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    Paula Gallagher

    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutritionist on the staff at Village Green Apothecary.
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    Ellen Kittredge
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    Naz Amini
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    Posts Tagged ‘zinc’

    Antioxidants May Increase Fertility… in Men

    by Paula Gallagher | January 25, 2011

    A recent study showed that between 30% to 80% of male subfertility cases may be improved by oral supplementation with antioxidants. A supplement containing vitamin C and E, zinc, folic acid, lycopene, garlic oil and selenium is associated with a more than four-fold increased rate of pregnancy and live birth. They also found “mostly positive effects” on sperm concentration and motility.

    Although the conclusions were based on limited evidence, Marian Showell, the lead author of the research paper published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, says, “When trying to conceive as part of an assisted reproductive program, it may be advisable to encourage men to take oral antioxidant supplements to improve their partners’ chances of becoming pregnant.” This is important since about one third of infertility in couples is due to male factors.

    Although taking supplements seems to improve quality of sperm, it is also key to note that the quality of sperm, overall,  has decreased over the years and may be attributed to smoking, obesity, and even agricultural chemicals.

    Travel Health During the Holidays

    by Paula Gallagher | December 21, 2010

    This information was posted back in the summer, but I figure that it applies to this time of year as well. Be well and stay healthy!

    It’s a busy time of year for many of us, and while traveling should be relaxing and enjoyable, unfortunately, it can also be hard on your body. Recycled air on flights exposes you to cold and flu germs and jet lag can make you lose valuable days of vacation time. Eating foods that you are not used to can also cause digestive distress. Being prepared before you travel can make the difference between a miserable trip and a memorable one.

    Here are some essential products for travel health:

    Melatonin

    Plane travel may interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. This might explain why airplane travel disrupts our sleeping patterns and why it takes a while for us to adjust to a new time zone. Studies suggest that Melatonin doubles the speed at which your body adjusts to the new time zone. (more…)

    Support Your Immune System: Zinc

    by Paula Gallagher | October 13, 2010

    According to Earl Mindell in his book Vitamin Bible, “Zinc acts like a traffic policeman, directing and overseeing the efficient flow of body processes (and) the maintenance of enzyme systems and cells.” So basically, it is involved in most bodily functions.

    Zinc is a regulator of the immune system, ensuring that cells for identifying and killing microbes, viruses and cancerous cells are in good working order. Zinc also speeds wound healing and is used for the healing of burns and surgical incisions.

    Studies have shown that zinc can protect against flu and colds. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, seniors who took 45mg of zinc had fewer infections than those who took a placebo.

    Just be careful – zinc can interfere with the absorption of copper in the long term. So if you are taking zinc for longer than a month, make sure to take 2 to 3 mg of copper a day.

    Travel Essentials this Summer

    by Paula Gallagher | August 17, 2010

    Traveling should be relaxing and enjoyable. Unfortunately, it can also be hard on your body. Recycled air on flights exposes you to cold and flu germs and jet lag can make you lose valuable days of vacation time. And, eating foods that you are not used to can also cause digestive distress. Being prepared before you travel can make the difference between a miserable trip and a memorable one.

    Here are some supplements that will make your life a little better while you travel. (more…)

    Zinc Taste Test – A zinc deficiency test that you can do at home in 1 minute

    by Naz Amini | April 6, 2010

    Zinc deficiency is almost epidemic. While it is an essential mineral needed nearly in all body tissues, more than 68% of adults receive less than two-thirds of the RDA for zinc. Also, vegetarians can need up to 50% more zinc than non-vegetarians due to phytates found in the fiber of most vegetables and grains. Phytates inhibit the absorption of zinc; drinking tea and coffee, and high intakes of calcium, iron and copper can also limit zinc absorption.

    Zinc is involved in over 200 different enzymatic reactions in the body and plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, normal growth and neurological development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. It is also needed for hormone production, immune function, reproductive system, wound healing, taste, and smell. The highest concentration of zinc is found in muscle (65%), brain, liver, kidney, skin, pancreas, eye retina, and in the male prostate gland and sperm. It is therefore critical to test the level of zinc in the body. Since the ability to taste zinc is directly proportional to the body’s reserve of this nutrient, performing a Zinc Taste Test is an easy, cost-effective way of measuring your total zinc status in less than 1 minute.
    (more…)


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