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Which supplement should I take? #Supplement Explorer
Are you always on your phone looking at which supplements you should take? Do you look at reviews? How do you decide what to buy?
As someone who has been in the nutraceutical industry for over 10 years, I’ve worked with many suppliers and companies to understand why an ingredient is chosen, what research is behind it, and how to sell it to a consumer, so if you are looking for some answers to questions you may have, drop a comment, or even better check out the Supplement Explorer on the site. It is free to use, 3 questions, and a simple output. No info is stored.I made the Supplement Explorer purely for my use and then thought, well, if it is useful for me, maybe it is useful for others. The tool is not affiliated with any company or brand, but was just a way for me to showcase what I find useful. If you use it, do give me feedback as to what you’d like to see it on too.
Stay well and remember, before taking any supplements, check with your doctor if it is a good fit for you or not!
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It’s cold outside!
This winter has been so bizarre in the Northeast (US). Yes, winter isn’t over and we could still get snow when the warmer temperatures subside but you know what? These days like yesterday and today when the temps are around -7F really makes me wish we didn’t have those huge 40 degree temperature swings as that only creates more chances to get sick.
Here are a few simple tips to help you stay warm and comfortable when the temperature drops.
- Dress in layers. The key to staying warm is to trap heat close to your body. By wearing multiple layers of clothing, you create an insulation barrier that keeps your body heat in. I like wearing my thick weather resistant jacket that is fleece lined or I wear thermals plus a nice puffy warm jacket.
- Cover your head, neck and hands. A large percentage of heat is lost through the head, neck and hands. Make sure to wear a beanie, scarf and gloves to keep these areas covered and protected from the cold. Choose materials that are warm and insulating, like wool or fleece, for maximum warmth. I recently also bought a cashmere beanie which surprisingly is warm and of course stylish.
- Use heating appliances. Heating appliances such as space heaters, electric blankets, and heated pads can provide extra warmth in your home and make a big difference in keeping you comfortable. Just be sure to use these appliances safely, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and never leave them unattended.
- Exercise. Physical activity increases your body temperature, so try to stay active even when it’s cold outside. Just get your steps in while inside the house, I don’t blame you if you don’t want to go outside for a walk.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is important in keeping your body warm. Dehydration can lower your body temperature, so make sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you don’t like drinking water, I recommend a warm green tea.
In conclusion, staying warm during the winter months requires a combination of smart clothing choices and lifestyle adjustments. Don’t forget to get your vitamins in too to help fight any cold chances!
Stay well!
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Do you like sleeping?
Does this sound like you? Staying awake late on Friday nights and getting up late on Saturday? Yup, that’s me for sure. I typically get up at the same time and go to bed around the same time every day except the weekends, why is that? Do I need to play catch up or do I just enjoy staying up since it’s the weekend? Something to ponder, eh?
The amount of sleep a person needs varies from person to person, but on average, most adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. I find the 7-9 hours ideal as too much or too little, I’ll be a zombie after. It’s important to listen to your body and determine what amount of sleep works best for you.
Sleep is one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle. It plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health, and helps us perform at our best. As we grow older, the amount of sleep we need changes, and it’s important to understand how this affects our overall well-being. Babies sleep 14-17 hours while teenagers sleep up to 12 hours so as we age, our needs change, and how we sleep is affected by many things, oh to be a carefree baby again!
It’s essential to listen to your body and understand what amount of sleep works best for you. If you find that you’re regularly waking up feeling tired or experiencing fatigue during the day, it may be a sign that you need more sleep. On the other hand, if you’re sleeping more than the recommended amount and still feeling tired, it’s possible that you have an underlying sleep disorder that needs to be addressed.
In conclusion, the amount of sleep we need changes as we grow older, and it’s essential to understand how these changes affect our overall well-being. By listening to your body and getting the recommended amount of sleep, you can ensure that you’re performing at your best and maintaining good health.
Stay well!
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Do you like eating protein?
