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STRESSED OUT AT WORK? KEEP CALM AND CHILL OUT!
Understanding how to relieve stress is essential for anyone in the workplace. Stress can happen in almost countless ways, whether you are dealing with an annoying co-worker, trying to meet a tight deadline, or working on multiple projects simultaneously. All of these different factors can cause anyone to feel stressed out. Fortunately, you have the power to keep calm and chill out by following a few simple strategies. Here a few tips and strategies on how to reduce stress in today's fast-paced work environment: MIX UP YOUR MORNING ROUTINE Listening to the news to start your day isn't always a great option due to all of the negativity happening throughout the world. Switching things up by listening to energetic music or reading a book while taking public transportation can help you put yourself in a better frame of mind. Continuing to mix up your morning routine with various positive activities is a great way to avoid falling into a negative rut while helping you keep calm. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS Another way to relieve stress at work is to practice mindfulness. You can perform mindfulness activities throughout the day by simply taking a deep breath and staying aware of the moment without judgment or interpretation. Various free apps are available to use, as mindfulness is an excellent practice if you need to calm down. Additional benefits of mindfulness include lowering blood pressure, improving focus, and less emotional reactivity. SUPPLEMENTS FOR ANXIETY AND STRESS Taking natural supplements for anxiety and stress is a great and easy option if you need to calm down while working. These type of supplements influence biological processes that support a healthy and continuous state of mind. A calm supplement for anxiety can play a crucial role in helping you manage stress and chill out. You can choose from various stress relief supplements, as calming nootropics for stress are an excellent option for many people. Body Kitchen makes an all-natural formula, Body Kitchen Stress Release that’s ideal for gamers, students, and/or office warriors. It contains a variety of all natural-herbs and nootropics that support mental clarity, memory function, and stress management. Supplements like this can create significant results within days of using them. SET REALISTIC GOALS Creating unrealistic goals and taking on too much work puts a lot of additional stress on yourself. Dealing with non-stop stress isn't healthy, and it only makes it even more challenging for you to complete all of your work assignments. Always setting realistic goals is a much better option, as it will help you keep calm without being stressed out all of the time. LIMIT USE OF TECHNOLOGY Constantly staying connected to technology can create a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. Dealing with a steady stream of email and social media notifications often makes it nearly impossible to focus at work, which can cause you to fall behind and create more stress. Turning off notifications and staying away from social media while at work can help you feel more relaxed throughout the day. TAKE BREAKS Working during each of your breaks to meet a tight deadline is an all too common occurrence for many people. Making a habit of working through breaks will often cause additional stress and eventually lead to burnout. Always making time for your breaks is critical in knowing how to relieve stress. Going outside of the office for a few minutes can make a big difference in boosting your mood and helping you chill out. Making it a priority to constantly take breaks will increase your productivity levels, and it's a great way to keep calm. UNDERSTAND HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT CO-WORKERS Dealing with difficult co-workers is almost a guarantee in any workplace. Understanding how to manage different personalities is a necessary skill in any work environment. Avoid taking things personally and always remaining respectful isn't easy, but it's well worth the effort. Focusing your energy on your job instead of office politics will keep your stress levels to a minimum. CREATE A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE Working overtime every week and never taking time to unwind can result in a lot of extra stress. Following a healthy work-life balance is essential to avoid staying stressed out all of the time. Creating boundaries by setting aside personal time and not always being on the clock is important in reducing stress and improving your overall well-being. CLOSING THOUGHTS Managing stress is a critical skill in today's workplace. Setting realistic goals, taking breaks, and practicing mindfulness are just a few ways you can keep calm at work. Taking supplements for stress is also an effective way to stay calm. These supplements for anxiety and stress will make it much easier for you to remain productive without feeling overwhelmed. Calming nootropics for stress are readily available online, as taking stress relief supplements while following these various tips can play a significant role in helping you avoid being stressed out in the workplace.
