Category: Nutritional Supplements

Get a Head Start on Allergy Season

March 1st, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Spring is around the corner, and with the warmer weather come runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing for many seasonal allergy sufferers.

Allergens can be any substance, but the most common ones are dust, pollen, animal hair, animal dander, insect bites, grasses, molds and fungus, and even household cleaning products. The immune system views allergens as a threat to the body. When an allergen contacts a mucous membrane, inflammation occurs, due to the release of chemicals such as histamine. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling and the increased secretion of thin, clear mucous.

Here are some tips to decrease allergic reactions.

1. Keep rooms free of dust and use an air purification system.
2. Avoid feather and down bedding.
3. Keep windows closed during times when the allergen is present in the air. Pollens are at highest concentrations between 5:00 and 10:00 am and lowest after it rains. Continue reading “Get a Head Start on Allergy Season”

Read More

Heart Health Support

February 23rd, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Many factors affect the health of your heart and your circulatory system, many of which are fortunately within our control – even if you have a family history of heart issues.

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels, called arteries and veins. The heart pumps blood around the body. The vessels nourish cells by transporting nutrients and waste products through the blood, around the body. Any interruption in blood supply, for example a heart attack or stroke, causes tissue death, so the maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system is essential.

Most cardiovascular disease occurs due to lifestyle factors such as:

  1. Obesity, poor nutrition, and medication usage
  2. Free radical damage due to environmental toxins or smoking
  3. Stress or poor emotional health
  4. Lack of exercise

Luckily, adopting a healthier lifestyle and using natural therapies can help strengthen and protect your heart. Continue reading “Heart Health Support”

Read More

Maitake Mushroom: Cancer Fighter, and More?

February 15th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Maitake mushroom may best be known for its cancer-fighting properties. It contains grifolan, an important beta-glucan polysaccharide. Grifolan has been shown to activate macrophages, a type of cell considered the ” heavy artillery” of the immune system, according to Larry A. Walker, Ph.D., R.D., author of “Natural products update” (published in Drug Topics, June 1997). D-fraction, one of the polysaccharides in maitake mushroom, also energized the cellular immune system.

The evidence confirming maitake’s therapeutic value is impressive. Laboratory studies have shown that maitake extract can block the growth of cancer tumors and boost the immune function of mice with cancer.

Haroaki Nanba reported the following findings of the study, “Maitake D-fraction: healing and preventing potentials for cancer” (published in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, February/March 1996). In a non-randomized clinical study, 165 individuals with advanced cancer used maitake D-fraction. Patients received either maitake D-fraction alone or with chemotherapy. Maitake mushroom was found effective against leukemia and stomach and bone cancers. Continue reading “Maitake Mushroom: Cancer Fighter, and More?”

Read More

Lycopene’s Health Benefits

February 10th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Recent studies suggest that a diet rich in tomato products (one of the best sources of lycopene) is strongly linked to a healthy immune system, as well as prostate health. Lycopene, the compound that gives tomatoes their red color, may also benefit heart health in men by boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and protecting against DNA damage, according to a new study.

Participants of the study who took 15mg of lycopene per day had a reduction in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body and is reported to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular-related events.

Aside from supplements, food sources of lycopene include tomatoes (highest in cooked tomato products like tomato sauce), red carrots, pink grapefruit, red oranges, papaya, and watermelon. More recently, orange heirloom  “tangerine tomatoes” have shown to even have higher concentrations of lycopene than red tomatoes.

Read More

Antioxidants May Increase Fertility… in Men

January 25th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

A recent study showed that between 30% to 80% of male subfertility cases may be improved by oral supplementation with antioxidants. A supplement containing vitamin C and E, zinc, folic acid, lycopene, garlic oil and selenium is associated with a more than four-fold increased rate of pregnancy and live birth. They also found “mostly positive effects” on sperm concentration and motility.

Although the conclusions were based on limited evidence, Marian Showell, the lead author of the research paper published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, says, “When trying to conceive as part of an assisted reproductive program, it may be advisable to encourage men to take oral antioxidant supplements to improve their partners’ chances of becoming pregnant.” This is important since about one third of infertility in couples is due to male factors.

Although taking supplements seems to improve quality of sperm, it is also key to note that the quality of sperm, overall,  has decreased over the years and may be attributed to smoking, obesity, and even agricultural chemicals.

Read More

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..

Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

January 2025
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031