How Do Collagen Supplements Affect My Body?
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the body and is essential to healthy skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues. Natural supplements containing collagen may also build muscle, ease stress, and help you to sleep naturally.
Collagen production begins to slow after age 30, and the elasticity of skin decreases, muscle mass declines, and loss of joint cartilage may result. Collagen anti-aging products offer a wide range of benefits that can help people feel and look younger as they age.
Let’s look into the effect of collagen on the body and why supplements may be the best way to get this essential protein in a form the body can absorb.
Improving Skin Elasticity
Collagen strengthens skin, improves elasticity, and fully hydrates this essential organ.1 Studies have shown that collagen supplements on a daily basis for eight weeks measurably reduced wrinkle depth and improved hydration levels. Many women report fewer problems with dry skin and a softer, more supple feel after taking collagen regularly.
Relieving Pain and Supporting Joint Health
Cartilage, which is a rubbery part of moving joints, also depends on collagen to repair and maintain smooth movement. Collagen has been demonstrated to reduce joint pain and improve the symptoms of arthritis.1 This effect may be a combination of reducing inflammation and providing the stimulus for cartilage repair, but the pain-relieving effects of collagen are well supported.
Keeping Bones Strong and Flexible
Bones also contain collagen and, as we age, bone mass decreases as well, especially for women. Dietary supplements containing collagen are known to reduce the breakdown of bone due to osteoporosis and to increase bone mineral density (BMD).1
Building Strong Muscles
Muscle tissue contains up to 10% collagen. Researchers have shown that daily anti-aging supplements with collagen can significantly increase muscle mass and strength compared to equal amounts of physical exercise without supplemental collagen.1
Supporting Heart Health
While more research is needed on the benefits of collagen to heart health and other medical conditions, scientists know that the structure of blood vessels depends on collagen in the arteries and veins. Collagen may help with atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, and improve the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.
Why Collagen Supplements Are Important
There are many natural food sources of collagen. Adding these to your diet may be beneficial. However, research has not shown that dietary collagen is absorbed as well or has the same demonstrated benefits that collagen supplements provide. As there are no known risks to taking collagen in the supplemental form, adding a supplement to your daily intake is a win-win decision for most people.
Sourcing Your Natural Supplements from a Reliable Source
You might consider adding herbal supplements and evidence-based natural supplements to your daily routine in order to improve your health, enhance your wellness, and support your body’s natural anti-aging abilities. Forrest Health offers only the purest, most effective formulations for all your wellness goals.
With fast delivery and easy returns, you can shop with confidence in our quality and dedication to your satisfaction. Browse our selection or contact us to discuss the right anti-aging products and immune system supports you need to feel your best.
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Can Supplements Help with Depression?
Depression is the most common mental health condition around the globe. Because there are millions of people who suffer from it, there are many different ways to treat depression. Many people benefit from different types of counseling or therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
However, there are some herbal supplements that can also naturally help with the effects of depression.
Keep in mind that depression is different for everyone. Symptoms can vary, and there are different “levels” of depression, too. So, what can nutritional supplements do to ease some of those symptoms and help you to start feeling better? Which supplements should you start taking to give your mental health and wellbeing a boost? Let’s take a closer look.
The Effectiveness of St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort has been used for centuries when it comes to treating a long list of health conditions, including mental health issues like depression. It’s probably the most widely known herbal supplement for helping with the effects of depression naturally.
While it’s not currently regulated by the FDA in America, it’s a popular alternative antidepressant in places like the United Kingdom.
St. John’s wort is best for mild cases of depression. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking anywhere from 900-1,000 milligrams of St. John’s wort every day for depression. Yet, it’s meant to be used as an alternative solution. If you’re already on prescription antidepressants, be sure to talk to your doctor about using this supplement regularly.
Can Any Supplements Prevent Depression?
Because depression is triggered by so many things, it’s not possible to completely prevent it. However, the supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) can be used to raise the level of serotonin in your brain. An increase in serotonin can help to reduce the effects of depression, as well as some of the symptoms.
5-HTP is a chemical created by the building block tryptophan. You can find tryptophan in many everyday foods, including:
- Turkey
- Pumpkins
- Potatoes
- Milk
- Chicken
In order to experience the depression-fighting effects, it’s easiest to take a supplement, while including some of these foods into your regular diet.
Battling Depression with Vitamin B
It might sound hard to believe, but did you know you can fight the effects of depression with everyday vitamins? B vitamins are especially important when it comes to your overall brain health and function.
Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin B-6 both produce and influence chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. Vitamin B deficiencies are often linked to depression, and your doctor may want you to start taking supplements to boost the levels of Vitamin B within your body.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with depression, introducing a Vitamin B supplement can help to manage your symptoms naturally on a daily basis.
Can a Dietary Supplement Treat Depression?
While depression isn’t uncommon, it does need to be officially diagnosed by a doctor. Once you receive that diagnosis, you can talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.
If you’re interested in natural health products and homeopathic medicines, there are supplements you can take each day to reduce some of the effects of depression and to feel better overall.
If you want to try any of the supplements listed here or do your research on other natural products, please feel free to browse our wide selection of health products that can heal your body from the inside out by using safe, natural ingredients.
