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Category: Anti Inflammation
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A New Year, A New Opportunity to Heal
By Paul Bernitt, DHH
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I want to talk about something that affects many of us but often goes unnoticed—chronic inflammation. For millions of people, chronic inflammation is a hidden challenge, quietly impacting their health and quality of life. It shows up in ways you might not immediately recognize, but understanding the signs can help you take proactive steps toward feeling better. This year, I invite you to learn more about how you can fight inflammation naturally with Nopalea®, a delicious superfood drink that may help support your body’s ability to heal.
Recognizing Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is your body’s way of trying to protect itself, but when it doesn’t shut off, it can lead to serious health problems. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
- Joint Pain or Stiffness: Persistent discomfort, especially in the knees, hips or hands, may indicate inflammation in the joints.
- Low Energy or Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time could be a result of your immune system working overtime.
- Swelling or Redness: Visible inflammation, especially in areas where you’ve had injuries or ongoing discomfort, may be one of the more obvious signs.
- Digestive Issues: Problems like bloating, cramping or irregular bowel movements may point to inflammation in your gut.
- Skin Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis or acne could signal inflammation affecting your skin.
- Brain Fog: Trouble concentrating or feeling mentally “off” is another surprising symptom.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with these challenges forever.
A Natural Solution: Meet Nopalea
This year, I want to share a tool that has helped many people improve their health: Nopalea, a natural superfood drink made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, the ruby-red Opuntia ficus-indica. Known for its rich supply of antioxidants, including betalains, Nopalea is designed to fight inflammation at its root. Unlike medications that simply mask pain, Nopalea helps support your body’s natural ability to heal and repair itself.
When you drink Nopalea, you’re giving your body a burst of powerful nutrients that may help reduce inflammation. Betalains, the compounds responsible for its vibrant red color, are especially effective. They help calm the immune response that causes inflammation, helping you feel better without the side effects often associated with pain medications.
Real Benefits for Everyday Life
In a double-blind placebo study, people who incorporated Nopalea into their daily routines reported noticeable improvements in their health.1
- Less Pain and Stiffness: Many people felt relief in their joints and muscles, allowing them to move more freely and enjoy life again.
- Increased Range of Motion: By reducing inflammation, Nopalea helped participants improve flexibility and mobility, making everyday activities easier.
- Better Overall Wellbeing: When your body is no longer fighting chronic inflammation, you’ll feel more energized and ready to tackle your day.
- Reduced Reliance on Medications: Nopalea offered a natural way for participants to manage pain and inflammation, helping them reduce the need for pain medications.
My Personal Journey with Nopalea
As someone who has studied and experienced the benefits of natural health remedies, I believe deeply in the power of Nopalea. I’ve seen its impact on people struggling with chronic pain, low energy and limited mobility. For me and for countless others, it’s been a life-changing addition to a healthier journey.
At one point in my life I felt trapped by the constant cycle of lower back pain. After just a few weeks of drinking Nopalea daily, I felt substantially less pain, which helped me bend over with greater ease. Stories like mine make me passionate about sharing this gift with others.
Here is what others say:
Justina S.
I have been taking NOPALEA from TriVita for about 5 years now… I am certain that the reason I no longer have to take as much IBUPROFEN as I used to… is because of this wellness drink. I drink it each day, NO FAIL! I stopped getting frequent headaches after 3 months of taking Nopalea. I followed the instructions on how to take it in gradually increasing increments.
Noreen D.
I had a C-Reactive Protein Test, which gave me a result of 100. Then I started taking Nopalea, and after about 7 months I went for another test, which showed my numbers had gone down to .1. I’m so happy with Nopalea.
A New Year, A New Opportunity
As we begin 2025, I encourage you to consider your health goals for the year. What if this is the year you take control of your pain, find more energy and feel better than you have in years? Adding Nopalea to your routine could be the step that changes everything.
Here’s how to get started:
- Drink 6 ounces of Nopalea daily, depending on your needs. Consistency is key!
- Pay attention to how your body feels. Many people notice improvements within a few weeks.
- Pair Nopalea with healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular movement and stress management to amplify its benefits.
- Talk to one of TriVita’s Certified Wellness Consultants about TriVita’s 60-Day Nopalea Plan.
Why Feeling is Believing
Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and commitment, you can experience real, lasting relief. The antioxidants and betalains in Nopalea don’t just treat the symptoms—they help your body repair itself from within. Imagine waking up with less pain, more energy and the freedom to enjoy life again.
This year, let’s focus on building healthier habits, starting with reducing inflammation. Nopalea is a safe, natural choice that aligns with your body’s own healing processes. As you begin your journey, remember: Feeling is believing.
Here’s to a healthier, happier 2025!
Warm regards,
Paul Bernitt, DHH
TriVita, Where Wellness Happens!Reference
- Nopalea Clinical Study Reference: Jensen, G. Evaluation of Activity Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Overall Wellness. 2019. Study based on 3 ounces per day serving size.
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Conquering Chronic Inflammation and How Nopalea Can Help
written by Paul Bernitt, DHH
Hello, readers! I’m Paul Bernitt, a board-certified Doctor of Holistic Health, here to talk about a health problem that impacts millions every day and is the number one health risk according to leading world health institutions—chronic inflammation. While inflammation is a natural process that our bodies use to protect us, it can become harmful when it sticks around for too long.
Chronic inflammation can damage cells, tissues and organs over time, leading to many serious health issues. Let’s look at the top causes of chronic inflammation and discuss how Nopalea®, a natural wellness drink made from the fruit of the prickly pear, specifically the ruby red opuntia ficus-indica, may help reduce inflammation and support your overall health.
Understanding Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is part of your body’s defense system. When you’re injured or fighting off an infection, inflammation is a response that helps with healing. Acute inflammation is short term and usually subsides after the issue is resolved. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, occurs when the body stays in a prolonged state of alert, leading to continuous inflammation that can harm healthy tissues and cause various health problems. Let’s discuss the underlying causes of chronic inflammation and how Nopalea may help reduce it.1
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Unhealthy Lifestyle: Triggering Elevated Lipids and Glucose
Poor eating habits and lack of physical activity are two of the biggest contributors to chronic inflammation, and they often go hand in hand. Diets high in processed foods, added sugars and unhealthy fats can lead to elevated levels of lipids (fats) and glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. When these levels are consistently high, they cause oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, putting you at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.2
Physical inactivity compounds the issue. When we don’t exercise, our bodies can’t regulate blood sugar and cholesterol as effectively, leading to more inflammation. Regular physical activity helps control weight, improves blood circulation and reduces the inflammatory markers associated with high lipid and glucose levels.3
How Nopalea Can Help: Nopalea is a drink made from the fruit of the prickly pear, or ruby red opuntia ficus-indica, known for its powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, a primary driver of inflammation caused by high glucose and lipids. In addition
to eating healthy and getting enough physical activity, drinking Nopalea daily can support your body in managing inflammation, while you make healthy choices to keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check.
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Chronic Stress: Fueling Inflammation from the Inside Out
Stress isn’t just a feeling; it has physical effects, too. When we experience stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can be helpful in small amounts, helping us cope with immediate threats. When we’re under constant stress, though, cortisol levels remain high, leading to inflammation. This chronic stress response can also weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to illnesses and keeping it in a constant state of low-level inflammation.4
How Nopalea Can Help: Nopalea contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds like betalains, which can help reduce inflammation and support your body’s ability to cope with stress. When inflammation levels are managed, the immune system can function better. Adding Nopalea to your daily routine may help keep inflammation in check as you navigate through difficult times.
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Environmental Toxins: Fighting Off Hidden Inflammation Triggers
Our environment is filled with pollutants, from air pollution to chemicals in cleaning products and pesticides. These toxins can enter the body through the air we breathe, the water we drink or even the surfaces we touch. Over time, the body has to work harder to defend against these invaders, leading to chronic inflammation as it tries to cleanse itself of these harmful substances.5
How Nopalea Can Help: The antioxidants in Nopalea help counteract the damage caused by environmental toxins. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, Nopalea assists the body in recovering from exposure to pollutants, ultimately helping to lower inflammation and protect healthy cells from damage.
