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Can vitamin C and E help protect skin from sun damage? Studies say yes! While the sun’s UV rays can be dangerous, the sun also triggers vitamin D production. But actually, there are a host of benefit to daily sun exposure. So, how do we protect our skin while still reaping the benefits of those golden summer rays? Research shows that vitamin C not only prevents UV damage, it can reverse it. That’s because vitamin C targets free radicals accomplishing three things.

It’s one of the most popular vitamins on the market. We’re talking C. And we’re most familiar with vitamin C in regards to the immune system. But new studies are lasing in on the power that vitamin C has on cognitive function. 

You may be one of the 74% number of Americans suffering from gastro discomfort and pain. The term FODMAP may be a new one for you. We’re talking Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols. FODMAPs refers to a variety of short chain carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion. Being osmotically active, FODMAPs draw water into the intestine, causing them to ferment. Instead of being fuel for your body, they end up being used as fuel for bad gut bacteria.

How healthy is your ticker?  Studies have shown a remarkable potential for Vitamin C to improve heart health. So, why is Vitamin C so closely linked with cardiovascular health? One surprising way is collagen.

We are used to thinking of bacteria, fungus, and viruses as invaders, but these microbial colonies are at the forefront of research demonstrating the power that the human biome has on both our mental and physical health. Over 99% of our human microbiome resides in our intestines and plays a variety of crucial functions including: stimulation of our immune system, inhibition of pathogens, gastrointestinal tract motility (movement) and function including nutrient absorption and the synthesis of specific vitamins and short-chain fatty acids…many researchers are now considering that this microbial organ may even rival the liver in the number of functions it performs. But, a landslide of emerging research is now linking imbalance in our biomes not only to many digestive disorders but also to a surprising number of health concerns – including mental health. One of the biggest culprits? Our modern diet. And one new approach, the FODMAP diet, is showing promise in alleviating symptoms from a variety of digestive disorders.

Did you know your circadian clock is an actual part of your body? And not just a single part of your body, but part of a system tied to nearly every cell and bodily function. Composed of genes and proteins, your biological clock constitutes an intricate series of interacting molecular pathways throughout your body that operate in a feedback loop. Each unique gene and protein regulates specific functions in almost every single cell in your body. These clocks are found in nearly every tissue and organ. And not just in your body, biological clocks exist in almost all organisms including plants, fungi and bacteria. But new research is demonstrating that late night artificial light could activate the liver’s circadian clock, throwing rhythms out of balance.

According to a 2018 OnePoll survey, the average American doubles their drinking during the holiday season. Not only do we participate in more social gatherings during the holiday season, but there’s a case to be made for an increase in alcohol consumption and a drop-in temperature. Emerging research is showing that even moderate on-going alcohol use can have negative cumulative effects. But when your body has appropriate levels of glutathione, detoxification occurs efficiently. Here’s how.

With all of the medicinal drugs and supplements that humans take, how much gets to where it needs to be in the body, and what interactions do these compounds go throughout their journey? The technical term for this is pharmacokinetics – derived from the Greek pharmakon (drug) and kinetikos (movement) – it's the study of what happens to pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals when administered to a living organism. In layman's terms, “bioavailability” is a close approximate term that you would have heard. So, let’s dive into this tiny world called pharmacokinetics and ask: what actually happens in the journey of a supplement or drug throughout the human body?

Vitamin C is so crucial in the production of collagen, that no vitamin C means no collagen synthesis. Specialized cells called fibroblasts utilize vitamin C along with three amino acids to create collagen. Plus, vitamin C also stimulates collagen production by stabilizing collagen mRNA and increasing the proliferation rates of fibroblasts themselves. But that’s not all, vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant eliminating free radicals. UV (sun) light is one of the main sources of free radicals in the skin. In fact, evidence suggests that vitamin C may protect skin from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure. The good news is that including a high-quality vitamin C into your ingestible skincare routine can have a real impact on the health of your skin.

If you’re like most people, starting a new fitness routine can be hard. As the saying goes, the hardest part is starting. But what happens when you commit to that hardcore spin class, take on that HIIT workout, or add those extra reps, only to find your muscles are too sore to work out the next day? Or, for the next five days? How do we maintain a fitness routine and avoid burnout? Say hello to my little friend, Glutathione.