Tag Archives: Vitamin C with Quercetin by Integrative Therapeutics

The Bioactivities of Quercetin

QuercetinJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Widely found in fruits and vegetables, phenolic substances known as flavonoids have antioxidant properties shown to mitigate chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients that possess a wide spectrum of biological activities believed to influence dysregulated disease processes. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables provide thousands of polyphenols linked to prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Plant foods are the richest source of bioflavonoids, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and other healthy compounds that exhibit activity against metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

Technically considered a plant pigment and designated a subclass of flavonoids known as flavonols, quercetin is found largely in red and green plant foods, such as onions, cruciferous vegetables, berries, dark cherries, grapes, tea, apples and citrus fruits. It is known for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, anti-obesity, antihypertensive, anticholesterolemic and vasodilating effects. Quercetin is one of the most widely used essential nutrients known to help prevent metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Quercetin supports overall heath and healthy aging by inhibiting free radicals that damage cell membranes, negatively affect DNA and RNA, increase cell mutations and cause cell death, all underlying causes of age-related disease.

Inflammation: Inflammation has been found to be a risk in the development of many chronic diseases. While acute inflammation is a vital part of the immune system’s response to trauma, injury or infection, low level chronic inflammation can result in autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a host of other often serious diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, cognitive impairment and cancer. Studies have shown that quercetin metabolites have potent biopotential to inhibit inflammatory mediators behind the development of chronic conditions.

Cardiovascular disease prevention: Diets rich in colorful fruits and vegetables play a major role in healthy cardiovascular function and disease prevention. Because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, flavonols protect LDL cholesterol from free radical damage and may also improve the health of blood vessel walls, lowering the risk of damaging atherosclerosis. Along with other flavonols, quercetin has proven effective in helping to prevent platelet aggregation, a known component of heart disease that contributes to blood clot formation and can lead to strokes.

Weight management: Quercetin specifically inhibits fat accumulation in mature fat cells and simultaneously triggers programmed cell destruction, or apoptosis, in existing fat cells. Quercetin inhibits fat cell production, helping to reduce fat deposits in the body. By minimizing the circulating markers of inflammation that are directly related to obesity, quercetin may also aid healthy weight management.

Allergic conditions: As an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, quercetin helps to naturally lower symptoms related to seasonal and food allergies. When an allergy or sensitivity is detected, the immune system releases chemicals known as histamines, resulting in sneezing,  runny nose, coughing and other uncomfortable allergic symptoms. Quercetin helps to stabilize the release of histamine, reducing symptoms with little or no side effects. As well, quercetin has been known to exhibit antibacterial effects against numerous bacterial strains, particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary and dermal systems.

Neurodegenerative disorders: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are associated with neural-inflammatory processes in the central nervous system. Researchers are studying the potential of flavonoids to modulate neuronal function to guard against age-related neurodegeneration. Due to their beneficial effects on the vascular system and their ability to inhibit oxidative damage, flavonoids may help to limit neurodegeneration, as well as support healthy cognitive performance.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality nutritional supplements in support of overall healthy function:

Quercetin 250 mgQuercetin 250 mg by Vital Nutrients: This potent bioflavonoid formula provides 250 mg of quercetin dihydrate per capsule in support of healthy respiratory and sinus function, as well as inflammatory balance. Free of gluten, wheat, milk, casein, soy, eggs and sugar.

Quercetin Ascorbate...Quercetin Ascorbate Powder by Designs for Health®: This professional powdered formula provides 500 mg of quercetin along with 500 mg of synergistic vitamin C in support of healthy inflammatory and allergic responses and free radical damage protection. Gluten free formulation.

Vitamin C with...Vitamin C with Quercetin by Integrative Therapeutics®: This synergistic formulation combines vitamin C, quercetin and citrus bioflavonoids for powerful antioxidant, immune, and respiratory support. Free of sugar, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Vegan formulation.

