Tag: supplements

5 Supplements You (and Everyone Else) Might Benefit From

2017: Whether your goal is more energy, less stress, better digestion, weight loss or improved fitness, this article is for you. If none of these are your goal, this article is also for you! All of us want to optimize our wellbeing – but many of us don’t know where to start. Our modern-day stressful lifestyles and convenience-based food choices leave much room for nutritional deficits and more. Even the most mindful eaters living low stress lifestyles in today’s world can use support from basic supplements, as food choices alone may not be the answer to optimal health. Industrial farming techniques can deprive crops and meats of key nutrients. Here are five supplements you’ll want to consider bringing into your daily routine in 2017:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

We need this good fat to balance out the bad fat that is so heavily consumed in the standard American diet -often referred to as “SAD” for good reason. Deficits of good fat can wreak damage on our cardiovascular systems, immune systems and more. Incorporating a quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement into your routine will help support a healthy immune system, healthy skin/hair/nails, and a healthy digestive system.

Probiotics:

More IS more when it comes to good bacteria. Research has shown that antibiotics depletes our digestive systems of good bacteria, which may negatively impact our bodies in many ways. This concept – along with poor dietary choices – leaves our guts lacking in the diverse flora needed to be in optimal health. Probiotic supplementation can help support optimal digestion and a healthy immune system, among many other benefits.

Vitamin D3:

Many of us (especially in this region of the world) are deficient in Vitamin D3. This is due to lack of sun exposure – which is how Vitamin D3 is acquired in our bodies. Many of us spend our days indoors without sun. If we are lucky enough to be outside, the winter sun exposure is mild and our layers of clothing inhibit absorption. Supplementation with Vitamin D3 may help protect us from many chronic neurological, cognitive, and mood conditions, according to recent research. Vitamin D3 can help support healthy immune function, healthy energy levels, and a healthy mood.

Magnesium:

You’ve probably heard a lot about magnesium lately- and for good reason. Like the other nutrients mentioned here, magnesium is particularly prone to depletion in our foods due to poor soil conditions within industrial farming. Furthermore, processed food, soft water, and caffeine may reduce your body’s absorption of this critical mineral. Magnesium supplementation may help relieve discomfort associated with headaches and muscle cramping, and supports a positive mood and restfulness.

Adaptogenic Herbs:

Busy modern lifestyle often leaves people “wired and tired”. Stress robs us of our positive mood, energy levels, and our ability to fight off illness. Simply put, our bodies were not designed to withstand some of the stressful lifestyles we live today. Adaptogenic herbs may help support a more positive reaction to stress – allowing our bodies to potentially better cope with life’s everyday demands. Adaptogens work on our endocrine and nervous systems and help support a healthy reaction to stress, positive mood and restfulness.

December 30, 2016
Top Picks from Our Brand

In a sea of supplements to choose from, it helps to know what brands to trust. We are pleased to offer a brand WE trust and turn to!

Here’s our favorites from our in-house supplements:

With all that we know now about the benefit’s of taking Turmeric, this is our favorite to keep on hand for regular use. It contains a standardized 475 mg. of curcuminoids that come from a clinically studied source, and is delivered in easy-to-swallow capsules.

Let’s face it, we ALL smile when we see this supplement. We could all use some brain support! With the amount of information we are faced with in todays world, there’s no way we can cope without a little help. This formula boosts brain function with Ginko Biloba, Phosphatidyl Serine, L-Carnitine, DHA, Choline and more.

D3 is essential- and we love the fact that ours only requires a single DROP to get 2,000 IU. One bottle lasts a long time, which makes this not only a potent choice, but an excellent value!

Adrenal Support means helping your body balance it’s reactions to the stressors in you life. Whether stress ramps you up or shuts you down, the reaction takes a toll. Basil Bandwagon Brand Adrenal Support contains Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Schizandra and Ashwaganda: Adaptogenic Herbs help control the reaction, and bring balance to your hormones and energy levels. This supplement also has B vitamins, L-Tyrosine (an amino acid known for helping with anxiety) and Gotu Kola.

Basil Bandwagon Brand Supplements are 25% Off until May 31st- stock up on our favorites and yours.

December 12, 2016
Summer Camp Week 9: Boost Your Immunity!
This week at Summer Camp, we have an exciting guest post from one of our favorite local Chiropractors, Dr. Michele Gardner! Check out what Dr. Gardner has to share about optimizing immune health below.

