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THrX Plus

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The Benefits of fulvic acid are far reaching when supplementing with fulvic acid It is becoming more popular as we start to understand more about its wide range of health benefits, including improving our use of antioxidants and electrolytes, slowing down ageing, improving digestive health and protecting brain function.

Supplementing with fulvic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in soils, compost, marine sediments and sewage, can help to replenish what is being lost in our diets and lifestyles due to modern farming techniques.

What exactly is fulvic acid?

Fulvic acid (FvA) is one component of humus. Humus is composed of organic compounds found in soils, rock and water.

Fulvic acid is formed when microbes in the soil break down old plant material. It is naturally found around many water-based areas, including lakes, streams, soils and coal. It is formed through geochemical and biological reactions, such as the breakdown of food in a compost heap.

Our soil has been largely depleted of nutrients from the industrialisation of agriculture. Monocropping, over farming and widespread use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers have stripped the soil of essential minerals and nutrients that we could otherwise receive through a balanced diet.

Fulvic acid can be extracted from compost, soil and other substances to be processed into a supplement with over trace minerals to bring back balance to the body and improve overall health.

What is fulvic acid made up of?

Fulvic acid and other humic acids are yellow-brown substances found in natural materials including:

• trace minerals
• electrolytes
• fatty acids
• silica (which boosts collagen synthesis)
• prebiotics
• probiotics

Fulvic minerals have been shown to contain multiple active functional groups, including phenolic hydroxyl, ketone carbonyl, quinone carbonyl, carboxyl and alkoxyl groups.

Its structure is made up of aromatic, organic polymers with many carboxyl groups that release hydrogen ions, resulting in an electric charge that helps attract free radicals, heavy metals and other toxins within the body. This allows it to act like a detoxification agent.

 

Benefits of fulvic acid  

Research demonstrates that fulvic acid can be beneficial for a range of conditions and helpful in boosting overall health.

Benefits of fulvic acid occur when minerals and trace elements from food come into contact with fulvic acid, they are dissolved into a form that makes them more active and more available to the body. These minerals fuse with fulvic acid and because of its small molecular size, it has the ability to take these nutrients directly to all the cells of our bodies. Fulvic acid also makes the cells more permeable and receptive to these nutrients.

Fulvic acid is full of many types of minerals and nutrients. It’s bioavailable, so your body easily recognises and absorbs it.

Fulvic acid has been used in studies to aid in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including digestive disorders, bronchitis, oedema, haemorrhoids, jaundice, and genitourinary disorders.

Studies have shown some of fulvic acid’s benefits include:

• enhances the body’s absorption of vitamins and minerals.
• anti-inflammatory effects
• anti-allergy
• improves many aspects of eczema.
• speeds skin healing
• enhances healing of wounds infected with drug-resistant pathogens.
• protects against free radical damage as an antioxidant.
• anti-aging benefits
• improves gut flora and gut health.
• anti-diarrheal effects in animals and humans
• improves energy levels.
• reduces oxidative stress.
• useful in treatment of osteoarthritis patients
• shows antiviral activity, interfering with a virus’ ability to attach to a host cell, penetrate the host cell, and reproduce itself.
• displays antimicrobial activity.
• displays antifungal activity.
• effective for the management of oral biofilm infections
• anti-aging effect on the skin, increasing fibroblast viability and reducing collagen degradation.
• neuroprotective, improves memory and brain function.
• supports the immune system.
• stimulates metabolism.
• cleanses toxins and heavy metals from the body
• shows immunomodulatory activity.
• modulates homocysteine and pro-inflammatory mediators linked to atherosclerosis.
• promotes ulcer healing.  

Although more research needs to be conducted on some of the above benefits of fulvic acid, there have been studies that have demonstrated its benefits more conclusively in the following:

Reduces inflammation, detoxifies and boosts immunity.

Fulvic acid benefits can have a profoundly positive effect on inflammation and immune health. There is a significant body of research that suggests it boosts your defences against illness, improve disease resistance, improve antioxidant activity and fight inflammation.

Because fulvic acid functions as a binding and delivery matrix, it helps to bind and filter out heavy metals (which are ions, just like other minerals). Fulvic acid can fight pathogens with the soil-based acid that increases levels of antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress on cells, boosting your immune function.

Enhances gut health.

 

Fulvic acid can provide vital nutrients and enzymes important for optimal gut function, positively affecting gut bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption. By providing a microbiome that is rich in prebiotics and probiotics, fulvic acid can decrease symptoms of digestive issues and promote a healthy gut.

There is some evidence that consuming fulvic acid can help decrease digestive disorders and, including SIBO symptoms (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) and inflammatory bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Protects brain function.

Some research suggests that fulvic acid may help to prevent brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease. A study concluded that fulvic acid is protective of cognitive function and was promising in aiding the prevention of numerous neurodegenerative disorders.

Fights pathogens

Fulvic acid can assist in removing parasitic, fungal and bacterial infections that may be resistant to other treatments. If pathogens are causing symptoms, such as digestive issues, cramping, itching or rashes, fulvic acid can be a beneficial addition to your cleansing protocol.

