There are so many fish oil supplements on the market that it can be very difficult to choose just one. To help you wade through your choices, let’s take a look at some common differences.
Many of the fish oils on the market are basically generic combinations of any variety of fish that typically have 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA (the two main Essential Fatty Acids found in fish oil) per gram (typically 1 softgel). The problem with those is that most of them don’t tell you what type of fish is used (i.e. what the source of the fish oil is). This not knowing poses a problem for some people. For those that want to know the source of their fish oil, they may opt for specific options like Salmon Oil or Cod Liver Oil.
Salmon is considered one of the "cleaner" fish that typically live in cleaner waters like those around Norway (which is a common area to get Salmon Oil from). It has a different ratio of EPA to DHA where it’s normally in almost equal amounts and it can also be found as “Virgin Salmon Oil” (which uses less processing).
Cod Liver Oil is quite a different option by comparison, as it is from the Cod’s liver instead of the general body fat. One important difference here is that the Vitamin A and Vitamin D content is stored in the fish’s liver. Some people aren’t able to take the extra doses of the vitamins that come in the Cod Liver Oil if they take certain multivitamins, but some prefer the extra vitamins if they don’t get enough of those fat-soluble vitamins on a regular basis.
One nice thing about most all fish oil products on the market is that it’s basically industry standard for quality that fish oil should be molecularly distilled to remove any trace contaminants of any heavy metals. Because of that, consumers can be assured that there wouldn’t be any sufficient levels of Lead, Mercury, PCBs, or other contaminants that cause concern.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Vitamin D: Sun vs. Supplements
Vitamin D’s role in bone health is well known, but scientists continue to look at its role in boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation and supporting muscle health. How does vitamin D work? It’s created in the "body from exposure to sunlight, traveling through the bloodstream to become a potent hormone that wakes up receptors in your intestines to start absorbing calcium." Now, research indicates that other organs and muscles are equipped with these receptors as well.
So how much do you need each day? The recommended daily allowance is 600 IU for everyone under age 70, but this is based on bone health support and assumes minimal sunlight. Many nutritionists and physicians believe that is not enough due to the recently discovered receptors mentioned above; they now recommend 1,000 to 3,000 IU per day.
What's the best way to get enough vitamin D? Sun exposure is the best source - this should be limited to 10 to 15 minutes a day to get a therapeutic dose (note that sunscreen inhibits the amount of vitamin D the body can absorb). In addition, dietary supplements can help you get the right amount of vitamin D. Choose the cholecalciferol version (D3), which is more bioavailable than ergocalciferol (D2).
Vitamin D is naturally found in some foods:
So how much do you need each day? The recommended daily allowance is 600 IU for everyone under age 70, but this is based on bone health support and assumes minimal sunlight. Many nutritionists and physicians believe that is not enough due to the recently discovered receptors mentioned above; they now recommend 1,000 to 3,000 IU per day.
What's the best way to get enough vitamin D? Sun exposure is the best source - this should be limited to 10 to 15 minutes a day to get a therapeutic dose (note that sunscreen inhibits the amount of vitamin D the body can absorb). In addition, dietary supplements can help you get the right amount of vitamin D. Choose the cholecalciferol version (D3), which is more bioavailable than ergocalciferol (D2).
Vitamin D is naturally found in some foods:
- All varieties of mushrooms contain some vitamin D. The types with the most vitamin D include portobello, white button and cremini. One cup contains 380 IU of vitamin D.
- Two egg yolks contain 80 IU of vitamin D, making this one good reason to actually eat the yolk. Egg yolks also contain lutein, choline and vitamins A and E.
