Pycnogenol® is a natural substance obtained exclusively from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. It is said that in 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier used its healing powers to combat the spread of scurvy amongst his crew. Today, Pycnogenol® is known as a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain healthy cardiovascular activity and circulation along with fighting free radicals.
According to new research, Pycnogenol® is effective in combating the visible signs of aging.
In a clinical study conducted by the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Germany, women aged 55–68 years were given Pycnogenol® for 12 weeks. After the 12-week period, collagen levels in the women’s skin increased by 29%. Also, hyaluronic acid production and skin elasticity increased by 44 and 25 percent, respectively. On top of this, participants in the study noticed a reduction of wrinkles, and raved about their smoother skin.
With these results, Pycnogenol® is now the only naturally-derived substance that is proven to increase Hyaluronic acid levels, which improve skin hydration. This study supports previous findings that Pycnogenol® improves human skin condition, including skin glow and a balanced complexion.
This powerful extract can be found in various supplements and formulas on the market. It has become one of the most frequently studied nutrients in recent years; it reasonable to expect that more and greater benefits may be discovered soon.
nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts(pycnogenol), and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol® in the world. http://bit.ly/Wa2bit
Are you like me with a goal to always be the #1 advocate for your own health? Then read this post. You have probably already heard about omega-3′s, which are “essential fatty acids” we all must consume for consistently good health. The problem is that our bodies do not make omega-3′s on their own, leaving it up to us to actively seek omega-3 fatty acids through our diet and supplements.
Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Important to Your Health
Reduce inflammation in the body
Lower lipids in the bloodstream
Inhibit thickening of your arteries
Improve the body response to insulin, which can regulate weight and metabolism
Help prevent cancer cell growth
If you’ve been dealing with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, clotting issues or hormone imbalances, talk to your doctor about focusing on your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. I rely on this fish oil supplement
Osteoporosis is the deterioration of bone tissue. This condition, which occurs four times more in women than in men, can lead to chronic pain, severe stress on the bones and even immobility.
Symptoms
Often called a “silent disease,” osteoporosis can progress without the onset of any symptoms or pain. Loss of height or the emergence of a Dowager’s hump over years may occur; however, the initial diagnosis of osteoporosis often occurs after a bone fracture occurs.
Cause & Risk factors
Although there is no known cause for osteoporosis, there are risk factors — both inherent and lifestyle — that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Genetic predisposition: Familial history and genetic makeup have been found to be associated with a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. If a parent has a history of broken bones, then his or her child is more likely to break a bone and have reduced bone mass. Sex & age: Although men do suffer from osteoporosis, women are four times more likely to develop the ailment. While anyone of any age can have osteoporosis, the risk of experiencing serious fractures and chronic pain increases with age. Menopause: Post-menopausal women have an increased susceptibility to osteoporosis due to loss of estrogen, which normally aids in protecting bone tissue. Body composition: People who are thin and have small bones are more likely to develop osteoporosis than larger people. Medical history: A person who has one or more broken bones is more likely to break other bones. People, especially adults, who fracture bones may unknowingly already have osteoporosis. Also, the use of certain medication – including extended use of steroids (prednisone), thyroid medication, anticonvulsants and antacids, among others – can increase the risk of osteoporosis Physical Activity & Weight Loss: People who are not physically active may be more susceptible to osteoporosis than those who are. Regular exercise that aids in bone growth and strength can lower risks of bone fractures. However, while regular exercise contributes to bone health, weight loss and its subsequent bone loss- especially after age 50, can increase risk of osteoporosis Lifestyle: Several vitamins and minerals promote bone health. Two of the most crucial are calcium and vitamin D. Calcium serves as a building block for bones, while vitamin D enables the body to use that calcium. Other important elements that are essential to bone health include magnesium, potassium, vitamin K and healthy amounts of protein. Unbalanced diets and especially those lacking calcium and vitamin D can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
nutraMetrix Isotonix Calcium Complete provides the body with an optimal blend of calcium, vitamin D3, magnesium, vitamin C and boron in an efficient isotonic solution that is readily absorbed by the body. nutraMetrix Isotonix Calcium Complete paves the way for powerful results since it is in an isotonic form rather than a tablet. People may fail to absorb tablet calcium supplements because the calcium supplement is not blended with vitamin D and magnesium; these are necessary to aid in the absorption and use of calcium. http://bit.ly/OuITmo
nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 contains vitamin D3, the metabolically active form of vitamin D, along with vitamin K2, a form of vitamin K which supports vascular health and calcium utilization Vitamin K is included in nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to support calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the normal delivery of calcium to the bones and promotes healthy arteries. http://bit.ly/Vr3E6a
Treatment & Prevention of Osteoporosis
Treatment for osteoporosis can include dietary supplements, prescribed medication and adjustments to a person’s lifestyle. Some treatments prevent or slow bone loss, while others restore the needed materials that contribute to bone strength and protection.
