The Macro-Nutrients
Nutrients |
Function |
Sources |
|
Protein (Contains Essential Amino Acids) |
Protein provides amino acids needed to build, repair and
maintain body tissue and muscle; and to fight infection. As an enzyme : it
assists with important chemical reactions. As a hormone: it regulates body
functions. Larger amounts of protein are required by the elderly (10% additional), women during pregnancy (30% additional, and lactation (20% additional). |
Meats, fish, poultry, cheese and eggs are some of the best sources since they contain all essential amino acids, i.e. those the body cannot make. Vegetable protein (beans, peas, wheat, oats and brown rice) must be combined with complementary protein to provide missing essential amino acids. Sufficient amounts of milk or cheese are effective in increasing the quality of vegetable proteins. Protein supplements are also advisable. |
Carbohydrates |
Provides energy for the brain, nervous system and muscles. Those not used immediatly by the body for energy are stored as fat. If the body does not get enough carbohydrates to supply its energy needs, it burns dietary fat and protein for energy, thus depleting the body of essential protein needed for normal repair and maintenance. | There are two types of carbohydrates: Simple and
Complex. SIMPLE are found in the sugars of table sugar, products made with table sugar and the natural simple sugars in fruit (fructose). COMPLEX are found in starches from such foods as potatoes, rice, cereals, legumes, and some vegetables. Both contain the same number of calories per ounce, but the foods containing complex carbohyrates provide a greater variety of vitamins and minerals. These foods are also excellent sources of dietary fiber that assist the body's digestive tract to function in a healthy manner. |
|
Fats (Including Lipids) |
Fats are nutrients that are often misunderstood, but fulfill important body functions such as: providing a source of energy, acting as a thermal blanket, insulating the body from heat loss and providing a protective cushion for many tissues and organs. It also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. | Nuts, peanut butter, whole milk products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs and some fruits such as olives and avocados. The richest sources for linoleic acid are vegetable oils; including corn, safflower, soybean and sunflower. Also margarines and salad dressings made from these oils. |
Nutrient |
General Description /
Functions |
Alpha-Lipoic
Acid |
Alpha Lipoic Acid provides more potent antioxidant activity than
Vitamins C and E. It helps prevent healthy cells from getting damaged by
unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. It also assists the
B-Vitamins in producing energy from the proteins, carbohydrates and fats
consumed through foods. Increases blood flow to the nerves and improves
transmission of nerve impulses. Plays an integral role in the cellular
energy production and is a valuable immune system booster. General Recomendations: 100 mg. once or twice daily. |
|
Carnitine (L-Carnitine) |
An amino acid like compound that helps produce energy. It transports
fatty acids then converts the fat into energy which the heart, muscles and
other body tissues can efficiently utilize. Carnitine plays a crucial role
in metabolic functioning. General Recomendations: 250 mg. 2-3 times daily. |
|
Coenzyme
Q-10 (Ubiquinone) |
The body naturaly produces Coenzyme Q-10 and is found in every human
cell and in all living organisms. Coenzyme Q-10 works with enzymes to
break down and convert food into energy. It is particularly abundant in
high-demanding cells, such as those found in the heart. It appears to
support the heart muscle's strenuous efforts to beat 100,000 times a day.
Without adequate levels of this enzyme the heart muscle can become weaker
and less efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. It also has
powerful antioxidant properties to boost the immune system, inhibit
artery-clogging plaque buildup and potentially-fatal blood clots. It is
also believed to lower elevated blood pressure and protect against the
complications related to the disease. Many people take it as an energy
enhancer; others take it to fight age-related memory loss. Coenzyme Q-10
helps provide the spark that generates the body's energy on a cellular
level. General Recomendations: 60 mg. once or twice daily. |
Colostrum |
Colostrum is the "pre-milk" that female mammals secrete prior to
producing their milk. It contains beneficial immunoglobulins (antibodies)
to help maintain immune support, gastrointestinal health as well as
improving exercise performance and recovery. Bovine Colostrum contains a
wide variety of "immune factors" which may be effective against various
viruses, bacteria, yeast and other invaders. There are no known adverse
side effects, however those individuals with milk allergies should avoid
Colostrum. General Recomendations: 1000 mg. once or twice daily. |
Condroitin |
