437 Astaxanthin Review [11 Sept 2017]

I first wrote about astaxanthin in May 2011 [#115] and mentioned it again as a supplement for supporting eye health in July 2013 [#224].

Then this morning Donna’s cousin Joe shared the link to a 2014 review of the benefits of astaxanthin in the MDPI journal Marine Drugs. He has been using astaxanthin as part of his recovery protocol from stage 4 prostate cancer. In Joe’s words “without this supplement I could not function…I would literally be bedridden without it.”

I have been taking it myself, along with several other vision support supplements, to prevent macular degeneration.

The review reported that astaxanthin:
• is a carotenoid from marine phytoplankton which gives salmon and flamingos their pink color;
• increases its absorption when taken with fish or krill oil;
• is a strong antioxidant and protects lipids and proteins (including DNA) in our cells from oxidative damage;
• increases the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase;
• reduces inflammation in several systems of the body including stomach, lungs and eyes;
• prevents UV skin damage from sunlight;
• protects the pancreas and kidney cells from oxidative stress and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetics;
• is a “potential therapeutic agent against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease” [link];
• through its antioxidant effect, shows promise in prevention and treatment of cancers;
• shows promise in animal studies of increasing antibody production;
• is safe with no side effects reported at up to 20mg per day for adults [I’m taking 8mg].

The authors conclude “Astaxanthin showed potential effects on various diseases including cancers, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, neurodegenerative, and skin diseases.” They call for more research on the metabolic pathways of neutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses. But we don’t have to wait – we can start taking advantage of astaxanthin’s many health benefits today.

Further reading: Life Extension article on astaxanthin immune support

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

434 Collagen & Our Skin [21 August 2017]

I wrote about the benefits of collagen supplements back in February of this year [#406] for strong and healthy skin, bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This week I want to concentrate on just one of these – skin health.

As we age the collagen matrix in the dermis of our skin becomes damaged, fragmented, and less dense. The result is dry, inelastic skin with … (gasp!) wrinkles! Introducing small collagen peptides in the blood stimulates the fibroblast cells to synthesize and reorganize new collagen fibers and to produce hyaluronic acid [see #015 June 2009]. This increases the density, strength and elasticity of the skin making it look and feel younger.

Two clinical studies done in 2008, in Tokyo Japan and in Lyon France, measured the effects of oral collagen supplementation on skin properties. Both studies used 10 grams daily of Peptan™, a hydrolyzed collagen made by Rousselot in France. The studies found that after 8 to 12 weeks Peptan™:
• increased skin hydration by 28%
• improved skin smoothness by reducing the number of micro-relief furrows by 26%
• prevented the formation of deep wrinkles, and
• improved skin suppleness 19%

Until recently the collagen I sold in my store was bovine (from cattle). I now have marine (fish source) collagen as well. Peptan™ marine collagen is made from the bones, scales and fins of North Atlantic tilapia. The peptides in Peptan™ are very small (9 times smaller than most on the market) and are therefore much more readily absorbed. Fortunately, marine collage has no fishy taste or odour.

Like bovine collagen, marine collagen is a Type 1 collagen which is essential for healthy skin, hair, nails, tendons and bones. Marine collagen has an amino acid profile that makes it especially beneficial for the skin while bovine collagen is slightly better for bones, tendons and cartilage.

So if you want smooth, firm younger-looking skin (and who doesn’t?), feed it fish collagen peptides!

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

412 Beauty from Within [20 March 2017]

Cosmetics is a multi-billion dollar industry, supported by people trying to beautify their skin from the outside. But if your body doesn’t have the nutrients it needs to maintain and repair the cells, you are at best wasting your money. At worst, the toxic chemicals in many cosmetics can actually age your skin faster.

