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HELP - Can Supplements Really Help Reduce Stress?
Stress can take a toll on the body and mind, and as you may have heard, taking supplements could help you better manage stress. While it may sound too good to be true, supplements are available for stress relief. Read on to learn more about stress and how supplements may help manage and/or reduce your stress. What Is Stress? Stress is worry or tension brought on by challenges faced in life. It is part of our body's natural defense system, designed to protect us from threats. In ancient humans, the stress response was vital in life-or-death situations. When our ancient ancestors faced a threat from a predator, their brains sounded an internal alarm, and the sympathetic nervous system transmitted messages that sparked the fight or flight response. The adrenal glands release the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. Ancient humans then entered a state where they could fend off an attacker or escape to safety. After the danger passes, the parasympathetic nervous system stops the stress response. Today, most of us don't often find ourselves in life-threatening situations, but the ancient stress response remains. Unfortunately, most stressors in modern life include ongoing issues, such as money problems, work pressure, and relationship conflicts. Since the threat is prolonged, the parasympathetic nervous system may not kick in to lower cortisol levels. As a result, many people are in a state of chronic stress response. What Is the Impact of Stress on Health? Chronic stress poses several health risks. It can contribute to the following: High blood pressure Heart attack Stroke Muscle pain Migraine and tension headaches Breathing and respiratory problems like asthma High blood sugar levels Immune disorders Depression and anxiety Stomach and bowel problems Which Supplements Can Help Calm My Nerves? Although further study is necessary, research indicates that certain supplements may have a calming effect on the body. Some supplements that may support adrenal health and reduce stress include the following. Magnesium An essential mineral, magnesium aids in more than 300 processes within the human body. Low magnesium levels may worsen the effects of chronic stress, potentially because the mineral helps to regulate the activities of the part of the brain that controls the adrenal glands. Due to its role in regulating muscles, magnesium may also help relieve stress-related tension. Ashwagandha Also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry, ashwagandha is an herb that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It belongs to a class of botanicals called adaptogens, which help protect the body from the effects of stress. Specifically, ashwagandha may ease anxiety and limit the impact of stress by lowering cortisol levels. L-Theanine L-theanine is an amino acid derived from green tea. Once ingested and absorbed, the amino acid crosses the blood-brain barrier. Studies show that it may promote alpha brain waves, which occur when you're in a relaxed, idle state. By doing so, L-theanine could help to ease stress and support feelings of calm. Vitamin B6 Part of the B-complex of vitamins, vitamin B6, is necessary for proper nervous system function and may aid in stress management. A recent study found that taking B6 supplements helped reduce feelings of stress and anxiety better than a placebo in a small group of young adults. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is a brain chemical that helps reduce brain signals to calm the body. Studies have found that people with low GABA levels may be at an increased risk for insomnia and that taking a GABA supplement may promote better sleep and improved stress management. Discover Body Kitchen Stress Relief Supplements Body Kitchen offers high-quality stress relief supplements to help you unwind and relax. Our Unwind Magnesium Powder provides 420 milligrams of pure magnesium that is highly bioavailable to support better sleep quality and ease tension. With its natural cherry flavor, it's great with water or milk or even to add to smoothies and shakes. Our supplements may help you ease anxiety and reduce stress when taken as directed. Talk to your medical provider about whether a magnesium power could help you better manage chronic stress.
Are There Any Supplements That Support Better Focus?