Regular exercise and maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D (or taking supplements to get the missing value) are all methods of lowering risk for osteoporosis.
Fiber acts as a natural laxative by increasing stool bulk
Fiber can be found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans
Soluble fiber slows the rate that food empties from your stomach
Editor's note: Dr. Melina Jampolis, CNN's diet and fitness expert, is a physician nutrition specialist and the author of "The Calendar Diet: A Month by Month Guide to Losing Weight While Living Your Life."
(CNN) -- Q: I've heard so much about fiber. What is it, what does it do and should you eat it or avoid it?
Fiber is a plant-derived carbohydrate that cannot be digested by humans, so it passes through your system relatively intact and has little to no caloric value.
There are two types of fiber: Soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (does not dissolve in water). Both play an important role in optimal health and occur naturally -- often together -- in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans.
Fiber acts as a natural laxative by increasing stool bulk, which allows stool to pass more readily through the colon. It can also help those with loose stools and may play a role in the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Many types of soluble fiber also act as prebiotics, feeding healthy bacteria in your gut, thereby further contributing to colon health.
Fiber, especially soluble fiber, also improves blood sugar control by slowing down the rate that food empties from your stomach, thereby delaying the rise in blood sugar after meals and preventing excess or exaggerated insulin release. Delayed stomach emptying may also help with weight loss by improving hunger control.
In addition, fiber adds bulk to your diet without adding calories and helps to reduce the calorie density of your diet, one of the most important strategies for long-term weight loss. Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol, and a high-fiber diet may help reduce blood pressure, inflammation and reduce your risk of heart failure (especially fiber from whole grains).
Studies show that those with the highest intake of fiber have a significantly lower risk of dying of any cause. A recently published study by the National Cancer Institute that included almost 400,000 participants found that for every 10-gram increase in fiber intake, risk of death dropped 12% in men and 15% in women.
Women should consume about 25 grams of fiber per day and men should consume 38 grams. The majority of Americans get less than half the daily recommended amount of fiber.
Naturally occurring fiber is generally your best bet. Many products, including cookies, crackers, drinks, sugary cereals and even ice cream, are now adding fiber to appear more healthy. In most cases, these added fibers do not have the same health benefits as naturally occurring fiber.
Aim for a variety of sources of naturally fiber-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans to ensure that you get all the health benefits -- along with a host of other health-promoting vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Refined and highly processed grains and fruit juices are stripped of their naturally occurring fiber (and many nutrients), so it is important to choose whole foods for optimal health.
If you have trouble getting in adequate amounts of fiber daily or suffer from bowel problems or high cholesterol, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about adding a fiber supplement to your diet.
NutriClean Advanced Fiber Powder delivers top quality soluble fiber, with beneficial probiotics, which promotes the growth of good bacteria in the colon, keeping things in balance in terms of microorganisms.
If you don't currently eat enough fiber, increase your fiber intake slowly to avoid unpleasant gut symptoms (such as gas and bloating) and make sure to drink plenty of water.
If you are gluten-sensitive or intolerant, there are a number of gluten-free grains, including quinoa, brown rice, oats and corn. For a full list of gluten-free grains, visit the nonprofit Whole Grains Council website.
The body’s immune system plays a very important role in respiratory health, specifically in conditions like hay fever/allergies and asthma. Allergens, such as pollen, pet dander or dust, can cause the immune system to be triggered, igniting inflammatory responses which in turn lead to a series of uncomfortable symptoms we know all too well.
