Empowering You Organically - Audio Edition

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If you’ve had the experience of walking through a meadow or trail in the woods and found yourself with a bristly rash on exposed parts of your limbs, you may have brushed up against some stinging nettle. Nettles are an herbaceous perennial flowering plant, native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America. Tune in to learn how nettles actually support vibrant health!

What is nettle? Nettle, or stinging nettle, is a shrub that comes from northern Europe and Asia. Its scientific name is Urtica dioica.

If you’ve had the experience of walking through a meadow or trail in the woods and found yourself with a bristly rash on exposed parts of your limbs, you may have brushed up against some stinging nettle. Nettles are an herbaceous perennial flowering plant, native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America.

The plant has many hollow stinging hairs called “trichomes” on its leaves and stems, which act like needles that inject histamine, formic acid and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation. It’s very high nutritional content has made it a popular food source steamed and eaten like spinach (it does loose the “sting” when cooked), taken as a tea made from the dried leaves to assist in the nutrition of expectant or nursing mothers, or for general tonic properties for good health.

The leaves, stem, or root from the nettle plant can be crushed and made into powders, tinctures, creams, teas, and more. While people have used it for centuries as an herbal medicine, modern research also supports many of the potential health benefits of nettle and nettle tea.

Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including:

Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
Fats: Linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids
Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins and other flavonoids
Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin and other carotenoids

What’s more, many of these nutrients act as antioxidants inside your body.

Antioxidants are molecules that help defend your cells against damage from free radicals. Damage caused by free radicals is linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases.

Studies indicate that stinging nettle extract can raise blood antioxidant levels.

Top 5 Benefits of Nettles 1. Urinary tract health Nettle may help flush harmful bacteria from the urinary tract. This can benefit people who have urinary conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH causes an enlarged prostate gland in men. This can cause pain or other problems urinating.

According to one 2013 study men with BPH who took nettle extract had fewer clinical symptoms than those who didn’t.

Nettle may also help support any medications you’re taking for infections or conditions related to the urinary tract. Talk to your doctor first about any possible interactions between herbal remedies and medications you take.

Arthritis and pain Nettle has historically been used to treat pain and sore muscles, especially related to arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that nettle tea may also reduce the inflammation and pain association with osteoarthritis.
Blood sugar management Nettle has shown some promising effects on blood glucose levels. It may help the pancreas make or release more insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar.

In a 2013 study, nettle leaf extract lowered blood glucose and A1C in a group of people with type 2 diabetes who were taking insulin as well as oral diabetes medications.

The power of polyphenols Nettle is high in plant chemicals called polyphenols. A review of the research on polyphenols suggests that these powerful compounds may play a role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases related to inflammation, such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease.

In particular, polyphenols from nettle extract have shown some exciting potential for treating breast cancer and prostate cancer. Plants like nettle also contain potent antioxidants, which are substances that protect the body from aging and cell damage.

May Treat Hay Fever Hay fever is an allergy that involves inflammation in the lining of your nose.

Stinging nettle is viewed as a promising natural treatment for hay fever.

Test-tube research shows that stinging nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies.

This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms.

However, human studies note that stinging nettle is equal to or only slightly better at treating hay fever than a placebo.

While this plant may prove a promising natural remedy for hay fever symptoms, more long-term human studies are needed.

How to make nettle tea You can buy nettle tea loose or in teabags, but you can also grow or harvest the leaves yourself. With fresh leaves, experiment with the ratio of nettle to water you prefer, but a general reference is two cups of water for every cup of leaves. Here’s how:

Add water to the leaves.
Bring the water just to a boil.
Turn off the stove and let sit for five minutes.
Pour the mixture through a small strainer.
Add a bit of honey, cinnamon, or stevia, if you like.

Start out by only having one cup of nettle tea to make sure you don’t have any reactions to it.

Warnings Be sure to talk to your doctor before you try any new herb or supplement. Even all-natural foods and drinks like tea can cause allergic reactions or interact with certain medications. Some herbs and supplements can be harmful to people with certain health conditions.

Resources:

Stinging nettle
Stinging nettles leaf (Urtica dioica L.): Extraordinary vegetable medicine
Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress as a Major Cause of Age-Related Diseases and Cancer
Effects of Urtica dioica Supplementation on Blood Lipids, Hepatic Enzymes and Nitric Oxide Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Double Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Effects of Urtica dioica Supplementation on Blood Lipids, Hepatic Enzymes and Nitric Oxide Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Double Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Effects of Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica L.,) on Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Rat Model of Mammary Gland Cancer
The Efficacy of Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica) in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized Double-Blind Study in 100 Patients
Improved Glycemic Control in Patients With Advanced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Taking Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Effects of Urtica Dioica Dichloromethane Extract on Cell Apoptosis and Related Gene Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cell Line (MDA-MB-468)
Antiproliferative Effect on Human Prostate Cancer Cells by a Stinging Nettle Root (Urtica Dioica) Extract
The Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Polyphenols
Nettle Extract (Urtica Dioica) Affects Key Receptors and Enzymes Associated With Allergic Rhinitis
Randomized, Double-Blind Study of Freeze-Dried Urtica Dioica in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Efficacy of Supportive Therapy of Allergic Rhinitis by Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Root Extract: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled, Clinical Trial
Testosterone Booster Balance for Men

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You’ve likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? Tune in to today’s episode to unlock the magic of turmeric!

Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You’ve likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them?

One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric’s bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process?

The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice.

Turmeric’s many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that’s associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It’s also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color.

But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation.

This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric’s bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact.

This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine.

The Problem: Black Pepper Isn’t Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries.

Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3].

This isn’t to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there’s no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis.

There’s also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper’s primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].”

Even so, there’s always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes.

For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric’s full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible.

Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper.

Here’s another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person’s digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that’s necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5].

Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6].

With simple fermentation, however, there’s little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That’s because there’s nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body’s important detoxification pathways.

It’s rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb’s active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric’s absorption potential.

Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7].

In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage.

Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver’s functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification.

Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what’s found in raw turmeric.

Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9].

Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation.

Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10].

From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.”

Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11].

Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12].

Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind.

Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it’s time to pack on extra pounds [13].

Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn’t gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14].

Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15].

While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.

Resources:

Turmeric 3D by Organixx
ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87
The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88
[1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice.
[2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach.
[3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers
[4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers.
[5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please!
[6] Glucuronidation
[7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats
[8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study
[9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.)
[10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus
[11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric.
[12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus.
[13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae
[14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats.
[15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice
[16] Is Turmeric Good for Your Heart? Here’s What the Science Shows
[17] 10 Surprising Ways Turmeric Benefits a Woman’s Health

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Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda to promote general health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practice, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means an herb or preparation that rejuvenates, extends life, and promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health. Listen in to discover more about ashwagandha’s incredible health benefits in general and a special potent “superhero” form known as KSM-66 ashwagandha.

What Does Ashwagandha Do? Ashwagandha’s superpower is that it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are non-toxic therapies that normalize our bodily functions – both physical and mental – that are thrown out of balance when we are exposed to chronic, uncontrolled stress. They do so by correcting imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [2]. In short, adaptogens enhance our ability to cope with stress.

There are more than 35 natural compounds in ashwagandha including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins, and with anolides. These compounds have been shown to have anti-stress activity in multiple laboratory models of chronic stress and in some human studies as well [1-5].

Additionally, ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds present in this plant – primarily in the roots – have been shown to help:

counter pain and joint swelling associated with arthritis
boost various components of the immune system
protect the brain and nervous system
slow down or even kill abnormal cells
enhance both male and female sexual desire and function

What Is KSM-66 Ashwagandha? KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract manufactured and sold by Ixoreal Biomed, located in Hyderabad, India [6]. Ashwagandha KSM-66 is made solely from ashwagandha roots, which contain its main bioactive ingredients, without using any other parts that are considered to be less effective.

A unique feature of KSM-66 ashwagandha is that it’s standardized to a withanolide content of at least 5 percent. Withanolides are a group of around 300 naturally occurring steroid compounds, some of which are naturally present in ashwagandha.

One example is Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory compound that has also been shown to stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, and perhaps even shrinking them.

Last but not least, KSM-66 ashwagandha is produced by a unique extraction process, based on the principles of “green chemistry,” without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents.

Let’s take a closer look now at some of KSM-66 ashwagandha’s benefits for health.

What Too Much Cortisol Does to the Body Any stressful event in our lives causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that acts to control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, lower inflammation levels, influence memory formation, and manage salt and water balance [7].

The more stressed we are and the longer we’re stressed, the more our adrenals respond by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream. Too much cortisol in the blood over a prolonged period of time can lead to:

rapid weight gain
high blood pressure
osteoporosis
muscle weakness
mood swings
anxiety, depression, or irritability
increased thirst and frequency of urination [7]

Ongoing high cortisol levels can also eventually cause a lack of sex drive in men. In women, periods typically become irregular, less frequent, or may even stop altogether (amenorrhea).

How Can Ashwagandha Help Us Cope With Stress? To answer this question, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of KSM-66 ashwagandha (which, as mentioned above, is a high-concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract) in 64 adults [5]. After 60 days of treatment, the study authors observed a “substantial reduction” in four separate measures of stress in the study participants.

KSM-66 ashwagandha also reduced levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha tones down the body’s response to stressful situations, in effect “calming us down.”

No serious adverse events were reported [5] and the study researchers concluded that: “High-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.”

Similarly, in another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 stressed but otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or an ashwagandha root extract once daily for 2 months [8].

At the end of the study, participants given ashwagandha showed a significant reduction in their stress, anxiety, and depression scores. Once again, ashwagandha consumption was associated with a greater reduction in the levels of cortisol in the blood, when compared with placebo [8].

The Connection Between Stress and Obesity Chronic stress has been associated with many illnesses, including obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha consumption was seen to lead to significant reductions in emotional and uncontrolled food cravings while also lowering cortisol, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 52 subjects subjected to chronic stress [9].

Indeed, laboratory experiments in mice have shown that one of the main active ingredients in ashwagandha known as Withaferin A can protect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing inflammation in the liver, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance [10].

These and other findings make it clear that ashwagandha is a powerful tool in our battle against ongoing stress, likely by regulating various specific aspects of our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an interactive neuroendocrine system that plays a key role in maintaining our body’s internal equilibrium, along with orchestrating our body’s response to stress.

Ashwagandha Benefits for Joint Pain Ashwagandha is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, many research studies show that ashwagandha and its bioactive ingredients help to manage and reduce inflammation levels.

For instance, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial published in 1991, 42 patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a formula containing ashwagandha, frankincense, turmeric, and zinc – or placebo – for three months [11].

Clinical efficacy was evaluated every 15 days in terms of severity of pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie articular index (a weighted score of tenderness and swelling in 53 joint groups, each scored on a 0-3 scale), joint score, disability score, and grip strength. Throughout the study, the herbal formula was seen to significantly reduce the severity of joint pain and disability. No significant adverse effects were reported.

In another study, 86 patients with joint pain were given 5 grams of ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk [12]. Then these patients took another Ayurvedic preparation known as Sidh Makardhwaj – a formulation used in rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders – daily for the next four weeks.

Treatment with ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj for seven weeks led to significantly improved scores of joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, indicating that this combination treatment is likely to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, in laboratory experiments, an ashwagandha root extract was seen to reduce inflammation in knee cartilage taken from chronic osteoarthritis patients [13].

Ashwagandha for Boosting Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Recovery Ashwagandha has long had the reputation of being able to enhance cardiovascular endurance and physical performance. As stated earlier, consuming this herb is said to impart the strength and stamina of a horse [1].

In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, KSM-66 ashwagandha was shown to significantly boost cardiorespiratory endurance and improve self-reported quality of life (QOL) in 50 healthy male and female athletic adults [14].

In another randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 57 young men with little previous experience in resistance training were randomized into treatment and placebo groups [15]. Participants in the treatment group consumed 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily, while those in the control group took starch placebos instead.

