After we looked and asked ourselves these questions it was easy for us to determine that to achieve the ethics of the company and also products we needed ONLY of benefit to the body ingredients. When it comes to freeze dried powders the nutrient and cellular structure of the fruit and veg alongside the adaptogenic herbs
Was not impacted and once consumed the full absorption and bioavailability of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals were still there.
Why we didn’t choose to use capsule or tablet forms was simply due to the need for excipients when manufacturing. Excipients were needed to stabilise ingredients when placed under pressure or formed into tablet form. It was these same excipients that can and do interact with the nutritional medicinal productivity of the herbs and also the produce used.
Excipients come in numerous forms and legally don’t need to label quantities of excipients used when manufacturing the capsules or tablets which leaves uncertainty of the exact “medicinal or nutritional” ingredients within each capsule. A variable and concern for us when thinking of complete benefit to the products and also consumers.
Below I have outlined what excipients are and how they are used so that you can become aware of them when you check labels on any medicine and also supplement you take. Because knowledge is powerful and it has always been one of our key ethics to share knowledge so that you can become empowered within your own health and health journey.
Excipients aid in the manufacturing process to help stabilize products so they can be taken in various dosage forms. Often, the active component of a drug or vitamin cannot be manufactured and put into a tablet or capsule form without a stabilizing agent to help keep it active. There are several different types of excipients and fillers used in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Some of the most common include:
Anti-adherents are the most common anti-adherent used in manufacturing magnesium stearate. It is used to prevent products from sticking or adhering to machines in the manufacturing plant, thereby decreasing waste and increasing profitability for companies.
Binders are used to hold ingredients together. They also give weight and allow small active ingredients to be combined into an easy to take capsule or tablet. Binders are typically a sugar derivative and include: lactose, sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol etc.
Coatings are added to tablets to help make large, difficult to swallow pills easier to take. They also prevent deterioration from water and moisture. Coatings can also allow for breakdown in a specific organ in the body. For example enteric coatings allow for breakdown in the small intestine, preventing breakdown in the acidic environment of the stomach. Examples include: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).
Disintegrants allow for breakdown of a capsule or tablet when wet. This ensures rapid breakdown to facilitate rapid absorption of a product. Examples include: sodium starch glycolate.
Fillers and diluents add bulk to products making very small active components easy for consumers to take. Examples include: lactose, sucrose, magnesium stearate, glucose, plant cellulose, calcium carbonate etc.
Lubricants prevent the clumping of active ingredients and prevent the sticking of materials to machines in the manufacturing plant. Examples include: silica, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate etc.
Preservatives are used to extend the shelf-life of products and prevent degradation, oxidation, bacterial growth etc. Examples include: vitamin A, C, E, selenium, amino acids, methyl paraben, propylparaben
Artificial flavours are artificial flavouring agents added to various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products to help make certain powdered or liquid medications more palatable. They are labelled as artificial flavours on product labels. There are over 2000 chemicals used to make a wide range of flavours.
Concerns
The major concern with the use of some excipients and fillers in nutraceuticals ( Natural Health supplements ) and pharmaceuticals is their ability to interact with the medicinal ingredients, hence influencing the reliability of products. With chemical and physical interactions occurring within a supplement it is difficult to determine the exact efficacy of the product remaining. Interactions can render the active ingredient less active and make it less bioavailable (less available for the body to use).
Limited research to determine the impact of long-term use of excipients on health.
Companies are also not required to list the exact amount of fillers within the supplement; therefore it is difficult to determine the amount of non-medicinal ingredients versus medicinal ingredients.
Impact
Listed below is a list of adverse health effects associated with specific excipients:
Magnesium stearate: Is a widely used excipient in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Some studies have shown that it suppresses immune function. The absorbability of products is also questionable when magnesium stearate has been added to a formula. As a powerful binder of active constituents the rate of dissolution of a substance is altered, yet studies have shown that bioavailability remains the same. Some manufacturers believe that this is true and will only use magnesium stearate in the formulas as filler and never as coating due to the question of dissolution. Magnesium stearate is naturally produced when soap and hard water mix creating the unwanted “soap scum” ring around bathtubs.[2]
Titanium dioxide: Is a common whitening agent used in some supplements and pharmaceutical agents. It has shown to be a potential carcinogen to humans. Rats studies have shown that inhalation of ultrafine titanium dioxide can cause respiratory tract cancer.[3] [4]
Silica: Is an abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. Is found in nature as sand or quartz and is a flowing agent used in supplements. When inhaled it has been shown to cause auto-immune dysfunction. Inhalation has also been shown to cause lung cancer. However, oral ingestion of silica has not been shown to be non-toxic and is believed to enter and lead the digestive tract via the feces unchanged. Silica is found in certain vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seafood. A clear biological function of silica has not been established; however it may have some benefit in bone and collagen formation and aid skin and nail health. Silica can be found in supplements in the form of silica or silicon dioxide.[5]
Parabens: Are a group of widely used preservative and antimicrobial agents in personal care products and supplements. There is growing concern that parabens can cause hormone disruptions and they have been found in high concentrations in breast cancer tumours. Parabens can be found in supplements as methylparabens, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben. Choose supplements that avoid this potentially harmful substance.[6]
Lactose: A sugar found in milk can cause severe gastro-intestinal upset in individuals sensitive to milk products. In non sensitive individual’s lactose is generally not a great concern.
Maltodextrin: Is a polysaccharide that is rapidly converted to glucose in the bloodstream. Maltodextrin can come from a variety of starch products. Wheat and corn are the most common. Although not generally a concern in supplements, the source of maltodextrin should be noted. If from a wheat source, gluten will be removed, but should still be avoided in individuals with celiac disease to avoid any potential adverse reaction.
