Category Archives: Heart health

Biomulsion D, Heart health, Suntrex D3, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2

Don’t be Deficient: Vitamin D and Men’s Heart Health

With any amount of luck, the year will soon be properly moving on from the cold of winter to the relative warmth of spring and the temperatures will rise for all of us. And with that comes increased daylight. However, for those who work through the night, getting enough daylight hours can be an issue not just in the winter months, but throughout the year. And, don’t doubt it; there can be biological implications if they don’t manage to do so.

Indeed, several clinical studies conducted in recent years have proved that deaths owing to cardiovascular diseases are higher in winter months than at other times of year. The reason for this? Well, it may not just be coincidence because one study suggests that men with low levels of Vitamin D are more likely to suffer from a heart attack than those with higher levels of the vitamin in their bodies1. What’s the connection here, you may ask? Well, it’s that Vitamin D’s widely referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ – and for good reason. Although an essential vitamin for the human body, it is traditionally derived via exposure to sunlight as it prompts the body to produce the vitamin.

Exposure to sun for around just 15 minutes, three times a week is said to be sufficient to produce enough quantities of Vitamin D for the body. And yet, everyone’s body is different and some, maybe most certainly need far more. Indeed, there’s no question that, for instance, for the majority of the men who took part in the aforementioned study, to eradicate their Vitamin D deficiency and increasing their body’s levels of it would reduce the chance of suffering a heart attack.

What does Vitamin D do?

But what is it that makes Vitamin D so essential? Why do our bodies need it so much? Not only does it play a critical role by encouraging and ensuring the absorption of magnesium and calcium takes place in the body, but also – and perhaps why it has the aforementioned connection to heart health (especially in men) – its presence in the body makes sure there are adequate levels of calcium and phosphorous in our blood, which means both these crucial elements are carried to the organs where they’re required for our bodies to function correctly and keep us healthy and well.

Vitamin D supplements

Now, you may be one of the fortunate people who does – and, indeed, make sure you – get a decent amount of ‘sun time’ in the summer; that’s good for sure, so long as you take precautions when the sun’s at its hottest (and its harmful UV rays) are at their most potent at the height of the day. But, even so, it’s probably unlikely you’re actually getting enough Vitamin D from this method alone. And, if that’s the case, what about those poor people who are, for whatever reason, not able to do as you do come the summer months? And those who barely see the sun at all in less warm months when there’s far less daylight?

The truth then is that the vast majority of us could do with a little help in boosting our Vitamin D levels. To that end, supplementation is the ideal avenue to turn to. And one of the best Vitamin D supplements on the market (actually the best-selling for us at The Finchley Clinic) is Vitamin D3 (5,000iu) with Vitamin K2. Not only are its capsules chewable and capable of being taken sublingually, but they also have a terrific apricot flavour and, among all the other attributes and benefits to your body they offer, they’re great for supporting both the skeletal and the immune systems. Indeed, it’s the supplement’s additional ingredient, Vitamin K2, contributes to bone strength and arterial and heart health (reducing calcification or even decalcifying and likely reducing blood pressure).

Moreover, you may also be interested in the following supplements that are also ideal for boosting your Vitamin D intake:

suntrex

Suntrex D3 – a premium quality product created by extracting oil from nutrient-dense lichen plants, it provides support for the immune and nervous systems and promotes good organ, bone and brain health; suitable for vegans.

 

BioMulsion-D

Biomulsion D – A fluid-based Vitamin D3 supplement, it provides maximum strength and convenience in a few tiny drops for those who’d prefer not to take tablets or capsules.

Reference:

1. Giovannucci E., Liu Y., Hollis B. W. and Rimm E. B. ‘25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Men’. Archives of Internal Medicine. June 2008; 168 (11): 1174-1180.

Alpha vegicaps, BioCardio, Heart health, Vitamin K2, Vitamins & Minerals

Hale and hearty: the route to a healthy heart

Only a fool would decry the importance of the heart to their body and thus the importance of a fit heart to their overall health. After all, given it pumps blood throughout the body, supplying organs and cells with all-important oxygen, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and, at the same time, removes from them toxic carbon dioxide, the heart’s arguably the most crucial muscle there is. A weak heart makes for a weak person; a heart that doesn’t work means you won’t work, plain and simple.

And yet, despite all that, how many of us properly look after our hearts? Not enough of us, that’s for sure. Otherwise there’d be far fewer cases of heart disease and general ill-health; especially among those of a certain age.

