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The Ultimate Guide to Cellular Longevity: NAD+, Methylation, and Senolytics   
Date:
September 10, 2026 10:57 AM
Introduction: Understanding Cellular Aging and Energy DeclineBiological aging represents a progressive decline in cellular maintenance, structural repair, and energy generation. Over decades, tissues experience an attrition of functional reserves, compromised stress resilience, and persistent low-grade systemic inflammation. At the cellular scale, biological degeneration is driven by a failure to generate bioenergetic fuel, repair genetic code, and clear metabolic waste.Cellular aging is characterized by interconnected biological disruptions known as the hallmarks of aging. These encompass genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial decay, loss of proteostasis, and cellular senescence. Rather than operating as isolated occurrences, these phenomena establish a self-reinforcing degenerative cycle: declining cellular power generation impairs enzymatic genetic repair, promoting the accumulation of damaged cells that enter irreversible growth arrest and poison surrounding healthy tissues. Mitigating cellular aging requires examining how microscopic bioenergetic pathways deteriorate and evaluating how targeted nutritional and biochemical interventions can restore cellular homeostasis. The Role of Mitochondria and ATP ProductionEvery biological function - from muscular contraction to continuous DNA replication - depends on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary biochemical energy currency of living systems. Cells produce the vast majority of this energy within mitochondria through oxidative phosphorylation. Within these specialized organelles, metabolic intermediates derived from dietary carbohydrates and lipids donate high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain. The flow of these electrons across protein complexes establishes an electrochemical proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, driving ATP synthase to manufacture ATP.A youthful cell functions like an efficient municipal power grid, dynamically matching energetic demands with immediate ATP output. However, as biological aging progresses, mitochondrial efficiency declines. The electron transport chain becomes structurally leaky, inadvertently shedding electrons that react with ambient molecular oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). While regulated levels of ROS participate in vital intracellular signaling, chronic excess induces widespread oxidative stress. Mitochondria are exceptionally vulnerable to this oxidative burden because they carry their own circular genetic material, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Unlike nuclear DNA, mtDNA lacks the protective shielding of histone proteins and possesses rudimentary repair systems. As a result, mtDNA sustains cumulative oxidative damage, encoding increasingly defective electron transport chain proteins. This dynamic generates a bioenergetic deficit: degraded mitochondria synthesize progressively less ATP while emitting greater volumes of damaging free radicals. Deprived of optimal ATP reserves, cells lack the energy necessary to drive vital enzymatic repair cascades, accelerating structural degeneration and functional exhaustion. How Cellular Senescence Accelerates the Aging ProcessWhen healthy cells confront critical physiological damage - such as severe telomere attrition, persistent DNA double-strand breaks, or oxidative stress - they activate protective cell cycle arrest pathways governed primarily by the p53/p21^CIP1 and p16^INK4a/Rb molecular checkpoints. This defensive shutdown, termed cellular senescence, permanently prevents the replication of potentially premalignant or mutated cells.Senescent cells, colloquially known as "zombie cells," enter a state of permanent growth arrest while actively resisting programmed cell death (apoptosis). Over time, these cells accumulate within adipose depots, skeletal muscle, the vascular endothelium, and major organs, largely because immune surveillance and clearance pathways simultaneously lose functional efficiency. The systemic danger of senescent cells stems from their secretome. Rather than remaining biologically inert, senescent cells develop a hyperactive secretory state termed the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). The SASP is a destructive mixture of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and reactive oxygen species. Through this toxic secretome, even a small burden of senescent cells can impair whole-tissue architecture. SASP factors degrade surrounding structural proteins, induce insulin resistance in neighboring metabolic cells, and biochemically force adjacent healthy cells into secondary senescence. This persistent paracrine signaling fuels chronic, sterile, low-grade systemic inflammation, termed "inflammaging," which accelerates systemic tissue degeneration and elevates susceptibility to degenerative age-related pathologies. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and the NAD+ Salvage PathwayThe Biochemistry of NAD+ Depletion Over TimeNicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an indispensable coenzyme present in every living cell. NAD+ fulfills a dual biological mandate: it serves as a central redox cofactor that shuttles electrons between cellular metabolic reactions, and it functions as an obligatory consumable substrate for regulatory enzymes that preserve cellular viability. In its redox capacity, NAD+ accepts electrons to form NADH during glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and fatty acid beta-oxidation, subsequently donating those electrons to Complex I of the respiratory chain to power ATP synthesis.
The primary enzymatic driver of age-related NAD+ destruction is CD38, a membrane-bound glycohydrolase expressed on immune cells that is upregulated in response to chronic SASP exposure. Concurrently, lifelong genotoxic damage causes persistent activation of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), an enzyme that cleaves the glycosidic bonds of NAD+ to assemble branched poly(ADP-ribose) chains at DNA lesion sites. Because PARP-1 consumes NAD+ without directly recycling the molecule, chronic DNA damage depletes intracellular NAD+ pools, impairing bioenergetics and limiting sirtuin activity. How NR Efficiently Boosts Cellular NAD+ LevelsThe mammalian body maintains its NAD+ supply through three distinct biosynthetic routes: the de novo pathway from dietary L-tryptophan, the Preiss-Handler pathway from nicotinic acid (niacin), and the NAD+ Salvage Pathway. The de novo pathway requires substantial energy expenditure, consuming roughly sixty milligrams of dietary tryptophan to yield a single milligram of NAD+. The Preiss-Handler pathway, while effective, can induce cutaneous prostaglandin-mediated flushing at therapeutic intakes. Consequently, the salvage pathway serves as the primary mechanism for maintaining intracellular NAD+ pools.The salvage pathway recycles the breakdown product nicotinamide (NAM), which is released whenever NAD+-consuming enzymes execute their functions. Under normal conditions, cells convert free nicotinamide into nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) via the rate-limiting enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), after which NMN adenylyltransferases (NMNAT1–3) complete the conversion into NAD+. However, NAMPT expression declines with advancing age, chronic inflammation, and metabolic stress, limiting the recycling capacity of the cell. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a naturally occurring pyridine nucleoside that bypasses this enzymatic bottleneck. Upon cellular entry via equilibrative nucleoside transporters, NR is directly phosphorylated into NMN by nicotinamide riboside kinases (NRK1 and NRK2) using a single molecule of ATP. Because the NRK pathway remains intact and robust across the lifespan, NR provides an efficient alternative entry point into the NAD+ salvage cascade. Clinical evaluations in humans confirm the safety, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of oral NR supplementation. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials reveal that oral NR chloride produces dose-dependent increases in steady-state whole blood NAD+ concentrations. Dosing regimens of 100 mg, 300 mg, and 1,000 mg daily elevate blood NAD+ levels by approximately 22%, 51%, and up to 142%, respectively, within two weeks of administration, maintaining these elevations throughout continuous use. High-resolution metabolomic analyses also demonstrate parallel elevations in nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NAAD), establishing it as a reliable biomarker of active intracellular NAD+ synthesis without hepatic or systemic toxicity. Sirtuin Activation and DNA Repair MechanismsReplenishing intracellular NAD+ supports functions beyond mitochondrial ATP generation. NAD+ functions as an obligatory cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1 through SIRT7), a family of class III histone and non-histone protein deacetylases that regulate stress resilience, metabolic homeostasis, and cell survival. Sirtuins couple the removal of acetyl groups from target lysine residues to the stoichiometric cleavage of NAD+, producing nicotinamide and O-acetyl-ADP-ribose. In states of NAD+ deficiency, sirtuin enzymes remain inactive regardless of cellular demand.In the nucleus, SIRT1 coordinates defense against cellular decline. When activated by restored NAD+ levels, SIRT1 deacetylates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1a), the master transcriptional coactivator of mitochondrial biogenesis. This deacetylation stimulates mitochondrial replication and assembly, expanding functional respiratory capacity. Concurrently, SIRT1 deacetylates the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the mitochondria, SIRT3 utilizes NAD+ to deacetylate metabolic enzymes and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), enhancing the organelle's capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen species. At the same time, cellular NAD+ levels directly regulate genomic integrity through PARP-1. When genotoxic stress or oxidative damage induces single- or double-strand DNA breaks, PARP-1 binds to the damaged termini using its zinc-finger domains. Bound PARP-1 hydrolyzes NAD+ to synthesize extensive, negatively charged poly(ADP-ribose) polymers on itself and adjacent histones. This modification relaxes chromatin architecture and establishes an electrostatic scaffold that recruits base excision repair and homologous recombination complexes. Recent discoveries demonstrate close crosstalk between sirtuins and PARP-1 during DNA repair. PARP-1 recruits SIRT1 to double-strand breaks, where SIRT1 deacetylates the chromatin-remodeling ATPase BRG1 to displace nucleosomes and facilitate homologous recombination. However, because PARP-1 and SIRT1 draw from the same intracellular NAD+ pool, severe NAD+ depletion forces a biological compromise: PARP-1 consumes the scarce remaining cofactor to address DNA damage, leaving sirtuins deactivated. Restoring NAD+ via NR prevents this deficit, enabling concurrent genomic repair and sirtuin-mediated metabolic defense. Quercetin: A Powerful Senolytic and mTOR RegulatorClearing Senescent "Zombie" Cells from TissuesThe accumulation of senescent cells has driven interest in senolytics: molecules that selectively eliminate senescent cells while sparing healthy, non-senescent populations. Senolytic agents exploit a specific vulnerability in senescent cells. Because senescent cells produce cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory SASP factors that would normally induce their own death, they become dependent on upregulated Senescent Cell Anti-Apoptotic Pathways (SCAPs) to survive. The SCAP network involves anti-apoptotic proteins (such as BCL-2 and BCL-xL), the PI3K/Akt kinase cascade, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors.Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid found in capers, red onions, apples, and the flower buds of Sophora japonica. Beyond its classical antioxidant properties, quercetin functions as a senolytic compound that exerts multi-target inhibitory effects across the SCAP network. By inhibiting the upstream PI3K/Akt survival axis and downregulating anti-apoptotic defenses, quercetin disrupts the signaling that protects senescent cells from intrinsic apoptosis. Deprived of these survival signals, senescent cells undergo programmed cell death. Preclinical studies demonstrate that senolytic protocols utilizing quercetin - often combined with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib - reduce senescent cell burden across multiple tissues. This targeted clearance lowers circulating SASP factors, attenuates tissue fibrosis, restores endothelial reactivity, and improves functional health span. By removing senescent cells, quercetin mitigates the primary driver of chronic, low-grade inflammaging. Modulating the mTOR Pathway for Optimal AutophagyThe mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine protein kinase that coordinates cellular metabolism by balancing anabolic growth with catabolic recycling. Operating within two multiprotein complexes - mTORC1 and mTORC2 - the mTOR pathway integrates signals from amino acids, growth factors, and intracellular energy levels. In nutrient-rich environments, mTORC1 promotes protein synthesis, lipogenesis, and cellular growth, while suppressing catabolic breakdown. Conversely, nutrient scarcity downregulates mTORC1, activating autophagy.Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system that packages damaged organelles, misfolded protein aggregates, and biological debris into double-membraned autophagosomes for lysosomal degradation and recycling. A specialized branch of this pathway, mitophagy, selectively targets and clears damaged mitochondria. In modern metabolic conditions characterized by continuous caloric intake, mTORC1 can remain persistently active. This persistent signaling suppresses autophagy, causing damaged organelles and toxic aggregates to accumulate within tissues. Quercetin functions as a natural modulator of mTOR signaling. By inhibiting upstream PI3K/Akt signaling and activating intracellular energy sensors, quercetin attenuates overactive mTORC1, mimicking the metabolic effects of caloric restriction. This down-regulation relieves inhibition on the ULK1 autophagy initiation complex, stimulating both general autophagy and mitophagy. As autophagy proceeds, cells clear protein aggregates and eliminate damaged mitochondria, supporting cellular longevity and proteostasis. Enhancing Absorption: Phytosomes and Dietary FatsDespite the biological activities of quercetin identified in experimental models, its clinical translation has historically been limited by poor oral bioavailability. Raw quercetin aglycone is a crystalline, hydrophobic polyphenol with poor solubility in water and gastrointestinal fluids. When ingested in unformulated powder forms, quercetin molecules aggregate in the gut lumen, resisting dissolution and passive absorption. Consequently, the vast majority of an unformulated dose passes into the colon unabsorbed, where it undergoes microbial degradation without reaching meaningful systemic concentrations.To address these pharmacokinetic limitations, advanced delivery systems such as phytosomes were engineered. A phytosome is a 100% food-grade molecular complex where individual polyphenolic molecules are bound to dietary phospholipids, typically sunflower-derived phosphatidylcholine. Unlike a classical liposome - which encapsulates water-soluble compounds inside an aqueous core enclosed by a lipid bilayer - a phytosome forms an amphiphilic complex at the molecular level. The polar head of the phosphatidylcholine molecule forms hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups of the quercetin molecule, while its lipophilic fatty acid tails extend outward. This structural arrangement shields the polar regions of the flavonoid, creating a lipid-compatible complex that integrates smoothly into the intestinal mucosa.