Your skin, hair and nails need the following nutrients (available in a single supplement) to support your natural beauty:
• Collagen is the main structural component of the skin and determines its firmness and tone. Peptan hydrolyzed collagen increases collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin
• MSM provides sulfur needed for all connective tissue. It reduces wrinkles, moles, brown spots & scar tissue; heals cracked skin; and speeds growth of hair and nails
• L-Cysteine is important for repair of skin, hair and nails and for cell detoxification
• B vitamins – Biotin (B7), Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), B6, and B12 all play essential roles in the growth and repair of skin, hair and nails
• Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and connective tissue health
• Vitamin E works with vitamin C to protect the skin from UV radiation damage
• Minerals zinc, selenium, and silicon are essential for protecting and repairing cellular damage
• Hyaluronic acid, an essential component of connective tissue, increases hydration, tone and elasticity of the skin therefore reducing wrinkles

A healthy diet and lifestyle are also essential for inner beauty:
• diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, nuts
• plenty of fresh clean water
• avoid smoking, excess alcohol consumption
• ensure adequate sleep and exercise
• optimum sun exposure (avoid burns)
• avoid chemical exposure from home and “beauty” products

True health and beauty comes from within. You can not only look but feel younger!

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner. Find this article on my website for links to sources and further reading.

406 Collagen Supplements [6 Feb 2017]

In August 2014 [#280] I wrote about collagen and the silica supplement sh-OSA (BioSil) that stimulates our body’s production of this important protein. A few months later in October 2014 [#289] I discussed the benefits of bone broth, one of which is to promote collagen production. This week I want to revisit the topic and discuss collagen supplements.

Collagen is important for our health for many reasons:
• It is the most abundant protein in the body making up 25% of our body weight (yes, that’s one quarter!)
• It is an essential component of bone, skin, muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and the lining of the digestive tract
• It provides the “glue” for bone minerals, keeping bones strong & resilient
• It is essential for repairing broken bones or soft tissue injuries
• It keeps skin elastic, smooth and wrinkle free

Taking collagen supplements provides the amino acids you need to produce collagen in your body. It also provides these amino acids for other vital functions that, if in short supply, our bodies will steal from the collagen in our joints and bones. Thus collagen supplements can prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

In summary, you should take a collagen supplement to:
• prevent or reverse osteoporosis
• prevent or reduce joint pain or stiffness
• promote healing of broken bones or injuries
• increase performance and reduce joint pain in athletes
• heal the digestive tract and prevent leaky gut syndrome
• have supple and younger looking skin

Collagen supplements come in powder, liquid and capsule form. The best type is called hydrolyzed collagen, meaning that the large collagen molecules are broken down into smaller more easily digested pieces called peptides.

Hyaluronic acid [#15 June 2009] and vitamin C are also required for collagen production. Both are available as supplements. Anthocyanins, flavonoids found in dark fruit and berries, assist collagen in forming strong connective tissue.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner. Find this article on my website for links to sources and further reading.

357 Diatomaceous Earth [15 Feb 2016]

Diatomaceous earth is a white powder composed of the microscopic shells of one-celled marine organisms called diatoms. I have long known of diatomaceous earth for its use as a natural insecticide in gardening, and as an anti-parasitic in animals and people. I just learned that it is also a good economical source of silica.

I first wrote about the importance of silica in our diets and as a supplement in April 2013 [#212], and about its role in collagen in skin, hair, nails and bone health in August 2014 [#280].

Here are the experiences of some people who started using diatomaceous earth:
• increased joint mobility and big-time pain relief
• faster healing of joint injuries
• stronger bones, hair and nails
• soft and elastic skin, complexion improved, acne relief
• soft and stronger hair, even growing in bald spots
• fingernails grow faster and stronger
• improved immune system, reduced allergies, recovery from spider bite
• relief from chronic sinus congestion
• improved digestion, relief from bloating
• passing intestinal parasites, controlling candida yeast infection
• relief from migraine headaches, vertigo and tinnitus
• cholesterol levels normalized
• high blood pressure reduced
• normalized menstrual cycles; relief from menopausal symptoms
• increased energy levels, better focus, improved memory

Health Canada has approved food grade diatomaceous earth as a supplement for up to 3/4 teaspoon per day. Most of the people mentioned above who have experienced benefits from diatomaceous earth have been using 1 to 3 tablespoons a day, stirred in a glass of water, with no ill effect. Diatomaceous earth is also available in capsule form.

