Rev Up and Reinvigorate for 2011
By
Julie McGinnis, MS, RD, Certified Herbalist
I love the New Year. It's such a great time to review
my life and ask a few important questions like how
can I reinvigorate myself? What can I do to make a
difference in the world? What simple changes can I
make to ensure greater health and happiness?
Our bodies function at peak levels when consuming
essential nutrients on a regular basis. Diet is more
important than ever so we might
start by challenging ourselves
to prepare more meals at home
using a wide variety of organic
vegetables, fresh fruit, and
whole grains. High-quality
supplements help ensure that we
get those critical nutrients that
may be lacking from the foods we
eat. With that in mind, let's go
through a quick review of some
important basic nutrients to
consider when meal planning
and supplement shopping.
Your first ally is the B vitamins so be sure to get at least 100% of
RDI daily. B vitamins work together to keep your body
running normally especially in times of stress. Bs keep
you balanced and are essential for the function of a
healthy immune system.
Vitamin C boosts immune function and may shorten
the duration of a cold or flu. However, humans do not
manufacture their own supply of vitamin C, which
means that it must be obtained from the diet. When
supplementing, look for products that include 1,000
mg of vitamin C. For those with sensitive stomachs,
look for a buffered form of vitamin C called calcium
ascorbate. This source of vitamin C is less acidic and
easier on the stomach.
Vitamin D, once only thought to prevent rickets, now
has extensive research supporting its role in immune
function. Researchers claim that it is no coincidence
that flu rates are higher in the winter when vitamin
D levels are at their lowest due to less sun exposure.
Recent studies found those with low levels of vitamin
D were 40% more likely to get a respiratory illness.
Be sure to get at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Two additional supplements to help you maintain
peak health are CoQ10, which generates energy, and zinc, which protects your immune system.
A new effervescent vitamin/mineral antioxidant drink
that I have found that really fits the bill to optimize
health and rev up your immune
system is Oxylent created by
Vitalah. In addition to the daily
vitamin requirements, it supplies
Albion minerals for maximum
absorption. Oxylent oxygenates
as the enzymes Super Oxide
Dismutase (SOD) and catalase
work together to promote the
conversion of txins into
beneficial oxygen and water to
enhance cellular oxygenation.
It hydrates, as important
electrolytes control the balance
of fluid in the body.
As we age, our digestion
may become compromised and this can affect the
absorption of vitamin tablets and pills. By drinking the
effervescent vitamins and minerals found in Oxylent,
you get improved absorption of the nutrients in the
body, and they taste delicious! According to the
Physicians' Desk Reference 2000, only 10-20% of
supplements in pill form are absorbed by your body.
Just one packet of Oxylent daily enhances health,
supports your immune system, and is one simple,
positive change towards a healthier, more empowered
new year.