Monthly Archives: May 2018

Douglas Laboratories® – Featured Brand

DouglasLaboratoriesSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

For over 60 years, Douglas Laboratories® has developed and manufactured innovative, science-backed nutritional supplements designed for long-term health, healthy aging and the maintenance of an active lifestyle. Douglas is dedicated to delivering safe and effective high quality products manufactured in a third party registered NSF International GMP compliant facility. They use research-based ingredients in creating new formulations to support key aspects of healthy aging, including cardiovascular, joint, cognitive, vision, and skin health. All raw materials and finished products are tested to ensure identity, purity and potency.

Douglas Labs is heavily invested in understanding the relationship between nutrition and healthy aging; as such, they participate in rigorous clinical trials in collaboration with respected academic partners. Their goal remains to provide support for the best possible health; today and in the future. Douglas products are designed for a functional medicine approach to wellness and are available through healthcare professionals.

To see more products from Douglas Laboratories®, please visit professionalsupplementcenter.com

Multi-Probiotic 40...Multi-Probiotic 40 Billion: This synbiotic blend of 16 potent strands of beneficial microflora plus FOS provides 40 billion CFU per vegetarian capsule. These helpful bacteria colonize both the large and small intestine to assist optimal bowel, immune and digestive health. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, yeast, sugar, preservative and artificial ingredient free, Non-GMO formulation.

Vitamin D 5,000 IUVitamin D 5,000 IU: Adequate vitamin D status is essential for ensuring normal calcium absorption and maintenance of healthy plasma calcium levels. In addition to bone support, vitamin D plays a role in cell growth modulation, as well as neuromuscular and immune function. One capsule provides 5,000 IU of natural, bioavailable vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, yeast, sugar, preservative and artificial ingredient free, Non-GMO formulation.

B-Complex with...B-Complex with Metafolin®: This product provides a comprehensive blend of highly bioavailable essential B vitamins along with intrinsic factor, a necessary nutrient for efficient and optimal B12 absorption. Gluten, soy, yeast, dairy, sugar, preservative and artificial ingredient free, Non-GMO formulation.

Beauty Box - Skin...Beauty Box – Skin Support: This kit includes one bottle of Skin Protect and one bottle of Skin Nourish. Skin Protect delivers a clinically studied blend of antioxidants to promote smooth healthy skin from the inside out, while helping to defend against harmful effects of UV sunlight exposure and environmental stresses. Skin Nourish provides vitamins, minerals and polyphenolic compounds to support radiant skin, hydration, elasticity and a nourished appearance.

Young at Heart

YoungAtHeartJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

A small but significant study that looked specifically at heart function found that adults in their sixties who had actively engaged in exercise over the course of their lives had more youthful mid-sized and large central arteries, as compared to those who exercised less intensely or less often. Unlike other studies that look to improved risk factors such as lowered blood pressure and blood sugar for better cardiovascular health, this study, published in The Journal of Physiology, focused solely upon the effects of exercise frequency and intensity on heart muscle and blood vessel plasticity. The researchers found that those who routinely participated in moderate- to high-intensity exercise four or more days per week over a period of years decreased their “heart age” by 15 to 20 years.

Those with a history of exercising two to three times a week showed some benefit for mid-sized arteries that supply blood to the head and neck. However, those who exercised four to five times a week had healthier large central arteries that supply blood to the chest and abdomen. Even when we are healthy, as we age the heart and blood vessels naturally lose flexibility. This can result in breathlessness, reduced oxygen efficiency, and an inability to effectively pump blood to the lungs and throughout the body. While the study showed that any amount of exercise reduced the risk of heart problems, the right amount of exercise at the proper time appears to slow the cardiovascular aging process, increasing the chances of a longer, healthier lifespan.

Poor fitness in middle age is a risk factor for heart failure; largely through increased ventricular stiffness, a consequence of sedentary aging. The researchers concluded that those who develop a regular exercise routine ideally before age 65 may see dramatic improvements in heart and whole body health. Dr. Benjamin Levine, professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and founding director of the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, recommends a high intensity workout at least once per week, moderately intense exercise two or three times a week, and an hour of fun physical activity on the weekend. Fortunately, for those in midlife who haven’t been avid exercisers, getting in shape now may head off decline and help restore an aging heart.

