Summer Spotlight: Sunscreen

Summer is a great time to be outside, but sunburns aren't fun at all. Luckily, they can be easily prevented for the most part. Sunscreens are a very effective preventative measure, but it’s important to use a natural product for sun protection. 

Conventional sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a chemical that has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. The Center for Disease Control has reported that 97% of participants tested had levels of oxybenzone in their bodies, something you don’t want!

Thankfully, there are many wonderful, natural sunscreens on the market from companies like Alba Botanicals and Kiss My Face that are safe for the whole family. Make sure to look for sunscreens that protect from both UVA and UVB radiation. Another sunscreen tip is to be sure to check your sunscreen’s expiration date, since the SPF is only guaranteed through that time (I am a walking cautionary tale about this- I got horribly sunburned last month after working all day in my garden while using expired sunscreen).

Sunscreens also need to be reapplied throughout the day to remain effective, so it’s good to keep a tube in your bag for outings. Sometimes people think that having a high SPF means that they don't need to reapply, but sunscreens are usually only effective for a few hours, less if you've been in the water (even water resistant varieties only are effective for 40-80 minutes in the water) so be sure to reapply often. Wearing protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can also protect against sun damage. 

Additionally, it's important to be sure you're applying enough sunscreen. According to skincancer.org, most people do not apply enough sunscreen, which reduces the effectiveness and SPF, so even if you're applying a quality sunscreen that says SPF 30 on the label, if you do not apply enough, you can be reducing the effectiveness to a fraction of the SPF number on the label.

Most people think of sunburns as an inevitable part of summer, but sun damage is no laughing matter. Each sunburn a person has increases their risk of developing skin cancer. Many people like to think of tanned skin as a sign of health, but in fact, tanning is the body’s injury response to excessive UV radiation. Sunburns and tanning also cause premature aging and an increase in wrinkles. Sunless tanners are a healthy alternative to give skin a “healthy glow” without the damage. 

Another product that can help with sun protection is the supplement astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, pronounced asta-zan-thin, is a very potent antioxidant which protects cells against damage. It is most commonly used for eye health, but studies have also found that astaxanthin is able to help prevent sunburn when taken daily at a dose of at least 2mg per day.

If you do happen to get sunburned, however, pure aloe vera gel is wonderful for healing the skin. Aloe vera helps to soothe and moisturize along with reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Applying aloe frequently can also reduce the amount of time it takes a sunburn to heal.

Finally, when outside, don’t forget your sunglasses!  Sunglasses help prevent eye damage from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. People with lightly colored eyes are especially susceptible to eye damage from the sun, so it's especially important that they wear sunglasses when outdoors.

Supplement Spotlight: Saw Palmetto and Prostate Health

Benign prostate enlargement, or BPH occurs is nearly all men as they age.  It is not harmful, but it can cause side effects, the most common of which are problems urinating.   It often begins in a man’s 30’s, though symptoms are not often seen until age 50.  Common symptoms are trouble urinating as well as feeling the need to urinate frequently.

The most common and effective supplement for benign prostate enlargement is the herb, saw palmetto.  It has been shown in research to both strengthen the bladder and reduce prostate enlargement.  In one study, found that supplementation for one month with saw palmetto significantly increased urine flow when compared to a placebo.  Another study found that 320 mg per day (the recommended dose) was five times more effective in helping to improve emptying of the bladder over placebo.  It was also found that men had less difficulty and pain while urinating than before they had taken saw palmetto.  The men also reported getting up fewer times in the night to go to the bathroom.  Interestingly, saw palmetto has been reported to work much quicker than its pharmaceutical equivalents.

Finally, it’s important to note that while benign prostate enlargement is usually a natural part of aging for most men, it’s still crucial to have regular prostate checks from a physician to rule out other problems.  The symptoms of benign prostate enlargement are the same as a number of more serious conditions, including prostate cancer.  Many men avoid getting prostate screenings, but prostate cancer, which is estimated to affect one in six men in their lifetime, is nearly 100% curable when caught in the beginning stages.

Supplement Spotlight: Are you taking the best form of your supplements?