The Importance of a High-Fiber Diet
If you’ve ever done some research about what to include in a healthy, balanced diet, you’ve probably come across some of the health benefits of a high fiber diet. Increasing your fiber intake, either through a dietary supplement or by eating more fiber-rich foods (or both!) can bring a variety of different health benefits.
Fiber is more than just some “diet fad” or buzzword of the month when it comes to your overall health. It’s something your body needs to function properly and, by increasing your fiber intake, you can do so much more than just promote a healthy digestive system.
Let’s take a look at why a high-fiber diet is so important and how it can benefit you.
Why Does Fiber Help with Digestion?
When most people think of high-fiber foods, they automatically think of their digestive system or a desire to keep things “regular.” Fiber absorbs water as it passes through your intestines, which adds “bulk” to your stool and reduces constipation.
Not only does fiber make it easier to “go,” but it can trap the bad cholesterol in your body and drag it out, too! Soluble fiber, found in beans, carrots, apples, oranges, and more, turns into a gel-like substance as it works its way through your body. It helps to keep cholesterol and fat from staying in your body. Instead, it pushes them out into your stool. You can also get soluble fiber from herbal supplements if you aren’t getting enough naturally in your diet.
The Risk of Heart Disease & Diabetes
Introducing more fiber into your diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. So, if it runs in your family or you’ve been told you’re at a higher risk for heart problems, taking natural supplements or getting more fiber in what you eat can lower your risk for heart disease significantly.
In addition to lowering your chance of getting heart disease, fiber can also lower your risk of diabetes. Fiber helps to slow down sugar absorption in your body. As a result, it’s less likely that you’ll experience blood sugar spikes. It can help you to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, lowering your chances of developing diabetes, even if you have a predisposition to it.
Can Fiber Help You Lose Weight?
While eating more fiber isn’t going to speed up your metabolism or burn more calories, there are a couple of different ways it can help you on your weight loss journey. First, eating more fiber-rich foods will help you to feel fuller longer. When you feel satisfied, you’ll be less likely to overeat or pick up unhealthy snacks throughout the day.
Additionally, as we stated earlier, soluble fiber helps to trap fat and cholesterol and remove them through the body. It does this before the fat has a chance to become fully absorbed by the body. So, fiber can help to keep fat from just “sitting” there.
If you’re struggling to get more fiber in your daily diet, don’t be afraid to turn to nutritional supplements for help. At Forrest Health, we provide supplements you can take each day to increase your fiber, lower your risk of certain diseases, and improve your overall health. Feel free to browse our products today and start feeling your best.
6 Natural Remedies for Migraines
Millions suffer from the unbearable pain, nausea, and noise sensitivity of migraines. For those who prefer not to take pharmaceutical migraine products, there are many natural remedies and herbal supplements that can both alleviate symptoms and migraine frequency.
1. Identify and Eliminate Dietary Triggers
Some of the things you eat and drink can actually cause migraine headache pain and are therefore best avoided. Bread, cheese, chocolate, and alcohol are just a few of the many known triggers. Trying to eliminate possible triggers from your diet one at a time can help you identify which could be causing your migraines.
2. Try Acupressure or Reflexology
Acupressure and reflexology can both be effective at relieving the symptoms and reducing the occurrences of migraines. In acupressure, points along the body’s energy lines or meridians are massaged. Reflexology focuses on the massaging of particular points that are related to specific areas of the body. In both modalities, the goal is to stimulate the body to heal itself with its own resources.
3. Essential Oils
Lavender and peppermint essential oils are powerful pain relievers that can be very helpful for migraines when applied topically. Inhaling the aromatic compounds of lavender essential oil, as well as applying a small amount to the upper lip, can reduce pain. Peppermint essential oil is most effective when applied in small amounts to the temples.
4. Roots and Herbs
Some roots and herbs can be just as or more effective than migraine medications at reducing the pain, discomfort, and duration of migraines. Ginger root, now the key ingredient in many products, is very effective at reducing nausea without many of the side effects of some pharmaceutical options.
The feverfew plant has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the pain associated with migraines. Butterbur root also has anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Vitamins and Minerals
Certain natural products can correct the deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that trigger migraines. B-complex vitamins can reduce symptoms, as well as work to prevent migraines from occurring.
Magnesium was found to be more deficient in those who suffer from migraines. Supplementation with magnesium can reduce migraine severity and frequency, but this mineral can also be obtained through the diet when foods like almonds, eggs, cashews, and sunflower seeds are consumed.
6. Stay Hydrated
Many people are chronically dehydrated without knowing it. In fact, chronic dehydration has been identified as a cause of migraines. Ensuring you consume foods high in water content, as well as drink water regularly during the day, will help you stay hydrated and help prevent painful migraines.
It’s important to remember that, just as with pharmaceutical drugs, some natural products need to be taken with caution. Consult with your natural health care practitioner before taking any nutritional supplements, herbs, roots, or essential oils for your migraines.
Natural migraine relief is a click away with Forrest Health. All of the products we sell have been created with the latest technology and natural ingredients for the most health benefit. Call 1-408-354-4262 to learn more.