The Importance of Sleep

April 9th, 2012

The Importance of Sleep

Part 1

 

Getting a good night’s sleep is an effortless technique to create longevity and health. Deep rest during the night helps you fight stress, maintain a healthy weight, and keeps your energy levels high. Timing your sleep is like timing an investment in the stock market – it doesn’t matter how much you invest, it matters when you invest.

The deepest and most regenerative sleep occurs between 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. After 2am, your sleep becomes more superficial. If you are not getting the deep, regenerative sleep that occurs between 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., then you may wake up between 2 a.m. – 3 a.m., when the sleep cycle naturally becomes more superficial, and have trouble falling back to sleep. If your body is chronically deprived of the regenerative sleep between 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., then you may still feel fatigued when you wake up in the morning.

 You have an internal clock lodged deep within the brain that regulates your sleep – the pineal gland. The pineal gland receives information about the sun through your eyes via the optic nerve. As the sun sets, the pineal gland is able to sense the change in light transmitted through your eyes and it begins to secrete a hormone, melatonin, to prepare your body for sleep.

 Exposure to bright light prevents the secretion of melatonin and darkness promotes it. Typically, within one to two hours after the sunset, you will begin to feel drowsy as the melatonin levels rise. This is the body’s signal to go to sleep. By midnight your melatonin levels have peaked and there is a gradual decline in melatonin levels after midnight.

 At 10 p.m., your body goes through a transformation following the rise in melatonin production. This transformational phase of sleep is associated with an increase in the “internal” metabolic activity that is responsible for the repair and restoration of your body. A reduction of your mental and physical activity is necessary for this 10 p.m. shift to occur. If you are still awake, the “second wind” phenomenon occurs at 10 p.m. because there is a rise in mental activity and energy at this time. However, the true value of the “second wind” can only be experienced if you are asleep by 10 p.m.

Scientists are just beginning to discover the antioxidant role of melatonin. Your body produces numerous natural antioxidants that prevent cellular and DNA damage, which ultimately causes disease. One of the powerful nocturnal antioxidants produced is melatonin. As you sleep, your body is removing the effects of free radicals that have been produced by stress throughout the day. This natural, nocturnal clean-up crew maintains physical balance without any effort. All you need to do to benefit from this process is to sleep when your pineal gland sends the melatonin signal.

 Typically, if you miss the 10 p.m. bedtime, it will take much longer to fall asleep. The quality of sleep will also be less refreshing and there will still be a sense of fatigue in the morning. Even adjusting your bedtime from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. will make an enormous difference in the quality of your sleep and enhance your feeling of wakefulness the following day. The reason for this is that you are taking advantage of the natural wave of neurochemistry that is already well on its way before 10pm and you get the added support of the metabolic changes that occur at the 10 p.m. mark.

If you are currently falling asleep well past 10 p.m., make it a goal to sleep earlier by 15-30 minutes each week until you hit the 10 p.m. goal. If you are also waking up after 6 a.m., it is important to wake up 15-30 minutes earlier so you feel ready for bed by 10 p.m.

 Resources: Kulreet Chaudhary, M.D.

Stay tuned for part 2- coming soon!

Posted in Immune function, Men's health, Rest, Sleep Habits, Sleep issues, womens health | No Comments »

Vitamin C – More Than Just Orange Juice!

February 28th, 2012

Vitamin C

written by Debra Pearson

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, gets a lot of attention, and perhaps rightly so.  It is one of the more  available vitamins for most people around the world, and between news reports of its benefits and advice from friends and family, it’s no wonder this citrus vitamin is always a best seller and at the top of our “most popular” supplement list.
 

Vitamin C is often used to :

Minimize the symptoms and duration of colds

Help prevent and lessen seasonal allergies

Improve immune support

Protect skin from sun exposure and UV rays  

Promote faster wound healing and recovery from burns

Scientifically controlled studies using vitamin C for colds show that it can reduce the severity of cold symptoms, acting as a natural antihistamine. The vitamin may be useful for allergy control for the same reason: It may reduce histamine levels. By giving the immune system one of the important nutrients it needs, extra vitamin C can often shorten the duration of the cold as well. However, studies have been unable to prove that mega doses of the vitamin can actually prevent the common cold.
 
