Monthly Archives: September 2016

Alpha vegicaps, BioCardio, Heart health, Vitamin K2, Vitamins & Minerals

Hale and hearty: the route to a healthy heart

Only a fool would decry the importance of the heart to their body and thus the importance of a fit heart to their overall health. After all, given it pumps blood throughout the body, supplying organs and cells with all-important oxygen, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and, at the same time, removes from them toxic carbon dioxide, the heart’s arguably the most crucial muscle there is. A weak heart makes for a weak person; a heart that doesn’t work means you won’t work, plain and simple.

And yet, despite all that, how many of us properly look after our hearts? Not enough of us, that’s for sure. Otherwise there’d be far fewer cases of heart disease and general ill-health; especially among those of a certain age.

Dos and don’ts

So what should we all do – and, more than that, what’s easy for the vast majority of us to do – to try and ensure our hearts remain healthy? Well, here are some simple steps most of us should start to follow, for those who don’t already…

  • Exercise regularly – don’t forget that the heart’s a muscle, therefore it should be worked
  • avoid toxins especially bad for the heart (such as pesticides, insecticides and heavy metals like mercury and lead)
  • stop smoking – aside from the carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke that reduces blood oxygen levels, tobacco damages your arteries’ lining, thanks to the build-up of the fatty material atheroma, which narrows the arteries and causes anginas, heart attacks and strokes
  • avoid high-fat foods and too many fizzy drinks that feature artificial sweeteners

Get your diet right

Away from the aforementioned ways you should and shouldn’t live your life to keep your heart functioning as it should, there are also specific foods you can introduce into your diet. Just eating more of the following could be a big help…

  • Salmon – thanks to the Omega-3 fatty acids it contains, salmon’s a fine source for Vitamin D, thus can help address the low levels of the vitamin in too many adults, which has been long associated with heart problems and, as a consequence, premature death1
  • Broccoli – this and other cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, kale and sprouts) are widely considered to help cut the risk of cardiovascular disease2; indeed, a recent study suggests they lower the chance of cardiac-associated death more than other vegetables and fruits3. Moreover, research in the last few years has found that a compound in broccoli (indole-3-carbinol or I3C) appears to counteract aspects of heart failure, thus it may provide cardiac protection4
  • Asparagus – protection of the cardiovascular system (the body’s system responsible for blood circulation) is aided by phenolic acids, which commonly occur in asparagus; this is because these acids play a big role in making sure detoxifying enzymes help remove drugs and other toxins from the system5
  • Chickpeas – not only do chickpeas contain the aforementioned heart-health-friendly Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as incredibly nutritious vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium, but also a study has revealed they can help lower cholesterol levels, thus easing the workload of and pressure on the heart6
  • Spinach – Popeye was certainly on to something, for just a single helping of spinach should deliver 20% of your daily recommended amount of magnesium, the mineral that’s absolutely key to achieving proper muscle function, healthy blood sugar levels and favourable blood pressure7
  • Almonds – research suggests that consuming almonds is better for balancing cholesterol than cutting saturated fats from your diet (although the latter’s recommended too), in addition to the fatty acids they contain contributing to good cardiovascular health8
  • Olives – the Mediterranean diet has long been considered good for the heart, not least because it includes olives and olive oil, with their Omega-3 fatty acids, phenolic acids and antioxidant properties; thus helping to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease9.

Heart-health supplements

However, if for some reason, you might find it difficult to integrate any of the above foods into your diet or (perhaps because of pre-existing issues) you’re unable to exercise regularly or can’t prevent being exposed to heart-harming toxins, then you may consider turning to the following supplements to improve the health and efficacy of your heart. They’re all available from The Finchley Clinic – in fact, we recommend them whether you’re able to follow the previous steps in this article or not…

alpha-90-vegicaps

Alpha vegicaps (90 and 30 capsules) – cardio-protective and great for your general heart-health, this supplement’s major ingredients are alpha lipoic acid (an antioxidant excellent at countering free radicals) and acetyl L-carnitine (an amino acid highly effective in the fat metabolism process)

biocardio

Bio Cardio (300ml) – delicious thanks to its essential of orange oil flavour, this liquid-based supplement contains the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA ensuring that, when combined with a low fat diet, fish oils and plant sterols, there’s a strong likelihood it’ll help reduce cholesterol levels and support platelet integrity

vitamin-k2-30-tablets

Vitamin K2 (60 and 30 tablets) – while, on its own, Vitamin K aids normal blood clotting and helps keep bones strong and healthy, this particular form of the vitamin (K2) appears to be a great contributor to good heart-health, aiding effective blood circulation.

