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Tag: Health tips

Livervitan box with elements and graphics on the right side.

Livervitan Capsule

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Did you know that our liver performs more than 500 vital functions, including metabolism of food, medications, and even alcohol that we consumed, to support healthy body functioning?

Give this hard-working organ the help and support it needs by taking natural, high quality hepatoprotective nutrients.

Livervitan is a silybin-based food supplement with 9 nutrients specially formulated to promote liver health.

• Silybin-Phosphatidylcholine  is a complex of 2 widely-known liver protectors, Silybin, the major component of Silymarin/Milk Thistle, and Phosphatidylcholine, also known as Lecithin.

When combined with Phosphatidylcholine, Silybin is significantly better absorbed by the body with 4.6x higher bioavailability than when given alone. Among the various components of Silymarin, Silybin is recognized to have the most potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

•  Vitamin E and Zinc are powerful antioxidants that help protect the liver against the damaging effects of toxins and free radicals.

•  Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12  help the liver metabolize substances, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Get all 9 high quality nutrients in every capsule of Livervitan, available in leading drugstores nationwide

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Middle aged woman holding a pill and glass of water.

Do You Need Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B1, B6, and B12?

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Among the B vitamins, the most widely recognized include vitamins B1, B6, and B12. 

While each of these B vitamins has its own functions in the body, the three have interrelated actions and work together in synergy to deliver common benefits to keep the body healthy, especially the brain and nerves. These B vitamins are also known as neurotropic B complex because of their particular importance in supporting brain and nerve health.

Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are nutrients known to play a vital role in promoting growth, energy production in the body, good health and well-being. They are also essential in promoting the health of the blood, immune system and various organs of the body especially the heart and blood vessels.

These B vitamins can usually be obtained from various food sources such as milk, meat, eggs, cheese, fish, shellfish, beans, nuts and seeds, vegetables, fruits, whole grain and cereals. However, dietary intake may still be inadequate. It has been reported that even in developed countries, such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, deficiency is around 6% in the general population and around 20% in the elderly population.

Being water-soluble nutrients, B vitamins cannot be stored in the body and must be provided on a daily basis. Lack of a steady supply of these nutrients brings risk for nerve problems, anemia, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline including memory loss. Even if people are taking enough B vitamins from the food they eat, there are certain conditions or diseases that put the individuals at risk for vitamin B deficiency. Here are some identified risk factors associated with the development of deficiencies for these B vitamins:

  • People on fad diets or those with inadequate dietary intake (e.g., anorexia or poor appetite, restrictive or deficient diet while recovering from illnesses and surgical operations)
  • Excessive vomiting and intractable diarrhea may prevent absorption of B vitamins
  • Old age due to poor intake and decreased ability to absorb nutrients
  • Pregnancy due to increased bodily demands. Some pregnant women may also have excessive vomiting
  • Strict vegetarians are likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency as B12 is mainly found in animal food such as meat, eggs and milk
  • Heavy alcoholic and coffee drinkers may also suffer from B deficiency as these beverages prevent the absorption and also increases the urinary excretion of B vitamins.
  • Certain medications such as omeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors for acid-related diseases, isoniazid for tuberculosis and metformin for diabetes, are known to interfere with the utilization of B vitamins and may reduce the body’s ability to absorb B vitamins.
  • Persons with autoimmune disease, impaired kidney function, infections such as HIV and tuberculosis
  • Surgical removal of portions of stomach or intestines can reduce the area where vitamin B12 is absorbed
  • Gastrointestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease that affect the intestinal lining impairing the ability to absorb nutrients
  • Hormonal imbalances associated with pre- or post-menopausal syndrome as some hormones may affect the utilization of B vitamins.

