Smart Supplementation
As we age, our bodies are naturally subject to changes that can affect our health and wellbeing.
For adults over the age of 55, maintaining health and wellness can be a challenging task. Natural supplements can help to provide additional nutrients and support for optimal health, as well as helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
One of the most important natural supplements for adults over the age of 55 is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is an antioxidant that is essential for energy production, and it plays an important role in mitochondrial function. As we age, our CoQ10 levels naturally decline, making supplementation a great way to support our energy levels and overall health. CoQ10 has also been shown to help lower cholesterol, reduce oxidative stress, and improve heart health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Another important supplement for adults over the age of 55 is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health, and they have also been shown to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. Studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help to improve mood and cognitive function. Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and it can be taken as a supplement or consumed through eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another important natural supplement for adults over the age of 55. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune system function. Our bodies produce vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunlight, but this can be difficult as we age. Taking a vitamin D supplement can help to ensure that our bodies are getting the vitamin D they need for optimal health.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Antioxidants are another important natural supplement for adults over the age of 55. Antioxidants help to protect our cells from oxidative damage and can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are two of the most important antioxidants, and they can be found in foods like berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Taking a daily multivitamin that includes antioxidants can also help to ensure our bodies are getting enough of these important nutrients.
Probiotics
Finally, probiotics are an important natural supplement for adults over the age of 55. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics have been shown to help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in supplement form.
In conclusion, natural supplements can be an effective way to support health and wellness in adults over the age of 55. Coenzyme Q10, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, antioxidants, and probiotics are all important natural supplements that can help to improve energy levels, mitochondrial function, longevity, and overall health. Taking a daily multivitamin can also help to ensure that our bodies are getting the essential nutrients they need for optimal health.
The Forgotten Mineral: The Effects of Magnesium Depletion
What Does Magnesium Do?
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals necessary for the overall function of the human body. It is essential for maintaining the cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, immunological, and reproductive systems. When the body doesn't receive the right amount of magnesium, there is an increased risk of painful chronic diseases. Magnesium is in the top four of essential minerals. The body uses it for over 300 biochemical interactions, most of which are vital to supporting the nervous system. Additionally, magnesium is responsible for several other functions, such as:
- Assisting in controlling glucose and blood pressure levels
- Boosting metabolism
- Breaking down protein
- Influencing bone health
Magnesium is also a key player in the muscular system. Supplements such as magnesium glycinate (Amino Mag Powder) can be used to help increase magnesium levels to have a calming and muscle relaxation effect. This supplement may be helpful for muscle spasms, chronic pain and supporting sugar and heart metabolism.
How Low Magnesium Levels Triggers Chronic Disease
When magnesium levels get critically low, it can affect the body’s basic functions. In addition, it can lead to serious chronic diseases. Recent studies have shown that low magnesium levels can increase the risk of cancer and neural behavioral disorders such as ADHD. Other studies have shown that certain neurological diseases may result in severe deficiencies. As the study of magnesium continues, scientists are discovering its contributions to several recognizable chronic diseases. Many studies have shown that magnesium depletion is a problem in patients being diagnosed with disorders such as:
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
- Kidney Stones
- Chemical Toxicity
- Osteoporosis
- Premenstrual Syndrome
" Generally, the significance of healthy magnesium levels is overlooked. Our patients are becoming more aware of the role magnesium plays and how to avoid depletion through diet and supplementation. We educate our patients that it is necessary to consume at least 400 mg of magnesium daily. "
Dr. Gary Gruber
Symptoms of Magnesium Depletion
The human body is multifaceted and will send signals when it’s not getting enough of something. As a result, it’s important for people to understand that the fundamental part of maintaining a healthy level is recognizing when there's a problem. Several signs and symptoms of magnesium depletion include:
- Dry or coarse skin
- Brittle nails
- Sudden fatigue
- Muscle spasms
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Bronchospasms
- Headache
- Insulin Resistance
Magnesium depletion can also cause anxiety and depression due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek medical attention and develop a plan of action with their physician. Pregnancy may contribute to low magnesium levels. Low magnesium in pregnancy has been linked to preeclampsia a condition of high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling of hands and feet. However, eating a Mediterranean diet and taking prenatal vitamins with extra magnesium supplementation will ensure steady magnesium levels throughout pregnancy.