Multiple measurements – including muscle strength, muscle size, body composition, testosterone levels, and muscle recovery – were made before the start of the study. Both groups then went through resistance training for 8 weeks and the measurements were repeated when they were done.

Promisingly, the group of men taking ashwagandha root extract had significantly greater increases in muscle strength and arm muscle size relative to the placebo group. They also showed significantly less exercise-induced muscle damage, higher testosterone levels, and a greater reduction in body fat percentage. In other words, ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass, strength, and recovery after exercise.

In another randomized, double-blind strength and conditioning study known as the STAR trial, 500 mg of an extract of ashwagandha roots and leaves was consumed by recreationally active young men for 12 weeks [16].

Body composition, muscular strength, power, and endurance, cycling time trial, and blood chemistry were measured before and after the study. Consuming the ashwagandha extract was seen to improve upper and lower body strength and improve distribution of body mass in these men, once again without causing any serious adverse effects.

Ashwagandha as an Immune System Enhancer Ashwagandha enhances immune function. In a small study, ashwagandha root extract was seen to activate multiple types of immune cells in the participants [17].

Similarly, a tea fortified with five herbs including ashwagandha was seen to activate so-called “natural killer” (NK) cells in not just one, but two independent double-blind intervention studies conducted in India on healthy volunteers [18]. NK cell activity is an important aspect of our body’s early immune response to infections.

Interestingly, in other situations, ashwagandha extracts have also been shown to suppress specific components of the immune system. For example, one of the characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the continuous production of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines in joint cavities, triggering inflammation and cartilage destruction. In laboratory experiments in rats, a root extract of ashwagandha was seen to suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress [19].

The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Ashwagandha Numerous laboratory studies show that ashwagandha – traditionally used in Ayurveda to boost intellect and memory – can slow, stop, and reverse damage to brain cells and may even help to reconstruct brain cell networks.

For instance, ashwagandha extracts have been shown to promote nerve cell growth in culture [20]. Withanolide A, withanoside IV, and withanoside VI were identified as the bioactive compounds responsible. Ashwagandha extracts as well as specific bioactive compounds (e.g., withanolide A) have also been shown to protect nerve cells in culture against damage caused by various toxic agents [21]. Amazingly, the administration of withanoside IV for 21 days led to recovery in a rat model of spinal cord damage [20].

It is well known that toxic free radicals damage brain cells and contribute to both normal aging and aging-related health conditions. In a 2015 study, both ashwagandha extracts and a bioactive compound known as withanone were seen to protect nerve cells from oxidative damage [22].

Not surprisingly, ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and improve mental faculties. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 50 adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – who are considered to be at a greater risk of developing dementia later in life – were treated with either 300 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks [23].

After 8 weeks, the ashwagandha KSM-66 group showed significant improvements in both their immediate or short-term as well as general memory, relative to the placebo group. The ashwagandha group also showed significant improvements in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing abilities.

Can Ashwagandha Even Help Protect Against Abnormal Cell Growth? Ashwagandha and other species of Withania are well known in folk medicine traditions for their anti-cancer properties and their extracts have been shown to be toxic for multiple types of cancer cells in laboratory experiments [24]. They appear to act by slowing down or even stopping cancer cell growth by inducing programmed cell death or “apoptosis.”

As stated earlier, Withaferin A, an anti-inflammatory withanolide, has been shown to act as an anti-angiogenic. In other words, it can help stop tumors from growing their own blood vessels, slowing down their growth, or perhaps even shrinking them.

As reported in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in August 2019, growing evidence suggests that Withaferin A is very effective against cancer [25]. For instance, low response rate and recurrence are common issues in lung cancer. Withaferin A has been shown to exhibit potent toxicity against several lung cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments. Not only that, the combination of Withaferin A and chemotherapeutic drugs were shown to have additive effects on lung cancer cell survival [26].

Withaferin A has also been shown to be toxic for breast cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in laboratory experiments [27,28]. Similarly, other bioactive compounds in ashwagandha have also been shown to be toxic for cancer cells in laboratory experiments [29].

KSM-66 Ashwagandha’s Impact on Libido and Infertility Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to enhance sexual desire and function in both men and women. For instance, ashwagandha has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility.

In a pilot study conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha in patients with a low sperm count (known as oligospermia), a total of 46 male patients were randomized either to treatment with KSM-66 Ashwagandha or placebo for 90 days [30].

At the end of the study, participants given KSM-66 ashwagandha showed a 167% increase in sperm count, a 53% increase in semen volume, and a 57% increase in sperm motility relative to baseline. In comparison, only minimal changes were seen in the placebo group.

Further, a greater improvement in hormone levels was seen with KSM-66 ashwagandha. In other words, ashwagandha is likely to be very effective in treating oligospermia, which is a leading cause of male infertility.

Similarly, a meta-analysis showed that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm concentration and sperm motility even in men with normal sperm parameters, without any adverse effects [31].

Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance sexual function in women. At the Trupti Hospital and Santati Fertility Center located near Mumbai in India, 50 women were randomized to either ashwagandha treatment or placebo (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks [32]. In this study, ashwagandha supplementation was shown to lead to significantly higher scores in multiple markers of sexual desire and function.

But Is Ashwagandha Safe? Ashwagandha root powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it is believed to be completely safe and free of any toxicity.

Extracts of ashwagandha made using alcohol and water will likely contain higher doses of its natural ingredients, relative to raw powder. So far animal studies with such extracts have shown no evidence of toxicity, even at relatively high doses [33].

However, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any ongoing health conditions or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Organixx Turmeric 3D Contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha The Organixx Turmeric 3D formula has always contained ashwagandha extract. As part of our commitment to seeking out the cleanest and most effective supplement ingredients, we upgraded to KSM-66 Ashwagandha in 2019 – the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market.

KSM-66 is a full-spectrum extract produced using a unique proprietary extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvent.