MSG: or Monosodium glutamate is a common flavouring agent in supplements. It is a known neurotoxic agent and should be strictly avoided when choosing supplements. It has also been shown to cross the placenta and induce neuronal damage in developing mice.[7]MSG is a food additive used to enhance the flavour of food. Reactions to MSG may occur and may include: tingling and weakness around the face, temple, upper back, neck, and arms, with flushing of the skin and warmth. Some people experience heart palpitations, intense thirst, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
Talc: Is a known carcinogenic. Studies have shown that it increases the risk of endometrial cancer in peri-menopausal women when used topically in the peri-anal area. Inhalant or intravenous talc exposure increases the risk of pulmonary toxicity. Intravenous talc can lead to various degrees of granulomatous formation, compromised pulmonary function or death. The use of talc should be strictly avoided in supplements, oral, inhaled and topical.[8] [9]
Microcrystalline cellulose: Is a bulking agent used in supplements to fill capsules when the medicinal agents are too small. It is an ideal filler as it is naturally occurring and derived primarily from wood pulp. It is glucose units bound together by a beta 1-4 linkage which creates cellulose, a fibre indigestible to humans. It enters and leaves the digestive tract unchanged and is chemically inert.
Gelatin: Is derived from collagen in animal’s skin and bones. It is a gelling agent used in supplements to help coat the outside of capsules to make them easier to swallow. Gelatin is commonly found in various desserts and gummy candies. A vegan alternative to a gelatin capsule is hypromellose.
Gellan gum: Is commonly used as a food additive, it is used in most soy drinks to help keep soy products in suspension. It is used as a thickener and stabilizer in supplements. A study examined the dietary effects of large quantities of gellan gum and found that it seemed to affect transit time by either increasing or decreasing time in a few subjects. Serum cholesterol levels were decreased by an average of 12% in males and 13% in females. No adverse physiological effects were seen in the subjects.[10]
Tartrazine: A yellow colouring agent used in some supplements and pharmaceuticals has been shown to cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. It is well known to cause asthma and urticaria in sensitive individuals and has been shown to cause behavioral changes such as irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbance in children. The use of any food colouring additive should be strictly avoided when choosing supplements.[11]
Allura Red: A red colouring agent used as a food additive has been linked to both behavioural and physical toxicity. When fed to rats in animal studies, rats displayed significantly reduced reproductive success, weight, brain weight, survival and impaired female vaginal patency development. Behaviourally, the rats had significantly decreased running wheel activity when compared to control.[12]
Indigotine: A blue food colouring agent has been linked to asthma in one study. A case report outlined increased cough, dyspnea, wheezing and nasal congestion in a subject immediately following exposure to indigotine at work.
Brilliant Blue FCF and Indigotine: Two blue food colouring agents have been linked to various adverse effects. Animal studies looked at the adverse effects of brilliant blue and indigotine given to rats over a two year span. The study found that growth inhibition occurred in the male animals fed indigotine and subcutaneous injections of 30 mg of brilliant blue or 20 mg of indigotine into rats weekly for two years produced fibrosarcomas at the site of injection.[13] [14]
Combination of all food colourings: Was tested to determine if adverse effects exist. A study looked at a combination of several food colouring additives and a common preservative, sodium benzoate. This study tested children aged 3 and 8-9 to determine if food colouring additives can increase hyperactivity in children. The study found that food colouring additives or sodium benzoate (or both) increased hyperactivity in both age groups studied. The use of food colouring should be avoided in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
Artificial Flavours: Dr. Ben Feingold an allergist proposed 30 years ago that artificial flavours, colors and salicylates can be the cause of hyperactivity in children. A diet free of artificial colors, flavours and salicylates reduced hyperactivity symptoms and behavioural disturbances in 30 to 50% of children. Other adverse effects noted from the ingestion of artificial flavours and coloring include:[15] [16]
Respiratory: Rhinitis, nasal polyps, cough, laryngeal edema, hoarseness, asthma.
Skin: Pruritus, dermatographia, localized skin lesions, urticaria, angioedema.
Gastrointestinal: Macroglossia, flatulence, constipation, buccal chancres.
Neurological: Headaches, behavioural disturbances.
Skeletal system: arthralgia with edema.
When choosing supplements it is important to talk to your clinical Naturopathic practitioner about good quality, professional brand products that avoid the use of harmful excipients and fillers. This will prevent any adverse effects, but also will enhance therapeutic response as bioavailability of products will not be affected.
Detoxification isn’t all about ‘shredding’ and ‘losing that last 2kg of belly fat (although this may happen after as a result”) it’s the body's sophisticated way of keeping our blood clean ( interstitial dialysis) and our system free of undesirable metabolites.
This is a process of purification that occurs daily, but is increased and supported when using Actively Nourish Detoxify. This method can assist the excretion of waste from your system when the system has been in a constant state of overload, however the body is designed to be in constant state of “detoxification” as a means to maintain equilibrium and homeostasis (balance). This is why we starts to see inflammatory issue and disease patterning happen. Due to our modern day exposure to environmental toxicants, poor diet, dehydration, lack of sleep and exercise, these pathways can become impaired and decreased in their capacity to function. And what about chronic stress, that is a killer. When our body has to cope with all these issues, it can become bogged down and heavy.
There are several routes the body uses to remove waste from the system. These operate via our six main organs of elimination; the skin, the lungs, the liver, the kidneys, the lymph and the colon.
Let’s break down how these pathways operate and what purpose they serve in the body’s overall detoxification process.
THE SKIN - THE EXCRETER
The skin is one of our largest organs (the skin was originally thought to be our largest organ, but has now been superseded by the fascia, whoa! how cool is that!) The skin removes waste from the body through the action of perspiration, aka sweat. So get moving people!
