Why you should take magnesium with Vitamin D supplements? - NL-080

Are you taking high dose vitamin D supplements to improve your bone and overall health? Vitamin D is an incredibly important nutrient that influences almost every aspect of your health whether it is bone density, immunity, thyroid function, pregnancy, heart health and mental well-being. Chronic deficiency of vitamin D may result in muscle pain, extreme fatigue, bone pain, joint stiffness and even depression.

But did you know magnesium is an indispensable part of vitamin D metabolism? Your body can’t make or process vitamin D without healthy levels of magnesium.

With their versatile functions in the body, both vitamin D and magnesium play an important role in maintaining your physical, mental and emotional well-being. But magnesium holds the key to unlocking health benefits offered by vitamin D, which is not surprising because this is how most vitamins and minerals work. Another popular example is the role of vitamin C in iron absorption.

Whether you are getting your vitamin D from sun exposure or through supplements, you need magnesium to convert this vitamin D into its active form – calcitriol – that is used and absorbed by the cells. In other words, magnesium makes vitamin D bio-available. Additionally, almost all the enzymes that are required for vitamin D metabolism in the liver and kidneys, need magnesium. Your body can't unlock the potential of vitamin D in maintaining healthy and strong bones, regulating your immunity, reducing the risk of upper respiratory infections and providing other important health benefits without magnesium. Interestingly, taking large doses of Vitamin D tends to deplete magnesium from the body. Magnesium is typically stored in your muscles and bones. And if you are taking mega doses of vitamin D as often prescribed by doctors, your body will invariably extract the magnesium stored in your bones and muscles, thereby worsening your magnesium deficiency and triggering symptoms such as muscle cramps, twitching, headaches, constipation, numbness, fast heartbeat and muscle fatigue. It can also increase symptoms of stress and anxiety. In addition, emerging research suggests that both vitamin D and magnesium together can improve insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes.

Magnesium, on its own, is a very important mineral with diverse roles and functions in the body. It facilitates hundreds of biochemical reactions that are required for survival and maintenance. It is required for energy production, regulating calcium levels, DNA and protein synthesis, healthy contraction of muscles and detoxification.

This multi-purpose mineral is also known as nature's original chill pill given its role in calming the nervous system and improving the body's stress response. In fact, people often take magnesium supplements to improve their sleep; and studies also show that magnesium supplements are very useful in managing symptoms of insomnia and depression. It also reduces pain and helps improve symptoms in migraine, pre-menstrual syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition, magnesium is a heart-healthy mineral that works on many levels to support cardiovascular and metabolic health.

If you are struggling with chronic stress, persistent fatigue and never ending muscle and joint pains, despite taking vitamin D supplement on a regular basis, chances are that an underlying magnesium deficiency could be the root cause. In that case, adding a high quality magnesium supplement to your daily routine will be immensely helpful in correcting your deficiency and reducing the risk of symptoms and health conditions that often accompany chronic vitamin D deficiency.

1. Cheung et al. The effect of combined magnesium and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status, systemic inflammation, and blood pressure: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial. Nutrition. 2022.
2. Nik et al. Association of vitamin D and magnesium with insulin sensitivity and their influence on glycemic control. World J Diabetes. 2023.

Does vitamin D help reduce the risk of dementia? - NL-079

Severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with many chronic health conditions. Poor vitamin D levels lead to poor bone health, weakened immunity and increased risk of heart disease, respiratory problems and autoimmune disorders. Did you know vitamin D also plays a crucial role in maintaining your mental and emotional well-being? Research shows that poor vitamin D levels may increase the risk of developing mental health problems, and increase the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Can it also cause memory loss and cognitive impairment? And does taking vitamin D supplements cut down the risk of dementia?

Age, genetics, smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases are the main risk factors associated with dementia. In addition to these, vitamin D deficiency has also been proposed as a modifiable risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia that affects the elderly.  

While previous clinical trials have shown mixed results, emerging data suggests that vitamin D supplementation may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that regular use of vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (memory loss and other cognitive losses due to reduced flow of blood to the brain).  Another study published in the Alzheimer’s & Dementia journal, found that the risk of dementia reduced by 40 percent in older people who took vitamin D supplements. In addition, there are better outcomes if one takes vitamin D supplements before the onset of cognitive decline. Another study suggested that vitamin D supplementation reduced in the risk of dementia in patients on hemodialysis.

How does vitamin D help? Vitamin D is an anti-oxidant, and it reduces inflammation. It also regulates the production of various neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine and serotonin. It prevents neurotoxicity as it protects nerve cells from injury and inflammation, and also helps clear amyloid beta protein. Accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein in the brain a significant factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Chronic vitamin D deficiency produces symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, muscle aches, muscle weakness and back pain. Since vitamin D also affects mental health and cognitive functions, long-term deficiency can also result in mental symptoms such as brain fog, memory loss, poor focus, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression and mood swings. With more and more research exposing the role of vitamin D in mental and cognitive health, it is important to make sure your levels fall in a healthy, well-defined range. Your body makes vitamin D when you expose your skin to sun, but certain factors, such as age, limited exposure to sun, use of statins, and liver and kidney disorders increase your risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. Take high quality vitamin D3 supplements to help you correct the deficit and reduce your risk of many health conditions, including dementia and cognitive loss.

