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NSAIDs vs. Curcumin: Which One Relieves Joint Pain Without Stopping Healing? Darrell Miller 9/14/26
The Ultimate Guide to Cellular Longevity: NAD+, Methylation, and Senolytics Darrell Miller 9/10/26
Unlocking Your Cellular Vitality: Understanding the Role of Mitochondria in Energy and Aging Darrell Miller 9/9/26
Why the Ratio Matters: A Guide to Solaray’s New 40:1 Myo + D-Chiro Inositol Formula Darrell Miller 8/26/26
The 5,000 mg Potassium Target: Why You Don't Need a Low-Sodium Diet  Darrell Miller 6/19/26
Can DMAE Help With Cellular Cleanup? Darrell Miller 5/28/26
Is there anything else DLPA can do be sides Pain management and Mood? Darrell Miller 5/22/26
The Dual Action of DLPA: Endorphin Shielding and Neurotransmitter Support  Darrell Miller 5/22/26
Why Do Sugar and Vitamin C Compete for the Same "Doorway" in Your Body? Darrell Miller 4/10/26
Leaky Gut vs. The Postbiotic Fortress: Strengthening Your Microbiome Shield Darrell Miller 2/20/26
SCFAs Improve Mitochondria Function Throughout The Body Darrell Miller 12/5/25
Benefits of butyrate and other SCFAs which are produced by the friendly bacteria in the gut! Darrell Miller 11/15/25
Does Berberine Help Stimulate Intestinal Cells (L-cells) to Produce And Secrete More of Your Own Natural GLP-1? Darrell Miller 11/15/25
Can Akkermansia Muciniphila help the body fight leaky gut? Darrell Miller 11/5/25
The Role of Vitamins in Mental Health Darrell Miller 5/31/24
The Role of Vitamin B12 in Energy Production Darrell Miller 5/29/24
CuraMed Coupon Darrell Miller 11/18/23
Why Your Sodium to Potassium Ratio Is Important Darrell Miller 8/4/23
The Benefits of Nitric Oxide: How L-Arginine and L-Citrulline Work Together Darrell Miller 12/1/22
Glutathione Supplementation Can Boost Your Antioxidant potential and more! Darrell Miller 10/27/22
What is DMAE and Why is it Important? Darrell Miller 10/10/22
NOW Beta-1, 3/1, 6-D-Glucan: Immune Support You Can Count On Darrell Miller 9/13/22
Having trouble seeing at night? try Healthy Night Vision by Terry Naturally Darrell Miller 7/20/22
Delta-8 THC Shows Promise in Combating Myocarditis Darrell Miller 4/29/22
A Healthy Endocannabinoid System ECS Properly Regulates The Following: Darrell Miller 10/9/20
Hemp Darrell Miller 7/3/19
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Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce high insulin levels, and lowerthe risk of breast cancer in the process Darrell Miller 5/15/19
Research proves the healing potential of monk fruit on cancerpatients Darrell Miller 4/4/19
New study links negative mood with higher levels of inflammation Darrell Miller 1/5/19
Natural matcha green tea extract found to effectively kill breastcancer cells VitaNet, LLC Staff 11/12/18
Rosemary can be used to enhance memory in university students VitaNet, LLC Staff 11/1/18
The powerful neuroprotective properties of curcumin revealed in science study: Stunning 30 percent improvement in memory Darrell Miller 7/1/18
CBD may help smokers quit cigarettes, finds new study Darrell Miller 6/20/18
Turmeric may help boost memory, lower Alzheimer's risk: study Darrell Miller 1/26/18
What Happens to Your Brain When You Go on a Diet Darrell Miller 9/27/17
Treating Painful Fibromyalgia Symptoms With Cannabis Darrell Miller 7/18/17
Craving chocolate could mean you're suffering from a magnesium deficiency Darrell Miller 7/10/17
When It’s More Than Just Heartburn Darrell Miller 5/12/17
What happens to your body when you eat 3 EGGS every day! Darrell Miller 5/7/17
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Compound in hot peppers found to halt growth of breast cancer cells Darrell Miller 4/16/17
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On Health: Do carbs make you fat? Darrell Miller 3/13/17
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Should Vegans Take DHA to Preserve Brain Function? Darrell Miller 2/5/17
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How does CBD help with Seizures Darrell Miller 12/19/16
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Calcium is essential Darrell Miller 12/2/16
The Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract Darrell Miller 11/14/16
Vitamins That Help Prevent the Common Cold Darrell Miller 11/13/16
Probiotics for Oral Health Darrell Miller 1/12/16
A Simple Thing As Taking A Breath Causes Us To Age Darrell Miller 11/22/15
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What Are The Health Benefits Of DMAE? Darrell Miller 4/26/12
The Benefits of Phytoestrogen for Hot Flashes Darrell Miller 4/16/12
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NSAIDs vs. Curcumin: Which One Relieves Joint Pain Without Stopping Healing?
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Date: September 14, 2026 11:22 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: NSAIDs vs. Curcumin: Which One Relieves Joint Pain Without Stopping Healing?


Comparative Analysis of NSAIDs versus Curcumin in Musculoskeletal Tissue Repair

Primary Biological Mechanisms and Pharmacological Targets

Managing soft tissue and joint injuries presents a persistent therapeutic challenge in musculoskeletal medicine. Acute inflammation triggers pain, localized swelling, and mechanical disability, which routinely drives patients toward pharmacological relief. For decades, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, and diclofenac have served as primary clinical interventions. While these synthetic agents effectively extinguish acute pain signals, expanding cellular and clinical research indicates that their biochemical mechanism interrupts the fundamental repair cascades required for long-term connective tissue healing. In contrast, curcumin - a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (turmeric) - exhibits a distinct, multi-targeted regulatory profile that calms hyperactive inflammation while protecting the structural components of cartilage and tendon tissue.   

The functional divergence between these two compounds becomes clear when considering an intuitive mechanical analogy. Tissue trauma resembles damage to a commercial building, where initial inflammation functions as the construction and demolition crew tasked with clearing rubble, stabilizing the foundation, and laying down fresh structural framing. NSAIDs function like abruptly cutting electrical power to the entire work site: the noisy machinery stops instantly and the immediate disturbance ceases, but the construction workers lose the power necessary to clean the debris and erect permanent walls. Conversely, curcumin operates as an experienced site manager: it silences unnecessary chaos and prevents site vandalism while ensuring that the skilled workers - specifically chondrocytes in cartilage and tenocytes in tendons - remain fully active, supplied, and capable of completing the restoration.   

At the cellular level, NSAIDs exert their effects through the catalytic inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes, categorized as constitutive cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Membrane phospholipids damaged during injury release arachidonic acid, which COX enzymes convert into pro-inflammatory lipid mediators known as prostanoids, most notably prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Nonselective NSAIDs block both isoforms, while selective coxibs specifically target COX-2. By shutting off PGE2 production, NSAIDs rapidly elevate pain thresholds and blunt localized swelling. However, because PGE2 also functions as a vital signaling cue for cellular recruitment, angiogenesis, and cellular proliferation, this total enzymatic shutdown strips local repair cells of the baseline signals required to orchestrate tissue regeneration.   

Curcumin avoids this indiscriminate pathway paralysis by acting upstream on master transcriptional control switches rather than directly neutralizing isolated enzymes. Its primary therapeutic mechanism centers on the inhibition of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) signaling networks. Under acute stress or chronic inflammatory loads, the NF-kB protein complex is released from its cytoplasmic inhibitor, IkBa, and translocates directly into the cell nucleus, where it drives the transcription of catabolic cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Curcumin blocks the phosphorylation and degradation of IkBa, effectively keeping NF-kB trapped in the cytoplasm. By preventing this nuclear entry, curcumin attenuates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and downstream matrix-degrading enzymes while preserving baseline physiological functions. Furthermore, curcumin activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and antioxidant response element (ARE) pathways, which upregulate endogenous cellular antioxidants to neutralize destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce cell death in injured joints.   

Pharmacological Characteristic Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Curcumin (Curcuma longa Polyphenol)
Primary Cellular Target Direct active-site inhibition of COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes Upstream inhibition of NF-kB, AP-1, and stimulation of Nrf2/ARE
Impact on Prostaglandin Synthesis Profound, systemic depletion of PGE2 and related prostanoids Modest, homeostatic modulation mediated via upstream cytokine reduction
Cytokine Regulation (TNF-a, IL-1ß) Minimal direct inhibitory effect on primary cytokine gene expression Significant downregulation of IL-1ß, TNF-a, and IL-6 secretion
Redox Balance and Oxidative Stress No intrinsic reactive oxygen species scavenging capabilities Direct free radical scavenger; stimulates endogenous antioxidant cascades
Organ-Level Safety Profile Documented risks of peptic ulceration, renal stress, and cardiovascular events Favorable tolerability profile; exhibits gastric mucosal cytoprotection
  

The Mechanisms of NSAID-Induced Inhibition in Cartilage and Tendon Repair

Articular cartilage and tendons are specialized, bradytrophic connective tissues characterized by relatively low basal metabolic rates and limited endogenous vascular supplies. These physical constraints make their cellular maintenance highly vulnerable to pharmaceutical disruptions. When synthetic compounds impair cell migration, survival, or extracellular matrix secretion, the intrinsic repair capacity of these structures is substantially degraded.   

Cartilage maintenance depends on chondrocytes, the sole cell type residing within articular joints, which are responsible for generating and maintaining the extracellular matrix of Type II collagen and water-binding proteoglycans such as aggrecan. Because adult articular cartilage lacks a direct vascular network, major defect repair relies heavily on the recruitment and chondrogenic differentiation of subchondral mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through endochondral ossification. Experimental evaluations demonstrate that systemic or intra-articular NSAID exposure halts this regenerative differentiation. Both nonselective NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors interfere with chondrocyte maturation and prevent successful tissue integration following cartilage transplantation or microfracture procedures.  At the cellular level, common NSAIDs - including indomethacin, ketorolac, and diclofenac - induce cell cycle arrest in chondrocytes by blocking transition from the resting G0 phase to the proliferative G1.

phase, substantially reducing viable cell numbers. Concurrently, NSAIDs downregulate Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2), an essential anabolic signaling molecule that orchestrates matrix synthesis. Histological analyses in animal models reveal that NSAID administration causes a marked loss of extracellular proteoglycan content and widespread chondrocyte depletion, yielding elevated modified Mankin scores that signify advanced structural degeneration. In layman's terms, proteoglycans serve as water-absorbing structural sponges that grant cartilage its elastic shock absorption. When NSAIDs deplete these molecules, the joint surface dries out, becomes brittle, and rapidly wears down under routine mechanical friction.   

Tendon healing is similarly susceptible to disruption by NSAIDs. Tendons operate as high-tensile structural cables composed of longitudinally arranged Type I collagen fibers, maintained by specialized fibroblasts termed tenocytes and tenoblasts. Healing after acute rupture or chronic tear progresses through an initial inflammatory phase, followed by a proliferative phase of cell migration, and culminates in a lengthy remodeling phase of collagen alignment. In vitro and in vivo studies establish that NSAIDs directly suppress the migration and proliferative capacity of tenocytes during the critical early healing window. Without an adequate cellular workforce migrating into the wound bed, provisional collagen scaffolding cannot be synthesized effectively.   

The disruption is particularly pronounced at the enthesis, the specialized fibrocartilaginous junction where soft tendon inserts into rigid bone. Re-establishing this transition zone requires coordinated bone remodeling and chondrogenic differentiation, both of which are hindered by COX inhibition. In animal rotator cuff repair models, early administration of NSAIDs significantly delays collagen fiber organization and impairs mechanical integration at the insertion site, resulting in a measurable decline in load-to-failure strength and overall tendon toughness. Furthermore, while prolonged inflammation contributes to pathological degeneration, the transient synthesis of PGE2 during the initial hours following injury is essential for regulating localized microvascular flow and hyperemic nutrient delivery. By eliminating this early prostanoid pulse, NSAIDs starve the repair zone of oxygen and circulating factors precisely when the cellular metabolic demand is highest.   

Beyond direct biochemical cytotoxicity, systemic NSAIDs introduce a physical hazard known as analgesic arthropathy. In musculoskeletal biomechanics, pain functions as a protective feedback mechanism, forcing the patient to unload an injured joint or limb to prevent structural overload. By effectively blunting the pain reflex while simultaneously undermining the cellular synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen, NSAIDs create a deceptive state of perceived recovery. Patients prematurely resume unrestricted weight-bearing and strenuous activity, placing substantial, uncompensated mechanical forces onto compromised cartilage surfaces and unhealed tendon fibers. Over time, this recurring mechanical trauma accelerates joint space narrowing, promotes microfractures in the subchondral plate, and hastens functional joint breakdown.   

Chondroprotective and Tenogenic Mechanisms of Curcumin

In sharp contrast to the suppressive actions of synthetic COX inhibitors, curcumin exhibits a tissue-sparing, pro-regenerative biological profile. Rather than paralyzing cellular metabolism, curcumin modulates the microenvironment by suppressing destructive catabolic enzymes while supporting the baseline anabolic signals required for cartilage and tendon reconstruction.   

In articular cartilage, curcumin acts as a direct chondroprotective agent by dismantling the catabolic cascade induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. When joint tissues are exposed to elevated IL-1ß and TNF-a, chondrocytes are provoked to synthesize matrix metalloproteinases - specifically collagenases such as MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 - along with aggrecanases like ADAMTS5. These enzymes function like enzymatic shears, systematically slicing through structural Type II collagen strands and degrading aggrecan cores. Curcumin suppresses the transcription and secretion of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS5 by neutralizing NF-kB and AP-1 activation. Concurrently, it upregulates Cbp/p300 Interacting Transactivator with ED-rich tail 2 (CITED2), an essential transcriptional regulator that represses matrix metalloproteinases at the genomic level.   

In addition to halting extracellular degradation, curcumin protects chondrocytes from inflammatory apoptosis. Exposure to oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines typically triggers programmed cell death by activating the intrinsic caspase cascade. Curcumin suppresses this apoptotic pathway by reducing the cleavage of executioner caspase-3, downregulating the pro-apoptotic factor Bax, and elevating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression. Microscopic and histological analyses of osteoarthritic cartilage treated with curcumin consistently show robust Safranin O staining, intact surface regularity, preserved chondrocyte density, and significantly reduced Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) degradation scores.   

Within tendon biology, curcumin promotes active tissue regeneration (tenogenesis) rather than inert scar formation. In animal models of tendon rupture and surgical repair, curcumin guides tendon-derived stem and progenitor cells (TSPCs) toward mature tenocyte differentiation. This lineage-specific differentiation is orchestrated primarily through activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling cascades. As stem cells commit to the tenogenic pathway, they significantly upregulate crucial structural and phenotypic markers, including epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), tenomodulin, and the master tendon transcription factor Scleraxis.   

Through this guided differentiation, curcumin supports the preferential synthesis and organized deposition of high-tensile Type I collagen fibers, the primary architectural building blocks of healthy tendons. Injured tendons typically fill with disorganized, loose Type III collagen, which forms a structurally inferior, compliant scar. Curcumin supplementation promotes the progressive maturation from primitive Type III collagen to densely packed, parallel Type I collagen fibrils, restoring native tensile strength and mechanical breaking force.   

A major clinical challenge following tendon surgery is the development of peritendinous adhesions, in which excessive fibrotic scar tissue binds the healing tendon to its synovial sheath, restricting range of motion and joint gliding. Postoperative tendon repair involves a balance between extrinsic healing (in which exterior fibroblasts infiltrate the defect and deposit messy scar tissue) and intrinsic healing (in which tenocytes within the tendon substance reconstruct the matrix). Curcumin suppresses excessive peritendinous inflammation and extrinsic fibrosis while accelerating intrinsic tenocyte repair. Biomechanical testing confirms that local or systemic curcumin administration yields lower adhesion scores, increased gliding distances, and superior functional mobility without sacrificing structural load-bearing capacity.   

Comparative Clinical Efficacy and Systemic Safety Profiles

Translating cellular findings into clinical practice requires weighing therapeutic outcomes against systemic safety profiles. While synthetic NSAIDs deliver potent, rapid analgesia during acute musculoskeletal pain events, their chronic administration is constrained by systemic toxicities across multiple organ systems.   

In randomized, active-controlled clinical trials of knee osteoarthritis, optimized curcumin preparations have demonstrated clinical pain reduction and functional recovery comparable to standard therapeutic doses of NSAIDs. In a randomized, open-label parallel-arm study evaluating 139 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, subjects received either 500 mg of a bio-enhanced curcumin extract three times daily or 50 mg of diclofenac sodium twice daily for 28 consecutive days. Patients treated with curcumin demonstrated comparable improvements in pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and functional scores on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at days 14 and 28, showing no statistically significant difference in therapeutic efficacy compared to diclofenac.   

However, the systemic tolerability profiles between the treatments diverged markedly. Overall adverse events occurred in only 13% of the curcumin group compared to 38% of the diclofenac cohort. In the diclofenac arm, 28% of patients developed dyspeptic symptoms severe enough to require concurrent treatment with H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors to prevent mucosal ulceration, whereas no patients in the curcumin cohort required gastroprotective intervention. Furthermore, the curcumin cohort experienced a significant reduction in flatulence and digestive discomfort, demonstrating beneficial gastric and intestinal cytoprotective effects.   

These safety observations are consistent across broader systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents inherently compromise gastrointestinal integrity by systematically depleting cytoprotective prostaglandins, leaving the gastric epithelium vulnerable to acid erosion and hemorrhage. In addition, systemic inhibition of renal and vascular COX enzymes by NSAIDs reduces renal perfusion and disrupts the balance between prostacyclin and thromboxane, elevating the risk of fluid retention, hypertension, and adverse cardiovascular thrombotic events. Curcumin does not suppress these physiological prostanoid pathways, making it free from ulcerogenic, nephrotoxic, and cardiotoxic properties at therapeutic dosages.   

Clinical Parameter Conventional NSAIDs (e.g., Diclofenac, Ibuprofen) Formulated Curcumin (Curcuma longa)
Onset and Depth of Analgesia Rapid onset (1 to 2 hours); potent, broad suppression of acute pain Progressive onset (several days); steady, moderate-to-high pain relief
Functional Joint Scores (KOOS / WOMAC) Significant, established improvements in mobility and stiffness scores Statistically comparable improvements in functional and quality-of-life scores
Gastrointestinal Integrity Elevated incidence of dyspepsia, gastric erosions, and peptic ulcer bleeding Gastroprotective; exhibits anti-ulcer actions and improves digestive tolerance
Cardiovascular and Renal Strain Documented risks of fluid retention, renal dysfunction, and thrombotic events Favorable safety profile; provides systemic antioxidant and vascular benefits
Cartilage Matrix Dynamics Associated with proteoglycan depletion, cell arrest, and matrix breakdown Chondroprotective; inhibits MMPs/ADAMTS5 while preserving proteoglycans
Tendon Remodeling and Strength Suppresses tenocyte migration and compromises enthesis breaking strength Enhances tenogenesis, organizes Type I collagen, and limits adhesion formation
  

A longstanding limitation of standard curcumin supplementation in clinical settings has been its low oral bioavailability. Native curcuminoids are highly lipophilic, poorly soluble in aqueous gastric fluids, and subject to rapid hepatic and intestinal phase II metabolism into inactive glucuronides and sulfates, leading to swift biliary and fecal excretion. Consequently, raw culinary turmeric powders struggle to achieve the therapeutic systemic circulating concentrations required to reach poorly vascularized joint and tendon compartments. Modern pharmacognosy has addressed this pharmacodynamic hurdle through advanced delivery formulations. Modern strategies - such as co-administration with the natural alkaloid piperine (which inhibits hepatic glucuronidation), micellar dispersions, phytosomal phospholipid complexes, and bio-enhanced submicron dispersions - elevate systemic blood bioavailability by ten- to thirty-fold compared to unformulated extracts. These modern delivery platforms ensure that therapeutic concentrations reach synovial fluid, subchondral bone, and fibrous tendon sheaths without requiring excessive oral dosing.   

Conclusions and Translational Clinical Implications

The biological and clinical evidence reveals distinct physiological paths for NSAIDs and curcumin in orthopedic recovery. While NSAIDs remain powerful tools for the brief alleviation of acute, unmanageable pain, their ongoing administration during active tissue healing presents substantial biological compromises. Tendons and cartilage require a controlled, transient inflammatory cascade to signal cell recruitment, stimulate stem cell differentiation, and direct extracellular matrix synthesis. By completely shutting down cyclooxygenase enzymes and depleting local prostaglandins, NSAIDs disrupt this regenerative cascade. The resulting cellular consequences - including chondrocyte cell cycle arrest, proteoglycan loss, suppression of tenocyte migration, and weakened collagen tensile strength at the tendon-to-bone interface - demonstrate that pain relief from NSAIDs frequently comes at the cost of the structural integrity of healing connective tissues.   

In contrast, curcumin provides a tissue-preserving alternative that decouples pain and inflammation control from cellular suppression. Operating upstream at the level of NF-kB and AP-1 transcriptional activation, curcumin attenuates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines while leaving the physiological baseline of cellular metabolism intact. In cartilage, it actively represses the matrix-degrading enzymes MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS5, maintains water-binding proteoglycan content, and protects chondrocytes from inflammatory apoptosis. In damaged tendons, curcumin stimulates tenogenic differentiation of local stem cells via PI3K/Akt signaling, supports the proper maturation of dense Type I collagen fibers, and prevents restrictive peritendinous scar adhesions, preserving both joint mobility and mechanical breaking strength.   

From a translational perspective, these findings indicate that clinical protocols should reconsider relying on continuous NSAIDs as the default intervention for connective tissue injuries, post-surgical recovery, and chronic degenerative conditions. Where synthetic NSAIDs are deemed necessary, their use should be confined to short-term acute flare-ups to avoid interrupting early tissue remodeling. For long-term joint preservation, ongoing tendinopathy rehabilitation, and chronic osteoarthritis management, optimized bio-enhanced curcumin formulations deliver pain relief and functional restoration comparable to conventional pharmaceuticals, all while preserving the biological processes required for lasting musculoskeletal repair.   

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The Ultimate Guide to Cellular Longevity: NAD+, Methylation, and Senolytics
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Date: September 10, 2026 10:57 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The Ultimate Guide to Cellular Longevity: NAD+, Methylation, and Senolytics


Introduction: Understanding Cellular Aging and Energy Decline

Biological 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 Production

Every 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 Process

When 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 Pathway

The Biochemistry of NAD+ Depletion Over Time

Nicotinamide 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.
NAD+ Pathway / Consumer Primary Biochemical Role Functional Impact of Age-Related Depletion
Mitochondrial Redox Reactions Shuttles electrons (NAD+ <--> NADH) to drive oxidative phosphorylation. Impaired ATP generation, diminished metabolic flexibility.
Sirtuin Enzymes (SIRT1-7) Removes acetyl groups from regulatory proteins; coordinates longevity defense. Blunted mitochondrial biogenesis, degraded metabolic regulation.
PARP Enzymes (PARP-1) Detects DNA strand breaks and synthesizes poly(ADP-ribose) scaffolds. Hyperactivation drains systemic NAD+ pools during genotoxic stress.
CD38 Ecto-Enzyme Glycohydrolase that consumes cellular NAD+ and its precursors. Upregulated by SASP, aggressively accelerating NAD+ depletion.
Tissue concentrations of NAD+ decline with advancing chronological age. Clinical evidence shows that systemic NAD+ levels in midlife and older adults can drop by 50% to over 80% compared to young adult baselines. This deficit is driven not only by reduced biosynthesis, but by accelerating enzymatic consumption.

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+ Levels

The 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 Mechanisms

Replenishing 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 Regulator

Clearing Senescent "Zombie" Cells from Tissues

The 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 Autophagy

The 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 Fats

Despite 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.

Pharmacokinetic Parameter Unformulated Quercetin (500 mg) Quercetin Phytosome (500 mg) Clinical Significance
Peak Plasma Concentration (C_max) 10.93 +- 2.22  ng/mL

[cite: 36]

223.10 +- 16.32 ng/mL

[cite: 36]

Approximately 20-fold higher peak circulating concentration.
Area Under the Curve (AUC_last) 4,774.93 +- 1,190.61  min . ng/mL

[cite: 36]

96,163.87 +- 9,291.31 min . ng/mL

[cite: 36]

Roughly 20-fold increase in total systemic biological exposure.
Time to Peak Concentration (T_max) 290.00 +- 31.19 min

[cite: 36]

202.50 +- 35.97 min

[cite: 36]

Faster intestinal absorption and systemic distribution.
Formulation Matrix Crystalline aglycone; high luminal aggregation. Phospholipid complex; enhanced membrane transit. Direct cellular entry via physiological lipid pathways.
Human pharmacokinetic trials demonstrate that quercetin phytosomes achieve up to 20-fold greater oral bioavailability compared to standard unformulated quercetin extracts. For standard, non-phytosome quercetin preparations, co-ingestion with dietary lipids provides an alternative method to enhance absorption. Ingesting fats stimulates the release of cholecystokinin, triggering biliary secretion and the formation of mixed micelles in the small intestine. These micelles solubilize hydrophobic quercetin molecules, facilitating their diffusion across the unstirred water layer of the enterocyte brush border.

The Importance of Methylation in Healthy Aging

Vitamin B-Complex and Choline as Essential Methyl Donors

Methylation 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 Health

Every 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 Focus

Beyond 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 Protocol

Synergizing NR, Quercetin, and Methylated B-Vitamins

Longevity 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 Function

Longevity 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 Markers

A 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.

Prebiotic Soluble Fiber Fermentation Kinetics Primary Physiological Benefits
Acacia Fiber (Gum Arabic) Slow, uniform fermentation throughout the distal colon. High digestive tolerance without sudden gas; sustained distal SCFA generation.
Inulin (Fructo-oligosaccharides) Rapid, targeted bifidogenic fermentation. Promotes Bifidobacteria; upregulates tight junctions; reduces LPS translocation.
Supplying non-digestible prebiotic soluble fibers, such as acacia fiber and inulin, directly targets this inflammatory cascade. Acacia and inulin resist enzymatic hydrolysis in the upper gastrointestinal tract, reaching the colon intact to nourish beneficial commensal microbes, particularly Bifidobacterium species and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Through saccharolytic fermentation, these bacteria convert prebiotic fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): acetate, propionate, and butyrate.