As an important factor in collagen production, vitamin C is often used in wound healing of all types. From cuts and broken bones to burns and recovery from surgical wounds, vitamin C taken orally helps wounds heal faster and better. Applied topically, vitamin C may protect the skin from free radical damage after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
 
Vitamin C is often touted for cancer prevention. Its antioxidant properties protect cells and their DNA from damage and mutation. It supports the body’s immune system, the first line of defense against cancer, and prevents certain cancer-causing compounds from forming in the body. It is believed that Vitamin C may reduce the risk of getting almost all types of cancer. It appears that this nutrient doesn’t directly attack cancer that has already occurred, but it helps keep the immune system nourished, enabling it to battle the cancer.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C may help prevent cataracts — the clouding of the lens of the eye that can lead to blindness in older adults. The lens needs a lot of vitamin C to counteract all the free radicals that form as a result of sunlight on the eye. Vitamin C is concentrated in the lens. When there’s plenty vitamin C floating through your system, it’s easy for the body to pull it out of your blood and direct it into the lens, protecting it from damage. It’s possible that 1,000 mg per day of vitamin C might stop cataracts in their tracks and possibly improve vision.
 
As with the other antioxidants, vitamin C may help prevent heart disease by preventing free radicals from damaging artery walls, which could lead to plaque formation. This nutrient also keeps cholesterol in the bloodstream from oxidizing, another early step in the progression towards heart disease and stroke. Vitamin C may help people who have marginal vitamin C status obtain more favorable blood cholesterol levels. High blood pressure may also improve with regular use of this vitamin.  Vitamin C may be an inexpensive and easy way to lower one’s risk of heart disease and strokes.
 
Asthmatics tend to have higher needs for vitamin C because of its antioxidant function in the lungs and airways. Doses of 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day improve asthmatic symptoms and lessen the body’s production of histamine, which contributes to inflammation.
People with diabetes may also benefit from extra vitamin C. This nutrient can help regulate blood sugar levels. Since insulin helps vitamin C, as well as glucose, get into cells, people with diabetes may not have enough vitamin C inside many of their cells. Just like glucose, vitamin C can’t do its work if it’s not inside of a cell. Supplementing vitamin C can force it into body cells, where it may help protect against the many complications of diabetes.
 
A dose of 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day drives down glycosylated hemoglobin levels. This means that glucose molecules don’t attach to blood cells. Glucose adhering to red blood cells is responsible for many diabetic complications such as poor wound healing, problems with capillaries, and sluggish circulation.
 
These are just some of the conditions in which vitamin C may provide healthy results.

For more information on Vitamin C, check out the links below:

To find out more about Vitamin C in general, check out What Is Vitamin C?

Fortunately, Vitamin C is abundant in many food sources, to find out which are your best bets check out Foods That Contain Vitamin C.

If you’re not fond of fruits and vegetables, but still want to make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin C, read Vitamin C Supplements.

Information provided by: Jennifer Brett, N.D.
 
Stop by Hoye’s Pharmacy and mention this article to receive 15% off select Vitamin C supplements!

Posted in Allergies, Immune function, Men's health, Uncategorized, Vitamin C, womens health | No Comments »

Turmeric-Curcumin: Not just for cooking anymore!

January 16th, 2012

Turmeric – Curcumin:  not just for cooking anymore! 

The medicinal and beneficial properties of turmeric, and its active ingredient curcumin, have been discovered gradually over the centuries, starting with Indian and Ancient Chinese medicinal practices. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research reveals that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric, also known as curcumin, is a powerful herbal supplement for free radical protection, digestive health and liver health. The key to turmerics benefits appear to be the high concentrations of natural compounds known as curcuminoids, which possess powerful antioxidant capabilities. Turmeric harbors rich stores of antioxidants that also benefit liver health along with cell protective activity. Turmeric supports a healthy microbial environment which supports a normal immune response. It is believed that Turmeric offers protection against heart attack and strokes due to its anti platelet activities.

Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it stimulates the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. Turmeric also supports antispasmodic activity.

Turmeric is a potent natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent useful in disinfecting cuts and bruises. It speeds up healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin. It looks promising in the treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric has been shown to stop growth of new blood vessels in tumors and may prevent metastases from occurring in many forms of cancer.

