Did you know that heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for the last 80 years running? Currently, nearly half of adults in the U.S. have hypertension, or high blood pressure. Poorly managed high blood pressure leads to heart attacks and strokes, the main causes of medical disability. Sadly, only one in four adults with hypertension have their condition well controlled.

While a normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg, elevated blood pressure is defined as greater than 130 mm Hg systolic (the first or upper number) over 80 mm Hg diastolic (the last or lower number). There are no concrete physical symptoms of hypertension, which is why it is known as the “silent killer.” The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked regularly at a pharmacy, with your doctor, or with an automatic blood pressure cuff.
 

Causes of high blood pressure

High blood pressure is treatable and preventable! To understand this, let’s look at why it develops. As you age, the vascular system loses its ability to easily and efficiently dilate, or expand. Vessel walls lose their elasticity, becoming stiffer and more narrow. This increases the blood pressure for the system. But, age is not a pathology, and to merely deduce “getting older” as the only issue dismisses the whole pathophysiology of a problem. Younger people can have high blood pressure as well, given the circumstances. So, why else does hypertension happen?

Nitric oxide is a compound that dilates blood vessels and is attached to the amino acid arginine. As we accumulate oxidative damage through inflammation, poor nutrition, and stress, arginine is depleted in the tissue, making nitric oxide scarce. Lack of nitric oxide means vessels can’t dilate easily, causing them to lose elasticity and stiffen, which increases pressure. You’d think just giving arginine should solve the problem, but it does not.

Too much arginine in the tissues increases herpes simplex virus expression, so it is not the first amino acid of choice in people with this virus. Depleting arginine in tissues is actually associated with suppressing this virus.(1) Giving arginine doesn’t really create a consistent, steady state in tissue that well. The arginine precursor L-citrulline actually increases cellular arginine more efficiently in the tissues, without the risk of expressing herpes simplex virus. L-citrulline supplementation keeps arginine stores consistent, therefore optimizing nitric oxide in the tissue. This support better stabilizes blood pressure and decreases vascular stagnation, improving blood flow.
 

Stabilizing blood pressure

There are many other areas of focus to support healthy blood vessels and establish stable blood pressure. In addition to L-citrulline, advancing lymphatic drainage, improving heart efficiency, and healing endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) are effective strategies to optimize cardiovascular health.

Good lymphatic drainage reduces swelling in tissue, thus improving blood pressure, much like clearing a log-jam on a river. Exercise and movement, alternating hot and cold applications, and massage are three ways to help swollen tissue. In addition, grape seed extract has been proven to help lymph drainage. In one study of women with lower leg swelling due to sedentary conditions, grape seed extract was found to significantly reduce tissue edema (swelling caused by excess fluid).(2) When you clear swollen tissue you reduce stagnation, allowing better efficiency with your cardiovascular system.

Strengthening the heart muscle undoubtedly improves cardiac output, or the amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system. Athletic, young hearts beat efficiently. Weaker heart muscles pump poorly and are associated with high blood pressure. Cardiovascular exercise certainly improves the muscular capability of the heart. Many people walk as exercise, which is a great start, but truly getting the heart rate increased and pumping actually conditions the heart better. In addition, herbs like hawthorne have a vast history in herbal medicine for improving cardiac output and exercise tolerance, and stabilizing energy levels.(3) Hawthorne is a popular tea that you can drink regularly, but you will also see it in many cardiovascular, herbal formulas.

Lastly, healing the inner lining of the blood vessels is vital for minimizing stroke and heart attack risk. Smooth inner linings improve blood flow, lower inflammation, and stabilize blood pressure. There are specific antioxidants that have affinity for blood vessels. Green coffee bean extract is rich in chlorogenic acids, antioxidants that support the delicate inner endothelium.(4)

The flavonoid quercetin is another potent antioxidant that inhibits inflammatory signals harming blood vessels. It is known for its ability to improve endothelial cell dysfunction by maintaining normal inflammatory balance in specific pathways.(5) Think of antioxidants as cellular helpers, cleaning up damage and supporting cell chemistry.

