Top 20 Supplement List for 2010 – Part 1

The verdict is out…Some of the top Naturopaths and Herbalists such as Mark Blumenthal, Dr. Weil and Laurie Steelsmith teamed up to create their top pick of supplements for each health category available on the market right now.

I have taken their list of top recommended supplements and shared my experience with an understanding of these herbs…Here are the first 10 supplements…

Brain Health:

Omega 3’s: Fish and flaxseed oil are the most popular and very rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are high in two essential fatty acids, DHA and EPA. Fish oil is higher in DHA and EPA than most foods aside from algae (the vegan source of DHA). Omega-3 is also found in macadamia nuts, walnuts, coconut oil, and dark green leafy vegetables, among many other foods. EFA’s have proven to aid in cardiovascular function, brain and nervous system functions, fat metabolism, skin health, joint flexibility, arthritis, ADD, and inflammation.
Bacopa: An Ayurvedic herb that is good for memory and minimizing anxiety.
Ginkgo: This herb has shown to increase blood flow to the brain, helping memory and possible early signs of dementia, according to Dr. Weil. My only caution is that it can thin the blood so if you are on any blood thinning products it would not be advised to take!
Phosphatidylserine: This is one of my favorite brain supplements that I recommend often for memory, concentration and overall brain health. It is a type of fatty acid that our body naturally produces but decreases as we age. PS helps our body build brain cells and the process of neurotransmission affecting memory, depression, and possibly dementia.

Digestion:

Probiotics: Steelsmith claims that “It has been shown to treat and prevent diarrhea in children and adults”. Probiotics, such as S. boulardii and L. Acidophilus, are the friendly flora, or bacteria, that support the normal colon ecology for digestion, absorption, elimination, and prevention of yeasts, bacteria and parasites.
Artichoke leaf extract: This bitter herb has been around for years used for many ailments – I was always familiar with its ability to help lower cholesterol levels naturally (which is still a characteristic of this herb). However, currently it is being highlighted for its ability to aid the liver in the digestion of fatty foods. Artichoke simply helps the liver produce larger amounts of bile, which are acidic digestive juices needed to break down many foods such as animal protein and fat.
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice): Don’t get confused by the long word in front of licorice – it simply means that one part of the root, which can elevate blood pressure, has been extracted and what is left is an herb that, “When DGL tablets are chewed and swallowed, the resultant pasted lines and soothe the GI tract and promotes the health of the lining”, according to Dr. Weil. This ability to coat the stomach lining makes it a great herb for gastro esophageal reflux disease.
Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil can be taken in capsule form before, during or after meals. It relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, reducing and preventing muscle spasms and cramping – making it ideal for those with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Immunity:

Mushroom Extracts: You may have seen some of the most common mushrooms such as maitake, shitake, and shitake in extract forms in the supplement form at health food stores. These are amazing supplements and one of my favorite picks for strengthening the immune system, fighting allergies and viruses. They have even been linked to fighting cancer cells.
Elderberry: This berry has been used for centuries for cold and flu prevention and treatment. It is one of the safest immune herbs for pregnant moms (I took it a few times during my pregnancy) and is the most gentle for toddlers and kids. My first choice for when my 2 year old soon gets a cold. The syrup is tasty too!

Stay tuned for the remaining top 10 supplements tomorrow…

Sources: Naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com

Naturalnews.com