A-Z natural health supplements Articles

For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms have been used for numerous health benefits. Medicinal mushrooms (of many different varieties) are well studied but not often well understood. Host Defense Mushrooms aims to bridge the gap between medicinal fungi and humans. They make well-formulated and studied products that benefit your body's systems. We know you'll love Host Defense Mushrooms and their trailblazing story.

The Magical World of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are one of the most unique and fascinating organisms on the planet. They have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and are now being studied for their wide range of benefits to human health. Mushrooms are a type of fungus that is found in various parts of the world, including soil, dung, decaying wood, and leaf litter.

Meet Legendary Mycologist Paul Stamets

Host Defense Mushrooms was founded by world-renowned mycologist Paul Stamets. Paul Stamets believes that funghi (mushrooms) not only contribute to environmental ecosystems but to human health as well. He has dedicated his life to studying the world of mushrooms and has been involved in research involving using mushrooms for water filtration, ecological rehabilitation (including bee health), and, of course, their use in supplements for both human and planetary health.

Paul Stamets' 40+ years of research into the power and potential of mushrooms has led to the invention of Host Defense's line of supplements. Some of these supplements include chaga, lion's mane, and turkey tail, as well as many formulas that blend multiple mushrooms for additional health benefits.

It's All About the Mycelium

While many mushroom companies extol the virtues of beta glucans, a type of fibre found in mushrooms, Host Defense has focused on mycelium research and incorporates it into all of their products.

The mycelium is composed of root-like structures found growing below the ground. The mycelium is the part of the mushroom that's responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the soil but it also happens to be where most of the benefits lie. The mycelium is made up of tiny filaments called hyphae (pronounced "hi-fah"), which are responsible for breaking down cellulose into its component parts—glucose, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Known as the "wood wide web," the mycelium is under the ground (and your feet) whenever you step on the earth. It is estimated that 90% of plants rely on the mycelium for nourishment.

All Host Defense Mushrooms products make use of the valuable mycelium in addition to their fruiting bodies. Why the mycelium? Research has shown that the combination of constituents (meaning both the mycelium and fruiting bodies) creates the most benefit.

Host Defense Mushroom Products

Host Defense grows its mycelium on organic brown rice. In this process, the mycelium essentially ferments the brown rice, creating an entirely new substance with unique health benefits. A peer-reviewed study demonstrated that this new myceliated rice showed immune health benefits and that the benefits of mushrooms come from their wide range of constituents.

Host Defense Mushrooms is proud of its innovative products. All of their products are certified organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

At National Nutrition, we carry a wide range of innovative products from Host Defense Mushrooms that can be used to support respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune health. Allow us to introduce you to some of our top sellers:

• Lion’s Mane: Host Defence Lion's Mane is beneficial for the brain, which is why it's often referred to as a "smart mushroom." It’s one of the most potent natural nootropics on the market today. The active ingredients in Lion's Mane promote nerve growth factor (NGF), which has been shown to help improve cognitive function and boost memory. Host Defense's Lion's Mane is created using organic mushroom mycelium grown in the United States. Mushroom mycelium is packed with polysaccharides, glycoproteins, ergosterols, triterpenoids, and other myco-nutrients. Each serving contains 1 g of mushroom mycelium to soothe your nervous system and help you focus.

• Turkey Tail: Host Defense Turkey Tail is one of the most-studied and best-documented beneficial mushroom species in scientific research and has a wide spectrum of beneficial properties. It's best known for supporting immunomodulation and an engaged and balanced immune response via the gut. Turkey tail contains enzymes and prebiotics, which makes it especially beneficial for gut health. A healthy gut can, in turn, support a healthy immune system. In fact, one study funded by the National Institutes of Health found Host Defense Turkey Tail to be immunologically active.

• MyCommunity: If you are looking for immune support, MyCommunity is the most comprehensive immune support product in the lineup. It is made with a blend of 17 potent mushrooms, with each carefully selected for its distinctive benefits to the immune system. All mushrooms in this formula are made with U.S.-grown organic mushrooms, including the mycelium and fruitbodies (these are the parts of the mushroom that live above ground and are also loaded with a spectrum of different health compounds). Plus, there is some evidence from third-party, peer-reviewed research that MyCommunity could help support an immune response in healthy individuals.

