Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Kidneys Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In the first part of our discussion on kidney health we reviewed basic information such as what the kidneys do for us and tests that can measure our kidney health. (1) In this blog we will review the …
PRIMARY FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~JOY by: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT “The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask: ‘Does this spark joy?’ If it does, keep it. …
Prozyme Digest
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
As a Naturopathic doctor I find myself often recommending that people use a probiotic and a digestive enzyme. These each have many benefits for our health. That is why I have chosen to highlight a product that contains both! This product is Prozyme Digest. This is a fantastic formula because not only are you getting the benefits of two supplements in one it is a chewable tablet. But just why do probiotics and digestive enzymes are so important? Let us get into it, shall we?
Let us talk about the probiotic blend first. Prozyme Digest contains 14 billion CFUs and is a combination of 6 different strains of beneficial bacteria. Studies have found many benefits to using probiotics. In fact, studies have found that using a probiotic can help reduce symptoms of both Chrons disease and Ulcerative colitis (these are both forms of IBD). (1) Studies have also found that using a probiotic can improve quality of life in those with IBS. (2) Studies have also found that in addition to helping with diarrhea probiotics may increase the number of bowel movements in those who suffer infrequent bowel movements and thus help with constipation in the long run .(3) If you can recall in my blog on the gallbladder I mentioned that rapid weight loss is a risk factor for gallstones. That means that in those who undergo bariatric surgery gallstones are a real concern. In one study, after 6 months of using probiotics the risk of gall stone formation was reduced after bariatric surgery. (4) What other potential benefits to probiotics are there? Well studies have found that using a probiotic can help with seasonal allergies. (5) One interesting study found that in children born to mothers who used probiotics there were less allergies experienced. (6)
Studies have also found that using a probiotic can help to reduce the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. For example, probiotics led to reduced abdominal obesity. (7) Another study that they can help to improve insulin resistance. (8) Something intriguing is that probiotics, when added to a protocol for high blood pressure were able to help reduce the blood pressure numbers. (9) Lastly, probiotics have been shown to help our immune system fight off “different types of bad guys” that cause us to feel sick such as when you have a viral infection. (10) Overall probiotics pack a punch when it comes to our health. I could go on even longer talking about their benefits and still not get everything they do! But I have covered what I think are their most important benefits.
But let us not forget, in addition to the probiotic formula, Prozyme Digest contains a complete digestive enzyme blend. So, let us get into it. Studies have found that using digestive enzymes can help to reduce the risk of gallstones. (4) Studies have also found that digestive enzymes are effective at reducing bloating and even gas. (11). Other studies have found that in addition to helping with gas digestive enzymes can improve overall digestion and even reduce abdominal pain. (12) Digestive enzymes might help digestive symptoms such as gas in those with both IBS and IBD. (13) Lastly studies have found enormous potential for digestive enzymes helping digestion in those with certain malabsorption disorders such as lactose intolerance and Cystic fibrosis. (14)
As you can see, both probiotics and digestive enzymes have amazing benefits. Having both in one chewable tablet makes for an overall fantastic easy to use supplement!
Our next blog topic will focus on the kidneys and dialysis.
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PRIMARY FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~HOME COOKING by: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT What if I told you that there is a secret to reducing calories, eating better and even reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes? Well, the secret is simple, …
What exactly is Liver Cirrhosis? Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my experience as a Naturopath cirrhosis of the liver is one of the most confusing disorders that people can experience. What exactly even is cirrhosis? What cause’s it? What are the symptoms one might experience? …
PRIMARY FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~HEALTH
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
HEALTH seems like a no brainer when discussing wellness and lifestyle. However, what does it really mean? Let’s break this down and I’ll go over what this means to me as it can be rather subjective.
When I think of health, I think of how to maintain my overall general health. This includes such areas as doctor visits and blood work, medications and supplements, and diet choices. While we know these are important, do we know why and are they necessary everyone?
Annual doctor visits for a physical is important to see your improvements, see where more focus needs to be, and to bring up any questions or concerns you may have for your doctor. During the visit you’ll have your physical exam, where the doctor will check such areas like blood pressure, listening to the heart and lungs, checking throat/lymph nodes and checking reflexes. Keep in mind that each doctor and patient has their own way of conducting these exams for the patient’s unique needs. This is also the time when the doctor will decide with lab work needs to be ordered or even make referrals for specialists based off of conversations with the patient, medical history and health concerns or goals.
So what lab work is commonly ordered? This lab work will usually start with a complete blood count or CBC. This is what most of us refer to as ‘routine blood work’. This is a great way for your doctor and other health and wellness professionals to see any improvements, establish areas of concern and monitor health markers. Some of these health markers include, but are not limited to A1C (blood sugar), CRP (inflammation), TSH (thyroid) and creatinine/BUN (kidney function). Often times these are looked at to see if there’s any fluctuation from blood test to blood test, which may help to notice a potential issue early to hopefully avoid future problems. Other test that may be recommended, may be stool test, urine tests or even a hormone panel. They are also used to help guide doctors and health professionals in recommending any necessary medications and/or supplements. Taking both prescribed medications, as well as any supplements, as recommended is incredibly important. They are recommended a certain way to help you to maximize your wellness and to help avoid possible interactions or further health problems. If you feel like something you’re taking isn’t right for you, speak with your doctor or health professional for guidance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us that a healthy diet is important for our overall general health. This is to help prevent malnutrition and help lower the risk of illness and disease. A healthy diet consists of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, some dairy, healthy fats like avocado and plenty of water. As always, it’s recommended to avoid or lower the consumption of processed foods, sugar, salt and trans-fats.
Multivitamins are always my go-to as a baseline for a solid supplement regimen. Something like the Core Multi can offer a variety of essential daily vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They help to enhance our diets by not only supplying what we need, but also by giving he body what we may be lacking in our diet. I like to recommend taking a multi with a meal for maximum absorption and benefits. You may even notice and increase of energy from a good multi, which most are happy looking to increase.
Probiotic Hx is something everyone has heard of when it comes to supplements for general health. A good probiotic formula helps to add healthy bacteria to the gut, as well as balance out the flora within the body. Probiotics can also help to support a strong and healthy immune system.
Fish oil is an omega-3 fatty acid that’s made up of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). According to the The Mayo Clinic, studies have shown to be effective in helping those with heart disease. Fish oil has also been beneficial for those with elevated blood pressure and triglyceride levels.
As you can see, partnering with your doctor, and being open and honest about your diet, supplementation, goals and concerns, is a big key in your overall general health. Following your doctors recommendations is also important for health and protecting yourself against illness or disease, whether its medication, tests needed or any procedures that are recommended. Your holistic practitioner can help guide you and recommend complimentary strategies. I always tell people that the best wellness plan is diet, exercise, annual physicals and blood work, along with a combination of natural and traditional health plan.
health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-need-an-annual-physical-and-what-to-expect
www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet
newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/annual-complete-blood-count-an-important-step-in-assessing-health/
www.nebraskamed.com/health/questions-and-answers/primary-care/what-blood-tests-should-i-get-at-my-annual-physical-and
www.aamc.org/news/why-don-t-patients-follow-their-doctors-advice
www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-of-multivitamins
www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-benefits-of-probiotics
www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810
