Learn More about Nutritional Supplements

Probiotics

Probiotics are live organisms that, when administered correctly, may have significant benefits to patients who suffer from gastrointestinal issues. Probiotics help populate the gut with good bacteria.
A person’s body contains trillions of live bacteria, the bacteria can be good and bad.
This is a key factor in assessing one’s immune system. Gut bacteria have many functions in the body and affect things such as weight, mood, and inflammation.
Many probiotics contain mixtures of two or more individual strains of bacteria or yeasts. They may also contain prebiotics, which are compounds that the probiotics as well as your microbiome can feed on.
The most common forms of probiotics contain Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Bacillus species, although many other species exist.

The Benefits of Probiotics are:
• they help to colonize the gut and compete for nutrients that protect against the lining of the gut
• they produce acids that lower the PH of the gut which in turn may kill disease producing (bad) bacteria
• they improve bowel regularity in patients with diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, especially Ulcerative Colitis
• they decrease fat deposition in the liver, which may be beneficial to patients with fatty liver
• they increase IgA secretion in both stool and serum to improve your immune system

Different strains of the same species of probiotics can act in different ways. When using a probiotic for a specific health concern, one should speak to a healthcare professional who has experience working with probiotics before buying one because different probiotics and dosages are effective for different conditions and situations.

Dr. Fine has over 25 years of experience and expertise using probiotics in his practice to significantly help his patients with GI symptoms and inflammation. He will work with you and recommend the best regimen that will meet your health needs. Schedule your consultation now at 972-253-4205.

Zinc is an important aspect of nutrition.

• Zinc deficiency can occur if there is not a high enough consumption from diet or supplementation.
• Zinc deficiency can severely impair immune system function.
• A zinc deficiency in children can lead to growth impediments and increased risk of infection.
• During pregnancy and lactation, women may need extra zinc

Foods with Zinc:

–Oysters contain about 16.6 milligrams of zinc per 100 grams
–Hemp seeds contains about 9.9 mg per 100 grams
–Sesame seeds contain about 7.8 mg per 100 grams
–Pumpkin seeds contain about 7.64 mg per 100 g
–Cacao powder contains about 6-7 mg per 100 g
–Grass fed beef contains about 5 mg of zinc per 100 grams
–Alaskan crab contains 7.6 mg per 100 g
-100 grams of legumes contain about 12% of the daily recommended value
–Cashews contain about 15% of the DRV per one ounce serving
–Cheddar cheese contains about 28% of the DRV per 100 grams
-One cup of full fat milk contains about 9% of the DRV
–Shrimp and mussels contain about 14% of the DRV per 100 grams
–One large egg contains about 5% of the DRV
-One large regular or sweet potato contains 9% of the DRV for zinc
–Green beans contain about 3% of the DRV per 100 grams
–Dark chocolate contains about 3.3 mg or 30% of the DRV of zinc per 100 grams

Dr. Fine has over 25 years of experience and expertise using zinc in his practice to significantly help his patients with GI symptoms and inflammation. He will work with you and recommend the best regimen that will meet your health needs. Schedule your consultation now at 972-253-4205.

Omega-3, or n-3, fatty acids, are a family of polyunsaturated fats that you must get from your diet because your body cannot produce them.

These fatty acids are essential to help decrease your cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and inflammation.
It’s generally recommended to eat fatty fish at least twice per week or to take at least 2-4 grams per day from a supplement.
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the world’s most comprehensively studied nutrients.

They have been shown to have powerful health benefits on the following conditions:

• Blood triglycerides. Omega-3 supplements can significantly lower blood triglycerides.
• Cancer. Eating foods high in omega-3 has been linked to a reduced risk of colon, prostate, and breast cancers.
• Fatty liver. Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help get rid of excess fat from your liver.
• Depression and anxiety. Taking omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil, can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Inflammation and pain. Omega-3s can reduce inflammation and symptoms of various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Asthma. Omega-3s may help prevent asthma in children and young adults.
Here are a few foods that are very high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
• Salmon
• Cod liver oil
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts and Almonds

Dr. Fine has over 25 years of experience and expertise using omega-3 fatty acids in his practice to significantly help his patients with GI symptoms and inflammation. He will work with you and recommend the best regimen that will meet your health needs. Schedule your consultation now at 972-253-4205.

