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3 Ways to Support Healthy Aging at Any Stage of Life

by Karina, BSN

3 Ways to Support Healthy Aging at Any Stage of Life

It’s Healthy Aging Month! No matter your age or what stage of life you’re at, it’s a good idea to take steps today to be your healthiest self as you get older. Here are a few of the little things you can do every day to help make aging a little easier: stay active, stay hydrated, and stay rested.

Good health starts on the inside.

Keep your insides hydrated and healthy and it will show on the outside. We all want to look young with radiant glowing skin and it starts with drinking plenty of water, eating fiber rich whole foods (for a healthy gut), and healthy fats. Even as a nutritionist I have some gaps in my diet and need a little boost. Not a seafood lover? Try our Omega-3. Avoid fish altogether? Try our vegan DHA. Omega-3 is great for skin, brain, and helping to keep inflammation at bay. Evening primrose is another that can help with skin as well as assist in maintaining hormone levels that may change as we age. And finally, if you just want better overall help, try our Hair, Skin & Nails supplement. With a blend of herbs, COQ10, and other nutrients this one pill may give you the boost you need to help you look great at any age.

 

Plenty of sleep is a must.

If you haven’t heard, you may have noticed, less hours of sleep are needed as you age. Our Sound Slumber program + stress support is an amazing combination to get you feeling rested. Stress is the great disruptor of many systems, but sleep is affected most by stress. Ashwagandha, Herbal Rest, and other supplements may help you get the sleep you need.

Keep your body moving.

Seems counterintuitive if you have aches and pains, but if you keep moving you will have less pain and stiffness. Not only does this help with blood flow to the body, but movement also keeps the mind sharp. If you can, make it a social event. Find something you enjoy doing with friends and family, or even find local groups to keep your body mobile, mind sharp, and spirit lifted. If your joints are stiff and achy, our joint support supplements may help promote joint health for increased mobility.

Want to find supplements to support healthy aging? Take our free assessment to get supplement recommendations personalized for you and delivered to your door each month in convenient daily vitamin packs.

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All about eye health

by Carielle, MS, RDN

Eye health is a critical part of our health that is often overlooked. Eyes change as we grow older, and it’s important to maintain healthy habits early on to prepare us for changes in eyesight and to prevent problems.

 

Eye fatigue and eye strain

Sore or tired eyes, blurry or double vision, dry or watery eyes, and headaches are all signs of eye fatigue. Eye strain can be caused by prolonged reading, writing, driving, screen viewing, or reading at night or in dark conditions.

 

Tips for healthy eyes

  1. Rest your eyes. Make sure to take breaks from staring at your computer screen for long periods. Use proper lighting and minimize glare. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  2. Wear sunglasses. The sun’s harmful rays can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration. Look for sunglasses that block UVA and UVB radiation.
  3. Eat healthy foods. Eating a healthy diet can also help to keep the eyes healthy. Some foods that are good for eye health are carrots, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, and citrus fruits.
  4. Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of age-related eye diseases that lead to blindness, like cataracts and macular degeneration. Smoking causes dry eye and damages the tissues of the eye.
  5. Get regular eye exams. Getting your eyes checked every 1-2 years as directed by your ophthalmologist is critical to your eye health. At these appointments, they do routine tests for eye conditions and check your eyesight to see if you need glasses or a change in prescription. If a problem comes up, catching it early is always best for treatment.

 

Common causes of vision loss

Cataracts

Cataracts are clouding of the eye lens. This condition is most common in adults over 40. It develops slowly throughout aging. The symptoms include blurry and cloudy vision. Cataracts can be removed with a minor surgery where the damaged lens is replaced.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often linked to increased pressure in the eye, which then causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. Risk factors include age, family history, and those with high blood pressure and heart disease. There’s no cure, but vision loss may be preventable if caught early. 

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration causes central vision loss, being the main cause of blindness in aging adults. The macula is an area in the center of the retina in the back of the eye. There are two types, wet and dry. In dry macular degeneration, the center of the retina deteriorates. In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood into the macula. There are treatments, but no cure.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, causing damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Complications of diabetes are caused by high blood sugar levels over time. Early stages of diabetic retinopathy may be mild with no symptoms, but if left untreated, may lead to blindness.

