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Learn more about current health topics and the science behind many of NSP's products with our Scientific Update articles. A new article is published monthly by our Health Sciences department.<
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Scientific Update Articles
Vitamin D and Children
Emerging research shows that vitamin D deficiency may
contribute to the development of various chronic diseases, including
cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, some inflammatory and
autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. The American Academy of Pediatrics has
recently doubled its recommendation for the minimum amount of vitamin D
that children should get daily.
Read the Vitamin D and children article.
Nervous System
Our scientific update focuses on supplements especially for the nervous
system. Good nutrition and dietary supplements can support mental and nervous
system health. Ginkgo, antioxidants, B vitamins, essential fatty acids (EFAs),
huperzine A and lecithin all offer benefits. Read the
Nervous System article.
Intestinal System Support
Our scientific update focuses on supplements specific for the intestinal
tract. Enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics and other herbal products can
help aid the digestive tract.
Read the Intestinal Support article.
Key Nutrients for Structural Health
Our scientific update focuses on some of the key nutrients for structural
health. May is National Arthritis Month, and this article focuses on
joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, hyaluronic
acid and devil’s claw.
May 2010
Read
Structural Health article.
Key Nutrients for Respiratory Health
Our scientific update focuses on some of the key nutrients for respiratory
health. In order to perform optimally, the respiratory system should be free
from inflammation and excess mucus.
Herbal nutrients and other ingredients can encourage the entire respiratory
tract to gently cleanse itself, and they can assist the body in neutralizing
allergens.
April 2010
Read Respiratory Health article.
View Scientific Updates with the Free Adobe Reader.
Urinary System Tract Health
Our scientific update focuses on the urinary system and urinary tract health. Supplementation can help support the urinary system, and research shows that several herbal nutrients may help this system.
March 2010 Read
Urinary Tract Health Article (PDF)
Circulatory System
This scientific update focuses on supplements
and ingredients for circulatory system support. Cardiovascular disease is the #1
cause of death in the U.S., and there is some evidence that proper
supplementation can help. February 2010
Read article (also see
Feb '09 article on heart healthful products)
Glandular Support for Weight Management
The scientific update this month focuses on glandular support for weight
management. The thyroid gland and the other endocrine organs
may play a role in how the body responds to changes in diet and exercise.
January 2010
Read article
(PDF)
Immune System Support
Our scientific update this month focuses on Nature’s Defense Boosters. During
the cold-and-flu season, natural alternatives for immune system support help
target unwanted invaders. December 2009
Read article
(PDF)
Depression and Mental Health
Our scientific update focuses on Depression and Mental Health. Depression can
occur when certain chemicals in the brain are out of balance. Many natural
products, including St. John’s wort, SAMe, 5-HTP, essential fatty acids and B
vitamins, can support normal brain function. Nov. 2009
Read article
(PDF)
Diabetes
Our scientific update this month focuses on diabetes and dietary
supplementation. The antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid may reduce symptoms
associated with diabetic neuropathies. . October 2009
Read article (PDF)
Key Nutrients for Children
Our scientific update this month focuses on key nutrients for children’s
health. Vitamins, minerals, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, whole food
antioxidants and digestive enzymes all play a role in optimal health.
