A-Z vitality 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. It is used medicinally for its health benefits as general tonic due to its reputation as a balanced source of vitamins and minerals.

Health Benefits of Alfalfa

It has been shown to help arthritis pain and have a positive effect on cholesterol by decreasing cholesterol and inhibiting intestinal resorption to reduce atherosclerotic build-up in arteries. Alfalfa contains a significant amount of vitamin K and other chemicals that thin the blood. The isoflavones in alfalfa are similar to those that are 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

Alfalfa can be used as raw sprouts, seeds, dried herb or liquid extract. The raw herb can be found as a powder or compressed into tablets. Fresh alfalfa should be well washed and checked for molds before being consumed. 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.

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid molecule that gives a reddish colour to various organisms such as microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, and some other crustaceans. This nutrient is a potent antioxidant with many different health benefits. Read on to discover them, and learn how to take astaxanthin supplements.

Top Health Benefits of Astaxanthin

Antioxidant Benefits

Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid, which means it's related to beta-carotene and lycopene, two other types of carotenoids that make carrots and tomatoes orange and red.

When researchers measured their antioxidant activity against each other, they found that astaxanthin had more significant antioxidant activity than either beta-carotene or lycopene.

This nutrient from the ocean is a potent antioxidant that can protect our cells against free radical damage. Free radicals are produced in your body when you exercise, experience stress, or come into contact with toxins from pollution. When unstable molecules—aka free radicals—come into contact with your cells, they can create a chain reaction that leads to cell damage. These free radicals can damage your skin, causing it to look older and less vibrant, as well as contribute to other diseases such as heart disease.

But antioxidants prevent this damage by donating an electron to stabilize the free radicals. Antioxidants also help reduce inflammation in your body.

This antioxidant protection allows astaxanthin to help to prevent and treat eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and neurodegenerative conditions.

At the same time, this protects the skin against the physical signs of aging, including wrinkles and age spots. Because it is an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy agent, it is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, including helping skin retain a youthful glow.

Skin Benefits

Research shows that taking 6 mg of astaxanthin daily can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and spots, enhance skin elasticity, and increase moisture content.

Neurologic Benefits

Astaxanthin is highly beneficial in several neurological concerns. It can help prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and has also been shown to help recover from a stroke.

Cardiovascular and Blood Sugar Benefits

This nutrient has also been found to help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a disease state that involves central obesity, high blood pressure, poor blood sugar control, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. It is also used to treat diabetes and to help prevent diabetic nephropathy. At the same time, current research has found that it protects the heart muscle against permanent damage from a heart attack.

Other Astaxanthin Supplement Benefits

In addition to its health benefits listed above, astaxanthin is effective in the treatment of:

• chronic inflammatory diseases
• gastrointestinal diseases
• liver diseases
• improving exercise performance
• some cases of male infertility

Where To Buy Astaxanthin Supplements

Eating a diet sufficient in astaxanthin containing fish and shellfish, such as salmon, trout, krill, and shrimp can help increase your levels of this beneficial nutrient. However, because our environment puts us in contact with free radicals, it can also be helpful to supplement.

Supplements are most often extracted from microalgae formally called Haematococcus Pluvialis and from the waste shells of commercially prepared shrimp. There is no established dosage for this supplement. So suggested dosages on the label of each product should be followed.

Important Information

It is used in farms across North America as a feed supplement for salmon, crabs, shrimp and chicken to impart a yellow-orange colour to the food. Interestingly, the freeing of this pigment is responsible for lobsters and shrimp turning red when cooked.

The astaxanthin used in farms is often produced synthetically from petrochemical sources. Supplementation has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it should be obtained from food sources instead.

Astaxanthin FAQs

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant that can be taken as a supplement to offset the effects of free radical damage. It is related to other carotenoid nutrients, such as lycopene and beta-carotene.

What Are The Benefits of Astaxanthin?

It has been shown to benefit the skin by improving skin's hydration and texture while reducing age spots and wrinkles. It also helps the cardiovascular system and eye health and can be used for neurological concerns.

Are There Astaxanthin Side Effects?

Astaxanthin is generally safe. However, it is recommended that pregnant people avoid it.

Where Can I Buy Astaxanthin in Canada?

