Nutrition Month

Showing posts with label adrenal fatigue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adrenal fatigue. Show all posts

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Mushroom coffee, ganoderma, cordyceps

Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms used in the practice of medicine.

Many species of mushrooms have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years and is best documented in the East. Medicinal mushrooms are now being studied by many ethno botanists and medical researchers. The ability of some of these mushrooms to inhibit tumor growth and enhance aspects of the immune system has been a subject of research for approximately the past 50 years. Preclinical studies suggest that compounds from up to 200 species of mushrooms may inhibit or slow down tumor growth, but required dosage and effects on humans is mostly unknown. Fungus research has led to the discovery of many pharmaceutical drugs, including penicillin, ciclosporin, griseofulvin, cephalosporin, ergometrine as well as the popular statin class of cholesterol reducing drugs. What Is Ganoderma? More commonly known as reishi, ganoderma is a hard, bitter mushroom used to promote health and longevity in traditional Chinese medicine. Proponents claim that ganoderma can relieve fatigue, keep cholesterol in check, curb high blood pressure, tame inflammation, build stamina, and support the immune system. It can be consumed as a delicious coffee. OrganoGold

 CafĂ© Avarle™ Healthy Gano Black Coffee is an instant coffee based on gourmet exotic coffee beans blended with Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps mycelia mushroom extracts. The rich aroma from these carefully selected beans and the surprisingly fresh roasted flavor will put a smile on every coffee lover's face. Feel free to add milk or sweetener to taste. Cafe Avarle

 Cordyceps Fungus Health Benefits

 Although written record of Cordyceps sinensis use appeared in Traditional Chinese Medicine centuries ago, it wasn't really noticed in the West until recently. The last two decades have seen a great increase in research on cordyceps as a medicinal mushroom.

 There are many reported cordyceps health benefits.

Some of these include:
 Cholesterol reduction
Stimulation of the immune system
Faster recovery from bronchitis and respiratory diseases
Increased efficiency and stamina of the circulatory system
Anti-tumor properties
Liver protection and enhanced recovery from chemotherapy
Sexual potentiator (Hmmmm......)
A general body adaptogen, resulting in more energy, strength, and stamina
The reasons behind some of these benefits are still not fully understood.
Yet research has found some promising proof behind cordyceps claims.
A few of the helpful constituents found are:
 Sterols - Alcohols of the steroid group. Believed to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and possibly have some anti-tumor properties.
 Polysaccharides - Complex carbohydrates made up of chains of sugars. Known to stabilize blood pressure, have an effect on free radicals, and stimulate the immune system. cordyceps coffee


 The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified integrative physician prior to using our products if possible.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Hair Skin Nails Health

If your hair is falling out due to stress consider RhoVita

 Uncontrolled stress, in addition to a pandora's box of health problems, can also trigger an increased rate of hair loss. It is not uncommon for many to describe significantly pronounced shedding during major emotional/health/life events.

 A well documented approach to ameliorating the effects of stress on skin and hair, not to mention overall functioning, are the herbs Rhodiola and Ashwagandha.

In studies, Rhodiola rosea has been shown to reduce various stress-induced chemicals in the body to normal levels, and alleviate general and mental fatigue. In cases of stress-induced loss of libido and diminished sexual function, Rhodiola rosea can help to bring the near dead back to vibrant life.

 Although the exact mechanism of how Ashwaghanda works are not fully understood, an important action is its ability to lower blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In addition, studies have found taking the herbal extract produces a pronounced drop in the blood levels of C-reactive protein, a measure of inflammation within the body. In sum the “daily use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) would benefit people who are shedding hair from the effects of stress and anxiety without any adverse effects.