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Infections and Autoimmune Diseases: When the Immune System Won’t Quit
Infections from bacteria, viruses and other pathogens often cause short-term inflammation while the body fights off the invaders. When infections linger, or when autoimmune diseases develop, the immune system can go into overdrive, attacking healthy cells and tissues. This can cause ongoing inflammation that may damage organs and lead to other chronic conditions.6
How Nopalea Can Help: Nopalea’s anti-inflammatory properties, particularly the betalains it contains, help reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune conditions and lingering infections. Adding Nopalea to your wellness routine provides additional support to the immune system, making it easier for the body to manage inflammation and maintain healthier, more balanced immune responses so you can recover faster.
How Reducing Inflammation Improves Body Functions
Keeping inflammation under control has benefits for many systems in the body. Here’s how reducing inflammation can improve your health:
- Better Heart Health: Chronic inflammation is linked to heart disease. When inflammation is reduced, your heart and blood vessels can function more efficiently, lowering the risk of heart-related problems.7
- Improved Joint Mobility: Inflammation can cause pain and stiffness in joints. Reducing it helps improve movement, making it easier to stay active without discomfort.
- Stronger Immune System: When your immune system isn’t constantly fighting inflammation, it can focus on actual threats, helping protect you from illness.
- Increased Energy Levels: Chronic inflammation often makes people feel sluggish. Reducing it can lead to higher energy levels and an overall feeling of wellbeing.8
- Sharper Mental Clarity: Research has shown a connection between inflammation and mental health. Reducing inflammation can help improve mood, focus and clarity.8
Final Thoughts
Chronic inflammation is a serious health issue, but it’s one we can address with awareness and smart choices. By understanding the main causes and incorporating natural ways to support our bodies, we can improve our overall health. Nopalea, made from the prickly pear cactus, is a natural and effective option for reducing inflammation and supporting your wellness goals.9
Remember, small changes make a big difference. Whether you’re improving your diet, getting more exercise, managing stress or adding Nopalea to your routine, each step you take helps you get healthier.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10663139/
- https://www.sedentarybehaviour.org/2021/07/29/sedentary-behavior-is-associated-with-a-higher-pro-inflammatory-status-in-healthy-participants/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6491771/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4492068/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459437/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36361701/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/expressive-trauma-integration/201905/inflammation-and-mental-health-symptoms
- Jensen, G. Evaluation of Activity Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Overall Wellness. 2019 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03619265
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The Dangers of Chronic Inflammation and How Nopalea® Can Help
written by Paul Bernitt, Board-Certified Doctor of Holistic Health
Inflammation is something we all experience at some point. You might notice swelling or redness after an injury or even when you catch a cold. That’s your body’s natural response, and it’s actually helpful for fighting off infections and healing wounds. But, what happens when inflammation doesn’t go away? When it becomes chronic? That’s when inflammation can turn from a helpful process to a harmful one.
In this blog, we will explore the dangers of chronic inflammation, how it happens and why it’s a problem. We’ll also look at how you can restore healthy inflammation, the benefits of betalains found in the nopal cactus fruit and the science behind a natural supplement called Nopalea.
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s immune response. When your body detects something harmful—like an infection or an injury—it sends out immune cells to fight off the threat and begin the healing process. Inflammation happens during this process, which includes swelling, heat, redness and sometimes pain.
There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic.
- Acute Inflammation is short-term and helps the body heal. For example, if you sprain your ankle, it may swell for a few days, but this will help the healing process.
- Chronic Inflammation happens when your body keeps producing inflammation over time, even when there’s no real threat. This is where things can go wrong.
The Dangers of Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation occurs when your body keeps sending out inflammatory signals for weeks, months or even years. This can be very damaging over time. Instead of helping your body heal, chronic inflammation, while not a disease itself, can contribute to several health problems, including:1
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- Heart Disease: Inflammation in your arteries can lead to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Arthritis: Constant inflammation in your joints can lead to discomfort, stiffness and loss of function.
- Diabetes: Inflammation can interfere with how your body uses insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels and possibly even diabetes.
- Cancer: Long-term inflammation can damage DNA, which may lead to the development of cancerous cells.
- Allergies: Allergies are one of the top six leading causes of chronic illness in the United States, impacting over 50 million Americans annually. Asthma affects more than 24 million people nationwide, including over 6 million children. In 2015, 8.2% of adults and 8.4% of children were diagnosed with hay fever.
- Autoimmune Diseases: These diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, involve chronic inflammation where the body attacks its own tissues.
Chronic inflammation not only affects specific areas of the body but can also have widespread effects. It can cause fatigue, mood issues, and even impact your ability to think clearly. In other words, chronic inflammation can make you feel “off” and increase your risk of serious diseases.
The Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammation
But how does inflammation go from being a good thing to a harmful process? It starts when the body’s immune system becomes unbalanced.2,/sup> Normally, the immune system turns on inflammation when it’s needed and turns it off when the threat has passed. However, with chronic inflammation, the “off” switch doesn’t work as it should.
Factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and exposure to toxins can lead to ongoing inflammation. For example, eating a diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats can trigger your immune system to stay on high alert. As a result, inflammation continues even when there’s no injury or infection to fight off. This constant inflammation can harm healthy cells and tissues.
Restoring Healthy Inflammation
While chronic inflammation is dangerous, not all inflammation is bad. In fact, we need inflammation to stay healthy and fight off infections. So, the goal is not to eliminate inflammation altogether, but rather to restore healthy inflammation.
Healthy inflammation is your body’s natural response to healing. It should activate when necessary and then stop once the healing process is complete. To help restore balance in the body, we need to focus on reducing factors that lead to chronic inflammation and to support mechanisms that encourage healthy inflammation.
The Mechanisms of Healthy Inflammation
When inflammation is healthy, your body releases anti-inflammatory signals that help keep the immune response in check. This balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals is key in preventing chronic inflammation. Your immune system should recognize when inflammation is no longer needed and turn it off.
Some of the ways to encourage healthy inflammation include:3
- Healthy Diet: Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can help protect the body from the effects of inflammation.
- Exercise: Physical activity helps reduce chronic inflammation and promotes healthy immune function.
- Stress Management: Techniques like reflection, deep breathing and getting enough sleep can help lower stress levels, which can also reduce inflammation.
- Supplements: Some natural supplements, like TriVita’s Nopalea, can help support healthy inflammation.
What Are Betalains?
Now, let’s talk about something called betalains. Betalains are plant-based pigments that give the fruit of the nopal cactus, also known as a prickly pear, its bright red and purple colors. But, betalains are more than just pretty pigments — they have powerful health benefits.
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed,
which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree,
in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”
Genesis 1:29 (KJV)Betalains are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. By neutralizing these free radicals, betalains can help reduce inflammation in the body.4
Research has shown that betalain-rich Nopalea can reduce markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP are often a sign of chronic inflammation in the body. By lowering CRP levels, betalains may help the body maintain healthy inflammation.
The Benefits of Nopal Cactus Fruit and Nopalea
Nopal cactus fruit has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its health benefits, particularly in reducing inflammation. Nopalea, a wellness drink made from nopal cactus fruit, contains a high concentration of betalains, making it a great option for supporting healthy inflammation.
Some of the benefits of Nopalea include:5
- Reducing Inflammation: Nopalea helps lower chronic inflammation by providing the body with betalains, which reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.
- Supporting Joint Health: Many people with discomfort and stiffness in their joints have found relief by taking Nopalea.
- Improving Range of Motion: By reducing inflammation in the muscles and joints, Nopalea can improve your range of motion and make it easier to move more freely.
The Science Behind Nopalea
Nopalea isn’t just a traditional remedy; science backs up its benefits. Studies have shown that the betalains in Nopalea can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. One study found that participants who took Nopalea had a significant reduction in CRP levels, which is a marker of inflammation.