• Stamets-7: Specially formulated by Paul Stamets, Stamets7 is made with U.S.-grown organic mushroom mycelium, which is packed with a full spectrum of health compounds, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, ergosterols, triterpenoids, and other nutrients. This blend includes 7 different mushrooms—cordyceps, reishi, maitake, lion's mane, chaga, mesime, and royal sun clazei—commonly used to support overall immune function.

If you would like to learn more about Host Defense mushrooms and get inspired by the incredible world of funghi, stop by our store or call to speak with one of our qualified educators.

Nothing can be more frustrating for a man than erectile dysfunction. While it most often affects men over forty, it can actually affect men of all ages. It can be a serious illness, affecting a man’s self-esteem, stress level, his relationships, as well as his overall emotional health; so, it is important that it not be ignored. Many men find it difficult to discuss with family, friends, or their practitioner. Practitioners are there to help, and discussing it with them is a good first step. However, there are also impotency supplements that can help enhance blood flow and boost libido.

Understanding Impotency

Impotence occurs when a man does not have the ability to achieve or maintain an erection for normal sexual intercourse. Recent TV advertisements have taken much of the stigma away from this common problem. 80% - 90% of impotence cases have a physical basis, so it is somewhat of a myth that it is only a psychological condition. In order for an erection to occur, all of the following must be in working order: the brain, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system and the hormonal axis.

Common Causes of Impotence

Factors that can lead to impotence are arteriosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol use, smoking and a history of sexually transmitted disease. Over 200 different medications can also cause impotence. The causes of impotence can vary. Something as simple as a zinc deficiency can cause impotence. It is crucial that a man examine his nutritional status with his practitioner so that nutritional deficiencies can be eliminated as a possible cause before conventional impotence drugs like Viagra are used due to their potential serious side effects.

Impotency Treatments & Supplements

Conventional Treatments

Conventional treatment of impotence involves medication, implant surgery and psychological counselling. Viagra increases blood flow to the penis.

It is important to note that these medications are not suitable for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, blood disorders, kidney disease and liver disease. 

Uprima works through the brain to produce erections. Its side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sweating. There are several injectable drugs for impotence, and their side effects are prolonged, painful erections.

Impotency Supplements

The first step in the natural treatment of impotence is to address the underlying cause. Firstly, use an overall nutritional supplement like a good multi vitamin specifically for men (you might also look at a good greens supplement, too). This will ensure that your overall nutritional status is complete. Secondly, ensure that your prostate is healthy; even if you don’t have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you can still benefit from using a supplement like saw palmetto. In addition, the prostate is involved in the orgasm process. Ensure that you are getting optimum circulation and blood flow with ginkgo; it has been clinically proven to help in cases of erectile dysfunction. Maca is another supplement that increases libido and vitality. 

Stress, fatigue and mental/emotional concerns affect one’s ability to become sexually aroused. A balanced lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, can help to alleviate stress. Seek counselling to explore issues that may be hindering sexual functioning. Consider using oral or intravenous chelation agents to clean out vessels that have become clogged. See the list below for supplements that will also help to support cleansing of the blood vessels. Ensure that you are eating enough vegetables and taking the correct nutritional supplements that satisfy your own unique nutritional needs.

Diet & Impotency

Dietary considerations for impotence involve eating a healthy, balanced diet. Include pumpkin seeds for essential fatty acids and zinc. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, animal fats, fried foods, junk foods and sugar. Heavy metal accumulation can damage vessels and lead to impotence. Consider undergoing metal detoxification.

Final Thoughts

Intimacy is an important part of any relationship. While it is common for sexual desire and function to decline with age, this doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on this meaningful aspect of your relationship with your partner. Many of the same supplements that are used for impotence can also be used as an enhancement for your sexual desire and performance.

With these products now being available in a range of venues from health food stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, bulk food stores and online supplement retailers, it can be hard for customers to know who to entrust with all their health and wellness needs. National Nutrition, a Canadian supplement store, simplifies the equation for you. Find out how…

Shop For Supplements Online in Canada at National Nutrition

National Nutrition is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated, family-run hybrid health food store/online retailer. Headquartered in the economic heartland of Ontario, Simcoe County, we offer top-of-the-line quality, selection, service and value.