Resources:

[1] An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda.
[2] Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha.
[3] Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review.
[4] Anti‐stress activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, new acylsterylglucosides from Withania somnifera.
[5] A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.
[6] KSM-66 Ashwagandha Documentary
[7] Society for Endocrinology: You and Your Hormones – Cortisol.
[8] An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
[9] Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
[10] Withaferin A Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance.
[11] Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.
[12] Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot prospective study.
[13] The relationship between chondroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root and glucosamine sulphate on human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro.
[14] Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults.
[15] Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.
[16] Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial.
[17] In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes.
[18] In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.
[19] In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera Root Ameliorates Arthritis via Regulation of Key Immune Mediators of Inflammation in Experimental Model of Arthritis.
[20] Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases.
[21] Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A.
[22] Combinations of Ashwagandha leaf extracts protect brain-derived cells against oxidative stress and induce differentiation.
[23] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions.
[24] Medicinal Plants from Near East for Cancer Therapy.
[25] Withaferin A: From ayurvedic folk medicine to preclinical anti-cancer drug.
[26] Identification of Withaferin A as a Potential Candidate for Anti-Cancer Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
[27] Withaferin A inhibits expression of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase and enhances sensitivity of human breast cancer cells to cisplatin.
[28] Subcritical water extraction of withanosides and withanolides from ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L) and their biological activities.
[29] Cytotoxic Withanolides from the Roots of Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera).
[30] Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study.
[31] Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis.
[32] Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study.
[33] Safety assessment of Withania somnifera extract standardized for Withaferin A: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha: A Superhero Herb for Body & Brain

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Let’s talk synergy….the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. At Organixx we believe in maximizing the strength of our blended supplements by sourcing high quality and clean ingredients. And then we take it to the next level by asking the question…”What ingredients can we blend to produce a combined benefit greater than the sum of their separate benefits?”

Frankincense

Frankincense is the resinous extract from the trees of the genus boswellia, have been used for centuries in cultural ceremonies, as a cosmetic agent, as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, especially inflammatory diseases, which we just talked about, including asthma, arthritis, cerebral edema, chronic pain syndrome, chronic bowel diseases, cancer, and some other illnesses.
Boswellic acids are the active compounds of frankincense. Some studies have shown that the use of frankincense can also improve the learning, enhance the memory in animals and human beings.
Two ways that you can get frankincense
- Essential oil
- Ingesting

Myrrh

Myrrh is a reddish-brown dried sap from a thorny tree. Commiphora myrrha is the actual name for it, but it’s native to Northeastern Africa and Southwest Asia.
Myrrh has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Scientists are now testing the oil’s potential uses, including for pain, infection, and even skin sores.
Myrrh also can help combat pain and swelling, and it’s also a very powerful antioxidant, which combats oxidative damage, which we know can be really bad for our health.
- Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to aging and even some diseases.

Turmeric

Turmeric is believed to be one of the most effective nutritional supplements in existence.
Many high-quality studies have shown that it has major benefits for your body and for your brain.
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color and has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. Recently, scientists started to back up what Indians have known for a long time.
It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It’s a very strong antioxidant. It is very, very, very powerful when it comes to brain health, when it comes to combatting disease.
Turmeric, in its raw form, it’s not very bioavailable, again, which means it’s hard for your body to absorb it and really to get the curcumin, which is the real active compound out of turmeric that’s the big benefit, and I mean we’re talking single digit percentage of curcumin that you absorb out of turmeric.
If you’re looking at using turmeric on a daily basis, I think that you can use piperine if your body reacts well to it.
- Piperine changes the enzymes in your stomach, which is what helps make it more bioavailable for the turmeric.
- That same thing happens if you’re on prescription medication. So, I always warn people, if you’re taking prescription meds, kind of stay away from the turmeric supplements that have piperine in them, or black pepper, because it can increase or decrease the efficacy of that prescription med, which also increases and decreases the efficacy of the side effects of it.
When you ferment it, that releases those enzymes so that when you ingest it into your body, now all of the enzymes that your body needs to break down that turmeric and absorb that curcumin is right there in your gut.
It can also support brain health.
It’s been proven to improve brain function and lower risk of brain diseases.
It can lower your risk of heart disease.

Putting Them Together

They have a synergistic effect, having all three of these ingredients together. So strong and so powerful, we actually created a supplement called Magi-Complexx.
What we found out is actually combining all three of these together, that synergistic effect is phenomenal.

Magi-Complexx

Comes in two forms: capsule and essential oil.

Resources:

Organixx Magi-Complexx
Organixx Article on Frankincense
Organixx Article on Myrrh
Organixx Articles on Turmeric
EYO Podcasts on Turmeric (1)
EYO Podcasts on Turmeric (2)
HOLY REVELATION: Biblical Scholars Left Speechless After Discovering Divine Painkilling “Recipe” Hidden Inside a Two-Thousand-Year-Old Manger
Magi-Complexx Essential Oil Blend
Magi-Complexx Capsules - Organic Turmeric Inflammation Supplements

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The search term collagen has increased 40% already just in this year alone! So, is all the hype trendy or true? We’ve done the research and that’s the question we answer this week!

Did you know that your body naturally produces collagen every day? We dig into why supplementation is even a consideration.

Did you know there are several different types of collagen? We’ve tracked them all down and explain the part each type plays in our body.
Is collagen all about less sagging skin? Actually, no it isn’t! Tune in to hear about the ways collagen benefits our health. We guarantee some will surprise you.

Tune in for more no-nonsense information on what collagens are, how they may benefit your health, and what you need to look for when it comes to the products and foods, you’re consuming.

Did you know that your body naturally produces collagen every day? We dig into why supplementation is even a consideration.

Did you know there are several different types of collagen? We’ve tracked them all down and explain the part each type plays in our body.

Is collagen all about less sagging skin? Actually, no it isn’t! Tune in to hear about the ways collagen benefits our health. We guarantee some will surprise you.

Tune in for more no-nonsense information on what collagens are, how they may benefit your health, and what you need to look for when it comes to the products and foods, you’re consuming.

What is collagen?

