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All About Probiotics

Yogurt; all about probiotics.

Probiotics are an important part of a supplement regimen and a healthy lifestyle, but just how important are they? They have shown potential in easing the symptoms of conditions like IBS, acid reflux, constipation, and even anxiety and depression. Taking a daily probiotic is one of the best things you can do to help promote a healthy gut, and a healthier gut means a healthier immune system. Let’s learn all about probiotics and take a look at why these bacteria are so important for our health.

Good and Bad Bacteria

Our gut contains an estimated 100 trillion bacteria, which is more than the number of human cells in your body. There are “good” and “bad” bacteria, and different strains have different uses. However, our gut flora (bacteria) can get out of balance, which can contribute to a number of different health conditions like allergies, IBS and other stomach issues, heart disease, depression, anxiety, and potentially obesity and certain cancers. One of the types of “bad” bacteria in our guts that most people are familiar with is candida. Candida is present in everyone in some amount, but the problem begins when it multiplies too much. This usually happens due to a poor diet high in sugar and processed food, which essentially “feeds” the candida, and/or taking antibiotics, especially for an extended period of time, which can decrease the good bacteria in your gut that would normally keep the bad bacteria under control, allowing candida to flourish. This is one reason why probiotics are so important because increasing the number of good bacteria in your gut is crucial to reducing candida and other bacteria that may have gotten out of hand, and for maintaining a good balance.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are essentially chemical messegers that send signals throughout the brain and other parts of the body. The science behind neurotransmitters is fairly complicated, so we won’t get into the details of it all, but there are a few neurotransmittes you’re likely familiar with. Serotonin, dopamine, and histamine are a few of the many neurotransmitters in our bodies. Much of these and other neurotransmitters are synthesized in the gut, and research is beginning to show that our gut flora may affect how much of these neurotransmitters are produced. Research suggests that probiotics may have the potential to help decrease the symptoms of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions, likely through balancing the gut bacteria which may lead to more balanced neurotransmitters. Many antidepressants are SSRI’s, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, and they work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin into the brain, meaning there is more serotonin available for use. However, if probiotics are able to increase the production of serotonin in the gut by balancing the gut bacteria, they may prove to be a useful option in treating certain mental health conditions, but more research is needed to prove this.

Immune System

Our gut flora also plays a large role in the health of our immune system. It is estimated that seventy percent or more of our immune system can be found in our gut because the bacteria in our gut plays a large role in the development of white blood cells and antibodies. So, having an imbalance in the gut flora may affect immune system function, potentially increasing your risk of certain infections. There is so much research being conducted now on different strains of bacteria and what roles they play in the development of certain diseases, and researchers have found that a person’s gut flora can actually change in response to certain infections and diseases, and that certain strains of bacteria may contribute to the development of some serious medical conditions like colon cancer.

Probiotic Options

There are many different probiotics with different strains of bacteria and different amounts, but here are a few we really like:

  • Target gb-X – Probiotic supplement specifically designed to support positive mood by influencing the gut-brain axis through the microbiome. It is powered by Ecologic BARRIER, a 5B CFU blend of 9 probiotic strains, that has been clinically shown to decrease overall cognitive reactivity to sad mood, rumination, negative thoughts, and aggressive thoughts.1
  • Probio Lean – Contains a blend of 7 select probiotic species in a cellulose base. Designed to increase intestinal diversity and support healthy metabolism and weight management, each capsule provides 25 billion CFU.
  • Probio Ease – This shelf-stable, 50 billion CFU formulation contains a blend of 7 select probiotic species with Sunfiber®, a low-FODMAP certified prebiotic. This formulation provides comprehensive microbiome, immune, and healthy inflammation support in one convenient capsule.

Generally the best time to take most probiotics is at bedtime before you sleep so that there isn’t food interfering with the probiotic’s activity.

The bacteria in our gut is being researched now more than ever, and it has been shown to play a role in the development or prevention of many different health conditions. We stress the importance of gut health because it plays such a big role in overall health and wellness. Taking a high-quality probiotic, and eating a variety of organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and good fats can go a long way in helping to feed the good bacteria in your gut and reduce the bad.

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How Physical Health Affects Emotions

Woman running; how physical health affects emotions.

