Unfortunately, due to food processing and industrial chemical preservatives, pesticides, and lack of soil nutrients, even when we try to eat healthy, most of us will not get optimal amounts of these necessary nutrients from food alone. That’s where foundational supplements come in—they help to improve the quality of your life as well as the quantity. However, with so many to choose from, which supplements will build the foundation to help you thrive?
Peter Morrell Holistic Practitioner, Host Holistic Healthline Radio has put together his list to make it easier for you.
Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (AGE)
Aged Garlic Extract (Kyolic) is a specific form of garlic created using a quality assured, proprietary aging process. It supports cardiovascular health, immune health, gut health and more in a way that raw garlic just cannot. The aging process produces an odorless preparation and converts the harsh, unstable organosulfur compounds in garlic into milder, more beneficial compounds, which are higher in antioxidants and other health benefits.
Over forty-seven years of clinical research have documented the numerous benefits of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract including: Supporting immune function, Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, Slowing the progression of coronary artery calcification and inhibiting the accumulation of “soft” unstable plaque, Repairing the lining of blood vessels (endothelium), Improving gut microbiome.
A study published in the January 2016 medical journal Integrated Blood Pressure Control states, “Our trial suggests aged garlic extract is effective in reducing peripheral and central blood pressure in a large proportion of patients with uncontrolled hypertension, and has the potential to improve arterial stiffness, inflammation, and other cardiovascular markers in patients with elevated levels.”
In another study from Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, showed follow-up screening conducted a year after study began, those who had taken Aged Garlic Extract had slowed total plaque accumulation by 80%, reduced soft plaque and demonstrated regression (less plaque on follow-up) for low-attenuation plaque.
AGE also works on the microcirculatory system—that network of tiny capillaries, arterioles, and venules that moves blood from larger blood vessels to your cells. This was shown in a recent study published in the International Wound Journal. Among 122 people who took part in the study, those who supplemented with AGE for a year had better microcirculation than those taking a placebo. A 2021 study suggested that AGE and its primary sulfur-containing constituent, S-1-propenylcysteine (S1PC), improve endothelial barrier disruption by inhibiting the GEF-H1/RhoA/Rac pathway.
November 2022 a study by Maeda et al. investigated the effect of taking aged garlic extracts on the gut microbiota profile. After seven weeks of consuming aged garlic extracts, there is an increase in the Lactobacillus and a decrease in several bad bacteria species, including Clostridium cluster XVIII (C-Diff) and Prevotella.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic (Essential Formulas) This unique formula is Prebiotic, Probiotic and Postbiotic. Prebiotics Culture Medium are fermented vegetables and mushrooms that nourish the probiotics. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help you digest food and support immune response. Postbiotic are pH balancing organic acids along with naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids to support digestive function and whole health.
It has won numerous International Supplement Awards, including Best Supplement Award, by Better Nutrition Magazine for seven years running. 100% Vegetarian, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Chemical Free, Non-GMO. The three-year fermentation process at seasonal temperatures encourages survival of the strongest bacteria and makes the blend (12 Probiotic Strains) shelf-stable without refrigeration. Unlike other products that simply contain billions of freeze-dried non-native bacteria, Dr. Ohhira’s formula takes probiotic support to a whole new level by providing the biogenic ingredients needed to support your exclusive probiotic ‘fingerprint’ to achieve a healthy microbiome. It also relieves occasional gas and heartburn, maintains healthy intestinal pH and digestive function, supports the absorption of nutrients from food and other supplements, and support a healthy immune system response.
Also, a study published in the 2021 journal Nutrition, Research shows that alteration in gut microbial diversity and defects in gut brain axis are linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Probiotics are known to be one of the best preventative measures against cognitive decline in AD. Numerous in vivo trials and recent clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of selected bacterial strains in slowing down the progression of AD. It is proven that probiotics modulate the inflammatory process, counteract oxidative stress, and modify gut microbiota.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down the foods you eat so you can use them as energy. Your body produces many different types of enzymes to help digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. . As long as your digestive system is working well, your body knows which enzymes to produce and when to produce them. However, aging, illness, and medications can decrease the stomach’s enzyme production or effectiveness resulting in poor nutrient processing and absorption.
Most foods have a mix of carbs, protein, and fat, some important enzymes include:
- Amylase – breaks down carbs in starchy foods like bread, potatoes, or beans into simple sugars.
- Lactase – breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk.
- Protease – breaks down proteins in foods like eggs, meats, or dairy foods into amino acids.
- Lipase – breaks down fats from foods like nuts, oils, or butter into fatty acids.
Research from the 2016 journal Current Drug Metabolism suggests Digestive enzymes are able to break down proteins and carbohydrates and lipids, and their supplementation may play a role in the management of digestive disorders, from lactose intolerance to cystic fibrosis.
Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for health. It keeps your bones strong, can improve your mental health and helps you sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, almost 1 in 4 U.S. adults are considered low in Vitamin D. Symptoms depend on how severe the deficiency is and the person. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitating normal immune system function. Vitamin D has two main forms: D2 and D3. You can absorb both types in your body, but studies have shown that vitamin D3 raises your levels more effectively than vitamin D2.
People who do not have adequate vitamin D levels might be at increased risk of infections and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
A 2018 review of population-based studies also found that low levels of vitamin D are linked with an increased risk of Multiple Sclerosis, heart diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke and may contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome.
MSM (Methysulfonylmethane) is a sulfur-based chemical that occurs naturally in humans, as well as some green plants and animals. It can also be made into a supplement. Even those allergic to sulfur medications can take MSM.
Studies have shown that MSM significantly reduces inflammation in your body. It also inhibits the breakdown of cartilage, a flexible tissue that protects the ends of your bones in joints. It also reduces the production of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ɑ) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which are signaling proteins linked to systemic inflammation. MSM enhances tissue pliability and encourages the repair of damaged ligaments, tendons, muscles and skin. Additionally, MSM can increase levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant produced by your body.
A study in 100 people over the age of 50 found that treatment with a supplement containing 1,200 mg of MSM for 12 weeks decreased pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, and improved healing of rotator cuff tears. Some people can be sensitive to MSM so start with a small dose and gradually increase. People with Psoriasis should not take MSM.
To be continued………..stay tuned for the final 5!
To schedule an appointment (telephone or in-office) to address your specific health needs call 508-336-4242
Jane Jansen. Holistic Practitioner Tree of Life Wellness Center
Host Holistic Healthline Radio