supplements Archives - Community Food Co-op

A Few of Our Favorite Wellness Products

Mushroom Master Blend

From OM Mushrooms

Adaptogen powerhouse
10 mushrooms, plus 3 adaptogens & Reishi Extract
The Multivitamin of Mushroom Superfood

Olive Leaf Complex

From Barleans

Clinically studied for anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to support a healthy immune system
Full spectrum liquid, super antioxidant wellness solution.
95mg Oleuropein per serving
May help support healthy immune system, cardiovascular system and blood pressure in the normal range
Non-GMO, kosher, sustainably sourced

Back to Balance Cleanse

From Himalaya

Ashwagandha has been a revered adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb for 2,000 years
Vegan
B Corp certified

Herbal Adaptogens for Stress Support

silver spoons with brightly colored superfood powders in them

The past few years have brought about unexpected and unprecedented change. As a consequence, it has also burdened us with significant stress: stress at the workplace, stress in relationships, stress about the future, financial stress, and burnout. For many of us stress has permeated our lives, becoming a daily and constant unwelcome companion. It is important to note that not all stress is bad. In healthy amounts, stress can be a source of motivation, it can help us endure discomfort in the short term for long term gains, it can help keep us safe by cueing us into danger. When stress becomes prolonged and overwhelming, however, it stops being beneficial and instead becomes disruptive, burdensome, and even detrimental to our health. Excessive stress can cause fatigue, disrupt our sleep, make us more irritable and on edge, and lead to or exacerbate chronic conditions like IBS, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Luckily, there is a group of herbal allies that can help us bear the weight of stress so that it does not feel so heavy. These allies are called adaptogens. Adaptogens are uniquely well suited to help our bodies adapt to stress on a physiological level. When taken regularly, adaptogens can help decrease fatigue, improve attention and endurance, and blunt the detrimental effects that chronic stress can have on our hormones, immune system, and nervous system.

Let’s take a closer look at four common adaptogens.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a short, fleshy perennial herb with a fragrant rhizome that is abundant in the Arctic and originates in Siberia and the mountains of northwest China. Just as the plant itself is able to withstand and even flourish in these harsh habitats, rhodiola as an adaptogen helps to increase endurance, combat fatigue, and enhance physical and mental performance. It is ideal for those who are experiencing prolonged periods of heightened stress leading to fatigue, burnout, and difficulty focusing. Think of this plant for those who are burning the candle at both ends, such as college students, exhausted parents, and overworked individuals. Because of its energy boosting properties, it is best taken earlier in the day.

Find rhodiola in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Astragalus

Astragalus is widely used in Chinese medicine as an adaptogen with cooling and calming effects. In addition to being an adaptogen, astragalus is inflammation-modulating. It does it all. Astragalus protects the kidneys and liver, supports a healthy heart, breaks down scar tissue, and fights against viral infections. It is best used on a regular basis for general stress support, especially when stress leads to frequent illness, anger and irritability, and chronic fatigue.

Find astragalus in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition as an herb that helps to replenish us when we feel our vitality is depleted. Not only a powerful adaptogen, ashwagandha is also anti-inflammatory and anxiety reducing. It helps to nourish and protect the brain. Ashwagandha is ideal for those experiencing stress-related insomnia, as it can help increase sleep latency times, allowing us to sleep longer and more fully. Think of this plant for when you are feeling “wired and tired,” exhausted and unable to cope with stress with excessive worry and thoughts.

Find ashwagandha in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Bacopa

Bacopa is the go-to adaptogen when stress is starting to affect brain health. Bacopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective agent. It helps to increase blood flow to the brain, increases GABA (an anti-anxiety neurotransmitter), and helps to repair damaged neurons. Bacopa is helpful in improving cognition, focus, memory retention, and concentration. Because of these qualities, it can be a powerful adaptogen for the aging, the overworked, and those with ADHD.

Find bacopa in the Co-op's wellness department here.

By Kelley Garrison, ND

Dr. Garrison is a licensed naturopath at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic who specializes in stress and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. She enjoys working with patients to find the root cause of their symptoms and helps them cultivate the resources needed to feel healthy and resilient. You can find her at nwlifemedicine.com.

