vital-choice-health-store

When water isn’t enough

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:46:22 GMT

Hydration depends on having the right balance of minerals inside and outside your cells, so water moves where it is needed. Without them, water can pass through the body without fully hydrating the tissues.

For years the message was simple: drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated. While still important, we now understand hydration is not just about volume. It’s about movement.

Hydration depends on having the right balance of minerals inside and outside your cells, so water moves where it is needed. Without them, water can pass through the body without fully hydrating the tissues. You can be drinking plenty and still not be truly hydrated.

As we age, maintaining that mineral balance becomes more difficult. Thirst signals are not always reliable, and kidney function shifts over time. Many people also take medications that can increase mineral loss. Finally, the typical diet tends to be high in sodium and relatively low in potassium, further adding to an imbalance.

When this balance is off, it can show up in subtle ways like fatigue, muscle tightness, or that washed-out feeling even when you are drinking enough water. In those cases, adding electrolytes may help.

But not all electrolyte formulas are designed the same.

Many electrolyte products were designed for heavy sweating, so they emphasize sodium. That makes sense after a long workout, but for most people, the issue is often too little potassium, not too little sodium. In that case, a high-sodium electrolyte may not be the best fit.

The product I take is Hydration+ from Great Naturally. It provides 800 mg of potassium along with magnesium, calcium, and moderate sodium from whole food ingredients like coconut water and celery. I mix one serving in water daily. To learn more, please stop in.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com for more information.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Getting ahead of allergies

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:44:12 GMT

For many, allergy season doesn’t begin with sneezing. It starts with sinus pressure, headaches and post-nasal drip. By the time classic allergy symptoms show up, the immune system has often been reacting for weeks.

To calm symptoms, most people reach for over-the-counter allergy medications. While those can be helpful, they often come with side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth or foggy headedness. That’s because they are designed to block symptoms once they’re underway, not support the body before it happens.

Natural allergy support works differently. Instead of reacting after histamine is released, the goal is to help the immune system respond more calmly by addressing histamine as well as the mast cells that sound the alarm in the first place. The key here is timing. Starting early gives the body a chance to adjust before pollen counts peak.

Some of the most clinically validated natural allergy remedies include quercetin and stinging nettle. Both help moderate histamine activity and support mast cell stability. Other helpful nutrients include vitamin C, which helps buffer inflammatory responses, and bromelain, which helps the body manage inflammatory stress.

One of my favorite allergy products, especially when taken before allergy season peaks, is All Season Support. It combines these key ingredients with additional immune and inflammatory support into a daily support formula. With over 10 years of consistent results, it’s meant to be started before allergy season is in full swing.

If you’d like to learn more about this or other natural options, we’re always happy to help.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com for more information.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Ginseng for natural energy

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 22:30:05 GMT

Supporting your body’s stress response can lead to more consistent energy.

For many, feeling tired has become common. Even when sleep is decent, energy levels can still feel flat or inconsistent. Stress, busy schedules, or even a recent illness can all play a role. While another cup of coffee or an energy drink might help briefly, it’s no surprise those often lead to crashes, jitters, or feeling even more worn down later.

That’s where herbs like ginseng can be helpful. Ginseng has been used for centuries, not as a stimulant, but to help the body handle physical and mental stress more efficiently. Instead of forcing energy, it supports stamina and resilience.

While there are many good quality ginseng products available, one of the best is Terry Naturally’s HRG80 Red Ginseng Energy.

The key to this product’s quality is how it’s grown. HRG80 is produced using hydroponic cultivation in a controlled environment that provides intentional stress during growth. While this ensures purity, more importantly when ginseng is stressed it produces higher levels of its active compounds known as noble ginsenosides. These forms are far more bioavailable than standard ginsenosides. Studies show HRG80 has seven times more noble ginsenosides and is up to 17 times more bioavailable than traditional ginseng products.

In fact, a recent study found participants taking HRG80 reported improvements in energy, stamina, and mental clarity. While some notice benefits within days, others feel steady improvement after a few weeks.

HRG80 Red Ginseng is available in both capsule and chewable form. If you’re struggling with ongoing fatigue, it’s a great option to consider.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Liver Support for the New Year

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:29:02 GMT

Supporting the liver in January can help improve digestion, energy levels and overall balance heading into the new year.

January is a great time to give your liver a little extra support. After the holidays, many people feel weighed down or a little out of balance. A big reason for this is the extra work the liver takes on this time of year. It handles hundreds of jobs every day. It filters toxins, helps with digestion, supports hormone balance and plays a role in energy production. When our routines shift with richer foods, less sleep and more stress, the liver simply has more to manage.

Several natural remedies have been used for years, and many are backed by good research.

Milk thistle is one of the most recognized. Its active compound, silymarin, works as an antioxidant and helps protect liver cells. NAC is another important nutrient. Your body uses it to make glutathione, one of the liver’s main detox compounds that supports Phase II detox pathways.

Herbs like dandelion and artichoke help keep bile moving the way it should, which makes it easier to digest fats and carry waste out of the body while turmeric provides curcumin, which offers antioxidant benefits and helps calm irritation in liver tissues.

One of my favorite products to support the liver and enhance detoxification is Vital Choice Liver Support and Detox, which blends many of these ingredients into one formula. For a more in-depth reset, Vital Planet’s LiverPURE is a powerful 14-day morning and night program designed to support detox pathways, bile flow and antioxidant activity.

Both can help you start the year feeling lighter and more balanced.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com for more information. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Support for sunless days

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 22:05:25 GMT

The winter blues: It’s not depression, but a normal response to reduced daylight and a disrupted internal rhythm.

If you’re like me, you can feel the season change the moment December arrives. The days get dark early, the sunlight fades, and before long your mood and energy shift right along with it. There’s a reason for this. Shorter days affect the part of the brain involved in regulating serotonin, the neurotransmitter tied to calmness and emotional balance. When serotonin dips, it’s easy to feel tense or slightly out of sync.

We have a name for this: the winter blues. It’s not depression, but a normal response to reduced daylight and a disrupted internal rhythm.

One option I find helpful this time of year is L-theanine, an amino acid naturally found in green tea. Research shows L-theanine promotes healthy alpha brainwave activity, the same relaxed-but-focused state associated with meditation or mindfulness practice. What I like about L-theanine is that it helps settle the mind without causing drowsiness.

If you’d like to try it, Vital Choice offers L-theanine in both capsule and chewable form, made with AlphaWave, a clinically studied form of L-theanine. Research shows AlphaWave supports calming alpha brainwave activity and often begins working in about 30 to 40 minutes. It doesn’t sedate you. It simply helps ease that tight, out-of-balance feeling that tends to show up during the darker months. It’s gentle and suitable for daily use.

If the lack of sunlight has been affecting your mood or stress level, small steps like getting outside when it’s bright, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and using natural options like L-theanine can make winter feel a lot more manageable.

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.

Help for holiday indigestion

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:43:00 GMT

Digestive enzymes aren’t a license to overeat, but they can help you enjoy the season more comfortably.

Big family dinners and rich desserts are part of what makes the holiday season special.

Unfortunately, they can also leave many of us dealing with indigestion: bloating, gas, or that heavy feeling after a meal. While an occasional episode is nothing unusual, if it’s happening often, your body may need extra help breaking food down. That’s where digestive enzymes come in.

Our bodies make enzymes naturally. They act like tools that snip food into smaller, usable parts. Amylase works on carbs, lipase handles fats, and protease breaks down proteins. When these enzymes do their job well, nutrients are absorbed smoothly, and meals leave you feeling satisfied instead of sluggish.

The challenge is that enzyme production tends to decline with age, and stress or health issues can make it worse. That’s why foods that once sat just fine, like dairy or heavier meats, may now leave you bloated or uncomfortable. Even without a health condition, holiday-style eating can overwhelm your body’s natural enzyme supply.

This is where the right supplement can make a difference. Digest Gold by Enzymedica is one of the most complete enzyme formulas available, supporting digestion of proteins, fats and carbs. Superzymes by Vital Choice takes a different approach by combining enzymes with ox bile and betaine HCL. For many people, especially those who struggle with fat digestion or low stomach acid, this added support is a big plus.

Digestive enzymes aren’t a license to overeat, but they can help you enjoy the season more comfortably. Stop in and we’ll help you find the formula that best fits your needs.

Advanced Support for Blood Sugar

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 21:14:14 GMT

If you’re watching your blood sugar, there are natural ways to help keep it in check—without feeling deprived.

Did you know nearly one in three American adults has prediabetes, and most don’t know it? That’s a concern, because consistently elevated blood sugar doesn’t just raise the risk of type 2 diabetes. It’s also linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and memory problems later in life.

The good news is there are natural ways to support healthier blood sugar balance. While diet and lifestyle play an important role, in my personal experience supplements can also have a significant effect.

When my A1C recently crept into the prediabetic range, the product I turned to was Advanced Blood Sugar Support. What makes it stand out is the way it combines four clinically studied ingredients, each targeting a different part of glucose metabolism.

Chromax Chromium Picolinate is backed by decades of research showing benefits for glucose metabolism, insulin function, appetite control, and healthy weight. Berberine works by activating an enzyme called AMPK, which helps lower fasting glucose and improve insulin sensitivity while also offering cardiovascular support. Alpha lipoic acid supports blood sugar and insulin function and is especially important for nerve function. Finally, CinSulin is a concentrated cinnamon extract validated in multiple clinical trials for both effectiveness and safety.

I am glad to say that both my A1C and LDL cholesterol returned to normal after using it.

If you are concerned about blood sugar balance or have a family history of diabetes, this is one formula worth considering. Sometimes the best support comes from a combination approach, and this is one of the most comprehensive I’ve seen.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Mushrooms for Immunity Support

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:01:14 GMT

One of the most exciting areas of research in recent years is the role functional mushrooms play in supporting the body’s defenses.

As summer winds down, life seems to shift to a faster pace. The return of the school year fills buses and sidewalks, community events pick up, and many of us begin to spend more time indoors. While cooler evenings can be a welcome change, they also set the stage for the start of cold and flu season.

While no product can replace a healthy lifestyle and adequate sleep, specific supplements can offer extra support when colds and flu begin to spread. One of the most exciting areas of research in recent years is the role functional mushrooms play in supporting the body’s defenses.

A big part of their effectiveness comes from compounds called beta-glucans. These naturally occurring fibers help “train” immune cells to respond more effectively. Think of it as a gentle priming effect that keeps the immune system ready when needed, but not overactive.

Beyond this shared benefit, individual mushrooms bring their own strengths. Reishi balances immune function and reduces stress, both of which improve the body’s ability to fight illness. Maitake has been studied for its ability to stimulate immune cell activity, while Chaga is rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support immunity.

Two great options that combine these mushrooms are Organic Mushroom Immune Support by Vital Choice and MyCommunity by Host Defense. Both feature powerful immune boosters as well as additional support from Cordyceps, Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane. Adding one now can help prepare your body for the season ahead and keep you feeling your best.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Creatine for Brain Health and Energy

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:55:37 GMT

Once thought of as just a muscle-building supplement, creatine is now gaining attention for its surprising brain-boosting benefits.

If you’ve heard of creatine, chances are you associate it with muscle building or weightlifters. But over the past few years, research has shown that it might actually be one of the most overlooked tools for healthy aging, especially when it comes to brain health.

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in your muscles and nervous system. It plays a key role in producing ATP, the energy your cells use to function, especially the brain cells responsible for memory, focus and mental energy. But like so many things, as we get older or go through periods of stress, those levels can drop.

That’s where supplementation comes in.

A study published in Psychopharmacology found that adults who supplemented with creatine showed improvements in memory and cognitive processing after six weeks. Other studies suggest creatine may reduce mental fatigue, especially in older adults or those under chronic stress. Some researchers have even explored its potential to support mood and neurological health.

Two great options are Pure Creatine Monohydrate from Vital Choice and Ancient Nutrition’s Creatine + Collagen. As the name implies, Vital Choice’s creatine offers unflavored, 100% creatine monohydrate powder with nothing else added. Prefer a little flavor? Ancient Nutrition’s version combines creatine with lemon-flavored collagen and electrolytes. Both make it easy to get the recommended daily dose of 3-5 grams.

If you’re feeling mentally drained, low on energy, or just looking to stay sharp as you age, creatine may be a smart addition.

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 .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Why I Switched My Multivitamin

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:39:19 GMT

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 .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Natural help for anxious dogs

Fri, 09 May 2025 16:49:44 GMT

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 .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

BerberTrim - the power of berberine and beyond

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:48:59 GMT

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.

Help for Fatty Liver

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:54:00 GMT

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that currently affects nearly 25% of Americans and it’s on the rise. NAFLD is characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in the liver in people with little or no alcohol intake and is the most common form of chronic liver disease. In some cases it can lead to liver damage similar to that of heavy alcohol use. NAFLD is said to effect approximately one out of every three women, and two out of every five men, aged 50 and older.

One major problem is it doesn’t present obvious symptoms. While risk factors include high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, obesity, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, most people have little or no symptoms. In fact, most people don’t know they have NAFLD until a blood test shows abnormal liver enzymes and damage may already be underway.

While natural options like milk thistle and NAC are often thought of when discussing liver health, emerging research is pointing to none other than probiotics.

Studies shows a healthy microbiome, fueled by a combination of probiotics combined with a prebiotic food source, creates a physical barrier keeping unwanted compounds and toxins in the gut where they belong instead of passing through the portal vein directly into the liver.

FLORASSIST Liver Restore by Life Extension is a clinically studied daily formula that helps encourage a healthy ratio of liver-friendly gut bacteria. In clinical studies of both heavy and average weight subjects, the ingredients in Liver Restore encouraged healthy levels of liver enzymes used to measure liver health. It also helped improve measurements of C-reactive protein, a common health biomarker that is produced inside the liver. While full results were seen after 28 weeks, elevated liver enzymes were found to be back within the normal range after only seven weeks of use.

Study details fish oil risks

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 17:36:53 GMT

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal Medicine (BMJ) reported a confusing outcome. The authors found regular use of fish oil supplements by healthy individuals could increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. However, for those who already have the condition, taking fish oil supplements decreased the risk of further development and improved their health.

It’s important to note, this study was designed to report correlation, not causation. Additionally, the study had significant limitations, as it did not control for the amount, quality, or purity of the fish oil taken. Certainly, more research is needed.

However, this topic highlights a key issue: the difference between the foundational and therapeutic use of supplements. Numerous studies have shown that fish oil supplements can provide therapeutic benefits. For example, taking a high dose of isolated omega-3s from fish oil can lower triglycerides, which I call therapeutic use—using a supplement as a natural medicine.

On the other hand, there is a separate body of research that discusses the general health benefits of eating wild-caught fatty fish, like wild Alaskan salmon, three or more times per week. This is good foundational nutrition. The important question is: which do you need?

For many, the answer is foundational. In that case, my favorite product is Wholemega by New Chapter . Wholemega is different from most fish oil supplements because it is not purified or isolated. Wholemega is cold-pressed, and just like a piece of wild salmon, naturally contains 16 different essential fatty acids, vitamin D, and even astaxanthin, the powerful antioxidant that gives salmon its color. Simply put, it is the closest thing to eating wild Alaskan salmon, something I think all health experts can agree on.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Special Enzyme Unlocks Heart Health

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:29:44 GMT

In 1980, Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, MD, a researcher for the Japan Ministry of Education discovered a special enzyme found in the fermented food natto had tremendous potential to improve cardiovascular health by preventing excessive clotting and promoting smoother blood flow. He called this enzyme nattokinase.

Nattokinase works by regulating fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation. Think of fibrin as a mesh used by the body to slow down blood and help a clot to form when you cut your finger. When this system works properly, the fibrin does its job, but then is dissolved by another substance called plasmin.

When we’re young, we tend to have plenty of plasmin to dissolve the fibrin properly. However, due to normal aging as well as chronic inflammation and other conditions like hypertension and diabetes , plasmin levels decrease. The result is too much fibrin, leading to excessive clotting and slow-moving blood, increasing the risk of heart disease, thrombosis, and stroke.

What makes nattokinase so special is its ability to break down fibrin by increasing plasmin production. In a sense, turning back the hands of time, it resets the proper fibrin response, and promotes smoother blood flow through the arteries. This in turn reduces the risk of blockages that can lead to heart attacks or strokes. In addition, nattokinase may also be able to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol scores (by lowering LDL and raising HDL) and reduce inflammation.

One of the best products nattokinase products available is Natto-K from Enzymedica. Natto-K uses a patented form of nattokinase proven to increase plasmin levels.

For even greater support, Arthur Andrew’s Neprinol AFD offers unparalleled “anti-fibrin”, or fibrinolytic activity. It combines a high dose of nattokinase with serrapeptase, an enzyme used to treat inflammation.

To be effective all nattokinase products must be taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Please note, if you are currently taking a prescription blood thinning medication do not take nattokinase without first talking to your doctor.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Vital Choice on WKYC 's Good Company

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 20:00:52 GMT

Watch Co-founder Michael Ventresca's recent discussion on WKYC's Good Company, shedding light on Vital Choice Health Store's crucial role as a community resource alongside hosts Joe and Terry.

ALGAE CALCIUM FOR STRONGER BONES

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 18:46:00 GMT

For years, we were told the key to strong bones was taking 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily. When studies showed that didn’t improve bone health, the updated advice was to take more.

Unfortunately, studies now show that not only does taking 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day still not ensure strong bones, but it could also lead to an increased risk of heart attack or kidney stones as the additional calcium settles in places outside bone. Today, I’d like to share what I believe is a better option for bone health—one that many of our customers report has improved their bone density.

First, to build strong bones, the body needs an absorbable form of calcium. Unfortunately, the most common forms simply aren’t very bioavailable. For example, the most common, calcium carbonate, is derived from limestone. When you take it, you are essentially eating chalk. Unlike plants, we are not built to get nutrition from rocks. Our bodies are designed to get nutrients from foods that naturally contain calcium, like green leafy vegetables.

That’s where algae-based calcium comes in. Supplements made from algae-based calcium offer significant improvement in absorption and provide a host of other naturally occurring minerals, including boron, strontium, and silica that aid in uptake and, more important, the building of healthy, stronger bones.

My favorite bone formula is Algae-Based Calcium from Vital Choice. In addition to providing algae calcium with additional minerals, it includes vitamins D3 and K2, both of which are critical to proper bone mineralization.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Berberine - Health or Hype?

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 16:49:14 GMT

Over the past few months, berberine has exploded across social media as the next weight loss miracle pill with some calling it ‘nature’s Ozempic’. While I think these weight loss claims are exaggerated, it is true that berberine has been shown to provide support for a variety of conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and yes, weight management. Today, let’s look at three of these, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight loss.

Berberine has been extensively studied for its ability to lower blood sugar in clinical trials. It appears to work in several different ways including decreasing insulin resistance (effectively making the body’s insulin more effective) and increasing glycolysis, the process of breaking down sugar in cells. According to research, when compared to common medications like metformin, berberine was as effective as drugs, but with no significant side effects.

Berberine has also been shown to help reduce blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides). Compared to statins, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for high cholesterol, berberine was found to lower total and LDL cholesterol but unlike the medications, additionally reduced triglycerides while increasing HDL.

When looking at weight loss, the benefit appears to be from activating an enzyme inside cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy levels and is found in cells throughout the body. While more studies are needed, preliminary studies show promise. One study from 2012 found that after taking berberine for 12-weeks participants lost an average of five pounds, while other studies found reductions in body weight, body mass index, and belly fat.

While I always urge caution when social media claims sound too good to be true, berberine has been shown to provide a wide variety of health benefits without major side effects and therefore, may be worth a try. One note - berberine may interfere with the absorption of some antibiotics. Also, because of its ability to lower blood glucose, it is recommended to closely monitor your blood sugar levels if you are already taking oral hypoglycemic drugs.

If you’re interested in trying berberine, one excellent option is Vital Choice’s Berberine . It provides the studied amount of 500mg of berberine HCl per capsule from sustainably grown barberry. Another great option is Enzymedica’s new Berberine Phytosome offering 9.6-times better bioavailability and Natural Factor's Berberine .

Mike Ventresca is owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton. The phone number is 440-885-9505. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Soil-based probiotics

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:38:19 GMT

Are soil-based probiotics the best option yet?

A question I’m often asked is, “What’s a good probiotic?” Given the massive number of options available on store shelves, it can be tough to decide. However, even among the best brands (and I’d like to think we have them at Vital Choice), many are fairly similar providing strains of lactic-acid bacteria (LAB) like lactobacillus acidophilus. Today, I’d like to share with you a completely different type of probiotic, and one that may just be the best option yet.

Soil-based organisms (SBOs) are bacteria naturally found in the earth; dirt to be specific. In fact, until relatively recently, before the modern hyper-hygienic times, dirt is where we got most of our probiotics.

Back in the day, we would grow our own food in nutrient dense soil, pull it from the ground and eat it, often without washing. When we did this, we fed our gut with SBOs which are far different than most of today’s LAB supplements. So, what makes SBOs so different?

Built to survive harsh environments, SBOs are heat resistant and hearty. They simply don’t need a good environment to thrive. After all, they needed to survive in the soil, with all its harsh extremes including high heat, huge swings in humidity, pathogens and UV light. Because of their natural protection, SBOs survive the journey through the stomach far better and with the help of far fewer colony-forming units (CFUs) than lactobacillus-based supplements. Once in the gut, SBOs have been shown to provide both direct benefit as well as nourish and awaken the bacteria already present in the gut.

Clinical research shows soil-based organisms help support gut repair, reduce inflammation, support immune health and normalize bowel movements. While they are a great choice for anyone looking to improve gut health, they appear especially useful for those suffering with IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.

Ancient Nutrition offers a complete line of SBOs . Their latest innovation is SBO Probiotics Trinity, which is quite possibly the most complete SBO probiotic I’ve seen providing patented and clinically studied soil-based strains, along with prebiotics, parabiotics and postbiotics. is SBO Probiotics Trinity can taken any time of day, with or without food, and never requires refrigeration.

