Optimal ovarian wellness may include management of reproductive hormonal or endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is reported to affect approximately 6% to 10% of women. PCOS affects multiple systems, causing problems with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological factors. Reproductive issues such as infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and endometrial cancer are all possibilities. Metabolic factors and possible comorbidities include obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

Dysfunctional gastrointestinal processes vary widely. Chronic abdominal pain with persistent or recurrent tendencies may be associated with abnormalities in bowel function and structure. The prevalence of gastrointestinal problems presenting in this way ranges anywhere from 5 to 20% of people being affected.

Depending on the symptoms presented, there are a variety of ways to help ameliorate symptoms. For example, antispasmodics such as peppermint oil can help with pain associated with digestive dysfunction. Both probiotics and fiber contribute to improving stool consistency through the mechanism of creating a healthy microbiota, which can lend to easier passing as well as serving as an indicator for digestive health. Having integral intestinal permeability helps the body absorb nutrients and dispose of waste properly; the amino acid glutamine helps to improve this function and may contribute to better digestion.

In designing a protocol for general wellness in adults, several aspects were considered. First, what are the top causes of morbidity and mortality in North America? Second, what are some ingredients with sufficient evidence to support a wide variety of conditions or health concerns that may be broadly applicable to this population?

The most common conditions affecting North American adults include cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attack, stroke), cancer, respiratory conditions, cognitive decline, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health concerns. (CDC 2021; Vos 2020) Dietary and nutrient risk factors for these conditions may include low omega-3 intake (Abdelhamid 2020) and low vitamin D intake (Rejnmark 2017). Nutrients such as magnesium (Mah 2021) and B complex vitamins (Young 2019) may also reduce morbidity associated with these conditions. Lastly, the herbal adaptogen ashwagandha was chosen for its potential role in improving stress, sleep, and overall quality of life. (Langade 2021; Lopresti 2019)

Suboptimal or underactive thyroid function can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism, which affects approximately 4.6% of people in the US (age 12 and older). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of an underactive thyroid in developed countries, while iodine deficiency is the most common cause worldwide. Other causes might include goiter, genetic disorders, or radiation treatment/exposure.

Conventional treatment tends to focus on replacing the low levels of thyroid hormones with pharmaceutical sources such as levothyroxine. Supporting thyroid function can be achieved through other methods as well. Based on current research findings, the ingredients in the protocol below have demonstrated efficacy in improving a variety of factors associated with an underactive or suppressed thyroid.

High cholesterol is one of the key markers when evaluating risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and related problems. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), in 2015-2016, 12.5% of adults had high total cholesterol, with men having a higher rate of prevalence. In conjunction, 18% of adults had low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Achieving a healthy cholesterol serum level has a valuable impact on decreasing risk for these events, and every bit helps. A decrease of 1 mmol/L in total cholesterol correlates with lower ischemic heart disease mortality. (15) Problems with blood pressure amplify the risks found with dyslipidemia, and were found to proportionally impact risk reduction when lowering cholesterol.

Blood pressure homeostasis is a clear indication of health. Approximately 9 million deaths due to high blood pressure occur each year. This makes essential hypertension the most prominent disease worldwide. Uncontrolled blood pressure increases the risk for heart-related problems such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. When left untreated, high blood pressure may lead to chronic kidney disease, disability, and even death.

Interventions aimed at lowering blood pressure improve comorbidities and outcomes. Patients with uncomplicated grade 1 hypertension experience decreased risk of stroke and death when lowering blood pressure by an average of 3.6 mmHg systolic, and 2.4 mmHg diastolic. Targeting reductions in blood pressure, as well as underlying mechanisms, is key to an integrative treatment plan.