Supportive supplements can help you live a long and healthy life.
Recalls of pharmaceutical medicines—both over-the-counter and prescription—have recently surged, calling into question the quality of drug manufacturing in the United States. The FDA reports that over 1,742 drugs were taken off the market last year—up enormously from 426 recalls in 2008!
In fact, independent reviews suggest that up to 85% of new drugs offer few, if any, additional benefits. But they carry potential risks of serious harm, according to new research presented several weeks ago at the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association.
Calling the pharmaceutical industry a “market for lemons,” Donald Light, PhD, professor of comparative health policy at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, finds that drug companies’ marketing budget is two to three times what they spend on research. No wonder that retail prices of brand-name drugs increased, on average, over 8% last year.
While study after study points to the benefits of a healthy diet—high in essential fats, antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits, and sufficient protein—as the real foundation of good health, more Americans than ever are obese or overweight, putting them at risk for numerous chronic diseases. Interestingly, the majority of health professionals take supplements—despite all the medications they may prescribe to their patients.
“Pioneering nutritional strategies,” including antioxidants and polyphenols, fiber, olive oil, and omega-3 fats, “have been developed to aim at reducing the main atherosclerotic risk factors and promoting cardiovascular health,” the latest issue of Cardiovascular Therapy reports. For instance, a recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that long-term use of a multivitamin may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by 16%.
Other research finds that people taking multivitamins have a younger “biological” age than those who rely on diet alone. “Nutrition is an important element in the health of the older population and affects the aging process,” writes scientists in a recent issue of the journal Clinical Intervention in Aging.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
Because of Big Pharma’s obvious focus on marketing—over research into safety and educating consumers about potential problems—I strongly advise you to ask your doctor about drug risks versus benefits, as well as side effects and contraindications. Also, work with healthcare practitioners who understand and respect sound nutrition.
Obviously, the 72% of physicians and 89% of nurses who take a multivitamin to protect their own health recognize the benefits of supplementation. And it’s equally important for growing children, pregnant women, and anyone experiencing the daily stresses of 21st century living.
For instance, a new study in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry cites antioxidants as protective against oxidative stress leading to neurodegenerative disease, while copper and iron can increase oxidative stress. For years, I’ve recommend that those women who wish to avoid both copper and iron take the Iron-Free Female Multiple (which is also copper-free).
The right supplements provide an important safety net in a world of factory farms, environmental toxins, and increasingly common food recalls. Within my own nutrition practice, I can clearly see the benefits of the right mix of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in my clients’ daily lives.
My 5 Favorite Supplements
I’m frequently asked which supplements I take. While specific nutritional needs vary from individual to individual, here are my personal faves to consider, along with a healthy diet and a daily multi.
1. Ultra H-3 is the only anti-aging formula I’ve ever endorsed. Based on the original GH3 formula accidentally discovered by Dr. Ana Aslan of the National Geriatric Institute in Bucharest, Romania in 1949, this unique patented supplement alleviates joint pain, enhances energy, promotes restful sleep, enhances memory, combats depression, and can even help put the spark back in your sex life. Based on over 500 laboratory studies, Dr. Aslan’s GH-3 has been shown to inhibit and balance the buildup of an enzyme in the brain, monoamine oxidase (MAO) that, after age 45, begins to replace natural hormones in the body, prematurely aging us.
Six times more effective than Dr. Aslan’s original injectable GH-3 formulation, Ultra H-3 contains standardized ginkgo and bilberry to help increase circulation to the brain, along with vitamin C, important water-soluble B vitamins, and minerals. Adults can take 1 to 2 tablets twice daily (6 to 8 hours apart) with a glass of water, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
2. Adrenal Formula is useful for those who are tired when they get up in the morning and spend the better part of each day spiking up their exhausted adrenal glands with caffeine, excessive exercise, sugary foods and drinks, and/or nicotine. Early warning signs of adrenal burnout include chronic low blood pressure, low stamina, sensitivity to cold, and addiction to salty or sweet foods. Hormone changes starting with perimenopause, oral infections, and the stresses of today’s 24/7 lifestyle can put anyone at risk for insufficient adrenal output. The result? Increased cholesterol, insulin, and triglyceride levels, damage to brain and nerve tissue, and less regeneration of connective tissue are just some of the negative effects of adrenal burnout.
