Omega-3 Boosts Effectiveness of Antidepressants

tiredA new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that combining omega-3, SAM-e or vitamin D with antidepressants increases the effectiveness of the antidepressants for people with clinical depression.

Researchers examined 40 clinical trials and found that people who took these supplements along with their antidepressants had fewer depressive symptoms compared to those taking the antidepressants alone.

The strongest finding was that omega-3 fish oil, in combination with antidepressants, had a statistically significant effect over a placebo.

Continue reading “Omega-3 Boosts Effectiveness of Antidepressants”

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Vitamin D3 Supplementation Benefits Heart Health

heartWe know that vitamin D is good for our bones, teeth, and immune system, and now a new study has added heart health to the list.

The study out of University of Leeds School of Medicine in the UK has shown that patients with chronic heart failure can benefit from daily supplementation of vitamin D3. Patients all had chronic heart failure and were all deficient in vitamin D3. Over the course of a year, half the patients were given a vitamin D3 supplement and the other half were given a placebo. Continue reading “Vitamin D3 Supplementation Benefits Heart Health”

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Vitamin D Deficiency and Type 2 Diabetes

sun-baskingHere’s another reason to make sure you are getting enough of the sunshine vitamin. A new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has shown that vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes are linked in that people who do not get enough vitamin D are at higher risk of having diabetes, regardless of their weight.

The results show that vitamin D levels were more closely linked to blood sugar levels than BMI, according to the study. Whether or not vitamin D played a role in causing diabetes or other disorders that affect the metabolism of glucose is unknown and further studies will need to be done.

“The major strength of this study is that it compares vitamin D levels in people at a wide range of weights (from lean to morbidly obese subjects) while taking whether they had diabetes into account,” said one of the study’s authors, Mercedes Clemente-Postigo, MSc, of Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA). They also went on to say that, “The study suggests that vitamin D deficiency and obesity interact synergistically to heighten the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The average person may be able to reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough outdoor activity.” Continue reading “Vitamin D Deficiency and Type 2 Diabetes”

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6 Ways to Protect Against the Flu

fluThere are many precautions that you can take to decrease your chance of contracting the flu. Practicing good hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of germs. As with any illness, supporting your immune system with healthy diet and lifestyle practices is also critical to protect against the flu.

Here are some steps to reduce your risk of getting sick:

1. SCRUB! Wash your hands with soap for at least 30 seconds – and wash them often. If you can’t wash, then use hand sanitizer. Use sanitary wipes to clean phone mouthpieces, door knobs, computer keyboards, and other hands-on surfaces.

2. COVER! Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands, where germs will be spread onto everything you touch. Instead, use a tissue or the crook of your elbow.

3. HANDS OFF! Don’t touch your face. Flu viruses enter your body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you travel or are exposed to lots of people, you may increase your resistance by using throat sprays and zinc lozenges.  Continue reading “6 Ways to Protect Against the Flu”

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Recommended by Dr. Oz to Fight Colds and Flu: Echinacea, Zinc, Vitamin D

There are a lot of supplements that claim to boost your immune system and help fight colds and flu. Some work, some don’t… but these three supplements have a lot of research to back them up. Recommended by Dr. Oz to fight colds and flu (and we agree!), and to support your immune system, these supplements may even prevent colds and flu if taken correctly! (It is also a good idea to let your doctor know what you are taking to ensure there aren’t any interactions with medications or conditions.)

1. Echinacea: According to doctoroz.com, echinacea has a long history of use for treating respiratory infections and several studies show that echinacea can help you get over a cold faster and reduce symptoms. Continue reading “Recommended by Dr. Oz to Fight Colds and Flu: Echinacea, Zinc, Vitamin D”

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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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    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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