Your ability to focus, concentrate and remember things impacts many facets of your life, from getting things done around the house, to succeeding at work, to recalling the names of people you meet. If you're looking for a way to boost concentration and support memory, supplements for focus may help. Read on to learn more about Ayurvedic herbs for brain health. What Causes Problems with Memory and Focus? Cognitive function can become impaired by a variety of things, including: Age: Brain activity often declines with advanced aging, leading to issues such as forgetfulness and misplacement of objects. Lack of sleep: Getting enough sleep can make concentrating and recalling information easier. Depression: People who suffer from clinical depression may find it challenging to focus on everyday tasks. Infections: Some people experience cognitive function issues during and after infections. For example, individuals who previously had COVID-19 and are experiencing long COVID symptoms sometimes report feeling foggy or having trouble concentrating. Medications: Some drugs, such as statins, cholesterol medications, benzodiazepine anxiety medications, antiseizure drugs, painkillers, and other medications can cause brain fog as a side effect. Hormones: Hormonal changes that occur around a woman's menstrual cycle as well as during menopause can lead to brain fog. What Are the Best Supplements for Memory and Focus? Many of the best supplements for memory and focus come from Ayurveda, a natural philosophy that originated in India centuries ago. Modern-day researchers have begun to study the benefits of Ayurvedic herbs for brain health, and the following herbs have yielded especially promising results. Bacopa Monnieri Also referred to as water hyssop and brahmi, Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic remedy for cognitive function, memory support, and nervous system health. Often, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend it for people dealing with chronic stress because the herb is believed to be an adaptogen. This substance helps limit the physical and mental effects of stress. More than 300 studies have been conducted to investigate the benefits of Bacopa monnieri. In one study, adults who were given a Bacopa monnieri supplement performed better on memory tests than a group that took a placebo. Other studies indicate that Bacopa monnieri may be helpful in the support of learning and memory. Coffee Fruit Extract Sometimes called coffee berry, coffee fruit comes from the same plant as coffee beans but is typically discarded when making coffee. Rich in antioxidants, coffee berry may help protect cells in the brain and the rest of the body from damaging free radicals found in pollution and ultraviolet energy. Studies also indicate that coffee fruit extract may aid in cognitive function. One study involving adults with mild cognitive issues found that reaction times improved after taking a coffee berry supplement. Aronia Melanocarpa Commonly referred to as black chokeberry or Aronia berry, Aronia melanocarpa comes from a shrub that grows in many parts of the world. Studies indicate that it may improve both cognitive ability and memory. In one study, the herb was found to increase cognition in middle-aged adults who were overweight but otherwise healthy. The researchers speculated that the herb might help to slow or impede age-related cognitive decline but stated that further study was needed to assess this hypothesis. How to Choose Supplements for Focus When comparing supplements for focus, consider the following: Ingredient blends: Look for supplements that combine two or more ingredients that have been clinically researched, such as the Ayurvedic herbs described above. Bioavailability: Supplements that contain optimized ingredients may be easier for your body to absorb and utilize. Form: Consider the form of the supplement and how well it will fit with your daily routine. Diet: If you're a vegan or vegetarian, look for veggie-based capsules that suit your eating plan. Body Kitchen Total Brain Plant-Based Cognition Enhancer stands out on all four points. Our supplement contains Synapsa Bacopa monnieri, shown to boost memory 400% more than a placebo in clinical studies. In addition, the supplement contains two additional optimized clinically researched ingredients: Brainberry Aronia melanocarpa and CognatiQ coffee fruit extract. In clinical studies, CognatiQ enhanced brain activity associated with learning by 143%, while Brainberry improved focus and hand-eye coordination in just six weeks. These highly bioavailable ingredients support memory, focus, creativity, and productivity and promote overall eye and brain health. Plus, our supplement is simple to take, with a recommended serving size of two vegetable capsules per day. Ask your healthcare provider if Body Kitchen Total Brain is right for you.
Tart Cherry Unwind Magnesium Gummies
Taking magnesium supplements at night helps you unwind, reduce muscle tension, relax the nervous system, decrease stress, and sleep well. These tart cherry gummies are a fun, satisfying, and kid-friendly way to incorporate magnesium into the diet or serve as an after-dinner treat. Each serving contains around 225 milligrams of magnesium. Plus, tart cherry juice is a natural source of melatonin, which supports drowsiness and sleep quality. Recipe notes: Any juice will work in this recipe except pineapple. If you don’t have tart cherry juice, 100% pomegranate juice is an excellent substitute. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the recipe if you prefer sweeter gummies.
