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Are You Suffering from Adrenal Fatigue?

by Persona Nutrition

Adrenal fatigue is characterized by the decreased ability of the adrenal glands to respond appropriately to stress.  This syndrome is most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, but can also arise during or after acute or chronic infections, especially respiratory infections such as influenza, bronchitis, or pneumonia.  Adrenal fatigue can also be caused by physical, psychological, environmental, or chemical stressors.

 Adrenal fatigue can wreak havoc with your life.  The syndrome occurs on a spectrum and when adrenals completely fail it is referred to as Addison’s disease.  In the more serious cases, the activity of the adrenal glands is so diminished that you may have difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day.  With each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system in your body is more profoundly affected.  Many alterations take place at the biochemical and cellular levels to compensate for the decrease in adrenal hormones that occurs with adrenal fatigue.  Your body does its best to make up for under-functioning adrenal glands, but it does so at a price.  Changes can occur in your metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, cardiovascular system, and sex drive.

You may look and act relatively normal with adrenal fatigue and may not have any obvious signs of physical illness, yet experience a general sense of unwellness, tiredness, or “brain fog.”  People with adrenal fatigue often have to use coffee, soda and other stimulants to get going in the morning and to prop themselves up during the day.

How can I tell if my adrenals are fatigued?

You may be experiencing adrenal fatigue if you regularly notice one or more of the following:

  1. You feel tired for no reason.

  2. You have trouble getting up in the morning, even when you go to bed at a reasonable hour.

  3. You are feeling run-down or overwhelmed.

  4. You have great difficulty bouncing back from stress or illness.

  5. You crave salty and sweet snacks.

  6. You feel more awake, alert and energetic after 6PM than you do all day.

How to treat adrenal fatigue

The adrenal glands can be restored to proper functioning over time with proper care, stress management, and treatment.  To support your adrenal health, it is important to prioritize adequate sleep, balance your blood sugar with regular meals, and avoid caffeine or other stimulants.  Your physician may recommend a supplement protocol of adaptogenic herbs such as Siberian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, or Rhodiola; glandular extracts; or glucocorticoid support.

Think you might be suffering from adrenal fatigue?

Contact a naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, certified nutritionist or other qualified health practitioner in your area to find out if they can run an adrenal salivary index test for you.

Sources

  1. Adrenal fatigue. The Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database. http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com

  2. Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S,Raymond JL. Krause’s Food and Nutrition Care Process. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.

 

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
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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Great Ways to Boost Your Immunity: Tips for the Traveler

by Persona Nutrition

When you travel your immune system is bombarded with a host of new exposures that can potentially lead to many different illnesses.  The key to preventing these exposures from manifesting into illness is to boost your immune system.  Doing so is easy and well worth the time and small investment. Here’s a healthy handful of straightforward, easy to do and low-cost recommendations:

1. Start taking zinc.  Zinc is an amazing supplement that turbo-charges your immunity with antioxidant properties that are vital to the health of your immune system.  You can find zinc in pill, lozenge or spray form at drug stores, pharmacies, health stores and on-line.

2. Look for immune boosting elderberry. Elderberry is an ingredient used in natural cold and flu medications that stimulate the body’s immunity defenses. Herbal remedies are often a bit more pricey than commercial products, but an elderberry blend will serve your health in amazing ways. You can find natural herbal immunity boosters containing elderberry at most vitamin stores, natural food stores and on-line.

3. Vitamin C.  Eat it, take it and drink it!  Vitamin C is a powerful immune boosting vitamin that is antioxidant dense. Try to eat citrus and supplement your diet with vitamin C pills or lozenges and add vitamin C immune boosting powders to your water. Red peppers, strawberries, greens, and broccoli are also excellent sources of Vitamin C just in case citrus is not your favorite.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

Try our Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

More than 5x the daily value of vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids work together to support a healthy immune system and a more youthful complexion.*

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4. Garlic. Garlic boosts your immunity and keeps your body healthy do to the heavy duty amounts of sulfur-containing properties, antioxidants and other good-for-you nutrients found within.  Garlic can be eaten or taken in capsule form.  You can find it at most vitamin stores, drug stores and on-line.

If you have travel planned in the near future or if you simply want to remain as healthy as possible, pick up these supplements as soon as you can and start taking them daily.  To increase the effectiveness of your immunity boosting vitamins, sleep smart, stay hydrated and eat clean. Travel well and stay healthy!