Helps to reduce pain.

Many researchers have used fulvic acid with high success rates in pain-management. One hospital reported a nearly 95% success rate when treating corneal ulcers with fulvic acid injections and drops. Another hospital found fulvic acid to be beneficial with pain related to ulcerative colon infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, and haemorrhoids. Another hospital discovered that it not only helped elderly patients with their age-related aches and pains, but also stimulated their appetites, improved sleep, and raised energy.

Boosts energy

As fulvic acid improves the absorption of essential nutrients and minerals, it can boost your energy levels during the day and give you a good night’s sleep.

May help lower cholesterol.

Some studies suggest fulvic acid decreases bad cholesterol and may even raise good cholesterol levels.

May relieve altitude sickness.

Fulvic acid may help treat this condition by enhancing immune response, stimulating energy production, and improving oxygen levels.

 

 

 

Curcumin

 

Turmeric, a spice that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, has received interest from both the medical/scientific world and from culinary enthusiasts, as it is the major source of the polyphenol curcumin. It aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and performance in active people. In addition, a relatively low dose of the complex can provide health benefits for people that do not have diagnosed health conditions. Most of these benefits can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Ingesting curcumin by itself does not lead to the associated health benefits due to its poor bioavailability, which appears to be primarily due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid elimination. There are several components that can increase bioavailability. For example, piperine is the major active component of black pepper and, when combined in a complex with curcumin, has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000%. Curcumin combined with enhancing agents provides multiple health benefits. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of the plethora of research regarding the health benefits of curcumin.

Keywords: curcumin, turmeric, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, polyphenol.

1. Introduction

Turmeric is a spice that has received much interest from both the medical/scientific worlds as well as from the culinary world. Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family [1]. The medicinal properties of turmeric, the source of curcumin, have been known for thousands of years; however, the ability to determine the exact mechanism(s) of action and to determine the bioactive components have only recently been investigated [2]. Curcumin (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), also called diferuloylmethane, is the main natural polyphenol found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and in others Curcuma spp. [3]. Curcuma longa has been traditionally used in Asian countries as a medical herb due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory [4], antimutagenic, antimicrobial [5,6], and anticancer properties [7,8].

Curcumin, a polyphenol, has been shown to target multiple signalling molecules while also demonstrating activity at the cellular level, which has helped to support its multiple health benefits [2]. It has been shown to benefit inflammatory conditions [9], metabolic syndrome [10], pain [11], and to help in the management of inflammatory and degenerative eye conditions [12,13]. In addition, it has been shown to benefit the kidneys [14]. While there appear to be countless therapeutic benefits to curcumin supplementation, most of these benefits are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [2,9]. Despite its reported benefits via inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, one of the major problems with ingesting curcumin by itself is its poor bioavailability [15], which appears to be primarily due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid elimination. Several agents have been tested to improve curcumin’s bioavailability by addressing these various mechanisms. Most of them have been developed to block the metabolic pathway of curcumin in order to increase its bioavailability. For example, piperine, a known bioavailability enhancer, is the major active component of black pepper [16] and is associated with an increase of 2000% in the bioavailability of curcumin [17]. Therefore, the issue of poor bioavailability appears to be resolved by adding agents such as piperine that enhance bioavailability, thus creating a curcumin complex.

Curcumin is being recognized and used worldwide in many different forms for multiple potential health benefits. For example, in India, turmeric—containing curcumin—has been used in curries; in Japan, it is served in tea; in Thailand, it is used in cosmetics; in China, it is used as a colorant; in Korea, it is served in drinks; in Malaysia, it is used as an antiseptic; in Pakistan, it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent; and in the United States, it is used in mustard sauce, cheese, butter, and chips, as a preservative and a colouring agent, in addition to capsules and powder forms. Curcumin is available in several forms including capsules, tablets, ointments, energy drinks, soaps, and cosmetics [2]. Curcuminoids have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) [2], and good tolerability and safety profiles have been shown by clinical trials, even at doses between 4000 and 8000 mg/day [18] and of doses up to 12,000 mg/day of 95% concentration of three curcuminoids: curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin [19].

It is the purpose of this review to provide a brief overview of the plethora of research regarding the potential health benefits of curcumin. Due to the extent of the literature, we have chosen to focus on the benefits associated with some common health conditions and on benefits in healthy people rather than to review the extensive literature related to cancer and other disease states. For a comprehensive review of curcumin’s effects on cancer, please see the paper by Kunnumakkara et al. 2017.