Summer is almost over which means school will be starting soon! There’s a funny thing that happens when children get together in large groups and have the added social stress of starting a new year. It seems to do with both stress-coping strategies and gut health. We now understand that stress affects our nervous system, which in turn alters immune function- especially when it is chronic. (Segerstrom, 2004) We also know that a large percentage of our immune function resides in our gut. (Vighi, 2008) Each family essentially has its own ecosystem that gets challenged when encountering another that our immune system is unfamiliar with. (University of Utah, 2014) Fortunately, there are daily choices you can make to support general immune health, actions you can take for prevention during exposure to an illness or during a high stress time-period, and treatments you can use to ease your symptoms and possibly shorten their duration.

For starters, I have never seen more stressed-out kids than those in school today. The level of academic and social demand placed on our children requires we teach them stress-coping strategies. Do you know what works for your child and your family? As parents, the pressure is just as great- in different ways. And if you’re a “big kid” – this applies to you too.

Here’s my list of Top 10 Daily Choices to Support General Immune Health:
1. Get adjusted by your family chiropractor. Adjustments not only boost immune function for hours afterward (Brennan, 1991), they increase relaxation and digestive health through the nervous system! (Yates, 1988) (Takeda)
2. Consume high-quality, nutrient-dense food for a healthy gut. We have many knowledgeable people here in Flemington who can help you learn to make the best choices for you and your family. Just ask! We’ll help you get started by finding the right person for you. It can be simple too – no need to get overwhelmed. It can be all about adding in good stuff that crowds out what you don’t want. And, it can taste great so you don’t have to feel deprived. If you regularly eat at Basil Bandwagon’s Farm to Market Café, then you know I’m right!
3. Find appropriate exercise. Did you know exercise immunology is a thing? Regular moderate exercise is shown to decrease risk of illness while over-training can have the opposite effect. (Gleeson, 2007)
4. Get quality rest. Our bodies restore and regenerate while we sleep. The amount of sleep we require changes with age too. For most adults, seven to eight hours will suffice; teens and infants require more like ten to twelve! (Olson, 2015)
5. Take quality, whole-foods supplements including vitamins and trace minerals tailored to your needs. Whether you need to establish/restore your gut health or counter the depleting effects of stress, supplementation can be instrumental in your health. The key is to first find out what your specific needs are, and that can often begin with bloods tests. There are certain supplements that are safe to use even if you don’t have a deficiency (essentially you’ll just eliminate the excess). But, there are others you want to take ONLY if you are deficient – especially fat-soluble vitamins (that means they get stored in your body). (Medicine Net, 1999) There are medical doctors with post-doctorate training in Functional Medicine or Integrative Medicine who have a more comprehensive understanding and testing capabilities. Again, we have many here in our community and neighboring counties.
6. Learn to reduce stress. We’ve already established that our community has a high level of stress, and chronic stress affects our immune function. Help yourself and your family by cultivating stress-coping strategies. We aren’t going to eliminate the stress in our lives so we’d better adapt! And, for the love of Pete, don’t add this to your already overloaded to-do list and become the health “Nazi” in your family! These are strategies that develop over time, organically, and from self-love! Surround yourself with practitioners from traditions that make sense to you, who can guide you along this journey. Ask and we’ll help you find your:
  - Family Chiropractor
  - Community Acupuncturist
  - Aromatherapist
  - Massage Therapist
  - Yoga Instructor
  - Family Gestalt Therapist
  - Tai Chi or Qigong Instructor
  - Ayurvedic Practitioner
  - Minister
  - Energy Medicine Practitioner
  - Herbalist
  - Homeopath
  - Personal Trainer
  - Meditation Guru
  - Art Therapist
  - Hypnotherapist
7. Make sure the humidity in your home stays close to 50%. In cold air our mucous membranes (lining of your respiratory tract) get dried out, which can lower our body’s defense to illness. Their job is to trap those pesky bacteria or viruses we don’t want so we can sneeze or cough them out. (Mercola, 2014)
8. Play outdoors. Good ol’sunshine and fresh air! If you’ve had a recent physical, then your medical doctor has probably checked your vitamin D level. Direct sun exposure for 15 minutes without sunblock is still the best way to allow your body to absorb vitamin D. (Vitamin D Council)
9. Hydrate on a cellular level. Those are fancy words for drinking water. Not just any old water, though. pH balance and mineral balance have an effect on cell uptake of water and hydration appears to be linked with immune function that starts in our saliva. (Adams) If you’ve got good well water- fantastic! If not, research options for quality filtration and consider electrolyte supplementation when appropriate. I like to avoid bottled water when possible, but there are bottled waters that provide trace minerals and a healthy pH.
10. Laugh! Why does Snoop Dogg use an umbrella? For Drizzle! But, seriously, laughter is the best medicine. Laughter will reduce the stress response in your body, boost your immune system, relieve pain, and improve your mood. (Mayo Clinic, 2016) I hear we have some new comedy acts coming up here in Flemington…
What actions can you take for prevention during exposure to an illness or during a time-period of high stress?

