Digestive Disorder Support

Digestive Disorders
The digestive system is a complex one that can be disrupted by many factors including stress, diet, lifestyle or disease. Common digestive problems such as heartburn/GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can cause a wide variety of symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, constipation, stomach pain and stomach cramps.

Learn more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Many ingredients have been clinically shown to play a role in digestive health:

Probiotics play a critical role in achieving optimal digestive health by helping to maintain bacterial balance within the digestive tract. The digestive system naturally houses trillions of “good” bacteria that directly help the body digest, modify and convert the foods we eat, but disruptions to these populations of probiotics (good bacteria) are common. Probiotics must be kept at normal levels in order to overwhelm the other bacteria, which may begin to run rampant in the event the good bacteria levels decrease.

There are numerous strains of probiotics, all of which work to maintain optimal bacterial balance, promote bowel regularity and stomach comfort, improve gastrointestinal health and support the digestive system. Some important strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium infantis.

Fibersol-2® is a soluble fiber which has a positive impact on the elimination of wastes and colon cleansing. It also helps to maintain balanced bowels, support normal bowel regularity and fecal volume, and support healthy digestive function. Physiologically, the ingredient has been shown to promote normal bowel regularity and stool volume.

Fibersol-2 is also capable of increasing the amount of good bacteria (probiotics) within the large intestine due to the fact that most of this fiber is normally not metabolized by pancreatic enzymes and is transported to that specific area of the colon. Fibersol-2’s slow digestion helps maintain blood glucose levels.

Digestive enzymes are a key component in the digestive system and collectively support the breakdown of complex macromolecules into energy sources and promote the release of the nutrient content from the foods we eat. Ingredients such as DigeZyme® (which is a multi-enzyme complex composed mainly of amylases, proteases and lipases) sucrase and maltase supplement the gastrointestinal tract with enzymes to adequately support the body’s ability to digest food.

In addition to the physical discomfort caused by poor digestion, undigested food in the gastrointestinal tract serves as fuel to intestinal microbes, causing them to overpopulate and ferment. These fermenting microbes lower the pH of the colon and increase bacterial toxins in the gut. Supplementation with digestive enzymes provides the body with the additional support it needs for proper digestion. In addition to abdominal discomfort, there is also a connection between the function of the digestive system and the brain. Research suggests that promoting normal digestion may in turn support physical health.

Aloe Vera Juice has been used for centuries for numerous health benefits, including those for digestive health. The anti-inflammatory actions of aloe vera gel provide support for the proposal that it may have a therapeutic effect in inflammatory bowel disease. Oral aloe vera taken for 4 weeks produced a clinical response more often than placebo when used as treatment for ulcerative colitis and appeared to be safe. Additionally, certain components of aloe may increase hydrochloric acid levels which provide a buffering effect on the GI tract. It also helps ease gastrointestinal discomfort and promotes mucus production and healthy gut flora.

Omega-3 May Help Slow Biological Aging

By Olivia Mungal

Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for a bounty of health benefits ranging from cardiovascular health to healthy joints, but according to a study conducted by researchers from Ohio State University, omega-3s may also help to protect your DNA from the effects of natural aging.

The study, published in the Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Peer Review Journal, found that regular omega supplementation for a period of 4+ months could help to slow the biological effects of aging. In the trial, participants took either 2.5 grams or 1.25 grams of active Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids compared against a third group given a placebo. Each omega-3 supplement contained a 7:1 ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

How do cells biologically age?

During mitosis, enzymes in the nucleus duplicate our DNA continuously, replacing old cells in the body with new ones. As we age, our cells are damaged by oxidation and some of our DNA’s nucleotide sequencing is also damaged during this process. Telomeres are a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences that cap the ends of each chromosome and protect them from deterioration or mutation.

Luckily for the human body, our DNA often comes with backup nucleotide sequences and repair mechanisms our cells use if the primary nucleotide sequences are damaged. However, the more oxidative stress experienced by our bodies, our cells become less able to repair and regenerate during cell division, and our telomeres become shorter and shorter as the years of oxidative stress chips away at our DNA’s protective barrier.

Courtesy of christophertims.com

What the study found:

Professor Kiecolt-Glaser led the study, and confirmed regular supplementation with omega-3 reduced oxidative stress by as much as 15% when compared to the placebo group. The researchers found omega supplementation transformed the natural ratio of omega-6: omega-3 fatty acids and preserved the length of the telomeres in each participant’s DNA. As that ratio became lower, the average length of each participant’s DNA-protective telomeres became significantly longer.

Why does this work?

Human beings naturally produce arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid which promotes cellular inflammation. EPA inhibits the production and release of AA, lowering the amount of harmful omega-6 fatty acids in the body. Most people simply don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet to achieve a low omega-6:omega-3 ratio, leaving the body and DNA especially vulnerable to oxidative damage.

“The telomere finding is provocative in that it suggests the possibility that a nutritional supplement might actually make a difference” says Ohio State’s  Dr. Jan Kiecolt-Glaser.

Natural Sleep Aids

Scientists have conducted specific studies of humans and animals and discovered that sleep plays a critical role in memory and learning, but also immune function and basic metabolism. It seems that sleep plays a role not only in how energetic we feel, but also the way in which we generate energy.