How Apple Cider Vinegar can Help You Reach Your Weight Loss Goals
Reaching weight loss goals is often a significant challenge for many people. Developing healthy eating habits doesn't happen overnight, as it's a long-term process. Finding weight loss foods can help you reach your weight loss goals while also making it easier to live a healthier lifestyle. People have often used apple cider vinegar as a health tonic for countless years, as scientific research backs up many apple cider vinegar benefits following a weight loss diet. How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar A two-step fermentation process is required for apple cider vinegar, as the apples are cut and combined with yeast to transform the sugar into alcohol eventually. Secondly, bacteria are added to help ferment the alcohol and convert it to acetic acid. Typically, it takes nearly a month to produce apple cider vinegar, but some manufacturers can significantly expedite this entire process. Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss Goals Apple cider vinegar benefits can be wide-ranging for a weight loss diet. Acetic acid dissolves into hydrogen and acetate within your body, as some studies suggest that acetic acid may help promote weight loss. One study in rats showed that acetic acid decreased insulin levels, which can favor fat burning. The same study showed that acetic acid could enhance the ability of the liver to process sugar from the blood. Additional Health Benefits Apple cider vinegar benefits more than helping you reach your weight loss goals. Additional health benefits include lowering your blood sugar and insulin if apple cider vinegar is taken with a moderate-carb meal. Apple cider vinegar can also reduce people's fasting blood sugar levels with type 2 diabetes if they included it with a high-protein snack in the evening. . Animal studies also show that apple cider vinegar can decrease triglycerides and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels while increasing "good" HDL cholesterol. Other studies show that vinegar can lower blood pressure by repressing the enzyme responsible for restricting blood vessels. Vinegar also fights against bacteria that cause food poisoning. Adding apple cider vinegar to your diet offers much more than weight loss due to its potential of several health benefits. Body Kitchen Weight Loss Products You can also try supplements which are a more convenient weight-loss choice. Body Kitchen offers a weight loss supplements, TrimGlo with Dyglofit, that promotes fat burning by improving glucose use. This product gives similar weight-loss benefits as those from taking apple cider vinegar. This supplement is also enhanced with green tea extract, which provides a natural energy boost. TrimGlo with Dyglofit is also free of any stimulants, and it's Non-GMO verified. Weight Loss Foods and Smoothies Understanding how to add apple cider vinegar to your diet is important in experiencing these benefits. One simple way to include apple cider vinegar in your diet is to use it with olive oil for salad dressing. Apple cider vinegar is also used for pickling vegetables, or you can even mix it in your water to drink. It's generally recommended to add 1-2 tablespoons per day if you combine it with water. Apple cider vinegar smoothie recipes are another popular option for many people interested in developing healthy eating habits. You can choose from several smoothie recipes that can boost your metabolism. These weight loss smoothies are an excellent option for anyone looking for healthy foods to eat while dieting. The Summer Watermelon Collagen Smoothie recipe is another popular option for keeping your skin looking great. The ingredients for this delicious smoothie include two cups of watermelon chunks, one cup of mixed berries, a half cup of coconut water or milk, and one scoop of Body Kitchen's Youthful Beauty Powder. All you need is a blender to enjoy these healthy smoothies. Bottom Line Using a moderate amount of apple cider vinegar is a great way to reach your weight loss goals while also experiencing several health benefits. You also have the flexibility to select from various smoothie recipes, as it may take some experimentation to discover your favorite healthy smoothies. Other vinegar options may also offer similar benefits, but it may be less impactful if it has lower acetic acid content. Ultimately, apple cider vinegar is often a perfect option for weight loss goals.
