A new name is making waves in health and wellness: GHK peptides. If you have been reading about longevity, beauty or advanced nutraceuticals, chances are you have come across GHK. So what exactly is it, and why is it attracting so much attention?
Every spring it starts again: itchy eyes, a blocked nose, and sneezing that just won't quit. For about one in five New Zealanders, hay fever isn't a minor nuisance. It disrupts sleep, makes it hard to concentrate, and drags down day-to-day life for months at a time.
Struggling with bloating? Learn which supplements actually help, backed by research and pharmacist advice, at Matakana Pharmacy.
Mother’s Day in New Zealand falls on Sunday 10 May 2026, right as the cooler weather settles in. It’s the perfect time to choose something warm, practical, and genuinely useful. This year we’ve curated a selection of cosy winter gifts, thoughtful self-care sets, and practical comforts you can actually use through the season.
GHK Peptides: The Rising Star in Longevity and Skin Health In the world of health and wellness, a new buzzword is making waves: GHK peptides. If you’ve been browsing conversations around longevity, beauty, or advanced nutraceuticals, chances are you’ve come across GHK. But what exactly is it, and why is it attracting so much attention? What is GHK in simple terms? GHK (short for glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring peptide found in the human body. Think of peptides as small chains of amino acids that act like messengers, helping our cells communicate and respond. Over time, our natural levels of GHK decline. By age 60, GHK levels can be less than half of what they were in our twenties. One of the special things about GHK is its ability to bind with copper, forming a complex known as GHK-Cu (Copper GHK). This protein, when bound to copper, helps our body repair itself — from making collagen and elastin for skin and joints, to supporting brain health, immunity, and heart health. Lower levels of GHK-Cu are linked with slower wound healing, more inflammation, and reduced resilience to aging. Why is GHK trending now? Beyond scientific circles, GHK is trending because it sits at the intersection of longevity science, nutraceutical innovation, and premium skincare, three areas people are increasingly passionate about. Wellness communities are calling it one of the most exciting peptides to watch. Interest in GHK has surged because of new research showing how deeply it interacts with our biology. Scientific studies suggest GHK influences the expression of thousands of genes, essentially helping to “reset” them toward a more balanced state (1). Researchers have also observed that GHK supports the body’s natural antioxidant defences and helps maintain healthy inflammatory responses (1). Who is GHK for? Adults interested in healthy aging, longevity, and repair People dealing with slower wound healing, inflammation, or skin repair issues Those who want extra support for brain, heart, and connective tissue health Individuals looking for a science-backed supplement to complement practitioner care What does the research say? While GHK has been studied for decades, recent findings are fueling renewed interest: Cellular renewal: Studies suggest GHK helps support stem cell activity and healthy DNA repair mechanisms. Skin and tissue support: In both lab and animal studies, GHK-Cu has been shown to encourage collagen and elastin production, contributing to the natural structure of skin and connective tissue. Skin renewal and repair: Clinical studies found that GHK-Cu creams supported improvements in skin density, firmness, and overall appearance. They also reduced visible lines, wrinkles, and photodamage when applied consistently for 8–12 weeks (2). Laboratory studies show that GHK stimulates collagen and elastin production, which are key proteins in the skin’s natural structure (2). Cognitive resilience: Animal research indicates GHK may support healthy brain ageing processes. Antioxidant capacity: GHK has demonstrated strong free radical-quenching abilities, sometimes outperforming well-known compounds such as glutathione. Tissue regeneration: Animal studies demonstrate that GHK supports wound healing, blood vessel formation, and antioxidant activity (1). Protective pathways: Researchers have noted that GHK influences the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which helps the body clear away damaged proteins — a process closely linked to ageing (1). These findings have led many integrative health professionals to explore GHK as part of their practitioner toolbox. It also suggests that GHK plays a broad, supportive role in maintaining balance within tissues, making it a molecule of growing interest in longevity and skincare research. Two Premium GHK Options from Quicksilver Scientific At Matakana Pharmacy & PracPharm, we curate the best practitioner-grade options, and Quicksilver Scientific has developed two standout products featuring GHK. Liposomal Copper GHK (Oral Gel) Delivered in an advanced liposomal format, this oral gel is designed to support optimal absorption. Taken by mouth, it allows GHK-Cu to bypass the breakdown that often occurs in the digestive tract, offering a practical way to replenish levels. Copper GHK + Facial Serum with Cycloastragenol For those focused on skin vitality, this nanoemulsified serum blends GHK-Cu with botanicals and antioxidants including cycloastragenol, bakuchiol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Together, these ingredients work to support a refreshed and radiant complexion. Both products utilise Quicksilver Delivery Systems®, known for enhancing bioavailability and stability of advanced formulations. Final Thoughts The excitement around GHK lies in its unique ability to connect advanced science with everyday wellbeing and skincare routines. While research continues, many in the integrative health space see it as a promising addition to modern longevity and beauty protocols. Disclaimer These are practitioner-only products available through consultation with an integrative pharmacist or healthcare professional. Supplements do not replace a balanced diet or healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, please seek professional advice before use. Products intended for use by customers are not intended as a means to cure, treat, prevent, diagnose, or mitigate any disease or other medical conditions. References Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data (PDF Copy) GHKPeptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration {PDF Copy}
Everyone wants to have a great hair day, but did you know that healthy, vibrant hair starts from within? Proper nourishment is essential for promoting hair growth, preventing breakage, and maintaining strength and shine. Whether you're dealing with hair loss, thinning, or simply want to improve your overall hair health, the right vitamins can make all the difference.
