Carrie Decker, ND
Eight Supplements for Sleep and Relaxation Support
As mentioned in previous articles, phosphatidylserine, ashwagandha, and melatonin, provide a wide array of nutraceuticals with evidence that backs their use for sleep and relaxation support. In clinical practice however, we often lack the time to do a deep dive into the data behind these tools and tend to avoidRead
The Role of Homocysteine and B Vitamins in Erectile Dysfunction
How B Vitamins Can Be Transformative for Erection Quality in Individuals Poorly Responsive to Phosphodiesterase Type-5 Inhibitors. Numerous studies have shown a relationship between homocysteine (HCY) elevation and erectile dysfunction (ED). Elevated levels of HCY are associated with endothelial dysfunction and uncoupling of the nitric oxide synthase enzyme;[1],[2] thus, weRead
Berberine: The Natural Antidote to Metabolic Derangement?
Berberine, an orangish-yellow alkaloid found at high levels in the bark and root structures of many ground-covering shrubs, has an extensive history of use as a medicinal herb in North America, Europe, Asia, and India. Oregon grape, a North American source of berberine, was used by the native inhabitants andRead
French Maritime Pine Bark Extract and Erectile Dysfunction
A Botanical for All Things Circulatory, Pine Bark Extract Has Numerous Studies Showing It Enhances Erectile Function French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster) is a botanical with substantial clinical evidence that it helps improve blood vessel function, in part by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) production [1],[2]Standardized pine bark extract (SPBE) isRead
DHEA as Support for Female Libido and Fertility
Clinical Studies Show the Usefulness of This Parent Hormone for Female Libido and Fertility Much like estrogen and testosterone, levels of DHEA and DHEA-S decrease with age and are approximately 25% of their peak by age 70.2[1] Thus, we see substantial research regarding DHEA and its supplementation surrounding common concernsRead
Erectile Dysfunction and The Role of Nitric Oxide
A Look at the Role Nitric Oxide Plays in Erectile Function and Nutritional Tools to Improve its Production. By far, the most common concern that comes up in discussions of male sexual health is erectile dysfunction. A large, multinational survey, published in 2004, found that erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximatelyRead
Bringing Sexy Back: Traditional Botanicals for a Libido Boost
The stress and profound lifestyle changes related to the pandemic have affected us in countless areas of our lives. Taking care of oneself, family, and those dear to us took on a whole new meaning. For many, sexual health and well-being unavoidably slipslided down from an item of reasonably highRead
Key Vitamins and Minerals for Reproductive Health
A Look at the Research Behind Selenium, Zinc, Folate and Vitamin B12 as They Pertain to Reproductive Health. The age at which we elect to reproduce has been on the rise for some time. Both men and women are putting parenthood secondary to pursuing a variety of things, including one’sRead
Melatonin and CoQ10 and Male and Female Fertility
Antioxidants Like Melatonin and CoQ10 May Help Mitigate the Impact of Environmental Exposures and Aging on Reproductive Health. We live in an increasingly toxic world, with literally thousands of different potential toxins being released into our water, air, and soil each day by industry, agricultural practices, and our daily living.[1],[2],[3],[4]Read
Ashwagandha and Saffron: Key Tools for a New Era of Living
With Clinical Data for Mood, Stress, and Sexual Health, the Many Reasons to Consider Ashwaganda and Saffron for “Recovery 2021” In 2020, stress pretty much hit us all like a freight train—not just once or twice, but repeatedly. Many of these new stressors are carrying with us into 2021 andRead