267: Essential Nutrients for Optimal Health - with Laura Capina
Dr. Laura Capina, a seasoned acupuncturist and health enthusiast, has eagerly anticipated the opportunity to share her insights on a podcast for three years. Growing up in Latvia, she was immersed in a culture that embraced natural remedies for healing.
This upbringing laid the foundation for her lifelong interest in health and wellness. Upon moving to the United States, she observed alarming rates of obesity and allergies, which further ignited her curiosity about the stark health differences between the two countries.
A transformative trip to India played a pivotal role in Dr. Capina's journey. During this trip, she immersed herself in yoga, Asian philosophy, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Chinese medicine. These experiences profoundly influenced her approach to health and healing. For nearly two decades, she has practiced acupuncture, incorporating cupping, electroacupuncture, and herbal medicine into her treatments.
The Importance of Essential Nutrients
Faced with an overwhelming number of herbs and remedies, Dr. Capina focused on identifying the most powerful superfoods and essential substances that promote optimal health. Guided by her mentors, she learned to prioritize foundational nutrients that are crucial for bodily functions. She advocates for nourishing the body with essential nutrients such as healthy fats, minerals, iodine, and digestive enzymes.
Dr. Capina is a staunch opponent of synthetic vitamins and enriched foods, citing their potential harm. She criticizes products with synthetic additives, even if they appear to be organic and healthy. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of obtaining nutrients from natural sources, particularly Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain, eye, and cell membrane health.
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, play a critical role in maintaining cellular health and facilitating communication within the body. Dr. Capina notes the low conversion rate of plant-sourced Omega-3 (ALA) to DHA and EPA, underscoring the need to obtain these nutrients directly from fish or algae. She highlights the historical impact of Omega-3 consumption on human brain development and draws an interesting parallel between the human nervous system and that of dolphins.
Innovative Health Solutions
Sea salt and algae are highlighted as rich sources of beneficial substances, including EPA, DHA, minerals, and iodine. Algae, in particular, is significant as it is considered the seed of life on the planet, forming the basis of the food chain. The purity and extraction methods of algae oil are crucial, and Dr. Capina ensures that high-quality algae oil from Canada is used in her products.
Vitamin E is another essential nutrient that Dr. Capina champions. It is the only antioxidant that protects fats from oxidation, making it crucial for anti-aging and protecting against free radicals.
She warns against synthetic vitamin E, recommending natural forms that include eight different types, with delta tocotrienol being the most powerful. The discovery of tocotrienols from the annatto plant by Dr. Tan revolutionized the understanding of vitamin E's benefits. Tocotrienols, particularly the delta and gamma forms, offer superior protection to cell membranes compared to tocopherols.
Dr. Capina's innovative product combines algae oil with tocotrienols, providing extensive health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation. The formulation includes sprouted organic almond butter and MCT oil, enhancing absorption and effectiveness. Proper absorption of these oils is facilitated by the product's micelle formulation, which makes the oils water-soluble.
While the product is safe for most individuals, Dr. Capina advises those on blood thinners or with severely compromised liver and gallbladder function to consult a doctor. Overall, her product offers foundational nutritional benefits, improving health and aiding in the detoxification and nourishment of the body.
In this podcast, you will learn about:
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The critical role of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, in maintaining brain, eye, and cell membrane health for overall wellness.
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Differences between synthetic and natural vitamins, highlighting potential health impacts and the benefits of obtaining nutrients from natural sources.
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The extensive health benefits of algae oil and tocotrienols, including improved cardiovascular health, lowered cholesterol, and reduced inflammation.
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Dr. Capina’s holistic health approach, integrating yoga, Asian philosophy, and traditional Chinese medicine for optimal health and wellness.
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The importance of sourcing essential nutrients from natural, high-quality ingredients to ensure proper absorption and maximize health benefits.
And much more.
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