References:
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of quercetin and its derivatives. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306588
Understanding Inflammation. https://www.johnshopkinshealthreview.com/issues/spring-summer-2016/articles/understanding-inflammation
Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/
Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5214562/
4 Ways Quercetin Fights Weight Loss. https://vitamindecade.blog/2019/03/19/4-ways-quercetin-fights-weight-loss/

 

Nutrients for Optimum Oral Health

NutrientsOralHealthJacquie Eubanks RN BSNIncreasing evidence shows that the state of overall health is directly linked to the health of the oral cavity. Oral hygiene, eating patterns and food choices all play important roles in oral health, including the health of teeth and gum tissue, as well as cavity and disease prevention. Poor oral hygiene raises the risk of cavities, halitosis, gum disease, and tooth and bone loss. Salivary fluid and many mouth surfaces host a vast and highly diverse microcosm of bacteria, some associated with the digestive process, and others with oral health or disease. Heavily influenced by inadequate nutrition, poor oral hygiene, age, illness, medications, hormonal changes and tooth eruption or loss, pathogenic bacteria can cultivate and cause swollen and bleeding gums, and lead to more serious periodontitis.

Periodontitis is defined as a gum infection that damages the soft tissues and destroys the bone that supports the teeth, resulting in tooth loss. Largely preventable, periodontitis generally results from improper brushing and flossing, the failure to have regular dental checkups and tobacco use. Symptoms of unsightly red, swollen, tender, receding, and bleeding gums warrant a visit to a dentist to halt the progression and permanent destruction of connective tissues and bone. The threat of tooth loss from periodontal disease is traumatic on its own. Perhaps even more worrying, science shows that periodontal pathogens can enter the blood stream and contribute to inflammation and other serious health complications, including coronary artery disease, respiratory problems, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart.

As the relative risk of cardiovascular disease may be doubled in people with periodontal disease, investing in your oral health is an investment in your overall health. Nutrition is an integral component of oral health, as diet affects the integrity of the tooth structure, the composition of saliva and pH balance. Science confirms the relationship between a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugars and starches and the production of plaque acids, that attack tooth enamel. Reducing between meal snacking, cutting back on starchy refined carbs, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks, helps to prevent tooth decay by limiting the time that sugars are available to microorganisms. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables help to stimulate saliva flow that provides natural cavity defense and helps to neutralize acids that harm the teeth.

To support your oral health, avoid foods that have a high potential for tooth decay, including hard and soft candy, baked goods and dried fruit, as well as foods that have a moderate potential for decay, such as fruit juice and other sugary beverages. If you are going to have juice, soda or desert, its best to have them with a meal and when possible, brush immediately or at least swish with water afterwards. Eat more foods that have low potential for decay, such as raw vegetables, whole fruit, and dairy without added sugars. Foods that have a very low potential for decay include meats, fish, poultry, fats and oils. Certain foods, such as cheese, xylitol and nuts, may have the ability to actually prevent decay.

A well-balanced diet, along with sufficient intake of the following nutrients, vitamins and minerals can support and promote oral and dental health:

Vitamin C and quercetin work synergistically to reduce inflammation, fight against cell damage and build, protect, repair, and maintain gum tissue health. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C supports immune health and the healing process. Clinical evidence supports the role of vitamin C in preserving periodontal heath.

CoQ10 and its reduced form, ubiquinol, promote tissue health and healing, support energy production and help prevent free radical damage.

Calcium and phosphorus work to build and strengthen bones and teeth and provide structural support for bones. Calcium is stored in bones and circulates in small amounts throughout the blood stream. Sufficient intake of calcium supports bone strength and tooth enamel integrity.

Potassium works with magnesium to help boost bone mineral density and may keep calcium from becoming too acidic, helping to prevent calcium leach from bones.

Vitamin D helps regulate musculoskeletal heath by mediating calcium absorption and mineral homeostasis. Vitamin D insufficiency affects bone mineral density, and increases the risk of infectious and inflammatory chronic diseases. Vitamin D supports oral health by positively affecting bone metabolism, functioning as an anti-inflammatory agent, and stimulating the production of anti-microbial peptides.

Vitamin K2 works synergistically with calcium and vitamin D to help move calcium into bones and teeth, and helps to produce osteocalcin, a key protein used in bone remodeling. Vitamin K2, particularly in MK-7 form, may help to keep chronic inflammation at bay.

