Primo Health Blog

From the hair on your head to the bones that support you and the blood that runs through you, your body relies on minerals for optimal health.

Nitric Oxide Boosters

By Gene Bruno, MHS

One of the latest categories of dietary supplements for athletes is nitric oxide (NO) boosters. In short, the concept is that nitric oxide helps regulate and direct muscle physiology by stimulating vasodilatation, which results in increased blood flow to working muscles. In turn, this leads to increased oxygen transport, delivery of nutrients to skeletal muscle, a reduction in blood pressure, helping to promote the repair of muscle fibers, and improvements in lactic acid clearance. So how does one boost NO levels?

Quick Overview

ImmunoBerry™ Liquid provides immune support in a pleasant tasting liquid. Research suggests that certain herbs, mushrooms and other natural compounds have the ability to support normal immune functions such as natural killer (NK) cell activity, cytokine synthesis and the T-cell and B-cell mediated responses. The ingredients such as Elderberry, Shiitake and Wild Cherry Bark are known for their beneficial effects for maintaining a healthy immune system. ImmunoBerry™ Liquid is sweetened with glycerine and tastes great, and is ideal for both children and adults.

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

Every bodybuilder knows the value and necessity of protein for supporting muscular repair and growth. Furthermore, most realize that it is some combination of amino acids in the protein that provide the actual support for growth. But which ones? The branched chain aminos, the essential aminos or all the aminos? As you might have guessed all of the aminos play some role in the supporting muscle growth, but newer research suggests that that it is the essential amino acids that play a particularly vital role in the synthesis of muscle protein. As a matter of fact, a specific blend of essential amino acids has been shown to promote up to a 400-600% increase in muscle protein synthesis.

Living with Diabetes: Supplements to Make the Job Easier

There are two primary types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Both types result in high levels of blood sugar levels, which may manifest itself through any of the following symptoms: increased thirst and an increased need to urinate; feeling edgy, tired, and sick to your stomach; and having an increased appetite (but loss of weight). In addition, other symptoms may include: repeated or hard-to-heal infections of the skin, gums, vagina, or bladder; blurred vision; tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet; and dry, itchy skin. If left uncontrolled, high blood sugar may result in a variety of serious complications. There are nutrients and supplements that can ease some of the burden of living with diabetes.

Extending Lifespan & Reducing Signs of Aging

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Dylan Thomas, Poet¹

According to a prominent researcher of future trends: “For the first time in history, the old will outnumber the young.” ² This refers to the aging of the baby-boomer population. Census data and projections indicate that over the next 50 years the elderly population will continue to increase more rapidly than the total population. By 2050, it is projected that one in five Americans will be elderly.³ Furthermore, depending upon the official source, the life expectancy of Americans is 78.2 or 78.3 years.^{4 5}

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

Free radicals are extremely unstable substances which, in the presence of oxygen, will turn a shiny metal wrench into an ugly rusted wrench very quickly. Our bodies don't, of course, rust. In humans, however, free radicals cause irreparable oxidative damage to cells and the protective membrane linings that surround cells. This, in turn, can cause accelerated wear and tear that may lead to premature aging, lowered immune resistance, and even cancer and heart disease. Some common sources of free radicals are smoking, consumption of fats, inhalation of carbon monoxide and other environmental pollutants, chemical additives in foods such as nitrites and nitrates, overexposure to the sun and other sources of radiation.

Constipation and improper elimination seem to be at an all-time high in many societies today. As a result, people looking for natural solutions may turn to ongoing magnesium supplementation; foods known to move the bowels, such as prunes; and herbs, such as cascara and senna. There are some potential harmful effects of using cascara and senna on an ongoing basis, as they do not address the cause of constipation. Considered "natural laxatives," they can create dependence and disrupt peristalsis (the natural contractions of the bowel).

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!

With 80% of your immune system located in your gut, having balanced intestinal flora is a major factor in defending your body against disease. Balanced gastrointestinal (GI) flora is critical to the functioning of the immune system, synthesis of nutrients, and detoxification. Balanced GI flora is also necessary for regular and normal bowel movements.

Flora imbalances can be caused by poor diet, illness, use of antibiotics, and stress. Symptoms can include persistent gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. To maintain or rebalance GI flora, consider adding probiotics to your diet.