Monthly Archives: March 2024

Calcium and vitamin D supplements are often recommended for postmenopausal women to prevent

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine analyzed data from the Womens Health Initiative trial, which looked into the effects of taking calcium and vitamin D supplements in more than 36,000 postmenopausal women.

Researchers found that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements lowered a womans long-term risk of dying from cancer by 7%, but increased the risk of death due to heart disease by 6%. The study also found that overall, the combination of supplements had no significant effect on early death overall.

Many people know the link between calcium and how its important for bone health and bone growth. But, a lesser-known benefit of the nutrient is that its important for blood clotting and may lower blood pressure, says Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board. Vitamin D is also important for bone health and regulating how much calcium is needed by the body, she adds. Vitamin D has been reported to play a role in supporting lung function, cardiovascular health, insulin regulation and glucose metabolism, and immune health.

Some research has found that low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, says Prest. Also, calcium may reduce the risk of some cancers like colorectal cancer, she notes. Still, the evidence exploring the relationship between dietary calcium or supplemental calcium and the risk of cancer is mixed, Prest explains.

So, why are these results important? Oncologists prescribe a class of drugs called Aromatase Inhibitors (called anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) taken daily for five years to prevent breast cancer recurrence in certain women, says Madhu Shetti, M.D., oncologist and founder of Balmere. Many women are scared to take the medicine, or they do not finish the five year course because of bone health concerns. It is critical to consider options like vitamin D/calcium supplementation so we can give everyone the best chance to protect their bone health and prevent cancer recurrence, she explains.

This study confirmed findings from other studies concerning reducing cancer risk and increasing cardiovascular risk from calcium and vitamin D supplements, says Prest. However, the authors did report that their study and findings had some limitations so we cannot blanketly say that supplementation of calcium and vitamin D may not be appropriate in post-menopausal women with heart disease. More exploration is needed to understand the association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and cardiovascular risk, she notes.

Dr. Shetti also points out that given the study design, we are unable to distinguish the benefits of calcium and Vitamin D individually versus together. Many individuals may take calcium or vitamin D but not both, so they may not have the same benefits as study participants, she notes.

So, is a vitamin D or calcium supplement right for you? Typically, we want to reserve supplementation for people who are unable to meet their needs through food sources or those who are deficient and need the extra boost from a supplement, says Prest.

That said, every person should speak with their physician and discuss their individual risks and benefits for adding vitamin D and/or calcium supplements, suggests Dr. Shetti. Individuals at a higher risk for developing osteopenia (a loss of bone density that weakens bones but not low enough to meet the criteria for osteoporosis) or osteoporosis (a bone disease that develops when bone density and bone mass decreases) may consider supplementation after discussing with their doctor, notes Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian and author of The Small Change Diet. Risk factors include white or Asian descent, smaller body frame, family history of osteoporosis, post-menopausal, and history of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), she explains.

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.

Madeleine, Preventions assistant editor, has a history with health writing from her experience as an editorial assistant at WebMD, and from her personal research at university. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscienceand she helps strategize for success across Preventions social media platforms.

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Study: Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements May Reduce Cancer Risk - Prevention Magazine

Magnesium is the mineral of the moment when it comes to helping you get more shut-eye at least according to TikTok. Consider the magnesium-based

The answer is it may be, but we dont fully know yet. A small number of studies exist that investigate the relationship of magnesium supplement intake and sleep, says Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CFS, FACN, FAND, CEO of Think Healthy Group in Washington, DC, who teaches at George Washington University as well as at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

One of the larger clinical trials of adults on average in their 60s showed that supplemental magnesium intake increased blood melatonin levels, and this could be a potential mechanism for why magnesium may be helpful for sleep, Wallace says. (Melatonin is the hormone thats in charge of your sleep-wake cycle.) It also might lead to better regulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, research shows, easing the mental and physical stress that may lead to issues that interfere with sleep.

Magnesium is a mineral nutrient thats key for regulating your nerve function, blood sugar and blood pressure, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH). Its also vital for the development of protein, bone and DNA.

Many people dont get enough of the mineral through their diets, according to the National Institutes of Health, but its always best to get your nutrients through food rather than supplements. Nuts like almonds and cashews, pumpkin and chia seeds, and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach are good sources of dietary magnesium, says Wallace. Edamame, tofu, dark chocolate, Swiss chard, dal (some lentils, beans or peas) and quinoa are excellent magnesium-rich choices, according to Laura Iu, CDN, registered dietitian and owner of Laura Iu Nutrition in New York City.

