PREBIOTICS What are prebiotics? Prebiotics are polysaccharide compounds not digestible in the small intestine, either by the acids or enzymes present there. However, probiotics and gut microorganisms in the large intestine can use prebiotics to support health. Good bacteria in the intestine ferment prebiotics to produce short-chain fatty acids, which can also be used Read More
Read MoreSELENIUM What is selenium? Selenium is an essential trace element, meaning our bodies only need a small amount [[1]]. We can get selenium from the foods we eat or from supplements [[2]]. Selenium intake is essential to ensure the proper function of selenoproteins, which get their name, in part, from selenium [[3]]. Selenium Read More
Read MoreNIACIN (VITAMIN B3) What is Niacin? Niacin, also called vitamin B3, belongs to the B vitamin family. Niacin helps convert the food we eat into energy to power our cells. We can get niacin from the food we eat or from supplements. What does niacin do in the body? In our bodies, vitamin Read More
Read MorePROBIOTICS What are probiotics? Probiotics are helpful microorganisms that can benefit the body when eaten or applied. They include bacteria, such as those from the group Lactobacillus, or other microorganisms, such as yeasts, including Saccharomyces boulardii [[1]]. What do probiotics do in the body? Probiotics are a range of different microorganisms, so each Read More
Read MoreHYDROXYTYROSOL (OLIVE POLYPHENOL) What is hydroxytyrosol? Hydroxytyrosol is a substance found in olive oil. It is a polyphenol, which means it is a plant-based compound known to protect against cell damage due to inflammation and oxidative stress [[1]]. What does hydroxytyrosol do in the body? Hydroxytyrosol has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the Read More
Read MoreMELATONIN What is melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland in darkness. Melatonin synthesis relies on the amino acid tryptophan [[1]]. What does melatonin do in the body? Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and helps us sleep. Light exposure at nighttime can block the production of melatonin [[2]]. Read More
Read MoreCoQ10 What is CoQ10? Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is one of today’s most popular dietary supplements. It is not a vitamin because it is a substance made by the body; however, it is similar in structure to vitamins such as vitamin K [[1]]. CoQ10 is a substance produced naturally by the body that Read More
Read MoreIRON What is iron? All living organisms need iron. Iron is a mineral required for growth and development by our bodies [[1]]. Iron is used to shuttle oxygen from the lungs all over the body, including to muscles and our brains. Beyond its involvement in oxygen transport, iron also plays a role in the Read More
Read MorePOLLEN-BASED HERBAL EXTRACTS What is a pollen-based herbal extract? Pollen is a powder produced by flowers when they are reproducing. Flowers reproduce when the pollen spreads around to fertilize other plants. You may know pollen from its status as a springtime allergen. The exact mixture of bioactive substances in pollen depends on its plant Read More
Read MoreSYSTEMIC PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES What are systemic proteolytic enzymes? We previously discussed bromelain’s utility in reducing inflammation. Bromelain, discussed in this guide, belongs to a larger class of systemic proteolytic enzymes, or SPEs. SPEs break down proteins to help facilitate normal body processes such as digestion or pain relief. They can also be used to Read More
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