Chill Out with These Tart and Tasty Relaxation Gummies
Everybody needs a little help unwinding sometimes. According to the American Institute of Stress, 55% of Americans feel stressed during the day.* For some, stress can be chronically present as a result of an unhealthy workplace or the uncertainties of life. For others, it can manifest quietly, making you feel moody and irritable without understanding why. And when stress builds up, it shows up in tense muscles, a restless mind and a tired body that has trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. But before you reach for a bottle of melatonin, wine or CBD gummies to help get you through the night, give magnesium a try. Magnesium is Nature’s Relaxation Mineral Your body needs magnesium to help carry out more than 300 functions in the body, from muscle and nerve function to blood pressure regulation and bone formation.* In fact, about 50-60% of magnesium is found in your bones.* Magnesium is also a powerful mood-boosting mineral. It binds itself to receptors in the brain responsible for calming you down and helping muscles relax.* And many studies show that taking magnesium supplements can help ease feelings of stress.* This superpower has rightfully earned magnesium its reputation as a safe and natural “chill pill”. This is especially true if your body is low on magnesium, because living with elevated stress levels depletes this precious mineral from your system. Make a Batch of Mood-Boosting, Muscle-Relaxing Gummies If you’re having trouble winding down and sleeping, it’s okay to nudge your body toward balance without going to extremes. And magnesium has the science and safety to back it up. If you’ve ever taken an Epsom salt bath to soothe your body and mind, you’ve already experienced magnesium’s calming effects. But when you take magnesium as a supplement, the higher concentration of minerals intensifies the soothing effect. Chillin’ Cherry Relaxation Gummies
What Is the Gut-Brain Axis and Do Probiotics Really Play a Role in Treating Related Disorders?
Your mind and your body are inexplicably intertwined, with numerous connections between the two. As researchers learn more about the human body and brain, we continue to learn about surprising ways that various parts of our bodies are interconnected. One of these amazing connections is between the brain and the gut. Understanding the gut-brain axis is the first step toward supporting gut health to improve overall health and mental well-being. The Connection Between Brain and Gut Health The connection between the brain and gut health is largely due to the enteric nervous system (ENS). This network of more than 100 million cells is found inside the lining of the organs and parts of your digestive system, including the stomach, esophagus and large and small intestines. The ENS helps to control digestion, and it communicates back and forth with the brain via the vagus nerve and other nerve pathways. Increasingly, research is discovering that certain mental health disorders are connected to gut health. For example, many people with irritable bowel syndrome experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Experts once believed that the mental health symptoms were due to stress related to gastrointestinal issues brought on by the condition, or that they somehow caused or worsened irritable bowel syndrome. As we come to better understand the enteric nervous system, it now seems more likely that the condition causes the enteric nervous system to send messages to the brain that disrupt the natural balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, leading to mental and emotional symptoms. Because of the potential connection between brain health and gut health, more experts now believe that supporting a healthy digestive system may provide mental health benefits. What Are Probiotics and Probiotic Supplements? Any discussion of using the brain-gut connection to support mental health needs to include probiotics. Probiotics are microbiota or bacteria that live inside the digestive system. There are more than a trillion bacteria naturally present in the gut. One of the key jobs of probiotics is to prevent dysbiosis of the gut, which is an imbalance that occurs when there are more harmful bacteria than beneficial bacteria in the digestive system microbiome. Probiotic supplements provide a way to increase the number of probiotics in the digestive system. The supplements contain beneficial living bacteria that get released into the gut when they are digested. In this way, probiotic supplements provide a larger supply of helpful microorganisms for you to benefit from. What Are the Benefits of Probiotics? Clinical studies show that probiotics may offer the following benefits: Reduced digestive issues: By aiding in digestion, probiotics may reduce bloating and gas. They have also been shown to reduce diarrhea and constipation. Complementary treatments: Research indicates that probiotics may ease symptoms of certain chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Immune support: Beneficial bacteria in the digestive system can help keep bacteria that make us sick in check. As a result, probiotic supplements may help the immune system to function properly. Improved urinary and reproductive health: Microbiota imbalances can make yeast infections and urinary tract infections more likely to occur in some individuals. Increasing your supply of beneficial bacteria through probiotics may reduce the risk of developing these infections. Inflammation regulation: There is evidence to suggest that a balanced gut helps to regulate the body's natural inflammatory response. As a result, doctors may recommend probiotics for individuals who suffer from chronic inflammation and conditions associated with inflammation, such as eczema. Potential to boost mood: Because of the gut-brain connection, probiotic supplements may support mental health. This may be especially true when suffering from chronic digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Better oral health: Studies show that probiotic supplements may lower the likelihood of gum disease, one of the leading causes of tooth loss. How to Choose a Probiotic Supplement Whether you want to take a probiotic supplement to support brain health, aid in immune system function or ease digestive issues, it's important that you choose a high-quality product. Look for supplements that contain strains of probiotics that have been scientifically studied and compare the amount of colony forming units (CFUs), which represent how many individual bacteria are found in one serving. Body Kitchen Gut Balance is one example of a high-quality probiotic supplement. It contains 6 billion colony-forming units from three live strains plus citrus probiotics that can hold up to the effects of stomach acid. These clinically researched ingredients have been shown to improve the gut's response to inflammation in as little as 12 weeks. Just two capsules per day support overall digestive health. No refrigeration is needed for added convenience.
