A-Z digestion Articles

Alfalfa is a root that can grow over 100 feet into the earth. Its deep roots allow it to concentrate many different types of vitamins and minerals from the soil. People use alfalfa medicinally as a general tonic because it provides vitamins and minerals. Let's explore the many health benefits of alfalfa and how you can take it in supplement form.

What Are Alfalfa Health Benefits?

Alfalfa may support arthritis comfort and healthy cholesterol levels. It may also reduce cholesterol absorption and help limit arterial plaque buildup. Alfalfa contains a significant amount of vitamin K and other chemicals that thin the blood. Alfalfa contains isoflavones similar to those found in soy and red clover. These substances have proven useful in the treatment of menopause and menstrual discomforts. The chlorophyll, green pigment, in alfalfa offers health benefits that aid the healing of intestinal ulcers, hemorrhoids, bleeding gums, burns and infections. Chlorophyll induces detoxification of the body and decreases halitosis and body odour.

Alfalfa Supplement Varieties

People use alfalfa as raw sprouts, seeds, dried herbs, or liquid extracts. Manufacturers sell powdered alfalfa and compressed tablets. Always wash fresh alafalfa thoroughly and check for mold before consumption. The liquid extract contains a significant amount of chlorophyll.

Cautions, Side Effects & Contraindications

While alfalfa offers plenty of health benefits, the use of alfalfa is contraindicated for those with lupus. There are possible interactions between alfalfa and blood thinners, hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. Alfalfa tea has been historically used as a nutritious tonic in pregnancy but one should exercise caution because of the hormonal properties of alfalfa.

Black pepper is a spice commonly used throughout the world today, and can be found in shakers on most dining tables in the industrialized world. The black pepper vine (Piper nigrum) produces small fruit that are commonly called peppercorns when they are dried. The main active constituent of black pepper is piperine, which when refined for supplement use, is called bioperine.

Black Pepper As A Spice

Pepper has been used for centuries as a culinary spice around the world and was commonly traded for this purpose. It adds a slight spicy heat to dishes as well as its own characteristic pepper flavour. Because of this, those with stomach and intestinal ulcers, and others avoiding gut irritation should not use black pepper in their food, nor should they supplement with it.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Black pepper has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as: diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Recent research in mice has supported its use in these conditions. It was also used to benefit pain and inflammation when applied directly to the skin. This is also supported by research in animal models for arthritis, where piperine was found to have anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic effects as well. In Ayurvedic medicine, black pepper is used as a home remedy for sore throat, congestion and cough, as well as other lung conditions.

Black Pepper For Weight Loss

Black pepper extract has been shown to reduce circulating fat levels in the bloodstream. This can be particularly beneficial to those with dyslipidemia and other risks for Arteriosclerosis. Piperine has also been shown to prevent the formation of new fat cells in mice. In humans, there is some controversy as to whether it acts as a thermogenic compound, which means that it may or may not accelerates energy metabolism in the body. Interestingly, it has been found that piperine can promote the production of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which are responsible for feelings of happiness and satiety. Thus, it may also help to reduce food cravings and hunger.

Increasing Absorption of Other Supplements

Interestingly, piperine has been shown to be able to boost the absorption of a number of other vitamins and nutrients. Research has shown this effect with Selenium, Vitamin B, Coenzyme Q10 and Beta-carotene. Piperine can also increase the bioavailability of Curcumin by 2000% in humans, thus making much smaller doses go a much longer way. Anyone who has taken curcumin, and is familiar with the large dose required, will note that reducing the number of required capsules is extremely convenient.

Smoking Cessation

Black pepper essential oil has been found to help benefit during smoking cessation. Aromatherapy with the oil reduced cravings and alleviated withdrawal symptoms like anxiety in test subjects attempting to quit smoking.

Skin Benefits of Black Pepper

When black pepper is applied to the skin it can help to reduce inflammation, and can act as a counter irritant to reduce arthritis and joint pain. When pepper is applied to the skin and then the skin is exposed to sunlight, it can increase the production of melanin pigment, and thus increase tanning of the treated area. Be sure to limit sun exposure to a short time to avoid burns.

Black Pepper Supplement Varieties

Using black pepper in your food is an excellent way to gradually introduce it into your diet. Research on human supplementation of black pepper extract and piperidine is still in its infancy, and recommended dosages have not yet been established. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations particular to your specific case, or follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage listed on the label. Be sure to avoid supplementation if you are on any medications as piperine can alter their absorption, or if you have any gastrointestinal irritation, including ulcers.