References:

  1. Thomas G. N., ó Hartaigh B., Bosch J. A., Pilz S., Loerbroks A., Kleber M. E., Fischer J. E., Grammer T. B., Böhm B. O. and März W. ‘Vitamin D levels predict all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in subjects with the metabolic syndrome: the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) Study’. Diabetes Care. May 2012; 35(5): 1158-64. doi: 10.2337/dc11-1714.
  1. Edmands W. M., Beckonert O. P., Stella C., Campbell A., Lake B. G., Lindon J. C., Holmes E. and Gooderham N. J. ‘Identification of human urinary biomarkers of cruciferous vegetable consumption by metabonomic profiling’. J Proteome Res. Oct 7 2011; 10(10): 4513-21. doi: 10.1021/pr200326k.
  1. Zhang X., Shu X. O., Xiang Y. B., Yang G., Li H., Gao J., Cai H., Gao Y. T. and Zheng W. ‘Cruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk of total and cardiovascular disease mortality’. Am J Clin Nutr. Jul 2011; 94(1): 240-6. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.009340.
  1. Deng W., Zong J., Bian Z., Zhou H., Yuan Y., Zhang R., Guo H., Zhang Y., Shen D., Li H. and Tang Q. ‘Indole-3-carbinol protects against pressure overload induced cardiac remodeling via activating AMPK-?’. Mol Nutr Food Res. Apr 27 2013. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201300012.
  1. Yeh C. T. and Yen G. C. ‘Effect of vegetables on human phenolsulfotransferases in relation to their antioxidant activity and total phenolics’. Free Radic Res. Aug 2005; 39(8): 893-904.
  1. Pittaway J. K., Robertson I. K. and Ball M. J. ‘Chickpeas may influence fatty acid and fiber intake in an ad libitum diet, leading to small improvements in serum lipid profile and glycemic control’. J Am Diet Assoc. Jun 2008; 108(6): 1009-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2008.03.009.
  1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium.
  1. Ortiz R. M., Garcia S. and Kim A. D. ‘Is Almond Consumption More Effective Than Reduced Dietary Saturated Fat at Decreasing Plasma Total Cholesterol and LDL-c levels?’ A Theoretical Approach. J Nutr Metab. 2012; 2012: 265712. doi: 10.1155/2012/265712.
  1. Pauwels E. K. ‘The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet: focus on cancer and cardiovascular risk’. Med Princ Pract. 2011; 20(2): 103-11. doi: 10.1159/000321197.
Awake Food 60s, Body Balance, Drive!, Energy boosters, Green Magma, Vitamins & Minerals

Exercise, cleansing and supplements: tips on boosting your energy

Surely all of us know when we’re done in at the end of the day and it’s time for bed. But what if a good night’s sleep isn’t enough? What if, despite however many hours’ slumber you get several nights in a row, you still feel shattered? Well, if that’s the case, you’ll be suffering from chronic fatigue – and there’s definitely something wrong.

That’s because the production and use of energy in the body depends on cellular function – which, in turn, requires the consumption, absorption and transformation of vitamins and minerals – thus suggesting all’s not well in your cells. In fact, when your cells are struggling to produce the energy they ought to be, they can become damaged and die, leaving you low on energy yourself.

So what’s causing the problem? There can be several reasons for constant depleted energy – anything from thyroid or adrenal issues to parasites in your digestive system or candida overgrowth to deficiencies in Vitamin B12, chromium, magnesium or iron.

There is hope, however. The following body-enriching activities are highly advised. They’re all excellent – and, many of them, necessary for – boosting energy and helping to keep your mind sharp:

  • Exercise
  • Maintaining a natural, organic diet
  • Hydration through drinking water
  • Regular cleansing of the colon and liver
  • Keeping your hormones balanced
  • Massaging your muscles and body.

Not the best ideas for boosting energy

Conversely, they are a few died-in-the-wool, not so good methods many of us fall back on to supposedly boost our energy levels. Yes, we’re talking the ‘essential’ morning coffee and energy drinks here. Now, while the caffeine and sugar of coffee and energy drinks work as stimulants to ‘wake you up’, the effect is always short-term and will eventually lead to an energy crash. Moreover, caffeine is a powerful drug that results in dependence and puts stresses on the body’s adrenal glands and its endocrine system. When it comes down to it both these so-called energy boosters are mostly nutritionally deficient.

Better ideas for boosting energy

So, for a more effective, less harmful dietary-based energy boost, you’d do better focusing on getting more of these nutrients:

Vitamin B12

You really can’t overstate how much the body needs Vitamin B12. Without it, cellular energy creation (alternatively referred to as the ‘citric acid cycle’ or ‘Kreb’s cycle’) simply wouldn’t take place. The drawback for the body, though, is that it can’t create the vitamin itself – it must draw it from dietary intake. To wit, great natural sources for B12 are red meat, dairy, mussels and clams.

