Posted June 17, 2021
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor to reduced glutathione, appears to play an important role in COVID-19. According to an April 2020 literature analysis,1 glutathione deficiency may be associated with COVID-19 severity, leading the author to conclude that NAC may be useful both for its prevention and treatment. NAC has a long history of use as a poison control remedy for acetaminophen poisoning in the emergency room. It neutralizes the toxic effects of the drug by recharging glutathione, thereby preventing liver damage. But the idea that NAC can also be helpful against viral infections is not new. Previous studies2,3 have found it reduces viral replication of certain viruses, including the influenza virus. Read more.
Get Informed on Issues Related to Supplements
Nature’s Best UTI Fighters
Posted June 17, 2021
Lower UTIs are typically not severe, although they can cause mild to moderate pain and discomfort. Symptoms of a lower UTI may include an urgent or more frequent need to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating and pelvic pain. While antibiotics are typically prescribed to combat a urinary tract infection, there are several effective home remedies that can help you fight back symptoms and may even support you in preventing UTIs, naturally. Read more.
Estimating or Measuring? What is the True Effect of Vitamin D on COVID-19
Posted June 17, 2021
A recent study used genetic methods to estimate the levels of vitamin D (blood levels of 25OHD) in individuals. The method is called “Mendelian Randomization” that estimates the metabolic activity in individuals using certain genetic mutations (SNPs) relevant to genes that are associated with 25OHD metabolism. By analyzing the genetic makeup of those who had COVID-19, the study concluded that vitamin D is not effective at reducing risk of COVID-19 infection. [1] However, the study had several limitations. It did not actually test blood levels of 25OHD — it only studied the genes involved in vitamin D metabolism. Read more.
B12 on the FDA’s Hot Seat
Posted June 10, 2021
An FDA advisory committee could soon decide the fate of compounded B12 shots. Action Alert! One June 9th, 2021, the FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) will meet to discuss whether traditional compounding pharmacies will be permitted to make medicines with methylcobalamin, choline chloride, and melatonin, among others. That compounded methylcobalamin, a bioavailable form of vitamin B12, is on the chopping block is particularly concerning, as it has shown promise in the treatment of autism and other health problems. Read more.
Feds’ Warped Logic on Supplements
Posted June 10, 2021
A research review from the National Institute of Health (NIH) shows the promise of dietary supplements in fighting COVID-19 yet concludes there isn’t enough evidence to recommend them. Huh? Action Alert! Read more.
Nature’s Most Powerful Pain Relievers
Posted June 10, 2021
More than 96% of all those over the age of 65 have used an NSAID for pain control within the last two weeks.[i] NSAIDs are known to have serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers as well as kidney failure and higher cardiovascular risks for strokes and heart attacks.[ii] In England, NSAIDs were associated with 30% of all hospital admissions for preventable adverse drug reactions. Read more.
Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Essential for Good Health
Posted June 2, 2021
For far too long in our diet-obsessed culture, fats left a bad taste in our mouths. But the good news is that certain fats are now seen as more friend than foe, possessing many essential benefits for your body and your brain. The fats worthy of this fame are called omega-3 essential fatty acids. You’ll find that they’ve truly earned their name because along with being essential for good health, your body doesn’t produce them on its own and you have to get them from other sources. Read more.
Top 5 Nutrients Your Diet is Craving
Posted June 2, 2021
If you’re sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, you may have a nutritional deficiency and be starved for important nutrients. When your body is lacking major vitamins and minerals, it affects how you feel and function. Blame it on the American diet, which has shifted from healthy, homemade meals to processed convenience foods grabbed on-the go. Read more.
Quercetin: What It Is and Why You Need It
Posted June 2, 2021
Flavonoids are one of nature’s many therapeutic gifts. Widely found in fruits and vegetables, these phenolic substances have antioxidant properties that protect cells from free radical damage.[i] One of the most well-known and studied flavonoids is quercetin, a flavonol mostly found in onions, berries, citrus fruits, broccoli and grapes. Read more.
FDA Threatens to Ban Critical Toxin Protection Supplement
Posted May 21, 2021
On shaky legal grounds, the FDA has targeted N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an important antioxidant supplement. Action Alert! The FDA has declared that NAC, a vital antioxidant with a number of important health benefits, is not a legal dietary supplement. This is a direct threat to a supplement that many integrative doctors and patients rely on to address a variety of health conditions. We must ensure the FDA doesn’t remove these supplements from the market. Read more.
