Self Care is so important! 

What are YOU doing to take care of yourself this weekend?

Making your personal health a priority can make your week be more productive and enjoyable!

Did you know of the day

There are three things the human brain cannot resist noticing – food, attractive people and danger.

Did you know of the day

 If a part of your body “falls asleep”, you can almost always “wake it up” by shaking your head.

ASTAXANTHIN: A NEW POWERHOUSE!

I recently started taking a new collagen product and one of the main ingredients is Astaxanthin. I was unfamiliar with this antioxidant so I started doing some research and I think I have a new favorite nutrient! It’s a powerhouse!

Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment found in algae that many consider the “king of the carotenoids.” Look at what all it does:

  • Fights Osteoarthritis — Research shows that Astaxanthin can not only help maintain the balance between new and deteriorating cartilage cells, but it may also reduce inflammation in joints. It also may slow osteoarthritis progression and address symptoms, giving you a better quality of life as you age.
  • Protects Against UV-Induced Skin Aging—A 2018 study compared moisture retention after UV exposure in subjects who were given 4mgs of Astaxanthin versus those who were given a placebo. Results indicated that there was a significant difference between the two groups. Those who took Astaxanthin showed marked moisture retention and less damage to their skin after the equivalent of 1.5 hours in the sun.
  • May Help Retain Cognitive Function in Early-Stage Dementia & Alzheimer’s —In a 2018 clinical trial looking at the effects of Astaxanthin on subjects with mild-cognitive function early-stage dementia, results showed there were significant improvements in cognitive functions related to the ability to understand and complete complex tasks quickly and accurately.
  • Fights Mental Fatique —Brain exhaustion, foggy brain, etc. Studies show that Astaxanthin helps to recover more quickly from brain fatigue.
  • Reverses the Appearance of Wrinkles & Crow’s Feet —Multiple studies showed that both oral consumption and topical application of Astaxanthin resulted in significant improvements in theappearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet in men and women over 8 weeks. Improvements in reducing the appearance of age spots and helping the skin retain more moisture were also observed.
  • Helps Manage Diabetes —A 2018 study found that patients increased their HDL cholesterol (that’s the good one!), reduced blood pressure, and actually improved the metabolism of sugars.
  • Helps with Menopause Symptoms —A 2010 study treated a group of menopausal women with a combination of vitamins and supplements that included Astaxanthin. They found that the women reported a significant reduction in 34 menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, bladder problems, and joint pain.
  • May Reduce Risk of Heart Disease —Studies show that Astaxanthin may reduce LDL cholesterol levels in overweight patients, as well as improve HDL levels after 12 weeks of supplementation. A 2006 study revealed that Astaxanthin may improve the thickness and elasticity of arterial walls. This can help regulate blood pressure and prevent heart failure.

My new Collagen supplement, Vitality for Life Collagen Boost, contains Astaxanthin. Do you see why I’m so excited about this!

An Ounce of Prevention…

Prevention has always been my passion in sharing my wellness journey but I just had to learn how to share it.
Well, I’m sharing now since I lost nearly 100 pounds and my health markers are on point. I’ve been on this healthy prevention journey close to 20 years. Proof is in the blood and my health markers are remarkable. They are even better since I joined the R3 Challenge last June. Prior to 2004, I did nothing to improve my health I was pretty healthy overall. .My bloodwork was fine, so I had allergies and asthma, but they were under control.

Some of you may know know that Dr. John Folts, BSEE, MS, PhD. Professor of Medicine and Nutritional Science, Director of Coronary Thrombosis Research and Vascular Biology at The University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin studied for forty-four years of what he called “fun research” in cardiology. He introduced Provex CV to my online shopping club years ago. Provex CV which is one of those life changing products that does a whole lot more than an “aspirin a day”.ProvexCV delivers a powerful and diverse dose of polyphenols for unparalleled antioxidant protection, optimal cardiovascular health, and a healthy immune response!

I Googled this below and thought of sharing it with those that are healthy now (me included):

“Seemingly healthy people are “suddenly” having heart attacks because, as it turns out, their arteries are not perfectly healthy and they don’t know it. With the proper noninvasive tests, these diseased arteries would have been identified, and the heart attacks wouldn’t have happened.”— April 22, 2019

I believe taking ProvexCV is what has kept my blood pressure at super healthy levels and my heart in good shape. I wouldn’t be without it!

It’s just a little bit…

It’s just a little bit of heavy metals in your food

It’s just a little bit of benzene in your sunscreen

It’s just a little bit of chlorine in your water.

It’s just a little bit of PFOAs in non-stick pans

It’s just a little bit of endocrine disrupters in your perfumes and air fresheners

It’s just a little bit of parabens in your make-up

It’s just a little bit of colored dyes in your snack.s 

When does “just a little bit” becomes just a little bit too much for the body to handle?
Don’t wait until it’s too much for your body to handle and process!
Start reducing your external toxic exposure today! Read the labels, seek out safer products.

When you know better, you do better. the products I use are safer for my home, safer for my family, and better for the planet! Not to mention made in America and at my door a few days later! 

Did you know of the day

Sleeping without a pillow reduces back pain and keeps your spine stronger.

Read more about medical thoughts on sleeping without a pillow in Medical News Today here.

Did you know of the day

A person’s height is determined by their father, and their weight is determined by their mother.

Collagen—do you take it?

Finally found a collagen I can stand behind – and I’ll be honest, I’m a little over the moon about it.

While on a girls’ trip, I heard from one of my fellow vacationers how she was looking for a good collagen supplement. I never knew much about it until now. If my brand didn’t it make it, I wasn’t going to purchase it at the store—since who knows how long it’s been sitting on the shelf. 

Since that discussion, I’ve learned quite a bit about Collagen. Collagen’s main role is to provide structure, strength and support throughout your body. Your body produces less collagen as you age, and existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate. 

Did you know there are different kinds of collagen? I surely didn’t. I learned about four types of collagen from the Cleveland Clinic

Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen—Though collagen can come from many different sources, bovine has been found to be the most potent and effective. Furthermore, when collagen is hydrolyzed it essentially means the amino acids within it have been broken down, so they’re easier for your body to absorb.

Marine Collagen—A problem with marine collagen is that you never know what you’re getting. “Marine” is a blanket term for any aquatic creature whether it be a jellyfish, shellfish, or shark — these sources are not easy for the body to absorb.

Liquid Collagen—Liquid collagen drinks tend to have a longer list of ingredients compared to powders. Additives and flavorings, whether artificial or natural, typically mean empty sugar calories. 

After learning this, I was wondering, what kind of collagen should I take?
NEW Vitality for Life Collagen has 10 grams of a proprietary collagen blend in every serving! This collagen boost supplement is clinically, proven to improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! This powder wins on potency, fewer additives, cost savings, and eco-friendly edge.

Here’s to aging gracefully! 

Here’s an exceptional example of how our collagen compares to the leading brands 

If I can quit, can You?

Learning more about the inflammation and damage too much sugar can do to one’s body.

For more information about blood sugars and insulin, you can also check out hayseedscreative.com/2018/07/13/blood-sugar-and-insulin/

This infogram shows why we should quit.