Author: Green Wisdom Health

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Is it an Affair of the Heart?

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With heart diseasee being the most common cause of death in the United States, it’s important that we do everything we can to support a healthy heart. Stress, along with a poor diet and other lifestyle factors, can play a large role in the development of heart disease. Throughout this year, many people across the country have reported being much more stress than usual due to the current situations happening around the country and world. This stress can take a toll on the heart and the rest of the body, and it’s important that we do our best to keep our stress levels as low as possible. In this week’s episode, Is it an Affair of the Heart?, we’ll go over how stress affects the heart, and what you can do to help protect your heart and lower stress levels.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Omega Supreme – Omega Supreme is a convenient omega-3 fatty acid supplement offering 1,000 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the natural, triglyceride form per soft gel.

Nattokinase – Nattokinase is a proteolytic enzyme whose principle effect is fibrinolysis or degradation of fibrin, a fibrillar protein that when linked together forms the mesh essential for blood clot formation.† Nattokinase also upregulates the body’s natural mechanism that guards against excess fibrin formation.† Produced from fermentation of non-GMO soybean isolates by Bacillus subtilis natto. Standardized to fibrin activity units and free of vitamin K.

Pantothenic Acid Complex – The ability of the adrenal gland to respond to physiological stress is supported by botanicals with recognized adaptogenic properties. Eleuthero and rhodiola act on neurotransmitter function, the central nervous system, and cardiovascular function to help the body adjust appropriately when faced with biological, physical, or chemical challenges.† Cordyceps mushroom, known for its revitalizing effects, and pantothenic acid, a B vitamin required for adrenal hormone formation, are also included.†

You can also listen to Is it an Affair of the Heart? on our YouTube channel here.

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Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease

Neon heart; reducing your risk of heart disease

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, so taking care of your heart should be a priority. Stress, poor diet, genetics, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to the development of heart issues, so knowing what you can do to reduce stress and eat healthier could make a big difference. It can be difficult to know where to start, but making some diet and lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Let’s go over what heart disease is and what you can do to help reduce your risk.

Heart Disease

Heart health is a hot topic due to the increasing number of heart disease diagnoses. Heart disease refers to several conditions that are related to the heart including conditions that involve damaged or clogged arteries, a damaged or dysfunctional heart, and certain types of blood clots. Things like poor diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, genetics, smoking cigarettes, and several other things can contribute to the development of heart disease, but many of these things can be controlled. Your heart is one of the most important organs and without it we couldn’t live, so make heart health a priority and consider making some changes.

Prevention

You can greatly lower your risk of heart disease through better nutrition, exercise, quitting smoking, and taking certain supplements. Your diet should be focused on organic fruits and vegetables, good fats like olive oil and coconut oil, and grass-fed meats. Processed foods, trans fats and other bad fats like vegetable oil and margarine, processed meats like hot dogs, and high-sugar foods should be eliminated from your diet because these foods can increase inflammation in the arteries and throughout the body which can put extra strain on the heart and surrounding vessels. Drinking enough filtered water is also important because it may help decrease the risk of developing a blood clot.

Supplements

We have several supplements that we recommend for those wanting to improve heart health, balance cholesterol levels, and/or lower blood pressure. These include:

  • Omega Supreme – Omega Supreme is a convenient omega-3 fatty acid supplement offering 1,000 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the natural, triglyceride form per soft gel.
  • BP Support – BP Support is formulated to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels by enhancing endothelial cell and arterial function. Using a combination of highdose L-citrulline, quercetin and grape seed extract, this product delivers full-spectrum support to help maintain normal inflammatory balance, arterial elasticity, optimal nitric oxide levels, and blood flow.
  • Quercetin Bromelain Ultra – Quercetin is a powerful bioflavonoid that protects cells and tissues against free radicals.† Bromelain, papain, and pancreatin provide a mixture of protein-specific and other enzymes that help ensure proper breakdown of protein molecules that may otherwise cause irritation.† Vitamin C, buffered with magnesium to eliminate acidity, supports histamine metabolism, detoxification processes, and collagen synthesis.†
  • Active Mag – Magnesium is an essential mineral for health, strength, and longevity; it functions as the required bio-inorganic catalyst in over 350 enzyme reactions.† Magnesium is necessary for energy (ATP) production; sustaining heart health and healthy blood vessels; maintaining adequate blood flow to the brain to support healthy neurons and nerves; and for optimal skeletal muscle function.†

Heart health should not be taken lightly. There are many changes you can make that can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease like switching to a whole food diet, engaging in light exercise, quitting smoking, taking certain supplements, and reducing stress.

