Be Well Buzz » omega-3

5 Most Important Supplements

BeWellBuzz — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:08:17 +0000

If a reality-TV crew filmed your supplement stash, would the episode be called "Dusty Old Bottles"? Or maybe "Cupboard Chaos"? If you're among the group of adults who take a multivitamin, or the half who've given up in confusion, here's relief. Just follow Dr. Mike's simple "Fab 5" strategy, which has practically become his trademark at Cleveland Clinic's Wellness Institute, where he works. A multi. It's a nutritional insurance policy. Pick one with the recommended daily intake for most nutrients. (You can't fit 100% of everything in one pill; it would be too large to swallow.) For 24-hour coverage, take half in the morning, half in early evening. Vitamin D3. It's the most active form of D; it fights colds, heart disease, arthritis, some cancers and more. Take 1,000 international units; 1,200 after age 60. DHA omega-3s from algae. This type of omega-3 seems best for your brain; arteries, too. DHA deters memory and vision loss, heart attacks, stroke, impotence, even wrinkles. Not shabby! Aim for at least 600 milligrams (mg) a day (we both take 900 mg). A calcium /magnesium combo. Bone-friendly calcium can cut your fracture risk by 50%. Get 600 mg of calcium from food daily; take another 600 mg with 400 mg of magnesium daily, to keep calcium from constipating you! A probiotic. Replenishing your good intestinal bugs eases inflammation, infections, and digestion. Aim for 2 billion cells per dose in spore form, which will survive stomach acids. Source: http://www.realage.com/

Omega-3s May Keep Your Vision Sharp

BeWellBuzz — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:08:10 +0000

Recent research adds to the evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may help preserve your eyesight as you age. In a studyfrom the Archives of Ophthalmology, researchers found that regular consumption omega-3s may help reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness). The study involved 38,022 women with no diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration. Over the course of 10 years, the women submitted information about their eating habits (including their intake of the omega-3s). Looking at data at the 10-year follow-up, researchers found that participants who consumed the most docosahexaenoic acid (or DHA, a type of omega-3) had a 38 percent lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration compared with women who consumed the least DHA. Available in supplement form, DHA is found naturally in oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines. Other research shows that DHA may also help fight high blood pressure, keep cholesterol in check, and protect against depression. References^{^} omega-3 fatty acids (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} study (archopht.ama-assn.org)^{^} macular degeneration (altmedicine.about.com)^{^}

Cure Depression Naturally

BeWellBuzz — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:58:38 +0000

Depression is not just a negative state of mind. It's recognized as a valid medical disorder, and there is a huge pharmaceutical segment that is catering to the needs of those who pop anti-depressants like candy. However, the truth is that those diagnosed with depression needn't resort to just these conventional remedies that have some rather adverse side effects. There are other options that seem to have worked out pretty well for some people, and these are worth a look. However, it must be noted that these options should be considered only after consulting your doctor. There are other ways to treat depression, and although these are not very well known, they are pretty effective. Here's a list of the top eight ways in which depression can be treated by using unconventional methods:

Folic Acid - Typically given to pregnant women to prevent neural tube disorders, folic acid has also been known to help people suffering from depression as it has been found that depression can also arise due to a folic acid deficiency. Folic acid, which is usually available as tablets or capsules, is not exactly a standalone treatment for depression, but can be combined with Prozac to yield better results. Studies have shown that those who have been given folic acid along with Prozac tend to respond better to the treatment than those who have just been given the placebo. Folic acid is also available in the natural form, especially in fruits and leafy vegetables.

Inositol - Inositol is an organic compound that aids neurotransmitters and generally promotes a feeling of well being. Normally, we consume just around a gram of inositol a day from varied sources, but if we were to take around 12 grams, it would show a drastic change in our mood. However, the efficacy of inositol in this regard has yet to be proved since adequate studies in this matter have not been conducted. What is known is that an inositol deficiency can be prevalent in those suffering from depression. Since various studies are yet to be conducted on this substance, it's not a good idea to use inositol as the only supplement to treat depression.