The Importance of Methylation in Healthy AgingVitamin B-Complex and Choline as Essential Methyl DonorsMethylation is an essential biochemical process occurring billions of times each second across all human tissues. It involves the transfer of a single-carbon unit - a methyl group consisting of one carbon atom bound to three hydrogen atoms - (CH3) - from a donor molecule to diverse recipients, including DNA, RNA, structural proteins, neurotransmitters, and membrane phospholipids. This transfer of one-carbon units is coordinated by the methionine-homocysteine cycle, which sustains genetic stability, detoxification pathways, and cellular repair.At the center of this pathway sits S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the universal methyl donor in human biology. When a methyltransferase enzyme transfers a methyl group from SAM to an acceptor molecule, SAM is converted into S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). SAH functions as a potent competitive inhibitor of intracellular methyltransferases. To maintain functional methylation, SAH is rapidly hydrolyzed into homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that must be remethylated or cleared through transsulfuration. Homocysteine clearance proceeds through two distinct remethylation pathways. The primary route operates across most tissues via the enzyme methionine synthase, which requires vitamin B12 in its active methylcobalamin form. Methionine synthase transfers a methyl group from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF, the active form of folate) to homocysteine, regenerating methionine. The ongoing production of 5-MTHF depends on the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), which utilizes riboflavin (vitamin B2) as a cofactor. Alternatively, excess homocysteine can be routed into the transsulfuration pathway by vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5'-phosphate) to synthesize cystathionine, cysteine, and ultimately the antioxidant glutathione. A secondary remethylation pathway, active predominantly in hepatic and renal tissues, bypasses folate entirely. In this route, dietary choline is oxidized to betaine (trimethylglycine or TMG). The enzyme betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) then transfers a methyl group from betaine directly to homocysteine, yielding methionine and dimethylglycine. When dietary intake of active B-vitamins or choline is insufficient, or when genetic variations like MTHFR polymorphisms reduce pathway flux, the methylation cycle slows. Homocysteine accumulates in circulation, promoting vascular and neurological inflammation, while SAM reserves decline, restricting cellular methylation capacity. Understanding DNA Methylation and Epigenetic HealthEvery somatic cell in an organism carries an identical genetic code. Cellular differentiation and tissue-specific functions are governed by the epigenome: a regulatory layer of chemical modifications that dictates gene expression without altering underlying DNA sequences. DNA methylation represents the primary and most stable epigenetic modification. In this process, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes utilize methyl groups donated by SAM to add a methyl tag to cytosine bases adjacent to guanine residues, forming 5-methylcytosine within CpG dinucleotide sites.Under physiological conditions, DNA methylation maintains genomic stability and coordinates transcription. Methylation of promoter regions condenses chromatin, repressing transposable elements and silencing genes inappropriate for a given cell type. Conversely, hypomethylated promoters maintain an open chromatin state, allowing transcription factors to bind and initiate gene expression. During biological aging, this epigenetic landscape undergoes progressive dysregulation, a phenomenon termed "epigenetic drift". Aging cells experience global hypomethylation alongside focal hypermethylation of specific gene promoters. Global loss of methyl tags destabilizes the genome, activating retrotransposons and pro-inflammatory pathways. Simultaneously, hypermethylation at targeted promoter sites silences critical tumor suppressor genes and DNA repair complexes. This systematic change in DNA methylation patterns is consistent across populations, allowing researchers to develop molecular "epigenetic clocks". Algorithms such as the Horvath clock, PhenoAge, and GrimAge quantify biological age by profiling the methylation status of specific CpG sites across the genome. These clocks assess whether individuals are aging faster or slower than their chronological years. Ensuring a steady supply of methyl donors and preventing unnecessary SAM depletion supports DNMT activity, maintaining epigenetic patterns and genomic stability. How the Methylation Cycle Impacts Energy and Cognitive FocusBeyond long-term epigenetic regulation, the methylation cycle directly modulates immediate biochemical processes that govern daily energy, neurotransmission, and cognitive focus. Compromised methylation capacity frequently manifests as cognitive slowing, executive fatigue, and reduced physical stamina.A major consumer of methyl reserves is the endogenous synthesis of creatine. Approximately 40% of all SAM-derived methyl groups in the human body are utilized by guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) in the liver to synthesize creatine. Creatine then translocates to the brain and skeletal muscle, where it is phosphorylated into phosphocreatine. Phosphocreatine functions as a rapid energy buffer, donating a high-energy phosphate group to regenerate ADP into ATP in milliseconds during demanding physical or cognitive tasks. When methyl donor availability falls, endogenous creatine synthesis drops, depleting phosphocreatine reserves and increasing susceptibility to neuromuscular and cognitive fatigue. Methylation is equally central to central nervous system architecture. SAM provides methyl groups to convert phosphatidylethanolamine into phosphatidylcholine, the predominant phospholipid comprising neuronal cell membranes and the myelin sheaths that insulate axons. Intact myelin preserves rapid action potential conduction throughout the nervous system. Furthermore, free choline derived from this pathway is the direct precursor to acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter required for attention, working memory, and learning. The methylation cycle also governs monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism. SAM is required for the synthesis of adrenaline (epinephrine) from noradrenaline, while catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) relies on SAM to degrade dopamine and norepinephrine within the prefrontal cortex. Sluggish methylation disrupts this balance, contributing to cognitive fatigue, mood variability, and impaired mental performance. Building a Comprehensive Longevity ProtocolSynergizing NR, Quercetin, and Methylated B-VitaminsLongevity supplementation often falters when single molecules are administered in isolation, ignoring interconnected metabolic pathways. Designing an effective cellular longevity protocol requires combining complementary mechanisms that reinforce one another while preventing secondary metabolic deficits. The combination of Nicotinamide Riboside, Quercetin Phytosome, and Methylated B-Vitamins illustrates this multi-target synergy.This synergy is grounded in the direct biochemical intersection between the NAD+ salvage pathway and the methylation cycle. When high-dose NR is supplemented to boost systemic NAD+, sirtuins and PARP enzymes consume the newly synthesized cofactor, generating substantial quantities of free nicotinamide (NAM). This intracellular nicotinamide faces two primary metabolic fates: it can be recycled back into NAD+ through the NAMPT-dependent salvage loop, or it can be cleared via methylation. When the influx of nicotinamide exceeds salvage recycling capacity, the excess is cleared to avoid feedback inhibition of sirtuin enzymes. To accomplish this, the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) transfers a methyl group from SAM directly onto nicotinamide, forming 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA/MNAM), which is subsequently excreted in urine. Prolonged, high-dose precursor administration without nutritional methyl support can elevate NNMT flux, depleting intracellular SAM reserves. As methyl groups are consumed clearing nicotinamide, the cellular SAM-to-SAH ratio falls, which can elevate circulating homocysteine and reduce methyl availability for DNA methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis. Co-administering a fully methylated B-complex alongside choline or betaine addresses this potential bottleneck. Providing active methyl donors (such as 5-MTHF, methylcobalamin, and betaine) maintains the one-carbon donor pool. Even during increased NNMT activity, SAM pools remain stable, protecting DNA methylation fidelity and maintaining homocysteine within safe parameters. Quercetin reinforces this protocol through complementary mechanisms. By clearing senescent cells and reducing SASP-mediated inflammation, quercetin downregulates CD38, the primary enzyme responsible for age-related NAD+ degradation. Suppressing CD38 prevents unnecessary breakdown of newly synthesized NAD+, enhancing the efficiency of NR supplementation. Furthermore, while NR provides the NAD+ necessary to activate SIRT1-driven mitochondrial biogenesis, quercetin concurrently modulates mTORC1 to stimulate autophagy. This coordinated action ensures that newly generated mitochondria operate in an environment cleared of proteotoxic cellular debris. The Crucial Role of Magnesium Glycinate and Zinc in Cellular FunctionLongevity protocols require essential mineral cofactors to function efficiently. Without adequate divalent minerals acting as enzymatic cofactors and structural stabilizers, metabolic longevity pathways cannot operate at full capacity. Among these, magnesium and zinc are required for cellular repair, genomic stability, and energy production.Magnesium serves as an obligatory cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, primarily through its interaction with ATP. In biological systems, ATP exists predominantly as a chelate with a divalent magnesium ion, forming biologically active Mg2+ -ATP. Every enzymatic reaction that synthesizes, transfers, or consumes cellular energy - including the enzymes of the NAD+ salvage pathway (NRK and NMNAT) and DNA polymerases - strictly requires Mg2+ -ATP as its substrate. Magnesium deficiency impairs these phosphorylation reactions, reducing the cellular utilization of NAD+ precursors. Additionally, magnesium is an essential cofactor for the enzymes that activate dietary B-vitamins into their active forms. Supplying magnesium as magnesium glycinate provides high gastrointestinal bioavailability, minimal laxative effect, and yields glycine to support inhibitory neurotransmission and restful sleep. Zinc serves as a vital structural component for more than 3,000 human transcription factors and enzymatic proteins. Its most prominent structural role in longevity occurs within zinc-finger motifs. These are specialized protein conformations stabilized by a zinc ion coordinated to cysteine and histidine residues. The DNA damage sensor PARP-1 utilizes three zinc-finger domains to identify, track, and physically bind to single- and double-strand DNA breaks. Without adequate intracellular zinc, PARP-1 cannot properly assemble or dock onto damaged chromosomes, impairing DNA repair and increasing genomic instability. Zinc is also an obligatory structural component of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD or SOD1), the primary cytosolic antioxidant enzyme that dismutates superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide, protecting mitochondrial membranes and nuclear DNA from premature senescence. Integrating Prebiotics (like Acacia and Inulin) for Gut-Derived Longevity MarkersA comprehensive cellular longevity framework must extend beyond somatic tissues to encompass the gut microbiome. The intestinal microbiome functions as a central regulator of systemic inflammatory tone, immune development, and metabolic signaling. Age-associated dysbiosis - characterized by the loss of beneficial commensals and an overgrowth of pathobionts - frequently leads to breakdown of the intestinal barrier.The gut epithelium consists of a single-cell monolayer sealed by tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudins. When this physical barrier is disrupted by poor dietary fiber intake or dysbiosis, gut permeability increases. This allows lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, to enter the portal and systemic circulation. The resulting "metabolic endotoxemia" activates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on immune cells, inducing NF-kB and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This persistent gut-derived inflammation exacerbates the SASP, accelerates tissue senescence, upregulates CD38, and drains systemic NAD+ reserves.
