Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fats that are essential to the diet because the body cannot produce them. Essential fatty acids are extremely important nutrients for health. They are present in every healthy cell in the body, and are critical for the normal growth and functioning of the cells, muscles, nerves, and organs. EFAs are also used by the body to produce a class of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which are key to many important processes.

Deficiencies of EFAs are linked to a variety of health problems, including major ones such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It has been estimated that as many as 80% of American people may consume insufficient quantities of EFAs.

There are two basic types of EFA’s – Omega 3 and Omega 6.  

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids:  Alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Omega 3 EFA’s are found in fresh, deep water fish, fish oils, and certain vegetable oils,   such as canola, flaxseed and walnut oil.

It is believed that the Omega 3 EFA’s offer the following health benefits:

• May be beneficial for heart health,
• May lower blood pressure,
• May be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of joint diseases, such as arthritis,
• May provide an anti inflammatory response on a cellular level, helping with inflammation,
• May improve skin and hair,
• May assist with skin disorders, such as excema and psoriasis
• May aid in the treatment of depression,
• May help improve brain function and development.

Omega 6 EFA’s:  linoleic and gamma-linoleic acids

Omega 6 EFA’s are found in raw nuts, seeds and legumes and in unsaturated vegetable oils, such as borage, grape seed, primrose, sesame and soybean oil.

A balance of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs in the diet is recommended by experts. Americans typically consume higher quantities of omega-6 EFAs, because these are found in meat, animal products, and common cooking oils. Research has shown that too many omega-6 EFAs in the diet can lead to the imbalanced production of prostaglandins, which may contribute to health problems. Experts recommend that omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs be present in the diet in a ratio of around one to three. Americans consume a ratio as high as one to 40. Thus, the need for greater amounts of omega-3 EFAs in the diet has increased.

To increase the amount of omega 3 in the diet, adding more food sources and supplementing with a good omega 3 fish oil capsule or oil is a good idea.    There are many good sources of omega 3 supplements on the marketplace and Hoye’s Pharmacy carries a wide assortment.  These supplements are available in a capsule, enteric coated capsule, liquid or delicious flavored smoothie style.

If you are one of those people who get the “burp” when consuming fish oils, try using an enteric coated capsule, or freeze the capsule and take it frozen.  This lets the capsule get down to the lower part of the intestines, which often eliminates the after taste or burp effect.

When purchasing fish oils, look for a brand that has been properly distilled and tested.  Cheaper is not always better with these types of products.  EFA products should be produced by “cold or modified expeller pressing,” which means that they were produced without damaging temperatures or pressure. Products should be packaged in light-resistant containers, because sunlight damages EFAs. Packages should include manufacturing and expiration dates, in order to assure freshness. Most of the quality brands will be tested by independent third party labs to assure purity and potency and assays are available for review.  Brands that are not tested may contain high levels of mercury, toxins, bacteria molds, and other contaminants. Ask about the manufacturing process of the brands you are purchasing.

Just remember that Essential Fatty Acids are Essential For All!

Shelby Henry and Anna Abdnor, two of our star registered compounding technicians at Hoye’s Pharmacy, recently attended Professional Compounding Center of America, (PCCA) Quick Ed seminar held in Orlando, FL.  The topic was compounding for dental practices and boy did they get a big dose of learning in the world of dentistry and compounding! In addition to learning about dental needs and how compounding pharmacies can help, they also participated in networking, sharing ideas, and problem solving.

The seminar was led by Verne Betlach, RPh, who explained how a compounding pharmacy can customize medications to fit just about any individual patient’s needs. Betlach  explained some key points, beginning with basic conditions and diseases states that dentists turn to compounding pharmacists  to treat. He also discussed specific in-office dental compounds and essential marketing tips.

One of our favorite compound ideas that got our attention was a Tetracaine Lollipop, which is used for the relief of severe pain of the oral mucosa or to numb the gag reflex. Strengths vary from 0.4%-4%.  Patients should suck on lollipop for 10-20 seconds every 1-2 hours. These lollipops can be detailed to specific patient request,  for example: sugar free, dye free, preservative free as well as any flavor can be added. This can also be used for pediatric doctors, geriatric patients, as well as dentists.

Good job Shelby and Anna!

• Multi-Vitamin
• Probiotics (commonly known as acidophilus, bifidus, etc.)
• Essential Fatty Acids (commonly known as fish oils)

This month we will focus on learning about probiotics.  Read on and don’t forget to check out our store specials this month on selected probiotics.  Save money while getting healthy!

The following article is reprinted without permission from the NIH.  It’s a great explanation of probiotics and their important role in maintaining good health.

What are Probiotics?

One widely used definition, developed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is that probiotics are “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” (Microorganisms are tiny living organisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts—that can be seen only under a microscope.)

Probiotics are available in foods and dietary supplements (for example, capsules, tablets, and powders) and in some other forms as well. Examples of foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation.

Most probiotics are bacteria similar to those naturally found in people’s guts, especially in those of breastfed infants (who have natural protection against many diseases). Most often, the bacteria come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species (for example, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus), and within each species, different strains (or varieties). A few common probiotics, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, are yeasts, which are different from bacteria.  (Read More)

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/

With the New Year beginning, many people start the year with resolutions such as weight loss, better health, better diet habits and more exercise.  We all want to succeed at being our best, but sometimes we get overwhelmed with trying to do everything right, all at the same time.  At Hoye’s Pharmacy, we know how important good nutrition is, along with healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise.  But even more important is integrating these changes into our daily routine in a simple fashion so we can stick to them and really make them part of our daily routines, without too much pain.

 People visit our pharmacy daily with questions about what supplements to take for good health.  There certainly are a lot of choices out there, but we almost always recommend what we refer to as “The Big Three.” 