This year has been one of the most stressful years of many people’s lives, and depression and anxiety has become much more common all across the U.S. and much of the world. Now that the holidays are approaching and stress levels are rising even higher, some people are trying to cope in unhealthy ways by drinking more alcohol and/or making poorer food choices like eating more sugar and processed foods. While you may think drinking more alcohol or eating whatever you want will help you deal with these negative emotions, it can actually make them worse. Your physical health affects your emotions in several ways, and it’s so important to keep yourself as healthy as you can both physically and emotionally during this time.

Liver and Kidneys

The health of your liver and kidneys could play a role in your emotional health. In traditional Chinese medicine, each organ is connected to different emotions. So, it is believed that if your liver is diseased or not functioning optimally, you may experience feelings of anger, frustration, bitterness, irritability, and/or resentment. If your kidneys are not functioning optimally, you may experience feelings of fear, isolation, and insecurity. So, if you begin consuming too much alcohol (especially if you are also dehydrated), it could put a strain on your liver and kidneys, and could contribute to feelings of anger, fear and isolation. Poor liver or kidney function could also affect sleep patterns and energy levels, potentially worsening any negative emotions you’re already experiencing.

Gut Health

Poor gut health is incredibly common, and a majority of the American population deals with at least one digestive issue on a regular basis. Things like food allergies/intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, poor digestion, diarrhea, constipation, and more serious conditions like Crohn’s disease have all become much more common over the last few decades. The rise in these conditions is mostly attributed to the processed foods we eat that can wreak havoc on our digestive systems and the rest of our bodies. While this can greatly affect our physical health, it can also have an affect on your emotions. Most of our neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and GABA are produced in the gut by the bacteria found there. These neurotransmitters are critical for healthy mood and sleep regulation, and feelings of happiness and well-being. This is believed to be one of the reasons some studies have linked probiotic consumption with decreased cases of depression and anxiety.

What Can You Do?

Fortunately there are several things you can do to help support your physical and emotional health. Be careful about the amount of alcohol you consume and how often you drink it. Studies have shown that chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol can contribute to weight gain, and the development of insulin resistance, liver disease, dehydration, and alcoholism. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day, especially on any days that you consume alcohol, or engage in activities that make you sweat. You can also take a product like Liver Support & Detox to help provide some of the nutrients your liver needs to function optimally. Try to cut out processed foods and beverages as much as you can, as well as foods high in refined carbohydrates like breads, pasta and pastries. You can also take a probiotic to help support the good bacteria in your gut. It’s time we start viewing the human body as a whole, connected unit.

You can listen to our Emotional Health Takes Physical Effort podcast episode here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Fighting Anxiety and Depression Naturally

Woman in sunflower field; fighting depression and anxiety naturally.

Many people are dealing with stress, anxiety and/or depression on a daily basis, and it can make it hard for some people to live their life normally. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are often prescribed, but they don’t always help, and the root cause may not be in your mind. Research has shown a possible connection between gut health and the development and severity of certain emotional problems like anxiety and depression. Stress and vitamin and mineral deficiencies may also play a role, so let’s take a look at some possible ways of fighting anxiety and depression naturally.

Gut Health

There are certain types of bacteria in your gut that produce neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, and serotonin. These chemicals play a key role in mood, anxiety, ability to relax, stress management, and many other things. If the gut is unhealthy and the bacteria are unable to produce these neurotransmitters in the right amounts, it couldcontribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Improving gut health can also help improve immune system function, digestion, and nutrient absorption.

There are many things you can do that may help improve the health of your gut. Cutting out inflammatory foods and replacing them with fresh, whole foods is one of the most important changes you can make. Inflammatory foods include frozen or boxed meals or food mixes, high-sugar foods like candy and soda, unhealthy fats like canola oil and margarine, and foods that have long ingredients lists with ingredients you don’t recognize. Cutting down on the chemicals we consume and use around the house is a great step towards reducing our toxic burden and the accompanying inflammation. You can replace these foods with organic fruits and vegetables, homemade meals, high-quality meats, healthy fats like coconut and olive oil, and replacing sodas and fruit juices with water.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Another possible cause of certain mental health disorders is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, or multiple deficiencies. Different vitamins and minerals play different roles in the body, and many of them help regulate mood, anxiety, and stress. For example, vitamins B12 and B9 (folate) play important roles in regulating mood, vitamin B5 helps support the adrenal glands which are affected by stres, and vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to anxiety disorders. These are just a few examples of why it is important to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs on a daily basis, but it’s often difficult to get all of these nutrients through diet alone. Suppplementing with a high-quality multivitamin can help you get some of the nutrients you may not be getting enough of from your diet, or you may want to include a B vitamin complex like B Complex Ultra. You can also get routine lab work done so your vitamin D levels, iron levels, and cortisol can all be checked.

