Blog
Best Supplements for Hair, Skin, Nails, and Joints
Because they work from the outside in, beauty products can only do so much to improve the appearance of your hair, nails, and skin. If you've hit the wall with your beauty regimen and are no longer seeing the results you desire, it's time to turn inwards. The right supplements for nails, hair, and skin could make all the difference. About Beauty Supplements Hair, skin, and nail supplement products work by supplying your body with nutrients that can be used to support healthy tissue. There are thousands available on the market today, making it difficult to know which are the best supplements for hair growth, healthy skin, and stronger nails. To simplify your search, focus on products that contain ingredients backed by scientific evidence. Collagen and keratin protein have been shown to provide tangible benefits for hair, nails, skin, and even joints. What Is Collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It serves as a critical component of your skin and nails. In addition, collagen is found in connective tissue, such as the cartilage that insulates your joints and the tendons and ligaments that connect muscles and bones. What Is Keratin? Keratin is another structural protein made by the human body. It acts as a strengthener for hair strands and nails. Why Supplement Collagen and Keratin? As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen and keratin. Research indicates that this is why you notice changes in the texture of your skin, the rate of hair growth, and the strength of nails when you get older. Taking a skin hair and nail supplement with collagen or keratin can help to increase your body's supply of these essential proteins. Collagen Benefits for Hair Collagen is beneficial in hair supplements because it: Protects hair follicles. Studies show that collagen acts as a natural antioxidant by defending cells against damaging free radicals found in air pollution and ultraviolet energy. There is some evidence to suggest that by protecting the follicles, collagen may help to reduce hair loss. Stimulates growth. When broken down into its building blocks called amino acids, collagen provides raw materials needed to produce new hair strands. Benefits of Keratin for Hair Keratin has been shown to offer the following benefits: Enhanced growth. Hair growth supplements often use keratin as a key ingredient. Because keratin is the main protein in hair strands, boosting your body's supply may help improve the efficiency of hair cell generation. Less risk of damage. When your body has an ample supply of keratin, it can produce strong, healthy hair strands. More resilient strands are less likely to become damaged due to styling, heat, and chemical treatments. Improved manageability. Weak hair strands are much more prone to frizz and flyaways. By promoting stronger hair, a keratin hair skin nails supplement can help to lower the likelihood of these hair care woes occurring. Skin Care Benefits of Collagen Peptides For skin, collagen supplements benefit: Skin elasticity. Collagen serves as the support system for your facial and body skin. When production slows, tissue no longer has the support it needs. This leads to the development of sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. A collagen supplement for the skin helps to restore the vital support network. This may help to promote firmer, more youthful skin. Hydration levels. Collagen is often used as a supplement for dry skin because the protein helps skin tissue retain moisture. Many supplements for dry skin pair collagen with hyaluronic acid, another natural substance that has been shown to bind moisture to cells. Keratin & Collagen Supplements for Nails Both keratin and collagen supplements support healthy nails. Collagen helps to nourish the nail beds where new nail cells are made, and keratin gives the body raw materials for cellular generation. Studies have shown that the proteins may support nail growth and increase the strength and resiliency of nails over time. Collagen Supplements for Joint Pain Collagen isn't just used for beauty purposes; experts also consider it to be one of the best joint supplement options available. Joint pain often occurs when cartilage becomes depleted or damaged. When you take joint supplements with collagen, you can help to support the production and repair of cartilage. This may help to diminish stiffness and aching associated with arthritis and other conditions. A Simple Way to Take the Best Supplements for Skin, Hair, Nails, and Joints Body Kitchen’s Premium Beauty Bundle makes it easy to benefit from collagen and keratin at the same time. Body Kitchen is known for developing clinical-research based formulas. Their products are backed by some of the industry’s most reputable ingredients. Both formulas contain supportive ingredients that enhance the overall effectiveness of both collagen & keratin, providing a dose of the key proteins carefully optimized to help ensure the best results.
When Should I Take Collagen Supplements, in the Morning or at Night?