 

2. Mechanisms of Action

2.1. Antioxidant

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are the two primary mechanisms that explain the majority of the effects of curcumin on the various conditions discussed in this review [21,22]. Curcumin has been shown to improve systemic markers of oxidative stress [23]. There is evidence that it can increase serum activities of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) [24,25,26]. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control data related to the efficacy of supplementation with purified curcuminoids on oxidative stress parameters—indicated a significant effect of curcuminoids supplementation on all investigated parameters of oxidative stress including plasma activities of SOD and catalase, as well as serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and lipid peroxides [23]. It is noteworthy to point out that all of the studies included in the meta-analysis utilized some sort of formulation to overcome bioavailability challenges, and four out of the six used piperine. Curcumin’s effect on free radicals is carried out by several different mechanisms. It can scavenge different forms of free radicals, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) [25]; it can modulate the activity of GSH, catalase, and SOD enzymes active in the neutralization of free radicals [21,22]; also, it can inhibit ROS-generating enzymes such as lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase and xanthine hydrogenase/oxidase [21]. In addition, curcumin is a lipophilic compound, which makes it an efficient scavenger of peroxyl radicals, therefore, like vitamin E, curcumin is also considered as a chain-breaking antioxidant.

2.2. Anti-Inflammatory

Oxidative stress has been implicated in many chronic diseases, and its pathological processes are closely related to those of inflammation, in that one can be easily induced by another. In fact, it is known that inflammatory cells liberate a number of reactive species at the site of inflammation leading to oxidative stress, which demonstrates the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation [28]. In addition, a number of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species can initiate an intracellular signaling cascade that enhances pro-inflammatory gene expression. Inflammation has been identified in the development of many chronic diseases and conditions [10,19,29,30]. These diseases include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral injury, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, allergy, asthma, bronchitis, colitis, arthritis, renal ischemia, psoriasis, diabetes, obesity, depression, fatigue, and acquired immune deficiency syndromeAIDS [10]. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a major mediator of inflammation in most diseases, and this effect is regulated by the activation of a transcription factor, nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Whereas TNF-α is said to be the most potent NF-κB activator, the expression of TNF-α is also regulated by NF-κB. In addition to TNF-α, NF-κB is also activated by most inflammatory cytokines; gram-negative bacteria; various disease-causing viruses; environmental pollutants; chemical, physical, mechanical, and psychological stress; high glucose; fatty acids; ultraviolet radiation; cigarette smoke; and other disease-causing factors. Therefore, agents that downregulate NF-κB and NF-κB–regulated gene products have potential efficacy against several of these diseases. Curcumin has been shown to block NF-κB activation increased by several different inflammatory stimuli [10]. Curcumin has also been shown to suppress inflammation through many different mechanisms beyond the scope of this review, thereby supporting its mechanism of action as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.

3. Arthritis

One such disease associated with inflammation, both chronic and acute, is osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic joint condition. It affects over 250 million people worldwide, leading to increased healthcare costs, impairment in activities of daily living (ADL), and ultimately decreased quality of life [31,32]. Although OA was once considered primarily a degenerative and non-inflammatory condition, it is now recognized as having inflammatory aspects, including elevated cytokine levels, as well as potentially being connected with systemic inflammation [33,34]. While there is no cure, there are several pharmaceutical options for treatment; however, many are costly and have undesirable side effects. Therefore, there is increased interest in alternative treatments including dietary supplements and herbal remedies [35]. Several studies have shown the anti-arthritic effects of curcumin in humans with OA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [36,37,38,39]. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 40 subjects with mild-to-moderate degree knee OA were randomly assigned to receive either curcuminoid (500 mg/day in three divided doses; n = 19) with 5 mg piperine added to each 500-mg dose or a matched placebo (n = 21) for six weeks. There were significantly greater reductions in the visual analog scale (VAS) (p < 0.001), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores (p = 0.001), and Lequesne’s pain functional index (LPFI) (p = 0.013) scores in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. When comparing the WOMAC subscales, there were significant improvements in the pain and physical function scores (p < 0.001), but not in the stiffness score [40]. There was also a decrease in systemic oxidative stress, as measured via serum activities of SOD and concentrations of reduced GSH and malonedialdehyde (MDA), in subjects receiving the treatment as compared to the placebo [11]. These improvements were not associated with changes in circulating cytokines. The authors suggest that the lack of changes in circulating cytokines, despite improvements in pain, may be because in OA, inflammatory markers in the synovial fluid may be more likely elevated than systemic markers, whereas in RA, systemic markers may be more likely to be increased. Therefore, they suggest that is more plausible that the beneficial effects of curcuminoids in OA are because of local anti-inflammatory effects rather than systemic effects. In addition, the time period of supplementation may not have been long enough. In a longer (eight months) randomized control trial, 50 subjects diagnosed with OA were assigned to receive either standard treatment as prescribed by their physician or standard treatment plus two 500-mg tablets daily consisting of a natural curcuminoid mixture (20%), containing phosphatidyl-choline (40%) and microcrystalline cellulose (40%). WOMAC, physical function, and stiffness scores decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the treatment group compared to the control. In addition, the treatment group showed significant decreases in all markers of inflammation (soluble CD40 ligand(sCD40L), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) comparing baseline to follow-up, while the control group did not [37]. This study had both groups maintaining standard care, which does not address the question of whether or not supplementation with curcumin can be used instead of standard management such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). To address this question, 367 primary knee osteoarthritis patients with a pain score of 5 or higher were randomized to receive ibuprofen 1200 mg/day or C. domestica extracts 1500 mg/day for four weeks. The mean of all WOMAC scores at weeks 0, 2, and 4 showed significant improvement when compared with the baseline in both groups. After using the noninferiority test, the mean difference (95% confidence interval) of WOMAC total, WOMAC pain, and WOMAC function scores at week 4 adjusted by values at week 0 of C. domesticaextracts were non-inferior to those for the ibuprofen group (p = 0.010, p= 0.018, and p = 0.010, respectively), indicating that those taking the curcumin and those taking the ibuprofen experienced the same benefits. The group taking the NSAIDS did experience more gastrointestinal issues. This suggests that curcumin may offer an alternative to NSAIDS for patients with OA seeking treatment but experiencing negative side effects [12]. This was supported by results from a pilot study showing that a dose of 2 g of curcumin had an analgesic effect in subjects with acute pain but without a diagnosis of OA. At this dose, the activity was higher than that associated with 500 mg of acetaminophen, while a lower dose (1.5 g, 300 mg of curcumin) gave only transient and often inadequate relief of pain, indicative of suboptimal therapeutic plasma concentrations. The analgesic effect of the dose achieved significance only 2 h after administration, similar to that observed for acetaminophen. In contrast, the NSAID was more rapidly acting, with the strongest pain relief being reported one hour after administration but with significant gastrointestinalsymptoms. This supports the use of 2 g (higher than needed for inflammation) curcumin for relief of pain as a potential alternative to NSAIDS [41].

