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Learn more about current health topics and the science behind many of NSP's products with our Scientific Update articles. A new article is published monthly by our Health Sciences department. Receive Update via Monthly e-NewsletterEvery month a new Scientific Update is emailed to you as part of the monthly e-newsletter. Subscribe to the free e-newsletter. Scientific Update Articles
Supplements for ChildrenChildren need good food and excellent supplemental nutrition to achieve their full potential. Nature’s Sunshine Products provides high potency supplements that are safe and effective for children. Sunshine Heroes ensure maximum nutrition in a chewable product line formulated specifically for children.Learn more about NSP's supplements for children. Brain Preservation with Brain Health SupplementsProtecting brain health is imperative for meaningful and healthy aging. Scientific and medical wisdom suggest that some degree of cognitive decline is part of the aging process. The possibility of living longer and healthier lives is within reach, but brain health must be preserved while achieving this goal. For this reason, it’s quite encouraging to learn that scientists have discovered that neurological structure and function can be preserved and even restored. We can now offer scientifically substantiated approaches to enhancing our cognitive health with brain health supplements. Men's Health IssuesThe general topic of men’s health is quite broad and can include issues that are part of women’s health too. Good examples here are cardiovascular wellbeing and weight loss. However, prostate health and conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED) are peculiar to men.Learn more about Men's health issues. Diabetes and CholesterolThe disease diabetes mellitus is characterized by the pancreas either not producing insulin (Type I or juvenile-onset diabetes) or not properly utilizing the insulin that is produced (Type II or adult-onset diabetes). The hormone insulin is essential for the transport of glucose from the bloodstream to the interior of various cells in the body where it is used as an energy source. Learn more about the association of high blood cholesterol levels with diabetes. Combatting Respiratory AllergiesThe immune system is generally regarded as beneficial. However, in some cases, the immune system responds inappropriately, and all of a sudden we have too much of a good thing. Allergy is sometimes referred to as hypersensitivity and involves an exaggerated response to an antigen which, in this case, is called an allergen. A variety of natural ingredients offer relief of seasonal and respiratory allergy symptoms. Factors that Lead to ObesityOur scientific update focuses on factors that lead to obesity. New research shows that intestinal flora can determine the efficiency of calorie extraction from the food that we eat. Learn how changes in diet, exercise habits, lifestyle choices and supplementation can be important in helping you reach your weight-loss goals. Maintaining Cardiovascular HealthOur scientific update focuses on maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system just in time for National Heart Month. See how a diet high in plant-based foods has long been associated with cardiovascular benefits. Epigenetics and HealthOur scientific update focuses on epigenetics and health. See how what you choose to eat affects not only you but your children as well! Read more about how your food choices affect your children. Food for Thought: WHAT are the CAUSES of OBESITY?Obesity has been a problem in the United States for quite some time now. Most health care practitioners view obesity as a prelude to a variety of conditions that range from osteoarthritis to cardiovascular disease. An increasingly serious health issue involves obesity being associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, it’s not clear if obesity or diabetes develops first, and this question has been a focus of considerable debate and research in recent years.Read the article about obesity. Detoxing with ChlorophyllOur scientific update focuses on Chlorophyll and its ability to detoxify and deodorize the body and to support gastrointestinal health. Researchers at Oregon State University have found that chlorophyllin can potentially be used to successfully prevent and treat cancer. Read the Chlorophyll article. Vitamin D and the Immune SystemStudies now indicate that vitamin D, once only recognized for supporting bone health, may be a key nutritional component in enhancing immune function. With the cold and flu season upon us, good nutrition is vital to maintaining a strong immune system. Vitamin D/Immune System Article. Liver Health The liver is the second largest organ in the body and performs a number of functions that are essential to the health of all body systems. Milk