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American Ginseng-Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies) Many Native American tribes used American ginseng. Medicinal applications ranged from digestive disorders to sexual problems.1 The Chinese began to use American ginseng after it was imported during the 1700s. The traditional applications of American ginseng in China are significantly different from those for Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng).
In a small pilot study, 3 grams of American ginseng was found to lower the rise in blood sugar following the consumption of a drink high in glucose by people with type 2 diabetes The study found no difference in blood sugar lowering effect if the herb was taken either 40 minutes before the drink or at the same time. A follow-up to this study found that increasing the amount of American ginseng to either 6 or 9 grams did not increase the effect on blood sugar following the high-glucose drink in people with type 2 diabetes.7 This study also found that American ginseng was equally effective in controlling the rise in blood sugar if it was given up to two hours before or together with the drink. American ginseng has also been used in connection with common colds, stress and infections.
Standardized extracts of American ginseng, unlike Asian ginseng, are not available. However, dried root powder, 13 grams per day in capsule or tablet form, can be used.8 Some herbalists also recommend 35 ml of tincture three times per day.
A certain medicine(warfarin) interact swith American ginseng. Consult your physican or pharmacist if in doubt.
   American Ginseng Ha 648 mg. 100 caps. $12.99
Chlorophyll- Chlorophyll is found in dark greeleafy vegtables, wheat grass and barley grass. Chlorophyll has been used in connection with constipation and bad breath as well as fibromyalgia. Optimal levels remain unknown but 100 mg. 2 or 3 times daily can be used to treat bad breath. There have been no known side effects with the use of Chlorophyll.
  Benard Jensen Chlorophyll 16 fl.oz. $10.49
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Dandelion-Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies) Dandelion is commonly used as a food. The leaves are used in salads and teas, while the roots are sometimes used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion leaves and roots have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver, gallbladder, kidney, and joint problems. In some traditions, dandelion is considered a blood purifier and is used for conditions as varied as eczema and cancer. As is the case today, dandelion leaves have also been used historically to treat water retention.
The primary constituents responsible for dandelions action on the digestive system and liver are the bitter principles. Previously referred to as taraxacin, these constituents are sesquiterpene lactones of the eudesmanolide and germacranolide type, and are unique to dandelion. Dandelion is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The leaves have a high content of vitamin A as well as moderate amounts of vitamin D, vitamin C, various B vitamins, iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc, and manganese.
Since edema, or water retention, may be a sign of a more serious disease, people should seek the guidance of a physician before using dandelion leaves for either of these conditions.
The bitter compounds in the leaves and root help stimulate digestion and are mild laxatives. These bitter principles also increase bile production in the gallbladder and bile flow from the liver. For this reason dandelion is recommended by some herbalists for people with sluggish liver function due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. The increase in bile flow may help improve fat (including cholesterol) metabolism in the body.
How much is usually taken?
As a general liver/gallbladder tonic and to stimulate digestion, 1/21 teaspoon (35 grams) of the dried root or 12 teaspoons (510 ml) of a tincture made from the root can be used three times per day. Some experts recommend the alcohol-based tincture because the bitter principles are more soluble in alcohol.
As a mild diuretic or appetite stimulant, 12 teaspoons (410 grams) of dried leaves can be added to a 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water and drunk as a decoction.8 Or, 12 teaspoons (510 ml) of fresh juice or 1/21 teaspoon (25 ml) of tincture made from the leaves can be used three times per day. Fresh dandelion leaves can be eaten as part of a salad.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Dandelion leaf and root should not be used by people with gallstones without the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.9 People with an obstruction of the bile ducts should not take dandelion. In cases of stomach ulcer or gastritis, dandelion should be used cautiously, as it may cause overproduction of stomach acid. Those experiencing fluid or water retention should consult a doctor before taking dandelion leaves. The milky latex in the stem and leaves of fresh dandelion may cause an allergic rash in some people. People with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin should avoid dandelion.
Drug Interactions
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. Check with your physician if in doubt. Ciprofloxacin , Loop Diuretics,Spironolactone, Thiazide Diuretics, and Triamterene.
 Dandelion Root 2000mg. 2 fl.oz. $20.69
 Dandelion 520mg. 100 caps. $8.29
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Echinacea- Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Echinacea was used by Native Americans for a variety of conditions, including venomous bites and other external wounds. It was introduced into U.S. medical practice in 1887 and was touted for use in conditions ranging from colds to syphilis. Modern research started in the 1930s in Germany.