Most health food stores will carry astaxanthin supplements.

Everyone wants to live a long, healthy life and many of us look for new and healthy ways to fight against the signs of aging, both externally and internally as a means to protect our health and longevity. As we age, however, our bodies become less effective at producing energy and repairing damage caused by free radicals. This can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, memory loss, and other symptoms of aging. Fortunately, CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and reduce these symptoms of aging.

However, as we get older, our bodies naturally produce less coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

In this article, we'll look at what CoQ10 is and how it works, as well as some specific ways in which it affects the aging process by protecting against oxidative damage.

What is Aging?

It's important to understand the aging process so you can start taking steps to prevent it from happening prematurely. Aging is a general term for the physical changes that take place in your body as you grow older. It is a natural process, but it can be accelerated by factors such as stress and unhealthy living.

Changes That Happen With Aging

As we age, our telomeres begin to shorten. Telomeres are the protective caps of DNA that sit at the ends of our chromosomes. They're like the plastic tips on shoelaces, only they protect our DNA from damage. Additionally, our bodies produce less of our sex hormones, which are responsible for our muscle and bone mass.

Free-Radical Theory of Disease:

The free radical theory of disease and aging has become generally accepted by the medical community. The free radical theory of disease and aging states that aging is caused by the accumulation of damage to our DNA, proteins, and lipids as a result of exposure to free radicals. A free radical is an atom or molecule that has at least one unpaired electron. This makes it unstable, and it will try to find another electron to pair up with. The problem is that this can cause damage to your cells and lead to premature aging. We typically encounter free radical damage from our environment, including drugs, alcohol, smoking, sun exposure, and diet.

Energy Metabolism: 

As we age, our energy metabolism declines. This is especially true of the liver, heart, and skeletal muscles. Research suggests that coenzyme Q10 concentrations in these tissues also drop with age. Some researchers believe that by the time we are in our sixties, our CoQ10 levels have dropped to 10% of what they were when we were 30 years old. If we want to stay healthy and energetic well into our later years, we need more CoQ10 than what our body makes on its own.

CoQ10 and the Aging Process

As we age, it is important that we increase our intake of antioxidants to combat the effects of reactive oxygen species. CoQ10 is an enzyme that also functions as an antioxidant. It is found in almost every cell of your body. Q10 helps convert food into energy while also fighting damage to your body's cells. Here is how it works:

Mitochondria generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a byproduct of ATP (energy) production. If not neutralized by antioxidants, ROS may damage mitochondria over time, causing them to function less efficiently and produce even more oxidizing compounds. Coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in mitochondrial ATP synthesis and functions as an antioxidant in mitochondrial membranes.

In addition to preventing lipid peroxidation (when oxygen atoms attack the unsaturated bonds in fatty acids), CoQ10 can regenerate the antioxidant vitamins C and E back to their active, fully reduced forms.

Plus, coenzyme Q10 helps to improve circulation, which means that nutrients are more efficiently transported to your tissues and oxygen is delivered more readily throughout your body, including your brain.

The brain, which is rich in fatty acids and requires a high amount of oxygen, is more susceptible to oxidative damage than other organs. Mitochondria are the main energy generators of brain cells. With age, mitochondrial function usually decreases, which could lead to the death of brain cells. Poor circulation can deliver less "fuel" to your brain, which could also impact your cognitive ability. In addition to helping support healthy circulation, CoQ10 can also help reduce free radicals and compounds that contribute to cognitive decline, thanks in part to its ability to function as a fat-soluble antioxidant.

Research on CoQ10 and Aging

CoQ10 has been the subject of numerous trials and has been shown in research to be effective for a variety of health concerns and conditions, including atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, heart failure, energy production in athletes, and the symptoms of fibromyalgia (including widespread muscle pain and fatigue).

There is also some emerging evidence linking CoQ10 supplementation to the aging process. However, one small randomized controlled trial studying elderly individuals over the age of 70 showed improvements in vitality, physical performance, and quality of life when treated with a combination of CoQ10 (200 mg/day) and selenium (100 IU/day). A 12-year follow-up of the people taking supplemental selenium and coenzyme Q10 showed a reduction in cardiovascular mortality compared to the people taking a placebo.