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 Matrix

Cellular 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.
Protocol Component Primary Biological Target Primary Biochemical Mechanism Coordinated Longevity Outcome
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) NAD+ Salvage Pathway Phosphorylated by NRK1/2 to bypass rate-limiting NAMPT. Restores mitochondrial ATP, activates SIRT1/3, fuels PARP-1 DNA repair.
Quercetin (Phytosome Form) Senescent Cells & mTORC1 Disrupts anti-apoptotic SCAP networks and suppresses PI3K/Akt/mTOR. Clears zombie cells, blunts toxic SASP, and triggers autophagic cleanup.
Methylated B-Complex & Choline/TMG One-Carbon Methylation Cycle Supplies methyl groups to regenerate SAM and clear homocysteine. Offsets NNMT clearance demands, protects DNA methylation, and fuels creatine.
Magnesium Glycinate & Zinc Enzymatic Cofactors & DNA Binding Forms active Mg2+ -ATP; stabilizes zinc-finger repair motifs. Ensures optimal ATP function, powers salvage kinases, supports PARP-1 docking.
Prebiotic Fibers (Acacia & Inulin) Gut Microbiome & Intestinal Wall Fermented into SCFAs (butyrate) via beneficial commensals. Seals intestinal tight junctions, halts LPS endotoxemia, lowers inflammaging.
Integrating these interventions creates clear biological synergy. Nicotinamide Riboside raises intracellular NAD+, providing the substrate for sirtuin-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and PARP-1-mediated DNA repair.

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.

--
Content Put together by Darrell Miller CEO of VitaNet LLC

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6650)


Unlocking Your Cellular Vitality: Understanding the Role of Mitochondria in Energy and Aging
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Date: September 09, 2026 05:22 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Unlocking Your Cellular Vitality: Understanding the Role of Mitochondria in Energy and Aging


Introduction: Understanding Cellular Aging and Energy Decline

Have you ever wondered why you could bounce back from an all-nighter or an intense workout in your twenties, but in your forties or fifties, the same physical effort leaves you feeling drained for days?

Most people think aging is something that happens strictly on the outside - fine lines around the eyes, stiff joints, or gray hairs. In reality, aging begins at a microscopic scale inside your cells, the microscopic building blocks that make up every tissue, muscle, and organ in your body.

Every single day, your body relies on roughly 30 trillion cells working in unison. When your cells are young and resilient, they operate like a well-oiled machine: they repair minor damage instantly, clear away waste, and produce abundant energy. But over time, two fundamental biological shifts take place:

  1. Your cellular power plants start slowing down, reducing the steady flow of energy your body needs to thrive.
  2. Damaged cells refuse to recycle themselves, lingering behind and creating biological friction for healthy neighbors.
Understanding how cellular aging works is not just fascinating science - it is the master key to understanding why vitality declines and how we can support our bodies to feel energized, resilient, and sharp at every stage of life.

The Role of Mitochondria and ATP Production

To understand where your daily energy comes from, you have to look inside your cells at tiny structures called mitochondria.

Often called the "powerhouses" of the cell, mitochondria function like miniature power stations. A single cell can house hundreds or even thousands of them, especially energy-hungry cells like those in your heart, brain, and skeletal muscles.

The Body’s Energy Currency: What is ATP?

Your body cannot directly use a sandwich or a cup of coffee to power muscle contractions or brain signals. Instead, your mitochondria take the nutrients from your food and combine them with the oxygen you breathe to manufacture a chemical molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Think of ATP as your body’s universal energy currency:

  • Every heartbeat "spends" ATP.
  • Every thought, muscle contraction, and cellular repair job requires a steady supply of ATP coins.
  • In the folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane (the cristae pictured above), microscopic protein motors called ATP synthase act like tiny hydroelectric turbines, churning out billions of ATP molecules every second.

Why Cellular Energy Production Declines with Age

When you are young, your mitochondria are abundant, pristine, and remarkably efficient. However, the very process of creating energy comes with an unavoidable side effect: oxidative stress.

Much like an engine produces exhaust fumes while burning fuel, mitochondria produce reactive byproducts known as free radicals (reactive oxygen species). Over decades, these "exhaust fumes" slowly damage the inner machinery of the mitochondria:

  • Mitochondrial DNA Damage: Unlike other parts of the cell, mitochondria possess their own distinct DNA, which sits right next to where the oxidative "exhaust" is released. Because this DNA lacks the robust defense systems of your main cellular nucleus, it accumulates wear and tear faster.
  • Leaky, Less Efficient Turbines: Damaged mitochondria struggle to produce ATP at full capacity. Instead of generating clean energy, they burn fuel inefficiently and generate even more oxidative stress.
  • Reduced Mitochondrial Number: As damaged mitochondria break down faster than the cell can replace them, the total number of working power generators inside each cell drops.
When your cellular energy currency dries up, you experience it in real life as persistent fatigue, brain fog, slower physical recovery, and a general feeling that your internal battery will no longer hold a full charge.

How Cellular Senescence Accelerates the Aging Process

If mitochondrial decline is a problem of power shortage, cellular senescence is a problem of biological clutter and pollution.

In a healthy body, normal cells follow a strict lifecycle: they divide, perform their jobs, and when they incur significant damage or reach the end of their useful lifespan, they undergo a tidy self-destruction process called apoptosis (programmed cell death). Your immune system then clears away the debris, making room for fresh, vibrant cells.

Cellular senescence happens when this cleanup process fails.

The "Zombie Cell" Phenomenon

When a cell experiences extreme stress - such as shortened telomeres (the protective caps on chromosomes), severe DNA breaks, or severe mitochondrial dysfunction - it reaches a biological crossroads. To prevent the damaged cell from dividing uncontrollably (which could lead to tumors), the body puts the brakes on.

The cell enters a permanent state of dormancy:

  • It permanently stops dividing.
  • Crucially, it refuses to die.
Because they neither live normally nor clear out to make room for new life, scientists colloquially call senescent cells "zombie cells."

Why Zombie Cells Are So Damaging: The Bad Apple Effect

Having a few retired cells hanging around might not sound catastrophic, but senescent cells do not sit quietly. Instead, they secrete a toxic chemical cocktail known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP).

This cocktail is packed with pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and tissue-degrading enzymes. Picture one spoiled apple sitting in a fruit basket: the ethylene gas it emits quickly causes the healthy apples surrounding it to rot.

In the same way, the toxic secretions from zombie cells:

  1. Spread the Damage: They trigger inflammation and induce premature senescence in healthy neighboring cells.
  2. Break Down Healthy Tissue: The enzymes degrade the extracellular matrix (the collagen and elastin scaffolds that keep skin firm and arteries flexible).
  3. Exhaust the Immune System: Your immune cells are dispatched to manage the constant, low-grade alarm signals, gradually wearing out your natural defense network.
This persistent, body-wide smoldering inflammation driven by senescent cells is often referred to as "inflammaging."

The Vicious Cycle of Cellular Aging

Mitochondrial decay and cellular senescence are not isolated events; they feed directly into one another:
Cellular Component The Healthy State The Aging State Everyday Customer Impact
Mitochondria Abundant, high ATP output, minimal oxidative leaks Fewer power plants, high free-radical leakage Low stamina, brain fog, slow workout recovery
Cellular Turnover Old cells self-destruct (apoptosis) and get recycled Damaged cells linger as senescent "zombie cells" Tissue stiffness, chronic low-grade inflammation
Tissue Environment Clean, cooperative, nutrient-rich cellular matrix Bathed in inflammatory secretions (SASP) Premature aging of skin, joints, and organs
When mitochondria lose efficiency, the excess free radicals they emit trigger DNA damage, forcing the cell into senescence. In turn, the inflammatory chemicals pumped out by senescent cells degrade the mitochondria of neighboring cells.

What This Means for Everyday Health

The good news from modern longevity science is that cellular decline is not entirely out of our hands. While aging is natural, the rate at which our cellular engines degrade can be influenced by daily habits:
  • Exercise Stimulates New Power Plants: High-intensity intervals and resistance training trigger a process called mitochondrial biogenesis - prompting your cells to build brand-new, clean-burning mitochondria.
  • Fasting & Caloric Balance Trigger Autophagy: Periods between meals signal cells to clean house, breaking down dysfunctional proteins and clearing away debris.
  • Targeted Micronutrients & Antioxidants: Supporting key cellular cofactors (such as NAD+, CoQ10, and polyphenols) helps shield mitochondrial membranes from oxidative strain and supports the body's natural cellular renewal pathways.
By taking care of the microscopic engines and cleanup crews inside your cells, you lay the groundwork for sustained energy, mental clarity, and long-term vitality.

Summary:

Aging is fundamentally a microscopic process occurring inside the body's trillions of cells, which naturally become less resilient over time. Central to this decline are the mitochondria, the tiny structures that function as the cell's "power plants" to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal chemical currency for everyday energy. While young mitochondria are abundant and pristine, decades of producing ATP generate oxidative stress through byproducts called free radicals, which eventually wear down and damage mitochondrial DNA and machinery. This damage results in fewer, less efficient power generators, lowering total cellular energy output, which individuals experience as real-world physical fatigue and mental fog.

Aging is further accelerated by cellular senescence, a condition where damaged cells stop dividing but, instead of naturally self-destructing like healthy ones, linger behind as dormant "zombie cells." These senescent cells secrete a pro-inflammatory chemical mixture known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), which functions like a "bad apple" by poisoning healthy neighboring cells and tissues, creating a state of chronic biological pollution termed "inflammaging." Mitochondrial decay and senescence feed into one another in a vicious cycle that directly drives overall aging. However, longevity science highlights that healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise and periods of fasting, can support continued vitality by encouraging the development of new mitochondria and the clearing of this toxic cellular clutter.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6649)


Why the Ratio Matters: A Guide to Solaray’s New 40:1 Myo + D-Chiro Inositol Formula
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Date: August 26, 2026 02:21 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Why the Ratio Matters: A Guide to Solaray’s New 40:1 Myo + D-Chiro Inositol Formula


Solaray’s Myo + D-Chiro Inositol 40:1 is formulated to deliver targeted cellular and metabolic balance, specifically supporting women's hormonal health, healthy ovarian function, and insulin signaling. Inositol acts as an essential secondary messenger in cellular communication, helping regulate glucose metabolism, neurotransmitter pathways, and endocrine synthesis. By combining two distinct yet complementary isomers, this supplement is designed to support cycle regularity, reproductive wellness, and cellular energy management.

The formula centers on the clinically researched 40:1 ratio of Myo-Inositol to D-Chiro Inositol, precisely mirroring the natural balance found in healthy human blood plasma. A full daily serving of four vegetarian capsules provides 2,000 mg of Myo-Inositol alongside 50 mg of D-Chiro Inositol (totaling 2,050 mg). This specific ratio delivers the metabolic advantages of D-chiro inositol without overloading ovarian tissue, ensuring optimal intracellular signaling and insulin response.

Solaray manufactures this supplement in an NSF-certified GMP facility in Utah, maintaining strict quality controls and clean-label standards. The capsules are 100% vegan, gluten-free, and formulated without unnecessary fillers. Every production lot undergoes rigorous laboratory verification—testing for identity, potency, microbials, heavy metals, and environmental contaminants to ensure high purity and consistency.

Key Benefits:

  • Clinically Studied 40:1 Ratio: Delivers 2,000 mg of Myo-Inositol and 50 mg of D-Chiro Inositol to mirror the body's natural physiological balance.
  • Targeted Hormonal & Ovarian Support: Encourages menstrual regularity, healthy egg quality, and balanced ovarian function.
  • Metabolic & Insulin Regulation: Promotes healthy glucose utilization and cellular insulin sensitivity.
  • Clean & Vegan Formulation: Encapsulated in plant-based VegCaps with no gluten, harsh binders, or artificial additives.
  • Multi-Stage Lab Testing: Verified for potency, purity, heavy metals, and contaminants to meet rigorous quality standards.
 

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6648)


The 5,000 mg Potassium Target: Why You Don't Need a Low-Sodium Diet 
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Date: June 19, 2026 12:22 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The 5,000 mg Potassium Target: Why You Don't Need a Low-Sodium Diet 



Potassium is far more than just a standard mineral - it is a heavy-hitting essential electrolyte that serves as the primary chemical counterweight to sodium. While sodium grabs most of the headlines for bloating and high blood pressure, potassium is the quiet regulator working behind the scenes to maintain cellular health, fluid dynamics, and vascular tone.

Here is exactly how it manages your water balance and keeps cardiovascular pressure in check.

1. Restoring Cellular Water Balance

To understand fluid balance, you have to look at where water lives in the body. Sodium dominates the fluid outside your cells (extracellular), while potassium is the absolute ruler of the fluid inside your cells (intracellular).

They control fluid movement via a cellular mechanism called the sodium-potassium pump.

This microscopic pump works continuously to push sodium out of your cells and pull potassium in.

  • When potassium is optimal: Water is drawn naturally into the intracellular space, keeping your muscles and organs properly hydrated and full.
  • When potassium drops: The pump struggles. Excess sodium accumulates inside the cells, dragging water along with it. This disruption can trigger cellular swelling and fluid retention - often showing up as that soft, subcutaneous "holding water" look.
Getting enough potassium effectively resets this pump, flushing excess extracellular water out and pulling hydration back where it belongs.

2. Lowering Blood Pressure: The Dual Mechanism

When your sodium-to-potassium ratio gets skewed in favor of sodium, your blood pressure inevitably creeps up. Potassium actively forces blood pressure down through two primary physiological pathways:

Kidneys and Sodium Clearance

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering your blood and managing fluid volume. High sodium levels signal the body to hold onto water, which increases overall blood volume. Think of it like turning up the water pressure in a garden hose - more fluid equals higher pressure on the arterial walls.

Potassium acts as a natural diuretic. When you consume enough of it, the kidneys are signaled to excrete excess sodium through your urine. As sodium leaves the building, it takes that excess water volume with it, dropping the pressure inside your cardiovascular system.

Vascular Relaxation (Vasodilation)

Beyond just managing fluid volume, potassium has a direct, relaxing effect on the physical structure of your blood vessels. High sodium and low potassium can cause blood vessel walls to become stiff and constricted.

Potassium relaxes the smooth muscle cells lining your arteries. This widening of the blood vessels - known as vasodilation - instantly reduces resistance to blood flow, allowing your heart to pump more efficiently with less strain.

The Ratio Advantage: Clinical research consistently shows that focusing on the ratio of sodium to potassium is often more impactful for blood pressure management than simply cutting out salt entirely. For optimal cardiovascular and metabolic function, aiming for a 2:1 intake of potassium to sodium is an ideal target.

Vascular Health Beyond Low-Salt: How Potassium Relaxes Arteries and Keeps Muscles Full

For decades, the standard advice for managing fluid retention and high blood pressure has been a blanket directive: cut the salt. But treating sodium like a dietary villain ignores a fundamental biological truth - sodium is an essential electrolyte required for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood volume regulation.

Aggressively slashing salt is a blunt instrument that often creates new physiological imbalances. The real key to vascular health and crisp fluid dynamics isn't absolute sodium deprivation; it is maintaining a high potassium intake - up to 5,000 mg daily - to allow your body to balance salt levels naturally.

The Hidden Risks of Aggressive Salt Restriction

When you drastically cut sodium, your body doesn't just quietly lower your blood pressure. It views the sudden drop in a critical electrolyte as a survival emergency and activates the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS).
  1. Hormonal Cascade: Your kidneys release the enzyme renin, which triggers a cascade of hormones (angiotensin and aldosterone) that tell your body to aggressively hold onto whatever sodium and water it can find.
  2. Vascular Constriction: This hormonal surge can actually cause blood vessels to constrict, occasionally backfiring and keeping blood pressure elevated despite a low-salt diet.
  3. Metabolic Drag: Severe, prolonged sodium restriction has been linked in clinical studies to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, elevated stress hormones (like adrenaline), and a paradoxical increase in insulin resistance.
You need sodium to live, to perform, and to keep your muscles functioning. Eliminating it completely starves the cellular pump of half its fuel.

Why 5,000 mg of Potassium is the Real Solution

Instead of forcing your body into a low-sodium starvation state, a more effective approach is to supply it with the optimal amount of its natural physiological counterweight: potassium. Aiming for a robust target of 4,700 to 5,000 mg of potassium daily changes how your system processes salt.
  • The Kidney's Sluice Gate: High potassium intake signals the kidneys to stop hoarding fluid. When potassium levels are abundant, the kidneys naturally dump excess sodium into the urine. As that extra sodium leaves, it carries the bloated, extracellular water weight out with it, lowering blood volume and easing arterial pressure.
  • Blunting the Salt Sensitivity: Many people aren't inherently "salt-sensitive"; they are simply severely potassium-deficient. When daily potassium hits that 5,000 mg threshold, it blunts the blood-pressure-raising effects of dietary sodium, allowing you to enjoy salt without the negative vascular side effects.
  • Maintaining Cellular Voltage: Sodium and potassium work in tandem to maintain the electrical membrane potential of your cells. Keeping sodium intake stable while driving potassium up ensures your muscles stay hydrated, full, and electrically active, rather than flat and prone to cramping.

The Cooperative Electrolyte Relationship

Sodium and potassium should never be viewed as enemies; they are partners that require a specific ratio to optimize human physiology.
Electrolyte Primary Location Main Operational Role Effect of Optimal Levels
Sodium Outside the cell (Extracellular) Maintains blood volume, drives nutrient transport into cells, regulates nerve impulses. Stable blood pressure, strong muscle contraction, proper hydration.
Potassium Inside the cell (Intracellular) Relaxes blood vessel walls, pumps fluid back into cells, drives out excess sodium. Reduced vascular resistance, elimination of subcutaneous bloating.
The Modern Imbalance: The ancestral human diet naturally provided roughly 4 times more potassium than sodium. The modern diet has completely inverted this, delivering massive amounts of processed sodium and almost zero potassium. Reclaiming that ratio by hitting up to 5,000 mg of potassium from whole foods allows your body to find its natural equilibrium, protecting your heart while maintaining peak physical performance.

Aggressive dietary salt restriction often backfires because sodium is an essential electrolyte required for nerve transmission and fluid regulation; cutting it too drastically triggers a survival response that constricts blood vessels and hoards water. Fluid balance is ultimately determined by the relationship between sodium outside the cells and potassium inside them, a delicate equilibrium managed by the cellular sodium-potassium pump. When this ratio is skewed by a lack of dietary potassium, cells lose their optimal hydration, causing extracellular fluid retention and the soft, bloated look of subcutaneous water weight.

Rather than starving the body of salt, driving daily potassium intake up to 5,000 mg fixes this modern imbalance and naturally eases blood pressure through a dual mechanism. This high intake acts as a natural diuretic, signaling the kidneys to flush out excess sodium along with the excess blood volume that strains arterial walls. Simultaneously, potassium promotes vasodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle lining of the blood vessels, reducing vascular resistance and allowing the heart to pump efficiently while keeping muscles full, hydrated, and performing at their peak.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6642)


Can DMAE Help With Cellular Cleanup?
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Date: May 28, 2026 01:38 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Can DMAE Help With Cellular Cleanup?



Can DMAE Help With Cellular Cleanup?

Yes, DMAE - and specifically its highly bioavailable pharmaceutical ester counterpart, centrophenoxine (meclofenoxate) - hits cellular cleanup mechanisms. However, the way it interacts with a stalled system in Parkinson's Disease (PD) is fundamentally different from standard macroautophagy upregulators like fasting or mTOR inhibitors.

Instead of just forcing the cell to create more cleanup vesicles, DMAE addresses the structural and mechanical "traffic jams" that cause the system to stall in the first place.

The Parkinson's Stagnation: An Autophagic Traffic Jam

In Parkinson’s pathology, the primary breakdown in cellular quality control occurs within the autophagic-lysosomal pathway. The accumulation of misfolded a-synuclein proteins builds up into toxic aggregates (Lewy bodies). This doesn't just form static waste; it actively paralyzes the cell's transport machinery, halting macroautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and mitophagy (the clearing of damaged, radical-producing mitochondria).

Here is how a healthy version of this pathway is structured:

As shown above, a healthy cell relies on seamless transport where an autophagosome encapsulates debris and fuses with an acidic lysosome to form an autolysosome for enzymatic destruction. In a stalled Parkinson's state, this crucial fusion and trafficking step is paralyzed.

How DMAE Alters Cleanup Dynamics

DMAE approaches this bottleneck through two precise biochemical mechanisms:

1. Re-greasing Vesicle Trafficking Tracks

To build an autophagosome and move it to a lysosome, a neuron requires highly fluid lipid membranes.
  • Parkinson's progression is closely tied to a critical deficit in key membrane phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC).
  • When PE and PC levels drop, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress spikes, and vesicle trafficking grinds to a halt. The autophagosomes simply cannot travel down the microtubules to meet the lysosome.
  • DMAE acts as a direct biochemical precursor for the Kennedy pathway, driving the rapid synthesis of these vital phospholipids. By restoring PE and PC to the lipid bilayer, it restores membrane fluidity and essentially "greases the tracks," allowing stalled autophagosomes to resume movement and complete lysosomal fusion.

2. Direct a-Synuclein Disruption

Classically, DMAE is famous in longevity research for dissolving lipofuscin - the cross-linked "wear-and-tear" pigment aggregate that accumulates in aging cells. While lipofuscin is structurally distinct from the amyloid-like sheets of a-synuclein, modern molecular profiling has revealed that DMAE derivatives possess a powerful cross-over effect:
  • Conformational Shifting: In vitro and animal models show that meclofenoxate directly interacts with the C-terminus of a-synuclein.
  • Aggregation Inhibition: By changing the native conformation of the protein, it prevents individual a-synuclein monomers from stacking into the highly toxic, insoluble oligomeric sheets that choke chaperone-mediated autophagy.

Mechanics of Clearance: DMAE vs. Traditional Autophagy Inducers

Cleanup Agent Primary Mechanism Stage of Pathway Targeted Impact on a-Synuclein
DMAE / Centrophenoxine Phospholipid synthesis & membrane fluidization Vesicle motility, structural trafficking, and lysosomal fusion Distorts protein conformation to inhibit aggregate stacking
Rapamycin (mTOR Inhibitor) Enzyme signaling cascade activation Early initiation (phagophore formation) Clears soluble forms early by accelerating bulk bulk degradation
Trehalose mTOR-independent TFEB activation Lysosomal biogenesis and deep acidification Increases the baseline digestive capacity of the lysosome
The Bioavailability Factor: From a practical biochemical standpoint, standard free-base DMAE has a difficult time navigating the blood-brain barrier effectively because it must compete directly with choline transporters. Centrophenoxine solves this by bonding an organic acid (pCPA) to DMAE, creating a highly lipophilic compound that readily penetrates the central nervous system to execute these structural clearance mechanisms.

Summary:

In Parkinson’s disease, cellular cleanup stalls because toxic accumulations of misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins physically paralyze the autophagic-lysosomal pathway, creating a mechanical traffic jam that prevents waste-carrying autophagosomes from fusing with digestive lysosomes. Rather than simply triggering the creation of more cleanup vesicles like standard autophagy inducers do, DMAE and its highly bioavailable derivative, centrophenoxine, address this bottleneck structurally. It serves as a direct biochemical precursor to vital membrane phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine, restoring lipid bilayer fluidity and essentially "re-greasing the tracks" so stalled cellular transport machinery can resume normal trafficking and waste elimination.

Beyond restoring membrane dynamics, DMAE compounds actively disrupt protein aggregation by changing the conformation of alpha-synuclein, which prevents individual monomers from stacking into the toxic, insoluble sheets that choke the cell's internal quality control. This action mirrors its well-documented ability to dissolve lipofuscin, the cross-linked "wear-and-tear" aging pigment that accumulates in aging cells. While free-base DMAE struggles to penetrate the central nervous system effectively due to competition with choline transporters, the lipophilic ester centrophenoxine easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, making it the superior vehicle for restoring neural membrane fluidity and clearing out stalled neurodegenerative debris.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6641)


Is there anything else DLPA can do be sides Pain management and Mood?
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Date: May 22, 2026 04:29 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Is there anything else DLPA can do be sides Pain management and Mood?

Is there anything else DLPA can do be sides Pain management and Mood?



Yes, beyond pain management and general mood elevation, DLPA has several other physiological effects. Because the body can convert the L-phenylalanine half of DLPA into tyrosine, it acts as a precursor for several other critical biological processes.

Here is what else DLPA can do:

1. Appetite Regulation and Satiety

L-phenylalanine is a potent stimulator of cholecystokinin (CCK), an intestinal peptide hormone. When released, CCK signals the brain that you are full and physically slows down gastric emptying. Because of this mechanism, DLPA is sometimes used off-label to help manage cravings and suppress appetite, making it easier to adhere to caloric deficits.

2. Thyroid Hormone Synthesis

The catecholamine pathway (dopamine, adrenaline) isn't the only system that relies on this amino acid. Once L-phenylalanine converts to tyrosine, that tyrosine is sent to the thyroid gland, where it binds with iodine to create thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Adequate levels of these precursors are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolic rate and regulating cellular energy.

3. Melanin Production (Skin Pigmentation)

Tyrosine is also the foundational building block for melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. Because it feeds the melanin synthesis pathway, L-phenylalanine has been studied and utilized in dermatological treatments—often in conjunction with UVA light therapy—to help repigment the skin in conditions like vitiligo.

4. Attention and Executive Function

While the previous response mentioned that the dopamine and norepinephrine boost helps combat the fatigue associated with chronic pain, those specific neurotransmitters are also the primary drivers of focus, alertness, and working memory. DLPA is frequently used in nootropic stacks to enhance cognitive performance and has been explored as a supportive supplement for attention-deficit conditions.

5. Addiction Recovery Support

In amino acid therapy protocols designed for substance withdrawal (particularly alcohol and opiates), DLPA is often a cornerstone supplement. Prolonged substance abuse artificially floods the brain with dopamine and eventually depletes the brain's natural stores. DLPA provides the raw materials necessary to rebuild those depleted catecholamine levels, which can help reduce withdrawal-related depression and physical cravings.

When diving deeper into the physiological applications of DLPA, there are several advanced, highly specific mechanisms that make it particularly interesting, especially regarding athletic performance, metabolic pathways, and cellular recovery.

