We now return to the start of the alphabet in presenting another in our recurring feature of natural remedies beginning with a certain letter, in this case the letter “A.”
We have found this alphabetized format an informative and practical way of providing bite-sized summaries of a variety of supplements, herbs, and other nutrients that encompass a wide array of health benefits. It’s our way, you might say, of “cramming” a lot of valuable information into a small amount of space.
Those of you who are frequent readers of our blogs might remember we did an A-list blog about a year ago. In that earlier blog we featured acai, acerola, alfalfa leaves, apple cider vinegar, astaxanthin, and astragalus root. We promise no repeats this time around, as we offer a fresh batch in the form of a new list. Chances are you will likely find at least one or two “gems” worthy of a spot in your pantry or medicine cabinet. Just be sure to discuss your possible use of any of these nutrients or compounds with your physician or other licensed healthcare professional, especially if you are taking prescription medicine(s).
Vitamin A. Also known as retinol, or retinoic acid, vitamin A is best known for its antioxidant characteristics. That means it has the strong potential to guard your cells from the negative consequences of damage-causing free radicals (molecules exposed to harmful substances such as tobacco smoke or radiation), which can be a factor leading to heart disease and other serious health conditions. A vitamin A deficiency has also been linked to problems related to vision, reproduction, and immunity among other factors.
Acetyl L-carnitine. This is a derivative of L-carnitine, an amino acid produced naturally in your body and which plays an active role in the production of energy. Based on that function alone, you would be right in assuming that acetyl L-carnitine has a hand in a variety of health-inducing activities. Among other things it has shown success in helping to mitigate mental infirmities such as age-related memory loss; easing in withdrawal from alcohol abuse; able to treat diabetes-related nerve pain; and alleviate chronic tiredness due, for instance, to aging. In broader terms, acetyl L-carnitine is key to not only heart and brain function but muscle movement as well.
Aloe vera. If you have ever had a bad case of sunburn, a popular immediate treatment is applying aloe vera to your hot spot(s) with this gel-like substance. Relief typically arrives quickly to the affected area(s), thanks to aloe vera’s abundance of a variety of bioactive compounds in the plant, namely vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. Its antioxidant and antibacterial attributes also make aloe vera effective for dealing with plaque in your teeth, promoting wound healing, alleviating canker sores, and managing blood-sugar levels.
Alpha lipoic acid. This is an organic compound that your body naturally manufactures inside your mitochondrion – a powerful collection of cells – an action which helps by providing a boost to enzymes that are working to convert nutrients into energy. Besides that, it is a robust antioxidant that happens to be active in every cell in your body, imparting such health benefits as reduction of elevated blood-sugar levels, curtailment of unwanted inflammation (some forms of inflammation are good, however), assistance with weight loss, and thwarting the aging of your skin.
Ashwagandha root. This herb has become immensely popular in the Western world in recent years, although it has a long history as a key component of medical treatments dating back centuries, such as to the Ayurvedic and Unani traditions of India. Also occasionally referred to as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, ashwagandha root has been shown anecdotally to provide a powerful calming effect advantageous to sufferers of anxiety and stress. Ashwagandha root’s key asset is its abundance of phytochemicals, such as alkaloids and withanolides, which have been identified as sources of the herb’s positive and calming effects.
Remember, if you decide that any, some, or even all of these natural remedies might have a place in your life, please exercise caution and discuss their use with your physician or other healthcare professional. There’s a lot to like here, but let’s be careful out there. And give yourself an “A” for reading to the end.