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Don’t get me wrong – I love a bargain. If I’m buying a specific brand of canned beans and they are $0.50 cheaper in one store than another, I’ll likely buy the one priced cheaper. Or if I see a sale on a shirt that I was looking at in another store – I’ll grab it, maybe in two colors! But there are some areas where I won’t compromise and cannot understand those that do. Especially when it comes to our most precious asset – our health.

I never heard someone say, “I’m having major surgery so I’m looking for the cheapest doctor I can find.” Or heard someone ask, “We’re having a baby, do you know where I can buy a really cheap car seat?” OK – I know…ridiculous right? Of course, no one would compromise in these situations. People will go to great lengths to learn the quality of that person or product.  We read reviews, talk to friends or other professionals, we might even look to see where a doctor went to school or if a product had a recall -we check credentials.  Last year we took my mother to 3 different doctors before we decided on the right one for her care.  And not once did we consider– well, Dr. X has great credentials, Dr. Y is the leader in this field, but Dr. Z is cheaper – so let’s go with her. That would be ludicrous…yes? No one would ever sacrifice their health or the health of a loved one for a few extra dollars…or would they?

The sad truth is that it happens all the time. People are told by their doctors or other health professionals that they need more Vitamin D₃, Omega-3’s, Zinc, Vitamin B₁₂ or Iron etc. to improve their health, or possibly address a nutritional deficiency that can lead to serious health issues. But rather than research the highest quality products; check the source of the vitamins, find out if they are synthetic or natural, ensure they are certified to contain what the label says or even check for recalls on products – people often choose the cheapest possible products they can find. They grab the cheapest product off the shelf. Or proudly choose the extra, super-sized bottle of whatever letter vitamin they were told and boast, “Wow, $15 for 70,000 tablets – what a deal!” Why would someone now sacrifice their health for a few dollars?

Who’s looking out for the consumer?

The dietary supplement industry is highly unregulated.  According to the Food & Drug Administration’s website, “Manufacturers and distributors do not need FDA approval to sell their dietary supplements. This means that FDA does not keep a list of manufacturers, distributors or the dietary supplement products they sell¹. Dietary supplements are actually regulated by the FDA as “food²,” therefore “FDA is not authorized to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. The manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements are responsible for making sure their products are safe BEFORE they go to market.”

The FDA will inspect manufacturing plants on occasion to make sure there are no major infractions or presence of potentially dangerous pathogens that could harm the consumer, but how often does the FDA actually do this? According to Lachman Consultants, “The definition of “food” includes dietary supplements. As a result…FDA is required to inspect facilities identified as “high risk” once every three years; and, those identified as “low risk” once every seven years.” These facts should certainly be enough of an impetus to compel people to do their research. And to certainly NOT sacrifice their health for a few bucks by grabbing any bottle off the shelf.

Take control!

So how do you know what products are the best?  It’s not all about price, there are several factors that can help you determine quality. [Spoiler alert…low quality vitamins don’t work]

But first, do we REALLY need to take vitamins and supplements? The answer is, in a perfect world, with a perfect diet…no. Ideally, we would get all of the nutrients we need from the food we eat, and maybe you do [in which case you may as well stop reading*]. But the average American does NOT get the right amount of nutrition from food sources, and many are even deficient in key nutrients. Here are some examples:

If you are still reading, it is likely you fall somewhere within the majority of Americans who are not able to get all of the nutrition they need from the foods they eat. So it is important to supplement your diet with high quality vitamins and dietary supplements. You don’t need large quantities of these micronutrients, just trace amounts that can be found in supplement form. Now, let’s learn how to look for vitamins and supplements that are actually worth buying and using.

What’s in YOUR vitamins?

A note here: High-quality vitamins and supplements aren’t necessarily the most expensive, so don’t let price alone dictate what you will purchase.

OK – on to quality, here’s what to look for in your products:

1. What is the company’s history?
   • Now this is a little tricky as new products come out all the time and they may be great – we just don’t know yet.
   • Look for a company that has stood the test of time. This is not a new industry, but many companies have come and gone, likely due to quality issues, so look for longevity.
   • Also look to see how many, if any, recalls have been initiated on their products. While the FDA doesn’t regulate whether a supplement comes to market they can and will shut down a company for health risks or initiate a recall on products that may be harmful. Recall information can be found on the FDA website.
     