HOW MEMOPHENOL AND LUTEMAX 2020 CAN SUPPORT HEALTHY COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Finding ways to increase cognitive function naturally is often a top focus in studies. Recent studies now show that a couple of branded ingredients can help to improve cognitive abilities in healthy adults. These branded ingredients are known as Memophenol and Lutemax 2020, as they can play a crucial role in boosting cognitive function for adults of all ages. Learning more about these patented ingredients is a great way to see if you can benefit by taking supplements that include these ingredients. BRAIN-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS Understanding how to improve cognitive function for people of all ages is an ever-evolving field of study. Using brain boosting supplements that include Memophenol and Lutemax 2020 is an excellent combination that offers immense health benefits. These branded ingredients can play a key role in improving cognitive function while also protecting your eyes against blue-light exposure, improving reaction speed, and it's a much better alternative than using synthesized caffeine. Body Kitchen offers EXEED Mind, a natural and clinically-studied supplement that includes Memophenol and Lutemax 2020 to improve overall mental clarity. This supplement is excellent for anyone looking to improve their cognitive performance for daily activities, and it's also an excellent choice for anyone that enjoys playing video games and/or spends long hours in front of screens. In contains a variety of patented-ingredients that work synergistically to deliver optimal concentration, memory retention, natural energy, reaction speed, and eye protection against blue-light. WHAT IS MEMOPHENOL? Memophenol is a patent-pending formula that combines French grapes and blueberry extracts to boost cognitive function. This innovative ingredient has been tested in numerous studies that show improvement in short-term and long-term memory and learning. Memophenol is unique in that it uses a specific ratio of ingredients to create synergistic activity due to its neuroprotection and bioavailability. Here is an overview of a couple of studies highlighting the impact of Memophenol: A clinical study for 30 healthy college students between 18-25 years of age consumed 600 mg of Memophenol or took a placebo. A single dose of Memophenol improved cognitive performance up to 36% for students taking exams after only 90 minutes. You can learn more information about this clinical study by visiting https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/8/12/650. WHAT IS LUTEMAX 2020? Lutemax 2020 is a globally recognized patented extract that includes RR-zeaxanthin, RS (meso)-zeaxanthin, and lutein. This branded ingredient is derived from marigold flowers and a unique blend of carotenoids backed by several clinical studies. Lutemax 2020 delivers numerous health benefits, such as improving cognitive function, boosting mood, increasing skin health, and enhancing visual performance. Here is an overview of a few studies showing the impact of Lutemax 2020: A six-month clinical study included 59 healthy men and women between the ages of 18-25. Those who took Lutemax 2020 experienced changes in serum levels of zeaxanthin isomers, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and lutein, which helped reduce inflammation and improve cognitive performance. You can learn more about the study by visiting: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938419302070?via%3Dihub One recent study at the University of Georgia showed that Lutemax 2020 helps to reduce eye fatigue, headache frequency, and eyestrain that commonly occurs with using digital devices for a prolonged period of time. Another double-blind study also showed that Lutemax 2020 improved the measure of vision for recovering from bright lights, distinguishing objects from each other, and enhanced ability in judging distance. You can learn more about this study at: https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2020/04/14/2015943/0/en/Lutemax-2020-Positioned-for-Frontline-Defense-Against-Blue-Light.html
GOAL SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS
Understanding how to set goals and achieve these objectives isn't always an easy process for most people. The type of goals you can set are nearly endless, whether you are trying to lose ten pounds, finish writing a book, receive an academic achievement award, or even improve your golf score. Goal setting can play a crucial role in giving you a target to focus on while also helping you to increase productivity. Here are a few tips to consider in helping you unlock your hidden potential for achieving goals: WRITE IT DOWN One of the first steps in achieving goals is to write everything down. Writing down your goals and how you plan to complete these objectives is a great motivational tool. Tracking your progress throughout your entire journey is another way to stay motivated to ensure you keep going even if you face a few setbacks or challenges. CREATE MEASURABLE GOALS Another important step in goal setting is to create measurable objectives. For example, you may want to lose half a pound a week to reach your weight loss goals or aim for a specific score on a test to be eligible for college. These measurable goals will give you a sense of accomplishment, and they can often play a significant factor in helping you stay motivated throughout the entire journey. STAY REALISTIC Many people make the mistake of creating unrealistic goals. An unrealistic objective is exceptionally demoralizing, and it's almost always impossible to achieve. Instead, it's more effective to focus on smaller and more manageable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed and giving up too soon. Breaking down goals into smaller parts will often give you a much-needed psychological boost in achieving goals. REMAIN ACCOUNTABLE One effective way to get things done is to use an accountability partner. Telling your friends or family members about your goal is an