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Understanding Herbs - Garlic (Allium sativum)

8/7/2019

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Often considered by some as a purely food-oriented herb, garlic has a generous history in medical Herbalism. Other than having its pungent taste and smell that some love and others hate, garlic is known for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and detoxifying properties.

Found as far back as pre-medieval medical texts, there are recipes found where garlic has been used historically for serious maladies such as sepsis and other severe infections. Even the first female physician Hildegard von Bingen mentions its many uses in the 9th century. Garlic was widely used in ancient Sumer, and thus is considered to be one of the most ancient herbal medicines.

Whether you love garlic, or hate it, this medicinal herb is a pungent and thorough healer.

Family:  Liliaceae
 
Parts Used: Bulb (Fresh)
 
Common Name: Garlic, Ajo, Allium
 
Actions:
Pungent                               Anti-Tumour                      Promotes Leucocytosis
Antiseptic                            Anti-Microbial                   Antibiotic
Anti-Bacterial                     Anti-Viral                             Anti-Fungal
Anti-Parasitic                     Anthelmintic                      Hypoglycemic
Anti-Diabetic                      Anti-Pyretic                        Diaphoretic
Anti-Histaminic                 Expectorant                       Detoxifier
Anti-Thrombotic               Anti-Coagulant                  Vasodilator
Hypotensive                      Hypolipidemic                   Fibrinolytic
Anti-Cholesterol               Anti-Antherosclerosis    Cholagogue
Aphrodisiac                        Antispasmodic                  Amoebicidal

Chemical Constituents:
Enzymes (allinase)
Volatile Oils (over 14 sulfur containing components including alliin, citral, geraniol, linalool, and phellandrene)
Nutrients (Vitamin B and Minerals)
Fiber
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Amino Acids (Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Asparagic Acid, Methionine, and Threonin)
Lipids
Prostaglandins


What Are Its Uses?

Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat:
  • Hay fever
  • Ear infections
  • Catarrh deafness (plugged ears from pressure or stuffy nose)
  • Tonsillitis
  • Ear aches
  • A clove placed in the mouth near an abscess will help remove the swelling and pain
  • Four or five cloves of garlic infused in water, vinegar, or wine, makes an excellent wash for the scalp to stimulate hair growth or clear up dandruff
  • Hoarseness
  • Chronic inflammation of the tonsils

Integumentary System (Skin):
  • Acne (topical)
  • Boils (topical)
  • Ringworm (topical)
  • Fungal infections (topical)
  • Psoriasis
  • Wounds – “ The raw juice is expressed, diluted with water, and put on swabs of sterilized Sphagnum moss, which are applied to the wound. Where this treatment has been given, it has been proved that there have been no septic results, and the lives of thousands of men have been saved by it’s use” – MRS Grieve, in regard to its use during WWI
  • To disperse hard swellings
  • Scrofulous sores (pounded and employed as a poultice)
  • Athletes foot (External)

Mental Health:
  • Effects of Stress (anti-inflammatory)
 
Nervous System:
  • Epilepsy – An infusion of the bruised bulbs, given before and after every meal, has been considered of good effect in epilepsy – MRS Grieve
 
Respiratory System:
  • Specific for chronic bronchitis and bronchitis – Specific in the British Pharmacopoeia. Its properties have been attested to by modern experimental and clinical research.
  • Colds
  • Flus
  • Whooping cough – “Bruised and mixed with lard, it has been proved to relieve whooping-cough if rubbed on the chest and between the shoulder-blades” – MRS Grieve
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Asthma by way of its histaminic action and reducing allergy related asthma

Digestive System:
  • To stimulate bile and digestion of fats
  • GIT catarrh
  • Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections of the GIT
  • Mucosal colitis
  • Intestinal worms and parasites of the GIT
  • Destroys foreign pathogens while supporting the positive gut flora of the intestine
  • Gallstones
  • Obesity
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Diarrhea (Essential Oil)
  • Dysentery (Essential Oil)
  • TB (Essential Oil)
  • Hepatitis
  • Garlic increases secretion from the mucosa to improve digestion and lubricate the passage of viscid mucus, stimulates internal metabolism, and kills bacteria through direct attack (like a sulfa drug) and by changing the environment in which they thrive – Matthew Wood