2. From where is this product sourced?
   • Whole food supplements have tremendous benefit, even above synthetic, when they come from quality sources. Look for products that come from certified organic farms and are harvested when the nutrient quality is at the highest. A great company will have some traceability available on their website -find it.
     
3. How long between harvest time and encapsulation [or production] is the process of seed-to-supplement?
   • University of California studies show that vegetables can lose 15 to 55 percent of vitamin C, for instance, within a week. Some spinach can lose 90 percent within the first 24 hours after harvest.⁷
   • *If my I’m getting everything I need from my food friends are still here, you may want to know that fruits and vegetables grown in the southern hemisphere for winter and spring consumption in the U.S. can sit in refrigerated ships for several weeks. Hmm…maybe keep reading…
   • Bottom line here – find products that are harvested and manufactured in the shortest period – within 24 hours is ideal. Again, check the company’s website for details.
     
4. Has this product been certified by a third party?
   • Look for verification that the product you are purchasing has been tested and reviewed for ingredients, by a third party. You want to know that what is on the label is what is in the bottle. This can only be certified by someone who does not have financial stake in the selling of the product. Common third-party certifications will have a label reading NSF or USP.
     
5. What if I just don’t like it or I don’t think it’s working?
   • If you’ve taken a product, as directed for a month with no results [measured in either how you feel or a blood test if applicable] you should be able to get refunded.
   • Look for products with a satisfaction guarantee – a real one. You should be able to finish the bottle and still return it for a full refund if you are not satisfied.
   • Quality vitamins and supplements will do what they should, if taken properly. If they’re high quality, a company would offer a 100% satisfaction money back guarantee for a reasonable amount of time. A 30-day time frame may not be enough for you to give it a fair shot, so look for a longer time to return [like 60 or 90 days]. If a product offers a longer return period than that – grab it, you have nothing to lose and obviously that company is confident in its quality – your search is over.
     
6. Isn’t the bargain product I’m taking better than nothing?
   • No. It is not better – you are wasting money.
     

Here are some fun tests to check the quality of the products you already have:

• Place the tablet in water and let it dissolve naturally [ok to stir a bit]
  • Observe if it dissolves [many do not!]
  • Look at the color – whole food supplements should be vibrant in color.
• Already taking Omega-3 EFA’s? Place the gel tab in the freezer.
  •  Observe it after 24 hours. Is it frozen?  It shouldn’t be – pure fish oil won’t freeze.  If it’s crystalized or frozen the quality may be poor.
    • Just a note here: cloudy does NOT mean poor quality.
• Taking an antioxidant complex?
  • Dissolve it and rub the liquid on half of a cut apple.
    • Antioxidants should keep that half of the apple clear while the other half will quickly oxidize [turn brown]

What’s next?

Once you’ve answered those questions and found high-quality products, it’s time to USE them. Yes, using them is vitally important.  If you are going to read through all this, do your research and find great products – they will only work if you TAKE them! I cannot count how many times I have asked someone how it’s going, taking a vitamin or product I’ve recommended, and they say, “Oh, I don’t know, I forget to take it every day.” Shocking that they don’t notice a difference. Please take the product as directed for at least 2 weeks and then, if you REALLY want to test it, stop taking it for a few days and observe how you feel…you might be surprised.

So, what is YOUR health worth? As billionaire, Warren Buffet says, “You only get one mind and one body. And it’s got to last a lifetime⁸.“ I hope this helped and you now have the right motivation and the right information to make a smart purchase and a good decision for your health – it’s time to make it happen.  Happy shopping!

Best wishes for your good health!