These short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, exert direct protective effects on systemic longevity. Butyrate provides the primary metabolic fuel for colonic epithelial cells, supplying more than 70% of their baseline energy needs and supporting mitochondrial function within colonocytes. Furthermore, SCFAs upregulate the expression of epithelial tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1), restoring intestinal barrier integrity and preventing the translocation of inflammatory LPS into systemic circulation. Systemically absorbed butyrate also functions as an endogenous histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, suppressing pro-inflammatory gene expression and supporting regulatory T cell (T_reg) development. Reducing metabolic endotoxemia dampens systemic inflammation, protecting vascular function and preventing premature NAD+ depletion. Conclusion: The Integrated Cellular Longevity MatrixCellular longevity is achieved not by addressing isolated biomarkers in isolation, but by systematically supporting interconnected biological pathways. As bioenergetic capacity declines, cellular senescence accelerates, epigenetic patterns degrade, and gut barrier integrity weakens. A comprehensive approach addresses these biological vulnerabilities simultaneously.
Quercetin Phytosome clears senescent cells and modulates mTORC1, stimulating autophagy while dampening the inflammatory SASP cascade that accelerates CD38-mediated NAD+ destruction. Methylated B-vitamins, active folate, and choline replenish SAM reserves, balancing the methyl requirements of NNMT-mediated nicotinamide clearance, preserving epigenetic DNA methylation, and maintaining neurotransmitter production. Magnesium glycinate and zinc provide the structural and catalytic foundation required for ATP utilization, B-vitamin activation, and PARP-1 zinc-finger DNA repair docking. Finally, prebiotic fibers generate short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, reinforcing the intestinal barrier and preventing metabolic endotoxemia from fueling systemic inflammation. By coordinating energy replenishment, cellular waste clearance, epigenetic maintenance, and the suppression of systemic inflammation, this unified approach directly addresses the underlying drivers of cellular aging to support long-term physiological vitality.
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(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6650) Study investigates health benefits of different cordyceps variants 
Date:
May 10, 2019 02:22 PM
According to Taiwanese citizens, the cordyceps(mushroom) is a powerful food. They say it can help with the immune system, and fights against tumors, as a start. Though they are hard to grow in large volumes due to a parasitic symbiosis, they are still worth the effort to study and learn from. Taiwanese universities have already studied how fermentation affects this mushroom, and they want to increase their knowledge, especially when it comes to perhaps growing alternatives to meet the demand. Key Takeaways:
"In the review, the researchers identified the primary challenge in the mass production of Cordyceps sinensis, which is the difficulty in collecting natural variants with parasitic hosts, coupled with discoveries regarding its pharmacological benefits." Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-19-health-benefits-of-different-cordyceps-variants.html
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6306) Papayas can be used to reduce inflammation across your entire body
Date:
January 18, 2019 09:05 AM
Many people experience a chance in their body as they get older. It is natural and it happens over a longer period of time. Some people deal with it better than others but the truth of the matter is that there are ways to combat issues that come on to people. In regards to inflammation, this is an issue commonly seen in modern times. It is really hard for some to deal with it but papayas is something that is getting a lot of hype in the medicinal world as a way to treat this problem. Key Takeaways:
"Papayas are commonly used in traditional medicine. However, due to recent discoveries about their various health benefits, modern pharmaceutical industries have decided to look into the possible medicinal applications of the papaya." Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2018-12-06-papayas-can-be-used-to-reduce-inflammation-in-your-body.html
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=5973) CBD Rescheduling Requested by Father of Marijuana Research
Date:
May 05, 2017 10:44 AM
Jessica Leone summarizes the Institute of Cannabis Research in Colorado’s first conference. The newly formed organization held a three day conference, that included 550 people from 21 states and 551 countries. Topics of this conference include discoveries made related to marijuana in the medical, business, industrial, legal, economic and social realms. The principal guest of the conference was Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who is known as the father cannabis research. According to Leone, there were be an annual Mechoulam lecture, which will feature various guests. Read more: CBD Rescheduling Requested by Father of Marijuana Research
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=4540) 'Good' bacteria is potential solution to unchecked inflammation seen in bowel diseases
Date:
March 16, 2017 01:44 PM
Valuable microscopic organisms might be the way to turning around a cycle of gut irritation found in certain fiery inside ailments, College of North Carolina Lineberger Far reaching Tumor Center scientists have found. Scientists found that including back a sort of advantageous microscopic organisms that ordinarily develops in the gut can help end this cycle, recommending another treatment for incendiary inside ailment. The two most basic fiery entrail infections, Crohn's illness, and ulcerative colitis influence an expected 1.6 million individuals in the Unified States, as indicated by the Crohns and Colitis Establishment of America. They trust their discoveries could conceivably prompt to medications for individuals with fiery gut illnesses with diminished NLRP12 expression. You can focus on the irritation that downstream of NLRP12 with mitigating medications, or you could simply nourish the creatures particular microscopic organisms that advantage, and it causes a move that made them less defenseless to the ailment. Key Takeaways:
"NLRP12 has been known to suppress inflammatory signals to prevent an overactive immune response. But an analysis uncovered low levels of NLRP12 in twins with ulcerative colitis, but not in paired twins without the disease. And in mouse models that lacked this protein, they found higher levels of inflammation in the colon." Read more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170313135055.htm
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=4177) Vitamins That Help Prevent the Common Cold
Date:
November 13, 2016 06:41 AM
It is that time of the year again and if you are prone to colds, it is the perfect time to start taking a few extra vitamins that help you ward those colds off. What are those essential vitamins that you need to prevent the common cold? All of the information you need is found here! No more sneezes! Key Takeaways:
"Always take care to use the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals and don’t “get creative” without seeking authoritative counsel with your doctor." Reference:
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3434) Does Melatonin Decline As We Age?
Date:
September 22, 2015 01:00 AM
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal glands. The circadian production of melatonin is tied to the day/night cycle. Light through the retina signals the pineal glands to suppress its production. Lack of light stimulation (at night) results to increased production of melatonin. The increased hormone production at night is associated with a good night’s sleep. According to a study, melatonin significantly reduces sleep latency and increases sleep efficiency. It has thus been used to treat insomnia.
Aging and Insomnia Insomnia is commonplace among the elderly. As we age, sleep problems which include difficulty in falling asleep and maintaining the sleep are so rampant. This is so because melatonin production declines with age. With age comes the disruption of the circadian rhythms associated with the production of melatonin. To this end, melatonin supplements come handy to the elderly in maintaining a good night’s sleep.
Aging and Alzheimer's Disease There is more to this hormone than a good night’s sleep and normal aging. There are evidences that melatonin suppresses Alzheimer’s disease. AD is the leading cause of dementia among individuals older than 65 years. Lack of sleep is a common symptom among AD patients and feels bad but sundowning (worsening of symptoms during evening hours) is worse. According to Netherlands Institute of Brain Research, the declining production of melatonin among the elderly not only affects the circadian rhythms but also enhances the development of Alzheimer.
Melatonin as an Antioxidant Melatonin production starts to decline at age 60. This is the onset of diseases like AD which leads to increased production of free radicals in the brain. According to a review paper written in 2000, there is a lot of pathological changes among AD patients’ autopsied brains as a result of free radical activity. Melatonin carries antioxidant properties which fight the free radicals and protect the brain neurons.
