The Truth Behind Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. Its commonly used in India and other parts of Asia both as a spice for cooking and as a medicinal herb. The studies available use turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin, with dosages usually exceeding 1g per day, which is more than one would likely ingest solely from cooking with turmeric.
Turmeric has become increasingly popular due to its anti-inflammatory properties. More and more research is pointing to inflammation being a key contributor to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, elevated cholesterol, and Alzheimers disease.
Based on early cell culture and animal research, some clinical trials indicate curcumin may have potential as a therapeutic agent in treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, itching, pancreatitis, arthritis, and chronic anterior uveitis, as well as certain types of cancer.
Some research shows turmeric extract may decrease total cholesterol, LDL , and triglycerides. Other research shows taking turmeric extract alone or in combination with other herbal ingredients can reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis about as well as ibuprofen. However, these studies are very small and limited, so the quality of the evidence is limited.
Upping Your Intake Of Lysine
Older laboratory of studies performed in vitro showed that lysine an essential amino acid that you get from food may be able to help prevent cold sores. Lysine is also available as an oral supplement and as a cream.
Lysine is thought to prevent against cold sore outbreaks because it reduces the activity of arginine, an amino acid needed by the herpes simplex virus to replicate.
The richest sources of lysine are foods that are high in protein, such as:
- meat, specifically beef, chicken, and pork
- cheese, especially parmesan
- fish, particularly cod and sardines
Review Supplements Before And After Surgery
If you are having a surgical procedure, be sure to discuss any vitamins and herbal supplements that you are taking with your doctor beforehand, even common supplements that you may think are harmless. Some supplements may increase the risk of bleeding in patients, and you may be advised to stop them for a period of time before and after surgery.
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What Are Warnings And Precautions For Lysine
Warnings
- This medication contains lysine
- Do not take L-lysine and Lysine Monohydrochloride if you are allergic to lysine or any ingredients contained in this drug
- Keep out of reach of children
- In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately
Contraindications
- Avoid taking large amounts of calcium and lysine at the same time. Lysine can increase how much calcium the body absorbs. Taking calcium along with lysine can increase the amount of calcium in the body.
Effects of Drug Abuse
Are There Drawbacks To Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements are likely safe for most people in lower doses . High doses may reduce immune function, making them dangerous for the elderly, transplant patients, or patients with HIV.
People who are allergic to fish or seafood may also be allergic to fish oil supplements. There is also some research suggesting that fish oil may increase the risk of irregular beats in patients with a defibrillator. Also, its not advisable to consume large amounts of fish in order to boost dietary fish oil intake due to possible contamination with mercury and other industrial and environmental chemicals.
Like turmeric, fish oil may slow blood clotting, so patients with a scheduled surgery should stop regular consumption two weeks before scheduled surgery.
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Lactobacillus Acidophilus / Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
A total of302 drugsare known to interact withlactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus rhamnosus.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus rhamnosus is in the following drug classes:antidiarrheals, probiotics.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus rhamnosus is used to treatVaginal pH Imbalance.
Mistake: Letting Your Wellness Habits Slide
Both diet and stress levels can have an impact on your digestive balance, gut flora, and general state of health, explains Taylor. And no, probiotics are not a magic bullet that will undo the effects of regular late-night French fry runs or a crazy workload. In order for them to work at their best, aim to be as consistent as possible with your other healthy habits.
Also, remember that medicationincluding antibioticscan kill off your gut bacteria and prevent your probiotics from working properly. Not only might you need to double down on your probiotic intake when you’re sick, but you should select a strain that can stand up to antibiotics, says Taylor. The good news? If you’re taking your probiotics properly, you’re less likely to get sick in the first placeall the more reason to make them part of your daily routine.
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How To Know If Your Gut Is Ok And How To Get It There If It Isnt
Theres a pretty simple sign that indicates if your gut has enough prebiotics and probiotics. Those who have a gut imbalance will have symptoms like increased gut sensitivity or changes in bowel habits, Farhadi said. This means issues like diarrhea, constipation and excess gas.
You dont have to wait for these unpleasant symptoms to pop up to start taking a probiotic. Whether you do it through diet or supplement, prebiotics and probiotics can be used by anyone to proactively maintain gut health, Farhadi said.
For example, in his own practice Farhadi recommends a patient eat a tablespoon of Greek yogurt sprinkled with Metamucil on top to restore balance in the gut.
Schwartzstein added that most people can get enough probiotics through their daily diet without a supplement. This includes eating foods like yogurt , soy drinks, soft cheeses like Gouda, and miso. Theres one main exception where heavier amounts of the bacteria might be needed.
There are circumstances that can cause fewer probiotics in our digestive system the most common is when we take antibiotics, Schwartzstein said. These antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria in our gut that serve as probiotics at the same time they kill the harmful bacteria that is causing the infection.
