Part II – 10 Popular Types of Herbal Supplements Online…

In the first part of “10 Popular Types of Herbal Supplements Online…”, we had taken a glance at first 5 types of supplements for joint and bone health, heart, digestive system, liver, and parasite and candida yeast infections. Here is the list of the remaining 5 kinds of herbal supplements having in great demand recently.

6.    Antioxidant Support Supplements

Antioxidant is a substance that cuts down damage due to oxygen, such as that caused by free radicals. Well-known antioxidants include enzymes and other substances, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene, which are able to undermining the damaging effects of oxidation. Antioxidants are also normally added to food products like vegetable oils and prepared foods to prevent or delay their wear and tear from the action of air. Antioxidants may possibly reduce the risks of cancer. They clearly slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. When it comes to antioxidant support supplements, there are options like alpha lipoic acid and citrus bioflavonoids ((lemon, grapefruit, orange).

Common alpha lipoic acid supplements are a 50/50 mixture of the natural R lipoic acid, and the synthetic S lipoic acid. These mixtures are called “racemates.” In some cases, S (–) lipoic acid is simply less effective than R (+) lipoic acid. But in other cases, the S form actually acts in opposition to the activity of R lipoic acid. Only the R(+) enantiomer exists in nature and is an essential cofactor of four mitochondrial enzyme complexes and is the only form our bodies can synthesize. Alpha lipoic acid also plays an important role in the synergism of antioxidants, what some doctors prefer to call the body’s “antioxidant network”. This anti aging nutrition directly recycles and extends the metabolic life spans of vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, and it indirectly renews vitamin E.

High consumption of fruits and vegetables are associated with the reduced risk of cancer, due to their bioflavonoids content. Bioflavonoids act as an antimutagenic and are directly involved in scavenging free radicals and have a role in the prevention of cancers in humans and animals. Bioflavonoids are found to strengthen the immune system, especially the gastrointestinal tract. They are also potent antiviral agents that can inhibit the replication of adenovirus, coronavirus and rotavirus in cell cultures. Bioflavonoids play an important role in slowing the aging process due to their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. These antioxidant support supplements also block lipid peroxidation, which is also linked to the aging process in cells. Bioflavonoids contain natural antibiotic, analgesic and diuretic benefits, and possess antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

7.    Stress & Insomnia Supplements

There are numerous emotional and physical disorders that have been linked to stress including depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, immune system disturbances that increase susceptibility to infections, a host of viral linked disorders ranging from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and certain cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition stress can have direct effects on the skin (rashes, hives, atopic dermatitis, the gastrointestinal system (GERD, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis) and can contribute to insomnia and degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. In fact, it’s hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role or any part of the body that is not affected.

Some of the common stress & insomnia supplements include natural substances like holy basil, royal jelly, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha root, passionflower, rhodiola, avena sativa extract, vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), etc. They can reduce nervous irritability and induce relaxation so you can calm down and concentrate.
Stress & insomnia supplements are able to brighten your mood, and most importantly, relieve stress. They are non-addictive and will not make you drowsy. While working at the office or elsewhere, these supplements will improve your concentration, interactions with people, coping with hyper children, and help you work more effectively. Use them and you will feel great, look at life positively, feel good about yourself, enjoy the company of your friends and family and conquer your anxious feelings.

8.    Detox Supplements

Detoxification or detoxication (detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including, but not limited to, the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver. Bentonite clay has the capability to adsorb and neutralize toxins, poisons and heavy metals in the intestinal tract. Bentonite clay has traditionally been used for food allergies, food poisoning, mucus colitis, spastic colitis, viral infections, stomach flu, and parasites (parasites are unable to reproduce in the presence of clay) and many more. It enriches and balances blood. Bentonite can be used internally and externally.

Cascara sagrada or sacred bark is perhaps the safest and most certain detox supplements available and can be used to restore tone to the colon and thereby overcome laxative dependence in the elderly. The herb is safe and effective for detoxifying and cleansing programs, as opposed to the harsher laxatives, such as senna. Cascara is also an effective liver tonic in small doses: hepatitis, gallstones, etc. Cascara can be used as an effective chelating agent to prevent the occurrence of calcium-based urinary stones. It is also used as a cathartic, purgative, cholagogue, and antibacterial agent.

