with one of our nutritionists or give us a call at 1-800-983-3887

Sources:

  1. Grundmann O, Yoon SL. Complementary and alternative medicines in irritable bowel syndrome: An integrative view. World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. 2014;20(2):346-362. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i2.346.
  2. Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM. A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2016;61:560-571. doi:10.1007/s10620-015-3858-7.
  3. Sarchielli P, Granella F, Prudenzano MP, et al. Italian guidelines for primary headaches: 2012 revised version. The Journal of Headache and Pain. 2012;13(Suppl 2):31-70. doi:10.1007/s10194-012-0437-6.
  4. Peppermint. Examine.com https://examine.com/supplements/peppermint/ Updated June 14, 2018. Accessed June 25, 2018.
  5. Khanna R, MacDonald JK, Levesque BG. Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2014 Jul;48(6):505-12. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e3182a88357.

 

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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5 Reasons Why Drug Nutrient Interactions Matter

by Ivy, BSNEx

A lot of us are taking supplements these days, whether it’s to address health concerns or even prevent potential issues down the road. We often don’t consider the interactions they could have with each other, or prescription medications. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 50% of us are taking prescription medications and 68% of Americans are taking supplements based on an estimate Council for Responsible Nutrition.

Here are the top reasons why drug nutrient interactions matter

  1. Some supplements and medications can have too similar effects, and in certain cases this is not a good thing. Anti-depressants for example which are meant to increase serotonin levels when combined with supplements that have a similar effect like L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP can cause Serotonin Syndrome and lead to other negative effects in the body.
  2. Some nutrients compete for the same receptors in the body, and when taken together can reduce absorption or effectiveness. For example, calcium reduces the absorption of iron, so these should always be split up if you’re taking both. Iron supplements can also decrease the absorption of some blood pressure medications.
  3. Conversely, some supplements can enhance absorption of each other, so they should be taken at the same time for the most benefit. Iron’s absorption increases dramatically when taken at the same time as vitamin C.
  4. Some supplements can be supportive in reducing side effects of certain medications. Procarbazine can have unwanted side effects, and when combined with Milk Thistle and Selenium the potential depletions can be reduced.
  5. Supplements can be supportive for some medications that deplete your body from specific nutrients. If taking a statin for high cholesterol, taking CoQ10 can replenish the losses the medication causes. CoQ10 is additionally beneficial to help lower blood plasma concentration.

 

Understanding and reviewing what you’re taking can have a great impact on your health in both a positive or potentially negative way. Our technology cross-examines more than 650 possible medication interactions and recommends only what an individual’s body needs. We also recommend supplements to help support the side effects caused by some medications. If you have any questions – chat with our nutritionists or give us a call at 1-800-983-3887.

 

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.
1

Interested in learning what supplements are right for you? Take our free assessment.

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

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Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

Add Healthy Habits, Not Restrictions

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