excellent way to keep yourself accountable while achieving goals. Reaching out to a friend for support is often a great way to keep yourself motivated, whether you are striving for academic achievement or looking at ways to increase productivity. SET A TIME FRAME Goals without a time frame often aren't very effective. Instead, it's much more effective to create goals with a specific time frame in mind. Creating deadlines will help you avoid staying complacent, and it can be a big motivator in allowing you to get things done. However, it's essential to set a realistic time frame, as many goals require a certain amount of time before they can be achieved. PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUPPLEMENTS Working on achieving goals is often a mentally draining task for most people. One way to get things done and reach your hidden potential is to use performance-enhancing supplements. You can choose from various performance-enhancing supplements to help you increase productivity, as many of these products include nootropics and carotenoids to enhance cognitive function naturally. Formulas like EXEED Mind provide specific natural ingredients to promote mental clarity and enhance productivity. You’ll be surprised how much easier it gets by taking such formulas as the nutrients provide the mental-stage needed to focus and succeed. Products like this are a great way to cheat! (in a good way). KEEP REVIEWING YOUR PROGRESS Goal setting isn't a one-time process, but it's an ongoing procedure that needs to be reevaluated continually. Reviewing your progress will help you determine if you are on the right track or if you need to make any changes to help you reach your goals. Making a few minor adjustments can make a significant impact in helping you unlock your limitless potential. CREATE AN ACTION PLAN One often overlooked tip in setting goals is the creation of an action plan. An action plan is different from simply writing down your goals, as it gives you the blueprint for achieving them daily. Writing down the individual steps needed to achieve these goals will significantly increase the chance of implementing these steps and following through for the entire plan. Staying organized in a key-factor in this entire process. FOLLOW A SCHEDULE Achieving any goal in life requires a time commitment. Setting aside time each day to focus on a goal is vital to making progress. For example, you may need to set aside one hour to work out three times per week, or you may need to study for 30 minutes each afternoon to reach a specific academic achievement. The number of goals you can set are nearly limitless, but they all share the same trait in that it requires a lot of time and effort. CLOSING THOUGHTS Understand how to set goals and find ways to achieve them is essential for people of all ages. Following these tips can make it easier for you to reach any goal and avoid any setbacks. Staying realistic, constantly evaluating your progress, and taking performance-enhancing supplements are just a few of the many ways you can reach any of your goals and experience limitless freedom. Now is the perfect time to begin setting goals and developing a plan to unlock your hidden potential and get things done!
HOW TO INCREASE ENERGY LEVELS - NOOTROPICS FOR ENERGY
Cocoa beans are used in a variety of products due to their many beneficial properties. One of the reasons for these many benefits is due to the chemical known as "theobromine." Dark cocoa and tea are prime sources of theobromine, as these nutrient-dense foods have often been associated with mood-enhancing and positive cognitive effects. WHAT IS THEOBROMINE? Theobromine was initially discovered in the 1840s by scientists analyzing the pods of coca trees throughout Central and South America. This alkaloid compound is similar to caffeine, as it stimulates the heart, widens blood vessels, and even boosts one's mood. However, theobromine isn't as strong as a stimulant as caffeine, even though it shares effects that fall under the same category. WHERE IS THEOBROMINE FOUND? Chocolate is often one of the most popular sources of theobromine. However, it's also found in several types of tea leaves, coffee, matcha green tea, kola nuts, hot chocolate, and cocoa beans. Cocoa pods are split into two from theobroma cacao trees, as the seeds are taken out and fermented, which leaves behind a large mass of rich brown chocolate. The highest concentration levels of theobromine are found in dark chocolate. You can also take natural stimulants containing theobromine to increase energy levels. Here are a few of the main benefits of taking theobromine nootropics for energy. IMPROVE CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION One of the advantages of taking theobromine natural stimulants is that it can positively improve cardiovascular function by helping to regulate blood pressure and improve circulation through the widening of blood vessels. Theobromine can potentially help maintain healthy lung function by improving airflow to the lungs and decreasing asthma symptoms. POTENTIAL MOOD-BOOSTING EFFECTS Another potential benefit of theobromine nootropic stimulants is that they can provide mild anti-depressive effects. Theobromine can also give euphoric feelings to some people. Taking nootropic stimulants consistently can be beneficial in giving a boost in mood. ENHANCE FOCUS Various studies show that theobromine impacts focus and concentration levels, similar to caffeine, as it blocks the adenosine receptors and inhibits phosphodiesterase. In other words, it plays a key role in reducing the effects of chemicals in the brain that often make you feel unfocused and groggy. The mild stimulating impact of theobromine is one reason why these nootropic stimulants are becoming a popular option for many athletes. NATURAL DIURETIC EFFECT An often overlooked benefit of taking these supplements for energy and mental clarity is its natural diuretic effect. The compound in this chemical can help increase the amount of urine in the body, which can decrease water retention and better treat the buildup of fluid. Taking these natural stimulants can be beneficial for anyone with fluid-retention problems. HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS Struggling with weight loss is a common issue for many people. However, theobromine can potentially lead to weight loss due to its ability to increase energy levels, decrease bloating and inflammation. It may also help control cravings and support metabolic health. Following a healthy diet, staying active, and using these supplements for mental clarity can play an essential role in reaching weight loss goals. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THEOBROMINE Studies show that theobromine is relatively safe for humans and it has fewer unwanted side effects than caffeine. Theobromine supplements may cause sleep problems if taken during late afternoon or early evening. However, it's important to remember that the impact of taking theobromine varies from one individual to another. Some people are more tolerant to larger amounts of theobromine, while others can only handle a tiny amount. SUPPLEMENT AND DOSAGE INFORMATION The best way to consume these type of nutraceuticals is in supplement form. Formulas such as EXEED Mind offer a variety of nootropics at clinical-doses. This is usually ideal if you’re worried about taking more than what you need. The formula also contains specific carotenoids that work synergistically for maximum and safe nootropic-effects. Theobromine supplements are often used for supporting cardiovascular and brain health. These nootropic stimulants can often increase energy levels and provide mental clarity. Sometimes theobromine is sold as a fine powder, or you can purchase it in capsule form. The dosage recommendations will vary for each person, as it's generally recommended to take these natural stimulants at 300 to 600 milligrams each day. If you choose to take formulas like EXEED Mind then you’ll be getting an amount that has been clinically-tested to work at those specific levels. CLOSING THOUGHTS Using nootropics for energy is a popular option for many people. Theobroma cacao is naturally found throughout Central and South America. These natural stimulants are a great way to increase energy levels and boost mental clarity. Understanding the proper dosage of these supplements is essential in avoiding harmful side effects. However, using this natural substance derived from theobroma cacao is often considered a better alternative than caffeine. Now is a great time to consider buying these natural supplements for energy and mental clarity!
Immune Support Supplements - Vitamins for Immune System
Understanding how to improve your immune system is important in helping your body to defend against toxins, pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. Finding different ways to keep your immune system healthy year-round is a great way to avoid many infections and diseases. Following a healthy lifestyle by staying active, getting plenty of sleep, and consuming nutritional food are key aspects of maintaining a healthy immune system. Additionally, including supplements and vitamins can also provide immune support and protect yourself against illnesses. However, it's important to know that over-the-counter or prescription medications can potentially interact with supplements. Reaching out to your doctor is always recommended before taking vitamins for your immune system. Here are a few well-known supplements and vitamins that can help you maintain a healthy immune system. Elderberry Sambucus elderberry has often been used to treat infections, and health researchers are now studying its impact on the immune system. Test-tube studies show that elderberry extract shows potent antiviral and antibacterial support against pathogens causing the influenza virus and upper respiratory tract infections. These elderberry benefits have also been shown to improve the immune system response and lessen the duration of colds and viral infections. Additional research and studies are needed to understand these elderberry benefits further. Elderberry supplements are often available for purchase in a capsule or liquid form. Vitamin C Often taken to help the immune system fight off infections. Using Vitamin C supplements can decrease the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant, as it protects against damages caused by oxidative stress, which happens with the accumulation of free radicals. Most supplement daily doses for Vitamin C range anywhere between 250 to 1,000 mg, while the upper limit is 2,000 mg. Reaching out to your doctor is important in helping you determine your optimal dosage. Vitamin D Plays an essential role in the immune defense against pathogens. Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with a greater risk of upper respiratory tract infections, such as allergic asthma and influenza. Taking Vitamin D supplements is a great way to boost your immune system naturally, as many people lack Vitamin D due to staying indoors most of the time. A Vitamin D dosage can range anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 IU per day for most people. However, anyone with a significant deficiency of Vitamin D will require even higher doses. A healthcare professional can determine the optimal dose to meet your needs best. Zinc Zinc is a type of mineral that's often added to supplements and healthcare products to help provide immune support. Immune communication and cell development aren't possible without zinc. Zinc also plays a key role in preventing foreign pathogens from entering the body. A lack of zinc significantly impacts your immune system, which increases the risk of disease and infection. Nearly 2 billion people worldwide have a zinc deficiency, as this condition is relatively common in older adults. Choosing to take zinc supplements over the long-term is often safe for most people if the daily dose amount is less than 40 mg of elemental zinc. There are many supplements you can take to naturally boost immune-health, but