Posts

Vitamin D – All it’s cracked up to be?

by Ivy, BSNEx

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.7

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. 1

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. 8

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.5

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.

How much vitamin D is safe?

A range of 20-30 ng/ml in adults has been found to be safe safe and closer to 30-40 ng/ml is required for older adults. To reach this number, 3000IU, through diet alone you would have to consume six 3oz salmon filets, or 24 cups of whole milk every day. This range finds that between 30-60 percent of American’s are not meeting the requirement. Studies have shown that amounts below 30ng/ml in the blood have been associated with balance problems and lower bone density.

Daily supplementation with 1000-2000 IU is common and has been shown to be safe. Studies have shown toxicity of vitamin D is possible, but only in cases where units up to 60,000 IU were taken for several months at time.5

Persona’s Foundational Multivitamin contains 1000IU of vitamin D3, Vitashine™, a more bioavailable version compared to D2, in it’s two-capsule serving and we also offer a separate vitamin D3 supplement with 1000IU which can be added for those who have increased needs.

Ultimately, most of the population could benefit from mild to moderate vitamin D supplementation as it’s a necessary hormone for a wide variety of processes in the body. At modest levels, vitamin D has not been shown to be toxic and there is evidence to show that it can be beneficial in preventing several health conditions including insulin resistance and risk of PCOS.4

If you’re interested in learning more about vitamin D, feel free to talk with a Persona nutritionist via chat, email or phone 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. Appendix 12. Food Sources of Vitamin D. Chapter 4 – 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appendix-12/. Accessed September 7, 2018.
2. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the Immune System. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 2011;59(6):881-886. doi:10.2310/jim.0b013e31821b8755.
3. How Mushrooms Make Vitamin D. Berkeley Wellness. http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/article/mushrooms-and-vitamin-d. Accessed September 7, 2018.
4. Lazúrová I, Figurová J, Dravecká I. [Vitamin D and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome]. Advances in pediatrics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27734698. Published 2016. Accessed September 11, 2018.
5. 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.
6. Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin D. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/. Accessed September 7, 2018.
7. 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.
8. 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

0

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

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

6 Tricks to Help You Remember to Take Your Daily Supplements

by Persona Nutrition

I get it – you travel for business several times a month, juggle the kids throughout the day and try to sneak in some workouts.  It can be challenging to remember to take your vitamins each day.  You have good intentions, but your routine can be easily derailed…for a day, a week or longer.

In a recent survey, 25 percent of Americans shared that keeping track of their daily vitamin, supplement and prescription medicine routine is harder than gauging their significant other’s thought process during a disagreement. So, you’re not alone in the struggle to remember your daily vitamins or decipher your partner’s thoughts.

One of the top questions I receive from patients is “how can I remember to take my nutritional supplements every single day?” There are six tricks I share with patients who just can’t seem to remember to take their daily vitamins.

 

  1. For Persona subscribers, place the morning and evening boxes on the kitchen counter, so they are in plain sight and less likely to be forgotten.

 

  1. Pack your day’s supply in your purse, briefcase, diaper bag or lunchbox/bag so you have your supplement supply handy when you find time during the day to eat.
Customized Vitamin Packs

Try our Customized Vitamin Packs

Not sure where to start? Our doctor-designed nutrition assessment cuts through the noise to find the nutrients you need to reach your wellness goals. It only takes a few minutes.

Start assessment now
  1. Have a consistent schedule. It is easy to develop a habit if you are consistent and practice it every day for a week or two.

 

  1. Use sticky notes. Place a sticky note someplace impossible to miss (like the mirror in the bathroom!) to remind yourself to eat breakfast and take your morning supplement. If sticky notes aren’t your thing, turn to your smart phone to set a daily calendar reminder.

 

  1. Take your supplements at meals. You have to eat and if you train yourself to equate meal time with supplement time, you are more likely to remember.  Also, supplements are best absorbed and used by the body when taken with food.

 

  1. If all else fails, have a friend, loved-one or family member designated to remind you to take your supplements!

 

You may not be able to get inside your significant other’s head during a disagreement, but you stay on track with your daily supplement routine. Don’t forget – Persona nutritionists are only a click, call or email away. They can help you create a supplement routine that works for you.