Active constituents
Echinacea is thought to support the immune system by activating white blood cells. Three major groups of constituents may work together to increase the production and activity of white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), including alkylamides/polyacetylenes, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides. More studies are needed to determine if and how echinacea stimulates the immune system in humans.
Echinacea may also increase production of interferon, an important part of the bodys response to viral infections. Several double-blind studies have confirmed the benefit of echinacea for treating colds and flu. Recent studies have suggested that echinacea may not be effective for the prevention of colds and flu and should be reserved for use at the onset of these conditions. In terms of other types of infections, research in Germany using injectable forms or an oral preparation of the herb along with a medicated cream (econazole nitrate) reduced the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections as compared to women given the cream alone.
How much is usually taken?
At the onset of a cold or flu, 34 ml of echinacea in a liquid preparation or 300 mg of a powdered form in capsule or tablet, can be taken every two hours for the first day of illness, then three times per day for a total of 7 to 10 days.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Echinacea is rarely associated with side effects when taken orally. According to the German Commission E monograph, people should not take echinacea if they have an autoimmune illness, such as lupus, or other progressive diseases, such as tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, or HIV infection. However, the concern about echinacea use for those with autoimmune illness is not based on clinical research and some herbalists question the potential connection. Those who are allergic to flowers of the daisy family should not take echinacea. Cases of allergic responses to echinacea (e.g., wheezing, skin rash, diarrhea) have been reported in medical literature. In the first study to look at echinaceas possible effect on fetal development and pregnancy outcome, women taking echinacea during pregnancy were found to have no greater incidence of miscarriage or birth defects than women not taking the herb.
Echinacea root contains approximately 20% inulin, a fiber widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and plants. Inulin is classified as a food ingredient (not as an additive) and is considered safe to eat. In fact, inulin is a significant part of the daily diet of most of the worlds population. However, there is a report of a 39-year-old man having a life-threatening allergic reaction after consuming high amounts of inulin from multiple sources. Allergy to inulin in this individual was confirmed by laboratory tests. Such sensitivities are exceedingly rare. Moreover, this man did not take echinacea. Nevertheless, people with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin should avoid echinacea.
Are there any drug interactions?
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. If in doubt consult your physician. Chemotherapy, Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Docetaxel, Econazole, Fluorouracil, Methotrexate, and Paclitaxel.
 Echinacea Goldenseal Extract A/F 2 fl.oz. $11.99
 Echinacea Goldenseal Complex 300 caps. $20.99
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Nettle Leaves-Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Nettle has a long history of use. The tough fibers from the stem have been used to make cloth and cooked nettle leaves were eaten as vegetables. From ancient Greece to the present, nettle has been documented for its traditional use in treating coughs, tuberculosis, and arthritis and in stimulating hair growth.
Active constituents
There has been a great deal of controversy regarding the identity of nettles active constituents. Currently, it is thought that polysaccharides (complex sugars) and lectins are probably the active constituents. Test tube studies suggest the leaf has anti-inflammatory actions. This is thought to be caused by nettle preventing the body from making inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins. Nettles root affects hormones and proteins that carry sex hormones (such as testosterone or estrogen) in the human body. This may explain why it helps benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although less frequently used alone like saw palmetto or pygeum, some limited clinical trials suggest benefit of nettle root extract for men with milder forms of BPH.
A preliminary trial reported that capsules made from freeze-dried leaves reduced sneezing and itching in people with hay fever. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding, however.
The historical practice of intentionally applying nettle topically with the intent of causing stings to relieve arthritis has been assessed by a questionnaire in modern times. The results found intentional nettle stings safe, except for a sometimes painful, sometimes numb rash that lasts 624 hours. Additional trials are required to determine if this practice is therapeutically effective.
How much is usually taken?
During the allergy season, two to three 300 mg nettle leaf capsules or tablets or 24 ml tincture can be taken three times per day. For BPH, 120 mg of a concentrated root extract in capsules can be taken two times per day. Many products for BPH will combine nettle root with saw palmetto or pygeum extracts. Intentional stinging with nettles should only be undertaken after consultation with a physician knowledgeable in botanical medicine.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Nettle may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some people. Although allergic reactions to nettle are rare, when contact is made with the skin, fresh nettle can cause a rash secondary to the noted stings. Nettle leaf is considered safe for use in pregnancy and breast-feeding.