Consequently, people who are deficient in vitamins B1, B6, and B12 may experience a range of signs and symptoms. Following are the manifestations of Vitamin B Deficiency that people have to watch out for:

  • Mood changes, anxiety, mental fatigue or brain fog, forgetfulness, and restlessness, particularly with vitamin B6 deficiency.
  • Rashes, low energy, dry, cracked lips, sweating, warm or cold feeling and weak immune system.
  • Anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, and nerve damage are usually seen with vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Individuals with nerve damage or neuropathy linked to B deficiency may experience numbness, ‘pins-and-needles’ sensation, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle twitching and inability to move a part of the body.
  • Those with anemia associated with Vitamins B6 and B12 deficiency may experience fatigue, shortness of breath & dizziness, mental confusion or forgetfulness.

These symptoms, which may signal B deficiency, can also reveal other health problems. Consult your doctor for prompt diagnosis and management that may include appropriate Vitamin B supplementation.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition.

References:

  1. Ali MA, Hafez HA, Kamel MA, Ghamry HI, Shukry M, Farag MA. Dietary Vitamin B Complex: Orchestration in Human Nutrition throughout Life with Sex Differences. Nutrients. 2022; 14(19):3940. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193940

2. Lavriša Ž, Hristov H, Hribar M, et al. Dietary Intake and Status of Vitamin B12 in Slovenian Population. Nutrients. 2022;14(2):334. Published 2022 Jan 13. doi:10.3390/nu14020334

Man wearing gray shirt, stretching, smiling. Nature scenery on background, outdoors.

Tips on Boosting Your Immunity with A Healthy Lifestyle in the New Normal

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Leading a healthy lifestyle is essential to adopting and embracing the new normal as the world works toward preventing another pandemic.

Below are some practical tips on important lifestyle interventions that will boost immune response as shared by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Non-Communicable Diseases, and the Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine that may help to keep up in the new normal and the challenges it may bring.

Proper nutrition to boost immunity

A well-balanced whole-food, and plant-based diet is known to enhance immune function in contrast to meat, refined carbohydrates, and processed food. Eat a variety of at least 400g or 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

  • Intake of foods high in the anti-oxidant, resveratrol, (e.g., grapes, peanuts, soy, berries, etc.) is highly encouraged to help combat pathogens like bacteria and fungi owing to its immunomodulatory properties.

Cut back on salt and sugar and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

  • Avoiding sugary food and beverages helps prevent the suppression of immune responses. Limit intake of free sugars to less than 50g or around 12 teaspoons of regular powdered sugar each day.
  • Limit salt consumption to less than 5g of salt or 1 teaspoon each day. Iodized salt may be used.

Eat a moderate amount of fats and oils.

  • Eat less than 30% of the total energy intake from fats. Unsaturated fats like fish, avocado and nuts are preferable. Reduce consumption of saturated fats like butter, palm and coconut oil and cheese and trans fats like processed food, fast food and margarine.

Avoid processed food, meat products and refined carbohydrates which alter gut immune processes.

Make sure you’re getting enough of the immune-boosting vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins A, C, D, E and B complex and minerals such as Zinc, Selenium, Copper, and Iron are essential to boost immune response. Studies have shown that these vitamins and minerals have positive effects in resolving symptoms of respiratory diseases and in improving the immune function. Keen knowledge and careful appreciation of the correct supplements and the amount that should be taken are vital in boosting immunity.


Get sufficient sleep

As much as possible, avoid modest loss of sleep because this alters the immune function. Modest disturbance of sleep reduces the natural immune response thus resulting in an increased risk of viral infection.

Avoid exposure to LED screens and electronic devices 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime as this suppresses the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin thus, contributing to or exacerbating sleep problems.

Get good sunlight exposure in the morning. This is one proven way of improving sleep.

Avoid eating heavy meals at night. This is associated with the deterioration of sleep quality. Having a light meal during dinner will help in attaining a good quality of sleep.

Engage in adequate regular physical activities

Do regular moderate physical activities. This helps improve the function of immune cells.

Avoid sitting, reclining or having low energy expenditure during most of the day. A sedentary lifestyle is closely associated with an elevated risk of insomnia or sleep disturbance and cardiometabolic diseases. Furthermore, this ultimately affects the immune response.

Avoid strenuous and exhaustive exercises. This will decrease the natural killer cells and their immune response activity.