One final note – if you are happy with your probiotic supplement, my advice is to stick with it. There is valid research supporting the use of LABs. However, if you’ve taken probiotics in the past and have never found much benefit, or if you have significant gut health challenges like those listed above, I urge you to give a SBO probiotic a try.

Building Better Hair

Tue, 23 May 2023 21:20:34 GMT

By Cheryl Myers - This article originally appeared on TasteForLife.com.

It has been my observation that even people with fantastic hair want better hair. Wanting your hair to look nice is not all vanity—the appearance of your hair is psychologically and sociologically important.

Hair not only keeps our scalp warm, it has been used since prehistoric ages to attract mates. Thick, lustrous hair is a sign of good nutrition and health, and both men and women are wired to be attracted to external signs of fertility.

Through the ages, hair has been a fashion accessory that is worn every day. Hair styles are used to denote holiness, like the Catholic monk’s shaven tonsure, or the snail-shell curls of Buddha.

Hair can make a political statement and proclaim membership in the tribe. So while one can live easily and attractively with little to no hair, most people are quite concerned about their hair quality and quantity.

Hair Loss: Men vs. Women

Men experience more hair loss than women, and partial to complete baldness is more socially accepted. Baldness can be celebrated and admired—think Patrick Stewart, Duane “The Rock” Johnson, and Terry Crews. In fact, we expect some hair loss as men age because of genes related to male pattern baldness. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for this problem.

Women, on the other hand, are not expected to become partially or completely bald. And while women experience hair loss with age and hormonal changes, it is most generally an all-over hair loss and not in a single pattern. While women can certainly be bald and beautiful, many are seeking interventions to reduce or reverse their loss of hair.

Hormonal Changes, Stress & Hair Loss

According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), the two most common causes of female hair loss are hormonal changes and nutrition/stress. As women age and estrogen production decreases, testosterone exerts a greater influence. One of testosterone’s metabolites can contribute to hair loss.

Also, thyroid hormones are crucial for healthy hair growth and quality. In women experiencing sub-optimal thyroid function, one of the first observed signs is hair dryness and hair loss. Unfortunately, without interventions, these hormonal difficulties usually do not return to a normal pattern of hair growth on their own.

Physical and psychological stress can greatly increase hair loss. For example, when you experience the birth of a child, malnutrition, severe infection, major surgery, or extreme stress, it can shift up to 90 percent of the hair from the growing phase to the shedding phase. Huge amounts of hair loss can occur 6 to 12 weeks after the event.

The good news is that if the problems are resolved, hair growth may return to normal.

Fortunately, there are interventions to help with female hair loss. However, it is important to visit your healthcare practitioner to make sure there is no underlying health concern that is causing or contributing to hair loss.

Iodine, Iron & Hair Health

From a nutrient perspective, iodine can be useful if the problem is sub-optimal thyroid function. Many integrative doctors are using between 12.5 and 30 milligrams (mg) of iodine to increase thyroid hormone production, which in turn can reduce hair thinning. Experts recommend a blend of more than one kind of iodine for better absorption and utilization, such as a mix of potassium iodide, molecular iodine, and sodium iodide.

Making sure you are getting proper amounts of the mineral iron can influence the health of your hair. In fact, a review article published in May 2006 highlighted the role iron plays in healthy hair: "We believe that treatment for hair loss is enhanced when iron deficiency, with or without anemia, is treated," Leonid Trost, MD; Wilma Fowler Bergfeld, MD; and Ellen Calogeras, RD, MPH, write in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Healthier Hair with Plant Silica

Silica is a very powerful mineral for healthy hair. There isn’t very much silica in our highly refined diets anymore, so supplementing with this mineral makes sense.

Silica increases collagen production in the body and collagen is a critical component of hair, nails, and skin. Silica’s impact is much more powerful than hair alone, extending to increasing bone strength and perhaps even helping to prevent dementia because of its ability to displace aluminum in the brain.

To get the best results, use silica from a plant called horsetail, blended with marine oils to increase absorption. There are synthetic silicas on the market as well, usually orthosilicic acid. The daily dose is 20 mg a day, but you can take up to 60 mg a day if you feel you need intensive support for your hair.

Silica will make your hair shaft thicker and stronger, and this increase in hair shaft size can cause your hair to appear thicker and have better scalp coverage.

Protect Your Hair with Millet Seed

Last, but certainly not least, there is an interesting millet-seed extract originally used in Europe that shows promise for protecting against hair loss and promoting the regrowth of hair.

A special plant compound in millet seed oil called miliacin increases the amount of keratin made by cells. Keratin is an important structural component in hair, and is strongly associated with hair growth. There are excellent formulas that contain millet seed extract along with other oils (like sunflower) and vitamins and minerals to improve hair health.

There may be no perfect cure for every kind of female hair loss, but there are powerful nutritional interventions you can use to improve your hair’s health, quality, and appearance. The added benefit from using these important nutrients is that they also improve your overall health.

You will need to have patience—since new hair grows slowly, it may be two months before you start to see results. The biggest mistake women make when using nutrients to improve their hair is not allowing a long enough trial to see results.

Cheryl Myers, RN, is an integrative health nurse, author, and expert on natural medicine. She is a nationally recognized speaker who has been interviewed by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Prevention magazine.

Selected Sources:

“ The antioxidant network of the stratum corneum ” by J.J. Thiele et al., Current Problems in Dermatology, 2001

“ A case-control study of Panicum miliaceum in the treatment of cancer chemotherapy-induced alopecia ” by G. Gardani et al. Minerva Medica, 2007

“ Chemoprevention of smoke-induced alopecia in mice by oral administration of L-cystine and vitamin B6 ” by F. D'Agostini et al., Journal of Dermatological Science, 3/19/07

“ Clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency ” by A.S. Prasad, Annual Review of Nutrition, 1985

“ Clinical response of alopecia, trichorrhexis nodosa, and dry, scaly skin to zinc supplementation ” by A.E. Slonim et al., Journal of Pediatrics, 1992

“ Essential fatty acid deficiency in childhood ” by H.S. Heymans, Tijdschr Kindergeneeskd, 1981

“ Human skin condition and its associations with nutrient concentrations in serum and diet ” by E. Boelsma et al., The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003

“ Immunolocalization of enzymes, binding proteins, and receptors sufficient for retinoic acid synthesis and signaling during the hair cycle ” by H.B. Everts et al., 2007; “Organization and expression of hair follicle genes” by G.E. Rogers and B.C. Powell, 1993, Journal of Investigative Dermatology

“ In search of the ‘hair cycle clock ’: a guided tour” by R. Paus et al., Differentiation, 2004

“ Physical fatty acid deficiency signs in children with ADHD symptoms ” by N. Sinn, Prostaglandins Leukotrienes & Essential Fatty Acids, 2007

“ Silicon and bone health ” by R. Jugdaohsingh, The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 2007

“ Skin signs of nutritional disorders ” by J.S. Prendiville and L.N. Manfredi, Seminars in Dermatology, 1992

“ Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: scanning electron microscopy ” by V.E. Colombo et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1990

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

D-Mannose, Cranberry, and Urinary Health

Mon, 08 May 2023 17:15:53 GMT

The pain and discomfort of a urinary tract infection are some of the most frequent medical complaints among women. The vast majority of UTIs are caused by the common bacteria E.coli. While harmless in the gut where it normally resides, E.coli can cause problems when it spreads to the opening of the urinary tract, and travels up to the bladder where it grabs hold and begins to multiply. The result is a painful UTI.

The conventional approach is to prescribe antibiotics. The problem is, as we know, antibiotics kill the bad, as well as your good bacteria in the gut. This can introduce a whole new set of issues. Thankfully, health experts are increasingly prescribing a better option.

Cranberries contain a simple sugar called D-mannose. While our bodies cannot process D-mannose (it does not affect blood sugar), E.coli love it. In fact, if you have enough D-mannose in your system, the bacteria will simply let go of the bladder wall and grab onto the D-mannose molecule. When you urinate, the E.coli, now clutching to the D-mannose, quite literally get flushed from your system without harming the good bacteria.

While drinking cranberry juice can be helpful, it often doesn’t contain enough D-mannose. To that end, my favorite product is Cranberry + D-Mannose by Vital Choice . As the name implies, this formula combines a concentrated cranberry extract with 1,000mg of D-mannose per serving. Two capsules daily are recommended for general support. For more urgent use, the recommended dose increases to two capsules up to three times per day.

How to Tame Your Zombie Cells

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 20:59:04 GMT

Strengthen Immunity and Dampen Inflammation

This article originally appeared o n TasteForLife.com.

Zombies are the stuff of legend, living dead that, depending on which movie you watch, are coming for everyone. We all have “zombie” cells in our bodies that make their presence known as we age. Zombie cells have become a popular way to describe something called cellular senescence because these cells act much like the zombies of our nightmares.

What are Zombie Cells?

Senescent cells have stopped dividing and are waiting to be removed from our body by the immune system. These cells are useful when we are young. They allow our body to put the brakes on cells that are either not working properly, are potentially cancerous, have finished a specific job (like scar formation as part of the healing process), or have reached the end of their useful life.

Senescent cells get their zombie name tag because they remain in our body in a state of suspended animation, secreting chemical messages that alert our immune system they need to be removed. When we are young, our immune system handles this job like a boss, but it falters as we age, maybe because it’s getting tired or because the increasing numbers of these cells start to overwhelm it.

Effects of Zombie Cells

Inflammation

As senescent cells start to build up, the chemical messages they are secreting cause negative effects on the cells around them. The chemical messages trigger inflammation, and these zombie cells may be the reason we see the increasing levels of inflammation that occur with older age.

Disease

Ongoing low-grade inflammation triggers processes that can lead to disease. Laboratory studies show even a few senescent cells can accelerate aging, or at least the symptoms of aging, like cancer and other diseases. Even the more aesthetic side effects of aging, including the graying of hair, worsening vision, and skin wrinkles, have been linked to cellular senescence.

Immunity

Laboratory research also suggests that a high senescent cell burden is the reason older individuals react so severely to COVID-19, and that treatment with fisetin, a natural senolytic, may improve immune response to COVID. This insight is now the subject of a clinical trial by the Mayo Clinic to see if the improved response can be replicated in humans.

Treatment for Zombie Cells

Once researchers realized having senescent cells in our body is not particularly good for us and that we have increasing levels of them as we age, they started looking for ways to remove them. Luckily for us, it turns out that killing zombie cells may be easier than knocking off those zombies of the horror story kind.

Scientists have found some simple strategies to limit the number of these cells in our body. These strategies include: regular exercise; a regular program of fasting—missing breakfast from time to time is good, missing breakfast and lunch occasionally is even better; maintaining a healthy weight (fat tissue seems to be a magnet for senescent cells); and taking cellular health supplements such as senolytic complex.

These actions can work together to help you keep your inner zombie at bay and may help reduce the risk associated with high levels of senescent cells in your body, especially as you age.

_____________________

Selected Sources:

“Fisetin for COVID-19 in skilled nursing facilities: Senolytic trials in the COVID era” by B.P. Verdoorn et al., Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 8/10/21

“Senescence and cancer: A review of clinical implications of senescence and senotherapies” by L. Wyld et al., Cancers, 7/31/20

“Senescence in health and disease” by S. He and N.E. Sharpless, Cell, 6/1/17

“Senolytics reduce coronavirus-related mortality in old mice” by C.D. Camell et al., Science, 7/16/21

Ancient herb for modern stress

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:21:16 GMT

More than 5,000 years ago, a holistic approach to medicine known as Ayurveda originated in India. Today, one of the essential herbs of this ancient form of medicine is the subject of an ever increasing body of research demonstrating its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, support blood sugar levels, manage inflammation, and more.

The herb ashwagandha (pronounced aash·wuh·gaan·duh) is classified as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help the body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and support overall well-being.

Multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have found ashwagandha to be associated with reductions in both subjective and objective measures in chronically stressed adults. This means participants taking ashwagandha reported less perceived stress (subjective) than those taking a placebo, as well as reductions in objective measures including morning cortisol (the main stress hormone), c-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation), pulse rate, and blood pressure. In addition, early evidence suggests the benefits of ashwagandha may reach far beyond reducing cortisol and reducing stress.

A meta-analysis published in 2020 found ashwagandha significantly reduced blood sugar, A1c levels, insulin, blood lipids, and oxidative stress markers.

Studies published in 2020 and 2021 found it may increase athletic performance by increasing VO2 max, the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during intense activity. While still other studies suggest it may help boost testosterone and increase fertility in men.

When shopping for ashwagandha be sure to look for high quality, reputable brands to ensure safety and efficacy. We carry a variety with some of my favorites being Garden of Life , Natural Factors , and our Vital Choice brand .

References:

Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019 Dec 25;11(12):e6466. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6466. PMID: 32021735; PMCID: PMC6979308.

Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17186. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017186. PMID: 31517876; PMCID: PMC6750292.

Pérez-Gómez J, Villafaina S, Adsuar JC, Merellano-Navarro E, Collado-Mateo D. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO2max: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 17;12(4):1119. doi: 10.3390/nu12041119. PMID: 32316411; PMCID: PMC7230697.

Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. 2019 Mar-Apr;13(2):1557988319835985. doi: 10.1177/1557988319835985. PMID: 30854916; PMCID: PMC6438434.

Holistic Heart Health

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:46:14 GMT

This article originally appeared on TasteForLife.com.

Cardiovascular disease is an enormous health problem throughout the industrialized world. In the United States, approximately 80 million people suffer from some form of this condition.

“In nearly every year for which we have records, heart disease has been the number one cause of death in the United States,” says nutritionist Gary Null, PhD.

It’s no wonder: “Overall, there are 247 risk factors that can damage the heart,” explains complementary physician David Steenblock, DO.

With the nature of the risks running the gamut from anything that injures the lining of the blood vessels (such as air pollution, food additives, gasoline fumes, or tobacco) and clogged arteries to family medical history and obesity, it’s easy to see why cardiovascular disease is so pervasive.

Key Approaches to Heart Health

Manage your Blood Pressure

More than 73 million Americans have high blood pressure (hypertension), which can put great stress on the heart.

“Even a slight elevation in blood pressure is enough to raise the risk of heart disease,” says integrative physician Michael Janson, MD, former president of the American Preventive Medical Association.

Hypertension can occur at any age, though African-Americans, middle-aged and older people, and anyone with Type 2 diabetes, gout, obesity, or kidney disease are most likely to be affected.

Because high blood pressure is a “silent disease,” with few obvious symptoms, check your pressure regularly and aim for readings under 120 (systolic—the top number) and under 80 (diastolic—the bottom number). A reading of 140/90 or above marks hypertension.

For many people, reducing salt intake can lower blood pressure, as does weight loss. Avoiding alcohol and reducing consumption of caffeine and sugar can also help.

“Increased levels of minerals such as potassium and magnesium ” fight hypertension, writes Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, in The Magnesium Miracle.

Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, MD, FACC, FACN, CNS, also recommends taking coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as “the bellwether of any natural hypertensive lowering regime.”

Other useful supplements include garlic, hawthorn, L-arginine, lecithin, medicinal mushrooms ( maitake , reishi , and shiitake ) , and B-complex vitamins.

Dr. Null also recommends vitamins C and B6, omega-3 fish oil, and L-glutamine, adding that “green vegetable juices are natural blood thinners.”

Control your Cholesterol

Once again, lifestyle (particularly a vegetarian diet and regular exercise) plays an important role.

The American Heart Association recommends particular levels for the different forms of these blood fats, but research, in fact, shows that it is the ratio of LDL to HDL that is a better predictor of heart attack risk than total cholesterol, according to Dr. Sinatra .

For example, a ratio of 5:1 or greater LDL (lousy) cholesterol to HDL (healthy) cholesterol is associated with a greater risk of heart attack than a ratio below 5:1.

“Since low levels of HDL are a serious risk factor for coronary disease,” he adds, raising “good” cholesterol “to respectable levels definitely will reduce your cardiac risk.”

L-carnitine has been shown to raise HDL levels, and taken in combination with CoQ10, D-ribose, and magnesium, it has been a “terrific nutritional support in [Dr. Sinatra’s] practice of cardiology.”

All of these supplements, he adds, are “safe and efficacious.”

Mainstream medicine’s treatment of choice, cholesterol-lowering statins, can cause profound metabolic shifts in some people, resulting in muscle discomfort. Among other adverse effects, these drugs also deplete the body’s levels of CoQ10, an antioxidant coenzyme that inhibits LDL oxidation, improves circulation, potentially prevents clot formation, and appears to protect against a range of cardiovascular problems such as aortic valve disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease.

Anyone at risk for heart disease should take CoQ10, and it’s a must if you’re taking statins. Other supplements help lower cholesterol too.

Magnesium acts like a natural statin, Dr. Dean says, lowering LDL and raising HDL levels.

In addition, enzymes dependent on this important mineral help convert essential fatty acids to prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that are vital for heart health. Based on the findings of four controlled trials, New Orleans researchers recently recommended an intake of at least 500 milligrams (mg) per day of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) for healthy individuals, and up to 1,000 mg daily for those with coronary heart disease and heart failure.

A randomized clinical trial at UCLA found that aged garlic ( along with B vitamins, folic acid, and L-arginine ) fights oxidation, retarding the progress of heart disease.

One study shows that drinking green tea modulates cholesterol metabolism and lowers LDL oxidation.

Alleviate Depression

Increasingly, research bears out the mind/body connection, and, what’s more, “Depression is not limited to the mind,” says homeopathic practitioner Michele Galante, MD.

Depression has been linked to both high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Even in young adults with no symptoms of heart disease, depression appears to produce a thickening of cardiovascular tissue, a risk factor for heart disease.

Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency has been found to be a preventable cause of both depression and heart disease. Because many people with mood disorders are found to be low in magnesium , supplement with that mineral as well.

Dr. Null recommends SAMe (S-adenosyl-l-methionine) and L-carnitine.

Selected Sources:

“Aged Garlic Extract Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients with Treated but Uncontrolled Hypertension . . .” by K. Ried et al., Maturitas, 10/10

“AHA Adds Fiber & Omega-3 to Triglyceride Management Recommendations,” 5/3/11; “Krill Oil Shows Heart Health Benefits in Humans . . .” by Stephen Daniells, 12/19/13, www.nutraingredients-usa.com

“Membrane Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency as a Preventable Risk Factor for Comorbid Coronary Heart Disease . . .” by R.K. McNamara, Cardiovasc Psychiatry Neurol, 9/16/09

“Plasma and Dietary Magnesium and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Women” by S.E. Chiuve et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2/11

“Role of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in Cardiac Disease, Hypertension, and Meniere-like Syndrome” by A. Kumar et al., Pharmacol Ther, 12/09

“Role of Dietary Magnesium in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention . . .” by S. Bo and E. Pisu, Curr Opin Lipidol,& 2/08

The Sinatra Solution, Metabolic Cardiology by Stephen Sinatra, MD ($18.95, Basic Health, 2011)

“A Study of the Comparative Effects of Hawthorn Fruit Compound . . . on Lowering Blood Lipid Levels” by H. Xu et al., Am J Chin Med, 2009

“Supplement Smarts of Cholesterol and Triglycerides,” www.WebMD.com

“What You Can Do to Lower Your Triglycerides,” www.umassmed.edu

Better Blood Pressure with Nitric Oxide

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 17:41:22 GMT

In 1998, a Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of nitric oxide (NO), a gas produced in the body that can regulate immune, bone, brain, lungs and heart activity. Since 1998, nitric oxide (not to be confused with nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas) has been the subject of more than 140,000 research articles making it one of the most studied molecules to date. Today, I’d like to focus on one of the major ways nitric oxide enhances health called vasodilation, as well as share how I think it’s helped me.

Vasodilation is the relaxing and expanding of blood vessels. When blood vessels relax and expand, your blood flows more effectively. This can bring a whole host of benefits including reduced blood pressure and risk of heart disease, better athletic performance and improved sexual function.

The body uses three compounds to produce nitric oxide: nitrates (found in vegetables like beets, arugula and some fruits), and the amino acids l-arginine and l-citrulline (found in meat, dairy and fruits).

A quick word on beet supplements - if you’re using a beet supplement to increase your nitric oxide, be sure to look for the amount of nitrates on the label. While beets can be a good source of nitrates, the amount of nitrates, and thus results, can vary widely.

My favorite product and the one I take daily is called M3 Ultimate Nitric Oxide Nutrition from Bionox. This comprehensive formula mixes easily in water and provides a combined 7grams of l-arginine and l-citrulline, with a potent blend of beets and other vegetables, fruits and herbs, to help maximize the production of NO along several different pathways. M3 also includes a good dose of vitamins D3 and K2. Personally, after taking M3 for roughly 6 weeks, I have seen a dramatic reduction in my systolic blood pressure, something I have struggled with for years.

If you’d like to learn more, please stop in today.

References:

Hermann M, Flammer A, Lüscher TF. Nitric oxide in hypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2006 Dec;8(12 Suppl 4):17-29. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-6175.2006.06032.x. PMID: 17170603; PMCID: PMC8109558.

Walsh T, Donnelly T, Lyons D. Impaired endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability: a common link between aging, hypertension, and atherogenesis? J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009 Jan;57(1):140-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.02051.x. Epub 2008 Nov 14. PMID: 19054194.

Romero MJ, Platt DH, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW. Therapeutic use of citrulline in cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2006 Fall-Winter;24(3-4):275-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3466.2006.00275.x. PMID: 17214603.

Barassi A, Corsi Romanelli MM, Pezzilli R, Damele CA, Vaccalluzzo L, Goi G, Papini N, Colpi GM, Massaccesi L, Melzi d'Eril GV. Levels of l-arginine and l-citrulline in patients with erectile dysfunction of different etiology. Andrology. 2017 Mar;5(2):256-261. doi: 10.1111/andr.12293. Epub 2017 Feb 8. PMID: 28178400.

Healing Spices

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 19:08:42 GMT

This article originally appeared on TasteForLife.com .

Powerful plant compounds in these seasonings help fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, while working to relieve pain and the discomforts associated with seasonal bouts of colds and flu.

That’s why you’ll find many of your favorite seasonings on the supplement shelf and even in personal care products.

