Cultao Premium Thyroid Support Supplement - My Review on Amazon

Cultao Premium Thyroid Support Supplement 
Product Review

Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's Testing and Diagnosis

Several years ago, my Mom was diagnosed by her doctor as having Hypothyroidism based on the results of one blood test (TSH levels) and given a prescription for Levothyroxine. Over time, and again based on that one TSH blood levels test, her dosage of Levothyroxine was increased several times.

Then, in one of my holistic healing courses, I learned about Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (aka Autoimmune or Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis) and the drawbacks and limitations of running just the one TSH test to assess thyroid function. So, I had her do a complete Thyroid Test Panel, which includes testing TSH, Total T4, Total T3, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 (rT3), T3U, Free T4 Index, and very importantly, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). As it turned out, she has Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is actually an autoimmune disease and more than just hypothyroidism.


An Excellent Patient Guide

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis:
Lifestyle Interventions for
Finding and Treating
the Root Cause

We then read an excellent, highly recommended and best-selling book on the subject, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause by Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP.  

This book is basically a public, patient and health professional educational guide which covers in great depth and detail the root causes, symptoms, testing and appropriate diagnosis, prescription medication management, supplements, diet and other lifestyle and integrative medicine interventions for Hashimoto's.


In the book, Dr. Wentz writes that certain supplements (Selenium, Zinc Picolinate, Chromium, B-Complex Vitamins, Iodine, NAC, Biotin, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, Probiotics) may be helpful with managing and healing Hashi's. Certain herbs are also thought to help, most notably Ashwangandha.


Effects of Diet Modification and Supplements

My Mom modified her diet, started taking her supplements and ... lo and behold ... she felt better and her subsequent thyroid panel and antibodies tests reflected a marked improvement - enough that her doctor lowered her Levothyroxine to the lowest dosage.


Thyroid Support Supplements

My Mom started off taking NOW Foods Thyroid Energy, 90 Vcaps because she trusts this brand. But, she likes to change things up once in a while and try new brands and so she asked me to get the CulTao Thyroid Support for her. Her main reason for wanting to try CulTao was that the formulation was significantly different than the NOW brand and seems to be more complete in that it also includes Vitamins A, C and D, Magnesium, Green Tea extract, patented Bacopin leaf extract and twice as much Selenium.

Although she has not been in for testing since taking CulTao, she says she feels great, and what better indicator is there than that? Other aspects of CulTao Thyroid Support that my Mom really likes include:

1. Its easy to take (swallow)
2. Vegetarian capsule
3. Its made in the U.S.A. under cGMP standards, according to the marketing literature.Why we are giving CulTao Thyroid Support four stars instead of five stars:

* Both my Mom and I are of the opinion that information concerning country of origin or manufacture, and manufacturing facility certifications should be right on the label and on the company's website. We find CulTao lacking in this.

* CulTao's Thyroid Support contains Folic Acid (as does the NOW brand). Folic Acid is a synthetic form of Vitamin B9 (Folate). There is some controversy about supplementing with Folic Acid for certain individuals, particularly those with a MTHFR genetic mutation. It is my understanding that progressive supplement companies are now beginning to leave Folic Acid out of their formulations.

Disclosures

Disclosure: I purchased this product on behalf of my Mom at a discount in exchange for my (our) honest and unbiased review, feedback and opinion.

Disclosure:  I am an Amazon affiliate and may earn a small commission if one of my readers clicks through a link to Amazon and completes a purchase.


Related

1. Periodic Table of Vitamins
2. Craving This ... Means You're Missing This ...
3. 10 Daily Nutrients
4. Supplements vs. Food Visual Guide
5. Guide to Optimizing Vitamin and Supplements

Noble Wellness Olive Leaf Extract 20% Oleuropein - My Review on Amazon

Oleuropein, a Polyphenol with Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties to Fight Bacterial Infections (C Diff) and Candida Albicans (Yeast) Overgrowth

Noble Wellness Olive Leaf Extract
20% Oleuropein 

The Mediterranean Diet, Olives, Olive Oil and Oleuropein

So, we've all heard about the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, a which is characterized by a high consumption of plant foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts) ... and olive oil.