Omega 3 - Studies conducted on people suffering from depression have shown that an Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency can trigger this condition. Countries where people consume plenty of fish are known to have very low incidences of depression. However, researchers have not yet been able to identify if adequate consumption of Omega 3 can eliminate depression. In some of the research studies, Omega 3 fatty acids were added to antidepressant medicines and mood stabilizers, and the results were positive. Even if the evidence is inconclusive, there's no harm in making Omega 3 a part of your diet because it is crucial for good health. Omega 3 can be found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, among many other naturally occurring sources. You can also consume it as a supplement.

Saffron - This little known exotic spice could help you overcome depression, but again, there isn't enough conclusive evidence to prove this. However, in some studies conducted in Iran, it has been seen that a 30 mg dose of saffron taken per day can help treat mild to moderate cases of depression. In fact, some of the studies indicate that the antidepressant effect of saffron could well be compared to that of Prozac. Saffron supplements, however, are not easily available, and the actual spice is also expensive.

St. John's Wort - As an alternative remedy for depression, St. John's Wort is one of the most well-known anti-depressants out there. St. John's Wort is a yellow flowered plant and is available as a capsule, extract, or even a tea. There have been numerous studies conducted on St. John's Wort and its effect on depression. In some cases, it has been known to be more effective than Prozac and Celexa as well. However, it is usually recommended for only mild cases of depression, and not severe cases. St. John's Wort does not have many side effects, but there are chances of it clashing with other allopathic drugs, and so, it's best to consult a doctor before taking it.

Tryptophan - Tryptophan is an amino acid that can be found over the counter as a capsule called L-Tryptophan and 5- HTP, but it is usually found in turkey meat as well. Although many studies have been conducted regarding the connection between low levels of tryptophan and increased depression, they are not very conclusive. There are some issues with the side effects of Tryptophan too, so it is always better to consult your doctor before opting for these supplements. Tryptophan is best used for treating mild cases of depression, especially for those patients who do not want to try conventional antidepressants.

SAM-e - SAM-e is short for S-adenosyl-L-methionine and is a chemical found in our body. This chemical is known to increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Most health stores stock it as an over the counter supplement, and you can also get it online. There are very few side effects associated with this substance, some of which include nausea and constipation.

Magnesium - Depressed people are known to have a deficiency of magnesium, and including this in their diet could help in reducing depression to a certain extent. Natural sources of magnesium include legumes, nuts, green vegetables, and whole grains. Magnesium helps in the production of serotonin, which is known to be a natural stress buster.

Alternative treatments for depression have not yet fully taken off as expected, but it's advisable to try these methods only after consulting a doctor. References http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/01/supplements-for-depressio_n_826768.html#s247280&title=Tryptophan http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsatod/a/Depression1.htm

