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Connection Between Immune System Health and Gut Microbiome
While the exact causes of autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammation aren't completely understood in many cases, doctors increasingly believe that an imbalanced gut microbiome may lead to these conditions. Taking steps to support gut health may contribute to your overall health and well-being due to its connection to the immune system. Read on to learn more about this crucial link. What Is Gut Health? Gut health is a general term that describes the balance of microorganisms in your digestive system. Your stomach and intestines are home to trillions of bacteria. Some are harmful, but others are highly beneficial. When someone has a healthy gut, the good and bad are well-balanced. If the bad bacteria outnumber the good, you may enter a state called gut dysbiosis and develop symptoms like gas, bloating and impaired immunity as a result. What Is the Connection Between Gut Health and Immune System Function? Your gut and your immune system go hand in hand. An imbalance of microorganisms in the gut can activate immune cells and potentially create an overactive immune response that could lead to inflammation. Research also suggests that your immune system relies on your gut for support when fighting disease and illness. There is even evidence to suggest that gut dysbiosis may raise the risk for some forms of cancer. Can a Healthy Gut Help with Overall Health? There is a mounting body of evidence that suggests a healthy gut is beneficial for overall health. When you maintain a good balance of microorganisms in your gut, you support immune system function. As a result, you may be less likely to come down with illnesses and/or to experience chronic inflammation. Plus, having a healthy gut lowers the risk of unpleasant digestive issues that can interfere with your daily activities and overall well-being. How to Improve Gut Health for Immune System Function Eat a Fiber-Filled Diet Dietary fiber is crucial for gut health. It supplies substances that may help beneficial bacteria grow and thrive and supports regular bowel movements. Foods rich in fiber include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods may also contain beneficial vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D, which are necessary for immune system function. Try filling half your plate with tasty fruits and vegetables at every meal. Then, add whole grains to the remaining fourth and cover the rest with a lean protein like fish or poultry. Don't Overuse Antibiotics Antibiotics may be necessary to overcome certain infections like those of the urinary tract. However, many illnesses will resolve without their use. Taking antibiotics only when needed can help support a balanced gut microbiome because these drugs have the potential to kill the good bacteria along with the bad. Manage Stress Stress has been shown to disrupt the balance of gut microbiota and may also weaken the immune system. While you may not be able to avoid stress, you can find ways to deal with it in a constructive, healthy way. Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga to promote relaxation. Talk to friends, family members or a mental health professional about your worries and anxieties. Spend time outdoors, read, listen to music and engage in other activities that you enjoy, to take a break from stressors. Exercise Regularly People who lead sedentary lifestyles are more at risk for gut dysbiosis than those who exercise regularly. Strive to exercise five days a week for at least 30 minutes. Choose exercise that you enjoy. Hitting the gym is one option, but you can also swim, dance, play a sport, ride a bike, or simply go for a brisk walk outdoors. In addition to supporting gut health, regular exercise may strengthen your immune system and promote bowel regularity to alleviate constipation, gas, and other digestive issues. Try Probiotics Probiotic supplements are one of the best supplements for immune system health because they may help to correct imbalances within the microbiota of the gut. Supplements provide live strains of probiotics to increase levels of beneficial bacteria to rebalance the gut microbiome. When choosing probiotic supplements, look for ones with clinically proven advanced key ingredients like Body Kitchen Gut Balance. Our supplement can support immune health and begin modulating the inflammatory response within 12 weeks with clinically studied orange and grapefruit flavonoids that resist breakdown in the presence of stomach acid to reach the intestines where they can provide the most benefit. Plus, our formula features 6 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per unit from three live strains to support overall immune system health. References: https://atlasbiomed.com/blog/the-microbiota-immune-axis/#:~:text=The%20gut%20microbiome%20is%20intimately,and%20soothe%20our%20immune%20response https://bodykitchen.com/collections/shop/products/gut-balance https://seed.com/cultured/the-gut-immune-connection/ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm https://www.mskcc.org/news/your-gut-microbiome-how-improve-it-its-effects-immune-system-and-more https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate
Look Great and Fight Free Radicals the Easy Way
Sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles are natural parts of the aging process but for many people, these signs of aging develop prematurely. Free radicals in the environment are often responsible for early loss of skin firmness and elasticity, and in this post, we'll discuss what they are and what you can do about them. What Causes Skin to Age? Skin ages naturally due to both internal and external processes. Your skin's elasticity and firmness come primarily from two structural proteins: collagen and elastin. Collagen supports the skin tissue, keeping it firm and supple. Elastin allows the skin to be elastic so that it can stretch as you move and then return to its original shape. As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen and elastin, and this causes reductions in skin firmness and elasticity. Reactive particles called free radicals can hasten the gradual loss of skin elasticity and firmness. They are present in the sun's ultraviolet energy as well as in cigarette smoke and pollutants. When free radicals come in contact with cells, they cause oxidative damage. Oxidation can destroy healthy collagen and elastin proteins, causing fine lines and wrinkles and other symptoms like sagging skin to develop prematurely. How to Fight Free Radicals and Keep Your Skin Looking Great Free radicals are all around us, so it's not possible to avoid them completely. However, you can take steps to lessen their impact and to help damaged skin recover from their effects. Follow these tips to help fight damage from free radicals. Wear Sunscreen Ultraviolet energy from the sun exposes you to free radicals that can cause signs of aging and lead to some forms of skin cancer. To help protect yourself, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, regardless of the weather and what activities you have planned. If you're going to be outdoors for an extended period, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen thirty minutes before you go outdoors. Reapply it every two hours or sooner if you sweat or swim. Adopt a Healthy Skincare Routine A healthy skincare routine can help your skin look its best. Cleanse twice daily to remove impurities that can inflame the skin and clog pores. Apply a moisturizer to keep the tissue hydrated. Products that contain hyaluronic acid are especially beneficial. Found naturally in the body, hyaluronic acid helps moisture bind to skin tissue to help reduce the risk of dryness continuously after application. In addition, hyaluronic acid has a plumping effect that makes skin appear fuller and feel firmer. Many moisturizers contain hyaluronic acid, and you can also find standalone hyaluronic acid serums to try. Don't Smoke As previously mentioned, smoke from cigarettes contains free radicals. Smoking puts you at an increased risk for premature signs of aging as well as dry skin. Quitting isn't easy, but you can kick the habit. Your medical provider can help you determine the best way to approach quitting. Depending on your health and other factors, your medical provider may prescribe smoking cessation medications or recommend nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum, inhalers, and lozenges. Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet Your diet plays an important role in skin health. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and some forms of protein contain nutrients called antioxidants. These substances act as defenders against free radical damage, breaking down the reactive particles to limit oxidative damage. A healthy diet can also supply amino acids, the key building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. Replace processed foods that are not much more than empty calories, with nutrient-dense alternatives as much as possible to support youthful skin. Restore Skin Firmness by Supporting Elastin Synthesis Supporting youthful skin from within can complement other steps that you take to increase skin firmness and elasticity. Elastin supplements like Body Kitchen Pro-Elastin can supply your body with the amino acids needed to produce new elastin fibers. When used as directed, supplements may lessen the effects of free radical damage and enhance the texture and appearance of your skin. Body Kitchen Pro-Elastin stands out among other supplements due to its unique clinically backed formula. Each serving provides 1,000 milligrams of elastin peptides, 22 amino acids and protective antioxidants. In clinical studies, the key ingredient Prolastin elastin was shown to boost elastin and collagen production by over 250 percent and 100 percent, respectively. Its effectiveness comes from the advanced enzymatic hydrolysis process used to make the elastin easier for your body to absorb and put to use. Ask your medical provider about whether Body Kitchen Pro-Elastin is right for you. References: https://bodykitchen.com/collections/shop/products/pro-elastin https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/index.htm https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/3-research-backed-ways-to-have-plump-skin https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230126/ https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/what-is-elastin https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
Benefits of K2 for Women with Familial Heart Conditions
