LORA’S ARK
Supplement, Smartly

By LOREDANA ORTIZ

Even if you are eating an ideal diet and you have access to the best, freshest organic produce, including legumes and whole grains on the planet, there are still some nutrients that are essential to you that you are going to have a hard time getting. As we age, the body has a tough time absorbing certain nutrients, or producing certain nutrients, that at a younger age were readily available to manufacture within us. Also, when we age we seem to need some supplements more than, perhaps, a decade or two ago.

Here goes… The basic structure of a vitamin-mineral-cocktail that anyone should be taking, daily, as a preventative measure, are as follows:

• Vitamin C, 500-1,000 mg
• Vitamin E, 200 mg
• Selenium, 200 mcg, of organic yeast bound formula, to be taken with food, preferably with a healthy fat, such as avocado, or olive oil, in a meal.
• Mixed carotenoids
• Folic acid, 400 mcg
• Vitamin D, 1,000 IU
• Calcium citrate, 500-1,000 mg.

It is important to note that oily fish should be consumed at least twice a week. If this is not happening, for whatever reason, it is important that supplemental fish oil [or, flaxseed in powder form: 1-2 tsp] be taken in capsule or liquid form, 1-2 gm per day.

Andrew Weil, MD, recommends freezing the oil to avoid the typical belching associated with supplemental fish oil.

Trust Nature

Turmeric is another great supplement that everyone should take [except, of course, those that suffer from gallstones]. Turmeric is a true all-round preventative herb -- there are many ailments that it helps with and also prevent. One company even produces a soft-gel turmeric supplement [I have been taking one soft-gel a day {400 mg} for the last few years] that I believe is essential for everyone, young and old alike. There are so many health benefits with the spice -- I will summarise its most important health benefits:

• Fights breast cancer; anyone with a history of breast cancer in their families should supplement with turmeric.
• Helps with arthritis -- joint pain and inflammation.
• Helps with gastro-intestinal ailments.
• Beneficial in bronchial colds.
• Digestive aid.
• Stops a cut from bleeding, when applied topically.
• Helps with lupus symptoms.
• Helps with eczema.
• Helps with infections.

Most importantly, as an anti-aging supplement, turmeric has been shown to help not only the aches and pains of arthritis, but also prevent osteoporosis. Joseph B Marion’s book, “The Anti-Aging Manual,” recommends turmeric as a healing supplement for age-related ailments, specifically bone-related problems.

Versatile Supplements

There are so many wonderful supplements out there that can be included in your daily routine. It is important to not become overwhelmed, with them. If you are intending to introduce supplements into your daily regimen, please do not do so all at once; also, please do not take them all at once.

It is important that you are very selective when taking supplements and, in addition to researching the product extensively, you also research the company from which you are buying the supplement/s.

Here is a handy list of supplements suggested to be helpful for optimal health and well-being, including age-related disorders and symptoms. You are responsible for what you choose to take and how much of it you choose to take. Make sure you fine-tune them according to your own personal needs, preferably in consultation with your therapist:

• Alpha-Lipoic-Acid [ALA]. A very strong anti-oxidant, ALA helps with blood sugar balance and also liver function.
• Carnosine. Carnosine has been proven to scavenge radical oxygen species [ROS] as well as alpha-beta unsaturated aldehydes, formed from peroxidation of cell membrane fatty acids during oxidative stress.
• Co-enzyme A. Supports the immune system, while detoxifying many dangerous toxic substances.
• Co-enzyme Q10. Helps with circulation [100 mg daily].
• Dimethylglycine. Improves cellular oxygenation; for easier assimilation, use a sublingual formula.
• Glutathione. This supplement is a great choice because not only is it a free radical scavenger, but it also has been shown to be a mental and mood booster/elevator. This supplement destroys ammonia, which interferes with brain function. 500 mg, on an empty stomach.
• Inositol. Useful anti-oxidant.
• Liquid Kyolic. Cell protector.
• Zinc. Prevents premature aging. 50 mg, daily.
• Grape seed extract. Free radical scavenger.
• Taurine. Building block for amino acids; improves white blood cell [WBC] function
• Vitamin B-complex. Helps with the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Helps fight depression. Needed for healthy red blood cells [RBC].

Please check with your therapist for optimal dosages.