 L-Lysine

Many people don't realize it but hair, skin and nails are made from a type of protein. This protein, like the protein in muscles, can become compromised and damaged without proper upkeep. Providing the body with the proper building blocks to produce this protein is tantamount to maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps build healthy proteins, and thus, helps maintain healthy, youthful hair, skin and nails. Also, L-lysine plays an integral role in the formation of collagen, which makes it even more important for taut, smooth skin. Most importantly, L-lysine cannot be manufactured by the human body and therefore must be obtained from food or supplements. Any hair, skin and nail supplement should have an amino acid of some sort, if not L-lysine itself. RhoVita contains Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Acai, Pomegranate, Bilberry, Blueberry, and Lysine


 


 If your hair is falling out and you are fatigued consider Octovite

Octovite is a unique combination of several key vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, herbs, and other nutrients that will support and maintain the health of an individual's hair, skin, and nails. This formulation will provide the extra nourishment needed to keep hair, skin, and nails strong and beautiful. Optimal health of hair, skin and nails starts from the inside and requires the proper nutrients to insure beauty and nourishment. And because beauty on the outside starts with glowing skin,

Octovite is rich in Rutin and Vitamin C, too. Rutin helps the body better utilize Vitamin C for collagen production - the primary component essential to younger, softer, more luminous looking skin. And, Rutin too may also help strengthen blood vessels, enhancing your body’s ability to deliver key nutrients necessary to keep your skin looking radiant at all times.

Vitamin A (as natural beta carotene with mixed carotenoids) and Zinc are both effective in improving one's complexion by reducing oil production and acne lesions. 

Vitamins C and E are potent anti-oxidants that counter the effects of sun exposure by scavenging free radicals.

When Vitamins A and E are taken together, studies have shown a significant reduction in Basal Cell Carcinoma, a common skin cancer that is sun induced.

 Two particular studies suggest that the oral supplementation of lutein may protect the skin from the damage induced by UVB radiation by inhibiting DNA damage and diminishing its inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the data indicate that taking lutein may have the potential to prevent UVB-induced skin cancer, at least in the animal model evaluated. Lutein is often thought of primarily as a potent eye-supporting nutrient, but exciting new research has put it at the forefront of the cosmeceutical revolution. Lutein has been demonstrated in human studies to improve skin hydration and elasticity when ingested orally in supplement form. Lutein has been shown to filter out the sun’s high-energy, blue wavelength of light from the visible-light spectrum, thus giving our skin key antioxidant protection against photo-aging.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - is an antioxidant that helps promote production of energy and regeneration which is vital in the growth of hair, skin and nails. 

Hair is composed of 8 percent L-cysteine, an amino acid. Octovite contains N-acetyl cysteine

Fish oil provides essential nutrients to the scalp and hair folicles, which will result in stronger, more durable hair.



 These supplements may be combined for maximum effect. The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified integrative physician prior to using our products if possible.
 

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

DHEA benefits

Many of my patients have found relief from hot flashes, and fatigue using DHEA, but it has many other benefits.

 DHEA is a natural steroid and precursor hormone produced by the adrenals. It’s also available at health food stores and on-line as an over-the-counter supplement. Manufacturers hype it as a magic cure-all for many things: muscle loss, weight loss, osteoporosis, and depression — even menopause. Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol and secreted by the adrenal glands. The adrenals are walnut-sized organs located right above your kidneys. The average adult makes about 25 mg of DHEA per day (some more, some less) with dwindling production as we get older. Men at all ages have more DHEA than women. Natural DHEA production is at its highest in your twenties: by the time we reach seventy we only make about 20% of the DHEA we had when we were young. Another reason is that DHEA is a very powerful precursor to all of your major sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. (Its molecular structure is closely related to testosterone). When DHEA levels are low, your body does not have enough working material for proper endocrine function. This throws off your hormone production and you feel a general sense of malaise, along with other symptoms of hormonal imbalance — how severe depends on how many other demands are being made on your body at the same time.