Melatonin Supplements Melatonin is a powerful hormone. Its function in sustaining optimal human health is crucial. New discoveries are being made on this versatile hormone. The fact that its production starts to decline at 60 only means that you need to use supplements and not fret over the onset of AD or insomnia. It is clear that besides being harmless and natural in treating insomnia, Melatonin is the most effective way of averting deleterious aging effects.
References www.life-enhancement.com/magazine/article/1025-melatonin-can-reset-your-biological-clock www.quora.com/Why-do-we-sleep-less-as-we-age www.biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/content/56/1/B21.full
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3221) Xylitol, a Healthy and Safe Sweetener.
Date:
March 12, 2014 09:05 PM
What is xylitol Xylitol is a comprehensively utilized regular sweetening operator that was initially uncovered by a German Chemist in the nineteenth century. The primary crude materials utilized for its assembling are birch trees and corn, however can moreover be processed from plums and berries. It is worth specifying that it is in addition commonly handled in little amounts by the human form. Xylitol is without a doubt not the most well known sugar substitute or nourishment added substance yet that doesn't imply that it isn't an essential one since it pushes various health profits. Researchers began investigating these profits once again a large portion of a century prior and more conceivable solid profits are continuously investigated today. Artificially it is a sugar liquor that has five carbon iotas in its compound structure and this structure is answerable for a large portion of its properties that make it gainful. As we specified, xylitol has various profits, yet the particular case that is best thought about is the way that it can avoid dental caries. Research discoveries are strong to the point, that this profit is undeniable. There are numerous instruments that are answerable for this valuable impact. One of them is that dissimilar to sugar and starchy sustenances it doesn't result in an abatement of the ph in the mouth, despite what might be expected it can help kill it. Acidic conditions in the oral pit are valuable for microorganisms like S. Mutans that are the primary driver of dental caries. Moreover, the acids processed can bring about harms to the tooth veneer that ensures our teeth. Other than securing tooth veneer, there are proof that propose it can additionally help restore it. Notwithstanding that, these microorganisms can't age xylitol to handle vitality so as to duplicate, then again sugar is their favored vitality source. At long last, xylitol can extraordinarily diminish the adherence of the organisms on the tooth surface and as a result their capacity to manufacture plaque. All the reasons above help xylitol's tooth day battling profits. It has been made clear that xylitol has various vital profits. On the other hand, it is paramount to note that it has several minor reactions also. The two fundamental symptoms that could be created by the utilization of xylitol are bloating and looseness of the bowels. These symptoms are created on the grounds that xylitol is ingested by inactive dispersion and happen assuming that somebody expends it above his laxation limit. It is likewise worth noting that the laxation limit can expand over the long run as the physique adjusts to the routine ingestion of xylitol. A couple of extra symptoms like unfavorable susceptibilities have been accounted for however they are not decently archived or affirmed via research information. At long last, most official associations, including the FDA have sanction it as a safe nourishment added substance for people.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3059) What's So Special About Bentonite Clay?
Date:
March 09, 2014 10:46 PM
Bentonite Clay is mined around Fort Benton, Wyoming, from whence it got its name. Really Bentonite is found in ample supply in the northwest of the United States around Wyoming and Montana. Bentonite has been utilized by Indians and locals for a long time to cure a mixture of maladies by detoxifying the form. Bentonite is really simply regular earth from the beginning. It is 61% silica additionally holds 18% aluminum, and little measures of iron, sodium, and magnesium. It is basic, with a ph of 8.3 to 9.1. Bentonite works inside by drawing in a mixed bag of toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract. The Bentonite Clay has a negative charge while the toxins have a tendency to have a positive charge. Along these lines there is the fascination of the toxins to the dirt. When these are assimilated, the figure wipes out the earth and toxins and you are healthier
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3055) Reasons why your Heart Need More Energy Try D-Ribose
Date:
January 18, 2014 06:56 AM
Why take Ribose
What Is Ribose? It is made up of glucose that is found within your body thus being a natural sugar and it is a major component of RNA. Ribose is also very important in the makeup of ATP. The RNA is an important transporter of information in the body and the ATP compound is responsible in the storage of transportation of energy to the millions of cells in the body. Benefit of Ribose Supplements These supplements are useful especially to athletes and other body builder in order to help them to increase the energy during their exercises. It helps the athletes in the recuperation during the exercises and helps them not to feel tired and sluggish during their workouts. Mostly the supplement is put in many energy drinks and other body building supplements. The supplement is also very important in curing many illnesses. The most common treatment is that that it is very important in treating those patients suffering from congestive heart failure disease. Ribose supplement also help the patient suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome since it acts as a source of energy for the body. The supplement is also useful in treatment of fibromyalgia. this is a debilitating illness that is characterized of painful skin sensitivity, muscle spasms, sleeping problem, weakness in the limbs etc. though it does not completely cure this problems it plays a major role in making sure that the pain is reduced and manageable. Side Effects of Ribose. The good news that comes with supplement is that it has minimal and non-existent side effects. The recommended dosage of ribose is about 5 grams thrice per day and should be taken with food. In case you take energy, drink containing the supplement also remembers to adjust your dosage accordingly
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2971) How important is it to take a GLA supplement?
Date:
December 04, 2013 06:43 AM
How important is it to take a GLA supplement?
10 health benefits: 1- GLA DeficiencyEvening primrose oil has a lot of fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which is very crucial for general operation of the body. 2- Heart Health Studies revealed that utilizing of evening primrose oil on daily basis can assist in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and safeguard against the coronary artery disease thus minimizing the capability of heart attacks and diseases. 3- Menstrual Pain The oil is normally used in relieving distress that is normally related with menstrual signs. Majority of women around the world get relief by applying evening primrose oil. 4- Diabetes Diabetics occasionally get challenges in producing GLA hence evening primrose oil is an effective supplement to assist them. Studies revealed that this oil can also safeguard people from diabetic neuropathy which is a nerve condition that often affects diabetics. 5- Skin Health Evening primrose oil is considered as an effective remedy for eczema and other skin disorders due to GLA and other essential fatty acids that are vital for skin health. 6- Anti-Inflammatory & Discomfort Reliever Evening primrose oil is referred to contain anti-inflammatory features and can assist to ease symptoms of chest discomfort and rheumatoid. 7- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Studies revealed that kids suffering from ADHD got relieved after taking evening primrose oil. 8- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Utilizing evening primrose oil with quality fish oil is an effective therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. 9- Helps to Counter Impotence & Infertility Evening primrose oil can stimulate blood flow, thus it helps in solving one of the key causes of male impotence. When taken for some time, it assists in preventing blood vessels to become narrow as a result of cholesterol.10- Helping with Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms The GLA prompts the brain to make a specific type of prostaglandin called prostaglandin E that can operate to resist withdrawal symptoms. References:
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2915) What Is Vanadyl Sulfate And How Does It Relate to Diabetes?
Date:
December 22, 2011 09:24 PM
What is Vanadyl SulfateVanadyl Sulfate This is a well known inorganic compound of vanadium and in some circles it has been commonly referred to as another name for vanadium. This water soluble sulphate is known to be the most stable diatomic ion in the scientific world and has been known in the medical industry as something that has the same effect as insulin. It basically is a metallic element and is a soft and ductile element which is physically described as silvery white in colour and when it is in powder form it looks as if it is light gray. History and Discovery It is commonly known that this metallic element was discovered by a Spanish professor named Andres Del Rio who in 1801 was able to find the element erythronium in Mexico however at the time Professor Del Rio felt it was nothing new so he did not pursue to prove it any further and this is when a Swedish Chemist named Nils Gabriel Sefstrom got the credit for its discovery and it remained as the more known fact until a German Chemist by the name of Friedrich Wohler was able to prove otherwise in 1831. He was able to prove that both discoveries were the same. Uses and Functions The main belief in the medical world and as proven is that it is able to function like insulin and it is able to mimic insulin’s effects to the body. As such you might have guessed what follows. It is able to help with diabetes because various studies suggest that it is able to lower the blood sugar levels in the body which is exactly what the purpose of insulin is especially when it is in high doses. Other studies also has confirmed that it also can possibly help with conditions like heart disease and high cholesterol which are diseases that diabetes usually affect as well although further studies needs to be done to this respect. Safety and possible side effects Vanadium has been shown to be safe for use by adults although it needs to be a fairly low dose unlike the one that is needed for diabetes. Possible side effect ranges from diarrhea to nausea and some abdominal discomfort. Furthermore, it is safe to say that this should not be taken by breast feeding women as it may have undesired side effects.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2550) A Healthy Colon Requires Lots Of Fiber
Date:
December 16, 2010 02:34 PM
Psyllium Husk Fiber
Nowadays, because of the kind of lifestyle that people have, there is an evident rise of different medical condition which concerns the colon. What comprises our diet will surely affect our health. Hence, those who engage in a diet that contains very low amount of fiber and nutrients will eventually grasp health problems most especially in the digestive system. However, because of the new discoveries in this present world we live in, there is less need for us to fret because there are already a variety of remedy that promises you relief from such feared medical conditions. Psyllium is one of the many agents being incorporated in many edible products nowadays. It can be found in almost all breakfast cereals mainly because of its unfathomable health benefits that help the individual to have a more effective digestive process. Psyllium came from a native plant in Iran known as Plantago psyllium. Its seeds contains liberal amounts of glycosides and mucilages that is now being used in many food industries to give the products they are selling a texture that is more appealing to the majority of consumers. Not only for its textural benefits, but most especially for the health faculties it contributes to the health of every consumer. Psyllium husk is an abundant source of water soluble fiber, similar to the kind of fiber present in oats and barley but in more abundant amounts. It has been found out that in every 100 grams of psyllium could give the consumer 71 grams off essential soluble fiber that helps you to attain better metabolism and colon function. It is definitely good and beneficial for our colon because it does not break down as it enter and passes through the gastrointestinal tract, it increases fecal mass and loosen stool hence (when adequate water is consumed along with it), you can achieve a cleaner colon free from constipation and other digestive problems as well. Psyllium’s health benefits are not only hearsays but are being acknowledge by Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America. FDA also affirmed that psyllium fiber combined with a low-fat diet can help in maintaining blood cholesterol levels within normal values for it contains liberal amount of soluble fiber that prevents the absorption of blood cholesterol and bile acids from the intestinal tract.
