The body’s aging process can be compared to rusting, which in this case happens from the inside out.  Rusting is a result of cumulative free radical damage.  Free radicals are compounds that are unstable and can damage the body’s cells if left unchecked.  Free radicals come from our normal metabolism and our environment – for example exposure to sun, x-rays, cigarette smoke, saturated fats, alcohol, ozone, automobile exhaust, heavy metals and many other sources.  If we don’t do something about neutralizing free radicals the aging process can be accelerated as these compounds do damage to the bodies cells.  Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and many of the health issues of aging are all linked back to free radical damage.  In order to help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals we need to take antioxidants.  Antioxidant combination formulas are a great source of antioxidants as well as greens foods and super fruits such as acai and pomegranate.  We recommend using a whole food based multi like ANS Vita Greens as well.

10 million Americans are estimated to have osteoporosis.  Women are four times more likely to develop this condition than men.  1 out of every 2 women and 1 in 8 men will suffer from an osteoporosis-related break in their lifetime.  It takes much more than calcium to have healthy bones.  Using just a calcium and vitamin D supplement won’t do the trick.  We now know that other nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin k2, silica, vanadium, strontium and trace minerals play a huge roll in bone health and strength.  Combine this with proper diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes and you should see improvements in your bone health.

Try and reduce the stress on your immune system such as exposure to foods that can trigger your allergy symptoms.  Get tested to find out what you might be highly sensitive to, and then remove it from your diet.  Top trigger foods are gluten, eggs, dairy and soy.  Dietary supplements like butterbur, nettle, horseradish, eyebright, and bromelain can all help reduce your stuffy and runny nose issues.

It can certainly help.  Replacing some carbohydrates and fats with lean protein increases metabolic rates because the human body burns more calories breaking down protein than other types of food.  Most people consume 12 to 15 percent of their total energy intake from protein.  If protein calories are increased research has shown a metabolism boost.  When people eat more protein, they tend to back off from some very refined carbohydrates. 

Include protein for Breakfast for more Energy

If you breakfast consists of yogurt, cereal, or simply coffee, you may need a protein boost to avoid energy slumps, cravings, and overeating later in the day.

Experts estimate that as many as half of all adults fall short when it comes to vitamin D.  Too little vitamin D puts bone health at risk, it also increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to new research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.  Many experts contend that the recommended 200IU per day dosage of vitamin D is too low and suggest taking a minimum of 1,000IU per day.  Depending on the amount of sunshine in the area where you live-and your exposure to it-you may require more.

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, elderberry was shown to be effective for treating Influenza B. People using the elderberry extract recovered much faster than those only on a placebo. This is partially due to the fact that Elderberry inhibits neuraminidase, the enzyme used by the virus to spread infection to host cells. A small study published in 2004 showed that 93% of flu patients given the extract were completely symptom-free within two days; those taking a placebo recovered in about six days.

Colostrum is a unique supplement used by many health oriented people to boost the body’s immune response.  As of late it has been used by weightlifters, bodybuilders and gym rats alike to increase muscle growth and recovery.  To understand the benefits lets first take a look at where it comes from.  Colostrum is produced in the mammary gland of animals (humans too) just after giving birth.  This “mother’s milk” is rich in immunoglobulins which are certain types of proteins involved in promoting immune system development and warding off germs in the newborn.  This is why many people take supplemental colostrum for immune system enhancement.  This is also a great reason for those wishing to increase muscle mass to supplement with colostrum.  We all know how getting sick can derail a training program.   There are also important growth factors contained in colostrum.  Colostrum increases the level of IGF 1 and 2 in the body, which promotes lean muscle development.  The cytokines contained in colostrum can help to boost T-cell activity which, in turn, regulates the body’s response to exercise and other stimuli.  Other growth factors found in organic colostrum can aid in joint health and tissue repair, making it ideal for weightlifters.  This beneficial supplement can be found in a couple places at Performance Nutrition.  BioRhythm’s ReGenerate contains a healthy dose of colostrum as does Intek’s Evolution protein.  Give these supplements a try and you will not be disappointed.   

Digestion is of primary importance to health. An under active digestive system does not absorb the nutrients the body needs, either from food or from supplements. Complete Digestion is a broad spectrum digestive enzyme supplement that supports health and digestion in a multitude of ways. Without digestive enzymes, the body cannot break down proteins into their constituent amino acids. In addition to being imperative for mineral absorption, these amino acids are also the building blocks from which cells, anti-bodies, hormones and enzymes are built. If the body does not produce enough enzymes, it cannot break down protein sufficiently to manufacture more enzymes.  Supplementary enzymes can help to break this vicious cycle.

Complete Digestion continues to support digestion in the intestines with the addition of protease, a complex enzyme that digests proteins, amylases (for digesting starches) and lipases (for digesting fats).  Complete Digestion adds plant enzymes, to further assist with the breakdown of proteins. The digestive aids peppermint and ginger are also included to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and reduce flatulence.

What is the difference between men’s and women’s supplements?  Is there a protein designed for women and one specifically for men?

When it comes to gender specific supplements be careful that you are not being sucked into clever marketing vs. actual science.  Think about this, have you gone to the store to purchase a women’s steak, a man’s chicken, a women’s apple, etc.  Obviously you haven’t because there is no such thing.  Nutrients as they occur in nature are not gender specific and often with supplements the concept of gender specificity is nothing more than a good story with compelling marketing.  After all who doesn’t want to buy a product that is specifically tailored to their needs?  The problem is that there is usually no science to support the role of the gender specific product.

The one area where gender is relevant is when dealing with products that may influence hormones.  For women products relating to PMS, Menopause or other hormonal factors would necessitate gender specificity.  For men products which boost testosterone or that are related to sexual health would be valid gender specific products.

While there are some valid reasons for gender specific products many companies simply use it as a marketing ploy so make sure you understand what you are looking at before you make a purchase.

Many people think all proteins are created equal.  This is not the case.  Many proteins are chemically altered or manufactured using harsh chemicals.  These proteins will have a low assimilation rate (low rate of absorption), often cause digestive and intestinal problems and can taste terrible. 

As protein costs have gone up many manufacturers have also turned to lower grade proteins.  Manufacturers have the choice of using high quality grades of protein that are primarily protein or the lower grades which use inferior raw materials and are higher in fat, lactose, carbs, and ash.  For instance with whey concentrates manufacturers can choose from a range of raw materials ranging from 34% protein up 80% protein.  In an effort to bring down the cost of products some manufacturers are using the lower grades of proteins rather than raising prices.  The problem with this is that these proteins are not assimilated well by the body and often cause digestive problems.

Most bodybuilders and athletes take in high amounts of protein that are not usable by the body.  As a result they see less results for their training efforts and they are allowing toxins to potentially build up within the body as a result of undigested protein.  Make sure you spend your money on protein that is going to help you achieve your fitness goals.  While affordability is obviously an issue it doesn’t make sense to get a product that will not help you achieve your goals and may cause health issues.

On the inexpensive end we recommend the Pro Whey, when looking at higher quality products check out Pro Complete 40 or Isopure.  For a naturally sweetened product take a look at NOW Foods whey.