As you can see, many supportive measures can be utilized to help improve your blood pressure. Two really great, all-encompassing products are NuMedica’s NOVA and OrthoMolecular’s CitraNOX. NOVA is an L-citrulline botanical formula that improves the utilization and tissue levels of nitric oxide, while CitraNOX is a product that focuses on endothelial function in addition to L-citrulline support.

Most people with high blood pressure don’t know they have it. Make sure you monitor this health marker regularly for yourself and seek your doctor’s care. Improving your ability to vasodilate (widen your blood vessels), strengthening your heart’s pumping ability, and healing blood vessels are great ways to love on your cardiovascular system. Stop by Peoples Rx today to learn more about these supportive products. If you have more extensive cardiovascular issues, work with one of our amazing practitioners by calling 512-219-8600 to schedule a free meet-and-greet today.

Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders. Amy is available for consultation at Peoples Wellness Center.

*Although licensed in other states, Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in Texas.

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.
 
 

1. (Griffith RS, DeLong DC, Nelson JD. Relation of arginine-lysine antagonism to herpes simplex growth in tissue culture. Chemotherapy. 1981;27(3):209-13. doi: 10.1159/000237979. PMID: 6262023.)
2. (Sano A, Tokutake S, Seo A. Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract reduces leg swelling in healthy women during prolonged sitting. J Sci Food Agric. 2013 Feb;93(3):457-62. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.5773. Epub 2012 Jul 2. PMID: 22752876.)
3. (Koch E, Malek FA. Standardized extracts from hawthorn leaves and flowers in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders–preclinical and clinical studies. Planta Med. 2011 Jul;77(11):1123-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1270849. Epub 2011 Mar 7. PMID: 21384315.)
4. (Watanabe T, Arai Y, Mitsui Y, Kusaura T, Okawa W, Kajihara Y, Saito I. The blood pressure-lowering effect and safety of chlorogenic acid from green coffee bean extract in essential hypertension. Clin Exp Hypertens. 2006 Jul;28(5):439-49. doi: 10.1080/10641960600798655. PMID: 16820341.)
5. (Sanchez M, Galisteo M, Vera R, Villar IC, Zarzuelo A, Tamargo J, Pérez-Vizcaíno F and Duarte J. Quercetin downregulates NADPH oxidase, increases eNOS activity and prevents endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Journal of hypertension. 2006;24:75-84.)

Holy Basil / Ocimum sanctum

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a must-have in any herbal medicine cabinet! It has been revered as one of India’s most sacred and powerful plants for over 3,000 years, and it holds a sacred place in the Ayurvedic tradition as an herb that helps to nourish a person’s growth and promote long life.

In Sanskrit the name Tulsi means “beyond compare” and it is also referred to as an elixir of life; the mother medicine of nature and the queen of herbs in the Hindi culture. Besides being used in daily ritual, it is often planted at the entrances of homes and temples. It was chosen to be planted around the Taj Mahal, not only for its sacred properties, but for its anti-pollutant and antioxidant properties in an attempt to minimize air pollution.

Like many herbs, Holy Basil is a perfect example of a plant that holds ancient knowledge and provides us with solutions to modern problems. Similar to its Ayurvedic companion Turmeric, Holy Basil offers such a wide variety of medicinal uses, it will have you asking, “What can’t Holy Basil do?” It is most commonly used as an adaptogenic herb, which when taken long term, can help balance cortisol levels and support our body’s response to the daily stressors of day-to-day life.

Holy Basil is fantastic for soothing the nervous system and is gentle enough to be taken daily or taken as needed. There have been many clinical studies showing it to be effective in reducing overall anxiety levels. It is also shown to have a positive effect on cognitive health, enhancing cerebral circulation and memory. It’s a great herb to consider for brain fog and pairs well with other cerebral stimulants such as Rosemary, Ginkgo Biloba, or Bacopa. Holy Basil can also be helpful in cases of stuck or stagnant digestion, can normalize blood sugar, and can be protective against cardiovascular disease.

Native to India and Southeast Asia, Holy Basil is in the same plant family as culinary basil and mints, and it thrives here in the Texas heat. It makes a lovely addition to your culinary herb gardens, smells wonderful, and its lovely purple flowers attract bees and pollinators alike! It can easily be harvested fresh or dried for a tasty herbal beverage.

