Coconut Oil (4)

Found in cells throughout the brain and body, Vitamin D plays an integral role in regulating the neuromuscular and immune systems [1,2], as well as mood and sleep [3]. It’s also a critical hormone precursor that supports new cell growth [4] and bone formation [5,6]. Vitamin D is essential to maintaining health and optimizing performance. Unfortunately it’s only found in a few foods and often in very small amounts. Because of it’s vital importance and lack of dietary sources, humans evolved to be able to make Vitamin D on their own. Ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation from sunlight penetrates uncovered skin and naturally gets converted into Vitamin D. Season, time / length of day, cloud cover, smog, sunscreen, and darkness of skin all affect the amount of UV exposure and rate of Vitamin D synthesis [7].  It’s been shown that cloud cover and pollution can reduce UV energy by up to 60%, and UV-B radiation doesn’t penetrate glass so exposure to sunlight through a window does not produce Vitamin D [8]. It’s estimated that 1 billion worldwide suffer from Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency [9]. Symptoms of inadequate levels of Vitamin D include bone pain and muscle weakness, but the symptoms can be subtle and go undetected in the initial stages. Deficiency has been associated with increased risk of autoimmune, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases [10]. Natural Stacks™ Vitamin D3 provides the highly bioavailable form of natural Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol). To ensure optimal absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin we suspended it in the healthiest fat on the planet - organic cold pressed coconut oil. The natural fatty acids in coconut oil aid the transport of Vitamin D into the bloodstream for fast and effective results.   Vitamin d, neurocognitive functioning and immunocompetence. Vitamin d and the immune system: beyond rickets. Vitamin d deficiency may play a role in depression. Vitamin d’s role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Effectiveness and safety of vitamin d in relation to bone health. The role of vitamin d for bone health and fracture prevention. Benefits and requirements of vitamin d for optimal health: a review. The photobiology of vitamin d and its consequences for humans. Vitamin d: evolutionary, physiological and health perspectives. Vitamin d deficiency: a worldwide problem with health consequences. PERFORMANCE ESSENTIAL Suggested Use: Take 1 softgel per day, preferably in the morning, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Each softgel features 5,000 IU of the most bioavailable form of natural Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is absolutely essential for optimal performance and health. Organic Coconut Oil Certified organic coconut oil is the perfect addition to Vitamin D3. Fat-soluble vitamin D is suspended within the coconut oil allowing for maximum absorption.   When studying the relationship between vitamin D levels and cognition, researchers found that “the high vitamin D group had significantly more correct responses than the low vitamin D group”. [1] A meta-analysis of 18 independent randomized controlled trials (total 57,311 participants) found that “Intake of ordinary doses of vitamin D supplements seems to be associated with decreases in total mortality rates”. [2] An extensive 2007 study on 2,160 healthy women concluded that “higher vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer LTL, which underscores the potentially beneficial effects of this hormone of aging and age-related diseases”. [3]  A rodent study investigating the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D discovered it’s ability to mitigate inflammation, making it “a useful therapeutic option to alleviate the effects of aging on cognitive function”. [4] Dr. Rhonda Patrick recently discovered that “Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis”. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. [5]   A study examining the cognitive performance, mood, and physical performance of 80 older adults found that “vitamin D deficiency was associated with low mood and with impairment on two of four measures of cognitive performance”. [6]   Vitamin D and executive function: a preliminary report. Vitamin D supplementation and total mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Higher serum vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer leukocyte telomere length in women. Vitamin D mitigates age-related cognitive decline through the modulation of pro-inflammatory state and decrease in amyloid burden. Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. part 1; relevance for autism. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low mood and worse cognitive performance in older adults.  