Seated exercises and stationary walking are encouraged. These are good examples of exercises that can be done at home especially during work from home set-up.

Stop cigarette smoking and avoid alcohol

Smoking impacts certain pathways of immunity and plays a complex role in causing numerous diseases such as cancers, allergies and heart and lung diseases.

Avoid alcohol as it disrupts immune pathways in complex ways that result in the impairment of the body’s defense against infection. It also interferes with gut microorganisms which are essential in normal gut function.


References:

Acero Michelle. 2020. Immune Boosting Lifestyle Intervention for COVID-19. Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine.

World Health Organization. 2020. Healthy at Home.

World Health Organization. 2020. Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable diseases.

Healthy diet, Immune System, New Normal

Running man with vitamin elements around him.

Essential Nutrients That Can Boost the Body’s Immune System

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

With the abundance in the varieties of vitamin and mineral supplements available in the market, it can be daunting to identify which among them would really be useful in boosting the body’s immune system. This has been made more challenging with the proliferation of unsubstantiated claims and advices online.

While all vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining good health, several published scientific reviews were able to point out the key vitamins and minerals most studied for the purpose of protecting against infectious diseases.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a classic and well-known anti-oxidant. A study done by a team from the Nutrition and Health Research Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, noted that a daily supplementation of Vitamin C at 700-800 mg per day may reduce the duration of the common cold. Vitamin C supplementation was also found to reduce the occurrence of pneumonia and improve other respiratory conditions.

Vitamin A

Aside from its established role in maintaining a healthy eyesight, Vitamin A may also enhance resistance to infection by promoting an immediate immune response to the invasion of microbes and through activation of natural killer cells. A review published in the Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome Journal reported that children from 2-8 years old, supplementation of Vitamin A had enhanced immune response to influenza virus.

B Vitamins

The role of B vitamins is not only limited to their well-known effects on nerves and brain functions. B vitamins are needed for the processing of the building blocks of proteins to form antibodies that help fight infections. B vitamins are also valuable in times of stress and viral infections.

Vitamin D

In addition to Vitamin D’s recognized role in promoting calcium absorption, studies have shown that Vitamin D may lower the incidence and severity of respiratory viral diseases. Vitamin D also increases antiviral defenses to protect against acute respiratory tract infection.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another highly recognized anti-oxidant. It works with Vitamin C to protect the integrity of the cellular defenses against infection and from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Must-have Minerals or Trace Elements

Known to many, low levels of minerals and trace elements in the body is also associated with increased risk of infection. Here are some of the minerals that are considered to strengthen the body’s immune system:

Zinc

Zinc is a very important mineral that helps the body fight infection. It was found that zinc supplementation can reduce the incidence and duration of pneumonia. Zinc supplementation has also been reported to reduce the duration of common colds from 7.6 days to 4.4 days. It was also shown that there has been twice the number of reported deaths from pneumonia in patients with low zinc levels than the ones with the normal zinc levels in the body.

Iron

Aside from its known use for anemia, iron has an important role in the body’s innate immune response. Iron is used by white blood cells to form highly reactive compounds to kill bacteria. It was found that by receiving 3 months of iron supplementation, recurrences of acute respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and gastroenteritis were significantly reduced.

Selenium

Selenium supplementation has been associated with clinical improvement with viral infection specifically in children. Dietary selenium supplementations were also found to increase cellular immune response through enhanced immune cell proliferation.

Copper

Copper, like iron, has a role in innate immune response specifically against invading microbes. Important in antibody production and immunity, copper plays a role in fighting against viral infection by inhibiting the replication of influenza viruses.

Vitamins and minerals may not always be adequate in our usual diet. In this case, the practical solution is to provide vitamin and mineral supplementation. Boosting the immunity by supplementation with key vitamins and minerals can offer protection against various infections including COVID-19. The best advice on proper nutrition is to always consult your doctor.

References:

Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, et al. Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations During the COVID-19 Crisis. Nutrients.