At Peoples Rx, we carry the Organic India brand Tulsi tea blends, as well as Gaia’s Holy Basil capsules or their Adrenal Health daily support formula. You’ll also find it in Herb Pharm’s Anxiety Soother tincture. This queen of the herbs would make a great gift to any mom this Mother’s Day! Stop by any Peoples Rx location and learn more about this wonderful plant and what it can do for you!

 
Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples Rx. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

 
 
Photo credit: Laurène Elliott-Deyris
**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com

“Just take some magnesium!” People are told to take magnesium, but don’t really receive proper guidance on what type, how much, and which way to take this important mineral. More guidance is needed! Magnesium cannot exist by itself; it must be bound to something, usually an amino acid. That amino acid determines the action of the magnesium, so it’s imperative to know why you are actually taking magnesium in the first place. You certainly don’t want to take the laxative magnesium if you are trying to stop your leg cramps!
 

What is Magnesium anyway?

Magnesium (Mg) is a cofactor for more than 600 different processes in the body–from muscle contraction and relaxation to DNA and RNA production, nerve function, energy production, and blood glucose control. Clinically, it is used for muscle cramps, restless legs, high blood pressure, constipation, and calming the nervous system. Insulin resistance in diabetes has a direct relationship to low magnesium levels.
The recommended requirement for magnesium consumption is 300-400 mg per day. Magnesium is the center of the chlorophyll molecule in plants, so any dark green plant is a rich food source, as are avocados, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. Getting enough magnesium for your body is a factor of healthy digestion, how well you absorb minerals, and how much your body is demanding the magnesium.
 

Why do we become magnesium depleted?

Inflammation, stress, exercise, diarrhea, leaky gut, and sweating all deplete magnesium. If your digestion isn’t optimal (meaning strong stomach acid, good pancreatic output, and healthy intestinal tissue), then magnesium is poorly absorbed. Adequate vitamin D levels are needed for magnesium absorption from the gut, so when our serum levels fall below 50, magnesium won’t get picked up, despite your leafy green intake.

Magnesium absorbs well through the skin, but with this method the exact quantity or milligrams one absorbs cannot be fully determined. Epsom salt baths (magnesium sulfate) and magnesium lotions, gels, or oils (usually magnesium chloride) can be a great way to apply magnesium if someone needs to bypass digestion or is just generally sensitive. Topical forms or epsom salts are great for muscle tension or spasm. But in certain cases, both oral and topical applications need to be used to fully support the depletion.
 

How do I find the best kind of magnesium for ME?

Remember, what magnesium is bonded to is actually the most important determinant for the magnesium you need. There is really no “toxic” dose of magnesium. If you take too much of any form, you would simply get a loose stool. Just discontinue taking the magnesium and the bowel movements should return to normal within 24-48 hours. You can resume your magnesium; just take less of it. Listed below are the various types of magnesium and the role they fulfill.
 

Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) is the magnesium bonded with an oxygen molecule. This compound is the least absorbed form of magnesium, meaning much of it stays in the bowel, making it the best laxative form of magnesium. It is also used as an antacid for indigestion and is the most concentrated elemental magnesium per dose, so you don’t have to take much of this to increase your magnesium levels. That said, a loose, watery stool is very common when taking too much, which can be easy to do. MagO7 from Aerobic Life contains very concentrated magnesium oxide, the most potent laxative magnesium.
 

Magnesium Citrate

This is one of the most common forms of magnesium on the commercial market. Magnesium is bonded to citric acid, which is absorbed in tissue using osmosis. Citrate is a larger molecule than oxide, so there is less magnesium by weight than in the oxide form. Because it pulls water into the bowel, magnesium citrate is also used for laxative purposes; it just may be better tolerated than MgO with less watery-diarrhea effect at low dosages. It is a little easier to titrate for laxative purposes. Pure Encapsulations’ Magnesium Citrate is very basic and concentrated enough per capsule so that you don’t have to take many caps to get to a therapeutic dose.
 