I don’t know about you, but eating protein is a chore for me. I really struggle and no matter all the meal plans that I try, I know that it’s not something that I enjoy. As a health enthusiast, you probably already know the importance of getting enough protein in your diet. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle, maintaining strong bones, and supporting overall health–yup, and that’s why I try to eat it. But what do you do if you just don’t like the taste of protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, and tofu?
Don’t worry, there are plenty of creative and delicious ways to incorporate more protein into your diet, even if you don’t like traditional protein sources. Here are five tips to help you get started:
- Add protein-rich ingredients to smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to sneak in extra protein without even noticing it. Try adding ingredients like Greek yogurt, nut butter, chia seeds, or protein powder to your smoothie for a boost of protein. My favorite protein powder is the one by Vega Sport and Oikos Greek yogurt.
- Snack on protein-packed bites. Instead of reaching for sugary snacks, opt for protein-rich options like hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, or roasted almonds. These snacks are filling, tasty, and will help keep your energy levels steady throughout the day. I would also caution against loading up on too many nuts as they do have a lot of calories even though they are satiating. Hard-boiled eggs are an easy snack to take with you so the convenience factor appeals to me.
- Experiment with plant-based protein sources. If you don’t like meat, try incorporating more plant-based protein sources into your diet. Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and quinoa are all great options that are high in protein and can be used in a variety of dishes. Chickpeas for the win!
- Use protein-rich ingredients as toppings. Add protein-rich toppings to your favorite dishes to increase their protein content. Try adding chopped nuts, cheese, or diced chicken to your salad, or top your pizza with tofu or tempeh.
- Make your own protein-packed treats. Making your own protein bars, balls, or bites is a fun and easy way to increase your protein intake. Simply mix together ingredients like nut butter, oats, protein powder, and dried fruit for a tasty, on-the-go snack. Easy to do if you like cooking and have the time!
Stay well!
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Sometimes you got to try something new!
If you have been following along, you’ve probably read about my positivity jar or even meditation as a habit. Both of these posts got me to thinking about what I’m doing and how it is affecting me. Probably very important to reflect on otherwise why do the activity right?
Last year, I really enjoyed keeping up the positivity jar and though I don’t have a similar activity for this year, I realized that my new daily meditation habit actually is that habit. I’m 28 days into this practice and am learning new techniques on how to meditate and process your thoughts. Unwinding when stressed by meditating has really helped me this week as it was a busy and stressful week. I’ll likely utilize this practice throughout the year to center me. What I’m finding interesting is that just 5 mins a day can totally revamp your outlook with a focus on breathing to calm you. The hardest part so far for me was getting started and thinking would it work for me. I actually bought into meditation’s benefits probably 14 days in when I unknowingly realized that a change was occurring. The lesson for me in all this is that sometimes you got to try something new for awhile before you see the benefits!
Stay well!
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Movie Time
What do the words “with great power comes great responsibility” or “nobody puts Baby in a corner” conjure for you? Some memories remind us of a time in our life with our loved ones or an experience that stays with us long after the movie is over. Movies have such a power to inspire us, uplift our mood or even educate us. To me movie watching is just as important to maintaining my disposition as exercising or eating right.
Recently, I watched the movies Plane and Missing in the cinema. Both are as diverse as can be, one was about how a captain protects his passengers when he’s forced to land in a dangerous area while the other is the search for a mother by her daughter. Both were thrilling and kept you at the edge of your seat. Plane had me thinking would our pilots do the same for us while Missing had me thinking is it really that easy to hack your way into an account. Not only were the movies entertaining but they got me to think. Plus, I left the movies in a good mood! Win, win!
We always search for outlets to release stress and to me movies provide me that plus as far as hobbies are concerned, it definitely is one that isn’t too pricey unless you buy the concessions!
Stay well!
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Hair thinning?
Are you seeing symptoms of hair thinning? Is rosemary oil the best solution or maybe Minoxidil is but what are some other alternatives? Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. It is most commonly known for its use in treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate in men, but recent studies have also suggested that it may have potential benefits for hair health.