Heart conditions in women is the number one most common cause of death in the U.S. In fact, one person dies from cardiovascular issues in the U.S. every 34 seconds, and one out of every five deaths among Americans is due to this condition. The good news is that you can decrease your risk of developing heart disease and lower the likelihood of death if you already have the condition. A combination of lifestyle changes and medications is usually the key, and doctors are increasingly recommending vitamin K2 as a complementary intervention for heart disease. Read on to find out why. What Is a Heart Condition? Typically, when people say heart condition, they are often referring to coronary artery disease or CAD. This condition occurs when blood flow to the heart is restricted. This may happen because of any or all the following. Arterial Calcification Your blood vessels are meant to be flexible to allow blood to pass through easily. Unfortunately, the arteries don't always remain flexible with age. They can begin to harden due to the presence of calcium deposits. This is known as atherosclerosis, and when it occurs, it can make it more difficult for blood to move through the cardiovascular system and travel in and out of the heart, which can be especially concerning for women taking calcium supplements. Endothelial Dysfunction The endothelial cells line the inside of your blood vessels. When they fail to function properly, they can cause the blood vessels to narrow. This can restrict blood flow and reduce or cut off blood flow to the heart. Arterial Blockages Blockages in the arteries can make it difficult for blood to freely circulate. Often, blockages are due to fatty deposits called cholesterol that build up inside arteries. Abnormal blood coagulation or clotting can also contribute to blockages. What Raises the Risk of Heart Problems? Some risk factors for heart problems include: Genetics: If you have a family history of heart disease, you're more likely to develop it yourself. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can lead to endothelial dysfunction and even cause damage to blood vessels. Diabetes: Women with uncontrolled diabetes may suffer damage to their blood vessels. Weight: Being overweight or obese can make you more likely to develop heart disease. Smoking: Smoking has been shown to cause inflammation and contribute to hardening of the arteries. High LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels: High levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol combined with low levels of HDL cholesterol can increase the risk of fatty deposits forming in your arteries. What Is Vitamin K2 and What Does It Do? Vitamin K is one of the two main types of the essential fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin K. The other is vitamin K1, which helps to regulate blood clotting. Vitamin K2's primary function is to activate the osteocalcin protein that helps to build strong bones and teeth. What Is the Importance of Vitamin K2 for Heart Health? For heart health, vitamin K2 may lower the likelihood of hardening of the arteries. Calcium deposits are one of the key factors in atherosclerosis. Having an adequate supply of vitamin K2 may help to ensure that calcium is distributed properly in your body so that the mineral ends up in the bones and teeth rather than in the walls of the arteries. Numerous studies support the benefits of K2 for heart health. One study that followed participants for a decade found that those who got the most vitamin K2 through diet and supplements were 57% less likely to die from coronary artery disease. Supporting Both Bone and Heart Health Simultaneously Vitamin K supplements that provide vitamin K2 may reduce the risk of arterial calcification and support bone health by helping to regulate calcium distribution in the body. Adding vitamin D can enhance the bone health benefits of a vitamin K2 supplement. Vitamin D is another essential vitamin, and one of its most important jobs is helping the body absorb and utilize calcium. Often, health care providers recommend that women taking calcium supplements for osteoporosis prevention also take vitamin D. Body Kitchen Vitamin D + K2 dietary supplement makes it easy to reap the benefits of both vitamin D and K2. Our supplement delivers 180 micrograms of vitamin K2 in the form of widely researched menaquinone-7 plus 5,000 IUs of vitamin D per serving. Our plant-based, non-GMO supplement is optimized to be highly bioavailable. As a result, our supplement is easier for your body to absorb and utilize, so you can reap more benefits from a lower dose. If you're concerned about bone health and heart conditions running in your family, talk to your medical provider about whether vitamin D and K2 could benefit you. References: https://bodykitchen.com/collections/shop/products/vitamin-d-k2-60-ct https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2022/7/vitamin-k2-heart-health#:~:text=In%20observational%20studies%2C%20higher%20intakes,death%20from%20coronary%20artery%20disease.&text=In%20one%20study%2C%20women%20with,who%20had%20the%20lowest%20intake https://ro.co/health-guide/vitamin-k2-for-heart-health/ https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm
Detox Smoothie
It's the start of a new year and is a wonderful time of to establish new healthy habits that will serve you going forward. Instead of focusing on changing your body or restricting food, focus on what to add to your daily routine to help you feel your best.