- Fatty fish, such as mackerel, sardines and salmon, contain 400-800 IU of vitamin D in one 4-ounce piece of fish.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Growing TCM Resources on the Web
New Website! Meridian Health Clinic now has more information on the web about acupuncture and Chinese Medicine:
http://www.acupuncture-santa-monica.com/
Other websites managed by the managed clinic include:
http://www.meridianhealthclinic.com/
and
http://www.santa-
With the addition of these new websites, Meridian Health Clinic is now one of the most comprehensive references on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) available on the internet, and still growing... Our goal is to educate the public on the basic concepts of TCM so people are empowered to make the best decisions possible in regards to their healthcare.
http://www.acupuncture-santa-monica.com/
Other websites managed by the managed clinic include:
http://www.meridianhealthclinic.com/
and
http://www.santa-
With the addition of these new websites, Meridian Health Clinic is now one of the most comprehensive references on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) available on the internet, and still growing... Our goal is to educate the public on the basic concepts of TCM so people are empowered to make the best decisions possible in regards to their healthcare.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Immune Boosting Supplements
Washing your hands, healthy eating and exercise are the best ways to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. But adding specific supplements can also help your natural defenses stay strong all season long. Here are some of the top natural recommendations:
Omega-3s. Found naturally in fish, these EFAs increase phagocyte cell activity, which boosts the immune system.
Astragalus. This ancient Chinese herb stimulates white blood cells and boosts immunity.
Vitamin C. Best known for its ability to boost immune system health, this powerful vitamin serves so many other functions as well.
Vitamin D. A Harvard study shows that people with low levels of Vitamin D were 36% more likely to have upper respiratory infections.
Zinc. Yale research reveals that zinc can help shorten colds by slowing the multiplication of the virus in the nose and throat.
Omega-3s. Found naturally in fish, these EFAs increase phagocyte cell activity, which boosts the immune system.
Astragalus. This ancient Chinese herb stimulates white blood cells and boosts immunity.
Vitamin C. Best known for its ability to boost immune system health, this powerful vitamin serves so many other functions as well.
Vitamin D. A Harvard study shows that people with low levels of Vitamin D were 36% more likely to have upper respiratory infections.
Zinc. Yale research reveals that zinc can help shorten colds by slowing the multiplication of the virus in the nose and throat.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Get Smart! 5 Healthy Brain Foods
Adding these smart foods to your diet can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain.
Blueberries - To help protect your brain from stress or age-related conditions, add at least 1 cup of blueberries a day - fresh, frozen or freeze-dried.
Wild Salmon - Salmon contains lots of omega-3s which are essential for brain function.
Nuts and Seeds - Walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds are just some of the nuts that should be added to your diet for good sources of vitamin E, which may protect against cognitive decline.
Avocados - The healthy fat in avocado contributes to healthy blood flow to the brain and can also help lower blood pressure.
Tumeric - The yellow spice found in many curries, contains curcumin, which also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may even prove useful in treating Alzheimer's; one study showed a reduction in beta amyloid deposits, the plaques associated with the disease. In another study, elderly people who ate curry often or very often did better on tests of mental performance than those who never or rarely ate curry.
Blueberries - To help protect your brain from stress or age-related conditions, add at least 1 cup of blueberries a day - fresh, frozen or freeze-dried.
Wild Salmon - Salmon contains lots of omega-3s which are essential for brain function.
Nuts and Seeds - Walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds are just some of the nuts that should be added to your diet for good sources of vitamin E, which may protect against cognitive decline.
Avocados - The healthy fat in avocado contributes to healthy blood flow to the brain and can also help lower blood pressure.
Tumeric - The yellow spice found in many curries, contains curcumin, which also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may even prove useful in treating Alzheimer's; one study showed a reduction in beta amyloid deposits, the plaques associated with the disease. In another study, elderly people who ate curry often or very often did better on tests of mental performance than those who never or rarely ate curry.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
12 Probiotic Foods
Give your stomach the gift of life by adding more probiotics to your diet. These live
form types of bacteria improve the balance of intestinal microflora.
Sounds delicious, doesn't it? Probiotics are beneficial because they aid in
digestion and in the production of certain B vitamins. But if you don't
want to add another pill to your daily supplement regimen, you can find
probiotics on your plate. Check out these foods that have probiotics in
them:
- Yogurt
- Fermented tea (Kombucha tea)
- Miso soup
- Soy milk
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Dark chocolate
- Microalgae
- Pickles
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Olives
Friday, July 29, 2011
Summer - The Season of Fire
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tells us that the summer season belongs to fire, one of the five elements. Fire is symbolic of maximum activity or greatest yang, which means that it is a time of heat, outgoingness, and moving outward in nature and in our lives. In human anatomy, the heart, mind, and spirit are ruled by the fire element. Thus, top priority should be given to the heart, mind, and spirit for staying healthy in summer. Here is a summary of the Summer Season:
When the fire element is in balance, the heart is strong and healthy, the mind is calm and sleep is sound. When the fire element is imbalanced, we may either lack joy (depression) or have an excess of joy (mania). Indicators of an imbalance in the fire element include agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia.