thistle herb is well-known for its liver-supporting effects, and in clinical studies it has been shown to have liver-protective effects in cases of cirrhosis associated with viruses and chronic alcohol use. Other herbs such as dandelion root, parsley and blessed thistle have also been shown to support liver health. Read the liver health article. Celiac Disease and Digestive HealthAn estimated 1% of the US population has this digestive disorder, which develops when a susceptible person is exposed to gluten and has an unusually permeable intestinal wall. Digestive enzymes such as protease, amylase and lipase support optimal digestion in the small intestine. Betaine HCl helps to support digestion that occurs in the stomach and small intestine, and can help maintain optimal digestion.Read the celiac disease and digestive health article. Vitamin D and Children Emerging research shows that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. The American Academy of Pediatrics hasrecently doubled its recommendation for the minimum amount of vitamin D that children should get daily. Read the Vitamin D and children article. Nervous SystemOur scientific update focuses on supplements especially for the nervous system. Good nutrition and dietary supplements can support mental and nervous system health. Ginkgo, antioxidants, B vitamins, essential fatty acids (EFAs), huperzine A and lecithin all offer benefits. Read the Nervous System article. Intestinal System SupportOur scientific update focuses on supplements specific for the intestinal tract. Enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics and other herbal products can help aid the digestive tract. Read the Intestinal Support article. Key Nutrients for Structural HealthOur scientific update focuses on some of the key nutrients for structural health. May is National Arthritis Month, and this article focuses on joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and devil’s claw.Read Structural Health article.  View Scientific Updates with the Free Adobe Reader.
Urinary System Tract HealthOur scientific update focuses on the urinary system and urinary tract health. Supplementation can help support the urinary system, and research shows that several herbal nutrients may help this system. March 2010 Read Urinary Tract Health Article (PDF) Glandular Support for Weight ManagementThe scientific update this month focuses on glandular support for weightmanagement. The thyroid gland and the other endocrine organsmay play a role in how the body responds to changes in diet and exercise. January 2010 Read article(PDF) Immune System SupportOur scientific update this month focuses on Nature’s Defense Boosters. Duringthe cold-and-flu season, natural alternatives for immune system support helptarget unwanted invaders. December 2009 Read article (PDF) Depression and Mental Health Our scientific update focuses on Depression and Mental Health. Depression canoccur when certain chemicals in the brain are out of balance. Many naturalproducts, including St. John’s wort, SAMe, 5-HTP, essential fatty acids and Bvitamins, can support normal brain function. Nov. 2009 Read article (PDF) DiabetesOur scientific update this month focuses on diabetes and dietarysupplementation. The antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid may reduce symptomsassociated with diabetic neuropathies. . October 2009 Read article (PDF) Key Nutrients for ChildrenOur scientific update this month focuses on key nutrients for children’shealth. Vitamins, minerals, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, whole foodantioxidants and digestive enzymes all play a role in optimal health. September 2009 Read article (PDF) Stress ManagementOur scientific update this month focuses on stress management. Some stress isnormal and can even be useful. But if stress lasts too long, it can havenegative effects. August 2009
Read article(PDF) Joint HealthOur scientific update this month focuses on joint health. July 2009 Read article (PDF) Nutrients our Bodies NeedOur scientific update this month focuses on vital nutrition and the specificnutrients the body needs to function properly. June 2009 Read article (PDF) UV CancerOur brief scientific update on UV Cancer Awareness shares some importantfacts on sun exposure just in time for the warmer weather May2009 Read article (PDF) Seasonal AllergiesAllergy season is here, so take a minute to review some quick facts onallergies! April 2009 Read article(PDF) Science behind CleanStart (NSP Product)The scientific update this month focuses on CleanStart, our two-weekcleansing and detoxifying formula. March 2009 Read article (PDF) Heart Heathful ProductsThe scientific update this month focuses on Heart Healthful Products inconjunction with national heart health month. A healthy cardiovascular system isessential for maintaining well-being and vitality. Nature’s Sunshine Co-Q10,Cardio