Jayawardena R, Sooriyaarachchi P, Chourdakis M, Jeewandara C, Ranasinghe P. Enhancing Immunity in Viral Infections, with Special Emphasis on COVID-19: A review. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 

Derbyshire E, Delange J COVID-19: Is There a Role for Immunonutrition, Particularly in the over 65s? BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

Michienzi SM, Badowski ME. Can vitamins and/or supplements Provide Hope Against Coronavirus?. Drugs Context. 

Health tips, Immune Defense, Immunity

Lady smiling vibrantly with B vitamins text and vitamin elements on side.

Better Mood and Mental Health with B-Vitamins: B1, B6 and B12

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Better Mood and Mental Health with B-Vitamins: B1, B6 and B12

A person’s mood and emotional state are influenced by health conditions and body compounds such as hormones, brain chemicals, and nutrients. The nerve-nourishing nutrients Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 have been found to play key roles in keeping a healthy mood as explained by the following:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) keeps the brain active and energized  

The brain, being considered as a metabolically active organ accounting for over 20% of the body’s total energy expenditure, is selective when it comes to its source of energy. It almost exclusively relies on glucose obtained from the carbohydrates that we eat or are processed by the body. The process of converting glucose into brain energy essentially requires Vitamin B1 or Thiamine.  This makes Vitamin B1 a crucial nutrient to keep the brain energized.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) helps the brain form the neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals responsible for one’s mood and mental function

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that influence mood and mental function. Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine contributes to a healthy brain function by being an essential nutrient for the production of a number of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline and melatonin. Dopamine plays a role in reactions involved on how pleasure is felt while serotonin contributes to feelings of well-being. GABA is needed to regulate or calm brain activity and help reduce anxiety. Noradrenaline helps in coping with stress and in becoming active while melatonin is important in maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle. 

Vitamins B6 and B12 (Cyanocobalamin) help clear away metabolic by-products linked with depression

Whenever the body processes or metabolizes protein, it produces a substance known as homocysteine. Homocysteine accumulation has been linked to the development of depression.  It was reported that up to 30% of depressed patients were found to have elevated homocysteine levels. Thankfully, the body is able to naturally clear away homocysteine through reactions involving Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and Vitamins B12 (Cobalamin). Maintaining healthy levels of Vitamins B6 and B12 may therefore be seen as a way to prevent homocysteine buildup. 

Supplementation with B vitamins has been suggested to support a healthy mood and mental well-being

Seeing that B vitamins play numerous roles in keeping a healthy mood, it is no surprise that deficiencies of these B vitamins may lead to mood disorders. Studies have shown that deficiencies in B vitamins are associated with the development of various mood disorders and supplementation of B vitamins support a healthy mood.

 In a study done on 35,000 older adults, it was shown that higher intakes of Vitamin B6 and B12 were associated with a lower risk of developing depressive symptoms by about 7 years. In another clinical trial, treatment with vitamin B complex for 3 months led to lower levels of perceived personal strain and sad mood compared to those who were not given vitamin B complex. 

These studies suggest that intake of nerve-nourishing B vitamins is supportive of mental well-being given their various roles in multiple brain processes involved in regulating mood. Click here to learn more about B-vitamins.

For individuals feeling symptoms of depression, it is always best to seek professional help or to consult a doctor.

References: 

Young LM et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress Effects on Healthy and ‘At-Risk’ Individuals. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2232. Published 2019 Sep 16. doi:10.3390/nu11092232

Stough C et al. The effect of 90 day administration of a high dose vitamin B-complex on work stress Hum Psychopharmacol. 2011;26(7):470-476. doi:10.1002/hup.1229

Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy -A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. Published 2016 Jan 27.doi:10.3390/nu8020068

Seppälä J et al. Association between vitamin b12 levels and melancholic depressive symptoms a Finnish population-based study. BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13:145. Published 2013 May 24. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-145

Sangle P et al. Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Preventing Onset and Improving Prognosis of Depression Cureus. 2020;12(10):e11169. Published 2020 Oct 26. doi:10.7759/cureus.11169

A woman holding and massaging her left palm surrounded with nerve elements, B vitamins, and blue circles around her hand.