But if youre not getting enough through food, there are different types of magnesium available in supplement form. Speak to your doctor before taking a new supplement, of course.

Magnesium glycinate is preferable, notes the Cleveland Clinic. This is in part because unlike other formulations, it is less likely to upset your stomach, one study found. If that's not available, look for magnesium citrate, says Iu.

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Typically, organic magnesium salts, like citrate, theonate and glycinate, plus magnesium chloride, are better absorbed by the body, Wallace explains. You should stay away from magnesium oxide, which is the most common form of magnesium on the market, but very poorly absorbed by the body.

Since there isn't a lot of research to determine how much you should take for sleep specifically, some doctors recommend that if you are taking a supplement, that you simply take it a half hour before bedtime. The amount you should take for sleep or any other purpose is something to work out with your healthcare provider, since it depends on what you eat as well as your age, sex and other factors.

These are the recommended daily amounts of magnesium from all sources (food, beverages, supplements, etc.), according to the NIH.

Regardless of how much you take for sleep, your total intake of magnesium from only dietary supplements should not exceed 350 mg.

While you can take magnesium at any time of the day, taking it specifically for sleep means, that you should take it around a half hour before bed for best results, according to Cleveland Clinic.

For most people, yes. The NIH says most adults can safely take up to 350 mg of magnesium daily in supplement form (your recommended daily amount may be higher, since it includes the magnesium in the food you eat).

Still, its key that you talk to your doctor before starting. If you have a kidney condition, too much magnesium can be toxic. Other potential issues: Magnesium can bind with certain medications, particularly tetracycline and similar antibiotics, and prevent their full absorption, says Wallace. It's a good idea to mention that youre taking magnesium to your pharmacist as well.

According to the NIH's Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, melatonin is a hormone the body produces that makes you feel sleepy in response to darkness, and if your body doesn't make enough of it, a supplement may help. So if you want to create a more consistent nighttime sleep schedule, or if youre shifting your sleep schedule because youre in a new time zone, it might be your best bet. Magnesium enhances the level of melatonin in your brain in general, and relaxes your body, according to UC San Diego Health. Melatonins effect on sleep is better established by research, but if you try magnesium for sleep and find that it works for you, then use it instead. Its really about your personal sleep goals, and what your doctor says is right for you.

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Research suggests the answer is no. A Columbia University study found that participants who took magnesium were more likely to have better sleep quality, and less likely to experience short sleep duration. Still, it's important to pay attention to how it affects your body.

The bottom line: Magnesium may help you relax and get better sleep, but talk with your doctor about whether you should try to get more and if so, whether you should take a supplement.

Lisa is an internationally established health writer whose credits include Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Mens Health, Oprah Daily, Womans Day, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Harpers Bazaar, Esquire, Glamour, The Washington Post, WebMD, Medscape, The Los Angeles Times, Parade, Health, Self, Family Circle and Seventeen. She is the author of eight best-selling books, including The Essentials of Theater.

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelors degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a masters degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeepings on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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Magnesium for Sleep: The Best Type, When to Take It and More - Good Housekeeping

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As Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido partners with a food ingredient supplier for the launch of its inner wellness division, food-based extracts are playing a defining part in beauty-from-within supplement launches in Asia and beyond.

This year, a new crop of beauty from within products is hitting the market, targeting improved skin, hair and nails, which is being tied to mounting consumer curiosity over the impact food and diet can have on an individuals appearance.

Beauty supplements is a fast-paced category and it has grown even more since the pandemic, reflecting the fact that people became more and more aware about the connection between food and the health of their skin, said Andriana Bantra, senior insights analyst for EMEA health and beauty at market intelligence firm Kantar.

Rising consumer awareness that certain foods have hair and skin care benefits is leading to greater curiosity with respect to this space, and in turn this is impacting the type of products that are being launched.

Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido announced the launch of its new inner beauty business division back in September last year, partnering with Tsumura Group, a large player in the drug processing business, and Kagome, a business that is renowned for its tomato-based food products, together with a broader range of vegetable-based foods.

The partnership resulted in the launch of the Shiseido Inner Wellness brands last month, with a product rollout expected to begin in Japan this year, and further plans to take the business Asia-wide in 2025.