if you choose good quality supplements you’ll only need 1 or 2 different products. Here are a couple of the most popular vitamins and supplements for a healthy immune system offered by Body Kitchen. Nordic Elder-Shield Sambucus elderberry benefits the immune system in various ways, as it's often used as the main ingredient in many different supplements. Body Kitchen's Nordic-Elder Shield uses an optimal formula for supporting antibacterial and antiviral effects. The 27:1 ratio equals consuming 27 grams of elderberries, as this offers a higher lectin content to provide support in fighting against pathogens that are harmful to the immune system. They also use a non-chemical extraction process that allows all sugars to be removed from the formula while retaining the important components. Vitamin C-Shield Body Kitchen also offers Vitamin C-Shield as it provides an immunity boost with 1,000 mg of non-gmo Vitamin C in one dose. This powerful immune support supplement works great with collagen formulas that can increase skin moisture. Dihydroquercetin and a patented form of Black Pepper Extract are also included in Vitamin C-Shield for optimal immune system response and to improve nutrient absorption. The immunity formula provides additional protection for daily exposure to unfavorable factors that can weaken the immune system and cause harm to the body. This makes an excellent daily Vitamin C supplement. Closing Thoughts Understanding how to improve immunity is critical to living a healthy lifestyle. Taking vitamins for the immune system can be beneficial in preventing illness. Sambucus elderberry is a popular option for many people, as an elderberry supplement is a great way to lessen the duration of colds and viral infections. Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements can also play a key in providing immune support. Eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and plenty of sleep are also important aspects of living a healthy lifestyle.
Vitamins for Hair Growth - How to Grow Hair Faster
Let's face it, we'd all like thicker, healthier hair. Whether you're trying to get your hair to grow longer or just want a fuller head of hair, you've probably tried all sorts of products to help you reach your goal. Special shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, oils to massage into your scalp -- the list is endless. While these products can certainly improve the appearance of your hair, they all have one thing in common: they can only have a superficial effect. Hair products can put a smoother coating on your hair, giving it more shine and body. What they can't really do is improve its actual structure. That comes from within. The best thing you can do for your hair is improve your nutrition. This is where collagen peptides can help. Collagen Peptides and Hair Growth Your hair's health depends on the health of your hair follicles -- special structures in your skin that turn proteins into hair strands. If your hair follicles aren't healthy, they can't produce strong, silky hair. To produce the healthy hair you want, two things need to be in place. One, your body needs to have what it needs to keep your hair follicles in good shape. Two, you need the right nutrition in your diet for your body to produce the proteins that makes up your hair strands. When you consume collagen, your body immediately goes to work on breaking it down and converting it into amino acids. It then uses these amino acids to build its own proteins. The two key proteins involved in hair growth are collagen itself and another form of protein called keratin. Collagen is a protein found throughout the human body. It's particularly abundant in your skin. If you're not producing sufficient collagen, you'll see effects such as sagging skin and wrinkles. What's happening is that the collagen in the deeper layers of your skin isn't being replenished, meaning that they break down and become less resilient. Something similar happens to your hair follicles. These also need collagen and can't function properly if you're not producing enough. Keratin is another important protein. It's a harder, stronger protein that's used to make up your fingernails and the structure of your hair. To produce this protein, your body needs a ready supply of the amino acids that form its building blocks. Collagen is made up of three important amino acids: proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, with proline being the most important for building keratin. While these amino acids are some of those produced by your body, it can be very helpful to get more from external sources. You can improve levels of these amino acids by consuming more collagen. See Body Kitchen’s KERATIN ENRICH Premium Hair & Nail Protein, fortified with one of the industry’s most reputable keratin patent - Cynatine HNS®. This product is HIGHLY effective because it delivers 500mg of direct keratin protein. As we get older, it becomes harder for the body to produce collagen and other proteins. You can help your body by supplying it with additional amino acid sources. Collagen peptides are a great source. They're highly bioavailable, meaning that the collagen is easy for your body to break down and absorb. By adding collagen to your diet, you can improve not just your hair and nails, but your skin, joints, circulation and even your gut health. Other Ways Collagen Peptides Can Help As well as making up many of your body's tissues, collagen can also have antioxidant-like effects. Since free radical damage to your cells can impact hair growth, an antioxidant can be helpful. If your hair has started graying, especially premature gray, collagen may help by reducing the free radical damage. Vitamins for Hair Growth If you're wondering how to make your hair grow faster, the key is balanced nutrition. Ideally, we'd all be getting this from a healthy and varied diet. Alas, we don't live in an ideal world. It's not always easy to get the nutrients you need for optimal hair growth from your daily diet, especially if you're a busy