nutrient dense foods Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Top 10 Reasons to Take a Daily Multivitamin

AHA Publisher — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:00:29 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Are you one of the millions of Americans who take a daily multivitamin? Or, are you someone who thinks they are a waste of money? Beyond deciding whether or not to take one, there’s also the issue of quality. Not all multivitamin are created equal. Here are 10 reasons to consider a daily multivitamin and what sets the best multivitamin apart from others. 10 Top Reasons to Take a Daily Multivitamin 1. Current Food Supply and Crops We’d all love to believe our food supply is as healthy as ever. However, much of the soil in our country (and others) has been stripped of nutrients levels after years of conventional farming. While the push for organic farming and more sustainable methods has been great, our crops can still be lower in nutrients than we’d like. A daily multivitamin can make up for some of these deficiencies. 2. Weight Loss Plans Almost anytime you’re trying to lose weight, you reduce the amount, or types of foods you consume. And while this can be very healthy, you may miss out on key nutrients. For example, if you cut out dairy, you may not get quite enough Vitamin D3 through the foods you choose. Or, if you cut out red meats, you may lack adequate heme-iron levels. A daily multivitamin can bridge the gap so that you can choose healthy foods that help you meet your weight goals while getting in enough micronutrients. 3. Healthy Aging As we age, our cellular nutritional needs actually increase because many body systems have to work harder to maintain health despite aging tissues (1). Unfortunately, it becomes more difficult for our bodies to absorb needed nutrients. In addition, medications can further deplete our body of nutrients and/or affect absorption. A multivitamin can help us maintain adequate micronutrient intake for healthy aging. Additionally, a good multivitamin should be full of food-derived antioxidants, which fight the build-up of oxidative stress and free radicals (1). These charged molecules harm cells and expedite aging. Antioxidants in a daily multivitamin can offset deficiencies and fight oxidative stress. 4. Heart Health It’s no secret that the nutrients on your plate and in your supplements affect your heart. In fact, Vitamins B1, B2, B6, K1, Niacin (B3), CoQ10 and magnesium all play a role in cardiovascular health. What’s more, some micronutrients promote healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels while supporting a lessened inflammation response in the body. In an age in which heart ailments are the leading cause of death of both men and women, we need all the heart-healthy nutrients we can get. Studies have found that multivitamin use may be associated with less heart ailments and better health (2, 3, 4). 5. Immune Function Many micronutrients play a role in healthy immune function. In fact, the most important micronutrients for a healthy immune system include vitamins A, C, D, E, B2, B6 and B12, folic acid, beta carotene, iron, selenium, and zinc (5). These nutrients can be found in foods and a good daily multivitamin. While you can certainly eat foods to provide many needed nutrients, most adults are found to be lacking in important immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin D. A good multivitamin can help. 6. Eye Health Micronutrients are also important for eye health. Vitamins A, C, E, Niacin (B3), and selenium support it. Lutein and Zeaxanthin protect the eyes from harmful light waves. In fact, studies have shown multivitamins containing a combination of vitamins, lutein, and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of macular degeneration (7, 8). Macular Degeneration is an eye disease the causes vision loss and is considered the leading cause of blindness around the world (9). Additionally, researchers have found that taking a daily multivitamin may reduce the risk of cataract symptoms, another eye ailment that contributes to vision loss in older adults (10). 7. Bone Health Bone density gradually diminishes as we age. What’s more, going through menopause can put women at a higher risk of bone loss (11). Thankfully, a good multivitamin can provide micronutrients that support bone health, reduce risk of fractures, and even promote bone healing. These nutrients include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and K2 (12, 13, 14, 15). Bone health is supremely important throughout life. Make sure to get the nutrients you need for healthy bones. 