Dr. Nicole Cain, ND, MA

Integrative Bipolar Disorder & Mental Health Doctor

Get Started Today: 616.200.4433

How to Promote Brain Plasticity

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The brain shrinks with age resulting in poorer cognitive functions (Erikson, 2013). The prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus are main components of the brain that are involved in thinking processes, “both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus shrink at roughly 1% to 2% annually in individuals over the age of 55” (Erikson, 2013). Although our brains shrink with age, there’s a concept called neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, that we all contain. Brain plasticity is the ability to change, adapt, and modify throughout a person’s life; it’s the ability for the brain to learn (McEwen, 2016). Your brain is constantly changing and you can be intentional to change it in the direction you want!

One way you can promote brain plasticity is through physical exercise. “… older adult athletes outperform their more sedentary peers on many different cognitive tasks, and fitter individuals are faster and more accurate on executive functioning and memory tasks” (Erikson, 2013). Not only can it promote plasticity, but exercise aids in preventing shrinkage of the brain (Erikson, 2013). In many studies, adults who were more physically active, had greater brain volumes (Erikson, 2013). This means that the prefrontal cortex as well as hippocampus are greater in size as well leading to them being stronger in function (Erikson, 2013 & Tang et al., 2015).

Another way you can promote brain plasticity is through meditation and relaxation. There are two types of meditation that studies have shown increase brain plasticity: FA (focused attention) and OM (open monitoring) (Slagter et al., 2011). Researchers have discovered structural brain changes in the areas that are affected by these meditation techniques; primarily a thicker cortex and increased gray matter (Slagter et al., 2011 & Tang et al., 2015). FA and OM are also shown to increase sustained attention and promote greater cognitive ability (Slagter et al., 2011).

One more way you promote brain plasticity is through brain boosting nutrients. Three of those nutrients include:

  1. Phosphoinositide: This promotes the “signal transduction system” in the brain which is the primary means for communication in the central nervous system. Phosphatidylinositol has been shown to promote brain signaling and is useful in not only diseases like depression, bipolar, and schizophrenia, but it has also been demonstrated to be effective in Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease (Pacheco et al., 1996).
  2. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): DHA promotes optimal cognition during development, adulthood, and aging (Weiser et al., 2016).
  3. Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha): Ashwagandha is an herb that exerts a beneficial influence on the brain, the immune system and nervous system. It is anti-inflammatory and reduces stress, as well as an antitumor, antioxidant, and is rejuvenating. It modulates the immune system, and balances the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, and central nervous systems (Mishra et al., 2000).

Decreasing memory and cognitive ability doesn’t need to be a reality! Your brain is always changing and can change for the better if you give it the right tools.

References

McEwen, B. S. (2016), In pursuit of resilience: stress, epigenetics, and brain plasticity. Ann. N.Y.

Acad. Sci., 1373: 56-64. doi:10.1111/nyas.13020

Slagter, H.A., Davidson, R.J., Luts, A. (2011). Mental training as a tool in the neuroscientific

study of brain and cognitive plasticity. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 5: 17. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2011.00017

Pacheco, M.A., Jope R.S. (1996). Phosphoinositide signaling in human brain. Prog.

Neurobiology, 5:(2-3), 255-73. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8971982

Weiser, M.J., Butt, C.M., Mohajeri, M.H. (2016). Docosahexaenoic Acid and Cognition

throughout the Lifespan. Nutrients, 8(2), 99. doi: 10.3390/nu8020099

Mishra, L., Singh, B.B., Dagenais, S. (2000). Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. Alternative Medicine Review, 5(4), 334-346. Retrieved from https://fitoterapia.pl/upload/fitoterapia/Ashwagandha-wlasciwosci-chemicne-i-terapeutyczne.pdf

Michelon, P. (2008, February 26). Brain Plasticity: How learning changes your brain. Retrieved

from https://sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/02/26/brain-plasticity-how-learning-changes-your-brain/

Erickson, K.I., Gildengers, A.G., Butters, M.A. (2013). Physical activity and brain plasticity in

late adulthood. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 15(1), 99-108. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3622473/

Tang, Y., Holzel, B.K., Posner, M.I. (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature

Reviews: Neuroscience, 16(4), 213-225. doi: 10.1038/nrn3916

The Differences Between IgE and IgG Allergies and How It Relates To Your Health

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Hi, do you deal with depression, anxiety, stomach upset, fatigue, or even skin rashes? If you said yes to any of these, then you actually might be dealing with food allergies. An allergy is a reaction to something in your environment, whether it’s external or internal.

