Joint Health - Product Guide

 

Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM

Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM supplements are for joint health.

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage, particularly in the fluid around the joints. For dietary supplements, it is harvested from shells of shellfish or can be made in the laboratory.

Glucosamine may provide modest pain relief for some patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and spine. Glucosamine is primarily sold as a joint health supplement. Studies show that supplementing glucosamine sulfate will reduce the rate of collagen (joint tissue) degradation and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine supplementation cannot cure osteoarthritis, but it can slow the progression of the disease. Glucosamine is very safe to supplement and its most common side-effect is flatulence.

There are two main types: hydrochloride and sulfate. In most studies on treating osteoarthritis, the typical dose was 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate, three times a day.

Chondroitin is a major component of cartilage that helps it retain water. It is made by the body naturally. Chondroitin may provide additional pain relief for some people with knee and hand osteoarthritis. The benefit is usually modest (about 8 to 10 percent improvement) and it works slowly (up to 3 months).

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of sulfur, one of the most abundant minerals in the human body. Sulfur is essential in many body functions. It's critical to the production of healthy collagen -- the building block of nails, skin, hair, joints and other connective tissues.

Practical considerations:
1. While the research findings may not be convincing, effectiveness has been reported.
2. It may work slowly and required maintenance for results
3. Glucosamine may be taken alone or with Chondroitin and MSM as combinations.


References:
https://examine.com/supplements/glucosamine/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-glucosamine
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/glucosamine-chondroitin-osteoarthritis.php
http://www.nutritionexpress.com/showarticle.aspx?articleid=172

Resources:
To view current product review and ranking, see
https://labdoor.com/rankings/glucosamine
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientreview-807-GLUCOSAMINE


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Eye Health - Product Guide

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Two carotenoids, lutein (pronounced loo-teen) and zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan-thin), are antioxidants that are located in the eye. Green leafy vegetables, as well as other foods such as eggs, contain these important nutrients. Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

Benefits to Eye Health:Lutein and zeaxanthin filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and help protect and maintain healthy cells in the eyes. Of the 600 carotenoids found in nature, only these two are deposited in high quantities in the retina (macula) of the eye.

The best natural food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green leafy vegetables and other green or yellow vegetables. Among these, cooked kale and cooked spinach top the list, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

If you are not getting enough lutein and zeaxanthin through your diet alone, consider taking daily supplements. Although there is no recommended daily intake for lutein and zeaxanthin, most recent studies show health benefits in taking 10 mg/day of a lutein supplement and 2 mg/day of a zeaxanthin supplement.

References:

American Optometric Association http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/lutein?sso=y
All about vision http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/lutein.htm

Resource:
For product review information, see https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/lutein_zeaxanthin_supplements_review/lutein/

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Heart Health - Product guide

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance similar to a vitamin. It is found in every cell of the body. Q10 benefits heart, muscles, immune system, and other organs and it is a powerful antioxidant.

Dietary Sources:
Primary dietary sources of CoQ10 include oily fish (such as salmon and tuna), organ meats (such as liver), and whole grains. Most people get enough CoQ10 through a balanced diet, but supplements may help people with particular health conditions, or those taking certain medications.

Adult Dosage:
For adults 19 years and older: The recommended dose for CoQ10 supplementation is 30 to 200 mg daily. Soft gels tend to be better absorbed than capsules or other preparations. Higher doses may be recommended for specific conditions.

CoQ10 is fat soluble, so it should be taken with a meal containing fat so your body can absorb it. Also, taking CoQ10 at night may help with the body's ability to use it.

References:

WebMD http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/tc/coenzyme-q10-topic-overview#1
University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/coenzyme-q10

Resources:

To view current product review/rankings, see https://labdoor.com/rankings/coq10

Fish Oil

Fish oil is FDA approved to lower triglycerides levels, but it is also used for many other conditions. It is most often used for conditions related to the heart and blood system.  Fish oil is also used to for many kidney-related problems. Fish may have earned its reputation as "brain food" because some people eat fish to help with depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, developmental coordination disorder, migraine headache, epilepsy, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mental impairment.

Fish oil can be obtained from eating fish or by taking supplements. Fish that are especially rich in the beneficial oils known as omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, and seal blubber. Two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Make sure to see separate listings on EPA and DHA, as well as Cod Liver Oil, and Shark Liver Oil.

Be aware that one thousand or 1200 mg of fish oil doesn't equal 1000 or 1200 mg of omega-3s. A standard 1000 mg fish oil softgel provides around 300 mg of omega-3s (and even less of the important EPA and DHA), and so in order to meet the 500 mg EPA and DHA recommendation, a minimum of two softgels would be necessary.

References:

WebMD http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-993-fish%20oil.aspx?activeingredientid=993&
http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/heart-health/how-much-fish-oil-consider-the-benefits-of-omega-3s#O82Iz8sqiCLwMS5q.97

Resource:

To view product review and rankings, see https://labdoor.com/rankings/fish-oil

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Probiotics for Digestive Health - product guide

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. Food source for natural probiotics includes yogurt and fermented foods. However, the yogurt contains too much sugar and fermented foods contain too much salt. Therefore, taking probiotic supplements become a sound alternative.

Key tips of what to look for when picking a probiotic supplement - 

• CFUs - Probiotics are measured in CFUs (Colony Forming Units). A product may range between 3-50 billion CFUs for your needs.
• Diversity of Strains - Diversity of strains is vital to picking a probiotic; i.e., a product contains 10 individual strains will be more effective than a single (or un specified) strain.
• Shelf Stable with Potency Guaranteed - The probiotic supplement should have a clear statement on their packaging that says “Potency guaranteed until time of expiration”  and  quality probiotic supplement should also be shelf stable,  look for “Refrigeration Not Required” or “Shelf Stable” on the label.
• Clean Label - a product that is free of chemicals or other ingredients that may potentially upset gastrointestinal tract.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/what-are-probiotics#1
http://up4probiotics.com/4-key-tips-choosing-probiotic/

Resource:

To view current product review and rankings, see https://labdoor.com/rankings/probiotics  

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Making Selections for Health Improvements

Shop Amazon is one click away, for your convenience, in Three Easy Steps -
1. Click on Amazon eGift Card (or any product) link, which opens up Amazon the store
2. Search and find the product of your choice from the full on-line selections
3. Place order and check out