Tag Archives: Now Foods

You Don’t Have to be Jewish to Like Kosher Supplements

KosherSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

 

 

With Passover right around the corner, those keeping kosher may not be aware that Professional Supplement Center carries many high quality brands that manufacture kosher-certified supplements. For some, the laws of kashrut, Jewish dietary restrictions, are observed not only during Passover but are strictly followed year round. In regard to supplementation, these dietary laws stipulate that those in good health, who take vitamins or supplements for prevention purposes or to support their overall wellness, should preferably take kosher-certified products when available. In short, kosher certification identifies products that are proper for consumption under strict kashrut guidelines.

Kosher certification is provided by a third-party certifying Jewish agency. A representative of that agency thoroughly inspects every aspect of the manufacturing facility and processes, including the sourcing of raw materials, ingredient adherence to Kosher guidelines and the final finished products. Depending on the product, Rabbinical supervision ensures that the finished product is compliant with kosher laws. Kosher certification ensures that no ineligible ingredients are utilized, such as those derived from shellfish. While there are additional restrictions for the observant during Passover, Jews and non-Jews alike are partial to kosher-certified supplements for their purity, quality, safety and strict manufacturing compliance.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other quality brands that provide kosher certified products:

MegaFood® – MegaFood® sources whole foods from organic and sustainable farmers and tests all foods and ingredients throughout the manufacturing process to ensure optimal purity and nutrient content. All of their formulas are vegetarian, herbicide and pesticide free, and Non-GMO. Many are certified-kosher by OK Kosher Certification, a recognized global leader for kosher standards and integrity, assuring the processes and systems are compliant with the highest standards and regulations.  20% OFF All MegaFood products!

Solgar® – Solgar® has manufactured fine quality, well-researched, science-based nutritional supplements for over 60 years. From their state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, high quality control standards, on-site stringent testing, to their air and water purification systems, Solgar® sets the standards for excellence in manufacturing to provide consumers with the highest quality nutritional products to promote optimal health. Products are certified kosher by KOF-K Kosher Supervision, a highly respected international organization.

NOW Foods –  Family owned NOW Foods has provided high quality, affordable nutritional products since its inception in 1948, and currently manufactures many kosher-certified products under rigorous and highly sanitary production methods. Their manufacturing facilities, equipment, ingredients and products are inspected by a rabbi from Triangle K for conformance to kosher guidelines. NOW has a number of kosher products currently available and is actively pursuing certification for additional products.  30% OFF All Now Foods Products

Organic India – Organic India™ believes that true and total wellness is more than just a lack of illness; it’s about “vibrancy, purpose, harmony, health and happiness,” and consciously choosing to take responsibility for your own true wellness. Their entire line of exceptional quality products is Fairtrade, certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and kosher-certified. From seed to sowing, from cultivation to harvesting, from processing to production, Organic India™ is committed to integrity, accountability and responsibility to Holistic Quality Assurance and complete mind, body and spirt wellness.

Enzymedica – Since 1998, Enzymedica has designed and manufactured high potency, pure and effective enzyme supplements formulated for targeted support for common digestive discomforts, food intolerances, proper immune functions and healthy inflammatory responses. All of their formulas are 100% vegetarian, Non-GMO and many utilize vegan and certified-kosher ingredients.

To see the complete list of kosher-certified products, please visit professionalsuppementcenter.com

References:
A Kashrus Guide to Medications, Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements. http://www.star-k.org/articles/articles/medicine/452/a-kashrus-guide-to-medications-vitamins-and-nutritional-supplements/
Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws. http://www.jewfaq.org/kashrut.htm
Kosher Medication Year Round and Pesach. http://www.kashrut.com/articles/med/

 

Featured Brand – Now Foods (30% OFF!)

NowSusanBiconBy Susan Brown
Health & Wellness Editor
 

Family owned and operated since 1968, Now® Foods was founded on the philosophy that good health should be affordable and available to everyone. As a respected advocate of the natural foods industry, award-winning manufacturer Now® Foods is committed to developing and providing supplements and products of the highest quality to empower people to live healthier lives. Product development is based on published research and clinical trials and all products are manufactured under strict GMPs guidelines, assuring products meet or exceed expectations of efficacy in support of good health.

All raw materials are tested for purity, potency and identity and all products are formulated by a team of well qualified, experienced and dedicated scientists, nutritionists, chemists, microbiologists and discount_now_foodstechnicians. The staff’s combined expertise comprises many years of experience in the development and testing of safe and effective natural products using top quality ingredients. All products are guaranteed to be free of excipients, heavy metals, pesticides, hormones and additives. Now® is committed to providing dietary supplements formulated with non-GMO key ingredients and is actively pursuing non-GMO verification status on additional products.

Quercetin with BromelainQuercetin with Bromelain – Quercetin, a naturally occurring bioflavonoid, supports healthy histamine levels and a healthy immune response. Bromelain, a pineapple enzyme, supports healthy immune system function. This powerful combination provides immunomodulating benefits that aid in the management of seasonal allergy discomfort. Gluten, soy and dairy free vegetarian formula.
 
Acacia Fiber Organic Powder
 
Acacia Fiber – This gentle, highly soluble fiber powder mixes instantly with any liquid in support of intestinal health. 100% USDA certified organic and no added ingredients. Soy, gluten and dairy free, vegan formula.
 
 
MSM Powder
MSM Powder – This natural form of organic sulfur aids in the formation and maintenance of body tissues, including connective tissue such as cartilage. Tested to contain a minimum of 99.7% purity. No additional ingredients. Gluten, soy and dairy free vegan formula.
 
 
 
 Flush-Free Niacin 250 mgFlush-Free Niacin 250 mg – Niacin, or vitamin B3, is essential for digestive and nervous system health and aids in the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels. This stable formulation of niacin and inositol is specifically designed to reduce the flushing often associated with niacin supplementation. Gluten, soy and dairy free vegetarian formula.
 
 
C-1000 (Buffered C)
 Vitamin C-1000 Sustained Release – Well known for its antioxidant properties, C-1000 provides a potent, sustained release dosage of vitamin C along with rose hips for superior absorption. Gluten, soy and dairy free vegan formula.

The Multitasking Liver

LiverBy Susan Brown

The liver is a vital organ with a wide range of functions.  As the second largest organ in your body, the liver plays a major role in metabolism and produces biochemicals necessary for digestion.  Liver functions include glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production and detoxification.  The liver is thought to be responsible for over 500 separate functions.  Some of the important tasks the liver performs include:

  • Nutrient breakdown.  Everything consumed, whether nutritious or not, must be broken down before the nutrients can be utilized by the body.  The liver produces bile which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during the digestion process. 
  • Storage and creation.  The liver processes all foods including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and converts them into glucose.  While glucose is circulating throughout your body nourishing your organs and cells, the liver is converting excess glucose to glycogen which is stored for later use.  The liver produces cholesterol and special proteins which help carry fats throughout the body. 
  • The liver removes toxic substances from the bloodstream.  The liver helps to fight infections by producing immune factors and cleansing the blood of bacteria. 

The liver is an amazingly tenacious organ.  It can lose three-quarters of its cells before it stops functioning and is the only organ that can regenerate itself.  Because of its strategic location and its multidimensional functions, the liver is prone to infections and disease.  Common liver problems include hepatitis, alcohol damage, fatty liver, cirrhosis, cancer and drug damage.

Viral hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by a viral infection.  Hepatitis infections can be acute or chronic.

  • Hepatitis A is often a result of eating contaminated food or water.  Most people recover from a hepatitis A infection although some residual effects can remain for up to one year.  Thorough hand washing, especially when preparing food, is the best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.  A vaccine is available that can prevent infection for up to 10 years.
  • Hepatitis B can cause both an acute or a chronic condition.  Hepatitis B is generally transferred through contact with blood or bodily fluids.  Chronic hepatitis B can evolve into life threatening cirrhosis and liver cancer.  Approximately 65% of patients in treatment for hepatitis B receive a sustained response.  A lifetime vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis B.
  • Hepatitis C is also transmitted though contact with blood or bodily fluids.  Hepatitis C usually leads to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.  Hepatitis C is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States.  All persons with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol and should be immunized against both hepatitis A and B.  Presently there is no vaccine that will prevent this virus.
  • Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a preventable illness in which large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in the liver cells.  Fatty liver has multiple causes including excessive alcohol intake and obesity with or without insulin resistance.  The accumulation of these fats may also be accompanied by progressive inflammation of the liver.  If treated at an early stage, this condition is often reversible.  Gradual weight loss, dietary changes, and/or medications that decrease insulin resistance are often the recommendations for improved liver function.  FLD, commonly associated with metabolic syndrome, is found in 75% of obese people largely from a prolonged diet containing foods with a high proportion of calories coming from lipids (fats).
  • Cirrhosis is a disease that causes permanent scarring of the liver.  In cirrhosis, normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue that is unable to perform any liver function eventually resulting in liver failure.
  • Alcohol related liver disease is due to excessive consumption and is the most common preventable cause of liver disease.

Your internal organs are working round the clock to keep you healthy and functioning.  Most of us give little thought to what we eat and drink each day.  Prevention is always the best route to take when addressing your general health.  As with any illness that comes with lifestyle choices, the best time to think about your health is now.  To prevent liver disease and other chronic diseases, talk with your healthcare provider regarding vaccinations, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy, nutritious diet, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, follow dosing instructions on all medications and avoid risky behaviors. 

Supplements to support the liver: 

Liver Cleanse (SF769) by Thorne Research is a potent combination of herbs that work synergistically to enhance the function of the liver and is specifically helpful during a comprehensive detoxification program.  The herbs in this formula enhance the production and flow of bile, which helps to optimize metabolism and the elimination of substances detoxified by the liver.

Liver Support by Vital Nutrients  is a unique combination of herbal extracts that works synergistically to support liver function, and nutritionally support and protect liver cells from free radical damage.  Silybin, one of the primary constituents of milk thistle, supports the liver’s efforts to remove chemicals, drugs, alcohol, and other exogenous toxins. 

Liver Support, Q. by Quantum Nutrition Labs  is a key nutraceutical liver formula.  It is an effective, broad-spectrum phytonutrient complex that promotes optimal detoxification, rejuvenation and healthy liver support.

Silymarin by Pure Encapsulations  is a milk thistle extract that nutritionally supports liver function. This highly active botanical protects the liver from free radical damage, supports glutathione concentrations and promotes superoxide dismutase activity.  Milk thistle extract also stimulates protein synthesis in hepatic cells.

Hepato Synergy (K-69) by Apex Energetics  integrates four synergistic formulas that work together to support normal hepatic detoxification.  These products support detoxification, hepatic cell growth, methylation reactions, hormone excretion, glutathione synthesis and recycling, and RNA synthesis.

Glutathione 250 mg by Now Foods  is a tripeptide, consisting of the three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.  Glutathione is found and manufactured in every cell in the body, but is found in highest concentrations in the heart, muscle tissue and the liver.  Glutathione is critical for healthy immune system function and necessary for various liver detoxification processes.  Glutathione also acts as an antioxidant that works to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps to trap free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA.  Milk thistle extract and alpha lipoic acid are included to enhance glutathione’s liver supporting properties.