vitamins and minerals Archives

August 12, 2022September 11, 2022

In Vitaminsby Nancy Wallace

5 Points On Vitamin C For Immune Health

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate, is a vitamin full of benefits found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissues and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is also important for immune system function. In this article, we will share with you some facts you need to know about vitamin C and your immune health.

First, we’ll go over vitamin C’s uses and the vitamin itself. Then, we’ll talk about free radical damage. And finally, we’ll close with vitamin C in food and its antioxidant properties. You will be able to increase your immunity health with vitamin C after reading this article.

1Vitamin C Uses

Vitamin C is critical for the growth and repair of all tissues in the body, and it’s commonly used to create a key protein that is used to make the skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It also promotes wound healing and the formation of scar tissue. Vitamin C aids immune defense by supporting both innate and adaptive cellular operations in addition to supporting certain cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. A vitamin C shortage causes immunity to deteriorate while increasing susceptibility to illnesses.

What effect does vitamin C have on your skin? Its antioxidant properties and role in collagen synthesis make it a crucial component of skin health. Vitamin C’s involvement in collagen synthesis makes it a vital molecule for wound healing. Clinical research suggests that vitamin C may speed up wound healing in people who don’t have a deficiency.

2Facts About Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Humans, unlike most other animals, cannot make vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. Vitamin C has been shown in studies to have the ability to regenerate other antioxidants within the body, including alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), over time. Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid and is classified as a required vitamin for a variety of reasons.

Vitamin C is required for a variety of metabolic processes, and it is especially vital for many gut, brain, and adrenal-related actions. Some customers may ask their doctor or pharmacist, “What exactly is a vitamin?” Simply put, a vitamin is both an organic chemical that contains carbon, which is essential to the body’s nutrition, and an inherent nutrient that the body cannot create adequate amounts of on its own and must be obtained through food.

3Free Radical Damage

How does the body already have free radicals naturally? Free radicals are chemical by-products of physiological activities, such as metabolism, and the body’s ability to convert air and food into chemical energy is dependent on a chain reaction. Furthermore, free radicals attack alien invaders that float through our veins in our bodies, helping form part of the immune system.

On the other side of the coin, can free radicals do harm? Several elements might be considered a “risk of free radicals,” including a domino effect that may eventually disrupt and damage a whole cell, a free radical chain reaction that might result in broken cell membranes (which can alter what enters and exits the cells), oxidative stress (when there are too many free radicals and too much cellular damage), and connections to aging. This is according to sources like Rice University, Harvard School of Public Health, and Pharmacognosy Review.

4Vitamin C In Food

Vitamin C is not stored in the human body. This nutrient must be consumed in one’s diet on a daily basis. It’s generally accepted that fruits and vegetables are the greatest sources of vitamin C and that patients may meet their daily needs by eating a variety of these nutritious foods.

If food is the source, what kind of foods have the highest amounts of vitamin C? Sweet red pepper(raw), tomato juice, orange juice, sweet green pepper, hot green chili peppers (raw), oranges, strawberries, and papaya are all good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is found in some fortified breakfast cereals as well. Fruits and vegetables may lose vitamin C if they are kept for too long or cooked excessively.

5Vitamin C And Antioxidants

The antioxidant activity of vitamins C and E is superior. Antioxidants are chemicals that prevent oxidation. A chemical reaction can create free radicals, resulting in chain reactions that may harm a creature’s cells. However, antioxidants may also be thought of as compounds that remove potentially harmful substances from a living creature.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents cellular components from being damaged by free radicals. Vitamin C is one of the most important functions that it performs. The vitamin may directly scavenge free radicals in the “aqueous” cell phase and circulation, according to research.

Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that contains numerous health benefits. It’s also available as a dietary supplement and is an important nutrient involved in the healing of tissues and the manufacture of certain neurotransmitters via enzymes. Vitamin C is extremely crucial for immune system performance. We’ve got some information about vitamin C and your immunological well-being that you might find useful.

First, we went over vitamin C’s uses and the vitamin itself. Then, we talked about free radical damage. And finally, we closed with vitamin C in food and its antioxidant properties. You may enhance your immune health with vitamin C now that you’ve finished reading.

June 14, 2022June 26, 2022

In Digestive Enzymesby Nancy Wallace

9 Facts About Heart Health

According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one killer of people in the U.S. This is likely due to the standard American diet, increasing sedentary behaviors, and more time spent indoors in front of artificial lights. Together, these factors create the perfect storm for chronic inflammation and different aspects of heart disease. We must learn how to prevent heart disease by using our lifestyle choices.

