Are You Feeding Your Brain? Supplements for Brain Health

Our brains are often a key to our success in life.  Effectiveness, comprehension, attention to detail can all make or break a job, an event or a relationship.  Thinking clearly is important, but sometimes we don't act like it.  Two of the main areas we can feed our brain is usually where we abuse it the most: Exercise and Sleep. These are usually the first thing to go when we're crunched for time or stressed, but they should be the first place we go to for a boost!  Don't forget brain boosting foods like avocado, blueberries, dark, leafy greens, nuts and fish.

In addition to exercise, sleep, and a diet full of good fats, fresh fruits and vegetables, there are some great herbal supplements that can feed the brain for optimum performance.

Got a big test or important meeting coming up?  Focus Attention combines powerful nutrients that encourage a quiet, balanced mental activity.  This combination also helps protect the body from undesirable side effects of drugs or exposure to toxic chemicals, food additives, pesticides, etc. It's also a great choice for kids having trouble in school!  Mind Max supports brain function, memory and concentration with the help of a highly absorbable magnesium l-threonate, along with gotu kola aerial parts, bacopa leaf and ginkgo leaf—herbs well-known to benefit circulation and brain health—for a powerful brain boost.

 Work in a stressful or toxic environment? Brain Protex is designed to give the brain protection against free radical damage. It is especially helpful for those who desire extra support for brain health, nerve function and alertness.   Gaba Plus  supports brain and nerve metabolism, normalizes the nervous system and promotes a great sense of relaxation and peace.  GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that plays a role in neurotransmitter and brain activity. It affects the central nervous system by reducing the number of neurons firing in the brain, thus calming brain activity. This can benefit people with overstimulated nervous systems who find it difficult to relax or who have trouble focusing on one task.

Feeling a little off? Hard to keep your mood swings in check?  Adding some EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids can go a long way in stabilizing your brain function. DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is a fatty acid that is absorbed into the fatty perimeter of cells. It is required for brain development and important in maintaining and protecting the neural tissues,  Super Omega-3 or Sunshine Heroes Omega-3 (for kids) contains both EPA and DHA fatty acids, supporting the cardiovascular system, structural system, as well as the skin. The body uses omega-3 fatty acids as one of the primary components of cell membranes.  Through feeding the cells with an adequate ratio of fatty acids, many have seen a relief of symptoms in mild depression or mood disorders. With our western diet, healthy fatty acids should be a large part of everyone's health regimen.  

Stress: How It's Hurting You and What To Do About It

Winter Break! The holidays! Family, food, and STRESS!  No matter the planning, no matter the downsizing, it all seems to turn into work and stress in some way.  It may be a natural part of the circumstances, but it definitely impacts your body in a big way.

How It's Hurting You

When your brain starts getting distress signals, it immediately releases a flood of hormones from the adrenal glands (think adrenaline and cortisol) and that's the way it was designed.  The problem arises when we live in a state of distress, running from one thing to the next with anxiety and conflict surrounding many interactions.  This prolonged state of stress wipes out things like B & C vitamins, decreasing your storehouse of energy.  Instead of recovering to a balanced and calm state, those hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, stay elevated and cause all kinds of havoc - things like depression, hypertension and maybe even some cancers.

From this point, the stress just spreads to other systems of the body.  Digestion and intestinal problems are common with frequent anxiety.  Things like memory loss, fertility issues, risk of heart attack and stroke are all related to stress.  Not to mention how we REACT to the stress - things like anger, overeating or poor food choices, inactivity, and often taking it all out on our family!  What a time for a holiday celebration, huh?

What You Can Do About It

The easy answer is to stop the stress all together, but the majority of us know how unreasonable that is. So, since there will be drama, conflict, and hectic schedules, here are a few options to make it easier on your body.

Take a walk.  Exercise, being outside, getting some sunshine and vitamin D are some of the BEST things to do for your body - no matter the day or the stress!  And with all of the eating we're likely to be doing, it can help your waistline too!