Fresh Herbs and Spices Are More Potent

For best results, store culinary herbs and spices in airtight containers away from heat and humidity.

To be sure what’s in your spice rack is fresh, rub a little seasoning between your fingers. If the aroma is noticeably pleasant, it’s probably still fresh.

Toss any musty spices or those that smell like old grass clippings. In general, replace any seasoning after one year.

Ways to Use Herbs and Spices

Add New Ingredients to Old Recipes
For example, add a little cinnamon along with basil and oregano to your tomato dishes. Mixing spices in curries, rubs, and other traditional combinations may increase their potency. Their antioxidant activity survives even boiling for 30 minutes.
Many herbs and spices—like ginger, oregano, and thyme—help fight foodborne pathogens to prevent those annoying digestive “bugs” that no one wants to deal with.
Others, like turmeric (containing curcumin, which gives curry its yellow color), have been shown to be protective against alcohol-related liver damage.
Drink Herbal Tea
In addition to culinary uses for these healing botanicals, herbal teas are a great way to enhance your health. Try drinking two cups of antioxidant-rich herb teas daily to help slow the aging process.
Enjoy ginger, lemon balm, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint, and thyme in teas.
Make Your Own Herbal Infusions
Consider making your own herbal infusions using fresh spices like cardamom:

Lightly smash 1 ¹ ⁄ ₂ tablespoons of cardamom pods.
Put in a teapot, cover with 3 cups boiling water.
Steep for 10 minutes.

This spicy tea will kill bad breath, ease nasal congestion, and soothe an upset tummy as it relieves gas.
Try Botanical Infusions
While you’ll find herbs and spices in natural drinks, botanical infusions (also called tisanes) are also making their way onto store shelves.
Lighter in taste and gentler in their actions, these beverages make a fresh—and refreshing—way to support your health.

Popular Healing Herbs and Spices

These are some of our favorite natural remedies.

Selected Sources:

"Antibacterial activity of . . . ginger rhizome against periodontal bacteria" by M. Park et al., Phytotherapy Research

"Antidepressant activity of curcumin . . ." by S. K. Kulkarni ;et al., Psychopharmacology

"Antioxidant Activity of Selected Indian Spices" by S. Shobana and K. A. Naidu, Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2/00

"Curcumin induces ferrotosis in non-small-cell lung cancer . . ." by X. Tang et al., Thoracic Cancer, 4/21

"Curcumin Inhibits Lung Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis . . ." by H. W. Chen et al., Cancer Res, 9/15/08

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Healthy Low-Carb Diets

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:42:58 GMT

This article originally appeared on TasteForLife.com .

Diet trends come and go with some best left in the past (remember the grapefruit diet?). Today low-carb eating plans are soaring in popularity for those looking to lose weight. The Whole30, South Beach, Atkins, keto, and paleo are just a few on the scene.

A low-carb diet limits carbohydrates (fruit, grains, and starchy vegetables). The amount and type of carbs allowed depends on the diet.

Healthy Low-Carb Diets

In a healthy low-carb meal, three-quarters of the plate is filled with low-carbohydrate vegetables and the rest with 3 to 4 ounces of protein, according to David Perlmutter, MD, author of The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan ($28, Little, Brown and Company, 2016).

Low-carb vegetables include Swiss chard, bok choy, asparagus, lettuce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green beans, kale, and mushrooms. Fats are obtained from natural sources such as butter, olive oil, nuts, and seeds. High-starch veggies are avoided (beets, peas, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams) as are all forms of processed carbs, sugar, and starch.

Healthy Low-Carb Diets for Weight Loss

Eating carbs stimulates the production of insulin. This leads to fat production and retention and a reduced ability to burn fat.

When a person greatly reduces their carbohydrate intake and consumes more calories from fat, their body begins to burn stored fat as a source of energy—instead of using carbohydrates as its main fuel source.

Eventually this results in weight loss. Certain studies indicate that weight reduction also occurs because the additional protein and fat being consumed keep a person feeling fuller longer, so overeating is less common.

Other Benefits of a Healthy Low-Carb Diet

Beyond weight loss, low-carb diets are heralded for improving health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.

Control Type 1 Diabetes with a Low-Carb Diet

Through a reduced intake of carbs, the body’s insulin levels are lowered. In an online survey of an international social media group for those with Type 1 diabetes, it was found that children and adults who followed a very low-carbohydrate diet had exceptional glycemic control of their diabetes without high rates of acute complications. If confirmed by clinical trials, the results suggest that chronic complications of this disease might be prevented through diet.

Low-Carb for a Healthy Heart

Those with cardiovascular risk may also benefit from low-carb eating plans. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels may improve slightly with low-carb diets versus moderate-carb diets. Large randomized controlled trials, which monitored individuals for at least six months, showed that restricting carbs improved lipid markers better than when low-fat diets were followed.

Drawbacks of Low-Carb Diet Plans

Any diet can cause changes within the body, including low-carb plans. Some people find that constipation is common when reducing carbohydrates. Since most people get their dietary fiber from breads, pastas, and starchy vegetables, when these foods are reduced or eliminated, a person’s fiber intake can drop drastically and constipation results.

A sudden and drastic cut of carbs may also cause bad breath, muscle cramps, skin rash, fatigue, and headaches. Some low-carb diets restrict carbohydrates in such great amounts that nutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal difficulties, and bone loss may occur in the long term.

Low-carb eating plans are not recommended for children, preteens, and teens as their developing bodies need the nutrition found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Selected Sources:

“Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels...” by T. Gjuladin-Hellon et al., Nutrition Reviews, 12/13/18

The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan by David Perlmutter, MD ($28, Little, Brown and Company, 2016)

“Management of Type 1 diabetes with a very low-carbohydrate diet” by B.S. Lennerz et al., American Academy of Pediatrics, 5/18

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Fighting Diabetes Naturally

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:58:42 GMT

This article originally appeared on TasteForLife.com.

Prevalence of Diabetes

More than 30.3 million individuals currently live with a diabetes diagnosis—with about 95 percent of them having Type 2, says Lucille Hughes, director of diabetes education at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside, NY.

Diabetes on The Rise

“Type 2 diabetes actually used to be extremely rare,” shares Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of the book Diabetes Is Optional (To Your Health Books, 2018).

The numbers started to skyrocket as a result of modern eating habits—culminating in the alarming fact that one-third of people will now develop Type 2 diabetes and its precursor, metabolic syndrome (which is the combination of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and hypertension), in their lifetime, he adds.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Managing Diabetes Naturally

Diet and Lifestyle

Dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments can go far in managing and even reversing Type 2 diabetes.

“Proper meal planning along with physical activity has been proven to improve health and glucose control,” notes Hughes.

Even better? The combination of meals planned with diabetes in mind and incorporation of exercise leads to weight loss, which itself almost always allows for a decrease in reliance on diabetes medications.

That, of course, comes as “a welcome benefit, both financially and emotionally, for any person living with diabetes,” says Hughes.

Diabetes-Friendly Eating

Ready for some of the nitty-gritty details of a diabetes-friendly meal plan? Hughes offers three key tips to follow:

Monitor Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates boost blood glucose levels (which is not a good thing), so keep this number low.
No Late-Night Snacking
Limiting eating after dinner helps many people manage both their diabetes and their medication regime.
Eat Frequently
Don’t skip meals or go more than four hours without eating. Regular eating of small amounts helps maintain good glucose control.

Supplement Support

Vitamin D for Glucose Tolerance

Vitamin D should be on your radar.

There’s a solid body of research showing vitamin D improves glucose tolerance. This is because the body makes more insulin and responds better to circulating insulin when there’s enough vitamin D.

After two months of daily supplementation with 4,500 IU of vitamin D by people with Type 2 diabetes, researchers documented a significant drop in fasting blood glucose.

Chromium to Regulate Blood Sugar

The mineral chromium helps your body regulate blood sugar levels. It is part of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which plays a role in helping insulin bring blood sugar into each body cell.

People without diabetes generally show higher blood levels of chromium than those with this disease.

Those who supplement with chromium (for example, by taking a multivitamin/mineral that includes chromium) are less likely to have diabetes.

Even more heartening? Those who already have diabetes but who start taking 600 micrograms of chromium picolinate daily improve their blood sugar control.

Hintonia latiflora

Dr. Teitelbaum’s favorite herbal treatment for diabetes is an herb called Hintonia latiflora . This herb, which is sometimes found under the name Sucontral D , comes backed by a growing body of research.

Blood Sugar Regulation

The herb delays the release of sugar into the bloodstream and keeps glucose levels low instead of allowing them to spike—a main cause of excessive insulin release, he explains.

Another benefit of Hintonia latiflora relates to reducing insulin resistance and inflammation.

But the greatest benefit, Dr. Teitelbaum contends, is the herb’s ability to “help maintain steady blood glucose levels throughout the day and night, thus contributing to long-term improvements in glucose control.”

Glycosylated Hemoglobin

In addition, studies show that Hintonia latiflora decreases glycosylated hemoglobin, which is just a complicated way of describing red blood cells combined with glucose.

When glycosylated hemoglobin goes up, it’s a sign that diabetes is poorly controlled. A lower glycosylated hemoglobin number means better diabetes control and better overall health.

Supplementing with Hintonia latiflora could bring glycosylated hemoglobin down by nearly 1 percent, which Dr. Teitelbaum says, is “often enough to make the diabetes go away.”

Conclusion

“Our modern diet, high in sugar and low in fiber, is the fast lane to a diabetes epidemic,” says Dr. Teitelbaum.

What can you do to prevent Type 2 diabetes or work to make it go away if you have it?

Lose Weight - Research shows that with adequate weight loss, 86 percent of diabetes cases can be eliminated.
Exercise - Walk daily in the sunshine or find another exercise you love—preferably outdoors.
Reduce Carbs - Decrease sugar and white flour but increase fiber. A ketogenic diet may be helpful. Consult with your healthcare practitioner.
Supplement - Take a good multivitamin high in magnesium and vitamin D.
Eat Nuts - Eat a half-cup of nuts daily to lower blood glucose.

Selected Sources:

“Beneficial effects of oral chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical study” by A.N. Paiva et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 2015

“The effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profile in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus” by M. Mohamad et al., Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 9/15

Personal communication: Lucille Hughes; Jacob Teitelbaum

“Risk of Type 2 diabetes is lower in US adults taking chromium-containing supplements” by D.J. McIver et al., Journal of Nutrition, 12/15

“The role of chromium III in the organism and its possible use in diabetes and obesity treatment” by S. Lewicki et al., Annals of Agriculture and Environmental Medicine

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Brain Boosters

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 21:31:49 GMT

This article originally appeared on TasteForLife.com .

Everyone wants a sharp mind—from college students who want better focus to older adults concerned about age-related memory problems.

It’s not uncommon to experience a little brain fog now and again. The culprit is often elevated levels of cortisol. This stress hormone can, over time, damage the brain’s memory center, called the hippocampus, says Holly Lucille, ND, nutritionist and author of Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Woman's Guide to Safe Natural Hormone Health .

Nutrients to Support Your Brain

• Vitamin C for Endurance

Since stress is such a brain drainer, supporting your adrenal glands—the source of stress hormones—can indirectly clear up your thinking. The key nutrient is vitamin C. “During stress, the adrenal glands stockpile this antioxidant to protect against free-radical damage. However, ongoing stress depletes this vital nutrient from the adrenal glands,” Dr. Lucille says. She recommends at least 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) per day of vitamin C for anyone concerned with managing stress and preserving clear thinking.

• L-tyrosine to Respond to Stress

Another of Dr. Lucille’s favorite ways to perk up the mind is supplementing with L-tyrosine. This amino acid helps both mind and body respond to stressful situations. While it is found in cheese and yogurt, she recommends supplementing with 450 mg of L-tyrosine twice a day.

• Chocolate for Cognition

Chocolate offers a tasty way to keep your brain sharp. Cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, is packed with brain-healthy antioxidants called flavonoids. Dark chocolate contains the highest levels of these brain-boosters Studies show that people who regularly eat dark chocolate or drink cocoa rich in flavanol have more blood flowing through their brains in both the short term and long term. Researchers believe that this could benefit overall cognition.

• Omega 3 for Improved Memory & More

It turns out that “fathead” should be considered a compliment, not an insult. The human brain is made up of a significant amount of fat, which it needs to run properly. Supplementing with the right fats helps make sure everything keeps humming along. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute a lot to the brain, such as providing nutrients critical for the structure and function of brain cells. Research indicates that regular consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA results in improved cognition and better memory. If you don’t eat fish several times a week, consider taking 500 to 1,000 mg of an omega-3 supplement each day.

Selected Sources:

" Cerebral Blood Flow Response to Flavanol-Rich Cocoa in Healthy Elderly Humans " by F. A. Sorond et al., Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat

" Consumption of Cocoa Flavanols Results in an Acute Improvement in Visual and Cognitive Functions " by D. T. Field et al., Physiol Behav

" Could Hot Cocoa Improve Brainpower in Seniors?" by F. Sorond et al.; “Red Blood Cell Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels and Markers of Accelerated Brain Aging ” by Z. S. Tan et al., Neurology

“ Docosahexaenoic Acid–Rich Rish Oil Modulates the Cerebral Hemodynamic Response to Cognitive Tasks in Healthy Young Adults ” by P. A. Jackson et al., Biol Psychol

Personal communication : Holly Lucille, ND, RN

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The perfect pair - D3 and K2

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 20:40:30 GMT

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If we were to put together a list of perfect pairs, it wouldn’t take long to come up with classic examples like peanut butter and jelly or spaghetti and meatballs. Today, I want to add one to the list that is not nearly as well known, but if you care about your health, it should be. What is this instant classic? The perfect pair of vitamins D3 and K2.

While each of these nutrients have demonstrated significant benefit to bone and heart health separately, a growing body of research shows there is a synergy when the two are taken together. In other words, for D3 and K2, 1+1 = 3.

First, let’s take a look at vitamin D.

While most of us think of vitamin D as a supplement, vitamin D is actually a hormone made in the body when exposed to sunlight as well as a nutrient we get in our diet. It’s fat-soluble (which means it is stored in the body) and has been long-known to help with building strong bones. In addition, vitamin D plays a critical role in immune health helping to both fight the common cold as well as reduce cancer cell growth.

When supplementing with vitamin D, the form to look for is called D3, or cholecalciferol as it is far more bioavailable than the D2 (ergoalciferol) form. While most vitamin D3 supplements are manufactured from lanolin (from sheep’s wool), over the last several years multiple vegetarian sources have been developed from every from lichen to algae, so now even those living a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle can use the preferred D3 form. Browse vitamin D3 options here.

Now let’s look at K2.

Over the past few years, vitamin K has exploded in popularity. There are actually two kinds of vitamin K, K1 and K2. K1 is primarily found in green leafy vegetables and is not very well absorbed. K2, which is well absorbed, is largely found in fermented foods like cheese, sauerkraut and natto. There is also a small amount in egg yolks and organ meats.

Research shows vitamin K2 is absolutely crucial for calcium absorption and plays a key role in the production of new bone. First, vitamin K2 has been linked to cells called osteoblasts, that produce or “lay down” new bone. Second, vitamin K2 helps produce a protein that acts as a glue helping to incorporate calcium into the bones. But wait…there’s more!

Studies have also shown there are specific heart health benefits to the K2, including the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Vitamin K2 helps prevent atherosclerosis by activating a special protein called MPG that inhibits vascular calcification. By keeping excess calcium out, K2 helps support the health and elasticity of arterial walls. In fact, according to the well-known Dutch Rotterdam Study, participants with the highest intake of K2 had a 57% lower risk of dying from heart disease. They also had a 26% reduction in risk of dying from any cause, and a 52% lower risk of severe aortic calcification.

I like to imagine vitamin K2 like a traffic cop, directing calcium out of the arteries (enhancing heart health) and into the bones (enhancing bone health).

While the government has not established a recommended daily intake for K2, many health experts are advocating for one to be established. This is especially important when you consider it is estimated that 97% of Americans fall well short of the levels shown to be so beneficial in the Rotterdam study.

Supplementing with vitamin K2 can get a little confusing because even among K2, there are different forms. The most popular in supplements are called MK-7 and MK-4. While both forms provide benefit, most studies show the MK-7 form to be the most bioavailable and thus more powerful per milligram.

While there are a variety of nice products available, one product I like is our own Vital Choice Vitamin K2 . Vital Choice health Store’s K2 product uses a patented form of K2 called MenaquinGold™ (as menaquinone-7 or MK-7), shown to be the most bioavailable form of K2 as it is derived from all-natural food source.

1+1=3

Finally, let’s talk synergy. If you have a heart and if you have bones, you should really consider supplementing with both vitamins D3 and K2. Okay, while this statement is meant to be a bit humorous, the truth is these supplements provide significant health benefits when taken alone, but even more when taken together. In fact, while we know vitamin K2 can inhibit calcium from entering arteries, a recent study found when K2 (as MK-7) and D3 were taken together, arterial calcification wasn’t just inhibited, existing calcification was reduced!

While you can take your D3 and K2 separately, there are an increasing number of options for those wishing to take them in one product. In fact, these days you can find every form imaginable – capsules and tables, liquids and even gummies .

References

Back to School Immune Support

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 22:30:36 GMT

As students head back to school, you can count on immune challenges almost as much as you can report cards. In addition to building a solid immune foundation with probiotics and vitamin D-3, Mother Nature has provided a variety of scientifically validated options when the need arises. In this article, we’ll focus on two of the most universally beneficial options.

Elderberry

Elderberry has long been used to support immune and respiratory challenges. According to studies, one of the ways elderberry works is by interrupting viral replication. Unlike bacteria, viruses don’t reproduce on their own, but need to enter healthy host cells to multiply. The naturally occurring plant chemicals in elderberry have been shown to inhibit this process by interrupting a virus’ ability to enter a healthy cell. This interruption allows immune cells to more quickly react and target the virus. The end result can be shorter duration and severity of illness.

Elderberry can be taken as needed or as a daily prevention strategy. As with all herbs, it’s very important to ensure you are getting a potent product. Like buying any fruit or vegetable, the quality and care of the ingredients determine the potency. After all, a rotten apple scooped up off the ground is still an apple, even though we all know the better option is one picked from an organic tree when perfectly ripened. Some of my favorite brands of elderberry products are from New Chapter , Gaia Herbs and of course, our own Vital Choice Health Store brand .

Functional mushrooms

Over the last several years, many people have become much more familiar with functional, or medicinal, mushrooms. While you may have just begun to hear of them, these nutritional superheroes have been helping adults and children stay healthy for centuries. In fact, functional mushrooms are believed to have approximately 125 therapeutic effects, including immunomodulating, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial, to name a few. Some of the most powerful immune supporting mushrooms include maitake, reishi, turkey tail, and chaga.

Like elderberry, functional mushrooms can be taken daily to support a healthy immune response or as needed to combat a specific challenge. You can find functional mushrooms as capsules and liquid extracts and even as instant beverages. Because mushrooms will incorporate whatever they are grown on, be sure to look for organic options whenever possible.

Some of our most popular products include Stamets 7 and MyCommunity from Host Defense as well as Mushroom Immune from Vital Choice .

If you’re looking for something beyond the usual capsule or liquid extracts (which can be a problem for younger children), Host Defense now offers MycoBrews – instant hot cocoa and coffee products with added organic functional mushrooms. These can be mixed instantly with water, milk or milk-substitute to create a tasty nutritious treat.

Of course, Mother Nature has far more than elderberry and mushrooms in her immune health toolkit. To discuss other options like echinacea, oregano, umcka, vitamin C, and more please stop into Vital Choice Health Store.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References:

Krawitz C, Mraheil MA, Stein M, Imirzalioglu C, Domann E, Pleschka S, Hain T. Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Feb 25;11:16. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-16. PMID: 21352539; PMCID: PMC3056848.

Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014 Feb;13(1):32-44. PMID: 26770080; PMCID: PMC4684115.

Back to School - Sleep Support

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 22:00:14 GMT

There is perhaps no habit more healthful then getting a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, a new school year can sometimes can make this difficult.

Some of the most popular and time-tested options for sleep include herbal support from valerian and passionflower, magnesium and melatonin.

Herbal Support

Valerian and passionflower are two herbs often used for relaxation and sleep. Valerian can be consumed as a tea but is not my first choice for younger students as it has a pretty strong odor and flavor. If you think taste may be an issue, an liquid or capsule is probably a better place to start. Valerian Super Calm from Herbs for Kids is a popular liquid extract with dosage for children of all ages. For older students who can swallow pills, Vital Choice Valerian vegicaps is a great option. If you’d like to avoid valerian, WishGarden’s Sleepy Night for Kids combines time tested passionflower and skullcap with other calming herbs.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a popular option for relaxing, especially before bed. While it’s used in over 300 different processes, magnesium has recently gained attention for its ability to reduce stress as well as the ability to promote a deeper and more resultful sleep.

Because magnesium can have a laxative effect, it’s important to take the proper forms. Look for magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate. These forms are well absorbed and easy on the stomach. When possible, avoid larger doses of magnesium oxide, as this form is not well absorbed and will often produce a laxative effect.

A few good options for students include Garden of Life Magnesium Gummies and MegaFood’s Magnesium Soft Chews . You can also find products like Natural Calm that offers magnesium that can be mixed into warm water to make a tea.

Melatonin

When the sleep-wake pattern is disturbed, supplementing with melatonin can be a great way to get back on track. Melatonin is a hormone-like substance produced in the brain and released in the evening telling the body that it’s time to sleep.

There is strong scientific evidence that melatonin can shorten the time to fall asleep in children with insomnia, including children with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies often show that supplementing with melatonin does not appear to suppress normal production.

According to the Sleep Foundation, doctors often use the following dosage levels:

Preschool-age: 1 to 2 milligrams
School-age: 2 to 3 milligrams
Adolescents: 5 milligrams

Blue light and melatonin

You have probably heard about blue light – the short wavelength light from tablets, e-readers smartphones and many TVs. Numerous studies have shown this form of light can disrupt sleep if used within an hour of bedtime. A major reason for this is because blue light has been shown to suppress melatonin production more than any other form of light. Essentially, it’s telling your brain that it’s still daytime and thus, melatonin is not released like it should be.