Excretory System:
  • Pinworms (Humans and Pets)
  • Constipation
 
Urinary/Renal System:
  • Urinary tract infections
 
Endocrine System (Hormones):
  • Diabetes Mellitus – (Do NOT use in place of diabetic medications). Garlic appears to have significant blood-glucose-lowering action. The active principles are believed to be the sulfur-containing compounds allyl propyl disulfide (APDS) and dially disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constituents such as flavonoids may play a role as well. Garlic has a wide range of additional well documented effects useful for the diabetic, including helping to improve blood glucose control, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and inhibit some of the factors associated with increased risk of vascular complications of diabetes such as increased fibrinogen levels.

Cardiovascular System:
  • Reduces cholesterol
  • Reduces triglycerides
  • Fibrinolysis
  • Reduces the thrombosis process
  • High blood pressure
  • High lipids
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Arteriosclerosis
  • To protect from heart disease and age-related vascular change
  • Promote blood flow in arterial vascular disease

    Circulatory System:
  • To reduce the risk of strokes

  • Immune/Lymphatic System:
  • Increases white blood cells
  • Helps reduce antioxidant damage
  • Inhibits growth in some types of tumours
  • Viral infections
  • Bacterial infections
  • Fungal infections (including candida)
  • Parasitic infections
  • As part of some cancer therapies
  • To assist in the detoxification of lead poisoning
  • Cancer prevention (5 cloves/week) – Garlic consumption reduces colorectal cancer risk to 0.69 and stomach cancer to 0.53

Reproductive System:
  • Candida and other vaginal infections (taken orally, do NOT use vaginally) – Garlic has demonstrated significant antifungal activity. In fact, its inhibition of candida in both animal and test tube studies has shown it to be more poteen than nystatin, gentian violet, and six other reputed antifungal agents. Chronic candidiasis requires a daily dose of at least 10mg allicin (a constituent in garlic) or a total allicin potential of 4,000mg. This amount is equal to approximately one clove (4g) of fresh garlic. Going beyond this dosage, even with odorless preparations, usually results in a detectable odor of garlic.

Musculoskeletal System:
  • Rheumatism – A clove or two of garlic, pounded with honey and taken two or three nights successively, is good in rheumatism. – MRS Grieve
 
Specific Diseases/States/Infections/Viruses/Bacteria:
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Silent inflammatory conditions/Silent inflammation
  • It was used in the First World War for preventing gangrene and sepsis
  • In olden days, Garlic was employed as a specific for leprosy
  • Believed that it has most beneficial results in cases of smallpox, if cut small and applied to the soles of the feet in a linen cloth, renewed daily.
  • Formed the principle ingredient in the “Four Thieves Vinegar,” which was adapted so successfully at Marseilles for protection against the plague when it prevailed there in 1722.
 
Combinations:
  • Lack of Appetite “Someone who disdains eating should take sage, and a little less chervil, and a bit of garlic, and pound these together with vinegar, and so make a condiment. He should dip foods which he wishes to eat in it, and he will have an appetite for eating” – Hildegard von Bingen 9th Century Physician

Safety and Concerns:

  • Ok in culinary amounts.
  • Considered a food herb, generally regarded as safe.
  • Fresh garlic at 5gm prevented hepatotoxicity from acetaminophen (Tylenol) and was partially protective at 0.5gm as shown by serum enzymes and liver biopsy (in mice). Garlic ant its S-allyl components inhibited cytochrome P450 2E1 oxidation of acetaminophen and thereby reduced its bioactivation.
    • Aged garlic alcoholic extract does not prevent acetaminophen hepatoxicity, though its components S-allyl cysteine and
S-allylmercapto cysteine can prophylactically reduce it (in vitro)
  • Glutathione depletion was prevented in a dose-dependent manner (in vitro) from acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  • Garlic powder dose-dependently protected the heart, liver, and pancreas from damage induced by isoprenaline, especially in combination with hawthorn (in rats)
  • Use caution when taking therapeutic amounts during lactation – may give colic to baby.
  • Use only small, diluted amounts for children
  • Caution in acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus (speculative) due to the relaxing effect on the lower esophageal sphincter of aromatics like peppermint oil (in human study).
  • Caution for people using insulin – insulin dose may require adjusting (speculative) due to hypoglycemic effects of garlic, its juice or ether extract (in rats and rabbits) and its constituent allicin (in rabbits).​
  • Do not use with acute inflammation or acute irritation
  • Do not used with acute or chronic stomach inflammation (empirical) or marked irritation or inflammation of other mucosal surfaces since the concentrated garlic volatile disulfide components can cause gastroenteritis (empirical).
  • Due to its emmenagogue effect (empirical) and its uterine stimulant action (in vitro or animal studies) excessive use should be avoided in early pregnancy.
  • Caution in cases with low thyroid function (speculative) when high levels of purified constituents are used on a regular basis since this may cause a reduced iodine uptake by the thyroid.
  • Do not use before/after surgery (due to blood thinning effects)
  • Heavy consumption prior to surgery led to increased clotting time or reduced platelet aggregation (in human case reports). This is also shown when consuming 4 cloves (2 grams) daily led to a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (in human case reports).
  • Do not use with hyper coagulative conditions.
  • Taking pearls or tablets reported doubled the INR of 2 patients stabilized on warfarin (in human case reports( due to increased fibrinolytic activity (in human case reports) and diminished human platelet aggregation (in human case studies) associated with the garlic components allicin, ajoene, vinyl dithiins, and trisulfides (in vitro).
  • In some people, higher doses may cause a burning sensation in mouth and GIT, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • May cause changes to friendly gut bacteria in therapeutic doses
  • Can counter effect the use of probiotics in therapeutic doses – stagger dose
  • Do not use full doses in children under the age of 12
  • Do not use with anti-coagulant, anti-thrombotic medications, or with aspirin, or diabetic medications/insulin (may further lower blood sugar)
  • If using as part of an infused oil for ear drops – do not use if ear drum is ruptured.​​

References:
  • Medicinal Herbs Quick Reference Guide – Revision 7 by Julieta Criollo DNM, CHT – Self Published 2017
  • Jeanne Rose Herbal Body Book by Jeanne Rose – Frog Ltd. Berkeley California 2000
  • Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions Third Edition by Francis Brinker ND – Eclectic Medical Publications Sandy Oregon 2001
  • The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine Third Edition – By Michael T. Murray ND and Joseph Pizzorno ND – Atria Publishing, New York, London, Toronto, Sydney, New Delhi 2012
  • Hildegard Von Bingen’s Physica – The Complete English Translation of Her Classic Work on Health and Healing – Translated from Latin by Priscilla Throop – Healing Arts Press Rochester VT 1998
  • The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils – The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-Being By Julia Lawless – Conari Press 2013
  • A Modern Herbal by MRS. M. Grieve – Dover Publication NY 1971
  • The Earthwise Herbal A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants by Matthew Wood- North Atlantic Books Berkeley, California 2008
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A Year in The Garden - Workshop!

8/1/2019

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Black Elderberry - (Sambucus nigra)

8/1/2019

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The genus Sambucus numbers some thirty species distributed throught the world. It is a very propular medicininal plant and has been since ancient times. The elder tree has been known as a medicine chest in its own right with all parts of this amazing plant being used. This herb that assists the human body from head to toe and has a long standing presence in Herbalism.

Shakespeare makes reference to the elder tree in Cymbeline. And in medieval times the tree was a traditional symbol for mourning and green branches were commonly seen at grave sites during this time.