 

Eye support supplements

Bilberry

Bilberries contain anthocyanosides which have powerful antioxidants that support vision (1). Persona’s Bilberry supplement contains carrot powder, citrus bioflavonoids, and vitamin A. Bilberry is full of flavonoids that may fight oxidative stress while increasing circulation and supporting blood vessels in the retina (1). Research suggests supplementation may decrease eye fatigue and night blindness (1).

Bilberry

Try our Bilberry

One of nature's richest sources of anthocyanins, bilberry promotes eye health for support you can see.*

View Our Bilberry

Lutein with Bilberry

Persona’s Lutein supplement also contains bilberry, which is beneficial for eye health (2). Lutein contains carotenoids, pigments found in fruits and vegetables that give their vibrant colors. Carrot powder also contains beta carotene, which can help with retina health. Lutein is naturally present in the back part of the eye that filters blue light and helps maintain cell vitality (2).

Blood Sugar Balance

This supplement contains two powerful ingredients shown to help improve glucose metabolism. First, benfotiamine, an underappreciated form of vitamin B1 shown to lessen damage from high glucose levels, such as diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy (3). Benfotiamine has been used as a diabetes medication in Europe to treat elevated blood sugar and diabetic complications (4). Second, alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that may help to reduce eye diseases like glaucoma and aid in blood sugar control (5).

Omega-3

Supportive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of heart disease, and help the body maintain a balanced inflammatory response (6). Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to retina health, visual development, and helping to prevent dry eyes (7). Research has linked omega-3s to a decreased risk of macular degeneration (7).

 

If you want to find the right supplements to support your eye health, we’ve got you covered. Take our free assessment to get supplement recommendations personalized for you and delivered to your door each month in convenient daily vitamin packs.

References:

  1. Ghosh D, Konishi T. Anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich extracts: role in diabetes and eye function. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007;16(2):200-8.
  2. Koushan K, Rusovici R, Li W, Ferguson LR, Chalam KV. The role of lutein in eye-related disease. Nutrients. 2013;5(5):1823-39.
  3. Fraser DA, Hessvik NP, Nikolić N, et al. Benfotiamine increases glucose oxidation and downregulates NADPH oxidase 4 expression in cultured human myotubes exposed to both normal and high glucose concentrations. Genes Nutr. 2012;7(3):459-69.
  4. Haupt E, Ledermann H, Köpcke W. Benfotiamine in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy–a three-week randomized, controlled pilot study (BEDIP study). Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005;43(2):71-7.
  5. Streeper RS, Henriksen EJ, Jacob S, Hokama JY, Fogt DL, Tritschler HJ. Differential effects of lipoic acid stereoisomers on glucose metabolism in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol. 1997;273(1 Pt 1):E185-91.
  6. Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA, and DHA. Front Aging Neurosci. 2015;7:52.
  7. Anderson GJ, Connor WE, Corliss JD. Docosahexaenoic acid is the preferred dietary n-3 fatty acid for the development of the brain and retina. Pediatr Res. 1990;27(1):89-97.
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The 4 Best Supplements for Vegans

by Courtney, MPH, CN

If you follow a vegan diet, you know how important it is to have a strong understanding of nutrition. You have to be mindful of every choice you make in order to meet your dietary needs. Sticking to a vegan lifestyle is a serious decision. Vegans are at a higher risk for dietary deficiencies, so it’s crucial that they get the proper micronutrients. Taking daily supplements may help to support your vegan diet and nutritional wellness.

Here are 4 nutrients you should consider supplementing with, and how to select the best one.

1.     Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is most commonly found in beef, chicken, fish, milk, yogurt, cheese, and eggs. Thankfully, B-12 can also be found in some fortified foods as well, such as breakfast cereals. Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include tingling or numbness in hands and feet, muscle weakness, confusion, depression, nausea, and bloating or gas.1 A vitamin B-12 supplement is a good addition to any vegan’s supplement routine to prevent deficiency. For the best bioavailability, vegans should steer away from the synthetic form of B-12 called cyanocobalamin, but choose the form naturally found in food. The natural form of vitamin B-12 is called methylcobalamin.

