Primo Health Blog

A portal for functional health topics and news.

20-Hydroxyecdysone: The Pro-Anabolic, Plant Steroid

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
20-Hydroxyecdysone: The Pro-Anabolic, Plant Steroid
sports nutrition smart supplementation

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS – Dean of Academics, Huntington College of Health Sciences

Smart SupplementationTM is a free series of educational literature created by Huntington College of Health Sciences (HCHS) as a public service. Although copyrighted, it may be freely photocopied and distributed, but may not be altered in any way. Smart SupplementationTM is not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition, consult your physician.

With the rise of democracy and the crumbling of political boundaries in the previous USSR, many long-time Russian secrets were slowly revealed to the western world. One of these secrets used to give Soviet athletes a decided advantage—one that we can now share. It’s a plant called Rhaponticum carthamoides, and it contains a remarkable substance called 20-Hydroxyecdysone which helps promote increases in muscle mass and athletic performance.

Acne: Supplements to Help

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Acne: Supplements to Help
anti-aging skin health smart supplementation

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS – Dean of Academics, Huntington College of Health Sciences

Acne—the scourge of teenagers everywhere and an embarrassment to those adults who still suffer from this inflammatory skin condition. Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands of the skin. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum (skin oil) through pores and hair follicles, which are abundant on the face. Acne occurs when the pores become clogged with sebum. Blackheads, external plugs formed of sebum and dead cells, may be invaded by bacteria, which cause pus-filled inflammations, or pimples (aka, “zits”). The overlying skin may become stretched to the point of rupture, resulting in lesions and, in prolonged severe cases, eventual scarring. Adolescents are most prone to acquiring a case of the dreaded zits due to the increased production of androgens (male hormones) that occur during puberty, which causes increased activity in the sebaceous gland. In addition, certain foods (e.g., dairy products, junk food, etc.) may increase irritation in susceptible persons.

Supplement of the week: Designs for Health 5-HTP Synergy

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Supplement of the week: Designs for Health 5-HTP Synergy
brain health smart supplementation

Quick Overview

5-HTP Synergy™ is a synergistic formula of 5-hydroxytryptophan (50 mg) and vitamin B6 (10 mg) for supporting overall neurotransmitter metabolism by providing precursors of serotonin. 5-HTP readily enters the blood brain barrier, however conversion into serotonin requires the cofactor vitamin B6, which is included in this formula. 5-HTP Synergy™ may be used during the day to support healthy mood or appetite or at bedtime to support sleep.

5-HTP The Second Coming of Tryptophan

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
5-HTP The Second Coming of Tryptophan
brain health smart supplementation

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS – Dean of Academics, Huntington College of Health Sciences.

 

Smart Supplementation™ is a free series of educational literature created by Huntington College of Health Sciences (HCHS) as a public service. Although copyrighted, it may be freely photocopied and distributed, but may not be altered in any way. Smart Supplementation™ is not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition, consult your physician.

The essential amino acid L-Tryptophan has an extremely successful history of clinical use in treating depression and anxiety. As a sleep inducer, it preceded the currently popular supplement, melatonin, and almost everyone who used it got excellent results. Many women also found it to be particularly good at reducing the emotional symptoms of PMS. As a matter of fact, L-Tryptophan was probably the single most effective supplement that my wife ever used for PMS. Great stuff, L-Tryptophan.

Supplement of the Week: Designs for Health MagCitrate Powder

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Supplement of the Week: Designs for Health MagCitrate Powder
herbs & botanicals smart supplementation lifestyle digestive health

Quick Overview

MagCitrate Powder provides 300 mg of magnesium in each one teaspoon serving - a convenient delivery system in a great-tasting lemon flavored powder. 

It mixes well in water and is very easy to titrate when higher doses are needed. MagCitrate Powder helps promote bowel relaxation when fiber alone is not enough. This product also supports the ability to fall asleep, and can be taken along with our Inositol powder for a restful night’s sleep.

Supplement of the Week: Designs for Health Vitamin D Supreme

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Supplement of the Week: Designs for Health Vitamin D Supreme
cardiovascular health immune health smart supplementation musculoskeletal health

Quick Overview

Vitamin D Supreme provides a clinically useful dose of vitamin D3 and vitamin K in both the K1 and MK-7 form of K2. This formula contains higher therapeutic doses than Vitamin D Synergy for situations where more aggressive repletion is required. Vitamins D and K are essential for optimal bone and arterial health and for maintaining the immune system in proper balance. The amount of vitamin D and K in this formula may be beneficial for those who do not get adequate sun exposure and/or dietary sources of these vitamins. Vitamins D & K work as a team. Thus, increasing doses of vitamin D will increase the need for vitamin K.

Krill Oil versus Fish Oil Infographic

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Krill Oil versus Fish Oil Infographic
cardiovascular health macronutrients brain health smart supplementation

Supplement of the week: Designs for Health XanthOmega Krill Oil

Quick Overview

XanthOmega™ Krill Oil provides a generous 12 mg per serving of the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin to help achieve optimum benefits from this potent carotenoid. It would take eight conventional krill softgels to equal the astaxanthin levels in just one XanthOmega™ softgel! 

XanthOmega™ Krill Oil has a high phospholipid content, standardized to a minimum of 40% phospholipids, mostly as phosphatidylcholine. This updated version is considered to be a virgin krill oil -the purest form available. It contains higher phospholipid bioavailability, which enhances the absorption of the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin. Many studies suggest that this exceptionally high level of astaxanthin offers an array of benefits, which may include powerful antioxidant properties, cardiovascular health, sports performance, eye support, skin health, anti-inflammatory and gastric health support.

Supplement of the Week: Designs for Health PaleoFiber

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Supplement of the Week: Designs for Health PaleoFiber
herbs & botanicals diet direction smart supplementation digestive health

Quick Overview

PaleoFiber™ is the ultimate fiber product. It is a comprehensive product that contains 12 different types of fiber and none of the allergenic proteins or harsh, irritating components commonly found in other fiber products on the market. This product was designed with the features of the Paleolithic diet in mind, with which human physiology may be most adapted. PaleoFiber™ could be a useful tool to help support proper weight management, glucose levels, and lipid levels.