Why February is Tough On Your Immune System
You may have already started daydreaming about the springtime sun warming your face, but in North America, February is the coldest month of the year, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Not only is the bitter chill uncomfortable, it can also increase your chances of getting sick. In a recent study, researchers discovered that cold weather can lower your immunity in the nose and reduce your immune system’s ability to protect you against microbial and viral assaults.* And with this winter’s ‘tripledemic’ of airborne invaders threatening your health, this is no time to let down your defenses! A diet filled with immunity-boosting fruits and vegetables is a good start, but February calls for advanced reinforcements, and nutritional supplements can help. And no – those fizzy vitamin C, D and zinc tablets won’t do. There’s one nutrient you’re probably not familiar, but need to know about: NAC. As one research study put it, NAC has been shown to “boost the immune system, suppress viral replication, and reduce inflammation”.* NAC is the Immune-Boosting Powerhouse You Need Right Now N-acetyl cysteine – commonly known as NAC – has been a popular nutritional supplement used for respiratory health for almost 60 years. Recognized as a natural but powerful “toxin trapper”, it is used in hospitals to purge the body of certain harmful chemicals, such as illuminating dyes used for medical procedures. In low to moderate dose supplement form, NAC has been linked to a wide range of health benefits, from immune system and respiratory health, to cognition and detoxing of everyday environmental chemicals. For healthy lungs and a strong respiratory system, NAC has largely been considered to be one of the top lung health supplements, because it can help loosen buildup in air passageways. How NAC Helps Enhance Your Natural Immunity NAC is the supplement form of cysteine, the amino acid precursor to glutathione – the principal antioxidant in the body and one of the only antioxidants you produce naturally to protect against free radicals and inflammation. So, NAC’s superpower is that it replenishes glutathione. It’s essential for fighting oxidative stress (cellular corrosion) and an unsung hero that promotes your natural defenses by protecting immune cells. Immune cells produce compounds that are your body’s first responders when a viral threat is detected. Researchers have discovered high levels of oxidation in the immune cells of immune-compromised individuals, which is a direct result of low levels of glutathione.* NAC is powerful indeed! And your immune response is not alone in benefiting from maintaining high levels. Immunity Support and More: 5 Science-Backed Benefits of NAC NAC may be widely regarded as one of the best supplements for respiratory health. But it’s also an all-star, age-defying nutrient that supports healthy aging in many ways: Helps Improve Lung Function Many studies have been conducted on the effects of daily 600 mg NAC supplementation. One study indicated that its anti-oxidative benefits helped slow the progression of COPD, a chronic pulmonary condition.* Promotes Natural Detoxification NAC acts as a toxin eliminator to support optimal liver and kidney function, your body’s detox organs. And by supporting healthy lungs, which are your built-in “air purifier”, it also helps to get rid of environmental impurities that can harm healthy cells. Boosts Endurance NAC has been shown to help improve athletic performance, which is why it’s popular among active individuals and athletes who want to take their respiratory rate to higher levels of intensity.*** Fights Inflammation Oxidative stress and inflammation go hand in hand, and both are implicated in many age-related issues that affect human health. By replenishing your body’s #1 antioxidant, glutathione, NAC plays an active role in your ability to fight inflammation and resist cellular rusting.* Helps Improve Brain Power Maintaining strong memory and cognition as you age is key to living life to the fullest. Studies show that taking 600 mg of NAC daily can help support brain health, including memory and learning capacity.* For a high-quality NAC supplement with clinically backed doses, trust Body Kitchen Mega NAC + Quercetin. Not only is it formulated with clinically backed amounts of high-quality NAC, it delivers a double-antioxidant punch with the plant pigment, quercetin. All supplements should be consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet. But to give your immune system an advantage this sneezin’ season AND fighting body-wide oxidation and inflammation, this best-selling NAC formula can’t be beat!