In addition, the antioxidants in betalains protect the body’s cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. By reducing oxidative stress, betalains may help prevent certain chronic diseases and other conditions from developing.
Many people who take Nopalea report feeling better within weeks. Whether it’s less reliance on pain medication, better mobility or improved overall well-being, the benefits of Nopalea go beyond just fighting inflammation — it helps your body function better as a whole.
Conclusion: Supporting Your Body with Nopalea
Chronic inflammation is a serious issue that affects many aspects of our health. It can help reduce chronic inflammation related discomfort, stiffness and damage to tissues. But with the right approach, you can support your body in reducing chronic inflammation and restoring a healthy balance.
By eating a healthy diet, exercising, managing stress and incorporating supplements like Nopalea, you can help restore healthy inflammation. The betalains found in the nopal cactus fruit offer powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that help your body heal naturally.
Nopalea is a great tool in the fight against chronic inflammation, and it’s backed by science. If you’re looking for a natural way to support your body, reduce inflammation and improve your overall well being, consider adding Nopalea to your daily routine.
It’s never too late to start supporting your health — one step at a time!
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6628010/
- https://www.fammed.wisc.edu/files/webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/handout_ai_diet_patient.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8123435/
- Jensen, G. Evaluation of Activity Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Overall Wellness. 2019
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Managing Chronic Inflammation
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Managing Chronic Inflammation:
Your Number One Health Risk and
How Nopalea Can HelpWritten by Paul Bernitt, Board-Certified Doctor of Holistic Health and TriVita Director of Wellness Services
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[gap]Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection, a way to protect and heal itself. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including pain, decreased mobility and even life-threatening conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Chronic inflammation is often referred to as a “silent killer,” because it can go unnoticed for years while causing gradual damage to your body. Fortunately, you can take steps to manage chronic inflammation, and one of the most effective natural solutions available today is Nopalea, a wellness drink scientifically shown to reduce inflammation markers like CRP, increase range of motion and lessen reliance on pain medication.
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Understanding Chronic Inflammation
Unlike acute inflammation, which is short term and beneficial for healing injuries and fighting off infections, chronic inflammation is a long-term, low-grade response that can persist for months or even years. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as:
- Poor diet (high in processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats)
- Lack of physical activity
- Stress
- Environmental toxins
- Chronic infections or conditions like obesity
Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health problems, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. One of the most concerning markers of chronic inflammation is elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which indicate inflammation in the body and are a reliable predictor of cardiovascular risk.
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The Role of Nopalea in Reducing Chronic Inflammation
Nopalea is a wellness drink made from the fruit of the Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica). This cactus fruit is rich in bioactive compounds called betalains, known for their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A double-blind placebo-based clinical study has shown that Nopalea can play a significant role in managing inflammation by reducing CRP levels and improving overall mobility and well-being.
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- Reducing CRP Levels
C-reactive protein is a biomarker of inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels are not only an indicator of chronic inflammation but are also linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious health conditions. Research on Nopalea has shown that consistent use of this drink can help lower CRP levels, which in turn may reduce the risk of these health complications. By targeting CRP, Nopalea helps to address the root cause of many chronic inflammatory issues, rather than just masking the symptoms.
- Increasing Range of Motion
Chronic inflammation often results in pain and stiffness, limiting your ability to move freely. This is particularly problematic for those suffering from conditions like arthritis, where joint inflammation can severely hinder daily activities. The anti-inflammatory properties of Nopalea, especially its high concentration of betalains, have been shown to improve joint mobility and flexibility by reducing inflammation in and around the joints. For individuals over 50, maintaining mobility is crucial for a high quality of life, and Nopalea offers a natural way to support this.
- Lessening Reliance on Pain Medication
Many people with chronic inflammation rely heavily on pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids, to manage their symptoms. While these medications can provide temporary relief, they often come with undesirable side effects and long-term risks, including stomach ulcers, kidney damage and dependency. Nopalea offers a natural alternative by addressing the inflammation that causes pain at its source. Over time, regular use of Nopalea may help reduce the need for pain medications, allowing individuals to manage their symptoms more naturally and safely.
How Nopalea Works
The secret behind Nopalea’s effectiveness lies in its high concentration of betalains, which are naturally occurring pigments found in the Nopal cactus. Betalains have been extensively studied for their ability to neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation and promote cellular repair. Nopalea’s unique formulation ensures that you receive a potent dose of these anti-inflammatory compounds in every serving.
When you consume Nopalea, the betalains begin to work at the cellular level, targeting the inflammation that causes pain, stiffness and other symptoms. Unlike medications that may provide only short-term relief, Nopalea works to balance the body’s inflammatory response over time, leading to longer-lasting results and improved overall health.
Incorporating Nopalea into Your Wellness Routine
Managing chronic inflammation requires a whole-person approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and targeted supplementation. Here are a few tips for incorporating Nopalea into your daily routine for optimal results:
- Take Nopalea daily: For the best results, it’s recommended to take Nopalea consistently. Start with a loading dose of 3-6 ounces per day for the first 30 days, then transition to a maintenance dose of 1-3 ounces daily.
- Pair with an anti-inflammatory diet: Eating a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods can further help reduce inflammation. Focus on foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, seeds and berries.
- Stay active: Regular exercise, particularly low-impact activities like walking, swimming and stretching, can help keep your joints flexible and reduce inflammation.
Manage stress: Chronic stress is a major contributor to inflammation. Practice stress-reducing techniques like reflection, deep breathing or spending time in nature.
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A Natural Solution for a Healthier Life
Chronic inflammation is a serious health risk that can affect your entire body, leading to pain, limited mobility and even life-threatening conditions. By incorporating Nopalea into your daily routine, you can reduce CRP levels, improve your range of motion and decrease your reliance on pain medications—all while supporting your overall health and well-being.
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Traditional Solutions for the Modern Health Crisis
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Combat Harmful Inflammation and Free Radicals with Nopalea®
And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.”
– Genesis 1:29, NKJV[/ux_text]
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[gap]As a health and wellness expert for more than twenty years, I cannot think of a single greater risk to health than chronic inflammation and the harmful effects of free radicals. Chronic inflammation is a persistent, low-grade inflammation response that can have profound long-term health implications. Unlike helpful, healthy acute inflammation, chronic inflammation lasts longer and can harm tissues and organs.
Many leading health organizations, including Harvard Medical School, Cleveland Clinic and the National Institutes of Health, have linked chronic inflammation to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Chronic inflammation can cause serious discomfort, limit movement and exacerbate existing health problems.
Lifestyle changes are essential to reduce chronic inflammation. These changes include eating anti-inflammatory foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and using natural remedies like Nopalea. These habits help maintain good health and avoid developing serious lifestyle-related illnesses.
Fight Free Radicals and Reduce Inflammation with Nopalea
Discover the powerful benefits of betalains, a rare class of natural antioxidants found in the Nopal cactus that help fight off harmful free radicals. The Nopal cactus in the Sonoran Desert is the only plant in the world with all 24 betalains,1 making it one of the most potent sources of antioxidants in nature. TriVita’s Nopalea harnesses these antioxidant properties to create a nutrient-dense wellness drink that may help your body fight off the harmful effects of inflammation-causing free radicals.
For centuries, the indigenous Seri people of the Sonoran Desert consumed the Nopal cactus and its fruit to help them build resilience to their harsh environment. The Nopal cactus thrives in the harsh North American desert due to its abundant antioxidants that aid its survival. Drinking Nopalea gives you the benefits of the Nopal cactus to help you fight free radicals and inflammation.
Science-Supported Formula
Nopalea is the only breakthrough dietary supplement from the Nopal cactus scientifically shown to support the immune system’s normal and essential anti-inflammatory function.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical study found that Nopalea:2
- Reduces chronic inflammation marker levels of C-reactive protein (HS-CRP)
- Improves joint mobility, flexibility and range of motion in the neck, back and joints
- Reduces discomfort with less reliance on pain medications
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Daily Use of Nopalea Enhances Healthy Function
- Neutralize Free Radicals: Combats the inflammation caused by free radicals
- Reduce Oxidative Stress: Protects proteins, cell membranes and DNA from damage
- Fight Chronic Inflammation: Enhances your body’s immune defense mechanisms
Try TriVita’s Nopalea to harness the power of the Nopal cactus and strengthen your body against modern life’s challenges.
