With vitamin E, keeping the family together is important.

In previous AllStarHealth blogs, we’ve made the point that  Vitamin E isn’t really one vitamin, it’s a group of 8 distinct vitamins, all of which have distinct functions and most of which are present when you obtain vitamin E from whole foods. The best vitamin E supplements now reflect this and contain a full range of vitamin E forms, for a full range of vitamin activity and protection. But for decades, most vitamin E supplements have contained just one form, d-alpha-tocopherol, based on the fact that this form is the most abundant in the blood and most body tissues. More recent research has shown that the other forms of vitamin E  have their own distinct benefits that don’t apply to a-alpha-tocopherol, including protection from breast cancer according to a recent study.

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A new study shows that a nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli virtually stops the cell progression of several common types of prostate cancer. This nutrient is already available as a supplement and many men and women are using it right now for detoxification and hormonal support.  Find out more about it  in today’s AllStarHealth blog. (more…)

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…)

Soy foods and soy supplements have always had their supporters and detractors. Among the benefits attributed to soy are beneficial effects on hormones including possible reductions in the risk of  breast cancer.  Controversy has persisted over this claim, because of some evidence that soy’s hormonal effects may actually increase the risk of breast cancer in some circumstances.  For better or worse, millions of menopausal and peri-menopasual women use soy every day to promote and protect their health.  Find out what the Loma Linda University’s Department of Nutrition had to say about these ideas in today’s AllStarHealth blog. (more…)

Kids need DHA for optimal learning and brain development. Fish oils are by far the best source.

A frequently-asked question pertaining to omega 3 fatty acids is whether fish oil or flax oil is better, or whether there’s any difference or benefit to taking one or the other.   Vegetarian considerations aside,  we do recommend fish oil (here’s our favorite fish oil)  and there are in fact significant differences that shed light on why we think  so. A new study adds weight to claims that fish oil  is better than flax oil, especially so for nursing Moms and infants. Find out why in today’s AllStarHealth bog. (more…)

Some of the best supplements are the least-expensive. Seriously!

A frequent reason people cite for not using nutritional supplements is that they’re too expensive.  We think nutritional supplements are a good investment no matter what your budget. You can’t put a price on health, but you can bet insurance companies, hospitals, labs, pharmacies and doctors can put a price on your health problems.  If you value your financial security, then you’re crazy to take your health for granted. And even if you’re on a shoestring budget, there are some very affordable supplements that can make a huge contribution to protecting your health. How affordable? These five supplements - as of this date - cost less than five dollars for a one month supply. And reading today’s blog, of course, costs you nothing.

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Don't blame me!

Herba epimedii is an herb that’s been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which refers to it as yin yang huo, but not in the sense of the well-known yin/yang paradigm.  Loosely translated, yin yang huo used this way means “horny goat weed”. Horny goat weed is a very popular supplement both by itself and in various libido formulas where it’s combined with other herbs and nutrients. With a name like ‘horny goat weed’ it’s hardly surprising that it’s best-known and most widely-used as a libido and sexual tonic.  But the name also makes it hard for people to take the herb seriously. The name too easily lends itself to jokes and makes many otherwise interested customers uncomfortable talking about it or purchasing it. That’s a shame because it’s now clear that horny goat weed is useful for much more than boosting libido. Find out more about the herb with the unfortunate name in today’s AllStarHealth.com blog. (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…)

Lighten up your love life!

People have used the power of foods and herbs to enhance their love lives since time immemorial.  Some of these foods have more of a scientific basis for being effective (note the zinc content of oysters) than others (powdered rhino horn).  But besides oysters and heart-shaped pizza, there are other foods and herbs that can enhance your love life, too. (more…)

AllStarHealth gift baskets for her (on left) and him. Let us take care of your last minute gifts!

It happens to all of us. You run out of time before you run out of presents to buy.  And even if you do have the time, the last thing you want to do at this time of year is get back in the car again and go off to do battle at the nearest mall or big box store.  Well we’ve got you covered.  Here are a few great gift ideas from AllStarHealth.com so you can scratch a few names off your list while you’re reordering supplements. But act quickly since supplies are limited! (more…)