The Importance of Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are products which have physiological benefit or provides protection against chronic disease. The term “nutraceutical” combines two words – “nutrient” (a nourishing food component) and “pharmaceutical” (a medical drug). Nutraceuticals are not medical products but is a dietary supplement that represents a product that contains nutrients derived from food products and is often concentrated in liquid, capsule, powder or pill form.
Nutraceuticals may be used to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, postpone the aging process (and in turn increase life expectancy), or just support functions and integrity of the body. They are considered to be healthy sources for prevention of life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, renal and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as different infections.
A wide range of nutraceuticals have been shown to impose crucial roles in immune status and susceptibility to certain disease states. BioTE offers several high- quality nutraceuticals manufactured by Thorne Manufacturing which complies with FDA regulations regarding nutritional supplement manufacturing and undergoes rigorous NSF (independent certification) quarterly facility inspections. Mayo Clinic selected Thorne as its sole collaborator for supplemental clinical research, microbiome trial, and content.
Why are nutraceuticals important in our daily lives? Supplements are essential to optimize our hormones due to factors such as poor food quality, poor food choices, stress, health conditions, excess alcohol intake, and drug nutrient depletion. Did you know that you would need to eat a dozen bowls of spinach today to equal the iron content of one bowl of spinach in the 1930’s due to the decrease in nutrients in the soil in which food is grown? BioTE offers Core Nutraceuticals (as well as other nutraceuticals targeted for specific health conditions) to enhance the results of hormone therapy: DIM SGS+, Probiotics, ADK 5/ADK 10, Methyl Factors+, and Iodine +.
DIM is a photonutrient (diindolymethane) that comes from cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, rutabaga and turnips. DIM improves estrogen metabolism in both men and women, increases 2-hydroxy metabolites (“healthy estrogens”), decreases production of 4-hydroxy metabolites (higher risk estrogens), and protects against early atherosclerosis. DIM also helps increase free or “active” testosterone and reduces aromatization (less conversion of testosterone to estrogen). Studies show that DIM can be beneficial for breast, uterine, cervical, and prostate health.
Probiotics are live organisms that are either the same as, or similar to, those found in the human body. Although we tend to think of bacteria as harmful “germs”, many bacteria actually help the body function properly. Probiotics aid a variety of gastrointestinal issues including immune system support. Some signs of unhealthy digestion are acid reflux, nasal congestion, gas, bloating, inflammation, skin disorders, digestive disorders, loose stools, depression, and constipation. What destroys the good bacteria in the gut? A high carbohydrate diet or a diet high in processed foods contributes to this as well as antibiotics, steroids, antacids, high-sugar diet, and chemotherapy and radiation. Probiotics by BioTE are different from others in that they are highly stable, they do not require refrigeration, they are good for general use as well as acute illnesses (diarrhea), and they are good for use with antibiotics.
ADK by BioTE comes in ADK 5 and ADK 10. These combinations of Vitamins A, D, and K protects and help absorption in the body. Vitamin A is required for normal development, growth, and maintenance of bone. The ingredient Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining normal calcium metabolism. Currently Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic in the US, and those who are at greater risk include the dark-skinned population, hospitalized patients, long-term care facility patients, obesity, the elderly, and those living in higher latitudes. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining muscle and bone, supports the immune system, is important for healthy hair and nails as well as for healthy thyroid function. Vitamin K2 has an essential role in health by helping build strong bone and preventing an excess buildup of calcium in the blood stream and thus improves cardiovascular health.
Methyl Factors Plus provides 5 essential methylation nutrients in a concentrated and comprehensive formula. These include methylfolate (5-MTHF), active B6, active B2, active methyl B12, and betaine. Poor methylation affects numerous processes including hormone metabolism, cardiovascular risk, cancer risk, cognitive function, neurotransmitter production, bone health, and more. Methyl Factors Plus also helps support proper estrogen metabolism and support healthy homocysteine levels which at high levels is a risk factor for heart disease.
Iodine Plus aids in natural hormone production and balance. Iodine is critical to the production of thyroid hormone. The addition of selenium and zinc are nutrient cofactors in the conversion of thyroid hormone T4 to active thyroid hormone T3. Iodine deficiency has increased 4-fold in the past 40 years and affects 1-2 billion people worldwide. It is also rapidly emerging as a major risk factor for breast cancer. In addition, iron deficiency increases the risk of prostate, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Iodine also regulates cortisol and contributes to normal immune function.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/functional-foods/faq-20057816
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3645360/