Take your vitamins.  Stress, exhaustion, and a less than normal diet is likely in our future next week and that empties the storehouse of vitamins and minerals in our bodies.  Supplementing with things like Citrus Bioflavonoids, Nutri-Calm, B-Complex, Super Omega-3 and GreenZone can go along way in counteracting all of the damage being caused by stress.  There are also many herbal formulas that are extremely helpful for stress, depression, and sleep problems.  Contact us for help with those!

Be sure to check NSP's Specials every week.  B-Complex is on special this week!

AnxiousLess -  This new combination from Nature's Sunshine is a non-drowsy, non-habit forming formula that can help replenish your body's stress-coping reserves.  It targets nervousness, worry and tension, while working to improve your mood and energy levels.  This is a great resource to have in those temporary peaks of stress - like when all the family comes home for the day! For more information, go here.

Do less, Relax more.  It sounds silly, but try to think of unnecessary things to cut out or people you can delegate to.  There's always a few 'bored' or 'busy watching television' family members that could use something to do!

Forget perfection.  No matter how much you plan, it won't go exactly as you hope.  And that's ok.  Do good.  Love those around you.  Laugh much.  And enjoy yourself.

Science Update: Krill Oil with Vitamin K2 and Astaxanthin

Krill oil is a source of highly bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids extracted from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) that contains phospholipids, which bind to the omega-3s allowing for better absorption. These phospholipids are an essential component of all cell membranes, keeping toxins out and letting more nutrients and oxygen in. Krill oil also contains natural astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, and NSP Krill Oil adds the cardiovascular benefits of vitamin K2.

Info about Krill Oil with Vitamin K2 and Astaxanthin:

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids.
• Helps maintains a healthy heart.
• Supports healthy brain function.
• Provides joint and skin support.
• Is extracted from Antarctic krill.

Learn more about Antarctic Krill.

Heart Healthy Products

By Larisa Wright

NSP Health Sciences Department

A healthy cardiovascular system is essential for maintaining well-being and vitality.

However, the health of the cardiovascular system is often undermined by risk factors

such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity and

diabetes. All of these contribute to coronary heart disease (CHD). According to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death

in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of

heart disease in the U.S. each year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths.1

Fortunately, the threat of heart disease can be reduced or prevented by making healthy

lifestyle choices that include daily exercise, not smoking, prudent eating, maintaining a

healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption. Additionally, certain nutritional

products can aid in supporting optimal cardiovascular system health. Coenzyme Q10,

Cardio Assurance, Blood Pressurex and Super Omega-3 EPA provide healthful benefits.

Coenzyme Q-10 (Co-Q10) is a vitamin-like compound considered by some to be a

“miracle nutrient.” It is present in virtually all cells, and is found in especially high

concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.2 Many studies suggest that Co-

Q10 supports already-normal-range blood pressure levels. It also promotes a healthy

heart muscle and plays a key role in energy production within cells. As an antioxidant,

Co-Q10 scavenges free radicals, protects cardiac cells and promotes the regeneration of

vitamin E, another heart-healthy antioxidant. Levels of Co-Q10 decrease with age,

which is why it is important to supplement the diet. NSP offers several nutritional

supplements to help meet your daily Co-Q10 needs: Co-Q10 (30 mg), Co-Q10 Plus, and

Co-Q10 75 mg softgels.

NSP Cardio Assurance is formulated to support optimal heart function and

cardiovascular system health. Hawthorn berries, resveratrol and vitamin K2 are the key

ingredients. Hawthorn berries contain flavonoids with potent antioxidant and heart-protecting effects. Hawthorn flavonoids help keep blood vessels clear, relax and dilate

blood vessels, and increase blood flow in the heart arteries.4-6 Studies indicate that

resveratrol has promising heart-health benefits and may be the answer to the French

Paradox. (Despite their high intake of fat, the French have a low incidence of heart

issues.) Resveratrol may help inhibit platelet aggregation and promotes vasorelaxation.7-8   Vitamin K2 supports circulation already within a normal range by helping to keep the arteries clear. This important nutrient has emerged as a key factor in regulating calcium in the body. Adequate vitamin K2 consumption helps keep calcium out of the arteries and in the bones where it belongs.