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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Eating Deep-Fried Foods May Increase Men’s Risk of Prostate Cancer

by Persona Nutrition

We’ve all been warned about the detrimental effects of deep fried foods on our health.  Fried foods…

  • Provide extra fat calories we don’t need, contributing to weight gain
  • Contain trans fatty acids which contribute to cardiovascular diseases.
  • Promote the formation of free radicals in the body.  Free radicals cause damage within our bodies leading to inflammation and age-related diseases.
  • Reduce the nutritional value of the food being fried.  For example, the valuable Omega-3’s in halibut are rendered ineffective by the high heat of frying.

Previous studies have linked deep fried foods to breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, and cancers of the head and neck.

A recent study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has linked prostate cancer to regular consumption of deep fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, fried fish, snack chips, and doughnuts. (Stott-Miller, 2013)  In an observational study, men who reported consuming at least one of these foods at least once a week had an increased incidence of prostate cancer.  The researchers hypothesize that this may be due to the fact that the high heat involved in deep frying forms potentially harmful chemical compounds in foods – chemicals which may contribute to the formation of cancer cells.  These chemicals include:

  • Acrylamide – found in deep fried carbohydrate foods like French fries.
  • Heterocyclic amines (HAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – chemicals created in meats cooked at high temperatures
  • Aldehydes and acrolein – build to higher levels when frying oil is re-used and when frying times are increased.

The researchers also point out that the high heat associated with deep frying also produces advanced glycationendproducts (AGEs) which cause chronic inflammation and lead to further free radical damage within the body.  This oxidative damage increases cell turnover, and increased cell turnover can increase one’s risk for cancer.

Your best bet is to avoid deep fried foods, or limit your consumption to less than once a week.  You may fare far better if you choose the following:

  • Instead of French fries, choose oven baked potatoes.
  • Instead of fried chicken, choose baked or rotisserie chicken.
  • Instead of fried fish, choose lightly grilled or poached fish.
  • Instead of chips, choose baked crackers.
  • Instead of a doughnut, choose a cookie.

You can also support your body in staving off free radical damage by taking a high quality antioxidant supplement. Supplements like Saw Palmetto and Pygeum can also help with treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As with all supplements, look for a standardized extract and a guarantee of quality and purity from a reputable manufacturer.

 

Sources

  1. Stott-Miller, M. N., Neuhouser, M. L., and Stanford, J. L. (2013). Consumption of deep-fried foods and risk of prostate cancer. Prostate, 73: 960-969.

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
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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Vitamin Packs CoQ10

by Persona Nutrition

If you are looking for an amazing way to improve your health, how about giving your body what it needs most, Coenzyme Q10.  Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) just happens to be the most ubiquitous molecule in the body and offers the mitochondrial support essential to great cardiovascular health. CoQ10 is an antioxidant naturally made by our bodies and found in almost all foods.  This powerful antioxidant increases cardiovascular health and has an awesome ability to protect our cardiovascular system from harmful plaques and high levels of lethal cholesterol.   Yes, your body would love an increase of this wonder antioxidant through supplement use, but not all supplemental forms of CoQ10 are created equal and not all of them work.  We have one that does, and it will leave your body smiling!

Hands down, if you are looking to purchase a CoQ10 supplement, Vitamin Packs has the best product available.  Do not waste your time or money on products that your body cannot absorb or utilize.

 

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
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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Beat the Flu Naturally with Elderberries

by Persona Nutrition

Elderberries (Sambucus) have been used as an immune-boosting folk remedy for centuries. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to boost the immune system and help coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Bioflavonoids in the elderberry juice can destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not.

Researchers believe that elderberry stimulates the body’s immune system. The wide range of medical benefits (from flu and colds to debilitating asthma) is probably due to the enhancement of each individual’s immune system.

Elderberry syrup can be purchased at health food stores or online.

You can also make your own elderberry syrup! It is easy, fun, and less expensive to make your own syrup at home and will likely last all winter. Enjoy and stay healthy!

Flu-Fighting Elderberry Syrup

Adapted from a recipe found in Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar

In a large pot, combine:

  • 1 cup dried black elderberries (if you can’t find them locally, you can order them online)
  • 4.5 cups filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp of whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks

Preparation

Bring to a boil and then simmer until liquid is reduced by half. Strain liquid. Add honey to taste (between ½ cup to 1 cup) to remaining liquid.  Store in a glass jar and refrigerate.