Yes, You Really Can Improve Your Focus
Problems with focus and concentration aren't just something you have to resign yourself to, no matter your age. With the right strategy, you can potentially improve your level of focus to perform better at work or school and to accomplish more of your to-do list each day. This guide breaks down how to improve focus with helpful tips. Consider following them to be on your way to better focus and concentration. Set Goals Motivation can make a big difference when it comes to focusing. If you're striving to achieve something, it can be easier for you to tune out distractions and get the job done. Therefore, chronic procrastinators may find that their level of focus skyrockets when they're approaching a deadline. The good news is that you don't need to constantly try to beat the clock to motivate yourself. By setting goals, you can motivate yourself to push through tasks that require focus and concentration. Create long-term goals, then break them down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals. For example, you might say today, "I will finish my paperwork by 11 AM so that I can have more time to tackle projects in the afternoon." Focus on One Thing at a Time It's a fact: multitasking leads to lower productivity. While it might seem as if you can get more done by juggling projects, it can be hard to shift gears quickly and refocus when you're jumping back and forth between tasks. While it may not be possible to always focus on one thing at a time, you can take steps to reduce multitasking. For example, you can turn away from your computer when you're on the phone or keep your email or messenger app closed while you focus on tasks that require concentration. Get Enough Sleep Without enough sleep, your brain can't function at its best. One of the best ways to support restful sleep is to develop a schedule and stick to it. Don't sleep in late on weekends or allow yourself to linger on the sofa after midnight to binge watch a show. When you go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, you can help keep the natural rhythms that control sleep regulation. Create a Distraction-Free Zone Everyone has their preferred work environment. For example, some people need music to concentrate, while others require silence. Take time to consider what distracts you the most and what helps to supercharge your level of focus. Then, develop strategies to avoid distractions. This could mean wearing earplugs to drown out chatter at other cubicles or using an app to block your favorite social media site during work hours. Focus on Your Health Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise are as important for your mind as they are for your body. Making big changes at once can be difficult, so set small health changes and goals to work toward. Start with cutting back on highly processed foods. Then, start exercising for 30 minutes per day. Next, try eating more fruits and vegetables at every meal, and so on. Talk to Your Medical Provider In some cases, an undiagnosed medical condition could be to blame for poor focus and concentration. If other changes don't seem to be effective, talk to your medical provider about your concerns. A medical provider can order tests and do a checkup to see if a vitamin deficiency, diabetes, or other health problem is contributing to your ongoing brain fog. Try Supplements for Focus and Concentration Nootropic supplements can help address an inability to focus and concentrate in adults. These products are different from stimulants such as caffeine pills and energy drinks. Instead of simply activating the nervous system to give you a sudden burst of energy, nootropic supplements provide nutrients that support brain health, increase alertness, and enhance cognitive function. As a result, they provide benefits with less risk of side effects compared to caffeine pills. Still, you should check with your medical provider before taking any new supplement for the first time. Improve Focus and Set Yourself Up for New Year Success Make cognitive health a priority for 2023. By following the above tips and taking Body Kitchen Exeed Mind, you can support working memory and recall, enhance focus, and reduce stress. Our supplement contains clinically researched, highly bioavailable key ingredients, including Memophenol, a berry nootropic that has been shown to enhance mental performance like learning and memory function by 36% percent. In addition, each serving provides InnovaTea green tea leaves, cocoa beans and Lutemax marigold seeds to stimulate brain activity and defend the body from the effects of stress. Our unique formula lets you benefit from some of the best supplements for focus and concentration with just two vegetable capsules per day.