Chromium

Especially helpful in the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream to cells in order to transform proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy, chromium occurs in a variety of different foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes (not least their skins), whole-grain breads and cereals, meats, cheeses and spices. Moreover, consuming hard tap water and using stainless-steel cookware can increase your chromium intake.

Iodine

Important in the body’s regulation of hormones, iodine is used by the thyroid to form triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), a pair of hormones that are crucial in normalising the levels of other hormones. In general, hormones are critical for keeping the body’s metabolism working efficiently and ensuring energy creation. For dietary sources of iodine, look to seafood and sea vegetables like dulse seaweed and wakame, as well as dark leafy greens.

Iron

Essential for the transportation of oxygen in your blood to tissues and organs, iron helps cells make energy by ensuring the oxygen they need reaches them. Traditionally, red meat was considered a good source for iron, but many people tend to consume less of it nowadays owing to its negative effect on cholesterol levels and heart-health. It’s true that certain fruits and vegetables (including broccoli, spinach, prunes and beans) also comprise iron, but at lower levels, hence why vegetarians can sometimes suffer from iron deficiency without realising it – as well as non-vegetarians who don’t eat red meat, of course.

Magnesium

Necessary to ensure cells activate adenosine triphosphate (ATP – the so-called ‘molecular unit of currency of intracellular energy transfer’), magnesium’s another hugely important mineral.Indeed, it was discovered in a recent study that for postmenopausal women, low magnesium levels directly correlate with low energy and can make completing basic physical tasks difficult1. When it comes to your diet it’s best to get your magnesium fill from spinach, almonds, sesame and pumpkin seeds, avocados and quinoa.

Supplements

Unfortunately, for different reasons, people aren’t always able to get the above minerals from their diets alone (in the manner of non-red-meat-eaters missing out on iron). In which case, a good substitute for energy boosters can be supplementation – and the following supplements are all available via The Finchley Clinic:

Awake_Food_60_Capsules

Awake Food 60s (60 capsules) – designed specifically to drive up the body’s energy levels and improve the mind’s alertness, this supplement’s formula contains B Complex vitamins (not just B12, but also B3, B5 and B6), three forms of ginseng and reishi mushroom

body-balance-powder

Body Balance (powder/ 420g) – supports a healthy metabolism by combining chromium, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), L-carnitine and high-quality whey protein to boost blood glucose and energy levels

Drive-180-capsules

Drive! (180, 90 and 30 capsules) – provides a combination of different nutrients to increase energy levels and help balance brain chemistry, including Vitamins B12, B3 and C, tyrosine, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese and folic acid

Green Magma (Barley Grass Powder) – a staple food of several different civilisations for thousands of years, green barley grass has been popular for so long because of its energising and anti-ageing properties, which isn’t surprising given it contains Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, as well as at least 50 minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium; available as a 10-day trial pack in 300g, 150g and 80g packs and in tablet form (250).

Reference:

  1. Garrido-Maraver J., Cordero M. D., Oropesa-Avila M. et al. ‘Clinical applications of coenzyme Q10’. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). Jan 1 2014. 19: 619-33.
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan, Cranberry Intensive, Cranberry Plus, Prostate health, Saw Palmetto Complex, Urinary tract, Women’s health

Keeping on tract: preventing and fighting urinary tract infections

Few things in life are as natural and normal as spending a penny. So, if you experience issues when urinating, it often causes concern, even anxiety. Should you check with a doctor if you have trouble when trying to go? Probably, yes. Especially if you feel a great urge to go but then can’t or experience a burning sensation when you do. Or if the urine itself appears cloudy, smells odd or contains blood. Or if you seem to have back pain or pressure in the lower abdomen. Because, should you have a combination of these symptoms, then it’s likely you have a urinary tract infection. These infections (often abbreviated to UTI or UTIs in the plural) are bacterial-based and, if left untreated, can be painful, disruptive and dangerous. In addition to the above symptoms, they can also bring on nausea and a fever and chills – the latter suggesting that the infection is spreading beyond the urinary tract itself.

Causes

It’s certainly true that UTIs tend to afflict women more than they do men, but why is this? Well, while in part it may be because a woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s and so nearer to their anus, the idea that someone will suffer from a UTI only because of poor hygiene in the anal area (something easy to remedy, obviously) is unfortunately not true. Other potential causes include pre-existing, digestive conditions such as diabetes and kidney stones, use of spermicide-coated contraceptives or possibly urinary catheters, a weakened immune system (thanks to, say, chemotherapy or HIV) and – in the case of men – an enlarged prostate gland. It’s not all bad news, though. The standard treatment for UTIs tends to be antibiotics. And yet it’s worth noting recent research suggests, while they’re often effective for many sufferers of UTIs, antibiotics may not be the silver bullet many assume them to be1.