Regardless of the mechanism by which curcumin elicits its effects, it does appear to be beneficial to several aspects of OA, as suggested by a recent systematic review and meta-analysis that concluded: “This systematic review and meta-analysis provided scientific evidence that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts (typically 1000 mg/day of curcumin) treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (mainly pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and result in similar improvements in the symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium. Therefore, turmeric extracts and curcumin can be recommended for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis” [42].

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4. Metabolic Syndrome

The idea that curcumin can attenuate systemic inflammation has implications beyond arthritis, as systemic inflammation has been associated with many conditions affecting many systems. One such condition is Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which includes insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), elevated triglyceride levels, and obesity, especially visceral obesity. Curcumin has been shown to attenuate several aspects of MetS by improving insulin sensitivity [43,44], suppressing adipogenesis [45], and reducing elevated blood pressure [46], inflammation [47], and oxidative stress [48,49]. In addition, there is evidence that curcuminoids modulate the expression of genes and the activity of enzymes involved in lipoprotein metabolism that lead to a reduction in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol [50,51,52] and elevate HDL-C concentrations [53]. Both overweight and obesity are linked to chronic low-grade inflammation; although the exact mechanisms are not clear, it is known that pro-inflammatory cytokines are released. These cytokines are thought to be at the core of the complications associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, addressing inflammation is important. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with a parallel-group design, 117 subjects with MetS received either 1 g curcumin plus 10 mg piperine to increase absorption or a placebo plus 10 mg piperine for eight weeks. Within-group analysis revealed significant reductions in serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 ( MCP-1) following curcumin supplementation (p < 0.001). In the placebo group, serum levels of TGF-b were decreased (p = 0.003) but those of IL-6 (p = 0.735), TNF-α (p = 0.138), and MCP-1 (p = 0.832) were not. Between-group comparison suggested significantly greater reductions in serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-b, and MCP-1 in the curcumin versus the placebo group (p < 0.001). Apart from IL-6, changes in other parameters remained statistically significant after adjustment for potential confounders, including changes in serum lipids and glucose levels, as well as the baseline serum concentration of the cytokines. The results of this study suggest that curcumin supplementation significantly decreases serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in subjects with MetS [11]. In addition, the study looked at the cholesterol-lowering properties and found that curcuminoids were more effective than the placebo in reducing serum LDL-C, non-HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein a (Lp(a)), in addition to elevating HDL-C concentrations. However, changes in serum LDL-C levels were found to be comparable between the study groups. The effects of curcuminoids on triglycerides, non-HDL-C, total cholesterol, and Lp(a) remained significant after adjustment for baseline values of lipids and body mass index [54]. From the same study, the authors also reported markers of oxidative stress. There was a significant improvement in serum SOD activities (p < 0.001) and reduced MDA (p< 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001) concentrations in the group receiving the curcumin with piperine compared to the placebo group. Their secondary purpose was to perform a meta-analysis of data from all randomized controlled trials in order to estimate the effect size of curcuminoids on plasma CRP concentrations. Quantitative data synthesis revealed a significant effect of curcuminoids vs. placebo in reducing circulating CRP concentrations The authors concluded that short-term supplementation with a curcuminoid-piperine combination significantly improves oxidative and inflammatory status in patients with MetS. Curcuminoids could therefore be regarded as natural, safe, and effective CRP-lowering agents [55].