Keeping your colon clean with plenty of fiber can boost your health and wellness and help you live a long time.
What is stopping you from adding psyllium husk fiber to your diet?
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2209) Resveratrol, Longevity, and Aging
Date:
August 04, 2009 01:34 PM
Today growing older means more than settling into a comfortable armchair with the TV remote. Healthy aging means staying active and vigorous long into old age - not aging gracefully. An now intervention in the aging process - once regarded as fantasy - is within reach due to advances in nutritional science. One of the most exciting discoveries is resveratrol, a protective compound produced by grapes and other plants in response to environmental stress. Stonger and more potent formulas are becoming available every day resveratrol included. One company Source Naturals has now produced a resveratrol product featuring 200 mg of pure resveratrol from traditional Chinese herb Hu Zhang (one of the richest sources) and from red wine extract. A recent study at the Harvard Medical School reported that resveratrol triggers genes in mice that support longevity and metabolic balance. By stimulating SIRT I genes, it mimics the healthy aging benefits of caloric restriction. Resveratrol addresses the metabolic inflammation so prevalent in today’s society by inhibiting NF kappa-B and COX-2 enzymes. And it provides antioxidant protection to the cardiovascular and immune system. In fact, of the dozens of SystemiCare metabolic systems indentified by Source Naturals as necessary for optimal health, resveratrol positively affects five: cells/DNA; inflammation response; antioxidant defense; circulation; and immunity. Have you given resveratrol a try? Staying healthy and living longer is appealing to all individuals who are climbing the age ladder.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2043) Colostrum
Date:
September 03, 2008 09:17 AM
Over the past several decades there have been many shifts in the research that concerns the immune system of the body. Recent discoveries have found that colostrum carries agents that can positively affect immune function in humans. An impressive body of research has found that colostrum is responsible for the first transmission of immune signals in a newborn, which are valuable in shaping the knowledge of the newborn’s defense systems. When an infant is born, the immune system is somewhat naive to the various invaders that try to break down its defense systems and take over the body. Since colostrum is the first food that the body traditionally takes in, the information that the mother has collected over her life of how to fight microbial invaders, cancerous cells, and other toxins effectively is immediately transferred to her newborn. At a time when the infant is vulnerable to thousands of invaders, nature provides a way to help the infant in the process of building his or her immune system in a quick and effective way. Colostrum is an essential part to this complex and timely process. As soon as an infant is born, it is generally fed, with the first portion of fluid that comes from the mother being colostrum. It was thought by experts for decades that colostrum contained only vital nutrients in a nutritional sense, but many now believe that breast-feeding a child is much more beneficial than simply bottle-feeding a child with formula. It has now been discovered that colostrum is much more than a nutrient-rich fluid, it is a combination of immune agents. This mix of nutrients contains agents that are not species-specific in their function, so they do not produce an allergic reaction when introduced to a foreign species. Some of the more prominent and devastating conditions that could be effectively prevented by the use of colostrum and its properties include viral and bacterial infections, parasitic infections, autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, fungal infections, tissue damage, as well as many others. The body uses an assortment of processes, mechanisms, and agents in order to defend itself. All of these make up what is known as the immune system. The body uses three interrelated functions making its defense mechanism effective. First, it recognizes foreign agents within the body, followed by enlisting a variety of cells and molecules to eliminate or neutralize the invader. Last, the body is able to remember the exact foreign substance so that next time it comes around; it can deal with it quickly and effectively. If the invading organism is able to get through the physical barriers of the skin and mucous membranes in the nose and throat, there are several immune barriers that are ready to defend the body including the body’s temperature, hydrochloric acid found in the stomach, and interferon. Hydrochloric acid, along with the low pH of the stomach, defeats a large majority of viruses that make it past the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.
Interferon is derived from the virus of infected cells and binds and neutralizes nearby virus cells. If there is enough interferons present, this substance can neutralize large quantities of invading viruses. Colostrum helps the body manufacture interferons that can fight viruses and protect the body for a lifetime.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1881) Bilberry
Date:
August 30, 2008 09:43 AM
Bilberry is a part of the herb world that has recently begun re-emerging because of recent scientific discoveries linking the fruit to therapeutic properties in blood vessel-related disorders. If you happen to suffer from any disorder that is related to weaken blood vessels, then you should definitely think about bilberry as part of your treatment, as it can be safe and extremely effective. Bilberry is a rich source of anthocyanidins, which gives it the unique ability to stabilize and protect collagen stores. This helps to prevent capillary leakage and hemorrhage. Bilberry is currently being used to treat vascular and blood disorders, and is also a main ingredient in the treatment of many visual problems. It has even been proven effective for varicose veins, thrombosis, diabetes, macular degeneration, and angina. Thanks to its rich amounts of anthocyanosides, bilberry is an extremely valuable treatment for a variety of disorders in which leaky veins cause tissue damage. Containing over 15 different anthocyanosides, bilberry protects the veins and arteries, as it boosts a great deal of physiological processes that results in the improved integrity of capillary walls. Additionally, anthocyanosides prevent platelets from sticking to the walls of vessels, which helps to prevent the formation of blood clots. Bilberry has shown healing properties including: analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-clotting, antiulcer, anti-edemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteotic, cyclooxygenase inhibitor, inhibits collagenase, inhibits elastase, lipoxygena, smooth muscle relaxant, lowers blood sugar, and vasodilator. With more than 100 names from around the world, bilberry also can be known by: huckleberry, whortleberry, European blueberry, myrtle bilberry, myrtle blueberry, myrtle whortleberry, Rocky Mountain whortleberry, red whortleberry, black grouseberry, low bilberry, mountain blueberry, huckleberry, and blueberry. Bilberry is a perennial shrub that can be commonly found in many different climates around the world that are characterized by damp woodlands and moorlands in northern Europe, northern regions of America, and parts of Canada. Bilberry grows as a small shrub with wiry, angular branches that do not usually grow over a foot high. The branches of bilberry bear waxy flowers and black berries that are covered with a grey bloom when they are ripe. The leather-like leaves of bilberry are initially rose color, but turn to a yellowish-green in the summer and a fiery red in the autumn. Growing abundantly in areas of England and flourishing best on high ground in the north and west regions of Britain, bilberry possesses a round fruit or berry that has a flat top and is approximately the size of a black currant, with a taste that is slightly acidic. The berry bushes prefer filtered shade and moist, fertile soil that is acidic and non calcareous. The bilberry plant is related most closely to blueberries and currants, all of which belong to the genus Vaccinium. Bilberries are rich in carbohydrates, tannin, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains glucoquinine, which is able to lower blood sugar.
Finally, bilberry is considered an astringent; it exhibits antibacterial properties in the intestines. Bilberry’s analgesic properties are often thought to come from chlorogenic-acid and ferulic-acid content. Bilberry contains copper, quercetin, linoleic-acid, magnesium, pantothenic acid, ursolic acid, and zinc. This herb is good for the parts of the body that contain small fragile blood vessels such as the eyes and this is why this herb is associated with promoting eye health.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1878) Codonopsis
Date:
May 19, 2008 03:37 PM
Codonopsis, "the poor man's ginseng," is the dried or fresh root cultivated from the plant Codonopsis pilosula. It is a perennial native to Asia and is found most abundantly in parts of China. It thrives in moist soil and at the edges of thick, wooded areas and grows to approximately five feet tall. It is now cultivated in many other areas of the world including the United States. Its bell-shaped greenish-purple flowers have helped it gain its two other names in the English language: bastard ginseng and bonnet bellflower. Codonopsis is best known in Chinese herbalism where it is referred to as tang shen. It has been used there for more than 2,000 years and is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese alternative medicine. In Chinese health, the yin and yang aspects of nature must remain balanced in order to maintain overall health of mind and body. Here are the properties of each. * Yin: cold, dark, moisture, passivity * Yang: heat, light, dryness, activity When the body suffers from inner disharmony, the elements and energies must be rebalanced. Herbs and treatments are taken to restore harmonious balance, and therefore bring yin and yang back to equal counterparts of each other. Codonopsis has a sweet taste and a neutral nature. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is taken as a tonic to nourish and strengthen the blood and to balance metabolic function. It also helps to keep the lungs and spleen healthy. Codonopsis is an adaptogen. This means that it helps to regulate the body and enhance its ability to tolerate stress. It helps to increase the overall performance of the body to aid it in combating disease and maintaining a healthy immune system. This herb stimulates the body's nervous system. It also increases resistance to colds, flu and other infections. It has been shown that Codonopsis increases the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin content. Codonopsis benefits the entire body by: * Increasing stamina * Building strength * Increasing mental alertness * Rejuvenating the system * Strengthening the immune system * Speeding recovery from illness * Stimulating the appetite * Reducing stress * Improving digestive functions Other Uses Taken in the form of a tonic, Codonopsis is a nourishing herb. It is used to promote digestion, absorption and metabolism. It is also said to strengthen and tone the stomach and spleen. It has been found to reduce blood pressure, as well, by inhibiting adrenal cortex activity and dilating peripheral blood vessels. For the lungs, it helps to treat shortness of breath and chronic coughing. Codonopsis can also be taken to address specific conditions beyond whole body health. Some of these are anemia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, asthma, hemorrhoids, headaches, tension and prolapsed uterus. Nursing mothers can take Codonopsis in order to increase their supply of breast milk. Codonopsis has even been discovered to aid in fighting cancer when used in conjunction with other conventional medical therapy. It has been found to have properties that assist in helping to protect patients from the harmful side effects of radiation therapy. This seems to happen without diminishing the effectiveness of the therapy. Overall, Codonopsis has many uses and benefits to the body. It is an immune system booster and all around promoter of bodily health. It works to stabilize and strengthen many different areas of the body together, as well as separately.
