In our fast-paced, modern world, maintaining optimal health can feel like a constant uphill battle. We're bombarded with conflicting information about nutrition, bombarded with processed foods, and often struggle to find the time for consistent exercise. While a balanced diet should always be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, nutritional supplements can play a vital role in bridging nutritional gaps and supporting overall well-being, especially as we age.
In this blog, we will dig into the world of supplements and explore their importance in maintaining a healthy and vibrant life.
Bridging the Nutritional Gap:
Even with the best intentions, it can be challenging to obtain all the necessary vitamins and minerals from diet alone.
Modern agricultural practices can deplete soil of essential nutrients, and the processing of foods can further diminish their nutritional value. I once heard Dr Hyman comment on how you would have to eat a truckload of broccoli to get enough goodness from it.
Supplements should be seen as your nutritional safety net, making sure you are getting the right amounts of key nutrients that your body needs to function optimally. They work best alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Targeted Support for Specific Needs:
Supplements aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. They offer targeted support for various health needs and life stages. For example, pregnant women often require folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects, while athletes may benefit from protein supplements to support muscle recovery. As we age, our bodies' needs change, and certain supplements can become particularly important.
The Aging Body and Nutritional Needs:
The aging process can affect our bodies' ability to absorb and utilize certain nutrients. Changes in digestive function, decreased stomach acid production, and the use of certain medications can interfere with nutrient absorption. This makes older adults more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, which can contribute to various health problems.
Joint Health: A Key Concern for Older Adults:
Joint health is a major concern for many older adults. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, affects millions worldwide and is characterized by pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. According to the CDC, osteoarthritis affects 32.5 million US adults, and the prevalence increases significantly with age. Data suggests that over half of adults aged 65 and older experience some form of arthritis. This can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities challenging and affecting mental well-being. Not being able to do what you loved to you when you were younger can make you frustrated and sad.
Supplementing for Joint Health:
Older adults who are experiencing joint stiffness or even, pain related to arthritis, and know the benefit of supplements have mostly already discovered the benefits of glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric (curcumin being the active ingredient), and Vit D, to name a few.
When the founder of Haraka set about formulating a supplement specifically for inflammatory related joint issues, the first key ingredient she included was Boswellia (Indian frankincense.)
Is Boswellia effective?
Boswellia is readily available and often included in supplements formulated for joint pain. Unlike many other substances in the world of natural supplements, however, clinical studies conducted have proven the benefits of this amazing natural ingredient.
As quoted: “There are a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases which respond to treatment with extracts from the resin of Boswellia species. Though, the number of cases is small in related clinical studies, their results are convincing and supported by the preclinical data. These studies include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, collagenous colitis, Crohn's disease and bronchial asthma. Read the full report here.
The Second key ingredient in Haraka is Devil's Claw.
There have also been clinical studies related to devil's claw, and some of them suggest it may have potential benefits for certain conditions. These include osteoarthritis - for which devils claw may help reduce pain and improve physical function. It is also similarly effective in reducing pain. Laboratory studies suggest Devil's Claw may inhibit inflammatory pathways by reducing COX-2 activity, which is involved in chronic inflammation and pain.
The Third key ingredient in Haraka is Boron.
Boron is an important mineral. It has also been shown to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, possibly by inhibiting inflammation. Read the full article here.
And here’s the beauty and essence of Haraka – those are the ONLY ingredients, other than the necessary agents to protect the efficacy and stable shelf life of the product. No fillers, no junk, no unnecessary or harmful additives.
In formulating Haraka, we also made sure that the dosage and combination of don’t interfere or contra-indicate with the use of common chronic medications taken by the older population.
It’s also all about the dosage and exactly how much of each ingredient is in the formulation.
Think of it like making a cake. You don’t take out the key ingredients (flour, butter, eggs, sugar...) from the pantry and just toss it all together and hope for the best. Maybe you like sweet cake, so you add a lot of sugar and go easy on the butter. I doubt you will have a good cake! That’s what it’s like for those who buy a bunch of different supplements (multiple bottles on the counter…) because they’ve heard they are good. Just because something is “good” doesn’t mean it will be good for you, and it may not work any better if you take a lot more than you should. That would be harmful in many cases.
Choosing the Right Supplements:
Navigating the world of supplements can be overwhelming. It's crucial to choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands. Read feedback and testimonies from others who have sued them. Always consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications. They can help you determine which supplements are right for you and advise on appropriate dosages.
Supplements are Not a Magic Bullet:
It's important to remember that supplements are not a magic bullet for health. They should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Supplements are meant to supplement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.
In summary...
Nutritional supplements can play a valuable role in supporting overall health, especially as we age. They can help bridge nutritional gaps, address specific health needs, and promote healthy aging. However, it's crucial to choose supplements wisely and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. By taking a proactive approach to your health and incorporating supplements as part of a holistic wellness plan, you can support your body's needs and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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When you are ready - give Haraka a try!
We recommend (as with any natural supplement) that you initially take them as recommended for 90 days. Not everyone experiences results immediately - although some have. This is a natural support for your body's systems and you must give your body a chance to maximize the benefit.
Reclaim YOUR Limber Life!