The limitations of antibiotics

One of the big problems with taking antibiotics to treat UTIs is that they kill both the ‘bad’ bacteria (which create and spread the infection) and the ‘good’ bacteria that’s also naturally found in the urinary tract. Good bacteria plays an important role in ensuring the digestive system functions correctly; indeed, should its levels in your body drop, you could become susceptible to developing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. However, further research has indicated several different natural remedies may help in not only supporting a healthy urinary tract, but hopefully preventing UTIs3.

Natural remedies

  • Cranberry juice – thanks to comprising A-type proanthocyanidins, cranberries may help prevent bad bacteria from making itself at home in the bladder; additionally, they may help stop kidney stones from forming4
  • Juniper berry oil – may work towards ensuring there’s probiotic (good/ bad bacteria) balance in the digestive tract5 and aid in flushing out the kidneys by encouraging natural urine flow
  • Uva ursi – often referred to as bearberry, this plant extract has long been seen as the go-to natural treatment for UTIs; you’re advised to take it as soon as you believe (or know) you’ve contracted an infection, ideally 2-4g daily for up to five days6
  • Organic food – a natural, organic diet featuring a host of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will support the tract’s good bacteria (as will remaining hydrated by consuming fluids, especially water), unlike a diet of processed food and refined sugar that will just aid bad bacteria growth7.

Supplements

Another way to keep the urinary tract healthy and help maintain the balance between good and bad bacteria in the digestive system is by taking supplements. The following are all designed specifically for this purpose and so could definitely be said to be supplements for urinary tract infections (as you’ll notice, in many of them the headline ingredient is cranberry). Needless to say, as they’re all available through The Finchley Clinic, we strongly recommend every one of them: bio-kult-pro-cyan

Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan (45 capsules) – a supplement that provides a triple action (36mg PACs of cranberry extract, Vitamin A and the probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum) to help balance gut bacteria levels and keep the urinary tract healthy

Cranberry Intensive (6 sachets) – contains a unique blend of cranberry, potassium salts, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Vitamin C and hibiscus extract that work together to fight bad bacteria in the tract; can be mixed with water and so consumed as a pleasant drink

cranberry-plus

Cranberry Plus (30 capsules) – in addition to its high level of fresh active cranberry components, this supplement contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Vitamin C, all of which combine to help combat UTIs, cystitis and vaginal thrush

saw-palmetto-complex Saw Palmetto Complex (formerly Prostate Complex) (60 capsules) – encourages natural function of the urinary tract through its assorted ingredients: saw palmetto, lycopene, zinc, selenium, celery seed, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, beta sitosterol and the amino acids l-glycine and l-alanine; note that this product is especially beneficial for men as it also contributes to healthy prostate gland function.

References:

  1. Storm D. W., Patel A. S., Koff S. A. and Justice S. S. ‘Novel management of urinary tract infections’. Curr Opin Urol. Jul 2011; 21(4):328-33. doi: 10.1097/MOU.0b013e328346d4ee.
  2. Mannhardt W. ‘What is the cause of recurrent urinary tract infection?’. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd. Dec 1992; 140(12): 842-6.
  3. Reid G. ‘Potential preventive strategies and therapies in urinary tract infection’. World J Urol. Dec 1999; 17(6): 359-63.
  4. McHarg T., Rodgers A. and Charlton K. ‘Influence of cranberry juice on the urinary risk factors for calcium oxalate kidney stone formation’. BJU Int. Nov 2000; 92(7): 765-8.
  5. Filipowicz N., Kaminski M., Kurlenda J., Asztemborska M. and Ochocka J. R. ‘Antibacterial and antifungal activity of juniper berry oil and its selected components’. Phytother Res. Mar 2003; 17(3): 227-31.
  6. University of Maryland Medical Center. ‘Uva ursi’. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/uva-ursi.
  7. Kontiokari T., Laitinen J., Järvi L., Pokka T., Sundqvist K. and Uhari M. ‘Dietary factors protecting women from urinary tract infection’. Am J Clin Nutr. Mar 2003; 77(3): 600-4.
Aerobic O7, Antioxidant Supreme, Curcumin Plus, Immune health, Immune products, Tapioca Vitamin C, Vitamin D3

Helping to fight the good fight: how to boost your immune system

As the year gathers speed and summer drifts into autumn, people’s thoughts turn to the weather changing and temperatures dropping. Which means they start to adjust their wardrobe and – in some cases – lifestyle accordingly. They start to think about being more vigilant about protecting themselves from the potential infections and ill health that lower temperatures can bring. In short, they start to think in terms of trying to boost their immune system. But why should they? Why is the immune system so important? What does it do for us? And what can we do to keep it operating as effectively as possible?

