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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.
NEUROGENESIS AND COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT SUPPLEMENTS
For many years neuroscientists believed that the ability to regrow brain cells wasn't possible for adults. However, science has shown that adult neurogenesis exists, as research continues to give us a better understanding of the neurogenesis process. Taking cognitive enhancers can also play a role in further increasing neurogenesis in the brain. WHAT IS NEUROGENESIS? Neurogenesis is simply the creation of new brain cells. The process of adult neurogenesis happens once stem cells turn into neurons. Initially, scientists only believed that neurogenesis occurred at an early age due to the difficulty in repairing neuronal damage. However, adult neurogenesis is possible despite its rarity, as cognitive enhancers can help expedite this process. HOW DOES ADULT NEUROGENESIS HAPPEN? The exact method for triggering adult neurogenesis remains unknown, but the benefits of this process are immense. The location of neurogenesis is essential, as growing new brain cells in the striatum will improve motor tasks. In contrast, you will enhance memory and learning if it occurs in the hippocampus. Neurogenesis also seems to play a vital role in brain health, and it's also been linked to mood, learning, and memory. On the other hand, neurodegeneration is the opposite process, as it's the gradual decline in performance and cognitive abilities due to age-related issues. HOW TO INCREASE NEUROGENESIS? Understanding how to increase neurogenesis is a top priority for scientists. One way to increase the possibility of neurogenesis in the brain is through nootropics. Using neurogenesis nootropics will often enhance Nerve Growth Factors (NGF) and improve the number of brain-building blocks. Neuroprotectors are another form of nootropics that can be used to protect against neurodegeneration due to age. Some nootropics can increase brain power production to keep up with the high-energy demands of creating new brain cells. Here is an overview of a few natural nootropics that have been linked to neurogenesis: LION'S MANE MUSHROOM Lion's Mane Mushroom offers therapeutic and restorative brain-building benefits, as it's often been a cornerstone within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While this mushroom is known for its unique flavor, it's gained more attention worldwide due to its ability to regenerate neurons naturally. Lion's Mane Mushroom also seems to provide significant mood-boosting effects, as it's available in various neurogenesis supplements. PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE (PS) Phosphatidylserine (PS) is naturally found in the brain, as it's an essential building block for neurogenesis. PS can also be sourced from sunflowers, as it's one of the most popular cognitive enhancers available on the market. Typically, PS is used for improving concentration and memory performance, which makes it especially beneficial for older adults. PS also serves as a sports nutrition nootropic for golfers by reducing stress and improving performance. VITAMIN B12 Another critical organic compound that plays an important role in the brain's energy metabolism. A large amount of energy is required for adult neurogenesis, as it's believed that Vitamin B12 can help in the brain cell regeneration process. Some research also suggests that Vitamin B12 can help slow the aging process by maintaining the size of the brain. Additional scientific studies are needed to determine the role of Vitamin B12 in brain cell upkeep and regeneration. MEMOPHENOL Using supplements containing Memophenol, such as EXEED Mind, is another way to enhance neurogenesis in the brain. This patented compound combines blueberry extract and French grape to support healthy cognitive function. Supplements containing this clinically-studied ingredient are an excellent choice to enhance multiple functions of the brain. Brands like Body Kitchen use natural and patented ingredients combined with Memophenol to deliver multiple benefits related to brain and cognition. This formula is ideal for gamers, students, and/or office warriors due to improving mental clarity and reaction speed. CLOSING THOUGHTS Understanding how to increase neurogenesis in the brain is critical in boosting mental performance and preventing cognitive decline. Using cognitive enhancement supplements and other natural nootropics is an excellent way to increase adult neurogenesis. Making healthy lifestyle changes is also critical, such as getting enough aerobic exercise to produce neurotrophins further. Combining exercise with a healthy diet and cognitive enhancers will further enhance your mental performance.