Natural Sleep Aids:

• Chamomile is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used since ancient times to fight insomnia and a wide range of other health complaints. Chamomile is sold in the form of tea, extract, and topical ointment. Chamomile is widely available in health food stores and supermarkets. Chamomile's effectiveness as a sleep aid has not been widely researched in humans, but in animal studies it has been shown to be a safe and mild sleep aid. 

• Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the brain and is often referred to as the “hormone of darkness” due to its association with secretion rates during light and dark cycles.  The pineal gland controls the timing and release of the hormone depending on light conditions.  Periods of darkness stimulate melatonin release while times of bright light drop the production rate.  This is why being exposed to bright lights in the evening or too little light during the day can disrupt the body’s normal melatonin cycles and cause an internal clock imbalance.
• Passion flower has a long history of use for promoting relaxation. German regulatory authorities cite passion flower as a potential help for “conditions of nervousness.”  Passion flower is a perennial vine, which reaches 30 feet in length. It grows naturally from the southeastern United States to Brazil and Argentina, and is cultivated as a garden plant in Europe. The blossoms are considered symbolic of Christ’s passion, which accounts for its name because the central corona represents the crown of thorns. The medicinal value is found on the above ground parts of the plants. Passion flower is available as an herb for tea and is also an ingredient in some sedative bath additives. 
• Magnesium deficiency is sometimes associated with frequent nocturnal awakenings. Nocturnal instrument monitoring reveals major disorders of sleep organization. The deficiency may be diagnosed on the basis of clearly low blood magnesium levels.  Thus, it may prove helpful to supplement with magnesium for sleep support.  
• L-Tryptophan  An essential amino acid that promotes the normal synthesis and structure of proteins. In the body, L-tryptophan is converted into niacin (vitamin B3) and serotonin, a neurotransmitter which promotes the body’s ability to regulate anger, aggression, mood, and sleep. By supplementing with  L-Tryptophan, serotonin production can be supported, which will promote sleep and enhance mood. 
  There are a few lifestyle changes you can make immediately that can help to improve sleep quality and optimize melatonin production.  Two of the most common factors that can make sleep elusive during the nighttime hours are light and temperature.  Avoid watching television an hour before you go to bed – the blue light tricks your brain into thinking it is daytime, which interrupts your internal clock.  It is also recommended to sleep in complete darkness and keep the temperature in your room no higher than 70 degrees.

When our bodies are operating at their optimal energy levels it affects our mood and overall health.  By now, we all know how important getting a good night’s sleep is and how being rested and alert can benefit our lives.  Supporting your brains ability to produce and release appropriate levels of melatonin through minor lifestyle changes or obtaining the hormone through supplementation is key to maintaining the balance of our internal clocks.  This balance is one of the first steps towards feeling younger, vital, and more energetic.

CRAVINGS! What they mean?

Who hasn’t experienced the overwhelming desire to eat some­thing specific, whether it be chocolate, potato chips, a burger, or some other food? We’ve all experienced cravings, but we should be careful about the way in which we satisfy them. Cravings are not the same as hunger, in fact they couldn't be more different!  Hunger is controlled by the stomach, but Cravings are controlled by the brain.  Hunger is all about survival, but cravings are about your body communicating with you.

By understanding what your body is actually deficient in you can get to the root cause of the crav­ings, and eventually kick them all together.

There are numerous possible meanings of cravings, depending on the type of craving and your eating habits. Before you satisfy cravings, drink a tall glass of pure water. Quite often we misinterpret our body’s signal for thirst as a signal of hunger.  Some experts estimate that up to 80 percent of the population is chronically dehydrated, so start with water before you try to decipher your cravings.