Elder berry has been shown to be very useful for colds and flus and has been shown in clinical studies to strengthen cell membranes which protects against viral penetration.
Furthermore, elder berry was shown to be effective against 10 strains of the influenza virus. It also reduced the duration of flu symptoms to 3 to 4 days in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study.

​Parts Used:
Berries, flowers, (leaves, bark, inner bark, root – may contain some toxic principles, do not self-dose)
 
Family: Adoxaceae
 
Actions:
Anti-Inflammatory                          Diaphoretic                         Laxative
Diuretic (flowers)                            Anti-Rheumatic                 Anti-Viral
Alterative                                            Emollient                             Astringent
Nutritive – Contains Vitamin A, C, Calcium, Potassium, and Iron
Antiseptic                                            Mild Laxative                     Cooling (Flower)
Slightly Blood Thinning (Flower)  Soothing (Flower)          Stimulating (Flower)
Slightly Tonic (Flower)                   Anti-fungal (Leaves/Topical only)
Blood Building (Berries)
 
Chemical Constituents:
                Flavonoids (anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating)
                          - Rutin and Quercetin (Flowers)               
​              Triterpenes
                Volatile oils
                Sterols
                Tannins (Flowers)
                Mucilage (Berries and Flowers)
                Pectin
                Sugars
                Phenolic compounds
                Anthocyanins (Berry)
                Vit A, B, and C, Iron, Sugars

What are its uses?

Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat:
  • Sinusitis
  • Hay Fever
  • Rhinitis (gargle)
  • Laryngitis (gargle)
  • Catarrhal deafness
  • Headache
  • Inflamed Gums (Combine flowers with chamomile as a rinse)
  • Migraine (Berry)
  • Post Nasal Drip
  • Allergic “shiners” under eyes
 
Kidneys/Urinary:
  • Kidney issues
  • Flowers stimulate urination (diuretic)

GIT/Digestion/Elimination:
  • Flowers stimulate bowel movements (gentle laxative effect)
  • Hemorrhoids (Flowers – Topically and as a Tea)
  • Stomach spasms
  • Intestinal colic
  • Constipation
Skin:
  • Teas made from the bark and leaves were used in washes for healing eczema, sores, and rashes (Topical Only).
  • Skin Sores and Blisters (Flowers – Topically)
  • Boils – topically to disperse heat and regulate blood flow
  • Weeping and Dry Eczema
  • Tinea (young leaves/topically)
  • Ringworm (young leaves/topically)
  • Scabies (young leaves/topically)
  • Poison Ivy or Poison Oak (plant parts not specified – my hypothesis would be a topical wash from the bark)

    Liver/Gallbladder:
  • Jaundice
  • In Medieval times, known as holderbaum – “One who has jaundice should enter a sauna bath and place the leaves of this tree on the hot rocks. He should pour water over them, and then place a twig in pure wine, so that it takes its flavor. While in that bath, he should drink this in moderation. After he comes out of the bath, he should lie in bed, so that he sweats. He should do this often, and he will be better” – Hildegard von Bingen 9th Century Physician
​
Cardiovascular/Blood:
  • Anemia (Berries)
  • Elder flowers, used fresh, are a stimulating diaphoretic, bringing the blood to the surface, strengthening the periphery, and bringing forth a sweat in pale, bluish persons with weak peripheral circulation – Herbalist Matthew Wood

​Muscular/Skeletal:
  • Rheumatic aches and pains (most commonly in a strong decoction - Berry)
  • Rheumatism (Flowers as a strong tea)
  • Arthritis (Flowers as a strong tea)
  • Sciatica (Berry)
  • Sprained wrists and ankles (blue and swollen in appearance)
  • Tight tendons

Immune/Lymphatic System:
  • Increases cytokine production
  • Believed to inhibit the viral enzyme that weakens cellular membranes
  • Tea made from the flowers is used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms and to reduce fevers (Traditional European)
  • Swollen Spleen (Berries)
 
