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“WHEN YOUR BODY ABSORBS TOXINS, IT STORES THEM IN FAT, WHICH IS WHY FIBER AND PROBIOTICS ARE STRATEGIC WEAPONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS. FIBER KEEPS YOUR COLON HEALTHY AND REDUCES YOUR BODY'S ABSORPTION OF TOXINS.” — SUZANNE SOMERS
Absorption of supplements BY YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD HEART PHARMACIST
T
his question comes up often in the vitamin aisle: “Which form of calcium is best for absorption?” I have two answers for this. The first is: “The best form of calcium is the form that you remember to take.” The second answer is a little more complicated, but I will answer it eventually. When you visit the vitamin aisle at your local Heart Pharmacy, you will find many forms of vitamin and mineral supplements; the choices can be a bit overwhelming. Let’s start with calcium. Calcium is used primarily to help maintain bone strength, treat muscle cramps and lower blood pressure. Pharmacists recommend that people concerned about their calcium intake should try to get 1000mg from all sources. You should look to see how much calcium you get in your diet and top this number up with supplements. Most people need to take a 500mg calcium tablet to make up this difference. The next question is: “which form of calcium should you take? Carbonate, citrate or another form”. In theory, calcium citrate is better absorbed than calcium carbonate. This is especially true for people who take medications that reduce stomach acid production. Your body needs stomach acid to make calcium carbonate usable, which is why you take this form of calcium with meals. But in reality, both forms are well absorbed from the stomach. Other forms of calcium, such as calcium lactate and calcium hydroxyapatite, might be slightly better absorbed, however their greater cost limits their use. With all calcium supplements, the side effects will be similar. Calcium has the potential to be constipating and may cause
stomach upset. If you are at risk of developing kidney stones, higher doses of calcium might increase your risk. Speak with your pharmacist about the supplements you take to ensure they are safe to take with your prescription medications. The next most asked about mineral is magnesium. This mineral is used primarily to treat muscle cramps and promote bowel regularity. It does play a role in bone formation, but not as much as calcium. Magnesium citrate is the best absorbed form for the price. Magnesium bisglycinate is slightly better absorbed, but its cost is significantly higher. The recommended intake of magnesium for most people is around 300mg per day. If you take too much, it acts as a laxative, thereby reducing its absorption. Rather handy that way, vitamin D does play a role in the absorption of magnesium, but not as much as calcium. I’m a big fan of magnesium — it is very hard to get adequate amounts in the diet. We should talk about what time of the day to take your supplements. It is true that all major minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium, compete for absorption when taken at the same time. If there is a concern about absorption, perhaps you have low iron, then you should take this mineral separately. But if you are taking them for general health, then the best time is the time when you will remember to take them. I generally recommend magnesium supplements in the evening as they can help with sleep. This is a lot to take in — no pun intended. Just to
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summarize, in my opinion, calcium and magnesium citrate are best. Don’t forget to take adequate vitamin D — about 2000IU per day. The best form of calcium is the kind you will remember to take. And don’t forget to talk to your local Heart Pharmacist about your supplement use — they will help ensure that you are taking the right supplements to help meet your health care needs. If you have a question about your health, medication or supplements, send your questions to: ask@heartpharmacy.com. Your question might be answered in a future article. heartpharmacy.com
Xenoestrogens AND THEIR IMPACT ON BREAST HEALTH
“GIVE A MAN A FISH AND YOU HAVE FED HIM FOR TODAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH AND YOU HAVE FED HIM FOR A LIFETIME.” BY LOUIS HOOLAEFF, HR, HC, ACS
I