Here are a few of the more complex, nuanced roles of DLPA in the body:

6. Combating Central Nervous System (CNS) Fatigue

During heavy resistance training, the localized muscle tissue isn't the only thing that fatigues; the central nervous system also takes a massive hit. High-intensity lifting—particularly movements that demand high neurological output or pushing close to muscular failure—rapidly depletes dopamine levels in the brain. As dopamine drops, CNS fatigue sets in, diminishing neural drive and the ability to recruit high-threshold motor units.

By supplementing with L-phenylalanine, the brain has a steady supply of precursor material to maintain dopamine synthesis. This helps delay the onset of CNS fatigue, allowing for sustained mental drive, higher intensity, and better neurological output throughout a grueling session.

7. Pain Management Without Blunting Hypertrophy

A major issue with traditional over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) is that they work by inhibiting prostaglandins and blunting the acute inflammatory response. While this stops pain, it also directly interferes with the mTOR signaling pathway and satellite cell activation, effectively blunting muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy.

Because the D-phenylalanine in DLPA does not interfere with inflammation or COX enzymes—working entirely by shielding circulating endorphins—it provides musculoskeletal comfort without compromising the cellular signaling required for muscle repair and growth. It allows the body's natural inflammatory repair mechanisms to run their course uninterrupted.

8. The Methylation Cycle Bottleneck

The effectiveness of the L-phenylalanine half of DLPA is intricately tied to systemic health, specifically the body's methylation cycle. The conversion of phenylalanine to dopamine is relatively straightforward, but the final biochemical step—converting norepinephrine into epinephrine (adrenaline)—requires a methyl donor.

The enzyme responsible for this final step (PNMT) relies entirely on S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to donate a methyl group. If the methylation cycle is sluggish or deficient in necessary cofactors (like methylated B-vitamins), the catecholamine cascade bottlenecks at norepinephrine. Therefore, DLPA's ability to fully support the adrenal axis is directly dependent on the efficiency of the body's methylation pathways.

9. Prolonging the "Lifter's High"

Heavy physical exertion naturally triggers a massive release of endogenous opioids to help the body tolerate the physical stress of training. This is commonly referred to as a "runner's high" or "lifter's high." Because D-phenylalanine acts as an enkephalinase inhibitor, taking DLPA prior to or immediately following intense physical activity can significantly extend the half-life of these exercise-induced endorphins, enhancing post-training recovery and general well-being.

Would you like to explore how to position this mTOR-safe, CNS-supporting angle into a specific educational breakdown for a retail or blog audience?

Summary:

Beyond its foundational role in chronic pain relief, DLPA serves as a versatile precursor that supports several advanced metabolic, cognitive, and physical functions. Because the L-phenylalanine half converts into tyrosine, it provides the essential raw materials required for thyroid hormone synthesis (T3 and T4), melanin skin pigmentation production, and the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), a gut peptide that signals satiety and regulates appetite. Furthermore, by elevating dopamine and norepinephrine, DLPA enhances executive function, working memory, and focus, making it a valuable asset in nootropic protocols and a supportive tool for rebuilding depleted neurotransmitter stores during substance recovery.

In the context of high-intensity athletic performance, DLPA offers unique physiological advantages for training and recovery. It directly combats central nervous system (CNS) fatigue by replenishing the dopamine depleted during heavy resistance training, thereby maintaining neural drive without interrupting muscle protein synthesis. Unlike traditional NSAIDs, which blunt the acute inflammatory response and stall the mTOR pathway, DLPA provides musculoskeletal comfort solely by shielding endogenous opioids (endorphins and enkephalins) from enzymatic breakdown. This allows the natural muscle-repair mechanisms to run their course uninterrupted while simultaneously prolonging the post-exercise "lifter's high." However, its full efficacy remains dependent on a healthy methylation cycle, as the final conversion of norepinephrine to adrenaline requires adequate methyl donors like SAMe.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6640)


The Dual Action of DLPA: Endorphin Shielding and Neurotransmitter Support 
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Date: May 22, 2026 12:27 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The Dual Action of DLPA: Endorphin Shielding and Neurotransmitter Support 


What is DLPA and How Does It Help Relieve Pain?



DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is a nutritional supplement that offers a unique approach to managing chronic pain. Instead of suppressing inflammation or directly numbing nerves like over-the-counter pain relievers, DLPA works by protecting and prolonging the body’s own built-in painkillers.

To understand how it works, it helps to break down the molecule. DLPA is a 50/50 mixture of two stereoisomers (mirror-image structures) of the essential amino acid phenylalanine:

Form Origin Primary Biological Role
L-phenylalanine Naturally occurring in protein-rich foods Synthesizes neurotransmitters like dopamine and epinephrine
D-phenylalanine Synthesized in a laboratory Inhibits enzymes that destroy the body's natural painkillers
While they share the exact same chemical formula, their reversed 3D structures give them completely different jobs. The pain relief comes entirely from the "D" half, while the "L" half provides necessary neurological support.

How D-Phenylalanine Relieves Pain

The human body has an endogenous analgesia system—a built-in network for managing pain perception. D-phenylalanine acts as a biochemical shield for this system through a very specific mechanism:
  1. The Endorphin Release: When you experience physical trauma or chronic stress, your central nervous system releases endogenous opioids, primarily endorphins and enkephalins. These peptides bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, effectively blocking pain signals from reaching your conscious awareness.
  2. The Enzymatic Breakdown: The body doesn't leave these natural painkillers active indefinitely. To maintain physiological balance, it produces specific enzymes—known as enkephalinases and endorphinases—that rapidly degrade and destroy these peptides shortly after they are released.
  3. The Intervention: D-phenylalanine functions as an enkephalinase inhibitor. By binding to and slowing down the enzymes responsible for clearing out endorphins, DPA protects your natural painkillers from premature destruction.
Essentially, D-phenylalanine doesn't block pain directly; it simply allows your natural endorphins and enkephalins to circulate longer and concentrate in higher amounts, providing sustained musculoskeletal comfort.

Why Include the "L" Form?

You might wonder why a supplement doesn't just use pure D-phenylalanine if that's the part that stops the pain.

Chronic pain rarely exists in a vacuum—it is deeply linked to systemic fatigue, mood degradation, and depression. Because chronic pain is neurologically exhausting, it frequently depletes the brain's stimulating neurotransmitters.

The L-phenylalanine half of DLPA acts as the raw precursor material for the catecholamine pathway. Your body converts it into tyrosine, which is then synthesized into dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (adrenaline). By combining both forms, DLPA provides a dual-action effect: the D-form raises the pain threshold, while the L-form combats the mental fatigue and mood dips that inevitably accompany long-term discomfort.

Key insight: Because DLPA relies on shifting enzyme levels and allowing endorphins to accumulate, it is primarily effective for chronic pain (like osteoarthritis or lingering injuries) rather than acute, immediate pain. It often requires several days to weeks of consistent use to reach its full therapeutic effect.

Summary:

DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is a nutritional supplement combining two mirror-image forms of an essential amino acid to provide a unique approach to chronic pain management. Unlike standard pain relievers that suppress inflammation, the "D" form of the molecule acts as a biochemical shield for the body's built-in painkilling system. It functions as an enkephalinase inhibitor, meaning it blocks the specific enzymes responsible for destroying circulating endorphins and enkephalins. By protecting these natural opioids from premature breakdown, DLPA allows them to accumulate and remain active longer, effectively raising the body's natural pain threshold.

Because chronic pain is neurologically exhausting and frequently leads to fatigue or lowered mood, the "L" half of the supplement provides critical mental support. L-phenylalanine serves as a raw precursor for synthesizing stimulating neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (adrenaline). Together, this dual-action mechanism addresses both the physical sensation of lingering discomfort and the mental fatigue that accompanies it, making DLPA uniquely suited for sustained, long-term pain conditions rather than immediate, acute injuries.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6639)


Why Do Sugar and Vitamin C Compete for the Same "Doorway" in Your Body?
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Date: April 10, 2026 02:40 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Why Do Sugar and Vitamin C Compete for the Same "Doorway" in Your Body?


The relationship between sugar and the immune system is primarily centered on a concept called competitive inhibition. When you consume high amounts of sugar, it essentially "crowds out" the nutrients your immune cells need to function.

1. Why Sugar Suppresses the Immune System

The primary mechanism of sugar-induced immune suppression involves phagocytosis—the process by which white blood cells (specifically neutrophils and macrophages) engulf and "eat" harmful bacteria and viruses.
  • Phagocytic Inhibition: High levels of glucose in the bloodstream slow down these white blood cells. They become sluggish and less effective at identifying and destroying pathogens.
  • Reduced Adhesiveness: Research suggests that high sugar levels reduce the "stickiness" of white blood cells, making it harder for them to attach to and exit blood vessels to reach the site of an infection.

2. Consumption Levels and Duration

Based on classic studies (notably the Sanchez et al. study from 1973), the "tipping point" for immune suppression is surprisingly low:
Metric Detail
Consumption Level 75 to 100 grams of sugar (approx. 20 teaspoons). For context, two 12oz cans of soda typically contain about 80g of sugar.
Magnitude of Effect A reduction of up to 50% in the ability of white blood cells to engulf bacteria.
Onset Suppression starts as soon as 30 minutes after ingestion.
Peak Effect The greatest suppression occurs 1 to 2 hours after consumption.
Duration The effect can last for up to 5 hours post-ingestion.

3. Why Sugar Reduces Vitamin C Absorption

Sugar (glucose) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are chemically very similar. In fact, most animals can synthesize Vitamin C directly from glucose. Because of this "molecular mimicry," they use the same "doorways" to enter your cells: the GLUT-1 receptors.
  • Competitive Binding: Your white blood cells have a high concentration of GLUT-1 receptors because they require massive amounts of Vitamin C to function. However, these receptors have a higher "affinity" for glucose.
  • The "Crowding" Effect: If your blood is flooded with glucose, the receptors will prioritize the sugar, leaving the Vitamin C "locked out" of the cell. This means that even if you have enough Vitamin C in your blood, it can't get into the cells where it's actually needed.

4. How Vitamin C Supports the Immune System

Vitamin C is not just a general "booster"; it plays several highly specific roles in the immune response:
  • The "Mop" Effect (Antioxidant): When white blood cells attack a virus, they release "oxidative bursts" - essentially a form of biological bleach—to kill the pathogen. This bleach can also damage the immune cell itself. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant (a "mop") that neutralizes the excess bleach, protecting the immune cell so it can keep fighting.
  • Chemotaxis: It helps "guide" immune cells to the site of infection faster, acting like a chemical GPS.
  • Production of Interferon: Vitamin C helps the body produce interferons, which are proteins that signal the rest of the immune system to prepare for a viral attack.
  • Collagen Synthesis: It is vital for building strong skin and mucosal barriers, which are the body's first line of defense against entering pathogens.
By keeping your sugar intake low, you ensure the "doorways" (GLUT-1 receptors) remain open for Vitamin C to enter your immune cells and perform these critical tasks.

How much vitamin c should one consume if a cold comes on to effectively boost immune function ?

When a cold starts to settle in, your immune cells (especially those hungry white blood cells we talked about) begin to burn through Vitamin C at an accelerated rate. To "effectively" boost function during this window, you shift from a maintenance dose to what is often called a loading or therapeutic dose.

1. The "Rescue" Dose (Symptom Onset)

Research (including a significant meta-analysis by Cochrane) suggests that while daily Vitamin C doesn't always prevent a cold, taking a high dose the moment you feel a scratchy throat can shorten the duration.
  • The "Day 1" Protocol: Some clinical studies have seen success with 4 to 8 grams (4,000-8,000 mg) on the very first day of symptoms.
  • The Follow-up: After the first 24 hours, many protocols drop down to 2,000 mg daily until symptoms resolve.

2. The Golden Rule: Divided Doses

Your body has a "speed limit" for Vitamin C absorption. If you take 2,000 mg in one giant pill, your gut will likely rebel, and most of it will end up in the toilet.
  • Max Absorption: The body absorbs Vitamin C most efficiently in chunks of 500 mg or less.
  • The Strategy: Instead of one big dose, take 500 mg every 2-3 hours. This keeps your blood levels saturated throughout the day rather than creating a single "spike and crash."

3. Finding Your "Bowel Tolerance"

In functional medicine, people often use the "Bowel Tolerance" method during illness. Because your body uses more Vitamin C when you're sick, your gut can actually handle higher doses than usual without issues.
  • The signal: You gradually increase your dose (e.g., 1,000 mg every hour) until you experience gas or loose stools.
  • The "Dose": Once you hit that point, you back off slightly. This is theoretically your body's way of saying, "I'm full; I can't use any more than this right now."

?? Important Reality Checks

  • The Sugar Trap: If you take your Vitamin C in the form of sugary gummies or with a big glass of orange juice, you're re-introducing the competitive inhibition problem. The glucose in the juice will compete with the supplement for those GLUT-1 "doorways." Take it with water.
  • The Upper Limit (UL): The official "Tolerable Upper Intake Level" for adults is 2,000 mg per day. Going significantly over this for more than a few days can cause diarrhea, nausea, and—in susceptible individuals—increase the risk of kidney stones (since excess Vitamin C is excreted as oxalate).
  • Quality Matters: Look for "buffered" Vitamin C (like magnesium or calcium ascorbate) if you have a sensitive stomach; it’s less acidic than straight ascorbic acid.
The "TL;DR" Plan: At the first sign of a sniffle, aim for 500 mg every 2 hours (totaling ~3,000-4,000 mg for the first day), then stick to 2,000 mg/day in divided doses until you’re back on your feet.

Sugar intake directly hinders immune function by slowing down phagocytosis, the process where white blood cells destroy pathogens, with just 75 to 100 grams of sugar reducing this activity by up to 50% for approximately five hours. This occurs because glucose and Vitamin C share a nearly identical molecular structure and compete for the same GLUT-1 receptors to enter cells; when blood sugar is high, glucose "crowds out" Vitamin C, preventing immune cells from utilizing the nutrient for essential tasks like antioxidant protection and interferon production. To effectively bolster the immune response at the onset of a cold, it is recommended to take a therapeutic loading dose of Vitamin C - roughly 4,000 to 8,000 mg in divided 500 mg increments throughout the first day - while strictly limiting sugar intake to ensure the Vitamin C can successfully navigate these cellular doorways.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6635)


Leaky Gut vs. The Postbiotic Fortress: Strengthening Your Microbiome Shield
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Date: February 20, 2026 01:50 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Leaky Gut vs. The Postbiotic Fortress: Strengthening Your Microbiome Shield


The "Postbiotic" Revolution: Why Your Gut’s Waste is Its Best Asset

For years, the conversation around gut health was a two-player game. You had Prebiotics (the fiber-rich "fuel") and Probiotics (the "live bacteria"). But in 2025 and 2026, the scientific community has pivoted to the third and most important piece of the puzzle: Postbiotics.

While we’ve long obsessed over the "tenants" living in our gut, we are finally realizing that it’s their work - specifically the chemical metabolites they produce - that actually runs the show. Postbiotics, particularly Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) like Butyrate, Propionate, and Acetate, are the actual "workers" that translate bacterial activity into human health.

The Big Three: Acetate, Propionate, and Butyrate

When you eat a high-fiber meal, your microbiome ferments those fibers into SCFAs. These aren't just waste products; they are high-powered signaling molecules that act like a Wi-Fi signal between your gut and the rest of your body.
Metabolite Primary Role System Targeted
Butyrate Fuel & Barrier Integrity Colon Health & Epigenetics
Propionate Satiety & Liver Health Metabolism & Appetite
Acetate Systemic Energy & pH Balance Brain & Weight Management

Feeding the Gut from the Inside Out

Most cells in your body get their energy from the bloodstream. Your colonocytes (the cells lining your large intestine) are different. They are the only cells in the human body that prefer to eat "locally."

Butyrate serves as the primary fuel source for these cells, providing up to 70% of their total energy requirements. Research from late 2025 emphasizes that without adequate butyrate, colon cells undergo a form of "cellular starvation," leading to a breakdown in the gut barrier—often referred to as "leaky gut." By "feeding" these cells from the inside, butyrate ensures the intestinal wall remains a tight, fortress-like seal against toxins.

2025/2026 Research: The signaling Revolution

The most exciting shift in recent research (2025-2026) is the discovery of how these metabolites act as "systemic messengers." They don't just stay in the gut; they enter the bloodstream and talk to your most vital systems:
  • The Brain (Neuro-Metabolism): Studies published in mid-2025 have mapped the "SCFAs-microglia" pathway. It turns out SCFAs like Acetate can cross the blood-brain barrier to regulate neuroinflammation. This is opening new doors for treating "brain fog" and mood disorders by targeting the postbiotic profile.
  • The Immune System: New 2026 clinical trials on postbiotic blends (such as the Postbiotic Active Lifestyle Blend) are showing that these metabolites can "prime" the immune system without the risks associated with live probiotics. They act as HDAC inhibitors, effectively "turning off" inflammatory genes in T-cells.
  • Metabolism: Research from early 2026 indicates that Propionate is a heavy hitter for weight management. It signals the release of gut hormones like GLP-1 (the natural version of popular weight-loss drugs), naturally suppressing appetite and improving insulin sensitivity.
Key Discovery (2025): A landmark study found that "cooled starches" (like potatoes cooked then refrigerated) can boost butyrate production by up to 70%, proving that the postbiotic revolution is as much about how we eat as what we eat.

Why Postbiotics are the Future

The beauty of postbiotics lies in their stability. Unlike probiotics, which can die on the shelf or in your stomach acid, postbiotics are heat-stable and have a predictable impact.

We are moving away from the "spray and pray" method of taking random bacteria and toward a precision model: delivering the specific metabolites your body needs to thrive.

The "Postbiotic" Revolution marks a pivotal shift in gut health, moving beyond live bacteria to focus on the powerful metabolites they produce, specifically Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) like Acetate, Propionate, and Butyrate. While 2025/2026 research highlights how these molecules act as systemic messengers - regulating neuroinflammation in the brain and triggering natural satiety hormones like GLP-1 - the most critical scientific breakthrough remains the role of Butyrate as the primary energy source for colon cells. By fueling colonocytes from the inside out, these postbiotics maintain the integrity of the gut barrier and serve as the "actual workers" that translate microbial activity into tangible improvements for the immune system and metabolism.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6631)


SCFAs Improve Mitochondria Function Throughout The Body
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Date: December 05, 2025 04:06 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: SCFAs Improve Mitochondria Function Throughout The Body


Yes, Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) generally improve mitochondrial function throughout the body. While they are produced in the gut, they enter circulation and act as "signal boosters" for mitochondria in distant organs like the brain, liver, and muscles.

Quick Summary: How SCFAs Help Mitochondria

  • Fuel Source: They can directly enter the Krebs cycle (the engine inside mitochondria) to produce ATP energy.
  • Biogenesis: They trigger the creation of new mitochondria (a process called biogenesis) by activating a master regulator gene called PGC-1a.
  • Stress Shield: They reduce oxidative stress, protecting mitochondria from damage.

Specific Benefits by Body Part

1. Skeletal Muscle (Energy & Endurance)

  • What happens: Muscles are the largest consumer of energy in the body. SCFAs (especially butyrate and acetate) activate the AMPK pathway - a fuel gauge that tells muscle cells to burn fat and sugar more efficiently.
  • Result: This leads to increased mitochondrial density (more mitochondria per cell) and better oxidative metabolism, which improves muscle endurance and insulin sensitivity.

2. Liver (Detox & Metabolism)

  • What happens: The liver is the first stop for SCFAs after they leave the gut. Propionate and butyrate have been shown to reduce mitochondrial dysfunction caused by high-fat diets or toxins.
  • Result: They lower oxidative stress (ROS) and prevent hepatocyte apoptosis (liver cell death), helping to protect against fatty liver disease.

3. Brain (Neuroprotection)

  • What happens: SCFAs can cross the blood-brain barrier. Once there, they support the mitochondria of microglia (the brain's immune cells).
  • Result: By keeping microglial mitochondria healthy, SCFAs help prevent neuroinflammation. They also protect the blood-brain barrier's endothelial cells from mitochondrial damage, which preserves cognitive health.

4. Brown Adipose Tissue (Fat Burning)

  • What happens: Unlike "white fat" which stores energy, brown fat burns it. SCFAs (particularly acetate) stimulate UCP1, a protein in brown fat mitochondria that turns calories directly into heat (thermogenesis).
  • Result: This increases whole-body energy expenditure and helps regulate body weight.

Key Mechanisms

  • Epigenetic Regulation (HDAC Inhibition): SCFAs (mainly butyrate) inhibit enzymes called HDACs. This "unlocks" DNA, allowing cells to read the instructions for building more mitochondria.
  • Receptor signaling (GPCRs): SCFAs bind to specific receptors (FFAR2/FFAR3) on the surface of cells, sending a chemical text message that tells the cell to ramp up energy production.

Does boosting Mitochondria boost overall body energy production and help people feel better?

Yes, absolutely. Boosting mitochondrial function is one of the most effective ways to increase overall body energy and improve subjective well-being.

Since mitochondria produce about 90% of the energy (ATP) your body uses, improving their function is like upgrading the engine in a car: you get more power, better fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride.

Here is the breakdown of how boosting mitochondria translates to "feeling better" physically and mentally.

1. The Physical Energy Boost (ATP Production)

When you improve mitochondrial density (the number of mitochondria) and efficiency (how well they work), you directly increase your "energy budget."
  • Less Fatigue: Dysfunctional mitochondria are a primary cause of fatigue. When they are "boosted," your cells can generate ATP faster than you burn it. This prevents that "heavy" feeling in your limbs and the mid-afternoon crash.
  • Higher Stamina: With more healthy mitochondria, your muscles can rely on fat for fuel (oxidative phosphorylation) for longer periods before switching to sugar (glycolysis), which produces lactic acid and causes burnout. This means you can walk, work, or exercise longer without getting tired.

2. The Mental & Mood Boost (Neurotransmitters)

The brain consumes 20% of your body’s energy despite being only 2% of your weight. It is incredibly sensitive to mitochondrial health.
  • "Brain Fog" Clearance: When brain neurons don't get enough ATP, they fire more slowly, leading to brain fog and poor focus. Boosting mitochondria sharpens cognition and memory.
  • Mood Regulation: Mitochondria are required to synthesize key neurotransmitters like serotonin (happiness) and dopamine (motivation).
  • Research links mitochondrial dysfunction to anxiety and depression; conversely, fixing mitochondrial health often stabilizes mood.
  • Resilience to Stress: Healthy mitochondria help buffer calcium and regulate cortisol. When they are functioning well, you are physically better at handling stress without feeling "burnt out."

3. How to "Boost" Them (Actionable Science)

You can stimulate Mitochondrial Biogenesis (growing new mitochondria) through specific signals:
signal Mechanism
Zone 2 Cardio Long, slow exercise (where you can still hold a conversation) forces cells to build more mitochondria to burn fat efficiently.
HIIT Short bursts of high intensity signal the body that it needs rapid energy, triggering the PGC-1a gene to build new mitochondria.
Cold Exposure Brief exposure to cold (like a cold shower) stimulates "brown fat" mitochondria to generate heat, ramping up their activity.
Nutrients CoQ10, PQQ, Magnesium, and B-Vitamins are essential co-factors. Without them, the mitochondrial machinery stalls.

Connection to your previous question

This connects directly to the SCFAs we discussed. When your gut produces SCFAs (like butyrate), they travel to your brain and muscles and literally feed these mitochondria, helping them produce this energy.

Which specific supplements (like PQQ or CoQ10) have the strongest clinical evidence for triggering mitochondrial biogenesis?

This is an exciting area of research because we now have human clinical trials showing we can actually "grow" new mitochondria (biogenesis) and clean out old ones (mitophagy) using specific compounds.

Here are the top supplements with the strongest evidence for mitochondrial health, categorized by how they work.

1. The "Biogenesis" Trigger: PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

PQQ is currently the gold standard for generating new mitochondria.
  • The Evidence: Research indicates PQQ is up to 5,000 times more efficient at sustaining mitochondrial energy production than Vitamin C. A key study found that men taking 20mg of PQQ daily saw significant improvements in mitochondrial function and decreased inflammation (CRP) after just 6 weeks.
  • Mechanism: It activates PGC-1a, the "master switch" gene that tells your cells to build more mitochondria from scratch.
  • Best For: Long-term energy building and cognitive protection (preventing "brain fog").

2. The "Quality Control" Agent: Urolithin A

While PQQ builds new engines, Urolithin A recycles the old, broken ones.
  • The Evidence: Clinical trials (published in JAMA Network Open) have shown that Urolithin A supplementation significantly improved muscle endurance in older adults by improving mitochondrial health.
  • Mechanism: It triggers Mitophagy. Over time, mitochondria get damaged and leak toxic byproducts. Urolithin A flags these broken mitochondria for destruction and recycling, ensuring only the healthy ones remain.
  • Best For: Muscle endurance and healthy aging (slowing physical decline).

3. The "Fuel" Supplier: CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

CoQ10 doesn't necessarily build new mitochondria, but the ones you have literally cannot work without it.
  • The Evidence: Extensive clinical trials, particularly in heart failure patients, show that CoQ10 improves the ejection fraction of the heart (a high-energy organ) by improving mitochondrial efficiency.
  • Mechanism: It acts as an electron carrier in the Electron Transport Chain (the assembly line inside the mitochondria that makes ATP). Without enough CoQ10, the assembly line jams, and energy production stops.
  • Synergy Note: PQQ + CoQ10 is a famous "stack." PQQ builds more mitochondria, and CoQ10 ensures they have the fuel to run.
  • Best For: Immediate physical energy, heart health, and recovery from exercise.

4. The "signal" Booster: Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

This is a form of Vitamin B3 that boosts NAD+ levels.
  • The Evidence: A twin study showed that NR supplementation increased mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle tissue and improved gut microbiota composition.
  • Mechanism: It raises levels of NAD+, a co-enzyme that activates Sirtuins. Sirtuins are proteins that protect DNA and regulate mitochondrial function, effectively "mimicking" the benefits of fasting or exercise.
  • Best For: Metabolic health and systemic cellular repair.

Summary Table: What should you take?