If you are having any heart issues you should see your doctor right away, or if you are having symptoms of a heart attack you should seek emergency medical attention. Signs of a heart attack can include pain in the jaw, neck, or left arm, dizziness, sudden fatigue, chest pain, cold sweats, heartburn, and nausea.

You can listen to our Is it an Affair of the Heart? podcast episode on here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Cleaning Up A Toxic Liver

Herbs and limes; cleaning up a toxic liver.

Our bodies have to deal with a near constant influx of toxins including pesticides, chemicals, pollutants in our air and water, chemicals in our food, heavy metals, mold, and much more. The liver has many important jobs, and one of them is filtering through these toxins each day, but due to the staggering amount of chemicals the average person encounters each day (which can range from hundreds to thousands of different chemicals), the liver often ends up overworked and dysfunctional. The liver is such an important organ that is necessary for many vital functions in the body, so it’s important to keep it as healthy as we can. Let’s discuss what the liver does, and some things we can do to help clean up a toxic liver.

Jobs of the Liver

The liver is responsible for over 500 tasks like producing bile, filtering blood, producing cholesterol, storing glucose, and many others. Keeping your liver healthy is crucial to overall health, and sluggish livers are a common problem today. We encounter many different chemicals every day in our air, water, food, medications, beauty products, plastics, etc. Our bodies are constantly working to filter through these chemicals to minimize the harm done, but our livers and other organs can’t always keep up. Many people also do not eat correctly and lack vitamins and minerals essential for proper liver function, add this to the toxic load we’re carrying, and it’s a wonder our livers are functioning at all.

Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant that the body is supposed to produce in cells, but production may not be optimal due to genetic mutations and/or environmental factors. We also produce less glutathione as we age, so supplementation is often recommended, especially for older individuals. Glutathione has many functions and benefits, including potentially reducing damage in liver cells, supporting a healthy nervous system, and improving insulin resistance and fat-burning especially in older people. One of the main benefits of glutathione is that it can help reduce oxidative stress, which greatly influences aging, certain chronic conditions, and autoimmune conditions. In autoimmune conditions, the mitochondria of the cells are often damages, and gluathione may help protect the mitochondria from further damage. Supplementing with glutathione may help aid in cleaning up a toxic liver, as well as many other potential benefits.

Symptoms of a Sluggish Liver

When the liver is not working quite as well as it should be, it is often referred to as sluggish. This doesn’t mean it is diseased, just that it is not functioning at the level it should be. Some of the symptoms of a sluggish liver may include:

  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Waking up at 2am-3am for no apparent reason
  • Fatigue
  • Acne and/or rashes
  • Moodiness
  • Headaches
  • Brain fog

This is not an exhaustive list as symptoms can manifest differently in each person, but it is good to be aware of these common ones.

What Can You Do?

The good news is that we can do a lot to promote healthy liver function, but consistency is important. Reducing your exposure to toxins as much as possible is a great first step. Try to avoid synthetic household cleaning products, aerosol products like hairspray and air freshener, and opt for natural products whenever possible. You can also supplement with vitamins, minerals, and herbs that can help promote healthy liver function. Liver Support & Detox and Vital Detox are great products for liver health, and can aid in both phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification. Limiting alcohol intake is also important because excessive drinking can cause liver damage and may contribute to some forms of liver disease.

Cleaning up a toxic liver means you should focus on eating a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, high-quality meats, and healthy fats like coconut oil and avocados. You should also make sure the food you eat is organic because pesticides are a major source of toxins, and make sure you are drinking clean, filtered water to avoid the chemicals, heavy metals and other harmful substances found in tap water. Exercising regularly may also help improve liver function, and limiting alcohol intake may decrease your risk for certain forms of liver disease. Your liver is a very important organ and it has a lot of responsibilities, so take good care of it!