The Best Thorne Supplements for Your Health When it comes to achieving your health and wellness goals, choosing the right supplements can make all the difference. Thorne supplements are science-backed formulations designed to support you at every stage of life. But with such an impressive range of products, where do you start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of Thorne’s most popular supplements in New Zealand, highlighting their unique benefits and how they can support your journey to optimal wellness. What is Thorne? One of the leading brands of supplements out of the USA, Thorne has an ambition to empower all individuals to live healthier for longer through finding personalised supplemental solutions. With a deep portfolio of high-quality supplemental offerings and educational resources, Thorne products support the most specific health goals and needs at every age and life stage.Thorne has established itself as a serious and credible contender in the supplement space like no other brand has managed to do. With over 45K+ health professionals working worldwide with Thorne, 100+ sports teams, 10K+ pro athletes, and being the official sponsor for the U.S. Olympic Team and the official supplement partner for the UFC, Thorne has proven it is one of the best! What Are Practitioner-Only Supplements? Practitioner-only supplements are often of much higher quality. They frequently use more researched and studied formulas and ingredients, with much higher absorption, dosage, or concentration of ingredients. They can often show evidence supporting specific conditions. Practitioner-only supplements also undergo rigorous assurance quality testing and clinical trials to ensure their formulas are safe and effective. They are produced using superior manufacturing processes and higher-quality raw materials than OTC supplements. As a result, they are often hypoallergenic, of higher quality, and significantly more effective than their over-the-counter counterparts. What are the Best Thorne Supplements? People turn to Thorne to complete their supplemental needs. The top-selling five products in Thorne supplements for wellness include:1. Thorne Berberine 1000mgA high-quality berberine that supports many health benefits, including immune function support. Berberine is a powerful botanical used to support heart health, metabolic support, glucose balance and G.I. support.2. Thorne B-Complex #12One of our favourite B Vitamin Complex with extra B12 and Folate. This helps support energy production. Unlike many multi-B vitamins, it contains the active forms of water-soluble B vitamins. 3. Thorne Ovarian Care Ovarian Care supports reproductive health and natural fertility – because family planning should happen on your timeline! This is an awesome supplement to help support your goals for hormonal balance and family planning.4. Thorne Stress B ComplexManage stress naturally with a complete B vitamin complex, plus extra B5 for adrenal support. Stress B-Complex contains an optimal balance of essential B vitamins, with extra vitamin B5 to support healthy adrenal and immune function.5. Thorne Collagen FitPower up your favourite beverage with nutrients that support joint and muscle health, cellular energy production, training, recovery, and healthy ageing. * NSF Certified for Sport® Buy Thorne Supplements at Matakana Pharmacy At Matakana Pharmacy and PracPharm clinics, we have curated the best supplements Thorne has to offer. These are available online or in-store, and they are also available for click-and-collect ordering at the best prices. Browse now and discover our full range of vitamins and supplements today, including our selection of CellCore supplements.