Assurance, Blood Pressurex and Super Omega-3 EPA provide heart-healthfulbenefits. February 2009 Read article (PDF) Everflex ProductThe scientific update this month focuses on EverFlex®, our naturalalternative for joint support that combines glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin,devil’s claw and hyaluronic acid for healthy joint function. Complementaryproducts include EverFlex Pain Cream, which features the cooling relief ofmenthol plus cetylated fatty acid esters and MSM. January2009 Read article (PDF) Fizz Active Immune ProductThe scientific update this month focuses on Fizz Active Immune, ourgreat-tasting combination of immune-supporting ingredients, includingbeta-glucans, arabinogalactan, Echinacea purpurea root, elderberries, Koreanginseng root, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), zinc and potassium. Unique effervescenttechnology makes Fizz Active-Immune highly bioavailable. Make sure you rev upyour immune system this cold-weather season with Fizz Active-Immune. December 2008 Read article (PDF) Candida Clear ProductThe scientific update this month focuses on Candida Clear, our new 14-daycleansing program. This product was developed to help balance the colonizationof Candida albicans. Candida is a natural part of the body’s gut flora and isalso present on the skin and in mucous membranes. Factors such as stress,weakened immune function, a diet high in refined carbohydrates or the use ofantibiotics can lead to Candida overgrowth. Candida Clear is a blend ofingredients specifically selected to help balance Candida levels. In addition,several components also help support immune system health. November 2008 Read article (PDF) Ultimate GreenZone ProductThe scientific update this month focuses on our new and improved Ultimate GreenZone. We recently launched a brand-new formula that is nutritionally enhanced with chia, quinoa and flax seed lignans. The chia seed was a staple in the Aztec diet and is considered a good source of unsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber and folic acid. Quinoa (pronounced keen-WAH) grain has been cultivated in the Andes for thousands of years. It’s an excellent source of protein and serves as a substitute for wheat. Flax seed is rich in fatty acids, including omega-3 and alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is an essential fatty acid that supports a variety of actions in the body. We love this new product and think you’ll agree that it tastes great and is good for you. October 2008 Read article(PDF) The benefits of cocoa and chocolate flavonoids A study showed that consuming cocoa flavonoids improved vascular function in people with type II diabetes. Immediate improvement in vascular health was observed in the group with the highest flavonoid consumption. Previous studies have shown that the benefits extend to all in helping keep blood pressure down and in maintaining heart health.September 2008
Read Article (PDF) RG-MAX with Citrulline Our new, improved RG-Max, which now contains L-citrulline. New RG-Max supplies the nutrients needed to boost energy levels and blood flow throughout the body and protect against the negative effects of cardiovascular aging.August 2008 Read Article (PDF) Probiotics and Hay Fever The scientific update this month focuses on probiotics and hay fever. A recent study found a link between probiotic supplementation and reduced symptoms of hay fever.July 2008 Read Article (PDF) Digestive System Health The scientific update this month focuses on the importance of the digestive system in maintaining optimal health. Nature’s Sunshine offers products that supplement digestion in the stomach (PDA Combination; Food Enzymes), the small intestine (Hi-Lipase, Proactazyme® Plus, High Potency Protease and Protease Plus), and the large intestine (Everybody’s Fiber, Nature’s Three, LOCLO and Psyllium Hulls Capsules).June 2008 Read Article (PDF) Folic Acid The scientific update this month focuses on the benefits of folic acid. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is a member of the B-vitamin family. Most people are familiar with the recommendation for women to take folic acid during pregnancy, but did you know that folic acid is also good for the heart?May 2008 Read Article (PDF) NSP Products for Sun Protection and Skin Support The scientific update this month focuses on NSP products for sun protection. UV exposure is a major risk factor for the development of two types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. The CDC reported over 45,000 new cases of melanoma in the United States in 2003 with 7,818 deaths from it the same year.April 2008 Read Article (PDF) Hawthorn and Heart Health The scientific update this month focuses on the heart benefits of hawthorn. Hawthorn, a member of the rose family, has been used traditionally for various heart concerns. A recent study found that hawthorn may