8. Brain Function Beyond physical health, multivitamins may support mental health. In fact, some research shows that taking a daily multivitamin can preserve brain function and boost mental health as well. Interestingly enough, one study published by the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology at Swinburne University in Australia even found that daily supplementation with a multivitamin was able to support better memory in older men at risk for cognitive decline (16). Additionally, multivitamins may also support healthy moods and reduce depressive symptoms. One study published in Psychopharmacology found that daily multivitamin supplementation was linked to significant reductions in both anxiety and stress (17). Similarly, another study found that taking a multivitamin was effective at increasing alertness, improving mood and enhancing feelings of overall well-being (18). How can this all be linked to a daily multivitamin? Brain health, like other organs, depends on many micronutrients like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and healthy fatty acids (19). Since our crops, diets, and food supply often lack everything we need, a daily multivitamin can help. 9. Healthy Hair and Skin How can you support the health of your hair and skin? Many lifestyle and diet habits impact hair, skin, and nail health. The important nutrients include Vitamins B3 (Niacin), biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamins A, C, E, iron, zinc, and CoQ10 (20, 21, 22, 23, 24). In fact, adequate micronutrients can slow thinning of hair, improve the appearance of skin, and improve nail health. 10. Energy and Vitality Wouldn’t you love more energy and vitality? Focus on adequate iron, B Vitamins, and magnesium. In fact, these nutrients support energy production, better sleep, and cellular health (25). In addition, a healthy low-carb Mediterranean diet using Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto can improve overall health, energy, and vitality. Why Choose Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Multivitamin? While many multivitamins on the market contain low potency of nutrients, man made chemicals, and artificial coloring and sweeteners, Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Multivitamin is different. It contains the highest-quality active-form micronutrients ingredients, including methylcobalamin (the active form of Vitamin B12), and methyltetrahydrofolate (the active form of folic acid). These nutrients are efficiently absorbed and effectively used in the body. In fact, active forms of micronutrients are superior in many ways. Most importantly, your body does not have to try convert them to the active form. Importantly, many people cannot convert all inactive nutrients to active ones. Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Multivitamin contains active Vitamin K2, active Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 (methylcobalamin), Vitamin A, C, D, E, and K, biotin, calcium, potassium, folic Acid (methyltetrahydrofolate), and iodine. Bottom Line A great multivitamin can support your entire body, and specific areas of health listed above. But choose wisely. Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Multivitamin stands above others with active forms of micronutrients, high-potency, and natural ingredients. To read the original article click here.

The post Top 10 Reasons to Take a Daily Multivitamin appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Studies Confirm, Harm From GMO Foods Is Real – Here Is How to Avoid Them

AHA Publisher — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 07:31:50 +0000

Wendy Miller via NaturalHealth365 – When the concept of genetically modified foods was first discussed, the intent was positive. Because, according to some scientists, GMO technology was supposed to help farmers grow more food to “feed the world” and we were told that genetically manipulated food was the same as their natural counterparts. Ultimately, many people bought into the notion that this “new way” of growing food would help end the worldwide hunger crisis. Yet, once GMOs began to be produced and studied, certain things came to light that offered proof that they may not live up to the image created for them. In fact, evidence clearly showed that consuming genetically modified foods increased the risk of digestive problems like, leaky gut syndrome. What Are GMOs, Anyway? According to conventional “wisdom,” genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are created with the same genetic structure as their natural counterparts. Because they are genetically identical in every way. Yet, researchers like, Stephanie Seneff, PhD would warn you not to be fooled by such naive assumptions. In addition, Big agriculture-controlled food researchers, would like you to believe that GMO foods contain the same vitamins, minerals, and proteins as the natural foods they are designed after. Sadly, some of the world’s largest chemical companies have convinced too many farmers that GMO seeds are designed to grow food much faster and produce more viable foods for harvest. On the surface, it sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Well, there is much more to this food story than most people ever hear. Are GMO and Non-GMO Foods Really the Same? The fact is: the human body is not able to tolerate them as well as their natural counterparts. This (alone) defeats the value of consuming GMO foods. In fact, some studies show that consuming GMOs – as a primary food source – may inhibit your ability to absorb nutrition from the foods you eat or benefit from certain types of medications. In other words, over time, the more you eat GMO foods, the greater your risk of nutritional