The Benefits of High-End, Practitioner-Only Supplements When choosing supplements for your health, you generally have two options: over-the-counter (OTC) or practitioner-only supplements. Explore the differences between the two choices and the benefits of practitioner-only supplements. What Are Over-The-Counter Supplements? Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements are often available for purchase without consulting a qualified practitioner such as a pharmacist, naturopath, or herbalist. High-quality OTC supplements can offer numerous health benefits. However, OTC supplements often have lower absorption or bioavailability, reduced dosages, and may include additional non-active ingredients like fillers or excipients, which can cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Practitioner-only supplements, by contrast, are formulated for superior quality and effectiveness. What Are Practitioner-Only Supplements? Practitioner-only supplements are often of much higher quality. They frequently use more researched and studied formulas and ingredients, with much higher absorption, dosage, or concentration of ingredients. They can often show evidence supporting specific conditions. Practitioner-only supplements also undergo rigorous assurance quality testing and clinical trials to ensure their formulas are safe and effective. They are produced using superior manufacturing processes and higher-quality raw materials than OTC supplements. As a result, they are often hypoallergenic, of higher quality, and significantly more effective than their over-the-counter counterparts. How Can I Get Practitioner-Only Supplements? Practitioner-only supplements offer numerous benefits and are significantly higher quality, but a consultation is required to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your needs. This process guarantees that you're using the right supplement for the right reason and won't interact with any prescription or over-the-counter medications you may be taking.Matakana Pharmacy and Pracpharm boutique pharmacy are here to help you find and get the best supplements. The process is simple: you create an account, fill out a pre-screening questionnaire, and have a free consultation (over the phone or in person) with one of our integrative pharmacists before you can receive practitioner-only supplements. Why Don't People Know About Or Take Practitioner-Only Supplements? Our mission at PracPharm and Matakana Pharmacy is to remove barriers to accessing higher-quality practitioner-only supplements. With so many benefits compared to OTC supplements, we were confused about why more people don't use practitioner supplements instead of over-the-counter. We found out that this is usually due to these reasons: Practitioner-only supplements are often difficult to find. Many brands need to be imported from Australia, the USA, and Europe. There are barriers and costs incurred with this. Consultation with a practitioner can often be expensive. Our research has shown that it can cost between $35 for a 15-minute basic consultation and up to thousands of dollars for a comprehensive consultation. This can be unaffordable for many people. Practitioner-only supplements are undoubtedly better options than OTC supplements, but they can also be more expensive. Some people who don't understand the benefits can often opt for a cheaper OTC option, which is easier to find and more affordable. Specialist advice is hard to come by. With such a high rate of innovation in this space and the science constantly evolving, keeping up with the research and evidence is a full-time job. Why Don't People Know About Or Take Practitioner-Only Supplements? Curated Collection: We offer the largest collection of practitioner-only supplements in New Zealand. If it is a practitioner-only brand, you can find it stocked at Matakana Pharmacy & PracPharm. We have teamed up with all the leading practitioner-only brands, including Metagenics NZ, CellCore Supplements, Bioceuticals, Pure Encapsulations Supplements, and many more. We continuously add well-researched, science-backed brands to the range. Free consultations. Our specialist team of integrative functional medicine pharmacists and naturopaths choose to remove the barrier of consultation charges to access this better class of specialist supplements. Education: In order to effectively and safely recommend effective supplemental protocols, we stay up to date with all the latest research and attend many seminars to keep our finger on the pulse of professional development. Our team specialises in many areas of functional medicine, including Sleep, Stress and Energy, Women's Health, Movement Medicine, Gut Health, and Kid's Health. Unbeatable prices: Our prices reflect our mission to remove the barrier to purchasing these supplements. We offer high-quality options at the best prices possible. Free shipping in NZ Over $50: Not local? No worries. With any purchase, we will courier out your supplements with no freight cost. Easy Online Purchasing: You can purchase practitioner-only supplements online. Create an account, fill out the pre-screening questionnaire, and chat with one of our practitioners. This service is available seven days a week.You can order functional testing with us at unbeatable prices. Watch this space for our latest innovation in functional testing to allow you to take your health to the next level and take away all the guesswork!Shop practitioners only sell supplements at unbeatable prices at Matakana Pharmacy and PracPharm. Book a complimentary consultation with our specialist team today.
