Tag Archives: Ortho Molecular

For Beautiful Skin, Try SophytoPRO

sophytoproSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

 

 

Acne, the bane of teenagers and a growing number of adults, is the most common skin condition in the U.S. Unlike an occasional outbreak of pimples, acne is a chronic condition that can result in permanent scarring and low self esteem. As our largest organ, our skin’s primary role is to serve as a formidable physical barrier, preventing nutrient and water loss and protecting against would be pathogenic invaders. Similar to our intestinal microflora, the skin has its own ecosystem, a diverse milieu of microorganisms, some of which serve as an advanced warning system to alert our immune systems into action. A disruption in the balance of this ecosystem can result in skin disorders or infections.

Normal, healthy sebum production is essential for the protective function of the skin. Sebum, a naturally occurring oily substance produced by the tiny sebaceous glands connected to hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin, is part of the body’s natural barrier, as it moisturizes, lubricates and protects skin and hair and provides an antibacterial shield. Acne is often associated with an overproduction of sebum, which can clog pores and lead to inflammation and an overgrowth of skin based bacteria. The buildup of sebum within clogged pores provides an ideal growth environment and functions as a nutritional source for P. acnes, acne-causing bacteria that lives in the follicles. The most common treatment for acne involves the use of oral or topical retinoids, which are designed to reduce sebum production.

Professional Supplement Center now offers SophytoPRO®, a line of functional, organic skincare products from Ortho Molecular. These all natural, scientifically designed products are formulated to actively transform the health of the skin for optimal skin function. SophytoPRO® targets the root cause of skin imbalances by changing the environment to encourage the skin’s innate mechanisms for renewal, resulting in longer lasting, effective skin restoration. Seven years of research and development based on Ayurvedic, Chinese and Western medicine has resulted in the formulation of skin care products that are free of the detrimental toxic chemicals and suspiciously carcinogenic substances found in many skin care lines.

Manufactured in the U.S.A with an average of 90% certified organic whole foods and botanical extracts, these acne-fighting, anti-aging formulas take a groundbreaking preventative approach to enhance and maintain clear, vibrant skin. The clinically proven, science-based formulas take a holistic approach to acne treatment and overall skin revitalization and contain powerful antioxidants and prebiotics designed to inhibit acne-causing pathogens, minimize pore size and protect against environmental stressors. All products are biodegradable and are gluten and paraben free. The botanical extracts are sustainably cultivated on a 200 acre farm located in Herefordshire, England, which has twice won the U.K.’s leading environmental and farming award.

SophytoPRO® Skin Restore System – Recommended for acne and blemish prone skin, this breakthrough 3-step system utilizes age-defying botanicals with clinically proven, research- based acne fighting power to help control breakouts and improve the appearance of skin for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

SophytoPRO Skin Purifying CleanserSkin Purifying Cleanser – This lightweight cleanser is designed to maintain skin’s delicate pH balance, while effectively providing a thorough cleansing without stripping surface oils. Skin friendly, bioactive quillaja extract provides deep pore cleansing along with botanical based alpha hydroxy acid benefits. Ingredients include quillaja wood extract, fruit extracts and pine leaf extract.

 

SophytoPRO Skin Restoring Acne SerumSkin Restoring Acne Serum – This oil-free serum provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action that rapidly transforms unhealthy skin and helps to mitigate P. acnes bacterial growth to help prevent future breakouts. Plant based ingredients take a holistic approach in supporting healthy skin flora, while suppressing unhealthy bacteria. Ingredients include fruit extracts, willow bark extract, and wintergreen leaf extract. This acne serum contains 1% natural salicylic acid.

 

SophytoPRO Skin Reviving MoisturizerSkin Reviving Moisturizer – This instantly absorbed lightweight, luxurious moisturizer effectively hydrates, while minimizing dryness, controlling excess oil and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Ingredients include green tea oil, fruit extracts, cherry seed oil and willow bark extract.

 

SophytoPRO® Pure Daily System – Recommended for all skin types, these three high performance essential products contain organic bioactives derived from vitamin-enriched plant oils that work synergistically to cleanse, balance and nourish the skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin’s texture and overall appearance.

SophytoPRO Pure CleanserPure Cleanser – This creamy cleanser removes makeup and impurities to gently purify and cleanse, and delivers conditioning agents to restore and maintain skin’s natural moisture. Ingredients include hazelnut oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, honey propolis extract and rosemary leaf extract. Detergent free.