One of the most exciting new facts of Turmeric is that it may prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

Altogether, Turmeric is another one of my favorite supplements. It will forever be a staple in my home.

Mary Conte

Nutrition Specialist

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Protein Powders and Weight Loss

January 2nd, 2012

The holidays have come and gone and for most of us, we are definitely feeling the overindulgence of rich food, drink and too little rest!  It is time to get back to our routines and fortunately there are a few relatively painless and convenient ways to shed those extra holiday pounds.

Protein powders can be an excellent and easy remedy for losing unwanted lbs. Did you know the following benefits of a high quality powder? 

  • Using a protein powder is a convenient and versatile way to replace simple carbohydrates in your diet.
  • Protein takes longer to digest than sugar and can help keep you from feeling hungry longer than a sugary snack.
  • Having a protein powder shake for breakfast provides your body with an initial surge of energy for the day and helps jumpstart metabolism. Additionally, you’re less likely to fall victim to the midday hunger that occurs when you skip breakfast, often leading to unhealthy snacking.

In general, protein powders can be made from egg, whey from milk, soy and rice. Since both eggs and whey are restricted from the vegan diet, protein powders for vegans have to use protein from other sources. Sources include soy, hemp, brown rice and yellow pea. Protein powder comes in a variety of flavors and is used to make smoothies or shakes using water or milk. It is also used in protein bars and can be used in cooking but the most common way to consume protein powder is in a shake, plus it is easy to prepare, fast and convenient. If you are using protein powder for weight loss, look for a brand with concentrated protein in each serving and fewer carbohydrates and calories.          

 Whey protein is a more popular protein and is derived from a component of cow’s milk. It is extremely low in lactose and considered completely safe for those who are lactose intolerant. It is very easy to digest and suitable for vegetarians or anyone needing to get a higher intake of protein without consuming a high amount of fat or calories

Ways to use protein for weight loss:

 Your body burns more calories to digest protein than it does other types of food. Increasing your amount of protein will help you use more calories and increase your weight loss. One serving of protein powder daily can help you burn more calories. When you are losing weight, you want to lose fat, not muscle. Muscle tissue is important because it keeps you strong and burns more calories than other types of tissues in your body. To preserve your muscle mass while dieting, you need plenty of protein in your diet. 

 When you supply your body with constant nourishment, you are, in effect, turning on your own internal furnace. Most people make the mistake of eating only two big meals during the day – That’s a huge mistake.

Follow these ideas for easy weight loss:

  • To really kick start your metabolism, you need to feed your body frequently. Try to get between 5-6 well balanced meals each day. Shoot for 3-4 small meals with regular food (small portions) and 1-2 protein drinks or meal replacements.
  • Consume a protein powder shake before eating a healthy lunch. In order to lose 1 lb., you need to create a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories through exercise and diet. An easy way to “trick” your body into thinking it doesn’t need as many calories to be satisfied is to fill your stomach with a protein powder shake. Wait about 15 minutes before eating and you’ll find that you are less hungry and eat fewer calories. This is a good way to lose weight without feeling deprived.
  • Substitute a protein powder shake for your afternoon snack. It’s often tempting to get a snack from the vending machine, but keeping a package or container of protein powder and the appropriate beverage to mix it with at your desk can provide a healthier option. Having a high protein drink instead of a high carbohydrate snack can also provide you with enough energy to get through the rest of your day.  Use a protein powder that mixes easily with water, milk and can be shaken in a mason jar or protein shaker cup.  Good powders do not require a blender.
  • Use a protein powder shake as a pre-dinner beverage and wait 15 minutes before eating. This will help you eat less of your dinner, which should consist of a lean protein source, high fiber salad, green vegetable and limited whole grains.  For dessert, have a piece of fresh fruit and if you find yourself hungry just before bed, have half of a protein powder shake to help fill your stomach so you aren’t prone to midnight snacking. Remember that protein powders come in a variety of flavors, so it is possible to get the taste of chocolate, Pina Colada or even Orange Dreamsicle to help curb favorite cravings.  Just make sure to read the labels and use powders that are flavored with Stevia or other natural ingredients.  They should be free of artificial flavors, food colorings and aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.

Make your commitment to this easy program and you’ll be well on your way to a new slimmer you!

