Cod and halibut liver oils have been used as nutritional supplements for many years. These liver oils decrease inflammation, and thereby, prevent and treat heart disease. A component of the liver oil, EPA, is an important fatty acid in the maintenance of cardiovascular health and the regulation of inflammation. EPA is a precursor to a series of chemicals whose job it is to regulate the inflammatory effects of arachidonic acid.
Discover The Health Benefits of Cod & Halibut Liver Oil
Arachidonic acid causes inflammation in arteries and leads to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Syndrome X conditions such as obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, adult-onset diabetes and stroke are helped by cod/halibut liver oil. Fish liver oils contain the vitamins D and K which improve bone health by regulating the uptake of minerals in the intestine and modulating bone building.
Thus fish liver oils may help prevent and reverse rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. The essential fatty acid, DHA, in fish liver oils, is an essential component of the brain and central nervous system. It seems to concentrate in areas where there is lots of electrical activity, such as the synaptosomes, where nerve cells communicate, and the photoreceptors of the eye. This is why a deficiency of DHA can result in poor brain development, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, memory problems and poor visual development. Topically applied, cod/halibut liver oil contributes to faster wound healing and improvement in skin quality due to its vitamin A content.
Key Nutrients Found in Cod & Halibut Liver Oil
These oils contain more vitamin A and more vitamin D per unit weight than any other common food. In addition, they contain 7 percent each of the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, and small amounts of vitamin K. Some fish liver oil supplements are altered from their normal nutrient ratios to provide more or less of the above-mentioned nutrients. Children, and pregnant or nursing women, should use caution when using fish liver oils because of their fat-soluble vitamin content.
Cod/halibut liver oil can be purchased as a liquid, flavoured liquid or soft gel capsule. All cod/halibut liver oil supplements in North America are tested for contaminants. Choose a reputable supplement because proper processing of the oil is important to prevent rancidity. Although it is not necessary, refrigerate liquid supplements and keep capsules away from heat to increase their shelf life.
How To Take Halibut Liver Oil & Potential Contraindications
The fat-soluble vitamins in fish liver oils are best absorbed with a meal that contains fat. Absorption of vitamins A, D and K is inhibited by some medications including antibiotics, antacids, steroids, laxatives, mineral oil and some cholesterol-lowering medications.
The noni tree is a tropical evergreen that grows large green-yellow fruit that has an unpleasant bitter smell and taste. There is a rich history of the medicinal use of noni from Polynesia but very few scientific studies have tested these uses. Traditionally, the noni fruit is used for internal conditions, and the leaves are used externally. Let's explore the benefits of noni on your health.
Topically, noni leaves are tied around painful joints, used like a headband for headaches and made into a salve for wound healing.
There is some evidence that topical use of noni can improve skin quality and prevent hair loss. Further research is required to confirm the medicinal benefits of noni. Currently, noni can be used as a dietary supplement due to its rich nutritional benefits.
Key Nutrients That Give Noni Its Health Benefits
Noni fruit is a good source of fibre and is believed to contain more than 150 nutrients, including vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C and E), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and selenium), protein, amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), phytonutrients, polysaccharides and digestive enzymes. It is due to the large number of nutrients in noni that it is considered a superfruit.
Shopping For Quality Noni Supplements
Noni juice comes from fruits that have been ripened, softened and fermented. The bitter, pungent juice is then separated and bottled, or dried and put into capsules. Some manufacturers add other fruit juices to noni liquid to improve the taste. Dried extract of noni can be purchased but it is not known how the drying process affects the medicinal value of the fruit.Noni juice may also be found in skin creams shampoos and conditioners.
Important Information Regarding Noni
Some brands of noni juice may be high in potassium. Individuals with compromised kidney function, people taking potassium supplements or those on medications that alter potassium levels, should not use Noni. Noni juice is high in sugar and may upset the blood sugar levels of diabetics. The safety of noni in pregnancy and lactation has not been studied. Noni juice can cause harmless changes in the colour of your urine.