There are two main types of ways we can test allergies. One is by doing a RAST test; this is a test that allergists might do. This is where they prick the skin and they look for reactions to external things, whether it’s mold, dander, or even foods like eggs and peanuts. This test looks for immediate reactions to these things called IgE. IgE is often responsible for anaphylactic reactions. So for example, somebody eats a peanut and their throat closes up and they require emergency interventions.

The other type of food allergy is a little bit less common; this is called IgG and this is what we are going to talk about today. IgG food reactions are called delayed hypersensitivity reactions. This may be where you eat something like milk on Monday, and on Friday you start to notice congestion in your nose, gas and bloating in your tummy, or you might even feel fatigue, brain fog, or depressed. This kind of test is done by taking a sample of blood from your vein and then the blood is analyzed for IgG immune system cells. These IgG immune system cells will raise in the times that you are allergic to that food or that substance. This is the kind of test that we can run to take a look at what’s causing your symptoms.

The health of your gut impacts the entirety of your well being. Everything boils down to the gut whether it’s your mood, your immune system, your skin, and so much more. To learn more, go to www.healthforlifegr.com or you could also go to www.drnicolecain.com. Looking forward to talking with you. This is Dr. Nicole Cain. Thank you.

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If You’re Taking A Statin You Need To Take This Nutrient

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Statins are a class of drug that lowers cholesterol by reducing the production of cholesterol within the liver (Ogbru, et al., n.d.). These drugs are used to treat atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries) that causes chest pain and heart attacks, but also aids in lowering simple high cholesterol one might have (Ogbru, et al., n.d.). With statins reducing production of cholesterol in the liver, it blocks the enzyme that produces the cholesterol: hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase also known as HMG-CoA reductase or mevalonate (Ogbru, et al., n.d.). Scientifically, statins are referred to as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Ogbru, et al., n.d.).

The statins that are approved and in use in the United States: atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol and Lescol XL), lovastatin (Mevacor and Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor), and pitavastatin (Livalo) (Ogbru, et al., n.d.). According to Ogbru, et al. (n.d.), “Statins differ in their ability to reduce cholesterol. Lipitor and Crestor are most potent, while Lescol is least potent.” The drugs also differ in how strongly they interact with other pharmaceuticals (Ogbru, et al., n.d.).

Although statins are focused on reducing the production of cholesterol, you have to also look out for having too low of cholesterol. “Lower cholesterol is usually better, but in rare cases, having a very low level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol or a very low total cholesterol level has been associated with some health problems” (Lopez-Jimenez, 2015). These health problems include increased risk of cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, depression, anxiety, preterm birth and low birth weight if your cholesterol is low while you are pregnant (Lopez-Jimenez, 2015).

Not only do those who are taking statins have to deal with possible low cholesterol levels, but they also have to deal with a blockage of coenzyme Q10 also known as CoQ10 (Deichmann, et al., 2010). This enzyme is important for a healthy body as it aids in a healthy heart, brain, and overall health. According to Deichmann et al. (2010), “Studies have also shown a benefit of coenzyme Q10 administration in the mitochondrial function of heart muscle.” With that being said, CoQ10 is especially important for the heart. Deichmann et al. (2010) did a study of two different statins: atorvastatin and simvastatin. “In humans, exposure to atorvastatin, 80 mg for 14 to 30 days, caused a significant reduction in coenzyme Q10 levels of 34 subjects both at day 14 and at day 30. Simvastatin, 20 mg daily, and pravastatin, 20 mg daily, have also been associated with a 40% reduction in coenzyme Q10 levels.”

Unfortunately, there are side effects of taking statins. According to Ogbru, et al. (n.d.), some side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, rash, weakness, and muscle pain, with liver failure and rhabdomyolysis (injury or death of muscle tissue) being the most serious. In Therapeutics Letter, researchers found that statins “decrease energy and fitness, and increase fatigue and sleep problems. They also found that statins may increase the risk of muscle aches and pains, kidney and liver problems, bleeding in the brain, and type 2 diabetes” (Goodman, 2014). According to another source, “The most concerning adverse reaction with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) is myotoxicity (having a toxic effect on muscles” (Nawarskas, 2005).