References:

1. Chen et al. The associations of serum vitamin D status and vitamin D supplements use with all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia: a UK Biobank based prospective cohort study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2024.
2. Ghahremani et al. Vitamin D supplementation and incident dementia: Effects of sex, APOE, and baseline cognitive status. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring. 2023.
3. Chai et al. Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: an updated meta-analysis. BMC Neurology
4. Lin et al. The Protective Effect of Vitamin D on Dementia Risk in Hemodialysis Patients. Life. 2023.

Why is Jiaogulan “The Herb of Immortality?” - NL-077

With its long list of health benefits, anti-ageing properties and rejuvenating nature, jiaogulan is aptly known as the ‘Herb of Immortality’. Jiaogulan or Gynostemma pentaphyllum has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a rejuvenating tonic to boost energy, calm nerves and reduce fatigue. It sparked a lot of interest in 1970's when a nation-wide census found that people living in certain villages of Guizhou, Guangxi and Sichuan provinces in China had unusually long lifespans with extremely low occurrence of chronic, age-related diseases. The research that followed revealed that locals regularly consumed tea made from jiaogulan that helped them live a long, healthy and relatively disease free life.

The herb is loaded with saponins, plant compounds with remarkable anti-oxidant and adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are rare rejuvenating herbs that regulate your body's response to stress, improve immunity and restore equilibrium in the body, besides providing many other health benefits. And as one of the most powerful adaptogens out there, jiaogulan strengthens your body's ability to respond to stress and the damage caused by chronic stress and infections. The herb nourishes, strengthens and tunes-up all your major body systems, including immune, nervous, endocrine and circulatory system - optimising their functions and creating overall balance in the body.  

In addition, saponins in the herb jiaogulan are very powerful anti-oxidants that protect the body from oxidative damage and inflammation. Jiaogulan also stimulates the synthesis of the body's own (endogenous) antioxidants, namely Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione and Catalase. These are some of the very potent antioxidants that protect cells and tissues from the damage caused by stress, pollutants, toxins and other harmful substances. Antioxidants such as glutathione also help in the detoxification process and keep the body clean by getting rid of toxins. Jiaogulan also contains other health boosting substances such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, proteins, amino acids and trace minerals.

Health Benefits of Jiaogulan

1.    Provides anti-oxidant support
2.    Promotes healthy sleep
3.    Supports heart health
4.    Boosts immune functions
5.    Reduces stress and anxiety
6.    Improves mental alertness
7.    Boosts energy and stamina
8.    Maintains blood sugar levels
9.    Improves gut health
10.    Maintains healthy liver

In a nutshell, the anti-oxidant and adaptogenic qualities of jiaogulan prevent premature ageing and protect the body from stress, deterioration and chronic diseases. Taking jiaogulan supplements will reinforce your body's natural ability to repair, heal and recover faster from infections and illness.

Reference:

1.    Su et al. Progress in the Medicinal Value, Bioactive Compounds, and Pharmacological Activities of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Molecules. 2021
2.    Nayyar et al. Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Increases Exercise Performance and Alters Mitochondrial Respiration and AMPK in Healthy Males. Nutrients 2023

Anti-oxidant Benefits of Glutathione- NL-078

Your body makes healthy levels of glutathione when you are young but this natural production dips with age. In addition, stress, depression, smoking, chronic conditions and excessive use of medications deplete glutathione from the body. Magnesium deficiency also contributes to glutathione deficiency as the body needs magnesium to make glutathione.  Poor levels of glutathione increase oxidative damage in the cells, lead to toxin build-up and weaken immunity. It also increases inflammation and makes you prone to developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and cataracts.

You need antioxidants, either from food or supplements, to reduce the damage caused by free radicals – highly volatile molecules that react with healthy cells and tissues and alter their structure and function in the process. Free radicals are known to cause oxidative damage that is linked with chronic disease, premature ageing and inflammation. Did you know your body naturally produces free radicals when it breaks down food to make energy, during exercise and when the immune system fights pathogens? Free radicals are also produced when the body is exposed to cigarette smoke, pollution and pesticides.

Your body not only depends on the antioxidants that it gets from a healthy, wholesome diet but also makes its own army of endogenous antioxidants that further reinforce its natural ability to fight free radicals and keep oxidative damage under control. Glutathione is one such powerful anti-oxidant produced by the body and is present in almost every cell – offering ready protection to the cells against the free radicals. Also known as the master-antioxidant, it also helps recycle and regenerate other important antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. Glutathione is also a crucial part of the body's detoxification process. It helps the body to get rid of all kinds of toxins and heavy metals, and also protects the liver from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals produced during detoxification.

In addition to being a power anti-oxidant and detox essential, glutathione also boosts immunity. This master-antioxidant increases the production of white blood cells, helps T cells (a type of white blood cells that controls infection) to better fight, and protect the cells of immune systems against the oxidative damage, and keep them performing well.