Preventing Magnesium Depletion
Avoiding chronic disease because of low magnesium levels requires adults and teens to be proactive about their health. The following table shows common food sources of magnesium that should be rotated throughout the daily diet:
Adults and teenagers should also consider taking magnesium supplements. Amino Mag Capsulesare a high potency and very absorbable form of the mineral.Before taking supplements whether vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants it is appropriate to test for deficiencies. While a blood test for magnesium is standard, a comprehensive functional nutrition test such as Genova’s NutrEval will provide extensive information for mineral deficiencies.
Endnotes:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-05-magnesium-important-kids-bone-health.html
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/45/5/1305.long
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium#Biological_role
http://www.nhfw.info/magnesium.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16846100
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/29/10/2238?sid=92f080cb-ecf1-46c8-bb94-b590321915b9
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22318649
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Citation&list_uids=17413107
http://www.mgwater.com/rod02.shtml
Kill Your Allergies, Not Your Brain
Summer is a time of renewal for many. After months of hibernation, people can’t wait to break open the windows and rediscover their love of nature and the outdoors. Unfortunately for 50 million Americans with seasonal allergies, this season of rebirth is marred by the pollen generated from the newly beautified nature. These summertime woes have recently grown considerably worse; climate change has lengthened the pollination season, and the National Wildlife Federation expects allergies to worsen for 25 million Americans due to higher than average temperatures .
Seasonal allergy symptoms can move beyond common irritation.
Beyond simple runny noses and sneezing, sufferers report congestion, itching eyes and skin, and even more serious symptoms such as . Your body’s steady release of histamine to respond to the increased levels of pollen and mold in the air also increases inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to anxiety, cognitive losses, digestive issues, eczema, and migraines.
With no comprehensive cure for allergies on the horizon, millions of Americans have resorted to popular over-the-counter supplements to treat their seasonal allergy issues. While these supplements may act as a short-term fix, they also carry a myriad of side effects such as drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, and can even increase the risk of dementia . Many Americans do not have the ability to absorb days and weeks lost to allergies or medication side effects, yet are often forced to choose between two undesirable options.
Allerg-Eze is here to put a stop to all of this.
The FDA-compliant formula merges science and nature, stripping out all added sugar, preservatives, artificial colors, and additives. What’s left is rapid, long-lasting allergy relief. Allerg-Eze leverages the power of Stinging Nettle to treat patients effectively without the long-term risks associated with antihistamines. In a recent study, 48% of respondents reported that nettle capsules treated their allergies more effectively than allergy medications they had utilized previously. By cutting out the unnecessary ingredients and focusing on time-honored holistic traditions, Allerg-Eze delivers a more effective and natural solution for customers in need.
"Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of the AllergEze formula. It does not cause drowsiness or any of the other symptoms associated with prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals." -Dr. Gary Gruber
Let’s face it: the current options will not do. If you feel trapped between the choice of suffering through your seasonal allergies or suffering through extensive medicinal side effects of heavy drugs, understand there is a third option at your disposal. You should never be forced to side between the treacherous whims of mother nature and the padding of profits for pharmaceutical companies.
So let’s start this journey together. One day at a time, Allerg-Eze can help you get through the worst of your seasonal allergies so you can get the best out of your daily life. Whether you need to finish a project at work, drop the kids off at soccer, or just kick back and catch up on your shows, trust us to deliver the relief you need, when you need it.
Probiotics
There are over 400 species and thousands of strains of bacteria that are supposed to inhabit the lower intestines and colon.
These 400+ species are collectively called probiotics, which means "for life", and were initially discovered in the early 1900's. These bacteria have many roles in good health such as making short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), polyamines, vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. Another function, especially in the case of Lactobacillus species, is to prevent food from decaying, preserve antioxidants and vitamins, remove toxins, and keep pathogenic organisms at bay. A third and major role of probiotics is to maintain proper immune function. Among the various effects on the immune system, a specific action is to stimulate the action of white blood cells like the macrophages, natural killer cells, monocytes, and neutrophils.