Why Collagen Should Be Fortified with Dipeptides
If you've heard about the benefits of collagen supplements for supporting joint health or healthy skin, it's important that you choose a high-quality product. When comparing options, make sure you are familiar with the type of collagen you’re researching and learn how to choose the best collagen supplement for your needs. Some of the best collagen supplements typically feature collagen peptides, specifically dipeptides – read on to find out why. What Is Collagen? Collagen is a protein found in the human body. It's a key component of skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It's actually the most plentiful protein in the body. Some collagen supplements contain whole collagen. When you take one of these products, your body digests the collagen, breaking it down into smaller chains of amino acids. Then, it can use these building blocks to produce new collagen fibers. What Are the Types of Collagen? There are many types of collagen, but supplements usually provide one of three types: Type 1: Type 1 collagen accounts for about 70% of the skin and is also found in the hair, nails, and bones. Type 2: Type 2 collagen is found in the cartilage that insulates joints. Type 3: Type 3 collagen is found in the skin, hair, nails, and bones. In addition, this type is present in the walls of organs. Collagen types 1, 2 and 3 are the most common forms of collagen in the human body. Some supplements provide all three types. These products are good if you want to take collagen for hair, skin, and joints. Beauty supplements for the hair, skin and nails may simply contain only collagen types 1 and type 3. What Are Collagen Peptides? Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed collagen. They are made when collagen fibers get broken down into smaller chains of amino acids. What Are the Benefits of Collagen Peptides? The biggest benefit of collagen peptides is increased bioavailability. As previously addressed, whole collagen supplements must be broken down into smaller components for the body to put the amino acids to work. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are already divided into chains. As a result, it may be easier for the body to absorb and use them. Increasing collagen absorption may enhance the benefits of taking supplements. Some specific benefits of collagen peptide supplements include: Improved skin elasticity: Collagen provides support for the skin. Boosting collagen levels with collagen peptides could help restore elasticity to make skin feel firmer and suppler. Joint health support: With age, the cartilage that protects the joints often breaks down. This can lead to symptoms of osteoarthritis such as joint pain and stiffness. Collagen peptides may help the body produce new cartilage or repair existing damage to support healthier joints and reduce discomfort. Muscle maintenance: With age, muscle mass often decreases due to a process called sarcopenia. There is some evidence to suggest that collagen peptides slow down the rate of muscle loss to help older adults remain stronger and more flexible. Stronger hair and nails: Collagen is a vital component of both hair strands and nails. Taking collagen peptide supplements can give the body the raw materials that it can potentially use to create new hair and nail cells. Keep in mind that the benefits provided by collagen supplements depend on the types of collagen peptides that they contain. To possibly reap all the above benefits, look for products that contain collagen types 1, 2 and 3. What Are Collagen Di-Peptides? Collagen dipeptides are a special form of collagen peptides. They are simple molecules that consist of either two amino acids connected by a single peptide bond or one amino acid connected by two peptide bonds. Because of their simplicity, dipeptides become easily absorbed by the human body. Other peptides may need to be broken down from their complex forms into simpler molecules before they can be used. As a result, dipeptides have the potential to further increase collagen absorption compared to supplements that contain other peptides and whole collagen. Will Dipeptide-Fortified Collagen Absorb into My System Better? Choosing a collagen supplement that is dipeptide-fortified can increase absorption. However, the number of dipeptides per serving also matters. For example, Body Kitchen Advanced Body Boost Powder provides 30 times the number of dipeptides than most other collagen powders on the market. This means that you get more of the essential building blocks of collagen each time that you take the supplement. By combining multiple types of collagen, the supplement provides support for healthier skin, hair, nails, bones and joints.