Ask the Nutritionist: Vitamin D

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News contributor

June 2019

Selva Wohlgemuth, meal planning instructor

Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

“Tell me more about vitamin D. How and where do I get enough vitamin D for general wellness?”

Many people have heard of vitamin D and understand its relationship to the sun. I often hear people say “soaking up my vitamin D” when a nice, sunny day arrives. But is it really as simple as that? Of course not. Today I will clarify what vitamin D is, why you need to make sure you are getting enough, and how to make sure you are getting what you need.

Vitamin D 101

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with hormone-like properties that is found naturally only in a few foods and can be synthesized in the skin from the sun’s UVB rays. It is commonly known for its facilitative role in bone health by increasing calcium absorption and for its role in improving seasonal affective disorder. However, many people do not know that it also is required for proper immune function, hormone health, cellular growth and development, and blood sugar and blood pressure regulation. That’s a lot!

Many studies have found an inverse relationship between vitamin D status and autoimmune disorders, diabetes, eczema, cancer, depression, and more. The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is set at 400IU per day
for infants, 600IU per day for children and adults, and 800IU for the elderly.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN D

Vitamin D from the Sun

The sun doesn’t give you vitamin D3, it merely starts a process. Upon the skin’s exposure to the sun’s UVB rays, pre-vitamin D3 is converted to inactive vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). After conversion in the skin, cholecalciferol is quickly transported to the liver and then to the kidneys to be metabolized to active vitamin D3, also known as calcitriol. Therefore, if the liver or kidneys are not functioning properly, vitamin D status can be impaired.

However, the darkness of your skin, the fat deposition underneath your skin, and the coverage on your skin (including sunscreen and clothing) all play a role in if and how much pre-vitamin D3 is converted to cholecalciferol. If you have darker skin tone, are elderly (less fat under skin), wear a protective clothing layer, or apply a sunscreen greater than 10 SPF, you will have reduced or no vitamin D3 conversion.

Furthermore, above the 40th parallel north (or below the 42nd parallel south), there is inadequate UVB radiation to support vitamin D synthesis from mid-October to mid-March. Bellingham is at the 48th parallel north.

Plus, the best time for good UVB exposure is between 10 am–2 pm. If you are working an indoor job from 9 am to 5 pm, are fully clothed, and wear sunscreen on your face, then you will not synthesize any vitamin D. If you think you will get some vitamin D when sitting in a sunny spot inside, think again. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, or time of day, if you are sitting in front of a window, all UVB rays are blocked and you will not synthesize any vitamin D.

Nutritionist Tip: Get outside around noon for 15 minutes and expose your hands, arms, and face (without sunscreen) in the late spring, summer, and early fall months to synthesize about 1000IU. Then layer on the sunscreen or seek shade.

Vitamin D from Food

Vitamin D is only found naturally in very few foods including fatty fish like salmon and sardines (340IU per 3 ounces), eggs (40IU per egg), and liver (40IU per 3 ounces). Mushrooms, although advertised as a source of vitamin D, often do not provide much useable vitamin D unless the grower purposefully has exposed the mushrooms to UV light. One cup of sliced “unexposed” crimini mushrooms only provides 5IU, whereas the “exposed” provides around 400IU. Ask your grocer what kind they offer. However, there are other foods on the market that are fortified with vitamin D such as dairy and plant milks, orange juice, and some cereals, usually providing anywhere between 50-100IU per serving.

Nutritionist Tip: Enjoy fatty seafood like salmon, UV “exposed” mushrooms, and fortified milk or non-dairy milks multiple times per week for substantial food sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin D from Supplements

Vitamin D supplements can be found as vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D2 is synthesized via UV irradiation of yeast, whereas D3 is synthesized via UV irradiation of lanolin. However, research studies have found that vitamin D2 may not be as effective in increasing active (calcitriol) vitamin D3 serum levels. Taking supplements is essential when adequate dietary intake and proper sun exposure are lacking.

How Much to Supplement?

The optimal intake of vitamin D to support general health and well-being remains controversial. Researchers have found a U-shaped curve regarding vitamin D status, indicating that both low and high vitamin D serum levels are correlated with disease development and progression. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that generally healthy adults supplement with 2000IU of vitamin D3 daily. Some may need more or less depending on the factors previously discussed.