WHAT WE SUGGEST:Jump in a sauna if you can, infrared preferably. If you suffer from common skin issues, it's very likely your detoxification pathways are blocked.
THE LUNGS - THE PURIFIER’S
The lungs filter the air we breathe via our inhalation and exhalation, this removes airborne toxins, carbon dioxide and fumes. The ancient yogis and Taoists were onto this long ago, and now modern ambassadors for learning to harness the breath, like the inimitable Wim Hoff, are gaining popularity.
WHAT WE SUGGEST: Salt Cave Therapy.
Benefits of Salt Therapy
Research has shown that Salt Therapy helps in freeing up mucous from the airways, aids in mucous clearing, sustains clear airways, provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial affects throughout the respiratory tract, reduces bronchial sensitisation and assists to clear foreign inhaled particles.
Your skin will reap the benefits of Salt Therapy through exposure to the salt room's microclimate. The anti bacterial, anti fungal and antihistamine effects of Salt Therapy has shown to improve conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis, as well as improve the general health and appearance of your skin.
Salt Therapy also promotes stress reduction, relaxation, boost immunity and helps with insomnia through exposure to the high level of negative ions.
Salt Therapy Helps the Following:
Asthma
Allergies
Acne
Bronchitis
COPD
Cough
Colds
Sinusitis
Hay Fever
Eczema
Psoriasis
General health & well being
Sports performance
Sleep and snoring issues
Relaxation
Stress
Salt Therapy is a drug-free, natural, therapeutic treatment of respiratory and skin conditions.
Though it should not be considered as a replacement for established medical treatment regimens, as a supplemental therapy it is effective in reducing the need for the use of medications and enhancing their effectiveness, as well as providing the preventive measures and rehabilitation our bodies need. For day-to-day breathing, learn to breathe with your belly if you can. This means that you'll be using your diaphragm AND you'll be toning the abdomen with every breath, which assists your body's ability to detoxify. So breathe deep my friends and circulate that beautiful fresh energy! Our top lung-supporting herbs are SuperFeasts Cordyceps, Astragalus and Tremella.
THE LYMPH - THE SEWER
The lymphatic system is a vital component of the immune system. Here, potent immune fluid called lymph (that clear stuff that comes out when you cut yourself or squeeze a zit...we've all been there!) is circulated from our tissues into our bloodstream and vice versa by a network of blood vessels and lymph nodes which operate via our lymphatic organs: the spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.
The human body is exposed to undesirable microbes and toxins on a daily basis. When these guys enter the body they make their way into the lymphatic fluid (it also carries white blood cells, glucose, salts and protein molecules etc around the body) - here these bad guys get trapped inside the lymph nodes, allowing the the immune system, specifically the white blood cells, to launch an attack and destroy anything it identifies as a threat to the system.
WHAT WE SUGGEST: Exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet, infrared saunas and body work such as massage really help to prime the lymphatic system and keep it pumping along. Legs up the wall. Super easy, literally just lay on the floor (or your bed) and place your legs vertically up the wall. You can also gain the same benefits by placing a bolster under your hips and holding your legs in the air. Try it, I dare you! It's a great pose, also wonderful for calming the nervous system and relieving that monkey mind. Reishi is also a fabulous spirit calmer.
THE LIVER - THE PROCESSOR
The liver’s main function is to cleanse our blood of undesirable metabolites. The liver does this primarily via 3 pathways known as phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 liver detoxification. Here, the liver unpacks and reassembles mostly fat soluble metabolites into water soluble metabolites to be excreted from the body through the bile, the gastrointestinal tract and the urinary system. The liver rocks a series of enzymatic conversions including hydrolysis, oxidation and reduction. After phase 1 liver detoxification the converted metabolites are highly reactive and require the activity of the phase 2 pathway to neutralise and remove these harmful toxins in order to prevent tissue damage. Once these metabolites are processed by the liver, they are carried in the bile to the gallbladder, ready to be excreted in the stool concluding the phase 3 pathway.
WHAT WE SUGGEST: The liver has a big gig in the body, so love her up and treat her fine. Our top picks from the Actively Nourish Range is Detoxify and the regular bi monthly usage so that all three phases of detoxification is supported through step 1 ( Activated Carbon is clinically proven to cleanse and purify the blood through interstitial dialysis and is in recent years been proven of benefit for patients awaiting dialysis for acute renal failure) and the key ingredients in step 2 replenish and neutralise the acidity when the body releases.
THE KIDNEYS - THE FILTERS
The kidneys filter the blood and excrete waste from the body via the urine. Environmental toxins and drugs along with chemical byproducts such as urea, ammonia and creatinine are removed. The kidneys maintain the body’s acid-alkaline and electrolyte balance, as well as regulate blood pressure and blood volume.
WHAT WE SUGGEST: It is important to keep well-hydrated to assist these bean-shaped wonder organs in performing their super-important duties within the body. Aim for around 2 litres of spring or filtered water per day (you may need more depending on climate, body volume and exercise frequency).
THE COLON - THE TRASH CAN
The majority of our toxic exposure comes from the foods and beverages we consume on a daily basis (this is why it’s so important to eat a clean, chemical free diet!). For this reason, the colon, or large intestine, serves as a key pathway for toxin excretion. The colon not only serves as a site of elimination for ingested toxins, but it also processes the removal of secondary metabolites that are reintroduced to this area from the activities of the biliary organs, aka the liver and gallbladder.