In addition to maintaining healthy mitochondria, taking CoQ10 can benefit individuals of all ages by reducing the energy drain of oxidative stress and providing a rich antioxidant source that protects against oxidative damage.

Supplementing with CoQ10

Our bodies produce CoQ10, but production begins to slow after the age of 40. By the time we are in our sixties, many researchers believe that our CoQ10 levels have dropped to 10% of what they were when we were 30. Taking a CoQ10 supplement replaces the CoQ10 that our body isn’t making enough of.

For best results, we recommend taking coenzyme Q10 as an oral supplement.

• Dose: 100 to 200 mg per day. Your natural healthcare practitioner may recommend that you take a higher dose, however.
• To enhance absorption, softgels are the most common form of CoQ10 supplements. You can also take it in tablet or capsule form, but softgels are the easiest to swallow and absorb quickly.
• Cautions: CoQ10 is safe, but it’s important to note that there are no known side effects. It has been used in research trials for more than 40 years without any significant adverse reactions. However, if you have a heart condition or diabetes and take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), talk to your doctor before adding CoQ10 to your daily regimen.
• Using coenzyme Q10 topically: In addition to using CoQ10 as an oral supplement, it can also be used topically to keep skin youthful. Researchers have found that topical CoQ10 can penetrate into the epidermis and reduce oxidation, and they have concluded that CoQ10 can prevent many of the effects of photoaging on the skin.
• Other supplements to combine with coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize free radicals in your body. It can be taken alongside other supplements that also have antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids.

CoQ10 Supplement FAQs

How Does Coenzyme Q10 Work?

CoQ10 works by helping to produce energy in cells throughout the body.

When Should I Take CoQ10?

CoQ10 is most effective when taken in divided doses throughout the day.

How Much CoQ10 Should I Take?

The recommended dosage of CoQ10 varies depending on the condition being treated and can range from 50 mg to 200 mg per day, although some studies have shown that higher doses (600–900 mg) may be more effective.

Related Articles

How CoQ10 Helps to Improve Poor Blood Circulation

How Coenzyme Q10 Helps in Improving Mitochondrial Health

How to Manage High Blood Pressure Naturally with CoQ10

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2779364/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26482687/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29641571/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0047637421000932#bib0220

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that is produced in the adrenal gland and acts as a precursor to over 50 different hormones in the human body. As you age, your body produces less DHEA and researchers believe that low levels of DHEA can be a factor in the development of "old age" symptoms. Some of the most important hormones that DHEA can be converted to are the sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Let's explore DHEA supplements and how you can keep these levels elevated. 

Key Health Benefits of DHEA

DHEA supplements may be beneficial for low libido, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, loss of muscle mass, memory problems, blood clots, depression, and fatigue. By increasing muscle mass & energy, DHEA can also improve athletic performance. These effects are likely caused by increases in testosterone levels. 

Top Ways To Get More DHEA In Your Diet

Increasing DHEA Through Diet

There are several options to enhance the body's production of DHEA without taking DHEA supplements. By supporting the function of the adrenal gland the body can optimize its DHEA levels, relative to a person's age. Essential fatty acid and protein intake is important. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 fats, are used to make steroid molecules, the precursors to hormones like DHEA. Protein intake is also extremely important to reap the benefits of increased DHEA since protein is what the body uses to build muscle and repair tissue under the direction of hormones like DHEA.

Supplements For DHEA

Vitamins and minerals that support adrenal function include the B complex, especially B5, vitamin and zinc. Adaptogenic Herbs that support the adrenal gland, include all types of ginseng, astragalus, licorice, shiitake and maitake. Some herbs contain molecules that look like steroids and can similarly stimulate the body to hormones like DHEA. These herbs include Tribulus (puncture vine) and Damiana.

Cautions & Considerations of DHEA Supplements

DHEA is a restricted substance in Canada because it affects the levels of many hormones in the body. Large-scale human trials have not been conducted to assess the safety of this hormone in supplemental use. In other countries, it is found as encapsulated powder. Interestingly, another form of DHEA, known as 7-keto DHEA has some of the benefits of DHEA (weight loss, PMS, and cholesterol regulation), but does not convert into estrogen or testosterone and therefore has fewer contraindications than DHEA.