If you are on a statin or thinking about starting on one, I suggest you consider taking the vital nutrient CoQ10.

By Dr. Nicole Cain with Claire Booth

References

Ogbru, O., Marks, J.W., & Davis, C.P. n.d. Statins. Retrieved from

https://www.medicinenet.com/statins/article.htm

Lopez-Jimenez, F. (2015, October 30). Cholesterol Level: Can it be too low? Retrieved from

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/cholesterol-level/faq-20057952

Deichmann, R., Lavie, C., & Andrews, S. (2010). Coenzyme Q10 and Statin-Induced

Mitochondrial Dysfunction. The Ochsner Journal, 10(1), 16-21. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096178/

Goodman, B. (2014). More Docs Wonder If Statins Are Worth the Risks. Retrieved from

https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20140818/statins-side-effects-news#4

Nawarskas, J.J. (2005). HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors and Coenzyme Q10. Cardiol Rev, 13(2),

76-9. doi 10.1097/01.crd.0000154790.42283.a1

The Most Powerful Antioxidant That No One Is Talking About

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Nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NF-E2]-related factor 2 also known as Nrf2 is a protein that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage triggered by injury and inflammation. It is a useful treatment for diseases that are caused by oxidative stress. Some of these diseases include acetaminophen hepatotoxicity (liver injury caused by an overdose of acetaminophen), ethanol and alcohol-induced liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neurodegeneration, and cancer (Qiang, 2013).

Another benefit of Nrf2 is that it reduces the impact of stress on the body and boosts longevity. Nrf2 is always trying to keep your stress level in your cells at homeostasis (“Boost Your Nrf2 Activation with These Foods”, 2017). “Books Your Nrf2 Activation with These Foods”, 2017 explained Nrf2 as a thermostat, “… just like you set parameters on your thermostat to maintain a certain temperature in your house, the Nrf2 thermostat has set parameters to maintain a certain level of stress within your cells.”

Nrf2 also turns on genes that help you detox. According to Gardner (2018), there are over 200 genes that are related to detoxification that Nrf2 turns on. Some genes that are Nrf2 dependent/Nrf2 turns on are NQ01, Aldo-Keto Reductases (AKRs), Sulfotransferases (SULFs), and Ferritin (Gardner, 2018). Nrf2 also works with a region of DNA called “Antioxidant Response Element” or ARE (Gardner, 2018). Nrf2 and ARE bind together and, “it induces the production of active proteins from these genes. Both of these proteins exhibit potent antioxidant capacity and can rapidly clear oxidative stress” (Gardner, 2018).

Your body makes Nrf2, but there are also foods that you can ingest, that are also high in this protein. Some high Nrf2 foods are blueberries, grapes, avocados, spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, onions, and broccoli (“Boost Your Nrf2 Activation with These Foods”, 2017). Not only are there foods that can boost your Nrf2, but there are also phytonutrients (nutrients from plants) that can boost it as well. According to nrf2.com at https://www.nrf2.com/, some of these include turmeric/curcumin, sulforaphane (found in broccoli sprouts), vitamins, fish oil (DHA), and ashwagandha (withania somnifera). Some others are bacopa, green tea leaf, milk thistle, black pepper, and pine bark (“Boost Your Nrf2 Activation with These Foods”, 2017).

By boosting Nfr2 activation, it will help you to minimize oxidative stress in your cells. Oxidative stress can lead to various problems including diseases such as “Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and several cancers” (Gardner, 2018). Going along with increased risk of oxidative stress, which can turn chronic, if you do not have enough Nfr2, you can become more sensitive to chemical carcinogens and chemical toxins which lead to, “… increased inflammation in the lung and brain, all major markers of oxidative stress” (Gardner, 2018).”

Nfr2 is a powerful antioxidant that is crucial for balanced stress. If you tend to be more stressed or if you are going through a stressful period, this antioxidant might be right for you!

