Author Archives: Melissa Chichester
Why Your Brain Loves Summer
Have you ever noticed that when summer arrives, most people are more carefree, energetic, and easygoing? You may even feel that way yourself. Here are three reasons your brain loves summer – and a few supplements that can support cognitive health. #1. Extra hydration There’s no denying it – summer is hot! And when it’s […]
How to Read a Supplement Label
Ever-evolving label and packaging changes on supplements can make reading labels confusing.
Three “Better Together” Nutrient Combinations
Peanut butter and jelly. S’mores and campfires. Hot chocolate and marshmallows. Some things just go better together. And the same can be said for certain vitamins, herbs, and minerals that are paired together for their health and wellness benefits. Here are three dynamic duos you may not know about. Elderberry and Vitamin C Elderberry has […]
7 Questions and Answers About Thyroid Health
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located near the windpipe in the front of your neck. And although this gland is small, it plays many important roles in the body. Here are 7 questions you may have about the thyroid and how you can care for this important part of your health and wellness. What […]
Nourishing Herbs for Men and Women
When you step outside or when you’re taking a walk, do you ever stop and think about how beautiful plants are? Whether it’s a flowering hydrangea or a cottonwood tree towering above, or the uniquely shaped leaves of the ginkgo tree, these plants are a feast for the eye. And in the roots, leaves, seeds, […]
How to Increase Your Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Are you getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet? Eating a diet rich in fish, nuts, and seeds can help you receive enough of these “good fats” in your diet. Unfortunately, many diets fall short of these good fats. In fact, it is estimated that more than 90% of U.S. adults don’t get enough […]
What Is Tart Cherry?
Baseball, lemonade, cherry pie… All three of these bring back memories of a gorgeous summer day. And just as relaxation is important for good health, cherries also have numerous benefits. However, it’s not just any cherry – tart cherries have unique properties that support good health.* The history of tart cherry Tart cherry is also […]
What Is Fluid Balance and Why Does It Matter?
Water – it’s essential to life on earth. Yet it’s also so easy to take how much we need it for granted, isn’t it? The human body is made up of about 60% water, and blood is 90% water according to the United States Geological Survey. Even your bones are made of some water. You […]
The Benefits of L-Carnitine for Fat Metabolism, Muscles, and More
Have you ever wondered how your body turns fat into energy? Fat is the most abundant source of energy in the body and provides more than two times the amount of energy per gram compared to carbohydrates or protein. L-carnitine is an important compound found in every cell of your body that assists in fat […]
The Keys to Staying Healthy As Seasons Change
As the seasons change, we look forward to the snow melting in the spring, hot days in the summer sun, colorful crunching leaves in the fall, and the wonder of the first snow in the winter. In the middle of the busyness though, your body is also going through seasonal changes. You may feel shifts […]
5 Supplements that Support Carbohydrate Metabolism
Are you confused about carbs? Today, the word “carbohydrates” is highly misunderstood. Many people believe carbs are “bad” or try to avoid them, especially when following popular diets. However, carbohydrates are actually an important nutrient your body needs to thrive. Carbohydrates are a macronutrient. Your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar). This […]
Healthy Habits to Support Bone Health for a Lifetime
One of the primary aspects of health for seniors and older adults is bone health. Interestingly, you’ll reach peak bone mass in your 30s. For the first part of your life, your body removes old bone and replaces it with new bone – otherwise known as remodeling. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, […]
How to Get Enough Vitamin D in the Winter
During the winter months, most of us tend to spend more time indoors. This can be a problem because sun exposure is how we receive one of our most essential nutrients: Vitamin D. Considering everything Vitamin D can do, it is important to make sure we get enough during every stage of life. Vitamin D […]
7 Ways to Support Ear Health
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, half of people age 75 and older have trouble hearing. Although age-related hearing loss is a common punchline in comedy sitcoms, hearing issues can become a serious problem. And just because it might be seen as a normal part of aging, it still deserves […]
How to Support Respiratory Health Every Day
When asked the question, “what is the most natural thing humans do?,” you might automatically answer, “breathing.” A human cannot live without oxygen or breathing – and after just five minutes of the brain not receiving oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur. Oxygen is critical to sustaining life and good health, and your respiratory system […]
Which Elderberry Supplement Is Right for Me?