Vitamin A promotes saliva production, helping to prevent potential cavity-causing dry mouth, and helps to maintain healthy mucous membranes that coat gum tissues and cheeks.

Interest in probiotics for oral health is steadily growing, as probiotic bacteria appear to beneficially affect both oral microbiota and the immune response. Some studies have found the probiotics may improve overall gingival health by decreasing gingival inflammation and reducing gum bleeding.

Professional Supplement Center carries many high-quality supplements in support of oral and overall health:

Vitamin C with...Vitamin C with Quercetin by Integrative Therapeutics: This synergistic formula offers the antioxidant support of vitamin C, as well as quercetin, bromelain and citrus bioflavonoids for enhanced effectiveness. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, sugar and yeast free, vegetarian formulation.

 

Vitamin D3 & K2Vitamin D3 & K2 by Bioclinic Naturals: This product provides clinically effective doses of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 as MK-7, in support of bone metabolism and immune activity. Gluten, wheat, dairy and yeast free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Vitamin A 10,000 IUVitamin A 10,000 IU by Pure Encapsulations: This product provides nutritional support for a wide range of biological processes, including vision, immune defense and healthy maintenance of skin and mucous membranes. Non-GMO formulation.

 

PerioBiotic...PerioBiotic™ Spearmint Toothpaste by Designs for Health: This unique toothpaste contains xylitol and calcium, active ingredients shown to promote dental and oral heath, as well as Dental-Lac™, a patent pending functional lactobacillus dental hygiene probiotic. Gluten and fluoride free.

 

DentaVenDentaVen™ by Premier Research Labs: This patented probiotic-based formula provides essential support for tooth and gum tissue health with a highly desirable stain of friendly bacteria able to colonize and beneficially reside in the mouth. For adults and children aged 5 and over.

References:
Bacterial Mouth Infections. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1081424-overview
Defining the Normal Bacterial Flora of the Oral Cavity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1287824/
Periodontitis. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/basics/definition/con-20021679
Oral health: A window to your overall health. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
Six health problems linked to bad oral hygiene. https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/blogdetails/96
Sugar and dental caries. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/78/4/881S.full
Vitamin C and oral health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2676112
Vitamin D and its impact on oral health—an update. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21748977
Probiotics and Oral Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897872/

 

Got Inflammation? There’s a Diet for That

antiinflammatorydietJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Chronic inflammation may slowly simmer for weeks or years without awareness that the body is inflamed, yet the implications of systemic chronic inflammation are clear. Persistent, low-grade inflammation is potentially damaging to long term good health. Chronic inflammation is the underlying factor in the development of a range of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel, cancer, and cardiovascular, lung, autoimmune and cognitive diseases, as well as allergies, acne, migraines and depression. While genetic predisposition, aging, obesity, stress and lifestyle factors may all contribute to chronic inflammation, dietary choices play a huge role in influencing the inflammatory process.

Healing chronic inflammation begins with not only with food, but with an overall healthy lifestyle. Getting sufficient sleep, exercising regularly, reducing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, and of course, not smoking all go hand in hand with a healthy diet. Although many do lose weight when they follow it, an anti-inflammatory diet is not a diet per se, as there’s no calorie counting or calorie restrictions. What you are likely to discover is a general feeling of wellbeing, improved focus, increased energy, clearer skin, a healthier body image and more restful sleep. Better yet, a dramatic reduction of unhealthy sugar and carb cravings, more balanced hormones, a sunnier outlook and optimized long term health.

Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the anti-inflammatory diet was developed by Andrew Weil, a Harvard-educated doctor and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. Based on the belief that certain foods are either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory, the diet’s goal is to combat inflammation and strengthen physical and mental health, while providing steady energy and reducing the risks of developing age-related chronic illnesses. The diet helps to stabilize blood sugar with low-glycemic meals that place a heavy emphasis on phytonutrient- and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, complex carbs including whole grains, beans and legumes, healthy fats from olive oil, avocados and nuts and several servings a week of omega-3 rich cold-water fish in lieu of red meat and poultry.