Magnesium Glycinate and Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate

The amino acid glycine has various roles in the body. Glycine is used for the nervous system as a calming neurotransmitter, enhancing magnesium’s natural relaxation properties. This makes magnesium glycinate the pick for settling down the nervous system and promoting parasympathetic tone. Magnesium amino acid chelate is usually bonded to a variety of amino acids, which are all larger molecules. Every formula is different, so if you need just a general magnesium formula for a multitude of issues, the amino acid chelate could be the way to go. Magtech from Magtein is a very popular combination formula that is used for general magnesium support. It is a powdered formula that mixes easily in water.
 

Magnesium Taurate

Magnesium Taurate is certainly the pick for calming down blood pressure and regulating heart rhythm. Taurine is an amino acid that is known to support cardiac muscle and enhance the quality of contractions. Cardiac cells have the highest concentration of taurine receptors. When taurine binds to these receptors, magnesium floods into the cell. Magnesium helps the heart muscle relax and helps blood vessels that feed the heart to open and deliver more blood to the heart tissue itself. Cardiovascular Research’s Mag Taurate is highly concentrated and well priced.

Magnesium L-threonate

This form effectively crosses the blood brain barrier and has recently been studied for uses such as patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, ADD, ADHD, and brain injury recovery. A research study published in the medical journal Neuron reported that magnesium threonate creates improvement in learning abilities, brain fog, and both short and long-term memory. Additionally, it has the same benefits as any other magnesium, including enhancing sleep quality. OptiMag Neuro from Xymogen and iMagT from Magtein are two formulas of magnesium threonate that have been used with success for cognition support.

 
Let the knowledgeable wellness team at your favorite Peoples Rx location help choose the most suitable magnesium for you and your needs. And if a drinkable or gummy magnesium is up your alley, now is the time to stock up on Natural Vitality’s CALM products. They are 25% off throughout April!

Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders. Amy is available for consultation at Peoples Wellness Center.
 
 
*Although licensed in other states, Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Most people don’t think about their gallbladder until extreme pain hits them in the abdomen, particularly the right upper quadrant. Imaging and liver function tests often reveal gallstones or sludge and depending on the severity, removing the gallbladder may be recommended. But making diet and habit changes sooner rather than later makes a big difference for this little but important organ.

Why do we need a gallbladder anyway?

The main job of the gallbladder is to concentrate bile, a substance that helps you break down fat and absorb fat-soluble vitamins (D, E, A, and K). Vitamins D and A support a healthy immune system and help us fight viral infection. Healthy fats are also the main nutrition source for the brain and nervous system. Poorly absorbing nutritional fat negatively impacts cognitive health over time, increasing risks for dementia.
 

Bile is an exit route

Bile is the dumping ground for cholesterol, bilirubin, toxins, and bile salts. Cholesterol, a fatty signalling molecule in your blood, is dissolved in bile. Elevated LDL (or bad) cholesterol predisposes gallstones’ formation and weakens the bile. Gallstones are most commonly cholesterol stones but increased bilirubin can also create stones, just to a lesser degree. Bilirubin, the breakdown product from old red blood cells, is why your stool is brown. When stool is grey or light yellow, usually this indicates an obstruction along the bile route of the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. This is a serious medical issue requiring urgent care.

Bile is a drain for many detox pathways from the liver and is possibly the main way we remove toxins from the body. Not having a gallbladder means the bile is not concentrated and weak, which impacts detox capability. Not to mention, bile is very alkaline–the opposite of stomach acid which brings balance from the harsh acidic environment. Weak bile usually goes with poor nutrient absorption.

Bile salts have antibacterial and antifungal properties that break down unwanted microbes from food and prevent intestinal inflammation and overgrowths of unhealthy gut flora. These salts are actually made from cholesterol. Certain medications like oral birth control and NSAIDS (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and others) actually disrupt the bile salt formation and bile composition and increase risks for gallstone formation.1
 

Don’t let your bile weaken

When bile weakens you will see increased irritable bowel syndrome and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth) symptoms such as gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Supporting the alkalinity of the bile, decreasing cholesterol, and stimulating stomach acid and digestive enzymes are keys to preventing gallstones and promoting fat and nutrient absorption.

