Luo Han Kuo and the Immune System
Luo Han Kuo. You can't remember -- is that a Cantonese dish or a North Korean Dictator? When you're ill it's difficult to think. Maybe you need a shot of ginkgo biloba with you Luo Han Kuo, a supplement made from a sweet fruit found in China. The immune system cannot live by zinc, echinacea, Vitamin E and vitamin C alone. Luo Han Kuo helps your intestines stay healthy with increased bacteria. Ugh -- no one likes to think about bacteria, just like no one likes to think about dictators, but bacteria are a step up above tyrants. Bacteria, like acidophilus, can actually promote immune system health. It's important to remember that many herbal immune system supplements haven't been proven yet, so use caution when taking a new one. In the meantime, enjoy your moo goo gai pan, cook healthier, and get better!
Multivitamins with No Iron
All your life you've heard that you should take iron. Of course, you always heard that alligators lived in the sewers and you didn't believe that either. The jury's still out on the alligators (because the gators ate the jury), but evidence suggests you don't have to have iron in your multi vitamins to have complete multi vitamins or the best multi vitamins. You can actually have too much iron. Women's multivitamins in particular might want to omit iron, because the body has a limited capacity to secrete iron--unlike, for example, vitamin C. If you are post-menopausal and get too much iron in that multi vitamin supplement, you can experience:
- Weight loss
- Abdominal swelling
- Fatigue
- Weakness
And that's just for starters. Makes the gators seem less nightmarish, doesn't it? Do yourself a favor. If you're over 50, don't go in the sewers, and take complete multivitamins without iron.
Fish Oil vs Cod Liver Oil
It's a match-up worthy of "Shark Tale" or MOBY DICK: Fish oil goes head to head with cod liver oil. Just be sure that the fracas doesn't get out of hand or you might just hear the "Jaws" theme in the distance. The main difference between cod liver oil and fish oil is vitamin D. Cod liver oil supplements also include vitamin A, just for the halibut, whereas a fish oil supplement mainly contains Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. Some experts recommend taking cod liver oil with vitamin D only in cooler months, and Omega 3-rich fish oil in warmer months when the sun generates vitamin D in the body. If you live in California all year round, just limit your vitamin D and take Omega 3 with vitamin E to increase fat-soluble antioxidants and make sure the fish oil doesn't spoil in your body. Get the full Omega 3 benefits, but don't neglect the cod liver oil or you could have fighting fish on your hands!
Fish Oil and ADHD
Here's a shocker: Not every kid or adult with ADHD wants to be on Ritalin. The CEO of JetBlue Airlines swears it would take away his creativity. It's a sure bet, though, that he eats right. If he takes a fish oil supplement, his ADHD may be manageable without the side effects of Ritalin he fears. Who would have thought one of the Omega 3 Products benefit and actually preserve one of the benefits of ADHD, namely creativity? Kids and adults with ADHD may be missing several essential fatty acids in the brain. Fish oil with Omega 3 is thought to lessen the often frustrating effects of ADHD. Omega 3 is composed of EPA and DHA. DHA makes up the dopamine and serotonin receptors. Without them, a connection is missing. Kids and adults can't concentrate, and may act out because of the imbalance. But fish oil and fish consumption can restore the balance. You or your child may one day found a major airline of your own! Until then, you're happy having an alternative to prescription drugs and lots of worry at home.
Stop, Drop and Sleep
Another all-nighter? No problem -- you'll just sleep on the weekend. Unfortunately, sleep doesn't work like that. Sleep debt, like credit card debt, is difficult to pay off -- and credit card debt is what you work to avoid. Your finances will suffer if you don't sleep. We recommend that you set a bedtime, stay off the computer, drink milk, and take a natural mood support sleep inducer. While you may get success from Lunesta, you might want to try valerian root and hops as natural mood enhancers that help you sleep. L-tryptophan in milk or in capsule form can help too -- it's that amino acid in turkey that makes you fall asleep on Thanksgiving. Speaking of amino acids, don't forget DL-phenylalnine. You may not be able to sleep because you're anxious. St. John's wort can help, as can increased serotonin production -- 5 HTP assists in serotonin production. When you're well rested, you'll be more efficient, and if you set a regular daily routine, you'll be financially healthy as well as physically and mentally healthy.