Supplements for Specific Conditions

Every month when my new Swanson catalog arrives, I go through it carefully. This company has grown through the years and now carries a variety of brands of vitamins, minerals and supplements, as well as organic foods, essential oils, coffee, pet products and more. It is so important to do your homework and become familiar with the many products on the market. 

I am a big fan of natural products, but they also can have some negative side effects. And mixing and matching doesn’t always work! So be judicious and get professional advice before buying a lot of natural healthful products and all those healthy-sounding vitamins, minerals and supplements. 

Many vitamins and minerals do support the following health issues. The ones I list here are supplements for specific conditions. 

Alpha Lipoic Acid: Some foods that contain alpha lipoic acid are broccoli, yams, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots and red meat. This supplement is reported to regulate your blood sugar, fight inflammation and slow the aging process. It helps activate glutathione in your body and can relieve neuropathy.45 

night vision, circulation problems, It is best not to take if you are taking blood thinners. 

Astaxanthin: Several sources report this to be “the supplement of the century” and valuable in treating many conditions. The main food containing astaxanthin is wild-caught salmon, and the redder the better. Another natural source is green algae. As an antioxidant it is reportedly stronger than vitamin C. Some studies have found it helps rid the body of inflammation. 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Both of these supplements support good eyesight, and can act as a preventative measure against developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), or slowing down its progression if you already have it. In some cases it has been known to cause AMD to backtrack and disappear completely. Certainly learn more about it if you have eye issues. Some natural sources of these supplements are flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, spinach, kale and egg yolks. 

You may want to add a specific eye vitamin to ensure getting all the necessary nutrients to support your vision. Years ago my husband was diagnosed with the beginning stages of macular degeneration. He has now been taking lutein and zeaxanthin for about 10 years, and the problem has all but disappeared. 

There are a huge amount  wonderful supplements out there for many  different conditions.  Before starting on any of these remember we all are different and react differently to what we ingest;  and you must be sure  these supplements do not interfere with other drugs or even supplements and vitamins you are taking.  It is always a good idea to check with your health provider before starting a new protocol.

Amazon Book: Feel Better Every Day    for more supplement ideas and other ways to stay healthy as you age.