Dos and don’ts

So what should we all do – and, more than that, what’s easy for the vast majority of us to do – to try and ensure our hearts remain healthy? Well, here are some simple steps most of us should start to follow, for those who don’t already…

  • Exercise regularly – don’t forget that the heart’s a muscle, therefore it should be worked
  • avoid toxins especially bad for the heart (such as pesticides, insecticides and heavy metals like mercury and lead)
  • stop smoking – aside from the carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke that reduces blood oxygen levels, tobacco damages your arteries’ lining, thanks to the build-up of the fatty material atheroma, which narrows the arteries and causes anginas, heart attacks and strokes
  • avoid high-fat foods and too many fizzy drinks that feature artificial sweeteners

Get your diet right

Away from the aforementioned ways you should and shouldn’t live your life to keep your heart functioning as it should, there are also specific foods you can introduce into your diet. Just eating more of the following could be a big help…

  • Salmon – thanks to the Omega-3 fatty acids it contains, salmon’s a fine source for Vitamin D, thus can help address the low levels of the vitamin in too many adults, which has been long associated with heart problems and, as a consequence, premature death1
  • Broccoli – this and other cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, kale and sprouts) are widely considered to help cut the risk of cardiovascular disease2; indeed, a recent study suggests they lower the chance of cardiac-associated death more than other vegetables and fruits3. Moreover, research in the last few years has found that a compound in broccoli (indole-3-carbinol or I3C) appears to counteract aspects of heart failure, thus it may provide cardiac protection4
  • Asparagus – protection of the cardiovascular system (the body’s system responsible for blood circulation) is aided by phenolic acids, which commonly occur in asparagus; this is because these acids play a big role in making sure detoxifying enzymes help remove drugs and other toxins from the system5
  • Chickpeas – not only do chickpeas contain the aforementioned heart-health-friendly Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as incredibly nutritious vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium, but also a study has revealed they can help lower cholesterol levels, thus easing the workload of and pressure on the heart6
  • Spinach – Popeye was certainly on to something, for just a single helping of spinach should deliver 20% of your daily recommended amount of magnesium, the mineral that’s absolutely key to achieving proper muscle function, healthy blood sugar levels and favourable blood pressure7
  • Almonds – research suggests that consuming almonds is better for balancing cholesterol than cutting saturated fats from your diet (although the latter’s recommended too), in addition to the fatty acids they contain contributing to good cardiovascular health8
  • Olives – the Mediterranean diet has long been considered good for the heart, not least because it includes olives and olive oil, with their Omega-3 fatty acids, phenolic acids and antioxidant properties; thus helping to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease9.

Heart-health supplements

However, if for some reason, you might find it difficult to integrate any of the above foods into your diet or (perhaps because of pre-existing issues) you’re unable to exercise regularly or can’t prevent being exposed to heart-harming toxins, then you may consider turning to the following supplements to improve the health and efficacy of your heart. They’re all available from The Finchley Clinic – in fact, we recommend them whether you’re able to follow the previous steps in this article or not…

alpha-90-vegicaps

Alpha vegicaps (90 and 30 capsules) – cardio-protective and great for your general heart-health, this supplement’s major ingredients are alpha lipoic acid (an antioxidant excellent at countering free radicals) and acetyl L-carnitine (an amino acid highly effective in the fat metabolism process)

biocardio

Bio Cardio (300ml) – delicious thanks to its essential of orange oil flavour, this liquid-based supplement contains the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA ensuring that, when combined with a low fat diet, fish oils and plant sterols, there’s a strong likelihood it’ll help reduce cholesterol levels and support platelet integrity

vitamin-k2-30-tablets

Vitamin K2 (60 and 30 tablets) – while, on its own, Vitamin K aids normal blood clotting and helps keep bones strong and healthy, this particular form of the vitamin (K2) appears to be a great contributor to good heart-health, aiding effective blood circulation.

References:

