Falling ill is no fun. Seeing the signs of aging in your body is a party pooper too. Good nutritional habits, regular exercise, a peaceful spirit and avoiding toxins and pollutants are crucial if you want to stay in good shape for as long as possible. These days, an apple a day alone won’t be sufficient to keep the doctor away. Which nutrients will help you to keep in top form? As a guide, here are some found in my favorite multivitamin and trace mineral supplement:

Magnesium
Magnesium is the mineral of rejuvenation and prevents the calcification of our organs and tissues that is characteristic of the old-age related degeneration of our body. Studies have shown that regions with soil more rich in magnesium have less cancer incidence than regions with low magnesium.

Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium and chloride keep us young and healthy. Chloride is required to produce a large quantity of gastric acid each day and is also needed to stimulate starch-digesting enzymes.

Vitamin B6
An essential vitamin, B6 is effective against more than 100 health conditions, from disorders as serious as heart disease to less lethal aggravations such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and sensitivity to MSG. It even helps prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 has a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It works with folic acid in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells and is vitally important in maintaining the health of the insulation sheath surrounding nerve cells. A deficiency often manifests in the development of neurological dysfunction that is almost indistinguishable from senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Low levels of vitamin B12 has also been associated with asthma, depression, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, diabetic neuropathy and low sperm counts.

Copper Gluconate
Copper is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods, including vegetables, legumes, nuts, grains, fruits, shellfish, avocado, and beef. One of the most important blood antioxidants, copper is also involved in the development of immune cells and immune system function. Copper gluconate keeps cell membranes healthy and helps red blood cells produce haemoglobin.

Iron
Iron is an essential trace mineral as it is required for the formation of haemoglobin, which is present in red blood cells. Iron-deficiency can lead to anaemia,

Magnesium Citrate
This has a detoxifying effect as it is used to clean out the intestines and encourage bowel movements.

L-Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid, found naturally in citrus fruits and many vegetables, is the water soluble form of vitamin C. It is considered a potent antioxidant, with the ability to protect cells. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets, and necessary to maintain connective tissue and bone. It plays a primary role in collagen formation, essential for the growth and repair of tissue cells, blood vessels, bones, teeth and gums.

Calcium Lactate
Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium lactate can be found in some foods and medicines and is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies, as well as prevent tooth decay.

Manganese
This is an essential trace mineral regarded as both a brain and a nerve food. Many herbal supplements for mental and physical fatigue, digestion problems, and nervous conditions contain ginger and catnip, good sources of manganese. Manganese is considered essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells, proper pituitary gland function, and the maintenance of good eyesight. It strengthens cell walls, protecting us from viruses and other infections. It also strengthen bones, collagen and connective tissue such as ligaments, so it can help with joint lubrication.

Inulin
Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides (several simple sugars linked together) produced by many types of plants, such as garlic, onions, Jerusalem artichokes and leeks. Inulin increases calcium absorption and possibly magnesium absorption. It is also a prebiotic, promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the body’s intestinal system.

Zinc Citrate (Zinc plus Citrate)
Zinc citrate is a combination of zinc and citrate which is derived from citric acid. Zinc is an essential mineral that is required by every cell in the human body. It facilitates wound healing, which may help diabetics. Zinc citrate supports fertility and children’s growth. It reduces the length and severity of colds, canker sores, sore throats, and skin injuries, including acne. It can also help eye problems. It is also believed to be effective in fighting auto-immune diseases, and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia.

Folic Acid
Folic acid, or Vitamin B9, is essential for cell growth and reproduction. It helps to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anaemia. Pregnant women are advised to take it because it can prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain or spine. Other benefits of folic acid include the inhibition of colon cancer and the prevention of heart disease.

Sodium Selenite (Selenium)
Sodium selenite is the most common water-soluble form of the trace mineral selenium, an antioxidant which attacks destructive cells in the body and boosts the immune system. It works together with Vitamin E to gather free radicals which can cause cell mutation, some cancers, and the effects of aging. This mineral is important to healthy muscles, nerves and blood vessels, which is why it is used to treat cardiac-vascular disease, sexual dysfunction, infertility, menopausal problems and skin disorders.

Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is the main positive ion inside the body’s cells. Potassium is needed for normal bodily functions, including those affecting the heart, nerve conduction, muscle contraction and normal kidney functions. It helps prevent and remedy dehydration caused by excessive physical activity, illness or intoxication.

Thiamine Mononitrate
Also known as vitamin B1, thiamine plays an important role in helping the body convert carbohydrates and fat into energy. It is essential for normal growth and development and helps to support proper functioning of the heart and the nervous and digestive systems. Once absorbed, the vitamin is concentrated in muscle tissue. Systemic thiamine deficiency can lead to myriad problems including neurodegeneration, wasting, and death.

Riboflavin
Known also as vitamin B2, riboflavin stimulates the metabolism and assists in the digestion and absorption of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Riboflavin deficiency can result in cracked lips, ulcers in the mouth, an inflamed tongue, and sore throat. Eyes may get bloodshot, and low iron levels or anaemia may result. Riboflavin deficiency is most common in people with eating disorders, those with diseases of the bowel, HIV cases, and in women taking birth control pills.

Nicotinamide
This is also known as Vitamin B3. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions which may be of benefit in patients with inflammatory skin conditions, like acne. Nicotinamide also has anti-anxiety properties, and shows promise in restoring cognition in Alzheimer’s patients as well.

Ferrous Sulfate
This provides the iron needed by the body to produce red blood cells. It is used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, a condition that occurs when the body has too few red blood cells because of pregnancy, poor diet, excess bleeding, or other medical problems.

Potassium Iodide
This is a salt of stable iodine, an important chemical needed by the body to make thyroid hormones. Potassium Iodide is stable iodine in a medicine form.

Citric Acid
Citric acid, found naturally in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, bonds easily to minerals and metals, a process called chelation. Taking minerals with citric acid is beneficial, as the body will more easily digest chelated minerals.

Fulvic Acids
Fulvic acids consist of naturally occuring phytochemicals, biochemicals, supercharged antioxidants, free-radical scavengers, super oxide dismutases, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, amino acids, antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. As the most powerful, natural electrolyte known, fulvic acid restores electrical balance to damaged cells and neutralizes toxins. Fulvic acids greatly enhance the bioavailability of important trace minerals and nutrients, transporting substantial amounts to living cells.

Supplementary multi-vitamin and trace mineral nutrients which help detoxify, nourish and fortify the body are especially important for convalescents, people dealing with sickness or injury, pregnant women, the elderly, those who have trouble eating, vegetarians, the physically active and those who are nutritionally deficient. You can get my favorite trace minerals and multivitamin supplement, Maximol Solutions by Neways, from here.

Posted: July 7th, 2009 under Antioxidants, Diet, Health Basics 101, Health Supplements, Immune System Health.
Comments: 8

My darling husband has been coughing badly for the past week, day and night. He’s so worn out that he’s taken the afternoon off to rest in bed. I have a history of respiratory illnesses, but I haven’t been affected at all. Maybe it’s got something to do with all the Vitamin D I get from my daily walks, or the fresh fruit and vegetable juice I make every morning, the immune system boosting herbal teas I like, or the high-quality health supplements I take everyday. Andrew goes for walks daily too and he drinks the juices I make as well as the herbal teas, so he attributes my healthy immune system to the health supplements, which I’m now making him take.

I love fruits and vegetables, but it’s difficult to eat enough to get all the vitamins and minerals I need to stay healthy and keep sickness at bay. Detoxifying, nourishing and fortifying the body is particularly important for those who are dealing with illness or disease. With H1N1 sweeping the world and claiming more lives, supplementation with antioxidant-rich vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids and enzymes becomes more essential.

What should a good-quality health supplement of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients contain? At the very least, it should have a combination of the following ingredients found in my favorite formula:

* High ORAC value fruit extracts – Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity is the standard measure of antioxidant power. My liquid mineral and vitamin blend includes concentrated extracts from strawberry, elderberry, green tea and orange for superior anti-oxidant support.

* Vitamins – several essential vitamins including vitamins B12 and B6, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin and pantothenic acid.

* Minerals – my supplement features 52 naturally occurring trace elements plus standardised amounts of key minerals including macro minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, and micro minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium. These minerals are collected from rich deposits in the Great Salt Lake and blended together in an ionic form, for quick and easy absorption by the body.