The colon plays a very important role in the elimination of the body’s overall toxic load and therefore it is crucial that this pathway is clear and running smoothly. Fibre is a key element in the expulsion of toxicity from the digestive tract. Here it teams up with the bile, absorbing the bile's toxic cargo, from the liver, a marriage that facilitates the successful toxin elimination. Fibre reduces faecal transit time and minimises any toxin recycling that may occur due to insufficiencies in any of the processes mentioned above.
WHAT WE SUGGEST: Eat your leafy greens people, and up your daily fibre intake, 1 tsp of Actively Nourish Renew meets your daily intake needs for both fibre and also leafy greens, she isn’t your re- Ph - resh for no reason ! Chia seed, flax seed and psyllium husk are all great options to include in your diet. Don’t forget to increase your water consumption when increasing your daily fibre intake, as it makes for a smooth passage. H2O is a go!
So there you have it folks, detoxification, not a fad, not a foe, just another one of the body’s intelligent methods in keeping our blood clean and our system rocking towards epic health.
Now what are you waiting for 💁🏼♀️🙌
]]>Testosterone belongs to a class of ‘male’ hormones called Androgens, but did you know that women also require Testosterone to remain balanced. In women, it is produced in smaller quantities in the ovaries, where it is then released into the bloodstream.
Testosterone, Progesterone and Estrogen are the three major hormones that control the menstrual cycle. Testosterone’s role differs to those of Progesterone and Estrogen in that its main function is to regulate a woman’s sex drive. It also helps women retain muscle mass and support an overall sense of wellbeing. The combination of Testosterone and Estrogen can increase a woman’s libido considerably during ovulation and even during menstruation. If you have noticed your libido has a monthly pattern, it’s likely to be connected to the fluctuations of these two hormones. The rises in Testosterone and Estrogen coupled with the increase in cervical fluid during ovulation could be a pattern many identify with. Something else worth noting is the rise in Estrogen that begins on day 2-3 of menstruation, coupled with the density felt in the pelvis and the natural lubrication that comes with the menses, could also contribute to feeling more aroused. So hey, why don’t you take a moment to check in with yourself? Learn your unique hormonal pattern. Learn to lean into the times when you are feeling sexually confident.
So now, we know the good things Testosterone can do for your body. But what about signals of imbalance? As a woman approaches menopause, Testosterone levels will begin to decline. For pre and post menopausal women, this typically contributes to a significantly lower libido. Testosterone supplementation is sometimes used by post-menopausal women to increase sex drive and also by female athletes to improve their physical performance. As with most hormone replacement therapy - this has its risks.
Too much testosterone can interfere with ovulation and menstruation, a surplus causing high levels of insulin in the ovaries. As well as irregular or absent periods and weight gain (due to the insulin resistance), excessive body hair and acne are also common signs of high levels of Testosterone.
Excess Testosterone has also been linked to infertility and other serious health conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an Endocrine condition that affects the healthy functioning of a woman's ovaries and leads to irregular menstruation. The ovaries can also enlarge and grow fluid filled sacs (these however are not cysts, despite what the name might suggest).
PCOS is one common side effect to women suffering from continued high levels of Testosterone. There are often a large number of variables involved in any diagnosis but PCOS is commonly linked to Testosterone and insulin imbalances. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with PCOS, try to get checked out as soon as possible. Many women go years without being diagnosed; leaving it for too long and ignoring symptoms can leave women feeling powerless and depressed.
Listening to our bodies is vital. Learning how to understand it’s changes, normal and abnormal. It may be difficult at first to learn how to listen more clearly and identify signals, but it’s a journey of education and empowerment worth starting.
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Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. This tissue usually proliferates in and around the pelvic region and can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and bladder. Common symptoms of endometriosis include chronic pelvic pain, period pain, pain on intercourse and impaired fertility.
Endometriosis also commonly presents with digestive issues like bloating, abdominal pain and constipation and/or diarrhoea (1). The association between endometriosis and digestive issues is so strong that some researchers have suggested that all females with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be screened for endometriosis (1).
Research also demonstrates that females with endometriosis are more likely to experience gut conditions like IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease and intolerance to FODMAPs, highlighting the clear connection between endometriosis and the digestive system (1,2,3).
.
How does endometriosis impact the gut?
If you look at the diagram below you will notice the gut and the uterus are neighbours. Endometriosis is associated with uncontrolled inflammation in the pelvic region - which is the release of warning signals that can ultimately cause irritation, damage and pain (1). As the gut borders the pelvic region, these warning signals can travel to the bowel region and have the same detrimental impact. Endometrial lesions can even be found attached to the gut. This adds another layer of complexity as the gut may start to adhere to other pelvic organs. Damage to the gut can impair its ability to breakdown food, resulting in digestive upset and even food intolerances (3). Adhesions on the gut can disrupts bowel motility - i.e. the movement of contents through the gut required for defecation - resulting in altered bowel habits like diarrhoea and/ or constipation
image from https://www.everydayhealth.com/endometriosis/bowel-endometriosis/
How does the gut microbiome impact endometriosis?
The gut is home to our micro-biome, a community of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that usually live peacefully on a layer of mucous on our gut lining. Studies have revealed that females with endometriosis are more likely to have an imbalance in this microbial community, having increased amounts of ‘bad bacteria’ like E.coli (4, 5). Having too many ‘bad bugs’ can break up the gut lining, causing a ‘leaky gut’ with holes that allow the passage of contents from the gut (like food and bacterial toxins) into the pelvic region (4). Indeed, females with endometriosis are found to have high levels of a gut-derived bacterial toxin known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the pelvic region. LPS can exacerbate endometriosis by stimulating the growth of endometrial lesions (1,5). For this reason, aiming to repair or ‘tighten’ the gut lining whilst eliminating potentially ‘bad’ gut bugs may be an important aspect of endometriosis treatment.