deficiencies. In studies performed on animals, GMOs actually seemed to increase the risk of potentially harmful diseases. In fact, these findings are so disturbing that many countries across the globe have banned GMOs from being introduced into their countries. FDA “Relaxes” Truth in Labeling Laws – Now What? One of the biggest problems with GMOs is that the FDA allows food manufacturers to avoid labeling certain foods as GMO-based. So, how is the average consumer ever going to know the true nature of the food they buy?! No doubt, “informed consent” is not a top priority for government “health” agencies. With those labeling restrictions lifted, it is difficult to determine what foods contain GMO ingredients and which ones do not. We need to demand more from our elected officials to change this reality. Here Is How to Avoid GMO Foods and Eat a Natural Diet GMOs are continually introduced in more and more commercial (processed) foods. How can you tell which foods contain GMOs? Sadly, that can be a difficult task – for many uninformed consumers – since the FDA has relaxed the standards applied to food labeling laws. But, there’s still hope. (keep reading) If you want to avoid GMOs in your diet, you can start by shopping locally. Go to your local farmer’s market and look for organic farmers that are dedicated to using non-GMO seeds to grow their food. Just ask them, I’m sure they will be happy to tell you. (If not, don’t buy from them.) Better yet, start a small organic garden of your own. If you live in areas where it’s easier to buy from a supermarket, purchase the brands you trust, especially those labeled 100% USDA organic. This will greatly improve your health, as you avoid toxic foods that can destroy your digestive health and immune function. The debate over GMOs is sure to continue. But, as more and more studies are performed, it will become clearer what issues may arise from the use of GMOs. Don’t wait for conventional science to catch up with common sense. Use your purchasing power to buy only organic (non-GMO) foods and ensure a healthier lifestyle for years to come. The rewards are worth the effort. GreenAmerica.org NaturalHealth365 NaturalHealth365 To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Studies Confirm, Harm From GMO Foods Is Real – Here Is How to Avoid Them appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

The Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Women & What You Need to Know About Them

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:00:26 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Studies have shown that women’s nutrient intake is highly dependent on not only their diets, but factors like their economic status, social and cultural environment, personal habits, age, level of activity and genetics. Experts believe that some of the most common (although certain other deficiencies are still possible and somewhat common) nutrient deficiencies in women include those in: iron vitamin B12 vitamin D calcium magnesium omega-3s iodine folate Some of the ways that vitamin deficiencies in women can be reduced include eating a nutrient-dense diet and/or taking high-quality supplements, ideally those made from real food sources, which helps improve bioavailability. Nutrient and Vitamin Deficiencies in Women It’s believed that around 30 percent of all women are deficient in one or more of the most important vitamins and minerals, and for many women the risk only increases with age. Another scary finding? Estimates show about 75 percent of women would likely develop nutrient deficiencies if supplemental multivitamins didn’t exist What vitamins are women deficient in? Here are nine of the most common: 1. Iron Iron deficiency and anemia are the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in the world, especially among women. According to the World Health Organization, not only does this deficiency affect a large number of children and women living in developing countries, but it is “the only nutrient deficiency which is also significantly prevalent in Industrialized Countries.” It’s estimated that a staggering 30 percent or more of the world’s total population is anaemic, often due to low iron levels. Low iron/anemia can cause fatigue, hair loss, muscle weakness, brain fog, headaches, dizziness and other issues. Older women, those with anemia, vegans and vegetarians should work with a doctor to make sure they get enough B vitamins and iron since they’re at the greatest risk for these deficiencies. Adolescent girls are at the highest risk for iron deficiencies, and women in general need to be careful to get enough, since demand for iron increases during menstruation due to blood loss. Some ways to increase iron intake include eating a variety of iron-rich foods and those that support enhancement of iron absorption (such as vitamin C foods), in addition to taking an iron supplement. 2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency in vitamin B12 could contribute to symptoms like issues with balance, constipation, weakness, dry skin and cognitive changes. B12 plays an essential role in your health by producing hemoglobin, part of your red blood cells that helps the cells in your body receive life-giving oxygen. 