Obviously I can’t guarantee all or any of the above results, as everyone is different. Try it yourself and see what amount works best for you. Then if someone tells you to “Eat dirt” you can smile and tell them “Thank you, I do”.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

324 Aloe Vera Uses & Safety [22 June 2015]

Aloe vera juice is a popular supplement available at most health food stores (including mine). People drink the juice for a variety of reasons: to improve digestion, relieve constipation, heal stomach and duodenal ulcers, improve diverticulitis, heartburn, IBS and Crohn’s, lower blood sugar, and many others. Aloe was used as a medicinal plant in ancient Egypt, China and India, and is a member of the lily family.

There are two parts of the aloe leaf that are used medicinally: the latex and the inner gel. The latex is a thin layer of yellow sap under the skin which contains aloin, an anthraquinone compound which has a strong laxative effect. Aloin is also believed to be the factor responsible for promoting intestinal tumors in a 2011 two-year rat study by the US National Toxicology Program which added unpurified whole leaf aloe extract to the animals' drinking water. Compounds in the latex are also believed to be hard on the kidneys. Aloe latex should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The inner gel is clear and jelly-like. It contains over 200 beneficial compounds including polysaccharides (chains of sugar molecules), antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids and vitamins.

There are three main types of ingestible aloe juice:

1. Whole leaf aloe juice contains elements from both the latex and the inner gel. Most are purified to filter out the aloin content to less than 1ppm. It has superior therapeutic effects but the strongest taste.

2. Inner fillet juice is made from the inner gel only. Juice that has been thickened with carrageenan is sometimes called “Aloe Gel”. This juice has a milder taste.

3. Aloe Distillate uses fractional distillation to remove all the unwanted elements while keeping most of the beneficial compounds. It tastes like spring water.

Two other aloe vera products are available in Canada:

• Topical gels for skin conditions to relieve dryness and promote healing of burns, sunburns, cold sores, and minor wounds. Generally considered safe.

• Laxative capsules containing aloe latex. Use with caution.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

280 Collagen – Healthy Skin, Hair, Nails & Bone [11 August 2014]

The key to healthy skin, hair, nails and bone is collagen. Collagen is a strong flexible protein that acts as the main structural component of connective tissue. We need a lot of it to maintain optimum health: it makes up 70% of our skin and 30% of our bones. But collagen production slows as we age, beginning at age 21.

Collagen and another protein, elastin, give skin its elasticity and a firm smooth appearance. As we age and produce less collagen and elastin, the skin thins and develops wrinkles, giving us our “mature” look.

Our hair and nails are made of another protein called keratin. Keratin production also slows as we age so our hair grows thinner and weaker and our nails become brittle.

As you know, bones are made of calcium and some other minerals, and bone mineral density is a measure of its strength. But it is collagen strands within the bone that the minerals are bound to. As we age there is less collagen and the bones become thinner and less flexible no matter how much calcium we consume.

What can we do to increase collagen? When we eat collagen-containing foods and supplements they are broken down in digestion into the required amino acids but don’t guarantee that they will be used to produce collagen. Fortunately a particular silica compound called choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) has been found to stimulate our body’s production of collagen.

Clinical studies have shown that ch-OSA supplements will:
- increase skin collagen and elastin, improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles
- increase hair thickness and body
- increase nail strength and break-resistance
- increase healthy joint cartilage
- increase bone mineral density, strength and flexibility

The compound ch-OSA is available in Canada as BioSil in both liquid and capsule form.

