Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my last blog on sinusitis I started with a description of what the sinuses are, where they are and even what they do. I then talked about what the symptoms of sinusitis are. (1,2,3) …
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 1 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to talk about sinus infections for several reasons. Obviously, the location of the sinus cavities plays a role in the decision to talk about them during a review of dental health. In …
Strontium Citrate for Bone Health
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to talk about Strontium citrate because most people have either not heard of it or have some very interesting ideas about it. In fact I recently had a conversation with someone who wasn’t sure if strontium was even safe (spoiler alert it is safe!). So what is strontium citrate? What does it do? What is the best way to take it? Let’s get into it, shall we?
Simply put Strontium citrate is a nutrient very similar to calcium or even magnesium. (1) Now I know what you’re probably thinking, is it safe to use? The answer is yes strontium citrate is safe to use. When it comes to strontium citrate studies conclude that “strontium in its natural citrate form improves healthy bone mineralization and resistance to fracture”. While strontium ranelate may potentially have side effects strontium citrate is a different molecule. In fact strontium citrate “has an excellent safety record”. And while it is true that calcium and strontium share a common carrier system to get into the body this system will always prioritize calcium over strontium! So those rumors that you may have heard about strontium preventing calcium absorption are just malarkey! If you are at all concerned then the best answer is to separate them by 2 hours. Lastly studies done to check the safety of strontium citrate have found that using strontium citrate as part of a bone building protocol is perfectly safe! (2)
Now we have talked about the safety of Strontium citrate however we haven’t talked about the benefits of using it! Why would you even want to use it? Well a recent study found positive effects of using strontium on bone density, bone structure and the overall strength of the bones. It was also found that using strontium citrate daily for 5 years can possibly lead to new bone tissue formation and help to maintain calcium levels. (3) Studies have found that adding strontium to a bone health protocol can improve bone density. (4) In another study made up of 81% postmenopausal women adding strontium to their bone heath protocol lead to “significant improvements in bone density”. (5) Other studies have also reported that strontium has beneficial effects on bone health. (6) Interestingly strontium citrate use has been reported to help reduce bone pain. (2)
As I said in my blog on dental bone loss Strontium citrate can play an important part in addressing our dental health. In fact studies have found that strontium citrate can improve bone formation in the mouth! (7) Studies have also found that strontium citrate can reduce the loss of tooth enamel leading to healthier teeth. (8)
While strontium citrate has been found to be safe it is still filtered through the kidneys. Anyone who has kidney failure should not take strontium. I would also like to point out that dialysis fluids can contain high concentrations of strontium and thus I do not recommend strontium citrate for anyone on dialysis. (2) In my clinical experience anyone with osteopenia or osteoporosis with normal kidney function is an excellent candidate for strontium citrate supplements.
How is it recommended to use strontium citrate? Strontium citrate is what I like to call a loner. You really want to take it all by itself. Ideally it should be taken 1 hour before food and or supplements/medications. If you want you could eat and take any supplements/ medications then wait 2 hours and then take strontium. In my experience strontium citrate does not affect sleep. So you can take it at night. In fact I had 1 person tell me they take it during their 2 AM bathroom break! And that is ok. As long as it’s away from food. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to an Invite Nutritionist!
Next up will be Sinus pain and infections!
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Understanding Vitamin C Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my experience everyone has heard that Vitamin C is good for our health. In fact, it’s everywhere you look these days! But while you may have heard that using vitamin C is “good for the health of …
How Osteo-Lube™ Supports your Health!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to take the time to talk about a product that in my mind just does not get nearly enough attention! This product is called Osteo-Lube™. I bet you are thinking Osteo-Lube™ what the heck is that? Well simply put it is a powder that is full of natural anti-inflammatories. So, let us get into it, shall we?
Osteo-Lube™ is a powder which is important for a few reasons. Being in a powdered form means it’s easy to use. First, you can mix it into water or juice. You can even mix a scoop of the powder into yogurt or applesauce. But you can also get creative and mix the formula into a menthol rub for a natural anti-inflammatory cream! You can even mix it into a warm bath to enhance the pain reducing and muscle relaxing effects of the warm water. Being in a powder has other benefits. If you read my blog on Beets Hx, another Invite Health powder, I will go into detail on just why being a powered formula has advantages over tablets or capsules. But all this is about the delivery system. What is in the actual formula itself that is so good for our overall health? Well to start with there’s ginger.
Studies have found that ginger helps to reduce inflammation. In a 12-week study those who had RA found a significant decrease in inflammatory markers. In another study those with RA reported a reduction in C-reactive protein, which is a well-known inflammation marker. In fact, in a 2020 study when ginger was combined with curcumin and black pepper it was as effective as naproxen in reducing inflammation and pain. (1) Osteo-Lube™ contains both curcumin and ginger! This is important for any inflammation-based illness. For example, inflammation plays a role in the pain associated with TMJ disease. For more information on this topic please see my blog on TMJ.
In addition to ginger Osteo-Lube™ contains curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric! Studies have found that it is both a powerful antioxidant as well as a potent anti-inflammatory. (2) Studies have also found that curcumin can help to reduce the symptoms of different forms of arthritis. (3)
Boswellia, shown to be helpful as well as curcumin. In fact, studies have found that boswellia can help to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. (4)
Osteo-Lube™ also contains Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) complex. Studies have found that this has beneficial effects for those who have arthritis pain. (5) Studies have also found it to be helpful in reducing pain from an autoimmune illness such as psoriatic arthritis. (6)
Something that may surprise you is the proteolytic enzyme blend. Studies have found numerous benefits for enzymes including being helpful for the digestive tract, immunity and even for reducing the inflammation that causes pain. (7)Osteo-Lube™also contains DMG. While more studies are needed recent studies have found evidence that DMG may help to reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions such as lupus. (8)
Quercetin is another nutrient that may surprise you. Studies have found a number of benefits for quercetin including reducing inflammation. It is also a strong antioxidant. Interestingly, quercetin has been shown to help with normalizing both blood pressure and blood sugar. (9) For information on how quercetin helps respiratory health please check out my blog series on that topic!
Rutin, shown to have multiple health benefits. It is antiulcer, vaso-protective, an antioxidant, antibacterial and even anti-inflammatory. (10) Luteolin from perilla leaf, shown to be a strong anti-inflammatory as well as antidiabetic formula. (11) Lastly cayenne has benefits for our digestive health, pain relief and even is helpful in reducing congestion. It is well known that creams made with capsaicin help to reduce pain. (12)
Now before I wrap this up, I just wanted to remind everyone that ginger, and turmeric have more benefits than what I have listed. Ginger, shown to help with nausea (including morning sickness!). In a recent study ginger showed help with weight loss. Ginger, shown to help reduce fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Ginger can even reduce certain heart disease markers. Ginger can even help with indigestion. Lastly studies have found it can help fight infections. (13) Studies have found that turmeric, in addition to helping with pain can help with reducing depression. It has also been found to have benefits for memory loss, including potentially helping in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric, found to help against heart disease. (14)
As you can see the nutrients in Osteo-Lube™ have numerous benefits. Speak to an Invite nutritionist to see if it is right for you!
Our next topic will be Dry Mouth.
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