Leaning on Kagomes expertise in vegetable processing and extraction, the first products to hit the market under the umbrella will be a range of three ampoule drinks, named Inryu, which carry anti-ageing, skin barrier, and skin brightening claims.

Other new product launches incorporating food ingredients in beauty-from-within products emphasise how the trend is a global phenomenon that is playing out in other major markets like the US and across Europe.

While collagen peptide has proven to be one of the leading ingestible beauty ingredients thanks to its skin replenishing attributes, the fact that it is animal-derived is contrary to growing demand for vegan formulations.

In response to this, a growing number of ingestible beauty products are featuring fruit or vegetable extracts instead of collagen, as part of efforts to meet the needs of a wider consumer base.

One example of this is Viviscal Hair Growth supplements, which lists acerola cherry extract for antioxidant support, as well as millet seed extract to strengthen by naturally promoting collagen in the hair shaft.

Another example of a beauty supplement that includes a wide number of food ingredient extracts is Australian brand Wellecos Daily Green Powdered Supplements range, which contains acai, rosehip, pomegranate, goji berry, grapeseed, and beetroot.

Fronted by supermodel Elle McPherson, the brands supplement range has been expanded recently to touch on a broad range of claims that include gut health, detoxification, stress, increased energy, and a healthier immune system.

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Food ingredients drive growth in beauty supplements - IngredientsNetwork.com

Ozempic has become quite popular in weight loss due to its clinically proven results. However, its accessibility issues, high costs, and potential side effects raise concerns, steering the conversation toward safer, more sustainable alternatives.

This article delves into natural options, highlighting their effectiveness and comparison to medical interventions like Ozempic. By exploring these alternatives, we aim to offer insights into achieving weight management goals harmoniously with your bodys natural rhythms.

Ozempic, widely recognized under the generic name semaglutide, is a prescription medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes. Its popularity for weight loss stems from its ability to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite and food intake.

Administered through injections, Ozempic has shown significant results in weight reduction, making it a sought-after solution for those struggling with obesity. However, its prescription nature, method of administration, and side effects necessitate careful consideration of its use, especially for individuals seeking weight loss without underlying diabetic conditions.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, has no direct natural counterpart. Its a synthetic formulation designed to mimic the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating insulin secretion and appetite.

While GLP-1 occurs naturally in our bodies, contributing to blood sugar regulation and satiety, semaglutide is engineered to be more resistant to breakdown, extending its presence and effects in the body. This engineered longevity enhances its ability to suppress appetite and promote insulin release, making it an effective, albeit synthetic, solution for weight management and diabetes control.

Many people opt for more natural and less invasive alternatives for weight management due to the synthetic nature of semaglutide and its injection-based administration despite its effectiveness.

Exploring natural alternatives to Ozempic opens up a world of options supporting weight management and overall health without prescription medication.

Each of these alternatives offers unique benefits, though they may vary in effectiveness and ease of use compared to Ozempic:

Psyllium husk. Known for its high fiber content, psyllium husk can enhance feelings of fullness, aid digestion, and support healthy cholesterol levels. Its one of the more straightforward natural remedies to incorporate into your diet, often found in powder form that can be mixed with water or added to smoothies.

Magnesium. This essential mineral involves numerous bodily functions, including energy production and blood sugar control. While it doesnt directly mimic Ozempics effects, adequate magnesium levels can support metabolic health and may indirectly contribute to weight management.

Berberine. Found in several plants, berberine is celebrated for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, mirroring some of Ozempics benefits. However, its taste can be off-putting to some, and consistent, long-term use is needed to see significant results.

Aloe vera. While often associated with skincare, aloe vera can also have laxative properties and support blood sugar regulation when consumed. Its taste and the form in which its consumed (often as a juice or gel) can be challenging for some.

Cinnamon. This common spice is not just for flavoring; it has been studied for its potential to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, the amount needed to replicate Ozempics effects potentially would be quite high, making it impractical for some.

Ginger. Known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can also significantly impact appetite control and weight management. Like cinnamon, the quantities needed for significant impact might be unrealistic for daily consumption.

Turmeric. This spice contains curcumin, which has been researched for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. While beneficial for overall health, its direct impact on weight loss is unclear and would require substantial amounts to achieve notable effects.

Each of these natural alternatives offers health benefits. Still, they often come with challenges such as unpleasant flavors, difficulty consuming in effective quantities, and a gradual approach to weight management that requires patience and consistency. In this case, psyllium husk seems the most viable option to replicate the same results.