To fight off the flu

  • Adults: take 1-2 tablespoons every 3-4 hours
  • Children (older than 2): take 1 teaspoon every 3-4 hours

And please, get checked out by your doctor if you if you are experiencing:

Shortness of breath; a cough with yellow, green or brown sputum; chest pain; high fever (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit); dizziness; a severe earache; have chronic medical problems like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or pulmonary disease.

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
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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Six Seriously Sexy Reasons to Try Out Health Enhancing and Six Health Herbs Immune Boosting Herbs

by Persona Nutrition

There are hundreds of reasons I could list explaining why you should be using health-enhancing herbs, but for now I am narrowing it down to the six sexiest! This short list will give you ample reason as to why you should use health-enhancing herbs and why they can make you feel so very healthy and sensuous! So take a moment to read through these extra appealing bits of goodness that might make your body feel downright delicious. You might never think of herbs the same way again!

Reasons Why Herbs are Good for Your Health

Reason #1

Vasodilation.  This means a red-hot herb, such as Ginseng root, gets your blood flowing. This awesome increase in blood flow and an increase in the size of your blood vessels can work to get parts of your body more and more receptive to touch, and who doesn’t like that!

Reason #2

Herbs such as Gingko and Cinnamon have been used throughout the globe as brain boosters, blood sugar tonics and as aphrodisiacs.  Who wouldn’t want to be clear minded, balanced and in-the-mood all because of healthy herbs?

Reason #3

Many herbs are adaptogenic which means that they promote an overall stabilization of what is going on inside your body and work to improve the health and functionality of all physiological processes.  This improved state of inner balance is beneficial to mood, hormonal regulation and a host of other factors all needed for strengthened immunity and for a healthy stimulus response!

Reason #4

Herbs might just increase the likelihood of intimacy. Herbs such as vitex work to naturally increase female lubrication and Saw Palmetto has been associated with increased male hormonal health and sexual function.

Reason #5

They are the natural and a safe alternative to chemical-laden libido enhancers.  Herbal supplements can be purchased at reputable health food stores, vitamin shops and on-line. Herbs enhance your body and wellness without any artificial ingredients.

Reason#6

A healthy immune system fuels a healthy sex drive.  You can support both your immunity and your libido by either increasing your zinc intake through the use of supplements or by eating aphrodisiac foods rich in zinc such as oysters.

 

Six Super Health Herbs to Boost Immunity

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is a cleansing herb that helps to promote proper liver functioning.  When your liver is strong and functioning optimally, your whole body feels better and can better fight common colds, flu and other seasonal ailments.

Milk Thistle

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Valerian

Valerian is a calming herb that will help you manage and keep your stress levels in check. Stress creates harmful hormones that diminish our immune responses.  Including a stress reducing herb into your daily routine can effectively calm, soothe and help you better deal with stress.  This will increase your immunity and increase your happy hormones!

St. John’s Wort

Like the fore mentioned herb, St. John’s Wort is a calming herb that helps your body adapt to internal processes with a certain calm.  This effectively allows the body to relax and in turn protects your body from harmful stress hormones.  What a great natural way to chill-out and boost the body!

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a natural way to boost your wellness by better controlling your blood sugar and cholesterol.  Fenugreek helps the body to optimally metabolize foods and process cholesterol and to increase libido! With all these good things going on, your immunity and wellness just might soar!

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is an herb traditionally used to help women deal with the side effects of exogenous hormones and menopause.  Using Black Cohosh reduces hot flashes and night sweats which allows the body to get better rest. The more rest you get, the better your body can function!

Evening Primrose (Oil) (EPO)

EPO is an excellent herbal oil rich in Omega 6 fatty acids that support healthy hormone regulation, radiant skin health and quick wound healing.  EPO has been used for centuries and Native American populations relied on and still use EPO for its natural properties to heal the body and increase immunity!

Check these amazing herbal health boosters out!  Now is the time to claim your best health, naturally!

Sources:

  1. Haas, E., M.D. (1992). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Celestial Arts: CA.
  2. Cho, Johnathan. (2013). The Top Nine Herbs For Intimacy.
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
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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7 Ways to Decrease Your Risk of Colon Cancer

by Sarah Moore

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. It affects both men and women and is usually preventable if you get screened for it.