9.    Kidney Support Supplements

The kidneys perform the pivotal role of removing waste and toxic substances from the bloodstream. These essential organs in conjunction with other organs regulate blood pressure, raise the production of red blood cells, and carry out vitamin D synthesis. We should take a healthy diet, do workouts, and remain hydrated to support kidneys in the best possible manner. As far as herbal kidney support supplements are concerned, they include nutrients like prince's pines, goldenrod, uva ursi extract, black pepper extract, cranberry extract, asparagus, parsley, althaea, birch leaf, etc.

Effective kidney support supplements are designed to maintain and promote optimum urinary tract function. It combines herbal diuretics to cleanse the kidneys and bladder, antibacterial agents to control and prevent bladder and urethra infections, circulatory aids for improving blood flow to the urinary tract and assisting in both nutrient delivery and waste removal, while incorporating advanced tissue protection by coating the urinary tract to prevent damage to the urethra, kidneys and bladder.

10.     Blood Sugar/Diabetes Support Supplements

Diabetes is a chronic ailment severely affecting the metabolism. There are millions of people suffering from this blood sugar disease, which can result in life-threatening medical conditions if it is not managed properly. Normal medical treatments combined with a healthy way of life, including keeping an eye on your weight, can assist you in preventing, managing, and regulating several ramifications of diabetes.

Diabetes support supplements like chromium picolinate can work effectively against this disease. The body produces picolinic acid as a mechanism to improve the assimilation of trace minerals at the cellular level. Fully reacted chromium in picolinate form saves the body a metabolic step and improves the rate of absorption. Studies have shown chromium picolinate supplementation to improve metabolism, and lower blood serum cholesterol and glucose levels.

Chromium enhances the ability of insulin to lower serum glucose levels; this has a favorable effect on the development of coronary heart disease as diabetes is a major risk factor. Athletes that train extensively should also consider supplementation as excessive excretion through perspiration can lead to a deficiency.

If you’re interested in shopping for these dietary supplements online, then BetterBeautyHealth.com is worth considering. The website is among the trusted destinations in Canada and sells a wide array of vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, and skincare products at economical prices.

10 Popular Types of Herbal Supplements Online – Part I

The usage of plants and herbs to treat different health problems has been in practice for many centuries. Today, these precious gifts from Nature are becoming more and more popular due to the mounting belief of people in the natural substances. A wide variety of remedial herbs and plants are now available in the form of herbal medicine or supplements or botanicals. Classified as dietary supplements, these herbal remedies are often considered safer than chemical-based medications. Here, we’ll look at 10 popular types of herbal medicine being sold in huge quantities online in two parts.

1.    Joint & Bone Supplements

Bone and joint health is no longer a concern for older population only. In recent years, the younger generations are also experiencing painful joints and other bone-related problems. Joint pain can occur at any part of the body, namely knees, shoulders, hips, feet, ankles, hands, etc. Whether it is acute pain persisting for a few weeks or chronic pain lasting for several months or years, it can severely affect your day-to-day life. Regardless the cause of your bone or joint pain, it is recommended to manage it with medication, herbal supplements, physiotherapy or alternative treatments. When it comes to choosing joint & bone supplements online, the most popular ingredients are chondroitin, glucosamine, curcumin, bromelain, borage oil, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are generally taken together as supplements. They are two major components for joint cartilage synthesis. Chondroitin is readily available as a raw material, and glucosamine stimulates the production of glycoamineglycan which is a main structural component of cartilage. Glucosamine aids in rebuilding the bones and preventing deterioration of cartilage, in addition to preventing inflammation of the joints and adjacent muscles. So, the pain may be alleviated and the joints may get stronger. A turmeric extract, curcumin hinders the secretion of several pro-inflammatory enzymes that are associated with the chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints, known as osteoarthritis. This results in an overall decrease in joint inflammation and pain and increase in joint mobility. Borage oil owes its healing power to the presence of essential fatty acids, the most important of which is GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid. The GLA seems to calm inflammation in general, making it an attractive treatment option for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Hence, opt for these joint & bone supplements along with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to experience the most effective results.

