Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death, killing some 18 million people globally, costing more than $320 billion annually in the USA alone. About 2/3 of these deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, with atherosclerosis the key pathology. Although the causes of CVDs continue to be debated, it is generally accepted in the literature that atherosclerotic CVDs are inflammatory diseases with elevated oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is due to the imbalance of excessive oxidants (toxins) and deficient antioxidants. The resulting deficiency of vitamin C, a primary antioxidant, leads to impairment of collagen synthesis. Collagen plays a critical role in the integrity of arterial walls. Collagen deficiency results in arterial wall damage and an inflammatory response leading to atherosclerosis and associated pathologies including coronary artery stenosis and occlusion. Read more.

There is solid evidence that niacin (the standard form of vitamin B3) on its own can help effectively treat erectile dysfunction. [1] Niacin’s long-term circulatory benefits may include facilitating a male’s erection, which is dependent on blood supply to the penis, because niacin normalizes blood lipids. Niacinamide will not achieve this. Read more.

It’s easy to take your sense of smell for granted — that is, until it’s gone. Anosmia, or the inability to smell, isn’t a life-threatening condition, but it significantly affects quality of life and can lead to depression and anxiety. Read more.

Last week, I offered my top ten tips for beating spring allergies. This week, I’m arming you with the supplements you need to keep the sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes at bay. Most often when seasonal allergies strike, we reach for the Claritin or the Allegra, but you can save yourself a trip to the pharmacy with these natural allergy-busters: Read more.