Put simply, the immune system is the part of the body that protects us from certain harmful organisms and toxins (some of which can be absorbed into the body when we catch infections in the forms of colds, flu and the like), which stop our body from functioning properly and so, yes, make us feel ill. The system itself is made up of a combination of cells, tissues and organs that, working together as an efficient network, prevent unwelcome pathogens from doing their dirty work in our bodies. In practice, the system’s actually made up of two parts – the innate immune system (protects against infections and aids the healing of cuts and bruises) and the adaptive immune system (protects against viruses, of which there are millions generated each year, thus this part of the system is distinguished by its ability to adapt to fight them).

Even more specifically, the nuts and bolts of both these halves of the immune system are white blood cells (or leukocytes). Once they’ve formed, these cells travel through the blood stream and enter the lymphatic system (something of a sub-section of the wider immune system) where they stimulate its organs, including the tonsils and thymus, to produce antibodies that find bacteria and other harmful organisms’ antigens, adhere to them and destroy them.

Disorders

Unfortunately, for some people the efficacy of their immune system isn’t what it should be. This could be down to many different factors, but one thing’s for sure; a weak immune system can be really bad news as you age. Lack of exercise, bad diet and the changes aging brings to the body can all contribute1. The three major types of immunity disorder are:

  • Autoimmunity – these conditions (of which 80 are known to exist, including type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis2) see the immune system attack healthy tissue it’s supposed to be protecting
  • Immunodeficiencies – these disorders may not ensure enough white blood cells are produced; they can be caused by overexposure to the likes of tobacco smoke, certain toxic metals and pesticides3
  • Hypersensitive/ over-reactive immune system – this one involves immune cells targeting and attacking harmless allergens, potentially damaging tissue and organs and increasing the chance of the body suffering from serious diseases.

Support

So to prevent such disorders, what can we do to support our bodies’ immune systems? Well, here are four headline behaviours everyone should make a priority:

  • Develop a healthy diet – processed foods and those containing refined sugars and flavourings, as well as soda, are out; vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, blueberries, kale, spinach, lemons, avocado, oregano oil4 and garlic5, are in (especially if organic)
  • Exercise – helping to increase your oxygen intake and thus lung capacity, exercise is terrific at getting your metabolism going and promoting a healthy heart and efficient circulation; note: consistent exercise is key
  • Destress – becoming stressed increases inflammation and so will aggravate your immunity; trying to destress and finding ways to properly relax then are important (talking through problems isn’t a bad idea, nor is meditation)
  • Plant extracts – the nutrients and vitamins packed full in many easily available plant extracts are terrific for boosting your immunity; you might try echinacea (a favourite in traditional medicines for centuries and effective at fighting off colds and flu4), ginseng (especially good at tackling stress) and aloe vera (rich in antioxidants and the immunity-aiding compounds acemannan and aloctin A3, 6).

Supplements

Of course, another fantastic and easy way to consume enormously beneficial vitamins and nutrients is through supplements. The following – all of which are great immune system supplements – are available through The Finchley Clinic and, naturally, we highly recommend every one of them:

Tapioca Vitamin C (1,000mg; 90 capsules) – as this supplement’s sourced from tapioca (cassava root), it’s almost unheard of to cause allergic reactions and contains 99.9% vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, renowned as an excellent anti-viral antioxidant, immune booster and major facilitator to anti-aging and building collagen

Tapioca-Vitamin-C

 

Vitamin D3 (5,000iu; 90 tablets) – chewable and with a natural apricot flavour, this supplement provides great support for both the immune and skeletal systems; it’s also kosher

Curcumin Plus (90 capsules) – a powerful antioxidant that aids good immune response, not least as it contains both ginger and sage extracts (specifically gingerols and ursolic acid, respectively)

Aerobic-07

Aerobic O7 (70ml) – a stabilised liquid oxygen product that’s excellent at prompting the creation of new white blood cells, which (as made clear above) play a crucial role in the efficacy of the immune system

Antioxidant Supreme (90 capsules) – a great all-rounder but especially for fighting free radicals, thus it can importantly contribute to boosting the immune system.