When buying a probiotic (see Natural Pharmacy), you want a multi-strain product called "broad spectrum". It should have at least 8 different types of probiotic bacteria. Avoid supplements with fillers or preservatives. The probiotic formula should be designed to by-pass the stomach and deliver essential bacteria to the lower intestines. Extended periods of elevated temperatures will diminish the viability of the organisms. Therefore, probiotics should be kept refrigerated and used immediately.
References
Jeanne A. Drisko, MD, CNS; Cheryl K. Giles, MD; Bette J. Bischoff, RD. (2003). Probiotics in Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention. Alternative Medicine Review. Volume 8, Number 2.
John A. Catanzaro, N.D. and Lisa Green, B.Sc. (1997). Microbial Ecology and Probiotics in Human Medicine (Part II). Alternative Medicine Review. Volume 2, Number 4.
Yehuda Ringel, Eamonn MM Quigley and Henry C Lin. (2012). Using Probiotics in Gastrointestinal Disorders. The American Journal of Gastroenterology Supplements 1, 34-40.
Natural treatment for weight loss: L-carnitine
Natural treatment for weight loss
L-carnitine is a natural compound that is found mostly in animal foods such as red meat, chicken and fish. A well-balanced diet provides about 100 to 300 mg L-carnitine per day. L-carnitine deficiency is rare if moderate portions of meat are ingested daily. In addition, our body produces this amino acid naturally and requirements can be reached by this way.
Recently, the supplement L-carnitine has been found to be useful as a Natural treatment for weight loss as this compound is essential for the oxidation of certain fats. L-carnitine enables long chain fatty acids to enter the cell and then be oxidized, thus facilitating the generation of energy and weight loss.
Until now, doctors believed that the use of L-carnitine as a natural treatment for weight loss was only effective in people who have a deficit of this compound as in the case of vegetarians and those with high energy requirements as athletes. However, new studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation in people with no deficits can be an effective measure to supplement the diet for weight loss. In one study supplementation with 3 doses of 1 gram of L-carnitine daily for 10 days resulted in an increase of fat oxidation in healthy individuals without shortage of this amino acid.
Those who often follow a natural treatment for weight loss such as low-calorie diets may have lower levels of L-carnitine and, thus, likely to benefit with the addition of a dietary supplement of L-carnitine. Blood levels of L-carnitine are also influenced by the macronutrient composition of the diet. Thus, those diets that are low in calories and carbohydrates but, moderate in fat may further increase the level of L-carnitine in blood compared with high-carbohydrate low-fat diets.
Due to its facilitating role in fat metabolism, L-carnitine contributes to better utilization of these nutrients as an energy source during exercise. L-carnitine improves the uptake of fat as energy substrate in those exercises of long duration and medium intensity. As a result, people who perform physical activity endurance (running, swimming, walking, etc.) to lose weight will gain additional benefit from supplementation with L-carnitine as a natural treatment for weight loss .
A natural treatment for weight loss supplement
The addition of a supplement of L-carnitine as a natural treatment for weight loss may also be beneficial for people who are overweight associated with alterations in blood lipids (high cholesterol or high triglycerides levels). L-carnitine takes part in the normalization of these parameters, especially when associated with diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
There are some nutrients that are essential to maintain high levels of L-carnitine in blood and facilitate fat oxidation and weight loss:
- Vitamin C: melon, citrus, kiwi, berries, tomatoes, peppers.
- Vitamin B12: eggs, meat, dairy products.
- Vitamin B2: cereals, nuts, milk, eggs, green leafy vegetables, meats.
- Lysine: eggs, milk, legumes.
Finally, supplementation with lecithin can also diminish the levels of L-carnitine. For all this you should consult with your doctor before starting the use of a natural supplement of L-carnitine.