2.     Vitamin D

Vitamin D is difficult to obtain in just food alone if you adhere to a vegan diet. Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Vitamin D, like B-12, can also be found in some fortified foods including dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and breakfast cereals. A population study released in 2018 states, “…vitamin D deficiency is becoming an epidemic across the United States, even among groups that were not previously labeled “at-risk.”2 Unfortunately, many vitamin D supplements don’t use the active form of vitamin D and aren’t vegan friendly. Your vitamin D supplement should contain vitamin D3, also called 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). A vegan-friendly vitamin D can be sourced from plants instead of sheep’s wool. 

3.     Fatty Acids

If you aren’t eating fish, you probably aren’t getting a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. However, there are numerous sources of omega-3 fatty acids a vegan can choose from, including chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and seaweed. Fatty acids are essential for nervous system function, including brain health. In fact, DHA may even prevent age-related dementia.3 Obtaining omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is a great way to ensure you are keeping your nervous system, including your brain and eyes, happy. In addition to foods, you can support your diet with a high quality, microalgae-sourced DHA supplement.

4.     Iron

If you aren’t eating red meat, you might be having a difficult time getting iron in your diet. Plant sources of iron are also a little more difficult for the body to utilize than meat-sourced iron. There are many great non-animal sources of iron including lentils, tempeh, black beans, chickpeas, quinoa, pumpkin, pistachios, swiss chard, and collard greens. However, if you are having a difficult time filling your iron needs or your doctor has recently diagnosed you with iron deficiency, you should consider supplementing your diet. The recommended daily allowance of Iron is 8 mg per day for males and 18 mg per day for women.4 Women are more susceptible to iron deficiency during active menstrual years. After menopause, women’s iron needs match men’s. Because Iron can build to dangerous levels in the body, it is best to talk to your doctor about your iron needs first. If you and your doctor agree you are in the market for a supplement, you should choose one that won’t cause stomach upset and includes vitamin C for optimal absorption.

Want vegan supplements personalized for you?

We’ve got you covered. There’s an easy way to find the right supplements to support your vegan diet. Take our free assessment to get custom supplement recommendations and convenient vitamin packs delivered to your door each month.

Sources:

  1. Pernicious Anemia. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pernicious-anemia. Accessed September 13, 2019.
  2. Parva NR, Tadepalli S, Singh P, et al. Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in the US Population (2011-2012). Cureus. 2018;10(6):e2741. Published 2018 Jun 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.2741
  3. Cole GM, Frautschy SA. DHA may prevent age-related dementia. J Nutr. 2010;140(4):869–874. doi:10.3945/jn.109.113910
  4. Iron. National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/. Updated August 22, 2019. Accessed September 13, 2019.

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Beauty-licious Pumpkin Overnight Oats

by Allie, MSN

Ok, well that title was a little bit of click-bait but now that I have you here – you’re going to want to get out your mason jars. I have a breakfast recipe that will check more boxes than any Bumble date.  A breakfast that will help nourish your hair, skin and nails! Oats are cheap, high in fiber (both soluble and insoluble), and loaded with vitamins and minerals. In this recipe, they are topped with our hair, skin and nail formula for an extra burst of colorful nutritious crunch! Can you think of a more delicious way to start your morning?

Beauty-licious Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Rolled oats (1/2-1 cup should be good)

Enough milk to cover the oats by about ¼ inch

Pinch of salt

2 heaping spoonfuls of pumpkin puree

A few shakes of cinnamon

Small Handful of walnuts or almonds

Small handful of raisins, dates or cranberries

Directions:

Stir it all up and refrigerate overnight

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Rise & Shine Quick Spiced Greek Yogurt

by Courtney, MPH, CN

Fall is just around the corner, and if you are anything like me you can already close your eyes and taste the pumpkin spice. Before you judge me too quickly for being fall obsessed (which may be true), fall spices aren’t just nice to taste in your latte, but also offer many health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-digestion properties. In fact, cloves are one of the most potent sources of polyphenols. One study published in 2009 even stated that, “…long term consumption of diets rich in plant polyphenols offer protection against development of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases.”1 So embrace your fall obsession, I give you my professional blessing! Pair this easy, fall spiced yogurt with Persona’s Hair, Skin, and Nails for a nice protein packed breakfast or snack while supporting your fall #hairgoals.

