Tag Archives: Spectrum Vibrance by Vibrant Health

Inflammation – Friend or Foe?

Inflammation-Friend or FoeJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

We have all experienced the signs of short-term inflammation that occurs during an active immune response to an injury, illness or pathogenic invasion. Fatigue or fever when fighting a viral or bacterial infection, as well as pain, redness, warmth and swelling at the site of an injury, are all signs related to short-term, rapid onset inflammation. As a first-line defense mechanism acute inflammation is a central component of innate immunity, a vital and necessary physiological process that signals the body to release inflammatory mediators. This response dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow, thereby enabling immune cells to quickly reach affected areas and eliminate toxic agents, as well as heal and repair damaged tissue and ultimately, restore wellness.

While acute inflammation is friendly and beneficial, several decades of ongoing research deems chronic persistent inflammation a nemesis of healthy aging. Increased vulnerability to influenza and reduced response to vaccinations is a recognized consequence of a natural decline in immune function in older individuals. Inflammaging, the accumulation of inflammatory mediators in tissues associated with aging, is thought to be a significant risk factor for development of age-related diseases. Complex interrelated genetic, environmental and age-related factors determine an individual’s vulnerability or resilience to inflammaging.

Often silent and invisible, systemic low-grade inflammation can simmer for months or years, eventually triggering autoimmune and other disease processes that can cause lasting damage to the heart, arteries, joints, cells, brain and organs. Metabolic disorders including obesity, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and fatty liver disease are also associated with inflammation. While the inflammatory process is a normal part of body’s defense and immunosurveillance mechanisms, systemic inflammation, that correlates with a less robust immune response and the downregulation of the innate immune system, may help drive the aging process.

As recent evidence has shown that chronic inflammation is an underlying cause of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, controlling or reversing elevated unresolved inflammation may be one of the most important measures for avoiding functional decline and preserving long-term good health. Substantial evidence indicates that many foods, nutrients and non-nutrient food constituents modulate both acute and chronic inflammation. Increased vegetable and fruit intake is recommended to support cognitive and overall function, as well as reduced disease risk. Data shows that the health benefits of a plant-based diet is partly attributable to specific whole plant food compounds known as anthocyanins.

Decidedly potent, anthocyanins are phytonutrients found in the flavonoid family of polyphenols. These naturally occurring chemicals are plentiful in plant foods, particularly red, orange, blue and violet fruits and vegetables. They are most abundant in berries, red and purple grapes, eggplants, sweet cherries, blood oranges and red cabbage. As dietary intervention studies have found evidence that dietary flavonoids may have neuroprotective effects and are capable of modulating inflammatory cytokines, increased consumption of these brightly colored foods may result in reduced concentrations of low-grade inflammatory markers, positively influencing neurocognitive and overall health.

The synergistic effects of anti-inflammatory foods show great potential to help resolve unhealthy damaging systemic inflammation. A holistic lifestyle approach to calm the fires of inflammation encompasses a healthy anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, proper weight maintenance, sufficient hydration, adequate sleep and stress reduction. Additional  modifiable lifestyle factors include not smoking, refraining from excessive alcohol consumption and reducing exposure to environmental toxins. Along with the addition of anti-inflammatory foods, steer clear of inflammatory foods, including refined carbohydrates, highly processed foods, unhealthy dietary fats, fried foods and sugary foods and drinks.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of a healthy inflammatory response:

Spectrum VibranceSpectrum Vibrance by Vibrant Health®: This nutritional whole food powdered formula contains a broad range of specially selected high ORAC value red, yellow, blue and green fruits, vegetables and botanical extracts to support immune, eye, heart and overall health and healthy aging. Free of gluten, dairy and soy. Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Polyphenol NutrientsPolyphenol Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic formula offers bioavailable vitamins and minerals blended with standardized polyphenol extracts for advanced cellular and macular support. Gluten free, non-GMO formulation.

Berry-C CapsulesBerry-C Capsules by Lidtke® Technologies: This formula offers a blend of Non-GMO vitamin C, whole fruit extracts and a whole food powdered berry blend known to be rich in polyphenols, bioflavonoids, vitamin C and other nutrients in support of immune, skin, eye, cellular and overall health. No added gluten, yeast, wheat, soy, rice, milk, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish, sugar preservatives or artificial colors or flavors. Non-GMO vegan formulation.

Daily ImmuneDaily Immune by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic vitamin, mineral and herbal formula offers powerful wellness support with immune enhancing botanicals rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids and polyphenols. The added astragalus and eleuthero extracts provide adaptogenic support to help maintain a healthy immune response during times of physical or mental stress. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

References:
Low-grade inflammation, diet composition and health: current research evidence and its translation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4579563/
Redefining Chronic Inflammation in Aging and Age-Related Diseases: Proposal of the Senoinflammation Concept. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6457053/
Causes, consequences, and reversal of immune system aging. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3582124/
Understanding how we age: insights into inflammaging. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24472098
Anthocyanins. https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030314p20.shtml
Foods that fight inflammation. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

Improved Diet = Improved Health

ImprovedDietJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

For almost a century federal dietary guidance was designed for avoidance of nutrient deficiency diseases, such as scurvy and rickets. Other than obesity, minimal attention was given to reducing the risk of degenerative chronic conditions. In the past two decades there have been substantial advances in understanding the relationship between diet and health, as well as broad agreement that overall dietary modifications improve the chance of a healthier life and reduce the prevalence of diet-related chronic disease. Family history, environmental concerns, healthcare access and other health-promoting lifestyle factors, such as regular exercise and healthy sleep, are all determinants of health and wellbeing. While there is clear evidence that the daily diet directly affects both short and long term health, research shows American dietary patterns are very slow to improve.