 Most of the women we see at our practice  have some indication of adrenal imbalance, including symptoms of low DHEA levels, such as:

Extreme fatigue
Decrease in muscle mass
Decrease in bone density
Depression
Aching joints
Loss of libido
Lowered immunity

Many of my patients in menopause who are taking bioidentical hormones also take DHEA to promote a good overall balance and vice-versa. DHEA can be a great bridge through menopause.

 In one study they found that women ages 65-75 taking DHEA along with calcium and vitamin D increased their bone density 2% each year during a 2 year study. This study used a dose of DHEA of 50 mg. This is not a huge increase, but if you have failed bisphosphonates or do not want to take them, it is worth consideration.  Even if you are on prescription medications, ask your doctor if you should add this for extra benefit.

I recommend checking your hormone levels before supplementing with any hormones. If DHEA levels are too high, people may experience acne, facial hair, oily skin, etc. So I evaluate a hormone panel before adding any hormone to a regimen. If used appropriately, results can be good... if used randomly, results can be random.

There are multiple ways to take DHEA, sublingual, transdermal, etc.  Find the way that is easiest for you.  The way you can be consistent, always works the best.






DHEA with resveratrol

DHEA Micronized 25 mg. - 180 Vegetarian Capsules

DHEA sublingual

DHEA transdermal cream




The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


 

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Protein water replacement ideas

Perhaps the most popular use for protein shakes is to help build muscle mass. By simply taking one look at most of the protein supplements at your local health food store or GNC, you'll find that this is certainly the case. However, individuals shouldn't look at protein shakes as the secret to adding on muscle bulk in a fast and easy way. Instead, protein shakes should be utilized very carefully for the purpose of gaining muscle. The best way to do this is to drink a protein shake directly after exercising, preferably within 30 minutes of the conclusion of your workout. This helps your body to recover while also providing the protein needed to fuel your body. Another reason that people use protein shakes is to help with weight loss. These shakes may be effective for helping people to lose weight, but only when used in moderation. The reason protein shakes can be effective for this is because protein is broken down more slowly by your digestive system, helping you to feel fuller for longer while also providing you with ongoing energy throughout the day. Protein shakes alone cannot replace a person's food intake, but many people find that drinking a protein shake for breakfast or for lunch can help them to cut down on calories without feeling hungry and tired during the day. If you are thinking about utilizing protein shakes to lose weight, then keep in mind that you should also be eating a balanced diet and working out if you want to see real results. Furthermore, pay attention to the caloric content of whichever protein shake you choose to help you lose weight. Protein shakes also have a few additional uses, which are less common but just as effective. For some people who have trouble getting a sufficient amount of protein in their diet, a protein shake can be an easy way to get them the necessary protein intake. For example, those who suffer from severe gastrointestinal problems, may have trouble eating sufficient amounts of food every day. In these cases, protein shakes can be a great dietary supplement to ensure that their bodies have enough protein to function properly. isopure protein drink special k20 protein drink enlive protein drink

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

20 benefits of taking Ashwagandha

A powerful tonic and adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used in India for more than 3,000 years and is often referred to as “Indian Ginseng. Ashwagandha works as an adaptogen, promoting the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and resist stress. It prevents or minimizes imbalances that may lead to disease, whether from poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment. Ashwagandha can be used by both men and women.



1. A plant with several medicinal properties, is known to help treat disorders such as fatigue

2. Because of its anti-stress properties, Ashwagandha is useful in treating stress-related illnesses. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center also evaluated the effects of the herb and found that extracts of the Ashwagandha had activities that were similar to GABA that might tell us why the herb is so effective in providing stress relief.

3. It has been administered as a natural anti-depressant with no side effects. A study involving 25 individuals with depression found that ashwagandha supplementation over a period of two months offered noticeable improvement in both anxiety and depression symptoms.

4. It has also been used to enhance sexual potency for men and women and is widely recognized for its rejuvenating properties. Ashwagandha root was used historically as an aphrodisiac. This herb is mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an herb to be used for heightening sexual experience, This herb has the ability to restore sexual health and improve overall vitality while promoting a calm state of mind. Laboratory studies show it can produce nitric oxide which is known to dilate blood vessels.