Codonopsis seems to be one of the best herbs of its kind for use in maintaining a healthy and balanced body. As more studies are performed on this beneficial herb, new discoveries will be made as to its other healing properties and benefits to the human body.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1794) Pinolenic Acid - Appetite Control
Date:
April 25, 2008 02:50 PM
Mention "pine nuts" and peoples’ mouths are apt to start watering for a taste of garlicky pesto or fragrant pilaf. Ironically, the same ingredient that is so irresistible in gourmet cooking may help curb our out-of-control appetites. But only a particular variety of pine nut—Pinus koraiensis from Korea—will do. Source Naturals PineSlim is a Korean pine nut oil (PinnoThin™). A small-scale study suggests that PineSlim may reduce feelings of hunger by increasing concentrations of appetite-suppressing hormones. The study also suggests that a feeling of fullness is experienced 30-60 minutes after taking PineSlim. For best results, PineSlim should be taken while following the Maximum Metabolism Weight Loss Plan™ enclosed in every bottle. Enjoying good food is part of a healthy lifestyle, but too often we don’t know when to stop. PineSlim can help by addressing one of the most basic of the dozen deep metabolic systems identified by Source Naturals as critical to your optimal health: Hormones/Metabolism. Less Calories for Improved Health According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, an estimated 66% of U.S. adults are overweight. A normal body fat level is one of the factors associated with many markers of good health, including insulin efficiency, healthy inflammation response, good circulation, and normal cell regeneration. One of the best ways to achieve healthy weight is by curbing the amount of calories we take in—but that’s not always easy to do. Now an ancient Asian food source may help. Korean Pine Nuts—Traditional Asian Food The Korean pine nut (Pinus koraiensis) has been used as a food source for centuries and is often served as a snack at social events in China. Korean pine nuts grow on evergreen trees that produce seeds (commonly referred to as nuts) that are rich in oil, particularly oleic, linoleic, and pinolenic acids. Pinolenic acid is a fatty acid, which may influence healthy blood pressure. According to recent research, pinolenic acid also may increase concentrations of the satiety hormones glucogon-like peptide-1 (GLP- 1) and cholecystokinin (CCK). Appetite-Suppressing Hormones Both GLP-1 and CCK are hormones that have been found to increase satiety and suppress appetite in normal-weight humans. They are believed to work by delaying gastric emptying. Retaining food in the stomach for a longer period of time may prolong a feeling of fullness. In a randomized, double-blind trial, 18 overweight women received 3.00 grams of Korean pine nut oil (PinnoThin™)—the same amount as one daily dose of Pine Slim—or an olive oil placebo before a carbohydrate meal. Hormone measures of CCK and GLP-1 were taken from blood samples, and subjective measures of appetite were recorded. The study demonstrated a significant increase in appetite-suppressing CCK and GLP-1 hormones at 30-60 minutes after supplementation. Your Source for Advanced Nutrition The plant world offers an abundance of health promoting compounds. Today exciting discoveries are emerging from research into the health benefits of botanicals. The development of PineSlim reflects Source Naturals’ commitment to manufacturing supplements on the cutting edge of nutritional science. We are glad to partner with your local health food store in bringing you nutritional resources that help you take charge of your health. References: Causey JL (3/28/06) Korean Pine Nut Fatty Acids Induce Satiety-producing Hormone Release in Overweight Human Volunteers, American Chemical Society Abstract, “Health Benefits of Lipids” Symposium. ABSTRACT 0117: TECH-3. Fontana L. (2006) Excessive Adiposity, Calorie Restriction, and Aging. JAMA. 295(13): 1577-1578. Masoro EJ. (2005) Overview of caloric restriction and ageing. Mech Ageing Dev. 126: 913-922. Sugano M, Ikeda I, Wakamatse K, Oka T. (1994) Influence of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)-seed oil containing cis-5,cis-9,cis-12-octadecatrienoic acid on polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, eicosanoid production and blood pressure of rats. British Journal of Nutrition. 72:775-783.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1773) Memory And Focus
Date:
May 08, 2007 02:05 PM
Memory & Focus
Some people think getting older often means getting slower. It’s true that as we age, we may find we can’t walk quite as fast, climb as many flights of stairs, or play sports as hard as we could when we were twenty. However, we k now that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and the right dietary supplements can make a huge difference in our health, strength, and mobility as we age.
This is true for our mental abilities as well. We may not think as quickly as we used to, might misplace our keys more often, and experience more “tip-of-my-tongue” word searches. These so-called “middle-aged moments” most often have minor consequences: a missed appointment or the forgotten name of an acquaintance. However, in a small number of cases, these mental slips can also be the first sign of serious diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease of other dementias.
The good news is, just like our physical health, we can improve how we function mentally. Eating healthy foods, taking the right supplements, and participating in regular mental exercise can significantly increase our mental endurance, improve our memory, and optimize our ability to focus.
In fact, groundbreaking and ongoing research has discovered that specific herbs and vitamins, particularly Ginkgo Biloba, Bacopa monnieri, folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, and the important co-enzyme and antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid, all have powerful effects on memory and focus. These nutritional supplements have been scientifically shown to quickly reduce mild age-related memory chances, as well as greatly reducing the risk of developing more serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or other brain diseases later on in life.
Q. What is the difference between age related memory decline and dementia?
A. As we get older, our nerve cells need more time to spark and connect, slowing the process of bringing memories and events to mind. Another theory is that, as we age, we accumulate more knowledge and memories. The mind then has to sort through much more data to reference a memory. Almost everyone middle-aged and older notices this slowdown. Memory decline and problems with mental focus are a normal part of aging.
While it’s true that the older we get, our chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease increase, this illness is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s is an irreversible, progressive dementia that slowly kills nerve cells in areas of the brain where memory, learning, though, and language take place. Often first appearing as people begin retirement, Alzheimer’s disease makes the “golden years” a time of loss and devastation. Memories vanish, relationships are erased, and independence is gradually lost.
After Alzheimer’s disease, the second most common cause of dementia in older people is multi-infarct dementia. Caused by a series of mini-strokes that damage or destroy brain tissue over time, multi-infarct dementia usually affects people between the ages of 60 and 75. Men are slightly more at risk. High blood pressure is the most significant risk factor for multi-infarct dementia.
Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, Huntington’s disease, Creutzfelt-Jakob disease, and alcoholism can also cause progressive and irreversible dementia.
While normal age-related memory and focus loss may mean we can’t remember where we put our car keys, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia may mean we can’t remember what our car keys are used for.
Q. Are any types of memory and focus loss reversible?
A. Yes. As women enter menopause, they frequently experience trouble remembering. This memory interference is caused by hormone fluctuations and can affect speech, thinking, and attention. Symptoms of menopause-related memory loss and poor focus include recognizing faces less well than in the past, missing scheduled appointments, and misplacing articles. Once a woman passes through menopause, her ability to remember and focus most often improves.
Certain medications, such as the heavily prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs called stains, can temporarily interfere with memory. Low vitamin B levels, artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and thyroid disease can cause disruption of mental focus and memory loss. These problems usually resolve with treatment of the underlying disorder.
A certain type of stoke, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) can cause memory loss that may be reversible. A TIA is a brief episode of stroke symptoms that come on quickly. Sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke” or “warning stroke,” a TIA is caused by a temporary interruption in the blood supply to the brain. But, unlike a stroke, a TIA does not lead to permanent brain damage. While a TIA is usually short-lived, it is likely to occur again if not properly managed and can be a warning of future stroke.
Q. I seem to forget a lot of things. How can I be sure I don’t have Alzheimer’s disease or some other dementia?
A. If you, or other around you, are concerned about your memory, you should be examined by your health care practitioner. Once the cause of your memory and focus problem is diagnosed, treatment can begin. All causes of memory loss and mental focus disruption can be treated, even Alzheimer’s disease. While presently irreversible dementias cannot be cured, the progression of the disease may be slowed, and in some cases, stopped..
Research on memory loss and mental focus disruption has increased dramatically in the past few years. discoveries regarding Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as age-related loss of memory and focus have recently been made. Most importantly, many new treatment options, including the use of nutritional supplements, have been developed.
Q. How can nutritional supplements improve memory and focus?
A. Several herbs and vitamins have been demonstrated to improve memory and mental focus. While some nutritional supplements work now to improve memory and focus, others work to prevent problems we might develop later.
One of the most researched herbs, Ginkgo biloba, has been found to be effective in improving currently experienced memory and focus loss; in other words, problems we are having now. Ginkgo has been studied in individuals who have age-related memory loss, as well as in those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It seems that ginkgo can improve many brain functions, such as speeding up memory recall, protecting brain cells from chemical changes and free radical damage, improving blood flow to the brain, and helping nerve cells communicate with each other better.
Several studies examined ginkgo’s effect in healthy people who were experiencing normal age-related memory and focus problems. They determined that ginkgo improved memory, attention, and clarity of thinking. Ginkgo can also help restore memories that may be lost in TIAs, those mini-strokes that were discussed earlier.
In studies of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, the results showed that ginkgo slowed down the disease in those severely afflicted and actually improved those with very mild or moderate disease. In one of these studies, ginkgo was compared to four prescription cholinesterase inhibitors, medications commonly used to treat individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Using written mental tests, the researchers found that ginkgo worked just as effectively as the prescription drugs. While those taking one of the cholinesterase inhibitors dropped out of the study because of disturbing side effects, ginkgo had no side effects and improved symptoms equally as well.
Q. Hoe does Bacopa monnieri help memory and focus?
A. Like ginkgo, bacopa works on the memory and focus problems we are experiencing now. Bacopa grows in
Q. How does alpha lipoic acid help memory and focus?
A. Alpha lipoic acid (
Researchers have discovered unmistakable free radical damage in Alzheimer’s disease. Accordingly,
In a recent study, people with Alzheimer’s disease were given tests that measured through and memory. They were then given
Q. How do vitamins B12 and B6 help memory and focus?
A. Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient in the regulation of nerve transmissions. It is required by the nervous system for normal brain function, and it may also help with mood.
Like
Researchers have learned that people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias (including Parkinson’s disease) have elevated homocysteine levels. IN fact, t he amount of homocysteine in the blood corresponds to the severity of the disease. Most people with a high homocysteine level don’t have enough folate, vitamin B5 or vitamin B12 in their diet. Replacing these vitamins helps return the homocysteine level to normal.
Reducing homocysteine levels may prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease, or other brain diseases, and improve the symptoms of those already afflicted.
Q. What about folic acid?
A. Folic acid has long been recognized as a vital nutrient for the brain and spinal cord. Recent research has demonstrated that folic acid has significant importance in Alzheimer’s disease.