I wrote about the health and beauty benefits of Silica in April 2013.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

275 Safe Tanning [7 July 2014]

We are at peak sunlight season right now (the days are actually getting shorter but let’s not think about that just yet) so it’s time to review safe tanning procedures. The sun is high enough for the beneficial UVB rays to penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere at this latitude from about 12:00 to 2:00 in May and August, and from 11:00 to 3:00 in June and July. Both UVA and UVB will cause sunburn – and potentially melanoma – but only UVB can synthesize vitamin D.

As I have written before, the safest way to use sunlight to make vitamin D is to expose as much skin as possible for a short period of time (10-20 minutes) in early afternoon on a sunny day. To avoid sunburn, stop exposure before the skin turns light pink. As you tan throughout the summer, the length of exposure can gradually increase. The rest of the time you should cover up with clothing or a safe natural sunscreen. This includes mid-morning, mid to late afternoon, on cloudy days, and through glass (like a car window) – all times when we can sunburn but cannot synthesize vitamin D.

Check your sunscreen label carefully. Many block UVB radiation only. The two safest and most effective ingredients for blocking the more harmful UVA are zinc oxide and titanium oxide.

Don’t let the scare of skin cancer keep you completely out of the sun. Regular low intensity (for a short time period) sun exposure does not increase the risk of melanoma and actually lowers your risk of all cancers. Outdoor workers like farmers and fishermen have a lower rate of melanoma than indoor workers like office clerks, and melanoma often occurs on areas of skin not exposed to sunlight. Melanoma patients with higher levels of vitamin D have a higher survival rate. And as I have frequently written, there are many, many other benefits of vitamin D. A meta-analysis published April 2014 in Am. J. Public Health found that deaths from all causes was 1.9 times (nearly twice) as high for people with the lowest vitamin D blood levels compared with those with the highest levels.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

212 Silica – the Health and Beauty Mineral [15 April 2013]

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust after oxygen. It commonly occurs as silicon-dioxide, also called silica. Silicon is a useful mineral to man. Glass is about 75% silica. Silicon’s semi-conductor property created the electronics revolution. And it’s a component of silicone rubber, famous for its flexibility and heat resistance.

But silica’s most important use to man is as a nutrient.. Silica promotes the synthesis of the proteins collagen (Type 1) and elastin. Collagen is an abundant protein in mammals, making up the majority of connective tissue like cartilage, tendons, ligaments, gums and skin. Elastin is a stretchy protein, important for healthy skin, lungs and arteries (especially the aorta). Silica also promotes stronger thicker hair, stronger nails, and stronger bones. Although silica only makes up a tiny proportion of bone, it’s important for promoting re-calcification of bone and speeding healing of fractures. As we age the silica content of our tissues decreases, especially for post-menopausal women.

Clinical trial results have shown that a silica supplement:
• increased hair diameter by 12.8%
• increased hair strength by 13.1%
• reduced facial wrinkles by 30%
• increased skin elasticity by 89%
• strengthened nails making them more resistant to breaking
• increased collagen formation and mineral density in bones.

Although silica is abundant in the earth, it is less common in our food. Silica is abundant only in grass-related foods such as the bran or hulls of oats, wheat and rice, which is almost entirely eliminated from our foods by processing. There are several different silica supplements formulated to provide this nutrient in an easily absorbable form for your body to use:
• aqueous extracts of horsetail or oatstraw – orthosilicic form of silica
• silica gel – a colloidal solution from quartz crystals
• silicon as orthosilicic acid – probably the most effective form

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner

207 MSM the Sulfur supplement

This is the first of a series of articles on minerals. Sulfur is an essential mineral – the third most abundant mineral in the body (after calcium and phosphorus). MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane) is a naturally-occurring sulfur compound often used as a sulfur supplement.