If you're one of the many individuals interested in adding collagen powder to your diet, it's essential to understand that how you use the supplement is as important as which one you choose to take. Knowing the best time to take collagen peptides and other tips can help you get the most possible benefits from the powder. First Off, What Are Collagen Peptides? Collagen peptides are the building blocks of the protein collagen. Peptides formed out of amino acids combine to create long peptide chains that form important tissues in the body. Collagen is a primary component in the connective tissue that insulates your joints and your bones, muscles, and blood. It also makes up 75 percent of your skin. All in all, about 33 percent of your body is made of collagen. What Are the Benefits of Collagen? The potential benefits of collagen include: Minimizes signs of aging. Boosting collagen levels can help to increase skin elasticity and improve skin-cell hydration, making fine lines and wrinkles less apparent. Stronger muscles and bones. Supporting collagen levels in your body can help keep your muscles and bones functioning correctly, which is particularly important as you age. Joint health. There is scientific evidence suggesting that increased collagen levels can help to support the production of cartilage. This may ease inflammation and discomfort associated with arthritis and promote overall healthier joints. What Types of Collagen Supplements Are Available? Collagen is found in some foods, but it can be challenging to consume enough collagen through diet alone to make a real impact on health. As a result, many individuals choose to take collagen supplements. There are two main types of supplements: pills and powders. With a powder, you mix the supplement with a beverage of your choosing or add it to the blender with other ingredients to enjoy a smoothie. Not only does this make taking collagen more pleasant, but it also may help to increase effectiveness. That's because your body typically has an easier time absorbing and utilizing nutrients from liquids. By comparison, pills often don't break down fully in the stomach. Also note that powders usually contain a much higher collagen concentration than capsules. There are brands, such as Body Kitchen, that design their collagen products so they can be combined and incorporated into anyone’s daily diet-routine. Whether you’re making a smoothie, cooking, or simply enhancing other supplements, Original Body Boost offers unflavored, researched, and refined collagen peptides to rejuvenate skin and joints. When Is the Best Time to Take Collagen? There are varying schools of thought regarding the best time to take collagen. Some individuals prefer the morning, while others choose to use the powder at night. Here's a comparison of the two options: Taking Collagen Every Morning Individuals who opt to use collagen in the morning often do so because they want to take the supplement on an empty stomach. Why take collagen on an empty supplement? It may be that the body can more readily absorb collagen powder when there is no other food to be digested. Taking Collagen Before Bed Not everyone believes that an empty stomach is the most important factor when it comes to taking collagen peptides. Those who take collagen at night usually want to take advantage of the natural repair and rejuvenation process that occurs while you sleep. Since general healing and post-exercise recovery occur during rest, the theory is that it's best to supply your body with collagen peptides at night to fuel these activities. Factors to Consider When Determining the Best Time of Day to Take Collagen: Scientific study has yet to uncover a better time for taking collagen, so it's up to you to decide what time is right for your needs. To determine the answer to the question, "when should I take collagen: morning or night?" consider the following: Your Schedule. What does your typical day look like? If you have a hard time getting moving in the morning, you may not want to add another task to your routine. Conversely, if you're exhausted by the time you go to bed, you could feel tempted to skip your collagen supplement and turn in for the night. Pick a collagen dosing schedule that will be easy for you to stick to for the long term. Your Dietary Habits. If you eat your evening meal early and snack before bed, a nighttime dose of collagen may be right for you. You can substitute a collagen smoothie for that PM snack and will likely have an empty or nearly empty stomach. Those who usually skip breakfast can benefit from a morning dose to help power their bodies throughout the day. Your Health. If you take other medications or supplements, you may want to use collagen powder at the same time to keep things simple, or you may prefer to spread your regimen out during the day. Individuals who suffer from acid reflux and other conditions may not want to have a collagen drink before bed due to their doctor's advice. Your medical provider can help you determine if a collagen supplement is right for you and recommend what time to take the supplement.