By Dr. Nicole Cain with Claire Bootb

References

Qiang, Ma. (2013). Role of Nrf2 in Oxidative Stress and Toxicity. Aunnu Rev Pharacol

Toxicol, 53, 401-426. doi: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-011112-140320

Boost Your Nrf2 Activation with These Foods. (2017, March 1). [Blog post]. Retrieved

from http://www.lifevantage.com/blog/boost-your-nrf2-activation-with-these-foods/

Gardner, Aaron. (2018, May 2). Activating the Nrf2 Pathway with Nutrition: What You

Need to Know. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.mygenefood.com/activating-nrf2-pathway-nutrition-need-know/

CoQ10: Why it is so important.

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Coenzyme Q10, also known as the abbreviation CoQ10, is an important nutrient for a healthy body. CoQ10 has some major functions within the body that includes regenerating other antioxidants, promoting cell growth, reducing cell death, and protects the strength of cell membranes (Borekova, et al., 2008). The majority of this nutrient is created within the body, but you still need some outside sources of it to have a healthy amount. According to a study by Mattila and Kumpulainen (2001), meat and fish have a rich source of CoQ10. There are also some vegetables that are rich in it also, including spinach and broccoli as well as peanuts and whole grains, but these sources have significantly smaller CoQ10 than meat and fish (Borekova, et al., 2008). Although this is a vital nutrient, not everyone has a healthy amount of it. “The concentrations of CoQ10 in the human body depend on age, sex, race, and health of the individual. In a healthy young body is a sufficient amount of CoQ10” (Borekova, et al., 2008). If you have an insufficient amount of CoQ10, you might want to consider supplementing with it. Here are three reasons why:

  1. It is great for your heart. CoQ10 has been found to be more populous within the heart as this major muscle requires a huge amount of energy (Borekova, et al., 2008). In a study by Mortensen, et al. (1990), found that CoQ10 levels were “significantly decreased in various groups of patients with myocardial failure (dilated and restrictive cardiomyopathy and alcoholic heart disease) as compared to “normal” myocardium” (Mortensen, et al., 1990). Mortensen, et al. also found that two thirds of patients who had severe heart failure, improved significantly when taking 100 mg of CoQ10 daily (Mortensen, et al., 1990).
  2. It improves your energy. CoQ10 plays a critical role in creating cellular energy (Borekova, et al., 2008)). Since this nutrient tends to be more populous in areas where more energy is needed, a lack of it would thus cause decreased energy as your body has to work overtime to make up for the deficiency (Borekova, et al., 2008).
  3. It’s critical for brain health. Mitochondria are the central site of energy creation within the cell, and CoQ10 plays a crucial role in that (Mancuso, et al., 2009). Many neurological diseases can be attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction. Such diseases include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD)” (Mancuso, et al., 2009). AD is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction as well as oxidative damage (oxidative stress) (Mancuso, et al., 2009). In a study with mice, it was found that when given supplemental CoQ10, “the mice suppressed brain protein carbonyl levels, which are markers of oxidative damage” (Mancuso, et al., 2009).

This shows that supplementing with CoQ10 might be proactive in neurological diseases.

CoQ10 is critical for an all around healthy body from heart to energy to brain health. If you have low levels of CoQ10, I highly suggest you supplement with this vital nutrient.

References:

Mortensen, S.A., Vadhanavikit, S., Muratsu, K., & Folkers, K. (1990). Coenzyme Q10:

Clinical Benefits with Biochemical Correlates Suggesting a Scientific Breakthrough in the Management of Chronic Heart Failure. International Journal of Tissue Reactions, 12(3), 155-162. Retrieved from https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/2276893

Borekova, M., Hojerova, J., Koprda, V., & Bauerova, K. (2008). Nourishing and Health Benefits

of Coenzyme Q10 – a Review. Czech Journal of Food Sciences, 26, 229-241. Retrieved from http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=CZ2009000328

Mancuso, M., Orsucci, D., Calsolaro, V., Choub, A., & Siciliano, G. (2009). Coenzyme

Q10 and Neurological Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2(3), 134-149. doi: 10.3390/ph2030134

Dr. Nicole Cain ND MA Contributes Two Chapters to a New Book

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The book has been published by The Natural Path and contains 92 pages of helpful information, case studies, and research about suicide prevention and recovery from depression. The e-book titled called “A Way Through.”
You can download the book for FREE, by following this link: https://ndnews.lpages.co/depression-guide/
Dr. Nicole Cain ND MA wrote the opening chapter entitled “Suicide Screening Guidelines for Naturopathic Physicians.”
Another article by Dr. Nicole Cain ND MA is included later in the book entitled “TAKING ANTIDEPRESSANTS? TOP 3 MUST HAVE NUTRIENTS.”
Dr. Cain is honored to included in this new e-book by The Natural Path (http://naturalpath.net/).