At National Nutrition, we have offered our customers Natural Factors supplements since we opened our doors. Our customers love Natural Factors' formulations, and the company is well known for continuing to innovate year after year, including their newly launched Regenerlife.

Since the 1950s, Natural Factors has been making high-quality natural health supplements in beautiful British Columbia. The company is the creation of Roland Gahler, who has been awarded numerous times for his contributions to natural medicine. To this day, Gahler has been recognized for his philanthropy and is still the owner of Natural Factors.

Today, Natural Factors stands true to its values by focusing on bringing you natural products that can help with your overall health and wellness.

What is Regenerlife?

Their new Regenerlife line is focused on helping improve energy production by providing a blend of natural ingredients that support whole-body rejuvenation and longevity. The secret to longevity lies in the mitochondria, which is why all products in the RegenerLife line are formulated to support them.

Why the mitochondria? Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, where they produce the energy that's needed to live. Each cell in your body contains approximately 1,500 mitochondria, and gram for gram, they produce up to 50,000 times more energy than the sun.

Mitochondria are responsible for generating the ATP that primarily produces the energy that every cell in the body needs to function. This has been shown to maintain healthy cardiovascular, brain, and muscle function while helping reduce symptoms of stress such as pain, fatigue, sleeplessness, and irritability.

However, as we age, our mitochondria can become damaged and less efficient at producing energy, which can lead to fatigue and other symptoms of aging as well as significant health issues.

Discover the RegenerLife Products

The RegenerLife line was designed to support the aging process, brain health, and mitochondrial health. Let's take a look at the products:

RegenerLife

RegenerLife contains a unique combination of antioxidant ingredients to support optimal mitochondrial function (think: energy and vitality), including acetyl-L-carnitine, CoQ10, apple extract, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is an antioxidant that helps to minimize the damage caused by free radicals. SOD is found in every cell of our bodies, but its levels decrease with age. Free radicals are produced as a result of normal metabolism and exposure to environmental toxins, but when their levels get too high, they can cause oxidative damage that can lead to cellular dysfunction and aging.

Longevity Kit

The Regenerlife Longevity Kit is a one-month supply of mitochondrial-supporting supplements grouped into all-in-one packets for healthy aging. Each daily supplement packet provides comprehensive anti-aging support for the brain, heart, and blood vessels by combining clinically relevant nutrients to repair and build healthy cell membranes in the nerves and brain alongside antioxidants to defend against oxidative stress in and outside of cells.

Ultimate Strength Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish help to support blood lipid management, brain health, and overall mood balance. RegenerLife's Ultimate Strength Omega-3 provides a high-potency blend of EPA, DHA, and DPA for cardiovascular, cognitive, cellular, and whole-body health. Formulated to support healthy aging, this omega-3 contains DPA, a fatty acid that, according to preliminary research, maybe even better than EPA and DHA at helping the body manage inflammation.

Sleep Better Tri-Layer

Getting a good night's sleep is one of the best things you can do to support your overall health (and slow the aging process). However, as we age, our bodies produce less of the sleep hormone melatonin, which can alter the body's sleep-wake cycle and affect daytime energy, mood, and overall health. RegenerLife's Sleep Better was formulated with melatonin, 5-HTP (a free-form amino acid that improves rapid eye movement sleep), and L-theanine, along with a botanical sleep blend containing valerian, hops, and passionflower.

Regenerlife Brain Revive

This is a five-in-one supplement kit that was created to support three important parts of your body: your brain, heart, and gut. Brain Revive contains everything you need to support these body systems and includes supplements such as Sharp-PS™ phosphatidylserine, bioavailable curcumin, omega-3 EPA/DHA, grapeseed extract, and 10 billion CFUs of probiotics.

Omega-3+D Ultra Strength

This fish oil was created to help support healthy aging. It's made with an effective combination of high-potency omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 for healthy immune function, a positive mental outlook, as well as healthy bones and teeth. In addition to providing a high dose of the fatty acids EPA and DHA, this omega-3 also contains a fatty acid called DPA, which has been shown in preliminary studies to fight off the inflamation, which is key to the aging process. RegenerLife Omega-3+D Ultra Strength is molecularly distilled, ultra-purified, screened for purity and safety, and encapsulated in Canada.

