So, my mom and I went to a seminar at Sprouts on pain management. It was pretty amazing. The nutritionist had a lot of information, not just about pain but also about many other health topics. Here is the website of the nutritionist who taught the seminar
http://valeriehallnutrition.com/. Now of course, many people have different ideas on whats best for your body. We have been hearing for a long time about healing your body naturally and taking different supplements for different things.
So here is a long list of what we are taking their benefits.
The first thing we are taking is Serrapeptase. It has been on sale for $17 at sprouts.
Here is some information on what it does.
"Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the micro-organism Serratia E15. This enzyme is naturally processed commercially today through fermentation and was discovered in the silkworm intestine. This immunologically active enzyme is completely bound to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in biological fluids. Histological studies reveal powerful anti-inflammatory effects of this naturally occurring enzyme."
"Serrapeptase digests non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. The late German physician, Dr. Hans Nieper, used Serrapeptase to treat arterial blockage in his coronary patients. Serrapeptase protects against stroke and is reportedly more effective and quicker than EDTA Chelation treatments in removing arterial plaque. He also reports that Serrapeptase dissolves blood clots and causes varicose veins to shrink or diminish. Dr. Nieper told of a woman scheduled for hand amputation and a man scheduled for bypass surgery who both recovered quickly without surgery after treatment with Serrapeptase."
The next thing is Magnesium. This was the best deal at Sprouts, $12 for I believe 120 tablets.
Magnesium for pain
click here.
As an essential dietary mineral, magnesium plays many important roles, including:
•Acts as a co-factor for metabolic enzymes.*
•Assists energy production in cells.*
•Supports nerve and muscle function.*
•Helps maintain a normal, regular heartbeat.*
•Supports bone density.*
Magnesium is a dietary mineral that participates in hundreds of life-essential processes that occur both inside and outside cells of the body. Magnesium deficiency impacts normal physiologic function on many levels. Adequate magnesium is a fundamental requirement for optimal function of the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, skeletal muscle, the digestive tract, and the uterus. Inadequate magnesium not only affects the heart, blood vessels, and bones, but may also impact blood sugar balance as well.1, 2
Magnesium – Important for Everyone, Deficient in Many
An abundance of data collected from the last three decades shows a consistent pattern of low magnesium intake in a majority of the U.S. population, with estimates running as high as 75% of Americans not meeting the recommended dietary allowance.3-5 This pattern cuts a wide swath across various age, sex and ethnic groups. The most recent large scale report on the magnesium status of Americans aged 20 years or older evaluated data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2000. The authors conclude that a substantial number of U.S. adults still consume diets insufficient for meeting recommended standards of magnesium intake.6 Loss of magnesium during food processing and low magnesium content in commonly eaten foods serve as partial explanations for this lack of adequate dietary magnesium.7, 8
Of particular note, magnesium intake tends to decrease with age. The elderly may be susceptible to magnesium deficiency for a variety of reasons, including inadequate magnesium intake, poor absorption due to impaired gastrointestinal function, and use of drugs such as diuretics that deplete magnesium from the body.9 It has been theorized that magnesium deficiency may contribute to accelerated aging through effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as on muscles and the kidneys.10
Women who take both synthetic estrogen and calcium supplements may be at risk for low blood levels of magnesium.11 Estrogen promotes the transfer of magnesium from blood to soft tissues. Low blood magnesium may result if the ratio of calcium to magnesium intake exceeds 4 to 1. Magnesium supplementation is thus advisable for women taking estrogen and calcium.
Young adults are not immune to magnesium deficiency. The University of California’s Bogalusa Heart Study collected nutritional data from a cross-sectional sample of 504 young adults between the ages of 19 and 28 years.12 The reported intake of magnesium, along with several other minerals and vitamins, was below the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).