 

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.
0

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

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

What My Grandmother Taught Me About Healthy Aging

by Courtney, MPH, CN

My grandmother will be 84 this year and boy am I envious of her energy. Truthfully, she spends more time at the gym than I do and her yoga pants look better on her than on me. I may only be in my mid-twenties but I have recently had my fair share of physical injuries. Spending a good deal of time at the chiropractors’ office has given me time to consider that no matter what stage of life you are in, taking care of your body is the largest indicator of how you will age. My grandmother is the person who can proudly get in free at many events just due to her age (she even skied with me in her 70’s). I’m not going to pretend like I don’t have good genes in my family but my grandmother didn’t age gracefully out of luck, she worked hard at it. It’s sort of humorous to hear a lady of her age to talk about how she can’t make plans because she has to go get a workout in, but there is a method to her madness.

 

The reason taking care of our bodies is so difficult is because making healthy changes doesn’t usually result in immediate satisfaction. It can take years to reap the benefits of our health-related choices, or we may never even notice the pay-off. It is hard to find satisfaction in things we may never truly understand how to appreciate. You might not fully value your health until it has been compromised, but you should take stock in what good health you do have. It’s never too late to implement healthy habits into your life! Here are three habits my grandmother never compromised, and why they actually work.

 

Watch extra weight around your mid-section

I think we can all be honest here and address the obvious: we probably won’t get any better looking as we age. If our looks were going to forever stay the same, we wouldn’t need wrinkle creams or hair loss prescriptions. With natural aging our metabolism will also slowdown, which can make it easier to gain weight. I always have to chuckle at myself when my grandmother informs me that she is going “on a diet” for a few weeks to lose some weight around her belly. I roll my eyes and tell her to stop obsessing over a few pounds and focus on eating healthy, but her diligent attention to detail of her dietary habits have kept her in great health. Studies show that overweight or not, having an excess of abdominal fat is associated with an increased risk of dying from heart disease or other causes than those who do not have central fat.1Keep an eye on the type of fat you consume in your diet; avoid trans fats and keep saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of your diet.2Focus on whole foods and avoid packaged snacks and desserts, and limit the amount of fatty meat in your diet.

 

Don’t stop moving

Growing up, my grandmother always had me chasing her around. We took spin classes together, Zumba classes, lifted weights, danced at a country bar, and even joined a line dancing team. My grandmother is also the reason the phrase “shop until you drop” was invented. She would take me to the mall twice a year to get new clothes and I could expect nothing shorter than a twelve-hour day, sitting down only to grab a quick bite to eat. I will never forget her telling me her secret when I was little. She would say, “I never wanted to be the grandma that was content with sitting around and knitting all day.” The number of benefits from engaging in physical activity are countless. In regard to aging, physical activity can result in a reduced risk of developing a disability, lower blood pressure, improve balance, and increase flexibility.3Because bone density and muscle mass also decrease with age, engaging in resistance exercise is also extremely beneficial. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

 

Stay motivated with friends

Don’t underestimate the power of great friendship. An active social life keeps you young! Studies have proven that many physical benefits are directly linked to active social lives. Bryan James, an epidemiologist at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago, has studied some of these effects. In one study, over 1,100 seniors without dementia were followed over a 12-year period. The study found that cognitive decline was 70 percent less in those who had frequent social encounters than those who did not, a significant difference. “When you use your brain and body the way it was intended—as it evolved—you age better,” says James. “We just aren’t meant to be disengaged from one another.”4Don’t be afraid to get out and get social: join a book club, volunteer at a food kitchen, or start up a walking group in the mornings. The possibilities are endless. Aging is inevitable, so make the most of it!

 

Sources:

  1. Belly fat boosts risk of dying of heart disease.Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/research-were-watching-belly-fat-boosts-risk-of-dying-of-heart-disease. Published January 2016. Accessed August 31, 2018.
  2. The Skinny on Visceral Fat. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gim/core_resources/Patient%20Handouts/Handouts_May_2012/The%20Skinny%20on%20Visceral%20Fat.pdf. Accessed August 31, 2018.
  3. The Necessity of Exercise: Physical Activity and Aging. University of Southern California. https://gerontology.usc.edu/resources/infographics/necessity-exercise-physical-activity-and-aging/. Accessed August 31, 2018.
  4. How Social Connections Keep Seniors Healthy. Berkeley University of California. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_social_connections_keep_seniors_healthy. Accessed August 31, 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.
0

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

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

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.
2

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

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

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.

 

1

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

START ASSESSMENT

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

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.
0

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

START ASSESSMENT

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

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

0

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

START ASSESSMENT

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

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.

Menopause Support supplement

Try our Menopause Support supplement

A patented herbal remedy that works naturally to improve symptoms associated with menopause.*

View Our Menopause Support Supplement

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.
0

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

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

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.

 

0

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

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

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.

 

0

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

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Spring Reset Supplements for Energy, Immunity, and Mood

Stress Management Without Burning Out

Why A Multi Matters

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the
best experience on our website. Learn more.