In this article, we are going to cover the top root causes of heart problems (that you may not have heard before) and the nutrients that you can take to support your heart health. The heart is a high-energy muscle that needs certain nutrients to function optimally. Unfortunately, most people are either not consuming enough of these key nutrients or are not absorbing these nutrients properly. Once you have finished reading, you will be able to confidently use these nutrients in your diet to keep your heart healthy.

1Micronutrient Deficiencies

In addition to magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K, there is a range of nutrients that can lessen your chances of acquiring heart disease. These include flavonoids, polyphenols, electrolyte minerals, and healthy omega-3 fats. Flavonoids and other antioxidant compounds work by actively combatting the negative effects of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Polyphenols help by actually promoting mitochondrial function, which is extremely important for the heart. Minerals ensure the proper conductance of electric signals, something the heart constantly does. And finally, omega-3 fatty acids are strong anti-inflammatory agents that make up our cells. Together, a wide array of micronutrients can help prevent heart disease from many different angles. This is why we recommend a ketogenic diet with plenty of plants and antioxidant-rich herbs and spices.

2Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Most people consume a large amount of omega-6 fats and not enough omega-3. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the body and the sources that fats are derived from both have a profound impact on inflammatory markers in the body. Increasing omega-3 intake and working to decrease omega-6 intake is a great preventative strategy for heart disease.

Omega-3 fats also help improve calcium metabolism to prevent the deposition of calcium in the arterial lining. Omega-3 fats, namely EPA and DHA, can help improve cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure values. You can acquire EPA and DHA from wild-caught seafood sources, such as Alaskan salmon, sardines, cod, and limited amounts of tuna (due to mercury). Additionally, supplementing with one to four grams of either fish or algae-sourced omega-3 fats is a great idea. However, it is essential to remember that omega-3 supplementation is not FDA-approved to prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure heart disease and shouldn’t be confused as such.

3Magnesium

Magnesium is needed to create the activated form of ATP. This is the molecule that provides the cells in your body with energy to carry out their functions. With poor magnesium levels, mitochondria, especially in the heart, will suffer. Additionally, low blood magnesium levels are associated with high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Magnesium plays a role in calcium metabolism, helping make sure calcium doesn’t end up in places that it shouldn’t be, such as in your arteries. Simply increasing your intake of magnesium-rich foods and supplementing with magnesium daily can go a long way in mitigating your risk of heart disease. Some excellent forms of magnesium are malate, glycinate, and especially threonate for their brain benefits. For those with digestive challenges, topical magnesium is an excellent choice. For dosage, different forms of magnesium have different bowel tolerance.

4Curcumin

Curcumin is one of the most studied anti-inflammatory compounds isolated from the Indian spice turmeric. Turmeric is one of the most heavily studied spices ever, having endless therapeutic value for many different types of diseases. This is likely due, in part, to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcumin is a strong antioxidant that also helps balance cholesterol and calcium levels. Curcumin can be acquired by consuming turmeric in the diet; however, it is important to combine it with black pepper, a healthy fat, and a bit of heat to extract the full benefits. This is because turmeric and its compounds are not readily absorbable by the digestive tract.

5Chronic Stress

If you want the best shot to prevent heart disease, you need to improve your ability to handle stress. Chronic stress is a big factor in determining your heart disease risk. Chronic stress can be internalized by the human body in different ways, depending on one’s nutrition and mental outlook on life. When you internalize chronic stress with anxiety and the failure to meet your daily demands, this basic behavioral aspect of life can become pretty inflammatory to the body.

As we experience chronic stress, we release higher amounts of stress hormones, like cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to behaviors that are not in the best interest of health. Some of these behaviors are poor eating habits, smoking, and not getting enough sleep.

6Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation plays a role in just about every chronic disease people face today. Looking to mitigate underlying inflammation is one of the most powerful strategies to put the body on the path toward healing itself; this holds for anything from cancer to autoimmune diseases and heart diseases. Inflammation is caused by excessive oxidative stress at the cellular level; this oxidative stress can inhibit the function of mitochondria. Mitochondria can make all of the energy needed for the cells to carry out normal functions. This means that inflammation can negatively affect just about every cell in the body by damaging the very structure we need to make energy.