A Healthier You – Understanding the Importance of Holistic Wellness Holistic wellness comprises several different aspects. We explain its importance in healthcare. At Matakana Pharmacy and PracPharm, we aim to remove barriers to achieving holistic wellness for our patients and customers. We believe the best way to better health and wellbeing is by using all the ‘wellness tools’ in our toolbox to craft a lifestyle that encourages healthy living and longevity. Holistic wellness tools include exercise, nutrition, supplementation, advice, and - if necessary - medical intervention. Our ultimate focus is on preventative care to help make you the healthiest version of yourself possible. Learn about the importance of holistic wellness, and how to implement these practices in your own health. What is Holistic Wellness? Wellness is different for different people, but we can agree on common goals: a healthy mind and body and more time spent with loved ones or doing the hobbies we love. How holistic wellness will look to someone differs depending on circumstances. At Matakana Pharmacy and PracPharm, the goal is to help you achieve these wellness goals as you have classified them for yourself. For some, it’s a focus on gut health; for others, it’s less stress; and for many, it’s an overall feeling of health and wellbeing. A key mindset is to focus on preventative care as well as treatment. Avoiding the issue is usually easier and more fulfilling than waiting for the problem to occur before taking an active stance against it and treating it reactively. Healthcare without holistic wellness is incomplete. In our humble opinion, just treating problems or diseases is not enough. It is imperative to focus on preventative care as part of wellness, using lifestyle intervention as a key tool. Tips for Achieving a Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness Lifestyle is the first and most important step to improving holistic wellness. Optimising how we live and spend our day does most of the heavy lifting to help us live healthier lives. Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, prioritising time away from work, and making time for leisure activities and hobbies are all important aspects. Actively working to reduce stress levels, and supplementing with high-quality nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can also help support the body and immunity during periods of stress. Stay hydrated, practice mindfulness, connect with others around you, and seek professional advice or help when needed. We all need a helping hand sometimes, even when we are superheroes. Remember that achieving wellness of the body and the mind is a long journey without a destination. It will require constant and consistent effort and work. Incorporate these tips into your routine, and you can achieve great harmony and balance in your life. Holistic Wellness Shouldn’t be Difficult – Let the Team at Matakana Pharmacy Help Holistic wellness tools can be difficult to find or expensive to purchase. The team at Matakana Pharmacy and PracPharm is determined to help you on your holistic wellness journey. We address these with competitive pricing on our practitioner-range supplements, complimentary free consultations with integrative practitioners, and the largest range of practitioner supplementation in New Zealand. We sell Metagenics, Pure Encapsulation Supplements, Thorne, Orthoplex, BePure NZ, and many more.Talk to one of our practitioners about the holistic wellness tools available to you by booking a private complimentary consult today.
Exploring Metagenics NeuroCalm Sleep Ingredients Metagenics designed NeuroCalm Sleep as one of its recommended supplements to help relieve sleeplessness and symptoms of mild anxiety. These supplements use ingredients used and studied in traditional Western and Chinese herbal medicine to help support restful sleep and relieve mild tension, anxiety, and worry. This blog post explores Metagenics NeuroCalm Sleep ingredients and how they promote a good night's sleep. What is Metagenics NeuroCalm Sleep? In NZ, Metagenics is a trusted brand that has been around for decades. It specialises in high-quality, practitioner-grade supplements. Metagenics' commitment to being the best consistently drives the brand to create and develop a gold class in supplementation. The Metagenics team had recognised that many people struggle and suffer from feeling anxious or tense, with these feelings of anxiety heightened during periods of stress. They noticed that many people who suffer from anxiety had trouble sleeping. This varied from people who struggled to fall asleep to those who had issues staying asleep. Some patients showed a combination of the two. Hence, along comes NeuroCalm Sleep, designed specifically to help those with stress, tension, or anxiety that presents alongside trouble getting restful sleep or contributes to sleeplessness. When designing the formulation, a big priority for Metagenics was to create a non-habit-forming, holistic formulation that would help people get to sleep faster and stay asleep for longer. What Ingredients in NeuroCalm Sleep Help with Sleep? NeuroCalm Sleep contains California Poppy Herbal Extract, Lavender Extract, and Passionflower, which have mild sedative properties that relieve insomnia and mild anxiety. Traditionally, these ingredients are used to help contribute to a calm and restful sleep. NeuroCalm Sleep also employs Zizyphus Seed Extract, which exhibits calming effects. Some of these herbs support GABA production, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain, which helps support better sleep and relaxation. What Ingredients in NeuroCalm Sleep Help with Anxiety, Stress, and Tension? Lavender