Collagen Protein vs. Whey Protein Differences and Benefits of Each
It seems like everywhere you look, individuals are espousing the benefits of protein. For every recommendation that you increase the nutrient in your diet, you see different advice about what forms of protein are best. Collagen and whey are two of the most frequently discussed options, but which one is better? Read on for a complete comparison of collagen protein vs. whey protein and for tips on selecting the right option for your health and nutritional needs. What Is Protein? Protein is present in almost every tissue in your body, making up the bones, hair, skin, and muscles. Protein is also needed to produce enzymes that fuel chemical reactions required to perform vital processes to the proper functioning of the body. Amino acids serve as the building blocks for protein, with 20 needed to produce the various proteins in the body. Your body can manufacture eleven amino acids on its own, but there are nine that you can only get from the food you eat. These nine are called the essential amino acids and include: Histidine Isoleucine Lucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine Tryptophan Valine What Is Collagen Protein Powder? Collagen is a protein found in your muscles, bones, joints and skin. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body. Most collagen protein powder comes from cowhide or different marine sources. Benefits of Collagen Protein Collagen contains the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Taking a collagen protein powder helps to increase levels of these nutrients in the body. Individuals use collagen protein powder to support the production of collagen. Potential benefits of collagen powder include: Promoting stronger muscles and bones Minimizing signs of aging and restoring skin elasticity Supporting joint health by assisting with the production of cartilage What Is Whey Protein Powder? Whey is not a substance found in your body. Instead, it is a food produced from cow's milk. Benefits of Whey Protein Whey protein contains three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three nutrients are sometimes referred to as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Whey protein contains BCAAs, and the benefits may include: Reduced risk of amino acid deficiency Enhanced results from workouts Improved wound healing Collagen vs. Whey: Which Should You Choose? Is collagen better than whey or vice versa? There isn't a single answer. Which one is right for your needs depends on several factors, including: Your Goals. Start by considering what you want to gain from a supplement. For anti-aging benefits, joint health, and maintaining strong bones, collagen is the better choice. If you are hoping to support your efforts at the gym or need to increase your supply of essential amino acids, a whey powder will better suit your needs. Your Diet. If you are lactose intolerant, whey protein powder may trigger unpleasant symptoms. Vegetarians need to steer clear of collagen because it is animal-derived. Your Health Needs. As you compare collagen vs. whey, don't forget to discuss your nutritional needs with your medical provider. They can discuss collagen, whey, and other forms of protein with you to help you determine what type of supplement is right for your unique health and wellness needs. Collagen is a better choice for overall-protein intake. And whey makes a better fit for the highly active lifestyle. Tips for Choosing a Collagen Protein Supplement If you determine that collagen protein is the right option for your supplementation needs, keep these tips in mind: Compare the number of peptides in products. Peptides are the individual units of proteins, and some collagen powders contain more than others. Also note that peptide concentration in rarely called out on a product label. This is because most collagen supplements are pretty generic, meaning that peptide concentration is not very influential. Ensure that the supplement you choose has clear information about peptide content and the amount of protein you get per serving, Body Kitchen is an excellent example of such brands. A higher number of peptides can lead to better absorption of the protein for enhanced results. Look for supporting ingredients. The best collagen powder supplements contain ingredients that help the actions of the protein. For example, Body Kitchen Original Body Boost Collagen Powder features black currant extract, which has been shown to assist with the absorption of collagen. Consider the source. The finest quality sources give you the highest quality supplements. Choosing a product with a mix of both bovine and fish peptides can give you a complete protein profile. Grass-fed bovine hide collagen also tends to be superior to conventional hide due to the care and feeding of the cows. Follow the dosing instructions. No matter which collagen powder you select, always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer unless your medical provider gives you different advice. Factor in your dietary needs. If you have special dietary concerns, you'll want to ensure that you pick a protein powder in line with those needs. Body Kitchen Original Body Boost Collagen Powder is gluten-free and complies with keto and paleo diets.