 Nettle Leaves 450 mg. 100 caps. $8.29
 Nettle Leaf 2000 mg. 1 fl.oz $12.09
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Wormwood- Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Wormwood is perhaps best known because of the use of its oil to prepare certain alcoholic beverages, most notably vermouth and absinthe. Absinthe, popular in the 19th century in Europe, caused several cases of brain damage and even death and was banned in most places in the early 20th century. Wormwood oil continues to be used as a flavoring agent for foods, although in much smaller amounts than were found in absinthe.
As a traditional medicine, wormwood was used by herbalists as a bitter to improve digestion, to fight worm infestations, and to stimulate menstruation. It was also regarded as a useful remedy for liver and gallbladder problems.
Active constituents
The aromatic oil of wormwood contains the toxins thujone and isothujone. Very little of this oil is present in ordinary wormwood teas or tinctures. Also existent in the plant are strong bitter agents known as absinthin and anabsinthin. These stimulate digestive and gallbladder function. Modern herbal medicine rarely uses wormwood alone. It is typically combined with herbs such as peppermint or caraway to treat heartburn and even irritable bowel syndrome. Clinical trials are lacking to support the use of wormwood for any indication, however.
How much is usually taken?
A wormwood tea can be made by adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2.5 to 5 grams) of the herb to 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water, then steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. Many doctors recommend drinking three cups (750 ml) each day. Tincture, 1020 drops in water, can be taken ten to fifteen minutes before each meal. Either preparation should not be used consecutively for more than four weeks.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Longer-term use (over four weeks) or intake of amounts higher than those recommended can cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, vertigo, tremors, and seizures. Thujone-containing oil or alcoholic beverages (absinthe) made with the oil is strictly inadvisablethe oil is addictive and may cause brain damage, seizures, and even death. Short-term use (two to four weeks) of a wormwood tea or tincture has not resulted in any reports of significant side effects. One study found there were no side effects when using less than 1 ml tincture three times per day for as long as nine months to promote digestive function. Nevertheless, consult with a healthcare professional knowledgeable in herbal medicine before taking wormwood. Wormwood is not recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
 Wormwood 1 fl.oz $10.00
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Vitamin B Complex The vitamin B-complex refers to all of the known essential water-soluble vitamins except for vitamin C. These include thiamine(vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6, biotin, folic acid and the cobalamins (vitamin B12).
"Vitamin B" was once thought to be a single nutrient that existed in extracts of rice, liver, or yeast. Researchers later discovered these extracts contained several vitamins, which were given distinguishing numbers. Unfortunately, this has led to an erroneous belief among non-scientists that these vitamins have a special relationship to each other. Further adding to confusion has been the "unofficial" designation of other substances as members of the B-complex, such as choline, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), even though they are not essential vitamins.
Each member of the B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique functions in the human body. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and biotin participate in different aspects of energy production, vitamin B6 is essential for amino acid metabolism, and vitamin B12 and folic acid facilitate steps required for cell division. Each of these vitamins has many additional functions. However, contrary to popular belief, no functions require all B-complex vitamins simultaneously.
Human requirements for members of the B-complex vary considerablyfrom 3 mcg per day for vitamin B12 to 18 mg per day for vitamin B3 in adult males, for example. Therefore, taking equal amounts of each oneas provided in many B-complex supplementsmakes little sense. Furthermore, there is little evidence supporting the use of megadoses of B-complex vitamins to combat everyday stress, boost energy, or control food cravings, unless a person has a deficiency of one or more of them. Again, contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence indicating people should take all B vitamins to avoid an imbalance when one or more individual B vitamin is taken for a specific health condition.
Most multivitamin-mineral products contain the B-complex along with the rest of the essential vitamins and minerals. Since they are more complete than B-complex vitamins alone, multiple vitamin-mineral supplements are recommended to improve overall micronutrient intake and prevent deficiencies.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Vitamin B-complex includes several different components, each of which has the potential to interact with drugs. It is recommended that you discuss the use of vitamin B-complex and your current medication(s) with your doctor or pharmacist.
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 B2 100 mg. 60 tablets $5.79
 B1 500 mg. 50 tablets $8.89
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Beta Carotene (Vitamin A) -Beta-carotene is a substance from plants that the body converts into vitamin A. It also acts as an antioxidant and an immune system booster. Where is it found? Dark green and orange-yellow vegetables are good sources of beta-carotene. It is also available in supplements.
Who is likely to be deficient?
People who limit their consumption of beta-carotene-containing vegetables could be at higher risk of developing a vitamin A deficiency. However, because beta-carotene is not an essential nutrient, true deficiencies do not occur. Nevertheless, very old persons with type 2 diabetes have shown a significant age-related decline in blood levels of carotenoids, irrespective of their dietary intake.