Many supplements for hypertension on the market target only one or two underlying

causes. Blood Pressurex targets many underlying causes to provide maximum support.

The ingredients in Blood Pressurex help the body maintain blood pressure levels within

a normal range by reducing oxidative stress, relaxing and strengthening blood vessels,

and promoting blood flow.10-13

Super Omega-3 EPA softgels contain a blend of fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids,

EPA and DHA. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that daily consumption

of 1 gram of fish oils from fish or fish oil supplements seems to decrease the risk of

heart attack, stroke and the progression of atherosclerosis.14-15 According to one analysis,

consuming dietary fish oil or taking fish oil supplements is associated with a 23%

reduction in overall mortality and a 32% reduction in death from cardiovascular causes

in people with or without cardiovascular disease.16 However, most American diets lack

omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, the typical American consumes a disproportionate amount

of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. The ratio typically ranges from 10:1 to 25:1 (omega-6

to omega-3); a preferable ratio is closer to 1:1. Super Omega-3 EPA softgels offer a

convenient way to meet your daily omega-3 fish oil needs.

1. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/

2. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines

Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2006:pg 351.

3. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines

Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2006:pg 350.

4. Al Makdessi S Sweidan H Mullner S Jacob R. Myocardial protection by pretreatment with Crataegus oxyacantha: an

assessment by means of the release of lactate dehydrogenase by the ischemic and reperfused Langendorff heart. In:

Arzneimittelforschung. 1996 Jan 46(1):25-7.

5. Chen ZY; Zhang ZS; Kwan KY; Zhu M; Ho WK; Huang Y. Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by

hawthorn extract in rat mesenteric artery. Life Sci. 1998 63(22):1983-91.

6. Schussler M Holzl J Fricke U. Myocardial effects of flavonoids from Crataegus species. In: Arzneimittelforschung.

1995 Aug 45(8):842-5.

7. Bertelli, A. A., Giovannini, L., Giannessi, D., Migliori, M., Bernini, W., Fregoni, M., and Bertelli, A. Antiplatelet

activity of synthetic and natural resveratrol in red wine. Int J Tissue React. 1995;17(1):1-3.

8. Naderali, E. K., Smith, S. L., Doyle, P. J., and Williams, G. The mechanism of resveratrol-induced vasorelaxation

differs in the mesenteric resistance arteries of lean and obese rats. Clin Sci (Lond) 2001;100(1):55-60.

9. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org

10. Visioli, E; Galli, C. "Oleuropein Protects Low Density Lipoprotein from Oxidation." Life Sci. 1994; 55(24):19651971.

11. Shafiq, J; Suzuki, S.; Itoh, T and Kuriyama, H. Mechanisms of vasodilation induced by NKH477, a water-soluble

forskolin derivative, in smooth muscle of the porcine coronary artery. Circulation Research, Vol 71, 70-81.

12. Mafffei Facino, R., Carini, M., Aldini, G., Bombardelli, E., Morazzoni, P., and Morelli, R. 1994. Free radicals

scavenging action and anti-enzyme activities of procyanidines from Vitis vinifera, A mechanism for their capillary

protective action. Arzneim-Forsch./ Drug Res. 44:592-601.

13. Lambert, TL ; Dev, V. ;Rechavia, E; Forrester, JS ; Litvack, F.; and Eigler, NL . Localized arterial wall drug delivery

from a polymer-coated removable metallic stent. Kinetics, distribution, and bioactivity of forskolin. Circulation 1994

90: 1003-1011.

14. Burr ML, Fehily AM, Gilbert JF, et al. Effects of changes in fat, fish, and fiber intakes on death and myocardial

reinfarction: diet and reinfarction trial (DART). Lancet 1989;2:757-61.

15. Bucher HC, Hengstler P, Schindler C, Meier G. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in coronary heart disease: a metaanalysis

of randomized controlled trials. Am J Med 2002;112:298-304.

16. Yzebe D, Lievre M. Fish oils in the care of coronary heart disease patients: a meta-analysis of randomized

controlled trials. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2004;18:581-92.