Unfortunately, a low magnesium status may often not be recognized (both in the doctor’s office and in research studies) when blood concentrations are examined, and many people who could benefit from supplementation go without it.13
Maximizing Absorption––Chelated Minerals Explained
Mineral absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine. Like any mineral, magnesium may be absorbed as an ion, a mineral in its elemental state that carries an electric charge. Mineral ions cross the intestinal membrane either by simple diffusion or through active transport by a protein carrier embedded in the cells lining the membrane inner wall. The magnesium in mineral salts is absorbed in ionic form. However, absorption of ionic minerals can be compromised by any number of factors, including: 1) Low solubility of the starting salt, which inhibits release of the mineral ion, and 2) Binding of the released ion to naturally occurring dietary factors such as other minerals, phytates, and fats, which form indigestible mineral complexes.28
A second absorption mechanism has been discovered for minerals. Experiments have shown that minerals chemically bonded to amino acids (building blocks of protein) are absorbed differently from mineral ions. This has given rise to the introduction of "chelated" minerals as dietary supplements. Mineral amino acid chelates consist of a single atom of elemental mineral that is surrounded by two or more amino acid molecules in a stable, ring-like structure.
Unlike mineral salts, which must be digested by stomach acid before the desired mineral portion can be released and absorbed, mineral chelates are not broken down in the stomach or intestines. Instead, chelates cross the intestinal wall intact, carrying the mineral tightly bound and hidden within the amino acid ring. The mineral is then released into the bloodstream for use by the body.
Research by pioneers in the field of mineral chelation and human nutrition indicates that the bestabsorbed chelates consist of one mineral atom chelated with two amino acids. This form of chelate is called a dipeptide; compared to other chelates, dipeptides have the ideal chemical attributes for optimum absorption.29 Dipeptide chelates demonstrate superior absorption compared to mineral salts. For example, a magnesium dipeptide chelate was shown to be four times better absorbed than magnesium oxide.30
Consumer Alert! Not All "Amino Acid Chelates" Are True Chelates
In order for a mineral supplement to qualify as a genuine chelate, it must be carefully processed to ensure the mineral is chemically bonded to the amino acids in a stable molecule with the right characteristics. The magnesium glycinate/lysinate in High Absorption Magnesium is a genuine dipeptide chelate. It has a molecular weight of 324 Daltons, considerably lower than the upper limit of 800 Daltons stated in the definition of "mineral amino acid chelates" adopted by the National Nutritional Foods Association (now known as the Natural Products Association) in 1996.31
Curcumin. At Sprouts it is $30.
Best Curcumin C3 Complex® with BioPerine® contains a potent standardized extract of Curcuma longa root, commonly known as turmeric. Turmeric is the yellow spice that gives flavor to curried dishes. The herb has been used in the Ayurvedic healing tradition for centuries as a folk remedy. The active ingredients in Curcuma longa are plant substances called curcuminoids, compounds that demonstrate potent antioxidant properties in scientific studies.* Curcuminoids may benefit the joints, brain, heart and the circulatory system by helping to neutralize free-radicals.*
Enhances Normal Detoxification*
The numerous beneficial effects attributed to turmeric often stem from the antioxidant properties of the curcuminoids within it. This antioxidant activity can neutralize highly unstable molecules, or free radicals, that damage cellular structures through oxidative stress. For example, the BDMC curcuminoid in Best Curcumin C3 Complex® proved most adept at countering lipid peroxidation—the theft of electrons from cell membranes by free radicals—in mice macrophages (immune cells). In fact, BDMC was found to be the best curcuminoid for enhancing the lifespan of mice in this study.
3Due to the potent radical-scavenging activity of curcuminoids, human skin cells oxidized in vitro by the superoxide radical-generating toxin nitroblue tetrazolium fared better when curcumin or a mixture of the 3 curcuminoids was administered. Furthermore, the 3 curcuminoids had a greater effect than an equal amount of curcumin alone, suggesting synergistic action.
4 Another study using skin cells found that curcuminoids supported antioxidant enzyme activity and cellular antioxidant defense capacity under exposure to Ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation.
5 This matters to us because UVA radiation from sunlight can accelerate skin aging. Between these in vitro studies, results suggest that curcumin may help to promote a more graceful aging of the skin—and that a combination formula of all 3 curcuminoids may be even better.
A plethora of animal studies have illustrated the ability of curcumin to modulate cell behavior and answer to physiological insults such as toxins. Curcumin enhanced stability of the glyoxalase system put under stress in mice, leading the authors to conclude that curcumin may be able to afford humans the same type of advantage against “background radiation.”6 In other studies, curcumin stimulated enhanced liver function in rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a potent toxin.