If you have any questions about supplements feel free to reach out https://acculaserusa.com/contact-us/

¹https://www.fda.gov/food/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements/questions-and-answers-dietary-supplements

²https://www.lachmanconsultants.com/2016/08/dietary-supplement-manufacturers-are-you-ready-for-fda/

³https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-dietary-supplements

⁴ Thompson, et al Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake by Age, Gender, and Pregnancy Status in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2014 Nutrients. 2019 Jan; 11(1): 177. Published online 2019 Jan 15. doi: 10.3390/nu11010177

⁵ https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/20110330/most-americans-get-enough-vitamin-d

⁶ https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview

⁷Nutritional comparison of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables II. Vitamin A and carotenoids, vitamin E, minerals and fiber Joy C Rickman, Christine M Bruhn∗ and Diane M Barrett Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California – Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA

⁸ https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/warren-buffett-says-when-it-comes-to-your-future-success-dont-neglect-these-2-things-or-youll-be-a-wreck.html

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Headache, Muscle tension or pain, Chest pain, Fatigue, Change in sex drive, Stomach upset, Sleep problems

Anxiety, Restlessness, Lack of motivation or focus, Feeling overwhelmed, Irritability or anger

Sadness or depression, Overeating or undereating, Angry outbursts, Drug or alcohol abuse, Tobacco use, Social withdrawal, Exercising less often.

There are many ways to combat stress including, yoga, meditation, stopping smoking, deep breathing, white noise machines, exercise and proper nutrition. These are all excellent ways to battle stress but if you are looking for a simple way to de-stress perhaps your nose can help?

Enter Aromatherapy…

Used in oils, diffusers, topically and sometimes internally. the essential oils we find in Aromatherapy;

• Can reduce the perception of stress, increase contentment, and decrease levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone.”

• Help transmit messages to the area of the brain involved in controlling emotions.

• May affect heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function.

What a simple, natural way to help keep your stress under control while not using up any real time or effort. Let’s take a look at 3 amazing essential oils; Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon.

Lavender’s Aromatherapy Benefits

Lavender has a fresh, floral scent.  Lavender oil is known for helping
to reduce stress, calming restlessness, and relieving insomnia. Lavender oil can also help improve mental focus.

Lavender is associated with feelings of contentment, improved mental performance and mood. It has also shown other mild sedative and calming effects.

Lavender has been shown to reduce cortisol [the “stress hormone”] levels.

How to use Lavender:
Lavender is great in an oil diffuser, as a scented candle, in bath water [may need to be diluted] and even in a spray to use on bed linens to promote health sleep.  It has been shown to be especially effective for use with crying infants and babies.

Peppermint’s Aromatherapy Benefits

Peppermint has a cool, fresh scent. Peppermint oil has been used to relieve stress and stress symptoms like tension headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. This oil can also clear and relieve congestion.

Peppermint aromatherapy has been found to increase memory and alertness. It can provide a great pick-me-up for too-tired and too-busy people, stressed students and anyone who feels overworked.

How to use Peppermint:

Peppermint tea is one of your best allies to combat stress. The menthol that is naturally present in the herb is a known muscle relaxant; which can translate to stress and anxiety relief as well.

Try sipping a cup of peppermint tea and listening to your favorite song for a five-minute break during a hectic afternoon to get the most out of this oil.

Lemon’s Aromatherapy Benefits

Lemon oil or Lemon Balm oil have a bright, citrus smell. In the past five years alone, the powerful relaxing effects of lemon balm extracts have been documented by scientists around the world. These studies confirm what herbal practitioners have long known—that lemon balm is effective in addressing conditions related to stress and anxiety.

Some research has shown that lemon oil may possess anti-depressant-type effects. It is a good choice for stress relief and mood enhancement as well.

In a 2006 study, lemon oil was found to possess anti-anxiety effects as well. In one study between the essential oil of lemon and other oils, “lemon oil had the strongest anti-stress effect.”

Japanese researchers found that a substance in lemon oil may turn down the classic “flight-or-fight” stress response.

How to use Lemon:

A study at the UK’s Northumbria University found that exposure to lemon balm can improve cognitive performance and mood. If you are prepping for a big test or a major meeting try rubbing lemon balm inside your wrist. The mild lemon scent can brighten your mood, give you a positive feeling and even improve your mental performance.

So whether you are smelling, drinking or wearing these wonderful scents, essential oils used in Aromatherapy can be the perfect solution to your stressful days.

Best wishes for your good health and happy sniffing!

Sources:

Atsumi T, Tonosaki K. Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva. Psychiatry Residence. February, 2007.

Dimpfel W, Pischel I, Lehnfeld R. Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity of volunteers. Eur J Med Res. 2004 Sep 29;9(9):423-31.

Field T, Field T, Cullen C, Largie S, Diego M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infants. Early Human Development. June, 2008.

