Supplements

Is eating B vitamins better than supplementing? New research shows food sources may be better for cancer

Although I take fish oil at home to make sure I get the heart-health, mood, and brain-boosting benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids, I’ve heard some good things about krill oil.

Essential Fatty Acids These cell-membrane building blocks, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, help the brain regulate

Try these expert tips for keeping your mind healthy, including getting exercise, eating fruits and veggies, and even playing.

Citrus bioflavonoids Citrus fruits contain various bioflavonoids, including diosmin, hesperidin, rutin, and naringin,

The medicinal use of herbs has a long history in virtually all the cultures of the world. Traditionally, many herbs and spices possess both medicinal and culinary uses, while others are used only for the treatment of specific ailments and conditions.

In the United States, the use of dietary herbal supplements to support the health of the body’s systems and functions has increased dramatically since the passage of DSHEA (Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act) in 1994. Herbal products are subject to the same GMPs (good manufacturing processes) required by FDA for all dietary supplements.

The safety and efficacy of herbal supplements is based both on their history of traditional use and on a growing body of scientific literature supporting their use for specific conditions. Research and analytic methods for a wide variety of herbal medicinal plants is supported by organizations such as the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, the American Botanical Council and the American Herbal Products Association.

Among the most widely used most researched and best selling herbs in the dietary supplements category are hawthorn for heart health, cranberry for urinary tract health, garlic for cholesterol control and antioxidant activity, gingko for brain function, saw palmetto for prostate health, Echinacea for immune support, milk thistle for liver cleansing, St. John’s wort for depression, and ginseng for tonic and energy-boosting properties.

Enzymes are proteins composed of varying amino acids that catalyze a range of chemical reactions within the body. Enzymes used in dietary supplements can be derived from fungal, plant or animal sources, with the majority coming from fungus. Their most popular use, and that with the greatest clinical data, is to support digestive health.

Probiotics are strains of yeast and bacteria that help the human body maintain optimal wellness. Found primarily in the intestine, these living microorganisms play a number of roles in human health: they aid digestion, stimulate immune function, and play a role in preventing allergies, colon cancer and dermatitis. They also reduce diarrhea and help in the treatment of intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease. They help repopulate healthy intestinal flora following use of antibiotics, and in women they help control candida yeast.

There are many strains of probiotics, but among the most common are species of the bacteria Lactobacillus (including L. acidophilus) and Bifidobacterium, as well as the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotics come in many forms, including beverages, foods and supplements, both liquid and encapsulated. The most common probiotic-containing foods are live-culture yogurt, kefir and cottage cheese. Many probiotic supplements require refrigeration, though some supplements are stable at room tempurature. Suggested dose is a minimum of 1 billion live organisms daily, which translates to about eight ounces of yogurt, though certain conditions may require higher doses for efficacy.

Probiotics are strains of yeast and bacteria that help the human body maintain optimal wellness; they aid digestion, stimulate immune function, play a role in preventing allergies, colon cancer and dermatitis, and are helpful in the treatment of intestinal conditions. In supplements, functional foods and cosmeceuticals, probiotics may be used in a number of ways. As supplements, they are sold as stand-alone products as well as blended with other ingredients, including prebiotics, for immune and digestive issues. In functional foods, probiotics are often found in yogurt and other cultured milk products, such as kefir, most commonly as the bacteria Lactobacillus (including L. acidophilus) and Bifidobacterium, as well as the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.

Prebiotic substances, including FOS (fructooligosaccharides) and inulin, are often combined with probiotics to provide the necessary food for healthy bacteria growth. Prebiotics, particularly FOS, are also found in skin care, where they are though to help protect skin from the effects of harmful bacteria.