BUILDING STAMINA AND ENDURANCE
Prioritizing physical fitness is essential in building stamina and endurance. However, physical fitness is a broad category that isn't limited to only one or two aspects of your body. Learning about the different ways you can improve stamina and become much stronger is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The five main components of fitness include cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Following a fitness plan that incorporates all of these elements can help you experience the most health benefits while boosting your endurance level. Here is an overview of the types of endurance to focus on while building your strength and stamina: 1) MUSCULAR ENDURANCE Muscular endurance plays a vital role in building stamina. You can use muscular endurance for countless activities, such as riding a bike, doing situps, or holding a plank. Doing these different activities over time will help improve stamina and build your muscular endurance. Working on improving your muscular endurance is especially beneficial for performing everyday activities, whether it's climbing several flights of stairs or carrying bags of groceries from your vehicle to your house. Finding ways to boost muscular endurance for reaching fitness-related goals is an excellent option for many people. A few examples of high-intensity workouts include performing obstacle course races, doing CrossFit, or playing any sports. Creating a well-balanced strength training program targeting all of your major muscle groups is always important in helping you avoid injuries. Developing a workout schedule for different days is often recommended, such as focusing on your upper body one day while targeting your legs another day. Ensuring you have at least a day of rest in between workouts is essential in improving muscular endurance and strength. 2) CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE Understanding what is cardiovascular endurance is essential in helping you achieve your fitness goals. Cardiovascular endurance is your body's ability to intake oxygen and deliver it throughout your body, whether it's through the heart, arteries, lungs, vessels, and veins. Consistently engaging in exercise can improve your body's ability to deliver oxygen, increase cellular metabolism, and help you overcome the physical challenges of everyday life. Heart disease accounts for nearly 630,000 deaths throughout the United States annually. Beginning a workout program for improving cardiovascular endurance is especially important for many people. Fortunately, you can choose from many cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, swimming, running, cycling, dancing, or playing basketball. Experts recommend most people get at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. The primary key to success is staying consistent, as starting small and slowly building yourself up is an effective option for anyone interested in building cardiovascular endurance. 3) MENTAL ENDURANCE Endurance training isn't solely limited to your physical ability, but it can also include your mind. Improving mental endurance is a great way to stay sharp, whether you are getting ready for an important test or if you want to work longer hours without feeling mentally exhausted. Getting plenty of sleep and exercise is essential in building mental endurance. However, you can also boost your capabilities by taking mental endurance supplements. These natural supplements can improve your concentration and help you feel more alert. Formulas like EXEED Mind are designed for optimal mental clarity and brain-fog reduction without causing any interference to the physical aspect of the body. Such supplements are also a great alternative to coffee or energy drinks, as you don't have to worry about the energy crash or getting headaches. Improving your mental endurance offers immense benefits, such as helping you work longer and increasing your resiliency to overcome any challenges. Combining mental endurance training with boosting your muscular and cardiovascular endurance can help you become a well-rounded individual. WHY FLEXIBILITY IS IMPORTANT TO AVOIDING INJURIES Looking at ways to minimize your injury risk is important while performing endurance training. One way to limit injury risks is to improve your flexibility. Improving your flexibility is essential for any age, whether you are a student-athlete or an older person. Taking the extra time to work on improving your flexibility is always well worth the effort. You can begin to increase your flexibility in many different ways, such as holding a stretch for 10 to 30 seconds, known as static stretching. Several different workouts can also increase your flexibility, whether yoga, barre, Pilates, or Tai Chi. Other ways to boost your flexibility include isometric, active, and passive stretching. It's recommended to practice flexibility exercises two to three times per week for the best results. CLOSING THOUGHTS Understanding all of the different types of endurance training is a great way to reach your fitness goals. Taking mental endurance supplements like EXEED Mind is also beneficial in helping you improve your decision-making and reasoning capabilities. Implementing a workout schedule while remaining consistent is an excellent option for anyone wanting to improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance.
