The Role of Bitter Melon in Blood Sugar Management

Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports numerous bodily functions, including muscle relaxation, nerve signalling, and heart health. Recently, it has gained attention for its potential to naturally lower blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Fortunately, research suggests that maintaining adequate magnesium levels can help manage blood pressure naturally, offering a simple and effective strategy for individuals seeking to support heart health.  Magnesium's role in blood pressure regulation comes from its ability to act as a natural calcium blocker. Calcium is necessary for muscle contraction, including the muscles in the blood vessels. Magnesium, helps relax these muscles, allowing blood vessels to widen and improve blood flow, reducing pressure on artery walls. Furthermore, magnesium helps balance sodium levels, another crucial factor in blood pressure control, as high sodium intake is known to elevate blood pressure. Magnesium is one of the nutrients that have the highest inadequate intakes among adults. Organika's Magnesium Bisglycinate provides 200 mg elemental magnesium and is highly absorbable by your body with decreased laxative effect compared to other forms of magnesium.  Supporting this, a meta-analysis of 34 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found that magnesium supplementation can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The analysis involved over 2,000 participants and revealed that a median dose of 368 mg/day of magnesium for three months resulted in a reduction of systolic blood pressure by 2.00 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.78 mmHg (Zhang et al., 2016). These reductions were linked to an increase in serum magnesium levels, suggesting that even moderate magnesium supplementation could benefit those looking to lower their blood pressure.  For those looking for peace amidst life's demands Organika's Mind Calm is a unique blend of L-Theanine, Magnesium Bisglycinate, Inositol, Glycine and GABA. This powerful combination synergizes to soothe the mind, reduce stress, and enhance focus. Unwind and find your inner balance as the calming properties of L-Theanine a naturally occurring amino acid that helps to promote relaxation without adding any components that cause drowsiness  and Magnesium Bisglycinate is an essential mineral for the health of the heart and blood vessels, brain, bones, and muscles, and is crucial for the body to function properly. These all work harmoniously, while GABA supports the brain to find balance.   While magnesium supplementation is generally safe, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement routine, especially for individuals already taking medications for hypertension. For many, adding magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains to the diet can be an effective and natural way to maintain heart health and manage blood pressure without side effects. With ongoing research, the potential of magnesium as a natural solution for blood pressure control continues to grow, making it an appealing option for many.  Reference https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effects-of-Magnesium-Supplementation-on-Blood-A-of-Zhang-Li/67aea9f934b11ba2a8f64b79e2e7430633bfa9d4 

by Dr. Cheryl Cooper, ND Here we are, 6 months into the New Year, and everyone’s resolutions are long forgotten but those pesky pounds from the year before are probably still lingering around. Next to becoming more fit and healthy, losing weight is the most common New Year’s resolution in North America. Most people will start the New Year with a weight loss program that includes significant reduction in calories or food restriction accompanied by an intensive exercise program. And while some succeeded for the short or long term, most gave up after a couple of weeks after not seeing a significant and consistent change. Statistics from the National Weight Control Registry show that only 20% of individuals that are consciously trying to lose weight are successful in losing weight in the long term. This is defined as losing 10% of the initial body weight for over a year. A cyclical epidemic Now that June is here and bikini season is already upon us, let’s get real. The weight loss industry is a billion dollar industry and has failed at enabling people to lose weight permanently for decades. The biggest question that begs to be asked here is: Why? Since the 70s, obesity has become a significant issue in Canada with the incidence increasing from 9.7% in 1972 to 25.3% in 2011. What are the main factors contributing to this increase? The simple answer is an increasingly sedentary lifestyle accompanied by the proliferation of processed foods and an increased consumption of carbohydrates and sugar in our diet. Adding to the complexity of the obesity epidemic is more stress, less sleep, systemic toxicity, thyroid imbalances, adrenal fatigue, hormone issues, anemia, nutrient deficiencies, depression and/or mood disorders which are all factors that may contribute to an individuals ability to succeed in their weight loss efforts. The reality of realistic goals Hundreds of fad diets and a myriad of quick-fix weight-loss scams promise to provide the miracle weight loss solution for thousands of people out there that are literally dying to lose weight. I hate to be the purveyor of bad news, but there is no miracle! The secret to long-term weight loss is setting sensible goals, having realistic expectations, making better lifestyle and diet choices, sticking to the plan, and doing this with balance and moderation. Just like with the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race! Setting realistic goals and addressing the more complex health factors are why it’s important to work with a qualified and knowledgeable health professional when starting a weight loss program. This will make all the difference in your ability to succeed in losing weight in the long-term and keeping it off.   In addition, there are some other strategies that can support your weight loss efforts. Research has demonstrated that certain supplements have been shown to support weight loss by balancing blood sugar, increasing metabolism, reducing appetite, balancing pH levels and providing more energy. Here are some of the most valuable supplements that research has shown to be beneficial for weight loss: Chromium Chromium has been shown to support blood sugar balance by enhancing the body’s use of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that is critical to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein in the body. Garcinia cambogia Garcinia cambogia contains hydrocytic acid, which has been shown to block the enzyme citrate lyase. This enzyme acts in the body to convert carbohydrates and sugar into stored fat, thus, by blocking it, the energy from these nutrients stays in the system longer and are more readily usable for energy. Another benefit of Garcinia is that it raises the level of the brain chemical serotonin, which reduces the appetite and improves moods. Spirulina This supergreen supplement is high in easily digestible protein and loaded with nutrients which makes it an excellent energizing supplement. When combined with regular exercise. The protein (70%) contributes to increased lean muscle mass, which burns more increases your basal metabolic rate. Conjugated Linoleic Acid aka CLA This naturally occurring fatty acid is obtained from our diet, but the processing of food has decreased the amount in food. Research shows that CLA helps to reduce the overall fat mass of the body by making the fat more readily available to burn as a fuel and, thus, increasing the speed of fat burning. Green Tea Extract High in antioxidants and a potent source of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), green tea stimulates the metabolism and assists in weight loss. Other benefits include: lowers cholesterol, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, cardio-protective. Of course, I would be completely amiss not to mention that all of these supplements are more effective when they are combined with healthy life-style changes, including a sustainable balanced diet and moderate exercise. Adding in the supplements can assist in getting you on track to being healthier this year. So, go forth into the New Year everyday life with the intention to be healthier, fitter and leaner, and remember it’s about balance and making permanent changes to your diet and lifestyle and getting the help you need to succeed. Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!! Dr.Cheryl Dr. Cheryl Cooper B.Sc., ND Dr. Cheryl Cooper is a Naturopathic Doctor and the owner and CEO of Vitallife Integrative Medicine based in Ottawa. She has 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, specializing in hormone balancing, women’s health, detoxification, stress management and sleep issues. Dr. Cooper uses a holistic approach to helping patients, involving educating and empowering patients to take control of their health. Recently moved to her hometown of Canmore, Alberta, she now practices out of Inner Balance Spa in Calgary. Vitallife Integrative Medicine @doc_cheryl