Inflammatory cytokines were also measured in the above study. Mean serum IL-1β (p = 0.042), IL-4 (p = 0.008), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (p = 0.01) were found to be significantly reduced by curcumin therapy. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon gamma(IFNγ), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and MCP-1. The authors suggest that the findings indicate that curcumin may exert immunomodulatory effects via altering the circulating concentrations of IL-1β, IL-4, and VEGF [56].

In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial, 36 obese adults received either 1 g curcumin and 10 mg piperine or a placebo for 30 days followed by a two-week washout period, after which they received the other treatment. A significant reduction in serum triglyceride concentrations was observed, but the treatment did not have a significant influence on serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations, nor on body mass index (BMI) and body fat. The authors suggest that the short supplemental period, lack of control of diet, and the low supplemental dose may explain why these results conflict previous reports.

5. Healthy People

To date, the majority of curcumin studies in humans have been in populations with existing health problems. Perhaps this is because studies on healthy people can be challenging in that benefits may not be as immediate and measurable if biomarkers are normal at baseline. Therefore, following subjects over time may provide the best insight into any potential health benefits in healthy people, although such studies can be time-consuming and costly. Making cross-comparisons between the few studies that have been done can be difficult because studies have used varying doses, often as high as 1 g [57,58]. It should be noted that this would be considered a high dose only because it is higher than what most people could obtain from consuming the spice itself [49]. One study on healthy adults aged 40–60 years used an 80 mg/day dose of a lipidated form of curcumin. Subjects were given either curcumin (N = 19) or a placebo (N = 19) for four weeks. The treatment was 400 mg powder per day containing 80 mg curcumin. Blood and saliva were taken before and after the four weeks. Curcumin significantly lowered triglyceride levels but not total cholesterol, LDL, or HDL levels. There was a significant increase in nitrous oxide (NO) and in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM), a molecule linked to atherosclerosis. Inflammation-related neutrophil function increased, as measured by myeloperoxidase concentration, but c-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin did not. There was a decrease in salivary amylase activity, which can be a marker of stress, and an increase in salivary radical scavenging capacities and plasma antioxidant enzyme catalase, but not in super oxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase. In addition, there was a decrease in beta amyloid plaque, a marker of brain aging, and in plasma alanine amino transferase activities, a marker of liver injury. This indicates that a relatively low dose of curcumin can provide health benefits for people that do not have diagnosed health conditions [51].

In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, the acute (1 and 3 h after a single dose), chronic (four weeks), and acute-on-chronic (1 and 3 h after single dose following chronic treatment) effects of solid lipid curcumin formulation on cognitive function, mood, and blood biomarkers in 60 healthy adults aged 60–85 years were examined. The curcumin formulation was 400 mg, approximately 80 mg curcumin in a solid lipid formulation with the remaining weight comprised of commonly used pharmaceutical excipients and small amounts of other curcuminoids present in turmeric extract. One hour after administration, curcumin significantly improved performance on sustained attention and working memory tasks, compared with the placebo. Working memory and mood (general fatigue and change in state calmness, contentedness, and fatigue induced by psychological stress) were significantly better following chronic treatment. A significant acute-on-chronic treatment effect on alertness and contentedness was also observed. Curcumin was associated with significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol [59].

Another study examined whether supplementation with curcumin and Boswellia serrata (BSE) gum resin for three months could affect plasma levels of markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and glycation in 47 male healthy master cyclists. All subjects were instructed to follow a Mediterranean diet with 22 subjects receiving a placebo and 25 receiving 50 mg of turmeric, corresponding to 10 mg of curcumin, as well as 140 mg of Boswellia extract, corresponding to 105 mg of Boswellia acid for 12 weeks. There was a positive effect observed on glycoxidation and lipid peroxidation in healthy male master athletes [60]. This study indicates the potential for combining curcumin with other agents to achieve health benefits.

Perhaps another challenge to interpreting studies on healthy people is determining the definition of healthy, especially when considering that people who do not have an official diagnosis may still participate in activities or experience situations whereby they challenge their daily physiological homeostasis. For example, an exercise routine that one is not used to can cause inflammation, oxidative challenges, and resulting soreness. In a recent study, 28 healthy subjects that did not participate in resistance training were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin (400 mg/day) for two days before and four days after participating in an eccentric exercise designed to induce muscle soreness. Curcumin supplementation resulted in significantly smaller increases in creatine kinase (CK) (−48%), TNF-α (−25%), and IL-8 (−21%) following exercise compared to the placebo. No significant differences in IL-6, IL-10, or quadriceps muscle soreness between conditions were observed. The findings demonstrated that the consumption of curcumin reduced biological inflammation, but not subjective quadriceps muscle soreness during recovery from exercise. This may help to decrease recovery time, thus improving performance during subsequent exercise sessions [61].

