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When it comes to supplements for weight loss, I often tread carefully. The market is flooded with unrealistic claims promising effortless transformations—and let’s be honest, those simply don’t exist. That said, natural products can enhance your weight loss efforts, but they’re tools in the toolbox—not magic solutions. Today, I’d like to share a few of my favorite places to start. First, it’s important to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to find the right option is to identify your greatest obstacle: appetite control, fat burning, or metabolism. While we can’t cover all the options in one column, the key takeaway is that there are options, and we’re happy to help you find one that’s right for you. With that said, I’d like to briefly discuss one of my favorite formulas for increasing metabolism, burning fat, and balancing blood sugar: BerberTrim from Source Naturals. At its core, BerberTrim is powered by berberine, a compound found in plants like barberry. Research shows that berberine regulates blood sugar and insulin levels effectively. In addition, berberine activates AMPK, often called the body’s “metabolic master switch.” AMPK promotes fat breakdown while also inhibiting fat storage. To further support healthy blood sugar levels, BerberTrim includes chromium, cinnamon, and alpha-lipoic acid. To enhance fat burning and metabolism, the formula contains green tea and cayenne. Green tea promotes weight loss through caffeine, which boosts energy and metabolism, and EGCG, a compound that enhances fat burning and thermogenesis—the process by which the body generates heat by burning calories. Like EGCG, cayenne has also been shown to increase thermogenesis. To learn more or to discuss other options to support your weight loss goals, I invite you to stop in today. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that currently affects nearly 25% of Americans and it’s on the rise. NAFLD is characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in the liver in people with little or no alcohol intake and is the most common form of chronic liver disease. In some cases it can lead to liver damage similar to that of heavy alcohol use. NAFLD is said to effect approximately one out of every three women, and two out of every five men, aged 50 and older. One major problem is it doesn’t present obvious symptoms. While risk factors include high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, obesity, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, most people have little or no symptoms. In fact, most people don’t know they have NAFLD until a blood test shows abnormal liver enzymes and damage may already be underway. While natural options like milk thistle and NAC are often thought of when discussing liver health, emerging research is pointing to none other than probiotics. Studies shows a healthy microbiome, fueled by a combination of probiotics combined with a prebiotic food source, creates a physical barrier keeping unwanted compounds and toxins in the gut where they belong instead of passing through the portal vein directly into the liver. FLORASSIST Liver Restore by Life Extension is a clinically studied daily formula that helps encourage a healthy ratio of liver-friendly gut bacteria. In clinical studies of both heavy and average weight subjects, the ingredients in Liver Restore encouraged healthy levels of liver enzymes used to measure liver health. It also helped improve measurements of C-reactive protein, a common health biomarker that is produced inside the liver. While full results were seen after 28 weeks, elevated liver enzymes were found to be back within the normal range after only seven weeks of use. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal Medicine (BMJ) reported a confusing outcome. The authors found regular use of fish oil supplements by healthy individuals could increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. However, for those who already have the condition, taking fish oil supplements decreased the risk of further development and improved their health.  It’s important to note, this study was designed to report correlation, not causation. Additionally, the study had significant limitations, as it did not control for the amount, quality, or purity of the fish oil taken. Certainly, more research is needed. However, this topic highlights a key issue: the difference between the foundational and therapeutic use of supplements. Numerous studies have shown that fish oil supplements can provide therapeutic benefits. For example, taking a high dose of isolated omega-3s from fish oil can lower triglycerides, which I call therapeutic use—using a supplement as a natural medicine. On the other hand, there is a separate body of research that discusses the general health benefits of eating wild-caught fatty fish, like wild Alaskan salmon, three or more times per week. This is good foundational nutrition. The important question is: which do you need? For many, the answer is foundational. In that case, my favorite product is Wholemega by New Chapter . Wholemega is different from most fish oil supplements because it is not purified or isolated. Wholemega is cold-pressed, and just like a piece of wild salmon, naturally contains 16 different essential fatty acids, vitamin D, and even astaxanthin, the powerful antioxidant that gives salmon its color. Simply put, it is the closest thing to eating wild Alaskan salmon, something I think all health experts can agree on. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

