The Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR), one of the most trusted names in medical publishing, provides us with the basic do's and don’ts for using nutritional supplements.

Scientists are discovering that nutritional supplements have unsuspected benefits that can sometimes rival the impact of prescription drugs. For this reason, “this book endeavors to steer a middle course, describing each product’s potential benefits whether conclusively proven or not, but clearly distinguishing between claims that scientists consider valid and those that are still regarded as theoretical.”

In other words this easy-to-understand guide is only intended as a reference and cannot be a substitute for a doctor’s expert opinion.

Some food supplements such as bacteria can provide a combination of nutrients and active ingredients that ease digestion and boost our metabolism.

Bacteria are not always synonymous with disease. There is a good variety of bacteria which include B. bifidum, B. longum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus to name but a few. These friendly bacteria, so to speak, are known as probiotics. They inhabit our body and promote good digestive health as well as increase resistance to infections. There is also evidence to suggest that these beneficial bacteria may normalize hormone levels, reduce cholesterol and protect against some forms of cancer. However, good bacteria can be easily killed by antibiotics or harmful bacteria from food and the environment.

There is also strong evidence that the efficiency of these probiotics declines as we age. A lack of this kind of bacteria enables harmful germs to grow out of control causing health problems ranging from yeast infections to constipation. The good news is that eating a diet low in refined sugars, high in fruits and vegetables and an increased amount of low fat yogurt with live, active cultures will help you maintain a maximum level of healthy bacteria. Even in large doses, probiotics don’t appear to have any harmful side effects.

Another popular nutritional supplement, “Coenzymes Q10,” can help people suffering from congestive heart failure and irregular heartbeat by reducing their symptoms and enabling better cardiac function. Some advocates even believe that Coenzyme Q10 can postpone hardening of the arteries by discouraging the buildup of plaque on artery walls. Others also suggest that it can boost the immune system, helping to prevent the spread of cancer.

Coenzyme Q10 is found in beef, lamb and certain types of fish,

shellfish and broccoli, spinach and vegetable oils. However, Coenzyme Q10 is not a viable treatment for any type of heart disease; it cannot be seen as a replacement but as a supplement so under no circumstances, should you substitute Coenzyme Q10 for any of your regular prescriptions.

Flaxseed oil has recently gained attention as a viable alternative to fish oil. It appears to lower cholesterol but it does not reduce high triglyceride levels that may also contribute to heart problems. Taken in recommended amounts, flaxseed oil is unlikely to cause side effects and there are no medical conditions that preclude the use of flaxseed oil.

Grape seed extracts are used for the treatment of poor circulation in the legs but they also help prevent unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals from getting out of control and doing harm to the body. This antioxidant effect serves to reduce the oxidation of so-called bad cholesterol, thereby discouraging the buildup of the artery-clogging plaque that leads to stroke and heart attacks. No harmful effects are known.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in most cold-water fish (such as cod, mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna and salmon) are said to lower the risk of heart diseases because they are part of the highly polyunsaturated fats that tend to keep cholesterol levels in check.

Scientists also believe Omega-3 fatty acids can lower rates of some cancers. However, if you decide to boost Omega 3 levels by taking fish oil supplements, you should know that high doses of fish oil have been known to increase bad LDL cholesterol levels and trigger an increase in blood sugar.

Phytosterols are plant-derived compounds which have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol; they can partially block the absorption of cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract. They also interfere with the reabsorbing of cholesterol that has been secreted into the digestive tract in bile. The drop in cholesterol uptake indirectly brings about a reduction in blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Moreover, there are no known reasons to avoid phytosterols.

Chondroitin is a complex carbohydrate, an important element in the creation of cartilage, the connective tissue found in the joints where it acts like a cushion. There is evidence that chondroitin can reduce inflammation and rebuild cartilage especially if the tissue has not been totally destroyed. Chondroitin also protects healthy cartilage from premature decline by preventing the production of certain enzymes that weaken connective tissue. Although chondroitin works well on its own, it is often combined with glucosamine sulfate, a natural sugar involved in the maintenance and production of cartilage. Despite the presence of sugar molecules, chondroitin is considered for diabetics.

It should be said that this supplement does not work for everyone, and won’t necessarily restore complete mobility.

Dimethylglycine commonly known as DMG, is a derivative of glycine, a common amino acid. Low levels of DMG are found in meats, seeds and grains such as brown rice, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Promoters of DMG believe this supplement can help reverse the gradual decline of our immunity caused by aging, stress, nutritional deficiency and disease. It has also been found that DMG can reduce elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It contributes also to a number of important biochemical processes in the body by increasing oxygenation of the tissues. This can have a wide range of beneficial effects such as boosting the body’s energy levels and mental acuity.

This is only a brief overview of some of the 100 most popular nutritional supplements reviewed in the PDR Family Guide. Supplements are sold in many shapes and forms such as tablets, powders, capsules, liquids and more but it is important to know that a number of unscrupulous manufacturers make false claims. It is therefore vital to be an informed consumer.

Some of the supplements described in this book really might be a disappointment while others can be expected to deliver on their promise that is improve your health and fend off disease. So there is no reason to delay and don’t hesitate to take full advantage of what nutritional science has revealed.

—

Email: [email protected]