Liposomal Bioenergetic Vitamin C

Vitamin C isn't just for immune health! Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that also helps with the formation of collagen, the protein that maintains healthy bones, skin, cartilage, teeth, and gums. RegenerLife Liposomal Bioenergetic Vitamin C supports healthy aging and immune function with 500 mg of high-absorption liposomal vitamin C as pH-neutral calcium ascorbate, a buffered form of this essential vitamin that is easier on the stomach. This vitamin C also contains bioflavonoids, which are a type of phytonutrient that helps enhance the absorption of vitamin C.

Resveratrol

This is a high-potency antioxidant that can help protect your cells from oxidative damage (a major factor in aging). It’s also been shown to help protect your heart and blood vessels from damage. Resveratrol is a plant-based nutrient found in red wine, grape skins, and peanuts. Studies show that resveratrol enhances the body's ability to resist oxidative stress and may help protect against age-related health conditions as well as increase longevity.

Regenerlife NMNSurge

NMNSurge was formulated to keep you active and energetic. By activating your body's NAD+, you can feel the exhilaration of being young again. NAD is the body's main source of energy. When you're young, your body produces plenty of NAD+ to keep you alert and energized throughout the day. As we age, our bodies produce less and less NAD+. The result is that we feel tired and sluggish throughout the day. By activating your body's production of NAD+, NMNSurge gives you an instant boost of energy and helps maintain mental acuity over time.

We are so thrilled to be able to offer these amazing new products by Natural Factors to all of you to help you enhance your overall health, naturally. All these products can now be found in our Natural Factors section both in-store and online. 

White Tea comes from the same tea plant called Camellia sinensis, which also produces Black, Green and Oolong varieties. The difference in these teas comes from what happens once the leaves have been picked and the various processing involved.

What is White Tea?

This tea comes from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. The leaves are harvested once the buds of the plant have just opened. There is a white fuzz still on the immature tea leaves, which is where the name for the tea comes from. The dried tea looks yellow in appearance.
From there, the opened buds are not fermented, dried or wilted but steamed. This preparation gives the tea a gentle, sweet, subtle flavour without the 'grassy' aftertaste associated with green tea.

The benefit of steaming the leaves produces a delicate tasting tea and one which has greater health benefits than either black, green or oolong varieties.

What is White Tea Used For?

This tea has the highest concentration of an antioxidant called polyphenols, also called polyphenolics, than any of the other tea varieties. This is because white tea is the least processed of all the teas. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that fight unhealthy cells and protect your healthy cells from becoming damaged and potentially unhealthy.

Antioxidants like Polyphenols also protect your arteries from atherosclerotic plaques. They protect your brain, eyes and skin from normal wear and tear associated with normal aging.

In fact, this tea is known for its longevity characteristics. Because it protects you from aging and cellular damage, it promotes longevity.

It's also great for your immune system. In a 2004 study from Pace University, it was concluded that white tea can help your immune system fight off viruses and infection-causing bacteria.

White tea is also naturally high in fluoride, which cleans and fights dental decay by killing the organisms which cause infection and cavities. It also strengthens teeth and bones, which is important for osteoporosis prevention.

How Does White Tea Work?

White Tea's medicinal effects are largely from its high polyphenolic concentration of antioxidants.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in your body, preventing them from causing cellular damage, which is also called oxidative damage.

A study out of Oregon State University noted this tea has a very content of another antioxidant called Catechin. Catechin was found to inhibit the growth of mutated cells. According to the American Cancer Society, drinking white tea may reduce the recurrence of mutated breast cells in survivors.

Catechins also reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. Studies also show that drinking this tea reduces serum cholesterol levels.

Catechins may also increase weight loss as they inhibit adipogenesis (the making of adipose cells) while also stimulating fat-burning activity in your body.

Oxidative damage can harm your cardiovascular system, contribute to atherosclerosis, eye damage, vision impairment and skin damage.

Specifically, how it works is by the antioxidant donating an electron to unstable free radicals. This neutralizes them and inactivates their harmful behaviour.

Ways To Use It

White tea can be drunk either hot or cold. Dosage is 1-2 tsp of loose leaf per 8 oz cup of hot water. Let steep 5 – 8 min. This tea can be consumed as much as you like. White tea does contain caffeine, although in lower amounts than black or green tea.