How
To Sleep Like A Dog!
07/01/14
Have you ever laid awake, tossing and turning to the rhythm of your beloved family pet snoring without a care in the world? How can your pet sleep so well (or your partner or spouse) when you have such troubles? It’s because your pet does not succumb to the “monkey mind”, that mind that won’t slow down, jumping back and forth and racing around all night long.
Family pets like dogs live in the here and now. They do not spend their time revisiting or reliving the day that just happened, nor do they lie awake at night thinking about what they have to do tomorrow. This doesn’t sound familiar, does it?
Inadequate sleep has been linked to increase risk for diabetes, stroke, weight gain, impaired immune system, memory loss, and a recent report has tied regular good night’s rest with living a long and healthier life. This requirement of sleep for a long and healthy life is alarming since it is reported that only 38% of Baby Boomer’s actually get a consistent, good night’s rest.
Reasons for not sleeping well can be linked to diet and lifestyle, hormonal imbalance’s, drugs (prescription and recreational), “too connected” and over-stimulated by computers, TV’s, cellphones, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, and or course…stress.
There are prescription agents that can get you sleeping, although they can be habit forming and many can actually suppress the body’s production of melatonin, thus not an optimal long term solution. There over the counter drugs like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), although people often wake-up groggy and these drugs have been implicated to impair mental cognition and memory.
What are the natural alternatives? First, let’s look at some lifestyle options. Try to get digestion out of the way before going to bed, finish your last big meal of the day at least three hours before bedtime. Avoid excessive carbohydrates and alcohol at nighttime, the increased sugar load can spike cortisol levels leaving you wide-awake between 2 and 4 AM. Reduce stimulatory devices such as television, cellphones and computers too close to bedtime. It’s ok to disconnect from modern technology, in fact it’s good for you.
One of the most common issues that many people have is not being able to turn the mind off and the repetitive 'crazy talk' that keeps them awake at the darkest hours of the night.
I have come to realize that this is not the case for everyone, and what I am finding with salivary hormonal testing is that people's adrenal glands have taken a hit, and very often excreting excessively high amounts of cortisol during the wrong time of the day - night time cortisol surges!
Cortisol is released from the adrenal glands and allows us to respond in the way our bodies have been designed; a fight or flight response. The hormonal surges trigger the body to send the blood flow where it needs to go to allow us to accept the stressful challenge or quickly remove ourselves out of the situation. Then after the experience, our bodies are able to recalibrate to normal, providing a healthy balance. Now-a-days the problem is that the stressors just don't go away, thus we are not provided the time for adequate rest and renewal.
After this continual punishment, the body really starts to lose ground and its response mechanism goes out of whack. Normally the body's cortisol levels should be high in the morning and slowly decrease as the day goes along, to its lowest amount at bedtime, then slowly beginning to ramp up to wake us up in the morning.
All too often I see the reverse trend, where cortisol is low in the morning, and high in the evening, which incidentally has show to be common in a study in 80% of breast cancer cases.
So, when an adrenal cortisol test shows rising levels through the evening hour up until bedtime, and we are having difficulty sleeping, the assumption can be made that it's the rising cortisol levels stimulating us, preventing us from a restful sleep. Now we can make an accurate, dialed in recommendation on what nutritional therapy the body needs to rebound and repair.
So how do we correct this imbalance and finally get some sleep?
L-Theanine is an amino acid which promotes brain alpha waves supporting focus and concentration and calms a racing mind. GABA and Glycine are considered inhibitory neurotransmitters where they help to promote further relaxation.
Adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwaganda, licorice root, rhodiola, astragalus, and holy basil recharge the adrenal gland and help us better respond to stress. Think of them helping use “adapt” to stress – helping us product cortisol when we need it and lowering cortisol when we don’t need it.
Melatonin, which is actually a hormone that decreases in production as we get older, helps to "reset" our time clock. More is not always better with melatonin. A smaller dose might be just what someone needs, when a larger dose could cause them to have an unsettled sleep. Certain medications, such as prescription sleep aids and blood pressure medications, can actually interfere with our bodies ability to produce melatonin!
Natural central nervous system relaxants including chamomile, valerian root, hops, lemon balm, and passion flower. A small percentage or people who take valerian root might experience an opposite effect, an unsettled sleep and people who experience hay fever could have a reaction to chamomile.
If you feel stress and any of its side-effects such as impaired sleep patterns, weight gain and lack of energy play a role in your life and you would like to get a handle on it, contact us here at the pharmacy.
Have you ever laid awake, tossing and turning to the rhythm of your beloved family pet snoring without a care in the world? How can your pet sleep so well (or your partner or spouse) when you have such troubles? It’s because your pet does not succumb to the “monkey mind”, that mind that won’t slow down, jumping back and forth and racing around all night long.
Family pets like dogs live in the here and now. They do not spend their time revisiting or reliving the day that just happened, nor do they lie awake at night thinking about what they have to do tomorrow. This doesn’t sound familiar, does it?
Inadequate sleep has been linked to increase risk for diabetes, stroke, weight gain, impaired immune system, memory loss, and a recent report has tied regular good night’s rest with living a long and healthier life. This requirement of sleep for a long and healthy life is alarming since it is reported that only 38% of Baby Boomer’s actually get a consistent, good night’s rest.
Reasons for not sleeping well can be linked to diet and lifestyle, hormonal imbalance’s, drugs (prescription and recreational), “too connected” and over-stimulated by computers, TV’s, cellphones, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, and or course…stress.
There are prescription agents that can get you sleeping, although they can be habit forming and many can actually suppress the body’s production of melatonin, thus not an optimal long term solution. There over the counter drugs like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), although people often wake-up groggy and these drugs have been implicated to impair mental cognition and memory.
What are the natural alternatives? First, let’s look at some lifestyle options. Try to get digestion out of the way before going to bed, finish your last big meal of the day at least three hours before bedtime. Avoid excessive carbohydrates and alcohol at nighttime, the increased sugar load can spike cortisol levels leaving you wide-awake between 2 and 4 AM. Reduce stimulatory devices such as television, cellphones and computers too close to bedtime. It’s ok to disconnect from modern technology, in fact it’s good for you.
One of the most common issues that many people have is not being able to turn the mind off and the repetitive 'crazy talk' that keeps them awake at the darkest hours of the night.
I have come to realize that this is not the case for everyone, and what I am finding with salivary hormonal testing is that people's adrenal glands have taken a hit, and very often excreting excessively high amounts of cortisol during the wrong time of the day - night time cortisol surges!
Cortisol is released from the adrenal glands and allows us to respond in the way our bodies have been designed; a fight or flight response. The hormonal surges trigger the body to send the blood flow where it needs to go to allow us to accept the stressful challenge or quickly remove ourselves out of the situation. Then after the experience, our bodies are able to recalibrate to normal, providing a healthy balance. Now-a-days the problem is that the stressors just don't go away, thus we are not provided the time for adequate rest and renewal.