Colon polyps if left unchecked can turn into colon cancer and often there are no symptoms, this is why screening is essential. It is recommended that all people over the age of 50 get screened for colon cancer. If you have blood in your stool, abdominal pain or weight loss, you should get screened sooner.

Nutritional factors associated with an increased risk for colon cancer are diets heavy in red meat, low in fiber, low in calcium and low in vitamin D. (1)

So let’s get to what you can do nutritionally to prevent colon cancer.

  1. Eat fiber. Fiber is found in all plant based foods. Adult women should get 20-25 grams per day and men should be getting 30-38 grams of fiber per day. This is pretty easy if you include fruit, vegetables, nuts and whole grains in all your snacks and meals.
  2. Eat foods containing selenium, there is a host of information indicating that the trace element selenium can reduce colon cancer risk. (2) Good sources of selenium are: brazil nuts, organ meats, seafood, light meat from chicken, long-grain brown rice. (3)(4)
  3. Eat red meat in moderation. If it is your go to meat, start with a goal of switching it for seafood every other time you eat it, this will increase the selenium in your diet and cut back on the red meat.
  4. Include calcium rich food in your diet. Good sources are abundant in dairy and tofu. Caclium is also found in smaller amounts in broccoli, oranges, kale and pinto beans.
  5. Don’t smoke, period. It causes so much damage to the cells in the body.
  6. Maintain a healthy weight. This means, eat the right amount of calories for your body, from the healthy food sources listed above and exercise. If you are overweight, it may be beneficial to lose weight.
  7. Keep alcohol intake to the recommendations. 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. (5) But how much is in a drink anyway? And does it matter what type of alcohol? 12ounces of beer with an alcohol content of 5%, 8 ounces of malt liquor with an alcohol content of 7%, 5 ounces of wine with an alcohol content of 12%, 5 ounces of 80 proof hard alcohol with an alcohol content of 40%.

Sources

  1. Mahan, L. K., & Raymond, J. L. (2017). Krauses food & the nutrition care process. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
  2. Alcohol and Public Health. (2017, June 08). Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
  3. Rayman, M. (2005). Selenium in cancer prevention: A review of the evidence and mechanism of action. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 64(4), 527-542. doi:10.1079/PNS2005467
  4. Somer, E. (1995). The essential guide to vitamins and minerals. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.
  5. (2017, May 05). Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/selenium#food-sources

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
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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Managing Holiday Hangovers with Supplements

by Persona Nutrition

In all the holiday celebrations it is especially easy to get caught up in all the cheer and have one too many cocktails! Hangovers are the result of the body’s reaction to poisoning and/or withdrawal from alcohol. A hangover begins 8 to 12 hours after your last drink and symptoms typically include fatigue, depression, headache, thirst, nausea, and vomiting. The severity of hangover symptoms varies according to the individual and the amount of alcohol consumed. Hangovers can certainly slow you down and cause some post-party distress.

Here are our best tips for nursing that hangover naturally, preventing the hangover after your next party, and feeling better fast!

Easing a Hangover

Add Salt and Lemon.  Sip on cool water with a sprinkle of unrefined sea salt and a squeeze of lemon. Every organ, gland, muscle and tissue in the body needs salt to hydrate the cells. Lemon is full of alkalizing minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Drinking lemon water with salt can boost your hydration and alkalinity, easing that hangover headache.

Calm the Gut.  Ginger is a well-known and effective cure for nausea and stomach upset. Ginger tea can be found at health stores and may be convenient to keep on hand. You can also make your own ginger tea by cutting a dozen slices of fresh ginger root and boiling them in 4 cups of water for about ten minutes. Remove the ginger and add the juice of half a fresh lemon and honey to taste. Drink as much of the tea as needed to calm the nausea.

Love your Liver Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, such as alcohol. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells. Try a high-quality milk thistle capsule standardized to 120 – 140 mg of active ingredient silymarin.

Reduce Inflammation Alcohol can create inflammation in the body, turmeric has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory benefits as well as support the immune system. It may even help support a positive mood, which we could all use the day after a heavy night of drinking. Try a supplement with high concentrations of curcuminoids.

Rest Up.  Rest does wonders for body healing. This is not the day for you to take on big projects or lots of stress. Sleep in, take a nap and take it easy. You didn’t sleep very well last night because your body’s liver was working hard to remove those party toxins out of your system.

