Hippocrates Four Core Nutrients to Support Optimal Health

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a group of cobalt-containing compounds that are collectively called cobalamins. At Hippocrates we recommend a bacterial form of B12, such as Ocean Energy and B12 Forte. Methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (also known as adenosylcobalamin) are the coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 that play a role in human metabolism. Vitamin B12 plays a role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation and is involved in the functioning of the nervous system and immune system.

If one is deficient in vitamin B12, it may create some of the following conditions: macrocytic anemia, psychiatric symptoms (including memory loss, depression, confusion, delirium, and paranoia), glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), hyperpigmentation of the skin, orthostatic hypotension, impaired capacity of leukocytes (white blood cells) to kill bacteria.[i] [ii]The neurological disorders of vitamin B12 deficiency may become irreversible if not treated in a timely manner.

Probiotics

Probiotics are bacteria or yeast organisms that can have beneficial effects on human health. Probiotic organisms are believed to work in part by enhancing digestion and immune function, by competing with pathogenic microorganisms for binding sites on mucosal surfaces, and by producing chemicals that inactivate or kill pathogens. At Hippocrates, we use LifeGive Instinct Probiotics to support optimal gastro—intestinal health. A lack of sufficient amounts of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) weakens your immune system and leaves you more susceptible to bad bacteria that can make you sick. When the digestive tract is healthy, these beneficial bacteria filter out and eliminate things that can damage it, such as harmful waste products.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes are typically proteins that act as biological catalysts. Digestive enzymes help to break down your food for greater absorption. You are what you absorb. Digestive enzymes can take stress off of the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder and small intestine by helping break down difficult-to-digest proteins, starches and fats. As we age, the acidity of our stomach acid becomes more alkaline. In respect of enzyme production, this means there is an increased potential for the acidic “trigger” to fail when food enters the intestine. If the acidity trigger fails, then the “signal” isn’t given to secretin, which in turn prevents pancreatic secretions from releasing. If you have any type of digestive health challenge such as acid reflux, gas, bloating, leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, diarrhea or constipation, then digestive enzymes can help.

Blue Green Algae (AFA - Aphanizomenon flos-aquaec)

Organic blue-green algae (AFA) is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Blue-green algae has a high concentration of nutrients, over 65 vitamins, minerals and enzymes and is a complete protein. Chlorophyll is a very important part of the blue green algae. Its molecular structure is almost the same as that of the hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen is the prime nutrient, and chlorophyll is the central molecule for increasing the oxygen availability to your system. Chlorophyll is vital for the body's rapid assimilation of amino acids. Blue-green algae is one of the richest sources of chlorophyll, a well-known agent for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and blood building benefits. Blue-green algae contains phytonutrients. Phytonutrients contain protective, disease-preventing compounds that interact with other plant nutrients to produce a synergy that can help fight many diseases.

[i] Kaplan SS, Basford RE. Effect of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies on neutrophil function. Blood 1976;47:801–805.

[ii] Skacel PO, Chanarin I. Impaired chemiluminescence and bactericidal killing by neutrophils from patients with severe cobalamin deficiency. Br J Haematol 1983;55:203–215.

Article by Tom Fisher, RN, BA