2.    Heart & Cholesterol Supplements

Cardiovascular diseases cause the highest number of deaths across the world.  The findings of various researches show that certain heart & cholesterol supplements can prove to be a potent weapon against these critical diseases. These supplements may help bring down cholesterol, improve blood pressure and other related factors that increase the likelihood of a heart disorder. Some of the popular supplements include ingredients like red yeast extract, guggul, plant sterols, green tea extract, oat fiber, niacin, garlic extract, ginseng, etc. Red yeast extract has been shown to reduce LDL by 20%-30% in many studies. It contains a natural form of statin called lovastatin in small amounts.

Guggul is a tree resin extract and contains plant sterols such as guggulsterones. It is effective against total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides. Plant sterols can assist in reducing gut absorption and improving excretion of cholesterol absorbed from food. An herb endemic to Asia, ginseng has been shown to have a beneficial effect on multiple cholesterol components. Similarly, some heart & cholesterol supplements have ingredients like oat fiber, niacin (a B vitamin also called nicotinic acid) and garlic extract to lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol.

3.    Digestive Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal tract. While the common perception is bacteria cause various diseases only, there are also good bacteria that help to maintain the proper functioning of the body. In addition to being naturally present within the body, probiotics are also found in some foods like yogurt, dairy items, fermented foods, etc. and supplements. They play a prominent role in building the immune system, keeping your intestines clean, fighting against candida yeast infections, regulating constipation or diarrhea, and heightening the bioavailability of vital nutrients to form superior quality blood and health on the whole. Consuming digestive probiotic supplements is important after antibiotic treatment since they refill the immune regulating intestinal flora destructed by them. Our digestive tract is crucial to our health as 80 percent of your whole immune system is situated in your digestive tract!

Digestive probiotic supplements come with different strain combinations that work together to deliver benefits at various critical sites along the intestinal tract. They can be taken to treat conditions such as infective diarrhea, antibiotic-induced diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (mucous colitis, and inflammation of the colon.

4.    Liver Support Supplements

A healthy liver represents a healthy body. If the liver functions inefficiently and antioxidant shields are weak, then the adverse effects can be felt on any cell, tissue or organ in the body. As the liver gets involved in a broad range of metabolic processes, it needs to be in the best of conditions. From herbs like milk thistle and burdock to nutrients like alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E) and arginine, liver support supplements are available in several choices over the Internet. Alpha lipoic acid is a sulfurous fatty acid, often referred to as the universal antioxidant since it is both water and fat soluble. It has been found effective in treating some severe disorders such as liver ailments, diabetes and peripheral nerve problems. The B vitamins are necessary to form a large number of enzymes that start the first phase of the liver detoxification process. Antioxidant vitamins like A, C and E also aid in safeguarding and restoring the intestinal tract, thereby indirectly protecting the liver.

5.    Parasite and Candida Supplements

Our body is home to 100 different species of human parasites that can infect not only the digestive system, but also the lungs, liver, muscles and joints, throat, brain, blood, skin, and even the eyes. They can range from microscopic to quite a few feet long such as the tapeworm. There is also the condition called candida that denotes an overgrowth of yeast in the intestinal tract. To get rid of parasites and candida yeast infections, supplements containing black walnut extracted from the green hulls, caprylic acid, pau d'arco, grapefruit seed extract, garlic bulb, echinacea purpurea root or oregano extract powder can be used.

The green hulls are the most sought after for their medicinal and astringent qualities. Having high elemental iron content, black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a powerful astringent and antifungal herb that may be used for expelling worms, parasites, candida, canker sores, cold sores, fungus, tuberculosis, herpes, and eczema and has a mild laxative effect. Green black walnut hulls also remove parasites from extracellular fluids, such as the blood and lymph, and in organs such as the liver, kidneys, brain and heart. Caprylic acid is a naturally occurring short chained fatty acid that kills off the candida yeast by disintegrating its cell walls. Its antibacterial action is further strengthened by the anti fungal properties of pau d’arco, cloves and garlic extract. You can buy these highly effective parasite and candida supplements easily online.