 

SophytoPRO Pure Antioxidant SerumPure Antioxidant Serum – This ultra mild and oil free formula provides highly concentrated, water soluble antioxidant tea extracts that nourish and deeply penetrate the skin to protect against oxidative stress, DNA damage and UVA free radical exposure. Ingredients include green and white tea extracts, aloe leaf juice powder, and whole apple fruit extract.

 

SophytoPRO Pure MoisturizerPure Moisturizer – This lightweight formula is noncomedogenic and instantly absorbed to hydrate and balance stressed or congested skin. Ayurvedic adaptogens and sea buckhorn seed oil help to rejuvenate, harmonize and invigorate the skin. Ingredients include astragalus and panax ginseng root extracts, sunflower, jojoba and sea buckthorn seed oil, containing omegas 3,6,9 and 7.

 

References:
The skin microbiome. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073/
What is Sebum? http://thescienceofacne.com/in-depth-sebum/
Acne. https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a—d/acne
About Acne. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0025360/

SPECIAL EDITION: Not All Supplements Are Created Equal

created_equalIn the news this week came the accusation that some companies are producing, mislabeling and selling fraudulent herbal supplements.  This type of exposure might make someone doubt the ingredient quality, efficacy, label claims and legitimacy of all supplements and reaffirms the need to ensure that the products you use are developed and manufactured according to the highest standards. 

Professional Supplement Center is here to reassure you that we carry products from top of the line manufacturers who are committed to improving health and are recognized worldwide for their excellence in purity, consistency, legitimacy and quality in manufacturing.

Quality suppliers manufacture products based on unbiased scientific research and clinical support.  They work closely with healthcare professionals to provide effective nutritional solutions and are leaders in nutritional research, product development and innovation. They are dedicated to producing supplements of superior quality and integrity with the highest degree of safety. 

Adherence to cGMP regulations assures the identity, strength, quality and purity of products for safe and effective use.  Professional Supplement Center offers these and many other high-end, scientifically based product lines manufactured to the highest standards in FDA compliant, cGMP certified facilities:

  • Pure Encapsulations utilizes an extensive product testing program that involves verifications of label claims, potency and purity.
  • Metagenics verifies ingredient safety, identity, purity and quality at multiple steps for reliable and effective use.
  • Integrative Therapeutics tests all their ingredients and products in an on-site state-of-the-art analytical laboratory to ensure the highest quality standards, such as identity, safety, potency and bioavailability, are met.
  • Thorne Research manufactures innovative, hypoallergenic supplements formulated with highly absorbable, pure quality, effective ingredients with no added fillers or lubricants to ensure the best possible benefits. 
  • Apex Energetics provides high quality, performance-based, effective nutritional formulas developed with scientific insight, clinical knowledge and the latest research.   
  • Ortho Molecular partners with health care providers to formulate products according to proven science and uncompromising standards of superior raw ingredients. 
  • Douglas Laboratories, as a forerunner in nutritional health, researches, develops and manufactures superior quality, science-based products to support the improvement and maintenance of health and wellness.

Although the FDA does not require supplement manufacturers to obtain approval before marketing and distributing its products, top manufacturers ensure their products are safe, that no false or misleading claims are made and that products comply with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act regulations.  Their goal is to produce highly absorbable nutrients that the body has the greatest chance of using to promote optimal health.
Manufacturers that are producing high end, pharmaceutical grade products adhere to strict quality controls, source premium raw materials and require their suppliers to meet rigorous testing by independent labs.

The quality of dietary supplements can be measured by:

  • Authenticity: The ingredients listed on the label must match the ingredients in the product.
  • Potency: The product will contain the labeled level of every key active ingredient throughout its shelf-life.    
  • Purity: The product does not contain unlisted additives, contaminants or fillers. 

AskTheNurseBy supplementing our diets with great quality vitamins and supplements, we can provide our bodies with complex nutrients often missing from our modern diets.  These nutrients should be delivered in an easily absorbed and complete form that our bodies can recognize and utilize efficiently.  The most important link between professional strength supplements and consumers is the presence and guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.  At Professional Supplement Center,  you can speak with our registered nurse or licensed pharmacist who will answer all your questions and assist you in selecting  products to optimize your health.