Hangover Prevention Tips

Drink in Moderation.  You probably knew that was coming, but moderation is the best way to avoid the hangover blues! The less alcohol you drink, the less likely you are to have a hangover.

Alternate with Water.  To help the detoxification process along, it’s always a good idea to drink plenty of water before, during and after imbibing of your favorite spirit. Try to have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink to prevent a hangover. Before going to bed, try to down two big glasses of water. Water is the key to preventing the ill effects of dehydration.

Seek Some Heat.  Eat a spicy meal with protein, such as chicken curry, before imbibing. The heat will encourage you to swallow more water so you’ll start the evening hydrated.

Slow Down.  Decide how many drinks you will have before the party starts. Pace yourself and limit alcohol to one drink per hour. You’ll be glad you did in the morning!

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take our on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of our knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!

Sources

  1. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Summary, evidence report/technology assessment: number 21, September 2000.
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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Digestive Balance

by Sarah Moore

The digestive system is an amazing cascade of mechanical motion, chemical messengers, acid destroying protein, enzymatic reactions complimented by gut bacteria and our immune systems.

Digestive balance requires proper functioning of a lot of different parts.

So you have a keener sense of what it happening as food travels through your body, lets take a look at the journey of digestion. It doesn’t have to be such a mystery.

Mouth

Digestion begins here, as you chew enzymes in the mouth work on breaking down the carbohydrates. Chew your food well, it helps with digestion and also slower eating rates are associated with lower calorie intake. (1)

Our mouths can be very dirty, follow the advice of all dentists, brush and floss so you can keep this part of your digestive system working well.

Esophagus to the Stomach

Food passes through the esophagus to the stomach, where we really start to pay attention to digestion. That is because if there are any problems, it seems this is where they start. Stomachs get upset, there are so many nerves going to the stomach, they are very sensitive.

There is actually a lot happening in the stomach during digestion. As food sits in the stomach and we start feeling full, chemical messengers are sent to the brain, which result in us “feeling full”. Stomach acid, and a few other players are essential to start chemically breaking down protein and snatching up the vitamin B-12. The stomach then squeezes the food down into a kind of paste.

Intestines

After the stomach decides it is finished with the food then it passes all that mushed up food paste into the small intestine. This is where the back up dancers get to show their stuff. The pancreas release enzymes that continue to break down of the carbohydrates, protein and fat we ate. The gall bladder releases bile that works to wrap the fats we are digesting into little packages we can absorb. Can you imagine if we didn’t have the gall bladder and pancreas? Well ya, it would complicate digestion. If these organs aren’t working properly then digestive issues can also occur here. Fiber really plays a pivotal roll here too, it nourishes the healthy bacteria and along with water keep the feces flowing smoothly along its route to-you know where.

Sources

  1. Fogel, A., Goh, A. T., Fries, L. R., Sadananthan, S. A., Velan, S. S., Michael, N., . . . Forde, C. G. (2017, April). Faster eating rates are associated with higher energy intakes during an Ad libitum meal, higher BMI and greater adiposity among 4.5 year old children – Results from the GUSTO cohort. Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5472197/
  2. Nadia Fathallah, Dominique Bouchard, Vincent de Parades, Les règles hygiéno-diététiques dans la constipation chronique de l’adulte : du fantasme à la réalité…, La Presse Médicale, Volume 46, Issue 1, January 2017, Pages 23-30, ISSN 0755-4982, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lpm.2016.03.019. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0755498216304055)
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
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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Vitamin D Questions Get Answered

by Sarah Moore

Vitamin D is vital to health; there are vitamin D receptors in almost every part of the body. It is involved in nervous system, cell growth, reducing inflammation and maintaining the calcium and phosphorus balance in the body.

Where does vitamin D come from?

Body: Our bodies make vitamin D by converting UV rays absorbed through the skin and then
distributing the hormone throughout the body(1).

Food: Vitamin D is primarily found in animal products, most abundantly in fish and eggs. A smaller amount, found in mushrooms is the only naturally occurring plant source as mushrooms are able to convert vitamin D in a similar way that humans do. Many commercial mushrooms are not grown under UV light and have much less than those grown naturally. Fortified foods such as dairy products, orange juice and cereals also have vitamin D3(2).

What does vitamin D do in the body?