These are great changes you may want to consider implemeting in your life, but if you need a little help along the way you could try taking EZ Relax which may help if you have a hard time unwinding or falling asleep at night, or you could try Pantothenic Acid Complex which contains rhodiola extract and other adaptogenic herbs, along with pantothenic acid that work together and may help reduce stress and anxiety. Sometimes people notice a big improvement with just taking a b complex or starting a yoga routine, but everyone is different. You should never be afraid to ask for help from your family and friends, or your healthcare professional. Do your best to focus on the good days rather than the bad days, and surround yourself with positive, healthy, and encouraging people and habits.

While these healthy changes could make a big difference, this advice is not meant to replace medical treatment. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes, especially if you are on medication.

You can listen to our Little Known Facts About Depression podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Little Known Facts About Depression

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

Depression and anxiety have become much more common this year due to the unprecedented events that have happened, and the demand for products and medications that help treat these issues has greatly increased. While most people know the typical symptoms of depression and anxiety, there are some other things you may not know about these conditions. In this week’s podcast episode we’ll discuss some little known facts about depression, like how certain vitamin deficiencies and food sensitivities may contribute to the development of certain emotional disorders, along with some natural things you can do that may help.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

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.

Stress Response – A comprehensive formula of nutrients and botanicals with demonstrated and unique neurosupportive effects creates a robust and multifactorial approach to support daily brain health and function.†

Methyl Supreme – Vitamins B2, B6, B12, and folate are provided in active, coenzyme forms for maximal bioavailability and function. The ingredients in Methyl Supreme work together to synergistically support methylation processes and help maintain normal homocysteine metabolism.

You can also listen to Little Known Facts About Depression on our YouTube channel here.

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Detox Your Way to Energy

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

We are exposed to countless enviromental toxins every day through our food, water and air. While the body works tirelessly to detoxify, humans are exposed to far more toxins than ever before, so our bodies can use all the help they can get. Heavy metals, mold, food additives, tap water contaminants, and medications all have to be filtered out, and these detox processes are reliant on healthy liver and kidney function, as well as having the appropriate nutrients to bind to these metals and chemicals so they can be eliminated properly. In this week’s show we’ll discuss how to detox your way to energy, why certain herbs are important for heavy metal detoxification, and how giving your body the nutrients it needs to detoxify properly can make a big difference.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Perfect Plant Protein – Functional Plant Protein Vanilla Bean combines USA-grown, sustainable pea protein with microbiome-nourishing prebiotics and antioxidants. This great-tasting, bioavailable, and easy-to-digest protein formulation is 100% dairy-free and non-GMO.

Vital Detox – This formulation is rich in chlorophylls from Chlorella and contains a unique broccoli extract with glucosinolates. The chlorophylls in Chlorella form tight molecular complexes with a wide variety of everyday toxic chemical compounds, reducing their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A high-strength enzyme blend also breaks down dietary antigens and may support assimilation of beneficial constituents of Chlorella. Glucosinolate compounds in broccoli are powerful inducers of natural phase 2 detoxification processes in the liver. Most substances detoxified by the liver are released into the bile for excretion through the intestinal tract. Chlorella helps trap these toxins to reduce reabsorption.

Amino Complete – A comprehensive, hypoallergenic source of essential amino acids. Designed to meet the needs of individuals who require additional amino acids for protein support. This formulation of 20 essential and non-essential “L-form” amino acids uses the highest-quality, pharmaceutical grade, crystalline amino acids in their “free” form to ensure maximum bioavailability and tolerance.

You can also listen to Detox Your Way to Energy on our YouTube channel here.

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Simple Health Habits to Have

Green vegetables; simple health habits to have.

The last few weeks have caused increased stress and anxiety for many people, and many have been consuming more alcohol and eating more unhealthy foods to deal with these feelings. Many people have also had a loss of daily structure due to job losses and businesses closing, which can increase stress and may contribute to depression. Unfortunately, these things can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Having a few simple health habits to follow each day can help keep you on track, and help ensure your body is getting what it needs to feel its best.