Omega 3 for Healthy Eyes

BeWellBuzz — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:45:00 +0000

Over the years, researchers have found Omega 3 fatty acids to have numerous health benefits. From preventing aging to increasing mental power and even preventing cancer in some cases, Omega 3 has been recognized as one of the most potent nutrients of nature. Omega 3 is found in various forms such as fish oil and marine phytoplankton to name a few sources. However, recent research has indicated that Omega 3 has another very important use. Preventing blindness. Yes, awesome and hard to believe as that sounds, it's perfectly true. According to the latest findings, Omega 3 plays a huge role in preventing retinopathy and AMD which are the leading causes of blindness. What is retinopathy? A condition that is now commonly affecting up to 4.1 million Americans with diabetes, this disease occurs when blood vessels in the retina start leaking blood and slowly increase in number. A proliferation of these vessels could cause blindness and it's one of the causes of blindness in many premature infants. Scientists are of the opinion that this number could drastically increase to almost double over the next 15 years, a most worrying fact. But there's relief yet in the form of Omega 3 fatty acids. How do Omega 3 fatty acids help? Consuming foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids is now known to prevent the occurrence of retinopathy related blindness. Omega 3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the retina. They have a direct effect on the growth of blood vessels and can selectively promote the growth of healthy blood vessels while preventing the abnormal ones from growing. The action is more complicated than that but researchers have been conducting studies with animals(mice) and have found great results. In an earlier study, mice that were fed a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids had fifty percent less vessel growth in the retina and that such a diet decreased inflammatory messaging in the eye. The conclusive evidence states that Omega 3 fatty acids are indeed very helpful in preventing retinopathy related blindness. The biggest factor why this should be advocated is the cost. Anti-VEGF therapy which is used to counter retinopathy costs around $4000 a month whereas Omega 3 supplements cost just $10. What is AMD? AMD or Age-related Macular Degeneration is one of the leading causes of age relation vision loss among elderly people. This disease gradually destroys sharp central vision which is important for seeing objects properly and for tasks such as reading or driving. AMD affects the Macula, the part of the eye which helps you see fine details. AMD does not attack suddenly causing vision loss. It is a gradual process which slowly affects eyesight although it may happen faster in other people. As the disease progresses, it could easily affect and destroy eyesight in both eyes, causing total blindness. There are two forms of AMD, wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when there is growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula behind the retina. These vessels often leak blood and shift the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Wet AMD can cause loss of vision very quickly. In dry AMD, light sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down causing loss of vision in one eye first. Treatment of AMD doesn't always work out well and is even considered risky by some. So obviously the best option would be to prevent AMD from occurring. This can be done thankfully with the help of Omega 3. How? Linking Omega 3 fatty acids to prevention of AMD is still being corroborated by scientists and researchers. Meanwhile those people who consume fish and shellfish regularly have been observed to have a lesser risk of AMD as compared to those who did not. There is a high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids in the retina and there is increasing evidence that this nutrient could well be held responsible for better eye health. There are also some reports that eating fish and shellfish could prevent advanced AMD as well. Omega 3 fatty acids are present in the neural retina, the layer of nerve cells in the retina. The outer cells of the retina are regenerated whenever old cells are shed, but a lack of Omega 3 could cause repaid degeneration of these cells. Some sources of Omega 3 fatty acids Yes, we do know that Omega 3 can be found plentiful in fish oil, so eating fish regularly can help you get this important nutrient. To derive the maximum benefit, eat cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. But there are other sources as well which are worth mentioning, particularly as there are people who are vegans and do not eat fish or consume fish oil. Some of the other sources of Omega 3 include walnuts, olive oil, leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, soybeans and tofu among others. References: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101201123235.htm http://www.naturalnews.com/031462_omega-3s_blindness.html http://starglobaltribune.com/2011/retinopathy-prevention-evidence-on-sight-saving-benefit-from-omega-3-found-5375

Omega-3 Benefits

BeWellBuzz — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:42:13 +0000

Anyone with even a tiny bit of interest in health matters knows how important Omega 3 is. Fitness enthusiasts stock up on it because of the numerous benefits that it provides. However, in the unlikely scenario that you haven't heard of Omega 3 or its benefits, here's a quick look at some of the wonderful ways in which it can help you: Benefits of Omega 3

Heart disease - The risk of heart disease goes down significantly with Omega 3 since it helps in lowering LDL, which is the bad cholesterol, and increases levels of HDL, the good cholesterol. Omega 3 lowers the amount of triglycerides and prevents their accumulation as well.
Cancer - Omega 3 is reputed to reduce the occurrence of cancer, curb the growth of tumors, and boost longevity.
Immunity - Better immunity is one of the more well-known effects of Omega 3, and those who consume it regularly will know how wonderful it is to fall ill so rarely.
Improved circulation - Omega 3 also boosts blood circulation in the body.
Neurological effects - Studies are being conducted on the efficacy of Omega 3 in warding off conditions like Alzheimer's and ADHD.
Weight loss - Omega 3 has helped numerous women lose weight, and when taken in one's diet and supplemented with exercise, it can keep the excess pounds from piling up.
Pregnancy - Pregnant women can prevent preeclampsia and premature birth by taking Omega 3. This amazing nutrient can also significantly reduce postpartum depression and helps make the fetus healthy.
Fertility - Omega 3 is being considered as one of the ways in which the quality of sperm can be improved to enhance fertility and increase the chances of conception.
For Women - Many women have found Omega 3 to be beneficial when it comes to curbing menstrual cramps and even preventing osteoporosis. Omega 3 is also known to help women with menopausal problems.
Better vision - Omega 3 also affects vision and improves eyesight significantly.
Reducing inflammation - Most people suffer from pain in the joints and arthritis because of inflammation. Omega 3 can significantly cut down inflammation and the pain associated with it.
Sharper mind - Omega 3 is food for the brain. It keeps you alert, boosts mental processes, and helps you remain focused even as you age.