* Amino Acids – these are the building blocks of proteins, and they are essential to nearly every function of the body. Protein substances make up the organs, muscles, tendons, glands, hair and nails. The essential amino acids must be ingested every day or protein degradation can result.

* Phytochemicals – phytochemicals are natural compounds found in plant foods which work with nutrients and dietary fibre to protect against disease. Studies show that phytochemicals are anti-aging and reduce the risk of many diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, cataracts, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. Phytochemicals have antioxidant effects, modulate detoxification enzymes, stimulate the immune system, modulate the hormone metabolism, and also have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Brightly-colored fruits and vegetables like raspberry, blueberry and beetroot generally contain the most phytochemicals and nutrients. These, of course, are found in my favourite multi-vitamin and trace minerals formula.

* Prebiotic – Inulin in the form of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) support vital intestinal flora in order to aid digestive health and mineral absorption. Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides (several simple sugars linked together) produced by many types of plants, such as garlic, onions, Jerusalem artichokes and leeks. Inulin increases calcium absorption and possibly magnesium absorption. As a prebiotic, inulin promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the body’s intestinal system.

* Fructooligosaccharides – these are special carbohydrates which increase the beneficial bacteria in the lower intestine, thereby enhancing the digestion and absorption of nutrients, detoxification and elimination processes, and the immune system. Fructooligosaccharides may help to relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders.

All this goodness is blended together in my favorite formula in a liquid, ionic form, for easy assimilation by the body. Just 15 ml (roughly half a capful) of Neways’ Maximol Solutions gives me a healthy dose of the antioxidant and immune system boosting nutrients required daily. Consuming a variety of supplements from assorted bottles is a hassle, so this is really convenient.

Prevention is better than cure. How nutrient-rich and powerful is your vitamin and mineral supplement? If you’re going to take a health supplement, check that you’re getting the very best, or save your money.

Posted: July 3rd, 2009 under Antioxidants, Healing Foods, Health Supplements, Immune System Health.
Comments: 2

Some years ago, I bought a bottle of Vitamin C in tablet form. One day, when I was about to flush the water cistern, I happened to look inside the toilet bowl and noticed that my expensive Vitamin C tablet was perfectly intact. It dawned on me then that not everything we ingest is absorbed and utilized by the body. We could literally be flushing money down the toilet when we buy inferior health supplements.

Size does matter. Molecular size in this context. Molecules which are too large cannot pass through human membranes and be absorbed by the body. Whether the minerals are ionic or colloidal also can also make a difference.

Nowadays, I take a balanced multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement which is in liquid form, for greater absorption. The minerals are ionic, which means that they are electrically charged so that the body requires less energy to absorb them, and the minerals can be assimilated even into cell level.

Minerals generally come either in ionic or colloidal forms. What’s the difference?

In a colloid form, minerals are suspended in a stable form, where the minerals are evenly distributed throughout the medium in which they are suspended. Colloidal minerals are not readily absorbed by the body due to their relatively large size and the absence of an electrical charge. In fact, one definition of a colloid is as a substance that when suspended in a liquid phase, will not easily diffuse through a living membrane. Colloid arrangements are unable to pass through the membrane which lines the digestive tract, from the mouth all the way out. Hence, they cannot be easily absorbed by the body. To be absorbable, the body has to break these minerals down into smaller molecules.

Ionic minerals, however, easily flow across the highly selective cell membranes of the human digestive tract. Ionic minerals are charged, so the body needs less energy to absorb them. Colloidal minerals must be broken down into smaller constituents, and obtain an electrical charge, in order to cross the intestinal membrane. This electrical system allows for the easy transportation of ionic minerals from an area of higher concentration (intestines) to an area of lesser concentration (cells of the body). The body assists in this process by further charging ions during the course of the digestive process. Colloidal minerals must undergo the complete processes of digestion into smaller charged particles for absorption to happen.

Is your body absorbing and utilizing the minerals and vitamins you need for healing and wellness? I don’t like popping pills, but I’d rather fortify my body with high-quality health supplements now, than develop a serious health condition like cancer and undergo costly medical treatment with potentially-harmful drugs. Maximol Solutions by Neways is the best I’ve come across. To protect your health, choose your health supplements carefully.

Posted: July 1st, 2009 under Health Basics 101, Health Supplements.
Comments: none