Most beta-carotene in supplements is synthetic, consisting of only one molecule called all trans beta-carotene. Natural beta-carotene, found in food, is made of two moleculesall trans beta-carotene and 9-cis beta-carotene.
Researchers originally saw no meaningful difference between natural and synthetic beta-carotene. This view was questioned when the link between beta-carotene-containing foods (all natural) and lung cancer prevention was not duplicated in studies using synthetic pills. In smokers, synthetic beta-carotene has apparently caused an increased risk of lung cancer and disease of the blood vessels in double-blind research. Animal research has begun to identify the ways in which synthetic beta-carotene might cause damage to lungs, particularly when animals are exposed to cigarette smoke.
Much of natural beta-carotene is in the all trans molecule formthe same as synthetic beta-carotene. Moreover, much of the 9-cis molecule found only in natural beta-carotene is converted to the synthetic molecule before it reaches the bloodstream. Also, absorption of 9-cis beta-carotene appears to be poor, though some researchers question this finding.
Despite the overlap between natural and synthetic forms, natural beta-carotene may possibly have activity that is distinct from the synthetic form. For example, studies in both animals and humans have shown that the natural form has antioxidant activity that the synthetic form lacks. Also, in one trial, pre-cancerous changes in people reverted to normal tissue with natural beta-carotene supplements, but not with synthetic supplements. Israeli researchers have investigated whether the special antioxidant effects of natural beta-carotene might help people suffering from asthma attacks triggered by exercise. People with asthma triggered by exercise were given 64 mg per day of natural beta-carotene for one week. In that report, 20 of 38 patients receiving natural beta-carotene were protected against exercise-induced asthma. However, because synthetic beta-carotene was not tested, the difference between the activity of the two supplements cannot be deduced from this report.
Increasingly, doctors are recommending that people supplement only with natural beta-carotene. However, no studies have explored whether the adverse effect of synthetic beta-carotene in cigarette smokers would also occur with natural beta-carotene supplementation. Until more is known, smokers should avoid all beta-carotene supplements and others should avoid synthetic beta-carotene.
In supplements, the natural form can be identified by the phrases from D. salina,from an algal source,from a palm source, or as natural beta-carotene on the label. The synthetic form is identified as beta-carotene.
How much is usually taken?
The most common beta-carotene supplement intake is probably 25,000 IU (15 mg) per day, though some people take as much as 100,000 IU (60 mg) per day. Whether the average person would benefit from supplementation with beta-carotene remains unclear.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Beta-carotene supplementation, even in very large amounts, is not known to cause any serious side effects, however, excessive intake (more than 100,000 IU, or 60 mg per day) sometimes gives the skin a yellow-orange hue. People taking beta-carotene for long periods of time should also supplement with vitamin E, as beta-carotene may reduce vitamin E levels.18 Beta carotene supplementation may also decrease blood levels of lutein, another carotenoid.
Warning: Synthetic beta-carotene has now been linked to increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Until more is known, smokers should avoid all beta-carotene supplements.
Preliminary studies in animals indicate that beta-carotene supplementation, when combined with heavy alcohol consumption, may enhance liver toxicity. Until more is known, alcoholics and persons who consume alcohol on a daily basis should avoid supplementing with beta-carotene.
One study showed a slightly increased risk of vascular surgery among people with intermittent claudication who took beta-carotene supplements. Until more is known, persons wishing to use beta-carotene supplements should first consult with their doctor.
 Beta Carotene 25000 IU 300 softgels $17.59
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Copyright ) 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
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What We Do
The Internet is a big place - and gets bigger every day. If you use the Internet to shop for a necessary product or service, you probably realize that there is a lot of noise. Our mission here at HerbsAnswers.com is to cut through the clutter and give clear, concise information about a variety of products in the area of healing herbs and vitamins.
Herbs, vitamins, and food supplements are vital to living a healthy productive life. Our specific goal is to help you find those herbs, vitamins and food supplements at the lowest price we can. Each site has an easy to use search engine to find the specific product you want. Below is a sample of each company's products and services.
