Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash Laughter isn’t just a way to convey a feeling of being genuinely happy. Harvard Medical School’s website, Harvard Health Publishing, laughter may also benefit our brain and health, as well. Heart Health In 2010, neuroscientists began compiling evidence …
Photo by @eatrunandallinbetween Written by Claudia Guy, ND Phytonutrients are often disguised, healthy pigments that span the colors of the rainbow. Though these healthy pigments translate into nutrients, there are certain foods that contain far more nutrients than our everyday foods. We call these superfoods. …
Written by Allison Menor, BS
Emotional eating is a problem that has plagued our country for decades as a result of unhealthy cultural behaviors. The use of unhealthy foods for positive reinforcement has caused millions of Americans to associate food with feeling. So, while unhealthy food choices taste delicious and seem to ease your stress and fatigue, you’re really just postponing the inevitable – a crash in energy and weight gain.
Let’s face it – with our busy schedules, it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep. When we are finally able to rest throughout the night, we feel refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day. But when we can’t get the sleep we so desperately need, not only is our energy impacted, but our body’s, as well. Adequate sleep is necessary to restore us physically, mentally and emotionally. It is essential to our overall health. When we follow unhealthy sleep patterns, our bodies are not able to perform to their best abilities.
Numerous studies show that getting more sleep is directly correlated with a healthy weight. On the other hand, that means that getting less sleep can be directly attributed to weight gain. One study, reported by the National American Association for the Study of Obesity, showed that people who got less than four hours of sleep each night were 73% more likely to suffer from obesity, than those who get the standard eight hours of rest. Obesity risk was 50% higher in people getting about five hours of sleep on average, and 23% higher for those hitting the hay for only six hours a night. The findings confirmed that the hormones that affect appetites are thrown off by lack of sleep. “Leptin, a blood protein that curbs your appetite decreases and Ghrelin, which makes you want to eat, increases when your body is deprived of sleep”, explains Jerry Hickey, R.Ph., Scientific Director and Pharmacist of InVite® Health.
There are lots of ways someone may choose to destress. It all depends on the individual. However, when it comes to getting rid of stress we commonly choose foods that we find comforting; these are often high in fat and calories and lacking in nutrients. Think about it – do you find yourself eating a bag of chips on the couch while binge-watching your favorite show after work or school? Or maybe you’re a parent who’s stealing some cookies as you pack your kids lunch for the day. You’re not alone! The stressors we face everyday impact more than our sleep and diet, it greatly impacts our weight.
When we are chronically stressed by life, work and all that is in between, our bodies are prone to visceral fat, or fat located around the abdominal region. This specific kind of fat is related to greater risks of heart disease and diabetes. Stress can pose serious health risks, so it’s important that stressors are reduced where possible. If people don’t do something about their stress, it can get even worse, causing future health risks. According to a study performed by Yale University, women who aren’t overweight but are stressed and have high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), are more likely to have excess abdominal fat. Elissa Epel, Ph.D and lead investigator of the study also reports, “We also found that women with greater abdominal fat had more negative moods and higher levels of life stress. Greater exposure to life stress or psychological vulnerability to stress may explain their enhanced cortisol reactivity. In turn, their cortisol exposure may have led them to accumulate great abdominal fat.”
The good news is that there are a variety of nutritional supplements that have been shown to tackle the sleep, stress and weight gain link.
5-HTP, 5-hydroxytrptamine
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a messenger in our brain. Our bodies make serotonin from an amino acid known as L-Tryptophan, which is transformed into a metabolite called 5-HTP (5-hydroxytrptophan). With the help of Vitamin B6, it is converted into 5-HTP (5-hydroxytrptamine), also known as Serotonin.†
“The Most Effective and Natural Cures on Earth,” written by Jonny Bowden Ph.D., C.N.S., predominantly suggests 5-HTP for depression. However, he also discusses the product as a weight-loss protocol as well, specifically because it may greatly reduce carbohydrate cravings. When we alter levels of serotonin in the brain, it is possible that we will become much more likely to inhibit our own eating behaviors.†
In a small double-blind, placebo-controlled study of obese females, those who were give 8mg per kg of body weight of 5-HTP for five weeks achieved a significant weight loss of about 5%. Those findings were confirmed by a second study conducted over a longer period of time.†
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid that is derived from tea leaves and mushrooms. It is most commonly known to assist in mental relaxation and reduction of anxiety. “Research on human volunteers has demonstrated that L-Theanine creates a sense of relaxation in approximately 30-40 minutes after ingestion via at least two different mechanisms. First, this amino acid directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation coupled with mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation. Second, L-Theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA influences the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, producing the key relaxation effect.”2
This relaxation effect is perfect for individuals that often have a hard time falling asleep. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep is directly related to weight-gain over time. When our bodies have not acquired an adequate amount of sleep, our energy levels are lowered, and we are more likely to choose foods that have a higher amount of caffeine, fat, or sugar in order to temporarily fix fatigue. We are also less likely to engage in physical activity as a result of these low energy levels.†
If you’re gaining weight and not sure why, be sure to pay attention to your stress and sleep levels. Once you have found the core problem, you will be able to find a resolution to your issue.