All of the above 5 types of herbal supplements can be ordered at affordable prices from BetterBeautyHealth.com – based in Ontario, Canada. The variety you can find on this website is really huge. All products are made by renowned manufacturers adopting the highest quality standards. In the second part, we’ll shed light on the remaining 5 herbal supplements. Happy reading!

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements – Some Vital Insights for Maximum Benefits

Every now and then, some vitamins and mineral supplements or the others are being introduced to the market with the promise that they will cure certain ailments or enhance our wellbeing with their multiple therapeutic effects. While some deliver on their promises, the rest becomes mere promotion gimmicks with no noteworthy benefits for our body and mind. There is no denying of the fact that various vitamins and minerals have several health benefits, but one needs to make the right decisions when it comes to consuming them in the form of supplements.

Defining dietary supplements

First of all, we’ll clear the confusion of many people regarding these supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements are actually types of dietary supplements that also include herbs, plants, amino acids, enzymes, and other substances. As the name suggests, a dietary supplement is a product added to complete a diet or to compensate for a dietary deficiency. It contains one or more aforementioned ingredients and comes in tablet, capsule or liquid form.

Why do we need vitamins and minerals?

Vitamins and minerals are known as micronutrients because they are required in small amounts to normalize metabolism and benefit the body in a distinct manner.  There are 13 vitamins that play a crucial role in the normal functioning of our body. These include vitamin A, D, E and K which are fat-soluble and vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and C which are water-soluble. Vitamin A is important for normal vision and bone growth. It prevents night blindness and inflammation of the eyes. Vitamin C prevents scurvy, while Vitamin D prevents rickets and osteomalacia. Vitamin E is pivotal for a strengthened immune system and normal reproduction. Being an essential antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals in the body as well. The role of B complex vitamins ranges from maintaining appetite and growth, preventing skin lesions, and weight loss to metabolizing amino acids and starch.

Similarly, dietary minerals like calcium, potassium, chorine, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, iron, and iodine are necessary for human beings. Calcium is required for muscle and wellness of heart and digestive system. It also builds bone and plays a vital role in synthesis and function of blood cells. Sodium is needed for coregulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of energy for cellular reactions, with potassium.       

Simply put, the lack of vitamins and minerals will significantly affect the body’s capability to protect and cure on its own. These micronutrients are vital for mental wellness too. According to a research, when taken in suitable doses, they can aid in treating mental conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, bipolar disorder, etc.

However, keep in mind that there is no alternative to a healthy diet. Your primary focus should be on eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, etc. and avoiding processed, fatty and sugary foods. But, quite a few individuals still suffer from deficiencies in their diet. For them, effective vitamin and mineral supplements are very much recommendable.

Individuals benefiting from vitamin and mineral supplements

•    Children and teens having irregular eating practices
•    Pregnant or breastfeeding females
•    Women suitable for childbirth
•    Elders
•    Vegetarians
•    Individuals suffering from eating disorders or ailments such as deficiency disorders, absorption problems, etc.
•    Fast or processed food junkies
•    Individuals who are on a strict diet or avoiding particular food items

Points to consider while purchasing vitamin and mineral supplements

The best means to buy supplements is from a trustworthy dietary supplement shop or from a health practitioner. The Internet with its widespread usage today is also a reliable option when it comes to selecting the most appropriate supplement for you. There is abundant information available on the web to take you in the right direction. The availability of several credible online stores makes your purchase easier as well. Nevertheless, keep the following points in mind for the best outcome:

•    Ensure that the vitamin and mineral supplement you’re going to consume is effective and most importantly safe. Certain government and private organizations like National Institute of Health and Mayo Clinic provide detailed information including safety and effectiveness of nearly all dietary supplements on their websites.
•    Find out the recommended dosage for children and adults for different ailments.
•    Search for products from manufacturers that adhere to the prevalent international quality standards.
When it comes to buying vitamin and mineral supplements online, BetterBeautyHealth.com is a trusted name to consider. Based in Ontario, Canada, this web-based men’s and women’s health and wellness store can meet all of your needs at affordable prices. From a host of popular women’s and men’s health vitamins and minerals to all-natural hair and skin care products, it is the top destination to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. Browse through their herbal vitamins, immune supplements, antioxidant support, probiotics, heart, liver, and kidney support supplements on their website!