References:
- arizonacactusranch.com/betalain-benefits
- Jensen, G. “Evaluation of Activity Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Overall Wellness.” 2019. Study based on 3 ounces per day
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B Vitamins: Anti-inflammatory Superheroes B6, B9 and B12
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Welcome to the world of vitamins, where tiny molecules make big impacts on our health! The following spotlights our three superheroes: vitamins B6, B9 and B12. You might wonder, “What’s so special about these vitamins?” Well, let’s dive into their superpowers, especially how they help fight off the bad guy known as “inflammation.”
What is inflammation?
Imagine you’re playing your favorite sport, and suddenly, you get a small cut. Soon, the area becomes red and puffy. That’s inflammation in action! It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I got an owie, and I’m fixing it.” While a little inflammation helps us heal, too much of it for too long can be like having a superhero stuck in overdrive — not so good.
The Super Trio: B6, B9 and B12 to the rescue!
Now, let’s meet our heroes who help keep inflammation in check:
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Vitamin B6 – The Protector
Vitamin B6 is like the bodyguard of our immune system. It helps our body make something called “antibodies.” These are like the body’s soldiers that fight off infections. B6 makes sure our soldiers are strong enough to fight the bad guys but also smart enough to know when to relax.
Vitamin B9 – The Balancer
Next up, vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid when it’s added to foods. It’s the balancer, helping our body create new cells and repair DNA. But, here’s where it gets cool for fighting inflammation: B9 makes sure the cells that control inflammation are working just right. Not too much, not too little, just perfectly balanced.
Vitamin B12 – The Energy Booster
Lastly, vitamin B12 is like the energizer. It helps make DNA for new cells, keeps your nerve cells happy and helps produce energy. When it comes to inflammation, B12 ensures that our immune system has the energy it needs to fight off the bad guys without going overboard.
Teamwork makes the dream work
What makes B6, B9 and B12 so special is how they work together. They’re like a superhero team that makes sure our body’s response to injuries or infections is just right. By working in harmony, they help maintain healthy inflammation levels, which means we heal better and stay healthier.
How to get these superheroes in your diet
You might be thinking, “How do I make sure I have these superheroes on my team?” Great question! You can find them in foods like:
Vitamin B6: Chicken, fish, potatoes, chickpeas and bananas
Vitamin B9: Leafy greens, fruits and nuts
Vitamin B12: Meat, fish and certain types of dairy products
Eating a balanced diet with these foods can help you keep your vitamin levels in superhero shape.
The bottom line
Vitamins B6, B9 and B12 play crucial roles in keeping inflammation in check, protecting our health and ensuring we’re always ready to face the day’s challenges. Sadly, eating a balanced diet that includes these superhero vitamins doesn’t always do the trick. For optimal benefits consider adding one of TriVita’s B vitamin heroes to your daily routine: HCY Guard, Alfred Libby’s Original B-12 or Super B-12.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31058161/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Thiamin-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer.pdf
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A Treasure from the Desert: The Nopalea Superfruit
Do creaky knees and aching joints sound all too familiar? You’re not alone. Arthritis affects more than 6 million Canadians — more than diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke combined. One in five adults across the nation deals with joint pain or chronic inflammation, and the numbers are on the rise.
If you’re looking for hope beyond surgery, never-ending pain medication or giving in to a lifetime of pain, you may want to try Opuntia ficus-indica, more commonly known as the prickly pear or nopal cactus.
The Nopal Cactus in History & Culture
Native to Mexico, the nopal cactus thrives in the arid and semiarid regions of the Sonoran Desert. Discovered centuries ago by the Aztecs, this ancient Mesoamerican culture used the nopal cactus for food and medicine, as well as in their rituals. After Columbus made his way to the New World, sailors began using nopal to treat scurvy, and the prickly pear cactus made its way back across the globe aboard European ships.
Today, the nopal cactus with its fruit is a national symbol of Mexico. It appears in the national coat of arms and on the country’s flag, where a proud Golden eagle stands perched on a flowering prickly pear cactus.
Both the green nopal pads and its colorful fruit are edible, and numerous recipes can be found on the internet. The pads may be cooked or eaten raw, as long as one is careful to remove the spines and barbed glochids. The fruit also may be eaten raw, though it, too, has spines, and it is often used to make juice, jelly and jam.
Resilience in the Harshest Conditions
To call this amazing plant hardy would be a considerable understatement. Not only does the nopal cactus thrive in extreme heat and drought conditions, it also survives freezing temperatures and soil lacking in nutrients.
Another name for this incredible flora is la planta de vida, or “life-giving plant,” as even its fallen leaves become new plants. It is prolific, able to produce fruit year round, and an old Mexican adage says, “Whoever has a nopal in his house, will never go hungry.”
It’s no wonder that people living in extreme desert climates looked to the nopal for sustenance.
TriVita’s Nopalea® Supplement: Michael’s Story
On a trip to Mexico, the founder of TriVita, Michael R. Ellison, sat listening to the indigenous Seri people tell of their ancestors’ strength and resilience living in the harsh Sonoran desert. Inspired by the Seri’s tales and spurred by his own family’s needs, Michael pondered the thought, “Somewhere in that desert there is an amazing plant that will be prolific, and it will help with inflammation.”
“Nopalea – It is a gift from God, and
how it was discovered is amazing.”
~ Michael R. EllisonArriving home, Michael began working with scientists at Arizona State University, as well as botanists from the Native American Pima Tribe, to study what they ate in the desert that helped them overcome inflammation. The result of their research and passion was Nopalea, a delicious, nutrient-dense drink made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus.
Nopalea has since become one of TriVita’s best selling and most beloved health supplements.
Our Members Love Nopalea
Every month TriVita Members tell us how much they love their Nopalea and how it helps them maintain good health and improves their quality of life.
TriVita Member Josette G. says, “The Nopalea makes my neck and joints feel better, I do not have any more pain,” while Carol C. tells us, “Nopalea helps me feel good, and I have more energy.”
According to Member Deborah D., “Nopalea helps, and I share it. My whole mental health and everything changes, and when I’m sluggish it helps me a lot. It also helps my emotional phase I am going through and helps with mobile skills.”
Finally, Diane J. shares, “Nopalea is so good, I could drink the whole bottle in one sitting. I do not have any inflammation at 76. Nopalea helps me stay healthy.”The Benefits of Nopalea
With daily use, Nopalea may improve your quality of life in these ways:
- Helping support healthy immune function
- Helping prevent vitamin C deficiency
- Helping maintain healthy bones, cartilage, teeth and gums
- Helping in wound healing and connective tissue formation
- Providing antioxidants for the maintenance of good health
Why wait another day to start feeling better? Try Nopalea, a delicious way to support joint health and improve your quality of life.
References
Arthritis.ca
ScienceDirect.com
FGCU.edu
SurvivingMexico.com
Mexicanist.com -
Overcoming the Cytokine Inflammademic
Written by Paul Bernitt, DHH Director of Wellness Services
You Deserve a Better Life
Medical experts around the globe agree that chronic inflammation is one of the greatest health risks to humanity. Let’s face it, we live in a high-stress, inflamed world. We’re exposed to highly-processed foods and drinks, chemicals, pathogens and isolation, which can lead to obesity, lack of movement, insomnia and chronic infections. It’s important to understand what chronic inflammation is and recognize its signs, so we can nurture and nourish our body, emotions and spirit and experience greater wellness. We will also reduce the incidence of lifestyle-related conditions that chronic inflammation can cause.