Skin Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid, Resveratrol and Collagen Peptides
People have been looking for ways to slow and disrupt the aging process for thousands of years. A desire to look and feel more youthful for longer led Ponce de Leon to search for the Fountain of Youth in the 16th century, and today, people look for anti-aging products with the same hope in mind. Research has shown that three natural substances can provide real anti-aging benefits: hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, and collagen. Read on to discover what they are, what they do, and how to benefit from them. What Is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that is naturally found in the human body. Hyaluronic Acid Benefits - In the eyes and joints, hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and a cushion. Many people use hyaluronic acid for skincare because of its benefits. In the skin tissue, the molecule helps moisture attach to cells. Moisture is vital to skin health. Without an adequate supply of moisture, skin can lose its suppleness and become dull. By boosting moisture levels in the tissue, hyaluronic acid can restore the complexion's youthful glow and promote fuller skin. What Is Resveratrol? Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound found in grapes, blueberries, peanuts, dark chocolate, and even wine. Resveratrol Skin Benefits - Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant, a substance that breaks down reactive particles called free radicals that can destroy healthy tissues in the body. The human body is bombarded with free radicals found in the sun's ultraviolet energy and pollutants in the environment all day long. Research has shown that free radicals drive the aging process. Because of its antioxidant abilities, resveratrol can defend the skin from free radical damage, lowering the likelihood that fine lines and wrinkles will develop prematurely. Resveratrol benefits go beyond skincare. Studies have shown that antioxidants can promote heart health and contribute to overall well-being in older adults. What Are Collagen Peptides? Collagen is an essential structural protein. Its building blocks are known as peptides. The body produces collagen naturally, but levels of the protein decline with age. Collagen Skin Benefits - Collagen is a vital component of both muscle tissue and the cartilage that insulates joints. Older adults may experience muscle weakness, joint pain, and stiffness due to low collagen levels. In addition to its important role in the musculoskeletal system, collagen is crucial to healthy, youthful skin. It acts as a support system for the tissue, giving skin its suppleness and fullness. As collagen levels drop, skin can take on a crepe-like appearance and look visibly thinner. The problem worsens as the aging process progresses, leading to fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Skin Care Products Containing Hyaluronic Acid, Resveratrol and Collagen Peptides Today, thousands of skincare products claim to have anti-aging benefits. Often, collagen peptides, resveratrol, and hyaluronic acid are among their key ingredients. Although these products may tout their scientifically proven formulas, it is important to understand that skincare products are not evaluated for effectiveness by regulatory authorities. The FDA only requires that the ingredients in the products be fully disclosed and that any color additives that are present be approved by the agency. As long as the company doesn't conceal what's inside or say that their products treat an illness or disease, they can be sold even if they are little more than basic moisturizers. The truth is that skincare products generally aren't the best way to reap real anti-aging benefits. Many are not able to penetrate the skin deeply enough to have a dramatic effect. In addition, skincare products do not allow the rest of the body to reap the benefits of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and resveratrol. How Do I Get Collagen Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid & Resveratrol for Skin? Going beyond skincare is necessary to benefit from the anti-aging properties of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and resveratrol. The three substances are found in various foods, including fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can increase the body's supply; however, it can be challenging to get an adequate amount through diet alone. Manufacturers of processed foods are not required to list the amounts of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and resveratrol found in a serving of their food, which means each person has to conduct extensive research to track their intake. Resveratrol, collagen, and hyaluronic acid supplements make it easier to reap the benefits of these three critical substances. Supplements can help to bridge the diet gap and decrease the risk of deficiency. Choosing a Supplement With Hyaluronic Acid, Resveratrol & Collagen for Skin One way to supplement is to take a separate hyaluronic acid supplement, resveratrol supplement, and collagen supplement daily. This option can quickly become expensive and tedious. A more straightforward approach is to use a collagen powder supplement enriched with hyaluronic acid and resveratrol like Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Collagen Powder. Each serving contains 20 grams of real food, high-quality grass-fed and marine collagen that the body can easily absorb. Body Kitchen uses specific methods to isolate pure collagen di-peptides, making their product transparent and highly-effective. This formula is enhanced with trans-resveratrol and hyaluronic acid for superior skin-repair and joint-mobility.