Reproductive System:
  • Menstruation Problems
  • Fibroids
 
Nervous System/Mental Health:
  • Has been used in epilepsy – inner bark (not recommended)
  • Palsy
  • Neuralgias (Berry)
  • Children with strong, sanguine personalities, who pay little attention to directions, or are classified as hyperactive of having ADD/ADHD

Respiratory System:
  • Cold and Flu
  • Asthma – strengthening the respiratory system
  • Bronchitis
  • General upper respiratory infections
  • Stubborn coughs that remain after the illness is cleared (Berry)
  • Spasmodic cough
  • Especially spasmodic cough and croup in children
  • Congestion of the upper respiratory tract with restriction of breathing
 
Specific Diseases/States/Infections/Viruses:
  • Specific to shortening the severity and duration of colds and flus
  • Constitutionally indicated in persons with dry, red, irritable skin of the cheeks with a blue cast across the nose or by the eyes, or prominent blue veins or blue, swollen edema.
  • Opens all the tubes of the body (skin, lungs, colon, kidneys, blood vessels), improving oxygenation, blood flow, perspiration, and elimination by the colon and kidneys.
  • Improves immunity in winter

Safety Concerns and Contraindications

  • ​Generally regarded as safe
  • No side effects or drug interactions have been reported
  • Considered safe during pregnancy and lactation
  • Cooking or drying destroys the rank-smelling, toxic compounds
  • Unripe berries may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Generally, raw elderberries are considered inedible and cooked berries edible, but some indigenous tribes are said to have eaten large quantities fresh from the bush
  • The stems, bark, leaves, and roots contain poisonous cyanide producing glycosides (especially when fresh), which cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but ripe fruits and flowers are edible. The seeds, however, contain toxins that are most concentrated in red-fruited species. Many sources classify red-fruited elderberries as poisonous and black or blue fruited species as edible.

​​References:
  • Medicinal Herbs Quick Reference Guide - by Julieta Criollo – Self Published 2017
  • Medical Herbalism – By David Hoffmann
  • Indian Herbology of North America – By Alma R. Hutchens
  • Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada By Mackinnon, Kershaw, Arnason, Owen, Karst, and Hamersley Chambers – Lone Pine Publishing Edmonton Canada, 2009
  • The Natural Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Plants – By Frantisek Stary – Tiger Books International 1998
  • Physica – By Hildegard von Bingen – 9th Century Medieval Text
  • The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants – By Matthew Wood – North Atlantic Books Berkley, California 2008
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Supplements for Back to School

8/1/2019

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Summer is winding down, so it's time to think about school again. As you prepare for back-to-school shopping, here are a few supplements that can make a real difference in your child's health and academic success this year. In addition to proper nutrition and herbal remedies, often times supplements can help with appropriate balancing of the gut microbiome, supporting the nervous system, and bolstering the immune system. Genestra, Pure Encapsulations, and Douglas Lab brand supplements are ones that I personally use and trust. The products are clean, are minimally processing, and hold minimal to zero non-medicinal ingredients.

To order supplements, ask questions, or to schedule a back to school wellness consultation, please call the office at 778-866-3320 

The Supplements:

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HMF Child and Multi - $48.82 CAD
- 30 Chewable Tablets
  • Provides 12.5 billion CFU per dose
    ​from a combination of four proprietary strains
  • Includes 13 essential vitamins and minerals to support optimal health in children
  • Delicious natural blackcurrant-flavoured chewable tablets
Supports Gastrointestinal and Skin Health in Children
• Provides live microorganisms that temporarily modify gut flora 
• Helps to maintain eyesight, skin, membranes and immune function 
• Helps in the development and maintenance of night vision, bones, cartilage, teeth and gums 
• Provides 12.5 billion CFU per daily dose from a combination of four proprietary human-sourced strains 
• Delicious natural blackcurrant flavour