5. Ashwagandha which has been called the “Indian Ginseng” has an amazing quality that is rare among medicinal herbs. It is generally acknowledged to have the ability to revitalize and improve human memory.

6. Hair loss may be caused by a lot of things. One factor is a weakened immune system. Ashwagandha provides hope to those having hair loss problems. Ashwagandha makes you feel energized and healthier. It stops stress, increases vigor and may help regrow lost hair.

7. Ashwagandha has been the subject of several recent, significant, independent studies, which point to its possible, promising effectiveness in stimulating the thyroid, and subsequently relieving the effects of hypothyroidism, or under active thyroid, including weight gain, depression, constipation and sluggishness

8. Helps control the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may mean less belly fat!

9. Can be used as a natural alternative for menopause. Ashwagandha is helpful in dealing with sleeping trouble, alleviating stress, increasing stamina and balancing hormones by working with the adrenal glands. The antioxidants in ashwagandha help reduce symptoms like mild hot flashes, anxiety and depression associated with menopause.

10. Great for those who suffer from mild anxiety and want to try a natural remedy. A study done in 1991 at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center indicated that extracts of ashwagandha had GABA-like activity. This may account for this herb’s anti-anxiety effects.

11. One small study found ashwagandha root was able to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and had a diuretic effect.

12. Ashwagandha is used in India to treat mental deficits in geriatric patients, including amnesia.

13. For a 2008 study, scientists tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.

14. Helps with fertility. In a study men and women were given root powder of W. somnifera for 3 months. Results showed decrease in stress, improved the level of anti-oxidants and improved overall semen quality in a significant number of individuals. The treatment resulted in pregnancy in the partners of 14% of the patients.

15. Ashwagandha has been used to reduce the symptoms of drug withdrawal.
16. Eases alcohol withdrawal symptoms. In 2009, researchers from the National Institute on Drug Dependence at Peking University in Beijing evaluated the benefits of using traditional herbal remedies in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. While there's no data on humans identifying the advantages of using Withania somnifera for alcoholism treatment, the study, published in the "American Journal of Drug Alcohol Abuse," found that ashwagandha may help addicts reduce alcohol intake. Ashwagandha can be used to complement proven medications for drug withdrawal treatment, and possibly, prevention of relapse.

17. Relives adverse effects caused by alcohol consumption (hangover) especially when combined with Rhodiola. extracts from Rhodiola Rosea will sober up most people within less than an hour and have you wake up feeling like a night of drinking never took place. After all, a hangover is just leftover toxins from too much alcohol and adaptogens will help flush them out.

18. Ashwagandha also has antioxidant properties and therefore is beneficial for anti aging

19. Can help with Asthma symptoms. Many times asthma attacks are caused by allergies. Because adaptogens work so well on allergies, they can also greatly reduce the number and severity of asthma attacks. Asthma attacks can also be induced by stress; adaptogens take care of that too.

20. Ashwagandha has been found to have important healing effects on solid tissues, skin support, connective tissue, lymph tissues, blood vessels, and mucous membranes. Ashwagandha has found its most successful applications in treatment of conditions involving venous insufficiency, tissue inflammation and infection, and post-surgical healing.


IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

The statements on this website and this web page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. FDA laws do not allow any nutritional product to claim relief from or curing of any disease; only FDA approved drugs can make statements or claims of disease cure.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Adrenal Fatigue testing and support

I was watching one of those commercials where a sad person is on the TV and then they tell you to call your doctor to inquire about some depression medicine and I wondered how many of those patients really have adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, affects an estimated 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Yet, it is one of the most under-diagnosed illnesses in the U.S. Often, patients go from doctor to doctor trying to find out why they feel exhausted and sick. Too often they’re told that there is nothing wrong with them or, worse, they are made to feel like hypochondriacs.