In 1980, Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, MD, a researcher for the Japan Ministry of Education discovered a special enzyme found in the fermented food natto had tremendous potential to improve cardiovascular health by preventing excessive clotting and promoting smoother blood flow. He called this enzyme nattokinase. Nattokinase works by regulating fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation. Think of fibrin as a mesh used by the body to slow down blood and help a clot to form when you cut your finger. When this system works properly, the fibrin does its job, but then is dissolved by another substance called plasmin.  When we’re young, we tend to have plenty of plasmin to dissolve the fibrin properly. However, due to normal aging as well as chronic inflammation and other conditions like hypertension and diabetes , plasmin levels decrease. The result is too much fibrin, leading to excessive clotting and slow-moving blood, increasing the risk of heart disease, thrombosis, and stroke. What makes nattokinase so special is its ability to break down fibrin by increasing plasmin production. In a sense, turning back the hands of time, it resets the proper fibrin response, and promotes smoother blood flow through the arteries. This in turn reduces the risk of blockages that can lead to heart attacks or strokes. In addition, nattokinase may also be able to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol scores (by lowering LDL and raising HDL) and reduce inflammation. One of the best products nattokinase products available is Natto-K from Enzymedica. Natto-K uses a patented form of nattokinase proven to increase plasmin levels. For even greater support, Arthur Andrew’s Neprinol AFD offers unparalleled “anti-fibrin”, or fibrinolytic activity. It combines a high dose of nattokinase with serrapeptase, an enzyme used to treat inflammation. To be effective all nattokinase products must be taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal. Please note, if you are currently taking a prescription blood thinning medication do not take nattokinase without first talking to your doctor.

Watch Co-founder Michael Ventresca's recent discussion on WKYC's Good Company, shedding light on Vital Choice Health Store's crucial role as a community resource alongside hosts Joe and Terry.

For years, we were told the key to strong bones was taking 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily. When studies showed that didn’t improve bone health, the updated advice was to take more. Unfortunately, studies now show that not only does taking 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day still not ensure strong bones, but it could also lead to an increased risk of heart attack or kidney stones as the additional calcium settles in places outside bone. Today, I’d like to share what I believe is a better option for bone health—one that many of our customers report has improved their bone density. First, to build strong bones, the body needs an absorbable form of calcium. Unfortunately, the most common forms simply aren’t very bioavailable. For example, the most common, calcium carbonate, is derived from limestone. When you take it, you are essentially eating chalk. Unlike plants, we are not built to get nutrition from rocks. Our bodies are designed to get nutrients from foods that naturally contain calcium, like green leafy vegetables. That’s where algae-based calcium comes in. Supplements made from algae-based calcium offer significant improvement in absorption and provide a host of other naturally occurring minerals, including boron, strontium, and silica that aid in uptake and, more important, the building of healthy, stronger bones. My favorite bone formula is Algae-Based Calcium from Vital Choice. In addition to providing algae calcium with additional minerals, it includes vitamins D3 and K2, both of which are critical to proper bone mineralization.  Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Over the past few months, berberine has exploded across social media as the next weight loss miracle pill with some calling it ‘nature’s Ozempic’. While I think these weight loss claims are exaggerated, it is true that berberine has been shown to provide support for a variety of conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and yes, weight management. Today, let’s look at three of these, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight loss. Berberine has been extensively studied for its ability to lower blood sugar in clinical trials. It appears to work in several different ways including decreasing insulin resistance (effectively making the body’s insulin more effective) and increasing glycolysis, the process of breaking down sugar in cells. According to research, when compared to common medications like metformin, berberine was as effective as drugs, but with no significant side effects. Berberine has also been shown to help reduce blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides). Compared to statins, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for high cholesterol, berberine was found to lower total and LDL cholesterol but unlike the medications, additionally reduced triglycerides while increasing HDL. When looking at weight loss, the benefit appears to be from activating an enzyme inside cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy levels and is found in cells throughout the body. While more studies are needed, preliminary studies show promise. One study from 2012 found that after taking berberine for 12-weeks participants lost an average of five pounds, while other studies found reductions in body weight, body mass index, and belly fat. While I always urge caution when social media claims sound too good to be true, berberine has been shown to provide a wide variety of health benefits without major side effects and therefore, may be worth a try. One note - berberine may interfere with the absorption of some antibiotics. Also, because of its ability to lower blood glucose, it is recommended to closely monitor your blood sugar levels if you are already taking oral hypoglycemic drugs. If you’re interested in trying berberine, one excellent option is Vital Choice’s Berberine . It provides the studied amount of 500mg of berberine HCl per capsule from sustainably grown barberry. Another great option is Enzymedica’s new Berberine Phytosome offering 9.6-times better bioavailability and Natural Factor's Berberine . Mike Ventresca is owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton. The phone number is 440-885-9505. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Are soil-based probiotics the best option yet?

