Tag: Dr Jocelin Whitaker

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Clinical OPC Heart

For Heart Health Month, I want to highlight one of my favorite Heart Supplements!

Clinical OPC® Heart provides ingredients in their most effective bio-available forms, for excellent absorption and cardiovascular benefits:

  • Magnesium supports healthy heart rhythm and blood pressure levels. The magnesium in this formula is chelated to the amino acid glycine, so it absorbs more readily in the intestines.
  • Benfotiamine is a form of vitamin B1 that remains in the bloodstream longer than the water-soluble form, thiamine. It supports healthy circulation, arterial function, and blood vessel strength.
  • Vitamin B6 in the P-5-P form is required by the system that transports oxygen and blood to the heart. The pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P) form requires no conversion by the liver, so it can be easily utilized to support cardiovascular health.
  • French Grape Seed VX1® provides a tannin-free source of 100% absorbable oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol balance.
  • Pomegranate Fruit Extract supports healthy arteries and blood vessel flexibility with powerful polyphenols.

 
Be sure to check out Clinical OPC Heart as well as all of our other heart support supplements on your next visit to Whitaker’s Natural Market.  Bonus – they are on sale this month for American Heart Month!

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How trace minerals help to heal the body

Even if you try to eat a healthy, organic diet – you could be at risk for nutritional deficiencies without realizing it.  In fact, the National Institutes of Health concluded that “the vast majority of people in both affluent and emerging industrialized countries do not reach even 75 percent of the RDAs for numerous trace minerals.”

The importance of nutrient status (and deficiencies) cannot be overstated. For example, magnesium deficiency is widespread among Americans. One study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, shows that 68% of Americans are magnesium deficient and, some experts like Carolyn Dean, MD have been warning the public for years.

What is the importance of trace minerals?
Some minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, are more common in food and in your body. Trace minerals, on the other hand, are essential minerals that you only need in trace amounts.

The following is a condensed look at certain minerals and their purpose in the body:

Chromium is necessary for proper regulation of blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity.

Cobalt is present in vitamin B12, and it is necessary for generating healthy, red blood cells.

Zinc allows for proper immune response, growth, antioxidant function, and wound healing.

Selenium is necessary for proper antioxidant function and liver detoxification. It is also essential for healthy muscles and hair.

Iodine is necessary for your body to make thyroid hormone – which is involved in almost every process in your body including energy metabolism and temperature regulation.

Bottom line, trace minerals are essential to protect against common health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Without enough trace minerals, you’re also susceptible to contamination from heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead.

Why modern farming techniques MUST change to help save humanity
Why aren’t Americans getting enough trace minerals from their food supply?  Obviously, we should be looking at soil content.  Over the past century, the quality of our soil has been depleted by 85 percent – mainly due to modern methods of farming.

The agricultural sector is driven by crop yield, using every possible method to increase the number of pounds harvested. Intensive farming, combined with soil erosion, has resulted in soil with a lower mineral content. To make matters worse, chemical fertilizers are insufficient to replace the minerals needed for optimal health and poison the environment.

The singular focus on agricultural yield comes at the expense of nutritious food products and the nutritional status and health of Americans. Fruits and vegetables are now grown in soil with a lower nutrient content than in the past. A study in Canada found that tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, and lettuce have on average one-eighth the mineral content today than they did at the beginning of the 20th century.

The ocean provides a natural way to correct mineral deficiencies
If you just can’t depend on the produce section, how can you give your body the nutrients it needs to heal your body? The answer may lie in the ocean, which is rich in minerals.  They’re in their complete, non-denatured form, which is the form most beneficial (and recognizable) to the human body.

Be sure to check out our Natural Factor’s Whole Earth & Sea Mineral Blend as well as our specific mineral supplements on your next visit to Whitaker’s Natural Market.

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Why your vitamin D levels are dependent on magnesium

The number of Americans with nutrient deficiencies or even “subclinical insufficiencies” is high, ranging from 10 to 90 percent depending on the study and nutrient in question.  This is exactly why adding high quality nutritional supplements to a balanced diet can help correct these deficits, especially when it comes to low vitamin D levels in the body.

In terms of improving your vitamin D status, it’s important to understand that certain nutrients like magnesium, can greatly improve the absorption of vitamin D.  In fact, research shows that to enjoy optimal bone (and heart) health, you’ll definitely want to consider this critical mineral.

Multiple studies, including a paper from The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, have found that vitamin D deficiency is linked to low magnesium levels. This evidence clearly suggests that magnesium is essential for the proper digestion and assimilation of vitamin D.

“All of the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D seem to require magnesium,” say the authors of the March 2018 paper, called “Role of Magnesium in Vitamin D Activation and Function.”  Magnesium, they add, functions “as a cofactor in the enzymatic reactions in the liver and kidneys.”