A natural component of the cartilage that "cushions" joints,
Chondroitin sulfate helps to block the enzymes that can destroy this
crucial tissue. It can increase joint mobility, possibly slow cartilage
loss and assist the body in rebuilding cartilage in some arthritis
sufferers. Chondroitin should not be taken by persons taking blood
thinners or a daily aspirin. General Recomendations: 400 mg. 2-3 times daily. |
Evening Primrose
Oil |
Extracted from the Evening Primrose Plant, grown in North America,
Europe and parts of Asia. The thereputic power contained within the seed
oil is an essential fatty acid called Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA) which has
anti-inflammatory properties and other healing abilities. Taken internally
the body converts GLA into prostaglandins which help regulate various body
functions and control inflammation. Cell membranes also rely on the
presence of GLA. Evening Primrose Oil helps to relieve the discomfort of
PMS (premenstrual syndrone), menstration, endometriosis and fibrocystic
breasts. It minimizes premenstrual breast tenderness, irritable bowel
flare-ups, carbohydrate cravings and helps to control
endometriosis-associated inflammation. It can also ease the joint pain and
swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. Prevents diabetes-related nerve damage,
reduces the symptoms of eczema, helps treat acne and rosacea, alleviate
inflammation associated with lupus, reduce numbness and tingling. It also
protects against the effects of aging....as the body ages it loses it's
ability to convert dietary fats into GLA. Taking Evening Primrose Oil
helps to compensate for GLA deficiencies helping to assure their important
health-promoting activities. General Recomendations: 1000 mg. once or twice daily. |
Flaxseed
Oil |
The essential fatty acids,(EFA) in flaxseed oil are it's key healing
components. The body needs the EFAs to function properly, but can't
manufacture them on it's own. Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids
and are a rich source of lignans, substances that positively affect
hormone-related problems. Flaxseed oil helps to lower cholesterol, protect
against heart disease and control high blood pressure. It also counters
inflammation associated with gout, lupus and fibrocystic breasts. It is
used to relieve constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and
gallstones; to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea.
Promotes healthy hair and nail growth; assists in the transmission of
nerve impulses. It is used to relieve menstrual cramps, female infertility
and endometriosis, to fight prostate problems, male infertility and
impotence. It is an essential nutrient that works throughout the body to
protect cell membranes. Flaxseed Oil is an economical daily supplement for
the Essential Fatty Acids. General Recomendations: 1000 mg. 2-3 times daily. |
Glucosamine |
Plays an important role in maintaining cartilage health. It can also
relieve the common symptoms of osteoarthritis; pain, stiffness and
swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis suffers report improvement as well. By
protecting and reinforcing cartilage, glucosamine helps prevent painful
symptoms of cartilage that has dried out and broken down over time,
cracking and flaking off. When joints are deprived of the cushioning
healthy cartilage provides, painful stiffness and inflamation develope.
Glucosamine appears to proect and strengthen the cartilage around these
joints, particularly the knees, hips, spine and hands. Glucosamine also
appears to slow the development of mild to moderately severe
osteoarthritis. It speeds the healing time of strains and sprains and
helps to prevent future injury. Glucosamine also helps to control back
pain by strengthening the tissue supporting the spinal disks lining the
back. General Recomendations: 500 mg. 2-3 times daily. |
|
Grape Seed
Extract (OPC Antioxidant) |
Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant containing natural active
flavonoids known as OPC (oligomeres procyanodoliques) Proanthocyanidins.
In addition to neutralizing hazardous free radicals, it is particularly
valuable for cardiovascular health by protecting the walls of the
arteries, capillaries and veins, by inhibiting the formation of damaging
plaque. Grape Seed Extract is also benificial in reducing varicose veins,
elevated blood pressure levels, edema (fluid retention) and other common
circulatory conditions. General Recomendations: 300 mg. daily. |
Lycopene |
Lycopene provides the red coloration in tomatoes and is one of the
major carotenoids. Many recent epidemiological studies have implicated
Lycopene in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists hypothesize that Lycopene positively influences cholesterol
metabolism because of it's antioxidant properties. Replenishing the body's
Lycopene supply bolsters the body's defense mechanisms, resulting in
greater protection of the body's enzymes, DNA and cellular lipids.