How B Vitamins Help Keep Our Nerves Healthy and Safe from Nerve Damage

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Among the B vitamins, there is a group called nerve vitamins due to the important role these vitamins play in nourishing and maintaining the health of our nerves and these are: B1, B6, and B12.  

Vitamin B1, or Thiamine, allows our body to convert the sugar and other carbohydrates we eat into energy that is essential for the brain and nerves to function. The importance of this role is further highlighted considering that our brain and nerves almost exclusively rely on carbohydrates as their chief fuel source for energy.

Vitamin B6, or Pyridoxine, plays a vital role in the formation of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerves to properly transfer impulses and communicate with each other and even be responsible for maintaining a healthy mood. Some examples of neurotransmitters include dopamine and serotonin, the so-called “happy hormones”.

Vitamin B12, or Cobalamin, supports the formation and maintenance of healthy nerve tissues, specifically the myelin sheath. The nerves are like cables or wires that carry the electrical impulses between your brain and the different parts of the body. Just like how cables are coated with rubber insulators to efficiently conduct the transmission of electricity, the nerves have myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is an insulating layer around nerves that also allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve fibers. 

Deficiencies involving B vitamins due to improper nutrition or diseases result in nerve damage or neuropathy, which may be felt as numbness, ‘pins-and-needles’ sensation, tingling, or weakness particularly affecting the hands and feet.  Certain conditions like diabetes, traumatic nerve impingement or aging may also cause neuropathies and would need supplementation of nerve vitamins to allow nerve healing and recovery. 

Use of B-complex vitamins formulated with high doses of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 have been shown by numerous clinical studies to help relieve symptoms of neuropathies and promote nerve recovery.

For proper advice and to know more on how to take care of your nerves before it is too late, it is always best to consult your doctor.

Colorful fruits and veggies in a heart-shaped bowl. With a light blue dumbbell, placed on a gray table.

The Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10

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What is Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10?

CoQ10, a shorthand for Coenzyme Q10, is also known as Ubiquinone, due to its ubiquitous presence in every cell of the human body. Because it also possesses vitamin-like properties, it is also sometimes called Vitamin Q despite not being technically a true vitamin. As a coenzyme, CoQ10 works in concert with enzymes of the body by accelerating the efficient metabolism of nutrients.

CoQ10 is abundant in energy demanding cells to support the function of the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. The highest concentrations of CoQ10 are reportedly present in the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas. Tissue levels of CoQ10 may decline in people who are advancing in age.  Levels may not be enough when there is lack of intake of substances needed to produce CoQ10 and when the body is faced with increased requirements during illness.

CoQ10 also functions as a very powerful natural antioxidant that protect us against cell damaging effect of free radicals and various diseases.

Juan Hernandez-Camacho and his team of researchers from the Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-JA in Sevilla, Spain, and the National Institute on Aging and the National Institutes of Health in Baltimore, Maryland USA did a review of the studies done showing the numerous health benefits of CoQ10.

Role in cardiovascular health

The review discovered that daily supplementation with CoQ10 significantly helped in lowering elevated blood pressure. Short term daily treatment with CoQ10 was also seen to aid in the cardiac function of patients with heart failure. It improved ejection fraction (the fraction of blood being pumped by the heart per beat).  Furthermore, CoQ10 also improved the blood vessel function in patients with heart failure.

Role in metabolic health and diabetes

The review also reported that CoQ10 supplementation had a mild but significant capacity to lower fasting plasma glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

In terms of lowering blood cholesterol, some reports suggested that CoQ10 is very effective in reducing blood triglycerides and lipoproteins. It was also observed that CoQ10 supplementation may benefit patients taking cholesterol reducing drugs called statins by reducing its common side effects such as muscle pain and cramping.

CoQ10 relieves migraine

In a review published in StatPearls, researchers Britanny Sood and Michael Keenaghan also found CoQ10 to be beneficial in terms of alleviating migraine.