Foods rich in sulfur such as garlic, onion and cruciferous vegetables, magnesium supplements, whey protein, and turmeric can help boost glutathione levels. In addition, sleeping well at night, consuming an overall healthy diet and taking liposomal glutathione supplements also help maintain healthy levels that you need to stay healthy, age healthy and keep oxidative damage in check.  

Reference:

Boris D Hristov. The Role of Glutathione Metabolism in Chronic Illness Development and Its Potential Use as a Novel Therapeutic Target. Cureus. 2022

Moringa – a powerhouse of nutrition - NL-076

Looking for a natural supplement to compensate for the nutrients that may be missing in your diet? Try moringa – a powerhouse of nutrition. As an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and protein, moringa is well-known for its rich nutritional value and health benefits. Did you know moringa leaves contain more vitamin C than oranges, more potassium than bananas, more calcium than milk and more vitamin A than carrots?

Moringa supplements improve bone and muscle health, boost immunity, help fight fatigue and maintain healthy vision. It is because the leaves are packed with vitamins such as C, E, A (as beta carotene), B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and folate. In addition to all these vitamins, moringa contains major and trace minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Your body needs minerals to make energy, activate enzymes, form strong bones and build a healthy immune system.  

Moringa leaf powder contain both essential and non-essential amino acids. Moringa can be a good alternative to meat for people who are looking for a plant-based source of protein. You need amino acids to grow, repair tissues, and to make proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate your mood, memory and sleep.

Highly nutritious moringa leaves are also loaded with antioxidant compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids (quercetin) and polyphenols (chlorogenic acid), that protect your tissues and organs from oxidative damage, inflammation and chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The active compounds found in moringa leaves help reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and control sugar levels. Moringa also improves gut health

Moringa, as a rich source of many vitamins and minerals, makes for an excellent herb for women’s health. It provides energy, nourishes skin, improves bone health and supports healthy pregnancy. Moringa supplements also offer benefits to breastfeeding women by boosting milk production and quality. Moringa contains iron and prevents anaemia caused by iron deficiency. Vitamin C and folate in moringa also help the body absorb iron.

Moringa leaf powder can be a great addition to your diet if you are looking to give your body a nutritional and antioxidant boost. It also boosts energy, balances hormones, reduces fatigue and supports heart health.  

Reference:

Kashyap et al. Recent Advances in Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) Leaves Bioactive Compounds: Composition, Health Benefits, Bioaccessibility, and Dietary Applications. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022

Sacha Inchi: Plant-based Omega 3 Fatty Acids- NL-074

Persistent myths surrounding the “dietary fats” have given it a bad name, giving rise to diets that are either fat-free or contain low fat. While we are becoming obsessed with everything “low-fat and fat-free”, health experts believe that such dangerous food trends are detrimental to your overall health. The truth is you need fat to be healthy. Fatty acids are an important constituent of your cells, provide structure to the cells and help in producing hormones required for critical functions such as blood clotting, maintaining healthy blood pressure and regulating inflammatory responses.

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) are essential fatty acids that your body can't make on its own. People often take fish oil supplements to get their omega 3s, meet their nutritional requirements and to maintain their heart, brain and bone health. Vegans and vegetarians often find it challenging to include omega 3 fatty acids in their diet. If you are looking for a plant-based source of omega 3 fatty acids, go for Sacha Inchi supplements. Sacha inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis) is a great alternative to fish oil and offers many health benefits, mainly due to its rich fatty acid content and nutritional profile. Did you know Sacha Inchi contains higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids than most nuts or seeds? It also contains omega 6 (n-6) and omega 9 (n-9) fatty acids, providing a healthy balance of other omega fatty acids.

Also known as sacha peanut, Inca peanut or mountain peanut, Sacha Inchi is an amazing plant that produces large seeds loaded with healthy fat. The oil derived from the seeds is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids that are widely known for their ability to reduce chronic inflammation in the body. Studies show that omega 3 fatty acids promote cardiovascular health, boost immunity, maintain brain function and improve bone health.

The seeds are a rich source of antioxidant compounds such as alpha tocopherol (a form of vitamin E) and vitamin A, which makes Sacha Inchi supplements incredibly healthy for your skin, hair and eyes. Sacha inchi also contains all 8 essential amino acids, that your body can't make on its own and must get it through diet or supplements. It is also a good source of important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Why should you take Sacha inchi supplements?

• An excellent source of plant-based omega 3 fatty acids
• Also contains omega 6 and 9 fatty acids in a healthy ratio
• Contains proteins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
• Reduces inflammation, lowers the risk of chronic diseases
• Supports cardiovascular health, reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure
• Improves joint health, helps in calcium absorption
• Supports the nervous system, maintains healthy brain function
• Improves your skin health, moisturises the skin and protects from oxidative damage
• Improves immunity and digestive health

References:

Alayon et al. Metabolic status is related to the effects of adding of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil on postprandial inflammation and lipid profile: Randomized, crossover clinical trial. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 2018