You can listen to our Happy Liver Makes a Happy Life podcast episode here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Happy Liver Makes a Happy Life

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The average American encounters so many different environental toxins each day. Some experts estimate that we are exposed to hundreds of different chemicals every day, and some experts believe it could be as high as tens of thousands of differenct chemicals. They can be found in our air, food, water, cosmetics, soaps, cleaners, clothes, etc., and can cause a myriad of health issues over time. Our liver has many functions in the body, but one of its most important functions is the filtering of toxins. The liver works constantly along with other organs like the kidneys to rid our body of the different toxins we consume. However, if the liver is not functioning properly, its ability to filter things can be inhibited, this is why it’s so important to support the liver. In this week’s show we’ll discuss some things you can do to help support the liver, and why a happy liver makes a happy life.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Reduced L-Glutathione – Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifying compound consisting of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.† Produced in the liver, glutathione assists with detoxifying xenobiotics and heavy metals, neutralizes hydrogen peroxide, maintains the integrity of blood cells, and helps transport amino acids across cell membranes.† It aids in the breakdown of oxidized fats and is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism.† Glutathione is also involved in metabolizing insulin and regulating blood glucose levels.† This hypoallergenic formulation has been specifically designed using the active, reduced form of glutathione for maximum benefit.

Liver Detox & Support – This formula contains nutrients known to enhance intracellular levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)—crucial antioxidants that protect hepatocytes and help detoxify everyday foreign substances.† The balance of supportive nutrients makes this product suitable to help strengthen the liver against everyday challenges to liver function.†

N-Acetyl Cysteine – This derivative of the amino acid cysteine is often used as the preferred substrate for intracellular glutathione synthesis. It also assists detoxification, provides cellular antioxidant protection, and is much safer than cysteine.†

You can also listen to Happy Liver Makes a Happy Life on our YouTube channel here.

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Early Warning Signs of a Thyroid Problem

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Thyroid conditions are more common now than ever, with some experts believing this is mostly due to the high number of environmental toxins we are exposed to every day. There are many chemicals that are classified as endocrine disruptors (which means they interfere with hormones and can cause hormonal imbalances) that can be found in our air, water, and many cosmetic products. There are other things that can impact thyroid health like diet and lifestyle, and in this week’s show we’ll go over thyroid health and how you can support the thyroid, as well as discuss some possible early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Thyroid Essentials Plus – Thyroid Essentials Plus is designed to be an all-in-one thyroid support product that may benefit many thyroid conditions. In just one product, it is now possible for the clinician to provide botanical and nutritional enhancement of thyroid hormone production, peripheral conversion of T4 to T3, as well as receptor function and recognition of thyroid hormones.

Bacopa 320 – Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as Brahmi, is an adaptogenic, nootropic plant. CDRI 08 is the most extensively researched bacopaextract shown to support cognitive function, spatial working memory, new information retention, stress management, and mood.†

Iodine Forte – Iodine is an essential element. Although its main function is in the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, other organs in the body have a need for iodine in order to function normally.

You can also listen to Early Warning Signs of a Thyroid Problem on our YouTube channel here.

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Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

Fish and vegetables; hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are conditions that affect the thyroid gland. The thyroid is responsible for releasing hormones that are crucial to many important functions like regulation of metabolism, heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. It also affects cholesterol levels, mood, energy, and weight management. Let’s take a look at the differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and what you can do to help improve thyroid health.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland is producing too much of certain thyroid hormones (T4 for example). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include unexplained weight loss, brittle hair, sensitivity to heat, sleep issues, irregular heartbeat, weakness, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. However, these symptoms could also be signs of a more serious condition, so always check with your doctor. Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include an autoimmune condition like Graves’ Disease, and inflammation of the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism

Conversely, hypothryoidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, weakness, thinning hair, decreased heart rate, dry skin, and depression. The most common causes of hypothyroidism include an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, radiation therapy, inflammation of the thyroid gland, an iodine deficiency, and certain medications.

What You Can Do

Although thyroid issues are common, there are some things you can do to help improve the health of your thyroid and possibly reduce your risk of developing more serious thyroid conditions. The main thing you need to do is take a look at your diet. What you eat affects every system in your body, and proper nutrition is necessary for good health. Getting enough vitamins, minerals, and iodine in your diet is crucial to a properly functioning thyroid, in addition to all other organs and bodily systems. Some of the best foods to get iodine from are fish, shrimp, and other seafood because you also get omega-3’s. Cutting inflammatory foods and drinks out of your diet is also important because inflammation is one of the main causes of thyroid conditions. Inflammatory foods include processed foods, sodas, candy, breads, etc.

Taking certain supplements may also help provide the nutrients necessary for a healthy thyroid. Our product Thyroid Essentials Plus is a great formula containing iodine, selenium, l-tyrosine, and several other ingredients that may help promote thyroid health. Bacopa 320 is another product that is great for overall hormone balancing, including thyroid hormones, and may help promote healthy memory, energy levels, and mood.