What Is Black Pepper Extract and Does It Really Increase Nutrient Absorption?
How beneficial a dietary supplement will be depends on nutrient absorption. If your body can't efficiently absorb and utilize nutrients, you won't be able to get the full benefits of any product. To improve the bioavailability or absorption levels of dietary supplements, manufacturers may add a supportive ingredient: black pepper extract. Read on to learn what it is and how it helps your body utilize supplements. What Is Black Pepper Extract? Black pepper extract comes from the Piper nigrum plant that is native to southwest India but is now grown commercially all over the world. For centuries, people have used the dried, unripe fruit of the plant as a seasoning in food. This fruit is commonly referred to as a peppercorn. The term black pepper extract refers to a concentrated substance derived from peppercorns. It contains piperine, a substance that gives black pepper its spicy taste. Studies have found that piperine may provide a number of benefits, including boosting the bioavailability of supplements. How Does Black Pepper Extract Increase Bioavailability? Black pepper extract enhances bioavailability by: *Acting as a P-glycoprotein inhibitor: P-glycoproteins are substances found in the lining of our kidneys, adrenal glands and intestines. Their job is to move nutrients in and out of cells. Piperine may help to lessen the activity of these glycoproteins so that the nutrients found in supplements stay in cells. *Supporting thermogenesis: Black pepper extract may assist with thermogenesis, the process of converting nutrients to energy. It may do so by activating hormones called catecholamines. When these hormones get activated in the digestive system, the speed of nutrient absorption increases. *Slowing down glucuronidation: Glucuronidation is one of the ways that our body removes drugs and other substances from the body. Piperine may slow down this process so that the nutrients found in dietary supplements stay in the body longer. What Is Bioperine? Bioperine is a proprietary black pepper extract. In ordinary black pepper extract, the amount of piperine varies. Most extracts are only 5 to 9% piperine. By comparison, Bioperine is standardized to contain 95% piperine. As a result, Bioperine may have more of the key chemical that increases black pepper extract. At Body Kitchen, we use Bioperine as a supportive ingredient in supplements like Body Kitchen Mega NAC + Quercetin and Body Kitchen Keratin Enrich to enhance absorption. Which Nutrients Are Supported Most by Ingesting Black Pepper Extract? According to scientific research, black pepper extract is highly beneficial for the following nutrients: *Iron: Red blood cells need the mineral iron to produce oxygen-carrying hemoglobin and for many other functions such as production of new DNA. One study found that people who took Bioperine with an iron supplement for 56 days had higher levels of hemoglobin. *Beta-carotene: This form of vitamin A is vital for heart, eye and immune system health. In one study, half of the participants were given 5 milligrams of piperine per day and another group was given a sugar pill. After two weeks, beta-carotene levels had nearly doubled in the group that took the black pepper supplement. *Antioxidants: Studies have shown that piperine helps the body absorb and utilize coenzyme Q10 (COQ10), resveratrol and other antioxidants. These supplements help fight the effects of free radicals that drive the aging process and contribute to disease by damaging cells. *Curcumin: An extract from turmeric, curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, Bioperine was shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2,000%. *Vitamin B6: This essential vitamin is necessary for metabolism function, immune health and more. The vitamin is water-soluble and exits the body rather quickly. However, research shows that piperine can slow down the removal of vitamin B6. In one study, people who took vitamin B6 with Bioperine had 2.5 times more of the vitamin in their blood than those who didn't take the proprietary piperine after two hours. Two hours later, the vitamin B6 levels in the Bioperine group were 1.4 times higher. What Are the Other Benefits of Black Pepper Extract? In addition to increasing the bioavailability of supplements, black pepper extract may have other health benefits. Piperine is thought to act as an antioxidant and may help support heart and nervous system health. In addition, the supplement has been shown to enhance stomach acid production to aid in digestion. It may also aid in the activities of white blood cells that protect the body from infections due to bacteria and viruses. Possible Side Effects of Black Pepper and Piperine Studies suggest that supplements that provide piperine doses of 5 to 20 milligrams per serving are safe for most people. However, side effects are possible. Black pepper extract could cause burning sensations in the stomach and esophagus and may contribute to indigestion or acid reflux in some people. Just as piperine can enhance the bioavailability of supplements, it may also make your body absorb more of some medications, such as antihistamines for allergies. As a result, supplements that contain black pepper extract may increase the risk of side effects from other drugs. For best results, talk to your medical provider before adding a black pepper extract supplement to your diet. They can advise you on what side effects to look out for and let you know if it's safe to combine piperine with other supplements and medications that you take.