One study found that saw palmetto may inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that is believed to contribute to hair loss. DHT can shrink hair follicles, making it harder for hair to grow. By inhibiting DHT production, saw palmetto may help to keep hair follicles healthy and promote hair growth.
Another study found that saw palmetto may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce scalp inflammation and prevent hair loss. Inflammation can damage hair follicles and make it difficult for hair to grow. By reducing inflammation, saw palmetto may help to protect hair follicles and promote hair growth.
It is worth mentioning that there are no FDA-approved hair growth treatment with Saw Palmetto, so there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of saw palmetto for hair loss. However, saw palmetto is considered safe when used in recommended doses and may have potential benefits for hair health. As always, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
In conclusion, saw palmetto may have potential benefits for hair health, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and to discuss treatment options.
Stay well!
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Do you meditate or should you?
Meditation has been around for centuries, but it’s becoming increasingly popular as more people discover the many benefits it offers. Even Google’s app of the year is Balance, a meditation app that is free for a year. I tried it and am enjoying it so far so give it a try. Why try it? From reducing stress and anxiety to improving focus and concentration, meditation can be a powerful tool for achieving optimal health and wellness.
First and foremost, meditation is an effective stress-reduction technique. I start my meditation first thing in the morning to start my day with calmness and no stress. Studies have shown that regular meditation can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress and anxiety. This can lead to a host of benefits, including improved mood, better sleep, and a stronger immune system.
Does your mind wander?Meditation can also help to improve focus and concentration. By training your mind to be present and aware, meditation can help you to be more mindful and focused in your daily life. This can be especially beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, as it can help to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Meditation can also have a positive impact on physical health. Research has shown that regular meditation can lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and even boost the immune system. This can be especially beneficial for people who are looking to improve their overall health and well-being.
In addition to the physical and mental benefits, meditation can also be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and personal development. By quieting the mind and connecting with the present moment, meditation can help you to tap into a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.
If you’re new to meditation, it can be helpful to start with a guided meditation or a mindfulness app like Balance. This can help you to get a feel for the practice and build up your focus and concentration over time. It’s also important to be patient and not get discouraged if you find it difficult to quiet your mind at first. Remember, meditation is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. I started with 3 mins and that was tough to not let your mind wander but the more you practice, the less that will happen.
In conclusion, meditation can be a powerful tool for holistic and fitness enthusiasts. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving focus and concentration, meditation can help you to achieve optimal health and wellness. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
Stay well!
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The rise of Mushrooms in the supplement industry
If you go into Whole foods or even Target, you’ll likely see some sort of mushroom product in the supplement section. Why the rise of mushroom supplements all of a sudden? Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their healing properties–from immune health to hair and skin health–I really like the OM line of products. Today, research is uncovering even more benefits of these versatile fungi, making them a popular choice for holistic health and supplement enthusiasts.
One of the main benefits of mushrooms is their immune-boosting properties. Many species of mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are complex sugars that stimulate the immune system. These beta-glucans can help to increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. Plus, if you’re like me and don’t like to eat mushrooms and want their benefits, mushroom powder or supplements might be a good option.
Mushrooms are also a great source of antioxidants, which are essential for protecting the body against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to a variety of health problems. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, helping to protect the body against damage. Antioxidant and immune support for the win!
In addition to their immune-boosting and antioxidant properties, mushrooms have also been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders. By reducing inflammation, mushrooms can possibly help to reduce the risk of these conditions.
For fitness enthusiasts, mushrooms are a great addition to a healthy diet as they are low in calories and have protein, especially good for vegetarians who struggle to eat enough protein. They are also a good source of B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism and muscle function. Furthermore, research studies have found that consuming mushrooms regularly may help to improve endurance, strength and muscle recovery.
One of the most popular mushrooms for health and supplement is the cordyceps mushroom. Cordyceps is known for its ability to increase energy, endurance, and stamina, making it a popular choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It is also believed to have anti-aging properties and to help to improve cardiovascular and respiratory function.