Is Collagen Dairy Free Can You Use Collagen on a Keto Diet
Today, many individuals are opting to follow diet plans that eliminate or restrict certain types of foods to lose weight and improve their overall health. The keto and paleo diets are two of the most popular examples. If you're following either one, you need to be careful about what types of supplements you add to your diet, as some may conflict with your eating plan. Read on to find out more about collagen supplements and discover tips on choosing the right paleo or perfect keto collagen option. What Is the Keto Diet? The ketogenic diet, also known as keto, seeks to change your body's uses for fuel to help you lose weight more efficiently. Those who follow the diet significantly reduce the number of carbs they eat and get most of their calories from fats and protein. There is some evidence to suggest that doing this puts the body into ketosis, a state in which stored fat is burned in place of carbs. As added benefits, keto helps reduce water retention associated with carbs and sugar and may help support the development of lean muscle mass. What Is the Paleo Diet? The idea behind the paleo diet is to return to our nutritional roots and eat more similar to those that prehistoric people survived on. When following this diet, you avoid highly processed foods, dairy products, legumes, and grains and eat large amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish. Meats are also allowed on the diet, emphasizing wild game and grass-fed animals that more closely resemble the animals hunted by early mankind. What Is Collagen? Collagen accounts for a third of all of the protein in your body. It is an essential building block for muscles and bones and makes up the majority of the content of your skin. Your body also requires collagen to insulate and protect your joints. Individuals seek to increase collagen levels in their bodies by taking supplements. What Is Collagen Powder? Collagen powder is one of the most popular forms of supplements because it is simple to absorb. Most collagen powder supplements are derived from marine life like shellfish or the hide of cows. Collagen can’t be extracted from plants because plants don’t produce collagen protein. Why Take Collagen on the Paleo or Keto Diets? Many individuals use collagen supplements to promote healthy, more youthful skin and to support joint health. If you are on paleo or keto, collagen benefits may help you achieve your goal of developing lean muscle mass while you burn fat. You may also find it hard to eat enough of the nutrients that your body requires to produce collagen when you're following these restrictive diets. A collagen supplement can help bridge the diet gap so that you can decrease your risk of developing a deficiency. Does Collagen Protein Have Dairy? The paleo diet forbids the consumption of dairy products, and the keto diet requires you only to eat dairy products that are free of or low on carbs. As a result, individuals on both diets need to know the answer to the question, "is collagen dairy-free?" The good news is that most collagen itself is not a dairy product; however, some manufacturers may add dairy products to their supplements. This makes it essential to read the label to ensure that you are choosing a non-dairy collagen powder like Original Body Boost by Body Kitchen. Does Collagen Have Gluten? Collagen itself does not contain gluten, but the additives in supplements might. Look for the term "gluten-free" on labels as you compare paleo and keto collagen powder options. Does Collagen Have Carbs? As a protein, raw collagen is not a source of carbohydrates. Still, again, it is crucial to read the label when you are selecting paleo and keto collagen powders because additives found in some supplements may mean added carbohydrates. Does Collagen Powder Fit the Keto Diet? In general, collagen powder can complement the keto diet plan, provided that you do your research by reading the label and avoiding products that contain unwanted additives that may put your body out of ketosis, like added sugars to improve flavor. Does Collagen Powder Fit the Paleo Diet? If you're following the paleo diet, you can take collagen supplements, provided that you know the source of the collagen. Marine-based collagen supplements fit the eating plan, as do paleo grass-fed collagen supplements that come from the hide of cows that are allowed to graze naturally. An Effective Paleo or Keto Collagen Protein Powder Body Kitchen Digestive Balance Powder is in line with both the paleo and keto diet plans. It is a non-dairy collagen powder that is also free of gluten and carbohydrates. In addition, the powder contains 30 times the amount of active collagen peptides found in other products. Prebiotics and probiotics are also included in the formula to support digestive health, with the added benefit of better protein-breakdown.
HOW TO IMPROVE REACTION TIME FOR GAMING
Finding ways to improve reaction time while gaming is a top priority for many people. Continuing to practice at a game is an excellent way to increase your average reaction time while taking mental focus supplements can also boost your performance. You can choose from various supplements for improving reaction time, which is especially helpful while playing first-person shooters. Using vitamins for mental focus can also improve your decision-making process during a fast-paced game. Here are a few things to keep in mind while looking at different ways to improve your average reaction time: HAND-EYE COORDINATION GAMES Understanding how to improve hand-eye coordination is essential in today's next-generation video games. The days of playing Pac-Man on an Atari are long gone, as now games require ultra-quick reflexes to remain competitive. These games require various skills, such as spatial awareness, fast reaction speed, and quick decision-making. While playing these games is essential to improvement, taking mental focus supplements can help elevate your skills to the next level. WHICH IS THE BEST SUPPLEMENT FOR GAMING? Understanding how to improve your gaming skills is a never-ending quest in the competitive world of online games. Finding the right supplement for improving hand-eye coordination and reaction