National Nutrition's Advantage As A Canadian Supplement Store

Highest Quality Vitamins and Supplements

National Nutrition offers a wide range of Natural Health Products (NPPs) that meet and often exceed industry standards. Unlike mass outlets, vitamins and supplements are our focus. Therefore, we offer online educational resources and have knowledgeable staff who can help take the guesswork out of product selection. Many of the brands we offer are clean, non-GMO, and/or organic. This way, you get everything you want in a supplement but nothing you don’t, such as fillers, artificial colouring, flavouring, sweetening agents, synthetic additives, preservatives, stabilizers, and/or pesticide residues.

National Nutrition also simplifies getting healthy with a wide range of quality consumer brands and practitioner-specific formulas that often offer therapeutic dosing.

Vast Selection: You Want it – We’ve got it

National Nutrition offers over 10,000 items covering an extensive range of categories like vitamins and minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, sports nutrition, nootropics, collagen, anti-inflammatories, detox formulas, herbals, essential oils, super green foods, heart health blends, stress support, hair, skin and nail support, plus hormone, joint, immune, and weight loss solutions, plus many more. There are options for everyone – from the most cost-effective brands that cater to those new to the vitamin and supplement scene, all the way to innovative, cutting-edge practitioner brands that supply clinical doses of key nutrients.

As if that isn’t enough, we also offer a wide selection of natural cosmetics and personal care products. Because what you put ON your body matters just as much as what you put IN it. In fact, we have some of the largest brand selections in vitamins, supplements and natural body care in the industry.

Friendly Service

While offering a wide range of products is beneficial, what’s more important is having a knowledgeable and educated staff that provides friendly service. We’ve invested in our people to make sure they not only have customer service excellence on the brain but are also extensively trained in a variety of natural health fields, so you always have access to accurate, factual and evidence-based information. National Nutrition’s staff consists of qualified and certified Registered Holistic Practitioners, Naturopathic Physicians and Registered Nutritionists, among other specialties. Therefore, you can feel confident that they are always steering you in the right direction and providing the latest in vitamin and supplement data and advice. National Nutrition also offers a vast online education platform with supplement articles, condition-specific articles, recipes and product videos conducted by industry experts. For more complex health issues, we can also refer you to a qualified practitioner on demand.

Exceptional Value

How do you define value? What are your products and services worth to you? These are complex questions, but when it comes to health and wellness, they shouldn’t even come up. At National Nutrition, our commitment first and foremost is to you – our customers. We strive to provide you with the best quality products at affordable prices. This is why we are dedicated to offering great value consistently, EVERY TIME. Whenever you visit National Nutrition in-store or online, you can rest assured that you’ll find a generous amount of deals to fit every budget, including 2 For 1 specials, BOGO deals, Bonus offers, checkout promotions and many others that help make getting healthy accessible for all.

Discover National Nutrition today and let us help you get healthy… and stay that way!

New Roots Herbal is a highly respected Quebec-based supplement formulator and manufacturer that makes innovative, evidence-based natural health supplements that combine the best that science and nature have to offer.

Whether you already take a New Roots product or are looking to discover something new, there is a New Roots Herbal product for you.

History of New Roots

For the last 40 years, New Roots has been formulating and manufacturing innovative natural health supplements in Quebec.

The "roots" of New Roots Herbal began in Calgary, Alberta, when Peter Wilkes became a co-founder of an innovative health food store in the late 1970s. In 1985, the New Roots brand was born, with probiotics being among the flagship products that were launched at that time. Wilkes had helped educate shoppers on the benefits of probiotics while he owned his health food stores.

In 2004, New Roots launched NHP Laboratories, their in-house lab, which verifies the identity and potency of all ingredients in the company's products.

Today, New Roots products are still developed and manufactured in Quebec, and the products are sold exclusively to health food stores in 16 different countries.

The New Roots Herbal Way

New Roots Herbal formulates and manufactures its supplements at its in-house facility in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada. All New Roots products are made with the safest and most potent ingredients.

