Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
It’s the middle of the summer and your in between plans to go to the beach, head to your favorite restaurant with some friends, or just chill out pool side. But all of that fun in the sun can leave you feeling a little burnt …
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash Yoga is an ancient practice that has become very popular today as a retreat from hectic schedules and chronic stress. It touts numerous benefits, both mental and physical. A new study out of the University of Waterloo has found …
Written By Karan R Gregg Aggarwala, MS, PhD
Karan R Gregg Aggarwala holds a PhD and a Master’s of Science Degree in Vision Science from the State University of New York College of Optometry. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in nutritional optometry under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin C. Lane of Lake Hiawatha, NJ. He has worked as a medical writer and associate medical director in the NY area since 2009. Meet Dr. Gregg for a free nutritional consultation at our 72nd Street retail location in Manhattan, New York.
Lutein, a known nutrient for vision health, has also emerged as a major player for brain health, supporting memory functions throughout our lifespan, especially during childhood and the aging process. In our retina, an essential region for crystal clear vision, the concentration of two carotenoids – Lutein and Zeaxanthin (abbreviated L + Z) – are essential for ongoing vision health. They are so important to vision that they are commonly referred to as macular pigments. The macula is a filter that helps protect the eye.†
Here are the Top 10 Nutrients for Healthy Vision. Are you incorporating enough? >>
Healthy, robust macular tissue, rich in L + Z, has key functions, including filtering out blue light and focusing on objects for our sharpest vision (such as in reading a newspaper). Blue light is unstable and exposure is everywhere, even on your cell phone or TV screen. If it penetrates deep into our eyes, it damages the many small organs in our retina that are required for vision. Having a thicker macular tissue shields from blue light and this robustness is largely due to its L + Z content.†
L + Z levels decline with age largely due to a decreasing ability to absorb sufficient quantities from foods. Research shows that restoring L + Z levels through supplementation reinforces macular health and supports and even improves fine vision. Interestingly, the amount of L + Z in our eyes is reflected by the concentration in our blood plasma and this also reflects the concentration in our brain. Lutein is the dominant protective carotenoid pigment in the brain. Using up L + Z in our eyes, due to blue light exposure, depletes the Lutein level of our brain, which can eventually impact memory. Research shows that adequate Lutein in the brain is necessary for ongoing memory functions.†
Supplementing with L + Z is shown to improve brain health and memory functions, especially in aging adults. To help ensure adequate intake, we have included natural sourced L + Z in our Multiple-Vitamin, Mineral formulas, as well as our Chewable InVite® Multiple for Kids.†
Photo by Goh Rhy Yan on Unsplash Researchers from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing at Trinity Collage in Dublin, Ireland have proved that a substantial number of adults over 50 are at a risk of a Vitamin B12 and Folate deficiency. Here’s what the …
Photo by FOODISM360 on Unsplash Written By Kayanne McDermott, B.A., ND. Kayanne holds a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine and C.W. Post of Long Island University, respectively. Meet Kayanne …
Magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, making it one of your body’s most important nutrients. But did you know that up to 70% of Americans are Magnesium deficient, according to the CDC’s NHANES? Here’s what you need to know.
Magnesium is a mineral that is an essential nutrient, which basically means that our body does not make it and it must be consumed through food and/or supplements. It is commonly used to support bone health and energy production, but its benefits do not stop there.
Low levels of this mineral can be dangerous for your health. Adrienne Dowd, RD of Pasley Health explains, “Chronically low intakes of magnesium can induce changes in biochemical pathways that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches.”
But before you run to your nearest vitamin store (and there’s one near you!), you should understand the differences between different types of magnesium, as each one touts different benefits.
Magnesium levels in food depend on the quality of the soil; traditional food sources high in magnesium include wheat germ and bran, oatmeal and bran, soybeans and peanuts, spinach, raisins, almonds and cashews.
Magnesium is a co-factor in over 300 chemical processes in the body, including nerve and muscle functions, regular heart rhythm, proper immunity, and maintenance of strong bones. Magnesium is involved in the regulation of blood pressure as well as blood sugar, because increased magnesium loss in the urine is associated with hyperglycemia. It helps maintain energy production and protein synthesis as well.†
When this essential nutrient is bound to the non-essential amino acid Glycine, it is allows Magnesium to be quickly absorbed into your cells. This can help to protect the body from early to moderate magnesium deficiency symptoms, like nausea, weakness, tingling and muscle contractions. It can also help to supplement depleted calcium and potassium levels in the blood due to deficiencies.†
While Magnesium Citrate touts all of the benefits of using a supplement, it also may have a mild stool-softening effect, which has been shown to bring relief for those with constipation.†
Calcium and Magnesium are the two major minerals needed for building and maintaining healthy bones. Without Magnesium, Calcium cannot be properly deposited into the bones where it is needed. These minerals are essential for muscle health as well, as Calcium causes muscle contraction and Magnesium causes muscle relaxation. Therefore, both are needed in proper ratio in order to support normal function of every muscle in the body, including the heart muscles. They are also required for proper electrolyte balance, as well as for tissue health, especially for sensitive cells in the colon.†
Consuming five to seven servings of fresh vegetables and fruits daily maintains alkalinity for most individuals, yet most Americans consume very few servings of these important foods which can lead to chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis; the minerals Potassium and Magnesium are key to maintaining mild alkalinity.†
According to NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 98% of Americans do not get enough Potassium and 70% of Americans do not get enough Magnesium. Since Potassium is required for alkalinity, muscle function, electrolyte balance, and heart health, and Magnesium is required for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, lacking these has consequences for overall health.†