  1. Thomas G. N., ó Hartaigh B., Bosch J. A., Pilz S., Loerbroks A., Kleber M. E., Fischer J. E., Grammer T. B., Böhm B. O. and März W. ‘Vitamin D levels predict all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in subjects with the metabolic syndrome: the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) Study’. Diabetes Care. May 2012; 35(5): 1158-64. doi: 10.2337/dc11-1714.
  1. Edmands W. M., Beckonert O. P., Stella C., Campbell A., Lake B. G., Lindon J. C., Holmes E. and Gooderham N. J. ‘Identification of human urinary biomarkers of cruciferous vegetable consumption by metabonomic profiling’. J Proteome Res. Oct 7 2011; 10(10): 4513-21. doi: 10.1021/pr200326k.
  1. Zhang X., Shu X. O., Xiang Y. B., Yang G., Li H., Gao J., Cai H., Gao Y. T. and Zheng W. ‘Cruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk of total and cardiovascular disease mortality’. Am J Clin Nutr. Jul 2011; 94(1): 240-6. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.009340.
  1. Deng W., Zong J., Bian Z., Zhou H., Yuan Y., Zhang R., Guo H., Zhang Y., Shen D., Li H. and Tang Q. ‘Indole-3-carbinol protects against pressure overload induced cardiac remodeling via activating AMPK-?’. Mol Nutr Food Res. Apr 27 2013. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201300012.
  1. Yeh C. T. and Yen G. C. ‘Effect of vegetables on human phenolsulfotransferases in relation to their antioxidant activity and total phenolics’. Free Radic Res. Aug 2005; 39(8): 893-904.
  1. Pittaway J. K., Robertson I. K. and Ball M. J. ‘Chickpeas may influence fatty acid and fiber intake in an ad libitum diet, leading to small improvements in serum lipid profile and glycemic control’. J Am Diet Assoc. Jun 2008; 108(6): 1009-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2008.03.009.
  1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium.
  1. Ortiz R. M., Garcia S. and Kim A. D. ‘Is Almond Consumption More Effective Than Reduced Dietary Saturated Fat at Decreasing Plasma Total Cholesterol and LDL-c levels?’ A Theoretical Approach. J Nutr Metab. 2012; 2012: 265712. doi: 10.1155/2012/265712.
  1. Pauwels E. K. ‘The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet: focus on cancer and cardiovascular risk’. Med Princ Pract. 2011; 20(2): 103-11. doi: 10.1159/000321197.
Aloe Gold Cherry/ Cranberry, Aloe Gold Natural, Aloe vera products, Heart health, Herbal Aloe Vera Ear Drops, Immune health, Vitamins & Minerals

Aloe vera: the plant extract packed with 200-plus nutrients

Aloe vera? Many of us have heard of it, haven’t we? Familiar thanks to its mention as an ingredient in skin creams and cosmetic products in so many TV ads, aloe vera (also called aloe barbadensis) is in fact a succulent plant species originating from various tropical parts of the world that’s been a health staple for millennia in many different cultures. As such, it’s been used to soothe burns, moisturise skin and heal small wounds for hundreds of years.

Today, though, it’s sometimes referred to as a ‘superfood’. Now, you may feel this sounds like a bit of advertising bunkum, but it surely can lay claim to such a lofty title thanks to the 200-plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it contains. Yes, really; it does contain that many.

To begin with, it’s packed full of Vitamin A (great for healthy teeth, bones, skin and eyes), Vitamin C (for skin health, energy creation and immunity), Vitamin E (for skin protection from UV damage), Vitamin B12 (for nerve and brain cell health), folic acid (for brain and liver health and energy creation) and choline (for memory, focus and maintaining a positive outlook).

Moreover, aloe vera contains calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc; all of which play a critical role in hormone balance, cellular reproduction and strong immunity. And it also features a long list of enzymes (which together aid digestion, toxin removal and energy creation), including alliinase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase.

Indeed, it’s aloe vera’s varied nutritional benefits (thanks to all these ingredients and away from merely combating wrinkles and healthy skin) that the public tends to be less aware of and what we’re interested in here. So let’s take a closer look at a few of them…

Immunity

To combat infection effectively, our immune systems require oxygen-rich blood and, by supporting nutrient absorption, aloe vera plays a key role in ensuring they get it1.One way in which it does this is the detoxifying role it plays in ensuring bowel regularity to aid normal digestive tract function2. Aloe vera also works to keep cells in balance and functioning well (not least when the body experiences stress), which aids the immune system’s efficacy3, as does the fact it’s jam-packed with sugar-rich carbohydrates called polysaccharides4 and antioxidants that combat free radicals5.

Digestion

Among all its terrifically health-giving ingredients, aloe vera also contains the digestion-supporting enzymes amylase (which aids in the break-down of carbohydrates, sugars and starches) and lipase (which contributes to digesting fat); both aid a normal environment in the gut through helping to maintain balanced levels of stomach acid5, 6.

Meanwhile, studies suggest it also helps with ulcerative colitis (UC), the painful condition that sees ulcers take root in the intestines. The results of a clinical trial reveal that nearly half (46%) of a group of UC sufferers enjoyed an improvement in their symptoms after taking aloe vera7. And don’t overlook the contribution it can make to addressing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – symptoms of which include abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea – for reports suggest people have gained relief from IBS symptoms following consumption of aloe vera8, 9.