Supplement Primary Goal The "Action"
PQQ Grow Builds new mitochondria via PGC-1a gene.
Urolithin A Clean Recycles old/broken mitochondria (Mitophagy).
CoQ10 Fuel Essential worker on the energy assembly line.
NR (NAD+) signal Boosts the chemical signal (NAD+) needed for repair.
Summary

Optimizing mitochondrial health is a systemic strategy that links gut health to overall vitality, largely driven by Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which act as both fuel and signaling agents to enhance energy production in the brain, muscles, and liver. By stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new energy factories via the PGC-1a gene) and fueling the Electron Transport Chain, SCFAs - along with targeted supplements like PQQ, CoQ10, and Urolithin A - directly increase ATP output while simultaneously clearing out damaged cells through mitophagy. This biological upgrade results in tangible benefits, including sustained physical endurance, sharper cognitive focus, and stabilized mood, effectively turning the body’s cells into more efficient engines that produce more power with less oxidative "exhaust."

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6630)


Benefits of butyrate and other SCFAs which are produced by the friendly bacteria in the gut!
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Date: November 15, 2025 11:14 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Benefits of butyrate and other SCFAs which are produced by the friendly bacteria in the gut!

Of course. The short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by your gut bacteria are powerful metabolites with wide-ranging, systemic benefits.

While there are three main SCFAs - Butyrate, Acetate, and Propionate - each has slightly different functions. Butyrate, in particular, is a superstar for gut health.

Here is a list of their most important benefits, categorized by body system.

1. Gut Health & Integrity (The Primary Benefit)

This is where SCFAs do their most direct and important work.
  • Primary Fuel for Colon Cells: Butyrate is the main energy source for the cells lining your colon (colonocytes). It provides them with over 70% of their energy, keeping them healthy and strong.
  • Maintains Gut Barrier Integrity: SCFAs help maintain the "tight junctions" between your intestinal cells. This prevents undigested food particles, toxins, and harmful bacteria from "leaking" into your bloodstream (a condition often called "leaky gut").
  • Increases Mucus Production: They stimulate the production of the protective mucus layer that lines the intestines, which acts as a first line of defense against pathogens.
  • Supports a Healthy Gut Environment: SCFAs help maintain a slightly acidic pH in the colon, which is unfavorable for the growth of many harmful bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella) and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria.
  • Reduces Gut Inflammation: Butyrate, in particular, has potent anti-inflammatory effects inside the gut, which is why it's studied for inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

2. Immune System Regulation

Your gut houses over 70% of your immune system, and SCFAs are the main molecules that "talk" to it.
  • Calms Inflammation: SCFAs help regulate the immune response, preventing it from overreacting. They promote the development of regulatory T-cells (T-regs), which are immune cells that "calm things down" and prevent autoimmunity and allergies.
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects (Systemic): By maintaining the gut barrier, SCFAs prevent inflammatory molecules from entering the bloodstream, which helps lower chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the entire body.

3. Brain Health (The Gut-Brain Axis)

SCFAs are a critical communication link between your gut and your brain.
  • Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier: These small molecules can travel from the gut through the bloodstream and cross the protective blood-brain barrier to directly influence brain function.
  • Influence Neurotransmitters: SCFAs can affect the production of key neurotransmitters. For example, they are involved in the synthesis of serotonin (the "happiness" molecule), 90% of which is made in your gut.
  • Support Brain Cell Health: Butyrate is known to promote the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is like "Miracle-Gro" for your brain, helping to support the survival of existing neurons and the growth of new ones.

4. Metabolic Health

SCFAs play a major role in regulating your metabolism, energy balance, and blood sugar.
  • Improve Insulin Sensitivity: SCFAs (especially propionate) can help your body's cells respond better to insulin, leading to better blood sugar control.
  • Regulate Appetite: They stimulate the release of gut hormones like GLP-1 and Peptide YY (PYY). These are the same hormones you've read about—they send signals to your brain that you are full, which helps reduce appetite and calorie intake.
  • Influence Fat Metabolism: Acetate is used by the liver as a building block for lipids, while other SCFAs can help promote fat burning and reduce fat storage.

5. Cardiovascular & Liver Health

  • May Help Lower Cholesterol: Propionate, in particular, is thought to help reduce the liver's production of cholesterol.
  • Energy for Liver and Muscle: While butyrate stays in the colon, acetate (the most abundant SCFA) and propionate travel to the liver and muscles, where they are used for energy and in metabolic processes.

At-a-Glance: The "Jobs" of Each SCFA

SCFA Primary Role(s)
Butyrate Main fuel for colon cells. Strong anti-inflammatory. Strengthens the gut barrier. Protects against colon cancer.
Acetate Most abundant SCFA. Travels to the liver and muscles to be used for energy and as a building block for fats.
Propionate Travels to the liver. Involved in glucose production (gluconeogenesis) and may help reduce cholesterol synthesis.
In short, producing more of your own SCFAs by feeding your gut bacteria with prebiotics (like inulin and acacia) is one of the most effective ways to support not just your digestive health, but your overall systemic health.

 

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6628)


Does Berberine Help Stimulate Intestinal Cells (L-cells) to Produce And Secrete More of Your Own Natural GLP-1?
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Date: November 15, 2025 10:56 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Does Berberine Help Stimulate Intestinal Cells (L-cells) to Produce And Secrete More of Your Own Natural GLP-1?

Yes, scientific research indicates that berberine does help stimulate intestinal L-cells to produce and secrete more of your body's own natural GLP-1.

This isn't just a simple, single-action effect. Berberine appears to work through several different and complementary mechanisms to increase GLP-1 levels.

Here is a detailed explanation of how it works.

How Berberine Stimulates GLP-1 Secretion

Berberine's influence on GLP-1 is a multi-step process that involves direct action on your intestinal cells, interaction with your gut bacteria, and even protecting the L-cells themselves.

1. Direct Stimulation via Bitter Taste Receptors2

Your intestinal L-cells (the cells that make GLP-1) have receptors on their surface that are similar to the taste receptors on your tongue.
  • Berberine is Bitter: Berberine is a naturally bitter compound.
  • Activation: When berberine comes into contact with the L-cells in your gut, it binds to and activates these specific bitter taste receptors (like TAS2R38).
  • signaling: This activation triggers an internal signaling cascade within the L-cell, which directly results in the production and secretion of GLP-1.

2. Indirect Stimulation via the Gut Microbiome

Berberine is not fully absorbed by your body; a significant amount remains in the gut, where it has a powerful effect on your gut bacteria.
  • Modulates Microbiota: Berberine helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate.
  • SCFAs as signals: These SCFAs then act as fuel and signaling molecules for your intestinal L-cells.
  • Increased Secretion: When SCFAs bind to their own receptors on the L-cells, it provides another strong signal for those cells to produce and release GLP-1.

3. Protecting the L-Cells

In conditions like metabolic syndrome or high-fat diets, the intestinal L-cells can become stressed, damaged, and dysfunctional, which reduces their ability to secrete GLP-1. Berberine (and its metabolites, like berberrubine) appears to have a cytoprotective, or "cell-protecting," effect.
  • Reduces Oxidative Stress: It helps alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation within the gut lining
  • Improves Cell Health: By protecting the L-cells from this damage and improving their mitochondrial function (their "powerhouses"), berberine helps restore their normal, healthy ability to secrete GLP-1 in response to food.

4. Promoting L-Cell Growth

Some research also suggests that berberine may help increase the total number of L-cells in the intestine and boost the expression of the proglucagon gene. This gene is the blueprint for making GLP-1, so increasing its expression means the cell is actively manufacturing more of the hormone.

Summary: What This Means

Instead of just one pathway, berberine acts as a comprehensive GLP-1 promoter:
  1. It directly tells L-cells to secrete GLP-1 (via bitter taste receptors).
  2. It indirectly tells L-cells to secrete GLP-1 (by nourishing gut bacteria that create SCFAs).
  3. It protects the L-cells from damage, ensuring they are healthy enough to do their job.
  4. It may even help create more L-cells.
This multi-pronged mechanism is why berberine has gained significant attention for its positive effects on blood sugar regulation and metabolic health.

Disclaimer: While this information is based on scientific research, it is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including berberine, to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs and to discuss correct dosing.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6626)


Can Akkermansia Muciniphila help the body fight leaky gut?
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Date: November 05, 2025 11:58 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Can Akkermansia Muciniphila help the body fight leaky gut?



Yes, based on a significant body of research, Akkermansia muciniphila is strongly associated with helping the body combat "leaky gut" by strengthening the intestinal barrier.

"Leaky gut" is the common term for a medical condition known as increased intestinal permeability. This happens when the lining of your gut is damaged, allowing bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to "leak" from your intestines into your bloodstream, which can trigger inflammation and other health issues.

Akkermansia muciniphila (or A. muciniphila) is a beneficial bacterium that lives in the mucus layer of your intestines. It plays a direct and crucial role in keeping this gut barrier strong and healthy.

How Akkermansia Helps Fight Leaky Gut

Here are the primary ways A. muciniphila works to protect your gut lining:
  1. Reinforces the Mucus Layer: This is its most unique function.
    • A. muciniphila feeds on mucin, the main component of the gut's protective mucus layer.
    • This "feeding" process acts as a signal, stimulating the specialized cells in your intestinal wall (goblet cells) to produce more mucin.
    • This continuous turnover thickens and strengthens the mucus barrier, creating a more robust defense against harmful substances.
  2. Strengthens "Tight Junctions":
    • The cells of your intestinal lining are sealed together by proteins called "tight junctions." In a leaky gut, these junctions become loose.
    • A. muciniphila has been shown to increase the expression of these tight junction proteins, helping to "seal the leaks" and keep the intestinal barrier intact.
  3. Produces Beneficial Compounds:
    • As A. muciniphila digests mucin, it produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate.
    • These SCFAs serve as an energy source for other beneficial bacteria and for the cells lining your colon, helping to keep them healthy and functional.

The Bigger Picture

Research consistently shows that lower levels of A. muciniphila are linked to a weakened gut barrier and conditions associated with leaky gut, including:
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Metabolic syndrome
In contrast, healthy individuals tend to have higher levels of this specific bacterium. Therefore, maintaining a healthy population of Akkermansia muciniphila is considered a key factor in protecting against increased intestinal permeability and maintaining overall gut health.19

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6624)


The Role of Vitamins in Mental Health
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Date: May 31, 2024 03:29 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The Role of Vitamins in Mental Health


The Role of Vitamins in Mental Health


With growing awareness of mental health issues, research is increasingly highlighting the connection between vitamins and cognitive function. In recent years, studies have shown that vitamins like B12, D, and Omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in mental well-being. This article delves into the latest findings and explores how these essential nutrients contribute to a healthier mind.

Vitamin B12: The Brain's Energy Booster

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is crucial for maintaining the health of nerve cells and red blood cells. It is found naturally in animal products, such as meat, fish, and dairy. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, and even depression.

Latest Research on B12 and Mental Health

Several studies have examined the link between B12 and mental health. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with lower levels of B12 had a higher risk of depression. Similarly, research from the Journal of Neuropsychiatry revealed that elderly patients with B12 deficiencies exhibited more cognitive decline than those with sufficient levels.

How B12 Supports Cognitive Function

B12 plays a vital role in producing neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells. It also helps in maintaining the myelin sheath, a protective layer around nerves that ensures the swift transmission of neural signals. By supporting these functions, B12 contributes to maintaining cognitive clarity and emotional balance.

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin

Often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight. It can also be obtained from food sources such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, but its role in mental health is equally significant.

Latest Research on Vitamin D and Mental Health

A growing body of research has linked Vitamin D deficiency to mental health issues. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders concluded that individuals with low levels of Vitamin D had a higher incidence of depression. Another study from The Lancet Psychiatry suggested that Vitamin D supplementation improved mood in patients with depression.

How Vitamin D Supports Cognitive Function

Vitamin D receptors are present throughout the brain, indicating that it plays a role in brain function. It helps modulate the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are critical for mood regulation. Adequate levels of Vitamin D can therefore help in maintaining a balanced mood and reducing the risk of mental health disorders.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Mind's Nourishment

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats predominantly found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. These fats are crucial for brain health and have been the focus of numerous studies investigating their impact on mental well-being.

Latest Research on Omega-3 and Mental Health

Various studies have highlighted the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for mental health. A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reported that Omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety. Similarly, research from the American Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with higher Omega-3 levels experienced fewer depressive symptoms.

How Omega-3 Supports Cognitive Function

Omega-3 fatty acids are integral components of cell membranes in the brain. They play a role in neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections. Additionally, Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, which has been linked to mental health disorders. By supporting these processes, Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to robust cognitive function and emotional stability.

Combining Vitamin Intake for Optimal Mental Health

While each vitamin individually supports cognitive function, combining them can enhance their benefits. For instance, a study in the Nutrition Journal found that a combination of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Omega-3 supplementation improved cognitive performance in older adults more effectively than any single nutrient alone.

Practical Steps for Ensuring Adequate Vitamin Intake

  1. Dietary Choices: Incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet. Include sources of B12 like meat, fish, and dairy; sources of Vitamin D like fatty fish and fortified products; and sources of Omega-3s like fish and flaxseed.
  2. Supplements: Consider taking supplements if obtaining these vitamins through diet alone proves challenging. VitaNet LLC Carries Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and Omega-3 along with a large selection of other products.
  3. Sun Exposure: Ensure regular, safe exposure to sunlight to boost Vitamin D levels naturally. Aim for about 15-20 minutes of sunlight several times a week.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding the role of vitamins in mental health underscores the importance of a balanced diet and adequate nutrient intake. Vitamins B12, D, and Omega-3 fatty acids each offer unique benefits that collectively contribute to improved cognitive function and emotional well-being. As research continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that focusing on these essential nutrients is a crucial step toward achieving optimal mental health.

In summary, while mental health is influenced by a myriad of factors, ensuring adequate intake of key vitamins can provide a foundation for better cognitive and emotional outcomes. By adopting healthy dietary habits and considering supplementation when necessary, individuals can take proactive steps to support their mental well-being.

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The Role of Vitamin B12 in Energy Production
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Date: May 29, 2024 11:28 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The Role of Vitamin B12 in Energy Production


The Role of Vitamin B12 in Energy Production


Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is crucial for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and nervous system health. Among its many roles, one of the most vital is its contribution to energy production and metabolism. This article delves into how Vitamin B12 affects energy levels, with a particular focus on its importance for vegetarians and vegans.

Understanding Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. It is primarily responsible for converting food into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which the body uses for energy. B12 is also crucial in the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to every part of the body, and in maintaining the health of nerve cells.

The Science Behind Energy Production

Role in Metabolism

Vitamin B12 is a key player in metabolism, a complex set of chemical reactions in our body that convert food into energy. One of the primary ways B12 contributes to metabolism is through its involvement in the Krebs cycle, a series of reactions that produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body's primary energy currency. During the Krebs cycle, Vitamin B12 helps convert fats and proteins into energy, ensuring that the body has a constant supply of fuel to perform everyday tasks.

DNA Synthesis and Cell Division

Vitamin B12 is also essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. It works closely with folate (Vitamin B9) to synthesize DNA during cell division. Rapidly dividing tissues, such as red blood cells, require an adequate supply of B12. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are larger than normal and not as effective in transporting oxygen, thereby causing fatigue and weakness.

The Challenge for Vegetarians and Vegans

B12 Sources

One of the significant challenges for vegetarians and vegans is getting enough Vitamin B12, as it is predominantly found in animal products. Plant-based diets generally lack this vitamin, putting individuals at risk of deficiency. However, several fortified foods and supplements can help prevent this deficiency.

Fortified Foods and Supplements

Many plant-based milk alternatives, breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeasts are now fortified with Vitamin B12. For instance, a cup of fortified soy milk can provide about 50% of the daily recommended intake of B12. Additionally, B12 supplements are readily available and can be an effective way for vegetarians and vegans to ensure they get their daily dose. It's crucial to choose a supplement that meets the dietary needs and preferences of the individual.

Symptoms of Deficiency

A lack of Vitamin B12 can result in various health problems like fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In severe cases, it may lead to neurological issues such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, balance difficulties, depression, confusion, and memory loss. Given these risks, it's essential for vegetarians and vegans to monitor their B12 levels.

Benefits of Adequate B12 Intake

Enhanced Energy Levels

Adequate intake of Vitamin B12 can significantly enhance energy levels. Since B12 is involved in converting food into ATP, sufficient levels of this vitamin can help ensure that the body efficiently produces and uses energy. Individuals who maintain appropriate B12 levels often report feeling more energetic and less fatigued.

Improved Metabolic Function

By ensuring a sufficient supply of B12, vegetarians and vegans can support their metabolic functions. A well-functioning metabolism is crucial for maintaining body weight, supporting muscle function, and ensuring overall vitality. Improved metabolic function also means better handling of the foods consumed, leading to more stable energy levels throughout the day.

Better Mental Health

Vitamin B12 is essential for producing neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Adequate levels of B12 can help prevent mental health issues such as depression and brain fog, which are often associated with fatigue and low energy levels. Regular intake of B12, either through diet or supplements, can contribute to better mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Optimal Nervous System Function

B12 is crucial in maintaining the myelin sheath, a protective coating around nerves. A healthy nervous system ensures that signals travel efficiently between the brain and the rest of the body. This not only helps in preventing neurological issues but also ensures that the body's energy systems operate smoothly.

How to Ensure Adequate B12 Intake

Regular Blood Tests

For vegetarians and vegans, regular blood tests are an effective way to monitor B12 levels. These tests can help identify a deficiency early on, allowing individuals to take corrective measures before any severe symptoms manifest.

Balanced Diet

A well-rounded, balanced diet that includes fortified foods can help meet the daily recommended intake of Vitamin B12. Incorporating a variety of B12-fortified foods into every meal ensures a steady supply of this vital nutrient.

Considering Supplements

For those who struggle to get enough Vitamin B12 through diet alone, supplements are an excellent option.

Choosing the Right Supplement: Methyl B12

When selecting a Vitamin B12 supplement, methylcobalamin, or methyl B12, is often recommended as the best form. It has superior bioavailability compared to cyanocobalamin, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize. Methyl B12 doesn't need conversion in the body to be effective, leading to quicker uptake and immediate benefits.

For vegetarians and vegans at higher risk of B12 deficiency, methyl B12 is especially beneficial for maintaining optimal B12 levels effectively. Including this form in your supplement routine can boost energy, mental clarity, and support metabolic and nervous system functions.

Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about B12 is key for vegetarians and vegans to prevent deficiencies. Health programs can educate on maintaining adequate levels through diet and supplements.

Are You Ready For More Energy?

Vitamin B12's role in energy production and metabolism is indisputable. Vegetarians and vegans can struggle to get enough B12 from plant-based diets, but fortified foods and supplements offer solutions. Understanding B12's importance and taking action can boost energy, metabolism, and well-being. Regular monitoring, a balanced diet, and appropriate supplementation are key strategies to prevent deficiency and maintain optimal health.

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CuraMed Coupon
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Date: November 18, 2023 10:26 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: CuraMed Coupon

The Magic of Turmeric Unleashed: Terry Naturally CuraMed (Save with our Coupon)

Terry Naturally CuraMed is your perfect partner for a healthy, vibrant life, harnessing the potent power of the ancient spice, turmeric. This product packs the incredible benefits of curcumin, the most potent component of turmeric. Hailed for centuries for its health benefits, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and inflammation-buster, helping your body perform at its best.

Curcumin has a rich history dating back thousands of years. This golden spice was widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and applauded for its anti-inflammatory properties. Modern science has corroborated these ancient practices, supporting the benefits of curcumin for brain, heart, and liver health, as well as immune system support.

Curcumin works in the body by modulating numerous molecular targets and signaling pathways. It is known to inhibit the production of inflammation-causing enzymes, thus reducing inflammation in the body. This makes Terry Naturally CuraMed an ideal choice for those seeking an effective, natural anti-inflammatory supplement with no side effects.

Our customers are health-conscious individuals seeking a reliable, natural supplement to reduce inflammation and optimize their overall health. Terry Naturally CuraMed is perfect for these needs. Its patented formula ensures enhanced absorption and sustained release, ensuring the curcumin stays in the blood for as long as 8 hours.

CuraMed Features:

  • Superior Absorption Curcumin: The patented formula ensures enhanced absorption, giving you the most benefits from each dose.
  • Turmeric Essentail Oil: This unique patented formula suspends Curcumin in a turmeric essentail oil giving it a sustain release effect in the body allowing curcumin to travel the blood stream longer.
  • Sustained Release: The curcumin in CuraMed is absorbed quickly and remains in the blood for up to 8 hours.
  • Clinically Studied: CuraMed's curcumin is the most clinically studied, enhanced absorption curcumin in the world.
  • High Antioxidant Value: It has a high antioxidant value of over 1,500,000, protecting your cells from oxidative stress and free radicals.
  • Chemical Free: Sourced from non-GMO turmeric grown without chemicals.

Additional Benefits of CuraMed:

  • Supports liver, brain, heart, and immune health.
  • Helps maintain a healthy inflammation response.

Tips for Using CuraMed:

  • For optimal results, take CuraMed consistently.
  • Combine CuraMed with a balanced diet and regular exercise for maximum health benefits.

Special Offer for CuraMed 750mg in 120 Size only!

We are thrilled to announce a special offer for our esteemed customers. Currently, we are offering a discount coupon of $20.00 off on each bottle of CuraMed 750mg in the 120 size. If you mention this page while making your purchase, you can avail this additional $20.00 off each bottle! Moreover, we are sweetening the deal with free shipping on your order. This is a fantastic opportunity to continue your wellness journey with CuraMed, so don't miss out. Grab your bottle while this offer lasts! at checkout, just mention $20 off or copy and past the URL into the comments and we will remove $20 off each bottle purchased and always rememeber, Free shipping with Terry Naturally products. This offer good through end of 2023.

Are you ready to unlock the health-boosting secrets of turmeric? With Terry Naturally CuraMed, you are not just purchasing a supplement; you are investing in your health. This is your chance to harness the power of the most clinically studied, enhanced absorption curcumin in the world. And right now, we're offering a special deal: mention this page and get $20 Off each bottle plus free shipping. Do not wait.

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Why Your Sodium to Potassium Ratio Is Important
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Date: August 04, 2023 02:09 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Why Your Sodium to Potassium Ratio Is Important

The typical Western diet is largely comprised of processed foods, which are notoriously high in processed table salt. This results in an imbalance in the sodium to potassium ratio, a significant health concern. Sodium is necessary for a variety of bodily functions; however, too much can be detrimental, leading to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Simultaneously, potassium is often neglected, despite its crucial role in muscle function, nerve signaling, and balancing fluids.

The general dietary advice suggests a potassium to sodium intake ratio of 3:1. However, the reality in diets, particularly those in America, often sees this ratio inverted. The excessive sodium consumption is linked to a myriad of health complications, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Conversely, potassium, a mineral that aids in nerve function and muscle control, is consumed in insufficient quantities. This is a troubling trend that underscores the importance of dietary change towards natural, unprocessed foods.

The importance of potassium is often overshadowed by the emphasis on limiting sodium for reducing chronic disease risk factors. Potassium plays an essential role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels by counteracting the effects of sodium. Furthermore, the mineral is crucial for other functions like heart and muscle cell functioning, nerve transmission, and maintaining fluid balance.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that individuals with the lowest risk for heart complications or death from any cause were those consuming between four to six grams of sodium per day. This is a fascinating discovery, as this intake is significantly higher than the U.S. daily recommended limits. It suggests a need for a reconsideration of current sodium intake guidelines.

Another consideration to balance the sodium-potassium ratio is the type of salt consumed. Unprocessed, natural salts like sea salt and Himalayan salt contain higher potassium levels compared to standard table salt. These natural salts provide a variety of minerals and trace elements that contribute to our overall health and wellness. It's crucial to note that switching to natural salt should be part of a broader shift towards a diet rich in fresh, unprocessed foods.

Why You Should Focus on Increasing Potassium

While it's beneficial to monitor and moderate sodium intake, it's equally important to shift our focus towards increasing potassium consumption. Potassium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, bananas, potatoes, and beans, not only contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious diet but also help in maintaining an optimal sodium-potassium balance in the body. A high potassium intake can counteract the effects of sodium, aiding in blood pressure regulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, an elevated potassium level supports various bodily functions, including nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. Thus, prioritizing potassium intake forms a cornerstone for an overall healthier dietary approach. It is recommended that individuals consume 5 grams of potassium daily and potassium to salt ratio should be 2 to 1. To boost potassium intake, one can take a potassium supplement or add the following foods to their diet or both: Watermelon, Orange juice, Boiled red potatoes, Avocado, Bananas, Cantaloupe, Oranges, Coconut water, Tomatoes, Yogurt, Winter squash, and Wild-caught salmon.

Why Low-Salt Advice Can Be Harmful

Contrary to popular belief, adhering to low-salt advice can sometimes pose risks to certain individuals. While it is true that excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems, sodium still plays a vital role in our bodies. It assists in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and maintaining the body's fluid balance.

In fact, low sodium levels in the body, a condition known as hyponatremia, can lead to symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, and in severe cases, coma or even death. Moreover, a low-salt diet may lead to increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. This can potentially elevate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Low-salt diets can also exacerbate the risk of certain health conditions. For instance, individuals with conditions like Addison's disease or certain kidney disorders, where the body struggles to maintain a balance of electrolytes, might find a low-salt diet harmful.

Therefore, it is crucial to balance the intake of sodium, considering both the potential risks associated with too much, or too little, sodium. The key is to consume sodium from natural and unprocessed sources, such as Himalayan salt, fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean meats, which also provide a host of other nutrients necessary for overall health. As with most things in nutrition, moderation and balance seem to hold the answer rather than extreme restriction. The RDA - recommended daily allowance of sodium is 3.5 grams. It is advised to consume 3.5 grams of natural salt each day by way of foods or combination of foods plus Himalayan salt to reach that goal.

The Impact of Excessive Salt Intake on Certain Health Conditions

While moderate salt intake is vital for normal physiological functions, its excessive consumption can have detrimental effects, particularly for individuals with certain health conditions. For instance, endocrine disorders, high aldosterone levels, Cushing's syndrome, and elevated cortisol levels can all heighten the body's sensitivity to sodium, making it even more essential to monitor and limit salt intake.

Endocrine disorders, which involve imbalances in the body's hormone production, can often lead to increased sodium retention, exacerbating issues of water retention and swelling. Similarly, high aldosterone levels, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance, can cause the body to retain excessive sodium, leading to high blood pressure and potential damage to the cardiovascular system.

Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive cortisol production, can lead to a host of symptoms, including high blood pressure and rapid weight gain, both of which can be intensified by high sodium intake. The excessive cortisol found in Cushing's syndrome promotes sodium retention, further elevating the risk for hypertension.

Similarly, elevated cortisol levels, even outside of Cushing's syndrome, can lead to heightened sodium retention, contributing to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and an imbalance of electrolytes. Therefore, individuals with these conditions should be particularly mindful of their sodium intake.

In these scenarios, reducing salt consumption can help mitigate the associated health risks and symptoms. Switching to a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, and taking conscious steps to limit the use of added table salt can play a crucial role in managing these health conditions. As always, it is essential to seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional, as individual needs may vary.

In summary, while salt is often villainized in the health community, its consumption, especially from natural sources, is vital for maintaining bodily functions like nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. However, excessive or inadequate sodium intake can have adverse health effects, such as hypertension, imbalances in cholesterol and triglycerides, and even hyponatremia in severe cases. Certain health conditions, including endocrine disorders, high aldosterone levels, Cushing's syndrome, and elevated cortisol levels, can also exacerbate these risks, making it crucial for individuals with these conditions to carefully monitor their salt intake. On the other hand, increasing potassium intake can help maintain an optimal sodium-potassium balance, reducing blood pressure and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In a nutshell, moderation and balance are key in sodium consumption, but the emphasis should be on consuming more potassium-rich foods to ensure your potassium intake is higher than sodium levels which will ensure a healthier dietary approach.

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The Benefits of Nitric Oxide: How L-Arginine and L-Citrulline Work Together
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Date: December 01, 2022 01:50 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The Benefits of Nitric Oxide: How L-Arginine and L-Citrulline Work Together

Did you know that two amino acids, L-Arginine and L-Citrulline, can work together in your body to boost nitric oxide levels? It's true! Let's explore how the two work in tandem to unlock the power of nitric oxide.

What is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric Oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule in the human body that relaxes blood vessels and helps to regulate blood pressure. This molecule also plays a role in regulating muscle contractions, protecting against oxidative damage, and helping with wound healing. NO has also been studied for its potential ability to lower bad cholesterol levels and boost the immune system.

How do L-Arginine and L-Citrulline Work Together?

L-Arginine is an amino acid that your body can convert into NO. However, this conversion process can be inefficient due to the presence of enzymes that inhibit the production of NO from L-Arginine. This is where L-Citrulline comes in! By converting into L-Arginine, it helps increase levels of L-Arginine in your blood plasma which boosts overall NO levels this increase in L-Arginine forces those pesky enzymes to make more NO. This is why many people take supplements containing both ingredients as part of their daily health regimen.

Why Should I Take Nitric Oxide Supplements?

By increasing nitric oxide levels in your body you can enjoy a variety of benefits including improved cardiovascular health, better exercise performance, enhanced immune system function, healthier skin, and even improved cognitive functioning! In addition to taking supplements containing both amino acids mentioned above, eating a balanced diet filled with foods rich in antioxidants like fruits and vegetables will help keep nitric oxide levels up as well.

How to Use:

To experience the full potential of this supplement, one must take 1 - 2 capsules 3 times daily.

To maximize the potential benefits associated with increased nitric oxide production in your body it is important to ensure you are getting enough of both amino acids -L-Arginine and L-Citrulline - either through dietary sources or supplementation. By combining these two powerful ingredients you can unlock the power of NO for yourself and reap all the amazing benefits it provides! So if you're looking for a natural way to improve your overall health then consider adding these two amino acids into your daily routine today!

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Glutathione Supplementation Can Boost Your Antioxidant potential and more!
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Date: October 27, 2022 10:47 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Glutathione Supplementation Can Boost Your Antioxidant potential and more!

Glutathione is a small peptide molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It is produced by every cell of the body, with especially high levels in the liver.* Glutathione is critical for healthy immune system function and is necessary for proper detoxification processes.* It also plays a critical role in maintaining cellular health by directly neutralizing free radicals, as well as by maintaining the activity of vitamins C and E.* This product has glutathione in its reduced, active form for optimal bioavailability.*

Glutathione has many benefits, which is why it is often referred to as the "master antioxidant."* It is involved in numerous biochemical reactions in the body, including DNA synthesis and repair, protein synthesis, enzyme activity, and cell signaling.* Glutathione also helps to Detoxify the body by binding to heavy metals and other toxins so that they can be excreted from the body.* In addition, glutathione has been shown to boost energy levels, improve mental clarity and focus, and even promote weight loss.* As you can see, there are many good reasons to make sure you are getting enough glutathione!

How to Increase Your Glutathione Levels

There are a few things you can do to make sure your glutathione levels stay high. First, eat a diet rich in sulfur-containing foods like garlic, onions, eggs, and cruciferous veggies. You can also supplement with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is a precursor to glutathione. Taking methylated B vitamins will also help because they are needed for glutathione production. Finally, make sure you are getting enough vitamin C since it is necessary for glutathione recycling.

One of the best ways to increase your glutathione levels is to supplement with Glutathione. This product provides 500 mg of pure reduced L-glutathione per capsule. It is GMO free, vegan friendly, and does not contain any artificial colors or flavors. Glutathione is a pharmaceutical grade product that is manufactured in an FDA-inspected facility in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). With Glutathione, you can be sure you are getting a high quality product that will help you maintain optimal health!

As you can see, there are many good reasons to make sure you are getting enough glutathione. If you want to maintain optimal health, consider supplementing with Glutathione. With 500 mg of pure reduced L-glutathione per capsule, it is one of the most potent products on the market. You can be sure you are getting a high quality product that will help you maintain optimal health! Order your bottle today!

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What is DMAE and Why is it Important?
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Date: October 10, 2022 04:25 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What is DMAE and Why is it Important?

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) is an amino alcohol that is normally found in minute quantities in the brain. It is generally regarded as a precursor to the essential nutrient choline, which is needed for the brain to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in nerve signal transmission and healthy brain function.*

So what does that mean for you and your health? Let's take a closer look.

DMAE has been shown to have a positive effect on cognitive function and memory, which is why it's often referred to as "the memory vitamin." In one study, supplemented with DMAE showed significantly improved verbal skills and memory recall compared to those who did not take the supplement. Supplemental DMAE has also been shown to improve focus and reduce mental fatigue.

In addition to its cognitive benefits, DMAE has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Inflammation is linked to a number of chronic diseases, so reducing inflammation can lead to better overall health. The antioxidant effects of DMAE may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

In Summary:

DMAE is a nutrient that is normally found in minute quantities in the brain. It plays a crucial role in cognitive function and memory recall, and has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. If you're looking for a way to improve your cognitive function, memory, focus, or overall health, consider adding DMAE to your diet.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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NOW Beta-1, 3/1, 6-D-Glucan: Immune Support You Can Count On
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Date: September 13, 2022 10:48 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: NOW Beta-1, 3/1, 6-D-Glucan: Immune Support You Can Count On

Boost Immunity with Beta Glucan

If you're looking for an immune support supplement that is effective and backed by science, look no further than NOW Beta-1, 3/1, 6-D-Glucan. This Immune Support Supplement is a bioactive carbohydrate derived from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as Bakers' yeast. Scientific studies have shown that yeast-derived Beta-Glucan can interact with certain immune cells, including those present in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The GALT exists in the intestinal tract and is known to play a critical role in healthy immune system function. NOW Beta-Glucan is blended with Maitake Mushrooms for complementary support.

How NOW Beta Glucan Works

NOW Beta Glucan works by interacting with certain immune cells, including those present in the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The GALT exists in the intestinal tract and is responsible for a large portion of the body's immune response. When the body is exposed to a foreign substance, such as a virus or bacteria, the cells of the GALT produce antibodies which help to fight off the invader. In addition to producing antibodies, the cells of the GALT also secrete cytokines; these are signaling molecules that help to regulate the body's immune response. Studies have shown that Beta Glucan can help to modulate the activity of cytokines, which may help to promote a healthy immune response.*

The Benefits of NOW Beta Glucan

In addition to supporting a healthy immune system, NOW Beta Glucan has also been shown to have other potential health benefits. One study showed that Beta Glucan was able to decrease total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with high cholesterol.* Another study showed that Beta Glucan was able to increase natural killer cell activity in healthy individuals.* Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell that helps to protect the body against infection.*

If you're looking for an effective and science-backed Immune Support Supplement, look no further than NOW Beta 1, 3/1 ,6 -D -Glucan. This bioactive carbohydrate derived from yeast has been shown in scientific studies to interact with certain immune cells present in the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The GALT exists in our intestinal tracts and plays a critical role in our overall immunity. NOW Beta Glucan is also blended with Maitake Mushrooms for complementary support. So why wait? Give your immunity the boost it deserves with NOW Beta 1, 3/1 ,6 -D -Glucan today!

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Having trouble seeing at night? try Healthy Night Vision by Terry Naturally
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Date: July 20, 2022 04:30 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Having trouble seeing at night? try Healthy Night Vision by Terry Naturally

Do you have trouble seeing at night? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people around the world have difficulty seeing in low light conditions. Fortunately, there is a natural way to improve night vision. We will discuss Terry Naturally's Healthy Night Vision supplement and how it can help you see better in the dark!

What is Terry Naturally's Healthy Night Vision supplement and what does it do?

Terry Naturally Healthy Night Vision is a dietary supplement that supports vision and focus in low-light conditions. The ingredients in the supplement help to protect the eyes from blue light, support a healthy macula and blood vessels, and protect the lens from occasional strain. Terry Naturally Healthy Night Vision is a safe and effective way to support vision and focus in low-light conditions.

How does the supplement work to improve night vision?

Health night vision provides nutrients the body needs to support healthy eyes when your diet isn't providing the nutrients the eyes need. It is important to have nutrients in your diet that help with vision. Vitamin A, found in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark leafy greens, is essential for night vision. Zinc, found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, helps the eye convert light into an electrical signal that can be transmitted to the brain. French grape extract contains antioxidant pigments called anthocyanins, which have been shown to protect the retina from damage. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in kale, spinach, and eggs that help to filter out harmful blue light and protect against age-related macular degeneration. By including these nutrients in your diet, you can help maintain healthy vision.

Who should take the supplement

Anybody struggling with their vision!

If you are having trouble seeing at night, consider taking Terry Naturally's Healthy Night Vision supplement. The ingredients in the supplement help to protect the eyes from blue light, support a healthy macula and blood vessels, and protect the lens from occasional strain. The supplement is safe and effective way to support vision and focus in low-light conditions.

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Delta-8 THC Shows Promise in Combating Myocarditis
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Date: April 29, 2022 12:41 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Delta-8 THC Shows Promise in Combating Myocarditis

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and myocarditis is one of the most common causes. Researchers are constantly looking for new ways to combat this deadly disease, and Delta-8 THC may be a promising treatment. A recent study found that Delta-8 was able to slow down heart rate and reduce inflammation in mice with myocarditis. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that Delta-8 could be a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease.

What is myocarditis and what are the symptoms?

Myocarditis is a term used to describe inflammation of the heart muscle. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including infection or injury, and it can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common signs of myocarditis include shortness of breath, chest pain, and chest tightness. Other possible symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea, and weakness. If you experience any combination of these symptoms along with changes in your heart rate or blood pressure, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to determine whether you are suffering from myocarditis. Treatment will depend on the specific cause of your condition, but it typically involves anti-inflammatory medications and rest. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing the progression of the disease and reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

What causes myocarditis and how is it diagnosed?

Myocarditis is a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the heart muscle. This can lead to a number of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, increased heart rate, and cough. There are many possible causes of myocarditis, including infections, autoimmune disorders, metabolic or nutritional disorders, or exposure to toxins or other irritants. In order to diagnose myocarditis properly, doctors will typically perform several different tests. These may include blood tests, scans of the heart using ultrasound or MRI technology, and electrocardiograms to assess heart activity. Ultimately, the treatment for myocarditis will depend on its underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. With proper care, however, most people can recover fully from this condition.

How is myocarditis treated and what are the potential complications?

Myocarditis is a condition that occurs when the heart muscle becomes inflamed. This can be caused by a viral infection, an autoimmune reaction, or other factors. Treatment for myocarditis generally involves addressing the underlying cause, if possible. For example, if the inflammation is due to a viral infection, antiviral medications may be prescribed. Corticosteroids may also be used to reduce inflammation. In some cases, heart surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the heart muscle. Complications of myocarditis can include heart failure and arrhythmias. With prompt and appropriate treatment, however, most people with myocarditis recover fully.

What is Delta-8 THC and how does it work?

Delta-8 THC is a chemical compound that is found in the Hemp plant. Unlike other forms of THC, which produce psychoactive effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, Delta-8 simply activates these receptors without producing any noticeable effects on cognition or perception. While the precise mechanism of action for this compound remains somewhat unclear, scientists believe that Delta-8 works by interacting with specific neuroreceptors in the brain and body, thereby triggering a series of responses that ultimately lead to changes in mood or behavior. Furthermore, research suggests thatDelta-8 may also have antioxidant properties and may be effective at reducing inflammation in certain tissues. Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the pharmacological effects of this compound, it seems clear that Delta-8 has great potential as a therapeutic agent and may hold benefits for patients suffering from certain mood disorders or neurological conditions.

Delta-8, inflammation and relaxation

Delta-8 is a cannabinoid that is found in hemp plants. This compound has a similar structure to Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. However, Delta-8 is much less potent than Delta-9 and does not produce the same psychoactive effects. Instead, Delta-8 provides a more mild physical response that is associated with relaxation and relief from anxiety and pain. Research suggests that Delta-8 may also be effective in reducing inflammation. This anti-inflammatory effect may be due to the ability of Delta-8 to bind to CB2 receptors, which are found in high numbers in the immune system. As a result,Delta-8 may offer a unique combination of anti-inflammatory and relaxant effects.

What are the findings:

The results of recent studies suggest that delta-8, a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, may play a role in reducing the symptoms of myocarditis. Myocarditis is a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the heart muscle, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrest if left untreated. Early research has shown that delta-8 may be able to help protect against this deterioration, as it was found to reduce levels of oxidative stress and inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. As more studies continue to explore the mechanisms underlying myocarditis, it is hoped that delta-8 will become an important tool for managing this deadly disease.

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A Healthy Endocannabinoid System ECS Properly Regulates The Following:
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Date: October 09, 2020 10:57 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: A Healthy Endocannabinoid System ECS Properly Regulates The Following:

Understanding the ECS

Some Endocannabinoids tell out body how much inflammatory messenger molecules to release or with hold. Others tell how fast to move food through the gastrointestinal tract. Still others tell the brain to release or hold neurotransmitters to calm the brain.

  • Stress
  • Memory
  • Mood
  • Inflammation
  • Energy
  • Sleep
  • Metabolism
  • Appetite
  • Appetite
  • Pain response
  • Immune function
  • Nerve signaling
  • Muscle control

Age does Matter!

Aging is a major contributor to a unhealthy ECS function. Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, exposure to toxins and stress impact and contribute to a declining ECS.

  • These factors cause us to product fewer endocannabinoids.
  • Contribute to fewer enzymes known to liberate endocannabinoids in the body.
  • Then, Endocannabinoid receptors loose sensitivity and don't respond well.

Any age can consume CBD and benefit from a balanced ECS. Take the plunge and try CBD today!

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Hemp
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Date: July 03, 2019 02:23 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Hemp

Hemp phytocannabinoids interact with receptors and signaling compounds in the body known collectively as the endocannabinoid system, and by doing so, help relieve pain. Sometimes our own endocannabinoid levels are low. They can be consumed by enzymes, underfed by a poor diet, or simply depleted by stress and chronic pain. that's where hemp oil can help. I recommend a hemp that contains a full spectrum of beneficial phytocannabinoids.

(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6341)


Omega-3s are a potent way to treat depression without resorting todangerous prescription medications
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Date: May 17, 2019 04:01 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Omega-3s are a potent way to treat depression without resorting todangerous prescription medications





One can treat poor mood and depression without using pharmaceutical drugs. One of these approaches involves using omega-3 fatty acid. Foods rich in this fatty acid can help. It has been shown by many scientific studies that the risk of having depression is reduced when one takes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid. Some of the means that have been identified as the pathways in which omega-3 fatty acids work is that they can make the CNS to release more serotonin, they can reduce the risk of an inflammation and also its severity, and they can stop phosphatidyl-inositol from releasing hormones that make a person to have depressive moods. The way omega-3 fatty acids do this has been found to be similar to the way anti-depressant drugs work. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to counter the release of serotonin in the brain that trigger depressive moods and they also have effect on the release of cytokines in the heart that relates to lowering the risk of one having coronary heart disease. And fortunately, heart disease is linked to major depressive moods. So, omega-3 fatty acid is a powerful compound that can be used to treat both problems. But what researchers have not agreed upon though is the required dosage of omega-3 fatty acid that a person should take each day to reap these benefits.

Key Takeaways:

  • Many ways in which one can remedy the occurrence of poor moods and depression without the use of pharmaceutical drugs have now been discovered.
  • The risk of having depression have been found to be influenced by eating omega-3 fatty acids and those who take it in large amounts have low risk of depression.
  • Similar to how pharmaceutical drugs help a person with depression, omega-3 fatty acids stop immune cells from releasing cytokines that are pro-inflammatory in the brain.

"The fatty acids achieve their natural antidepressant effects through several means. Omega-3s can raise the activity of CNS seratonin, reduce the risk and severity of inflammation, and stop phosphatidyl-inositol from sending signals that bring about depressive moods."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-04-15-omega-3s-are-a-potent-way-to-treat-depression.html

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Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce high insulin levels, and lowerthe risk of breast cancer in the process
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Date: May 15, 2019 02:34 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce high insulin levels, and lowerthe risk of breast cancer in the process





The elevated levels of insulin found in many people with obesity can elevate their risk of breast cancer, but new studies show that omega-3 free fatty acids can help mitigate this risk. Too much insulin can increase Akt and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, but omega-3s can help to reduce this effect. Likewise, omega-3 free fatty acids were able to cut down proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The research sheds some light onto why omega-3s appear to reduce the risk of breast cancer, although more research is needed.

Key Takeaways:

  • While having a high insulin level is considered a significant factor in one having breast cancer while obese, omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of breast cancer.
  • The researcher wanted to explore whether omega-3 free fatty acids (FFA) do regulate the signaling pathway of insulin in order to prevent breast cancer.
  • According to the findings it is suggested that omega-3 free fatty acids (FFA) reduce the proliferation of breast cancer cells mediated by insulin and insulin activated phosphorylation.

"Researchers found a link between consumption of omega-3s and reduced breast cancer risk by lowering insulin levels. The study, which was published in Nutrition Research, tested the ability of omega-3 free fatty acids (FFAs) to reduce insulin-induced breast cancer cell proliferation."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-26-omega-3-can-reduce-high-insulin-levels-breast-cancer.html

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Research proves the healing potential of monk fruit on cancerpatients
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Date: April 04, 2019 09:20 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Research proves the healing potential of monk fruit on cancerpatients





Monk fruit, which is already widely used as both an ingredient for traditional Chinese medicine and as a substitute for sugar, may also have beneficial properties for fighting cancer. Researchers from the Beijing University of Agriculture conducted studies of a monk fruit compound called mogroside V, and found that it can prevent the growth of pancreatic cancer cells, or even trigger them to die. Mogroside V is also a powerful antioxidant. Monk fruit may also provide health benefits by reducing how much processed sugar people eat.

Key Takeaways:

  • One of the stalwarts of traditional Chinese medicine is the monk fruit and these old fruit is finding therapeutic uses in our modern times.
  • In the West, the fruit is used as a replacement for processed sugar as a sweetener because it is healthier.
  • In China, the monk fruit is revered as a longevity fruit that extends people’s lifespan and is the first fruit to be prescribed when there is an ailment.

"Mogroside V was used to treat several models of pancreatic cancer. It was shown to trigger death in cancer cells and prevent them from developing or spreading any further. Chinese researchers theorized that the plant-based compound disrupted the STAT3 signaling pathway that cancer cells used for communication."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-02-06-the-healing-potential-of-monk-fruit-on-cancer-patients.html

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New study links negative mood with higher levels of inflammation
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Date: January 05, 2019 02:26 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: New study links negative mood with higher levels of inflammation





New research from Penn State University has shown that being in a negative mood can be linked with higher levels of inflammation and may be a signal of poor health. Inflammation is a contributing factor to many diseases such as diabetes and cancer. These negative emotions include sadness, anger, and depression. 220 participants reported on their moods and blood samples were taken to measure the inflammation present in the body. This was the first study to research how the two are linked. The long-term goal of the researchers is that the information will eventually lead to insights into how interventions can improve mood and ability to cope with stress. That will in turn help break the cycle of disease associated with inflammation.

Key Takeaways:

  • This study involved 220 participants and was carried out by researchers from Penn State University. Participants were required to record their mood five times a day.
  • Apart from recording negative or positive moods, blood samples were also taken from the participants to measure the levels of C-reactive proteins and 7 inflammatory cytokines.
  • According to the study there was a relationship found between moods and levels of inflammatory biomarkers. The more negative the mood, the higher the levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

"New US research has found that a negative mood, such as feeling sad or angry, may be linked with higher levels of inflammation and may be a sign of poor health."

Read more: https://www.malaymail.com/s/1705392/new-study-links-negative-mood-with-higher-levels-of-inflammation

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Natural matcha green tea extract found to effectively kill breastcancer cells
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Date: November 12, 2018 02:51 PM
Author: VitaNet, LLC Staff (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Natural matcha green tea extract found to effectively kill breastcancer cells





Everyone knows that green tea is healthy for you but not everyone is aware of just what it can do for your body. Now, this natural green tea extract is being used for more than little get together's at your local Starbucks. It is beginning to be used for medicinal purposes as studies have shown it to be effective in killing breast cancer cells. More tests still have to be done but this is a massive revelation.

Key Takeaways:

  • There's compelling evidence that matcha affects the signalling pathways that can promote cancer stem cells.
  • The Tea suppresses oxidative mitochondral metabolism, making it impossible for the cells to refuel.
  • The Salford biomedical term are experts with a specialization in finding non-toxic ways to destroy cancer stem cells.

"When you’re making yourself matcha, be sure you do not boil it as this could compromise its antioxidant effects."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2018-11-05-matcha-green-tea-extract-kill-breast-cancer-cells.html

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Rosemary can be used to enhance memory in university students
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Date: November 01, 2018 10:51 AM
Author: VitaNet, LLC Staff (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Rosemary can be used to enhance memory in university students





We all know the stress that college kids go through on a daily basis. Keeping up with their studies while also trying to maintain the life of a normal kid is very difficult. College is the time period where students need to figure some things out about themselves. Also, they need to retain information. Some people have better memories than others and that is evident in so many walks of life. Now, studies show that rosemary helps memory.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involving Rosemary sought to understand how the plant affected the memory of University students and their quality of sleep among others.
  • The study that was carried out found out that on the scores the students were tested for, Rosemary had significant effects on memory, depression and sleep quality.
  • Rosemary’s effect is attributed to the fact that it is loaded with phytochemicals that interact with neurotransmitters that send signals to the brain.

"Rosemary, known for its distinct fragrance, can also improve memory according to a recent study, proving that the herb’s effects on your brain go beyond making food more appetizing."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2018-10-18-rosemary-can-be-used-to-enhance-memory.html

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The powerful neuroprotective properties of curcumin revealed in science study: Stunning 30 percent improvement in memory
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Date: July 01, 2018 09:54 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The powerful neuroprotective properties of curcumin revealed in science study: Stunning 30 percent improvement in memory





The powerful neuroprotective properties of curcumin revealed in science study: Stunning 30 percent improvement in memory

The component found in turmeric that gives the spice its brightly colored appearance is also directly responsible for helping enhance and preserve our neurological development. When given in doses of 90 mg each day, turmeric was shown to help improve memory in those who were suffering from some level of memory loss. The cognitive improvement is due to turmeric being high in curcumin, which makes it a natural aid in alleviating many cognitive deficiencies that happen due to age.

Key Takeaways:

  • Often overshadowed by it's anti-inflammatory characteristics, Turmeric is also a potent neuroprotector.
  • Research has shown that the main ingredient, curcumin, can improve memory.
  • A recent study found that participants given curcumin daily had a 30% improvement in their memory tests and PET scans showed improved signaling in the brain.

"The participants were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a control that took 90 milligrams a day of curcumin twice a day over the course of year and a half. Researchers measured everyone’s curcumin levels in their blood at the trial’s inception and conclusion."

Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2018-06-28-the-powerful-neuroprotective-properties-of-curcumin-improved-memory.html

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CBD may help smokers quit cigarettes, finds new study
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Date: June 20, 2018 04:44 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: CBD may help smokers quit cigarettes, finds new study





CBD may help smokers quit cigarettes, finds new study

Humans have what is called a electrochemical system that can be directly impacted by substances referred to as endocannabinoids. One of these is cannabidiol (CBD). CBD oil was given to 30 participants in a 2013 study, and it showed that it helped them successfully reduce the amount of cigarettes that they smoked by 40%. More studies have to be done to determine a direct correlation, but this is good news for those who are continuously struggling to find natural ways to quit.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cannabinoids in marijuana can trigger an electrochemical signaling system, the endocannabinoid system, in the body which can also be activated by natural cannabinoids.
  • Using 30 nicotine-dependent smokers, some given a placebo and others CBD, the researchers sought to find out if cannabidiol (CBD) influenced tobacco cravings or withdrawals.
  • The study showed great promise but more research needs to be done to fully explore cannabis effectiveness as an aid to helping smokers stop.

"In 2013, a study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors found that smokers who were given a CBD inhaler reduced their cigarette consumption by around 40% compared to those given a placebo."

Read more: https://www.healthnutnews.com/cbd-may-help-smokers-quit-cigarettes-finds-new-study/

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Turmeric may help boost memory, lower Alzheimer's risk: study
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Date: January 26, 2018 07:59 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Turmeric may help boost memory, lower Alzheimer's risk: study





Curcumin is one of the chemicals that helps to make up turmeric. While turmeric has shown great benefits in the past, this specific portion is showing great promise in memory and even Alzheimer's disease. It was found to help improve memory in people who didn't have dementia and help clear up the plaques formed by Alzheimer's disease. It is also thought that this spice, highly common in Indian cooking, is another reason why there is such a low prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in India.