Essential to good health is balance. Our bodies need a balance of vitamins from A-Z, amino acids, minerals, proteins, probiotics, and oils. We can no longer receive many of these from our food supply, so we need to supplement our diet. Our suppliers have an affordable high quality supply for all your needs. | |
 
Featured Products
Vitamin Shoppe has everyday deals of 30% or more. Below is asample DNE
Swanson's 7 Basic Supplements for Better Health
Food is missing many vital nutrients. Food is different today than it was 100 or even 50 years ago. For one thing, the soil on which much of our food is grown is critically depleted of minerals. Also consider that the feed given to livestock raised on factory farms is a far cry from the nutrient-rich grass and grains they dined on in years gone by. Fruits, vegetables, and legumes are assaulted with chemical pesticides and herbicides, and this raw food is further stripped of its nutrient content by high heat and other production methods used during the manufacturing process. It seems that for all the nutrients removed during processing, an equal amount of harmful substances like hydrogenated fats and unbelievable amounts of sodium are added. And honestly, the majority of us seem to like it that way.
1. Everyone agrees that we need a vitamin & mineral complex to provide the nutrients that are missing from our diet. In fact, the Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA), the medical community's most prestigious research journal, announced that all adults should take vitamin supplements to help promote good health. (June 19, 2002) The impact of that statement is HUGE because it comes from a group that traditionally stays clear of recommending dietary supplements and admittedly knows very little about them.
Swanson Premium Brand High Potency Soft Multiple.  Item no. SW490 120 sgels. $7.29
2. From childhood through old age, calcium and magnesium contribute heavily to your health in so many ways that you want to make sure youre getting enoughstarting now! There isnt one part of your body that doesnt require calcium & magnesium since theyre both involved in several intercellular functions that we all just take for granted. (Your body puts them to very good use!) Here are but a few highlights of how calcium & magnesium benefit you:
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Noticeably stable and calm moods for all agesseriously, give it a try!
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Strong bones and teeth for a lifetime.
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Healthy blood pressure. We overlook this one, but the mineral combo is a big factor.
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Muscles that work for you, not against you. When my eye starts twitching, I know I need more calcium & magnesium.
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Deep, uninterrupted sleepzzz!
Swanson Premium Brand Calcium & Magnesium. Item No. SW180 150 caps $2.99
3. Keep it Moving. Ideally, we should eliminate food waste at least once per day and transit time through our system should be approximately 12-15 hours. (Jalapeno peppers, blueberries, and corn are accurate little gauges to determine how fast food moves through our systems.) When a diet consists of only no-fiber foods like meat, dairy products and white bread, food waste can sit in the colon for days upon days!
The National Academy of Sciences recommends 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. For children, add five grams to the childs age, so a 9 year old needs 14 grams. Unless you eat lots and lots of fruits and vegetables plus plenty of beans and whole grains, its hard to get that much fiber from food because the refinement process often removes it. A quick look at product food labels will reveal how much fiber a product provides, and youll probably be disappointed at how low the numbers are. Remember, youre shooting for either a 25 or a 38, depending on your gender.
Swanson Premium Brand Golden Fields Fiber Item No. SW859 22 oz. $4.59
4. Fat phobia. Undeniably classed as a fat, EFAs have a tough reputation to overcome in a society where fat is akin to leprosy. If you strictly eschew all fat in your diet, do yourself a favor and work real hard to root out this strongly entrenched notion about it. To be sure, there are fats that you want to avoid like a plague including the hydrogenated fats and transfatty acids found in fried foods and processed baked goods. These are the kinds of fat that make one fatand sick! Then there are the essential fatty acids from cold water fish, flaxseeds and walnuts that you should embrace as though they were rare jewels, with Omega-3 EFAs as the most precious of all. What they accomplish in terms of your health truly is priceless! When you visit www.supplementinfo.org, which is the official website of the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (DSIB), and you view the section "Browse Dietary Supplements," you will find that only vitamins C and E address a greater number of health conditions than Omega-3 Fatty Acids. They even outrank calcium and magnesium!
Swanson Virgin Salmon Oil
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5. The best food on the planet. Quickif you could only have one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? While you might be tempted to say Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond Ice-Cream , you would be oh-so-smart to revise your answer and choose chlorella, because you truly could live on it a lifetimea very long lifetimeits that good for you! Chlorella is perhaps the most nutritionally dense food there is, and many health experts believe that it contains every nutrient required by the human body including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, nucleic acids, chlorophyll and a full spectrum of phytochemicals. It bears repeating that most of us arent choosing particularly healthy foods to provide us nourishment, so chlorella is a great way to pump up the nutritional volume of our meals. Its like getting a hefty serving of fresh, green vegetables with no washing, chopping, tearing or steaming!