In addition to melatonin in tablet and liquid form from Vital Choice brand, MegaFood’s Melatonin Gummies are a nice option. Finally, Mommy’s Bliss Kids Sleep Chewable Tablets is a nice all-in-one option for kids 3 and up. It provides magnesium, melatonin and supportive herbs in one product. For older students, I like Vital Choice’s Sleep with Valerian & Melatonin .

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

Gromball J, Beschorner F, Wantzen C, Paulsen U, Burkart M. Hyperactivity, concentration difficulties and impulsiveness improve during seven weeks' treatment with valerian root and lemon balm extracts in primary school children. Phytomedicine. 2014 Jul-Aug;21(8-9):1098-103. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2014.04.004. Epub 2014 May 15. PMID: 24837472.

Boyle, N.B.; Lawton, C.; Dye, L. The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress—A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2017, 9, 429. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9050429

Janjua I, Goldman RD. Sleep-related melatonin use in healthy children. Can Fam Physician. 2016 Apr;62(4):315-7. PMID: 27076541; PMCID: PMC4830653.

Summer, J. (2022, June 3). Melatonin dosage for kids. Sleep Foundation. Retrieved August 18, 2022, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/melatonin-dosage-for-kids

Back to School Basics - Omega-3s

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 19:59:28 GMT

Essential fatty acids are essential to your child’s health – brain health, digestive health, eye health, heart health, joint health, and immune health. We tend to focus on two types - omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, although it should be noted there are more. While both omega-3 and omega-6 are essential, Americans are far more likely to be under consuming omega-3 fatty acids – so for this guide, we’ll focus there.

The essential in essential fatty acid means they must be consumed in the diet as the body cannot manufacture them. The problem is most Americans are far under consuming omega-3s.

Omega-3s can be found in both vegetarian (walnuts, hemp seeds, and chia seeds) and animal sources (fish and some grass-fed meat). Health experts agree that getting your omega-3s directly from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are preferred because those foods provide the omegas in specific forms called DHA and EPA. These are the most ‘body ready’ forms. Consuming vegetarian sources is still great but does require a conversion process that often results in less than optimal performance.

According to studies, the DHA and EPA forms of omega-3 fatty acids appear to improve brain function and mood in children — in particular, learning, memory, and brain development. Research also shows DHA and EPA may be able to benefit those with ADHD.

Due to the beneficial support omega-3 fatty acids provide throughout the body, ensuring adequate omega-3s in the diet may be the most important foundational support for your student regardless of age.

Eating fatty fish like wild-caught salmon three to five times each week, and/or snacking on walnuts and chia seeds is a great way to ensure adequate omega-3 levels. For most, however, a more consistent option is a supplement.

The good news here is there are numerous options available from softgels to liquids to gummies. The key to finding a good supplement is ensuring purity and processing standards. After all, an oil loaded with heavy metals or one that is so highly processed that the fatty acids have been damaged is of no use. Some of the best options include:

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega and Child DHA, New Chapter’s Wholemega , Barleans Seriously Delicious Omega-3 and Vital Choice’s Ultra Omega-3 . There is also great news for those that prefer a vegetarian option. You can now get vegan omega-3 DHA and EPA derived from Algae. Nordic Naturals Algae Omega is one of our best options here.

Next up – Basic Support #2 – Probiotics (coming soon)

References:

DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH. The Importance of Marine Omega-3s for Brain Development and the Prevention and Treatment of Behavior, Mood, and Other Brain Disorders. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 4;12(8):2333. doi: 10.3390/nu12082333. PMID: 32759851; PMCID: PMC7468918.

Grosso G, Galvano F, Marventano S, Malaguarnera M, Bucolo C, Drago F, Caraci F. Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:313570. doi: 10.1155/2014/313570. Epub 2014 Mar 18. PMID: 24757497; PMCID: PMC3976923.

Lin PY, Su KP. A meta-analytic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids. J Clin Psychiatry. 2007 Jul;68(7):1056-61. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v68n0712. PMID: 17685742.

Giacobini M, Medin E, Ahnemark E, Russo LJ, Carlqvist P. Prevalence, Patient Characteristics, and Pharmacological Treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults Diagnosed With ADHD in Sweden. J Atten Disord. 2018 Jan;22(1):3-13. doi: 10.1177/1087054714554617. Epub 2014 Nov 5. PMID: 25376193.

Gillies D, Sinn JKh, Lad SS, Leach MJ, Ross MJ. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Jul 11;2012(7):CD007986. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007986.pub2. PMID: 22786509; PMCID: PMC6599878.

Stevens LJ, Zentall SS, Deck JL, Abate ML, Watkins BA, Lipp SR, Burgess JR. Essential fatty acid metabolism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995 Oct;62(4):761-8. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/62.4.761. PMID: 7572706.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

K2 and your arteries

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 17:04:16 GMT

Over the past few years, vitamin K2 has exploded in popularity. While many now recognize the important role it plays in building strong bones (especially when paired with vitamin D3), today I want to share a lesser known, but arguably more important, benefit of vitamin K2 – preventing heart disease.

There are actually two kinds of vitamin K, K1 and K2. K1 is primarily found in green leafy vegetables and is not very well absorbed. K2, which is well absorbed, is largely found in fermented foods like cheese, sauerkraut and natto. There is also a small amount in egg yolks and organ meats.

Studies have shown there are specific health benefits to the K2 form, including the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Simply put, vitamin K2 helps prevent atherosclerosis by activating a special protein called MPG that inhibits vascular calcification. By keeping excess calcium out, K2 helps support the health and elasticity of arterial walls. In fact, according to the well-known Dutch Rotterdam Study , participants with the highest intake of K2 had a 57% lower risk of dying from heart disease. They also had a 26% reduction in risk of dying from any cause, and a 52% lower risk of severe aortic calcification.

While there are a variety of nice products available, one of my favorites is Vital Choice Vitamin K2 . Vital Choice health Store’s K2 product uses a patented form of K2 called vitaMK7 (as menaquinone-7 or MK-7), shown to be the most bioavailable form of K2 as it is derived from all-natural food source. To learn more, please stop in to discuss with one of our Health Assistants 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.

Neutralize Your Stress

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

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It’s important to find a healthy way to manage stress. From anxiety and depression, to a range of health conditions including weight gain, IBS and heart disease, stress accounts for nearly 90 percent of all visits to primary health care providers. Bottom line, stress overload can have an enormously negative effect on your health.

While best managed holistically including regular exercise, proper sleep, meditation and breathing work, studies have demonstrated that natural remedies can play a critical role in combating the damaging effects of stress.

L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, is one of these remedies. According to clinical research, l-theanine naturally stimulates activity in the brain known as alpha waves, which are associated with a relaxed but alert mental state.

GABA is another great stress buster. It’s an amino acid which acts as a neurotransmitter helping to calm nervous activity in the brain and elevate mood. My favorite is PharmaGABA, a patented form that has been shown to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is essential for results.

Finally, the adaptogenic herb ashwagandha has been shown to have both dramatic anti-anxiety properties as well as provide adrenal support. Sensoril is a patented form that has been the subject of numerous clinical studies.

Here’s the best news for combating stress – one supplement combines all three of these remedies in one pill, it’s called GABA Soothe by Jarrow Formulas . I really like this product because it works in three ways: the theanine calms, the patented PharmaGABA elevates feelings of well-being and the clinically studied Sensoril ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen making it great for long-term stress support.

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.

Stop Allergies Before They Start

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 11:28:21 GMT

Years ago, I remember seeing a commercial for an allergy drug. In the video a rather suave bee is talking romantically to a flower only to sneeze himself away. While I can’t say I’ve had that exact experience, I certainly know people who are really bothered by allergies. I’m sure you do too.

In fact, more than 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal or perennial airborne allergies caused by an overactive immune system. Like the bee in the commercial, many turn to medications for relief. The problem is these drugs can cause side effects such as nervousness, fatigue, headache and drowsiness.

Are there natural options for allergy sufferers? Yes! According to research, a bio-flavonoid called quercetin can act as a natural antihistamine without side effects. Quercetin appears to be especially effective when combined with bromelain (an anti-inflammatory from pineapple) and vitamin C.

With that said, one product that really stands out for allergy sufferers is All Season Support. More than 10 years in the making, All Season Support (once sold as Aller-7) combines quercetin, bromelain and vitamin C with an extensively researched, patented blend of seven herbs clinically proven to promote respiratory health and normal breathing seasonally and all year around. Numerous clinical and sub-clinical studies have validated its safety, effectiveness, and tolerability.

In short, All Season Support works by promoting a healthy immune response without any of the side-effects associated with over-the-counter allergy products. While it is best taken as a preventive before allergy season is in full swing, All Season Support can also be taken to help reduce allergy symptoms. While many people experience some benefit within the first couple doses, researchers noted full benefit often occurred after consistent use for 8-10 weeks. In fact, I recently received a call from a customer who told me after two months on All Season Support, he was able to stop taking two different allergy medications.

You need Omega-3s

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:00:32 GMT

Do you eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines at least three times every week? Do you take an omega-3 supplement? If not, you are likely not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids and this is a big deal.

Omega-3s are nutrients found in a variety of foods that are essential to health. Let me repeat that, omega-3s are essential to your health – heart health, brain health, digestive health, joint health, immune health.

In fact, they are key to the structure of every cell wall in your body. And, unlike other nutrients that your body can manufacture, omega-3s must be consumed in the diet. Bottom line, if you’re not eating fatty fish about three times each week, or regularly consuming vegetarian sources like walnuts, hemp seeds, and chia seeds, you are likely preventing your body from being optimally healthy.

One quick note about vegetarian sources: generally, the omega-3s from fish (DHA and EPA) more directly enhance your health than those from vegetarian sources. For example, the omega-3s found in walnuts are called ALA. To be used, your body must convert ALA into DHA and EPA. However, this process is highly inefficient making a direct source of DHA and EPA is preferred (more on this below).

The good news is omega-3 supplements are plentiful these days. The bad news is, they are so widely available, it’s hard to tell a high-quality, effective product from a rancid, high-heat processed product.

If you’re looking for a pure, high-quality fish oil supplement, three brands I really like are Vital Choice Health Store Omega-3 Fish Oil , New Chapter’s Wholemega and Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega . At Vital Choice, we even offer an enteric coated product that minimizes fish ‘burp-back’, a common complaint.

But what if you’re vegan or would like to avoid fish? There’s good news. There are some relatively new vegan options that provide DHA and EPA from algae as opposed to fish. Two great products are Nordic Natural’s Algae Omega and New Chapter’s Vegan Omega3 .

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.

Statins and CoQ10

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Tue, 03 May 2022 16:19:42 GMT

The information in today's article is so important, I'm going to get right to it - if you take a statin medication to control cholesterol, health experts say you need to take a supplement called CoQ10. While many people are aware of this need, I'm very concerned with the number of people I speak with that are not.

Statin medications deplete a critically important nutrient in the body called CoQ10. CoQ10 is concentrated mostly in the heart and liver but is used by virtually every cell in the body. It plays a vital role in energy production and muscle function. Studies show CoQ10 can help with blood pressure, angina and congestive heart failure among other conditions. In fact, it’s so important many natural health experts suggest anyone over 40 should take CoQ10 as a part of their daily health regimen. If anything, you want more CoQ10 in your body, not less.

So what happens when cholesterol drugs deplete it? Studies suggest a depletion in CoQ10 can lead to fatigue and muscle pain, in addition to potential liver problems. Not surprisingly, these tend to be the very side effects most people mention with statin medications. According to research, if you're taking a statin medication, you should take CoQ10 daily.

Two excellent products are Garden of Life’s Raw CoQ10 and Vital Choice’s CoQH . Both products offer enhanced utilization. Raw CoQ10 is a whole food preparation, while CoQH uses the patented ‘active’ Ubiquinol form. Regardless of your choice, if you take a statin medication, please talk to your pharmacist about adding CoQ10 to your regimen.

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.

Help for heartburn

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 16:10:57 GMT

Do you suffer from heartburn, or have you been diagnosed with GERD? If so, you have likely taken an acid neutralizer. Makes sense, right? After all, if you have acid indigestion then you must have too much stomach acid, right? Actually, in most cases the answer is no. In fact, if you have acid reflux you probably don't have enough acid.

It is estimated that approximately 40% of people over the age of 40 may suffer from hypochlorhydria or low stomach acid secretion, while only 20% of people have excess stomach acid. Yet, most of the attention (and OTC medications) is geared towards reducing stomach acid.

So, how can too little stomach acid cause heartburn? Here’s how it works. When you eat, your body produces more acid. This acid production sends a signal to a valve in your stomach to close, keeping the acid in your stomach from creeping up into the esophagus. However, if your acid production is deficient or suppressed, you’re still producing acid it’s just not enough to send the message to close the valve. Due to inadequate acid, food sits in the stomach longer and eventually acid begins to creep up the esophagus, creating the symptoms of heartburn. So, treating too little acid with an acid neutralizer only makes the problem worse in the long-term!

So first, how do you know if your heartburn is from too much or too little acid and second, what can you do?

While hardly scientific, one at-home test that many use is the vinegar test. The idea is try some vinaigrette or apple cider vinegar and see how you feel. If you quickly feel discomfort or burning, then you may have too much acid otherwise, acid may not be the culprit of your heartburn.

For too much acid, a great option is DGL. DGL is a special preparation of licorice that has been shown to relieve symptoms of heartburn and repair stomach lining without elevating blood pressure. Enzymedica’s Chocolate DGL Gummies are a perfect option. For too little acid, we have had great results with a product called Superzymes. Superzymes combines digestive enzymes with Betaine HCL to enhance digestion and increase stomach acid. For more information or to further discuss your digestive needs, please stop in.

Please note, if you are currently taking an acid neutralizer, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist before discontinuing as an acid rebound can occur.

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.

We All Have A Leaky Gut

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 17:37:38 GMT

Nearly 2,500 years ago the Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.” He may not have been too far off.

Leaky gut, a relatively recent term, refers to a condition where the gut lining becomes more permeable than it should be, no longer functioning properly as a barrier between the intestines and the bloodstream. Special complexes called tight junctions fail, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and micro-organisms to enter the blood stream that otherwise wouldn’t be there. This, in turn, triggers an immune and inflammatory response which may lead to obvious digestive complaints like diarrhea and abdominal pain, along with seemingly unrelated issues like brain fog, migraines, anxiety, as well as skin and joint conditions.

Now, we all have some degree of leaky gut, as our intestinal barrier was never meant to be impenetrable. However, studies are beginning to show the modern world plays a major role in damaging tight junctions and increasing gut permeability.

Environmental toxins like glyphosate (Round-Up), medications including NSAIDs, antibiotics and acid blockers, artificial sweeteners, and even stress have all been shown to damage gut lining leading to increased permeability.

While there are many ways to nourish and enhance the health of the intestinal lining, my favorite product is called GlutaShield . Glutashield is a powder that mixes in water and combines many of most scientifically validated supplements to repair gut lining including glutamine, DGL licorice, N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, and more.

For more information, please stop in our you can watch our Leaky Gut webinar presented by naturopathic Doctor Patrick Healey. You can find this and all our webinars here .

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.

Getting A Natural Energy Boost

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:33:22 GMT

Life is busy. All of us need a little energy boost from time to time. While the shelves are packed with energy drinks, most can be summed up with just a few ingredients: isolated caffeine, sugar, and maybe some b-vitamins. While these products can provide a few extra hours of energy, they really don’t do anything to address what’s really going on and worse, can lead to crashes after they wear off. It’s like stopping to add air to your car’s tires every day, without fixing the leak. Do that long enough, and you’re likely to wind up stranded on the side of the road, with a completely flat tire. Bottom line, there’s a better way than drinking an extra cup of coffee or energy drink every day at 3pm.

Now, if you’re simply not getting enough sleep, that should be your top priority. We now know the vital role sleep plays in health, and you don’t want to skip that step. With that said, today I want to discuss some powerful nutrients that can help provide sustained, healthy energy while supporting the body.

Medicinal mushrooms
While they may have unfamiliar names, the medicinal mushrooms cordyceps, reishi and chaga have demonstrated the ability to promote immediate energy and endurance while enhancing respiratory function, adrenal and cardiovascular health. Medicinal mushrooms also provide immune and inflammation support.

Botanicals
Herbs like rhodiola and green tea are also great options for supporting healthy energy. Studies show rhodiola supports strength and stamina, while green tea has a host of beneficial properties including inflammation and metabolism support, as well as being a source of antioxidants. In addition, the naturally occurring caffeine in green tea is in balance with other compounds like the amino acid l-theanine, so you get a balanced sustained energy.

MycoBotanicals Energy from Host Defense combines all of these ingredients into one superior energy support blend. Two capsules each day provide powerful, healthy energy support without the sugar, jitters or crash.

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 diseas

Quercetin, Inflammation, And Immunity

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:30:40 GMT

Recently, few supplements have garnered more attention than quercetin. While much of it has been related to Covid-19, quercetin has an extensive body of research for a variety of conditions, including seasonal allergies, heart disease, chronic brain disorders like Alzheimer’s, and immune challenges potentially including Covid-19.

Quercetin belongs to a family of polyphenols found in almost all fruits and vegetables called flavanols. Research shows quercetin has a wide range of biological actions, including anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. It has also been shown to be a powerful antioxidant able to reduce the damage caused by free radicals as well as act as a natural antihistamine.

Because inflammation is the root of most diseases, it’s quercetin’s ability to regulate the body’s immune system while reducing inflammation that makes it helpful in managing so many conditions. According to Dr. John Axe, “[quercetin] helps slow the aging process because it lessens the effects of oxidative stress on the body. Oxidative stress takes place in all of us but is increased by things like a poor diet, high levels of stress, a lack of sleep and exposure to chemical toxins.”

A few great options depending on your specific need are Vital Choice’s Quercetin 500 Plus , All Season Support, and Natural Factor’s Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix. Quercetin 500 Plus is a great option if your goal is inflammation support as it combines quercetin with two other powerful anti-inflammatories, bromelain and turmeric. Clinically studied All Season Support is the best choice if you are looking for airborne allergy support, while Natural Factor’s LipoMicel extract offers 10-times greater absorption than standard preparations.

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.

Magnesium for Leg Cramps

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:22:00 GMT

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According to a 2017 study, nearly two-thirds of Americans are deficient in the mineral magnesium. This is a big deal because magnesium plays a critical role in health. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, a magnesium deficiency can make you twice as likely to die as people who are not deficient.

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. It activates over 350 different processes, including muscle contraction and nerve transmission. It is found in every tissue, but in higher concentrations, in the bones, muscles and brain. Research shows magnesium promotes normal blood pressure and helps prevent and alleviate many health complaints such as headaches, constipation, cramps, and more. Perhaps most important these days, studies show magnesium can help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation and better sleep.

In supplement form, magnesium is often bound to other substances to allow the body to absorb and utilize it. Some of the best and most effective forms are glycinate, citrate, malate as well as whole-food supplements. Finally, a special form called magnesium threonate has some exiting research related to brain function, memory and even learning. With all these choices, where do you start?

If you’re trying to combat leg cramps or even just relax before bed, one of my favorite forms is magnesium glycinate . It’s highly absorbed and well tolerated without producing a laxative effect. Recently, one customer told me it’s been so effective at reducing her leg cramps, magnesium glycinate has changed her life.

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

Reversing The Aging Process

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:18:23 GMT

In his book, Lifespan, Dr. David Sinclair, co-director of the Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, makes some pretty bold statements. In a nutshell, he believes that it’s possible not only to slow down aging, but even to partially reverse it.

For decades, Sinclair has been researching the role of various proteins and compounds in the body responsible for repairing DNA, and maintaining what’s called the epigenome (which regulates which genes get turned on and off). Sinclair points out that as we age, our body becomes far less able to repair DNA damage. As more DNA gets damaged, the epigenome becomes dysregulated leading to improper genes turning on and off. It’s this dysfunction, and not age itself, that leads to age-related diseases.

So, what can we do? One major takeaway from Lifespan for me is the importance of a molecule called NAD+. NAD+ is a coenzyme that plays a critical role in proper cellular energy production, regulating the sleep/wake cycle and regulating metabolism. It also helps with repairing damaged DNA. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age. Sinclair suggests this decline is a major factor in the body’s reduced ability to repair and protect DNA from damage. So, if you increase your NAD+ levels, your cells may be better protected against both impaired function and oxidative stress.

Research shows you can boost your NAD+ by supplementing with the building blocks your body uses to make NAD+. Two choices I like are NMN from Jarrow Formulas and NAD+ Cell Regenerator from Life Extension . Both provide powerful ingredients clinically shown to increase NAD+ in the body.

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.

Love your liver and live longer

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:20:34 GMT

The liver is an amazing organ, performing more than 500 vital functions. It plays a significant role in the detoxification of endotoxins (metabolically produced) and xenobiotics (environmental). Simply put, the liver acts like a filter processing everything we eat, drink, breathe, and even put on our skin.

Liver detoxification occurs in two distinct phases. In phase one, toxins are transformed into intermediate compounds, which are then neutralized by phase two enzymes making them easier to excrete. However, like any filter, the liver’s ability to process many substances decreases over time. But, unlike a clogged pool filter or dirty oil filter, the liver can’t be so easily replaced.

One way to keep your liver healthy is through diet. Foods like avocado, beets, green tea, leafy greens, turmeric, and walnuts play a positive role. However, specific supplements can offer even more support.

Vitamins B12, folic acid and choline are known as methyl donors. Together, these nutrients support detoxification by making toxins easier to excrete. NAC (N-Acetyl-cysteine) is a precursor to the powerful antioxidant glutathione, which aids in both phase one and phase two detoxification. Milk thistle extract has been shown in many scientific studies to help support liver detoxification processes, while helping to protect liver cells from toxins.

The product Liver Support & Detox combines these critical B-vitamins, NAC and milk thistle with SelenoExcell (a patented form of selenium), alpha lipoic acid and turmeric to create a powerful synergistic blend to enhance detoxification while supporting healthy liver function. So, as the saying goes, “love your liver and live longer.”