Vitamin D is responsible for assisting with calcium absorption in the small intestine and helps the body maintain adequate serum calcium levels. Because of this, it’s necessary for bone growth and remodeling and helps prevent bones from becoming thin or brittle. A vitamin D deficiency in children results in rickets, and in adults is seen as osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
Not only a superstar bone supporter, vitamin D has been shown to help with immune function showing that those deficient in vitamin D are more susceptible to infection.2 The body uses vitamin D to make cholesterol, which is necessary for the production of hormones, building of tissue and creation of bile in the liver(3).

Vitamin D supplement

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Who could be deficient in vitamin D?

Since most of us rely on the sun to get our vitamin D, those who don’t spend at least 15 minutes in the sun per day without sunscreen could be at risk. We always recommend using sunscreen before and during sun exposure.

The National Institutes of Health state that cloud cover can reduce UV energy by 50 percent and additional shade reduces it by 60 percent. Those with darker skin have more melanin present and therefore less able to product vitamin D from sunlight(4).

Those who do not eat fish or animal products are also a greater risk of being vitamin D deficient, especially if they consume a primarily whole foods diet, lacking in ‘enriched’ processed foods.

Older adults have a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency as they tend to spend more time indoors and are more likely to be susceptible to bone fractures.

Yes, vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because our skin can produce it during the right conditions when we are in the sun.

Living in the northern hemisphere, sunscreen, wearing clothing that block the UVB rays can make it challenging to generate enough vitamin D from the sun.

In fact the actual amount of sun time a person needs in order to generate vitamin d varies depending on age and skin tone-the darker your skin tone the more sun time you need. On average most people would get adequate vitamin D during the summer if they were outside between 10-30min 2-4 times per week(5).

You might be thinking, well if there is no sun then I will just eat my way to adequate vitamin D.

I would love to do that too, but that could prove to be challenging. Look at this list of some common foods and the amount you would need to eat in order to meet the Recommended Daily Intake of 600IU (international units) is: 14 eggs, 15-7 ounce servings of pork, 10-5 ounce cans of tuna fish, 86-1 cup servings of (un-sunned) whole button mushrooms.

Eating salmon or sunned mushrooms everyday is your only option.

According to the USDA database: 1-4oz serving of salmon or 1.5 cups of (sunned) whole button mushrooms would provide the recommended 600 IU’s.

Should I supplement and if so, what kind D2 or D3?

Ultimately, if you do not eat very specific foods, live in the southern hemisphere and go outside 2-4 times per week, then add a dietary supplement to our diet. The most bioactive form is D3, and that comes a variety of animal sources. The D2 form comes from UVB exposed mushrooms and is vegan. (6)

Is there such a thing, as too much vitamin D? Yes, play it safe and take less than the tolerable upper limit unless a doctor recommends more. (7)

Tolerable upper intake level has been set at 4,000IU for children over 9y and adults. Toxicity has been documented with intake of 10,000IU+ per day in as little as 3 months. Symptoms are not always obvious and take time to manifest. Worst case scenario is kidney problems, hyper calcemia and calcification of soft tissue.

Sources

  1. The physiology of vitamin D. Vitamin D Council. https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/the-physiology-of-vitamin-d/. Published July 6, 2016. Accessed September 7, 2018.
  2. Appendix 12. Food Sources of Vitamin D. Chapter 4 – 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines.
  3. Vitamin D and Health. Obesity Prevention Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vitamins/vitamin-d/#vitamin-d-sources-and-function. Published March 15, 2018. Accessed September 7, 2018
  4.  L.D. KZRD. Vitamin D toxicity: What if you get too much? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108. Published February 7, 2018. Accessed September 7, 2018.
  5. Publications, H. H. (n.d.). Time for more vitamin D. Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/time-for-more-vitamin-d
  6. For health professionals: Council position statement on supplementation, blood levels and sun exposure. (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/for-health-professionals-position-statement-on-supplementation-blood-levels-and-sun-exposure/
  7. How do I get the vitamin D my body needs? (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs/
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
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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Interested in learning what supplements are right for you? Take our free assessment.

START ASSESSMENT

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Stay Active at Any Age: Proven Joint Support Tips

Stress and Digestion: How to Support Your Gut

Add Healthy Habits, Not Restrictions

Immune Health Essentials for Fall

Supplement Spotlight: Menopause Support 

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