Tips for Summer Health
To prevent summer ills and remain in harmony with the environment of summer, ancient Chinese physicians advised:
Awaken earlier in the morning.
Go to bed later in the evening.
Rest at midday.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Add pungent flavors to your diet.
Refrain from anger; keep calm and even-tempered.
In summer, indigestion can easily occur, so a light and less-greasy diet is strongly recommended. It is the perfect season to introduce some cool, yin foods into your diet. Chinese nutrition classifies food according to its energetic qualities of temperature, taste, and ability to moisten and strengthen the body. Food with cool and cold properties can clear heat, reduce toxins, and generate body fluids.
In general, cooling foods tend towards the green end of the spectrum - lettuce, cucumbers, and watercress are some of the coolest. Few vegetables are warming. Fish and seafood are also cooling, while most meats are warming. Here are some suggestions to keep you cool and balanced all summer long. These fruits and vegetables will help your body adjust its temperature and protect you during the long, hot summer days:
Other helpful tips for the summer season
Get Acupuncture treatments - Acupuncture has been found to be helpful with all types of emotional and mental disorders, from stress and anxiety to insomnia. An acupuncture point named "Yintang", located between the eyebrows, is sometimes used for such treatments. Call your acupuncturist and experience a summer of joy and movement!
- Element: Fire
- Color: Red
- Nature: Yang
- Organs: Heart, Small Intestine
- Emotion: Joy
When the fire element is in balance, the heart is strong and healthy, the mind is calm and sleep is sound. When the fire element is imbalanced, we may either lack joy (depression) or have an excess of joy (mania). Indicators of an imbalance in the fire element include agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia.
Tips for Summer Health
To prevent summer ills and remain in harmony with the environment of summer, ancient Chinese physicians advised:
Awaken earlier in the morning.
Go to bed later in the evening.
Rest at midday.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Add pungent flavors to your diet.
Refrain from anger; keep calm and even-tempered.
In summer, indigestion can easily occur, so a light and less-greasy diet is strongly recommended. It is the perfect season to introduce some cool, yin foods into your diet. Chinese nutrition classifies food according to its energetic qualities of temperature, taste, and ability to moisten and strengthen the body. Food with cool and cold properties can clear heat, reduce toxins, and generate body fluids.
In general, cooling foods tend towards the green end of the spectrum - lettuce, cucumbers, and watercress are some of the coolest. Few vegetables are warming. Fish and seafood are also cooling, while most meats are warming. Here are some suggestions to keep you cool and balanced all summer long. These fruits and vegetables will help your body adjust its temperature and protect you during the long, hot summer days:
Watermelon, Apricot, Lemon, Peach, Asparagus, Sprouts, Bamboo, Bok choy, Broccoli, Chinese cabbage, Corn, Cucumber, White mushroom, Snow peas, Spinach, Summer squash, Watercress, Seaweed, Mung means, Cilantro, Mint, Dill
Other helpful tips for the summer season
- Keep a pitcher of water with slices of lemon and cucumber with you and sip it throughout the day.
- Eat in moderation. Over consumption of any food, especially cooling foods, can lead to indigestion, sluggishness and possibly diarrhea.
- Do not leave your food out for too long. The hot weather tends to increase food spoilage.
- Stay away from dairy, heavy, greasy, and fried foods.
Get Acupuncture treatments - Acupuncture has been found to be helpful with all types of emotional and mental disorders, from stress and anxiety to insomnia. An acupuncture point named "Yintang", located between the eyebrows, is sometimes used for such treatments. Call your acupuncturist and experience a summer of joy and movement!
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