By Cheryl Myers - This article originally appeared on TasteForLife.com. It has been my observation that even people with fantastic hair want better hair. Wanting your hair to look nice is not all vanity—the appearance of your hair is psychologically and sociologically important. Hair not only keeps our scalp warm, it has been used since prehistoric ages to attract mates. Thick, lustrous hair is a sign of good nutrition and health, and both men and women are wired to be attracted to external signs of fertility. Through the ages, hair has been a fashion accessory that is worn every day. Hair styles are used to denote holiness, like the Catholic monk’s shaven tonsure, or the snail-shell curls of Buddha. Hair can make a political statement and proclaim membership in the tribe. So while one can live easily and attractively with little to no hair, most people are quite concerned about their hair quality and quantity. Hair Loss: Men vs. Women Men experience more hair loss than women, and partial to complete baldness is more socially accepted. Baldness can be celebrated and admired—think Patrick Stewart, Duane “The Rock” Johnson, and Terry Crews. In fact, we expect some hair loss as men age because of genes related to male pattern baldness. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for this problem. Women, on the other hand, are not expected to become partially or completely bald. And while women experience hair loss with age and hormonal changes, it is most generally an all-over hair loss and not in a single pattern. While women can certainly be bald and beautiful, many are seeking interventions to reduce or reverse their loss of hair. Hormonal Changes, Stress & Hair Loss According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), the two most common causes of female hair loss are hormonal changes and nutrition/stress. As women age and estrogen production decreases, testosterone exerts a greater influence. One of testosterone’s metabolites can contribute to hair loss. Also, thyroid hormones are crucial for healthy hair growth and quality. In women experiencing sub-optimal thyroid function, one of the first observed signs is hair dryness and hair loss. Unfortunately, without interventions, these hormonal difficulties usually do not return to a normal pattern of hair growth on their own. Physical and psychological stress can greatly increase hair loss. For example, when you experience the birth of a child, malnutrition, severe infection, major surgery, or extreme stress, it can shift up to 90 percent of the hair from the growing phase to the shedding phase. Huge amounts of hair loss can occur 6 to 12 weeks after the event. The good news is that if the problems are resolved, hair growth may return to normal. Fortunately, there are interventions to help with female hair loss. However, it is important to visit your healthcare practitioner to make sure there is no underlying health concern that is causing or contributing to hair loss. Iodine, Iron & Hair Health From a nutrient perspective, iodine can be useful if the problem is sub-optimal thyroid function. Many integrative doctors are using between 12.5 and 30 milligrams (mg) of iodine to increase thyroid hormone production, which in turn can reduce hair thinning. Experts recommend a blend of more than one kind of iodine for better absorption and utilization, such as a mix of potassium iodide, molecular iodine, and sodium iodide. Making sure you are getting proper amounts of the mineral iron can influence the health of your hair. In fact, a review article published in May 2006 highlighted the role iron plays in healthy hair: "We believe that treatment for hair loss is enhanced when iron deficiency, with or without anemia, is treated," Leonid Trost, MD; Wilma Fowler Bergfeld, MD; and Ellen Calogeras, RD, MPH, write in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Healthier Hair with Plant Silica Silica is a very powerful mineral for healthy hair. There isn’t very much silica in our highly refined diets anymore, so supplementing