The Top 10 Supplements & Top 5 Essential Oils

It’s Patient Appreciation Week! We’re celebrating the 13th anniversary of our Roanoke, Virginia chiropractic practice this month, and we’re looking forward to starting our 14th year with the healthiest patients we’ve ever had. We invite you to enjoy 15% off all of our supplements, pillows, essential oils and diffusers, and foam rollers through July 6. To help you determine the best supplements and oils for you, here’s a summary of our top 10 supplements and top 5 oils.

These are the top 10 supplements on the market as well as their intended impact:

10. NAC
N-acetyl cysteine is a mucinogen, which means it breaks up mucus. It is often used to improve bronchitis, sinus infections, COPD, and pneumonia. Often NAC is used in hospitals to treat acetaminophen overdoses, ALS, and liver toxicity.

9. Multi-Vitamin
A multi-vitamin can be a great daily foundation for an individual’s health. Make sure your multivitamin contains a complete B-vitamin, dissolves in vinegar in less than 7 minutes, does not use calcium carbonate as its calcium source, is not made synthetically, but is made from whole foods, and is reasonably priced.

8. L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid found in dairy, meat, eggs, nuts, beans, and oats. It is a precursor to the production of thyroid hormones, dopamine, and adrenaline. It’s not a stimulant, but does work well as a treatment for weight loss (appetite suppressant), ADD, mental fatigue, depression, and PMS. Do not take within four hours of sleeping.

7. GABA
Gama Amino Butyric Acid is a neurotransmitter produced and utilized in the brain. It acts as an inhibitory to the central nervous system; therefore it has a calming effect on the brain. This supplement is often used to treat anxiety and induce healthy sleep patterns.

6. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the only version of Vitamin D that is readily absorbable as a supplement. Your body can make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. You can ingest Vitamin D when you eat/drink milk, fish, fish oils, and egg yolks. Vitamin D deficiency is widely common and can cause many biological problems including a decrease in bone density (Rickets), cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, severe asthma in children, and cancer. Vitamin D may help conditions such as diabetes (types I and II), hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D deficiency can be created by limited sun exposure and overuse of suntan lotions, reduction in dietary Vitamin D intake, dark skin, living in the North, age related kidney dysfunction, digestive disorders, and obesity. Most common months for Vitamin D deficiencies are October-April and August.

5. AM Blend
This supplement is a powerful combination of amino acids designed to maximize fat burning while aiding in the stabilization of blood sugar, curbing appetite, improving daytime cognition, and improving liver metabolism. It can be added to water or combined with a mixture of green tea and a low-sugar juice for a great tasting drink.

4. Olive Leaf Extract
Olive Leaf Extract is know as nature’s antibiotic. This powerful plant extract kills viruses and bacteria by inhibiting their ability to replicate. It is most effective when taken at the first sign of symptoms. This supplement is exceptional in reducing symptoms and shortening the length of time symptoms are present.

3. Whey Protein
Protein supplements are a fantastic way to improve muscle-to-fat ratios by stabilizing blood sugar and increasing muscle recovery and size. When combined with resistive weight training or high-intensity interval training, whey protein is a fast track to burning body fat and decreasing fat deposits around the hips, thighs, and abdomen. Good protein mixtures have a greater than 75% yield ratio of protein to total grams per serving. Whey protein powders should be found in an isolate form or micro-filtered to improve intestinal absorption. Avoid any protein source that uses Soy Protein Isolates or Hydrolyzed Soy Proteins. High-quality protein powders will dissolve without the use of a blender and will not cause intestinal cramping.

2. Flax/Fish Oil
Omega-3 fats are essential to a healthy life. Widely known as DHA and EPA, these fatty acids are used to produce eicosanoids, which are known to reduce inflammation and improve fat and cholesterol ratios in the body. Omega-3 fats have been shown to:
Improve: depression, anxiety, psoriasis, arthritis degeneration, hair and skin disorders
Reduce: blood pressure, macular degeneration, dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Lupus symptoms, hormone deficiencies
Fight: cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, Diverticulitis, IBD, etc.)
The quality of fish/flax oils is highly important. The ratio of Omega-3s to Omega-6s should be close to a 4:1 ratio. Sourced from Krill, Sardines, Herring, Salmon, and/or Flax are preferred.

1. L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is a conditional essential amino acid that is widely used in many different processes of the body including: protein synthesis, regulation of acid-base balance, cellular energy, and production of all three muscle types. Broken down into glutamic acid and then into glutathione, L-glutamine is a powerful detoxifier of the body. It’s used in large quantities during times of stress, both physically and emotionally. It can be found naturally in foods such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, wheat, cabbage, beets, spinach, parsley, and oats.

Used clinically to:

Improve alkalinity to aid in body fat burning.
Increase muscle production.
Reduce muscle soreness and healing time.
Reduce symptoms caused by prolonged stressful time periods.
Improve healing after a burn or infection.
Help the body fight cancer cells.
Improve gastrointestinal problems and ulcers.
Improve the immune system’s ability to kill bacteria and viruses.
Improve deep sleep patterns.
Reduce alcohol cravings.
Reduce sugar cravings.

Bonus: Curcumin
Curcumin is the major component of the well-known spice Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Extensive scientific research on Curcumin has demonstrated that it has potent free radical scavenging properties capable of dramatically reducing inflammation. Through this and other mechanisms, Curcumin may support colon health, promote joint comfort, support healthy neurological function, and help to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Patients suffering from arthritis pain and/or looking to decrease their cardiovascular risk factors often find Curcumin very beneficial.

These are 5 oils everyone needs in their homes:

1. Lavender
Lavender is known to help speed healing in cuts and burns as well as rashes and stings. It can also decrease anxiety, reduce inflammation and promote better sleep, particularly after trauma. Its specific properties include being an analgesic, antifungal, antiseptic, sleep inducing and a disinfectant. Put a few drops on your pillow just before going to bed, and odds are, you’ll get a much better night’s rest.

2. Ginger
Ginger essential oil contains gingerol, which offers powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also been shown in studies to increase thermogenesis, resulting in a boosted metabolism which makes it easier to lose weight. It’s stimulating, relieves nausea and pain, supports joint health and improves mental clarity. Put a couple of drops in your next water bottle or tea to enjoy its benefits.

3. Peppermint
Peppermint oil not only smells wonderful, it can help boost your energy level, improve focus, support healthier digestion, reduce fever and headache, and provide muscle pain relief. Some of its properties include being antiseptic, analgesic, a stimulant, anesthetic, and antispasmodic. Carry some along with you when you’re traveling, or just out and about, and when fatigue hits, take a whiff – it’s an instant pick-me-up.

4. Eucalyptus
This essential oil helps to improve respiratory issues such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and allergies. It has the ability to reduce congestion and improve mental clarity too. Eucalyptus oil contains a number of important properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and serving as a decongestant.

5. Nature’s Shield
Nature’s Shield is an essential oil blend that is a powerhouse combination of Clove, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, and Rosemary Oil to promote a healthy and refreshing environment. Nature’s Shield is a versatile essential oil known to support a healthy immune system. Use as a non-toxic household cleaner to eliminate environmental and seasonal threats or create a relaxing, energizing aroma by diffusing. Ideal for freshening and cleansing.

Through July 6, enjoy 15% off all supplements, oils and diffusers, rollers, and pillows!