The authors also remind readers that a deficiency in either vitamin D, magnesium, or both is linked to a range of conditions including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and bone health impairments.  In addition, a vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, depression, psoriasis, and breast, colon, and prostate cancers!

It seems that increasing your magnesium intake can really pay off, by the way. A 2013 study found that people who regularly consumed foods rich in magnesium were less likely to be deficient in vitamin D compared to people who didn’t consume a lot of magnesium in their diet. And other research shows that people with high levels of magnesium are also less likely to have low bone mineral density (something that vitamin D normally plays a critical role in).

These two nutrients are so closely linked that it may be time to start thinking about them as a pair – you can’t worry about one without worrying about the other.

10 rich sources of magnesium designed to boost your overall well-being

As you probably know, healthy (direct) sun exposure is one of the best ways to ensure you produce enough vitamin D within your body.  But, you can also consume vitamin D via supplements or in certain foods such as whole eggs and liver.

But there is one major health concern: If you’re not consuming enough magnesium, then your efforts to get enough of the “sunshine vitamin” will be ineffective, at best.  So, be sure to add in these ten magnesium-rich foods into your weekly diet (consider adding a high quality magnesium supplement as well):

Bananas
Spinach
Avocado
Cashews
Almonds
Pumpkin seeds
Oily fish
Lima beans
Sesame seeds
Peanut butter

Men, aim for around 400 to 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day. Women, strive for 310 to 320, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding consult with your naturopathic doctor, since you may need more.

Be sure to check out our Magnesium rich foods, Magnesium supplements, and Vitamin D supplements at Whitaker’s Natural Market!  Dr Jocelin’s Personal Favorites are Magnesium Complex and Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU) with MK7 for their high absorb-ability.  

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18 signs that you need a liver detox

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – deposits of fat in the liver that can’t be attributed to excessive drinking – currently affects well over 100 million Americans.  And, while nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can be quite mild, untreated NAFLD can lead to serious complications such as, liver cancer, liver failure, and premature death.  Simply put, in this article, you’ll discover why a liver detox is a must for most people.

Many natural health experts, including Sara Gottfried, MD, a Harvard-educated functional medicine doctor, stress the importance of liver detox as an indispensable weapon against liver disease.  “I used to think a liver detox was a luxury,” admits Dr. Gottlieb, “but now I realize that it’s an imperative.”

Is your liver sending out the “SOS” signals that indicate an urgent need for liver detox?  Today, we’ll focus our attention on the symptoms linked to liver dysfunction and two nutrients vital for protecting your liver health.

Fatty liver disease can affect your health by interfering with the detoxifying function of the liver, impairing the metabolism of nutrients, inhibiting oxygen uptake, and weakening the immune system.

But what is behind this worldwide epidemic?

Experts say that NAFLD is primarily caused by the excessive consumption of calories – particularly from high-carbohydrate, high-sugar, and processed foods.  But, while obesity is one of the “engines” driving the high incidence of NAFLD, it is not the only culprit.

Exposure to a wide array of environmental toxins can also threaten liver health.

On a daily basis, we are exposed to a truly overwhelming barrage of toxins – including pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, cleaning chemicals, air pollution, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), cigarette smoke, heavy metals, and electromagnetic radiation from laptops and smart phones.

In addition, medications – both prescribed and over-the-counter – and alcohol can contribute to the toxin burden on the liver.  Plus, certain medical conditions – such as metabolic syndrome, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes – can increase the odds of developing liver disease.

So, without any further ado, here are the 18 signs that a liver detox is needed.  Of course, if you are experiencing these issues, an immediate visit to your naturopathic doctor is a smart move.

The wide range of symptoms that indicate liver disease:

Pain or discomfort under the right side of your rib cage
Difficulty digesting fatty foods
Abdominal bloating
Skin issues like, dark liver spots or rashes
Dark circles under the eyes
Itchiness of the skin
Dry skin
Weight gain – not due to overeating
Frustrating inability to lose excess body weight, despite calorie restriction
Excess abdominal fat
Powerful cravings for sugar, alcohol, or coffee
Yellowish or whitish coating of the tongue or bad breath
Mood swings and mood disturbances
Fatigue that is not relieved by sleeping more
Heavy snoring or sleep apnea
Allergies and autoimmune disorders
Jaundice – in which the skin or the whites of the eyes appear yellow
And, finally, excessive sweating

If you suffer from these symptoms, your naturopathic doctor may advise a liver detoxification protocol – consisting of reducing exposure to toxins, proper nutrition, and the use of  liver-healing herbs and supplements.

Fortunately, plenty of liver-supporting nutrients exist to help soothe an inflamed, fatty liver.  Among these, two in particular stand out.  The following pair of “liver health heavyweights” can help reduce inflammation and promote liver cell regeneration – putting you on the fast track to better liver health.