7 Another group of researchers who exposed mice to ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) found that curcumin enhanced kidney function to favor a better outcome.
8 These researchers note that on top of its antioxidant activity, curcumin appears to enhance activities of enzymes that promote normal detoxification of everyday toxins. It is believed that curcumin may help induce “phase II” enzyme activity—a very important step in the detoxification process.
Additional studies have shown that curcumin administered to rats following the administration of pro-oxidant chemicals altered serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which are major indicators of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.
9 These results further suggest that curcumin may enhance the detoxifying ability of the liver. A recent study in rats looking at the effect of turmeric extract versus the toxin doxorubicin (DOX) led the scientists to conclude that turmeric extract provided antioxidant defense for multiple organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
10 Together, all of these in vivo results strongly suggest that curcumin is a potent defender with a potentially wide range of applications.
Curcumin also exhibits free radical scavenging ability when administered to humans. In an open trial 18 healthy individuals ranging in age from 27 to 67 years consumed a Curcuma longa extract for 45 days at a dose supplying 20 mg curcuminoids. Before and after blood tests showed a statistically significant decrease in lipid peroxides.
If you would like more info on the benifits, please check out this website about
Turmeric.
Fish Oil Pills
When it is time for me to have a baby, this is what I will be taking. Right now we are taking regular omega-3 fish oil. (Right now I am taking regular fish oil pills. Check them out
here)
- Pregnant and nursing mothers can give their babies an early developmental advantage by increasing their consumption of DHA
- DHA has been shown to increase the learning and cognitive function of children
- Supports healthy brain and neural development
- Promotes proper vision and ocular development
- DHA taken after pregnancy enhances the quality of breast milk
- Promotes positive mood & emotional well-being
- Supports cardiovascular health
1.What are omega-3 fatty acids and why are they beneficial?
A: Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential nutrients for health. We need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous normal body functions, such as contributing to healthy eyes and supporting cell membranes in the brain; they are also associated with many other health benefits, including maintaining heart health.
2. What is DHA and why is it important to prenatal health?
A: DHA or docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid found in egg yolks, in fish such as tuna, salmon, and sardines as well as fish oils; it is abundant in breast milk, especially if Mom gets plenty of DHA in her diet. DHA is of great importance for pregnant women and new mothers, because is a major structural fat in the brain and retina, accounting for up to 97 percent of the omega-3s in the brain and up to 93 percent of the omega-3s in the retina. DHA is also a key component of the heart and is shown to support heart health from infancy through adulthood. DHA is especially important in the last trimester of pregnancy and the first few months of an infants life when the childs brain undergoes rapid growth.
3. How much DHA is recommended during pregnancy and lactation?
A: The FDA has not yet set an official daily value for DHA however the published papers from the 1999 NIH (National Institutes of Health) Workshop in Bethesda advised that pregnant and lactating women should attempt to consume at least 300mg DHA/day.
4. What is Oceans Mom Prenatal DHA?
A: Oceans Mom Prenatal DHA provides 350mg of DHA in only one easy-to-swallow strawberryflavored softgel per day.
5. Where is the fish oil sourced and how is it processed?
A: Garden of Life is committed to harvesting fish that are abundant in the wild and never endangered. The process begins with wild, fresh-caught fish (anchovies and sardines) sustainably harvested from pristine waters; the fish oil is then carefully purified using our proprietary PureMax technology, resulting in an ultra pure, high potency fish oil with a fresh, clean taste, and no fishy repeat or lingering aftertaste.
6. Is the fish oil tested for heavy metals? Is it free of mercury?
A: Oceans Mom fish oil is verified pure and fresh through independent, third-party testing that exceeds strict international standards for peroxides, mercury, lead, dioxins and PCBs.
Which ever fish oil pills you are taking, be sure to find one that is higher in DHA and that say no aftertaste or you will have that fishy taste all day.
Flax oil and flax oil pills
You want to take a combination of pills, oil and seeds. We take this pills, we add the oil to our smoothies and we have the ground up flax seeds to sprinkle on cereal, in baking and it can also be put into smoothies.
