Category: Nutritional Supplements

Support Your Immune System: Garlic

September 13th, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

Garlic has long been the go-to herb of cooks and health advisers for its health benefits. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds that research has shown stimulate white blood cells (fight disease and infection) and have anti-tumor properties.

Can’t deal with the smell or the digestive consequences of raw garlic? You are not alone! Fortunately, garlic extract supplements provide odor-controlled alternatives. You should also look for a high allicin content. Allicin, is a powerful compound in garlic that is released when it is crushed. As well as having antibiotic properties, allicin is an excellent anti-fungal; garlic preparations have been used in folk medicine to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot.

Dosage varies according to individual needs, but 500mg of garlic is great for supporting your immune system.

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Support Your Immune System: Oregano Oil

September 9th, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

Last week, I wrote about astragalus and its positive effects on the immune system. This week I am tackling oregano oil. Not just a spice used in Italian cooking, oregano extracts have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity. Chronic infections like candidiasis, and contagious new viruses like SARS, seem to be inhibited by oregano. Oregano also seems to be beneficial for respiratory health, but also may act as an expectorant (helps to expel mucus) and antispasmodic (relieves coughing).

Chemical substances in oregano account for its tremendous healing qualities. These include alcohols, esters, phenols, and terpenes. They work synergistically to make oregano a powerful natural health aid. Phenols act as antiseptics and antioxidants, while terpenes exhibit antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. Alcohol components linalool and borneol add to the antiviral and antiseptic qualities, and esters are potent antifungal agents.

A little goes a long way, and if you are using the drops, then 4 drops is all you need. Now, before you go buy it, make sure you buy Oregano Oil liquid and not the Essential Oil of Oregano.  The latter is used in aromatherapy and should not be ingested.

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Osteoarthritis and Strontium

September 7th, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

“I have spinal osteoarthritis and suffer from miserable back pain. What can I do to ease the pain?” According to Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of Pain Free 1-2-3!, 1200mg of calcium and 400 mg of magnesium are very important. Studies have shown that getting calcium and magnesium from a combination of foods and supplements is the best way to keep your bones strong. However, Teitelbaum also recommends the mineral strontium.

Osteoarthritis in the spine occurs when the cartilage surrounding the spine’s joints begins to deteriorate, causing pain when the bones rub over the roughened cartilage. A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that 640 mg of daily strontium significantly reduced back pain by building bone density (and even prevented arthritic progression).

For additional pain relief, 400mg of willow bark is recommended. For more information on these supplements, contact Village Green Apothecary at 800-869-9159.

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Support Your Immune System: Astragalus

September 2nd, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

Choosing the right foods and supplements to support your immune system is a good strategy for winning the battle against colds, flu, infections and other immune challenges. Over the next week I will be writing about some foods and supplements that will help keep you and your family healthy during cold and flu season.

Astragalus: This traditional Chinese medicine has hundreds of published clinical studies to support its positive effects on the immune system. It is beneficial for infections (especially respiratory), stress-related immune dysfunction, and recovery after illness or surgery; some studies have used it as cancer treatment. It can also help you resist cold and flu.

In contrast to the immune-boosting properties of some herbs, astragalus can be taken for long periods of time (several months) without showing a decrease in the response of the immune system. However, it should be avoided if you have a fever.

Astragalus is most readily available in capsules and tinctures. Tinctures are my preferred way of administration. Both Gaia Herbs and Herb Pharm make excellent quality astragalus tinctures.  For more information about dosage, please contact us.

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Get Healthy Hair, Naturally

August 30th, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

The most commonly heard complaint and question we get from Ask the Expert, probably has to do with hair health. A healthy, shiny, full head of hair is a sign of inner health, and therefore good nutrition should be a priority. If certain nutrients are missing from your diet, the result could be hair loss. Natural remedies may also be able to help improve and restore hair’s youthful appearance.

Fenugreek:  This herb has a unique blend of chemical constituents which can contribute to healthy-looking hair and a nourished scalp. Fenugreek has proteins needed for hair strength.

Biotin:  Biotin is an important coenzyme that is involved in a number of processes in the body. It is a member of the B-vitamin family and an essential nutrient in human nutrition. Biotin has been widely used for nutritional support of healthy skin, hair and nails; deficiencies have been linked to brittle nails and hair loss. All of the B vitamins work together and are Continue reading “Get Healthy Hair, Naturally”

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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