Here are two of our favorite protein powders: 

FitFood Lite Vegan Protein by Xymogen

Jay Robb Whey Protein.

Both are great as far as taste -

Mention this article and you’ll save 10% off your purchase of these brands until the end of January.

 Authored by Debra Pearson and Kathy Hoye

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Digestive Enzymes May Help Digest The Holidays!

December 4th, 2011

Debra Pearson

With the Holidays upon us, we tend to eat more rich foods, drink more alcohol and indulge in sweets, candies and desserts.  Digestive enzymes may be very helpful in our digestive processes and reward us with a healthier, better feeling tummy!

Digestive enzymes are absolutely essential to life. They digest our foods and then send the nourishing ingredients to the bloodstream to feed the organs, glands, cells and tissues as well as the brain. Many scientists believe that most lifestyle and degenerative diseases, and even aging are simply the lack of a continued and adequate supply of the necessary nutrients required to keep all of the body’s systems working properly.

Your body produces different digestive enzymes that it uses to break down the food that you eat. You may be eating healthy, but if your digestive enzymes aren’t getting those nutrients to your bloodstream, organs and cells, then you aren’t receiving all the benefits of that healthy diet. And those nutrients are what keep all of your systems, particularly your immune system, strong and healthy. As you are eating your food the digestive enzymes in your body are excreted from the glands in your mouth called the salivary glands, as well as the digestive enzymes that are found in your stomach. The small intestine in your body helps to move the digestive process along by allowing each of the digestive enzymes to work on specific foods.

Here is a list of some of the most recognized enzymes and their functions.
 
Pepsin- breaks down proteins into peptides.
Amylase- breaks down carbohydrates.
Phytase- breaks down carbohydrates.
Lipase- breaks down fats found in most dairy products, nuts, oils, and meat.  
Sucrase- breaks down sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose.
Protease- breaks down protein. 
Lactase- breaks down lactose(milk sugar).
Bromelain- breaks down protein.
Papain- breaks down protein.
 
Choosing a digestive enzyme:

You need the right type of enzyme for the foods you want it to break down to choose the right digestive aids. Think of the foods you have problems with and then choose a product that contains at least those types of enzymes for digestion. If digestive enzymes supplements are taken with a meal, these digestive enzymes begin their work immediately. The supplemental digestive enzymes will break down the food saving the body from having to release as many of its own enzymes. This allows the body to devote its attention to supplying more metabolic enzymes so the organs and tissues can carry on their daily work.

With the holiday season in full swing, it makes all the sense in the world to start a good regimen of adding digestive enzymes to your daily ritual. Just taking enzymes with each meal will help make that meal do the work it is supposed to do. And that is nourish your body.

References:

Enzymes: What the Experts Know by Tom Bohager

bhia.org/articles/digestive-health

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Welcome to the World of Functional Foods!

December 4th, 2011

By Mary Conte

Welcome to the world of “Functional Foods!”  –Finally, functional foods are gaining the attention they truly deserve. 

Functional Foods are foods that have a potentially positive effect on health. All foods are functional in the sense that they have nutrients or other substances that provide energy, sustain growth or support vital processes but functional foods may do more for you than simply provide vitamins, minerals and energy. They may be able to improve your health.

 Functional foods are “those foods that encompass potentially healthful products including any modified food or ingredient that may provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains,” as defined by the Institute of Medicine. Functional foods can include foods like cereals, breads and beverages which are fortified with vitamins, herbs and nutraceuticals.

The healing power of food is a popular concept that focuses on how “super foods” can have health protecting properties. Medicinal foods or “nutritionally high powered foods” have been part of the natural products industry for a long time and, through emerging scientific research and particularly through growing public interest, they have reached the mainstream.

Functional foods are often used for special dietary needs and are considered similar to medical foods, but they do not require a prescription and are conveniently available over the counter. 

Functional foods are considered to offer additional benefits that may reduce the risk of disease or promote optimal health. Functional foods may occur naturally like in fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes or carrots, or they can be fortified or enriched. Examples of functional foods include milk enriched with vitamin D, calcium fortified orange juice and spreads with omega-3 added.