Which Supplements Best Support Blood Pressure and Overall Heart Health?
Almost half of the adults in the U.S. suffer from high blood pressure. If you're one of them, controlling your blood pressure is vital for protecting your heart health. Supplements may work with other treatments and lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular health complications. Read on to discover some of the best blood pressure supplements for those with hypertension. What Is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is a measure of the force that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels as it moves through your body. Healthcare providers measure in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The top number is the systolic pressure and represents the force of blood when your heart actively pumps. Called the diastolic pressure, the bottom number shows how much pressure the blood exerts when your heart muscle relaxes between beats. What Is High Blood Pressure? The normal range for blood pressure is less than or equal to 120/80 mmHg. If your systolic blood pressure is 120 to 129 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg or less, you have elevated blood pressure. Once the top number reaches 130 or above or the bottom number goes above 80 mmHg, your doctor may diagnose you with hypertension or high blood pressure. Many things can cause high blood pressure, including the buildup of plaque in the arteries, damage due to diabetes and other conditions and hardening of the arteries. What Are the Dangers of Hypertension? Hypertension can cause damage to the cardiovascular system and other systems in the body. Left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of: Heart attack Stroke Kidney damage Vision problems Heart failure Memory problems, including dementia What Is the Best Blood Pressure Supplement? Blood pressure supplements contain nutrients and botanical extracts that are believed to play a role in blood pressure regulation or to lower blood pressure. Some of the best blood pressure supplements include magnesium and a type of antioxidant known as polyphenols. Magnesium and Blood Pressure Regulation Magnesium is an essential mineral that performs many jobs in the human body. For the cardiovascular system, magnesium helps blood vessels relax, so blood can pass through more quickly. Many older adults don't get enough magnesium through their diets, and a deficiency could increase the risk of hypertension. Taking a magnesium supplement can help to bridge the diet gap to support heart health as well as healthy bones and nerve cells. There is also some evidence to suggest that magnesium may lower blood pressure in people who aren't deficient. One systematic review of 34 trials concluded that the mineral does seem to have a positive effect on high blood pressure and that supplements could begin to lower pressure levels within as little as 30 days. Polyphenols and Blood Pressure Polyphenols are natural substances found in pomegranates, grapes and other plants. One well-known polyphenol is resveratrol, which is found in wine grapes. Acting as antioxidants, polyphenols help to fight oxidative damage caused by free radicals, reactive particles found in pollution and ultraviolet energy. By limiting oxidation, antioxidants may help to protect the heart and blood vessels. One review of previous clinical studies concluded that diets rich in polyphenols could greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The authors stated that antioxidants could lower the likelihood of structural changes developing in blood vessels. By doing so, polyphenols may help blood circulate more freely and may make a person less likely to suffer from hypertension and potentially lower pressure in those who already have this condition. Supplements can be good sources of polyphenols for people who have trouble eating fruits and vegetables that contain beneficial antioxidants due to hectic lifestyles, dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Will Polyphenols Really Help Regulate My Blood Pressure? A high-quality supplement that contains magnesium and polyphenols can make a difference for people with elevated blood pressure. Body Kitchen Blood Pressure Balance provides a blend of magnesium, standardized pomegranate extract and standardized grape seed extract to support cardiovascular health. To deliver the best possible results, the product features dosages shown in clinical studies to be beneficial. Body Kitchen Blood Pressure Balance can play a role in your blood pressure care plan. However, you may need to make changes to your diet, exercise more and use additional treatments to get your pressure levels into the ideal range. Speak with your healthcare provider about whether blood pressure supplements are right for you.