 

References:

  1. MedlinePlus. ‘Aging changes in immunity’. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004008.htm
  1. MedinePlus. ‘Autoimmune diseases’. https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html
  1. Winans B., Humble M. C. and Lawrence B. P. ‘Environmental toxicants and the developing immune system: a missing link in the global battle against infectious disease?’. Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, NY). 2011; 31(3): 327-336. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.09.004.
  1. Georgetown University Medical Center. ‘Oregano Oil May Protect Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Georgetown Researcher Find’. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/10/011011065609.htm
  1. Lissiman E., Bhasale A. L. and Cohen M. ‘Garlic for the common cold’. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006206.pub4.
  1. Bany J., Siwicki A. K., Zdanowska D., Sokolnicka I., Skopińska-Rózewska E. and Kowalczyk M. ‘Echinacea purpurea stimulates cellular immunity and anti-bacterial defence independently of the strain of mice’. Pol J Vet Sci. 2003; 6(3 Suppl): 3-5.
Buffered Vitamin C, Fizzy C, Immune+, Tapioca Vitamin C, Vitamin C, Vitamins & Minerals

Don’t be deficient: how to avoid Vitamin C deficiency

When you read or hear the word malnourished, what image pops into your head? That of a tragically weak-looking, starving child, perhaps? Well, when you think about it, what malnourished actually means is when someone’s diet is deficient in specific nutrients so it damages their health and prevents their bodies from functioning properly. That means that, yes, potentially everyone on Earth can become malnourished – should they not ensure (or not be able to ensure) they have enough variety and nutrition in their food.

And one of the key nutrients every one of us should be getting from our diet is Vitamin C (or L-ascorbic acid), an essential antioxidant to be found in an array of different fruits and vegetables1. Why is it so essential? Just look at the facts – Vitamin C…

  • Supports growth and development of the body and aids damaged-tissue-repair2, 3
  • Aids collagen production, which critically contributes to healthy skin, blood vessels, cartilage, ligaments and tendons4
  • Stimulates iron absorption and enhances the fight against cell-damaging free radicals5
  • Promotes heart health6
  • May reduce the risk of high blood pressure7, 8, 9

Deficiency – and its dangers

To that end then, Vitamin C deficiency can be very bad news. Indeed, in one of the worse-case scenarios, it could lead to scurvy. No, scurvy isn’t just a pirate-derived slang term for a nautically-derived illness; it is a genuine disease. One that, thankfully, nowadays doesn’t occur that often in the Western world because few are heavily deficient in Vitamin C. Its symptoms, though, include the likes of fatigue, anaemia, scaly skin, easy bruising and gum disease7. Very unpleasant. As mentioned, in developed countries the chances of someone developing scurvy are low – but there is still a chance (vulnerable people in the United States are at risk even10); vigilance is important then, which means we must all ensure we’re getting enough Vitamin C. Deficiency can be caused by:

  • Too little fruit and veg in your diet; evaporated or boiled cow’s milk for babies as opposed to breast milk
  • Medical conditions such as digestive tract injuries/ inefficiencies, kidney disease, genetic diseases and certain kinds of cancer10
  • Smoking – the tissue damage tobacco causes ensures the body requires more Vitamin C than normal, ensuring smokers/ those exposed to second-hand smoke probably need as much as 35g extra of Vitamin C each day10

Recommended daily intake

Speaking of recommended intake, according to the US Office of Dietary Supplements, that will vary based on your age – and your gender11. However, the US Government guidelines for Vitamin C intake are surely far too low. Experts suggest that – as stated, dependant on their age, body weight and pre-existing conditions – individuals should be aiming to boost their daily levels of the vitamin to anything between 3g and 15g12. For his part, Dr Linus Pauling, the early and great advocate of Vitamin C, recommended a daily allowance of up to 18g13. In short, we always need Vitamin C; whatever our age, gender or body weight.

Natural sources

As you may have guessed, it’s best to get your Vitamin C the traditional way – from organic, natural sources. At the high end of the scale then11, we’re talking those colourful fruits and vegetables – the likes of red and yellow peppers, orange juice and oranges themselves, grapefruit juice, kiwifruit and green peppers. If these aren’t entirely your cup of tea then maybe more regular (certainly more traditional) fare in a British diet are also good14, such as strawberries, Brussels sprouts, tomato juice, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and baked potatoes.