After this continual punishment, the body really starts to lose ground and its response mechanism goes out of whack. Normally the body's cortisol levels should be high in the morning and slowly decrease as the day goes along, to its lowest amount at bedtime, then slowly beginning to ramp up to wake us up in the morning.
All too often I see the reverse trend, where cortisol is low in the morning, and high in the evening, which incidentally has show to be common in a study in 80% of breast cancer cases.
So, when an adrenal cortisol test shows rising levels through the evening hour up until bedtime, and we are having difficulty sleeping, the assumption can be made that it's the rising cortisol levels stimulating us, preventing us from a restful sleep. Now we can make an accurate, dialed in recommendation on what nutritional therapy the body needs to rebound and repair.
So how do we correct this imbalance and finally get some sleep?
L-Theanine is an amino acid which promotes brain alpha waves supporting focus and concentration and calms a racing mind. GABA and Glycine are considered inhibitory neurotransmitters where they help to promote further relaxation.
Adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwaganda, licorice root, rhodiola, astragalus, and holy basil recharge the adrenal gland and help us better respond to stress. Think of them helping use “adapt” to stress – helping us product cortisol when we need it and lowering cortisol when we don’t need it.
Melatonin, which is actually a hormone that decreases in production as we get older, helps to "reset" our time clock. More is not always better with melatonin. A smaller dose might be just what someone needs, when a larger dose could cause them to have an unsettled sleep. Certain medications, such as prescription sleep aids and blood pressure medications, can actually interfere with our bodies ability to produce melatonin!
Natural central nervous system relaxants including chamomile, valerian root, hops, lemon balm, and passion flower. A small percentage or people who take valerian root might experience an opposite effect, an unsettled sleep and people who experience hay fever could have a reaction to chamomile.
If you feel stress and any of its side-effects such as impaired sleep patterns, weight gain and lack of energy play a role in your life and you would like to get a handle on it, contact us here at the pharmacy.
How's the Allergy Season Treating You? Don't let Nature Rag on You This Allergy Season. Here Are Some Tips and Solutions to Combat Allergy Season - Naturally! 06/15/14
Spring is here and you know what that means for many of us - flower buds, blooming trees, growing grass and ALLERGIES! If you're one of the millions of people who have springtime allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Springtime allergies - also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis - can make you feel miserable!
Here are some tips to help you with the season:
o Keep windows closed during the season which prevents it flowing into your home.
o Depending on your symptoms, you might want to minimize your outdoor activity.
o Keep the car windows closed while traveling
o You might now want to dry your laundry inside - it can bea magnet for pollen.
o Shower after spending time outdoors to wash the pollen off of yourself.
However, if you don't want to live like a hermit, I can recommend some solutions to help treat symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Anti-histamines run off the shelves this time of year to arrest the reaction, but this is not my option of choice, except in the moment of an attack. I feel we are better offer stabilizing our bodies, by supporting the cells that 'go wild' with natural supplementation while at the same time providing the body with the immune support it needs, so we are working with the body and not against it! Natural ingredients that have worked well to help our patients with allergy distress include Quercetin, Vitamin C, Stinging Nettle, NAC and Bromelain.
Quercetin and Vitamin C help stabilize the mast cells before they over-react Mast cells are part of our immune system and are responsible for releasing histamine, that powerful signal that causes most of our unwanted allergy symptoms. Because it is able to prevent histamine release from mast cells, quercetin may prevent symptoms of allergies, including itchy eyes and runny nose. Naturally found in onions, quercetin is also a powerful natural flavonoid and has been shown to promote sinus and respiratory health.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one preliminary human study suggested that "stinging nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever. Researchers think that this may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen." Other studies have shown stinging nettles demonstrate positive support for nasal passageway function. While further study is needed, stinging nettles demonstrated measurable support after only one week of supplementation.
A strong pineapple enzyme, bromelain supports normal mucousal tissue function and enhances the absorption of quercetin. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce coughing and swelling.
Finally NAC is an antioxidant that helps promote the normal viscosity of mucus. In fact, it is typically uses by lung specialists to thin the mucus of patients with cystic fibrosis, a genetic lung disease that produces large amounts of mucus in the lungs. For allergy sufferers, it can reduce coughing, wheezing, and thick phlegm.
If allergies are ragging on you, it might be time to give us a call or talk to us at the pharmacy!
Here are some tips to help you with the season:
o Keep windows closed during the season which prevents it flowing into your home.
o Depending on your symptoms, you might want to minimize your outdoor activity.
o Keep the car windows closed while traveling
o You might now want to dry your laundry inside - it can bea magnet for pollen.
o Shower after spending time outdoors to wash the pollen off of yourself.
However, if you don't want to live like a hermit, I can recommend some solutions to help treat symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Anti-histamines run off the shelves this time of year to arrest the reaction, but this is not my option of choice, except in the moment of an attack. I feel we are better offer stabilizing our bodies, by supporting the cells that 'go wild' with natural supplementation while at the same time providing the body with the immune support it needs, so we are working with the body and not against it! Natural ingredients that have worked well to help our patients with allergy distress include Quercetin, Vitamin C, Stinging Nettle, NAC and Bromelain.
Quercetin and Vitamin C help stabilize the mast cells before they over-react Mast cells are part of our immune system and are responsible for releasing histamine, that powerful signal that causes most of our unwanted allergy symptoms. Because it is able to prevent histamine release from mast cells, quercetin may prevent symptoms of allergies, including itchy eyes and runny nose. Naturally found in onions, quercetin is also a powerful natural flavonoid and has been shown to promote sinus and respiratory health.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one preliminary human study suggested that "stinging nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever. Researchers think that this may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen." Other studies have shown stinging nettles demonstrate positive support for nasal passageway function. While further study is needed, stinging nettles demonstrated measurable support after only one week of supplementation.
A strong pineapple enzyme, bromelain supports normal mucousal tissue function and enhances the absorption of quercetin. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce coughing and swelling.
Finally NAC is an antioxidant that helps promote the normal viscosity of mucus. In fact, it is typically uses by lung specialists to thin the mucus of patients with cystic fibrosis, a genetic lung disease that produces large amounts of mucus in the lungs. For allergy sufferers, it can reduce coughing, wheezing, and thick phlegm.
If allergies are ragging on you, it might be time to give us a call or talk to us at the pharmacy!
Fish Oil Could Help You Live Longer and Live Better 06/01/14
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are necessary for good health. Being called "essential" means that they cannot be produced by the body, so they must be consumed in food or in supplements. There are two most important types of essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Types of Omega 3 fatty acids include Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Types of Omega 6 fatty acids include Arachidonic acid (AA), Dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and Linoleic acid.