An ongoing study of Alzheimer’s disease that began in 1986 has been studying 678 members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in the hopes of learning how the disease develops, how it might be prevented, and how to treat it. Data collected in the study includes biographies the sisters wrote upon entrance to the order, blood samples from the sisters while they are living, and information gained from the voluntary donation of their brains after death.
Aptly named the “Nun Study,” ground breaking discoveries have already been made. It seems that diet and nutrition have a dramatic influence in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Sisters who had high levels of folic acid showed little evidence of Alzheimer’s-type damage in their brains after death. And, those nuns who had Alzheimer’s disease in spite of high folic acid levels had profoundly less brain damage from the disease. In fact, some sisters who had no outward evidence of Alzheimer’s disease while they were living had surprisingly extensive damage in their brains after death.
Q. Besides taking ginkgo, bacopa, B vitamins, folic acid, and ALA, is there other things I can do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
A. You may not know if you have a serious B-vitamin deficiency. Routine lab work does not measure the amount of B vitamins in your blood. You might want to ask your health care practitioner to have your B vitamin level in your blood measured, especially if you are having memory and focus problems. Keep in mind that this type of lab work is fairly expensive, however.
Supplements do not replace the need for a healthy diet, especially a diet with high levels of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids. Keeping your body healthy helps keep your brain healthy as well.
It also seems that the use-it-or-lose-it theory applies to our brain as well as our body. Research has shown that people who seek opportunities to keep mentally active, such as reading books, newspapers, and magazines, solving crossword puzzles, playing card games, and visiting museums, lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusion
Dealing with age-related memory loss may be both frustrating and frightening. As the population of
In fact, more and more research shows prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is a reality. And age-related memory loss can successfully be improved as well. Taking the scientifically validated nutritional supplements ginkgo, bacopa, vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, and
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1533) Conclusion
Date:
November 22, 2006 01:45 PM
These three natural discoveries may be some of the most important health discoveries to date. From the mountains of Japan, the rainforests of Peru, and the learned halls of a prestigious university we have been given powerful allies in healthy immunity and cancer prevention. Thankfully, there are formulas available at health food stores that contain all three natural discovery dietary supplements in one convenient product. Our immune systems are continuously assaulted from pollutants in the environment, toxic additives in our food, and common chemicals we use and depend on everyday. These assaults can leave us vulnerable to so-called simple diseases, like colds and the flu, as well as serious problems, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Staving off these threats means our white blood cells must stand ready to mount incredibly intricate defenses. Cat’s claw root extract, maitake D-fraction, and IP-6 with inositol provide powerful protection from disease and an all natural boost to our immune system.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1432) Q. If these three natural products are taken together, could they over-stimulate my immune
Date:
November 22, 2006 01:44 PM
A. That is a very good question. And at first glance, it might seem a possibility. However, one of the most amazing aspects of all three nutritional products, POA cat’s caw root extract, maitake d-fraction, and IP-6 with inositol, is their ability to both strengthen a weakened immune system and calm down a hyperactive immune system. They modulate the immune system. The POAs in Cat’s claw root extract do not take over the immune system’s job, they simply strengthen the body’s immune system so it can do its job better. Maitake D-fraction does not act on cancer cells directly, it encourages the body’s own immune system regulators to act. IP-6 with inositol does not increase NK cells, it increases NK cell activity. In other words, these three natural discoveries strengthen and balance the immune system without the fear or over-stimulation. In fact, it is theorized that cat’s claw root extract, maitake mushrooms, and IP-6 with inositol may work synergistically. Meaning, together they strengthen and balance the immune system even better when they are taken together. However, if you use a cat’s claw supplement that contains any amount of TOAs, not only will the good “spirits” of the POAs be cancelled, experts believe that they will interfere with IP-6 with inositol as well. That’s why it is vital to choose a cat’s claw supplement that is 100% TOA-free and says so on its label.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1431) Cancer, The Immune System, and Nutritional Supplements
Date:
November 22, 2006 01:31 PM
This is a tale of three discoveries. One transpired deep in the rainforests of Peru. Another happened high in the mountains of Japan. And the third discovery occurred in a university on the East Coast of the United States. All of these discoveries resulted in amazing all-natural nutritional supplements. All of these nutritional supplements have powerful effects on the human immune system. And, while each of these natural nutritional supplements help prevent and treat immune diseases individually, together they may work even more powerfully to help strengthen our immunity and keep us cancer-free. In this issue of Ask the Doctor, we will learn about these three important natural discoveries: namely, POA cat’s claw root, maitake mushrooms, and IP-6 with inositol. We will discover for ourselves how these all-natural supplements work directly on specific cells of the immune system to protect us from cancer and boost our immunity.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1422) Pycnogenol: Heart, Blood Sugar and Cellular Health
Date:
November 03, 2006 12:16 PM
Pycnogenol (pronounced pic-nojen-all) is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France. Pycnogenol® consists of particularly bioactive flavonoid species and its purity is in strict accordance with the United States Pharmacopoeia. Pycnogenol® was initially developed 35 years ago in Europe. During the past years it evolved as one of the most thoroughly researched nutritional supplements, with over 200 studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Seventy of these studies were clinical with in total more than 4,000 patients. Pycnogenol® taken in dosages from 25mg to 300mg is well tolerated and Pycnogenol® was attributed “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA. Pycnogenol® supports healthy capillaries The “Career” of Pycnogenol® began in Europe, where it was first used to maintain vein and capillary health. Pycnogenol® has been shown to strengthen blood vessel walls, with 15 clinical trials showing fast relief from ankle and foot discomfort. A recent study with 200 passengers on long-haul flights showed that Pycnogenol® taken before departure and again during the flight supports foot comfort and healthy circulation. Travelers typically comment that with Pycnogenol® it is much easier to put shoes on again upon arrival. Clinicians in Germany discovered that Pycnogenol® also supports healthy capillaries in the eyes. Retinal capillaries may be affected by imbalanced blood sugar levels. In a multi-center field study with 1169 subjects Pycnogenol® supported healthy capillaries in the retina and improved visual acuity to some extent. Pycnogenol® benefits the cardiovascular system More detailed investigation of the interaction of Pycnogenol® with blood vessel walls at the University of Florida, Tampa led to an amazing discovery. Pycnogenol® stimulates an enzyme in blood vessel walls that is responsible for generating the most important vascular mediator, known as “nitric oxide” (NO). NO triggers relaxation of the arteries and supports clear blood flow. Hence, NO is the body’s mediator for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and circulation. NO plays such an important function for cardiovascular health that Dr. Louis Ignarro (UCLA) and his co-workers received the Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1987. A number of factors, including aging, can interfere with the body’s efficient production of NO. Supplementation with Pycnogenol® for four weeks was shown to restore NO production and improve blood supply to the fingertips of elderly people in a Japanese study. Microscopic evaluation of blood vessel diameter at the root of fingernails showed an increased diameter of capillaries allowing better blood perfusion. Specific sensors applied to the legs showed increased oxygen and decreased carbon dioxide presence. Better blood, nutrient and oxygen supply with Pycnogenol® benefits everybody. Italian researchers were able to show that regular intake of Pycnogenol® helps defy muscle cramps and minor pain in athletes. The relaxation of arteries has a favorable effect on blood pressure. In two clinical studies Pycnogenol® taken for at least eight weeks was found to significantly support normal blood pressure. Pycnogenol® stimulated NO generation directly translates into clear blood flow. This was first demonstrated at the University of Arizona, Tucson in smokers. Pycnogenol® dose-dependently, starting at a single dose of 25mg, countered the typical effects of cigarette smoking on the blood. Also, Italian vascular specialists found that Pycnogenol® supported the circulation of individuals on flights between New York and London. Pycnogenol® supports healthy blood sugar levels Pycnogenol® can support normal glucose levels when taken as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle plan. A clinical investigation has confirmed the significant glucose-lowering effect of Pycnogenol®. It was noted that Pycnogenol® did not affect insulin levels. Pycnogenol® appears to facilitate previously insulin-resistant cells to uptake sugar from the blood stream by yet unknown mechanisms. Pycnogenol® limits cellular irritation Two clinical studies carried out in Germany this year with student volunteers demonstrated that Pycnogenol® has a potent effect in preventing cellular irritation. Pycnogenol® inhibits a molecular “main-switch” in immune cells that triggers the onset of cellular irritation in any part of the body. Moreover, Pycnogenol® was found to inhibit so-called COX enzymes, which are involved with minor pain-sensation related to cellular irritation. Pycnogenol® sooths menstrual pain Japanese gynecologists discovered in 1999 that regular supplementation with Pycnogenol® soothes the normal discomfort of menstrual pain, particularly during cramping. Another clinical investigation of 47 women in year 2004 confirmed the effect of Pycnogenol® in addressing menstrual pain. This year a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center field study with 116 women again confirmed these results. Pycnogenol® is not suitable for on-demand relief during menstruation. The studies show that Pycnogenol® reached highest efficacy when taken regularly for months. Pycnogenol® helps to support respiratory health Challenges to normal respiratory function may result from incidents the immune system perceives as harmful. Pycnogenol® offers valuable help in supporting respiration due to its immune-modulating effect and its ability to limit cellular irritation. A study at the University of Arizona found that Pycnogenol® supports clear breathing and lowers mediators of cellular irritation in the blood stream. More recently, a placebo-controlled clinical study at the University of California, Loma Linda described how Pycnogenol® supported healthy respiration in 60 children aged 6-18 years. Pycnogenol® needs to be taken continuously for prolonged periods of time for maximum benefit to the respiratory system. Pycnogenol® is investigated in clinical trials all over the world. New findings are posted on the website www.pycnogenol.com. Frank Schonlau Ph.D. is a biochemist who has spent nine years in medical research at the University Clinic of Munster Germany. His area of expertise covers vascular disorders, inflammation and dermatology. He has published more than 20 studies and review articles in the medical literature. Since entering the dietary field in 1999 he was involved in numerous studies on Pycnogenol® and communication of new health discoveries.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1414) Setting the Record Straight on Vitamin E
Date:
August 04, 2006 02:19 PM
Vitamin E has become a staple nutrient in the lives of millions, and is considered by many to rank among the most vital antioxidant compounds ever developed as a dietary supplement for the health seeking public. Over the past eighty years the industry’s top scientists have made many discoveries on Vitamin E’s wide range of beneficial effects, via research conducted in some of the scientific community’s most advanced clinical settings. As one of the Natural Product Industry’s leading suppliers of Vitamin E, Now Foods would like to share with you just a few of the measures we’ve taken to set the record straight on Vitamin E.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1341) Acai Berry