Inflammation - the silent killer Inflammation is a natural response to stress, injury, or illness as part of the body’s normal recovery process.  However problems arise if you’re constantly in an inflammatory state.  Inflammation is the #1 performance robber.  It can negatively affect your joints, brain function, and gut health on a daily basis. Unfortunately, in today’s world it’s impossible to completely protect yourself from inflammation.  Things like exposure to wireless internet signals, too much artificial light, not getting enough sleep, and consuming too much sugar or processed foods are all causes of inflammation. And the negative side effects of inflammation are cumulative.  It may go un-noticed until you experience things like minor joint pain or occasional brain fog, but then it can develop into serious health problems.  In fact, chronic inflammation is the common link among the leading causes of death in developed nations.  It’s the root factor for 7 of the top 10 causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. (1) Reducing inflammation is essential for performing at your highest level every day and living a long, healthy life.   Curcumin - fight inflammation and live optimal The root of the turmeric plant has been used has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat various inflammatory conditions.  The natural phenol of turmeric responsible for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties is called Curcumin. Curcumin is capable of interacting with a number of different molecular targets involved in inflammation.  It modulates the inflammatory response by down-regulating the activity of enzymes such as lipoxygenase, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) - the target of the pharmaceutical drug Celebrex®.  It also inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin (IL) -1, -2, -6, -8, and -12, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP), and migration inhibitory protein.  This multi-pronged attack on inflammation is the key to its effectiveness.  Numerous studies over recent decades have substantiated the exciting mental and physical performance boosting benefits of curcumin.  It’s has been shown to: Reduce inflammation and lower disease risk (2,3) Increase BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) (4,5) Increase insulin sensitivity (6) Reduce symptoms of depression and increase mood (5,7) Speed recovery (8) Protect against neural degradation (9) Increase testosterone and boost muscle growth (10,11) However, curcumin powder has very low bioavailability…. The downside for curcumin - and the reason it hasn’t (yet) become a health superstar - is that it has very low oral bioavailability, resulting from poor solubility in the aqueous phase of the digestive fluids, limited intestinal uptake, rapid metabolism, and urinary excretion. (12) Our goal with Natural Stacks Curcumin was to change that. The science is too convincing and the benefits are too life-changing to simply throw curcumin away due to “low bioavailability”. Creating a superior curcumin supplement Unlike regular curcumin powder, we start with a standardized 95% curcumin extract - purified and concentrated from raw turmeric root.  We use the patented NovaSOL solubilisation technology to suspend the curcumin extract in microscopic spheres called micelles which transform the dense and opaque extract into a body-ready liquid form.  The liquid micelles are completely stable at gastric pH and are so microscopically small that the curcumin is readily absorbed and passed directly into the bloodstream. A human clinical trial showed that NovaSOL Curcumin is 185X MORE BIOAVAILABLE than regular curcumin powder and 10X MORE BIOAVAILABLE than a fully standardized (95%) curcumin extract.  It was also shown to be long lasting, remaining in blood plasma for up to 24 hours. (13) To take it a step further, we combined the liquid curcumin micelles with organic coconut oil for superior bioavailability. Anti-Inflammatory SUGGESTED USE: Take 1 serving per day, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. U.S.A manufactured in a cGMP facility.  Natural Stacks proudly uses only the highest quality ingredients. NovaSOL® Curcumin Each serving contains 1,000 mg of NovaSOL curcumin, shown to be 10x more bioavailable than a fully standardized (95%) curcumin extract.  The unique micelle structure is completely stable at gastric pH allowing for rapid absorption, making it very effective at much lower doses. Organic Coconut Oil Certified organic coconut oil is the perfect addition to curcumin, allowing for maximum absorption. NovaSOL® is a registered trademark of Aquanova AG. Sources: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282929.php http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/table/T1/ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006899306027144 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432812006997 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X0901571X http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26540017 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26552010 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1524-475X.1998.60211.x/abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15746179 Sharma, R. A., Steward, W.P., Grescher, A. J., Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of curcumin. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 2007, 595, 453-470. http://novasolcurcumin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NovaSOL-Curcumin-Clinical-Study.pdf NovaSOL Curcumin 185X MORE BIOAVAILABLE than curcumin powder and 10X MORE BIOAVAILABLE than a fully standardized (95%) curcumin extract. According to scientists conducting independent research, “the liquid micellar formulation of curcumin significantly improved its oral bioavailability” and “Consumers will benefit dramatically from consuming relatively low doses of NovaSOL Curcumin (about 80 to 90 mg per day) as that is the bio-equivalent dose of 12 to 15 grams of curcumin powder.” [1] Anti-Inflammatory / Pain Relief / Tissue Healing High doses of curcumin improved tendon healing, lowered inflammation markers, and led to a faster and more complete recovery [2] “Curcumin is capable of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in normal conditions.” and “In conclusion, curcumin is capable of promoting nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve crush injury in diabetes mellitus, highlighting its therapeutic values as a neuroprotective agent for peripheral nerve injury repair in diabetes mellitus.” [3] Lowers risk of and treats commons diseases of inflammation “This agent has been shown to regulate numerous transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases, adhesion molecules, redox status and enzymes that have been linked to inflammation. The process of inflammation has been shown to play a major role in most chronic illnesses, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases” [4] including: Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, Cerebral Injury, Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, Arthritis, HIV/AIDS, Allergies, IBS/Crohn's, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Depression.[5] Mental Performance Curcumin increases Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - the growth hormone responsible for neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) [6] “Curcumin treatment had positive effects on mitochondrial membrane potential.” [7] “Curcumin better than Prozac at lowering symptoms of depression with none of the alarming and unwanted side effects.” [8] Metabolic Disorders & Diabetes A 2009 Study from Auburn University published in Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Communications showed that “Curcumin is literally 400 times more potent than Metformin (a common diabetes drug) in activating AMPK which improves insulin sensitivity which can help reverse Type 2 Diabetes.” [9] Muscle Growth / Recovery Curcumin exhibits strong anti-catabolic properties - protecting muscle from excessive damage during eccentric training and preventing muscle loss during periods of no weight training. [10] The anti-estrogenic effects of curcumin increase ratio of testosterone:estrogen, promoting increased lean muscle mass [11] Webinar replay Discussing inflammation and the scientifically proven benefits of curcumin (link to webinar replay after Thursday 1/21) Sources: http://novasolcurcumin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NovaSOL-Curcumin-Clinical-Study.pdf http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26540017 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26552010 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/table/T1/ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432812006997 http://www.jpreventionalzheimer.com/all-issues.html?article=39   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X0901571X http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1524-475X.1998.60211.x/abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15746179