NEW RESEARCH: Melatonin for Migraines Too?
By Dr. Jen Palmer, Naturopathic Doctor (ND) & NEEDS Education Director 

Migraines are no fun; they are a debilitating disease that can significantly diminish your quality of life. According to the Mayo Clinic, a migraine "can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on just one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can cause significant pain for hours to days and can be so severe that the pain is disabling. Warning symptoms known as auras may occur before or during the headache. These can include: flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling on one side of the face, arm, or leg." 

About 12% of Americans suffer from migraines on a regular basis. If you or someone you know suffers from these debilitating attacks, the following research may be of interest. A study investigated the use of melatonin to treat migraines as compared to the commonly prescribed drug amitryptiline, which causes side effects, such as dry mouth, weight gain, dizziness, and fatigue. In this study, 118 patients between the ages 24-40 that suffer from migraines took the prescription medication (amitryptiline), a placebo, or 3 mg of melatonin every day. The study lasted 12 weeks and during that time patients were asked to record their headache symptoms. Read more

Turmeric Adulteration
By Dr. Jen Palmer, Naturopathic Doctor (ND) & NEEDS Education Director

One of the most popular dietary supplements on the market today is curcumin, the active compound from the Indian herb turmeric. Some authorities report that it's been the number one selling supplement for the past five years, and that's a well-deserved status. Curcumin has been extensively researched and proven to be effective for a multitude of health conditions. It reduces inflammation and has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of osteoarthritis (joint pain). 

In one study, a group of patients with arthritis took curcumin supplements with their medication and felt significantly greater relief from pain as compared to patients that just took the medication alone. It is also a potent antioxidant and can support the liver in detoxification. Curcumin has the advantage of being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it has the ability to protect the brain from free radical damage and potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, as shown in several studies. In fact, in India where turmeric is used abundantly as a spice in foods, Alzheimer's rates are significantly lower than in the United States. 

The downside of an herb becoming this popular and in such high demand, is that unscrupulous raw material suppliers may adulterate the herb in order to make it more profitable for themselves. Read more

It's NOT Easy to get this Super Nutrient from your Diet!
Submitted By LifeExtension

Obtaining enough vitamin K through your diet can be difficult. The most common form of vitamin K, known as K1, is present in leafy green vegetables. Not only do many people avoid these types of vegetables, but the K1 is also tightly bound to the plant fibers so it's not easily absorbable. 

In contrast, vitamin K2, which is found in meat, egg yolks, and dairy, is up to 10 times more bioavailable than K1 and remains active in the body for far longer. If you have to avoid these foods for health reasons, it's essential to take a K2 supplement! 

Super K with Advanced K2 Complex provides the three forms of vitamin K that can be utilized by the body: vitamin K1 and dual forms of vitamin K2, known as MK-4 and MK-7. This comprehensive vitamin K formula promotes both bone and arterial health. 

Super K with Advanced K2 Complex Benefits at a Glance: 

• Maintains bone density by facilitating calcium transport into bones 
• Promotes a healthy heart and vascular system 
• Includes the most bioavailable forms of vitamin K1 and K2 
• Bioavailable over a sustained 24- hour period