Cardiovascular

Keeping down the levels of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your body’s important for the health of your heart and blood vessels and compounds known as phytosterols, which aloe vera’s also rich in, can contribute greatly here10. Indeed, a five-year long study has found that patients suffering from heart disease who consumed aloe vera enjoyed better cholesterol and blood sugar numbers than those who received none over that period of time11, 12.

Teeth and mouth

And, finally, recent research suggests you could use aloe vera in fluid form to keep your teeth and gums healthy13, while aloe vera in gel form’s useful in fighting candida albicans, a fungus that can commonly afflict the mouth14.

Supplements

So, hopefully convinced as you are now of its vast array of health benefits; how can you best get your hands on aloe vera? Well, a great way to consume this ‘superfood’ is through aloe vera supplements. The following are all examples available through The Finchley Clinic that we highly recommend:

Aloe Gold Natural (485ml and 1,000ml) – made from whole-leaf aloe vera and contains more than 20 times more important nutrients than most other aloe juices and gels.

Aloe-Gold-Cherry-Cranberry

Aloe Gold Cherry/ Cranberry (485ml) – blends Aloe Gold juice (93%) with unsprayed cherry or cranberry juice (7%) to provide a delicious flavour; cranberry is renowned for supporting the urinary tract.

Herbal Aloe Vera Ear Drops (30ml) – great for soothingly cleansing the ear canal and suitable for young and old, among them frequent swimmers, hearing aid wearers and allergy sufferers.

References:

1 Benzie, I. F. F. and Wachtel-Galor S. ‘Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects’. Boca Raton: CRC, 2011.
2 Barcroft A. and Myskja A. ‘Aloe Vera: Nature’s Silent Healer’. London: BAAM, 2003. Print.
3 Rahmani A. H, Aldebasi Y. H., Srikar S., Khan A. A. and Aly S. M. ‘Aloe vera: Potential candidate in health management via modulation of biological activities’. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2015; 9 (18): 120-126. doi:10.4103/0973-7847. 162118.
4 Tong H., Tian D., Li T., Wang B., Jiang G. and Sun X.. ‘Inhibition of inflammatory injure by polysaccharides from Bupleurum chinense through antagonizing P-selectin’. Carbohydr Polym. 2014 May 25;105:20-5. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.01.039. Epub 2014 Jan 21.
5 Surjushe A., Vasani R. and Saple D. G. ‘Aloe Vera: A Short Review’. Indian Journal of Dermatology. Medknow Publications, n.d. Web. 12 Feb 2016.
6 Keshavarzi Z., Rezapour T. M., Vatanchian M. et al. ‘The effects of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaves on the gastric acid secretion and brain and intestinal water content following acetic acid- induced gastric ulcer in male rats’. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. 2014; 4 (2): 137-143.
7 Langmead L., Feakins R. M., Goldthorpe S., Holt H., Tsironi E., De Silva A., Jewell D. P. and Rampton D. S. ‘Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis’. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Apr 1; 19 (7): 739-47.
8 Khedmat H., Karbasi A., Amini M., Aghaei A. and Taheri S. ‘Aloe vera in treatment of refractory irritable bowel syndrome: Trial on Iranian patients.’ Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. 2013; 18 (8): 732.
9 Størsrud S., Pontén I. and Simrén M. ‘A Pilot Study of the Effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extract (AVH200®) in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study’. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2015 Sep; 24 (3): 275-80. doi: 10.15403/ jgld.2014.1121.243.sst.
10 Ostlund R. E. Jr. ‘Phytosterols and cholesterol metabolism’. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2004 Feb; 15 (1): 37-41.
11 Agarwal O. P. ‘Prevention of atheromatous heart disease’. Angiology. 1985 Aug; 36 (8): 485-92.
12 Tanaka M., Misawa E., Ito Y., Habara N., Nomaguchi K., Yamada M., Toida T., Hayasawa H., Takase M., Inagaki M. and Higuchi R. ‘Identification of five phytosterols from Aloe vera gel as anti-diabetic compounds’. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Jul; 29 (7): 1418-22.
13 Karim B., Bhaskar D. J., Agali C., Gupta D., Gupta R. K., Jain A. and Kanwar A. ‘Effect of Aloe vera mouthwash on periodontal health: triple blind randomized control trial’. Oral Health Dent Manag. 2014 Mar; 13 (1): 14-9.
14 Sujatha G., Kumar G. S., Muruganandan J. and Prasad T. S. ‘Aloe Vera in Dentistry’. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR. 2014; 8 (10): ZI01-ZI02. doi:10.7860/ JCDR/ 2014/ 8382.4983.