Dictionary result for collagen /ˈkäləjən/

noun

the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, widely used in purified form for cosmetic surgical treatments.
“vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen”
Different collagen molecules make up about ⅓ of the total protein in a human body
Found in bone, skin, muscles, and tendons
The substance that connects cells and gives skin elasticity as well as strength

Collagen and Aging

Your body naturally produces collagen every day.
After the age of 25, we break down more collagen than we make.
Collagen supplements are an easy way to add more collagen to your diet.
Collagen has been shown to reduce wrinkles, keep joints strong and flexible, support strong bones, and increase skin hydration.

Why is collagen so good for you?

Collagen is vital for maintaining the structure and integrity of your entire body.

#1 – Strong Cartilage and Muscles

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that is made up of collagen When you lack collagen, joint instability, stiffness, and pain can result. Likewise, muscles need cartilage to adhere themselves to the ends of bones. This is why muscle aches are one of the most common complaints of individuals with low collagen levels.

#2 – Healthy Teeth.

Collagen is needed to keep teeth in place in the gums. Loose teeth, toothache, sensitive teeth, and even tooth loss can result from a lack of collagen overall.

#3 – Thick Hair

Collagen plays an important part in hair growth since it fills in the spaces around each hair follicle. One way to tell if you are collagen deficient is to notice the quality and state of your hair. Dull, thin hair is a sign of low collagen levels. Collagen also helps fight free radicals that can damage hair.

#4 – Smooth Skin

Wrinkling and cellulite are other unfortunate results of low collagen in the body. Not enough collagen means skin begins to lose elasticity and sag, causing those pesky wrinkles as we age. Cellulite is another telltale sign of low collagen.

#5 – Good Gut Health.

Collagen helps heal the gut because of its ability to “seal the gut.” Leaky gut has been linked to autoimmune conditions and neurological conditions like autism.

Types of Collagens

There are over two dozen kinds of collagen, although roughly 85% of the collagen in the body is made up of Type I, II, or III (or a combination of these three types).

Type I collagen is the most prevalent type of collagen. It is the substance that makes up the skin, tendons, and bones as well as the structural framework of the organs. It should be your go-to for hair, skin, and nail health, especially for recouping lost collagen stores that occurs naturally as we age. It is also a “well-rounded generalist,” in that it is a good type for supporting overall health. Type I is also found in the digestive tract, which makes it (along with Type II) great for gut healing and repair.
Type II collagen is the structural component of cartilage in the body. Because of this, it is great for the joints and to rebuild cartilage in ligaments, tendons, skin, and bones. Type II collagen contains a variety of specific amino acids that are particularly helpful for the body. The first one, again, is glycine, which is beneficial for brain health and metabolism. The second one is proline, which helps clean artery walls. Type II may also be good for the respiratory system, detoxification pathways, and more because it contains arginine, another amino acid that is vital for nitric oxide production. [Note: Nitric oxide is produced in the body and is beneficial for supporting blood flow and lowering blood pressure.] For the most part, Type II collagen is where you want to turn for joint health and possibly even for arthritis support.
Type III collagen is typically found where ever Type 1 collagen can be found as well as some other unique places. It is housed in what are called reticular fibers, the substances that make up connective tissue. It is also found in the muscles, bone marrow, blood vessels, and reproductive organs such as the uterus. Type III collagen is also crucial for the healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system. Low Type III collagen has been linked to ruptured blood vessels and can be life-threatening.
Type IV collagen helps to strengthen endothelial cells that form the tissue protecting organs as well as muscles and fatty tissue. Endothelial cells also line the majority of the surfaces along the digestive tract and respiratory organs.
Type V collagen helps create the surface of cells while Type X helps with bone formation. There are at least a dozen others, all doing their job to keep your body lubricated, moving, and functioning at its best.

How to Help Your Body Create Collagen Naturally

Eat a diet and live a lifestyle that promotes the healthy synthesizing of your own natural healing and repair mechanisms
Avoid UV radiation exposure
Do not smoke cigarettes
Reduce/Manage stress levels

What To Look For In A Collagen Supplement

Look for multiple types of collagens
Clean sourced and organic
Bio-Availability – what is the delivery system – fermented, sprouted
Whole food and not synthetic ingredients
Contains Vitamin C – Without adequate amounts of dietary vitamin C, the body can’t actually form or store collagen
Be sure the manufacturer does consistent batch testing for heavy metals
Watch out for Natural Flavoring

Ingredient List for Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens, Multi-Collagen Blend:

Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Pasture-Raised Bovine Collagen Peptides,
Bovine Bone Broth Hydrolyzed Protein,
Chicken Bone Broth Collagen Concentrate,
Clean Marine® Wild Caught Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides,
Eggshell Membrane Collagen,
Acerola Cherry (natural source of Vitamin C),
Camu Camu (natural source of Vitamin C),
Silica from Organic Horsetail,
Zinc Gluconate,
Fulvic Acid,
and Pyroxidine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6).

Natural Flavors – Buyer Beware

Important to note, a governmental or independent agency does not approve or oversee the safety of the food flavors.

Resources:

Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens
All Collagen articles and recipes
Collagen 101: What It Is and Why Your Body Needs It
The Benefits of Collagen for Healthy Skin & Joints (+ 5 Ways to Make More of It)
12 Amazing Benefits of Collagen for Health (and Beauty)
Understanding Collagen: The 3 Main Types of Collagen & Their Unique Health Benefits
5 Ways Collagen Can Help Soothe the Gut
The Collagen-Boosting Benefits of Zinc
Hair Loss or Thinning? Studies Show Collagen Can Help
Vitamin C and Collagen: What’s the Connection?
Collagen: A Natural Solution for Joint Pain?
How Collagen Improves Skin Health and Firmness
Food Babe - Vani Hari
The “Natural” vs. “Natural Flavors” Conflict in Food Labeling: A Regulatory Viewpoint.
A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, controlled clinical trial of chicken type II collagen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Effect of Orally Administered Collagen Peptides from Bovine Bone on Skin Aging in Chronologically Aged Mice
An Overview of the Beneficial Effects of Hydrolysed Collagen as a Nutraceutical on Skin Properties: Scientific Background and Clinical Studies
Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology
24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain

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Ready for some FREE education? So, let’s talk about iodine. Iodine is essential for every function in your body including immune function, cardiovascular health, and metabolism. Of course it’s instrumental for the thyroid. That’s one of the big things we talk about in connection with iodine since iodine is the foundation for thyroid hormone production. So, it’s super important.