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.

Take Magnesium to Relax

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:53:53 GMT

According to the National Academy of Sciences, nearly 50% of Americans are deficient in the mineral magnesium. This is a big deal because magnesium plays a critical role in health. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, a magnesium deficiency can make you twice as likely to die as people who are not deficient.

Simply said, magnesium enables your body to work better. It activates over 350 different processes and is found in every tissue, but in higher concentrations in the bones, muscles and brain. Research shows magnesium promotes normal blood pressure and helps prevent and alleviate many health complaints such as headaches, constipation, cramps, and more ( 1 , 2 ) . Perhaps most important these days, studies show magnesium can help reduce stress and anxiet y while promoting relaxation and better sleep .

In supplement form, magnesium is often bound to other substances to allow the body to absorb and utilize it. Some of the best and most effective forms are glycinate, citrate, malate as well as whole-food supplements. Finally, a special form called magnesium threonate has some research related to brain function, memory and even learning. With all these choices, where do you start?

Some of my favorite products include Vital Choice Magnesium Glycinate or our Mellow Mag powder that easily mixes in warm water. It’s great anytime of day, but I like it to help me relax before bed. In addition to these, a couple other great options are MegaFood’s whole food magnesium tablets and their new Relax + Calm grape-flavored chews.

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.

Are Your Gut Microbes the Key to Health?

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 18:19:36 GMT

Did you know a unique collection of microbes in your gut may be the key to your health? The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria, fungi and viruses living in the body that plays a major role in immune function, neurotransmitter production and more.

Over the past few years, the microbiome has been a hot topic of research .

The Second Brain

Here are just a few things we now know: the gut microbiome is like a fingerprint, unique to each of us. It is responsible for roughly 70% of our primary immune response. The gut microbiome contains the second largest number of neurons in the body and is responsible for producing roughly 90 percent of the brain neurotransmitter, serotonin. The health of the microbiome is linked to conditions and diseases including anxiety, autism, diabetes, obesity and more. The bottom line is the microbiome plays such an important role in overall health, experts say we should consider it a separate body system. Some are even calling it the ‘second brain’.

Ensuring a healthy microbiome

What can you do to ensure a healthy microbiome? Gut Connection from Country Life is an award-winning probiotic-free formula specifically designed to improve total microbiome health. Available in eight varieties including Weight Balance, Immune Balance and more, all Gut Connection formulas include a clinically effective dose of 630mg of EpiCor, a patented whole food fermentate shown to support a favorable shift in gut microbiota, improve microbiome health and produce an immune response within two hours of consumption. Gut Connection can be taken separately or alongside a probiotic.

Related: EpiCor - Summary of Human Clinical Trials

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Healthstore 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. If you have concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.

Urinary Tract Health

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:57:31 GMT

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Each year, millions of women suffer with the discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). In fact, one in four women will experience a UTI, with as many as 25% having a recurrence during the same year.

Because UTIs are usually caused by the bacteria E.coli, the standard protocol is to prescribe an antibiotic. The problem is this can create a repeating cycle because the antibiotic kills all bacteria—good and bad. By killing off the good bacteria, antibiotics can make you more susceptible to future infections. Research suggests there’s a better way to urinary and vaginal health.

Much like the gut microbiome, the trillions of micro-organisms that play a powerful role in digestive health, mood and immune function, the vaginal and urinary tract environment have a unique microbiome of their own. Studies show specific strains of probiotics are best suited to maintain a healthy balance with proper pH/acidic levels.

Probulin’s Total Care Women’s UT Probiotic is a unique formula that contains these scientifically studied probiotic strains in addition to d-mannose, a special kind of sugar known to help prevent UTIs.

Making this product even more effective is the delivery system. For probiotics to work, they need to survive two trips—the trip from the lab to your home, and the journey through the acidic digestive system. To ensure this, the probiotics in every Probulin capsule are enclosed in a special extract of brown seaweed. This ‘seaweed submarine’ both protects and nourishes these beneficial bacteria on their journey, delivering a powerful and highly effective probiotic supplement.

Medicinal Mushrooms - Surprising Must Have Supplement

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

I’m often asked, “What do you take to stay healthy?” While most of what I take is pretty common, one of my answers often surprises people, simply because most have never heard of it. Today, I want to share what it is and why I consider it to be, perhaps now more than ever, my nutritional must-have.

Few natural remedies provide greater overall health benefits than medicinal mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms got their name because they have been used in the prevention or treatment of diseases. In fact, countless studies show medicinal mushrooms can boost antioxidant activity, enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar levels, improve cognitive function, and more.

While there are over 100 varieties being studied, some of the most common medicinal mushrooms include chaga, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. Some like shiitake can be consumed in food, while others, like reishi, are best prepared as a tea or supplement due to their extreme bitterness. Also, while each mushroom has specific benefits, (taking reishi has dramatically improved my wife’s allergies, while I take lion’s mane for cognitive function), all medicinal mushrooms contain beta glucans, which have been found to help fight inflammation and aid the immune system.

That brings me to today’s must-have. While I sometimes take specific mushrooms for specific needs, right now for me it’s all about immune support.

With that in mind, two great options are MyCommunity from Host Defense and Vital Choice’s Mushroom Immune . Both offer comprehensive immune support with a blend of over a dozen potent medicinal mushroom species, including all that I’ve mentioned above.

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 www.VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Probiotics and the Common Cold

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:47:10 GMT

You’ve probably heard probiotics can help improve digestive health, but did you know they also play a major role in immune function? This may seem odd. After all, when you think of immune health, you probably think of colds, flu, or even hayfever, all of which seem far removed from digestion.

To understand how digestion affects immune function, think of the immune system as fighting a war on two fronts. The first front, where the body devotes most of its efforts, is fought in the gut against pathogens in food and drink. The second front exists in the bloodstream against things we inhale. The more troops needed in the gut means less available for airborne pathogens like the common cold.

Enter probiotics. As the gatekeeper to nearly everything that enters the bloodstream, the gut is tasked with allowing vital nutrients to enter while working to remove pathogenic bacteria, like e coli and salmonella, and toxins. Probiotics provide enormous benefit first, by working to crowd out bad bacteria and second, by forming a physical barrier of protection called a biofilm. Without this, bacteria and toxins are able to leak through the intestinal wall further taxing the body.

By getting probiotics regularly through fermented foods, like tempeh and sauerkraut, or supplements, you're providing the body with the necessary troops to succeed on the first front thereby ensuring a much more effective immune response against airborne challenges like the common cold.

Few supplements provide greater overall nutritional support than probiotics. At Vital Choice, we carry a wide variety of some of the best options available including our own Vital Choice 20-Billion Probiotic that uses clinically studied acid-resistant and shelf stable strains. To browse our selection, click here or please stop in the discuss which one is right for you.

To learn more, check out episode 341 of Steve Lankford's Health Quest Podcast Nutrition for Supporting Immune Function .

Related: Immune Support Basics

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 www.VChoice.com . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

CBD - What It Is, and What It Isn't

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 13:47:10 GMT

Chances are you’ve heard of CBD, the compound found in the hemp plant that has been the subject of countless news stories and reports of health benefits. Today, I want to share some information with you about what CBD is, and also, what it isn’t. But before we can look at CBD, it’s important to briefly touch on what’s called the Endogenous Cannabinoid System or ECS.

Your Body’s Balancing Act

Discovered as recently as the late 1980s, the ECS is a biological system found in all mammals. It’s comprised of compounds called endogenous cannabinoids (often called endocannabinoids) and cannabinoid receptors found widely throughout the body. The main purpose of the ECS appears to be to maintain homeostasis, your body’s ability to keep everything in balance. Essentially, when something is operating outside of the proper range, your body activates the ECS to help correct it. Because its role is to help so many other body systems maintain balance, it’s no surprise the ECS is involved in everything from pain and inflammation to memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function. The problem is, studies are finding it’s very easy to throw this balancing system out of balance.

CBD Helps Restore Balance

Enter CBD. Unlike the endocannabinoids we produce internally, CBD is a cannabinoid you get externally, most notably from the hemp plant. While more research is needed, our current understanding is CBD helps to rebalance and support the ECS. That’s why one person experiences pain relief, while another finds it helps them fall asleep while yet another reports it reduces anxious feelings. It’s not CBD that’s doing this directly. Rather, CBD is helping to rebalance the ECS, that in-turn helps rebalance so many other body systems.

But here’s what CBD isn’t. CBD is by no means a silver bullet or a cure-all that acts alone in the body. In order to really benefit from CBD, the ECS needs additional support. Managing stress levels, getting adequate sleep, and exercise all play major roles in the health of your ECS, as do diet and nutrition. Researchers have found without Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics for example, the receptors and enzymes that comprise the ECS won’t be able to properly unlock the benefits of CBD.

Selecting a CBD Product

The final piece of the CBD puzzle is selecting one. There are hundreds of CBD companies and thousands of CBD products available. Like all herbal remedies, it’s very important to understand raw material and processing is critical to getting an effective product. When discussing CBD, it’s also important to note while some may be good, more may not be better. Researchers have learned that in some people, a lower dose of CBD may be more effective for symptoms like pain, than taking the highest dose available.

At Vital Choice, we offer a variety of the best products available from brands like Hemp Luxe , Charlotte’s Web and PlusCBD in addition to our own Vital Choice Broad-Spectrum CBD ( learn more about our CBD here ). With a Naturopathic Doctor and Registered Dietitian on our staff, we are ready to answer your questions, and help you find the best product for your needs.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza since 1998. The phone number is 440-885-9505. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Balancing Blood Sugar

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 13:47:10 GMT

Did you know nearly one in three Americans has prediabetes? Maybe even more alarming, 90 percent of those with prediabetes don’t even know they have it.

Prediabetes simply means your blood sugar levels are above normal and, long-term, that’s not a good thing. Not only are elevated blood sugar levels associated with developing Type 2 diabetes, but it can also lead to insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome, heart disease, stroke and even Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, some doctors are beginning to refer to Alzheimer’s disease as Type 3 diabetes, due to the association between blood sugar levels and the cognitive disorder.

The good news is, there are many steps you can take to help balance your blood sugar. Diet and lifestyle play a critical role. For more, check out registered dietitian Nicole Gould's 7 Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Blood Sugar Spikes .

Additionally, supplements can have a dramatic effect.

While there are many great options available, one of the most comprehensive formulas I’ve seen is Glucose Support. Glucose Support ( available here on shop.vchoice.com ) combines a variety of research validated minerals and herbs at effective doses. The formula combines chromium, vanadium and alpha lipoic acid with time-tested herbal remedies including gymnema, bitter melon and lagerstroemia, commonly called banaba leaf. Over the years we have received great feedback on this product, including some cases where people have been able to reduce or even eliminate their prescription medications.

Please note, if you are currently taking glucose medications, do not use this product before consulting your doctor as it can enhance the effects of many glucose medications.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Memory Mushroom

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 19:24:34 GMT

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An area of great interest for many of us is the growing research into nootropics – the class of medicines, supplements and other substances that may improve cognitive function, including memory. Today, I’d like to discuss one of these substances, a medicinal mushroom that according to research contains bioactive substances that may protect against Alzheimer’s disease, help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and even speed recovery from nervous system injuries.

Lion’s mane mushroom, named for its shaggy appearance, contains two special compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells: hericenones and erinacines. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice, as well as prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease 1 , 2 , 3. While there have been no direct studies to date on people with Alzheimer’s, a 2009 study in older adults with mild cognitive impairment found consuming 3 grams of powdered lion’s mane mushroom daily for four months significantly improved mental functioning. The researchers noted the benefits disappeared roughly four weeks after supplementation ended.

A 2015 study found lion’s mane mushroom extract has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice. While yet another study found the extract can stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells that can help speed recovery from nervous system injuries.

When choosing a lion’s mane supplement, two brands I really like are Host Defense and our own Vital Choice brand. Both brands offer organic lion’s mane in capsules. Host Defense also offers lion’s mane in a liquid extract, a loose powder (that’s great for smoothies) and in combination formulas that include lion’s mane with other nootropics like ginkgo and bacopa. To learn more, please stop in and see us.

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Immune Support Basics

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT

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Mother Nature has provided us with countless options that can help support the immune system. While it may not be possible to avoid every cold or flu virus, there are quite a few research validated remedies to help shorten both the severity and duration of seasonal challenges. Here is a short list of just some of my favorites.

Elderberry

One of the most powerful natural options is elderberry. Studies show elderberry can inhibit a virus’ ability to spread allowing your immune system to fight off an invader more quickly. While much of the research has concentrated on using elderberry after you get sick, some studies suggest taking elderberry before you are ill may help reduce your chances of catching a common cold. Organic elderberry syrup from Vital Choice and Gaia herbs are great liquid options, while New Chapter’s Elderberry Force is a powerful capsule form. You can also find gummies from MegaFood and Garden of Life , but be aware, gummies tend to be a little less potent and a little more expensive than capsules and liquids.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms may provide the greatest overall benefit to all body systems. Mushrooms like reishi, maitake, chaga and turkey tail may have odd sounding names, but their ability to enhance immunity is perhaps second to none. In addition, medicinal mushrooms can support brain health, liver function and have inflammatory modulating properties. Health experts including Dr. Andrew Weil believe daily use of medicinal mushroom is key to both short and long- term immune health. Mycommunity by Host Defense is an outstanding product which provides a blend of 17 potent mushroom species.

Probiotics

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in and on our bodies. Research continues to demonstrate their importance for everything from digestion and immune health to even mood and heart health. When choosing a probiotic, look for one that has multiple research validated strains and a high bacteria count. New Chapter, MegaFood and Garden of Life and are all good choices. Our Vital Choice brand is another excellent option. The clinically validated strains used in our probiotics have demonstrated the ability to survive stomach acid, are beneficial to take even when you’re taking antibiotics and do not require refrigeration.

Vitamin D3

Studies show people with low vitamin D levels are at an increased risk for getting sick. Typically, taking 1,000-2,000IUs of vitamin D3 daily from September through June is considered a good starting point.

While these are some great ways to support your immune system, don't forget the basics: try to manage stress, keep your sugar intake low and maybe above all else, try to get as close to eight hours of sleep every night!

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

CBD Basics

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT

With the increasing popularity of CBD products, here's a quick breakdown of some CBD basics courtesy of Garden of Life.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, abbreviated to “CBD”, is one of approximately 115 “phytocannabinoids” naturally occurring in hemp (cannabis) plants.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds naturally found in the human body (endocannabinoids) and also in cannabis plants (phyto-cannabinoids).

How do Cannabinoids work?

Cannabinoids interact with receptors of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the body to restore a normal state of healthy balance.

Is CBD Psychoactive?

No, CBD present in all strains of hemp is not a psychoactive compound—CBD will not get you high (unless it contains THC). A good quality tested CBD product that is THC-free should not cause you to fail a drug test.

What is THC?

Delta-9 THC is largely responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. THC can build up in the body and can result in failed drug tests over time.

Is CBD Legal?

On 20th December 2018 the Farm Bill declared that all “hemp” extracts (CBD) are legal agricultural products provided that they contain <0.3% THC

What is Industrial hemp?

Industrial hemp is the hemp plant which has been used historically to produce hemp seed oil, rope, paper, household items, clothing and now CBD extract. By law, industrial hemp strains must contain less than 0.3% THC.

What are the components of whole hemp?

The hemp plant consists of over 480 natural “phyto” compounds which includes cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are the primary constituents of the essential oils providing the scent and flavor of the plant. They may also have other functions such as protection of the plant.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The Entourage Effect results when the many components within the hemp plant interact with the body to produce a stronger influence than any one of those components alone—it’s a synergistic effect.

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

CBD, Pain and Anxiety

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT

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Over the past year, CBD (cannabidiol), a specific plant chemical from the hemp plant, has caused quite a stir. For many who suffer with pain or anxious feelings, CBD oil has been a godsend, providing significant relief with little or no side effects. Unfortunately, this is not what caused the stir. In the summer of 2018, news reports suddenly began surfacing claiming CBD from hemp was illegal, causing a panic among those who had found it to be so helpful.

Thankfully, last December, the 2018 Farm Bill was overwhelmingly passed by Congress and signed into law making CBD from hemp legal in all 50 states at the federal level.

Now, let’s look at what makes CBD so effective for pain and anxious feelings.

Most of the research focuses on phyto-cannabinoids, like CBD, and their effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a network of receptors in the bodies of all mammals that helps maintain a healthy balance and overall well-being. The ECS helps regulate functions such as sleep, immune system responses, and pain among others. Recent research has shown consuming a CBD oil product can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, autism, inflammation and seizures.

If you are considering trying a CBD from hemp product, one brand I highly recommend is Charlotte’s Web by the Stanley Brothers. ( Available here on Shop.VChoice.com ). Charlotte’s Web offers full-spectrum hemp oil extracts rich in CBD, as well as other naturally occurring phyto-cannabinoids, in a variety of strengths. For more information on this or other CBD products available, stop in today!

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Help with Gallstones

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT

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If you have gallstones, you know the pain and discomfort that goes along with them. As of October 2017, it’s been reported that about 20 million people in the US suffer from gallstones, and within that population around 300,000 gallbladder surgeries are performed each year ( 1 ). As we age, the chances of developing gallstones increases, and if you’re a woman that chance is even greater. If left untreated, gallstones may further lead to inflammation of the gallbladder, infections, and other complications with the digestive process.

Gallstones typically occur due to imbalances in the components that make up the bile found in your gallbladder. Common culprits can be too much cholesterol in your bile, excess bilirubin, suboptimal gallbladder function related to not emptying fully or often enough, and lack of bile salts ( 2 ). Most stones are made up of a mix of these components but generally there are two types, 80% of them are made of hardened cholesterol and 20% of them are called pigment stones, which are made from bilirubin ( 2 )( 4 ). Though gallstones can range in composition, signs and symptoms of gallstone discomfort are the same ( 1 ).

Some conventional treatments of gallstones usually involve surgery to remove the gallstones or the gallbladder itself.

If you have gallstones, there are some supplement formulas that may help dissolve or ease the passage of them on their own naturally:

Planetary Herbals Stone Free : provides kidney and gallbladder support, promotes healthy organ function, help’s the body’s natural cleansing processes, aids in normal fluid elimination and bile production. This formula was developed by world-renowned herbalist Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. and contains:

Parsley root : supports the eliminative function of the kidneys and assists in the balance of fluids in the body.
Marshmallow root : may soothe, moisten, and protect the genitourinary tract.
Coin-leaf, Desmodium, and Lysimachia : helps to rid the body of mineral waste by stimulating the production of bile, may help to flush and detoxify the gallbladder which can aid in the break-down of fat deposit build-up common with high fat, low fiber diets.
Dandelion Root and Turmeric : bitter substances that support digestion, support normal bile flow, and supports the liver’s natural detoxification pathways.
Licorice root : is soothing and assists with the excretion of toxins and waste.
Ginger Root and Lemon Balm Leaf : aid in digestion and elimination.

Herb Pharm Stone Breaker : May be beneficial for both kidney and gallstones

Stone Breaker (Chanca Piedra) herb : this herb’s name means “stone crusher”, may help with inflammation, act as a diuretic, and help in the breakdown of gallstones.

Also Contains Hydrangea Root, Celery Seed, and Burdock Seed

In addition to supplements, there are some lifestyle changes to consider when supporting your gallbladder and possibly prevent future gallstone formation from occurring ( 4 ):

When losing weight, do so in a slow and sustainable way, as crash dieting can increase chances of gallstone formation.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, this helps to keep the bile in your gallbladder fluid instead of thick and sticky and helps support the fat digestion process.

Some foods to avoid when supporting gallbladder health:

Sugar : high sugar intake can lead to inflammation and weight gain, thus increasing the risk of developing gallbladder issues
Fried Foods and Hydrogenated Oils : such as fast foods, packaged foods, and processed oils
Conventional Dairy Products : non- pasture raised, or grass-fed sources are more inflammatory than their counterparts and may increase your chances of developing gallstones
High Fat Heavy Meals : try eating smaller meals throughout the day with smaller amounts of fat consumed in one sitting.

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448145/

2. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/definition-facts#develop

3. http://doctormurray.com/health-conditions/gallstones/

4. https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/liver-kidney/gallstones/

7 Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Blood Sugar Spikes

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

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Almost daily, I'm asked about supplements to help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. While supplements like chromium, gymnema sylvestre, bitter melon , cinnamon and fiber can provide great benefit, they cannot solve the problem alone. Ultimately, the food we put in our body will determine whether or not blood sugar spikes.

7 Diet and Lifestyle Tips to reduce high blood sugar spikes

Rather than severe restriction, a diet to manage blood sugar issues is a healthy-eating plan that's naturally rich in nutrients with an emphasis on whole foods like vegetables, nuts and seeds and healthy fats. In fact, this type of lifestyle is excellent for most of us as it tends to be less inflammatory than a standard American diet.

1. Limit refined and processed sugars. Depending on the type of food eaten, the level of sugar in the blood will vary. Foods rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates (like bread, pasta, cookies, soda, juice etc) convert to glucose very quickly, causing blood sugar levels to soar. The body does not require any processed carbohydrates or sugars to function, so you want to eliminate as much of these foods as you can.

2. Include healthier complex carbohydrates , such as vegetables, whole grains and legumes (beans, peas and lentils). Though these foods still can impact blood sugar levels, they convert more slowly, reducing the large spikes. Some choose to go completely grain free and focus more on carbs from nuts, seeds and vegetables to reduce sugar spikes even more.

3. Include protein and fiber-rich foods with each meal. This will slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and keep you feeling full. Greek yogurt with flax seeds, an apple and walnuts, celery and almond butter, cucumber and hummus, eggs and avocados or a meal replacement (I like Raw Fit by Garden of Life) are all great examples of healthy protein/fiber combinations.