BRAIN NUTRITION - HOW TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN SHARP
Understanding different ways to keep your brain sharp is fundamental as you get older. Fortunately, you can do various activities to help boost your mental performance, whether it's brain exercises, consuming the proper nutrition, staying active, and avoiding unhealthy habits. Making a few minor lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact your body and help you reverse the effects of an aging brain. Here are a few tips to help improve your brain health and keep you mentally sharp as you age: BRAIN EXERCISES AND GAMES Mentally stimulating your mind is essential to brain health. You can choose from a wide range of brain exercises, whether it's playing cards, completing a jigsaw puzzle, playing a musical instrument, or learning a new language. Many video games are also perfect for brain exercises. Keeping your mind engaged each day with brain exercise games is a simple yet effective way to limit the effects of an aging brain. EXERCISE OFTEN Many people make the mistake of not getting enough physical activity. A lack of exercise can create a variety of health problems, whether it's physical or mental. Research shows that daily exercise can help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Getting as little as 15 or 30 minutes of exercise each day can make a big difference in your brain health. The main key is to find something you enjoy doing, which makes it much easier to develop daily exercise habits to keep you feeling sharp. FOLLOW A HEALTHY DIET A high-sugar diet increases your risk of dementia and a host of other health issues. Looking at ways to avoid sodas and candy requires self-discipline, but it's well worth it. You can use various apps to keep track of your diet and calorie intake to help you reach weight loss goals. Following a healthy diet often requires a few lifestyle changes, but it's critical in keeping you sharp as you get older. BRAIN HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS Adding brain health supplements to your diet is an excellent choice for many people. You can also choose numerous vitamins for brain health, which is especially beneficial as you get older. Brain health supplements can often provide various benefits, such as improving focus, boosting memory, or helping you relax. Formulas like EXEED Mind provide a range of natural and clinically-studied ingredients that support brain health and cognition. It combines herbs with patented nootropics to assist all aspects of brain-health without using any synthetic stimulants like most brands do. However, it's important to always contact your doctor before adding brain nutrition supplements to your diet. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP Not getting enough sleep is often linked to a variety of health issues. Inadequate sleep makes it difficult to concentrate, and it potentially increases your risk of dementia. Typically, anywhere between seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended for most people. Getting plenty of sleep also improves your mood and makes it easier to cope with various life challenges. KEEP STRESS TO A MINIMUM Stress is an all too common problem for people of all ages. However, stress hormones often have a stronger effect on an aging brain, making it difficult to manage your emotions. Learning different ways to cope with anxiety and other mental health challenges is vital in keeping stress to a minimum. Listening to relaxing music, staying active, and practicing deep breathing exercises are just a few ways you can manage your stress levels. LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE Drinking alcohol has an even stronger impact on your body as you get older. Limiting your alcohol intake is especially important for brain health. Having too much to drink increases your chance of a fall, which can lead to a wide range of physical problems. Limiting or eliminating alcohol intake as you get older is one way to avoid this issue. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART Dealing with heart problems is a common occurrence for many aging people. However, taking care of your heart is essential to brain health. Staying proactive by getting regular checkups is important in staying proactive and having a healthy cardiovascular system. A doctor can help you manage any heart issues, whether you are dealing with high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, or high blood pressure. Knowing how to keep your brain sharp is important as you grow older. Doing brain exercise games, staying active, getting enough sleep, and taking brain health supplements are just a few of the many ways you can combat the effects of an aging brain. These simple tips can play a crucial role in helping you live a healthy life and stay sharp for many years.
Collagen Deficiency Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
When you wake up in the morning to stiffness, feel aches in your joints at the end of the day or notice a new fine line in your complexion, you may chalk it up to the natural aging process. While it's true that these problems can come naturally with age, they can also be signs that you are deficient in collagen. Read on to learn the facts about collagen benefits and what you can do to avoid deficiency. What Is Collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is found in virtually every tissue in the body. Often, collagen is called a structural protein because it is a crucial building block of muscles, connective tissue, and skin. What Is Collagen Deficiency? Collagen deficiency means that your body does not have an adequate supply of collagen. Severe collagen deficiency is rare; however, even a minor deficiency can cause symptoms that interfere with the quality of life and make daily activities difficult. Collagen Deficiency Causes Collagen deficiency occurs when your body does not produce enough of the protein required to maintain healthy tissues in your body. There are several reasons why this can happen: Age. As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen. Health Conditions. People with autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and temporal arteritis may experience collagen deficiency because their immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy collagen fragments in the body. Poor Diet. Research indicates that excessive levels of sugar in the diet can negatively impact your body's collagen supply. When you consume sugar, your body must produce more insulin to normalize your blood sugar. This results in the release of enzymes that break down collagen. Smoking. The toxins found in cigarettes can destroy healthy collagen and have been found to worsen signs