Oil and Zizyphus Seed Extract help ease tension by dialling down excitatory chemicals in the brain. This helps our brains unwind and reduces wakefulness and alertness when it is time to go to bed. What is the Difference Between NeuroCalm and NeuroCalm Sleep? The main difference lies in the formulations, which change how these products are designed to be used.NeuroCalm uses some ingredients shared between them, such as Zizyphus Seed Extract and Passionflower, in lower dosages per tablet to help support patients who primarily feel anxious and stressed without showing symptoms of sleeplessness. It employs other herbal extracts, such as Kudzu Vine Root and Magnolia extract, to help relieve tension, irritability, and anxiety.On the other hand, NeuroCalm Sleep increases the dose of the Zizyphus Seed Extract and Passionflower alongside other ingredients to help support better sleep. What Else Do Our Integrative Health Practitioners Recommend to Help with Sleep? At our boutique pharmacy, there's one thing we highly recommend for improved sleep: Magnesium! But how does magnesium help you sleep? Well, Magnesium Bisglycinate is well absorbed and helps support healthier sleep in various ways: • Magnesium helps regulate key circadian rhythm (natural sleep cycle) markers to support better sleep. • Magnesium assists in reducing cortisol levels, which can contribute to heightened stress or anxiety and a lack of sleep. Heightened cortisol levels can also disrupt Melatonin production, our natural sleep hormone.• Magnesium can support muscle relaxation and neuromuscular function, which is important for sleep. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency often include muscle cramps and spasms. Experience Improved Sleep with Support from Matakana Pharmacy If you're looking for more magnesium supplements recommended by Matakana Pharmacy's Practitioners to help support a better, healthier sleep, check out SleepX or CalmX by Metagenics, or reach out to speak to an integrative practitioner; book a complimentary consultation here. Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or pharmacist regarding your health condition or treatment before undertaking new medical treatment. Metagenics is a practitioner-only product and requires consultation with a pharmacist or integrative medicine practitioner before it can be supplied.
What’s the Difference Between Vitamins & Supplements? When it comes to maintaining health and wellbeing, vitamins and supplements can play a significant role. However, as an online pharmacy in NZ, we see the terms “vitamins” and “supplements” often used interchangeably, which can create confusion about their differences. While both aim to enhance our health, their origins, purposes, and benefits differ.So, what is the difference between vitamins and supplements? We answer that in this blog post and highlight some of the best vitamin and supplement brands to consider trying to help you make more informed decisions on your nutritional needs What are Vitamins & Supplements? Supplements In general, supplements are dietary products that assist or support your own body's natural wellbeing. They add nutritional value to your dietary intake and augment your health. Vitamins Vitamins are a type of supplement. Other types of supplements include minerals, herbal extracts, and various nutrients like protein. Vitamins are divided into two main groups: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and include vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are often easier for the body to retain, and stores can last for days, even months. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and all B vitamins. The body cannot retain them for long periods of time, and any excess tends to be excreted in urine, which is partially why vitamins are recommended to be replaced regularly for some. What’s the Difference Between Vitamins and Supplements? All vitamins are supplements, but not all supplements are vitamins. Supplements will also include minerals such as magnesium and iron, vitamins such as Vitamin C or Vitamin D3, and herbs such as Ashwagandha. Other supplements include nutrients such as protein powders and creatine. Understanding the difference between vitamins and supplements is important to help you pick the best available options to support your health. How Important is Quality When Choosing Between Vitamin or Supplement Brands? Very. A high-quality range can be the difference between achieving results or not. Five main factors generally determine how high quality a range is: 1. Absorption The better the bioavailability of the form of vitamin or supplement chosen, the more of it is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. For instance, different vitamin C formulations can vary significantly in absorption rates. How it’s made can be the difference between 80% or just 30% being absorbed. Generally, well absorbed formulations achieve better, quicker results when compared to poorly absorbed options. 2. Dosage or Concentration Always check if the supplement or vitamin you choose has enough of the active ingredient to help support your health in an optimal fashion. Is the dose or concentration high enough? Is that per capsule, per 2 capsules, or 3? How much do I need to take of this brand to get the correct dose?For specific dosage recommendations, chat with one of our integrative pharmacists or practitioners, either in person or by booking a complimentary free consult online or over the phone. 