• Vanadium( vanadyl sulfate) is a trace mineral that dramatically aids diabetics, apparently by helping cells to absorb blood sugar more effectively and thereby decreasing the need for insulin. Basic # 3 contains 40 mcg; people with diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions may require as much as 100 mcg daily. However, without medical supervision I do not recommend exceeding the amount found in Basic # 3.
• Biotin is an unsung B vitamin whose nutritional role was emphasized by a study that noted a significant drop in diabetics ' blood-sugar levels after taking the supplement. 3 Basic # 3 contains 150 mcg of biotin.
More Basic Support
Once you ' ve decided on an appropriate vitamin and mineral formula along the lines of Basic # 3, there is another vital nutrient group that should be part of any permanent plan. Ever wonder why your doctor advises you to take one baby aspirin a day? It ' s because it thins your blood and helps it flow more easily through your veins, carrying nutrients to your cells and brain. It also protects your arteries from forming plaque.
Well, the essential fatty acids( EFA) do the same thing, without the side effects of aspirin. EFAs also keep your hair, skin and nails healthy. The typical American diet tends to be deficient in EFAs, particularly omega-3s. You won ' t find them in a multiple vitamin / mineral because oils don ' t mix well with the dry powders that are pressed into tablets.
There are three types of EFAs: Omega-9 fatty acids are readily available in olive oil, but you need supplements to get adequate amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 oils. The former come from animal sources( fish and marine mammals primarily) and vegetable sources, such as flaxseed oil, which provides alpha-linolenic acid( ALA). Omega-6, also known as gamma linolenic acid( GLA), is contained in borage oil and black-currant oil. I usually suggest one capsule of borage oil, one of fish oil and one of flaxseed oil. My Essential Oils Formula contains all of the above, and the minimum dose is two per day.
Other Weight Loss Assistance
Occasionally, a nutritional shortcoming can lower your metabolism and increase your resistance to weight loss. If you ' re unable to lose weight or your progress is slow or nearly nonexistent, you may want to consider certain nutrients that can help break up a weight loss logjam.
The first is L-carnitine, which is involved in fat transport. When carnitine is deficient, overweight people have difficulty getting into lipolysis and the secondary process of ketosis. As a nutrient, carnitine has been used to correct cardiomyopathy, help stabilize heart rhythm, lower triglyceride levels and increase HDL( the good cholesterol).' For these conditions, the dosage ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 mg daily. For weight loss, a typical dose is 1,500 mg.
Another weight loss aid is Co-enzyme Q10( CoQ10), which plays an important role in heart function. I often prescribe it to people over forty, usually in a dose of 100 mg a day. Since it works in collaboration with carnitine and chromium to mobilize fat, it is also useful for someone aiming to slim down. One Belgian study by Dr. Luc Van Gall reported on obese patients with
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