How Inflammation Works
Specific cells of the immune system secrete proteins known as cytokines to fight off and remove harmful foreign invaders such as pathogens, germs, fungi and viruses, as well as abnormal cells, infection and chemicals. Cytokines are communicating molecules that stimulate and coordinate immunity, inflammation and the process through which the body manufactures blood cells. Over time, uncontrolled chronic inflammation in the body, triggered by a prolonged immune response, can lead to pain in muscles, limited range of motion, limited mobility and other serious health issues such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Approach Inflammation Naturally
Simple lifestyle improvements consisting of a whole food diet, daily exercise and stretching, taking time to nurture your emotions, drinking pure water and getting enough restorative sleep, have been shown to improve inflammation. Nopalea, containing cactus fruit juice, has been shown to naturally decrease inflammatory markers in the body such as C-reactive protein, which is an indicator of both local and body-wide inflammatory states. With more than than 13 million bottles sold, thousands of people just like you have experienced the powerful antioxidants of Nopalea which support detoxification, healthy inflammation and whole-body wellness. Study results also found consumption of Nopalea improved mobility, flexibility and range-of-motion in the neck, back and joints and less reliance on pain medication.
Am I at Risk of Chronic Inflammation?
Luckily, you can measure the level of inflammation in your body. There is a simple laboratory test called a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test, which is an indicator of the level of inflammation in the body.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ranges are listed below.
- Lowest risk” range is less than 1.0 mg/L
- Average risk is 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L
- High Risk is greater than 3.0 mg/L
In addition to a CRP blood test, take a moment to take the TriVita Inflammation Quiz in the latest edition of the TriVita catalog to learn if you are at increased risk for chronic inflammation.
I Take Inflammation Seriously (ITIS)
The next time you hear a medical condition ending in “itis” think of this acronym; “I Take Inflammation Seriously!” Notice how arthritis and thyroiditis end with “itis”, which means inflamed. All diseases that end with “itis” such as bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, gastritis, colitis, pancreatitis, dermatitis and so on, means there is an inflammatory condition triggered by an inflammatory cytokine response. These inflammatory diseases, left unchecked or unresolved over time, can overwhelm the immune response and trigger a cytokine storm leading to more serious chronic illnesses. Take action now to make the best lifestyle choices to create the best life with less pain, more mobility and flexibility and less reliance on pain medication.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7312944/
- Furman, David, et al. “Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span.” Nature medicine 25.12 (2019): 1822-1832.
- Harvard Medical School Guide, “Understanding Inflammation” – 978-1-61401-168-2
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The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Resveratrol
We know trans-resveratrol is a multi-tasker and helps our bodies in several ways. But most people are unaware of how much resveratrol helps as an anti-inflammatory.
Studies over the past years have focused on foods rich in polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties since inflammation was recognized to play a central role in several diseases. These studies show the beneficial effects of resveratrol, the most widely investigated polyphenol, on cancer and neurodegenerative, respiratory, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Resveratrol has been shown to modulate the inflammatory pathways underlying those diseases, and there are future opportunities for the evaluation of its clinical viability.
Resveratrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to protect you against diseases like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol make it a good remedy for arthritis and skin inflammation. Also, resveratrol has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help treat infections of the urinary and digestive tracts.
Many researchers have concluded that resveratrol is a valuable micronutrient that can prevent heart disease in those at risk and help treat people with progressing cardiovascular conditions. Many studies indicate that resveratrol could help prevent and treat certain types of cancer. Its anti-tumor effects include inhibiting cancer cell growth, cell signaling, angiogenesis, and promoting cell death
There is plenty of science that shows trans-resveratrol as an effective anti-inflammatory along with its help in promoting brain health, heart health and as an antiviral. In fact, all of this works together to help with overall wellness.
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6032205/
2. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-resveratrol#1 -
What's an Omega-3 Index And Why is it Important to Your Health?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and required for human life. While many know the importance of omega fatty acids as part of a healthy lifestyle, it hasn’t been clear how low amounts of fatty acids in the blood are also linked to all types of death including heart disease and cancer until now.
A recent analysis consisting of 17 perspective studies and consisting of more than 40,000 participants over 16 years has shown a 15-18% lowered risk of all causes of death based on higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the blood. It is important to detect early signs of omega-fatty acid deficiencies for supplement therapy to aid in reducing the incidence of disease and risk of premature death.
While the analysis does not show how polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were consumed by each participant, it’s important to recognize the best sources. The best sources of PUFAs are found in sea life, mostly cold-water fish. Fish have the highest concentrations of PUFA’s as well as the best ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA which reduces chronic inflammation—the root cause of most diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 also contribute to multiple biological roles, such as influencing inflammation, reducing oxidative stress and presenting neuroprotection and cardiovascular protection. There are 100 billion neurons that make up your brain consisting of 60% PUFAs, and every cell in the human body has a cell membrane made of PUFAs. We are made entirely out of cells and cellular performance is key to maintaining optimal health.
Quality fish oil supplements have an excellent ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA and come without the harmful toxins such as mercury found in fish. A study in the UK shows taking fish oil supplements lowers the risk of cardiovascular and all diseases across 427,000 participants. “The Heart and Soul” study shows that lower levels of whole blood EPA and DHA levels are associated with all causes of mortality and an accelerated rate of telomere shortening over a 5-year period. Accelerated telomere shortening is associated with a shorter lifespan.
We’re all looking for the lifestyle improvements we can make to not only maintain but improve our health outcomes. According to this analysis, we can live a longer, fuller life with less disease by managing the omega-3 levels in our blood. Because omega-3s have a powerful influence on the health of every cell we have, we can expect to have more energy, vitality, and quality of life to continue to do the things we love longer.
References:
1. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2021-04-23/study-finds-omega-3-index-is-strong-risk-predictor-of-premature-death
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12442909/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32131999/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3058601/ -
Conquer Chronic Inflammation At The Source
Chronic inflammatory-related diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world today. While this is a startling statistic, you don’t have to suffer. There are many critical lifestyle-related changes you can quickly and easily implement to help reduce the harmful effects of chronic inflammation on your body. Among these are a healthy diet, regular exercise and anti-inflammatory supplements in your daily routine.
TriVita’s Anti-Inflammatory Wellness Regimen includes three science-backed supplements that have been shown to reduce some of the damaging causes and effects of chronic inflammation on the body.
Nopalea, Trans-Resveratrol and Omega3 Prime are a triple threat!
Nopalea benefits:
1. Lowers elevated, at-risk levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation
2. Improves joint mobility, range of motion and flexibility in the neck, back and joints
3. Less reliance on pain medicationTrans-Resveratrol benefits:
1. Helps with blood flow by keeping arteries and veins open to promote a well-functioning cardio system and healthy blood pressure
2. Helpful as an anti-viral and has shown a capacity to control fungal, bacterial and viral infections
3. A multi-tasker, helping with heart health, brain health, anti-viral, anti-aging and more, to help maintain optimal health and longevityOmega3 Prime benefits:
1. Anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve joint discomfort and reduce symptoms associated with inflammation
2. Supports healthy blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart problems
3. Protects against cognitive declineChronic inflammation is a real, modern-world problem. Give yourself the best chance of conquering the chronic inflammation raging inside your body. The science and education about TriVita’s products are available to help you on your wellness journey!
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
2. https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4232-six-keys-to-reducing-inflammation
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7734066/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28900017/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139620/ -
Nitric Oxide Keeps Your Blood Flowing
There is so much noise out there about stress and bad news leading to high blood pressure, it’s important to keep an eye on our own. High blood pressure occurs when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. High blood pressure can lead to various health issues, such as heart and kidney problems. Consuming nitrates has been shown to help blood pressure because your body converts the nitrates to nitric oxide, which then causes blood vessels to relax and dilate, resulting in lower blood pressure. Various studies have shown nitrates help lower blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide. Additionally, it has been thought people with high blood pressure have an impaired ability to produce nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is necessary for healthy blood flow.