One of the main phenolic compounds in olive oil is Oleuropein. Oleuropein is a polyphenol. Polyphenols are phytochemicals found in natural plant foods which have been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties.

Polythenols are thought to provide a wide range of health benefits including fighting free radicals, reducing inflammation, fighting cancer cells, protecting the cardiovascular system, promoting normal blood pressure and brain health, and supporting normal blood sugar levels.

The active ingredient in Noble Wellness Olive Leaf Extract is Oleuropein.

• See:  Inflammation and Gut Health, Why It Matters
• See:  How Inflammation Affects the Body

Top 10 Natural Antibiotics
Infographic from Top 10 Home Remedies

Powerful Antimicrobial to Help Fight Clostridium difficile aka C. difficile or C. diff. Infections

I first started using Olive Leaf Extract about 11 months ago based on the recommendation of a microbiologist who suggested using it for Clostridium difficile aka C. difficile or C. diff infection. C Diff is a very nasty, invasive and opportunistic bacteria. My C diff infection is antibiotic resistant, and has been particularly stubborn, with many relapses. This is not uncommon, by the way. At any rate, my research of reputable sources confirmed that Olive Leaf Extract with 20% Oleuropein has been shown to be very effective in treating many virulent bacterial diseases including MRSA, SIBO, strep throat, colds and flus. This is why I chose to take it, along with other "natural antibiotics" like garlic, Oregano Oil, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Manuka honey and Pau D'Arco.


Powerful Antifungal to Help Fight Candida Albicans (Yeast Overgrowth)

I am continuing to take Olive Leaf Extract now for candida overgrowth - as Oleuropein also has anti-fungal properties and shown positive results in studies to help with yeast overgrowth.


Product Comparison

So far, I have tried two different brands of Olive Leaf Extract, including this one, Noble Wellness Olive Leaf Extract. The other one is Pegasus Nutrition Olive Leaf Extract - 20% Oleuropein 750 mg.

Comparing the two brands:

1. Each capsule of both brands is 750 mg Olive Leaf, standardized to contain 20% or 150 mg of Oleuropein.
2. Both brands are made with NON-GMO ingredients.
3. Both brands are made in the U.S.A. in a GMP registered facility.
4. Both brands are easy to take, i.e., the capsule is easy to swallow.
5. Insofar as "other ingredients" both brands contain Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate and Silicon Dioxide.
6. Based on my personal experience, both brands are equally effective. I cannot give 100% credit to Olive Leaf Extract for the improvements that I see and feel because I use other anti-microbial and anti-fungal herbs as well, but I can say that Olive Leaf Extract is a key component in my protocol.

So, why will I buy Noble Wellness Olive Leaf Extract from now on over the other brand?

That's easy! With all other things being equal, I look at the price point of each product and, currently, Noble Wellness Olive Leaf Extract costs 40% less than Pegasus Nutrition. In my mind, that is very significant, especially since I take 2 capsules of Olive Leaf Extract every single day.


Disclosures

Disclosure: I requested and purchased this product at a discount in exchange for an honest, unbiased review, feedback and opinion. Before I requested this, I had seen the price point on Amazon and really wanted to try it. I am so happy I have had this opportunity. Thank you!

Disclosure:  I am an Amazon affiliate and may earn a small commission if one of my readers clicks through a link to Amazon and completes a purchase.

Related

1. Herb Body Map
2. Healing Herbs and Spices
3. Herbs and Spices Rich in Antioxidants
4. 10 Herbs that Heal
5. Reduce Widespread Inflammation with These Foods

Healthworks USDA Organic Certified Quinoa - My Review on Amazon

A Plant Derived Protein Packed Superfood that is Recommended for Healthy Weight Loss and Healthy Diabetic Diet

Healthworks USDA Organic
Certified Quinoa

Plant-Based Protein

When I tell people I eat almost exclusively plant-based (vegan), one of the questions I always get asked is about protein. Where and how do I get my protein? It still surprises me that so many people continue to be unaware of the protein that is found in plant foods like beans, legumes and, of course, quinoa.