time can make a big difference between winning or losing a match. EXEED Mind is developed with specific nootropics and carotenoids to boost mental performance and reaction time. Using XEED Focus is an excellent option for anyone looking at ways to indirectly or directly improve their spatial awareness, decision-making abilities, and reaction speed. Using this natural supplement isn't only limited to gamers, as it's an excellent choice for office workers and students. EXEED Mind includes Memophenol for supporting healthy cognitive function, and it also has Lutemax 2020 for protecting your eyes from blue-light damage. MENTAL FOCUS SUPPLEMENTS Using supplements that improve reaction time can make a big difference in helping you become more successful, whether you are playing Call of Duty or the latest version of Madden. You can choose from a variety of supplements to boost reaction time while also improving hand-eye coordination. Doing some research in advance is always a great idea to ensure you find the best mental focus supplements to meet your needs while playing your favorite games. Products like EXEED Mind are specifically formulated for gamers. They combine different herbs and brain-enhancers to achieve and sustain mental sharpness while gaming intensively. CAN SUPPLEMENTS INCREASE SPATIAL AWARENESS? Supplements can benefit you in various ways, but they can't directly improve your spatial awareness. However, you can find supplements to help you think more clearly and focus better, which indirectly enhances your spatial awareness while playing a video game. A few of the most popular mental focus supplements for hand-eye coordination games include Panax Ginseng, Gingko Biloba, zinc, iron, and B-vitamins. HOW TO IMPROVE REACTION TIME WHILE GAMING Numerous studies show that caffeine can make a significant impact in improving your average reaction time. Unfortunately, drinking a large amount of caffeine from energy drinks or coffee won't automatically improve your gaming skill. Caffeine is often a double-edged sword, as it can make you feel great for a few hours before you crash and feel drained. Again, formulas like EXEED Mind might be a much better choice since they use natural green-tea extract as opposed to synthetic caffeine. CAN SUPPLEMENTS IMPROVE DECISION-MAKING? Looking at ways to improve your decision-making is essential for competitive gamers. While a supplement can't directly improve your decision-making, it can make an impact in other ways. For example, taking a supplement that increases dopamine will usually enable you to make quicker decisions while under pressure, which is a key skill while playing video games. Taking L-Tyrosine is especially beneficial for gamers looking to improve their decision-making skills. HOW SUPPLEMENTS FOR REACTION TIME IMPACTS E-SPORTS Many professional E-Sport gamers use reaction time supplements to boost performance in such a competitive field, as they often play games anywhere between eight to twelve hours each day. Supplements that improve reaction time can often increase performance for two to three hours without the negative impact of drinking too much coffee or energy drinks. Taking vitamins for mental focus is especially helpful for people that experience a mid-afternoon slump. Reaction time supplements are a fantastic way to let you play at peak level without experiencing any significant drops in performance. Taking these mental focus supplements will only continue to grow more popular as gamers look at improving hand-eye coordination and average reaction time.
How to Support the Immune System with Food, Supplements & Sleep
Your immune system is the network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend your body against microbes that cause illness and drive the healing process when you are injured or sick. Because so many different parts of the body are involved in immune function, you can think of the system as a complex machine. Aspects of your diet and lifestyle can cause the components of this machine to stop working correctly, leading to poor immune system function. Conversely, you can support immunity through nutrition, sleep, and supplementation. Read on to discover exactly how to boost your immune system and to get answers to common questions like, "How does the lack of sleep affect the immune system?" Immune System Nutrition Many studies have confirmed the link between nutrition and immune system function. How does nutrition affect the immune system? The foods you eat contain nutrients that help fuel the reactions and activities vital to proper immunity. You can make your diet more conducive to immune support by: Eating more immune-boosting foods. Certain foods contain vital nutrients that are beneficial for your immune system. Research suggests that immune system booster foods include nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Switching to healthy fats. Many individuals mistakenly believe that fats are the enemy of a healthy diet, but that's not true. Your body requires fat to work correctly. The key is to select fats that are also foods that boost your immune system. Dietitians frequently recommend olive oil because it is heart-healthy and may act as an anti-inflammatory. Reducing your sugar intake. Excess sugar can wreak havoc on your health, increasing your risk of obesity and diabetes. There is also evidence to suggest that diets high in sugar may interfere with the absorption of foods that support immune system function and even disrupt some of the processes required to maintain proper immunity. Sleep and Immune System Support If you're not getting enough rest, your immune system might not be functioning at its best. Studies into how sleep affects your immune system have revealed that much of the healing process occurs while you rest. Not getting at least seven hours of sleep can rob your body of the time that it needs to recover. In addition, scientific inquiry seeking to answer the question, "How does sleep strengthen the immune system?" has revealed that sleeping the necessary amount of time when you're sick may help to shorten recovery time. Immune System Support Supplements Many individuals struggle to get enough of the required vitamins needed to properly function the immune