What does it do? Most noteworthy, chlorella offers super strong support to the immune system, it provides sustained energy that you really notice, and it helps cleanse the body of all kinds of toxins including heavy metals. The list of its capabilities is long and very impressive, and because of its high chlorophyll content, it even neutralizes body odors and bad breath!
Swanson Kyoto Chlorella, is available in two sizes.  Item no. SWK001 300 tablets $8.39
SWK002 1500 tablets. $35.99
6. Make friends with "friendly" probiotics. The more popular term "acidophilus" isnt entirely accurate, but it has come to be synonymous with the correct term, which is "probiotics." The intestinal tract is home to millions of bacteria (flora). While our impression of bacteria is negative, the truth is some bacteria called probiotics are "friendly" and highly desirable, helping to maintain a balance of healthy flora in the intestine. This action keeps the intestinal tract strong for optimal assimilation of food, and it promotes colon health, too. Probiotics also assist your bodys enzymes like protease, amylase and lipase to break down food, insuring greater levels of digestion and absorption. Unmistakably, they help keep the digestive system running smoothly. And while that process may seem rather unexciting, it better enables us to do all the activities that we truly enjoy in life!
There are different groups of probiotics, and Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most researched of the groups. Lactobacillus acidophilus is perhaps the best known of all probiotic strains, but there are other important ones, too. While a few foods like yogurt contain probiotics, oftentimes the way the product is processed reduces most, if not all of the live bacterias activity. For this reason, we encourage you to consider a high quality probiotic supplement that provides at least one billion living bacteria per dose, and take it daily as part of your supplement routine for optimal results.
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7. Energy Maker.CoQ10 works on the cellular level. Inside our microscopic and marvelously designed cells are little "power plants" called mitochondria that generate energy to keep all our body parts functioning. The fuel for this energy comes from adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is made from the food we eat. CoQ10s role in this metabolic process is as a catalyst to convert our food into ATP. Without CoQ10, no energy can be produced. Now take a guess which organ requires the most energy to run. Uh-huh. The heart! In fact each heart cell can have thousands of mitochondria within it just to keep up with the energy demands. When energy levels are high, the heart has the right environment to stay strong. The heart isn't the only body part to benefit, either. Since CoQ10 is required for energy production within all our cells, it isnt surprising to learn that it virtually has an effect on all systems within the body. The more researchers study it, the more they discover just how crucial it is to neurological health, to the immune system, to blood sugar health, and even to dental health.
Inclining Age, Declining CoQ10. CoQ10 has even more to offer. It helps convert food to ATP in the mitochondria of our cells. Like other hormones and enzymes in our body, CoQ10 production peaks in our twenties; then natural levels decline with each passing year. The older we get, the more we notice the good effects of CoQ10 supplementation.
Swanson Ultra Chew-Q Bioenhanced CoQ10  Item no. SWU300 30 mg. 30 tab.$6.29
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Heart Disease
A heart-to-heart on cardiovascular disease: Make simple changes to help you beat the odds against heart disease, a leading cause of death. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:
- Get smoke-free
- Quit smoking and stay clear of cigarette smoke to lower your risk of several types of cardiovascular disease
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Watch what you eat
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Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and avoid fats from meat, dairy, and processed foods high in hydrogenated oils
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full cardiovascular disease article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
About cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a wide-encompassing category that includes all conditions that affect the heart and the blood vessels.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. This introductory article briefly discusses several diseases that have a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Many risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease; most can be managed, but some cannot. The aging process and hereditary predisposition are risk factors that cannot be altered. Until age 50, men are at greater risk than women of developing heart disease, though once a woman enters menopause, her risk triples.
Many people with cardiovascular disease have elevated or high cholesterol levels. Low HDL cholesterol (known as the "good" cholesterol) and high LDL cholesterol (known as the "bad" cholesterol) are more specifically linked to cardiovascular disease than is total cholesterol. A blood test, administered by most healthcare professionals, is used to determine cholesterol levels.
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) of the vessels that supply the heart with blood is the most common cause of heart attacks. Atherosclerosis and high cholesterol usually occur together, though cholesterol levels can change quickly and atherosclerosis generally takes decades to develop.
The link between high triglyceride levels and heart disease is not as well established as the link between high cholesterol and heart disease. According to some studies, a high triglyceride level is an independent risk factor for heart disease in some people.
High homocysteine levels have been identified as an independent risk factor for heart disease. Homocysteine can be measured by a blood test that must be ordered by a healthcare professional.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the risk increases as blood pressure rises. Glucose intolerance and diabetes constitute separate risk factors for heart disease. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease caused by hypertension.
