Webber Naturals expert, Wendy Tao, BSc., takes a look at supplement research limitations in regard to research and consumer feedback being at odds.

Scientific research is extremely important in the development and validation of any health product. However, there are, of course, conflicting studies, studies that have flaws, and studies with insufficient sample sizes or differing methodologies. So you can't always compare "apples to apples," or study to study.

Most people still rely on one of the earliest forms of research when deciding whether or not to use a dietary supplement: "Does it work for me?" The very roots of natural medicine are "evidence-based," the evidence being the individual's own experience in using a natural product and discovering whether it eases their symptoms, and/or strengthens or moderates his or her body's functioning in a positive way.

For example, as millions of North Americans experience the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis as they age, the use of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate supplements is at an all-time high. Some studies suggest that these compounds ease pain and help rebuild joints, while others say that glucosamine is no more effective than a placebo. However, if one only read studies and didn't look at individuals and listen to their experiences, that person wouldn't be doing a thorough job of researching.

That is why we welcome personal reports from our customers. The following people felt strongly enough about the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin products or Osteo Joint Ease* to share their experiences:

"I was very skeptical about this product (Osteo Joint Ease) but decided to try it. Before taking it I could not play 18 holes of golf without being in severe pain afterward, so much so that I had difficulty walking. I have taken it for three weeks and have no trouble golfing 18 and can go out after and take the dog for a long walk."

"I had a bike accident and was sore for 2 weeks, but once I started taking the Osteo Joint Ease I was better within 3 days".

 "My left knee was causing me much pain and discomfort. X-rays confirmed that I had arthritis. My doctor offered no remedy. I read an article in Women's World that research established that when combined with salmon oil, glucosamine was 55% more effective. I included two capsules of glucosamine with two capsules of salmon oil in my smoothie recipe. Within two weeks my pain disappeared. That was over 6 months ago, and today, at 72, I have absolutely no pain and can chase my grandkids around like a youthful 50 year old."

" I had a brain and back injury 20 years ago. Recently I've been taking your glucosamine and chondroitin and my back is the best it has been in 10 years."

Looking and listening are still valid forms of research. Leave a comment and let me know if you have experience with joint supplements that you would like to share.

*Osteo Joint Ease contains:

• Glucosamine sulfate (potassium chloride from shrimp/crab exoskeleton) – 750 mg 
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) – 300 mg 
• Chondroitin sulfate (sodium from bovine cartilage) – 200 mg 
• *InflamEase™ BioStandard™ process super extract formula (patent pending) – 100 mg 
• Ultra fruit blend (76% polyphenols): Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera), cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon), blueberry extract (Vaccinium corymbosum), strawberry extract (Fragaria vesca), raspberry extract (Rubus idaeus), pomegranate extract (Punica granatum), bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus)
• Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) (gum) extract (60% boswellic acids) – 50 mg
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) (rhizome) 25:1 extract – 20 mg 
• Hyaluronic acid – 7.5 mg
• Manganese (sulfate monohydrate) – 0.75 mg 
• Boron (sodium tetraborate) – 0.225 mg
  

Image source: http://arthritis-cure.info/

Goodbye winter, hello spring….and allergies!

As the weather gets warmer and wetter, pollen and mold blooms, and unfortunately, disrupts the lives of many Canadians. Seasonal allergies can be caused by tree pollens, grasses, ragweed and outdoor moulds. In susceptible people, these allergens can create negative effects to the overall quality of life. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you know the symptoms: sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, feeling tired and irritable - just to name a few! Allergies can cause individuals to be less productive at work and prevent a good night’s sleep. So how can you reduce the impact that allergies have on you this year? Here are a few tips to follow for better breathing and a good night’s rest!

Follow a non-allergenic diet: If your body is already dealing with food allergies and/or sensitivities, then your immune system will be overactive and will readily react to external allergens. Limiting your consumption of wheat, dairy and sugar, among other foods, can help reduce the overall inflammatory reaction your body creates. 

Take Vitamin C: This nutrient is not only an extremely important antioxidant, it also has the ability to stabilize mast cells. Mast cells are tiny cells that release histamine, causing symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. You can reduce allergy symptoms by making mast cells less reactive with the use of Vitamin C.