system from diet alone. A busy lifestyle can make it challenging to prepare three healthy meals a day, and the quickest foods to consume are often full of empty calories. A supplement or vitamin for immune system support can help you bridge the diet gap and get the nutrients you may be lacking. Often, these types of products are called immune system booster supplements. Some of the most common key ingredients in immune system support supplements include: Vitamin C. This essential vitamin found in fruits, especially citrus, and vegetables acts as an antioxidant, meaning that it helps break down harmful particles called free radicals that can damage cells throughout the body. Vitamin C benefits the immune system further by assisting in collagen production, which is needed to repair the skin after a wound. Elderberry. One study into the benefits of elderberry found that individuals who took a supplement containing this natural fruit extract suffered less severe symptoms during respiratory infections. Scientists believe that a compound in the berry called anthocyanin is responsible for its ability to provide immune system support. Anthocyanin is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and may also help to reduce inflammation. NAC. N-acetylcysteine is a form of the amino acid cysteine. Your body requires this amino acid to produce glutathione, an essential antioxidant. Studies have found that NAC benefits assist the immune system when you are recovering from an illness. Large doses of NAC supplement products have been shown to help remove congestion from the lungs. This has led many individuals to take NAC to address symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Quercetin. A natural plant pigment, quercetin benefits the body by acting as an antioxidant. Scientific studies indicate that it may also decrease inflammation and help control allergy symptoms caused by immune system dysfunction. Finding the Best Multivitamin for Immune System Support There are thousands of supplements that claim to provide immune system support, so shopping for one can feel overwhelming. Important tips to remember include: Paying attention to the concentration of ingredients. It's not enough for a supplement to contain trace amounts of immune system-supporting foods or nutrients like elderberry or quercetin. Compare levels of the key ingredients found in various products. Choosing supplements with natural ingredients. For elderberry supplements and other immune booster supplements derived from food, look for GMO-free products and made from whole foods. Generally, the body has an easier time absorbing and utilizing nutrients that are naturally derived. Being on the lookout for absorption-boosting complexes. The best supplements often contain additional complexes that help your body make use of key immune-boosting ingredients. For example, black pepper is sometimes added to products to enhance absorption. Talking to your doctor. It is essential that before taking any new supplement, you should consult your medical provider. This will help to ensure that you choose a supplement that can meet your unique needs and that is unlikely to interact with any medications or other supplements that you may be taking.
The Facts About NAC Supplements
N-acetyl cysteine – commonly known as NAC – has been a popular nutritional supplement used for respiratory health for almost 60 years. This powerful natural “toxin trapper” continues to be used in hospitals to purge the body of certain harmful chemicals, such as certain illuminating dyes used for medical procedures. NAC is the supplement form of cysteine, the amino acid that’s a precursor to L-Glutathione. Called the body’s “master antioxidant”, L-Glutathione is one of the few antioxidants the body produces naturally to protect itself against free radicals and inflammation that threaten cellular function in the lungs and other health systems. For healthy lungs and a strong respiratory system, NAC has largely been considered to be one of the top supplements, because it helps loosen buildup in air passageways, which makes it especially important during cold and flu season. Changing Course After Nearly 6 Decades But recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rethought its position about NAC despite no new science or evidence to the contrary, and has deemed it too powerful to be labeled a dietary supplement. This pivot came as a result of some marketers’ claims that NAC can function as a “hangover cure”. The debate over the FDA’s sudden change of heart after decades of approval and use rages on as health experts who vehemently oppose it have launched their own efforts to invalidate the abrupt new position. And while a few major retailers have decided to no longer sell NAC supplements, such as Amazon, which has been under the FDA’s scrutiny for promoting questionable remedies against COVID-19, the good news is that you can still find NAC supplements through independent retailers you trust including Body Kitchen (shop Mega NAC + Quercetin here). Science-Backed Benefits of NAC NAC continues to be widely regarded as one of the best supplements for respiratory health. And thousands of clinical studies support its benefits: Helps improve lung function. Studies revealed that COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) subjects who took NAC, either oral supplements or inhaled therapies, experienced improvement in respiratory function. Promotes natural detoxification and supports optimal liver and kidney function, the body’s detox organs. It also helps trap environmental impurities that can harm healthy cells. Gives healthy lungs a boost to help improve athletic endurance, 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 in the body by fighting oxidative stress, which can be a root cause of many health-related issues that affect the heart and cognition. Replenishes glutathione, which studies show helps support brain health including memory and learning capacity. Do your own research on the health benefits of NAC. For a natural, high-quality NAC antioxidant formula you can feel good about, trust Body Kitchen’s team of nutritionists and cellular biologists. You can read more about our powerful free radical neutralizer here.
