John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

For most people, a well formulated multi-antioxidant, multi-vitamin and multi-mineral with a good Omega 3 are usually the only supplements required.

There are specific health problems and circumstances that may require other supplements to be taken – short or long term.
I often add vitamin C for improved immune response or when we focus on improving the health of blood vessels.
While the average multi has some vitamin D this is often insufficient through the winter months. I take an extra 2000IU daily in winter. Vitamin D has a powerful role in improving immune function and has a major role in helping our natural anti-cancer defences. Magnesium taken at night has can help relax muscles and nerves to help prevent muscle cramps or for restless and titchy legs. It can also help with
good sleep.
Other common ‘booster' products are the glucosamine-type products for osteoarthritis. These can be especially helpful for large joint degeneration especially knees and hips. They are much more effective when taken with a good antioxidant complex as free radicals are involved in the breakdown of cartilage. It is important to get the dose right for optimum benefit.
Many problems have an inflammatory component and inflammation is always linked with increased free radical activity. For inflammatory problems I generally recommend an anti-inflammatory diet with an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant booster to help slow the production of unwanted immune system generated inflammation. This can be for simple problems like bursitis to far more complex problems such as inflammatory autoimmune disease or neurodegenerative problems.
My favourite anti-inflammatory compounds include OPC from grape seeds, resveratrol, turmeric extract, alpha lipoic acid and fresh ginger infusions.
Many other compounds play a supporting role in reducing inflammation especially minerals and some B vitamins. Specialist products are incredibly beneficial if given in the right combination for individual circumstances.
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John Arts is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559.