There are many supplements which are available in a variety of different forms, some of which are significantly better absorbed, and others which have benefits which may be helpful.  Several supplements are listed below where the form you choose can make a big difference.

Vitamin B12

This is the first that comes to mind when thinking of a supplement where its form really matters.  The most common form of B12 is cobalamin, though the form we recommend the most is the methyl form of the vitamin- methylcobalamin- which is significantly better absorbed.   It’s best to look for a sublingual form that dissolves in the mouth, since if B12 is swallowed in pill form it has a difficult time being absorbed as opposed to a sublingual form, which is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.   B12 can be helpful for energy, brain function, and nerve health.  Many seniors are critically deficient in this vitamin, the effects of which can even mimic demensia.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D should always be taken in the D3 form, since that is the best absorbing.  Vitamin D3 used to be sourced from fish liver oil, though nearly all of the brands we have in the store are now made from lanolin.  Vitamin D3 is most commonly from animal sources, but we have recently started carrying a plant based,vegan D3 from Country Life.  Vitamin D is important for bone health, calcium absorption, and the immune system.

CoQ10

There are two forms of CoQ10, the more commonly known form, ubiquinone, and the newer, better absorbed form ubiquinol.   Ubiquinol is the specific form of CoQ10 that the body uses, and is significantly more bioavailable than the regular form of CoQ10 (ubiquinone).  Ubiquinol is more expensive however, though if you have heart issues or compromised absorption it may be worth switching to the better absorbed form.  CoQ10 has been in numerous research studies for its benefit to heart health, also, statin drugs (a cholesterol lowering medication) further deplete the body’s levels of CoQ10, making supplementation even more necessary.

Calcium

The most commonly seen form of calcium is calcium carbonate, which is unfortunately notorious for causing constipation and digestive issues.  There are many well absorbing forms of calcium available, calcium citrate among others, which will not cause constipation.  Calcium should also be taken in a complex with other co factors like magnesium, boron and/or vitamin D which enhance calcium absorption.  Also, it’s best to take calcium in divided doses, since the body can only absorb about 500mg of the mineral at once.

Please come by the store and we’ll be happy to help you find the supplement and its specific form that is right for you.  Also, feel free to bring in the supplements you’re currently taking so we can go over them with you.

Product Spotlight: Nature's Plus Super II

I wanted to highlight a really fantastic supplement this month, Nature’s Plus Ultra II Multivitamin.  It’s a high potency formula which is high in B vitamins, so much so it is equivalent to taking a separate B complex supplement, but in one pill.   It also has a number of whole food concentrates and can make a significant difference in energy levels.   Ultra II also is sustained release, which means that it is absorbed over a period of time instead of all at once, which helps the body to take in more of the vitamins and minerals. 

A varied, healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is the best way to obtain nutrients, though for most people, getting the required nutrient amounts daily can be challenging if not impossible.  A multivitamin is helpful since it “covers the bases”.   Multivitamins should be taken with food, since some vitamins like A, D, and E are fat soluble, and needs fat in the stomach to be absorbed properly.

Product Spotlight: Curcumin Phytosome

Curcumin (the beneficial extract of turmeric) is a wonderful supplement which is best known for its benefits in fighting inflammation and joint pain.  The only bad thing about curcumin is that it’s very difficult for the body to absorb.

We've recently started carrying a new form of curcumin known as curcumin phytosome which has a much higher absorption rate compared to other forms of curcumin.  Curcumin phytosome is different from regular turmeric extracts because it takes the not very well absorbed curcumin and bonds it to phosphatidyl serine, an essential component of our cells which the body can easily absorb.  This special superior absorbing form is patented and known as Meriva.

One study researched Meriva's superior bioavailability compared to ordinary curcumin.  The study, done not on animals, but humans, demonstrated 29-times greater bioavailability compared to regular turmeric extracts.  The patented Meriva extract resulted in higher blood concentrations of curcumin from a much smaller dose than with ordinary curcumin.