In a similar randomized placebo-controlled single-blind pilot trial, 20 male healthy, moderately active volunteers were randomized to receive either 1 g curcumin twice daily (200 mg curcumin twice a day ) or a placebo 48 h prior to and 24 h after a downhill running test. Subjects in the curcumin group reported significantly less pain in the right and left anterior thigh. Significantly fewer subjects in the curcumin group had MRI evidence of muscle injury in the posterior or medial compartment of both thighs. Increases in markers of muscle damage and inflammation tended to be lower in the curcumin group, but significant differences were only observed for interleukin-8 at 2 h after exercise. No differences in markers of oxidative stress and muscle histology were observed. These results further support that curcumin may be beneficial to attenuate exercise-induced muscle soreness (DOMS) [62].

A study by Delecroix et al. offers further support. They reported that 2 g of curcumin and 20 g of piperine supplementation can help offset some of the physiological markers of muscle soreness after an intense workout in elite rugby players [63].

In addition to acute physical stresses, humans may also suffer from periods of anxiety or depression which are sub clinical, but may still benefit from treatments that can decrease the symptoms. In a randomized double blind cross-over trial, 30 obese adults received curcuminoids (1 g/day) or a placebo for 30 days, and then after a two-week washout period, crossed over to the alternate regimen. The curcumin was a 500-mg C3 Complex® (standardized powder extract obtained from Alleppey finger turmeric containing a minimum 95% concentration of three curcuminoids: curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and desmethoxycurcumin) plus 5 mg bioperine® per serving to enhance absorption. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scales were filled out for each participant at baseline and after four, six, and 10 weeks of supplementation. Mean BAI score was found to be significantly reduced following curcumin therapy (p = 0.03). However, curcumin supplementation did not exert any significant impact on BDI scores. This study suggests that curcumin has a potential anti-anxiety effect in otherwise healthy obese people

 

Health benefits of CoQ10

CoQ10 has many varied uses.

Improving heart health

CoQ10 might help treat specific heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure and high blood pressure particularly among older individuals.

Research on the effectiveness of CoQ10 for heart problems has provided interesting results. one study, reported that CoQ10 was an important factor in the survival of older adults with chronic heart failure.

Other

further study showed that CoQ10 might help people recover from some types of heart surgery.

Reducing migraines

According to both the American association of neurology and the American Headache Society CoQ10 may be effective in preventing migraines, although the research to support this is still limited. It is possible that CoQ10 has this effect because it keeps the mitochondria in the cells healthy.

Easing statin side effects

Some research

suggests that CoQ10 might help ease muscle weakness that is due to taking cholesterol-lowering medications, known as statins.

 

1. May reduce markers of oxidative stress and improve antioxidant defences

Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there’s an imbalance between your body’s antioxidant defences and the production and accumulation of compounds called reactive oxygen species (ROS). This can lead to cellular damage and increased disease risk

 

Because vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body, studies have shown that supplementing with high doses of it can reduce markers of oxidative stress and boost antioxidant defenses in some populations

 

For example, a 2018 study in 54 people with diabetic nephropathy — kidney damage caused by high blood sugar — found that supplementing with 800 IU of vitamin E per day for 12 weeks significantly increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) compared with a placebo

 

GPx is a group of antioxidant enzymes that protect your cells from oxidative damage.

A 2021 study also showed that supplementing with a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C daily for 8 weeks reduced markers of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde and ROS, in women with endometriosis

 

 

 

2. May reduce heart disease risk factors 

Having high blood pressure and high levels of blood lipids such as LDL Bad Cholesterol and triglycerides may increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Promisingly, research suggests that vitamin E supplements may help reduce heart disease risk factors such as these in some people.

A 2019 review of 18 studies found that, compared with placebo treatments, vitamin E supplements significantly reduced systolic but not diastolic blood pressure — the top and bottom numbers of blood pressure readings, respectively

 

Some studies also show that taking vitamin E with omega-3 supplements may reduce LDL and triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions, including high blood fat levels, that increases the risk of heart disease and other health conditions.

 

 

3. May benefit those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD includes a number of conditions that cause an accumulation of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol.

According to research findings, vitamin E supplements may improve some aspects of health in people with NAFLD.

A 2021 review of eight studies found that supplementing with vitamin E reduced levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), decreased blood lipid levels, and improved liver health in people with NAFLD

 

 

Elevated AST and ALT levels can indicate liver inflammation and damage in people with NAFLD, so lower levels are favourable.

 

4. May help manage dysmenorrhea 

Dysmenorrhea is a condition characterized by severe and frequent menstrual pain, such as cramps and pelvic pain.

Promisingly, research suggests vitamin E supplements may reduce pain in women with this condition.

In a 2018 study in 100 women with dysmenorrhea, taking 200 IU of vitamin E daily relieved menstrual pain more than a placebo. The effects were even better when the vitamin was combined with an omega-3 supplement containing 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA

 

Additionally, a 2021 study showed that supplementing with a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C daily for 8 weeks helped reduce the severity of pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea in women with endometriosis

 

 

5–8. Other potential health benefits

Vitamin E supplements have also been linked to several other health benefits:

5. May benefit skin health. Vitamin E supplements may be helpful for those with certain skin disorders, such as eczema. However, research is currently limited, and more studies are needed to learn more about this potential benefit (
).
6. May benefit cognitive health. Maintaining optimal vitamin E levels and taking supplements may help protect against cognitive decline. But it’s still unclear whether the supplements benefit people with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease 

7. May benefit older adults. Because vitamin E plays important roles in health, such as reducing inflammation and improving immune function, supplements may benefit people who have increased needs or don’t get enough in their diets, such as some older adults 
).
8. May improve lung function. Studies have shown that vitamin E supplements could improve lung function and certain symptoms of asthma in children and adults 

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is actually a hormone? It's true! And it's one of the most important hormones in the body. Vitamin D is essential for good health, and there are many benefits to be had from getting enough of it.