More is not always better! High-dose vitamin D supplementation that is not monitored can lead to abnormally high serum calcium concentrations, which can damage the kidneys and heart. Research suggests that daily intakes of less than 10,000IU per day in healthy individuals is very unlikely to result in toxicity.

Nonetheless, it is best to test not guess! Work with a health care practitioner to check your vitamin D status 1–2 times per year to get a feel for your unique needs. Research studies suggest that a serum vitamin D concentration between 40 ng/mL and 60 ng/mL is ideal.

Nutritionist Tip: Supplement with 1000–2000IU per day and check your vitamin D levels annually to ensure a serum vitamin D between 40–60ng/mL. Make sure to check your multivitamin, as they often already contain some vitamin D.

RESOURCES FOR THE INSPIRED INDIVIDUAL

Overall, low vitamin D status can impact your health in many ways. Unfortunately, testing vitamin D status is not as routine as it should be, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Ensuring optimal vitamin D levels year-round can help keep you feeling your best. Be an advocate for yourself and request vitamin D labs at your annual doctor visit or see the resources below for additional helpful research, testing, guidelines, and applications.

See www.Grassrootshealth.net for more vitamin D information and research. They also provide vitamin D testing for $65.
Get the free DMinder App to monitor your vitamin D status and local sun exposure.
See the Environmental Working Group’s “Guide to Sunscreen” for safe sunscreen products.Article References:Krause’s Food & The Nutrition Care Process, 14th Edition.
Pages: 1071-1072.Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamin D. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-D#RDAGrassrootsHealth. Resources. https://grassrootshealth.net/documentation/

Ask the Nutritionist

Have questions? Send them to contact@happybellynutritionist.com. Selva Wohlgemuth is a registered dietitian nutritionist. Learn more about her approach to general health and well-being at her Happy Belly Nutrition website, and see her recipes and other kitchen tips at Poppies and Papayas.

So Good, We Put Our Name on It: Co-op Supplements

by Laura Steiger, Outreach Team

vitamins omega sunflower D3 E epa dha omega 3

Co-op brand supplements offer Co-op shoppers a great deal on high-quality products, manufactured to current Good Manufacturing Practices, by a company that is committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility—just like the Co-op!

Walk down the aisles of the Co-op’s wellness departments and you’ll notice something new. Well, not exactly new but a newly redesigned label for our in-house supplements.

a newly redesigned label for our in-house supplements

Before we put our line of supplements on our store shelves, we searched for suppliers that could meet our high standards. Our supplement manufacturer has been owned and operated by the same family since 1924. Their 85-plus years of manufacturing experience results in consistent and safe products.

What's more, their facility is certified organic by Quality Assurance International, a leader in organic certification, as well as third-party certified by the Natural Product Association. All manufacturing procedures and standards for cleanliness are periodically audited by the FDA. They are also a member of the Organic Trade Association.

our confidence in our supplements is reflected in the clarity and completeness of our labeling

Full disclosure labels list the details of each product’s contents. Labels disclose information about artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives in addition to gluten and common allergens.

our manufacturer is dedicated to supporting green initiatives

In line with the Co-op’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, our manufacturer is dedicated to supporting green initiatives. Supplements are shipped in boxes that use partially-recycled materials and recyclable crushed paper as packing material. The fully recyclable amber glass bottles are made from 35 percent recycled material, and the white plastic caps are also fully recyclable. All promotional materials also utilize post-consumer fibers.

The manufacturing facility makes use of natural skylights to save energy and provide a pleasant work environment, and all unusable computer hardware and equipment is recycled.

Each year since 2006, our manufacturer participates in donating 11 million children’s multivitamins to Vitamin Angels—the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to providing vital nutrition to those in need internationally and domestically. Through its “Operation 20/20” campaign, they plan to eradicate childhood blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency worldwide by the year 2020. Over 30 percent of the world’s population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies. The Co-op, along with Vitamin Angels and our manufacturer, believes every person has a right to basic nutrition.

Co-op brand supplements do not include extra costs for marketing and advertising, and we pass those savings directly to our shoppers.

Co-op member-owners can save an extra 25 percent when they place an advance order for three or more of any wellness item

When searching for natural, premium supplements to promote overall wellness and global sustainability—look no further than the Co-op’s own brand.