Quick Spiced Greek Yogurt with Persona’s Hair, Skin, and Nails

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

6 oz Plain Greek Yogurt

¼ Cup pumpkin puree

½ Tbsp honey

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/8 Cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1 Persona Nutrition Hair, Skin, and Nails supplement

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and gently fold together until combined.
  2. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds (or favorite granola).
  3. Open capsule of Persona Hair, Skin, and Nails supplement, and sprinkle beads on top of yogurt.
  4. Enjoy!

Resources:

  1. Pandey KB, Rizvi SI. Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009;2(5):270–278. doi:10.4161/oxim.2.5.9498
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What is Psoriasis & What Are The Best Treatments?

by Allie, MSN

What is Psoriasis?

August is National Psoriasis month. Psoriasis may be more common than you think. It is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin but is associated with other medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and psoriatic arthritis. It occurs in 2% of the population, most commonly affecting adults. The good news is Psoriasis can be managed through various treatment options. Because psoriasis may increase your risk for developing other medical conditions, it is especially important to understand the symptoms and report them to your doctor so you can explore treatment options.[1]

What happens in your body when you have psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly skin that may feel painful, swollen, or hot. The skin inflammation in psoriasis patients is caused by an overactive immune system that triggers skin cells to be produced faster than normal. The rapidly produced new skin cells are pushed the surface faster than your body can shed the old skin cells, leading to red itchy patches called plaques.[2]
What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom is dry, thick, raised patches on the skin. There are multiple types of psoriasis, so symptoms vary.

What causes it?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, and while not much is known about the causes, there are genetic links. You are more likely to get psoriasis if someone in your family has it. There are also some known environmental triggers such as stress, infection, certain medications and skin trauma such as severe burns. Though a common misconception, psoriasis is not contagious.[3]

How is it treated?

Treatments are highly individualized, and it may take some time to figure out which treatment option is right for you. Managing stress and preventing dry skin can also help prevent flare-ups as stress (mental and environmental) and other environmental factors are associated with onset and worsening of the condition.[4] Working with your healthcare provider is the best way to find the right treatment option for you.

Get the most out of working with your healthcare provider by tracking your symptoms, attending all your appointments, and asking questions about your treatment options.

If you do have Psoriasis, supplements may help to manage and reduce symptoms. Our Serrapeptase Enzyme may help with the side effects of psoriasis. You may also want to explore some supplements that help your body manage stress, such as Hemp Extract or Ashwagandha.

The right supplements could fill nutrient gaps to help promote healthier skin. Take our free assessment to get supplement recommendations personalized for you and delivered to your door each month in convenient, daily vitamin packs.

1 Does Psorasis Effect More Than Just My Skin? American Academy of Dermatology.  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis/psoriasis-signs-and-symptoms/can-psoriasis-affect-more-than-my-skin#Symptoms. Updated 2018. Accessed August 29, 2019

2 Psorasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis#tab-overview. Accessed August 29, 2019

3 Weigle N, Mcbane S. Psoriasis. Am Fam Physician. 2013 May 1;87(9):626-633.

4 Gudjonsson JE, Elder JT. Psoriasis: epidemiology. Clin Dermatol. 2007;25(6):535–546.

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What To Eat After A Workout

by Julia, BSN

Want to get the most out of your workouts? What you eat and when you eat can have a big impact. To understand your nutritional needs after a workout session, it’s important to know what happens to the body after you exercise. Working out uses up your muscles’ glycogen stores for fuel and causes little tears, which is why you feel sore. Eating soon after you exercise can help the body recover faster. It’s particularly important to eat carbohydrates and protein after a workout. Doing this can help the body decrease the breakdown of muscle protein, increase muscle protein synthesis, restore glycogen stores, and enhance recovery.

Remember the ratio of 3:1 (carbs to protein) when deciding what to eat. This ideal combination of carbohydrates and protein can help boost your recovery after exercise.