Take all the above and add a few immune boosting tweaks:
Last but not least, what to do to reduce your symptoms and shorten their duration:
There you have it, my friends! With a clear nervous system, quality nutrition, rest, recreation, exercise and hydration, you can achieve greater heights in your health. If you do start expressing symptoms, support your body to do what it knows how to do via your immune system and you’ll be well in no time. Snuggle on the couch and watch your favorite comedy shows while someone pampers you. And, if you don’t have someone to pamper you, call me – I’ll grab a healthy soup from Basil Bandwagon and bring you a care package fit for an Olympic Champion!

Dr. Michele Gardner is a Holistic Chiropractor whose focus is on wellness and preventative care for families and individuals facing physical, mental and emotional issues. She specializes in prenatal care and pediatrics. Her passion is to educate and inspire everyone to achieve the best possible health without drugs or surgery. Gardner Family Chiropractic is located in the Old Egg Auction complex at 84 Park Avenue, Suite G105 in Flemington,www.drmichelegardner.com, 908-782-7470, gfctasks@gmail.com.

References:

Adams, W. e. (n.d.). Immune Function: Basic Considerations of Exercise and Hydration. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Korey Stringer Institute: University of Connecticut: http://ksi.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1222/2015/04/Immune-Function-and-Hydration.pdf

Brennan, e. a. (1991). Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory bursts induced by spinal manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , 399-400.

Gleeson, M. (2007). Immune function in sport and exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology , 693-699.

Mayo Clinic. (2016, April 21). Healthy Lifestyle: Stress Management. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456?pg=1

Medicine Net. (1999, October 14). water soluble vitamins vs fat soluble vitamins article. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10736

Mercola. (2014, January 13). Effects of Low Humidity on Health. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Mercola.com: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/13/low-humidity-health-effects.aspx

Olson, E. (2015, June 9). Expert Answers on Insomnia. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757

Palevsky, L. (2006, December 1). A Holistic Perspective on the Digestive System of Infants and Children. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from ICPA: http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/a-holistic-perspective-on-the-digestive-system-of-infants-and-children.html

Pattnaik, S. e. (1996). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios , 237-46.

Segerstrom, S. C. (2004). Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry. Psychological Bulletin , abstract conclusion.

Takeda, Y. e. Long Term Remission and Alleviation of Symptoms in Allergy and Crohn’s Disease Patients Following Spinal Adjustment for Reduction of Vertebral Subluxations. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research , 4 (4), 1.

University of Utah. (2014, August 15). Your Changing Microbiome. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Learn.Genetics. Genetic Science Learning Center.: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/microbiome/changing/

Vighi, G. e. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and Experimental Immunology , abstract.

Vitamin D Council. (n.d.). How do I get the vitamin D my body needs? Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Vitamin D Council: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs/

Yates, e. a. (1988). Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , 484-488.
August 15, 2016
Summer Camp Week 6: Smarten Up About Supplements

Supplements have gotten some bad press in recent years’ news. Major retailers have been accused of

selling “fraudulent” and “potentially dangerous” herbal supplements. Other supplement makers aren’t

transparent about their sourcing and production practices. So how do you know what’s beneficial,

what’s a waste of money, and what may be harmful?

The U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) is a good place to start with this

explanation. DSHEA mandates that manufacturers and distributors of supplements and dietary

ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded and must

protect the public against any unsafe product. Among several other regulatory clauses, before

marketing any new dietary ingredient, a manufacturer must supply the FDA with adequate information

to provide “reasonable assurance that the ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk

of illness or injury.”

With this Act, we are given an initial layer of protection as consumers. But, to ensure we are getting the

highest quality, safest, most effective products for our bodies, it’s very important to take your

investigation a few steps further.

What to Look for in a Supplement

When researching or purchasing supplements, there are a few things you’ll want to look for regarding

the manufacturer. Sometimes these can be found on product labeling, other times you’ll want to refer

to the company’s website for more detailed information.