3. Vitamin D Vitamin d deficiency is one of the most common worldwide in both adult women and men (as well as babies and children). Vitamin D can be produced in our bodies when exposed to adequate amounts of UVB radiation from sunlight. Its key role is to regulate calcium absorption. Those with a vitamin D deficiency are unable to absorb that calcium and, in turn, have a hard time strengthening bones. However, vitamin D has several other important roles for overall health, including supporting bone health, cardiovascular health, testosterone and immune function. The National Institutes of Health says that “35% of adults in the United States are vitamin D deficient.” Try to get 10–15 minutes of mid-day sun exposure of the face, hands and arms without protective sunscreen. This may be enough to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, depending on the time of year, latitude and skin pigmentation characteristics. Remember, if your skin is starting to turn pink, you’ve gotten too much sun. 4. Calcium Girls between the ages of 9 and 18 years, as well as women older than 50 years, are believed to be most likely to have to low calcium levels. Overall, between dietary sources and supplements containing calcium, many people still fall short of getting enough calcium — due to reasons including trouble absorbing it and calcium loss from medications and intense exercise. It’s especially important for postmenopausal women to avoid calcium deficiency because this can contribute to bone loss and increased risk for bone fractures/osteoporosis. Women with lactose intolerance as well as vegans may also lack calcium because they avoid eating dairy products, which are some of the most convenient dietary sources. Other factors can affect the amount of calcium absorbed from the digestive tract, including older age (being over 70) and low vitamin D status (vitamin D is needed for proper calcium absorption). 5. Folate Requirements for many micronutrients increase when a woman is pregnant — especially nutrients like folate, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and iodine. Folate (which is called folic acid when it’s created synthetically) is critical for a healthy pregnancy and developing fetuses because it helps build the baby’s brain and spinal cord. For pregnant women, supplementing with folate helps decrease the risk of certain birth defects, including spina bifida. To limit the risk of side effects caused by folate deficiency, the American Thyroid Association also recommends all prenatal vitamins contain 150 micrograms of iodine, which should be taken during pregnancy and afterward while breastfeeding. 6. Potassium In the U.S., the National Institutes of Health has determined that based on dietary surveys, many adolescent girls and adult women don’t consume enough potassium on a regular basis. This is why the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans identifies potassium as a “nutrient of public health concern.” According data from large-scale studies conducted in the U.S., the average daily potassium intake from foods is 1,888 milligrams for females up to 19 years and 2,320 milligrams for women over 19. This falls short of the 2,300 to 2,600 milligrams that is recommended for teenage and adult women (or 2,800 for pregnant women). Insufficient potassium intake can contribute to issues such as changes in blood pressure, higher kidney stone risk, interference with bone turnover, increased urinary calcium excretion and changes in salt sensitivity. In addition to eating too few potassium-rich foods, low levels can be due to medication use, diarrhea, vomiting, poor kidney function, laxative use, inflammatory bowel disease and heavy sweating. Severe deficiency (hypokalemia) affects up to 21 percent of hospitalized patients, often due to use of diuretics and other medications. More than 50 percent of individuals with clinically significant hypokalemia are also thought to have magnesium deficiency, since potassium and magnesium work together in many ways. 7. Iodine According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women between the ages of 20–39 have the lowest urine iodine levels compared to all other age groups. Iodine intake is especially important for young women looking to become pregnant or who are pregnant because it plays a role in brain development of the growing fetus. It’s also crucial for making proper amounts of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce the hormones T3 and T4, which help control your metabolism. Most people eating a Western diet consume a good deal of iodized salt found in packaged foods and refined grain products, which has iodine added purposefully to help prevent deficiencies. But an even better way to get the iodine you need is from iodine-rich foods like sea veggies and seafood, the major natural dietary sources of this nutrient. Avoiding an iodine deficiency helps protect you from conditions like hypothyroidism, goiters, fatigue, hormonal imbalances and trouble during pregnancy. 