Missing Out on the Keto Craze?
Should you hop on the bandwagon? One of the latest diet trends is the “keto” (ketogenic) diet, which has eclipsed Paleo as the hottest diet trend around. Keto diets are touted as helping you lose weight, improve your memory, and live longer. And a slew of businesses are lining up to capitalize on the…
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
Why we shouldn’t ignore the oral microbiome If you’re like me, you’d prefer not to dwell on the millions of bacteria living in your mouth. But if you care about your health, you can’t ignore the oral microbiome! Up to 700 different species of bacteria live in various niches within the mouth.[1],[2],[3] Even individuals…
Does the Paleo Diet Really Work?
A critical review of the evidence One of the most controversial diets in recent times is the Paleolithic (“Paleo”) diet, also known as the Stone Age diet. The Paleo diet seeks to address 21st century ills by revisiting the way humans ate during the Paleolithic era, more than 2 million years ago. As a…
Health Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Its use in weight management, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), also known simply as lipoic acid, is a naturally-occurring substance that is an essential cofactor for several enzymes.[1] ALA, synthesized in the body from a medium-chain fatty acid known as octanoic acid,[2] plays a key role in mitochondrial metabolism and energy production.[3],[4]…
Molecular Hydrogen: A Surprising New Nutraceutical
What is it, and how does it work? Molecular hydrogen (H2) contains two atoms of hydrogen (H), the most abundant and lightest element in the universe. H2 is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, which was classically thought to have no effect in the body. This view is quickly changing, however, as various biochemical, physiological,…
Probiotic Benefits of Saccharomyces boulardii
Natural support for gut health from a probiotic yeast Probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”[1] You may be familiar with probiotic supplements that contain lactobacilli and/or bifidobacteria, which are families of beneficial bacteria.[2] However, there is also a yeast species that qualifies as…
Say Yes to NO: Nitric Oxide
Support for heart health, sexual performance, and beyond Nitric oxide (NO) is a tiny gas molecule produced in the blood vessels, nerves, and immune cells. Best known for its role in maintaining blood pressure, NO also mediates penile erections, supports healthy blood flow to the brain, enhances muscle oxygen use during exercise, and helps…
Vitamin D for Allergies
The data behind vitamin D for asthma, eczema, and atopic conditions More than 50 million Americans have an allergy of some kind. If you or a family member has allergies, you know how irritating they can be (literally). Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to one or more allergens by producing antibodies called…
Staying Strong, Lifelong
The importance of amino acids Do you have strong muscles? If the answer is yes, then you have a greater than average chance of living a healthy and happy life. Being physically strong helps us feel and look healthy, and carry out our everyday activities with ease. Muscle strength also helps reduce the chance…
Astaxanthin for Brain and Eye Health
The role of astaxanthin in brain and eye health Algae may be pond scum (literally), but that doesn’t mean they’re useless. On the contrary, algae produce a substance with major benefits for human and animal health: astaxanthin.[1] In nature, astaxanthin serves to protect the algal cysts from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays,[2] so perhaps…
The Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E and K
Nutrients for strong bones and a healthy heart Vitamins are classified into two groups: fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble (B-complex vitamins and vitamin C). Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed best when consumed with higher-fat foods.[1] Fatty fish, vegetable oils, green vegetables, and nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamins A,…
The Power of CoQ10
CoQ10’s effects on fatigue, fertility, and the heart Do you ever feel as if you don’t have enough energy? You’re not alone! Energy is not just a function of mood, positive thinking, or lack of sleep, although all those things play a role. Energy is, literally, the power to do work. Within the body,…