5. Eat smaller portions , more often to combat the blood sugar roller coaster. The timing of foods can be just as important as what you are actually eating. When blood sugar spikes it usually crashes back down. This up and down pattern puts strain on the pancreas (which supplies insulin to lower the sugar in the blood). Eventually this strain can cause the pancreas to no longer efficiently produce insulin, or your cells won't respond to the insulin that is produced. This can lead to a condition called insulin resistance. Lowing portions and spreading them out evenly will help keep those sugar levels steady.

6. Get moving - Moderate exercise, like fast walking or bike riding, is also a great tool to keep blood sugar in check. Moderate exercise increase heart rate which in turn causes your muscles to use up more glucose from your blood stream. Over time this can lower blood sugar levels and make the insulin in your body work better.

7. Manage Stress . Stress releases hormones like cortisol, can increase both blood pressure and blood sugar. Utilizing stress management techniques like deep breathing, gratitude journals and yoga as well as utilizing herbs like holy basil and ashwagandha can all help to balance the stress response and modulate cortisol levels.

It's okay to start slow!

While for some, these seven tips may seem like a radical change, it doesn't have to be. It's okay to start slow. Maybe focus on just one tip and ease it in to your lifestyle. Enacting just one of the tips below can have a dramatic effect on your health!

-Nicole

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Help with Eye Health and Night Vision

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT

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Eye health is one of the most overlooked components of healthy aging. We spend a good deal of time thinking about our joint health, heart health and brain health but comparatively little time thinking about our vision. Today, I’d like to discuss how you can support your eye health and help combat common conditions like macular degeneration and night blindness.

It’s no secret that regular exercise, while necessary, takes a toll on the body. In much the same way, simply using your eyes can take a toll on your long-term vision health, especially if you are exposed to excess blue and ultraviolet light.

A special set of carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, make up the macular pigment (MP), a spot in the center of the macula that absorbs damaging light, protecting and maintaining its function. When we are young, the body synthesizes special forms of zeaxanthin from lutein creating a dense macular pigment. However, as we age, this density declines as can the ability to synthesize zeaxanthin. That’s where supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin directly can help.

Another age-related vision problem is decreased night vision. One reason for this is a decline in the production of a compound that absorbs light called rhodopsin. With less light being absorbed, glare becomes a greater problem making tasks like nighttime driving difficult. Fortunately, research shows a unique preparation of European black currant berry extract can increase regeneration of rhodopsin making night vision better over time.

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin from Life Extension is a comprehensive formula that contains all these nutrients in a single softgel. In addition, it includes complimentary nutrients to enhance absorption and utilization. Adding this formula to your daily regimen can help support your vision now and for years to come.

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Life after Gallbladder Removal

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT

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The gallbladder plays a vital role in the digestive process, and while the removal of the organ may provide relief from gallstones or other inflammatory related issues, its absence can cause discomfort when it comes to digesting and absorbing fats properly.

The gallbladder stores bile which is produced by the liver, and bile is essential for the digestion of fats in the diet. Once the gallbladder is removed the process of breaking down fat becomes more taxing on the digestive system. Think of it this way, if you place oil in water it will remain floating on the surface and does not mix in. However, when you add a drop of dish soap it breaks the oil into smaller droplets, thus allowing the oil and water to mix together (1). This is how bile works in the body, it acts like the “soap” that breaks down fats into smaller molecules to be absorbed.

If you’ve had your gallbladder removed, it’s quite possible eating foods that contain fat can result in digestive discomfort, stomach cramping, and even fatty stools due to improper absorption of fat. This is not to say you can no longer consume fats, but you may want to ease your way into reintroducing fats after surgery.

Supplements can also provide much needed support in breaking down fats after gallbladder removal. A few of my favorites are:

Enzymedica Lypo Gold : This product contains enzymes for protein and carbohydrates but has a specific focus on fats, and in studies has been shown to break down up to 22 grams of fat within 30 minutes. One capsule to be taken with each meal for optimal support. Plant based, vegan, and Kosher.

Vital Choice Superzymes : A combination formula of pancreatic enzymes for breaking down protein (protease), carbohydrates (amylase), and fats (lipases). Also contains:

Bile acid - helps to break down fats so that fat digesting enzymes (lipases) can further break down foods
Betaine HCL - helps support the digestive process in the break-down of protein and fats, helps relieve digestive discomfort.
Bromelain - derived from pineapple, can aid in the break- down of protein
Papain - derived from papaya, supports protein digestion
It is important to note that if someone has stomach ulcers they should not use Betaine HCL, caution is advised if you are taking antacids or medications for acid reflux.

In addition to supplements, the following dietary changes can make digestion after gallbladder removal far easier and more comfortable (2)(3):

Fiber: high fiber foods such as flax, chia, beans, fruits, and vegetables
Beets, Artichokes, Dandelion Greens: these can help to support the liver and improve bile production for the break- down of fats
Unrefined Healthy Fats: these can come from sources such as nuts and seeds, olive oil, or coconut oil to name a few. Healthy fats should be consumed in small- amounts throughout the day
Fruits and Vegetables: an increase in plant- based foods in the diet can likely decrease gallbladder distress
Lean Protein: include good- quality pasture raised, wild caught, or grass- fed sources to decrease possible digestive upset associated with more fatty meats

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1. https://kresserinstitute.com/little-known-connection-leaky-gut-gluten-intolerance-gallbladder-problems/

2. https://www.umms.org/ummc/patients-visitors/health-library/in-depth-patient-education-reports/articles/gallstones-and-gallbladder-disease

3. https://draxe.com/gallbladder-diet-natural-treatment/#

Help for Hair Loss

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT

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Hair loss and hair thinning is a very common concern for many. While there are an array of hair growth supplements on the market, I always find it more effective to try and figure out why the hair is falling out to begin with. Nutrition deficiencies like protein, biotin and iron can certainly contribute to hair loss, but there are a few different types of hormones that can also influence hair loss.

You mentioned hormones - do you happen to know which hormones are causing the issue? If not, here is some information on the major culprits.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a form of testosterone and the primary hormone responsible for hereditary hair thinning and loss in both men and women. Research shows that as we age DHT builds up in the scalp and damages the hair producing follicles, eventually causing the hair to fall out. Herbs like Saw Palmetto, He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) and pumpkin seed oil can be helpful modulators of DHT. The brand Shen Min, makes a product called DHT Blocker that utilizes those herbs as well as supportive nutrients like biotin and collagen. It takes time, but we've had great feedback on the product.

Thyroid hormones - Both hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroid (under active thyroid) can be the root cause of hair loss. Even if lab tests show "normal" levels of the hormone TSH, thyroid can still be imbalanced so it is important to evaluate all of your symptoms. If you are also experiencing issues with weight, temperature control (too hot or too cold), anxiety or mood and sleep issues then thyroid could be to blame. Regrowth of the hair usually happens once thyroid hormones are balanced with medications or a natural supplement. One of my favorites (for under active thyroid) is Megafood's Thyroid Strength , using vitamins, minerals and herbs to not only help thyroid hormone levels, but also nourish and support the function of the thyroid itself.

Adrenal hormones - The adrenal glands put out hormones (like cortisol and DHEA) that are greatly altered in times of stress. Those that are under significant stress can experience hair loss as a result. Supporting the body's response to stress through proper diet and lifestyle (exercise, meditation, deep breathing etc) can significantly decrease hair thinning.

Supplements can support the adrenals as well. Herbs like ashwagandha and holy basil are excellent at balancing cortisol and DHEA. I often suggest (and personally use) Megafood's Adrenal Strength . Within a couple weeks of taking it, I not only felt less stressed, but saw a decrease in hair loss followed by regrowth.

If you aren't sure what the culprit of your hair loss is, a products like Shen Min Advanced Formula , combines a powerful mixture of standardized herbs such as He Shou Wu and Horse Chestnut Extract, with vital hair energizing co-factor nutrients targeted to women or men to support hair growth and reduce loss.

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please don't hesitate to email or stop in!

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Preventing and Combating Migraine Headaches

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT

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Migraines need no introduction. If you've ever suffered a migraine, I'm sure the question you're asking is, 'what can I do to prevent THAT from happening again?'

The single best way to prevent migraines is to identify your triggers. Once you identify your trigger, it is easier to focus in on support. While hormones, seasonal changes/allergies and food sensitivities tend to be the biggest culprits, migraine triggers can include the following:

Fluctuations in hormones (during pregnancy, before and during a period, and menopause)
Bright lights or loud noises
Stress, physical or emotional.
Intense crying
Sleeping too little or too much
Smoking or exposure smoke
Drastic changes in heat, humidity or altitude
Skipping meals can cause blood sugar changes that can trigger migraines
Over 150 studies have looked into the connection between food allergies and migraines. Some of the top migraine-inducing foods include wheat, cow’s milk, grain cereals, sugar, yeast, corn, citrus, eggs, aged or smoked cheeses, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate
Certain food additives, such as aspartame and MSG
When possible, avoid your trigger. However, as much as we might like to avoid fluctuations in hormones, there are some triggers that are far less under our control. That's when we turn to supportive supplements.

In general, some supportive supplements include:

Butterbur – Research using a specific extract from the butterbur root found that participants who took it over 16 weeks reduced the number and severity of migraine headaches as well as the length of time they last. Butterbur extract seems to reduce the number of migraine headaches by almost half. Doses of at least 75 mg twice daily or 50mg three times daily seem to be necessary for best results. A specific form of butterbur, Petadolex , can be used at onset or as needed.

Feverfew is the most frequently used herb for long term migraine prevention. Continuous use of feverfew may reduce the severity, duration and frequency of migraine headaches. Some studies reviewed used combinations of feverfew with other natural supplements such as magnesium, vitamin B2 and white willow, a plant from which aspirin is derived. It may take up to 3 months to see full results with feverfew.

CoQ10 is produced by the body and plays an important role in energy production. Previous studies have shown that migraines may be caused, at least in part, by an impairment of energy production that could presumably be improved by CoQ10 supplementation. Coenzyme Q10, can reduce damage to cells caused by the environment and other factors and contributes to a cell’s energy production.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - Several studies suggest people who get migraines may reduce how often they get migraines and how long the migraines last by taking riboflavin. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that taking 400 mg of riboflavin a day cut the number of migraine attacks in half.

Magnesium – migraine sufferers have been found to have lower levels of magnesium compared with healthy people. Magnesium is an essential mineral and may play a role in the prevention of numerous ailments including fatigue, heart disease and headaches. Magnesium can reduce migraine symptoms by 50% for about half of those suffering. Typical doses are 300 to 500mg. Avoid magnesium oxide as this form mainly acts as a laxative. There are two magnesium products I really like - MegaFood's whole-food Magnesium tablets and Vital Choice's Mellow Mag drink mix.

One formula that has worked quite well for a number of clients is Neuro Comfort by Douglas Labs. This formula combines magnesium, CoQ10 and Vitamin B2.

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Maintain Cognitive Health

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT

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What does cognitive health mean to you? Does it mean a reduced risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life? Does it mean having a better memory and sharper focus today? The good news is, after reading today’s article you’ll learn how a new product maybe able to offer you both.

Over the past several years researchers have begun to better understand the role played by BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) on cognitive function. BDNF is a powerful protein found in the brain that is integral to a variety of processes including learning, memory, alertness and mood. Like growth hormone for the brain, BDNF plays a key role in neurogenesis, the production of new brain cells. Studies find people with higher levels of BDNF have a dramatically lower chance of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

So if higher BDNF levels mean a lower risk of cognitive disorder, what can we do? Recent research shows a unique patented extract of the whole coffee fruit can increase BDNF better than any other botanical available. It’s called Neurofactor and is now available in two new products from Garden of Life - Memory & Focus for Young Adults and Memory & Focus for Adults 40+ . Both contain 100mg of the patented coffee fruit extract used in the studies.

In addition to the coffee fruit, Garden of Life has further enhanced each of these new products with age specific botanical blends clinically shown to enhance memory, recall, processing speed and other key metrics of cognitive function. I was so excited I started taking one of them the moment it arrived. For more information on which product I chose, watch my product review .

This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Natural support for gout

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. Symptoms usually occur without warning and include intense joint pain, inflammation and redness lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It usually affects the big toe, but can occur in other parts of the body.

This painful condition is often diet related. The main culprit is an unhealthy build-up of uric acid that forms crystals in the joint tissue leading to tremendous inflammation. Uric acid is a by-product of purine metabolism. Purines are found in many foods but in higher concentrations in meat. Alcohol, especially beer, also increases uric acid production.

Another often overlooked factor is kidney function. Because the kidneys are responsible for filtering out uric acid, if the kidneys are not performing optimally, a build-up of uric acid can occur.

While avoiding purine rich foods, drinking more water and less beer can help to prevent gout attacks, I’m often asked if there are any natural remedies that can help reduce the pain of a gout attack as well as prevent future events. The answer is yes!

The most effective product I’ve found is Gouch by Redd Remedies . Gouch by Redd Remedies. What I like about Gouch is it not only addresses the short-term inflammation, it also includes ingredients that support overall kidney function providing long-term benefit as well.

Two primary ingredients in the formula are cherry extract and quercetin. Both have demonstrated natural anti-inflammatory compounds as well as the ability to block the conversion of purines to uric acid. Further enhancing the inflammation support is ginger extract. In addition, Gouch adds the herb boerhaavia. Research shows boerhaavia helps by supporting overall kidney function and encouraging proper uric acid removal. The product can be taken to help combat an existing flare-up or at a maintenance dose to help prevent future attacks.

Could it be your thyroid?

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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You could be suffering from an underactive thyroid and not even know it. The condition is called subclinical hypothyroidism. If you experience intolerance to cold, an inability to lose weight, depression, hair loss and fatigue, yet thyroid tests show you are within the normal range, you could have this condition.

According to many experts, a good way to check your thyroid function at home is to determine your basal body temperature.

If you suspect underactive thyroid, Vital Choice’s registered-dietitian, Nicole Gould, recommends avoiding certain raw foods, including turnips, cabbage, mustard, soybean, peanuts, pine nuts and millet because they may interfere with thyroid function.

In addition to these dietary changes, there are some great research-validated supplements available. Whole food iodine, selenium and tyrosine, as well as the herb ashwaganda, are among the most effective as they have been shown to increase the conversion of the less active thyroid hormone (T4) to the active (T3), as well as boost the production of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

Rather than taking all of these separately, I recommend trying a comprehensive thyroid support formula. Two great options are Thyroid Strength by MegaFood , or Thyroid Support by Vital Choice . Both formulas provide critical nutrients to enhance thyroid function and have received positive reports from our customers. Typically, people report a reduction in symptoms as well as improvement in blood test results after only four weeks of use.

Click the video below to watch dietitian Nicole Gould's Thyroid Strength review.

Have a natural health question? Submit it online here .

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.

Boosting iron without stomach upset

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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Iron deficiency is an extremely common problem. In the United States, it’s estimated that 1 in 10 women are at risk for low iron. Fatigue, muscle weakness upon exertion, heart palpitations, decreased focus and an inability to stay warm are some of the most common symptoms. With this in mind, the solution seems simple – take an iron supplement. The problem is, for many women it’s just not worth it.

Traditional iron supplements are produced with a very difficult to digest form called ferrous sulfate. This inorganic compound commonly causes constipation, nausea and stomach upset. These symptoms can be so severe, many women often opt to skip the pill completely. The good news is, there is an option available that has been clinically proven to boost your iron levels without causing constipation or other unwanted side effects. The product is Blood Builder by MegaFood .

Recently, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (PDF summary available here) found participants given one serving of Blood Builder daily for eight weeks experienced improvements in every measure of iron status: Serum Ferritin, Hemoglobin and Total Body Iron Stores all increased. In addition, they found a decrease in reported fatigue and there were no reports of negative GI side effects typically associated with iron supplementation.

What makes Blood Builder so different is that it's a tablet produced from whole foods designed to deliver iron, as well as nutrients essential to red blood cell production, in a form your body can easily digest. I highly recommend it.

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 www.VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Maca for sex drive, hormones and more

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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For years maca, a root vegetable that grows high in the Peruvian Andes, has probably been best known for its ability to help restore libido for men and women. More recently, natural health experts have been recommending this superfood for a broader set of symptoms including: menopausal support, polycystic ovarian syndrome, sperm production and motility in men and increased metabolism, stress reduction and memory improvement in general.

Recent studies have begun to show while all Peruvian maca has benefit as a superfood, there are actually 13 different sub-types of maca each possessing different medicinal qualities. For example, we now know red maca is best for prostate health, black maca for energy and sexual function, and still others offer the best support for menopausal issues. This may finally explain why people experience varied results from traditional maca as these products have not been harvested to maintain sub-type distinction.

However, these benefits are sometimes hit or miss, providing great benefit for some, while missing the mark for others. Thanks to some new research, we may now know why.

With this in mind, if you’re looking to add a wonderful superfood for general vitality, there are several maca products I can recommend. However, if you’re looking for a more specific therapeutic result, I recommend the Maca-GO™ line from NHI, a unique organically grown and processed, proprietary combination and ratio of four major subtypes of Peruvian maca.

In fact, NHI tailors their maca blends for gender and life-stage to maximize effectiveness. Femmenessence is a line offering women specific products based on their hormonal stage - child-bearing, pre or post-menopausal, while Revolution is a specific blend tailored to men’s needs. While some people report feeling benefits within 10 days, clinical studies report full benefit occurs after two months of continual use.

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 www.VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Black Seed Oil Packs Power

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 00:44:43 GMT

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Researchers have been studying the considerable health benefits of black seed oil since the 1960s. In fact, over 600 scientific peer-reviewed articles have been published demonstrating the effects black seed oil can have on cancer, high blood pressure, liver health and diabetes among many others. What may be most surprising of all is given all its numerous benefits, few of us have ever heard of it.

Black seed, or black cumin seed (botanically known as Nigella sativa) can be eaten or cold-pressed to concentrate the oil and active ingredients. The most widely researched ingredients are Thymoquinone (TQ) and Thymohydroquinone (THQ). These two compounds demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor ability among other benefits. Recent research also shows these phytochemicals can combat metabolic syndrome, a growing concern characterized by increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that together increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Given the numerous benefits of black seed oil, I’m very excited about a new product called Golden Black Seed from New Chapter . Golden Black Seed is a combination of a full-spectrum black seed oil extract along with turmeric in a vegicap. This product contains over 30-times the TQ of the leading cold-pressed oil and in a recent clinical study demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in the participants as well as an improvement in all parameters of metabolic syndrome after 8-weeks. Click here to watch a video review from Nicole Gould, RD, LD.

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 www.VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Help for Mental Clarity

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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It has been said the human brain is the most complex structure in the known universe. While I may not be qualified to dispute this, I can say that when I walk room to room looking for my phone only to find it’s in my hand, I’m not sure I feel like my brain is the poster child for all things complex. All joking aside, the mind is an incredibly powerful tool. Unfortunately, for many of us the modern lifestyle with its stress, rushed meals and lack of sleep can make it difficult to feel mentally at your best. For me, this has only become even more apparent as I’ve aged. Today, I’d like to answer the question, ‘What can I do to enhance my mental clarity?’

First, make sure you’re getting enough sleep, seven to nine hours is recommended. Next, get moving. Regular exercise means increased blood flow which means increased oxygen to the brain. Third, consider supplementation.

Nature has provided us with numerous remedies that have been shown to support the brain and nervous system. One of my favorite products is called MycoBotanicals Brain . I really like this product because it combines some time-tested herbs including ginkgo biloba, gotu kola and bacopa with some powerful medicinal mushrooms including Lion’s Mane that have been clinically studied to support cognitive function and reduce the damaging effects of stress. While not a household name, the Lion’s Mane mushroom probably should be. Studies have shown it promotes the growth of neurons, or nerve cells, as well as enhances cognitive function according to a 2009 study .

Click here for a video review from Vital Choice Registered Dietitian Nicole Gould.

Related - Lion’s Mane: A Mushroom That Improves Your Memory and Mood? (by Paul Stamets via Huffington Post)

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.

The importance of sleep

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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An increasing body of research is pointing to the enormous value of sleep. For example, a recently published study in the journal Neurology, showed there may be a link between poor sleep and signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers believe adequate sleep is needed to perform critical detoxification processes where neurotoxins are essentially washed from the brain. A build-up of these toxins is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s. It’s also been shown the effects of poor sleep go beyond cognitive health.

For example, one study from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that after restricting the sleep of healthy subjects to four hours per night for six nights, the participants were already becoming pre-diabetic. Researchers also found that lack of sleep may be contributing to the epidemic of obesity. Essentially, when we are sleep deprived the body produces less of the hormone that tells our brain to stop eating. In fact, several large-scale studies have also shown short sleep times are linked with heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Another study at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine found that after only one night of roughly five hours of sleep our memory, ability to concentrate and speed with which we think is reduced. Even more, the effects are cumulative! A second night it gets worse and so on. The bottom line according to most researchers is we need 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep each night to be healthy. But what if sleep doesn’t come easy?

While there are quite a few effective products out there, the one we have found to be the most effective is called Dreaminol ( purchase here ), a unique time-released formula that combines Melatonin, L-theanine (an amino acid shown to enhance alpha brain waves), 5-HTP (a precursor to serotonin), and Lactium. Research shows these ingredients can decrease both the time required to get to sleep and the number of awakenings during the night.

Click here to watch our dietitian Nicole's Dreaminol product review.

Preventive Joint Support

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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As I took my car in for an oil change the other day, I found myself thinking about the value of preventive maintenance. After all, the whole reason I take the car in for regular oil changes is to extend the life of the engine and hopefully reduce my chances of ever seeing the dreaded check engine light. In many ways, the body is much same.

While I think most of us would agree there’s great value in preventive health, there are some areas where it seems we often wait for the ‘check engine light’, or uncomfortable symptoms, to appear. One of the most common areas of procrastination is joint health.

Too often, people who enjoy walking, hiking, running or other physical activity wait until they ‘tweak’ something or have pain before they think about their joints. The truth of it is, whether you are experiencing pain or not, a life of physical activity is wearing on your joints. The earlier you begin to address the health of your joints, the better your results will be.