Besides an imbalance in gut microbes, other factors that can cause a ‘leaky gut’ include stress, alcohol, gluten intake and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (1). Healing the gut therefore involves limiting these factors.
The gut microbiome and oestrogen
Endometriosis is considered an ‘oestrogen dependent condition’, meaning that the hormone oestrogen can stimulate the growth of endometrial lesions (1).
Oestrogen is a really important hormone that helps support the menstrual cycle, mood, bone strength and cardiovascular health. However, we don’t want oestrogen levels to be too high. Once oestrogen has worked its magic the body removes it by packaging it up with bile and sending it out through the stool. An overgrowth of ‘bad’ gut microbes can cause increased activity of an enzyme known as ‘beta glucoronisase’ which separates oestrogen from bile, causing it to be recirculated in the body. This can potentially raise oestrogen levels which may further stimulate the growth of endometrial lesions (6).
Measurement of beta-glucoronidase activity can be measured by functional gut testing, and treated by healing the gut lining, rebalancing the gut micrbiome and potentially through supplements that can block its activity.
Putting it altogether
Research strongly supports a two-way relationship between gut health and endometriosis. For this reason, investigating and treating gut health for females with endometriosis can be an integral part of holistic treatment. Everyone’s endometriosis journey is different, which is why having a thorough assessment with a holistic practitioner is a great way to identify your personal underlying triggers and needs.
References
1. Viganò, D., Zara, F., & Usai, P. (2018). Irritable bowel syndrome and endometriosis: New insights for old diseases. Digestive and Liver Disease, 50(3), 213–219.
2. Stephansson, O., Falconer, H., & Ludvigsson, J. F. (2011). Risk of endometriosis in 11 000 women with celiac disease. Human Reproduction, 26(10), 2896–2901. doi:10.1093/humrep/der263
3. Moore, J. S., Gibson, P. R., Perry, R. E., & Burgell, R. E. (2017). Endometriosis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Specific symptomatic and demographic profile, and response to the low FODMAP diet. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 57(2), 201–205. doi:10.1111/ajo.12594
4. Koninckx, P. R., Ussia, A., Tahlak, M., Adamyan, L., Wattiez, A., Martin, D. C., & Gomel, V. (2019). Infection as a potential cofactor in the genetic-epigenetic pathophysiology of endometriosis: a systematic review. Facts, views & vision in ObGyn, 11(3), 209–216.
5. Khan, K. N., Kitajima, M., Hiraki, K., Yamaguchi, N., Katamine, S., Matsuyama, T., … Masuzaki, H. (2010). Escherichia coli contamination of menstrual blood and effect of bacterial endotoxin on endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility, 94(7), 2860–2863.e3. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.04.053
6. Ervin, S. M., Li, H., Lim, L., Roberts, L. R., Liang, X., Mani, S., & Redinbo, M. R. (2019). Gut microbiome–derived β-glucuronidases are components of the estrobolome that reactivate estrogens. Journal of Biological Chemistry, jbc.RA119.010950. doi:10.1074/jbc.ra119.010950
]]>So let’s start at the beginning….
Oestrogen is the main female sex hormone; it is responsible for a woman’s breasts, hips, vocal chords and sex organs. It is fundamentally the hormone that transforms the girl into a woman. And whilst men produce Oestrogen too, it plays a far bigger role in a woman’s body.
Oestrogen is produced by your hormonal (endocrine) system and moves through your bloodstream and entire body. The role of Oestrogen is to maintain blood sugar levels, protects us against many things including heart disease, tooth loss, colon cancer, incontinence and osteoporosis. It is needed for puberty, menstruation and pregnancy. PHEWWW, that's a pretty big job!
Fluctuations in your Oestrogen levels can be totally normal and will vary based on your menstrual cycle and age. For example, your Oestrogen levels are likely to be highest in the middle of your cycle (ovulation) and lowest during your period. Alternatively, during menopause your Oestrogen levels will start to dramatically fall.
Now, there are 3 ‘stages’ of a woman’s life and in each stage our production and use of Oestrogen differs, as does the type of Oestrogen we produce:
Symptoms of high Oestrogen levels can include:
If you feel like you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may be suffering from excess Oestrogen production. This is cause for concern, as on top of the emotional and physical symptoms you are already experiencing, you are also at higher risk of developing thyroid conditions, blood clots, stroke and even breast and ovarian cancers.
Stay tuned for PART TWO, Progesterone…
]]>When a woman has nutritionally neglected her body for months, years or possibly decades the majority of “transformation professionals” will suggest a heavily restricted lifestyle to get results. Will you lose weight quickly? Sure, but at what price. These “professionals” will tell you that you need to deprive the body in order to succeed, this is wrong.
Now, wind the clock back. Think about the time before kids, before family responsibilities, before your mental health seemed to cripple your every decision. A time before our society taught you that your needs need to come behind everyone and everything else. Seems like a lifetime ago? Maybe it was. Maybe you’ve never known of a time when this wasn’t the case. Whether this is a new or old habit, the stress load is the same – unbearable and unmaintainable. Now, I’m not just talking about the psychological stress but also the physical toll this type of stress load can cause. Whether it’s living with extra weight, not sleeping enough, not eating a balanced and tailored diet or ‘treating’ yourself a little too often. The reality is that every time we put our own health second to those around us, we are creating chemical responses within our system and these volatile responses only sets our health journey back further. It’s a vicious cycle.