HMF Child + Multi is a great tasting combination of probiotics and vitamins that helps to promote optimal health in children. The intestinal microbiota, which contains more than 400 bacterial species, can be altered by antibiotic use, aging, and premature or caesarean births.1-3 The most commonly used probiotics are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which are safe for both adults and children.4 They effectively colonize the intestines; however, once their ingestion ends, their counts decrease or disappear.1,4,5 In addition to decreasing the survival of pathogenic bacteria by reducing the pH, probiotics reinforce the epithelial barrier.4 They control permeability by mediating tight junction integrity, and prevent pathogenic adherence to epithelial cells by increasing mucin release on intestinal surfaces.4 Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and is required for the production of collagen, the primary structural protein in bones, cartilage, teeth, and wound healing.6 Vitamin A promotes the natural barrier function of the skin, helps to stimulate immune cell development, and maintains eyesight and night vision to further promote optimal health.7-9
REFERENCES
1. Nagpal, R, Yadav, H, Kumar, M, Jain, S, Yamashiro, Y, Marotta, F. (2013). In Otles, S. (Ed.), Probiotics and Prebiotics in Food, Nutrition and Health (pp. 1-24). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. 
2. Lyra A, Tiihonen K, Lehtinen MJ, Ouwehand AC. (2013). In Otles, S. (Ed.), Probiotics and Prebiotics in Food, Nutrition and Health (pp. 156-178). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. 
3. Thomas, DW, Greer, FR. Pediatrics. 2010; 126(6): 1217-1231. 
4. Saulnier, N, Zocco, MA, Di Caro, S, Gasbarrini, G, Gasbarrini, A. Genes & Nutrition. 2006; 1(2): 107-116. 
5.  Saavedra, JM. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2007; 22: 351-365. 
6. Combs, GF. (2012). In (4th ed.) The Vitamins (pp.233-259). USA: Elsevier. 
7. Ruhl, R. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2007; 66: 458-469. 
8. Al Tanoury, Z, Piskunov, A, Rochette-Egly, C. Journal of Lipid Research. 2013; 54: 1761-1775. 
9. Mukherjee, S, Date, A, Patravale, V, Korting, HC, Roeder, A, Weindl, G. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2006; 1(4): 327-348.
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Pediatri Vite - $38.56 CAD
- 250ml Liquid Vitamin
  • Comprehensive multivitamin  supplement for children 1 year and older
  • Contains more than 10 vitamins and minerals to support optimum nutritional status
  • Delicious natural cherry-flavoured liquid
Comprehensive multi-vitamin supplement for children and adolescents
• Supports bone health, immune function, and normal growth and development
• Available in a great-tasting, cherry-flavoured liquid

Improved formula
• Better taste from natural cherry, vanilla cream and raspberry flavours for enhanced compliance
• Increased amount of essential nutrients: vitamins D and E, niacinamide, pantothenic acid, iodine, magnesium, zinc, choline and inositol
• Added vitamin K for additional bone health support
• More servings per bottle, providing an additional two-week supply