It is important that your consumption of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids maintain a proper ratio, between 3:1 and 6:1, or you may become omega-3 deficient, since these two EFA's compete for use in the body. The problem is that the standard American diet is very low in omega-3 compared to omega-6 where most Americans maintain a ratio of between 10:1 to 25:1. Because of this is it often very important to make sure you are consuming adequate amounts of omega 3's through food and supplements since the standard American diet is plentiful in omega 6 fatty acids.
The Mediterranean diet has continued to show greater heart healthy benefits over the American Heart Association low fat diet, and much is believed to be due to the healthy fats consumed in the Mediterranean diet such as from fish. But the effect on other causes of death or on total mortality, aside from cardiovascular disease has been unclear.
A new study is the first to look at how fish consumption relates to total mortality and specific causes of mortality in a general population has been published in the online Annals of Internal Medicine.The results have shown that older adults who consume omega-3 fatty acids found almost exclusively in fatty fish and seafood flat out can help you live longer and live better.
Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the University of Washington, found that older adults who had the highest blood levels of the fatty acids found in fish lived, on average, 2.2 years longer than those with lower levels. Additionally they found a decrease in overall mortality risk by as much as 27 percent and their mortality risk from heart disease by about 35 percent.
"Although eating fish has long been considered part of a healthy diet, few studies have assessed blood omega-3 levels and total deaths in older adults," said lead author Dariush Mozaffarian, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH. "Our findings support the importance of adequate blood omega-3 levels for cardiovascular health, and suggest that later in life these benefits could actually extend the years of remaining life."
Are healthy omega-3 fatty acids part of your diet? Are you taking a quality supplement to ensure you are getting a quality source of EPA and DHA? Talk to us at the pharmacy to find out what the best sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids might be best for you.
Types of Omega 3 fatty acids include Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Types of Omega 6 fatty acids include Arachidonic acid (AA), Dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and Linoleic acid.
It is important that your consumption of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids maintain a proper ratio, between 3:1 and 6:1, or you may become omega-3 deficient, since these two EFA's compete for use in the body. The problem is that the standard American diet is very low in omega-3 compared to omega-6 where most Americans maintain a ratio of between 10:1 to 25:1. Because of this is it often very important to make sure you are consuming adequate amounts of omega 3's through food and supplements since the standard American diet is plentiful in omega 6 fatty acids.
The Mediterranean diet has continued to show greater heart healthy benefits over the American Heart Association low fat diet, and much is believed to be due to the healthy fats consumed in the Mediterranean diet such as from fish. But the effect on other causes of death or on total mortality, aside from cardiovascular disease has been unclear.
A new study is the first to look at how fish consumption relates to total mortality and specific causes of mortality in a general population has been published in the online Annals of Internal Medicine.The results have shown that older adults who consume omega-3 fatty acids found almost exclusively in fatty fish and seafood flat out can help you live longer and live better.
Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the University of Washington, found that older adults who had the highest blood levels of the fatty acids found in fish lived, on average, 2.2 years longer than those with lower levels. Additionally they found a decrease in overall mortality risk by as much as 27 percent and their mortality risk from heart disease by about 35 percent.
"Although eating fish has long been considered part of a healthy diet, few studies have assessed blood omega-3 levels and total deaths in older adults," said lead author Dariush Mozaffarian, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH. "Our findings support the importance of adequate blood omega-3 levels for cardiovascular health, and suggest that later in life these benefits could actually extend the years of remaining life."
Are healthy omega-3 fatty acids part of your diet? Are you taking a quality supplement to ensure you are getting a quality source of EPA and DHA? Talk to us at the pharmacy to find out what the best sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids might be best for you.
Berberine- The Metabolic Wonder Supplement 05/01/14
Metabolic syndrome is the present day medical tsunami which is the driver behind most modern day diseases. Metabolic Syndrome is the clustering of risk factors including obesity, elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin resistance.
Berberine has become one of my favorite supplements for metabolic syndrome. Berberine's use in the past primarily existed around its antimicrobial activity (against bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi.) Although, over the past few years there has been an increasing interest for its ability to influence a positive effect on metabolic syndrome; including lowering blood sugar, decreasing lipids, supporting insulin sensitivity, cardiac support, and weight management.
Where cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been identified as the primary clinical outcome of metabolic syndrome, most people with metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance which leads to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. When diabetes becomes clinically apparent, CVD risk rises sharply.
Beyond CVD and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome has been implicated in driving almost every chronic disease, and individuals with metabolic syndrome seemingly are susceptible to other conditions including; heart attacks, stroke, depression, arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, fatty liver, cholesterol gallstones, asthma, sleep disturbances, obesity and some forms of cancer.
What I really like about berberine, it covers many metabolic risk factors, so it's kind of a "many birds with one stone" nutrient. In clinical studies it performed equal to the popular anti-diabetic medicine, metformin (Glucophage) in decreasing blood sugar, HbA1C, and increasing insulin sensitivity, with a greater ability in reducing triglyceride's and total cholesterol.
Studies have consistently shown a significant reduction in risk factors, including; lowering low density lipoprotein (LDL), aka "bad cholesterol" by 25%, total cholesterol by 29%, and triglycerides by 35%. Resistant weight loss is often a problem with insulin resistance and diabetes. Where many people might go for weight loss type supplements, I have found when using berberine to lower the risk factors of insulin resistance and diabetes, weight loss often comes as a nice "side-effect."
Here at Irsfeld Pharmacy, we recommend berberine in a product from Pure Encapsulations called Metabolic Xtra. In addition to berberine, Metabolic Xtra also contains alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, and resveratrol, further enhancing its metabolic support.
Berberine has become one of my favorite supplements for metabolic syndrome. Berberine's use in the past primarily existed around its antimicrobial activity (against bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi.) Although, over the past few years there has been an increasing interest for its ability to influence a positive effect on metabolic syndrome; including lowering blood sugar, decreasing lipids, supporting insulin sensitivity, cardiac support, and weight management.
Where cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been identified as the primary clinical outcome of metabolic syndrome, most people with metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance which leads to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. When diabetes becomes clinically apparent, CVD risk rises sharply.
Beyond CVD and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome has been implicated in driving almost every chronic disease, and individuals with metabolic syndrome seemingly are susceptible to other conditions including; heart attacks, stroke, depression, arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, fatty liver, cholesterol gallstones, asthma, sleep disturbances, obesity and some forms of cancer.
What I really like about berberine, it covers many metabolic risk factors, so it's kind of a "many birds with one stone" nutrient. In clinical studies it performed equal to the popular anti-diabetic medicine, metformin (Glucophage) in decreasing blood sugar, HbA1C, and increasing insulin sensitivity, with a greater ability in reducing triglyceride's and total cholesterol.