Do you ever think about iodine? Probably not. But you probably should! We’re going to talk about iodine deficiency. We’re going to talk in general about iodine; where did it come from, why it’s important, and the different types or sources of iodine for your health. Tune in and get your learn on!

Iodine

The fact is that iodine is utilized for just about every function in your body. Yet many people are unaware of their body’s need for iodine, and that iodine deficiency has reached epidemic proportions worldwide.

History of Iodine

Iodine was discovered in 1811
Iodine actually became the first modern medical treatment.
It was the first time in medicine that one remedy was used to treat one disease, and that was when iodine was used to treat goiters.
Iodine eventually became one of the primary antibiotics.
It was used orally as an antibiotic—it was used topically as an antibiotic.
Still today, we do use iodine in surgical rooms. We use it to paint over surgical wounds and things like that to make sure that they don’t get infected.

Why Optimal Levels of Iodine Matters

Iodine deficiency has multiple adverse effects on growth and development, and is the most common cause of preventable mental retardation in the world.
Iodine deficiency disorders result from inadequate thyroid hormone production secondary to insufficient iodine.
During pregnancy and early infancy, iodine deficiency can cause irreversible effects.

10 Signs & Symptoms of an Iodine Deficiency

Swelling in the Neck – Swelling in the front of the neck, or a goiter, is a common symptom of an iodine deficiency. It occurs when your thyroid gland is forced to make thyroid hormones when there is a low supply of iodine in the body.
Unexpected Weight Gain – Low iodine levels may slow your metabolism and encourage food to be stored as fat, rather than be burned as energy. This may lead to weight gain.
Fatigue and Weakness – Low iodine levels may leave you feeling tired, sluggish and weak. This is because your body needs the mineral to make energy.
Hair Loss – An iodine deficiency may prevent hair follicles from regenerating. Fortunately, getting sufficient iodine can help correct hair loss that occurs due to an iodine deficiency.
Dry, Flaky Skin – Dry, flaky skin may occur with an iodine deficiency, as the mineral helps your skin cells regenerate. It also helps your body sweat and hydrates your skin cells, so an iodine deficiency can cause you to sweat less.
Feeling Colder Than Usual – Iodine helps generate body heat, so low levels of it may leave you feeling colder than usual.
Changes in Heart Rate – An iodine deficiency may slow your heart rate, which may leave you feeling weak, fatigued, dizzy and at risk of fainting.
Trouble Learning and Remembering – An iodine deficiency at any age may cause you to struggle to learn and remember things. One possible reason for this might be an underdeveloped brain.
Problems During Pregnancy – Getting enough iodine is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they have higher needs. An iodine deficiency may cause severe side effects, especially for the baby, such as stunted growth and brain development.
Heavy or Irregular Periods – Some women with an iodine deficiency may experience heavy or irregular periods. This is because low thyroid hormone levels may interfere with hormones that are involved in regulating the menstrual cycle.

Different Kinds/Sources of Iodine

Salt

The addition of iodine to the U.S. salt supply started in the 1920s in response to a government health mandate. During that time, up to 40% of the population of the upper Midwest and Great Lakes region suffered from goiters and other thyroid diseases caused by extreme iodine deficiency . [Note: a goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland that results in a swelling of the neck.]
Adding iodine to table salt did help with the goiter epidemic, but that was about it. Nonetheless, it became the foundation upon which the U.S. RDA, or Recommended Daily Allowance (now called the Recommended Daily Intake, or RDI) was built.
Today, the RDI for iodine is 150 mcg/day for an adult and 220 mcg/day for a pregnant woman. This amount may stop goiters, but it’s not enough for all the iodine needs of the body.
In order to make salt white and help it last longer, most manufacturers use a bleaching process. This adds dangerous halides such as chlorine and bromide to the mix, which block the body’s absorption of iodine. In addition, other chemicals are often added to the salt, including manufactured iodide, sodium solo-co-aluminate, fluoride sodium bicarbonate, anti-caking agents, and aluminum derivatives.
If you are going to sprinkle salt on your food, most health experts suggest Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt, which contains trace amounts of naturally-produced iodine as well as other essential minerals.

Food – Some foods are…

Seaweed, sea food, fish, eggs, spinach, dairy, strawberries, and cranberries.
Food alone is not enough due to the depletion of nutrients in the soil, as well as an increasing toxic load, has changed the amount of essential nutrients available in the foods we eat.

Potassium Iodine Tablet

Potassium and sodium are often part of the picture because they act as carriers for iodine that the human body can safely absorb.
Iodine in its natural state is unstable and even dangerous.
Scientists discovered a while ago that combining potassium with iodine to form potassium iodide can create a more stable form, which can be absorbed by the body.
The downside regarding potassium iodine for everyday use is that only about 20% of this kind of iodine can be assimilated by the body.

Alcohol-Based vs Glycerin-Based

The advantage of using a liquid for iodine transport is that it becomes more bioavailable to the body.

Alcohol based, however, is not the preferred method of liquid transport for several reasons.

Most alcohol used for supplements are simple ethanol or grain alcohols, the same kind that the bartender puts in your favorite martini – not appropriate for children, pets, and those with high blood pressure or recovering from alcoholism.
almost all alcohols are made with genetically-modified corn
acts as a drying agent

Glycerin – (also known as glycerine, glycerol, or glycerite) has many advantages – that is, if you can find the right kind.

Most commercial glycerin-based products, like commercial soaps, are sourced through animal products. A better option is vegetable-based glycerin. And the best of all is organic, non-GMO glycerin that is not made from soy or corn.
Retains moisture
Is antiseptic – good for burn salve
Won’t upset blood sugar levels
Provides more stable shelf life

Nascent Iodine – is also known as atomic iodine, monatomic iodine, Atomidine, or colloidal iodine. The term “nascent” refers to iodine that has an incomplete number of electrons. This gives it an electrical charge, according to a report conducted by the non-profit Weston Price Foundation and others.