The specialized curcumin extract has been researched with impressive results for joint pain.  A recent study compared 1000mg of the Meriva curcumin phytosome with patients taking the prescription joint drug Voltaren (Diclofenac Sodium).  The curcumin phytosome group had the same reduction in swelling as the prescription drug group, but without the side effects present in the prescription group.

Curcumin has a number of other benefits.  One recent study found that curcumin was as effective as Prozac for treating depression.  Curcumin has also been researched as a possible preventative and treatment for Alzheimer’s, since it may help to reduce the amount of amyloid plaque in the brain, a hallmark of the disease.

There is no doubt that Curcumin has a long list of benefits, so we’re excited to offer a new, better absorbing form.  The brand Jarrow has 500mg capsules of the patented Meriva Curcumin Phytosome, which we highly recommend.  I feel like I'm constantly recommending Jarrow, but they really do have singular products that stand out, which is why we recommend them so often.

Supplement Spotlight: Increasing Cellular Energy

This month I wanted to talk about energy.  Not energy as in a cup of espresso, but boosting the body’s overall energy reserves at the cellular level.

With age, many people experience a greater overall fatigue when compared with the energy levels they had in years past.   Many people turn to caffeine or energy drinks to give them an extra boost, but a better way to ensure lasting energy is to start at the cellular level.  Our cells contain mitochondria, which are basically the cell’s “powerhouses” which produce the energy molecule known as ATP.  Tiredness, fatigue, and exhaustion are a direct result of diminished ATP in the body.

One little known supplement that is fantastic for boosting the body’s stores of ATP is the mushroom cordyceps.  Cordyceps is a beloved medicinal mushroom from China and has been used for a number of ailments including cancer, diabetes, asthma, immunity, and fatigue.  Research has confirmed cordyceps’ benefit for raising ATP levels, even for subjects with conditions which are known to produce fatigue, like anemia.  One study on elderly patients found improvements in energy levels in 92% of the participants after 30 days.

Another great supplement for energy is panax ginseng.  Panax ginseng is another Chinese herb which has been used for centuries for energy production and stress.  Modern research has found that the reason ginseng is able to make such a difference in a person’s energy levels is its ability to increase ATP production.  It also appears that panax ginseng is able to help the cell’s mitochondria to work more efficiently.

Supplement Spotlight: Milk Thistle

This month we’re focusing on milk thistle and how wonderful it is for the liver, since if there’s one organ you should love, it’s your liver!  The liver detoxifies the blood and also helps to metabolize drugs- medications and alcohol can be very hard on the liver.  Detoxifying the liver is one of the best ways (in my opinion) to improve health, since if the liver is clean and working well, the body as a whole works better.

Milk thistle is the very best natural product there is for cleansing and supporting the liver.  It is one of the few herbs that has no pharmaceutical equivalent.  It has been shown in research to not only help with cleansing the liver and improving liver function, but has even been shown to help with regenerating the liver!

As stated above, alcohol can he hard on the liver, and in excess can cause liver damage; milk thistle has been shown to help to reverse that damage.  In one study, 36 patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease received milk thistle extract or a placebo for six months.  At the beginning of the study, all participants had elevated liver enzymes and other markers for liver damage in their blood.  After six months, the group that had taken the milk thistle extract had all markers of liver damage normalized, where the placebo group did not.  The milk thistle group also had improvement at the cellular level.

Milk thistle has also been found to be beneficial to people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.  In research it was shown to be as effective as two different commonly used insulin drugs, with the additional benefit of decreasing liver enzymes, a benefit that the prescription drugs did not show.  In persons with advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, milk thistle extract was found to help with restoring liver function as well as improving insulin sensitivity and inflammation.

Even people with hepatitis have found improvements after treatment with milk thistle extract.   Researchers found drops in markers of liver damage, where the placebo group had no change.

Interestingly, studies have found even greater benefit for people supplementing milk thistle extract with phosphatidyl choline, which has been found to increase the milk thistle absorption.

Milk thistle is a wonderful supplement that would be of benefit to everyone, since who wouldn’t want to improve their liver function, since the liver is so critical in maintaining a healthy body?  This month, consider supplementation with milk thistle, for better, vibrant health.