Marine Phytoplankton Phytoplankton are single celled plants that are the primary food source for animals and fish that live in the ocean. Marine phytoplankton are the basis for all life on earth, and all living beings can be traced back to these simple creatures. Phytoplankton are actually responsible for 90% of the earth's oxygen and are a crucial component of the food chain since they are the very first source of nutrition for marine animals. In recent times, scientists have discovered the staggering health benefits of marine phytoplankton. Marine phytoplankton are now considered to be one of the most complete foods that can give the body all the raw materials it needs in the perfect form. The benefits of phytoplankton are innumerable, and you need to know exactly how it can help in promoting your health. One of the most important nutrients that marine phytoplankton possess are Omega 3 fatty acids- the very same omega 3 that is found abundantly in fish oil. If fish is the primary source of Omega 3, wouldn't it be better if we could get Omega 3 from their food source? Marine phytoplankton are the source of Omega 3 for fish, and it could well be one of the best sources of Omega 3 for us humans as well. Scientists today are growing marine phytoplankton in controlled environments using direct sunlight so that we can benefit from the purest form of phytoplankton that offer as many as 65 nutrients, especially Omega 3. Usage While most phytoplankton are harvested from the oceans, those grown in sterile and controlled environments are indeed better. It's easy to consume marine phytoplankton in numerous ways today. These are available as drops which you can swallow, or can be mixed with water too. You can also take phytoplankton supplements, be they capsules or tablets. Marine phytoplankton can also be taken as a juice and even applied on the skin.

Benefits of Marine Phytoplankton

BeWellBuzz — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:37:08 +0000

Would you like to increase your energy and inner strength with a few drops a day? Marine Phytoplankton is a supercharged, ocean-based micro algae that is raw, live, and thus enzyme active. It contains every known mineral and all amino acids that our bodies need for optimum health. Phytoplankton is the original source of Omega 3's and is more powerful than any fish/flax oil you can find. Scientist and researcher Jacques Cousteau was the first to crack this code when he said that the future of the nutrition was in the ocean. Marine Phytoplankton is in fact at the very bottom of the entire worlds food chain. Some benefits noticed by those using this Marine Phytoplankton as a daily superfood supplement are enhanced brain function, improved immune function, antiviral/antifungal/antibacterial effects, improved cellular repair, radiation protection, detoxification support, anti-inflammatory support, antioxidant support, improved circulation, improved heart function, allergy/asthma relief, suppression of symptoms stemming from degenerative disease, and a residual grounding energy overall. This unique super-nutrient from the ocean provides the body with instant usable energy. The Omega 3 fatty acids found in hemp, flax, and chia seeds are Alpha-linolenic acid. These types of Essential Fatty Acids need to be converted in our bodies via a multi-step process before we can utilize and benefit from them. With marine phytoplankton, the Omega 3 fatty acids are immediately usable in the body. All those benefits and no digestive work. The nutrition is delivered right into our blood stream in seconds. If you were to put a droper of Ocean's Alive Marine Phytoplankton in a glass of water, you would realize just how much chlorophyll is in this superfood. The benefits of chlorophyll are numerous. For starters, chlorophyll detoxifies the blood, liver and digestive tract, it increases oxygen intake, and fuels muscles for higher performance, endurance, and recovery. A team of doctors, microbiologists, and botanists in Europe narrowed down all species of marine phytoplankton supremely beneficial to human health down to just one. This micro-algae is now grown in a controlled ocean-like environment completely pure and containing no contaminants or environmental pollutants. This Ocean's Alive product is a dropper bottle full of living-state marine phytoplankton in a purified ocean water concentrate. Because marine phytoplankton is a relatively new to market superfood, there are only a few other companies making it right now. Mike Adams did a comparison test with the two products. See results below. Rich in nutrition, this superfood can almost be called a "medicine," representing the future of healing. Currently, is the only living superfood product available to the market that contains all known minerals, antioxidants, EFAs, and protein. You only need a few drops to a dropperful once a day to feel a difference. Just try a drop and see if you can feel the difference. One bottle should last one and a half months or more. Because some don't like the strong, salty taste, you can put it in water, a smoothie, orange juice or fruit juice, or coconut water. How easy is that for super-nutrition?