February's Nutritional Pearls

Probiotics and Pregnancy

Ensuring a healthy pregnancy is paramount to the delivery of a healthy baby. Researchers at the Turku University Hospital in Finland recently studied the affects of probiotic supplementation on pregnancy outcome and prenatal and postnatal growth. They found that probiotic supplementation in combination with dietary counseling was associated with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes as well as a reduced risk of larger birth size. Probiotics are good bacteria found in your gut that promote proper digestion, detoxification and immune response. When looking for a quality probiotic product make sure you look in the cooler! Probiotics have a shelf life and a good quality, live bacteria culture should require refrigeration.

Keep in mind, there is a good supply of probiotics in our Greens First formula. If you are already regularly taking this product, ask your naturopathic physician before adding more probiotics.

Red Clover and Lower Cholesterol in Post Menopausal Women

High levels of LDL cholesterol poses a significant risk to postmenopausal women. High levels of LDL are associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In a recent study involving healthy postmenopausal women with a mean age of 56, researchers at the University of Belgrade, Serbia, found significant decreases in total serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels- and triglyceride levels and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in women taking a red clover-derived isoflavone supplement.

This offers postmenopausal women a safe and effective means of controlling cholesterol levels without nasty side effects. Look for products with red clover top flower extract in the formula and talk to a licensed naturopathic physicians about dose.

Inflammation and Low Vitamin B6

C-reactive protein or CRP is a marker used to determine levels of inflammation via the blood. In a study conducted at the Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, researchers found a "strong dose-response relationship" between low vitamin B-6 concentrations and inflammation. In addition, researchers also found low levels of vitamin B6 were linked to metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes.

Concerned about your levels of vitamin B6? Contact your naturopathic physician to find out how to check your levels.