Here are some of the carbohydrates and proteins for post-workout meals.

Carbohydrates

  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Chocolate Milk
  • Rice Cake
  • Oatmeal
  • Pasta

Protein

  • Eggs
  • Chocolate Milk
  • Greek yogurt
  • Salmon
  • Chicken
  • Tuna
  • Protein bar
  • Animal or plant-based protein

Consuming the right types of proteins and carbohydrates, along with supplementing where needed, can help you take your workouts to the next level.

Some of my favorite Persona Nutrition fitness supplements are Branched Chain Amino Acids (also commonly called BCCAs), which support lean mass and decrease muscle fatigue. Also, MSM can help decrease muscle soreness and supports a healthy inflammatory response. Astaxanthin is great for the cardiovascular system and joint health.

If you want to find the right supplements to support your body before, during, and after workouts, we’ve got you covered. Take our free assessment to get supplement recommendations personalized for you and delivered to your door each month in convenient, daily vitamin packs.

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Why is Self-Care Important?

by Courtney, MPH, CN

You are important. Did you know that?

Many of us live in a fast-paced environment where we are forced to balance work, friends, family, our health, and even the pressures of social media. Stress is easy to take on and difficult to overcome. Some of us might commute long distances to our jobs and spend too much time in traffic. Maybe you have a difficult family situation or are raising a child by yourself. Perhaps you haven’t been able to feel comfortable paying your bills in years, scraping just enough to get by every month. Whatever your situation is, everyday activities can take a toll on our physical and mental health. Taking time out of your day, week, or even month to reflect on your well-being is a great way to refresh your spirit and allow yourself to rest and recover. 

What is self care?

Self-care can be whatever you want it to be. It is the practice of taking time to yourself to do something that makes you feel relaxed and happy. It can be drawing a warm bubble bath at the end of a long day or fitting in a gym session after you haven’t had the time to work out for a while. It could be buying yourself a new outfit or taking a yoga class. If self-care can be anything, is there anything it can’t be?

According to psychologist Raphailia Michael, “It is not something that we force ourselves to do, or something we don’t enjoy doing. Self-care isn’t a selfish act either. It is not only about considering our needs; it is rather about knowing what we need to do in order to take care of ourselves, being subsequently, able to take care of others as well. That is, if I don’t take enough care of myself, I won’t be in the place to give to my loved ones either.”1

If you need ideas, here are 4 things you should focus on when selecting a self-care activity:

1.     Choose your social group.

Do you want to invite people to your self-care activity? Some people may want to relax with their friends, while others rather be alone. Carefully consider who (if at all) you want to participate with you. Do your friends like to gossip or create social stress? If they do, you may want some alone time

2.     Choose your space.

Is a loud coffee shop the best place to start your new book? Or would you prefer to snuggle up on a cozy chair, or outside at a nice park? Your environment in which you participate in your self-care activity is arguably the most important aspect of what you decide to do.

3.     Keep out judgment.

If you aren’t used to forcing yourself to relax, you might get caught up in worrying if you are relaxing the “right way”. Observe your judgmental thoughts, but don’t entertain them. It takes a while for the brain to wind down and it might take practice to fully embrace the concept of taking time out of the day just for yourself.

4.     Give it your all.

Don’t hold back! If you are staying at home to cook yourself your favorite meal, light a few candles for the table and turn on some calming music to improve the experience. Splurge on the little things that make your time as enjoyable as possible.  

However you decide to practice self-care, know that you deserve to take time to yourself and don’t feel guilty for doing so. You are worth every minute of it.

Adding Supplements to Your Daily Routine

There are so many little things you can do every day to take care of yourself. One of those things is focusing on your health, especially your nutritional health.

The right supplements could fill nutrient gaps in your body to help you feel your best. Take our free assessment to get supplement recommendations personalized for you and delivered to your door each month in convenient, daily vitamin packs. Self-care is personal. Your supplements should be too.