3. Purity & Sustainability Where applicable, how clean or sustainable a brand or formula is can greatly impact how much and how long you can take a specific supplement. Brands that endeavour to provide clean formulations without added nasties are generally safer to use than brands that don’t practice this ethos. Some brands add fillers or other inactive ingredients. These often don’t offer any nutritional value and should be avoided if possible. 4. Where was it Manufactured? Some countries or manufacturing facilities have more stringent rules regarding quality assurance, quality control, quality of equipment used, and where raw materials are sourced. Places like New Zealand, Australia, and the USA have extremely high-quality standards when formulating medicines or supplements. These are usually overseen by regulatory bodies to ensure safety and quality. 5. Is It a Practitioner Range of Supplements? Practitioner Ranges are typically stronger formulations of supplements, usually made with higher-quality ingredients that undergo rigorous testing to achieve higher bioavailability than standard over-the-counter options. How Important is Investing in Premium Supplements for My Health? Again, very! For many people, the difference between using the best vitamins and supplements and poor-quality ones can be huge.In theory, we agree that most people don’t need supplements or expensive protein powders as long as they eat a very healthy, well-balanced diet. This is true. However, in today’s society, this is becoming increasingly difficult and impractical. Given the commercialisation of our food supply and the amount of processed food in so many food options, it’s hard to get “real food” anymore.Even if you manage to grow all your own food organically, New Zealand’s soil is often deficient in key minerals like selenium or magnesium. This means your dietary intake may not be enough for your health needs. Factor in the amount of stress we endure on any given day, the toxins we are exposed to via gadgets and technology, mounting levels of air pollution, or the low-quality “fast” food options, and investing in good-quality vitamins and supplements suddenly becomes a no-brainer. Which Brands of Vitamins and Supplements are Worth Considering? Based in NZ, Matakana Pharmacy works hard to bring you a bespoke range of the best vitamins and supplements available. Whether you visit us in-store or via our online pharmacy, you will see all the careful effort put into hand-selecting the best brands.Our vitamin and supplement ranges showcase high absorption, high purity and strong, adequate formulations to best support your health needs. With brands like Metagenics, Thorne Supplements and Pure Encapsulations, you have access to high-quality, ruinously tested, highly bioavailable vitamins and supplements. For expert guidance from our practitioners, book your free consultation today or explore our full range of vitamins and supplements online, featuring some of the best brands available.
Oxidative Stress Part 1: Exploring the Best Antioxidant Supplements Supercharge Your Heart Health with Antioxidant Benefits – Top 4 Supplements Revealed! Welcome to Part I of our 3-Part Oxidative Stress Series, where our boutique pharmacy experts delve into oxidative stress as a main driver for disease and inflammation. We will cover the role oxidative stress plays in a range of degenerative and inflammatory conditions and the game-changing role antioxidants play in supporting the body against these conditions.To understand oxidative stress, we must discuss its definition and how the body has a defence mechanism specially designed to protect against its harmful effects. What is Oxidative Stress Oxidative stress starts with oxygen. When we think of oxygen, we normally just consider the bright side. That breath of fresh air we deeply inhale into our lungs is carried via the blood all around the body and used in an intricate series of reactions in every cell to produce energy.We hardly consider the dark side, and there is one - the damage oxygen, or more accurately, oxidation, can cause. Most of us have never even heard of this part. How serious is this damage?Oxidative stress is the underlying cause of almost all chronic degenerative diseases! Have you ever looked at a photo with 2 individuals 50-60 years apart in age, like a multi-generation family portrait? Ever paid attention to the difference in texture and appearance of skin between someone in their teens and someone in their 70s or 80s? This difference is due to oxidative stress damage. The same exact thing occurs on the inside of our bodies.Think of it this way. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals (harmful products of oxidation) and the body’s antioxidant defence system. Yes, our body has a system using antioxidants to balance out the damage. When free radicals are generated and are not balanced out (or mopped up, if you will) by antioxidants, you get damage to cellular components like DNA and proteins. As mentioned, this is the underlying cause and the potential start of so many chronic conditions.In Part I of this series, we will explore antioxidant benefits for heart health and how they can support those with a history of heart disease. Below, we share the best antioxidant supplements to boost your antioxidant levels. Oxidative Stress & Imflammation Every day, we all hear reminders and horror stories of the seriousness and finality of heart disease. We all probably know relatively healthy people who passed away suddenly from a heart attack with no warning – a silent killer. As you may have read or heard, cholesterol is one of the original culprits. How many of us have been told by our doctor that one key to preventing heart disease is keeping bad cholesterol levels low? I was shocked when my research into antioxidants told a different story. The real villain was oxidative stress. There seemed to be a strong