Functional foods can help address special dietary needs for patients with specific health conditions, such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance or obesity.  Metabolic Syndrome and specific detoxification needs are other examples of conditions that can have positive results with functional foods. Gluten-free foods, lactose-free dairy products and foods designed to aid weight loss may also be considered functional foods.

We offer a variety of Functional Food choices at Hoye’s Pharmacy. We invite you to stop in to learn more about the benefits of Functional Foods. We look forward to helping you choose the one that is right for you.

Click here for additional information on Functional Foods!

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Allergy Relief is Here!

November 2nd, 2011

Allergy Relief is Here!

 By Debra Pearson

 Approximately 50 million Americans experience some type of allergy. Allergies are characterized by symptoms such as runny nose and itching eyes. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a substance that’s normally harmless. Some triggers can be pollen, grass, fragrances, animal dander, medication or foods. Your body attempts to protect itself from the substance called an allergen by stimulating an immune response and provoking symptoms in your nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, stomach or skin. Some people experience skin rashes, hives or asthma.
 
Surveys show that almost half of all people with allergies try a natural allergy remedy. But you need to be careful. Depending on the type of allergy you have, some remedies may actually trigger an allergic reaction. I know this first hand as I have tried many times to find something that might help my allergies without the harmful side effects from prescription and over the counter medications.
 
One of the best ways to treat allergies is with prevention!

Most people don’t think about their allergies until their symptoms flare up. One of the best ways to treat allergies is with prevention. By adding certain vitamins and supplements to your daily regimen you may be able to alleviate a good amount of potential suffering. But you need to be very diligent about taking the proper doses. I’ve listed the more popular nutritional supplements used by consumers for allergies:

 Quercetin: is at the top of the list. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid (bioflavonoids are plant pigments the help give fruits, flowers and vegetables their colors.)  It’s also an antioxidant that helps reduce cell damage caused by free radicals and provides anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin may also help allergy symptoms because it stops immune cells from producing histamines, which can trigger those awful allergic reactions heavily dreaded and despised…..Recommended dosage is usually 500mg three times a day for the most benefit. 

 Vitamin C: is very important and one becomes particularly susceptible to allergens when your body doesn’t have enough of this vitamin. It decreases the permeability of cells, has a powerful anti-histamine action and detoxifies foreign substances entering the body. Typical dosages can be up to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C with bioflavonoids (Quercetin) three times a day. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin so any excess that the body does not need will be flushed out through the urine. However, if you have been deficient in vitamin C, your body will make good use of this nutrient.

 Bromelain:  Is an allergy fighter that most people are not familiar with.  Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples and is helpful in reducing nasal swelling and thinning mucus, making it easier for you to breathe. Bromelain has proven mucolytic properties. As such, Bromelain supports normal mucosal tissue function and enhances the absorption of Quercetin. Allergy sufferers can take between 500 mg and 2,000 mg a day divided into two doses. When used for inflammatory conditions, practitioners typically recommend taking Bromelain between meals on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Bromelain is often marketed as a natural anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis. It’s one of the most popular supplements in Germany, where it is approved by the Commission E for the treatment of inflammation and swelling of the nose and sinuses due to surgery or injury. 

 MSM:   This is a favorite for allergy. It is actually one of the most prominent compounds in our bodies, just behind water and sodium. A 160 pound man has approximately 4 pounds of sulfur as body weight. Scientist Dr. Jacob determined that the sulfur in MSM, called sulfonyl, is as safe and as important as vitamin C in our diet, unlike the bad sulfurs: sulfas, sulfates, sulfites and sulfides. MSM is a compound found naturally in foods such as cow’s milk, meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables. MSM is thought to work by contributing sulfur. Due to its positive wide-spectrum effect, particularly in maintaining healthy cell formation, dietary nutritional supplementation of MSM is recommended at a daily rate of 2,000 to 6,000mg. MSM does not act as an anti-histamine substance that inhibits histamine production. It’s effectiveness is due to the ability to block the receptivity of histamine in the sensitive tissue of the mucus membranes of nasal passages. This process is believed to prevent the histamine from creating the inflammation, swelling, and fluid build-up that can come with allergies. Patients that have taken MSM have reported back to their physicians that their pain levels were 50 percent less, or better, after taking the supplement. Most patients report improvement and a drop in pain and allergy symptom levels within a week.