The Benefits of Ashwagandha Root for Reducing Anxiety

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Ashwagandha root, also called Withania somnifera, has been used in the Ayurvedic culture in India as a natural remedy for stress, insomnia, loss of memory, debility, nervous exhaustion, and to enhance cognitive function (Candelario M, et al., 2015). The connection between Ashwagandha root and stress makes sense that it just might help those who suffer from anxiety. In Candelario M, et al.’s study on this roots link to treating anxiety, they found that the main components that are within the root have a great role in medicines used to treat general anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, muscle spasms, and seizures.

Ashwagandha has also been known to substantially decrease the level of cortisol, a stress hormone in the body (Bongiorno, 2014). Cortisol is very evident in those who experience anxiety and a large amount of this hormone is not healthy at all to the brain. In the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, a study was published describing a group of individuals taking a placebo while the other took Ashwagandha for 60 days. At the end, the researchers had the participants take three different psychological assessments that each had to do with stress (the General Health Questionnaire-28, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale) – the higher the number the participant received on the assessments, the more stressed they are. The group who took the Ashwagandha had overall lower scores for each assessment with a 72% drop in both the General Health Questionnaire-28 and the Depression Anxiety Stress scale and a 44% drop on the Perceived Stress Scale (Chandrasekhar, et al., 2012).

Not only does Ashwagandha root work well for anxiety, but it some cases Ashwagandha can be just as effective, if not better, than anxiety medications. In Phytomedicine, a study was published that compared an anxiety medication, Ativan, to Ashwagandha. One group of rats received the Ativan and the other the Ashwagandha. The results concluded that each group had the same calming effect… the Ashwagandha produced the same result as the Ativan. With that being said, Ativan is known to have many side effects and can be addictive, whereas Ashwagandha has not proved to have any side effects or addictiveness (Sanders, 2014).

So if you are struggling with anxiety and want a more natural aid, Ashawagandha might just be a perfect fit for you.

Resources:

Candelario M, Cuellar E, Reyes-Ruiz JM, Darabedian N, Felmeng Z, Milledi R, Russo Neustadt A, Limon A. (2015, August 2). Direct Evidence for GABAergic Activity of WIthania Somnifera on Mammalian Ionotropic GABAA and GABAp Receptors. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26068424

Bongiorno, Peter. (2014, January 8). Ashwaganda for Anxiety: Ancient Herbal Remedy for Modern Life Stress. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201401/ashwaganda-anxiety

Chandrasekhar, K., Kappor, J., Anishetty, S. (2012). A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 34(3), pp. 255-262.4.

Sanders, K. (2014, February 3). Ashwagandha Can Cure Insomnia and Anxiety. Retrieved from: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/0887_ashwagandha.html

https://www.naturalhealth365.com/0887_ashwagandha.html (Sanders, 2014)

How To Reduce Period Cramps Fast.

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Do you have: Bad Bloating? Cramps? PMS? Learn about how Estro Control and Cramp Bark could be the answers to your pain! In addition, learn about the roots of period cramps and hormone imbalances in this helpful discussion featuring Dr. Nicole Cain, ND MA and Anette de la Rosa.

What is Estrogen Dominance?

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Who knew that Estrogen Dominance could be so awful?
Do you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, cramps, intense pms, mood swings, or fybroids? If so, they could be correlated to estrogen dominance.  This video features 3 tips on how to balance these symptoms out, and what DM & Calcium D-Glucarate can do for you! Learn more as Anette de la Rosa interviews Dr. Nicole Cain ND MA.

Why to Avoid Buying Supplements From Online Retailers Like “Amazon.com”, “E-Bay” or “Vitamin World”

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I like a deal just like the next gal, in fact I am proud to find an incredible deal and love the feeling of knowing I got something fabulous at a discounted price. Moreover, sometimes it’s just not financially feasible to spend retail on everything and so finding ways to cut corners is necessary.

However, I draw the line when it comes to medicine that I am putting in my body and recommending to my patients and family members.

You deserve to know what is in your medicine, and you deserve to be able to take your supplements with confidence that they are not counterfeit, poisoned, and that they actually contain what they say they contain.