Abdominal fat, or a "beer belly," versus fat that accumulates on the hips, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack. Overweight individuals are more likely to have additional risk factors related to heart disease, specifically hypertension, high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and diabetes.
What are the symptoms?
-
People with cardiovascular disease may not have any symptoms, or they may experience difficulty in breathing during exertion or when lying down, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, depression, memory problems, confusion, frequent waking during sleep, chest pain, an awareness of the heartbeat, sensations of fluttering or pounding in the chest, swelling around the ankles, or a large abdomen.
Dietary changes that may be helpful
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Preliminary evidence has linked high salt consumption with increased cardiovascular disease incidence and death among overweight, but not normal weight, people. Among overweight people, an increase in salt consumption of 2.3 grams per day was associated with a 32% increase in stroke incidence, an 89% increase in stroke mortality, a 44% increase in heart disease mortality, a 61% increase in cardiovascular disease mortality, and a 39% increase in death from all causes. Intervention trials are required to confirm these preliminary observations.
Moderate alcohol consumption appears protective against heart disease. However, regular, light alcohol consumption in men with established coronary heart disease is not associated with either benefit or deleterious effect.
A high intake of carotenoids from dietary sources has been shown to be protective against heart disease in several population-based studies. A diet high in fruits and vegetables, fiber, and possibly fish appears protective against heart disease, while a high intake of saturated fat (found in meat and dairy fat) and trans fatty acids (in margarine and processed foods containing hydrogenated vegetable oils) may contribute to heart disease. In a preliminary study, the total number of deaths from cardiovascular disease was significantly lower among men with high fruit consumption than among those with low fruit consumption. A large study of male healthcare professionals found that those men eating mostly a "prudent" diet (high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and poultry) had a 30% lower risk of heart attacks compared with men who ate the fewest foods in the "prudent" category. By contrast, men who ate the highest percentage of their foods from the "typical American diet" category (high in red meat, processed meat, refined grains, sweets, and desserts) had a 64% increased risk of heart attack, compared with men who ate the fewest foods in that category. The various risks in this study were derived after controlling for all other beneficial or harmful influencing factors.
A parallel study of female healthcare professionals showed a 15% reduction in cardiovascular risk for those women eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables—compared with those eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful
Both smoking20 and exposure to secondhand smoke increase cardiovascular disease risk.
Moderate exercise protects both lean and obese individuals from cardiovascular disease.
Other therapies
Surgical treatments, such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve replacement, pacemaker installation, and heart transplantation, may be recommended for severe cases. Individuals with cardiovascular disease are strongly encouraged to stop smoking.
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Copyright ) 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Anti-Aging Research
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine finds that taking beta-carotene supplements for 15 years or more may lessen the decline in thinking ability that comes with Alzheimers disease.
The idea that antioxidants such as beta-carotene can help protect against Alzheimers disease is not new. The latest trial, which started as the Physicians Health Study II, stretches back to 1982. That year, 4,052 men were assigned to take daily doses of either 50 mg of beta-carotenethe amount in about five large carrotsor a placebo every other day. An additional 1,904 men were randomly assigned to one of the two groups between 1998 and 2001.
The men filled out yearly questionnaires about their health and compliance with the regimen, and all had telephone assessments of their thinking ability at least once between 1998 and 2002. A difference emerged between long-term and short-term participants. The men who had stayed in the trial for an average of 18 years scored significantly higher on most of the tests of cognitive ability. Their memory was equivalent to that of men about a year younger, said study lead author Francine Grodstein, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a researcher at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.
What works for men almost certainly should work for women, she said, and the idea that long-term use of an intervention is important should be applied to other preventive measures against Alzheimers disease. Our research supports the possibility of successful interventions at early stages of brain aging in healthy adults, Grodstein said.
Archives of Internal Medicine 167(20):2184-2190, 2007
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Niacin protective against dementia in aging
Taking niacin may help protect patients against Alzheimers Disease and other forms of cognitive decline according to the results of a recent study. A research team followed 3,718 participants in the Chicago Health and Aging Project for six years and tracked their niacin intake and mental status via food frequency questionnaires and testing of cognitive functioning at three-year intervals. The subjects were 65 and older and did not have Alzheimers Disease when the study began.
Scientists tested a random sample of 815 subjects, 131 of whom had developed Alzheimers. When the niacin intake of the sample was examined, it was found that subjects who ranked in the top three-fifths of the samples niacin consumption through supplements and foods had a 70% lower adjusted risk of developing the disease than those in the lowest sample. Even when the vitamin was obtained from food alone, the protective benefit was similar.