In this blog post, we will discuss 17 of the best vitamin D3 benefits. So whether you're looking to improve your overall health or just want to learn more about this important nutrient, read on.

 

1.     It strengthens bones.
2.     It strengthens the immune system.
3.     It might prevent certain types of cancer.
4.     It may improve brain function.
5.     It boosts your mood.
6.     It can aid in weight loss.
7.     It can lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
8.     It lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
9.     It can help lower blood pressure.
10.   It might reduce the risk of heart disease.
11.   It can fight inflammation.
12.   It can strengthen oral health.
13.   It can reduce risk of fractures.
14.   It supports proper lung function.
15.   It can support a healthy nervous system.
16.   It can encourage healthy hair growth.
17.   It can improve cognitive function and prevent dementia.

How does vitamin D3 work?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found in only a few foods, added to others, and obtained as a dietary supplement. It's also made naturally by the body when sunlight hit the skin and stimulate vitamin D synthesis.

Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylation’s in the body for activation. The first occurs in the liver and converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also known as calcitriol.

Calcitriol circulates as a hormone in the blood and regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism for bone formation and other physiological functions. Vitamin D sufficiency is achieved when serum 25(OH)D concentrations are ≥30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L).

Most vitamin D is derived from sun exposure; however, the amount of sun exposure required to maintain adequate levels varies by age, skin pigmentation, season, latitude, time of day, clothing habits, and use of sunscreen.

People who have limited sun exposure need to include good sources of vitamin D in their diet or take supplements to achieve and maintain adequate serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

What are the benefits of taking vitamin D?

There is some evidence that vitamin D may have a number of health benefits, including:

1. Strengthens Bones

Vitamin D3 aids in the management and absorption of calcium, as well as being essential to your bones (and teeth).

Calcium is the most common mineral in the body. The majority of this element is found in our bones and teeth. Calcium consumption should be sufficient to maintain your bones and teeth healthy. Inadequate calcium intake can result in joint pain with early-onset osteoarthritis and tooth loss.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Vitamin D's most important functions include supporting the immune system and improving its function. It stimulates T-cell production and aids in the proper response to viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, and other community-wide illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungus.

3. Might Prevent Certain Types of Cancer

Vitamin D3 can assist decrease the chance of developing particular types of cancer. Epidemiological studies have shown that people who reside in southern/equatorial regions and are more exposed to the sun have a lower risk of some malignancies.

Vitamin D has been linked to cancer in numerous studies. Vitamin D aids in the repair and regeneration of cells, which might slow the growth of cancerous tumours, stimulate the death of cells that have been damaged by cancer, and decrease blood vessel formation in tumours.

4. Improve Brain Function 

Vitamin D has been linked to a variety of bodily processes, including the brain's function. Vitamin D receptors may be found in all parts of the brain and spinal cord. Vitamin D helps you by promoting nerve growth and repair as well as stimulating and inhibiting neurotransmitter synthesis.

Vitamin D, it is thought, benefits the brain by lowering inflammation and preserving neurons. Vitamin D has also been shown to protect neurons in animal studies, which may help to explain why it promotes alertness and quick reaction time.

Another study looked at the relationship between Vitamin D levels and performance on mental tests in a group of people. This research revealed that those with lower Vitamin D levels did worse than those with sufficient amounts, suggesting it improves attention.

5. Boosts Your Mood 

The diminished sunlight exposure in the winter, as well as the darker months, is advantageous for Vitamin D. A number of studies have shown that low levels of Vitamin D3, linked to insufficient sunshine exposure, are associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms.

SAD is a mood disorder characterized by sadness as the primary symptom. Vitamin D3 levels have been shown to decrease, which has been linked to lower levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that controls emotions. You may improve your mood by taking a Vitamin D3 supplement or increasing your sun exposure.

6. Aids in Weight Loss

Did you know that Vitamin D has other benefits? If you've been trying to reduce weight and haven't seen the desired results, consider upping your vitamin D3 intake through diet and sunlight.

Studies have shown that taking a Vitamin D3 supplement, eating more foods that are high in this vitamin, or simply exposing oneself to more sunshine - along with eating a healthy diet and exercising - can help one lose weight. Because Vitamin D3 can assist reduce body fat levels.

People who have insufficient Vitamin D are more likely to become overweight and develop obesity-related diseases, according to studies. However, remember that simply taking a pill, eating more Vitamin D-rich foods, and spending more time in the sun isn't enough; you'll also need to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

7. Lower the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis – a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder.