Move Freely in 2023
Read any article about staying healthy as you age and you're likely to see advice to exercise regularly. This may seem like a straightforward tip, but if you suffer from joint pain or stiff joints due to arthritis, it may seem like an impossible task. The good news is that there are things you can do to ease joint pain and stiffness, so you can become more active in 2023. Why an Active Lifestyle Is Important An active lifestyle is important at any age but is especially vital for older adults. Regular exercise can lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes, and even reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise is also beneficial for stiff, aching joints. When you exercise regularly, you can build strength in the muscles that support the joints, and over time, this may actually reduce joint pain. Why Does Joint Stiffness Happen? In older adults, joint stiffness often occurs due to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition that happens when the protective insulation or cartilage in the joints begins to break down. With less protection, the bones that meet at the joints can rub, leading to an inflammatory response. To protect the body, the immune system releases chemicals that cause the surrounding tissues to swell. This can result in joint pain and stiff joints. What Should I Try for Natural Relief for Arthritis Pain? To increase flexibility, mobility and to ease pain, consider following these tips: Eat a well-balanced diet: A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can supply the nutrients needed to support healthy joints and regulate the body's inflammatory response. Mind your posture: Check in with yourself several times per day when you're sitting, standing, or walking. Keep your back straight and your head lifted to avoid putting excess pressure on your joints. Try heat therapy: Take a warm bath or apply a heating pad or heat wrap to stimulate circulation to the joints and soothe away pain. See a physical therapist: If you're new to exercise, a physical therapist can teach you moves that will strengthen the muscles that support your joints and give you tips on how to prevent injury. Manage stress: Stress can worsen the body's inflammatory response. Try deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques to manage the stresses of daily life. Massage:Self massage and professional massage therapy can ease tension in areas that experience soreness and enhance circulation to support healing. What Are Joint Health Supplements? When combined with other interventions, high quality joint health supplements may ease joint pain and stiffness. Joint health supplements are dietary supplements that contain ingredients that either support healthy cartilage and joint fluid, or ease inflammation. There are hundreds available on the market, and they come in a variety of forms, including tablets and capsules. When choosing supplements, it's important to look for products that contain clinically researched ingredients. An example is green-lipped mussel extract, derived from shellfish found in New Zealand. Multiple studies have shown that the extract might be effective at reducing tenderness, stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee and other conditions. Another extract is Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense. This is an extract that comes from a tree of the same name and has been used as a natural remedy in Asia and Africa for centuries. Research indicates that Boswellia may stop the body from producing inflammation triggers called leukotrienes. In clinical studies, the herb has been found to reduce joint pain and stiffness caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Before taking any new supplement, consult your medical provider. They can help you decide if a product is safe for you based on your medical history. Don't Let Stiff Joints Hold You Back Body Kitchen Pro-Mobility supplement can help you get moving in 2023. The supplement features BIOLANE green-lipped mussel extract produced through a specialized process that increases bioavailability, so your body can absorb it more fully. The optimized ingredient also provides omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and minerals that work together to support healthy joints. In addition, Pro-Mobility contains AprésFlex Boswellia serrata extract to ease inflammation. Clinical studies have shown it to be effective at reducing joint pain and stiffness even in small doses. Rounding out the formula is FruiteX-B, a scientifically formulated mineral complex that eases stiffness to increase range of motion. Just two capsules per day provides a clinically effective dose of all three key ingredients to benefit aging joints and help you lead a more active lifestyle.
