Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1483837
Page 10 | Abby's Magazine | www.AbbysMag.com Question: How come some herbal tincture bottles say ethanol and some say alcohol? Is ethanol, okay? What is the difference? Collin: There are three major types of alcohol: ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol. They are all "alcohol", they just have slightly different chemical structures. Alcohol is the general term for an organic compound containing at least one hydroxyl (-OH) group bound to a saturated carbon atom. Ethanol is the form you can consume and is therefore the only form you will ever find in a supplement or herbal tincture. However, ethanol is sometimes referred to as "grain alcohol" or is sometimes just listed as "alcohol". Methanol is used as a lab solvent and is sometimes in antifreeze. Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) is the type found in rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers. So, yes ethanol is okay to consume. Ethanol (alcohol) herbal tinctures are generally better than glycerine based tinctures because ethanol can extract fat and water soluble compounds from the herbs, glycerine can only extract water soluble compounds. Question: What can I do to increase the movement of my bowels? I have magnesium and sbo probiotics already but it's not enough. I tried acacia fiber, but it made my constipation worse. Collin: Eat fewer animal foods and more whole plant foods. Acacia fiber is the wrong fiber for constipation. Acacia, though it can feed beneficial bacteria in the gut, because it is a soluble, non-viscous gum fiber, it can further slowdown the bowels. Psyllium is the right fiber for constipation, in my Q & A with Collin Gow, C. N. C. Q & A with Collin Gow, C. N. C. opinion and experience. Though it is a soluble fiber also, it is not a gum fiber and it is a viscous fiber. These qualities make it great for constipation. Try 1 Tablespoon per day in 8–16oz of liquid. Also, increase your fruit consumption. Fruit is high in potassium. Potassium increases peristalsis (the movement of the G.I. tract). B-vitamins, oils, and mucilaginous herbs can also help. Be well. Question: I have slightly high hemoglobin and slightly high hematocrit on my blood test. What does that mean? Collin: While there could be several reasons why those are high, your results most likely mean that you are dehydrated. Do you have sticky white saliva in and around your mouth? Does your skin look and feel dry? Are you thin? Do you get headaches? Do you use chapstick often? Do you avoid potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and/or chloride in your diet? Are you on a blood pressure medication or a diuretic? Do you drink alcohol? These may all cause dehydration. Grapeseed extract, turmeric, and green tea all either chelate iron or reduce iron absorption. Be careful not to overconsume copper or iron or vitamin C, as these all-increase iron in the blood. Do not consume alcohol. You may want to try 1 Ultima electrolyte packet per day, drinking more liquids, eating more food if you are thin, and eating a balanced diet with adequate fruits and vegetables. However, talk to your doctor before making any changes. Other tests may be needed. This is not an attempt to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Question: I take a multivitamin and vitamin C and Zinc and vitamin D3, B12, Magnesium and B-complex. Is that too much? Collin: I would cut out the B12 since your multivitamin and B-complex already have B12. The magnesium would be good to keep taking because no multivitamins have enough magnesium and 60–80% of the population is deficient in it. I would also continue taking the vitamin C and the vitamin D3, as adding more in addition to the multi generally wouldn't hurt. The zinc is probably adequate in the multivitamin for daily maintenance, so you may be able to cut that out. Eat some pumpkin seeds or oysters a few times a week if cutting it out. Ideal doses for maintenance in general per day of these vitamins, in my opinion, are: 150mcg B12/day, 200mg–500mg vitamin C/ day, 4,000IU–10,000IU vitamin D3/day, 15–30mg zinc/day, 400mg–600mg magnesium/day. Maybe take a look at your multivitamin and adjust your doses accordingly. Talk to your doc before making any changes or schedule a consultation with me for a more personalized recommendation. Take care. Question: What is the difference between Glucosamine HCL and Glucosamine Sulfate? Collin: Glucosamine HCL is glucosamine hydrochloride. Vegan glucosamine usually comes in the hydrochloride form. Glucosamine HCL actually contains more glucosamine than glucosamine sulfate, as it is purer, however, there is less research on glucosamine HCL showing efficacy. Glucosamine HCL is also lower in sodium. Glucosamine sulfate is glucosamine containing sulfur and is usually shellfish derived. Sulfur is beneficial for the flexibility of the joints and more research has been done on glucosamine sulfate than on glucosamine HCL, so I generally prefer the glucosamine sulfate form. However, one can buy glucosamine HCL with MSM if one wants a vegan glucosamine yet also wants sulfur. MSM is a type of organic sulfur called methylsulfonylmethane. Hope this helps. Stay balanced. Disclaimer: Certain items are excluded from the Abby's Healthy Bucks loyalty program including: Alcohol, Chi products, Chantilly products, BioActive and perishable items like milk, eggs & other dairy items. For your protection, Abby's Health and Nutrition reserves the right to ask for valid I.D. in order to apply Abby's Healthy Bucks towards a purchase. Charities are chosen and approved by Abby's Health and Nutrition. Abby's Health and Nutrition reserves the right to terminate the Abby's Healthy Bucks loyalty program at any time. 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