The diet aims to combat chronic inflammation by increasing the intake of inflammation-reducing food components, while decreasing the amount of inflammation-promoting foods. As there are no strict meal plans, the diet is easy to follow and provides plenty of flexibility for cooking at home or dining out. The general goal to is have meals that consist of 40-50% complex carbs, 30% healthy fats and 20-30% lean proteins. Additionally, the diet recommends drinking plenty of water and provides lots of fiber from whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. A moderate amount of alcohol, especially red wine is allowed, but processed, fried and sugar laden foods are not.

Foods to include:

Plant foods contain numerous anti-inflammatory elements including minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids, lycopene, resveratrol and other phytonutrients that discourage inflammation and provide fiber and nutrients for good overall health. Include dark, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables which tend to have higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting phytochemicals.

Berries, tart cherries and other fruits are high in antioxidants and anthocyanins, powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals.

Garlic and onions high sulfur content provides immune-boosting nutrients along with anti-inflammatory compounds, including quercetin and allicin that help fight free radical damage.

Baked or broiled fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines, high in inflammation-reducing omega-3’s, should be eaten several times a week. Omega-3 fish oil supplements should be considered by those who are not particularly fond of fish.

Whole grains contain fiber, which keeps blood sugar steady and reduces blood levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.

Nuts provide fiber, nutrients, antioxidants and alpha-linoleic acid, an inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acid.

Spices such as ginger, rosemary and turmeric not only add flavor but provide active anti-inflammatory components or immune modulators that help reduce inflammation caused by overactive immune responses.

Foods to avoid:

High glycemic index foods and drinks, including those high in added sugars and simple refined carbohydrates, such as chips, pretzels and flour-based foods, that increase inflammation along with blood sugar.

Red meat, processed foods and unhealthy partially hydrogenated vegetables oils that are high in pro-inflammatory markers, including omega-6 essential fatty acids that encourage inflammation.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other fine products to support a normal inflammatory response and overall wellness:

Peak Omega-3 Liquid...Peak Omega-3 Liquid Fish Oil by Wiley’s Finest Wild Alaskan Fish Oil20% OFF Just one teaspoon provides a concentrated dose of pure, great tasting, liquid fish oil. This 100% American made high quality fish oil is sustainably sourced from wild Alaskan pollock and is naturally preserved with certified Non-GMO mixed tocopherols. Molecularly distilled to ensure purity. Natural lemon flavor. Gluten free with no artificial ingredients.

 

Pro RedsPro Reds by Nutritional Frontiers – Convenient and easy-to-use, this proprietary powdered formula is designed to boost energy and support the body’s antioxidant defense systems. A single scoop of this tasty berry blend provides 5 servings of high ORAC value antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Gluten, dairy and soy free, vegetarian formulation.

 

Advanced Bio...Advanced Bio-Curcumin® with Ginger and Turmerones by Life Extension 15% OFF This potent, bioavailable formula provides BCM-95® curcumin extract along with standardized ginger extract for increased absorption and a healthy inflammatory response.

 

Tart Cherry UltraTart Cherry Ultra by Enzymatic Therapy – This formula provides beneficial antioxidant and anthocyanin anti-inflammatory compounds that may help prevent blood vessel damage and may be useful in fighting chronic inflammation linked to chronic disease. Gluten, dairy and soy free, vegetarian formula.

 

Vitamin C with...Vitamin C with Quercetin by Integrative Therapeutics – This synergistic formula provides enhanced support for the maintenance of proper immune balance. Ingredients include quercetin, citrus bioflavonoids and bromelain. Gluten, dairy and soy free, vegetarian formula.

References:
Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms & Anti-inflammatory Diet. http://www.livescience.com/52344-inflammation.html
Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet. http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/anti-inflammatory-diet
Influencing Inflammation. http://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/diets-weight-loss/influencing-inflammation/
14 Foods That Fight Inflammation. http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20705881,00.html/view-all#ginger-and-turmeric-0
Top 15 Anti-Inflammatory Foods. https://draxe.com/anti-inflammatory-foods/
8 Food Ingredients That Can Cause Inflammation. http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/foods-to-avoid-limit/food-ingredients-and-inflammation-6.php