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NAC Benefits for Lungs, Female Fertility, Athletic Performance & Detox
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is a food supplement with a well-established track record. Available for several decades now, this workhorse supplement has been consumed for all sorts of reasons. Perhaps the most common use of NAC is to improve athletic performance, but there are many others. Some people take it for supporting lung conditions. Others take NAC […]
What Is Intermittent Fasting? Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss
Whether you're beginning your weight loss journey or have been dieting for a while and reached a weight loss plateau, you may be unsure how to proceed. Many fad diets and plans claim to help people lose weight quickly, but so many of them don't seem to work or are too difficult to follow for the long term. As you research options, you'll most likely encounter information about intermittent fasting weight loss programs. But what are they? And do they work? Read on to get the facts about intermittent fasting benefits. What Is Intermittent Fasting? Intermittent fasting is an approach to eating that focuses on the timing of your meals and snacks rather than what you eat. When following this type of diet, you eat only during a set time window, and then you do not eat or drink anything other than water for the rest of the day. The idea behind intermittent fasting dates back to our ancient ancestors, who only ate for a few hours every day when they had time to hunt or gather. Proponents of intermittent fasting believe that this eating style is more natural and therefore better for the body. What Are the Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss? Research studies show that intermittent fasting for weight loss may help you lose pounds by: Improving Insulin Sensitivity Insulin is a hormone that your body uses to control blood sugar levels. People who are overweight often suffer from insulin insensitivity. This means that their cells don't respond appropriately to insulin, and they cannot process blood glucose properly. Insulin insensitivity leads to elevated blood glucose levels, and that excess sugar is converted into fat. Evidence suggests that your cells become more responsive to glucose when you fast. This means you're less likely to store fat, but you may also be better able to metabolize existing fat stores. A rise in HGH Levels Human growth hormone (HGH) is an important hormone that helps control muscle development and body composition. Studies indicate that fasting may increase HGH levels by up to 500%. As a result, you may be better able to metabolize fat and build lean muscle in its place when you exercise. Lower Calorie Intake Intermittent fasting doesn't always involve counting calories. However, many people consume fewer calories during the day when they fast. Suppose you're the sort of person who veers off of your healthy eating plan at night by consuming snacks, or snacks all day regardless of when you're hungry. In that case, intermittent fasting could cut out the opportunities to eat those excess calories, setting you up for weight loss success. Autophagy - Another Benefit of Intermittent Fasting Although not related to weight loss, autophagy is another potential benefit of intermittent fasting. So, what is autophagy? The term describes your body's ability to digest old proteins that develop inside cells. Research indicates that autophagy is part of your body's natural defense system against cancer, toxins, and plaques that may contribute to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Some studies show that fasting may be like flipping a switch to initiate autophagy. When you practice autophagy fasting, your body may opt to eliminate damaged proteins to conserve energy and protect you from starvation. Then, when you eat again at your regularly scheduled time, your body produces new healthy proteins in place of the damaged ones. How To Intermittent Fast To intermittent fast: Examine your current eating habits. How many hours a day do you currently consume food? What do you eat, and when are you most likely to eat unhealthy foods? Choose an intermittent fasting schedule that fits your lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about whether, or not, the schedule chosen is right for your health needs. Start following your schedule. Keep a food diary to help you track your progress. What Is a Good Intermittent Fasting Schedule? There are many intermittent fasting schedules, but these three are the most popular: Intermittent fasting 16/8 schedule: you eat for 8 hours and fast for 16 hours. For example, you may only consume food from 1AM to 9PM or from 9AM to 5PM. Eat-Stop-Eat: you eat normally for 5 or 6 days and then fast for 24 hours, not eating anything from dinner time one day, until dinner time the next day The 5:2 diet: you eat 500 to 600 calories on two nonconsecutive days and then eat whatever you wish the other days Consider Weight Loss Supplements Weight loss supplements may support your efforts to lose weight with or without intermittent fasting. Look for products that aid in weight loss in more than one way for the best results. For example, Body Kitchen TrimGlo enhances gluten sensitivity with a West African superfruit, supports metabolism with green tea extract, and helps regulates blood sugar with polyphenols and chromium.