So this leads me to Cortisol, the stress hormone. When your body is placed under high levels of stress your body will release the chemical Cortisol to help you cope and manage. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, what very few of us realise is that when you are a woman with excess Cortisol, this actually impacts your Testosterone levels. Testosterone? Huh, I’m woman, why is that important? When the female body detects high levels of Testosterone, it will cycle and convert the excess Testosterone to Oestrogen. So now, from a “little stress” you have created excess Cortisol and Testosterone and in turn now have rising Oestrogen levels. From here the changes are obvious, what was once a simple ebb and flow of hormones creating your “typical” menstrual cycle, your body is now in a state of hormonal inflammation that can severely impact your menstrual cycle and in turn your body as a whole.
So, how does the above tie in with restrictive eating to get results? Well, the truth of the matter is, restrictive eating does not work long term. Not only does it not work, it has lasting effects on our self-confidence, menstrual cycles, sex drive, and overall mental health. When we restrict our bodies of the calories it needs to survive, we are creating stress, which means cortisol – to reiterate, this is not good girl! Why is it stressful when you feel positive (for now!) about it? Well, because you we are starving, not figuratively, literally. Your body is not designed to cope with drastic change, so Cortisol is released and your metabolism slows and once your metabolism slows, you will begin to feel the effects immediately; sluggishness, bloating, low sex drive and mood swings to name a few. While this seems like no huge thing, restrictive dieting in this manner can have serious long-term effects on your overall health.
One of the main problems with restrictive dieting is that it sets you up to fail. You emotionally invest yourself in a system that doesn’t work, you think to yourself “When I lose the weight, I will feel better, right?” WRONG. You’ve lost the weight but now your hormones are out of whack, your emotional and reactive, tired, cranky and you’re thinking to yourself “But I did everything right. Why am I still feeling crappy?” Well the answer is simple, your body is out of balance. And so the cycle begins again; the weight is gone but you’re in a slump, you feel crappy and you need a pick me up and so you grab for the chocolate, the wine, lack of energy means you stop exercising.... get the picture?
So, what if you were to approach weight loss in a different way. Take out the quick but add permanent, remove weight and add lifestyle. A permanent lifestyle change.
The solution is not quick and it’s definitely not always easy. Learning how to replace the low nutrient foods you are addicted to with wholesome balanced food. Reframing your mind set from “dieting” to making better life choices. Removing the ingrained sense of negativity surrounding your relationship with food. Food is life, we need it to live, it is not a treat or a punishment but nourishment for your body to survive and better yet THRIVE. You deserve better than a quick fix, you deserve to feel amazing inside and out. Once your metabolism catches up and adjusts to this newly found appreciation of your body and food, it will balance. Balance is always key. From this balance you will feel your energy levels rise, any excess weight will shift and the most important part, you will feel satisfied in every sense of the word.
As women, our bodies are incredibly special. If it be your choosing, your body literally has the capacity to create and nurture life. By looking after your health and wellbeing, you are protecting one of the very few things that make you a woman. You are taking back control in a patriarchal system that has made you feel selfish for putting yourself first. You are empowered, you are your own woman.
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Vitamin C is probably one of the best-known vitamins around.
Growing up, we always had a bottle on the kitchen bench,
Typically we had chewable, orange-flavored tablets in either 250 mg or 500 mg dosages.
Taking one with breakfast, along with a multivitamin with minerals and cod liver oil was just part of my family’s morning routine at breakfast.
My mother instilled the importance of good nutrition at an early age, whether she was aware of it or not, and the foundation for the proper use of a dietary supplement was also laid. I guess it was my beautiful start to what’s now been a long journey of education and knowledge. The seed of passion was ignited and I’m grateful for every bit.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is one of the 50 essential nutrients you need every day for optimal health.
Vitamin C is water soluble meaning it’s found in bodily compartments that are water-based such as the blood, in the spaces in between cells and within cells themselves. Because vitamin C isn’t fat soluble, it doesn’t make its way into fatty tissue such as your fat cells or within the fatty part of the membrane that makes up the cells of your body.
Human beings have lost the ability to make their own vitamin C, unlike most other animals. Therefore, we must get it from our diet (or supplements).
Vitamin C is an essential cofactor in various biochemical reactions such as collagen and carnitine synthesis, regulation of gene expression, immune support, neuropeptide production and more.
Besides being a cofactor in various biochemical reactions, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.
What is oxidation? Think of it this way. Oxidation is what happens to an apple core when it’s exposed to the air, it browns or when an iron nail is exposed to water and oxygen; it rusts.
Oxidation of bodily structures like protein, fats, carbohydrates, and even the DNA, found in all tissues and organs, increases inflammation and the risk for chronic degenerative diseases. In the case of DNA, oxidation can lead to mutations increasing the risk of cancer.
Vitamin C helps to prevent this from happening. It protects you from dangerous compounds generated during normal metabolism. Vitamin C also protects you from free radicals from exposure to toxins and pollutants.
These toxins include first or second-hand smoke, exposure to, and the metabolism/breakdown of recreational and prescription drugs.
Other toxins include alcohol, air pollution, inflammation from trans fats and diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. You’re exposed to toxins produced by viruses, bacteria and other pathogens that your immune is faced with every day.
There are many benefits from getting more vitamin C in your diet and by including vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C is a versatile nutrient that supports your health in many ways including*:
However, vitamin C is only as good as its ability to be where it needs to be and in amounts known to confer the greatest benefit. This is why lypospheric technology is arguably superior for delivery of nutrients. If these formulations are absorbed and distributed throughout the body better, the greater the benefits. What are some liposomal vitamin C benefits? I’ll share them in a minute but first I want you to gather what liposomes are first.
A liposome is a very tiny sphere comprised of an outer wall of fat (membrane) and an inner payload of any number of water-soluble substances. Of particular interest is that the liposome’s membrane is made of the same fat found in the cell membranes throughout your body: phospholipids.