Here is a website that talks about flax.
Next are
Probiotics:
FloraSMART 6 Billion is a daily maintenance probiotic formula that supports digestive health‡. It is ideal for travelers and people on the go because they do not require refrigeration. It contains 10 strains of microflora, including Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli and Lactococcus cultures to support intestinal and immune health‡.
When using probiotics, it's important to choose a probiotic supplement that supports both sections of the intestinal tract. Bifidobacteria are critical to the large intestine, as they:
- Help manufacture vitamin K‡
- Help manufacture B vitamins, including B12‡
- Ferment soluble fiber and produce a short-chain fatty acid called butyric acid‡
- Promote regularity‡
FloraSMART BIO-tract™ Technology
Each FloraSMART caplet also uses a unique BIO-tract™ delivery system to safely and effectively deliver probiotics to the intestines. The BIO-tract™ delivery system consists of natural plant-based compounds that form a gel around each caplet when it is exposed to liquids. The gel coating allows the caplet to bypass the harsh acidity of the stomach and deliver the probiotics directly to the intestines. Each caplet breaks down over a 10-hour period, offering a true controlled release of the probiotics.
Vitamin D
Check out this website for the benefits of
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a vitamin that dissolves in fat. It is found in many foods including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and wheat germ oil. It is also available as a supplement.
Vitamin E is used for treating vitamin E deficiency, which is rare, but can occur in people with certain genetic disorders and in very low-weight premature infants.
Some people use vitamin E for treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels including hardening of the arteries,
heart attack,
chest pain, leg pain due to blocked arteries, and
high blood pressure.
Vitamin E is also used for
treating diabetes and its complications. It is used for preventing cancer, particularly lung and
oral cancer in smokers;
colorectal cancer and polyps; and gastric,
prostate, and
pancreatic cancer.
Some people use vitamin E for diseases of the brain and
nervous system including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, night cramps,
restless leg syndrome, and for epilepsy, along with other
medications. Vitamin E is also used for Huntington’s chorea, and other disorders involving nerves and muscles.
Women use vitamin E for preventing complications in late
pregnancy due to high
blood pressure (pre-eclampsia),
premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful periods, menopausal syndrome,
hot flashes associated with
breast cancer, and breast cysts.
Sometimes vitamin E is used to lessen the harmful effects of medical treatments such as dialysis and
radiation. It is also used to reduce unwanted side effects of drugs such as
hair loss in people taking
doxorubicin and lung damage in people taking
amiodarone.
Vitamin E is sometimes used for improving physical endurance, increasing energy, reducing muscle damage after
exercise, and improving muscle strength.
Vitamin E is also used for
cataracts, asthma, respiratory infections, skin disorders, aging skin, sunburns,
cystic fibrosis,
infertility, impotence,
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS),
peptic ulcers, for certain inherited diseases and to prevent
allergies.
Some people apply vitamin E to their skin to keep it from aging and to protect against the skin effects of chemicals used for cancer therapy (chemotherapy).
The American Heart Association recommends obtaining antioxidants, including vitamin E, by eating a well-
balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rather than from
supplements until more is known about the risks and benefits of taking supplements.
How does it work?
Vitamin E is an important vitamin required for the proper function of many organs in the body. It is also an antioxidant. This means it helps to slow down processes that damage cells.
Bio-Sil
While of course this is good for hair, nails and skin. There are also benefits for your internal organs. It has a positive effect of connetive tissue and joints as well. Again at Sprouts it's $30.
Enzymes
This is the one we take. I carry these in my regular pill bottle. You can take this before or after any meal to help with the digestive process.
Whew!!! I know that's alot, but let me tell you, that after only a little over a week of taking these vitamins I feel better. I don't think I will feel the full benefits until I have been on these pills for a while. But if I feel good now, I can't wait to see how I'm going to feel in the future! It really doesn't take that long to take these pills. I put them in a Sun-Sat pill box. The Serrapeptase you want to take on an empty stomach, about 30 mins before breakfast. Every thing else I take afrer breakfast, I have not have one stomach problem.
I'm sure there is a lot more information out there, so if you have any questions about any of these products feel free to ask or check them out online.
