That’s pretty broad stuff. Over the next few weeks we’ll survey a few of the more esoteric supplements.

 

Though we recommend consulting your physician or health care provider before starting any supplement regime, it’s paramount with the products we will be highlighting that you absolutely do not purchase these supplements and just start popping them with your morning juice.

 

There are too many open considerations involved: appropriateness, possible negative or counterproductive interactions with medications and other herbs and supplements and potential side effects.

 

One product that has gotten its fair share of attention recently is DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone. DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone produced most abundantly by the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys.

 

DHEA goes into the blood then to cells where it primarily acts as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen.

 

Research has shown, however, that our DHEA levels begin dropping off substantially once we clear our 20s and 30s, with our levels down by 80 – 90 percent at age 70 or so.

 

Though you may know that runners and other athletes have dabbled with DHEA as a form of performance enhancer, reducing recovery times, burning fat and increasing metabolism and muscle mass, The Organic Affair does not recommend DHEA for these uses or generally speaking for anyone under age 55.

 

However, a University of California study and several others have found DHEA improved the general sense of well-being in people in the 54-year-old age group with better sleep, more energy and increased ability to handle stress.

 

Studies have also shown beneficial relationships between DHEA and arterial and heart disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, lupus, immune function, Alzheimer’s, memory and other disorders related to aging.

 

If you are as long-in-the-tooth as I and want to consider DHEA as a supplement, have your current DHEA blood serum levels checked first and then monitored as you continue the regimen. You and your health care provider may decide that cycling DHEA on and off may be more appropriate than daily intake.

 

 Studies show that excessive doses of this hormone can lead to liver damage and may cause side effects including acne, facial hair and increased estrogen in women, aggressiveness, hair loss and irritability.

 

If you do start DHEA, take the antioxidant vitamins C and E along with the antioxidant mineral selenium to prevent oxidative damage to the liver.

 

If you’re concerned about breast or prostate cancer, another form of DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA, is not converted to estrogen or testosterone and is a good alternative.

 

Women’s dosages may range from 5 – 50 mg daily, with men ranging from 10 – 100 mg per day.

 

Additionally, keep in mind that DHEA, being essentially a form of hormone therapy, may interact with other strategies you employ for hormonal balance.

 

Jarrow Formulas DHEA 50 is an excellent product to consider in a 50 mg daily dose. However, despite its benefits, DHEA is not for everybody under all circumstances. See your doctor; find out if DHEA is a good way to Love Your Life – Naturally.^tm