Cloves are a spice made from the flower buds of an evergreen tree called the clove tree. Clove flower buds are harvested in their immature state and then dried. Whole cloves are shaped like a small, reddish-brown spike, usually around 1 centimeter in length, with a bulbous top. Cloves can be used whole or ground, and they have a very strong, pungent flavor and aroma.

Health Benefits of Cloves
Cloves have long been used in home remedies to treat for toothache pain. The eugenol that provides the flavor of cloves is also a pain-reliever and can help relieve inflammation.

The active principles in the cloves increase the gut motility and digestion power through improved gastrointestinal enzyme secretions.  It helps relieve indigestion and constipation problems.
The spice also contains a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and magnesium. Potassium is an essential electrolyte of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. The human body uses manganese as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Further, the spice buds contain very good amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. The body also requires vitamin-A for maintaining healthy mucosa, skin and for healthy vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids helps to protect the body from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Additionally, this spice is a good source of vitamin-K, vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), vitamin-C and riboflavin. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.

Iron is a mineral vital to the proper function of hemoglobin, a protein needed to transport oxygen in the blood. Iron also has a role in a variety of other important processes in the body. A shortage of iron in the blood can lead to a range of serious health problems, including iron deficiency anemia. Iron has a role in creating energy from nutrients. It also contributes to the transmission of nerve impulses — the signals that coordinate the actions of different parts of your body. If you have more iron than is needed, it’s stored in your body for future use.
The average American gets all the iron they need from the foods they eat. But there are certain situations and conditions that may make it necessary to add supplemental iron to your diet.
Iron deficiency anemia is caused when there’s not enough iron in your red blood cells. Without healthy levels of iron, your red blood cells cannot effectively provide oxygen to your cells and tissues.
Symptoms of anemia include:
• fatigue
• weakness
• dizziness
• difficulty concentrating
Iron Deficiency Anemia is the most common form of anemia in the United States. Almost five million Americans have it.
Common causes of anemia include:
• menstruation, particularly if flow is heavy or prolonged
• peptic ulcer disease
• cancer in the digestive tract
• blood loss from trauma or blood donation
• gastrointestinal bleeding from prolonged use of medications like aspirin and ibuprofen

Cinnamon is a spice that has been used to flavor foods for hundreds of years. The spice is used more in desserts but it is also an ingredient in various main dish recipes.  Cinnamon is the most consumed spice worldwide, so health professionals are very encouraged by recent news about how healthy it can be.
Cancer – is a devastating disease that science has yet to find a sure way to cure. Cinnamon is a significant source of cinnamaldehyde, a compound that could protect against colorectal cancer.
Healing – wounds that become infected can develop into a serious problem if bacteria cannot be controlled. The combination of cinnamon and peppermint essential oils have been found effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria, and also aids in cellular growth.
Alzheimer’s disease – this devastating condition that mostly affects seniors has become more prevalent and still has no cure. Cinnamon has shown promise in preventing or reducing the plaques and amyloid fibers identified as factors causing dementia. Eating the spice may even bring improvement to those people already affected by the disease.
Weight loss – there is some evidence that consuming cinnamon can speed up metabolism which could help some people lose weight. Increasing metabolism burns more calories and increases energy, so a higher level of activity and some weight loss may result. Adding cinnamon instead of sugar to foods for flavor also helps as a weight loss aid as this can reduce the calories in food.
Bacterial and Fungal infections – including salmonella and listeria are typically food-borne and can cause serious illness when not controlled. Cinnamaldehyde is the primary component in cinnamon and can effectively inhibit the bacteria and also helps to reduce tooth decay and bad breath.
Inflammation – is the body’s defense against infection due to tissue damage, but it can lead to serious health problems if not controlled. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon are effective in reducing the harmful effects of inflammation.

Prebiotics act as the fuel for probiotics to do their job. Probiotics require sustenance in order to be able to perform in the gut, therefore, feeding them prebiotics – are  non-digestible food fibers – that thrive in the gut and stick to the bowel wall. Foods such as bananas, dandelion greens, garlic, onions and chicory root, Jerusalem Artichoke, honey and leeks are abundant sources of prebiotics.