Supplementation

But what if you’re the kind of person that, try as you might, has just never got on with fruit and veg? Well, in that case, you may consider Vitamin C supplements. Not only are all of the following available via The Finchley Clinic, they’re also especially recommended because they’re organically, naturally derived:

Buffered Vitamin C (from calcium ascorbate) powder (180g and 60g) – ideal for those suffering from poor digestion, this supplement’s gentle and non-acidic; plus, as it comes in powder form, it can be easily mixed into drinks

Fizzy-C

Fizzy C (20 tablets) – additive- and artificial flavouring-free, this is ideal for all ages, not least because each tablet’s naturally sweetened so tastes great

Immune+ (Vitamin C with zinc) – in easy-to-swallow tablet form, this supplement contains the powerful antioxidant that’s blackcurrant, as well as zinc, black elderberry (which offers additional immune support) and bilberry (which provides the Vitamin C); available in bottles of 180, 90 and 30 tablets

Vitamin-C-Ultra-Pure

Tapioca Vitamin C (formerly Ultra Pure Vitamin C) (1,000mg; 90 capsules) – comprising 99.9% Vitamin C, this supplement’s derived from tapioca (cassava root) as opposed to corn, a food source that very few people are allergic to.

References:

  1. ‘Vitamin C’. MedlinePlus. US National Library of Medicine, 9 Mar 2016. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
  2. Zeratsky, K. ‘Too Much Vitamin C: Is It Harmful?’. MayoClinic.org. Mayo Clinic, 5 Feb 2015. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
  3. ‘Wounds’. University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland, 5 Jan 2015. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
  4. Boyera, N., Galey, I. and Bernard, B. A. (1998) ‘Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts’. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 20: 151–158. doi: 10.1046/j.1467-2494.1998.171747.x.
  5. Lynch, S. R. and Cook, J. D. (1980) ‘INTERACTION OF VITAMIN C AND IRON’.Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 355: 32–44. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1980.tb21325.x.
  6. Osganian, S. K., Stampfer, M. J., Rimm, E. and Spiegelman, D. ‘Vitamin C and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women’. ACC Current Journal Review 12.5 (2003): 27. PubMed. Web.
  7. ‘Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)’. University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland, 16 July 2013. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
  8. Juraschek, S. P. et al. ‘Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials’. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 95.5 (2012): 1079–1088. PMC. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
  9. Ness, A. R., Chee, D. and Elliott, P. ‘Vitamin C and Blood Pressure–an Overview’. J Hum Hypertens Journal of Human Hypertension 11.6 (1997): 343-50. PubMed. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
  10. ‘Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Consumers’. National Institutes of Health. US Department of Health & Human Services, 17 Feb 2016. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
  11. ‘Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Health Professionals’. National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 11 Feb 2016. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
  12. Stock, S. L. ‘”C” your way to good health’. The Association for Systematic Kinesiology Newsletter. Jan 1989.
  13. Pauling, L. ‘My love affair with Vitamin C’. Profiles.nlm.nih.gov. Web. 2016.
  14. Bobroff, L. B. and Valentin-Oquendo, I. ‘Facts About Vitamin C’. University of Florida IFAS Extension. University of Florida, n.d. Web. 11 Mar 2016.
Threelac and Fivelac

Kidslac Probiotic September Sale

Kidslac probiotic – the five strain apple flavoured liver bacteria product sometimes known as “Threelac for Kids”  – 35% Off Short dated stock (expiry date on the label End of October 2016, though it obviously doesn’t suddenly become useless on November 1st).

Normally £18.99. Now only £12.34. – But only a few boxes are available at this price.

Kidslac Probiotic
Kidslac Probiotic

Did you know that probiotics are not just useful to protect our children’s tummies? The are also a vital part of their immune systems, protecting their body’s from nasty germs and invaders. If you’re looking for something to protect your children as they return to school, our 35% off special offer on Kidslac is an absolute steal. But we only have 18 boxes in stock at the time of writing – so you need to get in there fast if you’re interested.

The 35% Off offer is found here. Please note, if you get to the page but you are unable to put the product into your basket, then it means we have sold through the special offer price, in which case you still buy full dated stock with a full expiry date by clicking here at the normal price of £18.99. Please also note, if you order full dated stock, which will be good for about two years, there will be a small delay before we can ship it, as we are waiting for new stock to arrive. So if you need something quicker, we recommend Optibac Probiotics For babies & children 30 sachets or Probio-Easy 90g probiotic powder which are both excellent products too.

www.thefinchleyclinic.com

Aerobic Oxygen, Aeterna Gold AstaPure, Aeterna Gold Collagen, Anti-ageing, Green Magma Powder

Anti-ageing the natural way: essential diet and supplement ideas

Few people enjoy getting older. Why would they? After all, it means having to watch their body age. For that reason – and it’s no surprise – the notion of ‘anti-ageing’ has become highly popular over recent decades; people are eager to discover any and every new development that might aid them in not getting wrinkles or keeping different bits of their bodies looking and feeling as young as possible.

