With the wealth of information on the internet and the wide variety of nutritional supplements available for us to buy, do you sometimes wonder how to prioritize your nutritional needs so that you can make sure that you are taking products that have the greatest impact on your health? All of us go through this! Also, as we go through life, our nutritional needs change over time, so it is helpful to learn about nutritional targeting and how to apply it to your daily routine.
In this article, we will cover a few of our nutritional supplements that are excellent at targeting specific needs depending on your health needs or medical condition. As always, please feel free to consult with our team of nutritionists if you need additional advice.
SLEEP & STRESS
While playing a vital role in many functions such as energy production and the formation of red blood cells, B complex and niacin can be used to support specific areas in our health, namely stress management and sleep quality. Stress and sleep are also very closely related. Chronic stress can reduce the quality of sleep, and poor sleep quality can cause more stress during your day—leading to a vicious cycle.
Research has shown that maintaining sufficient levels of B vitamins help the body to regulate tryptophan levels. Tryptophan is an important amino acid that helps to maintain healthy sleep. Vitamin B6, in particular, supports the production of the hormones: serotonin and melatonin, which are both important for restful sleep. Also, deficiency of these hormones may cause insomnia or depressive moods. Higher intake of Vitamin B6 has been connected to a lower risk of depression.
In addition to supporting the production of calming hormones, studies have shown that B vitamins are helpful for preserving brain and nervous system health in the absence of a healthy diet. Participants in one study reported significant improvements in general health, vigour, and stress levels while taking a combination of B vitamins.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Before we dive into this, if you would like to know more about cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, make sure to grab a copy of Dr. Lynn’s book “Cholesterol: Guilty or Innocent?”. It combines her years of research and decades of experience to provide a new perspective on how we can live healthier lives and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Red yeast rice extract is a traditional Chinese medicine that helps to lower LDL and total cholesterol levels. Red yeast rice naturally contains a compound similar to lovastatin called monacolin K. It also contains sterols, isoflavones, and monounsaturated fatty acids that all help to reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels.
NewLife™ Cholestinon is a dietary supplement developed to enable people whose cholesterol levels are currently not at risk but still on the high side (between 5 to 6 mg/dL).
Cholestinon is a scientifically processed, all-natural form of Monascus Purpureus Red Went yeast that is fermented on premium rice. It is prepared by a proprietary process to guarantee the quality and consistency of the product without the addition of additives, preservatives, or foreign ingredients. Cholestinon has been rigorously evaluated in terms of its pharmacology, long-term toxicity & in clinical studies to confirm its safety and efficacy. Each capsule contains several bioactive ingredients, including naturally occurring HMGCoA reductase inhibitors (Monacolin K and hydroxyl-acid) and fatty acids.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Living through the current pandemic has made it more critical than ever for all of us to maintain a robust immune system. The immune system is our body’s line of defence against pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. It is a complex network involving many organs and cells that play specific roles in protecting the body.
A healthy diet, sunshine, sleep, stress management, and exercise are all critical for maintaining a healthy immune system. There are also specific supplements that are very helpful for boosting the immune system. Our most potent combination here at
NewLife™ is C Complex (1000mg) Sustained Release and Garlic & Parsley. They should be taken every day and especially when feeling unwell.
Vitamin C supports the production of white blood cells, which are “warrior cells” that kill invading pathogens. Garlic oil has natural antibiotic properties, and parsley oil is rich in a flavonoid called luteolin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled survey found that administration of a garlic supplement over a period of 12-weeks recorded fewer incidents of common colds, infections, and symptoms compared to individuals without garlic supplementation who were more likely to get a cold and recovered more slowly.
HYPOTHYROIDISM (UNDERACTIVE THYROID)
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Its most common symptoms include feelings of tiredness, constipation, slow heart rate, weight gain or inability to lose weight, depression, and poor ability to tolerate cold. Hypothyroidism is so common that it affects up to 5% of the general population, with a further estimate of 5% going undiagnosed. It is particularly common in women over the age of 60, affecting 15-18%.
Iodine is an essential mineral that helps the thyroid make hormones, and iodine deficiency is one of the key causes of hypothyroidism and one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. In fact, it is so common that it is estimated that about one billion people worldwide have iodine deficiency. This is why since the 1920s, health authorities began adding iodine to table salt!
The best way to prevent iodine deficiency is to take kelp every day. Kelp is one of the best natural, healthy sources of iodine and is also rich in vitamins (K1, A, B5 a.k.a. pantothenic acid), minerals (folate, magnesium, iron, calcium), and other trace elements. It helps to support thyroid health, healthy metabolism, energy levels and brain function.
INSULIN RESISTANCE/DIABETES
Diabetes has emerged as a global epidemic, climbing from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, according to the WHO. It is a significant cause of heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and lower limb amputation.
Insulin resistance, which is the leading cause of type-2 diabetes, is widespread in our region due to the high daily intake of refined carbohydrates in the Asian diet. Insulin resistance is a common denominator for a variety of chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
For those of us concerned about this condition, in addition to reducing our intake of sugar and carbohydrates, Chromium is an essential nutrient that we should be taking daily.
Chromium is vital for enhancing insulin activity in the body. Chromium picolinate, in particular, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have found it helpful for improving blood glucose control. NewLife™ Chromium Picolinate is an excellent source form of chromium supplementation.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are not to be substituted for medical advice or diagnosis. The information presented here is purely for educational purposes. This is not a prescription for self-diagnosis or self-medication. Consult your own physician regarding the application of any opinions and recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical conditions.