Metabolic Balance Trajectory
The NGD Care Metabolic Balance Program is a three-phase supplement schedule for dogs and cats, formulated for normal metabolism. Use it in consultation with your veterinarian.
- A three-phase supplement program.
- Formulated for normal metabolism.
- Does not replace medication or dietary food.
- Use this program in consultation with your veterinarian.
Description
QUICK SUMMARY
The Metabolic Balance Program is a three-phase supplement schedule for dogs and cats, formulated for normal metabolism. Use this program in consultation with your veterinarian.
Why a program and not a separate supplement?
Metabolism converts nutrients into energy and building blocks. The intestinal flora, muscles, liver, and mitochondria are all involved in this process.
This program therefore begins with the intestinal flora and subsequently contains substances involved in energy metabolism. Calm, regular exercise and fixed meal times are also part of it.
Four processes in metabolism
Metabolism is much more than calories in and out. How it works is related to glucose metabolism, adipose tissue, the cellular energy sensor, and the intestinal flora. This program was composed from this systems biology perspective.
After a meal, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin ensures that cells absorb glucose from the blood. Muscles and the liver store glucose as glycogen.
Adipose tissue stores energy, but also releases signaling molecules that influence other organs. Thus, adipose tissue is an active part of metabolism.
AMPK is an enzyme that acts as the cell’s energy sensor. When energy is low, AMPK activates processes that generate energy. Berberine is being researched in relation to AMPK.
Gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids from fibers. These substances are being researched in relation to glucose and fat metabolism. This is why this program starts with the intestinal flora.
Why this order?
First come fibers for the intestinal flora, enzymes, antioxidants, and mushrooms. This is followed by substances involved in energy metabolism, and finally a maintenance phase.
How does the Metabolic Balance Program work?
The program consists of three consecutive phases, with nutrition as the foundation. The ingredients are listed for each supplement.
Starch from, for example, grain, rice, and potatoes is broken down in the intestine into glucose, which enters the blood. Dry food usually contains a lot of starch, as starch is needed to form a kibble. We therefore recommend a base of fresh meat with vegetables and low starch, with fixed meal times and calm, regular exercise. In this, we consciously deviate from what is often advised.
Variation in fresh meat as a base: beef, chicken, lamb, game, fish, etc. Preferably raw (BARF, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or KVV). Rotate protein sources regularly.
20% pureed vegetables added to the meal: zucchini, spinach, broccoli, carrot, pumpkin, etc. Pureed and steamed, they are more digestible for dogs and cats.
Is your animal on a prescription diet from the veterinarian? Consult them first before changing the diet.
Want guidance on switching to different food? Schedule an intake with Stefan Veenstra DVM via NatuurlijkGezondeDieren.nl.
The first phase begins with the intestinal flora, which is being researched in relation to glucose and fat metabolism. Prebiotic Fibers contains fibers that gut bacteria ferment into short-chain fatty acids. Fibers also slow down the absorption of sugars from the meal. Biofilm Balance contains enzymes, lactoferrin, and NAC. NAC is a source of cysteine for glutathione, and lactoferrin is being researched in relation to the intestinal flora. Liposomal Vitamin C is an antioxidant. High blood sugar produces more free radicals, and glucose and vitamin C partly use the same transport proteins to enter cells. Liposomal Curcumin contains curcumin, a polyphenol from turmeric that is being researched in relation to fat metabolism. Myco Immune Complex contains beta-glucans from mushrooms, which also act as fiber in the intestine.
The second phase includes substances belonging to energy metabolism. Metabolic Balance contains berberine, which is being researched in relation to AMPK, the cellular energy sensor, and NAC. Omega 3-Calanus Oil provides EPA and DHA, which are incorporated into the walls of cells, including fat cells. PEA Complex contains PEA, a substance the body produces itself which, via PPAR-alpha, is also involved in fat metabolism, and boswellia.
The maintenance phase focuses on energy within the cell. Longevity Support provides NAD+, a cofactor in the conversion of sugars and fats into energy. Liposomal Coenzyme Q10 is part of the energy production in the mitochondria, where sugars and fats are ultimately converted into energy. Relax Support contains magnesium, which is required for enzymes that use ATP, including in glucose metabolism. Liposomal Glutathione is the most important antioxidant within the cell. Active energy metabolism produces more free radicals.
How do you use the program?
Give the supplements twice daily for the first month. Then give them once daily. For each supplement, you will find the amount per weight. Use this program in consultation with your veterinarian.
Do you have questions during the program, or want to tailor the schedule to your pet? Schedule an intake with integrative veterinarian Stefan Veenstra.
Frequently asked questions
Does this replace medication or dietary food?
No. This protocol does not replace medication, prescription diet, or treatment. Never change medication yourself.
Why in consultation with the vet?
Berberine and other ingredients can influence the effect of medications.
Are exercise and nutrition part of it?
Yes. Regular exercise and fixed meal times are part of a healthy metabolism.
How long does the program take?
The phases are spread over approximately 28 weeks.
Why the NGD Care Metabolic Balance Program?
| Feature | NGD Care |
|---|---|
| Composition | A schedule with NGD Care supplements, in a fixed order. |
| Human grade | We use human-grade ingredients. |
| Individual guidance | Would you like personal advice for your animal? This is possible via a consultation with Stefan Veenstra. |
Scientific literature
- Tillhon M, et al. (2012). Berberine: new perspectives for old remedies. Biochemical Pharmacology.
- Bentinger M, et al. (2010). Coenzyme Q: biosynthesis and functions. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.
- Slavin J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients.
Want to read more about nutrients and body processes?
In the knowledge base, you’ll find background articles about nutrition and how the body works. Have a question about this program or want personal advice? Feel free to contact us.
Developed by Stefan Veenstra DVM, integrative veterinarian. Stefan is the founder of NGD Care, NGD Care Academy and Integrative Veterinary Center Natural Healthy Animals. Read more about Stefan →
This information is educational in nature and does not replace a veterinary consultation. In case of severe or persistent complaints, always consult a veterinarian.
Ingredients, dosage and use
- Ingredients can be found under the individual products
- For the first 2 months of each phase, we recommend a therapeutic dosage of twice daily. Afterwards, you can switch to a maintenance dosage of once daily.
- Therapeutic dosage
- For a maximum of 8 weeks on the advice of a veterinarian or therapist
- <10kg 2xdaily 1/2 capsule
- 10-30kg 1 capsule 2xdaily
- >30kg 2x daily 2 capsules
- Maintenance Dosing
- <10kg 1x daily 1/2 capsule
- 10-30kg 1x daily 1 capsule
- >30kg 2 capsules 1x day
- This means that for a dog weighing 10 to 30 kg, you must select the product twice for each phase to provide the correct dosage for 8 weeks.
Disclaimer
- This product is a dietary supplement and not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and varied balanced diet.
- The products are not medicines and cannot be used as medicines, but as a dietary supplement. In case of illness or other medical condition, always consult a veterinarian before use.
- Dietary supplements may have interactions and side effects with regular medications.
- Keep out of reach of young children.
- Consult an expert before using supplements in case of pregnancy, lactation, medication use and illness.