Cognitive decline was examined for all of the subjects and niacin was found to slow the process; this association was even stronger when the analysis excluded patients who had cardiovascular disease, low initial cognitive function scores, or less than 12 years of education. Subjects who consumed the most niacin had only 44% of the decline of those with the lowest intake of the vitamin.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 75(8):1093-1099, 2004
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High homocysteine levels may play a role in cognitive decline
Reducing homocysteine concentrations in the blood by administering B-vitamin supplements may provide some protection against cognitive decline in the elderly population, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
In a trial on about 1,800 Hispanic subjects participating in the Sacramento Area Study on Aging, researchers found inverse associations between homocysteine concentrations and several indexes of cognitive function, including the global Modified Mini-Mental State Examination assessment and the picture association, verbal attention span, and pattern recognition tests.
Their findings fit in with previous evidence showing homocysteine to be a marker for deficiency of vitamin B-12 and folic acid. Homocysteine is also a well-documented risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and is related to both vascular dementia and Alzheimers disease.
While researchers found that high homocysteine levels may have an influence on cognitive decline, they noted that demographic factors such as age and education are more strongly associated with cognitive scores than are homocysteine levels.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 78(3):441-447, 2003 |
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Antioxidants help keep a balance in aging
SHP: We hear a lot about antioxidants and free radicals in regards to health. Just what are they?
Dr. DeSilva: Antioxidants fight oxidation in the body. Oxidation has to do with the aging process. Anything that ages oxidizes. A typical example is that of a nail. When a nail is left outside, it will rust. Over a period of time it will disintegrate and eventually disappear. If you take a nail and coat or cover it or keep it indoors where its protected from the elements, it will last longer. So oxidation is aging, rusting, wearing away and in the body antioxidants protect against excessive oxidation and help keep it in balance.
Free radicals are a part of the bodys normal metabolic process, but in most cases they cause damage at the cellular level. A free radical is like a molecule that doesnt have a partner and it runs around the body trying to find a partner. In the process of finding a partner, it causes a tremendous amount of damage. Its like a wild bull in a China store. Until its calmed down, it will continually destroy everything thats around it. We need antioxidants to act as partners for the free radicals to settle them down.
SHP: Where do we get antioxidants from?
Dr. DeSilva: The most logical places to get our antioxidants are fruits and vegetables. The recommended six or eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day is where our antioxidants should come from. Of course the question is how many of you ate six servings yesterday or the day before? This is where supplementation comes in. This is why its important to supplement with nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and alpha lipoic acid. They all provide antioxidant support.
SHP: We all know vitamin E and vitamin C and many recognize beta-carotene, but is alpha lipoic acid as familiar to the general public?
Dr. DeSilva: Probably not. Interest is growing in alpha lipoic acid, but its not as well-known as vitamins E and C. Alpha lipoic acid is very important for detoxification, specifically detoxification of the liver. And, besides being a tremendous antioxidant in its own right, alpha lipoic acid enhances the effectiveness of vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione.
Actually, alpha lipoic acid is the mother of all antioxidants because it is so incredibly potent. And it works...I mean it helps maintain healthy glucose and carbohydrate metabolism, it helps protect against free radical damage at the cellular level and it has growth-stimulating properties.
SHP: Is it true that alpha lipoic acid neutralizes free radicals in both fatty and watery regions of cells?
Dr. DeSilva: Yes. Thats a very important characteristic of alpha lipoic acid. It is both water soluble and fat soluble so it can go to work in almost any part, any system in the body. Vitamin E is fat soluble. Vitamin C is water soluble and beta-carotene has some mixed properties, but alpha lipoic acid is truly water soluble and fat soluble.
SHP: Any suggestions about supplementing with alpha lipoic acid?
Dr. DeSilva: Alpha lipoic acid is powerful on its own, but I think it would be smart to take a good multivitamin at the same time. Nutrients often enhance each other. They work together, and thats a very important point to keep in mind.
Derrick DeSilva, Jr., M.D., is a practicing internist and part of the attending staff at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, NJ. He also maintains a private medical practice that incorporates natural therapies and pharmaceuticals (Integrative Medicine). Dr. DeSilva serves on the teaching staff at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, NJ. He is a published author, lecturer, and host of his own radio talk show, Ask the Doctor. Dr. DeSilva was also named one of the Best Doctors in the New York Metropolitan Area by New York Magazine and in New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly Magazine in 2002.
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