Until recently, most dietary advice from health and nutrition experts has been focused on meeting daily macronutrients (proteins, fats & carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids & essential fatty acids) needs.
In a perfect world, we would get all our nutritional needs filled by the foods we eat. But the reality is that poor soil quality affects the very foods we rely on for optimal health. Even organic foods might not be providing all the nutrients we need. As a result, many are turning to supplements to ensure they’re getting the daily nutrients they need. The most common way to address a broad range of nutritional needs is with a multivitamin. Most of us have probably taken a multivitamin supplement at some point in our lives, and most people think their multi is covering all the nutritional gaps in their diets. But often, those multis lack essential minerals—especially trace minerals—as a part of their formulation, and this can leave us just as exposed to deficiency. In fact, all the vitamins in the world won’t do us any good without minerals. Like vitamins and other nutrients, minerals are vital in the regulation and building of cells which make up the body. Minerals work synergistically with one another to ensure that a proper pH balance occurs within the body. This collaborative relationship also guarantees that the proper absorption, regulation, and activation of other nutrients we consume happens. Remember, minerals are especially important in the conductivity of electrical messages within the body. Muscle contraction, such as the beating of the heart, and brain activity are positively influenced by properly balanced mineral levels. Luckily, adding minerals into our diets is easy with Trace Minerals’ ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops. This all-natural mineral concentrate contains a full spectrum of naturally occurring ionic trace minerals. Additionally, it complements other supplements that you might be taking by helping with the activation and absorption of those nutrients.
You’re probably familiar with kale, wheatgrass, and turmeric. Health enthusiasts hold these three foods in high esteem, given their obvious nutritional benefits, but moringa has recently entered the health arena and found its unique pedestal. As a “wonder tree,” the various parts of moringa come with nutritional value that exceeds those found in foods that we consume daily. For example, moringa contains twice as much protein as kale, almost a hundred times more B2, and supersedes kale’s iron content four times. It beats wheatgrass in protein, calcium, and vitamin K content. Moringa also tops turmeric in anti-inflammatory properties. Most of the plant’s parts have nutritious value: its pods, flowers, leaves, bark, and nuts all have something to offer. And that’s not all. The plant is armed with bioactive and antioxidant compounds fit for your physical and mental needs.
As men age, new health needs become top of mind. Many men are searching for ways to support overall healthy aging and longevity, with specific emphasis on things like maintaining muscle mass, weight, and a healthy sex drive.*†† Lifestyle plays a role in each of these factors, so it’s always important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, get plenty of restorative sleep, and of course, stay physically active. In addition to prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, taking targeted supplements can give men the extra support they need to maintain robust, lifelong health. Two effective formulas that can work wonders for men as they age include Complete Testosterone Support and HRG80™ Red Ginseng Male Sexual Enhancement.*
Summer is a prime time to indulge in a delicious and nutritious treat - berries! These vibrant fruits aren't just a burst of flavor, they're packed with health benefits that you can feel good about all season long.
According to numerous diet and nutrition experts, men face several potential nutrient deficits. Abbott Nutrition lists “Five Nutrition Tips Every Man Needs.” First, they suggest that dietary protein is the most important factor in preventing and reversing the excessive loss of lean muscle mass as we age. Second, they suggest getting more vitamins C and E to help control oxidative stress and reduce wear-and-tear on coronary arteries. Third, they recommend enjoying healthy seafood because the American Heart Association recommends eating two to four fish-based meals per week, especially fish with deep-colored flesh, including salmon. Abbott’s fourth recommendation is to ease up on refined carbohydrates to help manage weight and cognitive health, relying more on whole grains as well as whole fruits and vegetables. Their fifth recommendation is to check vitamin D levels to aid in both muscle and bone health as we age.
For years, the bodybuilding, protein-gorging community has maligned collagen for its nonessential status and lack of input into the muscle-protein synthesis process. From their perspective, it makes sense. Why bother with “low quality” protein like gelatin/collagen when you can pound the whey, eat the meat, and focus on other sources of the essential amino acids directly involved in building muscle? Except the research is showing that these “nonessential” proteins are actually pretty darn useful.
The human body is a complex ecosystem teeming with trillions of microbes. These microscopic residents, primarily bacteria, but also including viruses and fungi, make up the gut microbiome, a crucial player in both physical and mental health. Recent research explores the fascinating world of the gut-brain axis, revealing a two-way communication highway between the microbiome and the brain that can significantly impact our mental well-being.
Many folks wonder why we need to think about drought tolerant gardening in the “rainy” northwest. Interestingly, we receive only about 7 inches of our 40 inches total in the summer. In addition, more folks are moving here, straining our water resources for living while it is getting warmer (average temperature is up 1.5 degrees from 1920 to 2003) and while the snowpack that we rely on for summer water is decreasing. That lovely lawn needs 1 – 1 ½ inches per week while roses need about 2 inches per week. It doesn’t add up! There are many watering systems and approaches that can make each gallon go farther. Drip watering and soaker hoses provide water just to the plants and reduce evaporation. Weather reading irrigation controllers, including some that adjust for plant and soil types as well as exposure, are more affordable and manage watering for effectiveness and efficiency while automating your watering. Watering deeply and less often is better for your plants, keeping them healthier and using less water. Besides reducing evaporation, mulch keeps plant roots cool and keeps weeds down. A double win! Rain gardens* are also effective in reducing overall watering needs and rain barrels harvest rainwater.