New Roots’ in-house lab, NHP Laboratories, assures the quality, identity, and potency of every single product in New Roots’ lineup.

They test all of their ingredients three times for identity and contaminants such as mycotoxins (aflatoxin), PCBs, over 80 different pesticides, heavy metals, microbiology (bacteria), mould, and fungus.

NHP Laboratories employs 3 PhDs, 7 MScs, and 12 BScs, who devote over 880 hours of testing and research weekly.

Additionally, New Roots Herbal loves to give back to communities and, since its inception, has given $1.5 million to various charities.

New Roots Herbal Products

New Roots Herbal has over 400 products, including daily-use vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics, and other nutraceuticals, as well as condition-specific formulas.

New Roots Herbal makes products for many health concerns, including: New Roots digestive enzymes for digestive health, New Roots Strong Bones for bone health, and supplements for blood sugar management, detoxification, energy, hair, skin, and nail support, immune health, muscle, and joint health, stress management, sleep support, weight management, and if that's not enough, supplements for women, men, and children.

Just this year, National Nutrition began carrying the entire New Roots Herbal product line.

Here are some of our favourite New Roots products that our customers love (and we know you will, too).

• New Roots Prostate Perform: New Roots is best known for Prostate Perform, a top-selling clinical potency prostate support supplement geared to men over 40, with results in 7 days. The formula contains saw palmetto, selenium, zinc, beta-sitosterol, lycopene, and more. The ingredients work in synergy to support prostate health and urinary flow. Prostate Perform has also been shown to help with nighttime urination, which is often a symptom of an enlarged prostate or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

• Plant Sterols: This powder is an effective and safe way to manage cholesterol levels and can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by 10 to 14%. This is thanks to plant sterols, which have a similar molecular shape to cholesterol molecules and can prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. Plant sterols are available in powder form, which can be added to smoothies and other recipes. Best of all, plant sterols can be combined with other cholesterol-lowering products.

• Vitamin E8: Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin needed for cellular health and function, and it’s also responsible for the integrity of cell membranes. Vitamin E8 is a high-quality source of vitamin E that provides a potent dose of this essential nutrient by combining alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols, sterols, and beta-sitosterols. National Nutrition customers love to use E8 daily as an antioxidant, and some use the contents of the capsule to help treat wounds and reduce scarring.

• Wild Omega: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils are important for our health because they help to combat the effects of an inflammatory diet. Fish oil contains two essential fatty acids that are vital to your health: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which can be found in varying ratios depending on your health goal. Generally, high-EPA formulas can support heart health, a healthy mood, and a positive mental outlook, as well as provide anti-inflammatory support. High-DHA formulas are beneficial for cognition, nervous system support, and developing brains, while balanced formulas are helpful for general health maintenance. New Roots' Wild Omega line of fish oils is molecularly distilled and pharmaceutical grade, using only small fish: anchovies and sardines.

New Roots' founder, Peter Wilkes, was one of the pioneers of probiotics when he owned his health food stores; therefore, it's no surprise that New Roots Herbal makes probiotics. New Roots is also well-known for its line of quality, researched probiotics. Having worked to pioneer this supplement category, naturally their first product launch was Acidophilus Ultra. All of New Roots probiotics are encapsulated in a patented GPS™ enteric-coating system to resist stomach acid and deliver the probiotics to where they are needed. How do they know? New Roots can simulate the release time of the capsules in their lab.

Shopping For Quality Supplements

New Roots makes excellent products. We hope this article has inspired you to check out the full New Roots lineup on our shelves. Simply visit us online or stop by in person to discover all that New Roots has to offer.

Organika has been making high-quality natural health supplements and foods right here in Canada for the last 30 years. They are a favourite brand of our customers here at National Nutrition (we've been carrying their products for the last 25 years). And it's for good reason: Organika's products are made to exacting quality standards and are available at a great price.

Keep reading to learn more about Organika, including their humble beginnings, how they meticulously formulate their products, and which products you may want to discover here at National Nutrition.

Organika's Brand History

Organika Canada is a second generation family business operating out of beautiful British Columbia. They are passionate about making products that meet you wherever you are on your health journey, and support your overall health and wellbeing.

