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


Visit www.qualitylifeforum for more health and wellness topics

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

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/

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

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

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
 

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  

Visit qualitylifeforum.net for more health related topics

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



  

Vitamins and Minerals - Product guide

Multivitamins

Multivitamins are the most popular product for general health as dietary supplements with wide range of choice for selection.  All varieties/brands are clearly labeled with RDI and may also offer special formula for age, gender, and special needs (i.e., pregnancy, pediatric).  For your information, click here https://labdoor.com/rankings/multivitamins for a recent multivitamin product report/review.

Practical Considerations

• For multivitamin formula with iron, may cause constipation.
• Multivitamin formulas often contain minerals in small amount; however, additional dose may be needed for deficiency correction.
• When buying once daily formula for large bottle size, pay close attention for expiration or best use by date.
• The chewy gummy Vitamins contain high sugar and diabetic patients should avoid.
• Take the daily dose in the morning shall be better utilized during the day.

Calcium/Vitamin D

Calcium and Vitamin D are for strong bones and with other health benefits. They are essential for all ages. Clink here https://labdoor.com/rankings/calcium for product report/review for Calcium/Vitamin D supplements.

Practical Considerations

• Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the two main types of calcium supplements, but they could be equally effective.
• Gas, bloating, and constipation are more common with calcium carbonate, which is also harder to digest.  Take calcium carbonate with food is advised.   http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what_you_need_to_know_about_calcium
• To retain maximum supplement absorption, take about 500 mg or less at one time
• The chewy gummy calcium contain high sugar and diabetic patients should avoid.
• Overdose may increase risk for kidney stones.
• As your body needs vitamin D to use calcium, it makes sense to select the calcium + Vitamin D formula. Vitamin deficiency is common and asymptomatic; often discovered by lab results.

Visit qualitylifeforum.net for health related topics

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



 

New Year’s Resolutions 2016

Happy New Year!  

As 2016 has begun, you may already have your list of New Year’s resolutions and ready to go. Just hold off a second – if you still have your 2015 list, please take a look to see how well you did, what’s done and what’s new.

Congratulations for your 2015 goals achieved. For under achieved items, to find out the causes/reasons will help you for 2016 goal setting.

As most people are interested in three things - health, wealth, and happiness, the short list below may cover a common scope. You will finish with your personal touch and commitment.

Health

·       Personal fitness regimen

·       Individual weight management

·       Reduce health risks (i.e., stress, smoking, alcohol, high fat/salt/sugar diet)

·       Maintain a regular daily life routine (including sufficient sleep hours and eat healthy)

 

Wealth

·       Set specific financial target with a plan

·       Define investment strategy

·       Ways to cut cost and saving money

 

 

Happiness

·       Social interactions/building healthy relationships

·       Giving - money, goods, or time (volunteering) to help others in needs

·       Learning new knowledge and skills

·       Travel plans

Tips:

• Set goals specific and measurable; be realistic and do not commit too much/too fast
•  Keep it real; schedule your calendar for to do list and the time to do it
• Start small short term goals, don’t give up after the first week and don’t expect immediate results. 
• Reinforce self-discipline and be persistent for success.
• Keep tracking and set check point 
• Identify reasons for fail short and not repeat past mistakes
• Reward accomplishment/progress made
• Do it for your quality of life; trust and love yourself.

At this special time, my heart goes to individuals who are coping with illness and their families. Illness can limit one’s mobility and independence, which changes personal and family life in many ways.  In facing upcoming new challenges, it will take a great deal of effort to be resilient and mentally strong.  To share three resolutions, that research shows will make you happier, for adding on your list –

1. 1Spend more time with friends – break the withdrawal mentality and walk out from isolation. Join support groups, share your feelings, and keep in touch with your friends nearby and far away. 
2. Find a way to give something to somebody; beside goods and money, give thanks, helps, and compliments. When you are receiving care, let your family and caregiver know that you are thankful for their help. If you are taking care of your love ones, be happy for what you are doing. Happiness is contagious; what goes around comes around.
3. Get more sleep, keep up nutrition and exercise – these are your best defense for maintain a strong immune system.  You’ll be less stressed and less sick with good nutrition and beauty rest.   If you are feeling tied, or you frequently feel somewhat depressed, try adding more activities into your life in a way that feels fun or enjoyable. It is use or loose, for your available brain power and body energy. Your power will continue to flow with renewed energy. Your efforts will pay off with enhanced sense of satisfaction and quality of life.

Tips:

•  Be willing and adaptable for changes
• Be alert for body condition changes and take actions; do not procrastinate
• Let go of defensive denial and resist toxic thoughts
• Focus on things you can control, stay informed and take charge
• Be cautious and not over aggressive, take calculated treatment risks, for the benefit of long term health outcome
• Empower yourself and connect with your resources for support (don’t fear; you are not alone)
• Openly share your emotions and show your love, compassion, and gratitude
• Enjoy life to the fullest and optimal quality

The take home message here - Happiness is a choice, and the choice is yours

Suggested readings –

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do

In addition, reading a good book is a pleasure. Just to suggest few from the best sellers in below and hope it will guide you in pursuing your happiness.  Best wishes for a happy new year to all and visit www.qualitylifeforum.net for more health related topics through the year.


© All rights reserved

Please click below to order or search for additional happiness topics