NutriChem

Chinese have the longest average lifespan in the world, and research suggests that the cultural significance of green tea consumption is a factor in that claim.

Researchers found Chinese women who drank green tea at least 3 times a week were 14% less likely to develop colon, stomach and esophageal cancers. No one can say whether green tea, itself, is the reason though. Many green-tea lovers are often more health-conscious in general. The study did account for the samples lifestyle habits. None of the women smoked or drank alcohol regularly. And researchers did collect diet assessments, exercise habits and medical history.  Even with those things factored in, women’s tea habits remained linked to their cancer risks.

Green tea Profile

Green tea contains certain antioxidant chemicals - particularly a compound known as EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate - that may ward off the body-cell damage that can lead to cancer and other diseases. Green tea contains relatively little caffeine compared to coffee – but 10 cups a day can still total 500 mg of the stimulant.

Green tea also contains small amounts of vitamin K, which means it could interfere with drugs that prevent blood clotting, like warfarin. Since many older people are on multiple medications, it's best for them to talk with their physician or health care provider before using green tea as a health stimulant.

Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What differentiates between green tea is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

Concluding Remarks

If you want to start drinking green tea, it's considered safe in moderate amounts. But the tea and its extracts do contain caffeine, which some people may need to avoid. You can also consume EGCG in supplement form, usually in a capsule form. Always consult with your health care provider before you start any supplement program.

Fall is here, the weather is changing, and many of us are sniffing, wheezing, and succumbing to feverish chills. Even though, doctors are saying that getting the flu shot is the best way to avoiding having to suffer flu symptoms, many people are turning to local health-stores for a natural remedy, oil of oregano, to help ward off potential viruses.

Studies have shown that oil of oregano is a highly potent purifier that provides many benefits for human health. It is a natural substance that is extracted from wild oregano plants. But what makes it so potent in its healing powers?

Chemistry of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil contains four main groups of chemicals that contribute to its potent healing powers:

1.     Phenols, such as carvacrol and thymol, act as antiseptics and antioxidants

2.     Terpenes, which include pinene and terpinene, exhibit antiseptic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties

3.     Linalool and bonreol are two long-chain alcohols found in oregano oil, which add to the antiviral and antiseptic qualities

4.     Esters, potent antifungal agents

Although there is a combined effect of the many significant compounds found in oregano oil, its effectiveness is mostly attributed to the phenol carvacrol. Research on this particular phenol showed that it is one of the most potent antibiotics known to science . Testing done at Georgetown University, found that carvacrol was more effective than penicillin, streptomycin and even vancomycin (considered to be the strongest of all antibiotics).

What are the Benefits of Oil of Oregano?

The ancient Greeks were one of the first people to recognize this oil for its health benefits and medicinal qualities. It is known as a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic oil that can reduce pain and inflammation and effectively fight off infections.

Specific Uses of Oil of Oregano

·      Skin Infections: can be applied directly onto the skin to treat itches, skin infections, and irritated gums. Dilute it first with olive oil or cocont oil since it’s a very potent substance.

·      Digestive Problems: the high concentrations of thymol and carvacrol have been shown to calm upset stomachs and aid digestion.

·      Sinus Congestion: a brilliant remedy and is the number one recommendation by Kent MacLeod for any sinus congestion.

·      Colds and Sore Throats: an excellent early defense mechanism when you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. Ask our nurse Shelagh!

Side Effects & Cautions When Using Oil of Oregano

While oil of oregano has many benefits, there are a few possible side effects:

• It may reduce the body's ability to absorb iron. So it’s recommended that the oil be taken at least 2 hours before or after consuming iron supplements or iron-rich foods. Getting your iron level checked with regular use of oregano oil is advised.

• Pregnant women should avoid this oil since it can stimulate blood flow in the uterus, which can weaken the lining that surrounds the fetus in the womb

• People that have allergies to thyme, basil, mint, or sage may be sensitive to oil of oregano as well, since they are in the same family of plants

Oil of oregano can be purchased as either a liquid or as capsules/tablets. In both forms, it is important that the carvacrol concentration is at least 70%.  Talk to our health counselors and nutritionist to make sure oil of oregano is right for you and your health conditions.

