Vitamins + Herbs

Selenium is a trace element similar to the chemical copper and is found in foods, water, and in dietary supplements.  Whether you should take selenium as a dietary supplement depends on several factors regarding your state of health and your autoimmune condition. Selenium has been proven to be necessary for the heart to function correctly.  It has also shown properties in preventing some cancers as

Omega-3 and omega-6 are different types of essential fatty acids.  They are referred to as “essential” because your body cannot make them on its own, and thus must obtain them from dietary sources.  All fatty acids display a variety of beneficial properties, although too much of certain types can lead to biochemical imbalance and consequent disease.  The modern American diet tends to be too rich

Autoimmune disease is a difficult-to-understand phenomenon that involves your immune system seemingly attacking your own tissue, organs and joints.  Consequently, symptoms that are widespread among all autoimmune diseases include inflammation, musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.  Some natural herbal remedies may be effective in combating these primary symptoms, although they should not be thought of as cures for any autoimmune disease. Because mainstream (i.e., allopathic) health care

Attaining vitamins and minerals from nutritious foods is obviously the best dietary strategy, but knowing how much is in your food is often difficult for the average consumer.  The nutrient content in food is dependent on so many factors (soil quality, growing conditions, storage methods, food preparation, etc) that taking vitamin and mineral supplements can give you peace of mind and may help you to

Are there scientific studies showing that vitamin D exerts any short- or long-term effects (positive or negative) on autoimmune conditions? For the past two decades researchers have known that nearly every cell in the human body possesses vitamin D receptors (VDRs). The VDRs in immune cells have attracted a great deal of scientific interest, but their actions are still not completely understood. Vitamin D seems

For best absorption, is it better to take vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids alone or in combination with other vitamins or supplements? (For example, vitamin D3 is often combined with calcium and/or magnesium. Is this the best way to take this supplement?) Clearly, the best way to “absorb” vitamin D3 is to step into the sunlight, which stimulates the production of this hormone/vitamin in

When buying vitamins and supplements that help autoimmune disorders (e.g., Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.), what factors are most important in choosing supplements that will absorb the best? Unlike prescription drugs, the potency, purity, and content of dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed.  Therefore, when purchasing supplements, you should first choose a manufacturer that adheres to the FDA’s Good Laboratory Practices.  This, at least, assures