Supporting the function of the brain requires proper nutrition, as the brain needs about 12 times more oxygen than other organs. And the best way to oxygenate the body/brain is by eating a lot of greens, preferably raw or lightly steamed dark green vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, spinach, leaf lettuce, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnip greens and collards.

“Greens are underplayed in our society, but are so important in terms of their antioxidant activity,” says Andrew Bruex, President of Universal Formulas in Kalamazoo. (www.universalformulas.com) He also recommends juicing, by blending together raw vegetables and fruits such as carrots, yams, lettuce or celery. “Juicing is a good way to help oxygenate the blood, which then gets back to brain function,” he says.

But while it’s the greens and other colorful foods that give our bodies the “green light,” sometimes our lifestyles or our inability to eat enough foods with the right nutrients call for supplementation. Scientists and healthcare professionals increasingly recognize that nutritional supplements can play an important role in improving our health as well as in preventing some diseases.

Universal Formulas was founded on the belief that plant-derived minerals and vitamins are a beneficial way to supplement people’s overall nutrition. All of their supplements are derived from plants and a variety of herbs, and may be used for specific conditions as well as to maintain good health. But are all supplements created equal?

“No,” Bruex says, citing some of the calcium supplements currently on the market. “Look at coral calcium, which is actually from dolomite or limestone. Limestone is calcium but in the form of a carbonate. Calcium supplements that contain carbonate become toxic to the body because the body has to remove it. In fact,” he continues, “coral calcium has only about a 10 percent absorption rate, so the body has to eliminate 90 percent.”

When looking at what might cause sensory conditions, where one of our senses (vision, hearing, tasting) isn’t up to par, Bruex says to first focus on the brain and determine how it’s functioning. “Supplements, or a combination of herbs that help oxygenate the brain may include gingko, meadowsweet and licorice root. But it’s also important to look at other organs and see how they are functioning.”

Problems with vision may be connected to the liver. Bruex recommends supplements containing gingko biloba, fo-ti, gotu kola, meadowsweet, licorice root and minerals may aid liver function. For people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), fruits and vegetables with red and purple hues may improve the blood flow to the eyes. Increasing the amount of vitamins C and E could also slow the disease. And in a recent clinical study, both lutein and zeaxanthin (antioxidants) were shown to help improve people’s vision who suffer from AMD. (www.prevention.com)

Hearing issues such as tinnitus, an annoying ringing-like sound in the ear, may be caused by poor circulation in the inner ear or be connected to kidney malfunction. “Two herbs that we recommend for tinnitus are rehmannia and uva ursi,” Bruex says.

Problems with taste may be related to stomach disorders or the digestion process in general. It could also be that someone is low in a trace mineral such as zinc, which is critical for taste. “Many people have low trace minerals that are needed for good health,” Bruex says. “So if someone is having problems with taste or doesn’t have an appetite, we usually look at increasing mineral intake.”

There is anecdotal evidence that supports using supplements to augment good nutrition and to help with cellular function. But supplement dosages must be looked at carefully, as they aren’t the same for everyone. “Our supplement dosages are based on a person’s body weight,” Bruex says, “basically one capsule per 50 pounds. Then we see how you feel and adjust as necessary.”

Proper nutrition and supplementation provide our best defense for maintaining optimal health. But for major health issues or before starting a supplementation regimen, it’s advised you check with your physician.