References:

1.)   Balch,J. & Balch P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Ed. ,Avery Publishing Group. NY 1997

2.)   Oil of Oregano Health Benefits http://www.homeremediesweb.com/oil_of_oregano_health_benefits.php

3.)   Oil of Oregano: Cureing Herbx http://curingherbs.com/wild_oregano_oil.htm

Improve all aspects of your health and well-being by making sure you get enough zinc in your diet. Many people know about zinc for its immune boosting properties, but this mineral is actually a wonder of health benefits.

Here are some questions we are commonly asked about supplement usage.

Q: Does it truly matter if I take my supplements regularly?

A: Our body does not take vacations. It is busy at work for us day in and day out without a moment’s break. Whether we are walking, running, sitting, sleeping, our body is actively repairing, replenishing and rebuilding our cells, tissues, bones, and organs. The battle to protect us against bacteria, viruses, allergens and free radicals is never ending. This is why we encourage consistent, daily use of nutritional supplements, so that your body has an ample supply of nutrients it needs to keep your body functioning at its highest capacity.

Q: Does it matter if I take my supplements all at once or is it important to take them at different times during the day?

A: Ideally, it is best to take your supplements at divided dosages. Try to follow the usage instructions provided for each product on its label. Read the tips for taking your supplements and find a solution that works best for you.

Q: Sometimes my stomach gets upset when I take my supplements. What can I do to avoid this?

A: If you experience discomfort from taking your supplements, you may want to decrease the dosage and gradually introduce it to your body to it’s recommended dosage or to where you feel most comfortable taking it. Make sure that you are taking the supplement properly. If you are unsure how to take them please contact the Patient Support Coordinator 613-288-1989 to help guide you.

Q: Is it okay to take my supplements right before bed?

A: If your supplements cause you to burp or experience discomfort, taking them before going to bed may actually be a good solution for you. However, some supplements have an energizing effect, so make sure that by taking your supplements late at night does not disrupt your sleep.

Q: There are so many pills! How can I remember to take them all?

A: It can be difficult remembering to take your supplements, but planning ahead and searching for a system that works for you are the keys to success. Here are a few ideas that may work for you:

·      Set your watch, phone or computer alarm to remind you each day

·      Associate taking your supplements with another habit that you already have. Place your supplements by your toothbrush or coffee maker so that you will be reminded to take them in the morning

·      Use a pill box daily to help you keep track of your daily use

Q: How long to I have to take these vitamins?

A: Supplementation provides your body the essential vitamins and minerals that you may be missing due to food processing, soil depletion and today’s general lifestyle. It is recommended to continue using vitamins on a regular basis in order to achieve optimal level of health and bridge any nutritional gaps in your body.

Research pours cold water on the alleged benefits of sports products, saying that sport drinks are a “waste of money” and that there is a lack of evidence to support most claims that such sport products lead to enhanced performance and recovery. An individual can lose between 460 to 1,840 mg of sodium per liter of sweat. This number varies due to dependent variables such as how hard you are exercising, how hot it is, and how long you work out. So, when you lose this amount of sodium it’s important to replenish your body with the essential electrolytes to avoid preventable symptoms such as cramping, headache, and muscle weakness during, and after, your work out.

Let’s look at the facts….

If you don’t already know, Customer Appreciation Days is a 3-day event starting Wednesday July 18^th until Friday July 20^th!  We’ll be having a sidewalk sale where you can save up to 60% off while supplies last! Come check out NutriChem and see what's happening, pick up some smoothie recipes and get some great deals!

Calcium supplements do more harm than good or so it has been suggested. A published study looked at the link between calcium supplements and the risk of heart attack, strokes, and deaths from cardiovascular disease over a period of 11 years.  This German study found no link between the amount of calcium in people’s diet and their risk of stroke or cardiovascular deaths. However, people using calcium supplement as their only form of supplement had more than twice the increase in heart attack and stroke compared with people who didn’t take any vitamin supplements.

Calcium: Tough as Nails Facts

Your body contains roughly 2.2 pounds of calcium in the body, that’s more than any other mineral! Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, and that’s where over 99% of body’s calcium is found. Calcium also helps the muscles work properly, including the heart muscle but it is probably best known for helping prevent osteoporosis.

Calcium supplements are often recommended to elderly people and menopausal women, in an effort to keep their bones healthy and strong.  In order for calcium to be absorbed and used properly, your body needs several other nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorous and especially vitamins D and K.

How Does Calcium Get Absorbed in my Body?

