Tag Archives: B Complex Plus by Pure Encapsulations

Living with Restless Legs Syndrome

restlesslegssyndromeJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

It’s 3:00 a.m. and all you really want to do is get some sleep, but the uncontrollable need to move your legs makes sleep all but impossible. Known as Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), this compelling desire to move often occurs at nighttime and at other times when the body is at rest, such as when sitting or lying down for an extended period. About 10% of Americans experience symptoms that some find hard to describe, an estimate that may be low as some may not realize that their irritating symptoms have a name. Unlike a muscle cramp or spasm, the symptoms of RLS are more akin to abnormal, very unpleasant sensations, often occurring in the legs, that are temporarily relieved by movement. The pelvis, lower back or neck, and the entire body can also be affected. Some, but not all, may also experience aching, throbbing or a crawling sensation. However, all consistently describe the inability to be still and rest, and the relief that comes with movement.

Although this neurological sensorimotor disorder occurs more often in women and is more common with increasing age, RLS can also develop during childhood, puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Many people who develop primary RLS have a familial genetic history. Risk factors for secondary RLS include a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol and caffeine use, and medical conditions, such as diabetes and anemia, as well as kidney and Parkinson’s diseases. Iron deficiency and certain medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and pain medications, are also thought to play a role. RLS is a chronic condition currently without cure, so symptom management is critical to prevent poor sleep quality, insomnia related daytime drowsiness and overall poor health.

While no laboratory tests or imaging can diagnose RLS, self-diagnosis can identify the mild to severe characteristic symptoms:

  • Leg discomfort accompanied by an irresistible urge to flex or move the legs
  • Temporary relief that comes with movement
  • Symptoms that increase as evening approaches
  • Symptoms that worsen when resting or getting ready to sleep
  • Difficulty falling asleep due to inability to lie still and relax

Often those with RLS have another condition known as periodic limb movement disorder, symptomized by repetitive involuntary jerking movements, which can also disrupt sleep. RLS symptoms may appear occasionally or a few times a week, and in more severe cases, nightly or several times each day. Prescription medications that act on dopamine receptors in the brain may help some sufferers. Lifestyle changes may help those with mild symptoms deal with the discomfort:

  • Sedentary habits can trigger symptoms. Thirty minutes to one hour of daily activity that stimulates the legs is a practical solution that also supports dopamine production. Daily stretching or yoga is helpful. Walking at an easy pace appears to be more effective than more vigorous workouts. However, exercise late in the day should be avoided.
  • A warm relaxing soak in a tub or whirlpool helps the body and muscles to relax, effectively reducing symptoms. Add in two cups of Epsom salts, a natural anti-inflammatory that contains high amounts of magnesium sulfate, to help calm nerves and relax the muscles. Soak for 30 minutes a few hours before bedtime to aid restful sleep.
  • Deficiencies in vitamins C, D, and E are often seen in those with RLS. In addition to iron insufficiency, dopamine deficiency is a risk factor for RLS, as well as for Parkinson’s. As iron is essential for dopamine synthesis, those with anemia are prone to RLS. While it’s helpful for those with RLS to know their ferritin level, iron supplementation should only be undertaken under a healthcare provider’s recommendation.
  • Consider the possibility of food sensitivities, which can cause an autoimmune response that can trigger RLS. An exclusion diet can help to identity food sensitivities.
  • Eat whole foods high in magnesium, potassium and calcium to avoid electrolyte imbalances. Include foods such as leafy greens, avocado and sweet potatoes. Help keep blood sugar balanced by consuming unprocessed whole grains. B-complex vitamins are essential for neurological health and help to maintain normal nerve functioning. Beef, poultry, and seafood are good sources of iron and B vitamins. Consume healthy fats that can help lower inflammation linked to RLS.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality supplements to help support restful sleep and overall good health:

Magnesium Glycinate...Magnesium Glycinate by Douglas Laboratories – One serving provides 100 mg of bioavailable elemental magnesium in support of numerous physiological functions including normal heart, muscle and nerve function, bone health support and restful sleep. Gluten, soy, yeast, sugar and dairy free, vegan formulation.

 

B Complex PlusB Complex Plus by Pure Encapsulations – This exceptional formula provides a combination of B vitamins in optimal bioavailable forms in support of nervous system function, energy metabolism, hemoglobin formation and hormone synthesis. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Super D3 (Vitamin E...Super D3 by Allergy Research Group – This synergistic formula provides bioavailable forms of vitamins D3, C and E in support of healthy blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Naturally sourced from sheep wool lanolin.

 

Cal/Mag/PotassiumCal/Mag/Potassium by Progena – This specifically formulated nutritional product supplies calcium, magnesium and potassium in support of healthy vascular function, healthy bone and kidney function and proper electrolyte balance. Gluten, soy, yeast and dairy free, vegan formulation.

 

Buffered Ascorbic...Buffered Ascorbic Acid by Pure Encapsulations – This product combines calcium, magnesium and potassium ascorbates to create a neutral pH vitamin C. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

References:
Restless legs syndrome. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20031101
Tips for Better Sleep for RLS Sufferers. http://www.healthline.com/health/restless-leg-syndrome/sleep-tips
Restless legs linked to broken hearts. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/restless-legs-linked-to-broken-hearts-201209265338
14 Natural Ways To Deal With Restless Legs Syndrome. http://www.prevention.com/health/14-natural-ways-to-deal-with-restless-legs-syndrome

What is Metabolism Anyway?

whatismetabolismJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

The first documented reference to metabolism can be traced all the way back to 1260 A.D., when Ibn al-Nafis, a Syrian born physician, authored a work entitled The Treatise of Kamil on the Prophet’s Biography. Per the recent article in IEEE PULSE Engineering In Medicine and Biology Society magazine, Ibn al-Nafis reportedly stated: “Both the body and its parts are in a continuous state of dissolution and nourishment, so they are inevitably undergoing permanent change.” And that is precisely what metabolism is. Metabolism comes from the Greek word, metabolismos, meaning “change” or “overthrow,” as in the breakdown of material.