Elderberry supplements have exploded in popularity in the last few years for traditional immune support.* With all of the selections to choose from, you might be wondering what elderberry supplement is right for you. And if you don’t know anything about elderberries yet, it has been used in traditional wellness practices for hundreds of years. […]
4 Questions and Answers About Liver Health
Your liver plays a vital role in your health. It’s one of the hardest-working organs in your body in addition to being the largest internal organ. The liver’s primary roles are to cleanse toxins and waste from your body and produce bile. Bile helps carry waste away from the body and assists with digestion. It […]
Heart Health: Men Vs. Women
When it comes to heart health, you might wonder: does gender matter? A woman’s heart looks exactly the same as a man’s – but there are a few differences. For starters, a woman’s heart is typically smaller. A woman’s heart also pumps faster than a man’s but pushes out less blood. A woman’s heart also […]
13 Essential Vitamins Your Body Needs for Good Health
Vitamins and minerals are two of the most important nutrients your body needs to thrive. But did you know that some of these nutrients carry the “essential” label? An essential nutrient is one that your body needs to live but can’t make on its own – or your body can’t make enough of that nutrient […]
Slippery Elm: Nature’s Soothing Herb
Is slippery elm in your wellness routine? Slippery elm is a large, flowering tree native to North America. It can reach up to 50 feet in height and its bark has a gummy texture on the outside and a slimy texture on the inside. It is related to the American elm and is sometimes called […]
6 Supplements that Support Circulatory Health
You probably think about heart health. And you probably think about cardiovascular health. But how often do you think about circulatory health? The circulatory system moves oxygenated blood throughout your body. It consists of your heart, arteries, blood vessels, and capillaries. This system is responsible for transporting nutrients, hormones, and more throughout your body. The […]
8 Supplements to Try If You Have Trouble Swallowing Pills
Have trouble swallowing pills? You’re not alone. Difficulty swallowing is called dysphagia, and it is extremely common. Furthermore, some people don’t like to swallow pills due to a fear of choking or simply not liking the taste. This can make taking supplements or medication extremely challenging. Luckily, if you don’t like swallowing pills, there are […]
3 Ways to Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Did you know that every cell in your body contains cholesterol? It’s a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to make Vitamin D, hormones, and other substances. It is also needed to build healthy cells. However, when certain types of cholesterol get too high, it can impact your health. That includes cardiovascular health. Supporting […]
Boron: An Anything-But-Boring Trace Element
Trace elements are minerals in the body that exist in small amounts but are needed for various functions. The most abundant trace element in the body is iron. Zinc and iodine are other important trace elements. However, there’s one trace element that is necessary but tends to fly under the radar, and that’s boron. >>Shop […]
3 Key Benefits of Powder Supplements
If you take supplements, you know they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From tiny tablets that quickly dissolve, to gummy vitamins, to regular capsules, there is truly something for everyone. However, not all people have the ability to swallow softgels, capsules, or tablets. That’s just one of the benefits of powder supplements. […]
9 Hot Health and Wellness Trends Coming in 2022
The new year is almost here! And that means it’s time to find out what the next big health and wellness trends will be when the calendar turns to January 1. If you’re planning on making any wellness resolutions now or in the future, read on to find out what you’ll see on the shelves […]
6 Antioxidants You Should Know
Antioxidants. You’ve heard the word, but do you know what they do? If not, don’t worry! In the simplest terms, antioxidants help keep free radicals in check. Read on for more. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that slow the process of oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs that may damage […]
Are Senior Multivitamins Necessary?
Throughout your life, your nutritional needs change. And when you’re an older adult, it’s even more vital to make sure you’re getting essential nutrients. With age, there are certain nutritional challenges. Some nutrients become harder for the body to absorb – others naturally deplete throughout the years (like collagen!). Many people supplement a nutritious diet […]
8 Popular Fall Supplement Staples
Shorter days, cooler nights, apple cider, and all things pumpkin can only mean one thing: fall is here! It also means back-to-school season is in full swing and winter is on the way. As always, it is helpful to stock your pantry with popular fall supplement staples that support immune health and more.* So what […]
What Is Krill Oil? 6 Surprising Benefits
In a sea of fish oil supplements (no pun intended!), you might find yourself wondering: what is krill oil? Is it the same as fish oil? Is it better than fish oil? Let’s start with the basics. Krill are small, shrimp-like animals that many marine animals eat. Krill is a dietary staple for blue whales, […]
What Are Botanical Supplements?