Help for Stress Free Holidays

This month’s focus is on having a happy, healthy, and stress-free December. The holidays are a time of togetherness and love, but it can also be a time of heightened stress, anxiety, and depression for many. There are a number of very effective natural products which can help each of us to make it through these weeks in a calmer, more positive state.

Theanine for Anxiety

All of us at the store view theanine as one of the best supplements there is for stress and anxiety. It works best when taken on a regular basis, but is also very effective when taken occasionally for a circumstance that you know is going to be stressful (Christmas dinner, anyone?). It works by helping the brain to produce alpha brain waves, which encourages a state of calm, restful alertness. One of the best things about theanine is that unlike many other things for stress and anxiety, it will not cause drowsiness. I think theanine is one of those supplements we could all use this month.

5-HTP for Mood

5-HTP is an amino acid that’s great for giving yourself a mood boost. It works by increasing serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is known as the “feel good neurotransmitter”. Research has shown it to be as effective as prescription antidepressants, but without the side effects. Interestingly, other research has found that 5-HTP can help with weight loss, particularly “stress eating”, most likely due to its relaxing and mood boosting properties. The one caution would be not to mix 5-HTP with prescription antidepressants in the class known as SSRIs (Prozac for example) since they work similarly in the body.

SAMe for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or comes into full swing for many people during this month, since the days are the shortest they will ever be. Supplementing with extra vitamin D can be helpful (and really, everyone should be taking extra D in the winter), but the supplement we’ve found to be most effective for SAD is SAMe (pronounced “Sammy”). It works by enhancing feel good neurotransmitters and helping to maintain the proper structure of cell membranes. SAMe is nice because its effects can be felt very quickly, for most people within the first week, compared to prescription antidepressants which can take weeks to gain effectiveness. SAMe also has the side benefits of helping to reduce joint pain as well as detoxifying the liver. It is very effective, and has also been found to be useful for fibromyalgia symptoms since it helps with both depression and pain.

Valerian for Extreme Stress

Valerian is best known as a sleep aid, but in lower doses it works very well for stress, in fact, it is often known as “Nature’s Valium”. Research has found valerian to be similar in effectiveness to valium, but without the side effects. One of the owners, Theresa, went through a rough time a few years ago, and found valerian to be a real help.

Ginseng for Energy

If you find that December and all the planning that goes with it has sapped your energy, ginseng may help. A warm ginseng like panax or Korean ginseng is great for giving you an extra boost. Ginseng is an adaptogen, which basically means that it helps the body to adapt to stress while easing its negative side effects. Herbs like ginseng work best when taken on an empty stomach. Interestingly, panax ginseng has also been found to have benefits for mental functioning, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction.

Immune Shield for the Immune System

Getting sick around the holidays is often a common occurrence due to increased stress and social engagements. One supplement that greatly increases the odds of staying healthy is Irwin Natural’sImmune Shield- it’s a mix of a number of very effective herbs that help the body to fight off bacteria and viruses. If you do end up getting sick, you can take a higher dose to help yourself to get better faster. We all take it at the store and find it to be very effective. Another supplement to think of is vitamin D, which also is great for the immune system. Our bodies can make vitamin D from the sun, but most Americans become deficient in the colder months since they’re only outdoors for short periods.

Supplement Spotlight: All About Omegas

There’s a lot of confusion about omega fatty acids, so I thought I’d go over some common questions about fish oil, flax oil, and the different types of omegas.

What are Omega fatty acids?

Omega fatty acids are essential fats that cannot be manufactured in the human body and must be obtained through foods or supplements.   They are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body.  There are a variety of omega fatty acids, the most well known being omega 3 and omega 6.  Omega fatty acids are common in the American diet, since they are largely supplied by vegetable oils.  Omega 3s on the other hand are more difficult to come by, since they are present in fewer sources, most commonly fatty fish, fish oil supplements, or flax and chia seeds.  The recommendation for the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids are 1:2,but in the standard American diet, that ratio is more like 1:20.  That makes omega 3 supplements much more important for most people than a omega 3, 6, 9 supplement.