Another popular mushroom for health and supplement is the lion’s mane mushroom. Lion’s mane is believed to have neuroprotective properties, and it’s been found to help improve cognitive function and memory.
In conclusion, mushrooms are a great addition to a holistic health and supplement regimen. They offer a wide range of health benefits, including immune-boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and fitness benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or boost your athletic performance, mushrooms are definitely worth adding to your diet.
Stay well!
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The Ayurvedic Herb Gaining Popularity: Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a popular herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. I remember it being part of my diet growing up as it’s in Indian food and tea so to see it in stores today for its many benefits is pretty great. Why take it? It is believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving brain function, and boosting the immune system.
One of the key benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. The herb is believed to act on the body’s stress response by decreasing the production of the stress hormone cortisol. In a study of 64 people with chronic stress, those who took ashwagandha for 60 days reported a significant reduction in anxiety and stress compared to those who took a placebo.
Ashwagandha is also believed to improve brain function. The herb has been found to increase the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in memory and learning. In a study of 50 adults, those who took ashwagandha for eight weeks had improved reaction times and task-switching abilities compared to those who took a placebo.
In addition to reducing stress and anxiety and improving brain function, ashwagandha is also believed to boost the immune system. The herb is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which help to fight off infections. In a study of 30 healthy adults, those who took ashwagandha for two months had an increase in white blood cell count compared to those who took a placebo.
Ashwagandha is available in various forms like capsules, powder, gummies, and teas. It is also used as an ingredient in many Ayurvedic supplements and products. It is generally considered safe to take, but it may interact with certain medications and may not be appropriate for everyone.
In conclusion, Ashwagandha is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to promote overall well-being. Its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, improve brain function and boost the immune system make it a valuable addition to any health and fitness routine. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Stay well!
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Palatants: what attracts your dog or cat to their food?
As pet owners, we all know the struggle of trying to get our furry friends to eat their food. Whether they’re picky eaters or just don’t seem interested in their meals, getting them to eat can be a frustrating task. Before I worked in the pet food industry, I had no clue what attracted my dog to his food. So imagine my surprise when I realized that the solution to this problem could be as simple as adding a palatant to their food?
Palatants are substances that are added to pet food to make it more appealing to animals. They can come in many forms, such as liquids, powders, or pastes, and can be made from natural ingredients like meat and fish, or synthetic ingredients like flavors and aromas. On the ingredients label, you won’t see anything specifically saying palatant but if it’s there, it’ll be under flavors or other ingredients as it’s not a main ingredient. Also, a side note, ingredients are listed from highest percentage to lowest on a label, no matter if a human or pet product, typically.
Palatants work by triggering the animal’s sense of smell and taste, making the food more appealing and attractive to them. This can be especially helpful for pets who are picky eaters, older pets who may have a decreased sense of smell and taste, or pets recovering from illness or surgery. In other words, enhancing a chicken flavor might encourage more food consumption, for example.
Palatants can also be beneficial for pets who are on a special diet or have certain health conditions. For example, a palatant that is high in protein can be added to a diet for a pet recovering from surgery, while a palatant that is low in fat can be added to a diet for a pet that is overweight. After my dog had surgery and couldn’t eat high protein, the best way for me to get him to eat his food was by adding a little topper from Wellness to his prescription meal which created that extra protein and aroma desire. As a pet owner, you take care of your pet like they’re your baby so had to find a way to get my dog to eat and this worked.
Just like the ingredients on a human product, review the ingredients on a pet food package and consult with your vet if you’re not sure if it’s appropriate for your pet.
In conclusion, palatants can be a great tool for getting your pet to eat their food and can also be beneficial for pets with special dietary needs. They can be a simple and easy solution to the problem of picky eaters and can help ensure that your pet is getting the proper nutrition they need. So next time your pet turns up their nose at their food, consider adding a palatant to make meal time more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Stay well!
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