September 2009
Read article
(PDF)
Stress Management
Our scientific update this month focuses on stress management. Some stress is
normal and can even be useful. But if stress lasts too long, it can have
negative effects. August 2009
Read article
(PDF)
Joint Health
Our scientific update this month focuses on joint health. July 2009
Read article
(PDF)
Nutrients our Bodies Need
Our scientific update this month focuses on vital nutrition and the specific
nutrients the body needs to function properly. June 2009
Read article (PDF)
UV Cancer
Our brief scientific update on UV Cancer Awareness shares some important
facts on sun exposure just in time for the warmer weather May
2009 Read article (PDF)
Seasonal Allergies
Allergy season is here, so take a minute to review some quick facts on
allergies! April 2009
Read article
(PDF)
Science behind CleanStart (NSP Product)
The scientific update this month focuses on CleanStart, our two-week
cleansing and detoxifying formula. March 2009
Read article
(PDF)
Heart Heathful Products
The scientific update this month focuses on Heart Healthful Products in
conjunction with national heart health month. A healthy cardiovascular system is
essential for maintaining well-being and vitality. Nature’s Sunshine Co-Q10,
Cardio Assurance, Blood Pressurex and Super Omega-3 EPA provide heart-healthful
benefits. February 2009
Read article
(PDF)
Everflex Product
The scientific update this month focuses on EverFlex®, our natural
alternative for joint support that combines glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin,
devil’s claw and hyaluronic acid for healthy joint function. Complementary
products include EverFlex Pain Cream, which features the cooling relief of
menthol plus cetylated fatty acid esters and MSM. January
2009 Read article (PDF)
Fizz Active Immune Product
The scientific update this month focuses on Fizz Active Immune, our
great-tasting combination of immune-supporting ingredients, including
beta-glucans, arabinogalactan, Echinacea purpurea root, elderberries, Korean
ginseng root, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), zinc and potassium. Unique effervescent
technology makes Fizz Active-Immune highly bioavailable. Make sure you rev up
your immune system this cold-weather season with Fizz Active-Immune. December 2008
Read article
(PDF)
Candida Clear Product
The scientific update this month focuses on Candida Clear, our new 14-day
cleansing program. This product was developed to help balance the colonization
of Candida albicans. Candida is a natural part of the body’s gut flora and is
also present on the skin and in mucous membranes. Factors such as stress,
weakened immune function, a diet high in refined carbohydrates or the use of
antibiotics can lead to Candida overgrowth. Candida Clear is a blend of
ingredients specifically selected to help balance Candida levels. In addition,
several components also help support immune system health.
November 2008 Read article
(PDF)
Ultimate GreenZone Product
The scientific update this month focuses on our new and improved Ultimate
GreenZone. We recently launched a brand-new formula that is nutritionally
enhanced with chia, quinoa and flax seed lignans. The chia seed was a staple in
the Aztec diet and is considered a good source of unsaturated omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber and folic acid. Quinoa (pronounced keen-WAH)
grain has been cultivated in the Andes for thousands of years. It’s an excellent
source of protein and serves as a substitute for wheat. Flax seed is rich in
fatty acids, including omega-3 and alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is an
essential fatty acid that supports a variety of actions in the body. We love
this new product and think you’ll agree that it tastes great and is good for
you. October 2008
Read article
(PDF)
The benefits of cocoa and chocolate flavonoids
A study showed that consuming cocoa flavonoids improved vascular function in people with type II diabetes. Immediate improvement in vascular health was observed in the group with the highest flavonoid consumption. Previous studies have shown that the benefits extend to all in helping keep blood pressure down and in maintaining heart health.
September 2008
Read Article (PDF)
RG-MAX with Citrulline
Our new, improved RG-Max, which now contains L-citrulline. New RG-Max supplies the nutrients needed to boost energy levels and blood flow throughout the body and protect against the negative effects of cardiovascular aging.
August 2008
Read Article (PDF)
Probiotics and Hay Fever
The scientific update this month focuses on probiotics and hay fever. A recent study found a link between probiotic supplementation and reduced symptoms of hay fever.
July 2008
Read Article (PDF)
Digestive System Health
The scientific update this month focuses on the importance of the digestive system in maintaining optimal health. Nature’s Sunshine offers products that supplement digestion in the stomach (PDA Combination; Food Enzymes), the small intestine (Hi-Lipase, Proactazyme® Plus, High Potency Protease and Protease Plus), and the large intestine (Everybody’s Fiber, Nature’s Three, LOCLO and Psyllium Hulls Capsules).
June 2008
Read Article (PDF)
Folic Acid
The scientific update this month focuses on the benefits of folic acid.
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is a member of the B-vitamin
family. Most people are familiar with the recommendation for women to take
folic acid during pregnancy, but did you know that folic acid is also good
for the heart?
May 2008
Read Article (PDF)
NSP Products for Sun Protection and Skin Support
The scientific update this month focuses on NSP products for sun protection. UV exposure is a major risk factor for the development of two types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. The CDC reported over 45,000 new cases of melanoma in the United States in 2003 with 7,818 deaths from it the same year.
