Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Humidity and our skin! Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Summertime can be a time for beach going, Barbeques and just all kinds of outdoor fun! However, summer brings more than just fun outdoor activities. It also brings humidity. While most people know how high humidity affects …
Super Focus IQ Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND If you have been on the Invite health website, you may have noticed a formula called Super Focus IQ. If the nutrients inside this formula seem to ring a bell that’s because it is the same fantastic …
Hemorrhoids and Veins Hx
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Many people call telling me they have hemorrhoids and/or anal polyps. I always ask people to be specific as to exactly what is going on in their digestive tract. While to most people, hemorrhoids might seem to be the same as polyps, they are not actually the same thing. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus. Polyps are a growth of cells in a clump. While both hemorrhoids and colon polyps can cause rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids are the Number 1 cause. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include blood in the stool or when you wipe, swelling, pain and itching. It is important to note that even though hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous, if bleeding continues for more than a week it is important to see a doctor. In this blog I will concentrate on hemorrhoids. I will also be concentrating on one of our best products for supporting veins, Veins Hx. My reason for highlighting this product is that in my clinical experience when working with hemorrhoids it is especially important to support our blood vessels. There is much to cover so let us get into it, shall we?
The risk factors for hemorrhoids include having an unhealthy lifestyle. Unhealthy lifestyle habits that can increase the risk of hemorrhoids include being obese, smoking, alcohol intake and low water/fiber intake as well as diet high in fat and meat consumption. Low physical activity is also a risk factor. Constipation is the most common cause of hemorrhoids. Other risk factors can include anal sex, and pregnancy. (11) Having a colonoscopy and or sigmoidoscopy to rule out hemorrhoids. (6) One of the best ways to treat a hemorrhoid is to remove it. However, there are ways to strengthen our veins if hemorrhoids are a concern for you! The best product for this is Veins Hx!
Veins Hx is a formula made of vitamins and herbal extracts that studies have found to be helpful for circulation. What exactly is in Veins Hx? Veins Hx contains Vitamin C, Citrus Bioflavonoids, Horse Chestnut, Horsetail Rush Silica, Gotu Kola and Bilberry! Herbal formulas studied and found to be helpful for hemorrhoids include, Gotu Kola, Horse chestnut and bilberry. (17) As you can see Veins Hx contains all these things!
Let’s start with Vitamin C! What does Vitamin C do for our circulation? To start with studies have found Vitamin C may help to slow down the buildup of atherosclerosis. This is important as it is a risk factor for poor circulation. Additionally, other studies have found that Vitamin C can help keep our arteries flexible, which is important for circulation. Vitamin C also appears to help protect our arteries via its anti-inflammatory properties. (18) Vitamin C has also been found to boost nitric oxide which leads to vasodilation or the “opening up” of the blood vessels. This allows the blood to flow easier through the vessels. (19)
The next item is called Citrus Bioflavonoids. What is a Citrus Bioflavonoid? These are powerful antioxidants that come from citrus foods and have specific benefits to our health. (20) Bioflavonoids are important for circulation because in studies they help to strengthen blood vessel walls. (21) Bioflavonoids are also helpful because they are anti- inflammatory! (22)
Next is Horse Chestnut. Horse Chestnuts are a very well-known therapy for poor circulation. Studies show that after using Horse Chestnut there is an improvement in circulation! (23) Lastly studies have also shown that Horse Chestnut is anti-inflammatory, which is always good for circulation and overall health. (24)
Horsetail Rush Silica, contrary to what you may be thinking, does not actually come from a horse. It comes from the leaves of the horsetail plant and is rich in silica. Recent studies have found that silica can help with circulation. Studies have also recently found that silica can help form collagen, which is a building block of skin, cartilage, blood, connective tissues and even our muscles and ligaments all of which make up our circulatory system. (26)
Gotu Kola may have you squinting for a moment since most people associate it with brain and memory. But think for a moment – why is associated with brain and memory? Because it helps with circulation! Studies have also shown gotu kola to increase overall circulation and blood flow. (27)
Lastly we have Bilberry extract. Bilberry has amazing benefits for our health. According to studies bilberry can help with cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and even reduce the risk of blood clots! Additionally, Bilberry can also help with our blood pressure. Bilberries have also been found to help circulation. And of course we can’t forget the other benefits of Bilberry including our eye health, liver health and even our overall digestive health! (28)
What else can you do to help with hemorrhoids?