with this mineral makes sense. Silica increases collagen production in the body and collagen is a critical component of hair, nails, and skin. Silica’s impact is much more powerful than hair alone, extending to increasing bone strength and perhaps even helping to prevent dementia because of its ability to displace aluminum in the brain. To get the best results, use silica from a plant called horsetail, blended with marine oils to increase absorption. There are synthetic silicas on the market as well, usually orthosilicic acid. The daily dose is 20 mg a day, but you can take up to 60 mg a day if you feel you need intensive support for your hair. Silica will make your hair shaft thicker and stronger, and this increase in hair shaft size can cause your hair to appear thicker and have better scalp coverage. Protect Your Hair with Millet Seed Last, but certainly not least, there is an interesting millet-seed extract originally used in Europe that shows promise for protecting against hair loss and promoting the regrowth of hair. A special plant compound in millet seed oil called miliacin increases the amount of keratin made by cells. Keratin is an important structural component in hair, and is strongly associated with hair growth. There are excellent formulas that contain millet seed extract along with other oils (like sunflower) and vitamins and minerals to improve hair health. There may be no perfect cure for every kind of female hair loss, but there are powerful nutritional interventions you can use to improve your hair’s health, quality, and appearance. The added benefit from using these important nutrients is that they also improve your overall health. You will need to have patience—since new hair grows slowly, it may be two months before you start to see results. The biggest mistake women make when using nutrients to improve their hair is not allowing a long enough trial to see results. Cheryl Myers, RN, is an integrative health nurse, author, and expert on natural medicine. She is a nationally recognized speaker who has been interviewed by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Prevention magazine. Selected Sources: “ The antioxidant network of the stratum corneum ” by J.J. Thiele et al., Current Problems in Dermatology, 2001 “ A case-control study of Panicum miliaceum in the treatment of cancer chemotherapy-induced alopecia ” by G. Gardani et al. Minerva Medica, 2007 “ Chemoprevention of smoke-induced alopecia in mice by oral administration of L-cystine and vitamin B6 ” by F. D'Agostini et al., Journal of Dermatological Science, 3/19/07 “ Clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency ” by A.S. Prasad, Annual Review of Nutrition, 1985 “ Clinical response of alopecia, trichorrhexis nodosa, and dry, scaly skin to zinc supplementation ” by A.E. Slonim et al., Journal of Pediatrics, 1992 “ Essential fatty acid deficiency in childhood ” by H.S. Heymans, Tijdschr Kindergeneeskd, 1981 “ Human skin condition and its associations with nutrient concentrations in serum and diet ” by E. Boelsma et al., The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003 “ Immunolocalization of enzymes, binding proteins, and receptors sufficient for retinoic acid synthesis and signaling during the hair cycle ” by H.B. Everts et al., 2007; “Organization and expression of hair follicle genes” by G.E. Rogers and B.C. Powell, 1993, Journal of Investigative Dermatology “ In search of the ‘hair cycle clock ’: a guided tour” by R. Paus et al., Differentiation, 2004 “ Physical fatty acid deficiency signs in children with ADHD symptoms ” by N. Sinn, Prostaglandins Leukotrienes & Essential Fatty Acids, 2007 “ Silicon and bone health ” by R. Jugdaohsingh, The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 2007 “ Skin signs of nutritional disorders ” by J.S. Prendiville and L.N. Manfredi, Seminars in Dermatology, 1992 “ Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: scanning electron microscopy ” by V.E. Colombo et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1990