Key Takeaways:

  • Turmeric has been used for generations in traditional Indian medicines and is starting to gain traction in the US
  • Finding have shown that people improve memory function when taking turmeric
  • The curcumin has also show promise in clearing up the plaques formed by Alzheimer's disease.

"Those taking curcumin also had mild improvements in mood, and their brain PET scans showed significantly less amyloid and tau signals in the amygdala and hypothalamus than those who took placebos."

Read more: https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/turmeric-may-help-boost-memory-lower-alzheimers-risk-study/1237371

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What Happens to Your Brain When You Go on a Diet
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Date: September 27, 2017 12:14 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Happens to Your Brain When You Go on a Diet





People often go on diets because they want to lose weight. A good way to diet is by just substituting what you eat with healthier things. It's not good to eat much less, though, because your body needs certain nutrients and a certain amount of calories. This tells you what can happen to your brain if you do choose to diet. It might make you think a bit before doing so or at least before choosing an extreme one.

Key Takeaways:

  • Body weight is regulated by the brain and this is why diets don't work.When you are on a diet and your weight starts to change, your brain gets this signal and pushes back to maintain the old weight.
  • The hypothalamus in your brain controls your body temperature and acts as a thermostat but it also regulates body fat. Your brain establishes, what is referred to, as a set point weight.
  • To lower your set point weight over time, eat a healthy diet of unrefined, lower calorie and simple foods. Plus, lower stress and exercise. This will help lower and maintain your weight.

"In fact, though the risks of yo-yo dieting have been contested, one 2016 study found that repeatedly going through these starvation cycles prompts your body to gain more weight."

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-happens-your-brain-when-you-go-diet-ncna802626?cid=public-rss_20170920

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Treating Painful Fibromyalgia Symptoms With Cannabis
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Date: July 18, 2017 09:14 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Treating Painful Fibromyalgia Symptoms With Cannabis





Cannabis may serve as a treatment for those people suffering from Fibromyalgia. Many current patients suffering from this have no seen very much help through convention treatments, like therapy and medication. If the treatments do reduce the symptom of Fibromyalgia, they're usually accompanied by adverse side affects. All the symptoms that have arisen from Firbromyalgia have been reduced, studies show. The symptoms of pain, sleep disturbance, migraines, and fatigues, along with many other, have been shown to be reduced with cannobinoid treatment. Although studies are not conclusive, cannabis rich treatments for Fibromyalgia have been highly successful in many patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fibromyalgia symptoms include chronic, diffuse pain, migraines, sleep disturbance and irritable bowel.
  • Abnormal processing of pain signals, via the nervous system, is a feature of a sub-type of the disease, called Myofascial Pain Syndrome.
  • Enhanced relaxation, better sleep and less stiffness were notable take-aways for research subjects of one Spanish study, using unconventional treatment for people with the disease.

"A small group of fibromyalgia patients who received daily doses of THC and no other pain medications reported a significant reduction in daily recorded pain."

Read more: https://www.marijuana.com/news/2017/07/treating-painful-fibromyalgia-symptoms-with-cannabis/

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Craving chocolate could mean you're suffering from a magnesium deficiency
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Date: July 10, 2017 09:14 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Craving chocolate could mean you're suffering from a magnesium deficiency





Everyone enjoys a nice piece of chocolate now and again, but if you are craving it more often than usual, it could signal a problem. New research indicates that a craving for the sweet stuff could also mean that you are magnesium deficient. You should know the signs and the steps to take if you suspect such a problem is ongoing in your life. Read this article to learn what you should know about chocolate cravings.

Key Takeaways:

  • We’re all prone craving a bar of chocolate or 10 every now and then, right? Especially when our period sets in and we can’t seem to get enough of the sweet stuff
  • If you find yourself constantly dreaming about dairy milk or fantasising after a flake then you may be suffering from a magnesium deficiency.
  • Not only does magnesium help build bones, but it’s also vital for ensuring your nerves and muscles work properly and it’s essential for heart health

"‘Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient. In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiency,’ explains nutritionist Emily Whitehead."

Read more: http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/health-fitness/magnesium-deficiency-520391

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When It’s More Than Just Heartburn
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Date: May 12, 2017 11:44 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: When It’s More Than Just Heartburn





Heartburn is very common, especially after consuming a greasy meal. However, sometimes heart burn can signal something else, specifically GERD or acid reflux. When stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, one experiences acid reflux. Furthermore, when these acid reflux symptoms become constant and common it turns into GERD. It is important to know the facts about both acid reflux and GERD and also very important to discuss any problems you experience with your physician.

Key Takeaways:

  • A common symptom of gerd or acid reflux is a burning feeling in the throat.
  • Certain foods should be avoided to minimize the chances of getting heart burn.
  • Antacids are a very common treatment option as they are easy to get and quickly take care of the symptoms.

"A good rule of thumb is to make an appointment when you experience frequent or severe heartburn that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication."

Read more: http://www.pfizer.com/news/featured_stories/featured_stories_detail/when_it_s_more_than_just_heartburn

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What happens to your body when you eat 3 EGGS every day!
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Date: May 07, 2017 05:14 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What happens to your body when you eat 3 EGGS every day!





Eggs really give you the best bang for your buck. loaded with vitamin A,E etc. it’s hard to find other foods with such a varied nutrient profile.eggs are great source of Choline It’s so important for the brain. 2 eggs supply as much protein as 1 serving of meat, without exposing you to as much fat and acidity as most meats. So eat more eggs to gain muscle. It’s good.Eggs contains both calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D actually boosts your body’s ability to absorb calcium. Calcium is also necessary for blood clotting, nerves signals and muscles contractions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEjPm1sN1cA&rel=0

Key Takeaways:

  • Eggs can improve brain function and memory due to their chlorine content
  • The egg white contains nearly half of the protein found in an egg.
  • Despite an egg's cholesterol content, eggs aren't linked to coronary disease.

"Eggs are the most common word when it comes to preparing our breakfast in the morning. Boiled, fried, scrambled, sunny-side-up, you name it. But how many eggs a day is the right amount for our bodies. A few years back, the health organization warned us about the cholesterol which eggs contain. However, eggs like many other foods, such as coconut oil and avocado, were misjudged when claimed as bad for our health."

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5 Body Odors You Should Never Ignore
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Date: April 29, 2017 08:44 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: 5 Body Odors You Should Never Ignore





A website for women's health has a piece about body odors. The piece contends that certain odors are indications of illnesses. For example, a fruity breath might mean diabetes, while bad breath might be a sign of sleep apnea. Feet that smell bad might indicate athlete's foot. Smelly poop could be a sign of intolerance to lactose, while smelly urine could signal an infection. The feature is illustrated with several photos or graphics. There are several embedded links in the story.

Key Takeaways:

  • If your feet smell it is a good sign of athletes foot or other foot fungus.
  • Excessive sweating can be a sign of diabetes. If you find yourself sweating for no reason you should seek medical advice.
  • Extra stinky pop is a sign of lactose intolerance. Try cutting diary out of your diet and smell if it clears up.

"Lactose intolerance is fairly common: In fact, an estimated 65 percent of people have trouble digesting dairy, according to the National Institutes of Health."

Read more: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/body-odors-signal-health-problems?internal_recirc=outbrain_af

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How bad breath could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency
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Date: April 24, 2017 06:44 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: How bad breath could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency





Does your breath stink? A little stinky breath now and again is common, and likely caused by a culprit such as a food that you've eaten. But, if he bad breath is not going away, being noticed by others, or otherwise of concern to you, perhaps it is time to talk to a professional. Constant bad breath may be a signal of something more serious going on that needs to be looked at and evaluated by a medical professional.

Read more: How bad breath could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency

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Compound in hot peppers found to halt growth of breast cancer cells
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Date: April 16, 2017 12:59 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Compound in hot peppers found to halt growth of breast cancer cells





Discovering breast cancer is pretty rare yet it seem to be common. There is no cure for breast cancer unfortunately but oncologist are still searching for one daily. However, even though there is no cure there are certain to prevent cancer. For starters, living a healthy life daily is really a great way to prevent cancer because it will keeping your body cleaning. There is one ingredient to help prevent cancer that no on would have thought about and that is hot peppers. According to the article they stunt the growth of breast cancer cells.

Key Takeaways:

  • -Data showed that the treatment caused cancer cells to divide at a slower pace
  • -This finding was in accordance with the results of other scientists, who demonstrated a significant decrease in the cell growth rate of MCF-7 breast cancer cells upon capsaicin stimulation,” said res
  • -According to the review, capsaicin showed strong anticancer properties by targeting multiple signaling pathways and disease-related genes in various stages of tumors such as initiation, promotion, pr

"Capsaicin, an active ingredient that gives chilies and peppers their pungent taste, was shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, a study found."

Read more: http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-04-03-compound-in-hot-peppers-found-to-halt-growth-of-breast-cancer-cells.html

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'Good' bacteria is potential solution to unchecked inflammation seen in bowel diseases
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Date: March 16, 2017 01:44 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: 'Good' bacteria is potential solution to unchecked inflammation seen in bowel diseases





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:

  • Scientists know that these diseases involve an abnormal reaction of the immune system to food, bacteria or other materials in the intestines.
  • researchers found that adding back a type of beneficial bacteria that normally grows in the gut can help end this cycle, suggesting a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Beneficial bacteria may be the key to helping to reverse a cycle of gut inflammation

"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

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On Health: Do carbs make you fat?
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Date: March 13, 2017 01:59 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: On Health: Do carbs make you fat?





There is a lot of info out there about dieting and nutrition. People think they know about carbs because a lot of info has been put out there. Some of it is true but some isn't. This gives you the truth about carbs and whether or not you'll get fat if you consume them.

Key Takeaways:

  • With some people advocating for high carbohydrate diets and others swearing by Atkins, you may be confused about the mixed signals surrounding carbohydrates.
  • Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates does not cause diabetes or obesity. Instead, sedentary lifestyles and genetic factors play roles in these conditions.
  • Read on to learn more about the real truth about carbohydrates.

"With some people advocating for high carb diets while others swear by the Atkins, gluten-free, or Paleo diets, you may have been receiving mixed signals about carbohydrates."



Reference:

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=//www.mapleridgenews.com/lifestyles/415812794.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGmE1ZjVlMDc0YzcwMWFjZWI6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEwa4TPQ7nhbnIHN-sW6qIAUEVVIw

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4 Types of Headaches You Should Never Ignore
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Date: February 16, 2017 10:19 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: 4 Types of Headaches You Should Never Ignore





We all get headaches from time to time. Sometimes they are self-induced through stress, diet or lack of movement and other times they signal that something else is might be going on inside our bodies. Do not ignore your beaches if they are sharp pains or take place in certain parts of the head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVpCCFbT5XY

Key Takeaways:

  • Tension headache is most common type of headache caused by stress and fatigue.
  • cluster headache are rare affecting only 1% of the population and they tend to occur everyday at the same time and are most common in smokers.
  • Sinus headache happens as a result of accute sinus infection.

"We all get headaches from time to time. Sometimes they are self-induced through stress, diet or lack of movement and other times they signal that something else is might be going on inside our bodies."

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What are heart failure, heart attack and cardiac arrest?
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Date: February 14, 2017 10:59 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What are heart failure, heart attack and cardiac arrest?





Though all types of heart trouble pose emergency threats to people's health, there are many differences between them in terms of both causes and symptoms. "Heart failure" refers to some loss of the heart's successful function as a pump; "congestive heart failure" applies more specifically to when blood flow has backed up, causing the swelling of veins. A "heart attack" occurs when blood flow to the heart is cut off - sometimes, this is caused by a spasm. But if the heart suddenly stops beating, that is a "cardiac arrest", and is a problem with the timed electrical signals that make the heart contract.

Key Takeaways:

  • Singer George Michael passed away on Christmas Day, at age 53.
  • His manager, Michael Lippman, cited heart failure as the cause of death.
  • If Michael's heart not only failed but also stopped beating entirely, he would have had minutes for doctors to intervene.

"Blockages causing heart attacks are mostly caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries."



Reference:

//www.cnn.com/2016/12/26/health/what-is-heart-failure-heart-attack-sudden-cardiac-arrest-explainer/index.html

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Should Vegans Take DHA to Preserve Brain Function?
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Date: February 05, 2017 10:19 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Should Vegans Take DHA to Preserve Brain Function?





Ever since recent studies uncovered that patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, the question has been whether supplementing our diets with these nutrients will help fend off cognitive diseases. What really needs to happen are long term studies where the same patients are tested throughout the study to find out if the cognitive decline or nutritional deficiency comes first. Some more recent studies have shown that lower levels of DHA correlates to smaller brain size. So the question is, should we be supplementing with DHA to hold off cognitive decline?

[video mp4="//nutritionfacts.org/video/should-vegans-take-dha-to-preserve-brain-function/"]

Key Takeaways:

  • Omega 3's aid in brain function
  • Low levels of DHA can cause lower brain function
  • DHA can improve red blood count

""While normal aging results in overall brain shrinkage, having lower long chain Omega 3's may signal increased risk"."

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A brain wide chemical signal that enhances memory
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Date: January 30, 2017 10:59 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: A brain wide chemical signal that enhances memory





Alzheimer’s seems to become more prevalent every day. This has lead to much research into what causes it and how to prevent it. While we still do not know the exact mechanism behind what causes it, there has been some discovery on ways to help fight the disease. A recent study has shown that keeping our brains active will help fend off the signs of mental decline. This discovery was uncovered in light of drugs that seem to help with the disease when they activate acetylcholine release and activate the brain for longer periods of time.

Key Takeaways:

  • How does heightened attention improve our mental capacity?
  • A chemical signal released across the brain is a response to attention demanding or arousing situations.
  • Current drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer's, designed to boost this chemical signal, counter the symptoms of dementia.

""Many current and future drug therapies for a wide range of brain disorders including Alzheimer's and schizophrenia are designed to target chemical systems such as acetylcholine""



Reference:

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170124140842.htm&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjFmZmViMTExOGM5Mzg5YTQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGZkjbk4NRk0qkoHWDs8xryfJHAnQ

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Tired? Weak? You're not 'just getting old'; something is wrong
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Date: December 27, 2016 07:59 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Tired? Weak? You're not 'just getting old'; something is wrong





When we start feeling rundown and tired, we tend to make jokes about getting old. The truth is, however, that feelings of depression and fatigue are not normal aging side effects. If these feelings are longer than expected, a consultation with a doctor is in order. You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t try to pass it off as aging. There are many factors, medical and physical, that can cause signs of fatigue, depression, change of appetite, and weakness. Only a doctor can order the tests that can tell you the exact reason, so don’t hesitate.

Key Takeaways:

  • When Dr. Christopher Callahan examines older patients, he often hears a similar refrain.
  • This fatalistic stance relies on widely-held but mistaken assumptions about what constitutes normal aging
  • Instead, they're a signal that something is wrong and a medical evaluation is in order.

"If you suddenly find your thinking is cloudy and your memory unreliable, if you're overcome by dizziness and your balance is out of whack, if you find yourself tossing and turning at night and running urgently to the bathroom, don't chalk it up to normal aging."



Reference:

//www.cnn.com/2016/12/16/health/fatigue-weakness-depression-aging/index.html

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How does CBD help with Seizures
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Date: December 19, 2016 10:28 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: How does CBD help with Seizures

Seizures are the sudden changes in the brain's electrical activity. It usually affects how a person acts for a short period of time or appear. The symptoms of seizure include a loss of control and violent shaking. There can be several causes for the seizures. Anything that affects the brain's normal activity can lead to seizures. Several causes of seizures include injury to the head, fever, disease or even certain uses of medications. A person suffering from regular seizures due to brain disorder is called to be having epilepsy. Seizures can take different forms that affect many people in different ways, as some people call it electrical storms in the brain.


CBD, also known as Cannabidiol is one of the cannabinoids found in Cannabis that has potential medical benefits. CBD is non-psychoactive that does not psychoactive effects in the body, instead has shown positive outcomes in curing seizures. The reason behind why CBD is non-psychoactive is due to lack of affinity of CBD for CB1 receptors. CB1 receptors are present in a major concentration in the brain which is responsible for the psychoactive effect of THC. Most of the people suffering from seizures have reported the positive outcome, while they were on treatment with CBD. In recent years, CBD has been claimed to be most beneficial medication for the treatment of epilepsy. People who were under the treatment of anti-seizure medication called Clobazam has also responded positively in favor of Epidiolex, that contains 99% oil-based extract of CBD.

CBD has several therapeutic effects. Unlike THC, CBD has a less binding affinity to the CB1 and CB2, those are Cannabinoid receptors. Instead, CBD stimulates endogenous cannabinoid signal by suppressing enzyme fatty acid amide hydroxylase (FAAH). CBD helps in enhancing endocannabinoid by suppressing FAAH. CBD also opposes the action of THC at CB1 receptor, thus help to mute the effects of THC. CBD also stimulates 2-AG, that activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors, where CB2 receptors are predominant in the immune system and peripheral nervous system. It is found that CBD binds directly with 'G-protein' coupled receptors and other ion channels to grant therapeutic effect. CBD is also known as the TRPV-1 stimulant that helps, CBD-rich Cannabis in the effective treatment of the neuropathic pain.


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Enzyme that digests vitamin A also may regulate testosterone levels
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Date: December 15, 2016 10:59 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Enzyme that digests vitamin A also may regulate testosterone levels





Want to help regulate testosterone in the body? Well a new enzyme was just discovered that helps break down enzymes in the body that regulate and make the most out testosterone. This could be important for testosterone replacement therapy. It is a good breakthrough, it can help those in need.

Key Takeaways:

  • A new study suggests that an enzyme that converts the dietary carotenoid beta carotene into vitamin A in the body may also regulate testosterone and prostate growth.
  • The findings suggest that the loss of Bco1 significantly affects androgen synthesis and reduces AR signaling, decreasing prostate growth.
  • These findings support the hypothesis that androgen deprivation, whether by castration or loss of Bco1, controls cellular proliferation in the mouse prostate.

"The scientists also found evidence that androgen receptor signaling was disrupted in the mice without the Bco1 gene."



Reference:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161207124055.htm

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Calcium is essential
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Date: December 02, 2016 12:59 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Calcium is essential





You probably know that calcium is good for you. But in reality, you’re probably murky on the details as to why it’s so important, and like many people, you may not be getting enough calcium in your diet. Bones provide a mineral reservoir to buffer the blood levels of calcium, to keep it in a narrow range, for optimal neural and muscular function. Muscle contraction is initiated by calcium binding to signal the action.

Key Takeaways:

  • Calcium is a hard, silvery metallic element with an atomic number of 20 and an atomic weight of 40.078.
  • Calcium regulation is controlled by parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin, and affected by magnesium and phosphorus level.
  • The U.S. National Institute of Health reported that a great majority of people are not consuming the Recommended Daily Allowance of calcium.

"Calcium is a hard, silvery metallic element with an atomic number of 20 and an atomic weight of 40.078. It is a mineral found in bones, teeth and other body tissues."



Reference:

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=//asianjournal.com/lifestyle/calcium-is-essential%25E2%2580%25AF/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGmU0N2NhMzY3ZTc4ODMzY2U6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHKcntXZI1iYZH2RbDC1Y6WG7Pb_Q

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The Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract
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Date: November 14, 2016 10:20 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: The Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is most commonly a waste product produced by the grape juice and winery industry. This is because grape seed extract doesn't go into finished drinks. Grape seed contains a wide variety of health-enhancing ingredients like protein, carbohydrates and lipids (healthy fats).

Immune system


A study done on healthy volunteers found that grape seed considerably increased the levels of antioxidants in the blood. So, another one of the benefits of grape seed is it helps boosts the immune system to fight against harmful compounds which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases including breast, stomach, colon, prostate and lung cancer.


Vascular Endothelial Health


Grape seed extracts have been tied to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases partly due to the long association of grape wines with low prevalence of heart diseases among the French. Besides, there is a growing literature devoted to the health potential of grape seed concerning their positive effects on vascular endothelial growth factor, a type of protein that signals the development of new healthy blood vessels and improves the circulation of oxygen to tissues that suffer oxygen deprivation.

High Blood Pressure


Due to its antioxidant activity that may protect the blood vessels, grape seed extract could theoretically benefit people with high blood pressure. The UMMC points out that study in animals indicate that it's useful for this purpose. However, there are no human studies that have looked at grape seed extract's effect on hypertension.

High Cholesterol


The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that one study suggests that grape seed, when taken with chromium, may lower "bad" blood cholesterol. The UMMC describes grape seed extract's effects on blood cholesterol as "promising"; however, more research is needed to see if grape seed is beneficial for this purpose.

Pancreas


In one study, patients with chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), grape seed extract showed promise. It appeared to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. This occurred even after conventional medications failed to help. These results are very preliminary and further studies will be needed to confirm these findings.


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Vitamins That Help Prevent the Common Cold
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Date: November 13, 2016 06:41 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (support@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Vitamins That Help Prevent the Common Cold





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:

  • New discoveries signal departures from age-old treatments, while new inquiries into “traditional” medicine often reveals previously unknown substances with curative, preventive and healing properties.
  • It is always important, of course, to maintain what is called an “evidence-based” view of health and nutrition, while remaining reasonably open-minded about “new things,” however old they are!
  • When the subject of vitamins comes up, there are many voices competing for your ears, mind – and wallet. Americans spend billions of dollars a year on over-the-counter treatments, vitamins, mineral supplements and other “natural” healing products.

"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://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=//infloria.com/vitamins-that-help-prevent-the-common-cold/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjVkYjY3ZDViNDdiNGM3ZTc6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFYkZFGY1LlVfwVoGZVbD3BxxyL0g

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Probiotics for Oral Health
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Date: January 12, 2016 06:39 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: Probiotics for Oral Health

Bacteria usually makes people think of organisms that cause disease. The truth is that there are countless types of bacteria and while some of them do cause disease, there are millions of bacteria that are beneficial to the body. For optimum health, the body should consist of about 85% healthy bacteria.


These healthy bacteria help with;

  • Protection against colonization of unhealthy bacteria such as Candida.
  • Nutrient and vitamin absorption.
  • Protection from allergies.

Bacteria

Sourcing Healthy Bacteria

The information that the human body is dependent on good bacteria for healthy functionality only recently came out and with it came a plethora of food products designed to promote the growth of healthy bacteria such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Food that are good for the production of healthy bacteria in the body are called probiotics. Fermented foods such as yogurt, miso and sauerkraut are great probiotics however these food have to be unpasteurized as the pasteurization process kills all of the bacteria in food, both good and bad.

While most bacteria is present inside people's guts, there are some that occur both in the intestinal tract and the mouth. Streptococcus salivarius is a major member of the microbes that make up the healthy bacteria inside of a person's mouth.


The Colonization of S. Salivarius in the Mouth

Oral Streptococci are one of the first bacteria to colonize the mouths of newborn humans. For bacteria to colonize the mouth, it must first avoid the body's natural defenses against colonization from foreign microbes and resist the forces of saliva. To resist these forces, streptococci have developed adhesives that interact with the exposed areas of the mouth to keep them securely fastened to the area that they wish to colonize.

There are two main types of surfaces in the mouth. These are the hard and non-shedding surfaces of the teeth, and soft tissues whose surfaces have cells that are constantly being replaced such as the tongue and cheeks. S. mutans and S. Sangunins have tropisms that enable them to stick to the surfaces of the teeth while S. Salivarius has adapted tropisms that enable it to adhere onto the soft tissues.

All of these areas of the mouth are constantly coated with saliva. Saliva provides a variety of molecules that are ideal for streptococcal bacteria to interact with and adhere to. The thin films of saliva within the mouth vary in thickness and chemical composition at different points. Therefore different locations in the mouth consist of saliva that has more or less favorable receptors to the adherance properties of streptococci. For example, streptococci located on chips in teeth exhibit varied properties in their ability to bind to salivary proteins in those locations.


Streptococcus and Healthy Mouths

Streptococci's process of colonization makes it difficult for pathogenic bacteria to stick to the host. With the emergence of the knowledge that bacteria in the mouth promotes health, new strains of S. Salivarius such as K12 and K18 have been developed to help fight oral health problems that people deal with every day. These probiotics are designed as mouth washes that a person gargles for direct application. Once there, these probiotics create bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances called Salivaricin A and Salivaricin B that have the ability to fight infection.


Maladies Treated by S. Salivarius

Tonsil Stones: Tonsil stones are produced by the unchecked accumulation of bacteria that produce sulfur. The debris created by this bacteria then accumulates in the tonsils. Oral probiotics break down these unwanted globs.

Bad Breath: When the body sleeps the brain sends signals to the mouth to reduce its production of saliva. The reduction of saliva turns the mouth into an environment that is more favorable to the growth of bacteria that thrives in dry and anaerobic conditions. The proteins produced by S. Salivarius K12 inhibit the growth of this bad-breathe causing bacteria.

Ear infections: The misinformed believe that ear infections start from outside the ear. The truth is that they are caused by bacteria that originates inside the throat and then travels up to the ear canal through the Eustachian tube. Beneficial bacteria such as that found in probiotics prevent this from happening by forming a protective bio-film in the throat that prevents harmful bacteria from progressing.


Bacterial Transplants

When it was discovered that bacteria is essential for healthy gut activity, the doctor who made the discovery suggested that if a person is suffering from certain maladies of the stomach or gut or whose healthy gut bacteria has been eviscerated by steroids or antibiotics, said person can get a transplant of bacteria from a healthy donor.

This idea was also applied to a man who came into his doctor complaining of an ear infection. The doctor simply took a sample of ear wax from the person's healthy ear, transferred it into the infected ear and the infection passed.


References

//www.naturalnews.com/025520_bacteria_food_healthy.html

//www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-harold-katz/probiotics-oral-health_b_870307.html

//www.therabreath.com/what-are-probiotics.html


79911042089

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A Simple Thing As Taking A Breath Causes Us To Age
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Date: November 22, 2015 05:28 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: A Simple Thing As Taking A Breath Causes Us To Age

We are often told that stress level accelerates the process of aging. But, is there any kind of scientific evidence to prove this perception? Some of the results of scientific studies have already suggested that, oxidative stress has a negative impact on both physical and emotional health.

Breathing oxygen leads to the formation of ROS or reactive oxygen species within the body, which is essential for the cellular signaling process. Aerobic metabolism results in the generation of small amounts of ROS and free radicals. This is necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. But, there is a specific reason for which the ROS carry negative connotations. Whenever our body’s antioxidant defense mechanism malfunctions, the balance between oxidant and antioxidant gets spoiled. The circulative level of ROS moves out of control and causes a disturbance in the redox signaling and control and further damages the macromolecules, cells and tissues. The DNA damage response is a hierarchical procedure.