Tweak Your Cholesterol Levels With Nutrition

CholesterolBy Jacquie Eubanks BSN, RN

Changing your diet can have powerful effects on cholesterol levels, helping to lower harmful (LDL) cholesterol and boost helpful (HDL) cholesterol.  Cholesterol is so vital for human survival that the body leaves nothing to chance and produces it in the liver.  Naturally occurring cholesterol helps to regulate and maintain the health and function of cellular structures, aids in hormone production, creates the bile salts necessary for digestion and assists in vitamin D synthesis.  It is believed that the liver manufactures approximately 75% of our total blood cholesterol and that the balance comes from dietary sources. 

Although we cannot control genetic influences on our natural cholesterol production, we can control dietary influences.  A diet high in saturated fats and trans fats found largely in animal products is known to contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, contributing to the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and stroke.  According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.  Every day 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease, one death every 39 seconds!  Lifestyle changes that include following a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and shunning tobacco smoke can help you avoid becoming a statistic. 

Just as you can eat your way to high cholesterol levels, you can eat your way to lower cholesterol levels by adding certain foods and eliminating others.  Different foods can affect cholesterol in various ways.  Foods high in fiber help to rid the body of cholesterol before it gets into the bloodstream.  Other foods can block the absorption of cholesterol.  Adding these foods and cutting back on less healthy choices can positively affect your cholesterol levels:

  • Oats and oat bran.  Remember that old saying, “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.”?  A bowl of oatmeal or other oat cereal for breakfast each morning will typically provide four grams of soluble fiber.   Although all whole grains contain fiber, oats have the highest levels of soluble fiber.  Add some fresh fruit for even more benefit. 
  • Olive oil.  Substituting olive oil, which is high in healthy monounsaturated fat, for other oils that are high in saturated fat can help lower harmful cholesterol without affecting good cholesterol.  Although olive oil is healthy, it is still high in calories.  The FDA recommends using 2 tablespoons daily as a replacement for less healthy oils. 
  • Cold water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are thought to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce inflammation and decrease blood pressure.  The American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of fish at least twice a week or supplementing with EPA and DHA for those who don’t care for fish.
  • Nuts, while high in calories, contain heart-healthy fats, antioxidants and minerals.  The cholesterol-lowering effects of nuts such as almonds, walnuts and brazil nuts are attributed to their unsaturated fat content, fiber and phytonutrients.  Eat a handful of nuts instead of a snack that is high in sugar or saturated fat. 
  • Plant sterols and stanols –  Also called phytosterols, these compounds are found in small quantities in many plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, and vegetable oils.  These can also be found in supplements and in enriched products such as orange juice and some margarines.  Phytosterols can lower LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels, as they block absorption of cholesterol from the digestive tract. 
  • Psyllium, a natural source of soluble fiber, is derived from the husks of psyllium seeds.  Psyllium has been shown to lower blood cholesterol and may also decrease intestinal absorption of cholesterol. 
  • Avocados – Avocados contain significant amounts of oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fat that helps lower bad cholesterol and boost good cholesterol. Avocados are also rich in fiber and a plant chemical called beta-sitosterol, both of which help keep cholesterol in check.
  • Legumes are packed with protein,  have little or no fat, and are loaded with fiber, iron, calcium and potassium. 
  • Tomatoes contain lycopene which helps to reduce cholesterol, especially when cooked in a sauce or soup.
  • Tea, both green and black, contains catechins, a type of antioxidant with a cholesterol lowering effect.  

For the most benefit, reduce the amount of cholesterol in the diet.  Cut back on saturated fats found in red meat, dairy, coconut oil, and palm oil.  Substitute lean sources of protein, low fat dairy, and healthy oils such as olive oil or sunflower seed oil.   Avoid trans fats that increase bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol.  A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, and low fat dairy not only helps to lower cholesterol, it’s good for bones and digestive health, keeps blood pressure in check, helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels and benefits overall health and wellness.   

Psyllium Husks Fiber 500 mg by Solgar –  A great source of soluble fiber and a healthy addition to your diet. 

Plant Sterols by Ortho MolecularWith 650 mg of sterol esters to aid in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. 

Niacin 100 by Biotic Research Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is recognized as a cardio-protective agent, primarily due to its action in inhibiting triglyceride hydrolysis, resulting in both an increased HDL and a lowered triglyceride level.