Knee Arthritis and Natural Knee Pain Relief
Roughly 22% of all adults suffer from knee pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis. If you're one of them, this type of joint pain can significantly interfere with your mobility and worsen as knee osteoarthritis progresses. Osteoarthritis treatment often involves the use of over-the-counter and prescription pain relief medications. However, these traditional treatments may not fully alleviate arthritis symptoms or may cause unwanted side effects. Natural remedies for arthritis may complement or take the place of clinical interventions to provide relief. What Is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that usually develops with age. It can affect nearly any joint, but knee arthritis is one of the most common forms. The condition develops when the knee cartilage that insulates the joint becomes worn down. Because of the knee cartilage damage, the ends of the bones rub together, and inflammation develops. Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Symptoms Some common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knees include: Creaking, grinding, or snapping sound when you bend your knee Problems with mobility Pain that changes when the weather shifts Stiffness of the knee Knee buckling when you walk Redness of the skin over or around the knee Swelling of the knee Knee locking or sticking when you move Warm skin in the knee area Top Arthritis Pain Relief Home Remedies The following natural knee pain relief remedies may ease the discomfort of osteoarthritis. You may need to combine multiple treatments to enjoy complete pain relief for arthritis. Make sure to discuss any home remedies that you wish to try with your doctor, to ensure that the ones you choose are right for you. Shed Extra Pounds Every time you move, you exert a force equal to 1.5 times your body weight on your knees, and this pressure can exacerbate knee arthritis. If you're overweight, just modest weight loss can lead to significant improvements in mobility and the level of discomfort. For safe weight loss, count calories and aim to lose roughly 1 to 2 pounds every week. A registered dietitian can help you develop an eating plan to support weight loss. Work Out Often Many people with knee arthritis avoid exercise due to concerns that it may increase knee cartilage damage. However, scientific research shows that exercise is beneficial for arthritis. Strength training two to three times per week can reduce muscle loss to support mobility. Completing at least 150 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, such as walking, aids in weight management and may reduce inflammation. Also, stretching daily may help to keep the joints limber. Refine Your Diet Here's another reason to seek the help of a registered dietitian: a diet rich in inflammation-fighting foods may further help with joint pain relief. Antioxidants are the body's natural inflammation fighters, and omega fatty acids have been found to support joint health. Fruits, vegetables, and cold-water fatty fish are excellent additions to an arthritis-fighting diet. Turn to Therapy Various types of therapy may benefit knee arthritis, including: Physical therapy: involves completing exercises to strengthen the knee to regain mobility despite the effects of osteoarthritis Occupational therapy: emphasizes exercises that allow you to complete daily living tasks Massage therapy: supports circulation to the knee to potentially alleviate arthritis symptoms and may also lower stress levels and improve sleep TENS therapy: or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, delivers a mild electrical current to the knee to reduce inflammation Acupuncture: involves applying tiny needles to the skin in pressure point areas to alleviate pain Find Stress Relief That Works for You Research indicates that prolonged periods of emotional stress can increase muscle tension and intensify arthritis pain. As a result, taking steps to manage stress may lead to an improvement in symptoms. You can try: Mindfulness meditation Deep breathing Yoga Tai chi Hobbies Warm baths Taking a weekend trip or just "unplugging" from devices for a weekend Try Thermal Therapy Hot and cold therapy are effective non-medicinal treatments for knee arthritis. Hot compresses work by increasing circulation to the knee, while cold compresses restrict circulation to minimize swelling. You can try: Heating pad Hot water bottle Ice packs Hot-cold topical sprays, creams, and ointments Press-on, hot-cold pain relief patches Be careful never to apply a hot or cold compress directly to your skin. Wrap it in a towel or purchase a washable cover for your ice pack or hot water bottle. Use Joint Pain Supplements Arthritis supplements may ease knee pain without the use of medications. One popular joint health supplement is Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense. For centuries, gum resin from this tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for inflammation and pain relief. One study found that patients experienced decreased pain and increased flexibility when taking Boswellia for knee pain for eight weeks. Another showed that a short 6-month course of Boswellia alleviated knee pain longer than the prescription medication valdecoxib.