Sources:

  1. Michael R. What Self-Care Is – and What It Isn’t. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-self-care-is-and-what-it-isnt-2/. Updated July 8, 2018. Accessed August 29, 2019.
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Can Medications Deplete The Nutrients Our Bodies Need?

by Brandi, PharmD

Any time your healthcare provider prescribes a new medication, they should start with the same thought process: What is the risk vs. benefit of prescribing this medication? Does this medication prolong my patient’s life? Will this medication improve or maintain my patient’s quality of life? What are the risks or side effects of taking this medication?

While a patient’s quality of life could be improved by medication, they may also risk reducing the amount of a particular nutrient in their body. The best course of action in some cases  is to prescribe the medication and add a supplement to replace the nutrient lost.1

Read on for some ways medications can cause nutrient deficiencies.

1.     A medication prevents a nutrient from being absorbed into the body.1

Medications that treat acid reflux often do so by reducing the pH in the stomach. Several nutrients, such as B vitamins and calcium, depend on this acidic environment for their absorption from the stomach into the rest of the body. Insufficiency of these nutrients could lead to chronic fatigue and anemia.2 In some cases, long term use of acid reducers could increase risks of developing osteoporosis and fractures.3

2.     A medication increases the excretion of a nutrient from the body. 1

lood pressure medications, for instance some diuretics or “water pills,” lower blood pressure by removing various salts and therefore water through the kidneys. These salts, like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, are nutrients your body needs to function properly. Losses of these nutrients without replacing them with supplements can lead to confusion, weakness, fatigue, and muscle pain.4,5

3.     A medication stops the body from making or utilizing a nutrient by blocking a certain pathway.1

Common cholesterol medications, referred to as statins, lower cholesterol levels by preventing the body’s ability to produce cholesterol. By blocking this pathway, statins also prevent the body from producing the nutrient coenzyme Q10.6 Coenzyme Q10 is essential in energy production and its depletion is thought to worsen the side effect of muscle pain associated with statins.7

How To Avoid Of Nutrient Depletion

Nutrient depletion usually occurs gradually but will worsen the longer a patient takes the medication without replacing the nutrients lost. Chronic nutrient depletion can lead to health problems of its own, so supplementation is important if you have a deficiency.  How can you find out if your medications are depleting your body of nutrients you need? Of course you could always ask your local pharmacist or healthcare provider, or you can take Persona’s online assessment to get personalized recommendations at home in 5 minutes.

You simply enter information about your health, lifestyle, and all your prescription medications, and Persona recommends supplements to help you meet your wellness goals. Either way, supplementing with the proper nutrients helps to protect your body from medication-caused nutrient deficiencies, allowing your medication to do its beneficial work without the impact of nutrient deficiencies.

References

  1. Boullata JI, Armenti VT. Handbook of Drug Nutrient Interactions. Second Edition. Humana Press, 2010
  2. Valuck RJ, Ruscin JM. A case-control study on adverse effects: H2 blocker or proton pump inhibitor use and risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults. J Clin Epidemiol 2004;57:422-428.
  3. Yang, YX, Lewis JD, Epstein S, Metz DC. Long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy and risk of hip fracture. JAMA. Dec 2006. 296 (24): 2947-53
  4. Clark BA, Shannon RP, Rosa RM, Epstein FH. Increased susceptibility to thiazide-induced hyponatremia in the elderly. J Am Soc Nephrol 1994 Oct; 5 (4): 1106-11.
  5. Hollifield JW. Potassium and magnesium abnormalities: diuretics and arrhythmias in hypertension. Am J Med. 1984 Nov. 5; 77(5A): 28-32.
  6. Berthold HK, Naini A, Di Mauro S, et al. Effect of ezetimibe and/or simvastatin on coenzyme Q10 levels in plasma: a randomised trial. Drug Saf 2006;29:703-12.
  7. Saini R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011;3(3):466-7.
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Benefits of Breastfeeding

by Erica, BSN

August is National Breastfeeding Month! To celebrate, let’s talk about some of the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding, for both baby and mom. Some of these benefits include stronger immune systems for baby, decreased risk of disease for moms, as well as many other benefits.

If you are a mom that is unable to breastfeed, feeding with formula will still provide all the nutrients your baby needs, so don’t worry.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby

Reduced Illness – Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of infection and illness. Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer colds, ear infections, allergies, and other diseases (1)(2). They even have shown to have a 50% reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) after the first month (3).