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France. The extract is a combination of procyandins, bioflavonoids and organic acids and has been clinically studied for a wide range of benefits. Pycnogenol® has been shown to help in a variety of health areas due to its four basic properties: acting as a powerful antioxidant, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, selectively binding to collagen and elastin and aiding in the production of nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood vessels.
Mostly due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Pycnogenol®has a defined role in respiratory health, specifically with asthma and allergies. In human studies, it has been shown to help normalize the immune response by inhibiting Nuclear Factor-Kappa B and lowering the sensitivity level for triggering an immune response.Pycnogenol® has also been shown to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells. When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, these cells release histamine which triggers the onset of symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itching, etc. – also referred to as hay fever. Hay fever is a huge concern, but many of the prescription drugs have unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, and consumers are looking for that natural alternative. Pycnogenol® has been shown in human clinical studies to block histamine release and thus decrease these allergic response symptoms. Additionally, other research identified Pycnogenol’s effects of improved breathing for people suffering from allergic asthma.
nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of antioxidants bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts(pycnogenol), and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants.
Curcumin, found in the Indian spice turmeric, is an antioxidant traditionally used to promote stomach and joint comfort. Because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, its benefits for neurological functioning and brain health are under investigation. According to recent research, curcumin shows promise in reducing factors that contribute to the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
In a new study, researchers from Michigan State University found that curcumin prevents the protein alpha-synuclein from clumping, instead forcing it to scatter. The aggregation of these proteins is considered to be one of the initial signs of the progression of Parkinson’s and other diseases. “Our research shows that curumin can rescue proteins from aggregation, the first steps of many debilitating diseases. More specifically, curcumin binds strongly to alpha-synuclein and prevents aggregation at body temperatures,” wrote Professor Lisa Lapidus, co-author of the study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Not only does curcumin stop the protein from clumping, but it also facilitates its folding and reconfiguration – a process that helps it avoid clumping with other proteins.
Antioxidants are among the most researched ingredients on the health and nutrition marketplace today. Supplements containing curcumin are known for their joint and stomach health benefits, as well as their potential for brain and mental health functions. Adding curcumin to a healthy diet looks like a smart choice for both mind and body.
In recent years researchers have begun to explore the positive benefits of the compound curcumin, usually found in the spice turmeric. Researchers have found that curcumin as a supplement can be effective in preventing or reducing the risk of certain illnesses and diseases.
New research has revealed that curcumin could prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease in patients. In a study, led by Lisa J. Lapidus, sponsored by the National Science Foundation Grant, observation revealed that curcumin prevents the aggregation (clumping) of proteins by forcing them to scatter away from each other.
The “clumping” that these bodily proteins perform is infamous as being one of the first signs of Parkinson’s disease. Needless to say, curcumin is now being looked at as a possible preventative measure for certain illnesses.
“Our research shows that curcumin can rescue proteins from aggregation, the first steps of many debilitating diseases. More specifically, curcumin binds strongly to alpha-synuclein and prevents [protein clumping] at body temperatures.”
Curcumin has already been linked to several benefits such as preventing the growth of breast cancer, reducing risk of childhood leukemia and also as a natural remedy for depression.
nutraMetrixCurcumin Extreme with BCM-95® promotes liver detoxification, promotes healthy glutathione levels and normal cellular regeneration.Scientists have long been aware of the wide array of health benefits from the Indian spice turmeric, which is a source of the active phytochemical curcumin.Until now, curcumin has been known to have poor bioavailability, requiring high doses to promote health.BCM-95® delivers significantly more pharmacologically bioactive curcumin into the blood than other curcumin sources.This new delivery system allows for a variety of health benefits. http://bit.ly/Xqany3
As a Health Professional, I’m thrilled that astaxanthin – one of the hottest ingredients on the market today – is getting the attention it deserves.
Over the last year-plus, it has been the subject of countless research studies, news articles and mainstream publicity thanks to the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Mehmet Oz, who raved about the benefits of astaxanthin on their talk shows.
This ingredient’s health benefits are plentiful: from its application to help alleviate the symptoms of hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes to more general health applications like cardiovascular support, eye fatigue relief, skin care and anti-aging protection, endurance and weight control, astaxanthin can be considered a one-size-fits-all approach to well-being. Hypertension
Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is elevated, requiring the heart to work harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels. Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attacks), heart failure, aneurysms of the arteries, peripheral arterial disease and is a cause of chronic kidney disease.