Gyllenhaal C, Merritt SL, Peterson SD, Block KI, Gochenour T. Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2000 Jun;4(3):229-51.

Kennedy DO, Little W, Scholey AB. Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosom Med. 2004 Jul;66(4):607-13.

Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, Perry EK, Wesnes KA. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002 Jul;72(4):953-64.

Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S, et al. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003 Oct;28(10):1871-81.

Komiya M, Takeuchi T, Harada E. Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice. Behavioural Brain Research. September 25, 2006.

Lis-Balchin M. Essential oils and ‘aromatherapy’: their modern role in healing. Journal of the Royal Society of Health April, 1998.

Moss M, Cook J, Wesnes K, Duckett P. Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. International Journal of Neuroscience. Januray, 2003.

Moss M, Hewitt S, Moss L, Wesnes K. Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. International Journal of Neuroscience. January, 2008.

Pemberton E, Turpin PG. The effect of essential oils on work-related stress in intensive care unit nurses. Holistic Nursing Practice, March-April 2008.

Scott, E.(April 4, 2016) Aromatherapy Benefits: Scents for Stress Relief. Retrieved from https://www.verywell.com.

Soong, J. (2010). 10 Ways to Improve Your Day in Just 5 Minutes. WebMD Feature Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com.

Takeda H, Tsujita J, Kaya M, Takemura M, Oku Y. Differences between the physiologic and psychologic effects of aromatherapy body treatment. Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, July 2008.

Ulbricht C, Brendler T, Gruenwald J, et al. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(4):71-114.

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Nicotine isn’t just addictive – it’s deadly!   

Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and abuse, even in the face of negative health consequences. Most people are aware of the dangers of smoking and yet millions of people continue to light up, despite the fact that smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States

That is the very nature of drug addiction – we know it’s bad but we want more anyway.

Being addicted to nicotine carries with it a host of health problems. Nicotine is a super toxin which has no business inside the body or brain. Nicotine a natural insecticide that provides the tobacco plant protection from being eaten by insects. The widespread use of synthetic nicotine (neonicotinoids) as a farm crop insecticide is now being blamed for killing honey bees.

Drop for drop, nicotine has proven to be:

• as lethal as strychnine
• more lethal than diamondback rattlesnake venom
• three times deadlier than arsenic in animal studies
• 166 times more toxic than caffeine

While the amount of nicotine taken in during smoking a cigarette or vaping is not enough to be fatal – it is very harmful. Nicotine, in any form, has known adverse effects on the body. In a 2015 study in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, researchers found that Nicotine poses several health hazards.

• There is an increased risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal disorders.
• There is decreased immune response
• Nicotine poses ill impacts on the reproductive health.
• It affects the cell proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA mutation by various mechanisms which leads to cancer.
• It also affects the tumor proliferation and metastasis and causes resistance to chemo and radio therapeutic agents.

Are you ready to stop smoking once and for all? It’s time!

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Tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death in the world. It is the only legal consumer product that can harm everyone exposed to it – and it kills up to half of those who use it as intended, with its victims dying on average 15 years prematurely.

This year, tobacco will kill more than five million people – more than tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.  Don’t miss out on your life…Call today! 732.485.9617

In New Jersey, a pack of cigarettes cost on average $7.50 for purchase.

That relatively small amount of money adds up to one very
expensive habit.

The expense of living with a tobacco addiction is a cost far beyond the direct out-of-pocket expenses for smoking.  There are a wide variety of other expenses related to smoking that one should address as well:

– Health Costs due to smoking go through the roof as you get older
– Life insurance rates are higher for smokers
– Laundry and dry cleaning costs escalate as clothing gets permeated with cigarette smoke
– Property damage and the replacement costs of ruined clothing due to cigarette burns
– Increased occurrences of illnesses
– Loss of physical stamina

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Worldwide

•  Tobacco use causes more than 5 million deaths per year.
•  Smokers die an average of 13-14 years earlier than nonsmokers.

In the United States

• Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death.
• Cigarette smoking is responsible for about 1 in 5 deaths annually (443,000 deaths per year).

DID U KNOW?? Quitting now will not only be the start of your healthier life – it can save the life of someone you care about.  Approximately 49,000 of tobacco-related deaths are the result of secondhand smoke exposure.

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