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CoEnzyme
Q10
The body naturally produces Co
Q10 and is found in every human cell and in all living organisms.
Co
Q10 works with enzymes to break down and convert food into
energy. It is particularly abundant in high-demanding cells, such
as those found in the heart. It appears to support the heart muscle's
strenuous efforts to beat 100,000 times a day. Without adequate
levels of this enzyme, the heart muscle can become weaker and less
efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. It also has powerful
antioxidant properties to boost the immune system, inhibit artery-clogging
plaque buildup and potentially-fatal blood clots. It may help to
lower elevated blood pressure and protect against the complications
related to the disease. Many people take it as a general energy
enhancer; others take it to fight age-related memory loss. Coenzyme
Q10 helps provide the spark that generates the body's energy
on a cellular level.
General Recommendation: Take 60 mg once or
twice daily
Chondroitin
A natural component of the cartilage that "cushions"
joints. Chondroitin
Sulfate helps to block the enzymes that can destroy this crucial
tissue. It can increase joint mobility, possibly slow cartilage
loss and assist the body in rebuilding cartilage in some arthritis
sufferers. Chondroitin
should not be taken by persons taking blood thinners or a daily
asprin. Only take Chondroitin
under a doctor's supervision.
General Recommendation: Take 400 mg 2-3 times daily
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Evening
Primrose Oil
Extracted from the Evening Primrose plant, grown
in North America, Europe and parts of Asia. The theraputic power
contained within the seed oil is an essential fatty acid (EFA) called
gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) which has anti-inflammatory and other
healing actions. Taken internally, the body converts GLA into prostaglandins
which help regulate various body functions and control inflammation.
Cell membranes also rely on the prsence of GLA. Evening Primrose
may help to: relieve the discomfort of PMS (premenstrual syndrome),
menstruation, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts. It minimizes
premenstrual breast tenderness, irritable bowel flare-ups, carbohydrate
cravings and helps to control endometriosis-associated inflammation.
It also may help to: Ease the joint pain and swelling of rheumatoid
arthritis; prevent diabetes-associated nerve damage; reduce the
symptoms of eczema; help treat acne and rosacea; alleviate inflammation
associated with lupus; reduce numbness and tingling; protect against
the effects of aging... as the body ages, it loses its abiltiy to
convert dietary fats into GLA. Taking Evening
Primrose Oil can help to compensate for GLA deficiencies
and help assure their important health-promoting activities.
General Recommendation: Take 1000 mg once or
twice daily
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Flaxseed
Oil
The essential fatty acids, (EFA) in Flaxseed
oil are its key healing components. The body needs the EFAs
to function properly, but can't manufacture them on its own. Flaxseeds
also contain omega-6 fatty acids and are a rich source of lignans,
substances that appear to positively affect hormone-related problems.
Flaxseed
oil may also help to: lower cholesterol; protect against heart
disease and control high blood pressure; counter inflammation associated
with gout, lupus and fibrocystic breasts; control constipation,
hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and gallstones; treat acne,
eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea; promote healthy hair and
nails; assist in the transmission of nerve impulses; treat menstrual
cramps, female infertility and endometriosis; fight prostate problems,
male infertility and impotence. Generally, the EFAs work throughout
the body to help protect cell membranes. Flaxseed
oil is an economical daily supplement for the Essential Fatty
Acids.
General Recommendation: Take 1000 mg 2-3 times
daily
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Glucosamine
Plays an important role in maintaining cartilage health. It may
help to relieve the common symptoms of osteoarthritis: pain, stiffness,
and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers report improvements
as well. By protecting and reinforcing cartilage, Glucosamine
may help to prevent the symptoms of cartilage that has dried out
and gradually broken down over time, cracked and flaked off. When
joints are deprived of the cushioning, cartilage provides, painful
stiffness and inflammation can develop. Glucosamine
appears to protect and strengthen the cartilage around joints, particularly
in the knees, hips, spine and hands. Glucosamine
also appears to slow the development of mild to moderately severe
osteoarthritis. It speeds healing of strains and sprains and also
helps to prevent future injury. Glucosamine
also helps control back pain because it is believed to strengthen
the tissue supporting the spinal disks lining the back.
General Recommendation: Take 1000 mg 2-3 times
daily
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Grape
Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant containing natural,
active flavonoids known as OPC (oligomeres procyanodoliques) Proanthocyanidins.
In addition to neutralizing hazardous free radicals, it is particularly
valuable for cardiovascular health by protecting the walls of the
arteries, capillaries and veins, as well as inhibiting the actions
of damaging enzymes by reducing the formation of plaque. Grape
Seed Extract is beneficial in reducing varicose veins, elevated
blood pressure levels, edema (fluid retention) and other common
circulatory conditions.
General Recommendation: Take 300 mg daily
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MSM
An organic sulfur compound, MSM
(methylsulfonylmethane) is contained in minute amounts in everyone's
blood and most foods. Like other sulfur compounds, it is a necessary
building block for proteins, especially those found in the hair,
muscles and connective tissue of the joints and skin. MSM
appears to inhibit pain impulses that travel along nerve fibers,
acting as analgesic. It's anti-inflammatory actions are used for
combating the symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel
syndrome and allergies. MSM
may reduce muscle spasms, increase blood flow and help with the
maintenance and repair of cartilage. Numerous studies have shown
that sulfur levels in arthritic joints are lower than in healthy
joints. MSM
may help by delivering needed sulfur to the afflicted areas. Taken
in conjunction with supplements such as Glucosamine, MSM
may be useful for treating chronic back pain resulting from muscle
strain or ligament sprain. Some people have found MSM
more effective than antihistamines for allergies. If you are on
a blood thinner (anticoagulant), such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin),
consult with a doctor before taking MSM
because it can occasionally have a blood-thinning effect.
General Recommendation: Take 1000 mg-3000 mg
daily
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Omega-3
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid derived
from fish oils
especially Salmon, Tuna and Mackerel. The tow
most potent forms of Omega-3
Fatty Acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic
acid (DHA). Studies have demonstrated beneficial effects including
lowered serum cholesterol, decreased serum triglycerides and reduced
platelet aggregation. Research suggests that individuals with non-insulin-dependent
diabetes, fish oil supplements appear to improve insulin sensitivity.
Consumption of Omega-3
Fatty Acids appears to have a valuable cardio-protective
effect. It may also help maintain healthy breast tissue and prevent
breast cancer. In addition, fish oils demonstrate anti-inflammatory
actions, including decreased joint stiffness and swelling. Studies
also suggest fish oils may be effective in treating psoriasis, Raynaud's
disease, lupus and relieving menstrual cramps.
General Recommendation: Take EPA 300 mg/DHA
200 mg once or twice daily
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