The best multivitamin, also known as Multi Vitamin Minerals, have been used for decades in North America and other parts of the globe. While Multi Vitamins are not meant to replace a healthy diet they do offer a means of preventing potential nutrient deficiencies from developing if your diet is a little less than ideal.
What Are Multivitamins?
Multivitamins are natural health products which combine primary vitamins and minerals you need for health, all in one product. This limits having to take numerous separate products at one time to get all you need.
Today you can find Multi-Vitamins combined with Greens Products, Probiotics, Raw Foods, Superfoods, Essential fats and more.
Advantages of Taking A Multivitamin
The best multivitamin supplements are used as a basis for providing essential nutrients – vitamins and minerals – to one’s diet.
Because the Standard American and Canadian diet is not generally adequate for providing all you need nutritionally, a Multi-Vitamin can assist. Taking small doses of multiple vitamins and minerals daily will reduce deficiencies from developing.
Another reason to consider a Multi Vitamin Mineral is that studies show our commercially grown food is far less nutrient-dense than it used to be 50 years ago. There are numerous reasons for this, including over-farming practices creating nutrient-deficient soil. So by taking a Multi Vitamin Mineral, you help make up for a lack of nutrients in our soil.
And if you have health concerns you can find Multi-Vitamins geared to specific health issues like Blood Sugar Control, Cardiovascular Health, Women’s and Men’s Health, Pregnancy and Paediatrics.
The Effect Multivitamins Have On Your Health
Vitamins and minerals work in your body in an infinite number of ways. B Vitamins are important for your nervous system, your hormone system and cholesterol levels. Fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A support your mucus membranes which is important in maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin E is important for cardiovascular health and is a potent antioxidant which protects your cells from cellular damage. Minerals support bone, collagen and teeth health. Minerals alkalize your body and also act as cofactors for your detoxification system. And the list goes on.
Vitamins and minerals are central to a healthy functioning body.
Selecting The Best Multivitamin Supplements For Good Health
Take a Multi-Vitamin as recommended daily. You can find Multi-Vitamins in tablet, capsule, liquid or powdered forms. When combined with a Green’s product in the powdered form they are great in a morning health shake combined with Omega 3 oil, and hemp protein powder – which gives your body added fibre and the nine essential amino acids you need for protein, Chia seeds, and extra antioxidant powdered products like Match Green tea and Freeze Dried Acai berry.
The liver is a large organ located just below the diaphragm on the upper right side of the abdomen. It holds a central function in the body and has an incredible number of tasks which include, but aren't limited to: breaking down and removing toxins from the blood, creating and releasing bile for digestion, and receiving and transporting fats and cholesterol around the body. Let's explore liver extract and its benefits for good health.
Discovering Liver Extract
Although the liver is technically an organ and not a gland, we are listing it amongst the glandular extracts because it is being used in the same manner to treat the body. The liver is full of enzymes, nutrients, cofactors, as well as a litany of other substances. When animal liver extract is ingested, it provides the body with all of these nutrients, giving the liver extra support in its function.
Tips On Taking Liver Extract Supplements
Liver extract can be found in a variety of combination formulas including other liver support herbs and nutrients. It can also be found in several detoxification formulas as extra nutritional support for the liver during a cleanse. This use has gone down in recent years because of restrictions on sales, and the risk of actual contamination due to storage of toxins in the animal's liver before processing.
Important Information & Potential Side Effects
Because the liver is responsible for so much of the body's detoxification, it often contains a high level of contaminants. Because of this, it is very important to only ingest liver extracts from safe, sources with well-studied contamination levels to avoid the ingestion of heavy metals and other contaminants.
Moringa is considered one of nature’s most potent superfoods. Native to the Himalayan Mountains, Moringa oleifera is now grown in East Africa, India, the Philippines and Central and South America. It is known as nature's "miracle tree" because Moringa supplements are packed with more than ninety cell-ready vitamins, minerals, proteins, antioxidants, omega oils, and other nutrients in each supplemental serving.