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How Certain Foods and Medications Can Impact Dental Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my last blog on dental health, I will be reviewing the foods and medications that can negatively affect our teeth and overall dental health. What can you do if you are …
Healing After Dental Work Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND When it comes to dental health one of the most frequent questions, I get asked is what should I take after I get dental work? In this blog I will be reviewing supplements that promote dental health …
LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~MOVEMENT AND EXERCISE
by: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
Movement and exercise, or physical activity, is a healthy lifestyle component that we all know about and are often not consistent with in our day-to-day life. We all hear about it, read about it, talk about it, and try it out. However, do we know why it is so important for wellness other than during weight loss programs?
So, you are looking to lose weight. The first things typically advised are to change the diet and add exercise. While it is a critical part of any weight loss plan, the additional benefits of exercise have proven to be essential. The benefits widely recommended by prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School, The Mayo Clinic and The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The health benefits to consistent exercise can have a positive impact on every part of the body, both cognitively and physically. A few benefits that can often be felt quickly is improved sleep (who does not want better sleep?), less anxiety and stress and increased happiness (yea endorphins!), and healthier blood pressure levels. Personally, I have found that I have more energy throughout the day.
While the benefits felt are amazing, the health benefits that take a little more time to have an impact are incredible. One of these benefits is commonly known to help support healthy bone density, as well as help to improve strength and balance to reduce falls and fractures, particularly as we age. Low-impact exercise such as walking can benefit the bones and muscles.
The next benefit has to do with the positive impact exercise can have on heart health. This includes all aspects of cardiovascular health. Exercise has shown to be effective in lowering the risk of heart disease, the risk of stroke, the risk of heart attacks and may even help to achieve healthy cholesterol levels. Most surprising comes from Harvard Medical School in relation to diabetes. They show that exercising regularly, particularly aerobic-style exercise, can help to lower the risk of type-2 diabetes. This is because exercise helps to remove unneeded sugar from the bloodstream.
Another benefit not to ignore is the impact exercise has on brain health. Studies supported by MedicalNewsToday and the CDC conclude that regular exercise contributes to good cognitive function. This long-term brain support helps to lower the risk of such issues as dementia and even Alzheimer’s Disease. Helping the brain to reduce aging is a benefit that all of us look to accomplish.
Lastly, the most surprising benefit is how regular exercise may influence certain types of cancer. These studies have found that this can be a contributing factor to help lower the risk of certain cancers such as breast, colon, bladder, kidney, stomach, esophageal and uterine. This is in part due to how exercise helps to reduce stress, inflammation, and obesity, which can be contributing factors for cancers.
I want to challenge you to strive for 10,000 steps per day, or 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week, which is along the guidelines recommended by CDC through research. As always, I recommend checking with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
CARTILAGE Hx is Type-II collagen or UC-II. Taking cartilage has shown to be beneficial for the joints to help reduce pain and deterioration. This is helpful for not only those that have arthritis, but also for those that are active and exercise.
PROTEIN POWDER is an easy and effective way to add protein to one’s diet. Protein needed for muscles, but also important for the immune system and vital organs in the body.
ACTIVE HX, made up of β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate or HMB. Studies have shown that it can be highly effective in enhancing both muscle mass and muscle composition. This can help with strength and flexibility.
WORKOUT POWER SHAKE
1 cup Water
1 cup Ice
2 scoops Vanilla Whey Protein Powder or 1 scoop Plant Protein
2 scoops Collagen Hx
1 scoop Active Hx
2 Cartilage Hx capsules, contents only
1 Banana
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter OR 1 Tablespoon Almond Butter
Add all ingredients to a blender with the contents of the Cartilage Hx and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/adults.html
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/benefits-of-exercise
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4983622/
www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet
www.health.harvard.edu/topics/exercise-and-fitness
www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916
www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-714/collagen-type-ii-native
www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-scoop-on-protein-powder-2020030918986
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11724150/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32857128/