Healthy blood flow is essential for the heart, brain and all of our other organs. It also helps promote endurance, soothes sore muscles and can even help with healthy aging. Nitric oxide is synthesized and released into the endothelial cells, which is a cell layer lining all blood vessels, with the help of nitric oxide synthases that convert arginine into citrulline which helps produce nitric oxide in the process. We need to do what we can to stay away from stress, toxic environments and bad foods. But we also need a good level of nitric oxide, for a balanced, healthy body that will serve us well as we go through our happy lives with our families.
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The Sky is the Limit with Optimal Levels of Nitric Oxide
Written by Paul Bernitt, DHH
Director of Clinical and Wellness ServicesNitric oxide is a gas produced by the body and it is produced by almost all human cells. It is made naturally in our bodies and plays a vital role in signaling between cells, neurotransmission and immune response, to name just a few. The most widely-known function of nitric oxide is its ability to send a signal to the endothelial lining of our arteries to expand and contract, which allows us to maintain vital blood flow rich in oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies. This molecule has a half-life of less than a second so we must produce enough to prevent life-threatening consequences as we age. Because of nitric oxide’s systemic effect, it is important to understand what this miracle molecule is and how to maintain and improve the body’s ability to produce it throughout our lifetime.
Nitric oxide was brought to worldwide attention in 1988 when Dr. Robert Furchgott, Dr. Louis Ignarro and Dr. Ferid Murad won the Nobel prize for medicine by discovering nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. Since then, there have been almost 175,000 scientific papers written about nitric oxide which have shown many other benefits of this vital molecule. It has been said that this molecule may be the most important one in the human body because of its role, not only in the cardiovascular system but also in its involvement in nerve impulses from cell to cell in every tissue throughout the body.
We live in a world where heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death. In most cases, heart disease has more to do with the plumbing, such as damaged arteries, than the heart itself. In healthy arteries, nitric oxide signals the vasodilation (relaxation) response of arteries. Vasodilation increases blood flow, increases oxygen in the blood, and modulates blood pressure. Because nitric oxide is an electron donor, this miracle molecule is cardio-protective as it enhances and maintains arterial elasticity through its anti-oxidant effects. In unhealthy arteries, vasodilation is compromised due to damage caused by years of uncontrolled elevated blood pressure, high lipids and glucose in the blood and calcified plaque buildup in the arterial lining. Instead of the heart having smooth, flexible arteries to pump blood, the heart has to supply blood through narrow stiff arteries leading to serious cardiovascular conditions as we age.
This molecule has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity which reduces diabetes complications and is known to improve other hormone functions in the body. When we become insulin resistant, our cells become less permeable, which limits the ability of glucose to be converted to energy and increases toxicity. When glucose cannot be efficiently converted into energy, the levels of glucose in the blood rise and are converted into fat. High levels of glucose in the blood and obesity are significant antagonists to nitric oxide production.
One of the most significant concerns in modern society is the proliferation of harmful viruses. What many people do not know is that nitric oxide provides a protective immune response by its involvement with inhibiting virus replication. The immune system has a better chance of fighting off the symptoms associated with viruses and other foreign invaders if nitric oxide blocks virus replication.
Healthy nitric oxide levels systemically influence many functions of the body. Nitric oxide insufficiency can spawn a wide variety of symptoms and diseases caused by pathogenesis, which can lead to infectious diseases, tumors, autoimmune processes and chronic degenerative diseases as we age. Low nitric oxide levels lead to increased sympathetic tone (constriction) which negatively influences blood flow, blood pressure and vasodilation. The immune response to stop the replication of harmful pathogens and viruses and other foreign invaders also diminishes. As nitric oxide production continues to diminish so does motivation and stamina for activity.Nitric oxide is the neurotransmitter of bronchodilator nerves in human airways and counteracts bronchoconstriction. Nitric oxide increases the lungs’ ability to deliver oxygen throughout the body by signaling the nerves to dilate. When the physical demand of the body is increased through activity, nitric oxide is produced to stimulate vasodilation and a higher respiration rate. We can live a month without food and 3 days without water, but we have only minutes to live without oxygen. All of our cells require oxygen and the level of nitric oxide in the blood determines the amount of oxygen our cells can receive by dilating the arteries, signaling the lungs to increase respiration and signaling the heart to beat faster.
New studies show that the reduction of nitric oxide production due to arterial stress may be contributing to premature aging. Nitric oxide has been shown to inhibit premature telomere shortening. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of the DNA molecules that make up our chromosomes. Much like the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces they protect the ends of chromosomes from damage. Each time a cell divides, the telomere gets shorter, soon it becomes so short that the cell can no longer divide to create new healthy cells. Science is discovering that nitric oxide reacts to tissue-derived oxygen radicals and by doing so reduces oxidative stress which can lead to the premature death of cells and shorter telomeres. The less oxidative stress we have, the longer our telomeres can be and the better our cells can reproduce and work as they should.Age is a major contributor to reducing nitric oxide production. As we age we produce less nitric oxide. The aging process, due to stress and damage to our arteries, contributes to less endothelial sensitivity and the thickening of our arterial lining. All of this, plus chronic inflammation, plaque buildup, stiffening of arteries, calcification, and eventually rupture of plaque leads to heart attacks and strokes. By age 40, most Americans only produce 50% of the nitric oxide as compared to their 20’s, by age 50, 35%, and by 60+ only 15%.
For more information about Nitric Oxide, please consider these references:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11994742
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18341206
https://www.nature.com/articles/ni1001-907
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1573233
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23075551
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.HYP.27.4.849
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2258411
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11944012_Mechanisms_of_the_Antioxidant_Effects_of_Nitric_Oxide
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27872324
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3838201
https://www.clevelandheartlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CHL-D070-AUG2018-ADMA-SDMA-Practitioner-One-Pager.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18090659
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7546629
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.RES.87.7.540
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390088/#b56
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33296498
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15650225
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/JVI.79.3.1966-1969.2005
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/horse-chestnut-extract
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23152216
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0102695X15001003
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8569363/https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ -
Latest Study Indicates Low Omega-3 Index Linked to Premature Death
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and required for human life. While many know the importance of omega fatty acids as part of a healthy lifestyle, it hasn’t been clear how low amounts of fatty acids in the blood are also linked to all types of death including heart disease and cancer until now. A recent analysis1 consisting of 17 perspective studies consisting of more than 40,000 participants over a 16-year span has shown a 15-18% lowered risk of all causes of death based on higher polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) in the blood.
While the analysis does not show how polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) were consumed by each participant, it’s important to recognize the best sources. The best sources of PUFAs are found in sea life such as cold-water fish. Fish have the highest concentrations of PUFA’s as well as the best ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA which reduces chronic inflammation—the root cause of most diseases.
Not all forms of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood show a lower risk of death in the 15,720 participants who died in the study. For instance, there is no link to a reduced death risk seen in blood levels of 18 carbon omega-3 and alpha-linoleic acid, both of which come from plant-based sources such as flaxseed, hempseed, and chia. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) are short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Though plant-based ALA is beneficial, DHA and EPA have more potent health benefits than ALA omega-3 fatty acids have. A person must consume a copious amount of plant-based foods to gain the same benefits equivalent to a single serving of cold water fish.
Omega-3 fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 also contribute to multiple biological roles, such as influencing inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and presenting neuroprotection and cardiovascular protection. There are 100 billion neurons that make up your brain consisting of 60% PUFAs, and every cell in the human body has a cell membrane made of PUFAs. We are made entirely out of cells and cellular performance is key to maintaining optimal health.
Quality fish oil supplements have an excellent ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA and come without the harmful toxins such as mercury found in fish. A study in the UK shows taking fish oil supplements lowers the risk of cardiovascular and all diseases across 427,000 participants.3 “The Heart and Soul” study5 also shows that lower whole blood EPA and DHA levels are associated with all causes of mortality and an accelerated rate of telomere shortening over a 5-year period. Accelerated Telomere shortening is associated with a shorter lifespan.
Clinical Significance of measuring omega-3 & 6 fatty acids in the blood.