Spring Season 2022 Healthy Living Tips
With the arrival of the 2022 spring season, the weather is shifting, and people are beginning to enjoy time outdoors. As you shake off winter and prepare for the summer season ahead, it's a great time to pick back up on your healthy living goals. Following these health tips during the spring season may bring you closer to better health and well-being. Look Younger - Collagen Supplements People search for answers on how to look younger throughout the year, but the spring season is an especially ideal time. Winter often robs the skin of moisture, making signs of aging more visible, and the summer sun risks more wrinkle-causing damage. You can support a more youthful-looking appearance by taking a collagen supplement. Collagen is the structural protein that gives skin its suppleness and elasticity. As you age, your body produces less of this protein, and ultraviolet energy damage can weaken your skin. Taking a collagen supplement may supply your body with the raw materials needed to strengthen weakened skin and diminish the prominence of lines and wrinkles. Plus, collagen supplement benefits also include support for joint health, which is essential throughout the year. As you compare collagen supplements, look for ones that include a blend of grass-fed and marine collagen for a complete protein profile. Also, be sure to compare the number of dipeptides the products contain. The more dipeptides a product has means it contains more of the building blocks of collagen for your body to absorb and utilize. Better Sleep - Magnesium Powder Getting 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep is vital to your health and well-being. Increasingly, doctors add magnesium to their list of tips for better sleep. Magnesium is an essential mineral that performs hundreds of functions in the body. One of its main jobs is to relax the muscles, and it is also needed to control the body's sleep-wake cycle. Many studies have shown that it has the potential to help people sleep better. When considering supplement options, look for magnesium powder products. You can add the powder to smoothies or your favorite beverage to simplify supplementation. Because your body doesn't have to break down a pill, it may be more effective than other supplement options. The type of magnesium that you choose is also essential, as some are more bioavailable than others. Albion found in Body Kitchen Unwind Magnesium powder is chelated to increase its bioavailability and help your body use the mineral more readily. Weight Loss - West African Superfruit Weight management is an integral part of any healthy lifestyle. Spring is the perfect time to double down on your weight loss efforts, so you can revel in a slimmer version of yourself when swimsuit season arrives. Adding weight loss supplements to your diet and exercise plan may help support steady weight loss. Body Kitchen Trimglo supports weight loss in several ways by: Enhancing insulin sensitivity with a West African superfruit - one of the biggest health trends of the 21st century Supporting fat metabolism with polyphenols found in green tea Helping to regulate blood sugar levels with the mineral chromium Get Out and Enjoy the Sunshine Cool temperatures and sunny skies make spring the perfect time to revamp your exercise plan. Take long walks or head out on a hike. Take up golf and ditch the cart or head to a tennis or basketball court with a friend. While you enjoy the fresh air, you'll also treat your body to the benefits of moderate-intensity exercise. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Savor the Flavors of the Season No list of spring tips for a healthy lifestyle would be complete without a reminder to check the fresh produce at the supermarket for delicious, nutritious spring fruits and vegetables, such as: Apricots Artichokes Asparagus Avocados Carrots Chives Fava Beans Fennel Leeks Mangoes Morels Peas Pineapples Potatoes Rhubarb Spinach Watercress Eating a variety of produce can go a long way toward helping you avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies. You can savor the season's flavors with salads, soups, smoothies, and more. When planning meals, try to make your plate as colorful as possible and fill at least half of it with fruits and veggies. Change Your Relationship with Screens Studies show that spending too much time scrolling on social media conflicts with living a healthy lifestyle. Overdoing it online may contribute to stress, depression, and anxiety and encourage you to be more sedentary. Starting this spring, try to limit how much time you spend glued to your phone, tablet, and computer. Set up no-screen hours and keep your devices out of reach. Also, reexamine who and what you follow, eliminating people, groups, and publications that post content that interferes with your mental well-being.