When we look at prolonging the health of the joint, we’re really talking about two things – controlling inflammation and nourishing cartilage. A product called Solgar No. 7 ( purchase here ) is an excellent choice as it addresses both needs in one product. Solgar No. 7 helps combat inflammation with extracts of boswellia, turmeric, ginger and white willow while providing essential nutrients for joints including UC-II Standardized Cartilage and vitamin C. Solgar No.7 has demonstrated improvement in joint comfort within just seven days.

Please note, Solgar No.7 is best suited for preventive use or someone who occasionally experiences mild ‘tweaks’ and stiffness. If your symptoms are more persistent, please stop in to discuss other scientifically validated options.

Is coconut oil safe?

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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Recently, there have been some articles questioning the safety of consuming coconut oil. Often, I find these headlines are a bit sensationalized in an attempt to grab a few clicks. That’s why I like to dig a bit deeper and try to separate fact from fiction. I find the nutritional facts are almost way less dramatic than the headline implies.

The most recent article tells us that coconut oil isn’t healthy and never has been healthy . The main reason for this, according to the author, is because coconut oil is a saturated fat. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Coconut oil has become increasingly popular in large part because it contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). While it is a saturated fat, MCTs are processed quite differently than Long Chain Triglycerides found in butter and lard. Studies have shown MCTs and sources of MCTs like coconut oil, can be beneficial for a variety of health concerns including combatting dementia, enhancing the immune system and even increasing weight loss.

So once again, we have a health catch-22. Some experts say coconut oil is healthy and others say it increases the risk of heart disease. Let’s looks at some facts:

When we look at cultures with the greatest consumption of saturated fat from coconut oil, they have some of the lowest rates of heart disease.
While some studies do show coconut oil increases cholesterol, there are also studies showing it has a favorable effect on cholesterol.
Particle size matters. While headlines are consumed with “good and bad”, heart health experts now know cholesterol is much more complex.
The particle size of your cholesterol goes a long way in determining your heart health. In other words, two people can have identical cholesterol scores and yet one can be far healthier than another due to the particle size of their cholesterol. Dr. Mark Hyman has an excellent article discussing coconut oil, cholesterol and particle size . I highly recommend reading it. In a nutshell, Dr. Hyman states, “While research shows coconut oil contains higher amounts of saturated fat and does increase total cholesterol, those amounts do not increase your heart attack or stroke risk.”
The studies that also compared butter and other animal fats showed these saturated fats had a greater negative impact on cholesterol than coconut oil did. This suggests the focus should probably be on reducing animal fats if someone is concerned about heart disease.
It is highly unlikely that one food is the source of all problems. When addressing your health, it’s important to look at your entire diet. Current research is shifting away from fats in general and towards the negative impact of refined sugars on our blood lipids and general health. Sugars fuel inflammation linked to many chronic disease from diabetes to heart disease. Often, those with heart disease have normal cholesterol but high levels of inflammation.

With all that said, I have never been an advocate of over-consumption and going out of your way to add coconut oil to things like coffee or just eating it by the spoonful. It's best to avoid large amounts of anything and instead use it as a replacement for other saturated fats, like margarine or butter. You can spread it on toast, add it to a sweet potato or use it for frying. As long as your diet includes a balance of unsaturated fats like olive oil, avocado oil and fish oils, than you can still have your coconuts and eat them too! ��

- Nicole

Nicole is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a long standing passion for nutrition. In addition to her formal education, Nicole has worked within the natural products industry at Vital Choice Health Store since 2005. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Supplements for Bariatric Support

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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Bariatric surgery refers to a variety of different weight loss procedures to reduce a patient's food intake. Currently, the three most popular are sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and gastric banding. While these procedures are different, the post-surgical nutritional recommendations can be very similar. Unfortunately, all too often, products marketed as "Bariatric Supplements" come up short. Today I'd like to share some important information regarding nutritional supplements that isn't always addressed as well as share my recommendations for post-bariatric surgery.

Quite often, marketers and even doctors focus too much of their attention on a supplement's delivery system and not enough on its form . Let's look at calcium for example. When you think about taking a calcium supplement you probably think about whether it is chewable, liquid, softgel, tablet or capsule. This is the delivery system, and for many it's the main reason they choose one product over another. However, I would argue the form of calcium is far more important, especially for someone who has had bariatric surgery due to the decreased time the nutrients remain in the gut. Different forms of calcium (and any vitamin or mineral for that matter) offer different degrees of utilization regardless of delivery system. Some forms of calcium include carbonate, citrate, lactate, and whole-food. In my opinion, you are far better off getting a tablet made from whole-food calcium than a softgel made from calcium carbonate, which is after all simply chalk.

So with this said, if you are having or have had bariatric surgery, I want to caution you against some of the products that brand themselves as "bariatric supplements." These supplements often provide powder, liquid or chewable options but the forms they are using are inferior. Again, the goal here is to get usable nutrients that will prevent deficiencies and provide adequate nutrition. That's why many of my recommendations are for whole-food supplements from brands like MegaFood, Garden of Life and New Chapter. These brands provide supplements that are made of food or fermented food nutrients that are easily recognizable and usable by the body. I believe we are meant to get nutrients from food and whole-food supplements deliver nutrition in this way. Whole-food supplements also present far fewer side effects like stomach upset or constipation than traditional forms.

Now, let's look at some specific recommendations for bariatric patients. Traditionally, the 'most important' recommended supplements post-surgery are B12, calcium, iron, a good multi-vitamin and protein.

1. Methylcobalamin B12 - For bariatric patients I prefer a sublingual B12 because it dissolves under the tongue and quickly enters the blood stream. I prefer Methyl cobalamin as it is superior to the traditional Cyano cobalamin form.

2. Calcium - while a liquid is often recommended, this is one case where I prefer the whole food form. New Chapter's Bone Strength is a highly absorbable bone formula that goes beyond just calcium and includes vitamin D3, vitamin K2, Magnesium and Silica. I have had countless customers tell me it is was gentle on their stomach (read non-constipating), and share that their bone density had improved since taking Bone Strength according to subsequent bone scans. If you are more comfortable with a liquid, be sure to get a liquid calcium citrate . Solgar and LifeTime make popular liquid calcium citrate products.

3. Iron - traditional iron supplements can be very constipating. Again, I believe a whole food supplement is best. Garden of Life's Plant Iron (liquid) or MegaFood's Blood Builder have both been very well tolerated by my bariatric clients. Constipation is a big problem with most iron supplements. This is not the base with Blood Builder. I especially like this product because it also includes B12 and Folate, which are necessary for red blood cell production.

4. Multi-Vitamin - Garden of Life's Raw One – A comprehensive whole-food multivitamin in a capsule, makes this an excellent multi for someone that has digestive challenges.

5. Protein - There are quite a few good protein supplements available. When you think of protein, whey protein is often the most popular. It mixes easily while providing a bio-available form of protein. However, one product I prefer to whey is Ancient Nutrition's Bone Broth Protein (BBP). In addition to delivering high quality protein, BBP contains co-factors like collagen, hyaluronic acid and glucosamine to support healthy gut and joints. These co-factors are not found in whey protein. BBP is also more versatile, than whey. While it can be mixed as a protein shake or added to smoothies, bone broth protein can also be mixed with hot water to create a quick high protein broth.

As always, these are just some of the options available. For more information, please stop in to see me or any of our Certified Experts.

Best of health,

Nicole

The truth about calcium and bones

Thu, 18 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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Osteoporosis is generally thought of as a “woman’s disease”, but in truth millions of men and women are affected each year. Bone health is vital for everyone’s health. With that said, I want to talk about calcium and share some facts you may not know about calcium and building bones. Here’s a hint – the two are not as related as you think.

For years, we were told to take 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day. The result – our bones continued to break. So what advice were we given – ‘take more’! Many people are now told they should take 1,500 mgs. each day. My frustration is there really isn’t much evidence that taking this much calcium builds stronger bones. However, there is evidence from a 2012 study that shows taking calcium alone can increase your risk of a heart attack, because the calcium isn’t going to the bones but rather settling in the arteries.

The key to solving the calcium riddle is understanding the differences between calcium supplements. The most common forms available, like calcium carbonate, are derived from limestone. When you take it, you are essentially eating chalk. Unlike plants, we are not built to get nutrition from rocks. Our bodies are designed to get nutrients from foods that naturally contain calcium, like green leafy vegetables.

The good news is there are supplements made from plants that deliver calcium as well as the necessary helper nutrients to support bone health. My favorites by far are Bone Strength from New Chapter and Algae-Based Calcium from Vital Choice . Both of these formulas offer whole-food sources of calcium, D3, K2 and more. To hear some success stories stop in or visit our website at www.vchoice.com.

Help for Aging Skin

Wed, 10 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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I must admit, the title for this article is slightly misleading. Not only does the focus of today’s column improve aging skin, it has also been shown to reduce inflammation, support eye health, improve arterial health and much more. So really, the headline ‘Help for Aging Skin’ is selling this nutritional powerhouse more than a little short.

Astaxanthin (pronounced “asta-Zan-thin”) is the naturally-occurring carotenoid found in algae, shrimp and salmon among others. Called the “king of carotenoids”, astaxanthin has significant antioxidant activity. In fact, as a free radical scavenger, it’s 65 times more powerful than vitamin C and 54 times more powerful than beta-carotene.

When it comes to skin health, numerous studies show astaxanthin improves the appearance and texture of skin. In as little as 6-8 weeks, it has been shown to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and age spots, improve skin elasticity and enhance moisture. Interestingly, it also acts as an internal sunscreen, protecting the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays thus potentially delaying sunburn.

As if this weren’t impressive enough, the benefits of astaxanthin are beyond skin deep. In fact, because it can cross the blood-brain and blood-retinal barrier, astaxanthin can reduce the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and dementia. It’s also been shown to help relieve pain and inflammation, reducing a variety of inflammatory markers including COX-2 and CRP.

If you decide to try a supplement, make sure it’s from algae and not synthetic (petrochemical) sources. My favorite product for organic Non-GMO Project Verified astaxanthin is New Chapter’s Perfect Hair, Skin and Nails. In addition to algae-derived astaxanthin, this comprehensive formula includes fermented biotin to build keratin for healthy hair & strong nails.

The ‘Perfect Prenatal’ Multivitamin

Mon, 01 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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Recently, I was thinking back to a conversation I overheard between my wife and then nine-year old son. She was explaining to him how amazing it was to be pregnant; to feel her body grow and change week after week to support a whole new life. His response was, “I’m glad I’m a boy!” While I think he may have missed the point, that conversation always reminds me of the importance of prenatal nutrition.

Most moms-to-be are aware of the importance of a prenatal multivitamin. But I can’t understand why so many prenatals are made with inferior ingredients. Nicole Gould, RD, LD (and mother of two) sums it up best when she states, “It’s frustrating. In many cases, the first time a woman takes a multi is when she’s pregnant - and then it’s loaded with hard to digest forms of iron and calcium, not to mention dyes and fillers, all of which can make common problems like nausea and constipation worse.” A prenatal is so important, why not make it the best it can be?

That’s why I’m such a fan of New Chapter’s Perfect Prenatal . It delivers pregnancy-essentials including D3, Iron and Folate. Plus, because all the nutrients are from non-gmo organic cultured whole food, you can count on zero-stomach upset or iron related constipation. Perhaps most telling, two of VC moms –registered dietitian Nicole and health assistant Donia, chose to take Perfect Prenatal when pregnant.

Finally, nutritional support doesn’t end with delivery. If you’re a new mom, please ask about New Chapter’s Perfect Postnatal . This multivitamin provides whole food support for red blood cell production, energy and lactation.

The Dangerous Fire Within

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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What does a stubbed toe have to do with your risk of having a heart attack or developing cancer? More than you may realize. Over the past several years, scientists have confirmed a strong link between inflammation and many diseases, including arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s pretty simple - the more inflamed you are, the greater your risk of developing one of these diseases.

Does this mean all inflammation is bad? No. In fact, inflammation is necessary for a variety of purposes including helping an injury to heal or to remove toxins. The problems start when the inflammation doesn’t stop like it should.

So what causes inflammation to burn out of control? For many, the problem begins with diet and lifestyle. Diets high in meat, corn, peanuts, dairy and eggs have been shown to increase inflammation. Even stress has been shown to play a large part in increasing inflammation in the body. While one of the first and most common signs is pain, inflammation often exists without obvious symptoms making the detection of “hyper-inflammation” even more difficult.

What can you do to protect yourself from hyper-inflammation? One answer, which comes from respected integrative medical expert Andrew Weil, M.D., is to eat more anti-inflammatory foods, including ginger, turmeric, green tea and rosemary. Dr. Weil recommends eating these foods as often as possible to reduce inflammation and ease joint pain.

If you find it difficult to eat these daily, try Zyflamend from New Chapter .

Zyflamend combines ginger, turmeric, green tea, holy basil, rosemary and several other anti-inflammatory spices and herbs in one pill. I take it every day because even though I like ginger and curried foods, I don’t eat them as much as experts like Dr. Weil recommend. I also opted for Zyflamend over similar products because it has been clinically studied and proven effective by both the Cleveland Clinic and Columbia University.

The Dangerous Fire Within

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT

If you find it difficult to eat these daily, try Zyflamend from New Chapter .

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 www.VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Lose Weight and Balance Blood Sugar

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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How would you like to control your blood sugar, reduce your appetite and promote effective weight loss? Sound too good to be true?

Today I’d like to share one of my favorite clinically studied supplements that has shown the ability to do all of the above. In fact, this same supplement has been featured by both Dr. Oz and Dr. Michael Murray as scientifically validated options to manage weight. Our in-store dietitian Nicole Gould RD, LD has used this product with her clients for years calling it, “The most consistently effective supplement I’ve seen.” So what is this mysterious wonder supplement? Fiber.

Now, it’s a very specific patented form of fiber called PolyGlycopleX ( PGX ), but it is fiber nonetheless, making it a very safe option for anyone looking to achieve results.

Here’s how it works. PGX is a complex of natural supersoluble nonstarch polysaccharides (fiber). Taken before a meal, PGX absorbs several hundred times its weight in water, thus adding substantially to the volume of your meal without adding any additional calories. This makes you feel fuller. Bottom line - you eat less.

Further, by mixing with food in the stomach, it increases the thickness or viscosity of your meal, slowing gastric emptying, prolonging the digestion and absorption of any food (including carbohydrates). This in turn helps normalize blood sugar levels and insulin secretion.

Clinically, participants in a University of Toronto study lowered their after-meal blood glucose levels by 23% and reduced body fat by 2.8% after taking PGX for 3 weeks. The research also suggests PGX increases the level of important appetite reducing peptides and hormones.

Bottom line, if you take PGX with each meal, you will be able to eat less and feel more satisfied. For more on how to choose the right PGX product (there are several) please stop in.

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.

Help for Hot Flashes and Menopause

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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For some women, hot flashes and night sweats are infrequent and manageable. But for others, they are a major obstacle to daily living forcing sufferers to endure as many as twenty episodes per day. With this in mind, I want to re-visit the herb that has been by far our most successful supplement for countless women giving them relief in as little as seven days. It’s called pueraria mirifica (PM for short).

According to research, PM contains a complex of phytoestrogens, including one called miroestrol , that can effectively relieve menopausal symptoms. However, unlike the phytoestrogens from red clover, soy and black cohosh, miroestrol is bio-similar to a human estrogen, making it many times more powerful. In fact, the phyotestrogens in PM have roughly 3,000 times the estrogenic activity of soy isoflavones. This is why I believe it works so well.

Is it safe? The answer appears to be a resounding Yes! According to health expert Dr. Richard Passwater, author of more than 40 books and 500 articles on nutrition, PM is extremely effective yet much milder than actual estrogen and acts as a regulator – weakening estrogen when it’s too high, and increasing the potency when it’s too low.

If you are looking for a natural option to help alleviate menopausal symptoms, I recommend PM PhytoGen Complex from Solgar. It combines PM with select B-vitamins to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, mood instability, emotional stress and fatigue. Probably the most impressive thing about PM PhytoGen is the speed with which it appears to work. Where most hormonal support products can take 3-6 months, we’ve had many customers tell us it has begun helping within the first seven to ten days!

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Healthstore 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. 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.

Red Yeast for healthy cholesterol

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news is heart disease can often be prevented with a combination of nutrition and lifestyle management.

From a nutritional perspective, nature has provided us with a variety of heart healthy remedies: turmeric and ginger to combat silent inflammation, fish oil for healthy triglycerides, celery and magnesium to support healthy blood pressure and the subject of today’s article, red yeast rice extract for healthy cholesterol.

Integrative medicine expert Andrew Weil, MD states, “Of all the natural supplements available to help lower cholesterol, red rice yeast extracts are by far the most effective. Red rice yeast is a source of naturally occurring statins, the same class of prescription drugs used to lower and control cholesterol…it is much less likely to cause the side effects that sometimes occur with the pharmaceutical versions.”

Two products that have really performed well for people I’ve spoken to are Vital Choice’s Red Yeast Rice Plus and Jarrow Formulas Red Yeast Rice + Nattokinase.

Red Yeast Rice Plus from Vital Choice combines 600mg of organically grown red yeast rice with CoQ10, milk thistle and N-acetyl-cysteine to support liver health. It’s a great formula in an easy one-per-day dose. Red Yeast Rice + Nattokinase from Jarrow combines red yeast rice with nattokinase, an enzyme from the fermented food natto which has been shown to reduce the risk of blood clots and help break up the plaque.

If you are concerned about your cholesterol, please stop in to Vital Choice and ask to speak with our Registered Dietitian or one of our Certified Experts. And as always, it’s best to include your doctor in your healthcare decisions.

Help for you back, joints and eyes

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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Do you suffer from joint pain or stiffness? What about dry eyes or back pain? If so, today’s column about a little known supplement could be just what the doctor ordered – literally.

I spoke with Dr. Douglas Kiburz, a practicing orthopedic surgeon. In the interview, he discussed how a patented form of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is literally stealing away would-be surgical patients by greatly enhancing the health of their joints. A fact that has him thrilled!

We’ve known about HA since the 1940s. It’s essentially a fancy sugar that’s found in every cell of the body. It’s largely responsible for lubricating the joints, eyes, discs in the back and skin. The body produces and breaks down HA every day. As we age, we break down more than we produce leading to stiff cracking joints that begin to lose their natural shock absorbing ability. That’s where Baxyl ™ comes in.

Baxyl is a patented form of HA clinically demonstrated to promote the repair, maintenance, and protection of cartilage and joint tissues (according to Dr. Kiburz, better than any other supplement available, including the popular glucosamine/chondroitin) as well as enhance joint mobility.

What makes Baxyl so different is its high molecular weight. Through a patented fermentation process, Baxyl more closely resembles the HA produced by the body than any other form available. According to Dr. Kiburz, that’s what makes Baxyl so effective. In fact, in a study with 50 of his patients, 84% reported “good to great” results after only 30 days!

If you are concerned about the health of your joints, I highly recommend you consider giving Baxyl a try. I take it every day.

Cholesterol drugs, fatigue, and pain

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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The information in today’s article is so important, I’m going to get right to it.

If you take a statin medication like Lipitor to control cholesterol, health experts say you need to take a supplement called CoQ10.

While many people are aware of this need, I’m very concerned with how many people I talk to who are not. Here’s an example: One day I was working with Judy. I’ve known Judy for years and on that day, she didn’t seem quite right. When I asked her if she was feeling okay, she mentioned that lately her legs hurt her so much she could barely walk. We continued talking for a few more minutes when under her breath she said, “I don’t really even take anything except a cholesterol drug.”

That’s when the sirens went off in my head.

One thing we know about statin drugs is they deplete a critically important nutrient in the body called Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is concentrated mostly in the heart and liver, but is used by virtually every cell in the body. It plays a vital role in energy production and muscle function.

Studies show CoQ10 can help with blood pressure, angina, and congestive heart failure among other conditions.

What happens when cholesterol drugs deplete CoQ10?

Many experts point to fatigue and muscle pain, in addition to potential liver problems. According to research, if you’re taking a statin medication, you should take CoQ10 daily.

My favorite is CoQ10+ Food Complex by New Chapter . CoQ10+ Food Complex is unlike any other form of CoQ10 on the market today because it’s actually food. According to studies, this food form is more effective because it’s 20 times more active in the body.

Judy agrees. She called me two weeks later and said that since taking CoQ10, her pain was totally gone.

Natural help for high blood pressure

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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It’s no secret that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious problem in the United States. In fact, while fewer people are dying from heart disease and stroke, deaths caused by high blood pressure are on the rise. Making matters worse, some people avoid taking their prescribed drugs due to side effects.

Today I want to share my personal experience with reducing blood pressure.

My case was a little unusual because only my systolic pressure (the first number) was high. For example, my blood pressure would be 145/65. My doctor didn’t feel it necessary to use a drug, but urged me to try to get it down a little.

While I do now take a few products to support my blood pressure, the one I believe to be the most effective for me, and the one I tried first, is PeptACE from Natural Factors . It’s made of a specific combination of fish peptides (proteins) that, according to studies, works to lower blood pressure by reducing the conversion of the compound angiotensin I into angiotensin II.

What does this mean?

Think of pinching a garden hose while you turn up the faucet full blast—the pressure increases. This is what happens with angiotensin II. According to noted author Michael Murray, ND, by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, fish peptides relax the arterial walls and reduce fluid volume thereby reducing blood pressure. So taking PeptACE is like releasing your finger from the hose, which allows pressure to drop.

In clinical studies, PeptACE has been shown to be effective in about two-thirds of people, reducing systolic pressure by at least 10 mm Hg and diastolic by 7 mm Hg. It worked for me. In about two months, my systolic pressure was consistently down around 130/65—not perfect, but much better.

Natural weight loss aids

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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So here’s the skinny on weight loss: There is no magic pill.

If you see an ad online or watch an infomercial that sounds too good to be true, it is. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t great options out there. The key is to remember a good weight-loss aid is designed to support your diet and lifestyle efforts, not promise unrealistic change with no effort.

Today, I want to share with you some of the safest and most effective weight-loss aids we have found that have helped our customers lose weight. Please note, a column like this is too short to go into great detail. To address your needs thoroughly, please stop in and see us. Our staff is trained to help you find your most effective option.