Supplementing with ox bile is an effective way to support bile composition. Products like Lipotropic Complex by Integrative Therapeutics, Digestzyme by Designs for Health, and Cholacol by Standard Process are commonly used. People who have had their gallbladders removed especially need to strengthen their bile because they are missing the organ responsible for doing so. This will drastically improve fat absorption, support liver detox, and increase fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

A non-animal source of bile support comes from the bitter herbs, the stars being dandelion root, burdock root, milk thistle, and artichoke. Biliven from Premier Research Labs is a favored vegan source for these herbs. These can be consumed as a tea, but know that bitter herbs are just that–bitter. If you tolerate the bitterness of coffee, this may not bother you. If you dislike the flavor, they exist in capsule form too!
 

Don’t gallbladder flush

Once a stone has developed in the gallbladder, flushing it out is actually a dangerous idea. If lodged by the common bile duct, stones create acute pancreatitis and a life-threatening situation where the pancreas cannot secrete its digestive enzymes properly and actually digests itself. Remember, gallstones formed gradually, so resolving them gradually is the more appropriate pace. Stone-dissolving protocols with the herb Chankra Piedra (like Royal Break Stone) exist, but they are used over the course of several weeks. In addition, you do have to stop the conditions that created the stone in the first place. Diet changes are paramount.
 

Eat right and exercise

Sugar, alcohol, dairy, grains, and processed foods are all really hard for the liver to handle which does weaken bile. The liver loves dark leafy greens, beets, bitter flavors, and foods rich in antioxidants, not to mention omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

Exercise actually helps circulation through the liver. Sedentary lifestyle leads to liver stagnation and gallstone development. Accumulation of abdominal visceral fat, a more inflammatory fat, will damage tissue by concentrating free radicals and inhibit blood flow for the liver.

Losing abdominal fat will improve blood flow to hepatic tissue and reduce risks for gallstone formation. A similar phenomenon is seen post-pregnancy. Postpartum women have higher risks for gallbladder attack because for 40 weeks they have been sharing abdominal space with a fetus that has been impeding blood flow to all the abdominal organs, especially liver and gallbladder.

Don’t let intense pain be the first time you think of your gallbladder. Develop a taste for bitter herbal teas, leafy greens, and vegetables, and really watch the Standard American Diet intake. If that isn’t happening well in your diet habits, commit to a supplement that works best for you and keep it in your daily routine. Lastly, move yourself! Break the chain to your desk, TV, and easy chair and invite blood flow! Supporting yourself in these simple ways will let you and your gallbladder live happily ever after.

Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.
 
 
1. (Etminan M, Delaney JA, Bressler B, Brophy JM. Oral contraceptives and the risk of gallbladder disease: a comparative safety study. CMAJ. 2011;183(8):899-904. doi:10.1503/cmaj.110161) (Sterling, R.K., Shiffman, M.L., Sugerman, H.J. et al. Effect of NSAIDs on gallbladder bile composition. Digest Dis Sci 40, 2220–2226 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02209010)

With February being American Heart Month, we want to take some time to talk about nitric oxide and its relationship to cardiac health! A nitric oxide supplement like Neo40 is a great way to support your heart and all of its ever-important functions. But first, a brief science lesson!

Why Nitric Oxide?

As you may know, nitric oxide is a gas our bodies need to relax our blood vessels. There are three major benefits to relaxing our blood vessels.

1. Less resistance to blood flow, which supports a healthy blood pressure.
2. A heart that is more efficient at circulating blood throughout our bodies, thereby promoting overall cardiovascular health since the heart doesn’t have to work as hard.
3. Improved blood circulation, bringing along essential components like nutrients and oxygen to our cells, as well as removing damaging products from our cells. This supports our overall health and promotes healing.

Nitric oxide is so important to our health, in fact, that the discovery of its role as a “signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system” was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1998.

We generate nitric oxide from the inner lining of our heart and blood vessels, called the endothelium, but it is constantly being utilized by our bodies and must be replenished. It’s also synthesized from our diet and produced when we exercise. This added nitric oxide helps maintain a healthy endothelium, which in turn generates more nitric oxide. It’s a very important cycle!

Green leafy vegetables and beets contain nitrates which are converted to nitric oxide by bacteria on our tongues. When we don’t exercise regularly or eat sufficient amounts of nitrate-containing vegetables, or we use mouthwashes which can destroy the bacteria in our mouths, our levels of nitric oxide can be depleted. Additionally, as we age we lose the ability to synthesize nitric oxide as efficiently as we did when we were younger.