Nutrient Balance – Breastmilk contains all the nutrients a baby needs for growth and development. It has the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and minerals while adjusting to the baby’s needs (4). It also contains antibodies, which helps the baby fight off bacteria and viruses (5).

Healthy Weight – Studies show that obesity rates are lower in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies (6). The reason for this may be due to more beneficial gut bacteria and higher leptin levels, which is a hormone that helps to regulate appetite (7).

Bonding – Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding has been shown to strengthen the bond between mom and baby. Research shows babies to have emotional benefits from this contact (8).

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom

Quicker Recovery – Breastfeeding has shown to release higher levels of oxytocin, helping the uterus to contract back to normal size and therefore decrease recovery time (9).

Weight Loss – Women who breastfeed typically lose more weight postpartum that those who don’t (10). Although diet and exercise are still important, breastfeeding moms require an increase in about 500 calories per day and often will experience an increase in appetite and fat burning (11).

Reduced Risk of Disease and Depression – Breastfeeding helps improve mood and decrease risk of postpartum depression, research shows (12). Research has even shown breastfeeding to lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer (13). It also may be protective against metabolic syndrome and other diseases (14).

Time and Money – Breastmilk is always ready to go with no cost or prep, while formula can be very costly and requires more effort. Breastfeeding takes away the hassle of cleaning bottles, mixing, and calculating.

An Added Boost

As a new mom or mom-to-be, it’s important to eat a healthy diet of whole foods so you can pass along those nutrients to your baby. However, nutritional gaps can still happen in even the best diets. That’s where prenatal supplements come in to help provide essential nutrients, such as folate, for both mom and baby during breastfeeding.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and would like high-quality supplements to help nourish you and your baby, we’ve got you covered. Take our assessment for doctor-approved supplement recommendations and convenient, daily vitamin packs delivered to your door each month.

Sources:

  1. Duijts L, Jaddoe VW, Hofman A, Moll HA. Prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases in infancy. Pediatrics. 2010;126(1):e18-25.
  2. Ip S, Chung M, Raman G, et al. Breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes in developed countries. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2007;(153):1-186.
  3. Vennemann MM, Bajanowski T, Brinkmann B, et al. Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome?. Pediatrics. 2009;123(3):e406-10.
  4. Jenness R. The composition of human milk. Semin Perinatol. 1979;3(3):225-39.
  5. Sadeharju K, Knip M, Virtanen SM, et al. Maternal antibodies in breast milk protect the child from enterovirus infections. Pediatrics. 2007;119(5):941-6.
  6. Koletzko B, Von kries R, Monasterolo RC, et al. Infant feeding and later obesity risk. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2009;646:15-29.
  7. Savino F, Costamagna M, Prino A, Oggero R, Silvestro L. Leptin levels in breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Acta Paediatr. 2002;91(9):897-902.
  8. Liu J, Leung P, Yang A. Breastfeeding and active bonding protects against children’s internalizing behavior problems. Nutrients. 2013;6(1):76-89.
  9. Prevost M, Zelkowitz P, Tulandi T, et al. Oxytocin in pregnancy and the postpartum: relations to labor and its management. Front Public Health. 2014;2:1.
  10. Van raaij JM, Schonk CM, Vermaat-miedema SH, Peek ME, Hautvast JG. Energy cost of lactation, and energy balances of well-nourished Dutch lactating women: reappraisal of the extra energy requirements of lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;53(3):612-9.
  11. Jarlenski MP, Bennett WL, Bleich SN, Barry CL, Stuart EA. Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight loss among U.S. women. Prev Med. 2014;69:146-50.
  12. Henderson JJ, Evans SF, Straton JA, Priest SR, Hagan R. Impact of postnatal depression on breastfeeding duration. Birth. 2003;30(3):175-80.
  13. Breast cancer and breastfeeding: collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in 30 countries, including 50302 women with breast cancer and 96973 women without the disease. Lancet. 2002;360(9328):187-95.
  14. Stuebe A. The risks of not breastfeeding for mothers and infants. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009;2(4):222-31.

This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

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