 Leaf of Stinging Nettle: Used as a medicinal herb to treat respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies. Stinging nettle is thought to be an effective histamine blocker as well as an inflammation reducer, and it has been used to treat allergic rhinitis without the side effects of popular allergy medications.

 N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC): An amino acid that is a natural mucolytic, NAC reduces the viscosity of mucus. Studies have shown individuals have been treated effectively without side effects when given NAC.
 

 There are many supplement combinations available that will have all or some of these products in them or they can be purchased individually, depending on your specific needs. 

 Combination product:

There are numerous allergy supplement combinations that can be used for allergy relief:
 

Ortho Molecular Products’ Natural D-Hist is formulated for maximum effectiveness, with carefully selected dosages of critical natural components to provide optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways.  D-Hist is really a gentle vitamin and herb enriched antihistamine that helps you overcome allergies by building up your natural defense system. The vitamin C and stinging nettles leaf dry up nasal passages and also the other natural ingredients steady histamine production.

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CoQ10 – Ubiquinol or Ubiquinone – what is the difference?

August 16th, 2011

CoQ10 – Ubiquinol or Ubiquinone – What is the difference?

There are different forms of CoQ10 and many people ask:  Which one is the best for me?  This article will help simplifly the decision of which one to use!

Commonly known as CoQ10, ubiquinone is a vitamin-like substance found in every cell in the body. It is converted into a potent antioxidant and is vital to energy production. Available in supplement form for 30 years, ubiquinone has been taken by millions worldwide to increase energy, and improve cardiac and cognitive health. Ubiquinone protects cells from free radicals, regenerates other antioxidants and enables cells to generate the energy to fuel vital organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys.

Ubiquinol is the active antioxidant form of ubiquinone, and is directly responsible for the powerful benefits long associated with CoQ10. It is pre-converted, so it is easily assimilated and utilized by the body.  Ubiquinol is simply the reduced form of CoQ10 that serves as an antioxidant. Both are organic vitamin-like substances. Ubiquinol, unlike CoQ10, does not require vitamin E to function as an antioxidant. In a sense, ubiquinol can be thought as an active version of CoQ10. That is not to suggest that CoQ10 will be inactive and totally ineffective if you swallow it without a vitamin E rich food or dietary supplement. Vitamin E is a fat soluble nutrient that should be readily available in your body if you consume your recommended daily allowance.

For the purposes of explaining the general function of CoQ10 and ubiquinol, you can assume the two compounds to be interchangeable. These compounds are extremely powerful antioxidants and are present in every cell and serve as a key contributor in generating energy within the cell. Much as your body must convert food into energy, ubiquinone – whether produced naturally within the body or ingested as food or a supplement – must be converted into ubiquinol in order to generate cellular energy. Without proper conversion and optimal levels of both forms, the body will not be able to meet the constant and demanding energy needs of vital organs.  As an antioxidant, these compounds scavenge free radicals, which are undesirable compounds that damage and destroy healthy cells and can lead to premature aging, heart disease and cancer. CoQ10 can neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to your cells.

The body’s natural production of CoQ10 diminishes with age, as does the ability to convert the nutrient into ubiquinol. While everyone is different, research indicates CoQ10 production may begin to decline as early as age 20. For some, CoQ10 levels within the heart and kidneys have dropped more than 25 percent by age 40.  A growing body of research associates maintaining healthy CoQ10 levels with optimal heart, neurological and immune health. It is also associated with high levels of energy. As we age, maintaining the heart and nerves becomes increasingly important. Additionally, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins can reduce CoQ10 levels, which can impact the quality of life for many.  Ubiquinone supplements restore CoQ10 plasma levels to some degree in most, but its effectiveness generally begins to wane in those over 40 due to the diminished ability to convert the nutrient into ubiquinol. These diminished CoQ10 levels may have subtle effects initially that can become more pronounced over time.