If you take the relevant action, you will soon be able to reap its benefits. Although, you may need more than a quick cat nap to get back on track.
References:
1. Bowden, Jonny. The most effective natural cures on Earth: the surprising, unbiased truth about what treatments work and why. Beverly, Mass.: Fair Winds Press, 2008. Print.
2. Mason R. 200 mg of Zen; L-theanine boosts alpha waves, promotes alert relaxation. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2001, April; 7:91-95
Photo by Drew Coffman on Unsplash Green tea is one of nature’s most superior foods, with a diverse range of benefits that support overall health and longevity, proven by numerous clinical trials. New studies further support evidence that green tea can support weight loss and …
Clinical studies have shown that taking a probiotic supplement supports weight loss, helping you lose weight and boost your metabolism. What are probiotics? Probiotics are the ‘good’ bacteria in your digestive tract. They are the key to healthy digestion, regularity and overall health. Naturally present …
If there’s one thing women need, it’s to be healthy. Women are continuously on-the-go. That means their energy levels need to keep up. But what happens when you’re exercising regularly and eating the right foods, but you still seem to lack energy? A women’s multivitamin mineral formula could be what you need to help you boost your energy levels and combat nutrient depletions.
Nutrient depletions occur when your body is not receiving the correct amount of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and other nutrients. This can be caused by numerous factors, such as an unhealthy diet, prescriptions drugs and medications, and free radical damage.
View InVite®’s Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Chart for more information!
“We live in an increasingly polluted environment, loaded with toxins; the soil we grow our food in is often nutrient-depleted and many consume processed, factory-made foods supplying scant nutrients. Ironically, our bodies wind up requiring even more vitamins and minerals to effectively metabolize nutrient-depleted foods. Add that depletion with less time spent outdoors, minimal exercise, prescription drugs and medications, and chronic stress, and the result is that many individuals are truly nutritionally deficient,” reports Archana Gogna, MS, CNS, MBA, Director of Nutrition for InVite® Health. For these reasons, healthcare professionals are advising their patients to start taking a safe, reliably-made, high-quality multivitamin mineral formula on a daily basis to fill the nutritional deficits in their diet.
According to a recent USDA survey 37% of Americans do not get enough Vitamin C, 70% do not get enough Vitamin E, nearly 75% do not get enough Zinc, and 40% do not get enough Iron. But not just any commercially available nutritional supplement product will meet these needs!
There are simply other nutrients and minerals that women need that differ from what a man, child or athlete’s body need. Further, commercial brands of vitamins do not provide quality behind their products. These brands do not take the necessary steps to provide their customers with the most well-researched, pure, non-GMO ingredients available.
Athletic Performance in Women Increased with These Two Minerals
Women need a series of B-complex vitamins, which support healthy cell growth, help to maintain skin and muscle tone, and support metabolism, immune and nervous system functions. The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the body, which is involved with energy production. Ubiquinol CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is an important energy-releasing nutrient that allows calories from food to be absorbed and utilized as energy. Tocotrienols, or Pine Bark Extract, are powerful protectors for artery walls, the heart, liver and for sexual organs. It acts as a cellular protector against free radicals. A simple multivitamin formula may have that, but InVite® takes it even further.
Scientific Director and Pharmacist, Jerry Hickey, understands that women need different vitamins and minerals. The knowledge and advice that pharmacists can give is expanding, especially now that they are able to continue their education and expand what they know. Because of this nutritional need, he has developed a superior Women’s Multivitamin that provides all of the necessary vitamins and minerals, with a superior twist – four ingredients that naturally support women’s health.
InVite®’s superior Multivitamins are designed around a core of energy-producing nutrients along with powerfully protective food-derived antioxidants. Each Multivitamin is designed to address the replenishment of core nutrients depleted by commonly prescribed drugs, to support physical activity, and to support the increased need for particular nutrients during the aging process. Additionally, they are designed to help protect vision and memory health.
Capsugel® Liquid-filled Vegetarian capsule technology (Vcaps® and Licaps®) ensures maximum absorption, while protecting the delicate liquid constituents from oxidation. Our tablets are coated with natural annatoo, making them easier to swallow. All InVite® Multivitamins contain ingredients used in human clinical trials, are gluten-free, non-GMO and are made using cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices).†
*†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.