To counteract stress, trouble sleeping through the night, and/or midday fatigue (especially between 11 am and 3 pm), adults can take 1 to 2 caplets twice or three time daily, ideally at 7 am, 11 am, and 3 pm (not to exceed 6 caplets a day), or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Adrenal Formula helps regulate the body’s minerals and works with the thyroid gland to produce and maintain healthy energy levels throughout the lifespan.
3. Fat Flush Body Protein has the highest efficiency ratio for protein to support and enhance adrenal function—and will keep you sustained and energized for a good four hours, curbing cravings that only deplete adrenal hormones, and stabilizing blood sugar. This vegan powder—gluten- and GMO-free as well as hypoallergenic—not only helps boost metabolism and stimulate thyroid function, but is also the right kind of protein that’s needed for the liver to produce enough enzymes to break down toxins into water-soluble substances for excretion.
A single scoop of Fat Flush Body Protein—a delicious combination of pea protein and brown rice—provides 20 grams of protein. It’s easily added to your favorite frappes or smoothies. You’ll also find protein-rich recipes in Fat Flush for Life using this vegan powder.
4. Biotin is a B vitamin that I find essential to healthy hair, nails, and skin. Easily lost in cooking and preparing foods, this vitamin is deficient in people with Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, or who’ve had intestinal bypass procedures or are on a restrictive diet. Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln finds that pregnant women are severely deficient in this B vitamin—sometimes contributing to fetal malformation.
At higher levels—Biotin 5 mg—this vitamin also helps manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, while aiding in the body’s utilization of protein and other B vitamins. This dose has even been known to strengthen nails and promote hair growth.
5. Molybdenum is an often overlooked mineral with numerous health benefits—from helping the body manufacture hemoglobin (the oxygen-bearing protein in red blood cells) to relieving brain fog and arthritis pain. Its primary role, however, is as a cell purifier, critical in combating allergies and sensitivities, ridding the body of yeast (like infectious Candida albicans), and combating toxic copper buildup in the body.
Adults can take 1 tablet of MOLY-Cu (containing 100 mg molybdenum with black radish root, kelp, and parsley leaf) daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider. Call UNI KEY Health at 800-888-4353 to order.
Sources:
Fat Flush for Life
Hot Times, How to Eat Well, Live Healthy, and Feel Sexy During the Change
http://money.cnn.com/2010/08/16/news/companies/drug_recall_surge/index.htm
www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-stalevo-warning-20100820,0,1087821.story?track=rss
www.naturalnews.com/029506_Big_Pharma_lemons.html
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20730621
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20711440
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20706687
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20674414
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20633023
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20537171
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19675644
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19966568
www.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/business/25drug.html?_r=1&ref=health
www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67F38C20100817
Visionary, health guru, diet/detox expert, author, spokesperson, role model, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise Gittleman has always been a trendsetter. 
Our love of prescriptions in this country is upsetting. We prescribe more medicine in the US than the rest of the world combined. That is very scary!
The increased recalls don’t surprise me whatsoever. The FDA has admitted that they are extremely understaffed. They have also admitted that they don’t have the resources to study each new pill and therefore have to rely on the pharmaceutical company’s tests to determine safety. How lame is that? Of course Big Pharma is going to say it’s safe! They want to make billions off of it!
I don’t trust the FDA and try my best to avoid anything they have said is safe. Even over-the-counter products concern me and I won’t take them. Paranoid? Perhaps. But do some investigating yourself and you will see what I mean!
what is in the adrenal support capsules?
This is the product Dr. Ann Louise is referring to for Adrenal support:
http://www.unikeyhealth.com/product/Adrenal_Formula/Detox_Diet_Cleansing
It is a fantastic product for supplying nutrients to Adrenal Glands that have overworked.