What is Moringa?
Moringa is considered to be one of the most nutrient-rich plants on earth. Most of the Moringa plant is consumed, including its leaves, seed pods, roots and seed oil. Scientists have been studying Moringa for over 50 years.
Studies show just one serving of Moringa has seven times the Vitamin C content of oranges, four times the Calcium of milk, and four times the Vitamin A of carrots.
Moringa leaves have been consumed by Asian people for many generations as a healthy food product. Of all the parts of the Moringa plant used for food and medicine, Moringa leaves are the most commonly used. Fresh Moringa leaves are collected from the Moringa tree and dried at low temperatures. The dried Moringa leaves are then ground into powder form.
Moringa oil is the most stable oil in nature and it does not go rancid. Moringa oil can be consumed, can be safely heated and has numerous applications in the cosmetics industry.
Health Advantages of Moringa Supplements
Energy Booster - Because of its dense nutrient content, over 90 nutrients in each serving, Moringa is generally used to increase energy – in fact, Dr Oz proclaims Moringa to be an “energy blaster”. It’s best consumed in the morning to give you the energy you need to last throughout the day.
Anti-Aging - Moringa is known as the Tree of Life because of its anti-aging properties. Its high concentration of nutrients and natural antioxidants halts free radical damage that affects not only your skin but also your mind, heart and detoxification organs. It’s also high in Vitamin A which promotes collagen and elastin production in your skin. Thissupports younger healthier firmer skin and lessens the presence of wrinkles. It’s also high in protein to rebuild damaged skin tissue.
Cardiovascular Health – With all of its antioxidants, Moringa is protective for your cardiovascular system and is also shown to lower high blood pressure. This is because Moringa contains all of the nutrients, including magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium and vitamin E, needed to increase your blood vessels’ production of Nitric Oxide, which relaxes and dilates your blood vessels. Increased Nitric Oxide also helps with poor circulation.
Stress – Moringa is great for helping stress. When we are under stress our adrenal glands increase production of the hormones Adrenaline and Cortisol. Unfortunately, many people under chronic stress have a difficult time relaxing. This is where Moringa can help. Moringa has a high content of an amino acid called Tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor to the hormone Serotonin, produced mostly in our gut and brain. Serotonin is responsible for the feeling of relaxation and a general feeling of wellness. Moringa is also high in Iron and Zinc which helps with mental clarity and focus. Moringa helps us feel relaxed, happy and more focused.
Anti-inflammatory – Because Moringa seeds have 30-40% Oleic Acid, you see an overall decrease in inflammation in your body. This helps with pain and inflammation associated with your joints, tendons, muscles and nerves. Oleic acid has also been shown to assist in brain function, blood sugar metabolism and cardiovascular health.
Tips For Buying Moringa Supplements
Moringa is found in powdered or capsule forms. In powdered form, you can add it to a health shake with other superfoods like Acai and Macuna, Matcha green tea powder, berries, essential fats, protein powder, probiotics and water.
Maintaining long-term wellness starts with giving your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best. While a balanced diet is the foundation of good health, modern lifestyles, stress, and nutritional gaps can make additional support beneficial. That's why many people turn to these supplements for good health to support energy, immunity, heart health, digestion, and overall vitality.
In this article, we'll explore some of the top supplements that can help support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
What Supplements Are Important For Overall Good Health?
1. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, as well as playing a vital role in the nervous system, maintaining healthy nerve function. Perhaps one of the biggest complaints associated with vitamin B12 deficiency is significant fatigue. This is also one of the first noticeable benefits of vitamin B12 supplementation.
B12 is only naturally available in animal products (meat and cheeses), and as such, vegans are often told to supplement with, or at the very least increase their intake of, B12-fortified foods. It is often recommended that elderly individuals supplement with B12, as well. As we age, our bodies are less efficient at absorbing B12, due to a decline or complete lack of a substance called intrinsic factor. Individuals who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis and IBS should also supplement with extra B12, as gut inflammation will affect B12 absorption.