Your intestines have two mechanisms to absorb dietary calcium:

Transcellular Absorption – the primary means of calcium absorption

Cells in the first portion of your small intestine, the duodenum, actively absorb calcium. Specialized pores called TRP channels on the surface of duodenal intestinal cells take up calcium from digested food. A protein called calbindin transports absorbed calcium to pumps that export the mineral into your bloodstream.

Paracellular Absorption

When you eat meals containing a high concentration of calcium, a second absorption system kicks in to help absorb calcium not taken up by the transcellular mechanism. The paracellular calcium absorption system operates throughout your small and large intestines. The cells lining your intestines are shaped similar to microscopic bricks. The interface between the cells is called a tight junction (TJ). TJs are minute gaps between intestinal cells through which calcium and other small molecules can pass. When the calcium concentration is higher in your intestines than in your blood, the mineral crosses through the TJs and enters your bloodstream. This is also termed passive diffusion.

The way the body absorbs calcium is an important factor when considering taking calcium supplements. It is better to start off at a lower dose and gradually increase it to a point that your body can absorb it efficiently. It is also recommended to supplement calcium with other vitamins and minerals that are essential for proper bone growth and maintenance, such as vitamin D and K and phosphorous and magnesium. Talk to your pharmacist or a qualified health counselor to make sure your getting the right amount.

Vitamin D & Calcium

If you are deficient in vitamin D, than your calcium is probably not getting absorbed. Vitamin D stimulates the transcellular calcium absorption system. Calbindin is required throughout this process and production of this protein depends on the adequate amounts of vitamin D.

Should I Take a Calcium Supplement?

The best way to get calcium is through food. Many foods are fortified with calcium, but some people may still need to take calcium supplements to get enough. It is especially important for children to get enough calcium in their diet as they are growing and forming bone, and for older people as they start to lose bone.

Postmenopausal women, people who consume large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or soda, and those who take corticosteroid medications may need calcium supplements.

Calcium deficiency can be found in people who don' t absorb enough calcium, which can happen with Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and some intestinal surgeries.

So, if you have been recommended to take a calcium supplement, don’t be alarmed by the headlines.  Don’t stop taking your supplements because you probably were recommended to take those supplements for specific reasons. Before jumping to the conclusion that calcium supplements are harmful, speak to your pharmacist or other qualified health professional and get more information regarding what is being printed in the news.

Vitamin D is such a cool vitamin since it can be synthesized in the body with a little help from sunlight. Today, is actually the perfect weather to go outside and soak up some vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a steroid vitamin, a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones, which encourage the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous. It is assumed that people who are exposed to normal amounts of sunlight don’t need vitamin D supplements. However, data collected in Miami, Florida where sun exposure is high showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Some common reasons include: sun block, clothing, skin colour and age.

How It’s Made

People obtain vitamin D from sun exposure, food and supplements. It is biologically inert and has to undergo two chemical reactions to become active in the body. The active form of vitamin D in the body is called Calcitriol (1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol).

Five forms of vitamin D have been discovered.

Vitamin D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅. The two forms that are well-known to the public are vitamins D₂ (ergocalciferol) and D₃ (cholecalciferol).

• Vitamin D₂, (ergocalcifero - made from ergosterol)

Vitamin D₂ is produced by invertebrates (animals without a spine), fungus and plants in response to sunlight. Humans and other vertebrates do not produce vitamin D₂. Ergosterol is a good absorber of ultraviolet radiation, which can damage DNA, RNA and protein; consequently many scientists believe it may serve as a sunscreen that protects organisms from sunlight damage.

• Vitamin D₃, (cholecalciferol- made from 7-dehydrocholesterol)

Vitamin D₃ is made in the skin when 7-dehydrocholesterol reacts with sunlight

People require 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week on the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen with a greater than 3 UV index for adequate amounts of vitamin D₃. Longer exposure results in the extra vitamin supply being degraded as fast as it is generated.

Benefits of Vitamin D

The best-known role of vitamin D is a member of a large cast of nutrients and hormones that interact to regulate blood clacium and phosphorous levels

It is an immune system regulator

May help maintain a healthy body weight

Various studies have shown that poeple with adequate levels of vitamin D have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer, compared to people with insufficient or deficient level

May help maintain blood pressure

Vitamin D & Nutrition

Not that many foods contain vitamin D. Some fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, as well as fish liver oils are considered to be the best sources. Some vitamin D is also present in beef liver, cheese and egg yolks. Most of these are Vitamin D₃. Some mushrooms provide variable amounts of vitamin D₂.