help in the treatment of chronic heart failure.March 2008 Read Article (PDF) Anti-Aging Benefits of Vitamin D The scientific update focuses on the anti-aging benefits of Vitamin D. A recent study found a relationship between longer telomeres in human blood cells and increased levels of vitamin D. Telomeres are caps on the ends of chromosomes that become shorter with each cell division (age).February 2008 Read Article (PDF) The Health Benefits of Algae The scientific update focuses on the health benefits of algae. While algae has been recognized in Asia for many years, it has become more popular in the western diet. Now algae has been spotlighted for its potentially positive effects on stem cells.January 2008 Read Article (PDF) The Health Benefits of Cinnamon The scientific update focuses on cinnamon, which has become increasingly popular for its positive effects on blood sugar levels. In a recent clinical study, people with diabetes were given ground cinnamon bark or a placebo for three months.December 2007 Read Article (PDF) Anthocyanins The scientific update this month focuses on Anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are found in fruits and vegetables and protect many body systems. Among other potential health benefits, anthocyanins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.November 2007 Read Article (PDF) Benefits of Vitamin K The scientific update this month focuses on a recent study that demonstrates the important function of the skeleton in how the body regulates sugar, energy and fat. Researchers at Columbia University found that osteoblasts, which are the cells involved with bone formation, play a role in controlling fat tissue metabolism by producing osteocalcin.October 2007 Read Article (PDF) GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) At the end of June, the FDA published a ruling on Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplements. This ruling requires manufacturers to perform activities in manufacturing, packaging and labeling to ensure that dietary supplements contain ingredients that are claimed on the label and that are not contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals or other impurities.September 2007 Read Article (PDF) Alpha Lipoic Acid Our scientific update this month focuses on Alpha Lipoic Acid, a naturally occurring compound found in plant foods such as spinach and broccoli. In the body, alpha lipoic acid plays a key role in energy production, acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps to detoxify harmful compounds. August2007 Read Article (PDF) Coenzyme Q-10 Co-Q10 is a vitamin-like compound that is found in virtually all body cells, especially the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. This nutrient is essential to the energy production cycle that takes place inside the mitochondria.July 2007 Read Article (PDF) Protecting Your Skin We all know that you can use sunscreen or wear protective clothing, but did you know that you can also use dietary supplements to protect your skin from within? Two recent studies indicate that lycopene, phytofluene and phytoene may help protect the skin from UV-induced damage.June 2007 Read Article (PDF) Noni Our scientific update this month focuses on noni and a study conducted by our own Dr. William Keller and Dr. Douglas Kinghorn from Ohio State University that was published in the Journal of Natural Products in 2005. While this study is a little dated, we found that many had not heard this information before and wanted all our customers to have it.May 2007 Read Article (PDF) Benefits of Dark Chocolate In recent months, researchers have found that consuming cocoa rich in flavonols can reverse impairment in the function of blood vessels. In addition, dark chocolate has also been shown to decrease blood pressure and insulin resistance in healthy subjects and those with hypertension.April 2007 Read Article (PDF) Cardiovascular Health As you may know, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The risk of heart disease can be reduced or even prevented by taking steps to reduce risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and diabetes.March 2007 Read Article (PDF) Capciasin Our scientific update this month focuses on a product near and dear to Nature’s Sunshine and one of our founders, Gene Hughes. Gene’s use of capsicum for his stomach ulcer was a key reason Nature’s Sunshine began some 35 years ago. “Capsaicin” highlights some recent research suggesting that capsaicin has been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in many different types of cancer cells.February 2007 Read Article (PDF) New Roles of Vitamin D This month we focus on the “New Roles of Vitamin D,” which highlights recent research suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of infections, cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS).January 2007 Read Article (PDF) |