Danna's
Top 10 Supplement List
By Danna Demetre, RN
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#1
—High-Potency Vitamin-Mineral Complex
Busy lifestyles, poor eating habits and the diminished quality
of our food makes supplementation a necessity in this day and
age. The foundation of our program (always secondary to good
eating) is a quality vitamin-mineral complex ideally taken in
at least two doses for maximum absorption. Capsule and liquid
formulas ensure your supplement is absorbed.
#2
—Super Green Foods
Super green foods such as wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa,
spiraling, chlorella and kelp are excellent sources of real
foods that enhance our health in multiple ways including detoxification,
increased immune function, blood sugar stabilization and increased
energy. Despite their plant base, super green foods are an excellent
source of protein that is highly bio-available.
#3
—Essential Fatty Acids
Want to have a sharp mind and great skin? The essential fatty
acids, omegas 3, 6 & 9 are the nutrients you need on a daily
basis. Limited food sources for the most lacking “EFA”
, omega -3 include salmon, walnuts and flaxseed. Since it is
unrealistic for most people to get adequate amounts in their
diets, supplementation is essential. It is also important to
note that most of us getting too much omega 6 because of the
ingestion of so many vegetable oils. Olive oil is high in omega
9 and should be used as much as possible to counteract this
imbalance which is increases the inflammatory response throughout
the body.
#4 —Vitamin C
While most animals can manufacture their own vitamin C, humans
need to get it in their diets. A potent antioxidant with great
immunity boosting effects, it also has some of its own unique
characteristics. For example, Vitamin C is required for the
production of collagen, it strengthens capillaries and may be
helpful for those who bruise easily. It also is very helpful
in dealing with arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
As a cancer fighting agent, vitamin C protects the genetic material
in cells (DNA) from damage. The average person can take at least
2000 milligrams per day in divided doses.
#5
—Garlic
This is one of the most researched herbs in the world with extraordinary
attributes both as a food and supplement. Its main medicinal
benefits include cardiovascular protection, improved cholesterol
levels, lowered blood pressure, diminished blood-clotting, improved
circulation and protection against cancer and infectious diseases.
#6
—Calcium/Magnesium
Calcium is required by every cell of your body for a variety
of actions including muscle contraction, healthy nerves, cell
division and the release of neurotransmitters that scoot between
nerve cells not to mention healthy bones and teeth. Only 10
percent of adults get enough calcium each day. And, most children
are falling short as well. Caffeine, alcohol and sugar all promote
urinary excretion of calcium. Hormone imbalances and poor digestive
function can also contribute to calcium deficiency. From 8 years
old to 80, most people need at least 1,000mg a day of good quality
calcium which is best absorbed in 500mg doses with at least
250mg of magnesium.
#7
—Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in the fats of most vegetables and grains
Unfortunately, processing foods destroys this vital nutrient
that has both anti-oxidant properties as well as important support
to the nervous system, muscle function, and overall healing.
People with diseases such as diabetes Parkinson’s disease,
fibrocystic breast syndrome and multiple sclerosis should have
extra E supplementation. The average adult should take 400 IU
daily. The best source to look for is alpha-tocopherol.
#8
—Ginko Biloba
This mighty little plant is something I prescribe on a daily
basis to treat a wide range of conditions -- from memory impairment
and dizziness to headaches and depression. It has an extraordinary
ability to increase circulation to the brain and extremities.
It’s natural blood-thinning effects are important to the
prevention of strokes and heart attacks. I suggest 60 milligrams
two to four times per day. For severe cases, like early-stage
Alzheimer’s disease, take 240 to 360 milligrams daily.
#9
—Green Tea
With about half the amount of caffeine as coffee, green tea
provides a reasonable energy boost, without the sharp “ups
and downs” of coffee and it’s calcium robbing effects.
It is a great anti-oxidant and anti-cancer agent that also helps
the liver with detoxification which is essential for balancing
hormones and cleansing the body of many forms of toxins. Preliminary
research shows that green tea can help stabilize blood sugar
and thus indirectly promote weight loss by preventing insulin
spikes. Green tea extract is available in liquid and capsule
forms.
#10
—Milk Thistle
Most people in America have significant toxins in their bodies
and their livers are overburdened. Our bodies are not equipped
to deal with the staggering amount of chemicals that bombard
us on a daily basis. Milk thistle is a potent herb that works
specifically in the protection and revitalization of our liver.
It also stimulates good digestion of fats as well as improves
elimination. I recommend one 250 milligram capsule three times
a day.
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