A-Z supplement benefits Articles

The bromelains are a group of naturally occurring protein-digestive (proteolytic) enzymes. They are found in the stem of the pineapple. Other components of the stem, including various enzymes and calcium, are also present in commercial bromelain preparations. Benefits of bromelain include assisting in the digestion of food and supporting gut health. 

Health Benefits of Bromelain Supplements

Besides being used to assist in the digestion of protein, the enzymes in bromelain also inhibit inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. The anti-inflammatory effect has been studied for its effectiveness in inflammatory conditions like arthritis and sinusitis.

Where Can I Get Bromelain?

To get substantial amounts of bromelain from pineapple you must eat the fibrous stem; therefore, it is much easier to get the benefits of bromelain from a supplement. Bromelain can be purchased in capsules, specifically enteric-coated capsules which limit the use of bromelain in food digestion. These enzymes have been studied, with mixed results, for anti-inflammatory conditions. 

Bromelain is found as a component of digestive, multi-enzyme or anti-inflammatory formulas. Supplements should be standardized as an assurance of the enzyme activity of the preparation.

Cautions & Considerations of Bromelain Supplements

Do not take bromelain if you have active stomach ulcers, active bleeding, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Bromelain should not be used with blood thinners, NSAIDs or aspirin. Discontinue bromelain 2 weeks before dental work or surgery.

Did you know, that glucaric acid is naturally produced by the body and can be taken in by eating fruits and vegetables? Supplemental glucaric acid is formed by adding calcium to produce calcium D-glucarate. Let's further explore this supplement and how it can support your health. 

Key Health Benefits of D-Glucarate Supplements

Liver & Kidney Support of Glucaric Acid

D-Glucarate is a detoxifying agent that works to increase liver processes that neutralize harmful chemicals and metabolic byproducts. It is also a great nutrient for kidney health. Animal models have shown that it can decrease kidney damage that is caused by antibiotic use. 

D-Glucarate & Healthy Cell Management

Preliminary studies have been done on calcium D-glucarate to see its effects on abnormal cell growth and it has been shown to decrease enzymes that are thought to stimulate this type of unhealthy cell growth. Calcium D-glucarate also helps with hormonally related abnormal cell growth by decreasing the resorption of estrogen from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Glucaric Acid & Healthy Cholesterol Control

Glucaric acid may also be of benefit for individuals with high cholesterol by decreasing the resorption of cholesterol from the bile, as it travels through the intestines. 

How To Increase Your Intake of Glucaric Acid

Glucaric acid is a nutrient found in many fruits and vegetables, like oranges, apples, grapefruit, and cruciferous vegetables. Supplemental glucaric acid is bound to calcium for stability and is available in capsule or tablet form.

The use of calcium D-glucarate in pregnancy and lactation has not been studied. There are no reported side effects of this supplement. Calcium D-glucarate may interact with drugs such as diflunisal, ketoprofen, lorazepam, and morphine which are processed by the same set of enzymes in the liver. Alcohol may decrease the effectiveness of this supplement.

The kidneys are a pair of organs located towards the back of the abdomen, on either side beneath the lower ribs. Each kidney is responsible for filtering and cleaning the blood while maintaining blood pressure and proper nutrient and mineral levels. They are also one of the major organs of elimination and detoxification (along with the colon and the liver), which is why they need some TLC from time to time with supplements like kidney extract. 

Understanding How The Kidney's Function

When the kidneys fail to function properly, one of your major routes of elimination is compromised. Urine output changes and the body begins to have difficulty regulating its water, nutrient, mineral, and toxin levels. This can result in toxic buildup in the bloodstream as well as a litany of physical symptoms, such as bloating, fatigue, and changes in urination.

Uncovering Kidney Extract & Glandulars

Although the kidneys are technically organs and not glands, they fall under the umbrella of other animal extract supplements used to support the corresponding gland or organ in your body. Kidney extract is derived from animal kidneys, often porcine (pig), bovine (cow), or ovine (sheep). Because each animal's organs are similar to humans, they often contain the nutrients, cofactors and sometimes even functional hormones to support the function of the corresponding organ in our body. This is the reason that kidney extract is used to support detoxification and proper kidney function.

Taking Kidney Extract Supplements

Generally speaking, kidney extracts are found in combination products that contain other kidney or detoxification support herbs and nutrients. There is very little research on the effects or dosing of kidney glandular. Because of this, there is no generally accepted dose for supplementation, and each label's suggested dosing recommendations should be followed unless otherwise recommended by a healthcare professional.

Important Information & Considerations

Kidney glandular is not recommended as a substitution for seeking medical treatment for severe kidney disease or kidney failure.

Lactoferrin is a protein that packs a nutritious punch. Ultimately, it has several benefits including; stimulating immunity, antibacterial effects, improving the health of the gut flora, regulating iron absorption and increasing bone health.

Immunity is comprised of two systems; innate immunity and adaptive immunity. This protein works to increase your innate immunity, which is your first line of defence against foreign invaders. This will help you understand some of the unique attributes of this amazing protein.

What Is Lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a protein naturally found in human breast milk and bovine milk. Its highest concentration is found in human colostrum, which is the part of breast milk that transfers immunity to the newborn. Colostrum is the first breast milk the newborn receives immediately after birth and during the first few days of life. It is the most important food for the newborn because it contains antibodies to boost the undeveloped immune system and contains proteins, such as lactoferrin, that set up the digestive system for long-term health through innate immunity. This nutrient is known to support the proper development of the intestinal flora, skeletal structure and immune system of the newborn.

Key Health Benefits of Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is best known for its immune-stimulating abilities. Specifically, this powerful protein boosts the first-line defenses of the immune system through the stimulation of white blood cells and its action right at the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. It also is antibacterial and antiviral, so it not only increases your body’s ability to fight infection; it also kills bacteria and viruses for a double whammy against infections.

Interestingly, this nutrient can be used to increase bone health. Studies have shown that lactoferrin can stimulate bone growth by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are the cells that create and strengthen bone.

Understanding How This Protein Works In The Body

Evidence suggests that supplementing with this protein increases the phagocytic (the engulfment and destruction of foreign invaders and debris) activity of immune cells, as well as stimulating the natural killer cells of the immune system. Lactoferrin also works directly at the intestinal mucosa to stimulate the production of intestinal cells and to promote the good bacteria in the intestine. It does this by reducing the “bad bacteria” and helping the spread of the “good bacteria” such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

Lactoferrin’s antioxidant and antibacterial activity comes from its ability to bind iron. Free iron is a harmful oxidant and promotes bacterial growth. Lactoferrin will bind free iron, making it unavailable to bacteria, which require it for growth and multiplication.

Due to lactoferrin’s ability to transport iron, it may also increase the body’s ability to absorb iron. Taking this protein along with supplemental iron or a diet rich in iron can improve anemia.

Using Lactoferrin Supplement Varieties

You can supplement directly with Lactoferrin in capsule form. You can also find lactoferrin naturally occurring in colostrum products and some colostrum supplements will indicate the amount of lactoferrin present. Since lactoferrin is also found in bovine milk, there is a small amount found in whey protein and you will find that some whey proteins have been formulated to contain higher levels of lactoferrin.