person who doesn't have time to cook every day. Supplementing your diet with additional vitamins and minerals can really help. Some of the most important vitamins for hair growth are B vitamins and vitamin D. You may also benefit from additional vitamin A and vitamin C, especially if your diet isn't very high in fresh fruits and vegetables. Minerals that are important for hair and nails include zinc and copper. A lack of zinc in your diet can lead to weaker nails and hair that breaks easily, making it harder to grow. Other Ways to Grow Hair Faster It's important to trim your hair regularly if you're trying to grow it. This might seem counter-intuitive -- why cut your hair if you want it to grow longer? -- but if you don't trim your hair, the ends can become damaged. These split ends can cause the hair to break. You should aim to trim away about half of each month's growth. Avoid harsh hair treatments. Opt for gentle vegetable dyes and use styling methods that don't involve high heat or strong chemicals. Treat yourself to a regular scalp massage. This improves circulation. Castor oil is traditionally used to encourage hair growth; you could consider using this as part of your massage routine.
Does Collagen Break a Fast?
What is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular in recent years. The concept is simple yet revolutionary: by restricting meals to a specific period each day and fasting the rest of the time, you can encourage your body's natural healing processes and improve your overall health. Intermittent fasting, or IF, isn't just about weight loss (although many people find they lose weight while practicing IF). Instead, it's about kicking your body's cells into a higher gear, helping to boost your metabolism, improve healing and support your immune response. There are many different kinds of intermittent fasting, but they all use the same basic framework: eating only during a set period and fasting. The exact time periods may vary, as can the strictness of the fast. Many people starting IF often ask whether or not nutritional supplements break the fast, disrupting the positive effects and derailing the healing process. For example, will taking collagen break a fast when practicing IF? The Fasting Period During the fasting period, IF practitioners all agree, you should avoid consuming any calories. Some people go so far as to fast completely, including refraining from water, but most IF proponents don't go that far. Many drink calorie-free fluids during their fast, including tea and coffee. Of course, you can't have milk or sugar in your beverages -- even sweeteners can have a few calories, which technically places them off-limits during your fast. The length of the fasting interval varies from practitioner to practitioner. Some use alternate-day fasting, where they'll eat normally one day and eat nothing or a small 500-calorie meal the next. Others follow a 5:2 pattern, where they'll eat a typical amount five days per week and fast for two days. On the other hand, daily time-restricted fasting allows you to eat every day -- as long as it's within a specific window. The length of this window will vary, with some people using a fasting interval of as much as 20 hours. A fasting window of 16 hours is more common. This allows people to fast until lunch and then eat normally (as long as they stop eating by a certain point in the evening). Because it's much easier to fit into your everyday life, the 8:16-hour fasting pattern is quite popular. Less strict practitioners do allow a small number of calories to be consumed during the fasting window. Some consider anything below 50 calories to be fast-friendly, while others allow 300 calories to be consumed while fasting. The longer the fasting window, the higher this number of calories is likely to be. Collagen Peptides If you're considering intermittent fasting or have already taken it up, you're probably concerned about health and well-being. Maybe you're looking to IF as a way to improve your overall health. In either case, you may also be taking nutritional supplements. Collagen is one of the most popular nutritional supplements around -- and for several excellent reasons. Collagen is an exceptional protein found almost everywhere in the human body. It's powerful but also flexible and resilient, helping to build tough yet pliable tissues. Collagen is found everywhere, from your circulatory system to your joints and even your hair follicles. Taking collagen in the form of supplements can help your body produce more of its collagen, keeping your joints, skin, and internal organs in good shape. Collagen peptides are the best form of collagen to take, as they're easier for your body to break down and absorb. Can You Have Collagen During Intermittent Fasting? Technically yes, but not all collagen supplements will do the trick. Collagen brands such as Body Kitchen are ideal due to their specific di-peptide formulations. While collagen has very few calories, it is a caloric substance and is considered breaking a fast. That doesn't mean you have to stop taking your daily collagen supplements. It simply means that you need to choose one with a high absorption rate (we recommend Youthful Beauty) so that you're consuming them during the window of time when you'd normally eat your meals. Most collagen brands on the market will break the fast due to using low-quality and slow digestive collagen. Something that many people forget about nutritional supplements is that they often work best when taken with food. In the case of collagen specifically, the supplements are most effective if they're consumed alongside appropriate levels of antioxidants and other nutrients -- the things that your regular meals should provide. For this reason, even if you're of the liberal fasting mindset and allow a small number of calories during the fasting period, you should still avoid taking your collagen while fasting. Consuming your collagen with a meal will maximize absorption and ensure that you get the full benefit from your supplements.