Date:
May 23, 2006 12:18 PM
Acai, one of the latest, hot new health food discoveries from the Amazon rainforest boasts some impressive credentials as a source of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E and more than 50 other antioxidants, especially anthocyanin—the powerhouse pigment found in red wine and blueberries. Proponents of acai, which is actually the purplish fruit of Euterpe oleracea, a short palm found in abundance in Brazil, claim this superfood promotes healthy cholesterol, supports the immune system and protects the heart. With the publication of a new study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, they might be able to add “fights cancer” to that list as well. The study, conducted at the University of Florida, tested the effect of pure acai juice-stripped of any lipids (EFAs) and cellulose material on HL-60 human leukemia cells in vitro. Researchers also evaluated five other extracts or “fractions” of the fruit, which contained different mixtures of antioxidants, for their effect on leukemia cells. They found that the extracts "reduce cell proliferation from 56% to 86%, most likely by damaging the cells enough to cause them to self-destruct." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 54(4):1222-1229, 2006
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1282) Rutozym - Systemic Enzyme Supplement with Nattokinase
Date:
February 22, 2006 05:08 PM
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1225) Olive Leaf Extract
Date:
January 02, 2006 10:17 AM
In today’s stressful world, immune system health is more important than ever. History has proven that no matter what we do to combat viruses, bacteria and parasites, they have the remarkable capability to mutate for survival, often returning in a more virulent form than before. New strains of the flu and other microbial invaders are being discovered at an alarming rate, and modern medicine is constantly on the defensive. At the time this was written, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta is predicting a “bad flu season” because a “killer drift variant” strain of flu had been discovered, called type A Fujian. This new strain has already caused deaths abroad, and vaccinations are strongly recommended, especially for the very young and the elderly. However, mutating microbes are only part of the problem confronting our immune systems. Factors such as environmental pollution and over-processing of foods are believed by many researchers to play a major role in many health conditions. Which means, more than ever before, you need to make sure your immune system is functioning at peak efficiency. Fortunately, there are a number of natural products available that can assist you in reaching this goal. One of the most effective discovered to date is Olive Leaf Extract (OLE). Natural olive leaf extract is derived from the olive tree (Olea europaea), which happens to have a very long and interesting history. One of the most revered botanicals, the olive tree is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. One of the earliest and most powerful mentions is the delivery of the olive branch to Noah by a dove, a sign that the floodwaters were receding and life was returning. The olive tree was, and still is, a life-giver. It’s fruit is used for food, and the oil is used for cooking and as a source of light to ward off the darkness. Ancient cultures soon discovered that the various components of the olive tree provided a myriad of health benefits as well, benefits confirmed by modern science. Extract of olive leaves is one of the best, if not THE best, natural antimicrobials and antioxidants ever discovered.* Oddly enough it might have been well recognized in this role much sooner since it was reported in the mid-1850’s that a bitter tea brewed from olive leaves might be a potential cure for malaria. However, not all great discoveries are immediately recognized as valuable, and physicians of that era didn’t give much credence to the reports. It wasn’t until decades later that a simple analysis conducted on olive leaves led to the discovery of an active component, the phenolic compound oleuropein, which has since been associated with many health benefits. More recently, numerous studies have been conducted on olive leaves and the active components found in the leaves, with a preponderance of positive results. A 1999 study conducted at the University of Rome assessed the antimicrobial activity of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, two of the most active components in olive leaf extract. They were pitted against many different bacterial strains, including salmonella and staphylococcus, in vitro. The study concluded, “Olea europaea can be considered a potential source of promising antimicrobial agents” for the support of intestinal and respiratory health.* 4 A 2002 study conducted at the University of South Australia compared the effectiveness of some of the typical components of the Mediterranean diet, including oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, as reactive oxygen species inhibitors and free radical scavengers. Researchers also examined their capability in protecting against low-density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro. Results clearly indicated that these components are potent inhibitors of free radical generation, as well as effective free radical scavengers.* 5 NOW® Foods carries a number of olive leaf extract products, including our Olive Leaf Extract 500mg, standardized to contain 6% oleuropein, our Extra Strength product with 18% oleuropein and 100mg of Echinacea Extract, and Olive Leaf Glycerite liquid, which contains 18% oleuropein. Why would you want a standardized Olive Leaf Extract product over a whole herb Olive Leaf product? We’re glad you asked! Standardization allows for consistently effective herbal products because the active ingredient, or marker compound, is accurately identified and measured, ensuring that the product delivers a certain minimum level of the active component or components. In simpler terms, standardized herbal products allow the consumer to obtain the benefits of an herb without having to consume massive quantities because there is a much greater concentration of active components, which also improves the effectiveness of the herbal product. Purchasing standardized Olive Leaf with a guaranteed concentration of oleuropein is a smart choice.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1147) Takeing Cat's Claw, IP-6 and Maitake Mushroom over stimulate immune system?
Date:
November 11, 2005 06:33 PM
Q. If these three natural products are taken together, could they over-stimulate my immune system? A. That is a very good question. And at first glance, it might seem a possibility. However, one of the most amazing aspects of all three nutritional products, POA cat’s claw root extract, maitake d-fraction, and IP-6 with inositol, is their ability to both strengthen a weakened immune system and calm down a hyperactive immune system. They modulate the immune system. The POAs in cat’s claw root extract do not take over the immune system’s job, they simply strengthen the body’s immune system so it can do its job better. Maitake D-fraction does not act on cancer cells directly, it encourages the body’s own immune system regulators to act. IP-6 with inositol does not increase NK cells, it increases NK cell activity. In other words, these three natural discoveries strengthen and balance the immune system without the fear of over-stimulation.
In fact, it is theorized that cat’s claw root extract, maitake mushrooms, and IP-6 with inositol may work synergistically. Meaning, together they strengthen and balance the immune system even better when they are taken together. However, if you use a cat’s claw supplement that contains any amount of TOAs, not only will the good “spirits” of POAs be cancelled, experts believe that they will interfere with IP-6 with inositol as well. That’s why it is vital to choose a cat’s claw supplement that is 100% TOA-free and says so on its label.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=940) ALPHA GPC - Improves Mental Performance
Date:
June 28, 2005 06:21 PM
The quality of our life experience—and our ability to live life to the fullest—is a direct result of optimal brain function. Only a few years ago, nothing could be done to stem the tide of poor circulation, forgetfulness and “mental fog.” But neurological science exploration has identified a fundamental brain compound critical to attention, learning, memory, and even the higher cognitive functions of reasoning and intuition. Research confirms that L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (called Alpha-GPC for convenience) is crucial to neuronal function and structure. Derived from purified soy lecithin, Source Naturals ALPHA-GPC readily converts to acetylcholine in the brain, helping to maintain neuronal structure integrity. Source Naturals provides an easy and convenient means to profoundly impact the very nexus of our body and mind. GPC Is Unique No other nutritional compound comes close to GPC in its ability to boost critically important acetylcholine levels. Found in both the brain and the peripheral nervous system (including the nerve-muscle junctions), acetylcholine is a key nerve messenger molecule, or neurotransmitter. Aging brains are characterized by functional deficiencies in both acetylcholine and its cholinergic receptors. GPC is a highly bioavailable supplement that boosts acetylcholine levels to improve cognitive function. It is also a major choline reservoir, helping to protect the brain against damage from poor circulation and potentially toxic metabolites. Deficiencies in acetylcholine can cause the body to break down phosphatidylcholine for its choline content, leading to the death of brain cells. Yet in controlled clinical trials of middle-aged subjects taking GPC, reaction time was enhanced and there was improved energy generation and electrical coordination in the brain. For older subjects, double-blind trials demonstrated that GPC had superior benefits over certain other brain nutrients for mental focus, recall, verbal fluency—a unique, marked overall enhancement of mental performance. GPC is an example of what the great Linus Pauling referred to as “orthomolecules,” that is, molecules that are “orthodox” or “correct” for the body. GPC excels as a protective nutraceutical for memory loss and mood enhancement. It protects cells of the brain (and other organs) from damage, shielding a range of important biomolecules against toxin build-up. Extensive Clinical Testing In clinical trials that involved more than 5,000 patients, GPC showed marked improvement in overall brain performance. Depending on the particular trial, 50-70 percent of the patients who received GPC had their mental functions improved to a degree “meaningful to life quality.” GPC has shown revitalizing effects on the declining brain, and preliminary evidence suggests GPC may act on the pituitary gland to partially restore its capacity to make vital for cell maintenance and longevity. Other unique brain features of GPC are its benefits for attention and recall in young healthy adults, and its superior bioavailability. GPC readily crosses the bloodbrain barrier to raise brain choline levels within a few hours following oral intake. GPC helps with body-mind integration by being a ready reservoir for acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is ubiquitous in brain circuit maturation, expansion, renewal and repair, as well as in the “agility” or adjustments of the circuitry that occur during adult life. In addition, an animal study has shown that GPC increases the release of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the most important and abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It acts as a “balancer” for the brain and helps induce relaxation and sleep. Without sufficient GABA, neurons fire at random, unable to make sense of incoming signals. GABA helps minimize “neural noise,” making it easier to focus and concentrate. Why you should take GPC:
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What is bentonite
Should you buy these ribose supplements? This article will answer this question. The supplement is one of the latest discoveries that have gained favor on many people throughout the world. If you are contemplating on buying this supplement, you need to look at this background information to make sure that you get what you deserve.
Majority of people consider evening primrose oil as one of the major miraculous discoveries within preventive care after Vitamin C. This oil consists a compound called phenylalanine that can assist with pain relief and has been applied increasingly with remedying headaches. Its therapeutic and preventive features are many hence making it a regular proposal from a big number of herbalists. 
Needless to say, psyllium is indeed a gift to the human race. But it alone could not solve all the health problems that we have, hence it is advisable to engage in healthy lifestyle, coupled with proper diet, enough sleep and adequate exercise. Our health is very fragile that is why with all our might we should protect it. We only have one body and one lifetime to live. For us to savor it fully, we should engage in a lifestyle that could not bring any detrimental effect into our health. Let us learn how to identify the components of the food that we eat and make sure that psyllium is one of those. 