Thyroid issues are becoming more and more common, which is likely due to the stress and environmental toxins we encounter each day. Fortunately, proper nutrition and supplementation may help improve some of the symptoms of existing conditions, and may even help lower your risk of developing some in the future. Your health should always be a top priority, and we want to help you feel your best!

You can listen to our Early Warning Signs of a Thyroid Problem podcast episode on our website here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Supporting Brain Health

Fish on plate; supporting brain health.

Many people only begin to consider the health of their brain as they get older, or as they notice a decline in memory, learning speed, or focus. However, as with any health journey, people typically have better results when they start young. Fortunately there are many things you can do to help support your brain throughout your life, from supplements to diet and lifestyle changes. Let’s go over a few simple ways you can help support your brain.

Fish Oil

One of the most commonly recommended supplements is fish oil, and for several reasons. High-quality fish oil has a wide range of potential health benefits including, but not limited to, supporting brain health, balancing cholesterol levels, and reducing blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and inflammation. The omega-3s (EPA and DHA) found in high-quality fish oil are crucial for healthy brain function throughout a person’s life. Pregnant women are advised to supplement with fish oil throughout pregnancy as it is necessary for healthy brain development in the baby. Lower levels of DHA later in life have been associated with a decrease in brain size, which can signal accelerated brain aging. Fish oil is also heavily recommended for people with heart disease, or a family history of heart disease.

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Eating a diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables, plenty of healthy fats to support the brain, high-quality meats, and plenty of water may also help support the brain, as well as the rest of the body. It’s also important to get a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each night, as sleep deprivation can have negative effects on memory and focus, along with other negative health effects. Eating a healthy diet may also help decrease inflammation in the body, which is important because high inflammation levels are believed to contribute to accelerated aging, chronic diseases, hormone imbalances, certain types of cancer, etc. Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain like puzzles, reading, and learning new things may also help support healthy brain function.

You can listen to our Start When You’re Young to Protect Your Brain podcast episode on our website here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Start When You’re Young to Protect Your Brain

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Many people only consider the health of their brain when they notice their memory getting worse, but supporting the health of your brain when you’re young can make a big difference later in life. Often, once a person’s memory is severely affected, it may be too late to fully heal the brain, but there are still plenty of things you can do to help support the brain. In this week’s episode we’ll discuss some of the things you can do to support a healthy brain, as well as the importance of starting when you’re young to protect your brain.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

GPC Liquid – GPC Liquid is a good choice when higher doses of GPC are desired, and the dropper is calibrated to allow for easy titration. GPC has a naturally delicious, sweet taste on its own so no additional sweeteners were added to this product.

B Complex Ultra – B vitamins are essential nutrients required for optimal health and functioning of numerous systems and biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, brain, liver and nerve cell function, and muscle tone in the GI tract.† Activated forms of folate (Metafolin®‡ L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and vitamin B12(methylcobalamin) are used for enhanced absorption and bioavailability. This high-potency B-complex vitamin supplement is formulated to be hypoallergenic and yeast free.

Niacin Slow-Release – Slow release of niacin over several hours helps avoid the uncomfortable flushing action of this B vitamin so that its full benefits on cholesterol metabolism can be obtained.†

You can also listen to Start When You’re Young to Protect Your Brain on our YouTube channel here.

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Is it COVID, Flu, or Allergies?

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With flu season approaching and seasonal allergies starting, it can be difficult to know what the differences of each of these issues are, and how to support the immune system throughout the fall and winter. In this week’s episode we’ll review some of the differences between these issues, and discuss if it could be COVID, flu or allergies. We will also talk about what vitamins and minerals may help support a healthy immune system, as well as some dietary and lifestyle changes you can consider making.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

GI Immune – AC-11® is a patented, water-soluble botanical extract of Uncaria tomentosa shown to uniquely support immune function, healthy inflammatory response and the body’s natural defenses at the molecular level against oxidative stress, supporting DNA integrity.† This formula combines AC-11® and larch arabinogalactan to support immune responsiveness and the body’s natural DNA repair capacity.† Arabinogalactan is a polysaccharide that stimulates beneficial immune cells resulting in a powerful immunomodulating effect.†

Immune Essentials – Immune Essentials supports immune health with a blend of highly researched and effectively concentrated mushroom extracts combined with the polyphenol nutrient support of green tea.† This formula provides beta 1,3/1,6 d-glucan and a range of bioactive compounds that have been shown to potentiate immune response.† Grown in the USA under rigidly controlled conditions, these mushroom extracts are made with 100% certified organic ingredients.