You may be surprised to find out that the heart actually contains one of the highest mitochondrial densities out of any other organ and, therefore, experiences the effects of chronic inflammation much more quickly. At the same time, chronic inflammatory processes can inflame the arterial lining and promote the accumulation of plaques, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Mitigating chronic inflammation in as many ways as possible is probably one of the most powerful ways to prevent heart disease.

7Vitamin D And Vitamin K

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic disease. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium distribution throughout the body, especially when combined with vitamin K. Additionally, vitamin D has beneficial effects on inflammation and blood sugar control, both critical for heart health. Typically, adequate vitamin D levels can be achieved through bare skin exposure to sunlight.

As a society, we have become scared of the sun and either cover up or tend to stay inside most of the time. Others simply do not live in a location where the sun’s UV rays are strong enough to generate adequate vitamin D. This is when supplementation is crucial. To boost D3/K2 levels, take 2,000 IU and 40 mcg for every 25 lbs. of body weight; this typically will add 15-20 IU to your blood D3 levels each month. If your levels are 20, do this for three months to get you to 80 (be sure to test to make sure), and for D3 maintenance, take 1,000 IU and 20 mcg for every 25 lbs. of body weight; however, it is essential to remember that vitamin D supplementation is not FDA-approved to prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure heart disease and shouldn’t be confused as such.

Vitamin K goes hand in hand with vitamin D. Animal studies have shown that vitamin K2 not only has the potential to prevent heart disease but may be able to help remove calcium buildup within the arterial lining. However, it is important to remember that this is an animal study and that vitamin K2 supplementation is not FDA-approved to prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure heart disease. While K2 can be supplemented, it is also produced by the healthy bacteria within your gut. To support a healthy microbiome, we recommend cycling a lactic acid-based and soil-based probiotic every three to six months.

8Poor Calcium Metabolism

We have been led to believe that calcium is the panacea for bone loss. While calcium is a critical aspect of healthy bones, there is massive oversight as to the process of forming the bones. Calcium coordinates with magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K to ensure that it ends up in the bones.

When these nutrients are not sufficient in the body, calcium will be much more likely to end up in the arteries in the form of plaques. Recent studies have backed this up by showing that solely supplementing with calcium can increase your risk of having a heart attack. Having the critical cofactors necessary to ensure that calcium ends up in the bones and not in the arteries is critical to preventing heart disease.

9Blood Sugar Imbalance

A commonly overlooked aspect in the pursuit of preventing heart disease is blood sugar imbalances. It seems that we have been completely misdirected in what causes heart disease in this regard. We have been told for years that fats and cholesterol are the enemies when it is much more likely to be sugar.

Most people in today’s society rely heavily on carbs and sugar as primary aspects of their meals. This means that their metabolism primarily relies on sugar for energy. This kind of eating pattern creates massive fluctuations in blood sugar that contribute to the formation of something called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This is basically when sugar molecules in the blood bind with enzymes or proteins. AGEs are highly inflammatory to the epithelial lining of the arteries, making them a risk factor for heart disease.

Heart disease is the number one killer of people in the U.S., according to the CDC. With the standard American diet, increasing sedentary behaviors, and more time spent indoors in front of artificial lights, these numbers are justified. The results are chronic inflammation and different aspects of heart disease, which can be deadly if left unchecked. Learning how to prevent heart disease by using our lifestyle choices is imperative.

In this article, we covered the top root causes of heart problems (that you may not have heard before) and nutrients that you can take to support your heart health. The heart needs certain nutrients to function optimally because it’s a high-energy muscle. Most people are not consuming enough of these key nutrients, or they are not absorbing these nutrients properly. Now that you have finished reading, you can confidently use these nutrients in your diet to keep your heart healthy.

May 11, 2022May 23, 2022

In Digestive Enzymesby Nancy Wallace

7 Great Health Perks Of Vitamin K

Do you take a multivitamin every day? Even if you do, your vitamin regimen may be missing an important nutrient – vitamin K. This little-known vitamin has some amazing health benefits, which is why it’s vital to make sure that you’re getting enough of it. In this article, we will discuss seven health benefits of vitamin K that may surprise you. Keep reading to learn more.

Vitamin K is a simple method to enhance your health and avoid a variety of medical issues. Simply take a vitamin K supplement or eat foods that are high in vitamin K daily to gain these benefits. Leafy green vegetables, cheese, and liver are all good choices. Once you have finished reading, you will be able to take advantage of the health benefits of vitamin K.

