Search Acupuncture Today

What is MSM? Why do we need it? MSM is short for methylsulfonylmethane. It is a naturally occurring chemical compound that contains high amounts of organic sulfur, and is related to another substance sometimes used as a dietary supplement, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide). MSM is found throughout nature; in humans, it…

What is 5-HTP? Why do we need it? 5-HTP is an amino acid that occurs in the body. The body makes 5-HTP from tryptothan (an essential amino acid) and coverts it to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. 5-HTP supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a positive…

What is active hydrogen? Why do we need it? Also known as silica hydride, active hydrogen is a colloidal mineral containing silicon, hydrogen and oxygen. It does not occur naturally in nature, but is a man-made product that contains a number of loosely bound electrons. These electrons are purportedly useful…

What are adrenal extracts? Why do we need them? Adrenal extracts are made from the adrenal glands of bovine sources - most often cows, but also sheep and pigs. They come from the adrenal glands, a pair of small glands found just above the kidneys. Adrenal extracts are usually made…

What is alanine? Alanine is a nonessential amino acid found in prostate fluid. It is used by the body to build proteins, and plays a role in the metabolism of several substances, including tryptophan and pyridoxine. It was discovered in 1875. Because alanine is present in prostate fluid, some scientists…

What is ALA? Why do we need it? Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid that comes from plants. It is considered an essential nutrient, and is used as a source of energy by the body. ALA is considered a “parent” fatty acid; it is converted by the body into…

What is alpha-lipoic acid? Why do we need it? Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant manufactured in the body. It is sometimes referred to as the ?universal? antioxidant because, unlike most antioxidants, it is soluble in both fat and water. In addition to being manufactured by the body, it can…

What is AMP? Why do we need it? AMP is short for adenosine monophosphate. It's a substance formed by the body during certain metabolic processes, and is found within the bodies of cells. It is related to adenosine, a molecule that affects a person's heartbeat. Although the exact purpose of…

What is amylase inhibitors? Why do we need it? Amylase inhibitors are substances that prevent certain starches from being absorbed by the body. Developed decades ago, amylase inhibitors are extracted from plants that belong to the legume family, such as kidney beans, then reformulated and sold as dietary supplements. The…

What is arginine? Why do we need it? Arginine is an essential amino acid produced naturally by the body. It plays several roles in the body, including an increase in protein synthesis (which promotes wound healing); removal of excess ammonia; stimulation of the immune system; and promoting the secretion of…

What is bee pollen? Why do we need it? Bee pollen is a fine, powder-like substance produced by flowering plants. It functions as the male element in the fertilization of plants, and is often carried and collected by bees returning to their hives. The pollen is then harvested for commercial…

What is beta-sitosterol? Why do we need it? Beta-sitosterol is one of a group of organic compounds found in both plants and animals called sterols. It is not considered an essential nutrient. Studies have shown that beta-sitosterol is effective in reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a precursor to…

What is beta carotene? Beta carotene is an antioxidant, a substance that minimizes the damage to the body caused by free radicals. It is present in plants (giving them their pigment), and is converted by the body into vitamin A. In addition to its naturally occurring form, some manufacturers also…

What is beta-glucan? What do we need it? Beta-glucan is a fiber-like polysaccharide (a complex sugar) that comes from the walls of baker's yeast, oats, barley and some mushrooms. Different varieties of beta-glucan come from different food sources. Beta-glucan is used most often to strengthen the immune system and lower…

What is betaine? Also known as trimethylglycine or TMG, betaine is a chemical compound similar to choline, folic acid, and SAMe. Together, these compounds function as “methyl donors” that carry methyl molecules throughout the body, and thus help in the completion of several vital chemical processes. As a nutritional supplement,…

What is biotin? Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the group of B vitamins. It is obtained not only by eating certain foods but is also produced by bacteria in the intestines. Since biotin is not stored in body fat, after the body uses what it needs, any…

What is bovine cartilage? Why do we need it? Bovine cartilage is derived from cows, usually the cartilage that helps form a cow's trachea. Bovine cartilage is also present in a cow's ears, nose, knees, and other joints. The cartilage is cleaned, dried and powdered before being used as a…

What is bovine colostrum? Bovine colostrum is a milky-like fluid produced by cows. It is produced during the first 24 to 48 hours after a cow gives birth, and is meant to help young calves in the first few hours after being born. Colostrum contains a variety of antibodies, growth…

What is boron? Why do we need it? Boron is a soft, brown element found in small amounts in the human body. Although it is found in many foods, boron is better known for its industrial uses; it is a major component of most nuclear reactor systems, metallic alloys and…

What is brewer's yeast? Why do we need it? Brewer's yeast (often called nutritional yeast) was originally a byproduct produced by the brewing of beer. It differs from live baker's yeast in that its live yeast cells have been destroyed, leaving the nutrients behind. Although it is still used to…