Take advantage of the ongoing benefits of Omega-3: This type of essential fatty acid has been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. A German study found that people who ate foods high in Omega-3 fatty acid had the fewest allergies. You can increase your omega-3 intake by consuming fish, flax oil and nuts, such as walnuts. In addition, you can use a supplemental form of omega-3 such as Triple Strength Omega-3 with Vitamin D. This product provides the added benefits of vitamin D which have been shown to support the immune system.

Grape Seed Extract: Known to be rich in nutrients and antioxidants, grape seed extract is a powerful and safe tool in fighting allergies of all types. It is a natural antihistamine, therefore it helps to keep your body from releasing histamines (which is what causes you to sneeze and become congested). Grape seed extract is helpful against viruses, allergens and carcinogens.

Bring on the Probiotics: Research has shown that probiotics modulate immune responses in allergic rhinitis and may have the potential to alleviate the severity of allergy symptoms. Using probiotics is a good way to support the digestive system, of which a healthy immune system heavily relies upon. Ensuring a good digestive system is one of the best ways a person can help to ward off allergy symptoms.

So don’t give up! Help is available! Beneficial effects have not only been seen with the above nutrients and dietary suggestions but also with the use of an air purifier, keeping all doors and windows closed as much as possible and having hardwood floors instead of carpet. You may be able to enjoy the nice weather after all!

Image source: http://www.airpurifierguide.org/health/do-air-purifiers-help-with-allergies

Webber Naturals expert Wendy Tao shares the latest news on the sunshine vitamin!

You might just be surprised at the many benefits of vitamin D...

Draw a line from the northern California border to Boston on the East coast of North America. If you live north of that line — 42-degrees latitude — even if you go outside every day from October to March, you aren't likely to get enough sun exposure to make enough vitamin D.

If you don’t have access to the sun all the time, how can you get your vitamin D without spending huge amounts of money on a sunny, beach-side vacation? You can get additional vitamin D from the foods you eat or from supplements, especially during those winter months.

The importance of vitamin D and the deficiencies related to northern climates are old news. So why has vitamin D been in the limelight for the last few years? Our scientific understanding of how this nutrient works, and what it does have expanded and it certainly does more than prevent rickets (a childhood disease involving soft bones).

Did you know that vitamin D may help combat cancer? Reinhold Vieth, a nutritional scientist at the University of Toronto, proposes that many cells in the body use vitamin D to produce a signaling molecule that improves inter-cellular communication. The signals help a cell determine what part of the body it should become or what function it should have. The signal may also tell cells to stop replicating or proliferating, which is crucial when it comes to cancer cells. 

Not only can vitamin D help signal cancer cells to stop multiplying, studies suggest that it can also help those suffering from Alzheimer’s. A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that vitamin D may activate key genes and cellular signaling networks to stimulate the immune system so it rejects a protein, called amyloid-beta, found in patients with Alzheimer’s.

A Winnipeg doctor, Dr. Taback, made the news this past January taking the study of vitamin D in an exciting new direction. Dr. Taback submitted a proposal seeking $10 million in research funding over the next three years to give babies at high risk of Type 1 diabetes up to 2,000 IU a day of vitamin D as a preventive strategy. He wants to prove that there is a direct relationship between an insufficiency of vitamin D and onset of Type 1 diabetes. Scientists have found that the immune system, and the insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas of people with diabetes, have receptors for vitamin D.

Another new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal found that women with painful periods, severe pelvic pain and immobilizing cramps before or during menstruation, suffer much less pain by taking a single mega-dose of vitamin D five days before their next menstrual period. Vitamin D works as an anti-inflammatory to decrease prostaglandin activity that may trigger inflammation and pain during menstruation.

Last but not least, Vitamin D may also help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing chronic inflammation. It has been shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased risk for heart disease.

So remember: if you can’t see the sun, the sun can’t see you — so supplement with vitamin D , the sunshine vitamin for healthy bones, heart, brain and so much more.

Image Sources: We Heart It and fitnessgurusam.com

References

1. Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease 
2. Boning up on the sunshine vitamin 
3. Can Vitamin D Treat Pain? http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/759254
4. Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
   
5. How Much Sun Exposure Do I Need for Vitamin D? 
6. Improvement of Primary Dysmenorrhea Caused by a Single Oral Dose of Vitamin D: Results of a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
   
7. Type 1 diabetes prevention 'better than cure'