Reduce Wrinkles and Get Clinically Proven Results with Collagen and Elastin
Skin changes with age due to shifts in hormone levels and the speed with which various materials are manufactured by the body. Environmental factors can accelerate these changes by damaging healthy cells prematurely. The result is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that often begin around the mouth, eyes, and forehead. Many people find that topical beauty products aren't enough to reduce wrinkles. For these individuals, collagen and elastin supplements may be the solution. Read on to find out what, how and why. What Are Collagen and Elastin? Collagen and elastin are two structural proteins that are vital for the skin. Serving as a support network, collagen gives skin its firmness, while elastin allows the tissue to stretch and return to its intended shape. Together, these proteins are what give skin its youthful texture and resilience. Restoring Collagen and Elastin in Skin As you age, your body naturally produces collagen and elastin at a slower rate, while free radicals in ultraviolet radiation and pollutants can break down existing proteins. Over time, this can lead to a loss of firmness and skin elasticity that shows on your complexion as sagging skin, loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Some skin creams and serums do contain collagen and elastin and promise to reduce eye wrinkles and other signs of aging by topically boosting protein levels in the skin. Unfortunately, these skin care products may not be able to penetrate deeply enough to make a real difference in skin elasticity and strength. Also, these beauty products only address signs of aging on the face. Collagen and elastin supplements can provide a better solution for those focused on reducing wrinkles and lines. With supplements, you supply your body with collagen and elastin building blocks called peptides that can be broken down and reassembled into new proteins throughout the body. Does Taking Collagen Supplements Reduce Wrinkles? Collagen and elastin supplements promote firmer, more resilient skin from the inside out, and there is plenty of scientific evidence to support their benefits. A 2022 study reviewed the findings of 12 articles published over the preceding decade to assess how well collagen worked when taken orally and applied topically. The researchers concluded that collagen could lead to significant improvements in skin firmness and elasticity and advised that dermatologists could consider collagen supplements to be anti-aging remedies. One of the many collagen clinical studies that stand out is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Half of the participants were given daily collagen supplements and the other half were given sugar pills, and both the researchers and the participants weren't told which group was which. At the end of the study, the group that took collagen supplements had fewer wrinkles. In addition, the group saw improvement in hydration levels, smoothness, brightness, and fullness of the skin. How to Choose Collagen Supplements Not all supplements designed to increase skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles naturally are created equal. Consider the following when choosing a collagen and elastin supplement: Form of Proteins Top supplements like Body Kitchen Collagen + Elastin Powder use advanced forms of collagen and elastin to enhance effectiveness. Our product contains Verisol collagen, a proprietary grass-fed collagen derived from cows. Its optimized peptides are easier for the body to utilize, and the ingredient is clinically shown to increase skin elasticity by up to 15% within just 4 to 8 weeks of use. In addition to Verisol collagen, our supplement contains Prolastin elastin, a marine elastin that is produced through a unique enzymatic process that enhances bioavailability. Supportive Ingredients Collagen and elastic supplements may contain supportive ingredients to further support skin elasticity. Body Kitchen Collagen + Elastin Powder features hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the human body. This acid enhances skin hydration by drawing in moisture and helping it bind to the body’s tissue. In addition to promoting healthy, hydrated skin, it plumps the tissue to boost skin firmness. Along with hyaluronic acid, our collagen powder includes vitamin C. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C lessens the damage caused by free radicals to support healthy aging. The essential vitamin is also necessary in the manufacturing of collagen. Ease of Use Body Kitchen Collagen + Elastin Powder is ultra-concentrated and features a clinically studied collagen dose to enhance benefits. Unlike other products, it dissolves quickly, so you can get your shake or smoothie ready in no time to reap the benefits of elastin and collagen without all the grit. Plus, the powder is unflavored, meaning there are no added artificial sweeteners, flavorings, or sugars. All you'll taste is the delicious ingredients that you use to mix with the convenient powder.