The study found that supplementation with CoQ10 was three times more likely to reduce the number of migraines than placebo. It was also observed that low levels of CoQ10 were seen in individuals with migraine. In the treatment process, patients with CoQ10 deficiency experienced fewer and less severe headaches. CoQ10 was also shown to decrease migraine frequency in adult migraine sufferers.

CoQ10 and exercise performance

It was also found that supplementation with CoQ10 can help increase stamina during exercise, reduce fatigue, and improve exercise performance. CoQ10 was shown to decrease pain, fatigue, and morning tiredness in patients with fibromyalgia, a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by fatigue and problems in sleep, mood and memory.

Multivitamin preparations with CoQ10 are readily available in drugstores allowing anyone to enjoy its health benefits. It should always be remembered that a doctor must be consulted before taking any vitamins and food supplements.

References:


Hernández-Camacho JD, Bernier M, López-Lluch G, Navas P. Coenzyme Q10Supplementation in Aging and Disease.

Sood B, Keenaghan M. Coenzyme https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/

Coenzyme, CoQ10, Nutritional supplements

A smiling lady in a yellow shirt holding a liver-shaped paper with nutritious foods on the table.

How to Promote Your Liver Vitality

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“Lose you liver, and you lose your life”

– Dr. K. Bartholomew

The liver is one of the most amazing organs in our body. It is a fascinating organ as it performs hundreds of vital functions in the body including digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Maintaining liver vitality is essential in keeping the body healthy.

Numerous factors may lead to liver damage such as viruses, exposure to toxins, intake of alcohol, and even metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, which are increasingly becoming more common.

The signs and symptoms suggestive of liver disease include:

  • Afternoon fatigue
  • Unexplained itching
  • Nausea
  • Poor appetite
  • Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
  • Abdominal enlargement
  • Intestinal bleeding

Many patients without symptoms are also being diagnosed with liver disease due to findings of abnormally high liver enzyme levels on a routine blood test.

Here are some ways to protect your liver:

  • Proper diet and regular exercise: Regular exercise with a proper diet low in refined carbohydrates and fat and high in fiber have been proven to prevent the development of many diseases, including that of the liver. Current recommendations call for 150 minutes of exercise per week which can be accomplished through 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on weekdays and a single set of strength training on major muscle groups about 12 to 15 repetitions on weekends. 
  • Refrain from alcohol: Limit your alcohol intake to not more than 1 serving a day for women and 2 serving a day for men. But choosing not to drink alcohol at all would be best for your liver.
  • Practice safe sex: Being loyal to your partner or using protective barriers such as a condom can prevent you from getting hepatitis B, C, and D, viral infections known to affect the liver.
  • Be picky on the needles: The practice of tattooing and body piercing is an art but, keep in mind that cleanliness in choosing the needle will protect you from blood-borne diseases that are toxic to the liver.
  • Be careful with your medications: Take your medications properly by reading the drug information leaflet and consulting your doctor especially if you are taking multiple medications together.
  • Get a vaccine against hepatitis: Prevention is better than cure; protect your liver against the damaging effect of hepatitis by taking the vaccine.
  • Consider supplements formulated with Silybin-Phosphatidylcholine complex: Silybin is a compound from the milk thistle plant recognized for its multiple liver protecting benefits. Phosphatidylcholine is a natural component of the body’s cell membranes which could support the repair of injured liver cells. By combining silybin with phosphatidylcholine, the absorption of silybin into the body is further increased, thus allowing enhanced delivery of its benefits to the liver.

To know more about how to promote your liver health and vitality, it is best to consult your doctor.

References:

Edward R. Laskowski, M. D. (2021, September 22). How much exercise do you really need? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 8). Liver disease. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502

Silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2009;14(4): 385-390.

Red heart floating, with two hands on both sides, yellow background.

