A-Z metabolic health Articles

Kudzu is a natural herb called Pueraria lobata is indigenous to Japan. It is part of the pea family. You will find its vines and beautiful purple flowers growing against buildings and climbing trellises. It grows wild and can take over large areas so is known as an invasive weed. Also known as Japanese arrowroot, this exciting herb grows naturally in Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

It was brought to America in the mid-1800s and now grows naturally in the Southeastern United States.

Understanding How Kudzu Is Used Medicinally

In Western Herbal medicine and  Traditional Chinese and Asian medicines three portions of the herb Kudzu are commonly used – the root, leaf and the flower – for different purposes as they differ in chemical properties.

The root of Kudzu was traditionally used in Chinese medicine to prevent too much consumption of alcohol (alcoholism) and in cases when this was unsuccessful the flower of the plant was used to treat the symptoms associated with too much alcohol consumption. It was commonly known amongst Traditional Chinese medical practitioners that only the flower of the plant was appropriate for the treatment of hangovers as it was later confirmed in scientific studies the root has chemical properties that inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase thereby increasing acetaldehyde in the body.

There are chemical properties in Kudzu that can help with symptoms of menopause called Isoflavones similarly found in Soy. They act like a weak estrogen thereby alleviating symptoms such as heart palpitations, hot sweats, and mood changes.

For cardiovascular conditions such as blood clots, stroke, arrhythmias and high blood pressure Kudzu`s Isoflavones content and other constituents such as puerarin also help with these conditions.

Top Health Benefits of Kudzu

Kudzu has been used by Chinese and Asian cultures for thousands of years for immune and liver conditions resulting in symptoms of "excess heat", tinnitus and vertigo. It has also historically been used to treat migraines and headaches and for the treatment of diarrhea. Other conditions indicated to use Kudzu are: cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, angina and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat); common upper respiratory infections such as the common cold, flu, swine flu and sinus infections; to lower blood sugar in Diabetes; and to reduce menopausal symptoms.

In China, one of the active ingredients in Kudzu called puerarin is used in intravenous form to treat and prevent the formation of blood clots and to treat stroke victims.

One of the most interesting aspects of this special herb is that it is exceptionally useful for treating symptoms associated with too much alcohol consumption. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, bowel disruption, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity associated with hangovers are miraculously ameliorated with this wonderful herb. It is also used to treat alcoholism.

Kudzu Supplement Varieties

Kudzu can be found in powder form, capsule or liquid. Duration of use and dosage is dependent on the condition you are treating and the weight of the person.

Tips For Using These Supplements

1. The root in powder form mixed with warm water in a tea is used to treat digestive upset and diarrhea.
2. The root is used for treating alcoholism.
3. The flowers are used to treat the symptoms of excess use of alcohol.
4. A combination of aerial parts of the herb and the root is used for menopause, tinnitus, headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, cardiovascular conditions, blood sugar conditions, and respiratory infections.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are a form of saturated fat found most commonly in coconut oil and to a lesser extent, palm kernel oil. Despite the negative press saturated fats have received, MCT seems to be the exception. Offering a host of health benefits, MCT oil is also the most easily and rapidly absorbed fat that requires virtually no energy to break down.

What Is MCT Oil? 

Most dietary fats come in the form of triglycerides made up of three fatty acid chains (tri-) attached to a glycerol backbone (-glyceride). Each kind of fat is differentiated by the makeup of its fatty acid chains. The characteristics of these chains determine the effect a particular fat will have on the body. While fats are commonly classified as saturated or unsaturated, they can also be classified based on the length of their respective fatty acid chains. MCTs are a class of fats composed of medium chains of 6-10 fatty acid units, hence their name. These are the least common fats in the diet 98% of the fats we consume are long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). There are three kinds of MCT: caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid. The most abundant natural sources of these fats are coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

Key Health Benefits of MCT Oil

The unique properties of MCT oil have been shown to have benefits for health for a variety of conditions. Historically, the most common use of these fats has been for providing a source of nutrition via IV to those who were unable to eat during a hospital stay. They are also often used for those who are unable to assimilate fat from the diet properly as with pancreatitis, or to promote weight gain in those with wasting diseases such as Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Cystic fibrosis etc. 

More recently, studies have begun to examine the benefits of MCT oil for weight loss and fat breakdown. It has been shown that those who supplement with MCT store less fat and have a higher metabolic rate which further promotes the breakdown of already stored fat.

A diet supplemented with MCT results in increased production of ketone bodies which can be used as an alternative fuel source for the brain and body. It is the basis of the popular Ketogenic diet, high in protein and low in carbohydrates, commonly used among athletes. MCT can be used for a quick burst of energy and has been shown to help with endurance. This feature may also be responsible for its benefits in helping manage symptoms of epilepsy and degenerative brain diseases. A significant number of studies have shown that increased circulating levels of ketones drastically reduce seizure occurrence and serve as an alternate fuel source for the undernourished brains of those with neurodegenerative issues. 