Vital Bone Health Supplements - Vitamin D3 and K2 Combination
Approximately one out of every three women and one out of every five men over 50 will develop osteoporosis. The condition causes bones to become fragile, significantly increasing the risk of severe fractures due to falls and everyday activities. Bone health supplements have been shown to lower the likelihood of osteoporosis. Calcium is the best-known supplement for supporting bone health, but maintaining vitamin D levels through supplements is also important. So why is vitamin D essential for bone health? Read on to discover the answer and find out why experts generally recommend a vitamin D and vitamin K combination for bone health. What Is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins your body needs to perform key functions. Because it assists with calcium absorption, vitamin D is one of the critical vitamins for bone health. In addition, vitamin D benefits the muscles, nervous system, and immune system. Vitamin D & Bone Health So just how does vitamin D support bone health? The answer lies in how bone is produced. Your skeleton is in a constant state of renewal. Your body breaks down existing bone and replaces it with new bone to maintain strong bones. As the critical building block for bone, calcium is required to drive the process. With age, the pace of bone breakdown is often faster than bone production, leading to a reduction in bone density. Increasing calcium intake can support new bone formation to address this problem. To properly absorb calcium from food or supplements, your body needs vitamin D. Thus, the vitamin is essential for bone health. Vitamin D Deficiency Your body can produce some vitamin D in response to UV exposure. However, many people don't get enough sunlight to support an adequate supply of vitamin D. People with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, older adults, kidney problems, and digestive disorders are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include: Bone pain Depression Mood swings Muscle weakness Muscle cramps Body aches Fatigue It is possible to have low vitamin D levels without developing symptoms. Mild vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to produce any physical signs and is usually only diagnosed with blood work. Even if you don't have any deficiency symptoms, low vitamin D levels can still negatively impact your body's ability to utilize calcium to maintain strong bones as you age. A vitamin D supplement benefits people with low levels of the vitamin, as it can supplement the body's supply of the nutrient to address the deficiency. What Is Vitamin D3? Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D supplement also known as cholecalciferol. Studies indicate that vitamin D3 benefits the body more than other forms because it can raise levels of free vitamin D in the bloodstream more efficiently. As a result, doctors frequently recommend D3 supplements for those who need to reap the health benefits of vitamin D. Can Vitamin D Cause High Calcium Levels? Some reports state that vitamin D supplements can lead to dangerously high calcium levels. So far, science has not been able to verify these claims conclusively. Still, there is a mounting body of evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplements could increase the risk of calcium buildup outside of the bones. If your body absorbs more calcium due to a vitamin D supplement, it may shuttle the mineral to your blood vessels, where it can cause dangerous blockages that can contribute to heart attacks and stroke. Should You Take Vitamin K with Vitamin D? More and more doctors recommend that vitamin K be taken with vitamin D to support bone health. So why do you need vitamin K with vitamin D? The answer is vitamin K's role in the body. Vitamin K is another essential vitamin. Your body needs it for healthy blood clotting following an injury. Still, its role in bone health is more important when discussing vitamin D. Vitamin K is necessary for calcium distribution. Its presence helps to trigger the reaction that turns calcium into bone cells. People taking vitamin D with vitamin K may be less at risk for calcium buildup in other areas of the body. What Is Vitamin K2? Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is the form of vitamin K primarily responsible for controlling calcium distribution in the body. For bone health, doctors may suggest taking vitamin K2 and D3 together. One of the simplest ways to enjoy vitamin D3 and K2 benefits for bone health is to take a combination supplement like Body Kitchen Vitamin D + K2. In general, look for vitamin D3 K2 supplements made from natural foods that your body can absorb and use easily. Also, make sure to talk to your doctor before adding any new bone health supplements to your diet.
3 Spring Cleaning Tips for a Healthy Body and Mind