In a similar study recently published in the American Heart Association Journal Circulation, researchers discovered that previously sedentary healthy middle-aged adults who engaged in two years of exercise training improved their maximal oxygen intake and decreased cardiac stiffness. In conclusion, they noted that “Regular exercise training may provide protection against future risk of heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction by preventing the increase of cardiac stiffness attributable to sedentary aging.” No matter what your age, starting and sticking with a long-term exercise plan supports increased oxygen capacity, energy production and cardiovascular, psychological and physiological health. Perhaps, becoming physically active on a regular basis is a perfect example of what it truly means to be “young at heart.”

Professional Supplement Center carries many high quality formulations in support of long-term cardiac and overall health and wellness:

L-Arginine Complete...L-Arginine Complete Pineapple by Fenix Nutrition: In addition to specific vitamins and minerals, this product is formulated to provide L-Arginine and L-Citrulline, amino acids that have been shown in scientific studies to increase nitric oxide production, resulting in cardiovascular, immune boosting and sexual health benefits.

BergaMet™ Metabolic...BergaMet™ Metabolic Support by BergaMet™: BergaMet’s bergamot extract has been clinically shown to have beneficial uses that support and promote healthy cholesterol, as well as cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic health. This naturally sourced organic superfruit provides high levels of antioxidant polyphenols. Gluten, wheat, dairy, egg and lactose free formulation.

Cardio Plus CoQ10Cardio Plus® CoQ10 by Priority One®: Formulated to promote energy production in heart muscle cells, this synergistic blend of balanced nutrients provides support for a healthy cardiovascular system. Ingredients include CoQ10, hawthorne berries, selenium and chondroitin sulfate.

CurcuminRich Cardio...CurcuminRich® Cardio Optimizer by Natural Factors: This product provides highly bioavailable turmeric extract, as well as pharmaceutical grade EPA and DHA in support of healthy heart function. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast, dairy and sugar free, Non-GMO formulation.

References:
Reversing the Cardiac Effects of Sedentary Aging in Middle Age—A Randomized Controlled Trial: Implications for Heart Failure Prevention. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/03/12/591513777/hearts-get-younger-even-at-middle-age-with-exercise
Exercising regularly ‘can keep heart and arteries young.’ http://www.bbc.com/news/health-44171204
Scientists have figured out exactly how much you need to exercise to slow your heart’s aging process. https://qz.com/1284072/the-right-exercise-to-slow-down-heart-disease-according-to-a-new-study/
Hearts Get ‘Younger,’ Even At Middle Age, With Exercise. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/03/12/591513777/hearts-get-younger-even-at-middle-age-with-exercise
What exercise can do for your heart. https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/exercise-for-health/what-exercise-can-do-for-your-heart/

 

Successful Aging – The Baby Boomer Way

BabyBoomersJacquie Eubanks RN BSNFollowing WWII, the U.S. experienced a dramatic rise in population growth. Beginning in 1946, more babies were born each year than in the prior year. This birth rate boom lasted for almost two decades before tapering off. By 1964, 76.4 million baby boomers had been born, encompassing nearly 40% of the American population. As the baby boom generation reached adulthood, they helped bring lasting change in social and cultural values, and brought us Woodstock, ended a war, and ushered in an era of civil rights, consumerism, political activism, women’s liberation and sexual freedom.

Today, the oldest of the boomers have reached or are approaching their seventies. As this generation draws closer to the typical retirement age, the nation’s median age continues to rise. Demographics show that about 10,000 people turn 65 every day. This trend will continue until the year 2030, when all remaining members of the baby boom generation will have turned 65 years of age, representing about 20 percent of the U.S. population. In the past century, Americans have enjoyed an overall gain of 25 years of life expectancy at birth.

At the turn of the century, life expectancy at birth for males was only 46 years and for females 48 years. Today, that life expectancy has increased to 79 years for men and 85 for women. Gains in life expectancy will continue to grow along with advancing medical innovations, better nutrition and increased wellbeing, as younger generations age in healthier ways than their parents and grandparents. Today’s youth might do well to rethink “old age,” as the future of old age is the future for everyone.