First, let’s look at protein. Did you know you need to consume at least 70 grams of protein each day to maximize weight loss efforts? Protein shakes can really help here. Two products I like are Raw Protein & Greens and Raw Fit. Each of these has a specific use, but all three provide roughly 20-25 grams of organic, non-GMO protein with a blend of specialized nutrients.

When looking for a dietary supplement, the options can be overwhelming. For me, two that really stand out are WellBetX PGX Plus Mulberry and FatBurner 4x. WellBetX uses a special type of fiber that helps you feel fuller while balancing blood sugar. FatBurner 4x combines many of the most popular weight loss supplements in one pill: green coffee, green tea, garcinia cambogia and raspberry ketones. Customers taking this product report increased energy and a faster metabolism.

To discuss your weight loss goals, or for more information on any natural health topic, please stop in to Vital Choice.

Turmeric to naturally combat pain

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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We’ve all experienced pain.

In fact, it’s the primary reason people seek the advice of health professionals as well as turn to complementary and alternative medicines. Whether acute or chronic, too often the first reaction for those experiencing pain is to reach for pain-reducing medication. Unfortunately, these drugs bring with them a slew of side effects.

The most commonly used medications, the NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can cause intestinal tract ulcers and other problems.

We’re often asked if there’s a natural option to relieve pain without these side effects. The answer can be found in a spice used for over 2,500 years.

Turmeric has been used for centuries in cooking and healing. One of the main compounds in turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to have a variety of benefits; the most researched of which is as an anti-inflammatory.

Turmeric and its ingredient curcumin provide a great option for those looking to avoid another dose of pain medication. However, there is a down side—not all curcumins are the same. In fact, we know that curcumin is incredibly difficult to absorb. That’s where you separate the effective products from those that are essentially just a cooking spice in a capsule.

There are two curcumin products that use a proprietary process to enhance absorption, leading to dramatically better results— Terry Naturally’s Curamin® and Solgar’s Full Spectrum Curcumin . The Terry Naturally product is a formula that combines a highly effective curcumin with other natural anti-inflammatory compounds, including Boswellia, DLPA and Nattokinase.

Solgar’s product is simply a full-spectrum curcumin with the highest bioavailability to date, at 185 times that of regular powders. Both of these products can offer significant relief.

I hope you stop in to Vital Choice to discuss which option is best for you.

One final note. This column is focusing on products that are primarily turmeric based. To read about my favorite whole-body inflammation modulating formula read lorem ipsum.

Raw Fit for weight loss

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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It’s no secret that successfully losing weight and keeping it off can be a difficult task. What is a secret, or at least a lesser known fact, is that without adequate protein in your diet, you may be spinning your weight loss wheels.

Studies show that if you are not consuming at least 70 grams of protein each day, you are unlikely to maximize your weight loss efforts.

That’s right. There appears to be a line in the sand for someone trying to lose weight.

Regardless of your other efforts, if you consume less than 70 grams of protein daily, you will have a hard time losing weight. Simply increase your daily consumption above 70 grams and the same efforts are much more likely to lead to weight loss.

This brings me to Raw Fit by Garden of Life . Raw Fit has been one of our best sellers for years. It’s one of my favorite products and they’ve recently made it even better tasting. Raw Fit is one of the cleanest and most effective meal replacement shakes I’ve seen. It combines 28 grams of USDA certified organic protein (rare among protein shakes) with clinically studied weight loss supplements like Svetol Green Coffee Bean Extract. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project verified, and, now, thanks to a new blend of plant-based proteins, smoother tasting.

According to dietitian Nicole Gould, RD, LD, “Raw Fit is low in calories and sugar, and high in protein and fiber making it a perfect meal replacement for weight loss.”

Customers report it keeps them feeling fuller longer than most meal shakes. It can be mixed with water, but it is better with milk, almond milk or other dairy alternative.

Green Coffee Bean and Weight Loss

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT

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It seems every other day experts like Dr. Oz are revealing yet another weight loss product that is better than the last. The fact is, there is no miracle pill. What we do have are tools in a weight loss toolbox each with a specific function. The real key is understanding what your weight loss obstacle is and then finding the right tool for the job.

For many, controlling blood sugar spikes is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. One supplement that has been clinically shown to do just that is green coffee bean extract.

Coffee beans contain a compound called chlorogenic acid that has been shown to have a profound effect on the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar as well as produce weight loss. Several studies suggest chlorogenic acid slows absorption of fat from food intake and also increases the burning of extra fat. A 2012 study published by the Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity journal found that subjects lost an average of 17.5 pounds in 22 weeks and reduced their overall body weight by 10.5%.

Because traditional roasting of coffee beans eliminates much of the beneficial chlorogenic acid, the most effective source is a green coffee bean extract supplement. One product I like is Green Coffee Bean Extract by Vital Choice . It provides 400mg. the extract containing the recommended 45%-50% chlorogenic acid per capsule.

It’s important to note, there is no “one-size-fits-all” supplement. Green coffee been may not be the best tool for your job. That’s where we can help. Whether it’s green coffee, raspberry ketones, garcinia cambogia, or the myriad of other scientifically validated choices, our in-store registered dietitian and certified experts are here to help answer your questions about weight loss as well as many other natural health concerns.

Enormous Benefits of Propolis

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT

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Propolis, the “caulk” that honeybees use to seal their hives, has been used since ancient times for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. However, recent research suggests specific forms of propolis may offer quite a bit more.

In his November 2012 article, “The Latest Weapon in the War on Cancer: Honey Bees,” natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola discussed a University of Chicago Medical Center study that showed that CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester), derived from Green Propolis Extract, was able to slow tumor growth in both human prostate cells as well as mice. In addition to this exciting potential, Dr. Mercola said propolis has demonstrated powerful immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s important to note that not all propolis products are the same. The vast majority of propolis is brown in color and is derived from the bark of trees like birch. While brown propolis does offer impressive benefits, the most exciting research is being conducted on the more rare green and red forms, as they appear to offer both unique and more powerful constituents than brown. Green appears to offer benefit to prostate and breast cells while red demonstrates hormonal support and anti-aging benefits.

Currently, only Natura Nectar™ offers chemical free, water-extracted Green Bee Propolis and Red Bee Propolis that are standardized for compounds, including CAPE. The product I take and my favorite for general health is Bee Propolis Trio , a combination of all three forms—brown, green and red. I like the Trio because I believe it gives me the benefits of all three—immune, inflammation, prostate and anti-aging. In addition, Natura Nectar offers a variety of clinically studied products that have been used for nearly 30 years in Europe. For more information, please stop in and one of our certified experts will help you decide which is best for your needs.

Do you fear the foods you eat?

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT

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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.

How to kick a cold

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT

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For many, this is “the most wonderful time of the year.” Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when stuffy noses, body aches and just overall blah-ness start to take hold as our immune system begins its seemingly endless battle against a host of seasonal challenges.

I’m often asked what I take to kick a cold. One product that’s really helped me is Quick Defense by Gaia Herbs . Quick Defense contains two species of echinacea root. Echinacea helps by supporting the tissues of the sinuses and throat that are exposed to airborne stressors and helps boost immune response.

As important as the type of echinacea used is how it’s prepared. The herbs in Quick Defense are supercritically extracted, a process that yields a more powerful and effective product than traditional preparations. Quick Defense also provides a blend of time tested immune supporters, including elderberry, ginger and andrographis in easy-to-take, liquid-filled capsules. For best results, I take it as soon as I start to feel run down.

Gaia recommends taking two capsules, five times daily for two days. It sounds like a lot to take, but if you ask Vital Choice staff dietitian Nicole Gould, RD, LD, it’s well worth it.

“There have been multiple times the kiddos have come down with colds and, of course, a couple of days later I woke up feeling lousy (stuffy nose, achy and run down). When I take Quick Defense, it seems like that’s as bad as my symptoms ever get. I never get the full-blown thing and I really only feel ‘off’ for a day. I love this product.”

For more information, please stop in to Vital Choice. We’re here to help.

The Secret Killer

mike@vchoice.com (Michael Ventresca) — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Today’s column is likely to be one of—if not the—most important I write all year. Today we’ll discuss a common thread that weaves through nearly every disease you can think of. And now, new research shows that we can add bone loss to the list.

In 2004, Time Magazine first called inflammation “the secret killer .” Since then, research has only confirmed this infamous nickname. Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and heart disease are all inflammatory-related. For example, we often think of cholesterol when assessing heart health, but did you know that 50% of the people that suffer from heart attacks have normal cholesterol? Most experts now believe inflammation is to blame. In fact, some doctors now consider controlling inflammation (measured as C-Reactive Protein or CRP) to be more important than cholesterol in preventing heart disease.

Inflammation also plays a major role in the aging process. In his book “The Wrinkle Cure,” Dr. Nicholas Pericone outlines the negative impact inflammation plays on our physical appearance and discusses the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet.

How can we combat this secret killer? One answer, which comes from respected author Andrew Weil, M.D., is to eat more anti-inflammatory foods, including ginger, turmeric, green tea and rosemary. Dr. Weil recommends eating these foods as often as possible to reduce inflammation and risk of disease.

If you’re like me, you probably find it difficult to eat these daily. In that case, an ideal supplement to try is Zyflamend® from New Chapter . Zyflamend combines ginger, turmeric and green tea with several other anti-inflammatory spices and herbs in a softgel. It has been clinically studied and proven effective by the Cleveland Clinic, Columbia University and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. I take it daily and am convinced I am healthier as a result.

And now, new research shows there’s yet another reason to take Zyflamend—bone health.

Inflammation has been linked to bone loss in both men and women. In short, we now know inflammation can increase the production of cells that break down bone called osteoclasts. Normally, osteoclasts work in balance with osteoblasts (bone building cells), routinely breaking down and building new bone as needed.

In fact, the body grows the equivalent of an entirely new skeleton every seven years. But when this process begins to favor break down over bone formation, bone strength may be affected. A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition and Cancer showed Zyflamend actually reduces the production of osteoclasts—thereby reducing the breakdown of bone.

So now we’ve talked about reducing bone loss, but what about building new bone?

Many turn to calcium. That’s a great start, but calcium alone is not enough. Studies show individuals who obtain their calcium from food have healthier bones than those who rely on calcium supplements. Why the difference? Most supplements contain a very ineffective form called calcium carbonate, otherwise known as chalk, and little else.

To be strong, our bones need a host of nutrients beyond calcium. For example, without adequate vitamin K, calcium will not be deposited in the bones, but rather, in the arteries or kidneys potentially causing problems. Other important nutrients include vitamin D and trace minerals like silica, vanadium and strontium.

I know of only one formula that includes all of these in a whole-food complex. It’s called Bone Strength™ Take Care . How well does it work? A recent preliminary analysis found women taking Bone Strength showed an annualized increase in bone density of over 2% per year!

An ideal bone health protocol would then combine a whole-food bone formula like Bone Strength or Vital Choice's Algae Based Calcium with a formula that promoted a healthy inflammation response like Zyflamend.

For more information on either of these options, please stop in to Vital Choice Health Store.

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 www.VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Secret Killer

Sat, 01 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT

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In 2004, Time Magazine first called inflammation “the secret killer.” Since then, research has only confirmed this infamous nickname. Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and heart disease are all inflammatory-related. For example, we often think of cholesterol when assessing heart health, but did you know that 50% of the people that suffer from heart attacks have normal cholesterol? Most experts now believe inflammation is to blame. In fact, some doctors now consider controlling inflammation (measured as C-Reactive Protein or CRP) to be more important than cholesterol in preventing heart disease.

If you’re like me, you probably find it difficult to eat these daily. In that case, an ideal supplement to try is Zyflamend® from New Chapter. Zyflamend combines ginger, turmeric and green tea with several other anti-inflammatory spices and herbs in a softgel. It has been clinically studied and proven effective by the Cleveland Clinic, Columbia University and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. I take it daily and am convinced I am healthier as a result.

And now, new research shows there’s yet another reason to take Zyflamend—bone health.

So now we’ve talked about reducing bone loss, but what about building new bone?

I know of only one formula that includes all of these in a whole-food complex. It’s called Bone Strength™ . How well does it work? A recent preliminary analysis found women taking Bone Strength showed an annualized increase in bone density of over 2% per year!

An ideal bone health protocol would then combine a whole-food bone formula like Bone Strength with a formula that promoted a healthy inflammation response like Zyflamend.

For more information on either of these options, please stop in to Vital Choice Health Store.

Mike Ventresca is co-owner of Vital Choice, a health food and nutrition store 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 any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.

The Healing Benefits of Bone Broth

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:28:21 GMT

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Have you heard of the latest trend in healthy eating? It’s actually less of a new breakthrough and more of a return to ancient eating – bone broth. Bone broth is basically a slow-cooked soup stock. That is, it’s typically simmered for a very long period of time (often in excess of 24 hours), with the purpose being not only to produce gelatin from collagen-rich joints but also to release minerals from bones.

Studies are finding that due to its comprehensive nutritional profile which includes important amino acids, minerals, collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and more, bone broth can enhance and heal the digestive system, boost immunity and detoxification, support joints, skin, hair, nails and more.

One problem with bone broth is that it takes a long time to make. Few of us today have 24-48 hours to let it simmer on the stove. To solve this problem companies now make pre-made bone broths in ready-to-drink bottles. While beneficial, some people find this preparation too costly to consume on a daily basis. With this in mind, I’d like to tell you about a new product called Bone Broth Protein.

Bone Broth Protein from Ancient Nutrition supplies all the benefits of a true bone broth but in a convenient powder for about half the cost per serving of the ready-to-drink products. Bone Broth Protein begins as a true bone broth liquid. Then it's dehydrated, making it into a concentrated source of high-quality powder supplying 20 grams of protein in addition to all the minerals, amino acids and more per serving. It is available in multiple flavors and can be mixed in water or added to smoothies. Stop in today for a free sample.

Bugs Are The Key To Your Health

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT

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There is something of a revolution taking place. This revolution may not only change your day to day health, but possibly change modern medicine’s approach to relieving suffering. This revolution is all about bugs, or your microbiome , the collection of nearly a hundred trillion microbes, that cover you, both inside and out.

Decades ago, you probably thought of bacteria as a bad thing. Bacteria meant spoiled food or an infection. More recently, we’ve been hearing of the many benefits of good bacteria, probiotics, that nourish our immune system and keep our digestive system humming along.

But now, new research says this collection of microbes needs to be taken even more seriously than we ever thought. In fact, according to neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, the microbiome should be thought of not as a collection of microscopic bugs, but as a distinct organ system, possessing two-way communication with the brain. For example, we now know gut bacteria is not only regulating muscles, immune cells and hormones, it’s also making 80-90% of the feel good “brain” chemical serotonin. That’s right! The vast majority of the brain chemical serotonin is made by the bugs in your gut.

The inescapable truth is our modern lifestyle wages a daily battle against the microbiome subjecting it to hazardous conditions having a direct impact on brain function, immune function and so much more. It’s not just about an upset stomach, a wounded microbiome could mean an “upset brain.”

With this is mind, Garden of Life has partnered with Dr. Perlmutter to introduce Dr. Formulated Probiotics , the only probiotic supplement to offer bacteria clinically studied and designed to support a healthy microbiome. The new formulas include Mood+ , Prostate+ and Urinary Tract among others. Please stop in to Vital Choice to discuss how to find the right formula for you.

Is Your Multi-Vitamin Making You Sick?

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT

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For years, nutritional experts like Phyllis Balch, clinical nutritionist and author of the best selling Prescription for Nutritional Healing , have been preaching the importance of the added nutrition a daily multivitamin provides. In fact, after years of nay saying even the American Medical Association now agrees that the average American should take a multivitamin.

So if everyone agrees a multivitamin is so good for us…why do so many feel sick to their stomach when they take them? Doesn’t it seem strange that something as seemingly beneficial as a multivitamin can make you feel worse than if you hadn’t taken it? How about absorption – how well can your body use something that makes you feel sick?

As strange as it sounds, the fact remains: every day many Americans start their day with a cop of coffee, a multivitamin and shortly after that…an upset stomach and nausea. It doesn’t matter if it’s Centrum®, One-A-Day® or just about any other brand, if you’re not careful, your multivitamin could end up making you feel sick to your stomach.

Why does this happen? The answer is simple – a regular multivitamin is not food and once again, it seems we have “short-changed” the wisdom of Mother Nature. Within whole foods, vitamins and minerals are delivered as part of a complex mixture of synergistic plant chemicals, enzymes, cofactors and macronutrients. It is only within the last few decades that the form of nutrients found in most conventional nutritional supplements have been introduced to the body. Basically in terms of our history, these compounds are relatively foreign to the body, and their overall effect is still largely unknown. On the other hand, nutrients from living organisms and whole foods have been nourishing humans throughout our history.

The problem is conventional brands use USP or (United States Pharmacopoeia) vitamins and minerals. These supplements bear little resemblance to the nutrients obtained from whole foods. Instead, the production of USPs follows a pharmaceutical industry inspired approach to nutrition, which is to reduce a nutrient to its most simple form. USPs are synthesized and delivered as single molecules devoid of synergistic nutrients and cofactors. You can see this on your multivitamin when you see the phrase “Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)”. Vitamin C is NOT simply ascorbic acid…but the United States Pharmacopoeia essentially says it is! Isolating nutrients and delivering them in this unnatural way changes the body’s response to them.

Does the body use USPs the same as nutrients from food? The answer appears to be no. For example, scientists have found it difficult to pinpoint the reason why eating foods rich in vitamin E offer cardiovascular protection, but supplementing with the isolated USP form (called d-alpha tocopherol) does not always show the same consistent protective role.

Another common difference between USP nutrients and those obtained from natural sources is the dosage. When the body receives nutrients from food, they are generally delivered in smaller doses throughout day. This is ideal not only for absorption, but for utilization because there is a limit to how much the body can use of a specific nutrient at any given time.

Probiotics….Giving Life to Supplements

Fortunately, there is a solution for individuals who want the benefits of a multivitamin but prefer the known safety and superior effectiveness of vitamins and minerals from living sources. Whole-food probiotic fermented vitamins from New Chapter utilize the ancient science of fermentation to transform inorganic USP nutrients into the complex organic nutrients found in whole food.

New Chapter utilizes a unique fermentation process to produce their line of whole-food vitamins. Here’s how it work: first, they create a nutrient-dense soup of certified organic whole food concentrates, water, and organic non-GMO soy. Next, a beneficial form of active “living” yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is added to begin fermenting the soup. Like the old arcade game Pac-Man, the yeast gobbles up all the nutrients in this broth. Finally, New Chapter adds plant enzymes to de-activate the yeast as well as another set of probiotics to further enhance the bioavailability of these nutrients. When the process is complete, the USP nutrients that were initially present in the soup are completely biotransformed into living whole-food complexes and are delivered with millions of synergistic cofactors. Studies conducted at the University of Scranton show these nutrients are more readily absorbed and are significantly more biologically active than their isolated USP counterparts.

New Chapter offers a variety of multis ( seen here at shop.VChoice.com ) that are formulated for your specific health needs, gender and age. Finally, and maybe best of all, since they are essentially food, you don’t have to worry about feeling sick to your stomach because whole-food fermented nutrients are so easily digested even on an empty stomach.

Crazy about Coconut Oil

Fri, 03 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT

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Numerous studies have begun to reveal how coconut oil can help with Alzheimer’s disease, immune function, ulcers, weight loss and more.

The secret to Coconut oil’s benefits are the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid, it provides. Unlike most other fats, MCFAs are metabolized like a carbohydrate instead of being stored as fat. When you take coconut oil, the MCFAs are sent directly to the liver and converted into energy. The body gets an energy and metabolism boost, while some powerful beneficial compounds are created.

With over 1,500 studies to date, the findings are impressive. The ketones created when digesting coconut oil may help with Alzheimer’s disease by providing an alternate energy source to help repair the brain.

Other studies have shown the lauric acid found in coconut oil has very strong antibacterial and antiviral activity with the ability to kill pathogenic yeast, fungi, viruses and harmful bacteria including those blamed for throat and sinus infections, pneumonia and even stomach ulcers.

There also appears to be a weight loss link. Essentially, when you consume coconut oil you are giving the body fuel to burn calories. A 2003 study in the journal Obesity Research concluded MCFAs, “may be considered as agents that aid in the prevention of obesity or potentially stimulate weight loss.” The researchers found a diet rich in MCFAs resulted in greater fat loss.

There are a variety of great products available . Look for extra virgin, organic and non-gmo and avoid hydrogenated, bleached, refined or deodorized when possible. Please stop in to Vital Choice to learn which of our many options is right for you.

The truth on omega-3 fish oil

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT

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It seems like everyone is talking about Omega fatty acids and how beneficial they are to health. While you may not know exactly what they are, one thing seems to be obvious - they're good for you. In fact, studies show Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency ranks in the top 10 killers of Americans.

The good news is we can get these beneficial nutrients by eating fatty fish like salmon. The bad news is many don’t like these types of fatty fish or can’t afford the recommended wild caught varieties on a regular basis. The other major drawback is purity. We can’t control where fish swim, so concerns about heavy metals like mercury are well founded.

With this in mind, many people have turned to fish oils pills. Terms like “molecular distillation” and “pharmaceutical grade” describe the processes used to remove contaminants. Unfortunately, there’s a trade-off. When you purify fish oil, you essentially damage it. For example, a purified fish oil supplement often contains just two omega fatty acids – EPA and DHA, whereas a salmon fillet contains sixteen! This may explain why some studies find people who consume fish have better results than those who take supplements.

That’s why I’m such a fan of New Chapter’s Wholemega , a 100% wild Alaskan salmon oil in a softgel. To me, it’s the closest thing to actually eating wild Alaskan salmon. It’s NOT purified because it’s pure to begin with, yet it has been clinically shown to support a healthy heart. In fact, we’ve had numerous customers report an increase in their HDL (good) cholesterol while experiencing a decrease in their LDL (bad) cholesterol after only 60 days on Wholemega. It’s the fish oil my family and I take.

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 www.VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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