On entend beaucoup parler du système immunitaire ces jours-ci, et pour cause. C'est la ligne de défense du corps contre les maladies ! Bien que se laver souvent les mains, prendre de la distance avec les autres et nettoyer quotidiennement les surfaces fréquemment touchées restent les meilleures mesures à prendre pour se protéger, voici quelques conseils pour vous aider à préserver votre immunité : 1. Mangez bien Le corps a besoin d'être nourri et il vaut mieux qu'il soit frais. Les fruits et les légumes sont essentiels, tout comme la santé des intestins. Le zinc, le magnésium et la vitamine C sont de bonnes choses à consommer, tout comme les aliments qui réduisent l'inflammation. Les noix et les graines, les agrumes, les légumes verts à feuilles et le bouillon d'os doivent être des aliments de base. 2. Dormez suffisamment Il y a tant de raisons de faire du sommeil une priorité (comme si vous aviez besoin d'une excuse pour faire une sieste !) Notre corps se répare pendant notre sommeil, le niveau de stress est réduit, nous sommes de meilleure humeur et nos heures de veille sont plus productives lorsque nous sommes bien reposés. 3. Réduire la consommation d'alcool Avec tout ce qui se passe dans l'actualité, il est tentant de se verser une quarantaine pour se défouler. Bien qu'un verre de vin soit acceptable, n'en faites pas trop. Si vous ressentez vraiment la pression, soyez créatifs ! Pourquoi ne pas vous préparer un élixir de magnésium relaxant ou une margarita au collagène ? 4. Prenez un peu de soleil L'air frais est la clé, si possible. Faites une promenade en solitaire et prenez un peu de vitamine D quand le soleil brille. Cela peut être difficile à réaliser en évitant les contacts sociaux - si vous avez besoin d'un peu plus d'aide pour obtenir la quantité de vitamine D dont vous avez besoin, notre poudre Serenity la combine avec du bisglycinate de magnésium, une allumette fabriquée au paradis des suppléments. Ainsi, vous pouvez apporter à votre corps le soutien dont il a besoin grâce à ces deux nutriments si importants et aider à soulager toutes les tensions que vos muscles ont subies pendant que vous y étiez. 5. Faites de l'exercice La circulation sanguine et les mouvements sont importants, surtout lorsque vous êtes bloqué à la maison. Téléchargez quelques vidéos de yoga, faites un jogging ou un défi de push-up ou de planche. Faites pomper vos endorphines - et n'oubliez pas de vous faire plaisir quand vous aurez fini ! Peut-être qu'une séance de pâtisserie s'impose ?