While the legacy of boomers will continue to be debated for years to come, studies show that boomers are not just fading away into retirement in the traditional sense. Boomers are not exactly sitting on the front porch rocking chairs watching the world go by. Instead, they are setting another trend we might term active healthy successful aging. Many are opting not to retire at all or are working long past the official retirement age. Entrepreneurship is strong among boomers when compared to other age groups. Statistics show recent retirees are twice as likely to start a new business as the millennial generation. Many are finding success by following their passions, using the skills acquired through a lifetime of employment, and turning doing what they love into opportunity for themselves and others.

It appears that the baby boomer generation is changing societal views on growing older. People are not only interested in longevity but want to reach and enjoy their mature years in the best possible health. Aging well is broadly defined as physical, mental and social wellbeing during the senior years. Research acknowledges that a growing number of older adults have good health with low risk of disease and disability, high mental and physical functioning, and an actively engaged lifestyle. This, of course, doesn’t happen on its own, as it takes resilience, motivation, and acceptance to optimize one’s health and lifestyle. Boomers are more apt to push the limits of physical and mental functioning in order to reach an advanced age free of age-associated disease and significant physiological deterioration.

It appears that a more comprehensive definition of successful aging would include these three elements: longevity, health, and happiness. Perhaps aging well has something to do with attitude, and making the best of what you’ve got no matter what stage of life you’re in. In a self-rated study, even those with chronic conditions felt they were aging successfully, believing they had quality and well as quantity of life. Boomers appear to be taking a holistic view of what contributes to aging successfully. Those with high levels of resilience, low rates of depression, few years of substance abuse, and a good social network are most likely to report high levels of life satisfaction well into their golden years.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality products in support of healthy aging:

RevitalAge UltraRevitalAge™ Ultra by Pure Encapsulations®: This scientifically researched hypoallergenic formulation offers specific ingredients, including botanicals, antioxidants, and sustained-release CoQ10, in support of enhanced cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive support. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Ultimate Antiox Full...Ultimate Antiox Full Spectrum by Designs for Health®: This powerhouse antioxidant formula delivers comprehensive full-spectrum antioxidant protection. Ingredients include vitamins, minerals and botanicals featuring Curcumin C3 Complex®, grape seed extract, garlic, and mixed tocopherols. Wheat, yeast, soy, gluten, egg, dairy, corn, sugar, preservative and artificial ingredient free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

AntiOxidant FormulaAntiOxidant Formula by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic formulation provides a broad range of antioxidants, as well as essential vitamins and minerals for eye, liver, and energy support. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Ultra Anti-OxidantUltra Anti-Oxidant by Douglas Laboratories®: This product offers immune and free radical damage support with a wide range of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Gluten, yeast, wheat, soy protein, dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, preservative, and artificial ingredient free.

 

Clinical Nutrients...Clinical Nutrients™ Antioxidant by Integrative Therapeutics®: This formula delivers a concentrated blend of 15 food-based antioxidant nutrients including vitamins, minerals and botanicals. Gluten, wheat, dairy, sugar, yeast, preservative, and artificial ingredient free formulation.

References:

Baby Boomers. https://www.history.com/topics/baby-boomers
The Nation’s Older Population is Still Growing, Census Bureau Reports. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2017/cb17-100.html
Old Age is a Myth We Need to End as Baby Boomers Retire. https://www.google.com/search?q=does+someone+turn+65+every+8+seconds&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1
The Changing Landscape of American Life Expectancy. http://www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/changing_landscape_american_life_expectancy.pdf
Millennials Can’t Keep up With Boomer Entrepreneurs. https://www.kauffman.org/blogs/currents/2016/07/age-and-entrepreneurship
Successful Aging and Well-Being: Self-Rated Compared With Rowe and Kahn. https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/42/6/727/671748
Successful Aging: Physical, Psychological, and Social Factors that Contribute to Aging Well. http://health.umt.edu/mtgec/documents/Successful%20Aging.pdf