Most of the food source vitamin D in the western diet comes from fortified foods - where vitamin D is artificially added.

Vitamin D & Supplementation

Over the last few hundred years human lifestyles have changed. The industrial revolution resulted in more indoor work and less exposure to sunlight. Many societies around the world wore more clothing over the centuries, further reducing skin exposure to sunlight. These changes have brought with them a significant reduction in the natural production of vitamin D and subsequent diseases.

There is so many vitamin D supplements on the market. To help you make the right choice, you should first find out what your blood level is and get your vitamin D measured either at NutriChem or your general physician.  After understanding your results, pick up the recommended dosage to help you obtain optimal health. You can talk to our Nutritionistsat NutriChem to help you get the necessary amount of vitamin D for your body.

References:

1.     Grosvenor M. and Smolin, L.(2002)Nutrition From Science to Life, Harcout College Publications, pgs 241-245

2.     Levis S, Gomez A. et al. (2005) Vitamin D Deficiency and Seasonal Variation in an Adult South Florida Population, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology.

3.     Vitamin D (Calcitriol) http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/otherendo/vitamind.html

Speculation of fish oil benefits has been swimming through the papers -  “Omega-3 fish oil supplements questioned”. The results published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed no benefit for cognitive function with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation among cognitive healthy older people. What they did not underlie in the papers is the method of the study.

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most extensively studied nutrients for their potential cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. A large body of evidence from experimental, clinical and epidemiological research has demonstrated the potential benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) rich and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) rich fish oil for proper body functioning and development.

Method of Study & Observations

DHA is proven essential to pre- and postnatal brain development, whereas EPA seems more influential on behavior and mood. For cognitive development, the focus should be on the DHA amount.

The study that illustrates that Omega-3s are not beneficial had participants receive either 1 g of Omega-3 fatty acids containing 465 mg of EPA and 375 mg of DHA or placebo containing about 1 g of olive oil.

Firstly, the amount of DHA is low compared to supplements you see on the market today. In one teaspoon of Pure Premium Fish Oil you receive 1825 mg of EPA and 925 mg of DHA.  Other studies have shown the DHA and EPA combinations have benefited ADHD, autism, dyslexia and aggression. For the affective disorders, meta-analyses confirm benefits in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder. And finally studies on accelerated cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) correlate with lowered tissue levels of DHA/EPA, and supplementation has improved cognitive function! These studies show promising methods and compared to the negative study on fish oil, the duration of the trail is longer than 2 years.

Benefits of Fish

Research suggests these benefits from fish or fish oil as part of healthy diet:

Against heart disease (supported by most studies)

-       Reduce abnormal blood clotting, help sustain more regular heartbeats, and reduce inflammation of many body tissues, including the arteries of the heart

-       Reducing blood triglycerides

-       Delay hardening of the arteries

-       Relaxation of blood vessels, mildly reducing blood pressure

In infant growth and development (well researched and accepted)

-       Normal brain development in infants. DHA concentrates in the brain’s cortex, the conscious thinking part.

-       Normal vision development in infants. DHA helps to for the eye’s retina

References:

1.     The New England Journal of Medicine http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1203859?query=featured_home#t=articleMethods

2.     M.Laidlaw et al.(2003) Effects of supplementation with fish-oil derived n-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acids on circulating plasma lipids and fatty acid profiles among women, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

3.     Kidd. PM Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood: clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids.

4.     Harper, Charles et al. (2001). The Fats of LifeThe Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease Arch Intern Med.161(18):2185-2192.

Carnitine is a nutrient that is often marketed as a “fat burner” as well as a “performance enhancer” (in regards to physical activity).  Carnitine is formed from the amino acids lysine and methionine and plays a critical role in energy production. From the sounds of it, carnitine sounds like a miracle pill for some people. Let's take a closer look....

There has been so much media hype over Raspberry Ketones and their ability to shred pounds off your body. If you’re a Dr. Oz fan, you’ve likely heard him discussing the health benefits of raspberry ketones. This supplement trend has quickly spread – much like with acai a few years ago. But what makes raspberry ketones different from other weight loss supplements? I’m looking for scientific research to give Raspberry Ketones the official stamp of awesome!

Why Is Magnesium Important?

Should You Be Worried About Your Magnesium Intake?