Summer Care for Beautiful Hair
Tousled tresses and beachy natural waves are THE look for summer no matter what your age or proximity to the ocean. The vacation vibe that makes the season so special also applies to your hair care as you relax your pace and daily routine. With so many breezy pulled-back looks to choose from, you can relax from the more time-consuming styles that you favor other times of year. Your hair deserves a break too. Over time, heat styling, coloring and blow-drying ravage hair follicles and rob strands of radiance, leading to dry, dull and wiry hair that ultimately needs even more product and styling to tame. The sun’s intense UV rays during hot weather months can further push hair further into damaged territory. But that’s not the worst-case scenario: when follicles become stressed, it can upend your hair’s growth and maturation cycle, which can result in a shorter anagen (growth) phase and accelerated pace to the exogen (shedding) phase… and that’s no place you want to be for very long. Then there’s the ongoing influence of DNA, stress, nutrient deficiencies and aging that can also cause excess hair shedding. This summer, protect your hair the way you protect your skin with the right ingredients for maintaining health, strength and shine all season long. Don’t forget sun protection If you think sun protection is only for skin, think again. Not only is your scalp susceptible to sunburns, especially your part, strands themselves can get fried and discolored as sun rays destroy hair’s pigment proteins. According to scientists, the sun’s UV radiation increases by a factor of 10, making prolonged exposure all the more harmful when you consider it only takes minutes to burn. Be prepared when you head outdoors. A wide-brim hat is great for when you plan to be out in the sun for extended periods, whether in your garden or at the pool. And after taking laps in the pool, be sure to rinse your hair with clean water to remove chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Take it easy with hair-care products… the sun can intensify the chemicals, which can further damage your locks. And above, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your part! The other hair-care accessories While a stylish hat and pretty hair ties are definite summer must-haves, there are other essentials that are even more important to the long-term health and shine of your tresses. Beautiful hair is built on keratin—the fibrous protein that comprises up to 90% of hair’s structure. But aging and other factors cause synthesis of keratin to wane, which makes loading up on the right dietary protein necessary to provide the amino acid building blocks your body needs to produce keratin. Unfortunately, palatable food sources of keratin are nonexistent. So for a direct source of keratin, find a supplement with the keratin ingredient, Cynatine HNS, because its shown to support hair growth and reduce excess hair shedding.* One to try: Keratin Enrich, which is also loaded with shine-boosting B-vitamins like biotin to support keratin production. You know vitamin C as an immune booster, but it’s also a building block of healthy hair growth. It works in two ways. Vitamin C fights free radicals that threaten hair follicle cells. It’s also integral for procollagen … the phase that precedes production of keratin as well as collagen. DIY hair repair For days when you’ve had too much fun in the sun and your strands are paying the price, spend some spa time at home repairing your hair. No fancy products necessary—just use ingredients you have in your kitchen, such as olive oil, coconut oil, honey, an overripe avocado or banana, egg, collagen powder, and milk, cream or yogurt (the higher the fat content, the better). Aloe vera gel works great too. (For a fine collagen powder that dissolves quickly, try Youthful Beauty with collagen peptides). Make your own soothing hair mask by combining some natural fat, protein and a binder until smooth and creamy. Apply to hair starting with your roots, wrap in a bun and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. For intensive treatment for dry, brittle hair, wear a shower cap and leave on longer before rinsing. Get out there and enjoy a season of summer vibes and lustrous locks this year—you deserve it!