Studies have consistently shown a significant reduction in risk factors, including; lowering low density lipoprotein (LDL), aka "bad cholesterol" by 25%, total cholesterol by 29%, and triglycerides by 35%. Resistant weight loss is often a problem with insulin resistance and diabetes. Where many people might go for weight loss type supplements, I have found when using berberine to lower the risk factors of insulin resistance and diabetes, weight loss often comes as a nice "side-effect."
Here at Irsfeld Pharmacy, we recommend berberine in a product from Pure Encapsulations called Metabolic Xtra. In addition to berberine, Metabolic Xtra also contains alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, and resveratrol, further enhancing its metabolic support.
April Showers Bring May "Floras" - Guide to Planting and Growing Healthy Gut Bacteria 04/01/14
Probiotics are a critical component for optimal health due to all of the benefits they provide as well as all the challenges through our environment which can destroy them. Many cultures throughout history have implemented probiotic forming foods into their diet to ensure a constant colonization of good bacteria. Unfortunately, the only common probiotic based food source eaten through the standard American diet is yogurt, which due to manufacturing processes, such as pasteurization, do not leave adequate amounts of probiotic cultures. Other not so common probiotic sources include sauerkraut, cheese, soy milk, and kefir.
Benefits of Probiotics include: First line of defense against pathogens and keep pathogens from growing in the gut, Support production of secretory IgA which provides structural and barrier protection, Synthesis of Vitamins and other enzymes, Metabolize toxins and decrease absorption, Metabolize hormones and decrease absorption, Supports the absorption of nutrients, Fatty acid production and utilization, Activate immune cells, Decrease inflammation
Key Factors For Quality and Effective Probiotic Supplementation:
1." Multi-strain- Since there are many different strains of probiotics with different actions and areas of colonization, a multi-strain might provide a greater benefit
2." High Colonization- Since there are trillions of bugs in our digestive tracts, a high colonization in the billions is preferred. On average, 10 billion to 50 billion or more units daily.
3." Verified Bioavailability and Stability- Factors which can destroy stability and live activity include moisture accumulation, temperature, as well as manufacturing controls which can affect the shape and character of the cultures. Also, if multi-strain preparation, verification that all cultures work together.
4." Adherence to digestive tract- For optimal benefit, probiotics need to adhere to the enterocytes in the digestive tract and tissues. Many companies do not verify this with the manufacturer, thus an important factor in the probiotic you recommend.
5." Allergen Free- For those allergic to dairy or soy, there are options for probiotics which are soy and dairy free
What Destroys Probiotics:
1.Stress- Psychological, emotional and physical
2.Pathogens- Created in the body or introduced via food sources, etc.
3.Over the counter and Prescription medications- Antacids (H2 blockers ex- zantac, PPI's ex- omeprazole), steroids, oral hormonal therapy, NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories ex- ibuprofen), Antibiotics
4.Chlorine and other chemicals in tap water- chlorine is added to kill all pathogens, thus will do so in the gut.
5.Travel- pathogen exposure
6.Diets- High in refined sugars and carbohydrates
7.Radiation/Chemotherapy
8.Herbicides, Pesticides, Heavy Metals
9.Alcohol
Have You Or Your Child Received One or More Antibiotics By The Age of Four -and more importantly, are anyone of you dealing with digestive disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or Crohn's Disease?
New Research is showing that "Children prescribed at least one course of antibiotics by the time they were four were almost twice as likely to have developed IBS and three and one-half times more at risk of developing Crohn's disease." As antibiotics are designed to destroy bad bacteria, they also destroy good bacteria which lie within our digestive tract. When these good bacteria are destroyed, it can open us up to a host of disorders such as; yeast overgrowth, IBS, Crohn's disease, and much more.
Do you tend to get sick often? Catch almost every cold that comes your way? How about allergies? Even long term illness such as Autism, Psoriasis or Fibromyalgia? The digestive tract is responsible for a major part of the immune system, and research has shown that immune disorders, acute or long term as well as allergies can be related to the health of the gut.
And it begins with the gut. One of the most effective lines of defense and promoters of a healthy digestive tract is replenishing with good bacteria. Ask at the pharmacy counter how good bacteria can be good for you. We recommend a variety of probiotic options at the pharmacy. We strongly recemomend Enterobiotic by Natural Creations for a many gut conditions, including IBS and Crohns.
Benefits of Probiotics include: First line of defense against pathogens and keep pathogens from growing in the gut, Support production of secretory IgA which provides structural and barrier protection, Synthesis of Vitamins and other enzymes, Metabolize toxins and decrease absorption, Metabolize hormones and decrease absorption, Supports the absorption of nutrients, Fatty acid production and utilization, Activate immune cells, Decrease inflammation
Key Factors For Quality and Effective Probiotic Supplementation:
1." Multi-strain- Since there are many different strains of probiotics with different actions and areas of colonization, a multi-strain might provide a greater benefit
2." High Colonization- Since there are trillions of bugs in our digestive tracts, a high colonization in the billions is preferred. On average, 10 billion to 50 billion or more units daily.
3." Verified Bioavailability and Stability- Factors which can destroy stability and live activity include moisture accumulation, temperature, as well as manufacturing controls which can affect the shape and character of the cultures. Also, if multi-strain preparation, verification that all cultures work together.
4." Adherence to digestive tract- For optimal benefit, probiotics need to adhere to the enterocytes in the digestive tract and tissues. Many companies do not verify this with the manufacturer, thus an important factor in the probiotic you recommend.
5." Allergen Free- For those allergic to dairy or soy, there are options for probiotics which are soy and dairy free
What Destroys Probiotics:
1.Stress- Psychological, emotional and physical
2.Pathogens- Created in the body or introduced via food sources, etc.
3.Over the counter and Prescription medications- Antacids (H2 blockers ex- zantac, PPI's ex- omeprazole), steroids, oral hormonal therapy, NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories ex- ibuprofen), Antibiotics
4.Chlorine and other chemicals in tap water- chlorine is added to kill all pathogens, thus will do so in the gut.
5.Travel- pathogen exposure
6.Diets- High in refined sugars and carbohydrates
7.Radiation/Chemotherapy
8.Herbicides, Pesticides, Heavy Metals
9.Alcohol
Have You Or Your Child Received One or More Antibiotics By The Age of Four -and more importantly, are anyone of you dealing with digestive disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or Crohn's Disease?
New Research is showing that "Children prescribed at least one course of antibiotics by the time they were four were almost twice as likely to have developed IBS and three and one-half times more at risk of developing Crohn's disease." As antibiotics are designed to destroy bad bacteria, they also destroy good bacteria which lie within our digestive tract. When these good bacteria are destroyed, it can open us up to a host of disorders such as; yeast overgrowth, IBS, Crohn's disease, and much more.