For prebiotics, Palinski-Wade said that a diet high in plant-based foods and fiber is a good way to make sure youre consuming enough. Sources of prebiotics include garlic, vegetables, fruits and legumes.
Probiotics And Gerd Medications: Antacids Ppis And Other Acid Reducers
Probiotics are one of the hottest topics in medicine and health nowadays. Recent research links the disturbance in your gut microbiota to various health problem.
Some recent studies suggest the use of probiotics in patients with Acid reflux. There is no large scale clinical trials investigating the role of probiotics in GERD. However, Small scale studies showed promising results.
Probiotics can potentially decrease gastric acidity and improve stomach motility . This, in turn, will result in improvement in the symptoms of acid reflux.
Today, we will explain the interactions between Probiotics and GERD medications such as antacids, Proton Pump Inhibitors , and others.
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When Should I Take Probiotic And Prebiotic Supplements
The best time to take your supplements depends on the type of bacteria you are dealing with, which is why supplements will usually instruct you on the right time to take them. This usually determines whether you should take them before or after meals. Some probiotic supplements recommend that you take them on an empty stomach, while others recommend taking them shortly before or after eating.
According to recent research, what you eat might matter more than whether you eat before or after taking supplements. Probiotics have to survive their journey through the digestive tract before they can colonize your gut, and some foods can help them do that.
For example, various probiotic bacteria depend on glucose to survive in an acidic environment like your stomach. Glucose is produced when your body breaks down sugar and carbs, so eating these before taking a probiotic might help more of the bacteria make it to your gut.
Possible Side Effects Of Lysine
Generally, lysine is considered relatively safe if you remain within the recommended quantities. However, taking too much of it could result in you experiencing some of the negative side effects of l-lysine.
Common side effects of l-lysine include:
Not all side effects are known, so be aware that others not included in this list may occur. Lysine is considered generally safe when taken for up to a year. It should also be mentioned that these reported l-lysine side effects result from supplements, not natural sources like food or plant products.
If you suffer from kidney or liver impairment, its best to be cautious before taking lysine supplements.
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction after taking lysine supplements, seek medical help immediately. Depending on the severity of your allergy, if you have difficulty breathing, hives , or the lips, face, tongue, or throat swell, youll need emergency help.
If you begin to experience even mild issues after taking lysine supplements, contact your doctor for advice.
Currently, there isnt enough research into the potential side effects of l-lysine and safety of taking supplements during pregnancy. It is therefore best to avoid taking l-lysine supplements if youre pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Mistake #: Youre Not Prepping Your System Prebiotics
Prebiotics are food for good bacteria. But Nielsen warns that most of the research on prebiotics is done with high doses , which can be hard on the stomach, especially for those with gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
So, how do you get the benefits of prebiotics to get the benefits of probiotics? I recommend eating a diet high in plant foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, says Nielsen. A high-fibre, plant-centred diet has been shown to have an overall beneficial effect on the flora, and will naturally include prebiotic foods such as wheat, legumes and onions.
Can You Take Medicine And Vitamins Together
When it comes to supplements, you may think that because theyre natural, theyre safe but thats not necessarily true. Companies that produce vitamin supplements are not required to get approval from the Food and Drug Administration before selling their products, so it can be hard to determine whether they are safe or effectiveeven if they contain the exact ingredients listed. And it can be risky to take certain supplements with prescription medications.
Although the FDA requires all supplements to be labeled correctly, not all companies follow these guidelines or report the amounts contained accurately. Whats more, the majority of these supplements lack scientific evidence to support their claims to foster good health. Before you start taking any vitamins or supplements, discuss their safety and possible drug interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. And remember, your best bet to get the required vitamins and minerals is by eating a well-rounded, healthy diet. These are a few examples of how supplements and medications can negatively impact one another.
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How Do I Know If The Probiotics Are Working
Signs Your Probiotics Are Working When you take a high-quality probiotic supplement, you may notice several positive changes in your body, ranging from improved digestion and more energy, to improved mood and clearer skin. Oftentimes, the first and most immediate change individuals notice is improved digestion.
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St Johns Wort And Antidepressants
You need to be wary of over-the-counter or prescription drugs that can interact poorly with supplements, says Robert Glatter, MD, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Northwell Health in New York City. For example, St. Johns wort may cause fever, confusion, and anxiety if its taken with other antidepressants. Antidepressants and St Johns wort both increase levels of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin. This can cause serotonin syndrome and in severe cases, it may lead to muscle rigidity and seizures, he says.
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Nutritional Value Of Lysine
As well as knowing what the main lysine foods are, it is also useful to know its nutritional breakdown.
Food and plant products are considered to have a sufficient level of lysine if it has at least 51mg of lysine per gram of protein.