The linings of the joints are mistaken by the immune system for foreign materials, resulting in inflammation and stiffness.

A lack of Vitamin D might lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis since it is required for the immune system's proper functioning. Raising your Vitamin D levels has the potential to alleviate the severity and incidence of this disease as well as other autoimmune disorders.

8. Lowers the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

If you have diabetes in your family or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you might want to consider taking more Vitamin D. Recent studies have shown a link between Vitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. You may be able to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by overcoming insulin resistance.

The cells in the pancreas that produce insulin have alpha-hydroxylase enzymes and VDRs, which are important in determining glucose tolerance and resistance to insulin.

Vitamin D deficiency can also reduce the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which might cause insulin resistance and modify how the body responds to glucose. Given these findings, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor to see if taking extra Vitamin D improves your overall health.

9. Lowers Blood Pressure

Low Vitamin D levels have been linked to high blood pressure in several long-term studies.

It was previously unknown whether Vitamin D insufficiency causes hypertension, but a large genotypic research with over 150,000 participants has revealed that low levels of Vitamin D can induce high blood pressure.

Those who had the most vitamin D in this research had lower blood pressure. It was revealed that an increase of 10% in Vitamin D levels resulted in a 10% reduction in high blood pressure. An increase in your Vitamin D levels may help if you have high blood pressure or wish to prevent it from developing.

10. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, strokes, and heart attack. Vitamin D levels can be elevated to help reduce the chance of developing heart illness and its symptoms.

Furthermore, because it may aid in weight reduction and maintaining healthy body weight, this vitamin might also be able to minimize the negative effects of obesity and excessive body fat on heart disease. To discover more about Vitamin D advantages, consult with your doctor.

11. Vitamin D can fight inflammation

Vitamin D is beneficial to the immune system because it helps regulate the production of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that are used by the immune system to communicate with other cells, and when they are produced in the wrong amounts or at the wrong time, they can cause inflammation.

Vitamin D can also help reduce the risk of infections by promoting the production of white blood cells and increasing the efficiency of T-cells. A lack of Vitamin D has been linked to an increased susceptibility to infection, so maintaining healthy levels might help keep you from getting sick.

12. Vitamin D can help Strengthen Oral Health

Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is essential for dental health. Vitamin D has been shown to be beneficial for oral health, according to a 2011 analysis published in The Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association.

13. Reduces the Risk of Fractures

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for bone health. A lack of vitamin D can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, which weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures.

14. Supports Proper Lung Function

Vitamin D is essential for proper lung function. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for healthy lungs. A lack of vitamin D has been linked to a variety of respiratory problems, including asthma and COPD.

15. Supports a Healthy Nervous System

Vitamin D is essential for a healthy nervous system. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for healthy nerves. A lack of vitamin D has been linked to a variety of neurological problems, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

16. Encourages Healthy Hair Growth

Vitamin D is essential for healthy hair growth. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for healthy hair follicles. A lack of vitamin D has been linked to a variety of hair problems, including hair loss and alopecia.

17. Improves Cognitive Function and Prevents dementia 

Vitamin D is essential for brain development, and a lack of it has been linked to cognitive problems and dementia. A 2017 study published in the journal Neurology found that people with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to experience a decline in cognitive function over a six-year period than those who had sufficient levels of the vitamin.

Should everyone be taking vitamin D3? There are many benefits of vitamin D, and it's often called the "sunshine vitamin" because we can produce it when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth, and it helps our bodies absorb calcium.

It also supports our immune system and may help prevent certain chronic diseases such as cancer.

 

 

Vitamin K2

 

 

Most people have never heard of vitamin K2. This vitamin is rare in the Western diet and hasn’t received much mainstream attention.

However, this powerful nutrient plays an essential role in many aspects of your health. In fact, some think that vitamin K2 may be the missing link between diet and several chronic diseases.

 

What is vitamin K?

Vitamin K was discovered in 1929 as an essential nutrient for blood coagulation, which is the scientific term for blood clotting.

The initial discovery was reported in a German scientific journal, where it was called “Koagulationsvitamin.” That’s where the K in vitamin K comes from

It was also discovered by the dentist Weston Price, who travelled the world in the early 20th century, studying the relationship between diet and disease in different populations.

He found that the nonindustrial diets were high in an unidentified nutrient, which seemed to provide protection against tooth decay and chronic disease.

He referred to this mystery nutrient as activator X. It’s now believed to have been vitamin K2

 

 

How do vitamin K2 work?

Vitamin K activates proteins that play a role in blood clotting, calcium metabolism, and heart health.

One of its most important functions is to regulate Calcium deposition. In other words, it promotes the calcification of bones and prevents the calcification of blood vessels and kidneys

 

Some scientists have suggested that the roles of vitamins K1 and K2 are quite different, and many feel that they should be classified as separate nutrients altogether.

In controlled studies in people, researchers have also observed that vitamin K2 supplements generally improve bone and heart health, while vitamin K1 has no significant benefits.