In this article I will explain why I do not recommend buying supplements from online retailers like Amazon, EBay or Vitamin World (as well as many others!).

Counterfeit Merchants:

Amazon has made headlines for counterfeit shops opening online shops and selling “knock off” supplements. Just like you can go to New York City and get a “Louis Vuitton” or “Rolex” from a vender on the street corner for $10 instead of the retail, venders are doing the same with supplements. With that Rolex, you know it’s not actually a Rolex, and if it was, it was stolen property. For some that’s not a deal breaker.

But what if that Nordic Naturals fish oil you got off Amazon
wasn’t actually Nordic Naturals Fish Oil?

What if that HMF Forte Probiotic you ordered online
had been sitting in someone’s car in the Arizona heat
for 6 weeks before they listed it for sale on Amazon?

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

A recent Forbes article entitled: “Amazon.com: The Place Where American Dreams Are Stolen By Chinese Counterfeiters,” it is described how journalists discovered that 25 percent of Amazon’s marketplace are Chinese knockoffs. That means, that you have at least a 25% risk that what you are buying is not actually what you think you are getting. This issue is not limited to products from China. Almost anyone with a computer and Internet connection can put pills in a bottle print a label and sell it to you online as medicine.

The supplement industry is a $112 billion and unfortunately has almost no regulation. This means that people who are selling you your vitamins, are operating on the honor code.

For me and for my patients, when it comes to medicine, being a guinea pig and placing a gamble is not worth the risk, nor is it appropriate.

Many Amazon Retailers are Selling You Supplements Illegally:

Companies like Orthomolecular Products and Xymogen attempt to protect the consumer from getting tainted, compromised, counterfeit or otherwise inappropriate products from third party sellers by making resale illegal. Companies like these have entire departments aimed at locating sellers and disabling their accounts, however it is a moving target as the retailer will just set up another account name and continue selling.

Mass Retailers = Massive Warehouses

Massive retailers keep their products in massive warehouses. There are three major issues with this:

  • Climate control
  • Sourcing
  • Label Integrity

You may know that supplements like probiotics and fish oil are temperature sensitive. That is why you may see them in the refrigerator at the health food store and that the label says to keep them in a cool dark place. However, large retailers often have massive warehouses that are not climate controlled and products may sit on shelves for weeks to years. When my patients come into my office, I often ask them to bring their supplements. I can’t tell you how many times I have opened their bottle of fish oil and smelled a horrible, and rancid odor in the bottle.

As mentioned, your Gaia Ashwagandha being sold on Amazon may not actually be Gaia Ashwagandha at all. Let’s say it is Ashwagandha, though not from Gaia, the questions remain:

  • Where did they source the plant?
  • Was the plant harvested during the time it had medicinal properties available?
  • Was the plant sprayed with pesticides?
  • Was there testing to ensure the plant was not compromised?
  • What kind of additive ingredients are added?
  • Does the label truthfully list the amount of medicine per serving or am I just trusting that they are being honest about this?

There are many more questions that can and should be asked.

Risk of Small Business Loss and Losing Access to These Vitamins

In order for your favorite supplement companies to keep making the products you love, they have to be profitable. Unfortunately, with counterfeit doppelgangers popping up all over the Internet, undercutting them on cost, it is almost impossible to keep a business afloat. The risk of buying your supplements online and not from your doctor or the retailer themselves is that the companies will simply close.

Not only will business closure eliminate our access to the actual wonderful vitamins that have saved countless lives across the globe, but it also limits us from research and development of new and innovative alternative medicines.

Where Can I Buy My Supplements?

I recommend purchasing of supplements directly from your physician or through your physician’s direct patient account. If you do not have access to a physician who utilizes physician-grade nutraceuticals, go to a health food store like Sprouts, Harvest Health or Fresh Thyme.

For any additional questions, feel free to contact us at office@healthforlifegr.com

Get Started

Get Started by Booking Your Complimentary 15-Minute consult:

616.200.4433

Or Schedule Online

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No problem! Dr. Cain treats patients internationally, and is able to accommodate visits in person, on Skype, & over the phone.

Disclaimer

The website for Dr. Nicole Cain is a site created for educational and promotional purposes only. This site is not a substitution for medical, psychological, counseling or any other sort of professional care.