Choosing the Right Nutrients for your Heart Health

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When choosing your brand of nutritional supplement, it is good to know which part of your health or body you want to focus on. If you want to show your heart some love, here are some HEART NUTRIENTS to look for in choosing your supplement:

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has been shown to reduce blood viscosity and prevent fatty acid oxidation. This helps prevent cholesterol plaque formation in the blood vessels that can potentially block arteries in the heart, which may later lead to a heart attack. Studies show that consuming Vitamin E-rich food is associated with lower risk for coronary heart disease in middle-aged to older men and women.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Don’t let the “fat” in “fatty acid” mislead you. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are good for your heart health. Also known as fish oil or EPA and DHA, these are your healthy fatty acids found in fish. If you look at some of the experts’ recommendations for cardiovascular health, you may see omega-3 fatty acids as part of the treatment in lowering bad cholesterol. A daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent cholesterol build-up thereby decreasing the risk of heart attacks especially for the elderly population.

Co-Q10 or Coenzyme-Q10

Co-Q10, both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient, has been studied for its use on coronary heart disease. Some researchers reported that daily supplementation with Co-Q10 helped in lowering elevated blood pressure. Recent findings have shown that Co-Q10 helps improve the performance or functional capacity of the heart.

Lecithin

Some supplements provide Lecithin because of its cholesterol-busting properties. Also known as phosphatidylcholine, lecithin is reported to support liver health. It plays an important role in metabolizing cholesterol, thus helping against cholesterol build-up and plaque formation that could lead to coronary artery disease.

Folate

Vitamin B9 or Folate is not only for expectant mothers, but also for those who want to reduce their risk for heart disease. Folate helps lower homocysteine, an important risk factor in artery wall thickening. Hence, adequate folate intake may help prevent homocysteine accumulation in the blood, and lowers your risk for stroke and coronary heart disease. If you want the benefits of folate, don’t forget to spot “Folic Acid” in your supplement’s list of ingredients.

Magnesium

Considered as a trace mineral, magnesium is shown to be important in keeping a healthy heart rhythm. Some studies have reported that low magnesium level has been linked to several risk factors that could lead to heart disease such as high blood pressure, increase in cholesterol build-up and hardening of the arteries.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a well-known potent antioxidant and great for your immune system. But do you know that Vitamin C is also good for your heart? Researchers found out that intake of Vitamin C is linked to a reduced risk for heart disease because of its ability to help lower heart disease risk factors, including high blood levels triglycerides and LDL, known as the bad cholesterol.

Lycopene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that provides the red color in your fresh tomatoes. Lycopene provides protection for the heart by lowering blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure which are both risk factors for coronary heart disease.

Some emerging studies suggest the potential roles of lutein and zeaxanthin in supporting cardiovascular health. Lutein has been shown to have a number of beneficial effects on the heart by decreasing inflammation. It was said to resolve chronic inflammation in coronary arteries of patients. Results of studies also suggested that lutein may help prevent clogging of the neck arteries. Zeaxanthin reduces blood vessel stiffness and protects the blood vessels against atherosclerosis.

It must be remembered though that these nutrients may only help lower the risk for heart disease and must be combined with other healthy lifestyle practices such as proper diet and exercise.

If you have existing heart problems or symptoms, it would be best to consult your doctor on the proper supplements that you should take. Listen to your doctor’s advice and take the right nutrients for your heart.

A girl with a grimacing face, holding her neck with both hands.

What to Do When Your Throat Hurts

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Having that scratchy feeling on your throat that hurts when you swallow? That could be a sign that your throat is irritated, inflamed, or even infected.

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Some throat problems are generally minor and may go away on their own.

Here are some ways that may help you relieve sore throat:

1.Try hot tea like chamomile tea with lemon or some hot soup. Ginger tea may also help.

2. Gargle with warm salt water that can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions.     

3. Keep your throat moist with lozenges or water.

4. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.

5. Gargle with warm salt water or use ice chips.

6. Throat sprays such as those with propolis and over-the-counter pain relievers can help, too. Propolis has properties that can heal wound effectively like in sore throats.

7. You may use a humidifier or vaporizer, especially when sleeping, to keep air from getting too dry.

If the sore throat persists for several days or is accompanied by fever, please consult your doctor.

References:

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/03/soothing-sore-throat

https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-natural-remedies

Esposito C et al. Phytomedicine (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153368

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