One of the main symptoms of hypertension is the thickening of the vascular walls, which reduces blood flow to the heart and increases systolic pressure. One research study showed that 5 mg of astaxanthin a day over a seven-week period reduced the thickness of the vascular wall by 47 percent.
In addition, recent studies have shown astaxanthin to help improve how the blood flows through the body, which can help reduce hypertension. One such study found that 6 mg of astaxanthin a day enhanced capillary blood flow by 10 percent – in only a ten-day period. Another study, conducted over a 30-day period, found that a 5mg a day dose of astaxanthin reduced systolic blood pressure (the measure of blood pressure while the heart is beating) by seven percent.
By improving the heart’s structure and reducing the amount of work needed to keep blood flowing, astaxanthin research is showing promising signs to help the heart work smarter, not harder. Type 2 Diabetes
In people with type 2 diabetes – the most common form – the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin, which is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.
New research into the effectiveness of astaxanthin preventing certain diabetes-related parameters has been promising. Studies have shown that eight weeks of astaxanthin usage can reduce cortisol levels by as much as 23 percent, expression of the lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) gene by 6.5 percent, and glycated hemoglobin molecules by 4 percent.
What does this mean? High cortisol levels can contribute to increased blood glucose and fat levels, markers for diabetes and pre-diabetes. LDH expression relates to the metabolism of glucose in the body, which is important for numerous organ functions when the genes are working properly. Overexpression of LDH can not only be a cause of concern for diabetes, but different forms of cancer (including testicular cancer, Ewing’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and some types of leukemia) and conditions such as heart failure, hypothyroidism and liver disease. General Health Applications of Astaxanthin
Studied countless times for cardiovascular, vision, skin care and anti-aging benefits, astaxanthin has been proven to support and maintain your health in a variety of ways, from helping maintain normal cholesterol and blood pressure levels, to antioxidant protection, to muscle performance.
Research has shown that astaxanthin can help maintain normal cholesterol by protecting LDL (the bad kind of cholesterol) and triglyceride levels from free radicals through its powerful antioxidant defense. In addition, it works to maintain normal good cholesterol levels, or HDL, in the body.
Researchers conclude that for every 1 mg increase in good cholesterol HDL, the risk of cardiovascular diseases drops by three percent. A recent study found that astaxanthin users, over a 12-week trial, improved their HDL levels by as much as 11 percent.
Plus, astaxanthin has the ability to support healthy blood flow to and from the cardiac muscle. All of this helps to support your overall cardiovascular health.
For your vision, astaxanthin works to support healthy blood flow to the eyes — supporting visual focus and helping reduce the occurrence of occasional eye strain, helping the eyes to perform at their best. And, because of it efficacy, astaxanthin delivers more antioxidant power than any of the other carotenoids, displaying approximately 10 times the power of vitamin A.
One study found that individuals who received 5 mg of astaxanthin per day for one month showed a 54 percent reduction of eye fatigue complaints.
And that’s just scratching the surface. Astaxanthin has also been shown to:
Support muscle endurance and performance
Improve skin moisture and help to maintain skin elasticity
Provide a powerful antioxidant defense to help protect the entire body on a cellular level
In Conclusion
There are more and more studies being released about the wonders of astaxanthin. As we continue to peel back the layers of this amazing ingredient, the health community is finding more quality benefits that are helping people live healthier, longer.
A final note: many studies are based on doses of six mg or more, so it is important – if you are investigating whether astaxanthin supplementation is right for you – to talk with your Health Professional about the type of astaxanthin available, including the serving amounts. It really does make a difference.
After graduating from SUNY Binghamton, Dr. Krichmar attended Long Island University where he obtained his master’s degree in biomedical sciences. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Conn. He is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
nutraMetrix® Prime Astaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula uses AstaReal® astaxanthin. Guaranteed for high quality and stability, AstaReal® astaxanthin ranks among the purest and most powerful antioxidants available. nutraMetrix® Prime Astaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula delivers a 6 mg serving of this high-grade astaxanthin in a single serving, providing the optimal amount in every pill http://bit.ly/TCDAiZ
nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts(pycnogenol), and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol® in the world. http://bit.ly/Wa2bit