While many of us may think of metabolism in reference to how quickly or slowly we gain or lose weight, cellular metabolism is any biological process required by the body to support life, allowing for maintenance, growth, reproduction, damage repair and the breakdown of food into energy. In simple terms, metabolism is divided into two categories that comprise of all the physical and chemical processes the body uses to either convert or utilize energy. These chemical reactions are organized into metabolic pathways that are finely regulated by crucial enzymes in order to maintain homeostasis.

  • Catabolism is a series of chemical reactions that breakdown complex molecules into smaller units, such as the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, typically releasing energy.
  • Anabolism is a series of chemical reactions that builds molecules from smaller components, such as muscle tissue growth, typically requiring energy usage.

All cellular activities require energy. Consequently, cells are tasked with both obtaining energy and using that energy to drive energy-requiring reactions. Because cells must constantly expend energy derived from their environment, energy formation is a vital component of metabolism. The key to producing the metabolic energy necessary for proper bodily function is nutrition. A nutrient is any chemical component of food that the body requires to carry out vital processes. Good nutrition benefits health at the cellular level where energy production occurs. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for obtaining energy from macronutrients and often function as enzymes or coenzymes.

B-complex vitamins are particularly important for energy metabolism. All B vitamins help to convert carbohydrates into glucose that the body uses to produce energy. B-complex vitamins also aid in the metabolism of fats and proteins.

B1 (Thiamine) – Thiamin plays a crucial role in metabolic reactions. It is a required for the formation of ATP, which every cell uses for energy.

B2 (Riboflavin) – In addition to producing energy for the body, B2 works as an antioxidant and works to convert B6 and folate into usable forms.

B3 (Niacin) – In addition to its energy producing and anti-inflammatory properties, niacin aids in hormone production, improves circulation and supports proper nervous system function.

B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – B5 plays a role in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates for energy production. It is critical to the manufacture of red blood cells, as well as certain hormones including stress-related adrenal hormones. B5 helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract and aids in the utilization of other B vitamins.

B6 (Pyridoxine) – Like other energy producing B vitamins, B6 has many functions. B6 assists in the production of neurotransmitters melatonin, serotonin and norepinephrine. It supports normal brain development and function and works synergistically with other B vitamins to control homocysteine, an amino acid associated with heart disease. B6 is necessary for B12 absorption, and for red blood and immune cell production.

B9 (Folic Acid) – This synergistic B vitamin is crucial for proper brain function and plays an important role in DNA and RNA production. It is especially important during pregnancy, infancy and adolescence when cells and tissues are growing rapidly.

B12 (Cobalamin) – Besides the conversion of nutrients into energy, B12 is particularly important for nerve cell health, DNA and RNA production and homocysteine regulation. Along with other B vitamins, B12 assists in red blood production and assists iron utilization.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other fine quality products that support energy metabolism and overall healthy function:

B Complex PlusB Complex Plus by Pure Encapsulations – This popular product contains an exceptional combination of B vitamins in optimal bioavailable forms. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formula.

 

B-Complex with...B-Complex with Metafolin by Douglas Laboratories – This comprehensive B-complex provides essential B vitamins plus intrinsic factor, a necessary nutrient for B12 absorption. Soy free, vegetarian formula.

 

Active B-ComplexActive B-Complex by Integrative Therapeutics – This balanced, hypoallergenic B-complex provides active forms of B vitamins. Gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar free, vegetarian formula. NSF Certified for Sport.

 

Active B ComplexActive B complex by Bioclinic Naturals – This product contains the full array of biologically active B vitamins along with Quatrefolic® folate, in support of the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Gluten, dairy, soy, sugar and yeast free, Non-GMO vegan formulation.

 

Super Vitamin B...Super Vitamin B Complex by Allergy Research Group – This advanced low allergen potential formula provides substantial amounts of all B vitamins, including co-enzymes forms of B2 and B6 for enhanced bioavailability. Gluten and soy free, vegetarian formulation.

 

Balanced B ComplexBalanced B Complex by MegaFood 20% OFF This easily digestible balanced B vitamin supplement is formulated with FoodState Nutrients™ to deliver authentic nourishment from 100% whole foods. Gluten, soy and lactose fee, Non-GMO, kosher vegan formulation.

 

References:

Metabolism: The physiological Power-Generating Process. http://pulse.embs.org/may-2016/metabolism-the-physiological-power-generating-process/?trendmd-shared=1

What is Metabolism? http://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-Metabolism.aspx

Metabolism: The Facts Behind the Myths. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8871.php

Metabolic Energy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9903/

Nutrients Involved In Energy Metabolism and Blood Health. https://www.hccfl.edu/media/44280/10_nutrients_involved_in_energy_metabolism_and_blood_health.pdf

The Catabolism of Fats and Proteins for Energy. http://antranik.org/the-catabolism-of-fats-and-proteins-for-energy/