Spring is always special, but Spring 2022 will be one for the books. Exactly two years after COVID-19 stopped our lives, routines and fun in their tracks, things are—dare we say it—back to normal! As we shake-off winter along with a global pandemic, reemerging with renewed appreciation for physical and mental wellbeing, it’s fitting to transition into the season of renewal with a little bit of spring cleaning to create space for new experiences. From dry skin to negative thinking—just about every part of you can benefit from some gentle scrubbing periodically. By cleaning out the clutter in your mind, body and beauty drawer, you can get rid of the junk that holds you back from making every day special. So, pick a day this week and get ready to spring forward feeling fresh and renewed. Eliminate cellular clutter One of the best things about spring is the increased variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Not only does fresh produce supply fiber and essential vitamins and minerals your body uses to carry out vital functions, its density of potent plant pigments can give your body an advantage—inside and out—by fighting cellular wear and tear. Quercetin is one well-researched plant pigment renowned for its versatility. If quercetin was a piece of clothing, it would be your favorite, most comfortable pair of jeans—the ones that go with everything and make you look and feel fabulous! Concentrated in berries, grapes, onions, cherries, broccoli and citrus fruit, and its powerful active compounds, called flavonoids, it has anti-inflammatory effects that have been associated with full body benefits, from supporting brain and heart health to boosting skin and hair.**** Amazingly, quercetin has the ability to detoxify the body by supporting liver function, which is a key organ involved in eliminating impurities and waste.** And as a powerful antioxidant, quercetin helps rid cells of unstable molecules that can lead to age-related health issues. Taking a daily quercetin supplement is an excellent way to increase your antioxidant protection if you regularly come-up short on the recommended ‘5 a day’ of fruits and vegetables. But beware… quercetin is not highly bioavailable, which is why Body Kitchen Mega Quercetin formula combines 1,000 mg of plant-based quercetin with black pepper extract for 30% better absorption. Springtime beauty purge There’s nothing fresher and more beautiful than healthy, glowing skin. And this is the perfect time of year to renew your skin from the inside out—where radiance starts. Collagen is the foundation of firm, healthy skin that’s strong enough to fight wrinkles, fine lines and moisture loss. Think of your body’s largest organ as a house—if the foundation is not maintained, over time it starts to sag and crack. Collagen production declines by about 1% every year starting at about age 25, so you have to fortify it nutritionally with lots of protein, including collagen. The easy and convenient way to give your body the building blocks it needs to synthesize collagen, as well as elastin—skin’s elasticity protein—is by adding a scoop of collagen peptides to your smoothies and beverages. (Find this month’s Spring Superfood Smoothie recipe!) Peptides are literally the smallest forms of collagen, so they’re easily digested, absorbed and used to form new skin and connective tissue. Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Collagen is complete skincare in powder form. Not only does each serving have 20% more skin-firming collagen peptides, it also includes resveratrol and black currant antioxidants to fight wrinkles, and hyaluronic acid to boost skin’s moisture content! Speaking of skincare, are you still using the same products you used throughout winter and cosmetics from two years ago? Replace thicker winter moisturizers with lighter formulations, and don’t forget to add sunscreen to your morning routine. If you’re going to use a daily SPF moisturizer you have stored, don’t forget to check the expiration date, because active ingredients have a shelf life and can become unstable over time, increasing your chances of getting a sunburn. Then turn your attention to old cosmetics like thickened foundations and crumbly powders, and be sure to wash makeup brushes as skin oils and old makeup can create an environment teeming with bacteria. Spring clean your mind One of the most important cleansing rituals you can do this spring is to rid your mind of unhealthy thinking patterns. Thoughts are powerful forces that drive behaviors and outcomes. The key is to reframe thoughts into ones that allow for the greatest possibilities, outcomes and solutions instead of closing yourself off to them. The power of positive thinking may feel overstated and overrated, but science shows there are far-reaching benefits, from better health to more happiness.* Not only can having an optimistic outlook lift you out of a funk, it can actually reduce inflammation and improve immune system function.* Of course, rough times can happen during any season, making it harder to think clearly— much less positively—when you’re feeling stressed, worried and having difficulty sleeping as a result. And while more sunlight and longer days leave more time for outdoor activities, they can also push-back your bedtime and wake you up before you’re ready. If you’re having trouble winding down, try magnesium. The same mineral that supports strong bones and blood pressure is also a known natural relaxant and mood booster. Magnesium supports the parasympathetic system, which is involved in relaxing muscles and calming down an overactive stress response. That’s why Epsom salt baths are so effective! For faster benefits, try Body Kitchen Unwind. Our pure and natural magnesium is in powder form for quicker absorption. Add it to a beverage when you’re feeling stressed or take it at night for better sleep quality. The time you spend eliminating the visible and invisible clutter from your body, home and life will be time well spent as you can spring into the season feeling lighter and healthier. Body Kitchen is offering a deep discounts on every product on bodykitchen.com. Save on the science-backed, nutritionally advanced formulas featured above and try new formulas at a savings!