of aging and slow the body's natural healing process due to their effects on the structural layer of skin known as the dermis. UV Energy. UVA rays in sunlight trigger the breakdown of collagen in the skin. This is why sun exposure plays a role in the aging process. Low Collagen Symptoms Some common symptoms of low collagen levels include: Joint Pain. Collagen is an essential component in the tissue that pads the joints known as cartilage. When levels of collagen are too low, the body cannot produce an adequate amount of cartilage. This means that there is less insulation to protect the joints when the bones move. Without this vital protection, inflammation can develop in the joints, leading to pain. Decreased Mobility. Joint inflammation isn't just painful. It can also make it more difficult for the joints to move correctly, resulting in feelings of stiffness. Collagen deficiency can also decrease muscle mass, resulting in weakness. Skin Changes. Collagen provides support for the skin tissue. Without an adequate foundation of collagen, skin becomes less full and loses elasticity. Thin-looking (and dry) skin is one of the first visual signs of collagen deficiency. Over time, this can develop into noticeable wrinkles and hollowing around the cheekbones and eyes. Gastrointestinal Problems. Studies suggest that low collagen levels can affect the digestive tract muscles, contributing to leaky gut and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Increasing and Protecting Collagen Levels You can take steps to support collagen production and protect the collagen that you have by: Avoiding skin-damaging factors such as smoking Using broad-spectrum sunscreen every day Eating foods that are rich in collagen, including fish, chicken, egg whites, citrus fruits, berries, red and yellow vegetables, garlic, leafy greens, and soy Collagen Supplements to Address Deficiency Because there is no test to determine whether a person is collagen deficient, many medical professionals recommend that individuals with collagen deficiency symptoms supplement their diets. Collagen supplements come in many different forms. A collagen powder is one of the best options. With this type of supplement, you mix the powder with liquid and drink. Your body can then easily absorb the protein without having to break down a capsule or tablet of collagen for joint pain and other concerns. But beware of generic collagen supplements that lack transparency. What To Look For in a Collagen Supplement Whether you're taking collagen for skin or joint pain, you want to choose a supplement that can deliver on its promises. Look for supplements that come from real food, as studies show that they are often more effective than their counterparts. It's also important to consider the concentration of dipeptides found in the supplement, which most brands won’t call out. That’s why companies like Body Kitchen, become important when choosing the right supplements. Youthful Beauty Collagen Powder contains 30 times more dipeptides than most other products on the market and contains only grass-fed and marine collagen peptides. The word beauty is the name, but the supplement isn't just for the skin. It is also a practical choice for healthy recipes, this formula is a refined and completely unflavored powder.
4 Ways to Melt Away Fat and Lose More Weight This Summer
When the temperature outside soars so high you break into a sweat without a treadmill, it’s time to burn baby burn. There are many fascinating and scientifically proven reasons why summertime makes it easier for your body to lose weight and burn stored fat. This time of year, it’s easier to follow healthy habits such as eating lighter fare that you may not typically crave during cold winter months, such as cool salads. According to University of Massachusetts and University of Georgia studies, daily caloric intake naturally decreases by about 200 calories during summer. But it’s not only the reduction in calories that makes summer the season to slim down. Body chemistry changes in ways that affect your metabolism, digestion and motivation. And together, these changes can add up to pounds lost without extra effort. If you’re actively trying to lose weight, here are 5 ways summer can give you a boost: #1 Metabolism revs up Your body’s ability to convert more calories into energy can increase during summer as it attempts to regulate body temperature. Biologically, metabolism actually increases when temperatures are cold by burning more calories to generate heat and turning more white adipose tissue (or fat) into brown adipose tissue, which creates more energy. But an air-conditioned environment can trigger the same effect, especially overnight.* So make your bedroom extra cool to enjoy an indirect metabolism boost (plus a better night’s sleep.) #2 You feel fuller longer The GI tract is very sensitive to changes of season and digestion reacts by becoming more sluggish, resulting in longer digestion and feeling of fullness. This is great if you’re trying to consume fewer calories. Just make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and support healthy elimination. Another way to stay fuller longer is to eat more protein, such as lean meat, fish, nuts, beans and eggs. Protein takes longer to break down. So you’ll control cravings and weight without losing lean muscle mass. Try a scoop of chocolate collagen protein powder whipped with icy cold vanilla almond milk or low-fat milk for a rich, summery treat. #3 You crave fruit and greens Summer may be the season of ice cream and other refreshing treats, but not all summertime cravings are loaded with sugar. You may find yourself loading up on seasonal fruits such as watermelon, berries, mangoes and peaches, and with their high water content they’re perfect ways to beat the heat. Plus, they’re high in fiber to help maintain smooth digestion. Amazingly, there’s one rare fruit with spicy active compounds shown to support weight loss, insulin balance and metabolism. Called a “spice fruit”, you can only get it in West Africa—but you’ll find the extract in our unique weight control formula, Trimglo. #4 When temperatures climb, motivated to be active Whether you prefer paddle-boarding on a lake or playing beach volleyball on the sand, you probably find you don’t have to push yourself to be active when the weather is right. Even vacations get a boost of calorie-burning activity as you take in the sights on foot or on bikes. To support your lung health and help your body fight pollution, toxins and free radicals, give your respiratory system a boost with an NAC supplement. It supports production of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant. By end of summer, you may just find yourself pounds lighter!