Dietary advice has improved, but are we listening?

It’s been almost 20 years since nutrition experts, that historically promoted high-carb/low fat diets, disavowed their disastrous advice to shun all dietary fats and instead urged Americans to focus on whole grains, nuts and healthful fats. A study published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported some improvements in the Standard American Diet. A cross-sectional analysis among 44,000 adults found that the quality of the average American’s diet improved by two percentage points between 1999 and 2016. Researchers found decreased intake of low-quality carbohydrates and added sugars, as well as increased intake of  high-quality carbohydrates, including whole grains, plant proteins and nuts. Yet, after two decades of updated nutrition advice the majority of overall diet composition remains derived from nutrient deficient refined carbs and unhealthy fats.

Some of us are actively pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

To be sure, Americans have many different approaches to eating. While some focus on taste and nutrition, other focus on convenience. Those who focus on healthy eating say they are relatively satisfied with their diets. A majority of people who focus on convenience say they should probably eat healthier most days. When asked to confront their own eating habits, most Americans admit to nutritional shortcomings. Yet, 72 percent of adults acknowledge that healthy eating habits and exercise are the most important factors for healthy lifespan improvement. As well, the majority know that both the quality and the quantity of food consumption is a public health concern. While this public awareness shows that millions of Americans are moving in the right direction, considerable challenges lie ahead to improve the majority of American’s diet and health.

Why nutrition matters:

The typical American diet is too high in calories, unhealthy fat, sodium and added sugars, and too low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium, and fiber. A low nutrient, low fiber, high sugar diet contributes to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis and many types of cancer. As well, unhealthy eating is the leading cause of mortality and disabilities stemming from bone fractures, heart attacks, strokes and lower-limb amputations. Improving the diet promotes healthy weight maintenance, reduces cancer risk, prevents strokes and supports cognitive function, cardiovascular health, strong bones and teeth, better mood, improved memory, overall wellbeing and healthier longevity.

If you’re really not sure what to eat, go for vegetables. Nine out of ten Americans fail to meet the five a day serving requirement. Full of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients, vegetables help protect the heart, the eyes and the brain, lower the risk of diabetes and some cancers, help maintain healthy blood pressure, protect blood vessel walls and support bone health. To support whole body heath, the American Heart Association recommends approximately 2100 calories of nutritious whole foods each day.

  • 5 daily servings of vegetables (one serving equals 1 cup raw leafy greens or ½ cup cooked or raw vegetables)
  • 4 daily servings of fruit (one serving equals one medium sized piece of fruit or ½ cup cut up fruit)
  • 6 daily servings of whole grains (one serving equals 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of cereal or ½ cup cooked rice)
  • 3 daily servings of dairy (one serving equals 1 cup milk or yogurt or 1.5 oz. of cheese)
  • 3 daily servings of healthy fats and oils (one serving equals 1 tablespoon)
  • 8-9 weekly servings of poultry, meat and eggs (one serving equals 3 ounces of meat or one egg)
  • 2-3 weekly servings of seafood (one serving equals 3 ounces)
  • 5 weekly servings of nuts, seeds, beans and legumes (one serving equals ½ ounce of nuts, ¼ cup of beans or 1 tablespoon nut butter)

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of healthy nutrition:

Spectrum VibranceSpectrum Vibrance by Vibrant Health®: This concentrated blend of powdered, whole food plant nutrients provides a broad range of nutrient-rich red, yellow, blue and green fruits and vegetables, as well as bioactive food substances and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts. One serving is equivalent to 4.5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Delicious Greens...Delicious Greens 8000 Original Flavor by Greens World Inc.: This powdered concentrate blends certified organic vegetables and fruits with enzymes, probiotics, natural fibers, vitamins, minerals and more to deliver the antioxidant power of 8000 ORAC units. Naturally flavored with orange and spearmint. No added sugar. Free of wheat, MSG and preservatives. Vegetarian formulation. Additional flavors available: Berry, Chocolate, Mocha Café, Fruit Punch and Strawberry Kiwi.

Spectra Purples™Spectra Purples™ by DaVinci Laboratories of Vermont: This proprietary powdered supplement blends 19 whole fruits, vegetables and extracts containing health promoting purple phytonutrients in support of healthy aging and cognitive, cellular, immune and cardiovascular health and function. Also available: Spectra Greens™, Spectra Oranges™ and Spectra Reds™.

PaleoRedsPaleo Reds® by Designs for Health®: In support of healthy aging, this proprietary whole food powder combines a variety of high quality colorful fruits and vegetables known for their phytonutrient and antioxidant compounds. Contains over 70% organic ingredients. Gluten free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation. Also available: PaleoGreens® (unflavored) and Lemon/Lime.

References:
Trends in Dietary Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat Intake and Diet Quality Among US Adults 1999-2016. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2751719
Improving America’s Diet and Health: From Recommendations to Action. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235259/
New Survey Shows Changes in American Diet Trends. https://www.nutritioncoalition.us/news/2018/6/20/new-survey-shows-changes-in-american-diet-trends
What’s on your table? How America’s diet has changed over the decades. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/12/13/whats-on-your-table-how-americas-diet-has-changed-over-the-decades/
Our Food Is Killing Too Many of Us. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/26/opinion/food-nutrition-health-care.html
Public views about American’s eating habits. https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2016/12/01/public-views-about-americans-eating-habits/
Suggested Servings from Each Food Group. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/suggested-servings-from-each-food-group