Flu season.  Admit it, you have been telling yourself it is just allergies that make you itchy, sneezy, achy, grumpy, sleepy, listless and afraid to step outside.  The allergy relief you normally use is useless, you can’t make it through the day without sneezing every 10 minutes and wiping your nose dry every seconds.  If this sounds familiar, it’s time to admit you have the flu…but who has time for that? (more…)

Some people are speculating that Fish Oil may lead to bruising more easily, along with Ginkgo, Ginger, and Garlic, and any combination of these supplements taken along with Aspirin.  The obvious reason is because Fish Oil has a blood thinning effect,  which is why it is often used to reduce clotting.  We generally take Fish Oils because they are a main source of fat and contain two very important Omega 3 Fatty Acids, DHA and EPA.  The benefit of these Omegas is that they are readily absorbed into your body and promote heart health, so the advantages of taking this supplement outnumber any small side effects such as increased likelihood of bruising.  If you are taking other medications or supplements and have concerns about this issue, just talk to your physician to make sure you are taking the right amount.  (more…)

Antioxidants are among the most popular of all dietary supplements and include many familiar nutrients like vitamins C and E.  Antioxidants have a wide-range of health benefits that all stem from their ability to  neutralize unstable chemicals  (known as ‘free radicals’)  that damage delicate cellular structures by oxidizing them, just like bleach ruins fabric.  Exercise also has a wide-range of health benefits that stem from the fact that it improves body strength and functions. But paradoxically, exercise and antioxidants may not go well together. (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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Curcumin supplements are good for you. Unless you smoke.

In a study reminiscent of the back-and-forth over whether beta carotene increases lung cancer risk in smokers or not, a study now suggests that curcumin too can increase the risk of lung cancer development when cancer-promoting factors like smoking, or a history of smoking, are present.  As a possible mechanism for this effect, the researchers suggested that curcumin may  promote cancer in smokers by accelerating the formation of free radicals in damaged lung tissue.

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Vitamin C: Good for Bones, Too.

Look at a few bone formulas and you’ll see the same nutrients popping up again and again; calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D for example.  One nutrient you won’t see very often in bone formulas is vitamin C.  There are plenty of benefits already ascribed to vitamin C - immune support, cardiovascular health,  would healing - but support for bone health isn’t frequently mentioned.  That may change, and so might the next generation of bone support formulas, thanks to a recent Tufts University Study. (more…)

Get the most of of each supplement in your regimen by taking it at the ideal time.

They say timing is everything. That’s especially true when it comes to certain nutritional supplements.  Taking a supplement at the wrong time can make a big difference in terms of the results you’ll get.  Or, it can make no difference at all.  You’ll know which is which when you’ve checked out our guide to supplement timing. (more…)

"You call that a strong immune system!? That ain't no strong immune system, read the blog son!!"

Holidays are supposed to be a time of reflection and joy. And they are, until you get sick. The Cold & Flu season is here again; cooler weather, traveling, more time spent indoors, and holiday stress all undermine your body’s immune defenses making those illnesses more likely now than at any other time of the year. It’s never a good time to get sick, but the Holidays are about the worst time. Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to whip that immune system into shape and keep it running at full power so you can enjoy unwrapping presents instead of another box of Kleenex. You can do any or all of these things, but don’t wait too long to get started. Fall in, soldier!

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Cellphones save you time and let you keep in touch while bombarding your brain with microwave radiation. Certain nutrients may offer protection.

Nutrients that can protect against cellphone radiation? A weight-loss drug that fights cancer? Find out more in this edition of the One-Minute Nutrition Research Roundup. (more…)

Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Grapeseed Extract All Support Vascular Health

Q: I have a friend that just started bruising easily and often, anything you can recommend?

-Richard

A:

Bruising results from the rupture of the tiniest blood vessels, called capillaries, which allows blood to leak into surrounding tissue until those capillaries are repaired. As the escaped blood is broken down and reabsorbed over the next few days, chemical changes produce the characteristic color changes associated with bruises.

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