Craving this:	Reason is:	Restore with this:
COMMON FOOD
Cheese	Essential Fatty Acids deficiency	Omega 3′s (EPA and DHA)- Flax oil, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts
	Calcium deficiency	Sesame seeds/ tahini, broccoli, kale, legumes, mustard and turnip greens Calcium supplementation
Pasta, white bread, pastries	Chromium deficiency	Onion, romaine lettuce, tomato, cinnamon, grapes, apples, sweet potato Chromium supplementation
Bread and toast	Nitrogen deficiency	Foods containing proteins, i.e.. Green leafy veg, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains
Red meat	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries,  Vitamin C Iron
Popcorn	Stress hormone fluctuations	Meditation, breathing exercises, exercise, leafy greens, vitamin B and Vitamin C , Adrenal Support
Crisps	Chloride deficiency	Celery, olives, tomato, kelp, Himalayan sea salt
	Essential Fatty Acids deficiency	Omega 3′s (EPA and DHA)- Flax oil, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts
FLAVOR
Burned Food	Carbon deficiency	Fresh fruits
Acid foods	Magnesium deficiency	Raw cacao nibs/beans/powder, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, greens, fruit, Magnesium supplements
Salty Foods	Chloride deficiency	Celery, olives, tomato, kelp, Himalayan sea salt
	Stress hormone fluctuations	Meditation, breathing exercises, exercise, leafy greens, vitamin B and vitamin C
SWEETS
Chocolate	Magnesium deficiency	Raw cacao nibs/beans/powder, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, greens, fruit,magnesium
Soda, fizzy drinks	Calcium deficiency	Sesame seeds/ tahini, broccoli, kale, legumes, mustard and turnip greens Calcium supplementation
General sweets	Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)	Fruit, high fibre foods (beans, legumes), complex carbs (grains), chromium (cinnamon)
	Tryptophan deficiency	Spirulina, pumpkin/sesame/sunflower seeds, raw cacao, oatmeal, sweet potato, spinach, raisins, Tryptophan
	Chromium deficiency	Onion, romaine lettuce, tomato, cinnamon, grapes, apples, sweet potato Chromium
	Sulphur deficiency	Cruciferous vege (kale, cabbage, etc), cranberries, horseradish, asparagus, carob powder, garlic, onion
	Phosphorus deficiency	Whole grains, pinto beans, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, lentils
STIMULANTS
Coffee or black tea	Sulphur deficiency	Cruciferous vege (kale, cabbage, etc), cranberries, horseradish, asparagus, carob powder, garlic, onion
	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C Iron
	NaCl (salt) deficiency	Himalayan or Aztecan sea salt, Apple Cider vinegar, kombucha
	Phosphorous deficiency	Whole grains, pinto beans, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, lentils
Alcohol, recreational drugs	Calcium deficiency	Sesame seeds/ tahini, broccoli, kale, legumes, mustard and turnip greens Calcium
	Glutamine deficiency	Cabbage, beetroot, beans, spinach, parsley, vegetable juice Glutamine
	Protein deficiency	Green leafy vegetable, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, beans Protein Powder
	Potassium deficiency	Citrus fruits, bitter green leafy veg, banana, tomato, pineapple, black olives, seaweeds Potassium supplement
	Avenin deficiency	Oatmeal, granola, cereals, whole grains
Tobacco	Silicon deficiency	Horsetail herb, nuts, seeds, oats, millet, barley, onions, whole wheat, beetroot. Avoid refined starches
	Tyrosine deficiency	Fruits (esp. avocado and banana), whole grains, oats, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, Vitamin C Tyrosine
EATING HABITS
Lack of appetite	Chloride deficiency	Celery, olives, tomato, kelp, Himalayan or Aztecan sea salt
	Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency	Whole grains, peanuts, seeds, beans, green and yellow vegetables B-Complex
	Niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency	Peanuts, sunflower seeds, wheat bran and wheat germ
	Manganese deficiency	Walnuts, almonds, pecans, whole grains, green leafy veges, pineapple, blueberries Niacin Manganese
Often overeating	Tryptophan deficiency	Spirulina, pumpkin/sesame/sunflower seeds, raw cacao, oatmeal, sweet potato, spinach, raisins Tryptophan
	Tyrosine deficiency	Fruits (esp. Avocado and banana), whole grains, oats, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, Vitamin C Tyrosine
	Silicon deficiency	Horsetail herb, nuts, seeds, oats, millet, barley, onions, whole wheat, beetroot. Avoid refined starches
Often snacky	No balanced diet, missing nutrients	Do a detox, substitute junk food for healthy meals
MORE BIZARRE
Crunching on ice	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C Iron
Laundry starch	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C Iron
Cigarette butts	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C Iron

Nutritional Measures For Migraines

By Will Llamas / Intern

A migraine can ruin a day in the blink of an eye. Many times, even taking a pain reliever once such a headache hits can be too late. This is definitely a case where the best defense is a good offense, but few people know exactly what measures can be taken to help prevent migraines.

Quality nutrition is among the most effective strategies, as key nutrients can lower the risk of regular migraines greatly. Here are some of the best nutrient options to finally help conquer those splitting headaches.

Coenzyme Q10:

Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that is effective in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Coenzyme Q10 deficiencies have been connected to heart failures. Three trials have been conducted to test its effects on migraine reduction. All showed a strong correlation and in one, 61 percent of patients had a greater than 50 percent reduction in the frequency of migraines. It can be also be used by any age group with little risk of side effects.

Magnesium:

Magnesium is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that promotes a healthy metabolism. Importantly, magnesium also maintains and builds healthy bones and teeth. People who suffer from frequent headaches often have a magnesium deficiency. In one study, people who supplemented with magnesium reduced the frequency of attacks by over 41 percent, compared to less than 16 percent in those who took the placebo.

Vitamin B6:

Vitamin B6 is one of the eight B-complex vitamins used throughout the body for healthy growth, especially within the brain and nerves. Low serotonin levels have been discovered in the brains of people suffering from migraines. Low serotonin levels are believed to be caused by the lack of Vitamin B6. Therefore, taking supplements with Vitamin B6 is believed to reduce potential vulnerability to headaches.

It’s suggested that supplements containing 100-300% of the RDA of these vitamins can help reduce migraine frequency. Although not a guarantee, measures like this–along with conscious efforts to minimize stress, exercise regularly and sleep soundly–can contribute to a respectable reduction of tension in the nerves, cardiovascular system, and from there in overall lifestyle.