Summer Time Immune Support
Colds and flu may be more prevalent during the winter months, but the viruses also circulate throughout the summer months. The last thing that you want is for an illness to get in the way of your summertime 2021 plans, so it's crucial to think about immune system support even when the weather is warm. Read on to learn how you can help your immune system function at its best all summer long. Immune System Basics The immune system is your body's line of defense against bacteria, viruses, toxins, and fungi and the engine that drives healing following a wound or injury. Many cells, organs, and tissues play a role in immune system function. For your body to respond to threats and injuries appropriately, all of these integral parts of the system must work together efficiently. By taking some simple steps, you can support the activities of your immune system so that it can defend you from the germs that cause colds, flu, and other illnesses. Making Lifestyle Changes To support your immune system, make the following changes to your lifestyle as needed: Quit Smoking. Cigarettes expose your body to toxins that can overwhelm your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Smoking can also make you more likely to come down with bronchitis or pneumonia. Drink in Moderation. Drinking alcohol in excess can hinder immune system function. Alcohol turns into sugars in the body, weakening immune system response. Get Enough Rest. Studies have found that a lack of sleep impairs your body's natural rhythms and can have a negative impact on your immune system. Most adults require eight hours of sleep every night. Stay Active. While strengthening your cardiovascular system, lungs and muscles, exercise also helps keep the immune system running smoothly. Experts recommend that adults get at least 180 minutes (3 hrs) of moderately intense exercise every week. Eat a Healthy Diet. Essential vitamins and minerals play important roles in immune system health. Eating a well-balanced diet that consists of lean protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dairy can provide your body with the fuel it needs to power your immune system. Protecting Yourself From Illness When working at its best, your immune system is a powerful foe to germs, but it can still become overwhelmed, leading to illness. That's why you must take steps to protect yourself from viruses, bacteria, toxins, and fungi by: Washing your hands regularly. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after preparing food, before and after you eat, after you go to the bathroom, before and after treating a cut or wound, after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze, and after touching an animal or garbage. Doing so can significantly decrease your chances of becoming ill. Getting vaccinated. If you haven't received the COVID-19 vaccine, get one as soon as you can, and then talk to your doctor about what other vaccines are recommended for a person of your age and overall health. Vaccines teach your immune system how to respond to germs that cause serious illness. Using caution around sick people. If you know, you will be coming in contact with someone who is sick, wear a mask and wash your hands frequently. Cleaning frequently. Clean bathrooms and kitchen countertops frequently to fight germs. You should also disinfect high-touch surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, faucets, and your phone regularly. The Benefits of Immune Support Vitamins It can be challenging to stick to the healthy diet that your immune system needs with a hectic lifestyle. By adding an immune support supplement to your daily routine, you can address this problem. Look for a supplement made with natural ingredients that your body can easily break down, absorb and utilize. Be sure to consult your medical provider before taking any new immune support vitamin. NAC and Immune System Function An NAC immune booster can help to keep your body's natural defenses primed. NAC stands for n-acetyl cysteine. It is a precursor to the amino acid l-glutathione. Sometimes called the master antioxidant, l-glutathione breaks down harmful free radicals that can damage cells and assists with the removal of toxins. Increasing your body's supply of NAC with a supplement may help your body produce l-glutathione more efficiently. In addition, people often take NAC for lung health and to address inflammation based on the findings of clinical studies. Quercetin Benefits for Immune Support A quercetin supplement is another immune support solution that you can add to your diet. Quercetin is a plant compound called a flavonoid. Like l-glutathione, quercetin acts as an antioxidant, offering protection from free radicals. Research has also uncovered potential benefits in taking quercetin for allergies. Body Kitchen Mega NAC + Quercetin gives you both NAC and quercetin at daily doses validated by scientific research, making immune support supplementation simple.