How To Maintain Nitric Oxide Levels

Neo40 is a patented form of nitric oxide derived from beets…yes, beets! A premium quality supplement, Neo40 helps to maintain the nitric oxide levels we need to support healthy blood pressure, heart and cardiovascular health, and ensure we have efficient blood circulation to our cells to promote overall health. It is synthesized from beets and scientifically tested to show the product provides significant cardiovascular benefits.

This month, you’re in luck! Neo40 is on sale throughout February for 20% off. If you’ve got additional questions about it and how it could benefit your overall health, chat with a knowledgeable member of our wellness team. We’re here to help!
 
Dr. Lynn Roper has been with Peoples Rx for almost 30 years, and has a PhD in Neuropharmacology from UT Austin. You’ll currently find her as the Pharmacist in Charge at Peoples Westlake. Her passion in compounding is anything that supports brain function without side effects. Lynn is passionate about working with doctors to find compounded medications that enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with spectrum disorder, ADHD, and more.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Hawthorn / Crataegus spp.

February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better herb to talk about for the heart than Hawthorn!

Hawthorn grows as a thorny, shrub-like tree with little red berries. It’s not generally seen in the south, as it is native to the northern hemispheres of North America, Europe, and Asia. In Western herbalism, it is known as one of the primary heart tonics. The leaf, flower, and berry of the Hawthorn tree are revered and utilized by ancient healing traditions across the globe.

Hawthorn berries are what we most commonly see in herbal preparations, either alone or in blends with other cardio tonics. It has many supportive actions for the body, the most significant being that it’s a superfood for the heart. Like all dark berries, Hawthorn is full of flavonoids–antioxidants that scavenge free radicals in the body to help reduce cellular oxidation and negative effects of inflammation.

Hawthorn can also be used to prevent blood vessel damage, regulate blood pressure, and improve overall circulation while strengthening the heart muscle itself. As a tonic, it is restorative to the tissues of the entire cardiovascular system. There have been extensive clinical studies out of Europe on Hawthorn, showing everything from lowering serum cholesterol, to support for congestive heart failure. If you or a family member have heart issues or a history of heart disease, it’s worth considering adding Hawthorn to your daily supplement regimen.

In addition to it being a powerhouse for the cardiovascular system, Hawthorn is also a wonderful tonic for the nervous system! It is calming and relaxing, and can be used throughout the day without making you feel tired or low in energy. Regular use can benefit the mood, and help smooth out the rough edges of an overactive nervous system. It works well with other herbs like Motherwort, Passionflower, and Cacao.

All Peoples Rx stores carry Hawthorn berry in a variety of preparations, from capsule of the berry alone to cardiovascular blends, and tincture blends for stress support. My favorite to suggest to customers is Gaia’s Hawthorn capsules or WishGarden’s Liquid Bliss tincture, which is a lovely blend to help nourish the nervous system. Stop in your favorite Peoples Rx location and chat with a Wellness Specialist to see how Hawthorn might benefit you!
 
Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples Rx. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

 
 
Photo credit: Laurène Elliott-Deyris
**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com

Did you know that many common pharmaceuticals can deplete nutrients from the body? Some side effects that can occur with certain medications stem directly from their effects on our nutrient status.

According to the Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook—an evidence-based reference book written by pharmacists trained in clinical nutrition—drugs can cause these depletions by altering the absorption, synthesis, storage, and excretion of various nutrients.

Many people already know about certain cholesterol medications depleting the critical antioxidant CoQ10. In fact, numerous patients who take these medications have been instructed to take CoQ10 by their cardiologist because the heart, brain, and muscles tend to struggle when the body is depleted.

What’s less commonly known, however, is that CoQ10 is also depleted by blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diuretics, diabetes drugs, antibiotics, antivirals, and even acid blockers.

Here are some other common medications and the nutrients they can deplete.