The truth is, of course, there’s no silver bullet to anti-ageing; and yet many experts agree one of the best ways to combat the effects of ageing is by relying on natural sources that feature good, quality nutritional and even botanical ingredients. So how do you do this? Well, the most obvious way is to adopt a decent diet featuring age-defying foods, but you may also consider naturally-derived supplements. There’s a lot of choice out there…

Eat more of…

Try to remember to pile your plate with colourful fruits and vegetables – if they’re bright they’re likely to be good for you. More than five a day are recommended, despite what you’ve heard. Specifically:

  • Leafy and dark green vegetables – the likes of mustard greens, kale, collard and spinach are rich in the antioxidants Vitamin C, zinc and beta-carotene, all of which can help reduce the chance of macular degeneration of eyes, one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly. Bright-coloured fruits and veg like oranges, peppers, corn and cantaloupe can help here too
  • Yellow and green vegetables – because they contain Vitamin C and other antioxidants, it’s believed they can help ensure you develop fewer wrinkles, aiding your to skin remain young-looking
  • Grapes and red wine – grapes feature the antioxidant resveratrol, which is useful because it’s believed to help lower one’s chances of suffering from premature aging and heart disease
  • Whole grains – foodstuffs like barley, wheat, brown rice, oats and quinoa are full of fibre, which means consuming them lowers the odds of developing type 2 diabetes and can help ensure blood vessels function as they should
  • Fish – fatty fish is very good for you because of the Omega-3 fatty acids they contain (indeed, the latter offers many an anti-aging benefit, working to protect the heart and possibly even helping ward off Alzheimer’s disease); salmon, lake trout, tuna, sardines and pilchards (adult sardines) are all recommended here
  • Dairy – low-fat milk, yoghurt and other dairy products are not only great for delivering calcium and fortified Vitamin D to your bones, helping ensure they remain strong and thus warding off osteoporosis (bone brittleness), but also help lower your cholesterol levels, hopefully warding off heart disease; also recommended are cereals fortified with Vitamin D and calcium
  • Nuts – as they contain the right sort of fat (as opposed to the wrong or ‘saturated’ sort), certain nuts, so research has found, can reduce the danger of both high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels by as much as 20%; about four almonds a day (or the equivalent amount) is what you should aim for
  • Beans and lentils – like grain, these vegetables are great for providing fibre and protein; they also tend to be relatively cheap and a tasty ingredient in soups, casseroles and the like.

Eat less of…

Quite simply, foods that are generally bad for you are anathema to anti-ageing; they’ll just contribute to the ageing process. So you should aim to limit:

  • High-fat meat, high-fat dairy and bakery – plain and simple, the bad thing about these is their high levels of saturated fat, which can clog up your arteries and increase the chance of heart issues
  • Added sugar – it can send your blood sugar levels up and down like there’s no tomorrow, while the excess calories it introduces into your body could, in time, lead to insulin resistance, in turn leading to type 2 diabetes, which aside from anything else can help cause heart disease
  • Salt – thanks to the sodium it contains, too much salt tends to raise blood pressure, potentially damaging kidneys, eyes and even the brain; note: the recommended daily intake of salt’s around one teaspoon, while it’s also far from a bad idea to check labels for sodium levels in frozen, canned and boxed foods, as it’s likely they may contain more salt than you’d assume.

Supplements

In addition to trying to eat healthily, you can proactively tackle anti-ageing via naturally-derived supplements. All of the anti-ageing supplements listed below contain highly nutritious, natural ingredients and are available through us at The Finchley Clinic. Needless to say then, they’re all highly recommended…

Aerobic-Oxygen-Aerobic

Aerobic Oxygen (60ml) and Aerobic O7 (70ml) – two similar, fluid-based supplements that provide stabilised oxygen, a healer, cleanser and critical source of energy, to every one of the body’s cells and so are of enormous benefit to any anti-ageing programme

aeterna-gold-astapure-timeless-beauty

Aeterna Gold AstaPure Timeless Beauty (30 capsules) – delivering skin protection from the inside, this supplement provides pure astaxanthin (extracted from the aquatic plant haematococcus pluvialis) that helps protect you from free radicals; it’s ideal should you have experienced prolonged exposure to sunlight

Aeterna Gold Collagen – promotes young and healthy-looking skin as it delivers important nutrients such as Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and especially (non-shark) collagen, of which we lose up to 1.5% each year after the age of 30; available either as a drink (80g) or in  capsule form (volume: 90)

Green-Magma-150g

Green Magma (Barley Grass) Powder (150g, 300g and 80g) – rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, it reduces inflammation, helps lower cholesterol and can help detoxify the body of many harmful chemicals like pesticides, food additives, heavy metals and even acetaldehyde, the by-product of alcohol that causes hangovers!