Adrenal Fatigue was first described in the medical texts in the 1800's as a clinical condition. It was one of the most prevalent conditions, afflicting almost every adult in one way or another. Despite effective diagnostic tools and treatment programs, most conventional physicians were simply not informed of Adrenal Fatigue and not prepared to take Adrenal Fatigue as a serious threat to health. This condition was seldom diagnosed as a sickness for the past 50 years. Instead, Adrenal Fatigue was considered a condition whereby no treatment was available other than to tell the person to "relax" and take anti-depressants. This often makes the condition worse as the root cause is left unresolved. Over time, the condition worsens as the natural progression of this pathology takes its course.

Saliva testing is available for adrenal fatigue

Rule out food allergies as a cause of your symptoms

Natural remedies can improve some symptoms of adrenal fatigue

Some herbal remedies that have been noted as possible therapies include:

Rhodiola Rosea -- It enhances memory and concentration. It has been shown to reduce stress-induced fatigue and improve mental performance. (Contained in Rhodigandha)

Ashwagandha -- It has been shown to have a sedating effect on the body and helps to rebuild the digestive and nervous system. (contained in Rhodigandha)

Eleuthero Root or Siberian Ginseng -- It has been used traditionally to stimulate and nourish the adrenal glands and increases mental alertness. Eleuthero is considered an "adaptogen" which means it can help the body adapt to stress. (contained in Octovite)

Gingko biloba. (contained in Octovite)

Omega 3's (fish Oil) and Co Enzyme Q10. 30 mgs per day as an antioxidant. (See below for combo formula)

Green Superfood blends are good for their high concentrations of minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and micronutrients. (Green Cell Therapy)



Proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract) helps reduce the effects of stress. (Maqui/Resveratrol/Acai contains this as does Green Cell Therapy)

Lower Bowel Cleaner. This will help to assimilate nutrients better. (Acai Ultimate)

A parasite and yeast detox program

A good digestive enzyme with each meal. When the body is fatigued the digestion usually is impaired. (Digestive enzymes are contained in the Green Cell Formula)

Friday, April 30, 2010

Rhodigandha

RhodiGandha proprietary blend:
(Rhodiola rosea, Ashwagandha, Pomegranate, Blueberry Leaf, Bilberry, Acai)



Use Ashwagandha For:

Anxiety, Depression, Panic Disorder.
As Antioxidant & Free Radical Scavenger.
As Body building Aid.
For Weakness, Fatigue, Herbal Rejuvenation, Aphrodisiac.
As Nervine tonic, calming and antistress agent and adaptogenic herb.
Numerous modern studies have found that ashwagandha is very effective in reducing inflammation, treating tumors, decreasing stress, increasing mental activity, invigorating the body, and as an antioxidant.


Rhodiola





Purported uses: Cancer treatment, Cardiovascular disease, Depression, Fatigue

A 2002 review in Herbalgram, the Journal of the American Botanical Council, reported that over the years, numerous studies of rhodiola in humans and animals have shown that it helps prevent fatigue, stress and the damaging effects of oxygen deprivation. Evidence also suggests that it has an antioxidant effect, enhances immune system function and can increase sexual energy.

There are many benefits of pomegranate, but the benefits people seem to be the most interested in are: weight loss, anti-aging, and prevention of heart disease.

Acai, a dark purple berry indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, is a nutritious and powerful fruit, valued for its rich nutrients. With a high ORAC (oxygen-radical absorbance capacity) value - twice that of blueberries - Acai could be considered the berry of choice for good health.

Bilberry and other brightly colored foods such as blueberries, purple grapes, cherries and cranberries contain anthocyanins, which are thought to reduce blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce obesity in laboratory mice.

Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories. Recently, researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capability. Blueberries came out on top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals.

I recommend this product for people suffering from adrenal fatigue and menopause.

** The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.