• Lisinopril: Zinc, Magnesium, and Calcium
• Carvedilol: CoQ10, Melatonin
• Levothyroxine: Iron, Calcium
• Amlodipine: Melatonin, Potassium, Vitamin D, Calcium
• Metformin: CoQ10, Folate, B6, B12
• Hydrochlorothiazide: CoQ10, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, B1, B2, B3, B6, Vitamin C, Folate
• Birth Control (estrogens and medroxyprogesterone): Magnesium, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Vitamin C, Zinc, Folate, Selenium
• Fluoxetine: Folate, Iodine, Selenium, Melatonin
• Sertraline: Folate, Selenium
• Aspirin: Folate, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, Vitamin C, Calcium, B6

Take a look at all the medications you are currently taking, and make a list of which nutrients are being depleted by each one. In some cases, patients may have several drugs depleting the same nutrient. Look through your list for double, triple, or even quadruple depletions and focus on those first. Bring your list into Peoples when shopping and ask to speak with a pharmacist–they’ll help you figure out which nutrients need to be tended to first and how to do so.

If CoQ10 is at the top of your depletion inventory, which is very common, ask a Peoples Wellness Specialist to recommend a high potency, high bioavailability CoQ10. There are many to choose from at Peoples and they’ll help you make the right decision for you.

If you’re interested in figuring out which of these nutrients you may want to supplement with, you might want to book a consultation with one of our practitioners. When supplementing, it’s best to work directly with a professional in order to ensure that everything is being done safely and taken in the right form and dose in order to best support your health.
 
Matt Dorsey, BSc, MAcOM, LAc is an integrative medicine consultant, licensed acupuncturist, and doctoral candidate who draws from his studies in East Asian Medicine, Acupuncture, Medical Herbology, Clinical Nutrition, Psychology, and Pharmacology to help his patients regain their health in the most well-rounded way possible. Some of his specializations include autoimmune disease, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and mitochondrial optimization. For more from Matt on drug-induced nutrient depletions, check out www.NutrientDepletions.com. You can also hear Matt talk about nutrient depletions on the Cultivate Wellness Podcast.
 
 
Sources:
1. “Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook” by Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN, James B. LaValle, RPh, DHM, NMD, CCN, Ernest B. Hawkins, RPh, MS, and Daniel L. Krinsky, RPh, MS.
2. “Drug Muggers” By Suzy Cohen, RPh
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

After the rush of the holidays and indulgent foods, let’s take some time to rest, digest, and zoom in on a category of herbs called Bitters or Digestive Bitters. You may have heard of a few famous brands of bitters that are used as a flavorful addition to cocktails, but before the cocktail, these bitters were marketed for medicinal purposes.

The use of bitters can be traced back 2,000 years when wine was infused with roots, barks, and spices, and used as a digestive aid. Our modern diet is lacking in the bitter flavor, so it’s important to add it back in, whether by taking a tincture of bitters before every meal or incorporating more dandelion greens and arugula to our salads.

Bitters are herbs and foods that literally taste bitter, and they work best when you are able to taste them. Our tongues are loaded with bitter receptors! When these receptors are signaled by the taste of something bitter, the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and liver are encouraged to produce digestive juices and enzymes. They set the stage for digestion, and adequate digestion is essential in providing the body with what it needs to function well. Bitters can also benefit liver function, help in lowering blood sugar, stimulate appetite, and curb sweet cravings.

Some of the most common plants you’ll find in a bitter formula are Dandelion leaf and root, Gentian root, Angelica root, Yellow Dock root, Artichoke leaf, and Burdock root. Citrus peel is also commonly seen in many bitter blends.

These herbs have varying properties, but they all have one thing in common–they are bitter to taste and stimulate the digestive fire. In many bitters products, you’ll also find familiar spices such as fennel, cardamom, and star anise. These are all warming to offset the cooling nature of the bitter herbs. They are known as carminatives, which can help dispel gas and reduce bloating.

You’ll find various bitters at all Peoples Rx locations. A favorite brand of mine is Urban Moonshine–they have a variety of flavors and a convenient spray that is easy to carry around. They also offer a vinegar extract for those who prefer not to take alcohol.

Another fun way to take bitters is to add them to mocktails! A splash of citrus bitters in sparkling water with some elderberry syrup or Dr. Mitchell’s fruit anthocyanins, and voilà! Delicious!

If you’re looking for a new wellness habit to start, try incorporating bitters into your daily routine. Your digestive tract will thank you!
 
Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

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