Our immune systems are easily weakened by the American diet that is nutrient deficient and high in fat and calories. Furthermore, nutrients are depleted from foods due to herbicides, pesticides, and poor soil conditions. Most of us are aware of RDA (recommended daily allowance); which, is only the minimum requirements for avoiding diseases related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. So what are the daily supplements to maintain health? When I get asked by patients what supplements should they should take I recommend the following listed in this blog.
A daily multivitamin supports a healthy environment for heart muscles, bones, and skin while enhancing nerve function, digestion, cellular repair, and importantly immune functioning.
Antioxidants are necessary to prevent chronic disease states from the aging process. Their role is to neutralize free radicals that are generated by oxidative stress thereby generating safer molecules through an enzymatic process. Free radicals are damaging to every organ system in the body which leads to chronic diseases. I recommend the "Detoxidant" from MedQuest as it is a blend of powerful nutritional combinations to protect the body from free radicals, along with eliminating toxins, improving energy, and strengthening the immune system. The essential nutrients in antioxidants are beta carotene, vitamin C & E, Selenium, Zinc and cysteine. The endogenous compounds are glutathione, sulhydryl groups, lipoic acid, CoQ 10 and Bilirubin.This can be confusing for people to find all the ingredients for antioxidants so I usually recommend the Detoxidant formula from Medquest Pharmacy or www.mqrx.com.
CoQ10 prevents oxidation of LDL and prevents endothelial cell injury causing atherosclerosis. It is required for use with a statin due to the statin blocking the production of CoQ10. Vitamin E is essential for it cardioprotective effects as demonstrated in the Nurses Health Study.
Alpha Lipoic Acid neutralizes free radicals from oxidative stress. It protects the heart from oxidative stress, fat accumulation, and inflammation. It also enhances CoQ 10 absorption and it's effects.
Vitamin D3 is important to the formation of strong bones, cellular immunity, cardiovascular function, stable insulin levels and mood balance. Vitamin D deficiency has become a worldwide epidemic partly due to poor GI absorption and lack of sunlight. Vitamin D is very beneficial in helping to stabilize blood sugars in diabetes and stabilize mood disorders in depression; also Vitamin D helps in asthmatics to stabilize airway spasms, and in pain associated with chronic pain disorders. It is a strong support for immune functioning helping to prevent frequent community acquired infections.
Vitamin C is the main defense against oxidative stress protecting the immune system. It slows atherosclerosis and improves endothelial function in hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus. Studies show less coronary artery disease with vitamin C intake at 2000 to 4000mg per day. Lastly, it is protective in collagen production reducing thin skin and bruising; which, is very benefical for aging skin in a topical form.
B50 Complete is a balanced nutrition in a plant base. This contains folic acid, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, niacinamide, biotin, pantothetic acid, choline, inositol, and PABA. Other ingredients are alfalfa, watercress, parsley, lecithin, and rice bran. The combination of B vitamins and minerals helps to fight fatigue and stress. Also, this combination helps with fat burning for those who are active exercising and eating whole foods.
This blog is written as a suggestion. Anyone reading this should check with their primary care provider concerning the supplements especially if on cardiac medications or blood thinners.