Valerian root. Cranberry. St. John’s Wort. What these three plants have in common is that they are all botanical dietary supplements. Recently, botanical supplements have grown in popularity for their helpful benefits. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements defines botanicals as “a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic […]
6 Supplements to Avoid Taking on an Empty Stomach
You wake up, shuffle to the cabinet, pop a multivitamin, and start the day. Right? Not necessarily. Taking supplements on an empty stomach can cause discomfort for some people (especially those with sensitive stomachs). Furthermore, some nutrients actually absorb better when they are taken with food. If you want to make the most of your […]
3 Surprising Benefits of Magnesium and How to Increase Your Intake
Magnesium is an essential major mineral that is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It plays an essential role in bone mineralization and is essential for calcium metabolism.* It is also needed for the production of enzymes and proteins and the use of fats and carbohydrates. According to the National Institutes […]
7 Key Nutrients for Hair, Skin, and Nails
Have you ever spent time trying to figure out the secret to clear and radiant skin, lustrous hair, and strong nails? Here’s a hint: it’s not in a magic potion sold in a glossy advertisement. Your most radiant self starts on the inside with nutrients from a healthy diet and adequate hydration. This includes vitamins, […]
A Guide to Bladder Health for Older Adults
Every day, you use your bladder and probably don’t think about all of the important functions it has. Your bladder filters extra fluids and wastes out of your bloodstream. And the rest of your urinary system removes the waste from your body through urine. The average person empties their bladder 6-8 times per day, or […]
Seasonal Sleep Support Tips and Supplements
As the seasons change, so do certain patterns inside of your body. Some of them are so subtle you may not even notice them. Other changes might be more obvious, like changes in your sleep patterns. During the summer months, you probably welcome longer days and more sunshine. You might even feel more alert and […]
The Skincare Benefits of Retinol
As important as it is to feed the inside of your body with nutrients, it is just as important to nourish the outside of your body. Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It is responsible for protecting your organs and also helps regulate your body’s temperature. It keeps nutrients you need in your body […]
8 Supplements Involved in Muscle Health
Although you may not think about it, your muscles are constantly moving – even when you’re sitting still. Muscles are what help you move, talk, chew, breathe, digest food, and so much more. And like other parts of the body, muscles rely on specific nutrients to stay strong and thrive, especially if you’re strength training […]
The Benefits of Quercetin
During the “Age of Sail” between the mid-sixteenth and mid-nineteenth centuries, it was estimated that nearly 50% of sailors would die of scurvy. Today, scurvy is rare because of the discovery that it is caused by a Vitamin C deficiency. Biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi played a role in this discovery – he won a Nobel Prize […]
L-Lysine: An Amino Acid for Collagen Production
What amino acid was mentioned in the smash-hit novel and film Jurassic Park? If you guessed lysine, you’re right! However, the truth about lysine doesn’t involve dinosaurs but something better: the growth and development of your human body. Amino acids are involved in many vital functions, such as the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones. However, […]
The Mystical Past of St. John’s Wort and Its Benefits
Meet the herb of the summer sun: St. John’s Wort. For centuries, this herb has been a folklore favorite for spiritual protection. Today, it is better known for its use as an herbal supplement. St. John’s Wort is a perennial plant, easily recognizable with yellow flowers. Native to Europe, it also commonly found in the […]
5 Questions and Answers About Prenatal Vitamins
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you’re a total pro, one thing that never changes is the need to support the health of your baby. During pregnancy, your nutritional needs change to support the healthy growth and development of your baby. And while it’s always important to get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet, […]
What Is Marine Collagen?
Our ancestors used every part of the animal for food – parts such as joints, organs and blood. Although we might cringe at eating those foods, these animal parts contain healthful proteins, including one that is a popular supplement today: collagen. In addition, these animal parts also contain nutrients that create collagen in the body. […]
11 Green Supplements and Their Benefits
Be honest: do you eat enough green fruits and vegetables? Leafy greens and green vegetables are some of the healthiest foods on the planet – but most people don’t eat enough of them. Dark green vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Unfortunately, many people don’t like the taste of these foods, […]
Lifestyle Habits for Summer and Supplements for Cellular Energy Support
When summer arrives, most people want to stay up later, get out more, and be more active. But what happens if you don’t have the energy to do all of those things? Without energy, it can feel like you’re missing out on life. However, there are many ways to create more energy no matter your […]
7 Supplements to Take with Food
The best way to get the daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals is through your diet. However, dietary supplements can help you get certain nutrients that may not be present in your diet or that are harder to get through the diet. You can maximize the value of the supplements you’re taking by using […]
Glycine: A Surprising Solution for Morning Fatigue
It’s a familiar scene… You wake up in the morning. You rush to the kitchen. That morning coffee can’t be done in enough time to provide that comforting and familiar pick-me-up. What if there was a better way? Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee or an energy drink, incorporate glycine into your daily […]
Get to Know These 8 Brain Health Supplements
Did you know that the human brain only makes up about two percent of body weight? And consider this: on average, the brain takes up 20% of the body’s energy. That means your brain has a big job to do. You’re constantly using it, even when you are sleeping. Your brain needs nourishment just like […]
9 Senior Eye Health Tips
As you age, one of the most proactive things you can do for your health is to be aware of your changing needs year after year.