Quality Assurance:

A company that does not disclose quality assurance practices is likely not a great choice in

supplements. For instance, when you eat food at a restaurant, you expect it to be made with

care and safety in mind, just as you expect it to contain quality ingredients that are nutritive

(and delicious!) to consume. It is important that you expect the same with your supplements. If

you choose to eat organic, you may also want your herbs to be grown organically.

What to Look for:

Companies that take pride in their sourcing and farming practices most often

disclose this information to help inform consumers of their quality practices.

Gaia Herbs is a superb herbal supplement company with a long-standing reputation of utmost

quality. Headquartered in rural North Carolina, Gaia has implemented an herb traceability

program. Upon purchasing a Gaia product, you will notice a “Meet Your Herbs” code printed on

packaging. The code can be typed into a handy web-based tool which enables you to view the

source of each herb through a virtual tour of their farmland. Super cool! Check out the tool

here.

Operational Transparency:

Supplement companies with poor transparency standards reveal little information – if any at all

– about ingredient sourcing, production methods, packaging details, and shipping logistics.

What to Look for:

As a customer, you want (and have the right) to know about where

ingredients in your supplements come from, how they are made into their current form, what

type of packaging is used to contain them, and under what conditions they are shipped (i.e.

temperature). A good supplement company is transparent about their ingredient sourcing,

production methods, packaging, as well as shipping logistics.

Mega Food is a fantastic supplement company that has adopted utmost transparency to

customers. Headquartered in New Hampshire, Mega Food not only discloses what small, family-

owned farms they source product from, but their website includes live video footage of their

production facility in action. Talk about being transparent! Check them out here.

Descriptive Labeling:

Sparse labeling without detailed information is a sure sign of lack of credibility.

The more information that is provided, the more you are able to determine if the product is exactly what

you are looking for.

What to Look for:

What’s on the label should be in the bottle. In other words, as a customer,

you should be aware of ALL details related to the product formulation. Active as well as non-

active ingredients should be listed to help inform you about your choices.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest is a wonderful herbal supplement company that champions these

practices to create customer-friendly products. Headquartered in Oregon, Oregon’s Wild

Harvest labels are comprehensive, clear, descriptive and informative. A company you can trust!

Check out their quality standards in labeling here.

Claims:

Marketing claims on packaging are often a bad sign. For example, products with labels that say

“Lowers Blood Pressure” or “Lose 10 lbs. Fast!” are not abiding by DSHEA law and are likely to

be unsafe or ineffective.

What to Look for:

Look for products without lofty claims, or with supportive statements like:

“supports healthy blood pressure” or “supports a positive mood”. These companies are

practicing appropriate labeling and marketing tactics and helping you make informed choices on

your selections.

Nordic Naturals is a supplement company specializing in Omega 3 oils. Headquartered in

California, the company’s motto speaks to its commitment to quality: “Committed to Delivering

the World’s Safest, Most Effective Omega Oils™”. Nordic Naturals has surpassed International

Pharmaceutical Standards, has earned award-winning product purity levels, and guarantees

exceptional freshness. This is especially important in fish oil supplements, where rancidity of fish

can play a role in product experience (fish burps are not pleasant and purity can prevent them!).

Check out Nordic Natural’s commitment to quality here.

References

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109760.htm – US Food & Drug Administration

http://www.crnusa.org/index.html – Council for Responsible Nutrition

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/03/new-york- attorney-general- targets-supplements- at-major- retailers/?_r=0 – NY

http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=35 – The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

https://www.weilvitaminadvisor.com/why_take_supplements – Dr. Weil, “Why Take Supplements?”

https://www.nowfoods.com/now/nowledge/how-read- supplement-labels – Now Foods “How to Read Supplement Labels”

https://www.weilvitaminadvisor.com/medications_that_deplete_nutrients – Dr. Weil “Replenish the Nutrients that Medications Deplete”

July 18, 2016
Medicinal Herbs and Supplements

Evidence-based herbal and vitamin supplementation is an achievable reality in our 21st century world. Finding quality herbs and supplements, as well as high-quality information about them, requires experience in the marketplace of natural substances. This is what we bring to the consumer’s table: decades of research into herbal medicine as well long experience working with the finest natural supplement manufacturers in the world.

There can be a ten-fold difference in the cost of raw materials for good-quality herbs and supplements versus poor quality. Knowing and trusting your herb and vitamin seller is paramount in a world where bargains are everywhere, but information about sourcing can be scarce.

Taking a degree of responsibility, however small, for one’s own health, is empowering. In addition to exercise, relaxation techniques, and dietary adjustment, herbs and supplements are powerful allies for those seeking optimum health.

April 14, 2016