B12 is available in a sublingual tab, which helps to bypass any gastrointestinal issues that may be impacting absorption. B12 is also available as an intramuscular injection for the same reason. Have your serum B12 levels checked through your MD or ND to find out if B12 supplementation is right for you. 1000 mcg/day, more if compensating for acute deficiency.
2. Chia
Almost everyone knows of the novelty item the 'Chia Pet'… and now, we know just how healthy these little seeds are as a food, too! The fibre in chia seeds actually slows down digestion, which also slows down the release of blood sugar, and keeps blood sugar levels balanced (important for diabetics). This also means increased satiety, leaving us fuller longer, and less prone to cravings and impulse snacking. This high fibre snack may also help lower high cholesterol levels, support healthy and regular bowel movements, necessary for detoxification. Chia seeds are also high in Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, manganese and phosphorus, as well as protein. Not bad for a tiny little seed! 2 Tbsp./day.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is by far one of the most popular natural health products – and rightly so. So why is coconut oil so great? For one, its a quick burning energy, meaning it's a fat that we utilize quickly. It's a“good” fat that won’t make us fat. As long as it's consumed in moderation. Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, a specific fatty acid that is found in breast milk, just one of the many reasons experts say “breast is best”! Coconut oil can also be used topically, as a moisturizer, lip chap and the list goes on and on. Because coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal, it can also help fight infection, inside and out! But it doesn't stop there. Coconut oil retains its nutrient value at relatively high heat, meaning it's perfect for cooking, stir-frying or baking. It really does deserve all its hype!
4. Curcumin
Another fan fave is curcumin. Curcumin is a compound of the spice turmeric, giving it its bright yellow colour. It’s a very effective anti-inflammatory. What does this mean for us? Well, simply put, if inflammation is at the root of all disease, then curcumin could be an amazing prevention tool. It can be used to treat joint pain and stiffness, inflammatory bowel issues, such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, as well as antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial. Curcumin is also a liver tonic, used in the treatment of jaundice and liver disorders, as well as supporting detoxification. Curcumin is best absorbed with food/fat. Dosage ranges vary greatly depending on the quality of the supplement and the condition being treated. Consult your Naturopathic doctor for the dosage that’s right for you.
5. Enzymes
Digestive enzymes, whether it's proteases, amylase, lipase, papain, or betaine, can make up for your otherwise less-than-optimal digestive process. When there is inflammation in the gut, no matter what the root cause, when pH is out of whack, no matter what the cause, or as we age, when we’re stressed… these are all scenarios that can lead to an impairment in our own production (or complete lack of production) of pancreatic enzymes. This only leads to further inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, symptoms such as gas and bloating, and a slew of other issues if unaddressed. Follow package instructions, generally 1-2 caps with large meals.
6. Greens
Greens have always been a staple on top supplement lists. This is because this green goodness of supplements provides all the essential amino acids, GLA (an essential fatty acid), chlorophyll, vitamin K, beta carotene, anti-viral, and potent detoxifying power, all in one place. That is, with a high-quality greens supplement. Your best bet is to find something that contains a number of these green superfoods in combination. Look for ingredients such as spirulina (blue green algae), chlorella, wheat grass, barley grass, and many more ~ 2 tsp./day. Dosage recommendations will vary by brand/quality.
7. Magnesium
Researchers estimate that up to 75 % of our population may be deficient in magnesium. And we're saddened to say, this has a lot to do with diet. Many modern-day diets contain white flour, sugar and highly processed foods, all of which lack this ‘miracle mineral’. Add in the fact that our soil has been so drastically depleted of nutrients, consumption of alcohol, refined sugar, many cardiovascular medications, and even stress, and there you have the answer to your mysteriously depleted magnesium. Supplementation may be necessary to make up for deficiencies. It’s also important to know that B6, D3, and selenium are necessary for effective absorption of magnesium. So why IS magnesium so important? Magnesium deficiency has been associated with fatigue, weakness, anxiety and irritability, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, constipation, muscle cramping, menstrual cramping, headaches/migraines, diabetes, impaired calcium absorption, and increased inflammation… just to name a few. Dosage: 250-750 mg/day.