A ¼ level teaspoon serving of pure lysine powder should provide you with around 435 mg of lysine. This is a suitable amount and can be added to smoothies or shakers along with water or fruit juice to provide you with a good l-lysine dosage.
Its always best when purchasing powders and tablets to be aware of added ingredients. Pure lysine without flavourings is better as it reduces the risk of an increased sugar or carbohydrate content.
While powders can be added to yogurts and smoothies, this will naturally increase the calorie content of something that doesnt have any to begin with. Its understandable that you may want to make the l-lysine powder sweeter, but be aware of diluting it too much as you may not receive the optimal lysine benefits.
If youre looking to increase your protein intake without the added carbs, check out these low carb protein powders to add into your shakes and smoothies.
When taking lysine supplements or powder, aim for consuming it in its purest form rather than with products that are high in fat and sugar.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Once you let your doctor know about all the medications you takeincluding over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and other supplementsyou may still have more questions, especially when it comes to your cancer treatment.
Below are some questions to consider asking:
- Can I take my other medications before and during chemotherapy?
- What are the potential side effects of this cancer treatment?
- What can I do besides take supplements to help manage treatment side effects?
- Are there any natural supplements that safely help relieve side effects from treatment?
- What are the side effects of any supplements that are safe to take?
- Are there any warning signs I should be aware of when taking supplements that are considered safe?
- When is it safe again to take the supplements I usually take?
Expert cancer care
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The Bottom Line On Supplements
For most people, regular exercise and a healthy diet that is plant-based combine to provide more health benefits than any supplements.
There are exceptions, of course. Supplements may be beneficial for people who are vegan or are following a more restrictive diet. Women of child-bearing age should take a folic acid supplement, while post-menopausal women should take a calcium supplement if theyre not getting enough in their diet.
Because there are a few other health conditions that may require supplementation, the best way to determine if you should be adding any supplements to your diet is to have a discussion with your healthcare provider.
If you want to do a little reading before you talk to your care team, I recommend checking out these websites, which present information on supplements and the possible risks and benefits in a clear way:
Can I Take Probiotics With Fiber Supplements
People know of the connection between the fiber and GI tract. They typically think of fibers as a bulking agent. But theres the energy side that is often overlooked. The prebiotic fibers serve as a source of fuel for the beneficial bacteria.
Why is that critical? The intestines are possibly one of the metabolically active organs in the body! When you think of other metabolically active organs, for example the brain and heart, it is important to think of the gut with the same level of importance.
If youve been wondering, Should I take fiber and probiotics together? the answer is frequently yes. Many of the fibers from an unrefined diet will be ideal for the growth environment for your probiotics. To provide the ideal environment for growth of the beneficial bacteria, including Floradapt probiotics, remember to include some soluble prebiotic fibers into your diet.
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Does Taking Prebiotics And Probiotics Have Side Effects
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , it is safe for most people to take prebiotics and probiotics.4 However, probiotic supplements are not regulated as drugs, which means they are not subject to strict safety evaluations. They also contain live bacteria. Cheap probiotics produced in unsafe conditions may be contaminated with bacteria other than the intended strain or may even contain entirely different bacteria to the one on the label.
There are usually only mild side effects for safely produced probiotics, and these often clear up after a week or two of adopting a new probiotic regimen. These commonly include:
- Loss of appetite
The only potentially dangerous side effect is an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to the bacteria being ingested, you could experience painful stomach cramps or break out in hives.
Additionally, suppose you are experiencing bacterial overgrowth for safely produced probiotics here, such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. In that case, you should consult your doctor on whether you should take prebiotics and which to take.
Taking Collagen Dont Forget Lysine And Vitamin C
Vitamin C is arguably the single most important water soluble antioxidant in the human body. Antioxidants play a key role in protecting cells against free radicals, which can cause damage and play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
A lack of vitamin C and lysine also results in poor collagen and weak arteries. Coronary arteries are under more pressure than any other artery in the body. Without sufficient vitamin C and lysine the constant pounding in the arteries causes minute cracks in collagen. This bodily stress can contribute to atherosclerosis, blood clots, or in worse cases rupture a weakened artery, resulting in a stroke.
Millions of North Americans also suffer from osteoarthritis. Without sufficient vitamin C to produce collagen bone eventually grinds on bone. There would be fewer joint replacements if adequate vitamin C levels were achieved to produce healthy collagen. If thats not enough, all the beauty experts will also tell you collagen helps keep skin looking youthful.
To combat inflammatory Rheumatoid arthritis similarly also requires large doses of vitamin C. Every moment of the day our bodies require oxygen to help keep us alive. However, oxidation results in metabolic ash, known as free radicals which are believed to trigger an inflammatory reaction in joints. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce damaging free-radicals.
To maintain optimal health and improve your chances of reaching 90+, I recommend
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