Top Supplements to Thrive During the Holidays

Top Supplements to Thrive During the Holidays

As cold and flu season is upon us and we are all gearing up for a season of family gatherings, travel, stressful shopping, and festive celebrations, many of us are looking for extra support to feel our best during this time of year.

One of the best ways to support your health on a daily basis is through supplementation:

Why You Need Supplements

Did you know approximately 90% of Americans suffer from some form of a vitamin deficiency?

Vitamin deficiencies are increasingly common in the United States due to a multitude of reasons, namely overfarming, modern agricultural practices, and the rise in environmental toxins. All of these factors have resulted in whole, fresh food being nutrient depleted. A study from the Kushi Institute analyzed nutrient data across 12 different vegetables over a period of two years. They found:

• The average calcium levels decreased by 27%
• Iron levels declined by 37%
• Vitamin A levels were reduced by 21%
• Vitamin C levels dropped by 30%

It is important to note that not only has our food supply been disrupted, but with only 10% of Americans eating enough fruits and vegetables, few of us actually fuel our body with the nutrients it needs. In fact, processed food is responsible for approximately 70% of the American diet.

This has resulted in a variety of nutrient deficiencies, even amongst “healthy” individuals:

• 94.3% of the US population do not meet the daily requirement for vitamin D
• 88.5% lack optimal intake of vitamin E
• 52.2% do not get enough magnesium
• 44.1% lack healthy intake of calcium
• 43.0% have suboptimal intake of vitamin A,
• 38.9% do not get enough vitamin C

By enhancing your nutrient supply with high-quality supplements during stressful times such as the holidays, you can set yourself up to enjoy more energy, vitality, and overall health:

Our Top Supplement Picks for the Holidays

Ashwagandha for Sleep, Mood, & Adrenal Health

A popular adaptogen, ashwagandha supports various areas, particularly cortisol regulation (our stress hormone). Excess cortisol is a primary cause of sleep disruptions and inhibited sleep quality. Furthermore, increased cortisol levels contribute to the development and perpetuation of adrenal fatigue, particularly during long periods of stress such as the holiday season.

Ashwagandha can help prevent cortisol influence on neurological activity, which reduces stress and allows for better healing and repair.

Ashwagandha also benefits the following areas:

• Blood sugar regulation
• Immune function
• Knowledge acquisition
• Memory
• Muscle growth
• Neuroprotection
• Thyroid function

Because ashwagandha is non-stimulating, it can be taken in the evening without risk of interrupting sleep. The recommended dosage of ashwagandha ranges from 500-2000 milligrams depending on the degree of cortisol imbalance and individual tolerance level. Treatment duration can range significantly. It is not uncommon for patients with adrenal fatigue to remain on ashwagandha supplements for six months or more.

Ashwagandha and other powerful adaptogens such as magnolia bark are key ingredients in Dr. Holtorf’s pharmaceutical-grade Adrenal Repair that ships directly to you.

Omega-3s for Mood & Brain Health

Omega-3s support long-term wellness by lowering the risk of chronic disease including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Studies also show that these essential fatty acids support brain function involving memory, cognition, and mood regulation.

Maintaining an appropriate omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is important to getting the most out of these fatty acids. Ideally, omega-3 and omega-6 are maintained at a 1:1 ratio. However, the typical Western diet causes a significant dominance of omega-6 typically ranging from 15:1 or 17:1 which often leads to inflammation. Those who follow such a diet generally benefit greatly from supplementing with omega-3s. Supplementation is also an option. The body cannot produce omega-3s making them an essential nutrient that must be acquired from an external source. Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly found in fish and associated products such as fish oil. Some other sources of omega-3 include nuts, chia seeds, hemp hearts, grass fed meats, and eggs.

HoltraCeuticals’ Ultra Omega is an excellent source of high grade omega-3s that support various aspects of health. Additionally, Ultra Omega is a leader among fish oils regarding absorption rate allowing the body to use it more effectively and efficiently.

Magnesium for Energy & Overall Health

Although magnesium is technically a mineral, it facilitates vitamin efficacy and function. Magnesium’s effect is most apparent regarding energy regulation. ATP is the body’s primary fuels source and magnesium is an important part of the ATP metabolization process. This promotes better energy usage leading to improved liveliness, mood, and physical ability. Furthermore, magnesium is needed for over 300 unique enzymatic functions, some of which involve:

• Calcium absorption and bone building
• Heart health
• Muscle contraction and relaxation
• Nerve health
• Synthesis of fat, protein, and nucleic acid
• Vitamin D synthesis (note: if you’re exhibiting signs of being low on vitamin D, it may be because you are low on magnesium and cannot synthesize this crucial vitamin)

Those suffering from a magnesium deficiency may experience lingering and frustrating symptoms including muscle cramps, migraine headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. One of the best ways to resolve a deficiency is to use an appropriate supplement. HoltraCeuticals produces two forms of magnesium in Magnesium Citrate and Magnesium Glycinate. Those who have not supplemented with magnesium, or are experiencing digestive issues, should begin with Magnesium Citrate.