As fellow pet lovers and dog owners, we understand that you love your dogs and want the best for them. At National Nutrition, we want what's best for your pets too, which is why we have a range of high-quality natural supplements for dogs to support all breeds. You will be happy to learn that we have recently expanded our pet health section to include even more natural products to help give your dog everything they need for a long and healthy life.

Every day, we get a lot of questions about which products are best for your furry friend. That's why we created this list of our top supplements for dogs, so you can make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need to thrive in every area of their life.

Continue reading as we answer some of the most common questions we get from pet owners, including those about joint health, digestive health, coat and skin health, fleas and ticks, mood support, and our top pet supplement picks.

Joint Supplements for Dogs

For those of us who have dogs who love to play and run around, joint health is an important thing to keep in mind. Your dog can't tell you when their joints are hurting, so it's important to support their joint health before it becomes painful. 

There are several supplements for dogs out there that can help with joint pain and discomfort, but we like NaturPet's Joint Care. This product is an all-natural formula that supports joint health in dogs (and cats, too!). 

We love it because it cleanses calcium deposits from the joints and reduces inflammation, plus it alleviates the arthritic pain associated with aging in your furry best friend, allowing them to spend more time doing what they enjoy; running, jumping, and playing.

Dogs' Digestive Health

The digestive system is an important part of any animal's health, including dogs. If your dog has trouble digesting food or has irregular bowel movements, it could mean they need attention. With dogs, we don't always know what they have been eating, which makes taking care of their digestive systems super important.

BiologicVet's BioDigest is a plant-based probiotic and prebiotic formula designed to support the digestive and immune systems. BioDigest helps maintain proper gut pH, intestinal health, and flora in the digestive tract. Most human probiotic strains are not acid-resistant enough to survive the digestive tract of cats and dogs, so using a clinically proven, acid-resistant strain like Pediococcus acidilactici is essential to get the benefits and results pets need.

Parasites are also a common reason for digestive upset in dogs. Parasites can be transmitted through contact and ingestion of contaminated food, water, and feces. They can also be carried by fleas or lice. If your dog has become infected with parasites, you may notice a change in appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. NaturPet's Intesti Care is an all-natural way to de-worm your pet by working with the parasites' life cycle and supporting joint health. The simple supplement can do double duty for dogs and cats.

Supplements for Dogs' Skin & Coat Health

Many dogs are prone to itchy, dry, and flaky skin, which can be a sign of underlying health problems. 

BioSkin & Coat from dog supplement maker BiologicVet provides a source of antihistamines and nutrients that support the skin of your pet. When used regularly, it helps alleviate allergies, stops skin irritations, and supports healthy immune and hormone function. BioSkin & Coat is tasty and easy to give to your dog, and it contains BioFibre for optimal absorption. Simply mix into raw, moist, or dry food.

Another excellent supplement by BiologicVet for coat and skin health is BioFats Omega 3-6-9, an all-natural source of fatty acids. It helps your dog maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Fatty acids are known for their ability to reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and promote proper brain function.

Lastly, if something's bothering your dog's paws, you may want to try NaturPet's Paw & Skin. Paw & Skin is a natural healing cream that was formulated to support cracked feet, itchy skin, infections, and hot spots.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are a common problem for dogs, especially in the summer when they spend more time outside in warmer temperatures. 

NaturPet's Fleeze Topical is an all-natural supplement for dogs that works as a preventative measure against ticks and fleas. It contains essential oils that help ward off these pests without harmful chemicals or pesticides. Simply sprinkle on your dog's fur or bed to help ward off those unwanted bloodsuckers.

Dogs Mood Support

One of the most important benefits of feeding your dog a healthy diet is that it helps improve their day-to-day mood. However, certain situations can cause anxiety in your pet. If your best friend gets stressed during travel, daycare, kennels, thunderstorms, fireworks, or simply being left alone at home while you're at work, Be Calm by NaturPet can help. Thanks to all-natural calming herbal ingredients like valerian root, black cohosh, lemon balm, and passionflower, Be Calm can help calm and soothe your dog when they experience anxiety.

Be Calm is also safe for dogs of all ages and can be given daily to help your dog stay calm and relaxed. If you have a dog that suffers from separation anxiety or is just a little bit nervous around new people, this calming supplement could be the answer you've been looking for.

Best of all, all products from NaturPet and BiologicVet are natural and completely safe for your furry best friend, so you can feel good about giving your dog the very best from these product lines.

There have never been more options than before to support your dog's health naturally. At National Nutrition, we have recently expanded our pet care section to include all of these effective products that we know you'll love. If there's a concern that we haven't addressed, one of our expert educators can help guide you to the right product for your furry friend. Either stop by in person or online and speak with one of our educators to find the right product for your fur baby.