Eating Healthy

What you eat is one of the biggest factors in your health. Stress and depression often cause people to reach for high-carbohydrate foods and snacks, which can displace healthier foods in your diet. Most of your diet should include fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats and meats, with the occasional healthy treat like dark chocolate. Try to avoid processed foods when possible as they usually contain multiple artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and/or colors. However, some people are not able to purchase healthier foods right now, so just do your best with what you are able to get.

You should also watch your alcohol intake as excessive alcohol consumption can put a strain on your liver, lead to dehydration, and some research has found that it can accelerate brain aging. There is also the potential for the development of an addiction, so be careful not to overconsume alcohol, and try to include healthy habits like exercise for stress-relief.

Support Your Liver

Your liver is so important to your health because it’s responsible for filtering toxins out of your blood, producing bile for digestion, and hundreds of other vital functions. Habitual alcohol consumption has led to a large increase in liver cancers and diseases over the last couple decades. Researchers have also found that exposure to glyphosate and other chemicals most people encounter everyday can contribute to liver problems, even at doses much lower than regulatory agencies have deemed safe. This is why eating organic produce and staying away from processed, chemical-laden foods is so important. Since it’s impossible to avoid all environmental toxins, it’s a good idea to take a supplement to help support your liver. Liver Support is a great option, and includes milk thistle which is one of the best liver-supporting herbs, along with other ingredients to help support detoxification.

There are a few more healthy habits you should have to be as healthy as you can be. Exercising several times a week, even if it’s just going for a walk is a great habit to get into. You should also do your best to get at least seven hours of sleep each night, and do things that help reduce stress like taking a warm bath, doing yoga, meditating, etc. Focusing on the positive things in your life is another great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Remember that you can’t choose your circumstances, but you can choose how you react to them.

You can listen to our Time to Reset Your Health podcast episode here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Time to Reset Your Health

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

Many people have experienced an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression over the last few weeks. There have also been reports of increases in the consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods. These things can all take a toll on your health, and it’s important to give your body the support it needs to recover. Stress affects nearly every part of your body, but especially the adrenal glands. Alcohol consumption can decrease liver function, as well as affect the brain and increase your risk of developing depression. Eating unhealthy foods can affect your energy levels, gut health, immune health, and could lead to nutrient deficiencies. So, this week we will discuss what you can do to start supporting your liver and adrenals, and we’ll also discuss the importance of having lab work done. It’s time to reset your health, and we want to help show you how.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

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.

Active Selenium – Active Selenium uses L-selenomethionine, a highly bioavailable, yeast-free form of organically bound selenium chelated with methionine to support glutathione activity. Unlike inorganic forms of selenium, Active Selenium is not adversely affected by vitamin C.

Vital Detox – This formulation is rich in chlorophylls from Chlorella and contains a unique broccoli extract with glucosinolates. The chlorophylls in Chlorella form tight molecular complexes with a wide variety of everyday toxic chemical compounds, reducing their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A high-strength enzyme blend also breaks down dietary antigens and may support assimilation of beneficial constituents of Chlorella. Glucosinolate compounds in broccoli are powerful inducers of natural phase 2 detoxification processes in the liver. Most substances detoxified by the liver are released into the bile for excretion through the intestinal tract. Chlorella helps trap these toxins to reduce reabsorption.

You can also listen to Time to Reset Your Health podcast episode on our YouTube channel here.

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The Mood and Food Connection

Burgers and fries; the mood and food connection.

Our diets arguably have the biggest impact on both our mental and physical health. Consuming enough nutrients each day is necessary for nearly every function in the body, and a deficiency can cause a wide range of issues. This is why a poor diet is associated with a higher incidence of emotional disorders like depression and anxiety, as well as physical problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Junk food, as in processed foods low in nutrients, can worsen and can sometimes even trigger emotional disorders. Let’s look at how junk food affects our bodies, and examine the mood and food connection.

What is Junk Food?

Junk food is a general term that usually refers to processed foods like those found in fast food and frozen dinners that contain artificial preservatives, flavorings, colors, or sweeteners, etc. Different food additives have certain uses in the food industry, and many of them have each been linked to different health issues. Describing each additive and its effects would be difficult as there are a few thousand of them used in the United States. However, if you see an ingredient repeatedly and are curious, a simple search online about the substance and its safety will usually provide some good information, just be cautious of the sources you read from online.