 The Big Three

To begin any good health regimen, we believe that a foundation of three basic supplements is essential for just about everyone, from children to seniors.  This foundation consists of three items:

•  Multi-vitamin
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Pro-biotic

 This month we will discuss the importance of multi-vitamins and offer some suggestions.

Stay tuned because we’ll discuss the Essential Fatty Acids in March and the Pro-Biotics in April.

 Here are the most frequently asked questions we get regarding multi-vitamins and the role they play in good health:

 Why are multi vitamins important?

 First of all, what is a vitamin?

A vitamin is considered a micronutrient because the body uses them in relatively small amounts to help with metabolism and assist bio-chemically with getting energy from food.  Vitamins are considered co-enzymes and work with other enzymes to allow the activities that occur within the body to be carried out properly.  Basically, vitamins help the body work better when digesting food and other nutrients, so you can get the optimum benefit.

 Why take a multi instead of individual vitamins?

A Multi provides the convenience of a proper balance of vitamins and minerals combined into one formula.  They are usually taken in capsule, tablet, liquid, or powder form, but can also be taken as an injection or IV.  It is believed that by combining the vitamins and minerals in a good balance actually strengthens the function of the vitamin to perform more efficiently. 

 What is RDI and ODI?

RDI, which stands for Recommended Dietary Allowances, is the basis for the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowances (U.S. RDA’s) adopted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  In simple terms, it is what they believe to be the daily amounts of each vitamin/mineral needed to prevent vitamin deficiency diseases, such as scurvy, night blindness and ricktets.

Many people feel that the amounts defined by the RDI are minimal and do not address the true amounts needed to maintain a good strong health foundation, fight modern day disease such as cancer,  and assist in longevity.  As a result, a system known as ODI, which stands for Optimum Daily Intakes, was created to suggest amounts recommended for a more optimal, healthy level of well-being and hopefully, longevity.

 Why not get our vitamins from the foods we eat?     

That would be ideal, but in today’s world, our food chain has become depleted of many nutrients due to:

• Higher levels of pollution
• Depleted soils
• Longer travel time for our foods  from harvest to dinner table
• Heavy processing and addition of chemicals to extend shelf life of food.

 As a result, a good multi-vitamin helps us to ensure that we are getting the proper nutrition we need.  And, when taken with a meal, a multi-vitamin helps to ensure that all of the co-factors are in place (as discussed above) to get the optimal benefit from food. 

 What is the difference between a one a day multi and a more complete multi that requires me to take 3-4 daily?  Which one is better?

 Obviously, a one a day is a vitamin that is taken once daily.  Although they are convenient, there is only so much that can be compressed into one tablet or capsule.  As a result, decent one a days are usually large tablets and dosages are minimal.  Other multi-vitamin formula’s require that you take 2-6 (sometimes more) daily.  They all differ, and like people, you should select the one that is right for you.  Considerations should include: 

• Dosage form and number of capsules:  will you be compliant with taking that form of vitamin and the number required?
• Size of the tablet/capsule:  if you are taking a tablet or capsule, can you swallow the size of pill?
• Health goals:  what are your health goals?
• Medical history and disease concerns: do you have a family history of specific diseases or are you currently being treated for a specific health condition?  Are you taking other medications or supplements?
• Daily diet:  do you eat a diet rich in fresh grown organic foods or are you a fast food junkie? 
• Lifestyle:  are you living a healthy lifestyle with proper exercise and diet?  Are  you exposed to a lot of pollutants and toxins through your work environment or lifestyle?  Do you consume excess amounts of alcohol or tobacco?

 How do I decide?

 By answering the questions above, you can determine your basic needs and select a vitamin that is right for you.  There are a lot of choices and any reputable nutrition store should have qualified, educated staff to help show you choices and make a good selection.  Feel free to stop in and discuss your vitamin needs at Hoye’s Pharmacy. 

 Summary:

 A multi-vitamin is an essential part of the Big Three foundation for good health.  They act like an insurance policy for added protection towards your health.  Choose wisely- as stated by Marcus Valerius Martial (a Latin poet)

 “Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well.”

 In Good Health To You and Family

Hoye’s Pharmacy

What is he doing to our food?

Wouldn’t it be nice if our government started really looking at our basic resources for health, such as the food chain and environment that we live in?

The quality of food that is produced in this country continues to decline each year.  With mass food production, few people know what a home grown tomato tastes like and many people don’t even take the time to cook.   Health starts from within – it is each of our responsibility to be conscious of what we put into our bodies.  The old addage, trash in equals trash out is true – especially with our health.

It seems to be harder and harder for local farmers to sell their goods, due to increased goverment regulation.  I think people should have the right to CHOOSE what they eat – not be told by the government what is allowed.  For instance, why can’t I buy raw milk from my neighbor?

Your thoughts?

Robert Hoye, CRPh meeting with Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite in Washington, D.C.

Robert S. Hoye, CRPh and President of Hoye’s Pharmacy, just returned from meeting with members of the House and Senate in Washington, D.C. to lobby for the rights of patients to have access to compounded prescriptions. Robert is an active member and Fellow of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) (http://iacprx.org) who organizes this event every year. The purpose of his trip was to • Protect the rights of patients and practitioners to have access to compounded medications • Discuss ongoing legislation regarding the FDA’s role in the regulation of compounding pharmacies in relation to the individual state’s Board of Pharmacies. Robert met with Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, District 5, Florida to discuss the importance of compounding pharmacy in today’s world of medicine. Hoye’s Pharmacy has lobbied in Washington, D.C. annually for the past 12 years. Over 240 pharmacists attended this event in July to meet with our Senate and House members.