It has been widely recognized that, oxidative stress is one of the primary factors, which makes the aging process faster.

Best Anti-Aging Diet

What you eat has a great impact on how you are feeling and how you are aging. If you eat right, it will contribute to a great extent to keep your skin young and healthy. Antioxidants help stop unstable molecules from damaging healthy cells. You will get antioxidants in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, blueberries, leafy greens, dark red tomatoes, etc. So, your goal is to consume at least half plates of fruits and vegetables in each of your meals.

Vitamin C, zinc and beta carotene are three main antioxidants, which protects the eyes from macular degeneration and poor vision. Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, mustard greens, spinach and collard are great sources of these nutrients. Foods like oranges, corns and pepper also help to keep your eye healthy. Vitamin C is also beneficial for the skin. Some studies have also suggested that, daily consumption of yellow and green vegetables helps lessen the wrinkles of the skin.

Resveratrol is another powerful antioxidant, which is highly present in grapes and red wine. It not only lowers the aging process, but, also lowers the chances of cancer and heart disease. Studies have also revealed that, nuts are rich sources of unsaturated fats. They are also great sources of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals like antioxidants. Thus, it helps to keep the skin healthy and young.

Beans and lentils are great sources of fiber and plant-based protein. They are very beneficial for protecting you from early aging. So, you can easily consume them instead of red meat, which have saturated fat and are not great for your heart.

Dairy products like low-fat milk, yogurt, etc. are also great options for slowing down your aging process. If you do not eat dairy, you can replace them with soya milk, almond milk or cereals.

Try out these antioxidant rich foods and stay young for many years to come. Antioxidant Supplements are also available in the market.

References

//www.brunswicklabs.com/blog/default-blog/oxidative-stress-effects-on-lipids-proteins-and-dna

//www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/healthy_aging/7_anti_aging_superfoods

//www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/anti-aging-diet?page=2


076280083156

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Does Melatonin Decline As We Age?
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Date: September 22, 2015 01:00 AM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: Does Melatonin Decline As We Age?

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.

Sleep

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

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How Does Omega-7 Help Promote Healthy HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels?
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Date: July 28, 2015 03:23 AM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: How Does Omega-7 Help Promote Healthy HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels?

Omega 7 fatty acids are an important natural enzyme that help in the development of vital organs. They are also essential for bodily functions and are vital in improving the cardiovascular system. Another little known fact about Omega 7s is that this fatty acid is very useful in controlling cholesterol levels.

So how do Omega 7s help with cholesterol?

  1. One of the major recent findings has been that Omega 7s play a big role in reducing LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These are the main causes of high cholesterol. Omega 7 also promotes the production of healthy HDL cholesterol that boost the cardiovascular system. Fat in the liver is also decreased due to this while the body’s ability to handle blood sugar is improved significantly.
  2. Omega 7 has been shown to be a highly active fatty acid when it comes to regulating lipid metabolism. The palmitoleic acid present in Omega 7 helps in regulating insulin action and inhibiting production of SCD1.
  3. Another major cause of high cholesterol is the building up of plaque along the artery walls. Studies have shown that Omega 7 is very effective in inhibiting plaque formation that causes swelling of the arteries. Along with this, Omega 7’s ability to maintain optimum HDL cholesterol levels ensures a healthy cardiovascular system.
  4. Omega 7 has also been shown to greatly reduce the levels of C-reactive proteins in the body. These proteins are an inflammation marker and high levels are a sign of increased vulnerability to stroke and heart attacks.

Coronary Artery Plaque


As you can see, Omega 7 helps the body in a variety of ways and is highly beneficial in fighting high cholesterol, blood sugar, stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. So what component of Omega 7 is actually responsible for these far reaching healing properties? It is the simple acid known as palmitoleic acid.

What is Palmitoleic Acid?

Palmitoleic acid is a monosaturated Omega 7 fatty acid. It acts as a signaling enzyme that helps in communication between fat and muscle tissues. This function is quite unique and it ensures that the body maintains optimum energy levels. It also plays an important part in effective storage of fat and muscles. Hence palmitoleic acid has far reaching consequences that are highly beneficial to the human body.

Regular consumption of Omega 7 acids reap a number of benefits.  They help the body in many ways.  It is also one of the best options to fight high cholesterol and inflammation.


References:

  1. //www.lef.org/magazine/2014/4/omega-7-protects-against-metabolic-syndrome/page-01?p=1
  2. //omega7.biz/omega-7-benefits/omega-7-improve-cholesterol-health
  3. //www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2014/4/Omega-7-Protects-Against-Metabolic-Syndrome/Page-01

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What Are Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) And What Herbs Contain Them?
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Date: July 21, 2015 08:53 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: What Are Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) And What Herbs Contain Them?

Glycosaminoglycans refers to a linear unbranched polysacharide chain molecule composed of disaccharides repeats with a high negative charge due to the presence of Uronic acid components and sulfate esters with some hydoxyl (OH) groups as part of its structural components. They have varying molecular size and sulfation depending on the tissue they are located on and their state. They function to attract cations and maintain the hydration of the extracellular membrane (E.C.M).

Glycoaminoglycans are classified into different groups based on different categories which include; glycosidic linkages in their structure, type of the sugar moiety, sulphate groups numbers and the location of the sulfate groups. Based on this various classification categories six major groups of GAGs exists, namely; heparin, hyaluronan, dermatan sulfate, heparin sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and keratan sulfate.

GAGs have a high solvation degree and and are as well highly viscous. This is beneficial to the body in that it helps to cushion and lubricate various connective tissues and body joints respectively. It therefore protects an individual from joint pains due to poor lubrication of the joints causing the bone to slide over each other. They also form the building blocks of proteoglycans which are the major building blocks of the extracellular matrix. Due to this property they are vital in determining the cellular activities such as cell division because the cell division machinery has to attach itself to the extracellular matrix before the division process is initiated. Some body tissues such as the nerve cells and the muscle cells require continuous cell division to replace worn out cells for the normal functioning. This means that structural deformities in the extracellular matrix will hinder the division process to occur and is most likely to lead to some neurodegenerative complexions.

Recent studies have linked GAGs to play a role in the cell biology of cancer.They have been established as the key macromolecules affecting cell properties and functions through interaction with key growth factors or by acting directly as receptor molecules. Through this it has been findings they play a vital role in the cell signaling process thus playing a role in the cancer disease progression.Heparin and heparin sulfate have been indicated through studies to have anti-tumor effects by preventing the process of angiogenesis which is the first step in cancer metastasis.Some have been associated with anti-coagulant properties.

Seaweed

Therefore GAGs are important molecules which play a vital role in protection against various forms of cancers. GAGs aremostly obtained from animal sources. The animal sources include shark fish and ray skeletons. Plants are also sources of GAGs, however their digestion by the human system is not possible. Seaweed is one herb that is rich in GAGs. However as earlier explain the digestion of the sea weed by the animal digestive system is quite a challenge. It is therefore recommended that we eat foods rich in proteins, and carbohydrates which can be used to synthesize GAGs in the body.

In summary, GAGs are heteropolymers which acts as the building blocks of the extracellular matrix in animals. The body has the ability to synthesize GAGs naturally hence nutritional supplement is required for the body to obtain key components necessary for the synthesis.
links


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4 Best Ear Oil That Will Help Improve Hearing And Reduce Ringing.
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Date: March 12, 2014 08:03 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: 4 Best Ear Oil That Will Help Improve Hearing And Reduce Ringing.

Ear ringing

earEar ringing is a clinical problem that affects 1 out of 5 people. It is also known as tinnitus and it can be a symptom of condition such as ear injury, hearing loss and circulatory disorder. There are many causes of this condition which can aggravate to completely hear loss.

Causes of ear ringing

There are many causes of hear ringing, causes varies from one person to another. Some of the causes includes.

Inner cell damage, this causes ear drum to echo sound even after the sound has been sent to the brain. This irritates ear and causes ear ringing.

Other ear problems including ear diseases are among the major causes ear ringing.

Treatment of ear ringing

There are many possible treatment of this condition including drugs and allopathic treatments such as removing ear wax, finding any possible vascular disorders and treating them. You can also change medication you are on which may be the cause of Tinnitus. Though drugs themselves cannot cure Tinnitus, they may help reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Changing lifestyle can also treat ear ringing and improve earing and ease ringing, for example, stress can exacerbate ear ringing. Reducing alcohol is another effective method to beat tinnitus, alcohol dilates blood vessels causing forceful blood flow to the inner ear.

While those methods though effective, they cannot cure ear ringing, one of the method that has been proved to be efficient is use of essential oil.

The aroma of essential oil enters the nose and stimulates the olfactory nerves. This then sends signals to the Limbic system (the control mechanism in the brain for memory and emotions). This sets in series of neuro-chemical impulses and response mechanisms that generate a natural healing response.

Many essential oils contain healing properties. They assist in natural, are anti- inflammatory, pain relief, anxiety, reduce stress and assist the endocrine system in improving hearing and reducing ringing.

The best oil to arrest ear ringing are;

  1. Cypress.
  2. Juniper.
  3. Lavender and Helichrysum.

Source

  1. //naturesgiftaromatherapy.blogspot.com/2012/01/ringing-in-ears-tinnitus.html

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The benefit of Amino Acid L-Tyrosin for our brains
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Date: January 21, 2014 09:47 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The benefit of Amino Acid L-Tyrosin for our brains

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid because it can be made from phenylalanine, the another amino acid by our body. But from some researchers the body cannot make tyrosine from phenylalanine if stressed. In otherhand, L-Tyrosine is definitely present in many kinds of foods, such as milk, meats, eggs, nuts, cheese, bananas, beans and some seafood like fish.

Benefits of L-Tyrosine

By using this food stuff can increased the amount of L-Tyrosine in our body. And Also L-Tyrosine can we get from some suplement. L-Tyrosine has benefits for our brains. L-Tyrosine need for creating the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It can called stress hormone. This compounds that transmit chemical signals in our brains. The neurotransmitters that was produced by L-Tyrosine have effect significant for your mood, memory, concentration, focus and alertness. The neurotransmitter dopamine can affects the incentive mechanism in our brain which indicates it involved in feeling of happiness. Dopamine is also helps we keep motivated and handle problem that can make streesed. But too much stress can make our dopamine level decreased. It can make our brain less active and weak. The neurotransmitter epinephrine ability to increases our energy, heart rate and breathing. It because epinephrine produces oxygen with rich blood that travels to our brain. Moreover the neurotransmitter epinephrine can boosting our memory, enhance cognitive performance, polishing our senses and reducing pain level of sensitivity. And the third compound of neurotransmitters is norepinephrine. It can helps increase our concentrate and to develop new memories. Norepinephrine is also travels through our blood and can stimulate our brains. The effect of our body does not produce enough neurotransmitters, we will become depressed, fatigued, confused and also develop memory loss. So if you want to enhance your memories and don’t let your body has less L-tyrosine to products stressed hormone that you need. Food supplements have shown good results in improving the amount L-tyrosine in our body.

Reference:

  1. //www.bodybuilding.com/fun/md1.htm

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Citrimax
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Date: December 20, 2013 09:14 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Citrimax

Garcina cambogiaWhat is Citrimax

Citrimax is a global popular weight loss supplement drug which is believed to help in to burning of fats which are excess in the body since this fats are stored in the fat reserves. It is one of the plant extracts from the South Asian fruit known as the Garcina cambogia which contains naturally occurring deposits of hydroxyl citric acid. This has been proved to be the source of appetite suppressant which results to the blockage of deposits of the fats enhancing metabolism.

Benefits of Citrimax

The tablets are believed to have been formulated and proven to be effective and preferably safe in clinical tests which have been conducted so far. Results have shown that these tablets can greatly suppress the appetite and to a greater percentage inhibits the production of fat in the body without any adverse effects on the dieter’s nervous system.

The Citrimax are different from the rest of the body weight products because of the presence of the hydroxyl citric acid which normally fails to stimulate the central nervous system. Though there have cases associated with the nervous anxiety, Citrimax still remains to be a product with no risk at all since it does not cause drastic side effects. These tablets work by hindering the enzymes which breakdown carbohydrates into the stored fat in the body. It also promotes an increase in stored energy as to be in form of glycogen. It normally provides away of melting excess fats in the body.

The Citrimax tablets

Give an important impression in their usage since they work by altering the enzymes converting carbohydrates into fats since the carbohydrates stored as fats are used for energy and the body to store the same energy in form of glycogen which then is a channel of communication for the brain information which leads to turn off of hunger signals.

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Ways to Keep Weight Off With Natural Sugar Regulators
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Date: July 13, 2013 10:06 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Ways to Keep Weight Off With Natural Sugar Regulators

gymnema plant

Weight loss

Some of you might think that to lose weight, you simply have to burn more calories than what you take in. This is actually true, but within the body are different processes that affect the fat burning capacity of the body. A good example of this is the level of insulin. As you all know, the food you take in is converted into glucose, which is the body's source of energy. In order to transport the blood sugar to the various cells in the body, the pancreas creates a hormone called insulin to do the job.

Therefore, the more glucose you have in your blood, the higher your insulin levels would be. This insulin surge is a bad thing, since it signals the body that there is more than enough energy reserves in the body, thus, it can stop burning fat and instead start storing it. Another bad effect of this insulin surge is that once the blood sugar has been transported, the levels of blood sugar and insulin will drop down significantly causing a slump that makes individuals feel hungry.

As you can see, no matter how you good you are at counting the calories you take in and the calories you burn, your blood sugar levels have a major impact at how fat is stored in your body and also on your appetite. It is important, therefore, that you regulate the amount of sugar in your blood, and these natural compounds will be extremely helpful.

Chromium

Chromium is a mineral that enhances the function of insulin in the body. This means that when you have chromium supplement in the body, your pancreas do not need to produce high levels of insulin to transport the blood sugar to your cells. Hence, your body will continue burning fat because it is not getting any signal of an occurrence of an insulin surge. The good thing with chromium is that it works well in regulating blood sugar levels from both end of the spectrum, instead of just focusing at driving sugar levels to one direction. Therefore, whether you are experiencing a low or high blood sugar levels, chromium will normalize your insulin functions so that you end up having normal blood sugar levels. Chromium can be found in broccoli, but it is available in diet supplements as chromium picolinate.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema is a herb that is commonly found in Southern and Central India. It is best known to treat diabetes, thus it helps regulate blood sugar levels. According to studies, it has a sugar blocking property, which comes from the Gymnemic acids present in it. This acid, as they say, behaves like glucose, thus, when it attaches to the intestinal receptors, the absorbance of sugar from your meal is regulated. In effect, the production of insulin is also regulated. Today, there are Gymnema tablet supplements available in the market.

Inulin

Another way to regulate blood sugar levels is by taking in some soluble fiber. Although classified as a carbohydrate, fiber is not digested or broken down by the body, thus, it does not contribute to the blood sugar levels. It also helps slow down sugar absorption of the body, keeping the blood sugar levels stable. Prebiotic inulin is a good source of soluble fiber. It is extracted from plants, such as chicory, garlic, dandelion, onion, and cornflower.

Make sure you eat foods low in the glycemic index to reduce sugar spikes in the body.  Maintaining a steady sugar level will help keep weight off and reduce binge eating.


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The working principle of Curamin
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Date: March 22, 2013 11:49 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The working principle of Curamin

Curamin is a natural pain reliever that functions well. It has four very powerful ingredients with synergistic properties which make it very efficient in pain relieving.

These ingredients are:

Curcumin longa: a compound that is used to prevent several inflammation pathways in the human body and is a powerful antioxidant.

Boswellia serrata: a substance which slows down the performance of inflammatory enzyme.

Nattokinase is a type of enzyme which assists the cardiovascular system and also helps other inclusions to go to other regions of the human body.

DLPA stops the disintegrating of enkephalins which relieves the body muscles from pain and boost mood.

The above named components works on particular cells which are sending pathways which consist of nerves that relay unwanted signals which are eventually amplified by the interconnected and overlapping pathways. During this process, curamin ingredients come together and blocks the way going to these signaling pathways which in the long run gets rid of the messages being sent. It's very good to put into consideration that it's not the same system used with conventional synthetic medications which include; aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen and diclofenac which are used to aim at one particular pathway and leave other subsidiary pathways unchecked.

Curamin works in very distinct ways which makes it to be reliable and effective. These ways are:

Curcumin is a system modulator which immunes and safeguard the body from oxidative stress. EuroPharma Curamin is a way in which the body provides temporary relief of pain and eventually improving the natural defense mechanism of the body. Curcumina is a component of Curamin which supports the natural anti-inflammatory response of the body.

Enzyme Nattokinase is a significant component of Curamin which aids in circulation of nutrients to get where they are required and helps in getting rid of waste from the body. It also balances fibrinogen levels in the body which is crucial since too much of it leads too pain in the muscles.

It is therefore advisable to use curamin since it has no side effects.

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Why Is Magnesium L-threonate Good For The Brain?
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Date: February 05, 2013 01:09 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Why Is Magnesium L-threonate Good For The Brain?

Magnesium L-threonate

Magnesium L-threonate is one of the best ingredients that can be used to improve human brain function. It is able to increase the memory function. Many people use this product because it is good for their brain. Consuming this supplement every day is proven to be very effective to maintain the healthy brain. There are also other benefits of consuming this supplement, for example prevention of several dangerous brain diseases. It can prevent age related memory decline disease.

Alzheimer's Disease

This supplement is also good to treat people with Alzheimer's disease.

The Magnesium L-threonate works by stimulating the changes in the synapses. Synapses are junctions located between neurons in human brain. The junctions are very important to transmit nerve signals in the brain. The human memory can be improved through this procedure. Quick nerve signals transmission is needed to improve the function of human brain. That is the reason why people should consume this supplement to improve their memory function.

Magnesium is also needed for supporting the normal cellular function in the human brain.

The recommended daily intake for the magnesium is around 400 milligrams a day for men, 310 milligrams a day for women. People need to have enough magnesium intake for maintaining their brain function. There are many supplements available in the market that people can use to boost their magnesium intake. There are many studies showing that high magnesium intake is correlated with the memory enhancements in human brain system.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of Inositol Crystals?
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Date: December 28, 2012 10:39 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Are The Health Benefits Of Inositol Crystals?

The first isolation of inositol was made by Scherer in the year 1849 who was a renowned Biochemist at the time. Since its discovery, wide spread research has been conducted with successful isolation of inositol and its derivatives in both plants and animals. The physiological functions have been confirmed to differ with respect to the structural form of the inositol, with cis-inositol, myo-inositol, neo-inositol and allo-inositol being some of the inositol's stereoisomers commonly isolated.

Our Need for Inositol

The human body particularly requires inositol and its derivatives in many physiological processes. It is a major messenger molecule that is used in calcium mediated cell signaling which affects motor function, action of hormones such aldosterone and affects the functioning of some of the neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin. Inositol derivatives are also involved in lipid metabolism which helps control the amount of LDP (Bad cholesterol) in the body.

Additionally, some of the researches indicate that inositol derivatives are actively involved in suppressing oncogenesis which significantly reduces the risk of suffering from breast and prostate cancers. The human body can produce some of the inositol variants from glucose metabolism but obtaining plant derived inositols is also worthwhile.

Food Sources Of Inositol

Plant products such as red beans, bran and other cereals contain good levels of inositol although the chelating effect of the inositol by calcium and magnesium ions limits its uptake in the gut. For this reason, use of supplement Crystal Inositols is regarded as the best way to obtain dietary inositol. A majority of the crystal inositols available in the market are chemically combined with other compounds such as Niacin which highly increase their absorption in the intestines. Dissolving these crystals in juices is also highly recommended as it is a better way of taking the supplements since a wide range of other drinks especially the ones that contain caffeine affects the uptake of inositol negatively.

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Elderberry An Immune Booster And More!
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Date: December 21, 2012 12:00 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Elderberry An Immune Booster And More!

Elderberry Flower And Fruitelderelderelder

Elderberries are fruit shrubs that are native to North America and Europe. Unlike other organic foods that claim to have medicinal benefits, elderberries have crossed the border of being just a folk medicine to becoming an authentic treatment for a host of ailments, as backed by scientific research and studies. Today, elderberry has become a popular medicine for prevention and treatment of diseases. It is available in powder, syrup, capsule, and extract form.

A Good Antioxidant

Elderberries contain carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and polyphenols. These are antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are naturally occurring as by-products of metabolism, but as a person ages the antioxidants that the body produces cannot fight these anymore, as aggravated by pollution, smoke, and radiation. This causes the death of cells, which hastens aging and makes the body vulnerable to diseases. The antioxidants that you get from elderberries can reverse this process, putting a stop to the damage caused by free radicals.

Makes Your Heart Healthy

The number one enemy of the heart is bad cholesterol or LDL. Bad cholesterols form plaques in the arteries, which increase the risks for heart attacks and strokes. Elderberries are known to lower the levels of LDL in the body, thus, prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

Strong Immune System

Elderberry boosts the production of cytokines, proteins that send signals to the immune system. With a faster communication between cells when the body is under attack by virus or bacteria, immune molecules can take abrupt actions to travel to the site of the attack and fight it off. Therefore, even if the body is exposed to a contagion, it can recover with less damage because of a strong immunity.

Anti-viral

As proven during the influenza outbreak in Panama in 1993, elderberry has aided in the hasty recovery from the virus. According to studies, the extract from the fruit contain glycoprotein that inhibits the replication of the virus, thus, stopping its attack. The high vitamin content in elderberries also helps in the prevention of respiratory diseases like colds, bronchitis, and asthma.

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Can our health benefit from supplmenting choline?
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Date: November 18, 2012 11:01 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Can our health benefit from supplmenting choline?

Discovery

Choline, discovered in 1864 by the German chemist, Adolph Strecker, is an essential nutrient, usually grouped under the vitamin B family. While the human body does synthesize small amounts of choline, dietary consumption is a must in order to maintain a healthy body. Deficiency of choline can lead to a number of serious health issues including neurological problems, insomnia, accumulation of fat in the liver, damage to the kidneys and also cardiovascular disease. There are a range of important functions that choline performs in the body.

Some of the key health benefits of choline are:

Maintenance of brain health: The neurotransmitter or the messenger molecule, acetylcholine, that transmits signals from the brain to the muscles and various organs in the body such as the liver, heart, lungs etc, is synthesized using choline. Thus, it plays a very important role in memory and muscle control. Research also suggests that choline has a calming effect on the brain and helps reduce panic and anxiety attacks.

Maintenance of cell membranes: The integrity and flexibility of cell membranes depends on the presence of satisfactory amounts of choline thus making it a prerequisite for appropriate cell metabolism.

Maintenance of Liver health: Choline is responsible for preventing the accumulation of cholesterol and fat deposits in the liver hence preventing hepatosteatosis, a condition more commonly known as fatty liver.

Anti inflammatory benefits: Studies have revealed that inflammatory markers such as Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, Homocysteine, etc., which are associated with various illnesses such as Diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Cardiovascular disease, Osteoporosis and also various cancers, show reduced levels if adequate amounts of choline are consumed in the diet. 

Food Sources

Apart from those stated above there are many more health benefits of choline and hence it is very important to consume foods that are rich in this nutrient. In addition to seafood and meat, foods that have high choline content include, Dairy and poultry products like Skim milk and Egg yolk, peanut butter; Vegetables such as Cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, Asparagus, Green beans and Fruits like Bananas and Oranges. Soybeans, due to their high lecithin content, are also a fantastic source of choline. Seeds like flax seed, sesame seeds and grains like corn, barley and oats are also rich in choline content.

Maintenance of adequate levels of choline is imperative in order to maintain optimal health. It is therefore very important to have periodic health checkups so that any deficiencies are identified and addressed as soon as possible.

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How Does GABA Help Brain Function?
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Date: May 16, 2012 08:43 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: How Does GABA Help Brain Function?

Gamma Amino Butyric Acid, GABA, is a neurotransmitter found in central nervous system. It has an inhibitory action on nerve transmission and helps in regulating brain activity and function.

Healthy functioning of brain is important to achieve optimal health. In today's fast paced lifestyle, work related stress and anxiety have taken a toll on man's health. Mental stress and anxiety can cause havoc on the internal systems of the body. According to American Psychological Association, stress can affect the physical as well as mental health of a person. It impairs the brain's ability to block certain toxins and can lead to certain aging conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Stress can affect brain's normal functioning and affect intellectual abilities and memory. GABA helps in calming the stress and thereby enhancing the functioning capacity of the brain. Let us understand how does GABA help in brain function?

Role of GABA in cerebral cortex:

The nervous system comprises of neurons, brain, spinal cord and neurotransmitters. The role of neurotransmitters is to transmit nerve signals from one neuron to another or from neuron to muscle or gland cell. The most abundant neurotransmitters in cerebral cortex, Glutamate and GABA, have opposite action on the neuron cells.

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, which results in neuron fires and sends an electrical impulse down its length. On the other hand, GABA, made from glutamate, has inhibitory action on the nerve cells and does not allow the electrical impulse to pass through the neuron. In case of deficiency of GABA, nerve cells will fire too often and too easily, resulting in wide number of anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, seizure disorders, headaches and other cognitive impairment disorders. Hence, GABA helps in stopping the transmission of nerve impulses from one neuron to another and thereby regulating brain activity. It has a calming effect on the brain.

Once the activity in the brain is regulated and cognitive abilities are restored by GABA, the person can think better and perform better. This natural tranquilizer allows your brain to function more efficiently. Studies have related many higher brain functions such as visual recognition and language comprehension with declining levels of GABA with advancing age. This results in easy firing of neurons by stimulus, slowing down processing of information in brain.

Health benefits of GABA:

According to studies, GABA plays an important role in healthy functioning of mind and body. It helps in:

1. Treating conditions like depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and epilepsy. The result is due to the calming effect of GABA on brain activity. It helps in clear thinking and better reasoning.

2. Preventing age related conditions such as cardiovascular disorder, diabetes and cancer.

3. Inducing a sense of relaxation by providing tranquilizing effect. GABA increases dopamine hormone in the body and gives a sense of euphoria. You remain happy and of course this has a positive effect on sexual system.