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that significant numbers of adults do not consume the recommended amounts of magnesium (2).  Among adults, 68% consume less than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium, and 19% consume less than 50% of the RDA (3).  Adults who take supplements are more likely to meet the RDA for magnesium than those who do not (4). Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, anxiety, weakness, muscle contractions and cramps, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, numbness and tingling (1).

If you have chronic malabsorptive problems (i.e. Crohn’s; celiac disease), are a senior citizen, have diabetes, consume excess alcohol or take certain medications (i.e. specific diuretics, antibiotics or medications to treat cancer) you are at particular risk for magnesium deficiency.

Why Is Magnesium Glycinate Better Than Other Forms Of Magnesium?

Magnesium glycinate is easier on the bowel.  Other forms of magnesium tend to be more disruptive to the bowel.  Magnesium oxide tends to firm stools (leading to constipation), whereas the citrate, sulphate and chloride forms tend to loosen the stools (diarrhea).  Magnesium glycinate is gentler, with less chance of bowel disruptions.
Magnesium glycinate is highly absorbable.  It is absorbed better than other forms of magnesium, up to 5 times more than magnesium oxide (5).

What Conditions Benefit from Magnesium Supplementation?
Magnesium Supplements and Cholesterol

Magnesium supplements have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol levels (6-9).

Diabetes

It is well established that diabetics often suffer from magnesium deficiency.  More recent studies have shown that magnesium supplementation of diabetics will not only correct for the loss of magnesium that occurs in the urine, but may also help with reducing plasma fasting glucose levels and increase HDL cholesterol (10).  It has been suggested that diabetics have a magnesium-binding defect, which may cause the insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion associated with this disease.  It is thought that this defect can be addressed with magnesium supplementation (11).

Hypertension

Adults with higher dietary intakes of magnesium have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure (12-13).  Diets rich in magnesium are routinely prescribed to people with hypertension (14).

Magnesium Supplements and Menopause

Magnesium levels drop as estrogen levels diminish during menopause.  It has been suggested by several authors that magnesium may be beneficial to alleviate hot flashes, and help maintain bone and cardiovascular health (15-17).  We have anecdotal evidence in our clinic of its usefulness to improve hot flashes.  Furthermore, inadequate magnesium intake in postmenopausal women has been shown to impair glucose tolerance, induce heart rhythm changes, and adversely affect the metabolism of other nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium (18-19).

Metabolic Syndrome

Researchers have determined that the low intakes of dietary magnesium are associated with metabolic syndrome (20-21).

Insomnia and Restless Legs

Magnesium has been shown to reduce surgery-related insomnia, and improve sleep in individuals suffering from restless leg syndrome (22-23).  Magnesium has a key role in helping to regulate the "biological clock" (24).

Who Should Not Take Magnesium?

Certain individuals should not take magnesium without first talking to a pharmacist or health care practitioner:

People with kidney or severe heart disease

Individuals taking magnesium-containing antacids or laxatives

Tetracycline users

References
1.  National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements (2005) Magnesium.  http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium.asp
2.  Ford E.S. and Mokdad A.H. (2003) Dietary magnesium intake in a national sample of U.S. adults. J Nutr. 133: 2879-82.
3.  King D.E. et al. (2005) Dietary magnesium and C-reactive protein levels.  J Am Coll Nutr.  24(3): 166-71.
4.  Sebastian R.S. et al.  2007) Older adults who use vitamin/mineral supplements differ from nonusers in nutrient intake adequacy and dietary attitudes.  J Am Diet Assoc. 107(8): 1322-32.
5.  Schuette S.A. et al. (1994) Bioavailability of magnesium diglycinate vs magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection.  J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 18(5): 430-5.
6.  Davis W.H. et al. (1984) Monotherapy with magnesium increases abnormally low high density lipoprotein cholesterol: a clinical assay. Curr Therap Res 36: 341-344.
7.  Rasmussen H.S. et al. (1989) Influence of magnesium substitution therapy on blood lipid composition in patients with ischemic heart disease. A double-blind, placebo controlled study. Arch Int Med 149: 1050-1053.
8.  Corica F. et al. (1994) Effects of oral magnesium supplementation on plasma lipid concentrations in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Magnes Res 7: 43-46.
9.  Itoh K., Kawasaka T., Nakamura M. (1997) The effects of high oral magnesium supplementation on blood pressure, serum lipids and related variables in apparently healthy Japanese subjects. Br J Nutr 78: 737-750.
10. Song Y., et al. (2006) Effects of oral magnesium supplementation on glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind controlled trials.  Diabet Med. 23(10): 1050-6.
11.  Wells I.C. (2008) Evidence that the etiology of the syndrome containing type 2 diabetes mellitus results from abnormal magnesium metabolism.  Can J Physiol Pharmacol.  86(1-2): 16-24.
12.  Song, Y. et al.  (2006) Dietary magnesium intake and risk of incident hypertension among middle-aged and older US women in a 10-year follow-up study.  Am J Cardiol. 98(12): 1616-21.
13.  Ascherio A. et al. (1992) A prospective study of nutritional factors and hypertension among US men. Circulation 86: 1475-84.
14.  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/
15.  University of Maryland Medical Center  http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/magnesium-000313.htm
16.  Kass-Annese B.  (2000)  Alternative therapies for menopause.  Clin Obstet Gynecol. 43(1):162-83.
17.  Seelig, M. et al.  (2004)  Benefits and Risks of Sex Hormone Replacement in Postmenopausal Women J Am Coll Nutr 23:  482S-496S.
18.  Nielsen FH, et al.  (2007)  Moderate magnesium deprivation results in calcium retention and altered potassium and phosphorus excretion by postmenopausal women.  Magnes Res. 20(1):19-31.
19.  Nielsen FH, et al.  (2007)  Dietary magnesium deficiency induces heart rhythm changes, impairs glucose tolerance, and decreases serum cholesterol in post menopausal women.  J Am Coll Nutr. 26(2):121-32.
20.  Ford, ES. Et al.  (2007) Intake of dietary magnesium and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults.  Obesity 15(5):1139-46.
21.  He K, et al.  (2006)   Magnesium intake and incidence of metabolic syndrome among young adults.  Circulation.  113(13):1675-82.
22.  Tramer MR, et al.  (1996)  Role of magnesium sulfate in postoperative analgesia.  Anesthesiology. 84(2):340-7.
23.  Hornyak M, et al.  (1998)  Magnesium therapy for periodic leg movements-related insomnia and restless legs syndrome: an open pilot study.  Sleep.  21(5):501-5.
24.  Durlach J, et al.  (2002)  Chronopathological forms of magnesium depletion with hypofunction or with hyperfunction of the biological clock.  Magnes Res. 15(3-4):263-8.

The choices for supplements are seemingly endless. But before you go crazy looking for the right additions to your diet, take a look at the basics, like protein powder.

Beginning a fitness regimen can be an intimidating experience. There are thousands of products that all claim to help you get big or get little, depending on your goals. While any number of these products may indeed help you reach your goals, your initial supplement purchase should be a high quality protein powder

Even if you aren't a gym regular, adding a protein supplement can still be of benefit to you. Although the name"protein powder" may not have a tasty connotation, the supplement industry now creates products that taste just as good as that vanilla milkshake from the local burger joint. So, don't be worried about having to choke it down.

Now that we've put the taste issue to bed, consider these five reasons you should include a protein supplement in your diet:

For a small vegetable, garlic sure has a big, and well-deserved reputation. Although garlic may not always ward off vampires, it is guaranteed to transform any meal into a bold, aromatic and healthy culinary experience.

Hey NutriChem Followers!

Yesterday we held a Vega-One demo in the store! Samples of the all the flavours (berry, chocolate, vanilla chai and original) were going like hot cakes! Staff and clients were so impressed with this product not because it’s gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free but it tastes so delicious as well!

What’s New with Vega One?

Vega is even better than before with an improved taste and texture, superior nutritional profile and better digestibility! Vega One is the result of extensive research on each ingredient to make sure it’s good for your body and the planet. Vega-One Nutritional Shake is the clean, plant-based choice to fuel your healthy, active lifestyle.  Vega-One is a convenient, all-in-one supplement packed with:

• 50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals
• 15 g of protein
• 6 g fibre
• Antioxidants
• 1.5 g Omega-3s
• Probiotics and
• Greens

The Vega-One is a great product for everyone, including children. It’s good for you and taste goo too! So, whenever you need a quick and easy meal, all you need to do is add a scoop of Vega-One and mix with water, or non-dairy beverage or juice, shake and enjoy! It’s that simple!

“It all starts with a scoop” –Vega Team

The secret is out! Maca is gaining worldwide attention as the “it” superfood that revitalizes the entire endocrine system, allowing your body to promote enjoy energy and stamina, improve your ability to handle stress and enhance sexual and reproductive health and wellness.