Tag Archives: ProOmega D 1000 mg by Nordic Naturals

Does Your Diet Deliver?

diet_deliverJacquieIconBy Jacquie Eubanks
BSN, RN
 

Vitamins and minerals, so vital to human health, are a constant source of deliberation when it comes to supplementation. While many would agree that a daily multivitamin is a great nutritional insurance policy, others would claim a healthy diet is all we need. However, telling people to simply “eat healthy” may actually be doing the population a disservice, as studies show that nine in ten Americans may falsely believe they are following a healthy and nutritious diet plan. While Americans tend to give themselves high marks for healthy eating, the reality is that the state of the health of Americans says otherwise. One in three American adults is obese, only one-fourth report limiting sugar and harmful fats, and fully two-thirds admit they don’t eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables daily.

In fact, the modern diet, which consists largely of processed foods loaded with sugar, refined flour and processed vegetable oils, is the main reason behind the obesity epidemic and the spike in chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis, fatty liver syndrome and other health conditions. According to the USDA, Americans spend only 0.05% of their food budget on green vegetables, while spending 17% on refined grains, 13% on sugars and sweets and 9% on frozen prepared foods. Clearly, consumers are making choices that are totally out of sync with federally recommended guidelines. As American dietary budgets move in the direction of higher expenditures on prepackaged and processed foods, fruit and vegetable consumption decreases, along with vitamin and mineral intake.

Along with our nutrient poor choices comes a diet totally out of balance with the vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber and phytonutrients necessary for optimal function and wellness. While there is little doubt that a refrigerator well stocked with nutrient dense whole foods is the first line of defense for staying healthy, the ever increasing consumption of fabricated nutritionally void products may make its own case for the need for supplementation of essential micronutrients. Simply put, Americans are not eating healthy enough diets to provide optimal levels of a range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Other factors such as aging, medical conditions, genes and certain unhealthy lifestyle habits can also contribute to vitamin deficiencies.

Aging- Mild vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common among seniors and are associated with anemia, cognitive impairment, poor wound healing and a vulnerability to infections. Vitamin deficiencies can include vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin D. Mineral deficiencies can include calcium, zinc and magnesium. The causes are varied and are believed to include malabsorption issues, decreased appetite, poor nutrition and prescription medications. Age related changes that can affect vitamin and mineral deficiencies may also include the increased presence of hormones that decrease appetite, along with the decreased presence of the neurotransmitters that stimulate appetite.

Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions can block the absorption of vitamins and minerals from foods. Inflammation, infections, gastric disorders, diabetes and even certain cardiovascular conditions may result in malabsorption of calcium and vitamins B12, E, K and D. Proteins, carbohydrates and electrolytes may be poorly absorbed as well.

Alcohol consumption- Consuming even moderate amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can cause a folic acid deficiency. Alcohol can inhibit the absorption of nutrients by decreasing the secretion of pancreatic digestive enzymes and by damaging the cells that line the stomach and the intestines. Alcohol inhibits the absorption of fats and as a result negatively affects the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, E and D. Common mineral deficiencies can include calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Chronic heavy drinking is linked to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as a result of decreased food intake and, for some, impaired absorption, metabolism and utilization of nutrients.

Medications – Both prescription and OTC medications can cause nutritional deficiencies. These include cholesterol lowering drugs, diabetes medications, oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatories, blood pressure medications, acid blockers and antibiotics among others. B vitamins, CoQ10, folic acid, vitamins C and D, and the minerals magnesium, calcium, iron, selenium, and zinc are all examples of deficiencies that can occur when taking medications.

It may help to remember that nutrients work synergistically to support biochemical processes. Basic science supports the use of nutritional supplements in disease prevention and the strive for optimal health. While Americans continue to be overfed and undernourished, you can take action to protect your own health by eliminating the processed foods that drive disease, eating more nutritious whole foods, getting regular exercise and taking your recommended daily dose of good quality multivitamins, vitamin D and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Here are some great recommendations for high quality supplementation in support of overall wellness:

Enzyme Nutrition Two Daily Multi-Vitamin
 
Enzyme Nutrition Two Daily Multi-Vitamin by Enzymedica – This 100% whole food matrix contains guaranteed potency probiotics along with nutrient rich superfoods and daily botanicals. Non-GMO, gluten and soy free and suitable for everyone aged 14 and older.
 
ProOmega D 1000 mg
 
ProOmega D 1000 mg by Nordic Naturals – This exceptional product contains 1,000 I.U. of vitamin D along with high levels of pure, ultra-fresh omega-3 essential fatty acids in support of cardiac, immune, neurological and eye health. Produced in Norway from deep sea fish and third party tested for environmental toxins and heavy metals. Non-GMO and gluten free formula.
 
 
Bio-Multi Plus Iron Free
 
Bio-Multi Plus Iron Free by Biotics Research – This versatile and balanced multiple vitamin and mineral formula supplies unique forms of micronutrients along with bioflavonoids and CoQ10. Gluten free formula.
 