Once the body’s tolerance level has been met, the switch to Magnesium Glycinate should be made. Magnesium Glycinate has an absorption rate that is nearly 40 percent higher and has no known gastrointestinal side effects. Properly using these supplements can defeat a deficiency and result in notably improved sleep, muscle function, and energy level.

Vitamin D for Immune & Hormonal Health

Many may know of vitamin D as “the sunshine vitamin” because the body produces it when skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is in fact a pre-hormone that is required for numerous chemical reactions and bodily functions. For example, vitamin D is a necessary part of calcium absorption and utilization as well as protecting immune function and combatting the development of autoimmune disorders. Those with a vitamin D deficiency are more likely to experience fractures, osteoporosis, inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, heart disease, and breast cancer. Clearly, maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D is important.

Most importantly, vitamin D is essential for healthy immune function as it plays a critical role in both the innate and adaptive immune response. Learn more here

Vitamin D is a supplement produced by HoltraCeuticals that helps maintain appropriate levels. This supplement is particularly beneficial for those who do not get adequate sunlight or are already suffering from a deficiency due to chronic illness or another contributing factor.

Olive Lead Extract for Immunity & Inflammation Reduction

Olives and olive oil are well-known for supporting various factors of wellness. Interestingly, research has found that extract of the olive leaf itself may also provide impressive health benefits. Bioactive compounds found in olive leaves have properties that promote antioxidative action, reduce blood pressure, prevent arterial plaque, decrease inflammation, lower cholesterol, and decrease blood sugar. Furthermore, olive leaf extract may provide notable immune support. Due to its unique collection of substances, olive leaf extract is an impressive promoter of immune function.

There are several substances in olive leaf extract such as secoiridoids, flavonoids, and triterpenes that help the body effectively combat a wide range of conditions from the common cold to more serious infections including candida, gonorrhea, malaria, and others. One of the most impressive compounds in olive leaf extract is oleuropein. Studies suggest that oleuropein may have potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Olive leaf extract and other potent herbs are included in ImmunoStim, an immune-promoting supplement designed by Dr. Holtorf for optimal immunity.

Digestive Enzymes for Gut Health

The holidays are marked with indulgent meals that may be great for making memories, but they are not always are the best for digestive health. One way to support your gut during holiday meals is with digestive enzymes.

Enzymes are critical for healthy digestion, which itself is an essential component of overall wellness. In the presence of enzymatic deficiency or imbalance, even if an individual is following an ideal diet, they are likely to suffer from malnourishment and various digestive issues. For healthy digestion to be possible, the body must maintain appropriate enzyme values and activity.

Individuals with dietary restrictions due to treatments, medical conditions, or food sensitives can have significant difficulty sustaining proper enzyme levels. This is a problem as approximately 90 percent of the population experiences some degree of food allergy or sensitivity that can inhibit enzyme function resulting in poor digestion and greater health issues. Fortunately, it is still possible to acquire enzymes necessary for proper digestion even if a person is sensitive to the food sources that contain them.

Enzymes are an essential part of bodily function and work as catalysts for numerous chemical reactions throughout the body. Digestive enzymes in particular are exceptionally important as they are required for supplying the body with the nutrients it needs to function. Inhibition or deficiency of digestive enzymes can quickly lead to bodily dysfunction and associated symptoms.

Without enzymes, macronutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, remain in a form that is difficult for the body to use. If a nutrient remains unbroken, symptoms such as bloating, gas, acid reflux, and other digestion-related discomforts can develop. Undigested food that remains in the large intestine can also promote dysbiosis, or imbalance of harmful bacteria, inducing significant intestinal disruption. Without digestive enzymes, the body would simply be unable to function due to lack of nutrition.

Digestive enzymes break down macronutrients into smaller components such as amino acids, minerals, vitamins, cholesterol, simple sugars, nucleic acid etc. These elements are used throughout the body in various systems for numerous functions. The duodenum, the smallest and potentially most important section of the small intestine, is the center for breaking down large food particulates into smaller components. After food particles are broken or cleaved by enzymes they are released into the bloodstream to be absorbed and transported to the appropriate location.

Utilizing a dietary supplement such as HoltraCeuticals’ Allyzyme can help provide the enzymes needed to restore and maintain healthy digestion even if a person has food sensitivities. The formulation of enzymes in Allyzyme supports digestive efficiency allowing for better bodily function.

Thriving, not Just Surviving, the Holidays

Have questions about how you can best support your health during the holidays? Contact us today and our knowledgeable team of experts will help you best prepare.