Hista-Plex – Hista-Plex is a targeted blend of flavonoids, antioxidants, proteolytic enzymes and botanicals designed to provide comprehensive support for seasonal challenges caused by common environmental allergens. This formula includes quercetin, a powerful flavonoid, to support healthy histamine levels. It also includes bromelain which enhances the absorption of quercetin and supports mucosal tissue health. Stinging nettles leaf help balance hyper-immune responses and N-acetyl cysteine help clear the airways by promoting normal viscosity of mucus. This powerful combination actively promotes healthy nasal and sinus passages for individuals with elevated histamine and respiratory irritation.

You can also listen to Is it COVID, Flu, or Allergies? on our YouTube channel here.

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Supporting Immune System Health Naturally

Fruits in crates; supporting immune system health naturally.

Many people have been wondering what they can do to help support their immune system and respiratory health. In addition to good handwashing habits, there are some things you can do to help support immune health naturally. Cutting out processed foods and replacing them with natural, nutrient-dense foods is a great place to start, and there are also some supplements that may help support immune system function as well as respiratory health. Let’s go over some potential benefits of mushrooms, the importance of adequate nutrient levels, and what can help support the lungs.

Mushrooms

Consuming mushrooms has been shown to improve cognitive function, energy levels, and immune system health. Cordyceps, for example, have been shown to increase natural killer cells, which are a type of white blood cell that may help the body fight off infections, and they’ve also found that cordyceps may help increase the ability of cells to utilize oxygen, which could potentially improve respiratory health. Turkey tail is another type of mushroom that may help support the immune system by activating certain beneficial immune cells. In one study, shiitake mushrooms were found to improve immune system markers on blood work and decrease inflammation levels. These are just a few benefits of the many mushrooms found to have health benefits.

Vitamins

It’s important to get all of the necessary vitamins each day, but a few vitamins may be particularly beneficial for the immune system. One of the most common things people think of when they want to support their immune system is vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, which means your body cannot produce it, so you must get it from your diet and/or supplementation. It can be found in oranges, bell peppers, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, etc. Vitamin C has many important jobs in the body like growing and repairing tissue, keeping cartilage healthy, and fighting off free-radicals that may contribute to the development of certain cancers and other health conditions. Explaining the immune-enhancing effects of vitamin C can get quite technical, but to summarize it, vitamin C supports many different cellular functions of the immune system, and helps support the body in making B- and T- cells, which are a crucial part of an immune response.

Vitamin D is another vitamin that is great for immune system health and many other things. It has effects on the immune system similar to vitamin C, but vitamin D may also help prevent autoimmune disorders by supporting T cells. In autoimmune disorders, the body has usually lost its ability to differentiate between what is healthy tissue, and what is a dangerous invader, causing the body to attack healthy tissue. T cells help the immune system know what is healthy and what needs to be attacked, so it is very important to make sure you are getting enough vitamin D each day. Supplementation is often recommended due to how common vitamin D deficiency is, and how difficult it can be to get enough from sunshine and your diet.

Respiratory Health

Things that help support the immune system will also generally help maintain respiratory health, but there are a few things that can directly affect the lungs. Certain mushrooms have been researched for their potential respiratory benefits, and reishi mushrooms in particular have been shown to have a positive effect on lung health. Immune Essentials contains reishi mushrooms, as well as turkey tail, cordyceps, and shiitake mushrooms which can help support respiratory health and immune system function, as well as other potential benefits like increased energy and focus. Certain strains of probiotics like some of the ones found in Probio-Ease may also help support respiratory health, as well as support the gut which is where many of the functions of the immune system are carried out.

While taking care of yourself doesn’t guarantee that you won’t ever get sick, it can give your body a better chance at being able to fight things off. So, consider taking some of these supplements, and make sure you’re eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and high-quality meats and fats. Exercise has also been shown to improve immune system health, so be active when you can, even if it’s just a short walk. Remember to continue practicing good hand-washing habits, and support your body’s natural defenses with good nutrition. Fear can lead to stress, which has been shown to dampen the immune system, so focus on the positive!

You can listen to our Is it COVID, Flu, or Allergies? podcast episode on our website here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.