Health Hotline Magazine | February 2021

7 NERVE HEALTH Up to 50 percent of diabetic patients develop peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that results in pain, loss of sensation, and weakness, particularly in the lower extremities.

10 AUTOIMMUNE SUPPORT Studies also show that ALA is beneficial in certain autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). lix In animal models of MS, where damage occurs to the myelin sheath—the protective fatty coating around nerve fibers—ALA has been shown to reduce inflammation and degeneration of the optic nerve and spinal cord. A human study of MS patients found that 1,200 mg of ALA daily for two years reduced brain tissue loss and improved the subjects’ walking speed. lx lxi

Studies show that 600 mg/day of ALA alleviates nerve pain and improves peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients, significantly improving quality of life. It’s proven to be so e ective that it’s approved in Germany as a treatment for the disorder. xliv xlv ALA also promotes nerve regeneration. In an animal model of severe nerve injury (crushed sciatica), treatment with ALA for 30 days lead to regeneration of nerve fibers and myelin sheath, and reduced inflammation. xlvi

8 IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH Mounting evidence suggests that ALA might have immunomodulatory e ects on both the adaptive and innate immune systems by providing the necessary back-up support to

With its ten proven health-supportive benefits, the only thing you have to lose by not taking ALA is good standing in your own health. It’s important to note that the body only makes su cient amounts of ALA for basic metabolic functions, like energy metabolism, and that the full antioxidant benefits of ALA are only achieved when it is present in greater amounts. lxii lxiii Dietary supplements of ALA provide optimal amounts so that we can experience the full range of benefits of this unique nutrient. Be well on your way today, with ALA!

all immune cells. Specifically, ALA suppresses production of the inflammatory cytokine TNF alpha, it restores and improves normal function to immune system cells like natural killer cells, and regulates the body’s immune system response to certain viruses, including the common cold and flu viruses. It’s also been shown to inhibit the replication of HIV. xlvii xlviii xlix l li lii liii

So Long, SAD Diet— Hello, Healthy Diet

Being rooted in health starts with a healthy diet. But what constitutes a healthy diet? There are so many diet trends and “experts” telling us how to eat, but it really comes down to this: Aim to eat as many organic vegetables as possible, add reasonable amounts of healthy fats, like olive oil, coconut oil, and organic or grassfed butter, and protein (humanely raised and sustainably produced and/or grassfed whenever possible), while reducing the amount of grain-based refined carbs and vegetable oils you eat. Two of the underpinnings of the Standard American Diet (SAD) are refined carbohydrates, including sugar, and vegetable oils like corn and soy. One way to avoid these is to avoid highly processed foods, which usually contain both refined carbs and unhealthy oils. The start of a new year is a great time to make an appointment with your local Nutritional Health Coach (NHC) to give you the guidance you need on your journey to be rooted in health! References available upon request.

9 RESTORE TASTE & SMELL Italian and British researchers investigated the e ects of ALA on taste impairment from an unknown cause in 44 patients ranging from 18–67 years old. The treatment regimen consisted of 200 mg of ALA three times daily (600 mg/day) for 60 days. At the end of the trial period, 46 percent of the ALA group reported that they had completely regained their sense of taste, while 27 percent reported “decided improvement.” Ninety-one percent reported at least some improvement with ALA supplementation. liv lv A separate study investigated the e ects of ALA on those ages 22–79 who had loss of smell following a viral respiratory infection. All patients received the same treatment—600 mg/day of ALA for an average of 4.5 months—and all were subjected to standardized olfactory tests before and after the treatment period. Following treatment with ALA, most showed significant improvement in their ability to detect and distinguish odors. Twenty-six percent exhibited moderate improvement over the study period, while 35 percent showed “remarkable improvement.” lvi lvii lviii

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