Because of this, liposomes have actually been studied as artificial models of cells. However, liposomes are vastly smaller than any of the cells in your body, allowing them to pass into cells without difficulty. Making absorption much easier and more efficient.
What really makes the liposome so special is that it can deliver its contents (nutrients) directly into the cells of your body without the consumption of energy. An added bonus, liposomes protect its contents from digestion or oxidation before the final delivery into your cells. Pretty amazing huh 😍
When a nutrient can be delivered into the cells of your body,whilst not be degraded before delivery, and not consume energy in the process, the benefits of that nutrient can be optimized in a way that even intravenous delivery often does not match. Liposomal vitamin C is great for that reason.
Now let’s take a look at liposomal C vs Ascorbic acid ( typical vitamin c)
Regular vitamin C ( Ascorbic Acid) does have a disadvantage making vitamin C supplementation different from other nutrients.
Much of the vitamin C you take orally, either from food or supplements, isn’t absorbed by the gut. Smaller amounts are absorbed better, e.g. if you took 100 mg, you’d absorb about 98 mg. There’s a larger “fractional absorption” amount with smaller doses.
The fractional absorption amount decreases though with larger doses. Only about 1000-1250 mg of vitamin C would be absorbed with a single 2000 mg dose. True, more total vitamin C is absorbed but it’s less efficient. To put this in perspective, a single 12,000 mg dose would only result in about 16%, or 1920 mg, of it being absorbed.
Vitamin C must be transported through the gut wall using transporters. There are only so many transporters available and this action requires energy. Also, there only so much time before vitamin C moves along on its merry way down your digestive tract. Once vitamin C has moved on, it’s lost its chance to be absorbed. As you can see, there are limitations to the absorption of traditional vitamin C. It’s also here that in large un absorbed traditional vitamin c can actually create issues. When the unabsorbed vitamin c travels along the digestive system it’s creates an high spurt of acidity in it tracks, the acidity can impact the digestive system creating inflammation, where there is inflammation there is an immune response, where there is an immune response there is usage of vitamin c stored in the body. ( Vitamin c is stored in small amounts in the adrenal glands and pituitary glands, the vitamin c is released alongside cortisol to help in the fight or flight response aka high stressful times) Which means it becomes counter productive in the available vitamin c levels in the body and in return creates problems.
Also, make note that regular vitamin C is quickly absorbed, distributed throughout the circulation and then eventually filtered, and excreted by the kidneys and out through the lymphatic system.
Once taken, blood levels peak about 2 to 4 hours afterward and then drift back down to pre-supplementation (baseline) levels about 6-8 hours after that. If you want more from your regular vitamin C, several doses need to be taken throughout the day. Needless to say, this can make oral dosing of vitamin C somewhat burdensome and without knowledge unaffective.
Once in your bloodstream, a portion of the vitamin C will diffuse or be actively transported from the blood into the various cells of your body such as your muscles, heart, kidneys, liver, digestive tract, your brain, eyes, etc.
It does offer antioxidant protection but the amount of vitamin C that gets into your cells is much less than the amount that’s in the bloodstream (outside your cells). Much of the vitamin C that doesn’t get absorbed by your cells will be excreted in your urine. This is why liposomes are better and lypospheric vitamin C offers greater benefits.
Being wrapped in essential phospholipids, vitamin C is absorbed like dietary fats. It is taken up by the lymphatic system with an estimated 98% efficiency. Once there, it moves from the lymphatic system into your bloodstream. Liposomes deliver more vitamin C into the circulation compared to traditional vitamin C supplements.
The circulating vitamin C-rich liposomes deliver more vitamin C to your tissues and organs. The liposomes bind to the cell membranes where they release vitamin C into your cells, effectively raising INTRA-cellular levels.
A Clinical trial by world-renowned vitamin C expert and pharmacologist, Steve Hickey, Ph.D., showed that liposomal vitamin C was able to produce serum levels of vitamin C nearly double those thought theoretically possible with any oral form of the vitamin.
This astounding level of bioavailability not only dramatically increases the amount of vitamin C in the blood, but recent thermographic microscopy provides visible evidence that it also aids its entry into individual cells.
Even IV vitamin C has its limits in terms of raising intracellular levels of vitamin C because most of the vitamin C is still in the blood. Some of it will find its way into the cells, but not much. Studies estimate that only about 20% of the vitamin C from IV delivery gets in despite very high concentrations in the serum. Liposomal C is different.
Anecdotally, vitamin C researcher Thomas Levy has found through years of clinical experience that a much smaller oral dose of lypo spheric vitamin C (5 to 10 grams) often results in a similar clinical response as a much larger dose of vitamin C given intravenously (25 to 100 grams). This is a total game changer on the views of absorption and accuracy of absorption.
Liposome encapsulation overcomes all the bioavailability and cellular uptake restrictions. Liposomes do not rely on a specialized carrier transport system. Instead, due to their size and composition, they are able to be passively absorbed through the intestinal wall and through cellular membranes.
As a result, liposome encapsulated nutrients (like lypo spheric vitamin C and liposomal glutathione, lypo spheric carnitine, and lypo spheric alpha lipoic acid) provide a greatly enhanced bioavailability (delivery into the bloodstream) and greatly improved delivery into individual cells.
This better absorption has the advantage of the vitamin C entering the lymphatic system first, giving up a lot of its vitamin C to your white blood cells of the immune system (such as the macrophages and phagocytes that love to concentrate vitamin C within their structures to fight infections and cancer).
The vitamin C filled liposomes then enter the bloodstream but unlike regular ascorbic acid that is filtered by the kidneys, when liposomal vitamin C is cleared from the blood it is taken up by various cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body. It makes its way into your cells and is not lost in your urine.