Lycopene eliminates a particularly destructive form of oxidation called
free radicals. In fact it is more than twice as powerful as beta carotene
at quenching free radicals. It is one of the most abundant carotenoids in
human blood serum and is the most abundant carotene in prostate tissue. A
recent Harvard study showed that men who have a high intake of tomatoe
based foods enjoy greater protection against prostate cancer. Many health
experts believe it is the carotonoid Lycopene that provides that
protection. General Recomendations: 10 mg. once daily. |
MSM |
An organic sulfur compound, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is contained
in minute amounts in everyone's blood and most foods. Like other sulfur
compounds it's a necessary building block for proteins, especiallly those
found in hair, muscles and conective tissue of the joints and skin. MSM
inhibits pain impulses that travel along nerve fibers, acting as an
analgesic. It's anti-inflammatory actions are used for combating the pain
of arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and allergies. MSM can
reduce muscle spasms, increase blood flow and help with the maintenance
and repair of cartilage. Numerous studies have shown that sulfur levels in
arthritic joints are lower than in healthy joints. MSM helps by delivering
needed sulfur to the afflicted areas, and is particularly helpful when
taken in conjunction with supplements such as Glucosamine. MSM has been
useful for treating chronic back pain resulting from muscle strain or
ligament sprain. Some people have found MSM to be more effective than
antihistamines for allergies. If you are on a blood thinner
(anticoagulant) such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin) consult with a
doctor before taking MSM because it can occasionlly have a blood-thinning
effect. General Recomendations: 1000 to 3000 mg. daily |
Omega-3 Fatty
Acids |
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid derived
from fish oils...especially Salmon, Tuna, and Mackerel. The two most
potent forms of omega-3 acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Studies have demonstrated beneficial
effects including lowered serum cholesterol, decreased serum triglycerides
and reduced platelet aggregation. The use of Omega-3 fatty acids has a
valuable cardioprotective effect. Research shows that for individuals with
non-insulin-dependent diabetes, fish oil supplements improve insulin
sensitivity. It is also thought to help maintain healthy breast tissue and
prevent breast cancer. In addition, fish oils demonstrate
anti-inflammatory actions, including decreased joint stiffness and
swelling. Studies also suggest fish oils are effective in treating
psoriasis, Raynaud's disease, lupus and relieving menstrual
cramps. General Recomendations: EPA 300 mg. / DHA 200 mg. once or twice daily |
Papaya
Enzyme |
Papaya is naturally-rich with powerful "proteolytic" enzymes that
increase the rate of metabolic action in the body and assist in the
digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fat. These digestive enzymes
include: A. Papain and Protease: for protein digestion. B. Alpha Amylase: assists in the digestion of starch. C. Lipase: assists in fat digestion. D. Cellulose: A major constituant of fruit and vegetable fiber also assists in the digestive process. Because of it's ability to stimulate metabolic activity, Papaya is being used successfully in weight-control diets. General Recomendations: No specific amount recommended |
|
Pine Bark
Extract (OPC Antioxidant) |
A natural complex of several potent antioxidants, particularly OPC
(proanthocyanidins) flavonoids and nutritive organic acids, providing
protective cardiovascular properties and diverse health benefits
including: antihistamine-like action, improving absorption of vitamin C,
boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, strengthening blood vessel
walls, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. General Recomendations: 30 mg. to 90 mg. 2-3 times daily. |
Soy
Isoflavones |
Soy Isoflavones are powerful substances that have many health
benefits. Their presence in soy foods may help to explain why people in
Asian countries, where soy is a big part of the diet suffer from
relatively few menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. And also, why
their rates of certain hormone-related cancers are much lower. Two
important isoflavones in soy are Genistein and Daidzein, which are
believed to protect against hormone-related disorders such as breast
cancer and endometriosis. Researcher suggests that soy isoflavones inhibit
cancer-causing enzymes, provide antioxidant protection and enhance the
immune system. Soy Isoflavones help to control symptoms of menopause,
gaurd against osteoporosis and also counteract the effects of
endometriosis by helping to offset the action of the body's natural
estrogen, which is often responsible for instigating the monthly pain,
heavy bleeding, and other symptoms of endometriosis. It has also been
shown to protect against prostate problems, such as enlargement of the
male prostate gland. It also reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering
harmful cholesterol. Preliminary studies are showing that the regular
consumption of soy foods and supplements protect against hormone-related
cancers of the breast, prostate and endometrium. Although more research is
needed on soy's cancer-fighting properties, researchers believe the
isoflavone Genistein blocks a protein which promotes the growth and
proliferation of tumor cells. Because of its estrogen effects, pregnant or
nursing women should not take soy isoflavone supplements. General Recomendations: 50 mg. to 100 mg. once or twice daily. |
|
Sterols (Phytosterols) |
These are nutritive phytochemicals found in a variety of botanical
sources. In addition to sitosterol, the most common sterols include
campesterol and stigmasterol. They are essential cell membrane components
and are involved with the support of the immune system. They assist in the
reduction of thrombo-embolic disorders by reducing platelet aggregation,
they also assist in the reduction of inflammatory metabolites and support
the endocrine system in elderly people, increasing their
longevity. General Recomendations: No specific amount recommended. |
NOTE: The information on this page should
not be used for self diagnosis and treatment, if you have a medical condition
consult your physician, or a physician knowledgeable in Nutritional
Medicine.
Some prescription drugs could have a negative
interaction with certain herbs, If you are taking a presciption drug consult
your doctor or pharmacist before using herbs.