Say Goodbye to The Bloat and Hello to a Better-Feeling You
Gas and bloating are common digestive issues that most people develop at least once at some point in their lives. However, when these gastrointestinal symptoms become a daily occurrence, an imbalance in the gut microbiome may be to blame, and prebiotics and probiotics may be the solution. What Causes Bloating and Gas? A problem with gas can occur when it builds up in the intestines during digestion, leading to flatulence and discomfort. Doctors aren't exactly sure why bloating occurs, but it often happens in conjunction with gas. Some reasons why you might develop gas and bloating include: Diet: Although healthy, foods that are high in fiber can cause the body to overproduce gas if you’re not used to consuming high fiber foods. To get around this, start increasing fiber slowly. Food sensitivities: Some people have a difficult time digesting certain foods and may experience gastrointestinal symptoms as a result. For example, people with lactose intolerance may develop gas and other symptoms when they consume dairy products because their bodies can't properly digest a certain sugar found in milk. Digestive disorders: Chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Celiac disease can lead to gas and bloating. Swallowing air: Drinking from straws and chewing gum can cause you to swallow air, and this could increase the risk of gas. Imbalances in gut biome: Your body is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bad and good gut bacteria. When levels of good bacteria or probiotics are adequate, they can keep harmful microorganisms in check. However, when your gut doesn't have an adequate supply of this beneficial bacteria, digestive problems may occur with bloating and gas development as a result. How to Get Rid of Gas and Bloating To address gas and bloating naturally, consider following these tips. Exercise Regularly A sedentary lifestyle can slow down digestion and put you more at risk for symptoms like bloating and gas. Aim to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high intensity exercise every week to support healthy digestion and overall health. Keep a Symptom Journal Write down everything that you eat each day and make a note of what digestive symptoms you experience. Record when they happen and how severe they are. Over time, you may discover that you have one or more undiagnosed food sensitivities or that a specific food triggers bloating and gas. Cut Back on Fats Although small amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are needed in a healthy diet, many people consume too much fat. During digestion, fat can slow down processes, allowing foods to ferment more and release more gas. A registered dietitian can provide you with customized advice about how much of your daily calories should come from fat. Know What You're Eating Foods that cause sensitivities can be found in unexpected places. When eating processed foods, read all the ingredients carefully to know exactly what you're eating. Most fast food and chain restaurants provide basic dietary information on their websites, so you can identify which foods contain lactose, gluten, and other substances that you may not be able to easily digest. When you're eating in an independent restaurant, let the server know about your dietary needs and ask for recommendations. Get a Good Night's Rest Sleep is vital to overall health. If you're not consistently getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, everything from your digestion to your immune system may suffer. Aim to go to sleep and get up at the same time each day to regulate your body's circadian rhythms and avoid things like blue light from screens, vigorous exercise, alcohol, and caffeine close to bedtime. Try a Probiotic Supplement Probiotic supplements contain live strains of beneficial bacteria. A high-quality supplement can boost your body's supply of probiotics to support both gut health and immune health. One systematic review of 70 clinical studies found that there is a high amount of evidence to suggest that probiotics can reduce symptoms of IBS. Another double-blind study found that people who took a probiotic supplement saw a greater reduction in bloating, flatulence and burping than those who took a placebo. Eliminate Gas, Bloating and Constipation Once and For All If you're looking to ease bloating, gas and constipation, and support overall health and well-being, Body Kitchen Gut Balance stands out among probiotic supplements. The formula contains three live strains of probiotics for healthy digestion and immune system health. In addition, the MicrobiomeX orange and grapefruit flavonoids in the formula are clinically proven to be able to withstand the effects of stomach acid to deliver probiotics to the colon where they're most needed. The supplement is optimized with clinically tested doses to balance gut bacteria and is stable at room temperature, so there's no need for refrigeration.