Glutathione, the body’s “master antioxidant” is an important ally in liver health
This disease-fighting enzyme is found in every cell in the body – but is most heavily concentrated in the liver.  In other words, the liver can be considered “Glutathione Central.”  A powerful antioxidant, glutathione defends against disease by reducing oxidative damage and neutralizing toxins and carcinogens.

It also boosts the immune system, decreases inflammation, repairs DNA, and helps to recycle other important antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10.  While experts say we should strive to take in 250 mg of dietary glutathione every day, most Americans only manage to ingest about 35 mg.

For liver support, natural health experts may recommend dosages of glutathione in the area of 200 mg to 500 mg a day.  However, it’s always best to consult with your naturopathic doctor before supplementing.

Non-toxic milk thistle fights liver disease “across the board”

Milk thistle, botanically known as Silybum marianum, is rich in silymarin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.  Silymarin helps to prevent the binding of toxins to cell membrane receptors, thereby neutralizing carcinogens and biological toxins.

It also offers a trio of benefits that seem specifically designed to fight fatty liver disease – promoting the regeneration of liver cells, helping to prevent liver scarring, and interfering with the accumulation of fats in the liver.

Milk thistle’s therapeutic properties have been backed up by studies. Research has shown that milk thistle extract inhibits pro-inflammatory pathways and substantially reduces markers of liver inflammation in patients with chronic liver disease.

Although our liver can work heroically to cleanse and detoxify the blood, the truth is: these hard-working organs sometimes require a little TLC.  Therefore, a liver detox can provide that much-needed support and represent the first step back on the road to a healthy life.

Stop in today to talk to Dr Jocelin about how to best support and detoxify your Liver as well as consider scheduling a consult with her to optimize your health completely.  Also, be sure to check out our Glutathione and Milk Thistle supplements at Whitaker’s Natural Market!

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Dr Jocelin’s Weekly Health Tip on Stress and Anxiety

Dr Jocelin’s Weekly Health Tip this week is on Stress and Anxiety and how to support your body naturally whether the stress is short term or more long term.

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The use of manuka honey medicinally is becoming far more than just an “alternative” treatment.

A type of honey native to the country of New Zealand, it’s produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush.  And, although the conventional medical community had dismissed its value for some time, there’s now an increasing interest in its therapeutic uses by the general public, integrative healthcare providers, and researchers.

One of the big things driving the renewed interested in manuka honey is the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens – which has resulted in more interested in the development of novel antibacterial agents. There’s also a growing number of studies that support not only the antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits of this honey but additional health benefits, as well.

Studies show it’s a smart move to eat manuka honey
Several studies have shown and highlighted the antibacterial and antimicrobial effects of Manuka honey. One study investigated the use of this honey on four types of bacteria found in chronic wounds – Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.  In fact, the manuka honey was found to help inhibit the growth of these types of bacteria.

A different study, published in the Journal of Wound Care, specifically looked at the bacteriological changes that occurred in sloughy venous leg ulcers that were treated with manuka honey – compared to the use of hydrogel.  In four weeks of treatment, 70% of the wounds treated with manuka honey – as opposed to only 17% of those treated with hydrogel – had MRSA eradicated.

The results show the incredible potential this honey has at preventing infection by harnessing its antimicrobial properties.  Other studies have not only shown that the honey enhances wound healing, but it also helps decrease pain in burn patients and amplifies tissue regeneration as well.

Additional health benefits of this healing honey
Manuka honey offers many other health benefits beyond treating and healing wounds, and most of them are a result of the honey’s antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Additional health benefits include:

Promotes healthy teeth and gums: Most Americans have some type of gum disease, and minimizing oral bacteria is the best way to keep teeth and gums healthy. Studies show that manuka honey’s antibacterial activity attacks the oral bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum inflammation.

Sore throat relief: Many find that manuka honey offers relief from a sore throat, and its antibacterial and antiviral properties can help reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria causing throat pain. It also provides a soothing effect by coating the inner lining of your throat.

Improved digestion: Digestive problems like IBS, which is associated with symptoms like irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, may be effectively treated with manuka honey.  It helps reduce inflammation of the digestive system and may offer significant relief.

Gastric ulcer prevention: Stomach ulcers are very common, and these sores on the stomach’s lining can cause bloating, pain, and nausea. The most common type of bacteria responsible for ulcers is H. pylori, and research shows that manuka honey may work as an antibacterial agent against this type of bacteria, helping to prevent ulcers.

No doubt, manuka honey has unique antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that offer a variety of health benefits.  Make sure to look for manuka honey with a high UMF number to reap the best results.

Be sure to pick up your Manuka Honey available in four different UMF strengths at Whitaker’s Natural Market!

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Dr Jocelin’s Weekly Health Tip on Natural Cold and Flu Care

Dr Jocelin’s Weekly Health Tip this week is on how to deal with colds and flus naturally. She also includes tips specific to children and babies, ear infections, sinus infections, sore throats, and bronchitis.