Sulfur is a component of several essential amino acids and also:
• gives skin a healthy elasticity and makes hair and nails grow faster and stronger
• is essential for the function of immunoglobulins, an important part of the immune system
• neutralizes allergens in both the GI & respiratory tracts thus reducing food and air-born allergy symptoms
• protects the GI tract from parasites
• improves permeability of cell walls to allow nutrients in and flush toxins out
• reduces muscle soreness by helping flush out lactic acid and other toxins
• increases permeability of cell walls to insulin thus reducing insulin resistance and helping to normalize blood sugar

Sulfur is found in many foods including most fresh raw fruits and vegetables, milk, meat, eggs and some grains. For this reason it is sometimes assumed that we get sufficient in our diets. But the sulfur compound is easily lost with even modest processing – cooking, drying, pickling, even long-term storage depletes the sulfur.
MSM supplementation:
• is safe and non-toxic – you can’t overdose with msm
• is odorless, does not produce intestinal gas or body odor
• has no reported interactions with other medications
• works better with vitamin C
• is often combined with glucosamine for joint pain

Another way to obtain sulfur is to soak in a bath with Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) – both sulfur and magnesium are absorbed through the skin.

Sources:
U Maryland Medical Center
Nutrition & Metabolism – Are we getting enough sulfur in our diets?
Mercola – MSM ad

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

170 Lysine – the “Cold Sore Cure” [18 June 2012]

Lysine is one of the eight essential amino acids, meaning that we must obtain all our daily needs in our diet. That is usually not a problem as lysine is found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, pulses (lentils, beans and peas) and dairy. A vegan diet depending on grains for protein would be deficient in lysine, so it is commonly added to animal feed.

Lysine is an essential building block for all protein in the body, including hormones, enzymes and antibodies. It is important for increasing muscle and in the healing of wounds or surgery. Lysine plays a role in calcium absorption and is essential in the production of collagen, a protein found in skin, tendons and cartilage. Lysine also helps regulate serotonin, one of the anti-anxiety neurotransmitters I discussed in column #167.

Lysine is sometimes taken as a supplement to help fight infections of herpes simplex virus which causes cold sores. For this purpose, lysine is often taken in a formula along with zinc, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and immune-supporting herbs like garlic, echinacea and goldenseal. Studies have found that a diet high in lysine and low in arginine reduces the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.

Lysine appears to inhibit herpes infections by suppressing arginine, the amino acid I wrote about last week, which is essential for the virus to replicate. Arginine and lysine compete with each other for absorption, so increasing lysine will create a relative deficiency of arginine. So if you are taking lysine for this purpose, you should avoid supplementing with arginine and temporarily reduce consumption of foods high in arginine (see list in last week’s column). Because arginine is also important to our health, long-term supplementation of lysine is not recommended.

Speaking of arginine, two functions that I missed mentioning last week are:
• arginine enhances the immune system by stimulating the thymus gland to increase production of B and T cells
• arginine stimulates the pituitary gland to produce human growth hormone (HGH)

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

131 Tamanu Oil [12 Sept. 2011]

Tamanu oil has been used for centuries in the South Pacific Islands and SE Asia to promote skin health. It is extracted from the kernel of the Tamanu fruit and has a rich woody spicy smell. It is readily absorbed and penetrates all three skin layers for deep healing.

Tamanu oil contains a unique fatty acid calophyllic acid, a natural antibiotic lactone, and an anti-inflammatory compound calophyllolide. These and other components give the oil powerful properties to: protect skin from oxidative damage; speed healing of many different skin conditions; relieve neuralgic pain; and promote cicatrization (the growth of healthy new tissue).

Tamanu oil can be used effectively for:
• Acne and acne scarring
• Psoriasis and eczema
• Dry or scaly skin
• Bed sores and diabetic skin ulcers
• Diaper rash
• Stretch marks and scar tissue
• Age spots and wrinkles
• Burns and sunburn
• Insect bites and blisters
• Foot and body odor
• Neuralgia and joint inflammation
• Wound healing and skin regeneration

Apply Tamanu oil full strength to the skin. It absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy residue. Tamanu oil is safe even on broken skin. For more information see www.wildtamanuoil.com

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.