ntroduce yourself to Avena Originals, a Canadian health company born out of the necessity to save a life. Everyone touched by Avena Originals has dedicated their lives to helping others reclaim their health. Avena Originals strives to educate you on the root causes behind many of today’s diseases, and how to make changes in your life to achieve a better level of health. Avena uses some of the most powerful products on the market. Their commitment to quality that surpasses organic requirements and exceeds quality controls. Avena believes in the natural ability of the human body to heal. Your health is your greatest investment. Health is a matter of choice – not chance. Not all supplements are created equally. Avena’s products are 100 per cent pure, natural and vegan, with nothing added and nothing taken away — free from binders, toxic fillers and isolates. Essential vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes are required for cellular regeneration. One of the most important “Laws of Nature” we need to understand is that “... our body
cannot absorb a vitamin without a mineral, and to utilize minerals, our body needs utilizable proteins, but to absorb proteins, our body needs enzymes.” Most people who supplement are starting at the wrong end of the scale because it all starts with “enzymes”. Avena’s products are formulated according to nature and they do not cut corners. We need to be sure that the supplements we consume will feed our whole body the way nature intended. “Give a man a fish and you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime.” Avena Originals strives to educate members in natural health and wellness — to feel better and live longer without pain, misery and illness. Through their unique referral membership program, you receive incredible benefits. Try the products; Avena is confident you will be impressed just like thousands of others. Once members receive proven results, they continue using the products. Avena is there to guide you along the way. Powerful education: AvenaOriginal.info Phone: 1-800-207-2239. Mid-summer June sales on most products. Request the newsletter, read the full article at: LeadingEdgeHealth.org
20% OFF All Calcium and Magnesium Supplements Now you can save money and maintain your bone and muscle health with Heart Pharmacy.
Expires June 3, 2019.
www.HeartPharmacy.com HEART COMPOUNDING PHARMACY AT CADBORO BAY, 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd. Ph: 250-477-2131 HEART PHARMACY AT FAIRFIELD PLAZA, Fairfield Plaza, 1594 Fairfield Rd. Ph: 250-598-9232 HEART PHARMACY AT SHELBOURNE PLAZA, 3643 Shelbourne St. Ph: 250-477-1881 UVIC CAMPUS PHARMACY, UVIC SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd. Ph: 250-721-3400 ST. ANTHONY’S CLINIC PHARMACY, 582 Goldstream Ave. Ph: 250-478-8338
NUMEROUS MAN-MADE PRODUCTS CONTAIN XENOESTROGENIC INGREDIENTS. THESE CAN BE FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS, INDUSTRIAL AND HOME PLASTIC ITEMS, FOOD DYES, BUILDING SUPPLIES, FIRE RETARDANTS, INSECTICIDES AND HERBICIDES.
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enoestrogens are found everywhere in our environment. They closely mimic the effects of estrogen and can wreak havoc on the cells in our bodies — especially the ones that use estrogen in their function. This becomes important to women and men who are at risk of hormone-induced cancer because xenoestrogens stimulate cancer cell growth. There are numerous man-made products
that contain xenoestrogenic ingredients. These can be found in skincare products, industrial and home plastic items, food dyes, building supplies, fire retardants, insecticides and herbicides. Just read the labels of household personal products — they are found in just about everything.
HOW TO AVOID XENOESTROGENS 1) Eat organically: It is best to eat organic foods whenever possible. Buy locally grown, in-season produce, as these tend to be cleaner. Choose hormone-free and organic meat and dairy products. The more often we consume these types of food, the cheaper they will become.
2) Avoid the use of plastic: Whenever possible, purchase and use items made from natural sources. The best alternatives to plastic in the kitchen are glass and steel containers, storage wrap made from cloth and beeswax, and wooden cutting boards. Remember — never reuse plastic bottles and never microwave food in or around a plastic container.
3) Use only ‘clean’ household and beauty products: A good motto when choosing skin care is: “if you can eat it safely, you can put it on your body”. Our skin is a porous organ that absorbs xenoestrogens. Use chemical-free and biodegradable cleaning and laundry products, essential oils for perfumes, natural soaps and toothpastes. It can be overwhelming to consider significant changes in our daily lives. With the rise in hormonerelated cancers, it is essential that we begin to make the necessary changes, in order for our environment to support us in health rather than being a risk for disease. Visit Hydrate IV Wellness Centre and learn how you can achieve optimal wellness. hydrateiv.ca