What’s Wrong with It?

The two main problems with processed foods is that they are typically lacking in essential nutrients, and they can cause inflammation throughout the body. So, if a person eats a diet high in processed foods and low in whole, nutrient-dense foods, they may develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause many different health issues. If a deficiency is severe, it can lead to debilitating symptoms and sometimes permanent damage. For example, vitamin A deficiency is the world’s leading cause of blindness, so vitamin and mineral deficiencies should be taken seriously.

The other problem with processed foods is the inflammation they can cause. Although these foods are often devoid of essential nutrients, they are still usually high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These unhealthy fats like trans fats and heavily processed oils like vegetable oil, canola, oil, etc. can trigger inflammation in the body, especially in the arteries. The high amounts of sugar can increase inflammation throughout the body, and contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes. Not to mention the other ingredients these foods may have like preservatives and flavorings that can each have their own negative health effects. Generally, you should avoid consuming foods that contain unnatural or heavily processed ingredients.

How it Affects Mood

There are many ways your diet affects your emotional state, but one of the biggest reasons is the lack of nutrients. When consuming foods that are low in nutrients, it can be easy to develop deficiencies. Many of these deficiencies have been linked to changes in mood, and this is mostly because your body needs the right amounts of vitamins and minerals to make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Without the necessary ingredients, your body may not be able to produce the right amounts of these neurotransmitters which can lead to depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and mood swings. Low serotonin can also cause sugar cravings because sugar can give a pleasurable feeling that a brain low on serotonin may be craving. This is why people that are depressed often crave foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. These foods often displace nutrient-dense foods in a person’s diet, which can lead to more nutrient deficiencies which can further impair neurotransmitter production, leading to a vicious cycle.

There are many reasons why it’s important to eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and quality meats. Getting enough nutrients each day can help improve both your mental and physical health, and can also reduce your risk of developing many different health conditions. So, remember to consume natural, nutrient-dense foods, and do your best to avoid heavily processed foods.

You can listen to our Depression Loves Junk Food podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

In times like these, it can be easy to start stressing over things, especially things that you cannot control, but stressing doesn’t benefit you mentally or physically. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude by focusing on the positive, being productive, and doing at least one thing each day that brings you joy can help make things a little easier. Using this as a time of self-reflection could potentially lead to some healthy changes in your life. Focus on staying positive while you’re at home, and do some of the things that make you happy, and we’ll get through this. In this week’s episode we’ll discuss how important it is to stay positive, even when it’s hard, and we’ll also talk about the importance of vitamin D and other supplements for immune health.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Quercetin Bromelain Ultra – Quercetin Bromelain Ultra provides a mixture of proteolytic enzymes and bioflavonoids that help regulate the immune cytokine response. 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.

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.

EZ Relax – We’ve teamed nature’s greatest stress management ingredients to create a uniquely effective combination. Formulated with Ashwagandha, valerian extract, L-theanine, and GABA.

You can also listen to Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude on our YouTube channel here.

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Overwhelmed By OCD, Anxiety or Depression?

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

With mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and OCD being diagnosed more often, many people have turned to therapy, prescription medications, diet changes, and relaxation techniques to try to ease some of their symptoms. However, everyone is different and the same treatment does not work for everyone. If you are overwhelmed by OCD, anxiety, or depression, then adding a supplement regimen to your daily habits, along with some lifestyle changes, may help ease some of the symptoms. In this week’s episode, we discuss some natural approaches you can take to help give you peace of mind and a better mood.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

EZ Relax – We’ve teamed nature’s greatest stress management ingredients to create a uniquely effective combination. Formulated with Ashwagandha, valerian extract, L-theanine, and GABA.

Pantothenic Acid Complex – This formula contains Cordyceps, Rhodiola Extract, Eleuthero Extract, and Pantothenic Acid to help support adrenal function. 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.

Stress Response – A comprehensive formula of nutrients and botanicals with demonstrated and unique neurosupportive effects creates a robust and multifactorial approach to support daily brain health and function.† The brain’s complex metabolism requires many different nutrients for optimum cellular communication and a balanced response to stress. Excessive or chronic release of adrenaline and cortisol, accumulated effects of environmental exposures, and oxygenation can affect the brain with an impact on mental alertness, memory, and other functions.

You can also listen to Overwhelmed By OCD, Anxiety, or Depression? on our YouTube channel here.