Energy boosters, General Health & Nutrition, Heart health, Vitamin B12

Brilliant B12: why Vitamin B12 is so crucial to your body

Vitamins. We’re constantly bombarded in the media and on the Internet by calls to boost our vitamin levels, aren’t we? Let’s be honest, only a fool wouldn’t take heed of them and not recognise the importance of all those A-Z multivitamins’ importance in seeing our bodies work as they should. But while many people are good at making sure they get enough of the likes of Vitamins A, C and D, one nutrient in particular they may not pay as much attention to – and, thus, not get enough of – is Vitamin B12.

In fact, in just the United States alone, it’s estimated that nearly one in four people suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency1. What are they missing out on then? What are they putting themselves at risk from? And what can taking more B12 do for them? Well, don’t doubt it, this is one vitamin that plays an enormous role in ensuring our bodies function as they should – it’s involved in a whole host of different good things that go on in our bodies. Here’s just a taster…

Heart protection

Surely nobody needs convincing of the importance to your body of a healthy heart. In which case, you shouldn’t take lightly the fact B12 plays a prominent role in maintaining the health of your heart and whole cardiovascular system. One of the reasons for this is that the vitamin’s excellent at removing from your blood a threatening protein named homocysteine which, left alone, can damage your arteries resulting in inflammation and, potentially, heart disease.

Nerve damage prevention

Should your nerves become so damaged they die, thus signals to and from the brain become disrupted, you could develop a nerve-related condition which would likely seriously affect your health. The answer? Preserving the protective covering of your nerves – otherwise known as myelin sheaths – which ensures they’re not harmed by free radicals and toxins in your blood. Don’t doubt it; B12 is massively important in maintaining the health of your nerves’ myelin sheaths.

Bone strengthening

It’s also believed that consuming B12 may be good news for preserving or building up the strength of your bones. Research has suggested that those who suffer from osteoporosis – the bone-debilitating condition – may well have higher levels of homocysteine and lower levels of B12 in their bodies than those with healthy bones2.

Energy release

Taking time to rest and maintain a good diet are, of course, highly advised in order to remain well and full of beans, but making sure you’re not deficient in certain vitamins is also well known to be important. And one of these vitamins is, yes, B12. It’s one of the nutrients that, once consumed, actively releases energy into your body’s cells, ensuring they don’t go hungry and make you feel tired and weak.

Good for positive mood

Mental health is, of course, as important as physical health. And here lies another of the benefits of Vitamin B12. If you’re experiencing ‘the blues’ and feeling down, again it could well be you’re not getting enough B12; its existence in the brain can help provide a chemical called serotonin, which plays a critical role in regulating your mood. Indeed, a study of diabetic patients who’ve experienced a side effect of depression from the treatment drug Metformin revealed that those who took B12 to combat this reported a more positive outlook3.

Enhances physical health of the brain

In addition to being good news for your mental health, B12’s also important for maintaining your brain’s physical health – because it protects nerve cells. Indeed, Alzheimer’s sufferers, contrasted with those of a certain age whose memories are still sharp, tend to have lower levels of B12. The vitamin then, it’s believed, is important in protecting brain cells’ myelin sheaths, which Alzeheimer’s patients often lack. Research has also suggested that via targeted nutritional intervention (including upping B12 levels), cobalamin deficiency – which may play a role in the onset of dementia – could well be reversed4.

How to boost your B12 intake

So, no question then, B12 is one very crucial vitamin. If you feel you may be deficient in it and could benefit from upping your levels of intake, you’ll be pleased to discover it’s readily available via The Finchley Clinic as a supplement. Through us, you can purchase Vitamin B12 in:

Vitamin-B12-Sublingual-Powder

So whichever way is easiest and best for you, we can help you get the Vitamin B12 you need.

 

References:

1 McBride, J. (2016). B12 Deficiency May Be More Widespread Than Thought. usdagov. Retrieved 27 May, 2016, from http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2000/000802.htm

2 Ebesunun M. O., Umahoin K. O., Alonge T. O., Adebusoye L. A.. Plasma homocysteine, B vitamins and bone mineral density in osteoporosis: a possible risk for bone fracture. Afr J Med Med Sci. 2014 Mar; 43 (1): 41-7.

3 Biemans E., Hart H. E., Rutten G. E., Cuellar Renteria V. G., Kooijman-Buiting A. M., Beulens JW. Cobalamin status and its relation with depression, cognition and neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using metformin. Acta Diabetol. 2014 Oct 15.

4 Osimani A., Berger A., Friedman J., Porat-Katz B. S., Abarbanel J. M. Neuropsychology of vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly demential patients and control subjects. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2005 Mar; 18 (1): 33-8.