Body Kitchen Spring Superfood Smoothie
Spring is in the air… and in the kitchen! Notice the foods in season in the early spring: baby greens, dandelion, nettles, herbs. All are easy to digest, consumed raw, and have cleansing or detoxifying properties that support skin health and whole-body health. While green juices are popular, juicing removes fiber and some nutrients. On the other hand, a green smoothie allows you to consume the whole plant and reap all its benefits. A smoothie also lends itself to adding collagen protein and other nutrient-rich superfoods. Pro tip: Use a smoothie to wash down two capsules of Body Kitchen Mega Quercetin Premium Antioxidant Defense for even more antioxidants. Quercetin may be particularly beneficial to use in the spring if you have seasonal allergies. Prep time: 10 minutes Makes: 1 serving Recipe Ingredients: 1 cup frozen pineapple ½ of a medium frozen banana 1/2 of a small cucumber 1 slice fresh ginger root (or more to taste), chopped (optional) Handful of baby spinach 2 dandelion leaves A few leaves of fresh mint Juice from ½ of a lemon 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 2 tablespoons hemp seeds or walnuts 2 scoops Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Collagen Handful of ice (optional) Recipe Directions: Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy immediately! Nutrition facts (1 serving): 365 calories, 29 grams protein, 13 grams fat, 42 grams carbohydrate, 7 grams fiber
Green-Lipped Mussel Supplements For Joint Health
It seems like every few months there is a new superfood craze being touted on the Internet. Many of these are fads, but in some cases, the hot fresh food for health and well-being contains beneficial nutrients, such as foods for joint or heart health. Green-lipped mussel and green-lipped mussel oil are super food examples that live up to the hype. Read on to discover why many people are now taking green-lipped mussel joint health supplements. What Is Green-Lipped Mussel? The green-lipped mussel is a shellfish that gets its name from the green edge along its shell. You will sometimes see the shellfish referred to as New Zealand green-lipped mussel, as the waters off the country's coast are the primary source of the mussels. Interest in the benefits of green-lipped mussels for humans stems mainly from the dietary practices of the Maori indigenous people. Green-lipped mussel is a staple of their diet, and the Maori people show overall better bone and joint health and fewer incidences of arthritis pain than the general population. Green-Lipped Mussel Nutrition Facts An analysis of green-lipped mussel nutrition benefits reveals that the shellfish are rich in the following nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Chondroitin sulfate Zinc Iron Selenium Protein What Is a Green-Lipped Mussel Supplement? A green-lipped mussel supplement is a dietary supplement derived from green-lipped mussels. Supplements are often made from green-lipped mussel oil, and the critical ingredient they contain is called green-lipped mussel extract. You can find green-lipped mussel powder supplements and pill and liquid forms of the supplement. Green-Lipped Mussel Anti-Inflammatory Properties The omega-3 fatty acids found in green-lipped mussels are powerful inflammation fighters. Although scientists are still working to determine the exact mechanism, many believe that omega-3 fatty acids act against an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which causes inflammation. This method of action is similar to how non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications ease pain and swelling. Connection Between Inflammation and Joint Pain Before you can understand why some people say that green-lipped mussels may be the best joint health supplement, you first need to understand why joint pain occurs in people with arthritis. Osteoarthritis is when the cartilage that insulates the joints becomes worn or damaged, usually due to the natural aging process. Less protection leads to changes in the bones and causes inflammation along the lining of the joint. This inflammation causes pain and stiffness. Green-Lipped Mussel for Joint Pain Relief Scientists speculate that taking green-lipped mussels for joints helps in two ways. First, the anti-inflammatory benefits of green-lipped mussel may directly ease pain and swelling. Secondly, the chondroitin found in the shellfish may help support healthy cartilage by attracting fluid into the connective tissue to bolster the joint's insulation and in turn, improve joint health. The Internet provides access to plenty of anecdotal evidence for the benefits of taking the shellfish in supplement form. You can find many New Zealand green lipped mussels reviews that state that taking the supplements reduced people's joint discomfort and improved their mobility. In addition, science has begun to research the use of green-lipped mussel for arthritis pain. A recent review of green-lipped mussel arthritis clinical trials and clinical trials for other joint health supplements found that chondroitin was one of the most effective joint health supplements. A 2003 study revealed that 80% of people who took a New Zealand green-lipped mussels arthritis supplement experienced a decrease in osteoarthritis symptoms. Other Possible Green-Lipped Mussel Benefits When it comes to the potential health benefits of green-lipped mussel supplements, arthritis pain relief is just one facet. Studies also indicate that the mussels may be beneficial for: Gut health: A 2017 study revealed that green-lipped mussels helped improve the gut biome by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria that fight inflammation. Asthma: Research indicates that green-lipped mussels might help fight airways inflammation. In one study, people who took a green-lipped mussel supplement for eight weeks experienced fewer asthma symptoms. Exercise-induced muscle soreness: By fighting inflammation, green-lipped mussel extract may make you less likely to feel sore after workouts. Rheumatoid arthritis: The inflammation-fighting benefits of green-lipped mussels may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a condition where the immune system attacks the joints and brings on inflammation. Tips for Taking a Green-Lipped Mussel Supplement Follow these tips for best results when taking a green-lipped mussel supplement: Talk to your doctor. You should always talk to your doctor before adding any new supplement to your diet. If you have certain allergies or health conditions, a green-lipped mussel supplement may not be safe for you. In addition, your doctor may want you to use the supplement in combination with conventional treatments for osteoarthritis. Compare the amount of green-lipped mussel extract per serving. Every product claims to be the best green-lipped mussel supplement for humans. Instead of being swayed by marketing hype, closely examine the amount of the extract present in supplements. Use the product as directed. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer unless your medical provider gives you other advice.