Organika has had a long history of manufacturing high-quality supplements since 1990. The company began with a small line of supplements sold out of the back of Thomas Chin's van.

Today, Organika is run by Thomas's son Aaron. The company has expanded rapidly, now manufacturing over 200 natural health products, including Organika Enhanced Collagen, Canada’s #1 selling collagen powder.

At National Nutrition, we are proud to have a longstanding relationship with Organika. We have been selling Organika products for the last 25 years.

Quality Manufactured Supplements in Canada: The Organika Way

Organika formulates its supplements with ingredients that are non-GMO, high-potency, third-party tested, and organic where possible. All its products are free of artificial ingredients and fillers.

Organika products are manufactured at Organika's own facility in Richmond, British Columbia, with the highest standards, from non-GMO ingredient selection to voluntary third party testing.

Organika's products contain non-GMO, high potency, third-party tested, and organic ingredients whenever possible. Organika uses IGEN, a third party that verifies that ingredients are truly non-GMO.

Organika products are free of artificial ingredients and fillers. To ensure safety, efficacy, and quality, Organika's products are reviewed, approved, and licensed by Health Canada before being sold. Organika goes one step further by testing all their products at Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) third-party certified labs. This level is not required by Health Canada; however, Organika chooses to go this extra step to ensure that their products are safe and effective for you.

In addition, Organika's facility has regular 3rd party quality inspections by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to ensure that the company delivers quality products that are safe for you.

Organika also has a commitment to the environment. By 2025, the company's goal is to have 100% of their packaging transitioned to post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, resulting in less plastic in our oceans and a lower carbon footprint. That's something we can feel great about.

Organika Products

Organika makes well-known (and well-loved) products. Of the 200 products they make, these are the most popular in our store:

• Quercetin: Quercetin is a natural compound found in onions and apples, and its extract is frequently used to reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms. Recently, quercetin has become popular for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Organika's Quercetin combines the anti-inflammatory effects of 400 milligrams of quercetin with 100 milligrams of bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme derived from pineapples.

• Grape Seed Extract: If you are looking for high antioxidant effects, reach for Organika's Grape Seed Extract instead of a glass of red wine. Grape seed extract contains a group of powerful antioxidants called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Studies show that OPCs are far more powerful than vitamins E and C. Additionally, they work with the body's main antioxidant, glutathione, to recycle vitamin C so it can continue fighting free radicals. OPCs are easily absorbed by the body and even cross the blood-brain barrier to provide protection to our brain and nerves. They are used for cardiovascular health because they strengthen the collagen lining of vessels, thus increasing circulation and decreasing inflammation and blood clots while keeping tissues like the skin elastic and preventing harmful cell formation. Each capsule of Organika's Grape Seed Extract contains GSE standardized to 85% to 95% Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin (OPC) in a base of citrus bioflavonoids.

• Black Cumin Seed Oil: Organika's Black Cumin Seed Oil makes an excellent addition to a natural health regimen. It helps fight seasonal allergies and asthma, supports heart health, protects the liver, and provides overall immune support. Organika's Black Cumin Seed Oil provides 500 milligrams of cold-pressed Nigella sativa (black cumin seed oil) per serving.

• Spirulina: Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is used as a natural health supplement. It is one of the most nutritious foods on earth, providing high amounts of protein, B vitamins, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants. Spirulina also contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and magnesium. Organika's 1000 mg of pure, premium-grade spirulina is packed with nutrients, including protein, vitamins, trace minerals, essential amino acids, carotenoids, and enzyme complexes. This superfood can be taken on its own or mixed into smoothies or juices.

Where To Buy Organika Supplements

As we mentioned, Organika also makes Canada's #1-selling collagen supplement. The Enhanced Collagen and Marine Collagen supplements from Organika have become best-sellers in recent years. The line includes powder and liquid collagens; Multi Collagen, which combines three sources of collagen; Electrolytes+ Enhanced Collagen, which combines hydrating electrolytes with collagen and vitamin C; Effervess tablets that combine collagen and vitamin C into handy effervescent tablets that can be taken on the go; and Beauty Enhanced Collagen to help you look younger.

All these incredible products (plus many more!) are available at National Nutrition. We can't wait to have you stop by.