Does your diet provide vital nutrients needed to feel your best?
Yes, we are meant to get our nutrients through food-but are you consuming enough healthy whole foods, fruits, and vegetables to suffice? According to a recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study, nearly 90 percent of adults are not.
If two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables don’t make it onto your plate and into your belly daily, you could be missing essential nutrients that can affect many areas of your life-from your skin to your mood. We sat down with Eunice Green, NHD, and owner of Green’s Nutrition, to get the low-down on supplements that can combat common ailments, and improve your overall quality of life.
Brain Fog
Have you ever woken up feeling out of it, and proceeded throughout your day with confusion and lack of mental clarity-even after receiving a good night’s sleep?
Brain fog isn’t a medically recognized term, as it’s hard to diagnose, but you’ve likely experienced it. It can come out of nowhere, and feel like a cloud that reduces your ability to think clearly.
Some find IV therapy to be very helpful in alleviating their symptoms of brain fog and, as this article about IV Concierge nad infusion therapy suggests, there are a wide range of potential benefits to be had with this particular treatment.
Another potential relief could be found in the form of Huperzine A -an alkaloid extracted from club moss – which has been utilized in Chinese Medicine for centuries, and is the test subject of many recent U.S. studies involving Alzheimer’s disease. Because of its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme that initiates the breakdown of acetylcholine, an organic chemical that functions in our body as a neurotransmitter), it is considered a cognitive enhancer and can help neurons deliver messages in the brain. “Some college students even come in and use it while studying for midterms or finals,” Eunice says.
Hormone Imbalance
Premenstrual syndrome, heavy, painful or irregular periods, infertility, ovarian cysts, and Endometriosis can all result from an imbalance in hormone patterns. If you feel your hormones are out of whack, you can visit your doctor for a concise test.
Eunice suggests women take Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, for total hormone balancing. “Pair it with an Omega-3 that allows the GLA to work more efficiently,” she adds. “You’ll be giving your body a long list of benefits.”
A Penn State University study reports that GLA eases premenstrual syndrome symptoms, including depression, can help reduce hypertension, and can even protect your DNA.
Skin & Nails
Though many may reach for biotin when using a supplement for their skin and nails, Eunice explains it’s misunderstood. “Biotin’s main function is to keep the hair on your head,” she explains. “It’s not an enhancer.”
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), however, is an organic sulfur compound that is necessary for collagen and keratin production. Considered a bonafide “beauty mineral” it can strengthen and thicken hair and nails in just a few weeks of consistent use. Pair it with some vitamins for hair skin and nails and a bone broth collagen supplement for some serious results. Added bonus? MSM can also improve flexibility, detoxify the body, accelerate healing, and increase energy. It’s fair to say that vitamins and supplements can make a huge difference when it comes to skin, hair and nails!