3 Weird Ways Spring Messes with You
Out with dry skin and chapped lips and in with sunny warmth on our cheeks. Spring is in the air and we are ready! Most of us can recall many health boosts that the long-awaited season of fresh starts brings, such as a surge in energy and happier mood. These noticeable shifts are caused by hormonal responses to the change in season. But not all changes are positive. In fact, there’s a dark side of spring that we don’t know about. While we’re celebrating the arrival of brighter mornings and bearable temperatures, springtime can run amok on skin, joints and the respiratory and immune systems in ways that scientists don’t fully understand. Here are 3 surprising ways in which spring’s gone wild on your body and health – and an easy daily habit that helps restore balance: 1. Compromises collagen levels Collagen is the plumping protein that gives skin strength and shape, helping it to resist wrinkling and sagging. As an abundant structural protein, it’s also key to healthy joints, bones, tendons and ligaments. While aging is often made out to be public enemy #1, environmental factors are one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown. And pollen is one of them. Skin is your largest organ and its main job is to keep invaders – like pollen – out. The sticky yellow dust that airborne pollinators find intoxicating can disturb production of collagen, without which your skin cannot renew and repair itself. Pollen can enter your body through inhalation, hair follicles or skin’s moisture barrier made fragile by winter dryness. This leads to inflammation that, over time, can inhibit collagen synthesis. 2. Tricks your body into declaring war on you Once again, pollen is the instigator that picks fights with your skin and respiratory system by making you think you’re under attack. While spring flowers and blooms happily welcome pollen deposits, it’s nothing more than a foreign threat to your body that must be wiped out. Allergens can cause your immune response to go into overdrive to create an inhospitable environment. Nasal passages and tear ducts activate to escort the menaces out. And skin can react to the contact by becoming irritated and inflamed – a visible sign that your body is under attack. 3. Wreaks havoc on joints Springtime is known for wild weather that people swear they can feel in their joints. Changes in temperature, humidity and weather patterns can trigger joint inflammation, stiffness and discomfort, according to the Arthritis Foundation. This is why dry climates draw susceptible individuals searching for relief. Though hard science can’t definitely explain the reasons why, good research reveals many clues. Temperature fluctuations affect atmospheric pressure, which compresses joints. When barometric pressure falls, it triggers swelling that can lead to achy joints and even headaches. Humidity is a known aggressor, too. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology showed that the combination of higher humidity and still-cool temperatures had the worst effect on knee, hand and hip discomfort. Who knew that nature’s most gentle season could be so unforgiving! The good news is, there’s a way to tame spring’s wild side and get more of what you want out of the season – like fresh, hydrated skin and a healthy, functional body that’s ready to get outdoors. Collagen to the rescue By now, you’re no stranger to collagen powder supplements supplying the protein that makes up the sturdy, structural matrix of connective tissue found throughout the body. Collagen peptides are miniature building blocks that your body can absorb and use efficiently, making them the A-list of collagen powders. Reactivate collagen production Since collagen formation can suffer in the springtime, proactively nudging the process is vital. By consuming dietary collagen in absorbable peptides form, you stimulate the natural synthesis of collagen you need to repair collagen breakdown and form new tissue. Plus, you get a 2-in-1 benefit, because this production process also helps to renew elastin – collagen’s stretchy sidekick that’s needed for elasticity. In fact, elastin is found in the same tissues that contain collagen in a 10:1 collagen to elastin ratio. Together, collagen and elastin support firmness and elasticity. Without them, connective tissue would be slack and flimsy. Natural moisture gets a lift, too. While moisturizers offer a temporary boost, collagen peptides hydrate and plump from the inside out. Many studies reveal that daily intake of high-quality collagen supplements can reduce dryness and improve moisture. Research shows collagen peptides calm your allergy response Another surprising benefit of taking collagen peptides is its ability to inhibit the body’s inflammatory response to allergies. When taken as a food supplement, collagen peptides were shown to help limit certain antibodies from going into overdrive.* And that’s not all. Collagen peptides also help to lubricate joints to boost mobility and comfort. Not only does the enhanced production of collagen help to renew joint tissues, but also fluids that promote help improve cushion and flexibility. So, while March may come in like a lion, you can make a simple switch to your daily health routine to ensure spring goes out like a lamb. Get spring-ready with Body Kitchen Collagen + Elastin. Made with clinically studied, grass-fed collagen peptides and French marine elastin peptides in the perfect 10:1 combination found in your body. Boost skin elasticity, support healthy joints and strengthen connective tissue throughout your body. One small scoop a day also packs vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for collagen and elastin production and supple skin and joints.