HOW TO AVOID BURNOUT AT WORK - WORK / LIFE BALANCE
A survey conducted by Deloitte found that 77% of people report having experienced job burnout. Whether you're an entrepreneur or are trying to work your way up the corporate ladder, maintaining a work-life balance is essential to reduce your risk of burnout. Read on for tips on avoiding burnout at work and how to recover from burnout once it occurs. KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT Most people have heard the term, but it can be a struggle to define the meaning of burnout. Knowing the signs of burnout can help you realize that you're on the verge of burnout, so you can make changes and improve your mental health. Some common burnout symptoms include: Feeling overly cynical Being overly critical of yourself and employees Having to drag yourself to work Difficulty beginning your day Fatigue Impatience and irritability with customers or coworkers Poor productivity Low levels of concentration Turning to alcohol, drugs, or food to numb yourself or improve your mood Changes in sleep patterns Stomach problems like heartburn or diarrhea Chronic headaches USE YOUR VACATION TIME No list of tips to avoid burnout could be complete without a reminder that companies provide vacation time for a reason. Taking a break from the office is essential to keeping your head in the game, and traveling to new locations can give you new experiences to put work and the rest of your life into perspective. Instead of banking that vacation time, use it to the fullest by planning a trip, and once you get there, fully disconnect by ignoring work communications, including emails. DELEGATE WHAT DOESN'T GIVE YOU JOY Relying on others is key to avoiding burnout as a manager or entrepreneur. Your unique strengths and skills make you ideally suited to some tasks and make others stressful and annoying. Chances are, someone else on your team enjoys doing those things you don't. Learn about the work preferences of your team and look for opportunities to delegate those tasks that you try to avoid or put off to someone who will be eager to do them. GIVE YOURSELF DAILY BREAKS Every day, having a little "me time" allows you to recharge and refocus, so add some to your schedule. Include 30 minutes to an hour for lunch and at least one other 10-minute break. Stick to your breaks as diligently as you do times for meetings. Get up from your desk, change your scenery, and keep your phone in your pocket so work communications don't infringe on your time. TRY STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES Stress management techniques can reduce the physical effects of what goes on at the office to lower the likelihood of burnout. Some things to try include: Mindfulness meditation Deep breathing exercises Yoga Tai chi Visualization You may need to try a few things until you find a stress management method that fits your life effectively. TALK TO A PRO Therapy isn't just for people with serious mental illnesses. A licensed therapist or psychologist can help you identify sources of work burnout and teach you strategies to address them. Professionals can also give you tips on improving relationships with difficult coworkers or customers. Sometimes, simply talking to someone paid to listen is enough to release the chronic stress that contributes to burnout. EAT WELL Healthy eating can keep your body functioning optimally, making illness, fatigue, and poor cognition less likely to get in your way at work. A well-balanced diet contains whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats in moderation and includes as few heavily processed foods as possible. SET PERSONAL GOALS If it feels like work is just an endless series of pointless tasks, setting goals can help make what you do every day more meaningful. Think about where you want to be in 1, 5, and 10 years and then establish a short-term goal that will start you on that path. Make your goals time-sensitive and measurable so that you can track your progress. When you achieve a goal, do something special to celebrate and then set the next one to continue your momentum. ADOPT AN EXERCISE ROUTINE The benefits of regular exercise go beyond the body. Studies show that physical activity also reduces stress and supports mental health. Follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s guidelines by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise every week. SUPPORT BRAIN HEALTH WITH SUPPLEMENTS Brain health supplements may help enhance your mindset to shield you from burnout. A supplement that supports mental clarity like EXEED Mind may help you remain better focused during the day, while a stress relief supplement like Body Kitchen Stress Release may enhance your mood and mental endurance.