Pediatri Vite provides a delicious, natural cherry-flavoured, full-spectrum liquid vitamin and mineral combination specifically formulated to support optimum nutritional status in children one year and older. Adequate amounts of vitamins and essential minerals are required for the healthy functioning of all physiological processes.1Optimal nutrient intake is particularly important to the proper development of the skeletal system and maintenance of good health in children.1,2 Pediatri Vite contains more than 10 vitamins and minerals in the appropriate ratios needed for the most efficient utilization by young children. It helps in energy metabolism and tissue formation, building strong bones and teeth, and maintaining cognitive, immune and proper muscle function. Research has demonstrated that the supply and use of nutrients is most biologically relevant during early childhood, and the quantity and quality of this nutrient supply can have long-lasting effects on health.3
References
1. Prentice, A, Schoenmakers, I, Laskey, MA, de Bono, S, Ginty, F, Goldberg, GR. Proc Nutr Soc. 2006; 65: 348-360.
2. Weichselbaum, E, Buttriss, JL. Nutr Bull. 2014; 39, 9-73.
3. Koletzko, B. E Spen Eur E J Clin Nutr Metab. 2008; 3: e179-e184.
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EPA/DHA Essentials - $60.89 CAD
- 180 Soft Gel Capsules
  • Ultra-pure, molecularly distilled fish oil concentrate
  • Maintains cardiovascular health and helps reduce serum triglycerides
  • Supports cognitive health and brain function
  • Maintains cardiovascular health and helps reduce serum triglycerides
  • Supports brain function
EPA/DHA Essentials provides pure, microfiltered fish oil concentrate for cardiovascular and cognitive health. EPA and DHA from fish oil promote cardiovascular health by helping to reduce serum triglycerides, maintaining healthy blood flow and supporting healthy platelet function. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 223 individuals indicated that fish oil supplementation promotes healthy arterial function. In addition, studies indicate these oils help maintain blood vessel integrity. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids are important components of neuronal cell membranes and are essential to cognitive function. EPA/DHA essentials has been tested for environmental contaminants (heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins and furans), microbial contaminants, and oxidation and rancidity. It registers well below the strict limits for these criteria as established by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Europea Pharmacoepeia (EP) and U.S. Pharmacoepeia (USP).
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Vita-Kids - $32.77 CAD
- 100 Chewable Tablets
  • Comprehensive children’s chewable multivitamin/mineral formula
  • Provided in unique teddy bear-shaped chewable tablets with a delicious natural grape flavour
  • Helps to maintain good health in children
Vita-Kids™ is a great tasting, natural grape-flavoured chewable vitamin-mineral-trace element supplement formulated for children ages one to eight. The unique teddy bear shaped Vita-Kids™ chewable tablets provide 27 vitamins, minerals and trace elements in bioavailable forms and nutritionally meaningful amounts. 
Vita-Kids™ is more than just another children's multivitamin-mineral supplement. Research shows that the intake of many vitamins above RDA levels may have significant positive effects on the structure and function of growing bodies. 
Compared to major brands of children's chewable multivitamins, the convenient chewable tablets of Vita-Kids™ provide several times the levels of the important antioxidant vitamins C and E. Vita-Kids™ also delivers significantly higher levels of most B-vitamins than brand-name vitamins, and provides easily absorbable calcium and magnesium, as well as a full spectrum of bioavailable trace elements. Vitamin D is also added to help maintain bone health. In fact, Vita-Kids™ is one of the most complete children's chewable multivitamin/mineral formulas on the market. It provides essential vitamins and minerals that help maintain optimal eyesight, skin, energy metabolism, bones and teeth, and proper muscle, immune and thyroid gland function. Vita-Kids™ uses only the purest, most hypoallergenic ingredients and contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. 


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Vitamin D 1000 IU - $21.09 CAD
- 100 Tablets
  • Contains 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 per tablet to help prevent vitamin D deficiency
  • Supports calcium metabolism and helps build strong bones and teeth
  • Helps to maintain immune function and in the process of normal cell division
Vitamin D 1000 IU is an excellent source of vitamin D. Adequate vitamin D intake is important for ensuring normal calcium absorption and maintaining proper calcium plasma levels. Thus, vitamin D has a critical role in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth. Studies have shown that supplementation with high doses of vitamin D maximizes bone health in adults and may decrease the risk of fractures in the elderly. 
One of the main sources of vitamin D is from exposing skin to sunlight. However, this process can be limited by skin colour, sunscreen use, season and geographic location. People living close to the equator can easily produce vitamin D throughout the year, while those living farther away have to rely on foods and supplements for adequate vitamin D status. As few foods naturally contain high levels of vitamin D, supplementation is a great alternative to increase vitamin D levels. 
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    Petra Sovcov is not a Medical Doctor (MD) nor a Naturopath (ND), she is a Clinical Herbal Therapist (CHT) and holds a Doctorate in Natural Medicine (DNM). The suggestions or recommendations made on this site  are not meant to be a substitute for advice from your MD, or as a substitute for any prescriptions you may be taking. Suggestions followed will be the responsibility of the reader, and are stated with the intention of interest and education only. If you have a health issue, please see your primary care physician (MD) first and foremost.

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