correlation between the inflammation of the blood vessels brought about by oxidative stress and all underlying causes of heart disease, including heart attacks, strokes, peripheral vascular disease, and aneurysms. I should point out that the research explained in this blog article is based on Dr. Ray D. Strand’s (M.D.) research and writing on oxidative stress. Dr. Strand is a medical doctor, researcher, and author based in the USA with a subspecialty in oxidative stress, the role it plays as an underlying major driver in many degenerative and chronic diseases, and how to combat it best using preventative, powerful antioxidant supplementations. His findings, amongst other medical researchers and doctors, are revolutionary in the treatment and prevention of heart disease. He claimed that part of this issue is the oxidative stress, the inflammation it causes, and how it can turn cholesterol bad.Rather than relying on cholesterol-lowering medications alone, he incorporated a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and taking strong, high-quality antioxidant supplements for a far superior outcome in his patients. Dr. Ray D. Strand's Oxidative Stress Research Dr. Strand explains that in the 1980s, we believed that not all cholesterol was bad. HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins) are actually good; the higher, the better. LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) are bad. They can build up along artery walls, forming plaque and narrowing or blocking the artery. This is why when your doctor orders a blood test, it looks at not only the total cholesterol level but also the ratio of good cholesterol.This is common knowledge. Ready for the bit not many are aware of? LDL is not “bad”. In fact, it is integral in many important processes, such as making cell membranes and producing different hormones. Problems only seemed to happen when free radicals (oxidative stress) occurred to LDL native to the body and damaged, changed, and modified it to a bad LDL cholesterol. Research then showed that with enough antioxidants to quell oxidation, this damage to LDL is also quelled. This was such breakthrough research that Dr. Daniel Steinberg published it in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1989. Importance Of antioxidants Over the years, many studies have supported the idea of oxidation causing LDL to become “bad,” not that it was actually bad on its own. Antioxidants, in abundance, are how we fight this! In 1997, Dr. Marco Diaz, a researcher, made an impressive review of all the studies that appeared in medical journals up until then. The review concluded that people with the highest levels of antioxidants in their bodies had the least amount of coronary artery disease.The ray of sunshine in all of this is that antioxidants and their supporting nutrients can eliminate or at least significantly reduce a significant amount of the causes of inflammation in the arteries. Best Antioxidant Supplements Here is our guide to the top 5 Antioxidants we recommend for those with heart disease. We will discuss the key ones and the role each plays in slowing down or preventing inflammatory reactions. We recommend these supplements and brands in particular, as it is important to ingest nutrients optimally. This means choosing the best absorption, gentlest formulations, correct dose, and concentration. Vitamin E Vitamin E is the most important antioxidant when it comes to hindering the process of hardening the arteries. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, making it the most potent and important defense within the cell wall. Vitamin E incorporates itself within the LDL cholesterol. The higher the concentration of Vitamin E in the cell membrane of the native LDL cholesterol, the more resistant it is to being oxidised.Remember that the LDL is mostly oxidised (causing inflammation) in the subendothelial space, not in the blood or plasma. When it migrates there, you need a high quantity of fat-soluble antioxidants to help prevent the modification/oxidisation of LDL – this is the best defence. Our favorite Vitamin E supplement is THORNE Ultimate-E. This offers the Alpha form which is best for consumption, and the recommended dosage is up to 1000mg daily. CAUTION – Vitamin E can interact with some blood thinners such as Warfarin increasing the risk of bleeding. It may also interfere with the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if considering taking Vitamin E while on these. Reference Why Don't Doctors and Pharmacists Recommend Antioxidants? To conclude Part I of our series, I would like to answer a common question that may be in the back of your mind: If antioxidants are so good for me, a powerful preventative tool, why isn't my doctor or pharmacist recommending these?Dr. Strand explains that doctors often treat nutrients or supplements like drugs, meaning they test the body's response to just one nutrient at a time to learn its potential benefits.This approach ignores the synergistic benefits that supplements have. Antioxidants work best together! As oxidative stress occurs, the body needs multiple antioxidants to combat the damage, and at the same time, the antioxidants need all the supporting nutrients to do their job well.If you’re interested in finding some powerful antioxidants from Matakana Pharmacy, we offer a range of practitioner-only products, including Metagenics, Pure Encapsulation supplements, and other trusted brands.Disclaimer: Please note that Mina our resident specialist pharmacist and natural practitioner is not an MD, and does not give medical recommendations. He stresses the importance of talking to your doctor & pharmacist before making changes to your supplements.
