Catherine Stack, ND, CNM

When it comes to krill oil, the Omega-3 supplementation is more important than any multivitamin. The anti-inflammatory effect alone would benefit millions who suffer from arthritis and generalized aches and pains. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and are essential for memory and behavior. There are many studies that show that the Omega-3 found in fish oils play an impressive role in those suffering from depression or bipolar disorder. If you have a tendency for Seasonal Affective Disorder, taking fish oils can help by increasing serotonin (happy hormone) levels. Pregnant moms should absolutely take fish oils to optimize brain growth in their unborn child and the supplementation should continue after birth. Omega-3's benefit cardiac function and have blood-thinning qualities that may help to prevent heart attack or stroke. I think most individuals would agree that taking fish oils daily would be more beneficial than blood thinners or aspirin, both of wh

Most consumers fall for words like "all natural," or "heart healthy" and are drawn to labels with pretty pictures of fruits and vegetables when shopping for groceries. These very misleading marketing ploys are partially responsible for the rising numbers of those diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, and people suffering from obesity, even though they are eating foods that claim to benefit health. Here are some examples of poor choices you could be making right now: -Nutri-grain and whole wheat waffles: These waffles actually contain more white flour than whole wheat (not that whole wheat is much better). -High fiber bars: These bars are marketed for a diet high in fiber to help you lose weight and feel full. check the oat and chocolate "naturally flavored" bars, which have more chocolate than oats and have at least six types of sugar in the ingredient list. If you'd like to experience abdominal bloating and gas from the sugar alcohols, and fast-

I have never been a fan of taking calcium supplements in to reduce my risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis. It just doesn’t seem right to mega dose a mineral in the hopes of balancing the body. Most of us are not deficient in calcium and you are more likely to suffer from abundant calcium deposits or calcifications such as kidney stones and gall stones. When you look around the world you will see that cultures that don’t drink dairy or take calcium supplements have the lowest rates of osteoporosis. North America is where you will find the most concentrated population of people with osteoporosis and yet we take more calcium supplements than the rest of the planet combined. According to a recent study reported by Green Med Info: “Calcium supplements... increase the risk of cardiovascular events, especially myocardial infarction (heart attack)... A reassessment of the role of calcium supplements in osteoporosis management is warranted.” A recent analysis has found that th