4. Relieving pain.

5. Promoting body building and losing extra fat.

GABA can be purchased as a supplement in the form of pill, capsule or powder form. It is a natural alternative for relieving stress and improving brain function.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of DMAE?
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Date: April 26, 2012 12:57 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Are The Health Benefits Of DMAE?

DMAE

Dimethylaminoethanol or DMAE is anorganic compound that is metabolically produced by the adrenal glands, testes and the brain in small quantities. It is converted into testosterone, estrogen and cortisone by the body. It is a known fact that the liver processes DMAE into choline, but the molecule thus produced is charged and cannot break the blood-brain barrier. Studies have shown that DMAE methylated in the brain acts as the precursor for the manufacture of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the conduction of signals in the brain as well as the nervous system.

DMAE also stimulates phosphatidylcholine, a crucial part of cell membranes. However, the DMAE naturally produced by the body is sufficient only to maintain healthy brain and functions. It will not improve their functions. Though DMAE is found in fish such as salmon, anchovies, and sardines, supplementation in the pill form is important because of the practical difficulties having these foods in the right form and quantity on a daily basis to derive the benefits. DMAE supplements for oral consumption are through stores that sell health foods and groceries.

Daily consumption of DMAE in the supplement form provides a number of benefits to the body. Some of the benefits are as follows:

It helps prevent as well as treat cardiovascular problems and boost the body's immune system because of its strong antioxidant properties.It protects cells from the harmful effects of free-radicals by helping them retain the nutrients that are essential and expelling waste.As a precursor in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, it supports the functioning of the brain in a number of ways. It increases a person's attention span, relieves behavioral problems and hyperactivity or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is also helpful in treating memory lapses and Alzheimer's disease.

It helps stop production of arachidonic acid which is responsible for wrinkling and aging of skin. Topical creams containing DMAE help tighten skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.It is found to be effective in burning fat because of its involvement in the production of acetylcholine. It increases the metabolism in the body because of its thermogenic effect.It can be beneficial as an anti-inflammatory as well.It can reduce the amount of sleep required for a person by up to one hour.It can safely be used as a substitute for anabolic steroids.

research

Research studies have shown that consumption of 200 to 500 mg of DMAE on a daily basis is helpful in improving health. However, it is important to start with a low dosage of DMAE and then gradually increase the dosage level to the optimum level. Higher dosage can cause headaches, insomnia and muscle tension. People suffering from conditions such as schizophrenia, mental depression and epilepsy should not have DMAE supplements. Pregnant and lactating women also should not have DMAE.

Summarizing, consumption of recommended amounts of DMAE is believed to be safe. Side effects due to consumption of DMAE are rare and not generally serious. However, it is important to use high-quality supplements in order to increase DMAE levels in the body and reap the benefits.

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The Benefits of Phytoestrogen for Hot Flashes
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Date: April 16, 2012 07:38 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The Benefits of Phytoestrogen for Hot Flashes

How Does Phytoestrogen Help With Hot Flash?

Phytoestrogen is a natural compound found in several plants. It has many benefits. Therefore, it sometimes is made into a supplement by deriving it from those plants. The compound consists of three categories; lignans, coumestans, and isoflavones.

Phytoestrogen can be used to prevent Alzheimer and breast cancer. A published journal called “Neurotoxicology and Teratology” found that a diet program with this compound can improve visual-spatial memory. And as for the breast cancer, it is because of the isoflavones and lignans which are effective in protecting the breast against the cancer cell development in adult.

Phytoestrogen: Reproductive System

On the other side, phytoestrogen has the similar structure with estrogen, a hormone found in a female body that influences the function of reproductive system. Therefore, it can be used as a natural solution for female reproductive system such as menopause symptoms.

The most common disturbing symptom in menopause is hot flash. Hot flash is a warm feeling that spreads all over the body. It usually starts from the area around the head and neck. It is cause by drastic hormonal changes that cause the body temperature to drop. To stabilize the body temperature, the brain sends a signal to the entire body to warm it all up. And then, the warmth is sent to all over the body through the blood vessel. When your whole body has warmed up, the blood will return its temperature to its regular level.

Hot Flashes

As mentioned above, phytoestrogen can be a natural solution to mend hot flashes in menopause. This theory has been proved by a research done by Mayo Clinic where the fifteen menopausal women are given a phytoestrogen diet while the other fifteen women were not. The result shows that the first fifteen women with the diet suffer from hot flashes 57% less than the women with no diet.

Besides hot flashes, another problem may occur to menopausal women is the loss of bone mineral density. This problem can also be avoided with the benefits of phytoestrogen. The compound can also decrease the cholesterol level of menopausal women. Consume 30-60 milligrams of this compound per day can be effective to lower the cholesterol during the menopause.

Benefits

For those benefits, it is recommended for menopausal women to consume foods that are rich in phytoestrogen, such as;

- Beans

The bean that contains most of this compound is soy. Soy contains the most phytoestrogen than any other food. It mainly contains isoflavones. Consuming 100 g of soybeans per day is enough for a menopausal remedy. Other beans are lentil, yellow peas, navy, fava beans, etc.

- Vegetables

The vegetable that contains most this compound is flaxseed, alfalfa sprout and red clover. Flaxseed also contains omega-3 and fiber which are beneficial for body. Other vegetables are broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, potatoes, carrots, and zucchini.

- Fruits

The fruit that contains most of this compound is dried prunes. Other fruits are peaches, strawberries, and raspberries.

- Grains

Many kinds of grains are rich in phytoestrogen, such as brown rice, wheat, oats, and barleys.

Consuming fresh foods as your menopausal diet is very healthy and low in risk. However, if it is difficult for you to eat them in a structured schedule, you can simply get the phytoestrogen supplements from a drug store.

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How Does Melatonin Improve Sleep?
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Date: April 06, 2012 07:59 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: How Does Melatonin Improve Sleep?

Melatonin And Sleep

Sleep is a natural part of human life and an activity that any living human being has to indulge in. In fact, even the mentally ill who are believed to be able to go without sleep are brought down by it at one point or another. Contrary to what most people believe that sleep only has to take place at night, research has established that the cycle of sleep keeps alternating and does that sleep does not entirely have to take place at night. It can even occur successfully during the day. However, exposure to darkness and light regulates sleep in humans. It is said that exposure to light stimulates hormonal activity to make a person feel sleepy or awake.

The Brain And Sleep

In the brain, there is a nerve center called the Supra-Chiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) that works by starting signals to the other sections of the brain by controlling hormones, temperature of the body and other functions that also play numerous roles in making people to feel either sleepy or wide awake. The SCN works in the notion that once the body is exposed to first light every day, the clock starts to conduct various activities that will ensure that the person is awake like raising the temperature of the body and also the release of certain hormones that help in stimulating the body such as Cortisol. The clock also delays production hormones such as Melatonin that is associated with the onset of sleep until that time when darkness shall arrive.

Melatonin Is A Hormone In The body

Melatonin is a hormone that is part of the sleep and wake cycle of humans. However, it has to be noted that taking too much of the pill does not make one to sleep faster or even stay asleep for a longer period of time. The first step that everyone having sleeping problems should take is to consult a doctor or a physician. This will help in making the person fully understand the reason for the sleeping problem rather than going for Melatonin straight away. Melatonin is natural hormone that is made by a gland in the body known as pineal gland. The gland is shaped like a pea and found in the brain. The gland is only active during sunset when it is dark. When active, it stirs the production of sleep and wake cycle hormone by the SCN. As a result of this, the blood Melatonin level sharply rises and one begins to feel less alert thus prompting sleep.

Conditions That Slow Down Melatonin Production

Bright light also inhibits formation of Melatonin. However, for the person to be able to fall asleep, they will have to get to a darker surrounding to enable the formation of Melatonin that is sufficient to cause sleep. The hormone is naturally contained in certain foods and the reason it is sometimes sold as a dietary supplement. Taking a typical dose of Melatonin pill is able to elevate the blood melatonin levels up to 20 times normal. To be able to solve your sleep problem using melatonin, always use the correct dose at the right time of the day.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of Saffron Extract?
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Date: February 23, 2012 07:08 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Are The Health Benefits Of Saffron Extract?

Saffron

Saffron is an expensive spice that is commonly used to add color and flavor to food. It is used in many cuisine especially Mediterraean, Italian and Indian. The high cost of saffron is due to the fact that 150 flowers are required to make 1 g of saffron strands. This culinary spice grows on aflowering plant, Crocus Sativa. It is grown in Southwest Asia, especially in areas with wet springs and hot dry summers.It contains high amounts of minerals such as copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron and selenium. It is a rich source of vitamins such as vitamins A, C and B2, folic acid and niacin. Saffron contains carotenoidcompounds- crocin, crocetin, lycopeneand safranel, which are known to possess many health benefits. This expensive herb not only adds flavor to food but also offers variety of health benefits.

Spices have been used as medicines for centuries because of their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties. Therapeutic usage of saffron is 3000 years ago when it was used as an natural aphrodisiac. Some of the health benefits of saffron extract are:

Saffron Benefits

1. Saffron contains anti-tumour and anti-mutagenicproperties due to the presence of carotenoid, crocetin. Studies on mice indicated that saffron extract delays tumor growth and delays papilloma carcinogenisis and inhibits squamous cell carcinoma. It helps in treating and preventing certain types of cancer such as skin cancer, sarcoma and liver cancer.

2. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, saffron can control inflammation in the body and speed up the healing of burns and cuts. It helps in treating arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases.

3. For thousands of years in Persian and other Arabian countries, saffron was used as a potent aphrodisiac. It was used to increase libido and erectile dysfuntionby improving the blood flow to the pelvic region. It was also used to treat many female health conditions.

4. Studies have shown the effects of saffron on several eye conditions. Saffron extract helps to slow down retinitis pigmentosa and macular degenration. It alsoprotects the eye from direct effect of bright light.

5. Saffron has been proved to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. According to studies, saffron has shown equivalent results as given by therapeutic doses of fluoxetine and imipramine., anti-depressants.

6. Saffron acts as a painkiller in treating many painful conditions such as kidney pain, stomach pain and menstrual pain.

7. According to French researchers, saffron extract can reduce the hunger in between meals. It does that by controlling the levels of serotonin in the blood, which is responsible for signaling hunger pangs. Studies have found the effects of saffron on weight loss by reducing feelings of hunger and compulsion to eat between meals.

8. Some animal studies on saffron indicate cognitive enhancement and improved memory . However human trials are still to be conducted to find out the potential effects of saffron on memory. It is believed that regular use of saffron can delay demetia and prevent Alzheimer's disease.

9. It is used in many cosmetics such as skin lightening agents.

A sprinkle of Saffron extract not just adds spice to your food, but also prevents many health conditions.

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Herbs For Depression: Alternative Solutions To Improve Your Mood
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Date: February 17, 2012 07:29 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Herbs For Depression: Alternative Solutions To Improve Your Mood

What Herbs Can Help With Depression?

Depression - Introduction:

Depression is brain system disorders that can make many people weaken from functioning normally during episodic events. Some types of depression actually paralyze people and prevent them from leading a normal life.

In addition, it is important for individuals who suffer from depression to realize, that they do not have to hide this condition and think that they suffer alone. In fact, many people have some form of depressive disorder. Something must be done is to take action to reduce their depression treatment.

Depression - Herbs That Can Help Reduce:

Depression and anxiety are very common in the modern world, and there is no single drug offers an effective cure. However, there are many herbal remedies that can help you reduce depression:

1. St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum).

St Johns Wortis a eternalcompoundwith littleyellow flowers that originally came from Europe, but also widely used intoAmerican. It is used extensively by European physicians to reducedepression. Two compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, give St. John's Wort potencyto keepmood and fight depression. St. John's Wort also contains flavonoids and proanthoclanidin substances that can affect the peace and balance to the nervous system.

2. Valerian.

Valerian is the most popular herbs to relieve nervous tension. Sedative effect was first recognized in the seventeenth century, and since then enjoyed a long history of safe use effectively. Research believe that valerian binds to GABA receptors, which produces lower levels of anxiety. This does not completely eliminate anxiety, just change the way that the brain and your body reacts physiologically and give peace to the nervous system.

3. Kava kava.

Kava kava is a plant found in the Pacific Islands. The roots and bark are usually used as a slurry and then combined with cold water to drink. Due to the active compounds in Kava kava, a chemical known as kavalactone, destroyed by high temperatures, use cold or warm water is very important in its preparation. And studies have suggested a correlation between active ingredients and enhanced mood. To be specific, Kava Kava is estimated to have a relaxing impactand reduce fatigue in the human brain.

4. Ginkgo Biloba.

Ginkgo Biloba is the oldest tree used by China to treat various diseases. In the 1700's it has been introduced in Europe. Ginkgo Biloba is mainly composed of active components such as terpene lactones and flavnonoids, which gives a positive effect on mental well-being. With capabilities that are known to increase blood circulation to the brain, this herb has also decreasethe amount of free radicals in the body and brain, so it appears relaxation that can reduce stress or depression.

5. Lavender Oils.

Lavender is a very popular herbal aroma is mainly due to growing importance as a beautiful and essential oils. The smell of lavender oil can stimulate the nerves that send signals to the brain limbic system, which spur the peace and comfort to the physiological function of human emotional. Lavender has been believed by experts to help relieve anxiety, tension, stress and fear that are part of depression.

6. Lemon Balm.

Lemon Balm serves to inhibit the production of thyroid hormones and can help treat primary or secondary brain diseases and to provide a stimulant for the antioxidant that gives relief to your brain space. Some modern studies have found that lemon balm is useful for promoting sleep quality and reduce the effects of depression tranquility.

7. Chamomile.

Chamomile is a very popular herb in Europe and has been widely used for centuries agoas a treatment for some diseases, such as sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression. Other active compositions including flavonoids and matricinid which gives a feeling of relaxation and regulate the nervous system. Now it has proven to be one of the safest herbs on the market to relieve stress.

Conclusion:

Although the use of herbs for depression is widely spread, overall there is definitely reaction for the benefits of herbs for reduce depression disorders. Apparent when compared with normally drugs for depression that usually can not serve as the first choice of treatment options. However, when other treatments have failed more established, might have to be used.

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Can Colostrum help With Herpes?
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Date: November 03, 2011 07:34 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Can Colostrum help With Herpes?

Colostrum is a special substance produced by female mammals just before they give birth to their offspring. Colostrum is basically not milk but a pre-milk fluid that is often called by many as the “first milk” for the very reason that it is obtained after birth (during first milking). Colostrum production ceases with birth; birth also signals the body to produce milk which will then serve as the infant’s food.

The fluids that are coming out from the female’s mammary glands changes after the first milking; the colostrums concentration is no longer that high and as time passes, all that goes out from the mother’s breast is already pure milk. The transition process would last for approximately 2 to 3 days. For humans and other mammals colostrums is very necessary for survival because of its vital components such as immunofactors. Although death is not eminent for babies who were not able to receive colostrum, those who were able to take the substance are relatively healthier than those who were not able to take it at all.

To make sure that your baby could drink colostrums, it is advisable to harvest the substance as soon as the breasts are already producing it after birth. Once harvested, you can bottle-feed it to the newborn during the first day of life. In this way, you will be certain that your baby will receive enough amounts of quality colostrums that would provide him or her with the vital components that the substance contains. Colostrums truly play a vital role especially during the first 24 hours of life thus; it is a duty of every mother to try whatever ways there are to provide her infant with the wonder substance, colostrums.

It is already a proven fact that for humans and to other mammals, newborns that are able to take colostrums as their first meal is very significant for development and immunity. It is also necessary in keeping the infant healthy for the rest of his or her life. After birth, the immune system of the infant is still very fragile and undeveloped thus, making them very susceptible from various illnesses and diseases brought about by antigens, pathogens, and allergens. With colostrums intake, these newborns will be provided with immune factors that are so potent in regulating and maintaining homeostasis within the immune system.

At present, the prevalence of herpes simplex virus, AIDS, and other immune disorders warrants the necessity of providing newborns with mantle of protection through the utilization of colostrum. As we all know, herpes simplex virus is one potent virus that could cause detrimental effects to one’s health especially to those that have flimsy immune system like infants and the sickly. By allowing infants to take colostrums, they will be somehow protected from the fierce of herpes simplex virus thus prevents them from being sick regularly. Colostrum can strengthen the immune system and our immune system is the only thing that fights off this virus.

When it comes to our health, we should exert superlative efforts to attain the best health state we could ever have because by doing so, we could enjoy the world better.

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What Makes Phytoestrogen So Good For PMS?
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Date: October 18, 2011 04:12 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Makes Phytoestrogen So Good For PMS?

Phytoestrogens are considered as plant estrogens. These plant substances can function like the primary sex hormone Estrogen. This chemical compound is also known as "dietary estrogen" which is an assorted cluster of non - steroidal plant compounds. As earlier, Phytoestrogens comes from plants and not produced by the body like the naturally occurring estrogen. These chemicals are not made available to the body naturally but by food or vegetable consumption. Though their source is different, estrogen and Phytoestrogen closely resembles each other chemically. They almost have the same structure making Phytoestrogen compounds act like natural estrogen inside the body.

Chemically, Phytoestrogen is not considered as a nutrient because health experts declared that any lack of this chemical in the body would not produce any sign or symptom of deficiency. Also, this chemical substance does not have any involvement in any of the body’s vital biological processes. However, despite this fact, Phytoestrogen can be employed for the effective relief treatment of Post - Menopausal Syndrome or PMS.

The signs and symptoms of Post - Menstrual Syndrome is associated with the decreased concentration of female sex hormone such as estrogen in the body. As estrogen levels in the blood decrease, body discomforts such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and irritability may become apparent. In this situation, Phytoestrogen can be helpful in relieving such uncomfortable signs and symptoms. Phytoestrogens can effectively bind to estrogen – receptor sites inside the boy thus falsely giving the body a signal that there is an adequate amount of estrogen. Phytoestrogens can effectively mimic the action of estrogen mildly but sometimes antagonize its effect. Many studies have revealed that adequate supply of Phytoestrogen can effectively alleviate the discomforts of PMS.

Other than it ability to bind with estrogen–receptor sites, Phytoestrogen also changes the amount of natural body estrogen by interacting with certain enzymes in the body. This interaction with several enzymes may increase the effect and bioavailability of endogenous sex hormones. Studies have also shown that Phytoestrogen can improve the synthesis of Sex Hormone – Binding Globulin which is the hormone responsible for the binding and use – up of sex hormones inside the body.

The plants which are rich in Phytoestrogens include a variety group of foods. Legumes, whole grains and seeds contains abundant amount of this chemical compound. Soy, wheat berries, fenugreek, lentils ginseng, apples, yams and carrots are also considered as good source of Phytoestrogens. This beneficial chemical compound was discovered first on red clover plant which is considered to be very rich in Phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogen is also formulated in the form of capsule, tablet or powder supplements. Health experts highly recommend that women on the menopausal stage must take only less than one milligram of Phytoestrogen supplement daily.

If you want to reduce symptoms of low estrogen, give phytoestrogen a try!

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What Are Some Interesting Calcium Facts?
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Date: October 01, 2011 11:13 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Are Some Interesting Calcium Facts?

Do you know what contains your teeth and bones?

Have you ever wondered what makes your muscles move, your body respond to stimulus and your heart beat?

If yes, then you might need to explore some of these wonders of the body. As we know for a fact, the body is composed of thousand of cells that need substances such as nutrients for its biological processes and survival. One of these nutrients is the mineral called Calcium which is one of the main chemical substances that make those mentioned above possible.

Calcium is considered to be the most in terms of quantity among all the other minerals inside the body. It is needed for the contraction of muscles so that movement will be achievable. It also influences the constriction and dilation of blood vessels thus helping in the regulation of blood pressure. Aside from its effect on the muscles and blood vessels, calcium also affects the nerves and plays a significant role in the transmission of nerve impulses so that appropriate response to external stimulus will be possible.

Moreover, as an ion, calcium is also required in the process of intracellular signaling and is an important chemical for hormone secretion. Physiologically, the calcium level in the blood to support these functions is only less than 1 % of the total calcium inside the body. Almost 99 % of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth for structural and functional support, as well as calcium reservoir. If the blood level of calcium decreases, the bones will be demineralized and calcium will be released into the blood stream, thus, normalizing serum calcium level.

Even if the body has reached its maximum growth, the bones will continually undertake remodeling. This process involves regular resorption and deposition of calcium minerals into the new bone. Bone remodeling varies from person to person depending on the individual’s age. Bone mineralization or formation exceeds bone demineralization during the growing years of puberty and adolescence.

On the other hand, during early and middle adulthood bone deposition and resorption are usually balanced. Furthermore, women on their post menopausal age exceed bone mineralization or formation. Their bodies constantly extract calcium from bones to compensate blood levels of calcium. This is one of the reasons why post menopausal women have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, recommended dosage for calcium is higher for women at 50 years and older and men at 70 years and older.

Another interesting fact about Calcium is that it requires Vitamin D which is also a nutrient that can be naturally produced by the body and can also be supplied by the diet. On the other hand, foods which can lessen the absorption rate of calcium are the foods which are high in oxalic acid and phytic acid. Examples of foods rich in oxalic acid are spinach, sweet potatoes and beans, while those that contains high phytic acid are wheat bran (not wheat products), seeds, nuts and soy. Caffeine, alcoholic beverages, phosphorus, sodium and proteins can decrease the absorption of calcium, thus increasing elimination through the urine, feces and sweat.

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How Does Pancreatin Help With Digestion?
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Date: August 23, 2011 12:33 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: How Does Pancreatin Help With Digestion?

Pancreas and Pancreatin

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that lies just below the stomach and is a vital part of the endocrine system. Its main responsibility is to produce enzymes needed for the digestion and absorption of food. It is both an endocrine gland making several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, as well as an exocrine gland. Most relative to our topic though is the function of secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes. These enzymes aid to further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Enzymes(Pancreatin) secreted include amylases which digest starch molecules, for fat its lipases, and proteases for digesting proteins.

Digestion Tidbits

Having a nice healthy digestive tract is more than just being free of discomforts, heartburn, gas, or constipation. We have to look at it at different perspective, like from “what happens to the food?” kind of perspective. When foods are not digested properly, its nutrients cannot and will not get to our body’s cells. Nutrients are captured within the food processing stages in our digestive system. The body requires a constant flow of nutrients to essentially for what it is suppose to do which is to grow, generate energy, and to repair tissue. A lack of digestive enzymes like pancreatin in the stomach and intestines may cause heartburn, bloating, indigestion and constipation. Sometimes without giving much thought to digestion, we think it’s as simple as food is placed in the mouth, chew, swallow, and digest. However nutrients are vital to every cell in the body, and even digestion requires the right balance of nutrients to signal the nerves to start gathering nutrients again.

Pancreatic Enzymes

Digestion processes all occurs in the gastrointestinal tracts. Whatever you eat flows through this system, but until absorption through the intestinal tract, the nutrients from your food are still physically outside of your body. Because the gastrointestinal tract functions like an internal skin and provides a barrier between whatever you ingest from the outside (external) and your internal bloodstream. Part of this process of digesting food is the selective transport of nutrients through the cell wall linings in your intestinal tract.

Once transported across the intestinal barrier to the inside of your body, that’s when the nutrients becomes part of our bloodstream and is rationed to all of your tissues via blood circulation to maintain organ function, aid in the need for energy, and mobilize growth and repair of new cells and tissues. Now for any mobilization of the nutrients to take place, food must first be broken down and this is where Pancreatin comes in along with other enzymes. On the other hand if pancreatin is insufficient it can lead to symptoms of malabsorption(abnormality in absorption of food nutrients), malnutrition(a state of lack of nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and weight loss (or an inability to gain weight in children) and is often associated with steatorrhea (loose, fatty, foul-smelling stools), and is some select cases the lack of these enzymes can lead to type one diabetes.

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What Is Fenugreek Seeds And How Does It Help Blood Sugar Control?
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Date: July 21, 2011 04:23 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Is Fenugreek Seeds And How Does It Help Blood Sugar Control?

Fenugreek And Your Health

Fenugreek is a plant which is considered to be both an herb and a spice. The plant can be found all over the world as a crop or spice and has become popular as an herbal medicine. This plant is a primary ingredient among many curry dishes. This herb is considered to be one of the oldest medicinal herbs.

The seeds of Fenugreek are abundant with the chemical called polysaccharide galactomannan. This is the reason why fenugreek herb is considered to be a galactagogue. Galactagogues are chemical compounds which intensifies lactation among humans and other mammals. Galactagogues may either be naturally derived from plants or synthetic. Fenugreek seeds are commonly employed by nursing mothers to help increase the production of breast milk. Studies reveal that fenugreek extracts effectively stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk. In addition, because of its estrogen – like property, fenugreek herb is employed at home as supplement for breast enlargement. Commonly, consuming three grams of fenugreek seed daily is suggested by health experts.

Another important health benefit of fenugreek herb extracts is that it has a potent anti – diabetic property cause of its positive effect on the metabolic symptoms related with Diabetes Mellitus, both type 1 and type 2. Preliminary studies on animals reveal that it can significantly lower serum glucose level and enhance one’s tolerance to glucose. Further studies on human subjects are still ongoing.

Fenugreek also contains an important body nutrient called Choline. This chemical is a member of the water – soluble vitamin B complex which is involved in so many body activities. Together with its metabolic end – products, choline plays a significant role as a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is required for a successful cholinergic neurotransmission of the nervous system. At the cellular level, choline is one of the components of the structure of the cell membranes. Choline also improves the signaling activities of cell membranes to other cells and its surrounding environment. Not to mention, choline is also a good source of methyl groups which is needed in many biological reactions.

Studies also reveal that fenugreek herb is effective in lowering cholesterol levels at about 15 %. To acquire this effect, experts often recommend that you take about 55 to 65 grams of fenugreek seed everyday. If cholesterol levels are maintained within normal limits, the risk for cardiovascular diseases most especially heat attack is lowered.

Fenugreek supplements may come in the form of capsules, powered seeds, tinctures or teas. The recommended dosing of fenugreek supplements is two to four 600 – milligram capsule three times daily. Experts state that the maximum dose per day is six grams. For the powdered fenugreek seeds, the recommended dose is about one – half to one teaspoon taken three times daily. You may combine the powder with little water or juice to add a little taste. For the tea preparation, consume one cup of tea two to three times a day while for tinctures, use one to two milliliters of fenugreek concentrate three times daily.

Give fenugreek a try and feel the difference!

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