1Prevents Varicose Veins

Many people suffer from varicose veins as they get older. This is because their circulatory system is not working properly anymore due to age or other factors, like pregnancy. These unsightly veins can cause discomfort, pain, and embarrassment.

Vitamin K supplements are a straightforward approach to reducing your chances of getting varicose veins. Vitamin K helps control calcium levels in the body, preventing them from accumulating and eventually causing blood vessels to weaken over time. This can lead to a host of other problems, like wrinkles, varicose veins, and even cancer.

2Regulates Blood Sugar

Vitamin K plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels by helping insulin work more efficiently and promoting glucose uptake from food into cells where it’s needed for energy production or storage as fat (which then gets burned off later). The result of this process is fewer spikes throughout your day. This results in more stable energy levels over time.

Taking vitamin K supplements could help people with diabetes. Vitamin K supplements might help people search for methods to naturally regulate their blood sugar without taking medicines. In one study, Type II diabetics who took 1000 IU/day for one year saw their fasting glucose levels drop from 159 mg/dl to 115 mg/dl after taking vitamin K.

3It Prevents Cancer

One of the most impressive benefits of vitamin K is its ability to prevent cancer. Vitamin K helps regulate the cell cycle and prevent the formation of tumors. It also helps inhibit angiogenesis, which is the process by which tumors create new blood vessels to support their growth.

The formation of tumors is a very vital process in the body. However, when it goes wrong, and they stop being controlled by the cell cycle, this can lead to cancer. Vitamin K is a molecule that’s important for blood clotting and bone health. It seems to also protect against certain types of cancer, including liver, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

4It Prevents Wrinkles

Another benefit of vitamin K is that it helps prevent wrinkles. This is because vitamin K regulates the production of collagen, which is a protein found in the skin that gives it elasticity. Vitamin K also helps repair existing damage to collagen fibers and promotes healing. It’s no secret that as we age, our skin starts to show signs of wear and tear. One of the most common problems is wrinkles – those pesky lines that seem to appear out of nowhere and make us look older than we are.

You can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by taking vitamin K. This little-known vitamin helps regulate the production of collagen fibers, which gives your skin elasticity and prevents it from sagging. It also helps repair existing damage and promotes healing.

5Increases Exercise Performance

One of the most impressive benefits of vitamin K is that it can increase your exercise performance. This is because vitamin K helps regulate blood clotting and prevent muscle cramps. These are common problems for people who work out or play sports regularly.

It’s no secret that as we age, our bodies don’t function as well as they used to when it comes to physical activity. One of the most common problems is muscle cramps – those sudden, painful contractions that can stop you in your tracks. But what many people don’t know is that there’s a simple way to reduce the likelihood of getting muscle cramps – take vitamin K supplements.

6Prevents Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are another common problem that can occur as you age. These painful little stones form when salts and minerals in your urine crystallize. This can result in a blockage that may cause significant suffering and discomfort.

By taking vitamin K supplements, you can reduce the likelihood of getting kidney stones. Without vitamin K, calcium can build up in the body and form stones. Vitamin K helps regulate levels of calcium in the body, preventing it from building up inside your kidneys and forming stones.

7Prevents Brain Damage

One of the lesser-known benefits of vitamin K is that it helps prevent brain damage. This is because vitamin K helps maintain healthy levels of glutamate, which is a vital neurotransmitter for cognitive function. When levels of glutamate become too high, they can cause neurons in the brain to die, leading to permanent damage.

There is a straightforward approach to minimizing the risk of brain damage by taking vitamin K supplements. Many people are unaware of that. Vitamin K helps regulate levels of glutamate, preventing them from becoming too high and causing neurons in the brain to die.

Even if you take a multivitamin daily, you might be missing out on an essential vitamin – vitamin K. This little-known vitamin offers some incredible health advantages, so it’s critical to ensure that you’re obtaining enough of it. In this article, we discussed the health benefits of vitamin K that may surprise you.

Taking vitamin K is an easy way to improve your health and prevent many health problems from occurring. All you need to do is take a daily supplement or eat foods that are high in vitamin K. Some good options include leafy green vegetables, cheese, and liver. Now that you have finished reading, you can take advantage of the health benefits of vitamin K.

5 Points On Vitamin C For Immune Health

9 Facts About Heart Health

7 Great Health Perks Of Vitamin K

Please Confirm That You Are At Least 18 Years Old

Facebook Advanced Matching

Facebook CAPI