April 2008
Read Article (PDF)
Hawthorn and Heart Health
The scientific update this month focuses on the heart benefits of hawthorn. Hawthorn, a member of the rose family, has been used traditionally for various heart concerns. A recent study found that hawthorn may help in the treatment of chronic heart failure.
March 2008
Read Article (PDF)
Anti-Aging Benefits of Vitamin D
The scientific update focuses on the anti-aging benefits of Vitamin D. A recent study found a relationship between longer telomeres in human blood cells and increased levels of vitamin D. Telomeres are caps on the ends of chromosomes that become shorter with each cell division (age).
February 2008
Read Article (PDF)
The Health Benefits of Algae
The scientific update focuses on the health benefits of algae. While algae has been recognized in Asia for many years, it has become more popular in the western diet. Now algae has been spotlighted for its potentially positive effects on stem cells.
January 2008
Read Article (PDF)
The Health Benefits of Cinnamon
The scientific update focuses on cinnamon, which has become increasingly popular for its positive effects on blood sugar levels. In a recent clinical study, people with diabetes were given ground cinnamon bark or a placebo for three months.
December 2007
Read Article (PDF)
Anthocyanins
The scientific update this month focuses on Anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are found in fruits and vegetables and protect many body systems. Among other potential health benefits, anthocyanins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
November 2007
Read Article (PDF)
Benefits of Vitamin K
The scientific update this month focuses on a recent study that demonstrates the important function of the skeleton in how the body regulates sugar, energy and fat. Researchers at Columbia University found that osteoblasts, which are the cells involved with bone formation, play a role in controlling fat tissue metabolism by producing osteocalcin.
October 2007
Read Article (PDF)
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
At the end of June, the FDA published a ruling on Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplements. This ruling requires manufacturers to perform activities in manufacturing, packaging and labeling to ensure that dietary supplements contain ingredients that are claimed on the label and that are not contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals or other impurities.
September 2007
Read Article (PDF)
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Our scientific update this month focuses on Alpha Lipoic Acid, a naturally occurring compound found in plant foods such as spinach and broccoli. In the body, alpha lipoic acid plays a key role in energy production, acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps to detoxify harmful compounds. August
2007 Read Article (PDF)
Coenzyme Q-10
Co-Q10 is a vitamin-like compound that is found in virtually all body cells, especially the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. This nutrient is essential to the energy production cycle that takes place inside the mitochondria.
July 2007 Read Article (PDF)
Protecting Your Skin
We all know that you can use sunscreen or wear protective clothing, but did you know that you can also use dietary supplements to protect your skin from within? Two recent studies indicate that lycopene, phytofluene and phytoene may help protect the skin from UV-induced damage.
June 2007 Read Article (PDF)
Noni
Our scientific update this month focuses on noni and a study conducted by our own Dr. William Keller and Dr. Douglas Kinghorn from Ohio State University that was published in the Journal of Natural Products in 2005. While this study is a little dated, we found that many had not heard this information before and wanted all our customers to have it.
May 2007 Read Article (PDF)
Benefits of Dark Chocolate
In recent months, researchers have found that consuming cocoa rich in flavonols can reverse impairment in the function of blood vessels. In addition, dark chocolate has also been shown to decrease blood pressure and insulin resistance in healthy subjects and those with hypertension.
April 2007
Read Article (PDF)
Cardiovascular Health
As you may know, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The risk of heart disease can be reduced or even prevented by taking steps to reduce risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and diabetes.
March 2007
Read Article (PDF)
Capciasin
Our scientific update this month focuses on a product near and dear to Nature’s Sunshine and one of our founders, Gene Hughes. Gene’s use of capsicum for his stomach ulcer was a key reason Nature’s Sunshine began some 35 years ago. “Capsaicin” highlights some recent research suggesting that capsaicin has been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in many different types of cancer cells.
February 2007
Read Article (PDF)
New Roles of Vitamin D
This month we focus on the “New Roles of Vitamin D,” which highlights recent research suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of infections, cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS).
January 2007
Read Article (PDF)
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