 
 
UltraNutrient
 UltraNutrient by Pure Encapsulations – This high potency advanced formula provides core vitamins and minerals along with antioxidants and standardized phytonutrient extracts in support of cardiovascular, liver and overall health. Gluten and soy free formula.

 

 

References:

http://news.discovery.com/human/health/americans-diet-weight-110104.htm

http://ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2013-february/americans-food-choices-at-home-and-away.aspx#.VG4Zo8lAqkc

http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/d/senior%20care/c/21981/

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa22.htm

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/vitamin-d-deficiency-united-states/

Men’s Health – Get With The Program, Guys!

MensHealthProgramBy Jacquie Eubanks BSN, RN

Healthy living guidelines for lifestyles, exercising, and nutrition abound.  Data suggests the majority of men are aware that changes to their diet or lifestyles could benefit their overall health, yet fewer than 50% actually follow through on those changes.  Life expectancy statistics are slowly increasing relative to changes in American lifestyles, as more emphasis is placed on healthier diets, regular exercise and quitting smoking.  However, men still lag when it comes to health and longevity, as women are outliving men by approximately 5.1 years. 

This gender gap is not unique to the U.S.  Demographic studies show that in industrial societies and in developing countries as well, men have higher mortality rates from most all non-sex-specific health problems.  Men fall ill at a younger age, are more likely to have chronic illness, are less likely to visit doctors for routine checkups, and only seek medical help when their illness is in its later stages. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the top health threats for men are heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, and diabetes.  The reasons for the poor state of men’s health are a complex mix of biological, social and behavioral factors.  Some of these include:

  • Diet – Women are twice as likely as men to eat the recommended amount of fruits and veggies each day. 
  • Lack of exercise – Many men have sedentary desk jobs and don’t come close to getting enough exercise to maintain good health.
  • Work stress – There is no question that work stress can increase the risk of heart attack, hypertension, and stroke
  • Alcohol abuse – Although there are certainly women who abuse alcohol, men are more than twice as likely to be binge drinkers and to become alcohol dependent. 
  • Smoking – More men than woman engage in smoking, the riskiest of all behaviors.
  • Risky behavior –  Whatever the reason, men engage in riskier behaviors and are more likely to pay the price for that in terms of injury, trauma and death. 
  • Reluctance to receive routine medical care – Men are more likely to take better care of their cars than their health.  Many men don’t seek medical attention until they can no longer ignore their health. 
  • Lack of awareness regarding health issues – Men fail to take the simple steps that can protect against chronic disease such as heart disease and cancer.  
  • Stigmas surrounding both physical and mental health –  Men are more than twice as likely to lack social support.  Women have larger and more reliable social networks. It is thought that strong relationships and good communication are two of the reasons why women live longer than men. 

Of course, making recommended lifestyle changes can really make a difference in men’s long term health by lowering the risk of developing chronic disease.  Men can take charge of their health by making better choices.  To stay healthy and increase their longevity, men need to start following the rules.

Stop avoiding medical visits – Be proactive in preventing disease.  Don’t wait to visit the doctor until something is seriously wrong.  Get recommended screenings and health evaluations when needed. 

Manage stress – Stress wreaks havoc on our immune, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal  systems and plays an aggravating role in many chronic diseases.  Take steps to reduce the stress induced wear and tear on your mind and body.  Learn healthier ways to deal with stress by getting enough sleep, exercising, and building social and community support. 

Maintain a healthy weight – Carrying extra weight, especially belly fat, increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.

Limit alcohol consumption –  Overindulgence can lead to long-term problems such as heart disease, liver damage and pancreatitis.  One or two drinks is considered the maximum daily amount to avoid long-term health conditions. 

Be tobacco free – This means tobacco in all forms.  Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and death.  Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and is a main cause of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease and stroke.  If you only make one healthy change, make it this one. 

Pay attention to nutrition –  Good health requires vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.  Healthy eating means getting plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and reduced fat dairy.  Cut way back on added sugars, sodium, refined foods and unhealthy fats. 

Be physically active –  Physical activity that gets your body moving helps to control blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight, helping to prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.  If you are a non-exerciser, start at a comfortable level and work up from there until you can exercise at a moderate pace for at least 30 minutes daily.

 Men’s Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations –  A complete hypo-allergenic, nutrient rich, highly bioavailable multivitamin/multi-mineral and trace element supplement designed for men over the age of 40.  Features special blends of nutrients for energy support and for prostate, cardiovascular, and eye health. 

ProOmega D 1000 mg by Nordic Naturals – Exceptionally pure cold water Omega-3 fish oils for heart, brain and neurological health, support of a healthy anti-inflammatory response, and promotion of eye health. 

Pycnogenol 50 mg by Douglas LaboratoriesThis highly effective antioxidant helps maintain a healthy capillary system and supports lung health, normal glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular health. 

Astaxanthin 4 mg by Pure EncapsulationsThis powerful antioxidant derived from Hawaiian microalgae support skin, macula, joint, immune system and cardiovascular health.