Family and Environmental Medicine help patients with Natural treatment for weight loss. Dr Gary Gruber provides private appointments for patients from around the country who seek health and healing with Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The majority of patients are from the local area including Greenwich CT, Stamford CT, Darien CT, Norwalk CT, New Canaan CT, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ.
Family and Environmental Medicine helps patients with Natural treatment for weight loss. Local areas served are CT, NY, NJ.
Local area including Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ
Contact Dr Gary Gruber for a natural treatment for weight loss directly via phone or fill out the contact form.
References
Muller DM, Seim H. Effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on in vivo long-chain fatty acid oxidation in healthy adults. Metabolism 2002 Nov;51(11):1389-91.
Lurtz R., Fischer R. Carnitine as supporting agent in weight loss in adiposity. Medical Journal for natural Therapy, 39, 1(1998) pg 12-15.
Natural Medicine for Depression
Natural Medicine for Depression
Chronic illness is always accompanied by many stressors. The stress can be physical such as pain. External circumstances from financial and family problems are common sources of stress. In our culture, environmental toxins play an ever-increasing role in physical illness by depleting micronutrients necessary for detoxification. The condition of depression may suddenly arise as a result of nutrient depletion.
Natural Medicine for Depression – Research
In several research studies a zinc deficiency correlated with an brain inflammatory-immune response that preceded major depression (Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2011 Apr 29;35(3):693-701). Additionally, patients with diagnosed depression benefited from zinc supplementation.
Depression often accompanies patients with cognitive and memory decline. In the elderly patients supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 improved overall mental health including associated depression (Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jan;95(1):194-203).
15 studies were summarized for the effect of fish oil with depression. It was found that supplementing with fish oil that contained 60% EPA was an effective treatment for primary depression (J Clin Psychiatry. 2011 Dec;72(12):1577-84).
Natural Medicine for Depression – Areas we serve
Family and Environmental Medicine help patients with Natural Medicine for Depression by testing for nutritional deficiencies using the Micronutrient Test from SpectraCell Laboratories. The information contained in this article is not intended as the sole natural medicine for depression treatment but should be considered as part of a holistic program of healing. Dr Gary Gruber provides private appointments for patients from around the country. The majority of patients are from the local area including Greenwich CT, Stamford CT, Darien CT, Norwalk CT, New Canaan CT, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ. For other solutions to Natural Medicine for Depression please contact us at (203) 966-6360.
Natural Medicine for Headaches
Natural Medicine for Headaches
Many people suffer from headaches. It is one of the most common symptoms that bring a patient to the doctor’s office. Headaches are common to all age groups ranging from children to adults. While there are many over-the-counter pharmaceutical medicines; they are not without side effects. Aspirin may cause stomach discomfort and outright ulcers while non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen may damage the liver.
Natural Medicine for Headaches – Research
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 120 children and adolescents, patients were treated with CoQ10. The patients that were treated with CoQ10 had significantly fewer migraine episodes (see Cephalagia, 2011 Jun;31(8):897-905). Similarly, a small study of 54 migraine patients had infrequent attacks while they were taking lipoic acid for headache prevention (see Headache. 2007 Jan;47(1):52-7).
Nutritional deficiency of CoQ10 and lipoic acid may create a metabolic dysfunction at the cellular level. This dysfunction is because cells require these nutrients for energy metabolism. With low cellular energy, migraines may develop. Testing for deficiency and supplementing as necessary may prevent headaches.
Natural Medicine for Headaches – Areas we serve
Family and Environmental Medicine help patients with natural medicine for headaches by testing for nutritional deficiencies using the Micronutrient Test from SpectraCell Laboratories. The information contained in this article is not intended as the sole natural medicine for headache treatment but should be considered as part of a holistic program of healing. Dr Gary Gruber provides private appointments for clients from around the country. The majority of patients are from the local area including Greenwich CT, Stamford CT, Darien CT, Norwalk CT, New Canaan CT, Wilton CT, Westchester County, NY, NYC, and Northern NJ. For other solutions to Natural Medicine for headaches please contact us at (203) 966-6360.