The ubiquinone form of CoQ10, especially highly bioavailable forms have volumes of solid data backing its efficacy. The majority of clinical and experimental investigations have been done using ubiquinone, demonstrating its positive nutritional support in the fight against aging including angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and many other conditions. Also we can’t forget that ubiquinone is an essential cofactor for the synthesis of ATP energy production. Both forms of CoQ10 (ubiquinone and ubiquinol) must be present for efficient ATP production.  Healthy people under age 40 can meet their needs with the Ubiquinone CoQ10 supplements that have been used effectively and safely for 30 years. Those over 40 or who are suffering from oxidative stress should consider using ubiquinol, the pre-converted, active antioxidant form. Dosage for everyone will be different and you should always consult your healthcare provider about individual needs.

Check our our website for big savings with our CoQ10 specials during August 2011!

Posted in CoQ10 supplements, Ubiquinonal CoQ10, Ubiquinone CoQ10, Vitamins & Supplements | 1 Comment »

What is Homeopathic Medicine? Does is play a role in healthcare?

June 29th, 2011

Homeopathic medicines come in a variety of dosage forms.

WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY?  written by Helen Littlejohn and Kathy Hoye  

Homeopathy, which has been practiced worldwide for over 200 years, has been proven effective in numerous clinical studies.  

 Based upon the research of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy utilizes the idea of Law of Similars.  As a result, homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own defense systems into action by using plant, mineral or animal sources of things that may actually be causing the issue.  This is considered a complementary disease treatment system: a complementary disease-treatment system in which a patient is given minute doses of natural substances that in larger doses would produce symptoms of the disease itself.  

Most homeopathic medicine are micro-dosed and do not have side effects. The principle of dilutions (or “law of minimum dose”) states that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. In homeopathy, substances are diluted in a stepwise fashion and shaken vigorously between each dilution. This process, referred to as “potentization,” is believed to transmit some form of information or energy from the original substance to the final diluted remedy. Most homeopathic remedies are so dilute that no molecules of the healing substance remain; however, in homeopathy, it is believed that the substance has left its imprint or “essence,” which stimulates the body to heal itself (this theory is called the “memory of water”). 

Homeopathic remedies are prepared according to the guidelines of the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS), which was written into law in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Homeopathic remedies are regulated in the same manner as nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. However, because homeopathic products contain little or no active ingredients, they do not have to undergo the same safety and efficacy testing as prescription and new OTC drugs.  However, the FDA does require they meet certain standards of purity, strength and packaging.

Additionally, many internationally recognized medical journals including The Lancet, Pediatrics, British Medical Journal, and  Archive of Otolaryngology have documented homeopathy’s healing ability.  

Homeopathic medications typically are available as pellets, Creams, Gels, and Liquid drops.  Symptomatic relief may be immediate; therapeutic improvement typically occurs within 24 hours to 1 week.  The efficacy depends on a number of factors including the type and amount of dosage, the condition being treated, and the age and health of the person.    

Homeopathic remedies are safe and can be administered as necessary.  We suggest you follow the recommended dosage information found on the package or consult with your healthcare practitioner.  Hoye’s Pharmacy carries a full range of homeopathic products for your convenience.   

If you have used homeopathic medicines, let us know if you feel they are a viable alternative to other supplements or medicines and which ones are your favorites.

References:  National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine Webpage       http://nccam.nih.gov/health/homeopathy/

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Basic Tips for Summer Skincare

May 31st, 2011

The skin is really an amazing part of the body.  It is your body’s largest organ. Any product put on the body goes into the bloodstream and has to be converted by the liver.

The three main functions of the skin are:

       Protective- your skins main job is to insulate and protect the body against invasion by bacteria and other foreign things.  Quick fact: After sunburn, the skin breaks down and the risk of infection can increase. Remember that one of the leading factors to a wide variety of skin care problems is over exposure to the rays of the sun.

       Sensory- the skin can sense 5 different kinds of stimuli: touch, pressure, heat, cold and pain.

       Regulatory- the skin helps to control body temperature by distributing heat through the skin and by preventing dehydration.

There are many things that affect the condition of the skin from environmental factors like dirt, oil, dust, smoke, and pollution or even by psychological to physiological factors of stress and over fatigue.

A maintenance program for good skin health is from the outside in as well as the inside out.  The skin has some pretty impressive qualities! In order to make sure that our skin is working at the optimum level, we should take extra measures to care for our skin by taking Vitamins A, C,E and K2  supplements as well as regular cleansing and lotion applications.  Drinking pure, clean water is also great for detoxification of the skin.

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