8. Omega 3
The evidence supporting the use of fish oil, and other plants-based omega 3 fatty acids just continues to mount. The long-chain fatty acids in fish oil, EPA and DHA, are anti-inflammatory, blood-thinning, and immune-balancing. They are indicated for the treatment of arthritis, mood disorders, such as depression, ADD, ADHD and autism, autoimmune conditions, brain development and function in general, as well as coronary heart disease, high cholesterol and heart arrhythmias. In other words, we should all be taking fish oil. If you are a vegan and avoiding animal products, using plant based omega 3’s, such as flax, can have similar benefits. Aim for 2000-3000 mg EPA and DHA combined daily. Take with food.
9. Probiotics
They may not be ‘new’ on the supplement scene, but we are learning more and more about the vital role that our gut plays in the healthy functioning of our immune system. A healthy gut flora is a huge part of this. If the ‘good’ bacteria outnumber the pathogenic bacteria, we don’t become infected; it’s as easy as that. Probiotic supplementation, as well as avoidance of inflammatory foods, along with a healthy diet, low stress, and no antibiotics, can keep our intestinal flora flourishing, and our immune system working strong. Look for a Multi-strain probiotic, 5-7 different strains, around the 5-10 billion mark.
10. Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 has been high on the list of the most popular supplements for years now. It's not only because in North America we have to supplement during the winter months (did you know that we simply do NOT get any vitamin D3 from sun exposure in North America during the winter?) but more so because every year we learn more and more about how beneficial this fat-soluble vitamin is for so many aspects of our health. From immune support and balancing, to mood-enhancing and bone-protecting actions, there is really little that this fat-soluble vitamin is not good for. During the winter months, aim to get 2000-3000 IU daily, more if you are treating an acute cold or flu.
11. Vitamin K2
This important fat-soluble vitamin is only recently getting proper recognition for its great work, not to mention being let off the hook for a blood clotting effect that it doesn’t possess (that’s K1!). Vitamin K2 is important for both heart and bone health. Vitamin K2 is responsible for getting calcium to where it needs to be – bones and teeth – and removing it from where it shouldn’t be – like arteries and soft tissue – and where it can cause damage. K2 is also important for the absorption and utilization of vitamin D3. Vitamin D toxicity is also associated with abnormal calcification, but is now thought to be more a symptom of K2 deficiency than too much D3. There is some research to suggest that K2 may also play an important role in mutated cell prevention, as it controls cell growth. Yet another reason to supplement. K2 is not thought to be associated with toxicity the way other fat soluble vitamins (D, A) can be, but its likely that 200 mcg/day is all you need to kick start your body’s K2 dependent proteins (which move calcium to where it needs to be!)
12. Protein
Whey Protein
Find your whey back to health with a high-quality whey protein. More than just a tool for the avid body builder, whey protein helps to support the immune system, is an anti-inflammatory, and may help to lower cholesterol levels. Whey can help increase protein levels, helping to stabilize blood sugar and optimize metabolism for weight loss. It also helps with post-workout recovery and repair, without bulking (a common misconception!). A good quality whey protein is the best non-vegan option in protein powders! 1 scoop/day.
Vegan Protein
Customers went a little 'vega-crazy' this year, but it's not hard to understand why. Vega makes a mean vegan anti-allergenic protein, and this year they proved they weren't finished wowing us. They went one step further, to design a sports performance line: pre-, during-, and post-recovery workouts/sport/training. These powders are made with pea, brown rice, and hemp proteins, just to name a few, giving them all the essential amino acids, as well as making them high in fibre. They taste great, too! One scoop a day. Next year, watch out for their recycled containers, further reducing their carbon footprint.