8. Magnesium Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body but also one of the most common deficiencies. As an electrolyte, magnesium helps regulate calcium, potassium and sodium, and it is essential for over 300 different biochemical functions in the body. On a global scale, there’s evidence suggesting that soil depletion has resulted in many crops being lower in magnesium than in past generations — plus health conditions like digestive disorders, leaky gut syndrome, chronic stress and ongoing medication use can all lower someone’s magnesium levels. Leg cramps, insomnia, muscle spasms, anxiety, headaches and digestive issues like constipation can all be signs of magnesium deficiency. For older women, the risk of deficiency might be even greater. Studies have shown that many older people don’t eat magnesium-rich foods to begin with, plus they’re prone to experiencing reduced magnesium intestinal absorption, reduced magnesium bone stores and excess urinary loss. Make sure to get enough by consuming magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy green veggies, sea vegetables/algae, beans, nuts and seeds, as it’s sometimes challenging to pack a day’s worth of magnesium into a multivitamin. 9. Omega-3 Fish Oils If you don’t consume seafood like salmon, mackerel, sardines, halibut or tuna regularly, chances are you can afford to take an omega-3 fish oil supplement to prevent an omega-3 deficiency. Most people eating a “Western diet” consume plenty omega-6 fatty acids, which are pro-inflammatory and found in many packaged foods and vegetables oils, but not enough omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory. The two need to balance each other out in order for the heart, brain and immune systems to stay the healthiest they can. A ratio of about 2:1 omega-6s to omega-3s is best, helping prevent conditions like arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, depression and more. Eating wild-caught fish several times per week or taking a supplement equal to about 1,000 milligrams daily is the best way to beat inflammation and get enough omega-3s. How Do You Know If You Have a Vitamin Deficiency? There’s a wide range of symptoms that can be tied to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Some of the more common signs of a nutrient deficiency in women can include: Hair loss Mild cognitive impairment, such as changes in memory, concentration, thinking or behavior Weakness Headaches Low libido Pale and dry skin Red, swollen gums Heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats Slow wound healing, yellowing of the skin and bruising Impaired immune function Mood changes Bone and joint pains and in some cases bone fractures Dry eyes and vision changes In severe cases, vitamin deficiency diseases such as scurvy, rickets, beriberi and pellagra (caused by very low vitamin C, vitamin D and B vitamin levels) When a Healthy Diet Is Enough vs. When It Might Not Be What causes a vitamin deficiency? Is it necessarily due to eating a poor diet? Here’s what we know about women being at risk for vitamin deficiencies: As a woman, you’re more likely to experience low levels of certain key nutrients if any of these apply to you: eating a highly processed diet (one low in things like fresh vegetables and fruit) being a vegetarian or vegan being underweight or consuming too little calories in general (“underweight” is generally considered below a body mass index of 18.5 for women) being of reproductive age (the World Health Organization estimates that in poorer countries 27 percent to 51 percent of women of reproductive age are deficient in key nutrients) being over the age of 65 being of low socioeconomic status, a lack of education and poverty consuming high amounts of alcohol taking certain medications for an extended period of time (such as phenytoin, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, triamterene, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) having a condition that interferes with normal nutrient absorption in the gut Even if you feel you do eat a pretty nutrient-dense diet, some women are more susceptible to running low in important vitamins than others. Here are some special circumstances that make a woman a good candidate for taking a high-quality, food-based multivitamin supplement daily to prevent common deficiencies: If you’re a vegetarian or vegan: Plant-based eaters who avoid meat are more likely to be low in B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, which is only found in animal foods. A lack of calcium, amino acids (protein), omega-3s, zinc, iodine and iron are also more common in women who don’t eat any animal products, which is why supplements are recommended. In 2009, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) began recommending that vegans and vegetarians make sure to cover their nutritional needs of the vitamins and minerals listed above, most easily by taking a daily multivitamin and omega-3 supplement. If you’re pregnant: Likely more than any other time in a woman’s life, pregnancy creates a special metabolic demand for high-quality nutrients, both to support the...

The post The Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Women & What You Need to Know About Them appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.