EPA, DHA, and ALA

EPA, DHA, and ALA are all forms of omega 3 fatty acids. 

EPA and DHA are the forms of omega 3 found in fish oils.  EPA is best known for its help in reducing inflammation, lowering triglycerides, and aiding in heart health.  DHA is a structural fat that makes up much of the brain, eyes, and nervous system and is crucial for brain function.  ALA, or alpha linoleic acid, is the vegetarian form of omega 3, found in flax and chia seeds and oil.  ALA needs to be converted into EPA and DHA in the body (when it’s fish oil, the fish has already converted it in their bodies), although the ratio of conversion is not very efficient and can vary widely.  Because of this, the serving size of flax oil compared to a fish oil concentrate is much greater, 1 tbs. per pound of body weight compared to 2 or 3 pills of a high potency fish oil concentrate (like Solagar’s Omega 950).

For most people I would recommend fish oil over flax, because of the conversion ratio and how important DHA is to brain health.  That being said, I take flax instead of fish oil since I’m a vegetarian.  Flax is also a much more natural form of omega 3, and can be unprocessed and organic.  Flax oil also contains lignans, types of phytoestrogens which have been correlated to a reduced breast cancer risk (possibly colon cancer as well).  Lignans may also help with reducing menopausal symptoms. 

I also wanted to further highlight DHA, and say that it is absolutely crucial for fetal brain and eye development.  I’d venture to say that every pregnant woman should be taking DHA.  There are also vegetarian DHA supplements that are sourced from algae if that’s a concern.

Things to look for in a supplement

Fish oil supplements vary greatly.  It’s important to look for a quality brand which is ensured to be free of contaminants.   Make sure the fish oil you’re taking says either it’s molecularly distilled or has been tested to ensure that it is free of mercury, lead, and other contaminants.

Another thing to check are the amounts of EPA and DHA contained per pill.  Concentrations of EPA/DHA vary widely, where one product may need several pills to equal one pill of a fish oil of a higher concentration.  The highest amount of EPA/DHA per pill that we have in the store is Solgar’s Omega 950, which rivals the concentration (in fact it’s higher!) than the prescription fish oil Lovaza. 

When it comes to fish oil supplements, it’s all about the amounts of EPA and DHA, so I see no reason why anyone would ever take one that would be at a lower concentration where they would need to take more pills per day.

Supplement Spotlight: Sleep Aids

Melatonin

Melatonin is actually a hormone which is produced by the body.  It helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, or the natural cycle of sleeping and waking.  Supplemental melatonin can help to correct sleep patterns and help to make a person feel awake and rested in the morning.  Sleeping disorders can increase with age, and melatonin has been shown in research to help.  In one study of participants over 55 years of age, those who took 2 mg. of time release melatonin experienced better sleep quality and were more alert in the morning.

Valerian

Valerian is one of the most well known herbs for sleep.   It’s used as both a tranquilizer and a calmative.  Its benefits are particularly effective for women experiencing menopause.  Research has shown that it can increase sleep quality and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.   There have even been studies which found it to be as effective as a number of different prescription sleep aids.  Valerian is most beneficial for people with chronic insomnia instead of those with temporary or sporadic sleeplessness.

Passionflower

Passionflowers are gorgeous if you’ve ever seen them.  They also are great for sleep and have been used as a sedative for over 200 years.  It helps to reduce anxiety and relieve muscle tension.   Passionflower is especially helpful for nervous insomnia.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid that’s present in small amounts in green tea.  It’s often used during the day because it reduces anxiety without tiredness.  Even though it doesn’t cause sleepiness, it has been shown to be an effective sleep aid.  One interesting study conducted in Japan found that those who took theanine were more alert on wakening and reported, “a significant absence of feeling exhausted and a reduced need for sleep” when interviewed in the mornings.  The majority reported improved sleep efficiency and also a reduction in nightmares.  Another study on children (ages 8-13) found that those who consumed theanine had a significantly higher sleep percentage and sleep efficiency scores.

Many of the above sleep aids are available in formulas which have several supplements combined together, since while they work well alone, they often have impressive benefits when combined.