Many forms of dietary iodine break down into iodide in the digestive tract. In this state, iodine-dependent organs like the thyroid and reproductive organs cannot use it. The charge of nascent iodine helps it stay intact and absorb quickly and thoroughly into the organs that need it most.

Resources:

History of U.S. Iodine Fortification and Supplementation
NIH Fact Sheet for Professionals
Iodine Deficiency - American Thyroid Association
The Great Iodine Debate - Weston Price Foundation
Iodine Articles in Organixx’s INSPIRED Health Library
Organixx Iodine - Shop here!
Supplementing With Iodine? Make Sure It’s the Right Kind for You!
Organixx Iodine: Learn more!

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This week, with our top 5 things to demand from your supplements, we deep dive to help you become a savvy shopper. You already understand the importance of proper supplementation. Now let us help you get more bang for your buck. Did you know…many vitamin producers want you to believe that you are getting a “natural product” because it seems more wholesome to take “natural” vitamins? Unfortunately, vitamins can be labeled as natural if they contain as little as 10% of the natural form of the vitamin. This means that your “natural” vitamin could contain 90% of synthetically produced chemicals! Tune in as Jonathan and TeriAnn share some knowledge on what makes a supplement effective.

Top 5 Things to Demand in Your Supplements

“We’re so passionate about this [topic]. As we go further down the rabbit hole and we learn more and more about the supplement industry, as we make our products cleaner and cleaner and we do more and more around bringing our products to the highest quality possible, we realize that this is not something a lot of people in the industry are doing.” ~TeriAnn Trevenen, CEO of Organixx

#5 Whole Food Supplements

95 percent of all vitamin supplements that are out there are synthetics.
Synthetics are usually derived as an oil byproduct.
Your body doesn’t know what to do with synthetics so you don’t get any nutritional value.
The best vitamin supplements are those with labeled potencies derived from naturally-occurring, full-spectrum food extracts.
Another primary difference between real full-spectrum whole-food vitamins and synthetic vitamins is that real vitamins contain the essential trace minerals necessary for the vitamins’ synergistic operation.
Ingesting real vitamins does not require the body to deplete its own reserves of nutrients to replace any nutrients missing from the false vitamins.)
Watch out for unnecessary and toxic fillers.
Look for clues on your vitamin’s label that offer insight into the origin of the vitamin. These are examples of synthetic versions:
- Vitamin A: Retinyl Palmitate
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Thiamine Mononitrate, Thiamine Hydrochloride
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Riboflavi
- Pantothenic Acid: Calcium D-Pantothenate
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin
- PABA (Para-aminobenzoic Acid): Aminobenzoic Acid
- Folic Acid: as Pteroylglutamic Acid
- Choline: Choline Chloride, Choline Bitartrate
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Ascorbic Acid
- Vitamin D: Irradiated Ergosteral, Calciferol
- Vitamin E: dl-alpha tocopherol, dl-alpha tocopherol acetate or succinate
- NOTE: The “dl” form of any vitamin is synthetic.

#4 Make Sure Your Supplements Are Bioavailable

Bioavailability plays a critical role in the therapeutic efficacy of supplements and medications, but conventional formulations often fail to optimize bioavailability and are unable to provide targeted treatment
Unfortunately, the most popular delivery vehicles in the industry—mineral salts—may actually impede bioavailability. As such, an extraordinary number of medications and supplements are unable to provide patients with the best possible results.
For a medication or supplement to be biologically active, it needs to be soluble in the fluids of the body to the point where the molecules of the active ingredient are dissociated from the inactive components, absorbed into the bloodstream after digestion, and metabolized by the liver. “If a product isn’t soluble, it gets broken down into its native components, which then sit around in the digestive tract until they’re excreted. In the absorption of things, it’s all about solubility.”
Generating a high bioavailability product often requires advanced delivery systems that go beyond traditional formulations.
- FERMENTATION
  - Predigests the nutrient for better absorption in the body.
  - Example: Organixx’s collagen. It is fermented, or predigested, so the amino acids have already been broken up. If you take undigested collagen your digestive system has a hard time breaking that down. If you predigest it, all the marvelous ingredients in collagen are unlocked so your body picks up the nutrients seamlessly.
  - Makes certain ingredients more available for a wider audience.
  - Example: Turmeric. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a flavonoid. The molecule is very large and sticky. It wouldn’t get through the gut wall. When fermented the microbes break it down into smaller molecules. This allows the nutrient to be quickly absorbed.
- SPROUTING
  - Once you sprout a seed, it actually unlocks more nutrients from that seed that weren’t available prior to being sprouted.

#3 Watch out for labeling!

Putting the word “natural” on the vitamin label is, in most cases today, deceptive. The word is constantly abused and, as such, its meaning has been diluted to a point where it holds little value.
Many misleading labels on supplement products take advantage of the ambiguity of the word “natural” to project a wholesome marketing image, even when the product does not merit it.
Whereas the term “naturally occurring” on a label usually means that a vitamin or nutrient is completely derived of compounds from naturally-occurring sources – the plants themselves – rather than merely containing a naturally-occurring ingredient mixed with synthetic ingredients.
Look for organic certifications on the label.

#2 Ask for 3rd Party Test Results?

Ask for test results from your source of supplementation.
Challenge claims – are they using the specific form/type of ingredient they are touting in a claim?

#1 Organic Non-GMO Supplements

USDA certified organic
Always go organic!

Resources:

Natural Products Expo West
Organic Consumers Association
The Organic Consumers Association - ingredient chart to help consumers identify natural vs. synthetic vitamins
Resource for Unnecessary/TOXIC fillers
Foundational Medicine Review
Organixx Products
NSF International
How to Get the Best Results From Your Organixx Supplements
Fermented Supplements: Why the Gut Benefits of Fermented Foods Also …

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We’re talking brain health this week! And we have a treat for you! “Amazon” John Easterling, Plant Medicine Formulator joins us in the studio to share his story. Tune in to learn how he found a passion in plant medicine. We also dig into brain health and the causes of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

ABOUT “AMAZON JOHN” EASTERLING

Since 1976 John Easterling has been an explorer and treasure hunter in the Amazon Rainforest. It was there, after a personal health crisis, he was introduced to the traditional use of medicinal plants by the Indigenous People in Peru.