- Monitoring of omega fatty acids in the blood provides a baseline and monitoring of individuals known to have a cardiovascular disease to determine prescription compliance
- Monitor individuals who are taking omega fatty acid supplement therapy to manage the effectiveness of treatment.
- Detect early signs of omega fatty acid deficiencies for the purpose of supplement therapy to reduce the incidence of disease and risk of premature death1,2
Should you choose to have your doctor test your omega fatty acid levels in your blood, the reference ranges are as follows.
Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) Index1.4-4.9 %
Risk
Optimal>3.2 %
Moderate2.2-3.2 %
High<2.2 %Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio 5.7-21.3
EPA/Arachidonic Acid Ratio ≤0.2
Arachidonic Acid 5.2-12.9 %
EPA0.2-1.5 %
DHA1.2-3.9 %
PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish 4 We’re all looking for the lifestyle improvements we can make to not only maintain but improve our health outcomes. According to this analysis, we can live a longer fuller life with less disease by managing the omega-3 levels in our blood. Because omega 3’s powerful influence on the health of every cell we have, we can expect to have more energy, vitality, and quality of life to continue to do the things we love longer.
References:
- https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2021-04-23/study-finds-omega-3-index-is-strong-risk-predictor-of-premature-death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12442909/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32131999/
- PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3058601/
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The Cytokine Storm and What You Need to Know
Today, medical experts around the globe agree chronic inflammation is a great risk to humanity. In this article, you’ll learn about inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses of small proteins called cytokines and their role in stimulating immune response in the body. While inflammation is an essential part of a healthy immune system, chronic and uncontrolled inflammation can lead to serious illnesses.
Specific cells of the immune system secrete cytokines which are essentially proteins and peptides. Peptides are compounds consisting of two or more amino acids linked in a chain. Cytokines are communicating molecules that stimulate and coordinate immunity, inflammation and the process through which the body manufactures blood cells.
Cytokines are produced in response to foreign invaders such as pathogens, germs, fungi and viruses, as well as abnormal cells, infection and chemicals. Cytokines function as chemical messengers to stimulate the innate and adaptive immune system response. The innate immune system is what you are born with, while the adaptive immune system is upgraded over your lifetime as it learns to adapt to foreign substances that enter the body. When the body can’t identify something, it stimulates the adaptive immune response by binding to specific cytokine receptors on other cells of the immune system which in turn governs the immune activity to destroy the foreign invader and get rid of it.
A healthy immune system is able to efficiently identify itself from outside substances and stimulate the immune cells to produce anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory cytokines to maintain health. Over time, uncontrolled chronic inflammation in the body triggered by a prolonged immune response can lead to pain in muscles, limited range of motion and limited mobility. An unhealthy immune system can trigger an inflammatory auto-immune response when the immune system is overwhelmed.
As inflammation rises in the body, it can weaken the body’s immune response letting unwanted pathogens, bacteria, viruses, etc. to attack the body. Unhealthy inflammation left unchecked or unresolved over time may trigger a cytokine storm leading to more serious chronic inflammation that we all want to avoid.
The suffix -itis means inflammation, so the next time you hear a medical condition ending in “itis” think of this acronym, “I Take Inflammation Seriously!”
Stress is another factor that can compromise the immune system. It seems stress triggers an immune response in the body that over time can trigger a cytokine storm. While cytokine activity is linked to infection, pathogens, chemicals and injury, it’s also due to lifestyle-related issues such as obesity, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. Stress can also trigger unhealthy choices which can further exacerbate higher inflammatory cytokine responses such as over-eating, eating unhealthy foods and poor sleep. This can all lead to obesity, pain and chronic inflammation.
Luckily, you can monitor and measure the level of inflammation in your body. There’s a simple laboratory test called a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test, which can be ordered by your doctor. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ranges are listed below.
Consuming nutrients that can help combat inflammation is important. Anti-inflammatory foods include tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and fruits such as blueberry. Other ways to consume anti-inflammatory nutrients include using supplements or products with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Now that you have a better understanding of what cytokines are and how they work, it’s time to take action by making some fairly simple yet highly effective lifestyle modifications. Start with managing day-to-day stress so stress doesn’t trigger distress on your body. Stress leads to high cortisol, increased inflammatory cytokines, a compromised immune system and weight gain. By better managing stress, you’ll create a healthier outlook and will be able to make healthier choices in your diet and activities such as sleep and regular physical activity. I would also suggest speaking with your doctor about getting a CRP test the next time you get your lab tests done. This test may be helpful to your doctor in not only identifying your inflammation level, but also determining the possible root cause of some of your symptoms.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2785020/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6929211/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6595533 -
The Silent Killer
When asked by your doctor; how are you feeling? Most people respond; I feel fine. But are you really fine? Your actual health may not be as good as you think because what’s really going on inside just might tell another story.
Today, organizations like Harvard Medical School, Cleveland Clinic, National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization all agree that chronic inflammation breeds a host of diseases and health conditions. National Institutes of Health states; chronic inflammation is not a specific disease but a mechanistic process. It is part of the body’s defense mechanism.
Inflammation represents an essential survival mechanism that helps fight off hostile and harmful microbes and pathogens and repairs damaged tissue. Yet there is another side of inflammation that can be harmful rather than helpful when it lingers and attacks healthy cells and tissue. Chronic inflammation we may not be able to feel or see is a dangerous silent killer.
“Most modern people are boiling pots of inflammation: hot, steaming, churning cauldrons of disordered, chaotic inflammatory responses, much of them due to food choices that perform poorly to human dietary needs.”
— William Davis M.D., Cardiologist and Author
In this special report, you’ll learn why the World Health Organization calls chronic inflammation “the greatest health threat to humanity.” Including information about what causes chronic inflammation and its role in your overall health. Plus, you’ll find the results of an exciting new clinical trial that may change the way you think about managing inflammation, a letter from TriVita’s founder, as well as a very special offer to help get you on the road to wellness. Continue on page 2.
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Could This Be the Closest Thing to a Wonder Drug?
What could be more beneficial to your health than any medication? According to a publication by Harvard Medical School, walking is considered to be the most helpful thing you can do to sustain your life-giving force of wellness. They even quote Dr. Frieden saying, “The closest thing I know to a wonder drug is walking.” Because of our medical system and evidence-based practices, we have been influenced to believe that accepting disease and managing disease is our best way to a better quality of life. That is a choice, but it is not the best choice if it ignores nutrients and nurturing in supporting your body systems and organs designed to keep you well.
Your body is amazing, wonderful and beautifully designed. I like to think of it as a Ferrari with a distinctive style of elegance, power, and speed. And yes, a costly automobile. If you were fortunate enough to own one, would the tire pressure matter? What kind of fuel would you burn? Would oil quality and coolant levels have anything to do with performance? Or if the tires were low on air pressure, you would just stop and enjoy sitting in the beautiful Ferrari! You get the point. Your choice of nutrition and nurturing matters to your health and wellness. Harvard Medical School is ranked number 1 in research, and they continually come forward with research that shows lifestyle choices matter most to your health!
You will benefit in so many ways when you make choices to manage your inflammation. The new Nopalea random double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study shows that after taking 3 ounces per day of Nopalea for 60 days, participants showed improvement in joint mobility, neck and back range of motion, and flexibility. Another noticeable result in the study showed that participants experienced less pain and greater quality of life.
Take note from Harvard Medical School research, if you can move better and will include 30 minutes of walking per day five days a week, it is one of the most important things for your long term health. And when you have greater mobility and range of motion in your joints, neck, and back, you will want to be more active doing the things you love to do!
In my home gym, I have two motivators, “Just do it” by Nike, and my own quote, “Just move it!”
I hope you will take the time to browse the quality products offered by TriVita to help you “just move it” and enjoy the highest quality of life. That is our pursuit and hope for our own lives as well as yours.
Physical activity is also one of the Ten Wellness Essentials I write about in my book, The Ten Habits of Wellness The three Rs (Reward, Routine, and Reminders) will help you develop lifestyle habits that promote wellness. By getting a copy and having it as a reminder, will help you develop those endearing and enjoyable wellness habits.
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This One Blood Test Could Save Your Life
Inflammation is a hot topic. It’s in the news, making magazine covers and maybe your doctor has even discussed the effects of chronic inflammation with you. But this wasn’t always the case. It wasn’t until recently that scientists discovered that inflammation is at the root of many degenerative diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s and even cancer.
How to Tell If You’re Inflamed
C-reactive protein (CRP) has long been used as a marker of inflammation. High CRP levels are present in most, if not all, inflammatory states and diseases even without any other symptoms. Knowing your CRP level puts you in a powerful position. If your levels are elevated, you can take steps to lower it and reduce your risk of developing some of the chronic conditions mentioned above.
C-reactive protein is produced throughout the body, mostly by the liver, immune and fat cells. This protein is sent into your bloodstream in response to rising inflammation. CRP is most often used as a marker of general inflammation and has been used to monitor the progression of inflammatory conditions. But more recently, accumulating evidence suggests that CRP may play a more active role by causing inflammation.
The best way to gauge your level of inflammation is to visit your physician and request a CRP test. During your visit, be sure to discuss risk factors, concerns and any other screenings you need and when you need them. Regular medical check-ups can help you identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
How to Lower C-Reactive Protein
Several different factors can increase inflammation in your body, from genetics to environmental. However, your lifestyle has a direct impact on your inflammatory status and CRP levels. For starters, it’s crucial to ditch processed foods and replace them with fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables are naturally high in polyphenols and antioxidants, which may help counter the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Managing your weight is another way to help decrease inflammation in your body. Overweight and obese individuals tend to have higher levels of CRP. Carrying excess weight can set the stage for inflammation and increase the risk of developing degenerative diseases such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Lastly, certain dietary supplements can help curb elevated C-reactive protein levels and help support healthy inflammatory responses. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, Nopalea was shown to lower elevated at-risk levels of C-reactive protein. In addition, it helped improve neck, back and joint mobility, flexibility and range of motion compared to the placebo group.
As you can see, even with all the breakthroughs about inflammation the standard preventative advice still holds. Eat a balanced diet, manage your weight and supplement wisely. But the first and most important step is to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your potential risks, have your C-reactive protein levels tested. Then you can work with your physician to establish a lifestyle regimen that works best for you.
References:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Inflammation_A_unifying_theory_of_disease
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15050096
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5055983/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14993913
- Jensen, G. Evaluation of Activity Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Overall Wellness. 2019.
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Improving Flexibility, Mobility, and Range of Motion
Inflammation is directly associated with symptoms such as swelling, pain, heat and limited mobility. Inflammation can affect your quality of life. Reducing your inflammation can alleviate these symptoms.
The Difference Between Range of Motion, Mobility, and Flexibility
Flexibility and mobility are two popular terms that are often used interchangeably. Many people think that if you stretch enough, you’ll maintain your mobility. However, they are different, and flexibility is only part of the equation when it comes to your movement.
Flexibility is a muscle’s ability to stretch when needed. For instance, imagine a rubber band. If you pull it in opposing directions, it should stretch. The same happens with flexible muscles. It’s worth noting that flexibility often refers to muscles, but can also apply to joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Mobility, on the other hand, is the ability of your joints to move through an intended range of motion. Your shoulder, which is a ball-and-socket joint, is designed to move in many directions. With normal mobility, you can move your shoulder side-to-side, forward and backward, as well as in circles. If you can’t move it in all of these ways, there is a lack of mobility in the joint.
Range of motion is simply a measurement of your mobility. It is the amount of movement you have at each joint. The primary determiner of how well your joints move relies on the shape and structure of your bones, how and where they come together, as well as the health of the ligaments and tendons that attach to your bones. Everyone has a unique available range of motion. That being said, you can improve your range of motion through a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises.
Common Factors That Affect Mobility and Flexibility
Injuries: Slips and falls are common, especially as you age. When you experience a physical injury, inflammation kicks in right away to begin repairing the wound and setting the stage for healing. Symptoms of acute inflammation, such as swelling and pain, can limit your mobility. To further complicate this, prolonged mobility impairment can make you more susceptible to physical injury. Click here to read more about preventing and recovering after a fall or injury.
Diseases: Similar to injuries, certain illnesses can prohibit you from moving freely and performing everyday activities. On the surface, if you don’t feel well, lack energy, or have other symptoms associated with a disease or illness, your mobility can be impaired. However, it’s important to note that chronic inflammation plays a part in many conditions. Inflammation brings with it symptoms of its own, such as aches and pains. These sensations can make movement uncomfortable and difficult.
Excess Fat Mass or Skin: Extra fat mass can prevent joints from moving through their full range of motion. This is possible by the fat or muscle physically limiting or blocking its movement. For example, a large amount of abdominal fat can limit the hips range of motion and prevent you from pulling your knee into your ribs.
Restore Your Body’s Vitality and Get Moving!
Don’t let stiff joints and limited mobility hold you back. Your lifestyle is a major contributing factor to your overall health as well as your mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to improve your movement.
- Reduce Inflammation
As explained above, inflammation can limit your ability to move with ease and comfort. There are many reasons your body could be inflamed, so it’s important to focus on your lifestyle as a whole
- Stretch Before and After You Exercise
Before you exercise or are going to be physically active, it’s important to perform dynamic stretches, such as arm circles or pulling your knees into your chest. These types of stretches help warm up your muscles and prevent strains or other injuries during exercise. Afterward, when your muscles are already warm, static stretches can safely be performed. Static stretches are done by holding a stretch for 15 seconds or longer. This type of stretching can significantly improve your flexibility and range of motion.
- Focus on Strength
What is mobility without strength? Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, but strength training can help. Strength training will not only help you improve your overall mobility, and it has other great benefits too
- Listen to Your Body
This might be the most important takeaway. Pushing yourself too far, over-exercising and not allowing enough time for recovery are all great ways to guarantee an injury. If you’re new to exercise or have issues with mobility, talk to a personal trainer or physical therapist first and start slow. Jumping into activity or forcing yourself to touch your toes will only set you back.
- Reduce Inflammation
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Why You Should Care About Chronic Inflammation
Researchers have carefully studied some of the most common diseases to affect Western populations in search of their root causes. While many advances have been made, much is still unknown. However, they agree on a common factor in virtually all of them: inflammation.
Inflammation is a well-known symptom of infectious diseases, but more recently, chronic inflammation has been linked to numerous conditions, including major degenerative diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even Alzheimer’s.
To better understand why inflammation is so important, it’s crucial to distinguish between acute and chronic inflammation.
Acute inflammation is a normal and essential process that allows the body to attack hostile invaders such as bacteria, fungi and other foreign substances anywhere in the body. Acute inflammation often comes on rapidly and subsides once the body has neutralized the threat and healed.
Unlike acute inflammation, which is short-lived, chronic inflammation can linger, lasting months or even years after the initial threat. Chronic inflammation typically starts as an acute inflammatory response; however, when your body’s healing powers go into overdrive, chronic inflammation can result. Alternatively, low levels of inflammation may be present even without the presence of an injury or illness. In this case, the immune system launches an attack on healthy cells and tissues.
What You Can Do to Curb Chronic Inflammation
Occasional inflammation is normal – and necessary! However, making smarter lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of creating an environment where chronic inflammation can thrive and lead to illness.
Many factors have been shown to play a role in chronic inflammation. These include obesity, chronic stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle.
New Clinical Study Validates Nopalea’s Health Claims
Nopalea is a breakthrough dietary supplement that promotes wellness by supporting the normal and essential anti-inflammatory function performed by the immune system. It can also help reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility and flexibility.
In an independent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, Nopalea was shown to improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in the neck, back, and joints. Also, results showed that Nopalea lowered elevated levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker.
For lower CRP levels and improved quality of life, consider adding Nopalea to your daily routine, along with making other lifestyle change.
References:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Inflammation_A_unifying_theory_of_disease
- Jensen, G. Evaluation of Activity Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Overall Wellness. 2019.