Do you tend to get sick often? Catch almost every cold that comes your way? How about allergies? Even long term illness such as Autism, Psoriasis or Fibromyalgia? The digestive tract is responsible for a major part of the immune system, and research has shown that immune disorders, acute or long term as well as allergies can be related to the health of the gut.
And it begins with the gut. One of the most effective lines of defense and promoters of a healthy digestive tract is replenishing with good bacteria. Ask at the pharmacy counter how good bacteria can be good for you. We recommend a variety of probiotic options at the pharmacy. We strongly recemomend Enterobiotic by Natural Creations for a many gut conditions, including IBS and Crohns.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Protein 03/01/14
Whether it's for weight loss, general health and vitality or building and maintaining muscle mass, one of my favorite 'go-to' ingredients is protein. There are a lot of misconceptions, and some very good, and some not so good choices for protein so I was hoping to clear some of the confusion for you here!
Let's start with food. Protein should be lean, clean, low in fat and free (or as free as possible) from the toxins of our modern food supply: pollutants (like dioxin in dairy), nitrites, growth hormones, antibiotics, pesticides from feed and chemical sanitizers or irradiation used in processing.
A healthy diet, by definition, means plenty of vegetables, fruits and varied protein sources such as eggs, fish, and a variety of meats. Dairy products also contain protein, but I suggest limiting dairy and focusing on the above foods as the staples of a healthy diet, here are some more examples.
As far as vegetables are concerned, some of my favorites are avocado, broccoli, spinach, and kale. Legumes offer a food source of protein such as lentils, pinto, kidney and black beans. Soybeans would be here as well, although I will get to soy in a bit. Nuts and seeds offer some healthy protein choices such as cashews, sesame seeds, walnuts, almonds, and nut butters over dairy butter such as almond and cashew butters. Grains such as quinoa and oat bran also offer a high protein content source.
I alluded to soy earlier saying that I would come back to it. I am fan of soy as a fermented food source such as tofu, it has many great benefits. I am not a fan of the cheap protein source which is often added to packaged foods and even protein shakes known as soy protein isolate. We are over 'soyed' in our society. Soy is very estrogenic and can lead to tissue growth, too much soy can actually work against your thyroid, and soy in the form of soy protein isolate and other manufactured soy sources are very difficult to digest, lead to intolerances, inflammation and other issues.
What's my favorite protein powder? We have a variety of protein options, but I like either a plant based or a whey based protein made by MRM. When selecting a protien powder, only use cold-processed protein sources that are free of artificial sweeteners. Stop by the pharmacy and ask for a free sample of our MRM protein. MRM offers both plant and whey based protein options. Plus, they taste great, especially combined in a shake with fruit, a drop of Vitamin D, or a scoop of Dynamic Greens. MRM proteins are sweetened with Stevia - so no artificial sweeteners here!
In fact, our staff loves protein shakes so much, that if you spend $50 in March on nutritional supplements, you will receive a free Blender Bottle to mix shakes in! This bottle has a little whisk that mixes anything you put in it. Stop by the pharmacy today, pick up your shaker bottle, and share your favorite shake recipe! If you are new to making protein shakes, then ask our staff member's their favorite recipe!
Aged Garlic and CoQ10 - The Perfect Complements To Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Medications 02/01/14
When someone is diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, diet, exercise and medication therapy are usually initiated. Often times it takes a multiple medications to treat these conditions, which opens the door for more side-effects. We believe good medicine owes it to the patient to attempt to lower the blood pressure and cholesterol with life style changes and natural products, if the patient is willing to do so, before using prescription medications. So what better way to recognize American Heart Month than with a healthy dose of garlic and CoQ10.
Garlic, our first hearth healthy supplement, has been one of the most common natural remedies in modern research as well as folk medicine. Many have looked at garlic for its cardiovascular benefits and new research is backing this up with aged garlic. Aged garlic is the result of a 20-month aging process where harsh and irritating garlic compounds mellow significantly, as does aroma. The preparation process is based on traditional use of the plant.
Research suggests that aged garlic extract may be a safe and effective means of reducing hypertension by itself or in combination with other blood pressure reducing medications. "Our trial suggests that aged garlic extract is an effective and tolerable treatment for uncontrolled hypertension and may be a safe adjunct treatment to conventional anti-hypertensive treatment," says Karin Ried, PhD, lead author of the study, which appears in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Researchers studied 79 patients with uncontrolled systolic hypertension. The mean systolic blood pressure was "significantly reduced" for the study participants who took 480 mg of aged garlic extract over 12 weeks. The researchers wrote that "the observed reduction in systolic blood pressure is comparable to that achieved with commonly prescribed antihypertensive medicines, and is of clinical significance, whereby a reduction of about 10mmHg in systolic blood pressure is associated with a risk reduction in cardiovascular disease by 16-40 percent."
Co-enzyme Q 10 (CoQ10 for short) is our next favorite nutrient because all of the health benefits that it provides. It has the ability to increase HDL and reduce platelet stickiness. Not only that, it is an absolute must for patient's on "statin" medications because "statin" medications lower the amount of natural CoQ10 in our body!CoQ10 is integral for muscle health. It boosts the amount of energy your muscle cell can make by energizing a part of the cell called the mitochondria. Keep in mind that the heart is a muscle, so if we are taking away such an important nutrient for muscle health, what ramifications might we be looking at? In fact, the FDA has warned that "statin" drugs may increase the risk of dementia, diabetes, and muscle pains - all thought to be due to depleting CoQ10. Now, we don't want you to stop taking "statins" without talking to your doctor. But, we want to make sure that you decrease your risk of these potential side effects by taking a high quality CoQ10 supplement along with your "statin" or as part of an your overall heart healthy plan. An average daily dose is 100mg, although could be dependent upon other medications the individual is on that might be causing a further lowering of natural CoQ10.
Our favorite source of aged garlic is through Kyolic, which offers a wide array of aged garlic preparations alone or in combination with other heart healthy supplements such as heart healthy Q-Best CoQ10 by Thorne Research. Stop by the pharmacy today and ask our pharmacists if either supplement is right for you!
Do you know your Vitamin D level? Find out with this simple test available at Irsfeld Pharmacy! By Scott Frank, PharmD 12/01/13
Here at Irsfeld Pharmacy we are excited to announce our Vitamin D Optimization program, to provide you the convenience, ease and timeliness of not only finding out what your Vitamin Levels are, but gaining instruction on how exactly to optimize them.The great thing about Vitamin D is that we can measure and adjust dosages for optimization and do not have to rely on RDA's like many supplements in hopes that we are on target.
Vitamin D is a critical component for optimal health. Due to the growing body of research of the benefits of Vitamin D combined with the wide spread deficiencies, it is important to asses ones need for Vitamin D and address with active, quality supplements.
Supplementation of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) opposed to D2 (Ergocalciferaol) has become the supplemented form of choice. Vitamin D3 is the naturally occurring form of vitamin D synthesized in humans from exposure to sunlight. Research indicates that vitamin D2 is metabolized differently than vitamin D3, leading them to believe that vitamin D3 can be more than three times effective more than Vitamin D2 in raising and maintaining serum vitamin D levels.
The Sun- When UVB rays from the sun penetrate the skin, a reaction occurs which leads to the formation of active Vitamin D. Due to lack of direct sun exposure (especially here in North Dakota winters!) many people are deficient in Vitamin D.
Reasons for Vitamin D deficiency include:
-Lack of Vitamin D in diet
-Not enough consistent exposure (year round) in direct sunlight
-Blocked sun exposure due to clouds, smog, sun tan lotion
-Living in North Dakota as it is in the Northern Latitudes of the earth.
-Age (body does not convert to active Vitamin D as efficiently)
Optimal daily allowance between 1000 to 2000 iu's daily, and in some cases up to 10,000iu's daily. If not tested, upper limit of daily Vitamin D3 maintenance is approximately 2000 i.u.'s daily. If someone is deficient, often the average daily doses of 1000 to 2000 i.u.'s daily is not sufficient to elevate dosages to optimal range.
Recent years and countless studies have confirmed Vitamin D's positive role in:
Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism
Cancer
Blood Pressure
Fertility
Mood
Cognition and Memory
Alzheimer's Disease
Immune System
Prostate Health
Breast Health
Cellular Health
Pain Relief
Reduced Mortality in Metabolic Syndrome
Weight Loss
Inflammatory Diseases
Survival in the ICU
Flu Prevention
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Nerve Health
...and more!
Research has shown that over 40% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, thus possibly enhancing the risks of the above disease states and conditions, thus the importance of testing.
How to Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels
1. Pick up one of our Vitamin D Test Kits- Can be done here at the pharmacy or in the convenience of your own home.
2. Mail in test to lab testing company
3. When results are ready, we will set up a phone or in person one-on-one appointment with you to go over your results and provide a customized plan to optimize your Vitamin D
levels if needed.
Vitamin D is a critical component for optimal health. Due to the growing body of research of the benefits of Vitamin D combined with the wide spread deficiencies, it is important to asses ones need for Vitamin D and address with active, quality supplements.
Supplementation of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) opposed to D2 (Ergocalciferaol) has become the supplemented form of choice. Vitamin D3 is the naturally occurring form of vitamin D synthesized in humans from exposure to sunlight. Research indicates that vitamin D2 is metabolized differently than vitamin D3, leading them to believe that vitamin D3 can be more than three times effective more than Vitamin D2 in raising and maintaining serum vitamin D levels.
The Sun- When UVB rays from the sun penetrate the skin, a reaction occurs which leads to the formation of active Vitamin D. Due to lack of direct sun exposure (especially here in North Dakota winters!) many people are deficient in Vitamin D.
Reasons for Vitamin D deficiency include:
-Lack of Vitamin D in diet
-Not enough consistent exposure (year round) in direct sunlight
-Blocked sun exposure due to clouds, smog, sun tan lotion
-Living in North Dakota as it is in the Northern Latitudes of the earth.
-Age (body does not convert to active Vitamin D as efficiently)
Optimal daily allowance between 1000 to 2000 iu's daily, and in some cases up to 10,000iu's daily. If not tested, upper limit of daily Vitamin D3 maintenance is approximately 2000 i.u.'s daily. If someone is deficient, often the average daily doses of 1000 to 2000 i.u.'s daily is not sufficient to elevate dosages to optimal range.
Recent years and countless studies have confirmed Vitamin D's positive role in:
Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism
Cancer
Blood Pressure
Fertility
Mood
Cognition and Memory
Alzheimer's Disease
Immune System
Prostate Health
Breast Health
Cellular Health
Pain Relief
Reduced Mortality in Metabolic Syndrome
Weight Loss
Inflammatory Diseases
Survival in the ICU
Flu Prevention
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Nerve Health
...and more!
Research has shown that over 40% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, thus possibly enhancing the risks of the above disease states and conditions, thus the importance of testing.
How to Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels
1. Pick up one of our Vitamin D Test Kits- Can be done here at the pharmacy or in the convenience of your own home.
2. Mail in test to lab testing company
3. When results are ready, we will set up a phone or in person one-on-one appointment with you to go over your results and provide a customized plan to optimize your Vitamin D
levels if needed.
The Crimes We Commit Against Our Stomachs: Acid Reflux, Impaired Immunity, Osteoporosis By: Steve Irsfeld, RPh 11/01/13
If you have ever experienced acid reflux or heartburn, then you know it is one of the most uncomfortable feelings- and you will do almost anything to make it go away.
Not only is it uncomfortable, it can actually cause some damage to the esophageal lining if left alone too long. While at the same time, the drugs (prescription and non-prescription) used to treat acid reflux can lead to, or influence issues such as escalated digestive disorders, impaired immunity and osteoporosis.
The conventional answer to treating acid reflux has been to neutralize, reduce or block our natural hydrochloric acid (HCL) production and release in the body. One must keep in mind, a symptom such as acid reflux could be a sign of a greater problem brewing, and thus quieting the symptom might not be the best option. There is a reason that most of the over the counter packages for acid reflux such as Prilosec® and Prevacid® come with a warning that they are only indicated for short term use.
What many people do not realize is that a large portion of folks who suffer from heartburn, do so due to too little hydrochloric acid (HCL) secretion, and not too much. HCL production and secretion can be suppressed due to lifestyle, diet, and stress. This is why the old wives tale of taking apple cider vinegar often helps to relive reflux since we are adding an acid to the system. But, before you go downing apple cider vinegar, let’s take a closer look into what might be going on, and how to better support it.
The body uses the HCL it produces for a number of purposes. HCL acts as a primary defense against food borne pathogens and helps promote a healthy microbial balance. i.e. - Good bacteria (probiotics) –vs. - yeasts, bad bacteria, and even parasites. HCL helps the body digest, absorb and assimilate proteins, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron.
Acid reducing medications can deplete nutrients from your system including calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin D, iron,
zinc, and more, you can see how long term treatment of this symptom could be adding insult to injury.
Thus as you can see, either by the drug induced nutrient depletions as well as by reducing or altering the gastric pH over the
long term can lead to increasing digestive infections, impaired immunity, and influence issues of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
What are the alternatives?
First of all, do not stop taking an acid reducing or neutralizing drug if it was recommended by your doctor. I mentioned previously that for the most part they are only indicated for the short term use, although there reasons they can be prescribed for the long
term under a doctor’s supervision. Thus in such instances, balancing the drug induced nutrient depletions such as calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and vitamin D might be the best option.
Although, if you are self-medicating, or would like to speak to your physician about alternative options, here is what I might
recommend:
Reason would suggest supplementing with HCL, which is often a great option, although due to issues such as known or unknown
digestive ulcers or even people taking medications such as anti-inflammatories and steroids, I like to consider a more conservative approach first.
There are a number of natural options for reflux and heartburn, which do not work against the body, but actually support it. I like to group them into 4 different categories. Supplements which can: (1) Stimulate/support the digestive process, (2) Aid in the digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, (3) Sooth and promote the integrity of the digestive lining, and (4) Help reducing gas indigestion and acid reflux.
To find out which option is right for you, call one of our pharmacists to schedule an appointment. We want to make you feel better and we may even be able to eliminate the need for your prescription medication.
Not only is it uncomfortable, it can actually cause some damage to the esophageal lining if left alone too long. While at the same time, the drugs (prescription and non-prescription) used to treat acid reflux can lead to, or influence issues such as escalated digestive disorders, impaired immunity and osteoporosis.
The conventional answer to treating acid reflux has been to neutralize, reduce or block our natural hydrochloric acid (HCL) production and release in the body. One must keep in mind, a symptom such as acid reflux could be a sign of a greater problem brewing, and thus quieting the symptom might not be the best option. There is a reason that most of the over the counter packages for acid reflux such as Prilosec® and Prevacid® come with a warning that they are only indicated for short term use.
What many people do not realize is that a large portion of folks who suffer from heartburn, do so due to too little hydrochloric acid (HCL) secretion, and not too much. HCL production and secretion can be suppressed due to lifestyle, diet, and stress. This is why the old wives tale of taking apple cider vinegar often helps to relive reflux since we are adding an acid to the system. But, before you go downing apple cider vinegar, let’s take a closer look into what might be going on, and how to better support it.
The body uses the HCL it produces for a number of purposes. HCL acts as a primary defense against food borne pathogens and helps promote a healthy microbial balance. i.e. - Good bacteria (probiotics) –vs. - yeasts, bad bacteria, and even parasites. HCL helps the body digest, absorb and assimilate proteins, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron.
Acid reducing medications can deplete nutrients from your system including calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin D, iron,
zinc, and more, you can see how long term treatment of this symptom could be adding insult to injury.
Thus as you can see, either by the drug induced nutrient depletions as well as by reducing or altering the gastric pH over the
long term can lead to increasing digestive infections, impaired immunity, and influence issues of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
What are the alternatives?
First of all, do not stop taking an acid reducing or neutralizing drug if it was recommended by your doctor. I mentioned previously that for the most part they are only indicated for the short term use, although there reasons they can be prescribed for the long
term under a doctor’s supervision. Thus in such instances, balancing the drug induced nutrient depletions such as calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and vitamin D might be the best option.
Although, if you are self-medicating, or would like to speak to your physician about alternative options, here is what I might
recommend:
Reason would suggest supplementing with HCL, which is often a great option, although due to issues such as known or unknown
digestive ulcers or even people taking medications such as anti-inflammatories and steroids, I like to consider a more conservative approach first.
There are a number of natural options for reflux and heartburn, which do not work against the body, but actually support it. I like to group them into 4 different categories. Supplements which can: (1) Stimulate/support the digestive process, (2) Aid in the digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, (3) Sooth and promote the integrity of the digestive lining, and (4) Help reducing gas indigestion and acid reflux.
To find out which option is right for you, call one of our pharmacists to schedule an appointment. We want to make you feel better and we may even be able to eliminate the need for your prescription medication.
09/24/13 - Is it too soon to talk about Christmas? By: Scott Frank, PharmD
I was in KMart with my wife this week when I noticed they already have their Christmas tree display up! Not only that, they have already aired their first Christmas advertisement on TV! As we approach the holiday season, one thing seems to be so unavoidable year after year – STRESS! So if KMart was already advertising for Christmas, I thought it was also time for me to think about a unique hook I could write about in relation to the holiday season; stress, cravings, staying healthy, getting sleep- there really is an endless amount of topics.
The news media lobbed one up for me with the recent news reports regarding energy drinks and shots and peoples health. These energy drinks and shots are selling millions of every week, and with the stress that the holidays can often bring along with the need to push on further to make through end of year obligations; my guess is they will be selling even more.
As far as safety, I think it is important to keep in mind that moderation is critical. Obviously if someone decides to make these a staple in their diet than health implications may result. I am not here to tell you not to use these things, although I would love for you to understand the connection of desire to use them and a possibly even greater challenge to your health- ignored or mismanaged adrenal stress.
The FDA has released reports showing deaths and other serious adverse events associated with the use of energy drinks like 5-hour Energy. As ConsumerLab.com reported in September, these small "shot" drinks can pack more caffeine than 2 cups of regular coffee. While the caffeine can keep you alert, there are a number of concerns to bear in mind and suggestions on how to more safely use these drinks.
Aside from the caffeine, one must be aware of other ingredients which many come with not so healthy ingredients such as; aspartame (excitotoxin), sucralose (immune suppressant), "natural and artificial flavors" (are often code for MSG - excitotoxin), sugar, high fructose corn syrup (fast track to type II diabetes, immune suppression) and more.
The fact that literally millions of products are sold each week points out an even greater cultural ill in our society- we are a nation of the mismanaged stress and suppressed adrenals.
One of the constant take-homes in my years of practice in working with bio-identical hormones is that we are becoming hormonally exhausted at an earlier age. This hormonal exhaustion not only plays a role in our amount of energy we have to expend on a day to day basis, but has ramifications in our immune health, vitality, blood sugar, sleep, fertility, mood and thoughts, weight control, bone health, PMS, panic disorders, heart disease, ability to heal and repair, and more.
So this increased drive of people reaching for energy drinks and shots, might just be the wake-up call we all need to give our adrenals and the rest of our body some support, and not just quick stimulation or sedation.
The time is now to address these issues, what are your symptoms? Do you lack enough energy to make it through the day? Are you not sleeping through the night? Would natural support to help take the edge off or support focus and concentration be of help?
Addressing ones symptoms through lifestyle and supportive nutrition can help rebuild and balance adrenal and stress health, with benefits of full body health.
Stop on by the pharmacy; let us know what’s happening, find out what healthy options there are to support your needs. It may also be important to pick up Dr. Wilson's book "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Centruy Stress Syndrome." This book will teach you how to recover your energy, immune resistance, and vitality. I would also encourage you to attend our next hormone replacement seminar on October 5th, 6:30 PM at Great Plains Clinic.
The news media lobbed one up for me with the recent news reports regarding energy drinks and shots and peoples health. These energy drinks and shots are selling millions of every week, and with the stress that the holidays can often bring along with the need to push on further to make through end of year obligations; my guess is they will be selling even more.
As far as safety, I think it is important to keep in mind that moderation is critical. Obviously if someone decides to make these a staple in their diet than health implications may result. I am not here to tell you not to use these things, although I would love for you to understand the connection of desire to use them and a possibly even greater challenge to your health- ignored or mismanaged adrenal stress.
The FDA has released reports showing deaths and other serious adverse events associated with the use of energy drinks like 5-hour Energy. As ConsumerLab.com reported in September, these small "shot" drinks can pack more caffeine than 2 cups of regular coffee. While the caffeine can keep you alert, there are a number of concerns to bear in mind and suggestions on how to more safely use these drinks.
Aside from the caffeine, one must be aware of other ingredients which many come with not so healthy ingredients such as; aspartame (excitotoxin), sucralose (immune suppressant), "natural and artificial flavors" (are often code for MSG - excitotoxin), sugar, high fructose corn syrup (fast track to type II diabetes, immune suppression) and more.
The fact that literally millions of products are sold each week points out an even greater cultural ill in our society- we are a nation of the mismanaged stress and suppressed adrenals.
One of the constant take-homes in my years of practice in working with bio-identical hormones is that we are becoming hormonally exhausted at an earlier age. This hormonal exhaustion not only plays a role in our amount of energy we have to expend on a day to day basis, but has ramifications in our immune health, vitality, blood sugar, sleep, fertility, mood and thoughts, weight control, bone health, PMS, panic disorders, heart disease, ability to heal and repair, and more.
So this increased drive of people reaching for energy drinks and shots, might just be the wake-up call we all need to give our adrenals and the rest of our body some support, and not just quick stimulation or sedation.
The time is now to address these issues, what are your symptoms? Do you lack enough energy to make it through the day? Are you not sleeping through the night? Would natural support to help take the edge off or support focus and concentration be of help?
Addressing ones symptoms through lifestyle and supportive nutrition can help rebuild and balance adrenal and stress health, with benefits of full body health.
Stop on by the pharmacy; let us know what’s happening, find out what healthy options there are to support your needs. It may also be important to pick up Dr. Wilson's book "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Centruy Stress Syndrome." This book will teach you how to recover your energy, immune resistance, and vitality. I would also encourage you to attend our next hormone replacement seminar on October 5th, 6:30 PM at Great Plains Clinic.
08/26/13 - Magnesium, The Most Overlooked Mineral By: Scott Frank, PharmD
Because of how important and overlooked magnesium is, this will be the focus our first blog. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and found in all bones and tissues. People with magnesium deficiency are twice as likely to die from a cardiovascular event, and of Americans are deficient and don't know it.
Magnesium is non-toxic (through a quality source) and is known as the relaxation mineral because it relaxes everything. Magnesium has shown to maximize heart health via: decreases blood vessel constriction, improves muscle strength and endurance, relaxes electrical impulses and encourages calmness, maintains the normal rhythm of your heart, metabolizes fats and carbohydrates for energy production, and increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
Causes of magnesium deficiency include: stress, food processing, artificial fertilizers, excess alcohol, caffeine and sugar intake, and drug induced depletions. Many medications deplete magnesium in our body and include omeprazole and diuretics. What many people do not realize is that standard blood tests are not the best assessment for magnesium deficiency and many of the common magnesium supplements on the market have a very low bioavailability including magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride.
Common issues where magnesium can be of benefit: anxiety, neck and back pain or spasm, depression, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, memory loss, muscle cramps, soreness or twitches, restless legs and others.
The average person should consume about 300 mg daily, although there are many indications where we could go higher looking at reasons for depletions above. If someone has severe heart or kidney disease they should speak to the doctor first.
My favorite ways to supplement is though food and the supplement magnesium glycinate which has shown to have the highest bioavailability. Some of the most magnesium dense foods are green and sea vegetables and nuts. (Spinach, kelp, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, dulse, hazel nuts.) The side-effect to too much magnesium is that it produces a laxative effect, thus I recommend supplementation with magnesium glycinate which can be found at our pharmacy to get the most bioavailable form.
Recently, we received a testimonial from one of our patients that she allowed us to share with you:
"Dear Steve, I wanted to let you know that your advice about using magnesium glycinate to help alleviate my restless leg problem and my insomnia has been like a miracle cure!
I have used a variety of products to help me sleep, including lorazepam and pramipexole. I quit taking them a little over two weeks ago when I started using the magnesium glycinate. From the first night, I have not had any problems with either of my "conditions." I am seeping really well and the aching in my calf muscles is gone too!
I cannot thank you enough for your advice. I truly appreciate your knowledge about vitamins and minerals. After yeas of
struggling with insomnia and restless legs, I am so grateful for you!
God Bless You Abundantly - NE, Irsfeld Pharmacy Patient"
Magnesium is non-toxic (through a quality source) and is known as the relaxation mineral because it relaxes everything. Magnesium has shown to maximize heart health via: decreases blood vessel constriction, improves muscle strength and endurance, relaxes electrical impulses and encourages calmness, maintains the normal rhythm of your heart, metabolizes fats and carbohydrates for energy production, and increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
Causes of magnesium deficiency include: stress, food processing, artificial fertilizers, excess alcohol, caffeine and sugar intake, and drug induced depletions. Many medications deplete magnesium in our body and include omeprazole and diuretics. What many people do not realize is that standard blood tests are not the best assessment for magnesium deficiency and many of the common magnesium supplements on the market have a very low bioavailability including magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride.
Common issues where magnesium can be of benefit: anxiety, neck and back pain or spasm, depression, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, memory loss, muscle cramps, soreness or twitches, restless legs and others.
The average person should consume about 300 mg daily, although there are many indications where we could go higher looking at reasons for depletions above. If someone has severe heart or kidney disease they should speak to the doctor first.
My favorite ways to supplement is though food and the supplement magnesium glycinate which has shown to have the highest bioavailability. Some of the most magnesium dense foods are green and sea vegetables and nuts. (Spinach, kelp, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, dulse, hazel nuts.) The side-effect to too much magnesium is that it produces a laxative effect, thus I recommend supplementation with magnesium glycinate which can be found at our pharmacy to get the most bioavailable form.
Recently, we received a testimonial from one of our patients that she allowed us to share with you:
"Dear Steve, I wanted to let you know that your advice about using magnesium glycinate to help alleviate my restless leg problem and my insomnia has been like a miracle cure!
I have used a variety of products to help me sleep, including lorazepam and pramipexole. I quit taking them a little over two weeks ago when I started using the magnesium glycinate. From the first night, I have not had any problems with either of my "conditions." I am seeping really well and the aching in my calf muscles is gone too!
I cannot thank you enough for your advice. I truly appreciate your knowledge about vitamins and minerals. After yeas of
struggling with insomnia and restless legs, I am so grateful for you!
God Bless You Abundantly - NE, Irsfeld Pharmacy Patient"