Since then, his passion for plant medicine has only accelerated.

Easterling’s original degree is in Environmental Studies, he founded the Amazon Herb Company in 1990 and serves on the board of the Amazon Center of Environmental Education and Research.

Amazon John’s 28 years of Plant Medicine experience have been profiled on TV and Radio including “Good Morning America” and “Fox and Friends”. His product formulations have sold over $100 million worldwide.

John has been featured in two PBS documentaries, World News Report “Amazon John and Rainforest Medicines” and Jean Michel Cousteau’s “Return to the Amazon.”

Easterling believes the dramatic growth and interest in plant medicine is still in its early stages and will continue to significantly improve life experiences and healthy outcomes into the future.

Evolution of a Treasure Hunter

Traveled to Ecuador and down into Peru, with a passion for finding lost cities of gold, essentially a treasure hunter. Was making his living with some of that material, and then some artifacts.
Next, into Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina with gemstones, and took that on as treasure.
Then later going up the river in the Amazon rainforest, he was trading in blowguns and carved monkey bones, and a variety of tribal artifacts and became ill.
This is where his passion for plant medicine was ignited. The natives brewed a special tea from local plants. This not only improved his illness but he actually felt better than ever before in his life.
This is where the Amazon Herb Company was born and has helped people improve their health with plant medicine for 30 years.

How Amazon John Came to Focus on Brain Health

Through research of diseases with Doctors he found eight major areas where everyone is affected, and almost every specific challenge falls within these categories:
- Immune System
- Primary Digestion
- Secondary Digestion (Metabolism)
- Energy Circulation
- Calming & Stress Related Issues
- Hormonal Balancing
- Inflammatory Issues (pain, sewelling)
- Blood Sugar Balancing
The issues with Alzheimer’s and dementia, when you look at the statistics, as I’ve really gotten into more recently, it is really shocking. It is startling. I was surprised at a lot of the data that I saw.
The incidence of death from heart disease in the last 15 years has actually declined by about 11%. The deaths due to Alzheimer’s have increased 123%.

Alzheiners and Dementia by the Numbers

“The issues with Alzheimer’s and dementia, when you look at the statistics, as I’ve really gotten into more recently, it is really shocking. It is startling. I was surprised at a lot of the data that I saw.”

People over 65, one in 10 have Alzheimer’s dementia.
Deaths of people over 65 years old, one out of three of those deaths will be due to Alzheimer’s. Actually, more people are dying of Alzheimer’s than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined.
And the cost is 270 billion dollars now. It’s expected to go to 1.4 trillion over the next few years.
The Center of Disease Control said that this could break the entire health system.

Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

People may experience:

Cognitive: mental decline, difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion in the evening hours, delusion, disorientation, forgetfulness, making things up, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, inability to create new memories, inability to do simple math, or inability to recognize common things
Behavioral: aggression, agitation, difficulty with self care, irritability, meaningless repetition of own words, personality changes, restlessness, lack of restraint, or wandering and getting lost
Mood: anger, apathy, general discontent, loneliness, or mood swings
Psychological: depression, hallucinations, or paranoia
Also common: inability to combine muscle movements, jumbled speech, or loss of appetite

Causes of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Beta amyloid plaquing.
- “So when you get plaquing, your spark plug would foul, and you couldn’t start your engine. So same thing here. You get that plaquing in there, and it just can’t transmit to the next one, and you don’t remember. You can’t access that data where you put your keys.”
Tau tangle, where you get the neurons that really just become tangled.
Inflammation is a really big deal, and actually these other factors are really caused by it. It’s a kind of inflammatory response from your brain to protect itself sometimes, developing this amyloid plaquing to seal off what it sees as an insult.
Involvement of Candida in brain issues.
- Recent research showed was that people did not think before that the Candida could cross the blood brain barrier. Now they found that it actually can.
- It travels through your body doing that, looking for a place to reside where the biological terrain is right. If you introduce a lot of sugar and a lot of carbs into that terrain, they really love that.
- When these Candida cross that blood brain barrier, the brain recognizes that as an insult, and then you have this coating process. The brain will try to coat that to seal it off.

Prevention

Lifestyle and diet – low sugar, more green vegetables
Probiotics after a course of antibiotics – maintain a diverse colony-forming units of probiotics.
Maintain healthy inflammation levels throughout the body.
Exercise – improves the microcirculation to the brain.
Sleep – get quality sleep each night (7-9 hours).
Lower your exposure to environmental toxins.

Brain Health – Supplementation and Diet

Polyphenols – Many of the health benefits associated with polyphenols may be related to their role as antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their ability to combat cell damage.
Anthocyanins – Powerful antioxidants – the red/blue/violet phytonutrients responsible for the vibrant pigmentation of many berries and vegetables.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor – several botanicals that help stimulate; una de gato, cat’s claw
Cacao – can slow down the process of brain cells dying.
Cinnamon – cinnamaldehyde, has been shown to slow down, to break down amyloid plaquing, and help dissolve the tau tangles.

Resources:

Organixx’s NEW Ageless Brain - Nutrition for your brain.
Whole World Botanicals
Vibrational Energy Medicine
The Moche-Chimú Transition
Chimu Civilization
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Facts & Figures
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Facts & Figures
Tau, tangles, and Alzheimer's disease
Amyloid Plaques and Neurofibrillary Tangles
Candidiasis
Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease
Anthocyanins
Sangre de Drago - Dragon’s Blood
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications
Epicatechin
Why Cinnamon May Hold Secrets to Alzheimer’s Prevention
Organixx’s Ageless Brain - Nutrition for your brain.
Bacopa: This Little-Known Indian Herb Supports Brain Health and More!
Brain Health: 10 Tips for Keeping "Senior Moments" at Bay