While psyllium husk and Ozempic operate through different mechanisms within the body, they share a common goal: to aid in weight management. Psyllium husk, a natural dietary fiber, contributes to weight loss by absorbing water in the gut, forming a dense compound that promotes feelings of fullness and reduces appetite. This process can naturally help regulate food intake, like how Ozempic decreases appetite through hormonal regulation.

Psyllium husk stands out among natural alternatives for its ease of use and effectiveness. This soluble fiber, derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, has a well-established reputation for improving digestive health. Unlike other alternatives mentioned, psyllium husk is relatively easy to incorporate into your daily routine due to its availability in powder form, which can be mixed into water, smoothies, or even baked goods.

The mechanism behind psyllium husks benefits is its ability to absorb water in the gut, forming a gel-like substance that aids in bowel regularity and helps create a sensation of fullness. This can lead to reduced calorie intake and support weight management efforts, making it a practical and non-invasive option for those seeking to lose weight naturally.

Furthermore, psyllium husk has been shown to positively affect cholesterol levels and blood sugar control, contributing to overall metabolic health. Its natural origin and lack of severe side effects make it an attractive option for those looking for a sustainable, long-term approach to weight management without resorting to prescription medications like Ozempic.

While psyllium husk may not offer the same rapid weight loss results as pharmaceutical options, its benefits for digestive health and its potential to aid in weight management make it a worthy consideration for those exploring natural alternatives.

While psyllium husk offers a straightforward, natural way to support weight loss and digestive health, products like ColonBroom Premium take this a step further by combining psylliums benefits with additional ingredients to enhance overall well-being. ColonBroom Premium is designed to manage weight, support digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve metabolic functions.

ColonBroom Premium contains a blend of psyllium husk fiber and other vital ingredients, such as L-carnitine and chromium, which synergistically promote fat metabolism and curb cravings. This comprehensive approach ensures that users can tackle weight management from multiple angles, increasing the likelihood of sustainable results.

What sets ColonBroom Premium apart is its commitment to a gentle, natural formulation thats easy to integrate into daily life, making it an accessible option for those hesitant about the more invasive nature of treatments like Ozempic. With its focus on natural ingredients and a holistic approach to health, ColonBroom Premium offers a balanced alternative for those seeking effective weight management solutions without needing prescription medication.

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While Ozempic has shown effectiveness in weight loss, its essential to consider the potential side effects that accompany its use. Commonly reported adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. More severe but less common risks involve inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), changes in vision, kidney problems, and gallbladder issues.

While Ozempics common side effects are well-documented, its essential to consider the less discussed yet significant consequences of rapid weight loss it may induce. These include the risk of loose skin and visible stretch marks as the body struggles to adapt to quick changes in weight. Such physical alterations can impact self-esteem and body image, potentially offsetting weight loss benefits.

Moreover, medication like Ozempic for weight management can disrupt the bodys natural hunger cues. This imbalance can lead to a detachment from understanding when and how much to eat based on natural signals, possibly leading to nutritional deficiencies or disordered eating patterns once the medication is ceased.

Theres also the psychological aspect to consider. The ease and speed of weight loss with Ozempic might lead to a form of dependency, where the user leans heavily on the medication for maintaining or managing weight. This reliance can border on addiction, where the fear of gaining weight without the drug becomes a significant source of anxiety, impacting mental health and emotional well-being.

These factors underscore the importance of approaching weight loss with a focus on sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes that may have long-term implications on physical and emotional health.

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When faced with the allure of quick weight loss solutions like Ozempic, weighing the potential risks against the benefits is crucial. The rapid weight reduction it offers can come with a host of issues, from the disruption of the bodys natural eating cues to even emotional dependency on the drug for weight control.

Natural weight loss methods, though perhaps slower, are time-tested and proven to support weight management and overall health and well-being. They encourage a more harmonious relationship with food, promote sustainable lifestyle changes, and allow the body to adjust at a pace that maintains skin elasticity and reduces the risk of stretch marks.

Moreover, natural approaches like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and supplements like ColonBroom Premium offer a holistic way to achieve weight loss without the invasive nature and high costs associated with Ozempic. They empower individuals to take control of their health journey in a way that nurtures both the body and mind, laying the foundation for long-term success and well-being.

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Best Ozempic Weight Loss Alternative Supplements Money Can Buy (Top OTC Semaglutide Alternatives) - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber