Stress getting to you? Relora might help.

As the pace of life gets faster and life itself becomes more complicated, you’ll have plenty of company if you occasionally feel anxious and overwhelmed by temporary events or an over-committed schedule.  What would really help in circumstances like these is something to subdue the anxiety, but without powerful sedative or relaxant properties. Something that helps with anxiety, but not by sending you to the couch for a nap. Something that still allows  you to function.  A doctor might prescribe an anti-anxiety drug, but that’s not the first option most people want to try. Instead,  people have turned to natural remedies such as herbs and amino acids to see what, if anything, is there to help them navigate the occasional anxiety-provoking episodes in life without making them feel tired or sleepy. (more…)

Lentils and beans are good sources of cholesterol-lowering plant sterols.

Among nutrients used for cholesterol support fiber, Co Q-10, niacin, and red yeast rice get most of the attention.  But plant sterols are not only effective, they’re extremely affordable, safe…and isn’t that what everyone starts out looking for in the first place? A recent study agrees, calling sterols “an important but underused dietary component in the treatment of elevated blood cholesterol”. (more…)

Once considered unhealthy, things are looking up for coconut oil.

One of the ways you can save on supplements is by getting the most out of each dollar you spend.  Pooling your orders with friends and family is one good way to do that. Another one is taking advantage of  inexpensive products that have lots of different uses or benefits. Alpha lipoic acid is an example of a  supplement like that, almost like 2 or 3 separate supplements rolled into one.  Another good one is organic coconut oil. Healthy, nutritious, cholesterol-free and super-versatile, you’ll want to keep a jar of organic coconut oil on hand after you find out all the good things about  it in today’s AllStarHealth.com blog. (more…)

This ancient herbal remedy benefits 21st Century problems like high blood pressure

Drugs used to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension, are notorious for their side-effects, and aren’t always effective on their own. And the non-drug approaches like dietary modification, exercise, and weight loss aren’t always sufficient either. So both doctors and patients commonly seek out safe and potentially-effective adjuncts to managing high blood pressure, to minimize the patient’s reliance on medications. Research suggests that olive leaf extract (OLE) is an herbal approach that deserves consideration by anyone seeking non-drug support for healthy blood pressure. (more…)

Alpha lipoic acid: Your Swiss Army Knife Supplement

With all the economic belt-tightening going on, lots of people are trimming down their supplement regimens.  When it comes to getting to most bang for your supplement buck, there are few that hold a candle to alpha lipoic acid.  Using inexpensive alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is like getting 3 or more supplements in one.  You won’t believe how many different things ALA can do for you, but you’re about to find out in today’s AllStarHealth blog. (more…)

Give Your Shakes a Boost!

Sure, protein shakes are a great way to get extra protein in your diet, but if that’s all you use your protein shake for  - just protein - then you’re missing out.  (more…)

Last December we published a post in response to the growing number of emails and calls we’ve had in regard to web and multilevel-marketed Acai supplements like Mona Vie. Now an leading consumer advocacy group has lent its voice to those calling for caution and a hefty dose of caveat emptor. (more…)

Time for a supplement regimen checkup.

As we said in Wednesday’s post, if you use supplements at all, you probably use more than one.  Your supplement regimen is the group of supplements you’re currently using.  And as important as nutrition and health are, your regimen really deserves to regarded as more than just a few bottles on a cabinet shelf.  Every regimen represents a substantial investment of money at the least and often a last-best attempt to get a particular health problem under control before resorting to drug or surgical options. So in the interest of getting the best results for your money, time and health, it’s good to periodically audit your supplement regimen, making sure you’re taking the right things, the right way, at the right time, and are able to do so on an ongoing basis. (more…)

Happy Pelican approves of this post.

Do you find it difficult to swallow multiple capsules or tablets? Is it becoming hard to manage your regimen and stay consistent? You’re not alone. As supplements become more popular (many would say they’re essential for optimal health) many users find that trying to adhere to even a modest 3 or 4 supplement regimen becomes a little tricky and hard to manage. That’s to say nothing of the more complex regimens that incorporate 8, 10 or more supplements.  Lots of people are sold on the idea of using supplements, but quickly become turned off to the process when they try to come to grips with swallowing a handful of capsules and juggling a few different products on a daily basis. What can you do to make taking supplement products easier and stick to your regimen? A lot, actually. Find out in today’s AllStarHealth.com blog, where we’ll discuss the easiest and best ways to physically take nutritional supplements. Check back on Friday, when we’ll talk about the best way to manage a supplement regimen and stay consistent. (more…)

You've come a long way, baby.

Among the most common questions from our female (and occasionally male) customers are those that concern PMS, also known as dysmenorrhea;  Are there alternatives to drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen, and which ones do you recommend? Among the most commonly-used supplements to help ease the cramping, bloating and irritability that characterize PMS/dysmenorrhea are herbs like dong quai and vitex, vitamin B-6 and B-12, minerals like magnesium and potassium and the serotonin precursor 5-HTP. You can find women who get great results with one or a combination of these nutrients, but because PMS has a complex and dynamic set of causative factors that vary from woman to woman,  there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and probably never will be. However, research suggests that there are two types of nutrients that - besides being good for you anyway - deserve special consideration in terms of easing PMS symptoms. (more…)