Quinoa:  A Plant-Derived Protein Superstar


Quinoa is a superstar among plant foods when it comes to protein. Healthworks Organic Quinoa contains about 6 grams of protein per serving - which is about 1/4 cup dry and 1 cup cooked. For me, this means that one cooked serving gives me 13% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) of protein. (To calculate your RDA for protein, just Google "how to calculate protein RDA")

Quinoa Nutrition and Health Benefits
Infographic Source:  FitFabFun

Quinoa:  Vitamins, Minerals and Fiber 

In addition to being packed with plant derived protein (which is thought to be easier on the liver and kidneys than animal protein derived protein), Healthworks Organic Quinoa is rich in important vitamins and minerals including the B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium.

And lets not forget fiber! Healthworks Organic Quinoa has 3 grams of fiber per serving which is approximately 12% of the RDA. It is estimated that most Americans do not get enough fiber. Yet fiber plays such an important role in health, including helping to maintain bowel health, lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels. It is thought that a high-fiber diet also aids in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

See:  Fiber for Weight Loss
See:  15 Healthy High Fiber Foods


Quinoa:  Recommended for Healthy Weight Loss

So, if you are looking to lose some weight, Healthworks Organic Quinoa can help with that in several ways ... (in addition to the fiber content) ....

• one serving has only 165 calories (and one serving is pretty filling especially when combined with raw, steamed, stir-fried or raw vegetables or leafy greens)
• one serving contains only 3 grams of fat and no or very little saturated fat (which means you choose which type of healthy fat you want to use, if any)
• one serving has no or very little sugar (the health and weight loss benefits of this are obvious!)
• the carbs in quinoa are mainly complex carbohydrates (which means you will not get the spike in blood sugar - in fact, quinoa has has lower glycemic index score which means it helps to maintain / stabilize blood sugar levels and that is why its one of the foods that is recommended for a healthy diabetic diet)

Healthworks Quinoa:  Rinsing, Soaking, Sprouting

The Healthworks Organic Quinoa is not pre-rinsed. This means you will have to rinse it. However, this minor "inconvenience" will usually save you some money if you compare the pricing to pre-washed brands. Also, rinsing it yourself means you have control over the quality of water in which you rinse it.

Personally, I like to soak and sprout quinoa before cooking it when time permits. Soaking and sprouting generally always makes the grain, pseudo-grain legume, bean, seed or nut more nutritious and bio-available. That is, your body can more readily absorb and use the nutrition available in the plant if it is soaked and sprouted.

Quinoa Salad - Serve Warm or Chilled
yellow onions, tomatoes, garlic,
cilantro, green onions, coconut oil,
harissa paste, turmeric powder
and Celtic sea salt

Preparation:  Creamy or Firm Texture

For preparation, if I want a creamier quinoa texture I simmer it as per the instructions. If I want a firmer texture where the individual seeds (or more accurately, the pseudo-grains) are less sticky and more separate, I measure a small amount of healthy fat into the sauce or a large skillet pan, add the quinoa and stir it over low heat until the individual seeds/grains are coated with the healthy fat, then add the liquid, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to very low and cover it - basically letting it steam cook until done.








Healthworks Quinoa:  Sourced from Sustainable Farmers, USDA Certified Organic

Other important factors I appreciate about Healthworks Organic Quinoa is that it is sourced from sustainable farmers, it is USDA certified organic (as distinguished from other organic certifying organizations or agencies), it is fresh and tastes and cooks just as expected.

See:  Know Your Food Labels - What Are You Really Eating?

Disclosures

Disclosure: I was fortunate to be selected to purchase Healthworks Organic Quinoa at a discount in exchange for my honest review and opinion. When I say fortunate, I really mean that! It was a special opportunity to get a small discount on a product that I already love and have a very high opinion of.

Disclosure:  I am an Amazon affiliate and may earn a small commission if one of my readers clicks through a link to Amazon and completes a purchase.

I'm attaching a picture of one of my favorite ways of eating quinoa - a slightly spicy quinoa salad that can be eaten warm or cold - ingredients include yellow onions, tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, green onions, coconut oil, harissa paste, turmeric powder and Celtic sea salt.