Understand How MCT Oil Works For Your Health

MCT oil is digested differently than other dietary fats. Because of their smaller size, they are absorbed right away and travel directly to the liver where they are immediately used as a source of fuel and energy. This process is known as passive absorption and requires little to no energy for the body to accomplish. Other fats are so large that enzymes from the pancreas are necessary to break them down. Instead of being used right away, they are transported through the lymphatic system depositing fats along the way. This explains the use of MCT for quick nutrition in those who are not getting enough fats in their regular diets or are suffering from wasting diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative Colitis as mentioned above. 

The unique method of digestion of MCT has benefits for weight loss as well. They help the process of excess calorie burning, promote fat oxidation, and promote reduced food intake. The immediate use of fuel burns fat at a higher rate, resulting in increased energy production. Further, because they are rarely stored as fat, MCT results in less overall body fat.

One of the breakdown products of fats is ketone bodies. These, along with glucose (from the breakdown of carbohydrates), are used as a fuel and energy source by the brain and body. The breakdown of MCT results in higher production of ketone bodies per unit than any other dietary fat. It is this function that is responsible for the use of MCT as a possible treatment for epilepsy, as a rapid fuel source for athletes, and as an alternate nutrition source for the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

Tips For Adding MCT To Your Diet

MCT can be increased through the diet with the direct consumption of coconut or palm kernel oil, or it can be extracted from these sources and concentrated into a liquid supplement form known simply as MCT. Either way, no more than 1-3 tablespoons are required daily. Coconut oil is the easiest and most accessible natural food source. As with most oils, look for one that is extra virgin and cold-pressed, preferably organic.

Trace minerals are needed by the body in minute amounts. They perform a variety of functions, mostly having to do with the exchange of materials across the cell’s membrane and the speeding up of chemical reactions in the body (enzymes). In general, most individuals are deficient in trace minerals, and supplementation of trace mineral drops may be beneficial. Let's explore this further. 

What Causes Trace Mineral Deficiency?

The first cause for deficiency is that today's food supply is deficient in minerals. Farms’ soil is depleted after years of farming without allowing fields to lie fallow and replenish themselves. The second is that many people consume filtered water. To remove contaminants, some of these processes also must remove the trace minerals. Distilled and reverse osmosis water are two examples of water that have had all of their minerals removed.

Who Should Consider Trace Mineral Supplements?

Even those who are seemingly without any signs or symptoms of mineral deficiency will most likely benefit from replenishing their minerals. Health practitioners recommend trace mineral drops or therapy if you drink reverse osmosis or distilled water, those with hair and nail problems, those with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, and those with neurological or emotional problems.

How Are These Minerals Generally Sourced?

Corcal calcium is a form of calcium carbonate that is naturally found in a complex with an array of trace minerals. Two types of coral calcium exist: fossilized and marine. 

Fossilized coral is farmed after it floats to the top of the ocean, while marine-grade is live coral that is vacuumed from the ocean floor. There is a debate between the makers of both types as to which is better, with no clear winner emerging. One must consider the ecological effect of both processes when purchasing coral calcium. 

Trace Mineral Supplements: Varieties, Potency & Formats

Trace mineral supplements are commonly found as tablets, liquid suspension drops and powders. There is not much difference between the forms, so select the format that's most convenient for you to use. If you want to add your trace minerals to your water, it's easiest to mix the liquid minerals. The source of the minerals and the quality of the processing are important considerations when purchasing trace minerals. Ensure that the company is testing the supplement for contaminants and chemicals because most minerals are sourced from water deposits.

Concentrace: Liquid Trace Mineral Drops

Concentrace is a liquid trace mineral supplement that is naturally ionic and pH-balancing. It is sourced through solar evaporation from Utah's Great Salt Lake using clean harvesting methods, yielding a pure and potent supplement. 

Concentrace contains a full spectrum of trace minerals, including ionic magnesium and is a natural source of electrolytes. Since it is 99% sodium-reduced, it's great for those following a low-sodium diet. Concentrace is also beneficial for anyone looking to increase their trace mineral consumption. 

Shopping For Trace Mineral Supplements

If a supplement is sourced from coral calcium, ensure it is tested for contaminants since the coral is farmed from the ocean. Even after purification, coral calcium contains minute amounts of heavy metals and should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing women. 

Aside from purity, you will want to select a supplement that's low in sodium and has a full spectrum of minerals. You should also select a format that suits your preferences and lifestyle. 

If you need further assistance, our knowledgeable team is happy to help.