Do you fear the foods you eat?
Michael Ventresca • November 17, 2016
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Have you ever had an upset stomach from something you’d eaten? Did you have mild gas and bloating, or something more serious like cramping and diarrhea? Do you know what caused it? Regardless of your answers, if you suffer indigestion, or if you think you have food sensitivities or intolerances, today’s article is for you.
Millions of Americans are affected by food sensitivities and have difficulty digesting foods in general. Often this is due to a deficiency of the right type of digestive enzymes. Like tiny shears, digestive enzymes are produced by the body to help break down the foods we eat, leaving particles small enough to provide nutrition to the cells after they enter the bloodstream.
However, if an individual is deficient in the enzyme necessary to break down a certain food, an adverse reaction, sometimes delayed, occurs. This can range from mild symptoms like gas and bloating to more severe, like the nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, or hives associated with food intolerance or sensitivity.
While some of the most common culprits are gluten (found in wheat and other foods), phenols (found in artificial colors as well as many fruits), lactose, and casein (found in milk and dairy products), sometimes something as simple as an overload of fat or carbs can cause digestive upset.
While avoiding trigger foods can be very helpful, there are times when this proves to be difficult.
What if you don’t know your trigger foods? What if you’re dining out and aren’t sure about what’s in your food?
This can be especially tough when children are involved. For many, the answer is Digest Spectrum™
or Digest Gold™
from Enzymedica. Both formulas offer comprehensive digestive support with Enzymedica’s patented Thera-blend™ enzymes. (In addition to these formulas, Enzymedica offers a variety of condition specific blends geared towards concerns like gluten-intolerance, lactose intolerance and more.)
Another popular option is Superzymes. Superzymes combines digestive enzymes, pepsin and bromelain with betaine hydrochloride (supplemental hydrochloric acid) to offer full spectrum digestive support. (Read related - Why you need more acid, not less
for more information on betaine HCL.)
If you suffer from indigestion, I recommend you consider one of these options or better yet, if you can stop in and let one of our certified experts
help you find the right option.
Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Healthstore located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.
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Over the years, I’ve tried just about every type of multivitamin out there: tablets, capsules, raw food blends, fermented formulas, you name it. And while many are a clear step above your big-box brands, it’s rare I come across one that actually makes me want to switch. Recently, I started taking the True Grace 50+ Multi , and I’ve been genuinely impressed. First, it checks all the right boxes for me. It’s made with fermented, whole-food-based nutrients that are easier on the stomach and better absorbed. It’s free of synthetic fillers, artificial colors, GMOs, and gluten. What makes this formula stand out is what it offers beyond the basics. This isn’t just another multivitamin with the usual laundry list of nutrients. True Grace 50+ is designed with targeted support for four key areas of healthy aging. You’ll find Lion’s Mane mushroom for brain health, CoQ10 for heart and cellular energy, and MenaQ7 (a patented form of vitamin K2 ) to guide calcium to the bones instead of the arteries. It also includes antioxidants to support long-term vision, which is a growing concern for many of us over 50. What really caught my attention, though, is ergothioneine , a naturally occurring amino acid often referred to as the “longevity vitamin.” It helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports brain, heart, and skin health. Most multivitamins leave it out entirely or include only a token amount. This formula delivers a full 5 mg per serving, a dose that actually makes a difference. While the 50+ formula is what I personally use, True Grace offers a full line including Men’s and Women’s core multis , 40+ versions , plus a prenatal for moms-to-be. All with the same focus on clean, effective nutrition. Do I still believe in other whole-food-based multis? Absolutely. But this is the first time in a long while I’ve actually made a switch. And I’m glad I did. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .
Whether it’s separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms or trips to the vet, watching your furry friend feel overwhelmed is never easy. Just like in humans, chronic stress can take a serious toll on a dog’s emotional and physical well-being. Over time, anxiety can negatively impact digestion, heart health, and behavior, affecting your dog’s overall quality of life. The good news is some of the same natural remedies that help humans manage stress can also be incredibly beneficial for dogs. Of course, the dosages and formulations must be carefully tailored to meet a dog’s unique needs. Today, I would like to discuss a few natural remedies that can help support a calmer, more relaxed dog. Research shows that L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, stimulates alpha wave activity in the brain, promoting a relaxed yet alert state. This helps dogs stay calm without feeling sedated, since sedation can sometimes upset and confuse dogs, making their anxiety worse. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is another valuable tool. Often called the “feel-good neurotransmitter,” GABA helps calm nervous system activity and promotes a balanced, stable mood. Calm by Vital Planet combines both L-Theanine and GABA with additional soothing herbs, such as chamomile, lemon balm and valerian, along with a unique blend of flower essences, to help anxious dogs feel more secure and relaxed. It is available in both chewable tablets and soft chews. Finally, Calm, along with all Vital Planet’s pet products, is certified by the National Animal Supplement Council, ensuring exceptional quality and safety. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .
When it comes to supplements for weight loss, I often tread carefully. The market is flooded with unrealistic claims promising effortless transformations—and let’s be honest, those simply don’t exist. That said, natural products can enhance your weight loss efforts, but they’re tools in the toolbox—not magic solutions. Today, I’d like to share a few of my favorite places to start. First, it’s important to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to find the right option is to identify your greatest obstacle: appetite control, fat burning, or metabolism. While we can’t cover all the options in one column, the key takeaway is that there are options, and we’re happy to help you find one that’s right for you. With that said, I’d like to briefly discuss one of my favorite formulas for increasing metabolism, burning fat, and balancing blood sugar: BerberTrim from Source Naturals. At its core, BerberTrim is powered by berberine, a compound found in plants like barberry. Research shows that berberine regulates blood sugar and insulin levels effectively. In addition, berberine activates AMPK, often called the body’s “metabolic master switch.” AMPK promotes fat breakdown while also inhibiting fat storage. To further support healthy blood sugar levels, BerberTrim includes chromium, cinnamon, and alpha-lipoic acid. To enhance fat burning and metabolism, the formula contains green tea and cayenne. Green tea promotes weight loss through caffeine, which boosts energy and metabolism, and EGCG, a compound that enhances fat burning and thermogenesis—the process by which the body generates heat by burning calories. Like EGCG, cayenne has also been shown to increase thermogenesis. To learn more or to discuss other options to support your weight loss goals, I invite you to stop in today. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