PRO TIP: One form of vitamin C doesn’t, nor shouldn’t, replace the other. Regular vitamin C increases blood levels nicely while lypospheric is better at increasing the vitamin C withinyour cells. It’s best to have both forms to ensure maximum benefits!
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. This concept will be new to most people.
Along with primates and guinea pigs, humans are the only other mammal on Earth incapable of making our own vitamin C. It’s true.
The Genetics of Vitamin C Loss
Goats, dogs, cats, elephants, pigs, horses, and other mammals make their own vitamin C [in their livers and/or kidneys] and they make it in HUGE amounts. Much more on a per kg of body weight basis than what’s recommended for human health. Much, much more than the 90 mg or so per day recommended for adult humans.
But researchers say it wasn’t always like that. Our earlier ancestors used to make their own vitamin C.
We’re missing the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) needed to do this for ourselves.
You and I have the gene in our DNA that’s responsible to make the GLO enzyme [and by extension vitamin C], but it’s mutated. Because of this, our liver cells can’t ‘read’ the gene and are unable to finish the final step of making vitamin C from glucose. Not only do we have all the other genes to make vitamin C, all of those genes are active in us except for the last one.
Note. In the diagram above, you and I (mammals) can do everything needed, up to the last step: L-GulL to L-ascorbate a.k.a. “vitamin C”
It’s for this reason that some researchers think vitamin C [and the inability to make it] should be reclassified. That vitamin C production defects should be seen as an “inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism”.
Researchers theorize that once, long ago, we produced large amounts of vitamin C just like those animals that can make it themselves do. For example, a 150 or 72 kg goat can produce up to 13,000 mg of vitamin C per day. More when it’s under stress.
Animals that produce their own vitamin C do so all day long, 24/7. As a result, they have both higher levels of vitamin C in their blood and within their cells. A liposomal vitamin C benefit is one where it raises your INTRA-cellular (within the cell) levels of vitamin C like it would if you made your own vitamin C all day long. Like a goat.
Liposomal vitamin C benefits you by mimicking the hypothesized, long lost ability to maintain higher levels of vitamin C in both your bloodstream and within your cells like they would have been when our long ago ancestors made their own.
As mentioned, your immune system LOVES vitamin C.
Your adrenal glands do too. Like white blood cells, your adrenals selectively take up vitamin C from your bloodstream and concentrate in their respective cells but I digress [hint, vitamin C helps with stress tolerance].
Vitamin C bolsters your immune response. It is the premier antioxidant circulating throughout your body but vitamin C does more. Studies have clearly established vitamin C’s ability to directly promote and stimulate a number of very important functions of your immune system.
These functions include the following:
Phagocytic white blood cells (granulocytes) have 25X more vitamin C than what’s in the blood. Vitamin C is ‘used up’ when these cells digest pathogens and cellular “debris”. Phagocytic cells are like PACMANs, moving about the body, gobbling up the bad guys.
The biggest consumer of vitamin C in the immune system though, are the monocytes. These are also known as macrophages; another cell with phagocytic functions. They are vitamin C hogs. Monocytes have more than an 80X increased concentration of vitamin C inside it relative to the blood.
Lypo spheric vitamin C benefits the immune system because of the structure of the liposome. Because it’s absorbed as fat, liposomal vitamin C enters the lymphatic system where it is transported to the lymph nodes throughout the body.
Once there, the liposomes release the vitamin C into the maturing blood cells so that when released into the bloodstream, they are ‘supercharged’, ready to fight the good fight and keeping your healthy.
Lypo spheric vitamin C is very well tolerated. There are no known meaningful liposomal side effects when reasonable doses are taken.
Safety studies have shown that 1 to 5 g per day are well tolerated. In studies where very large doses are taken, 20 – 30 g, some subjects experience some gastrointestinal upset.
This is thought to be due to the phospholipid content. Large intakes of fat can cause some gas, bloating and flatulence. Smaller doses spread out over the day is a good dosing pattern, with less perceived risk and detriment.
Vitamin C is one of the best-known vitamins around. This is largely due to the work done in the 1970s by Linus Pauling, an American biochemist and engineer.
At the time, Pauling and others didn’t have the understanding that we do today regarding how vitamin C is absorbed, distributed and ultimately excreted by the body. We know better today and to cite limitations from the 70s and 80s is a common response to anti-supplement crowd.
Vitamin C serum levels are influence by both the amount of vitamin C taken and how often. Small amounts, taken frequently are better absorbed when it comes to regular vitamin C such as ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate.
Liposomal vitamin C overcomes the historical limits of regular vitamin C supplementation.
Lypospheric vitamin C is a superior formulation that increases the amount of vitamin C that gets into cells and tissues.
Because it’s transported and metabolized differently (in phospholipid spheres), lypospheric vitamin C isn’t as effective at increasing serum, and interstitial concentrations like regular vitamin C does which is why it’s best to take both formulations if you decide to supplement with vitamin C.
One form of vitamin C doesn’t, nor shouldn’t, replace the other. It’s best to have both forms to ensure maximum benefit for all aspects of the body, keeping in mind the dosage recommendations and the smaller more frequent dosage scheduling.
So if you are trying to target your immune system and influence cellular repair and strength you’d invest in both forms of vitamin C and incorporate them both into your daily supplement routine. Ascorbic acid ( traditional Vit c) can be sourced via whole foods in the highest form when consuming Kakadu Plum ( 100 x more Vit c then oranges) and camu camu Powder ( 60 times more Vit c then and orange) or you could consume any of the following and gain adequate vitamin c ( Ascorbic acid): guavas, bell peppers, kiwifruit, strawberries, oranges, papayas, broccoli, tomatoes, kale, kiwi berries and snow peas.
I’ve also added a link to the nutrient density by gram of foods associated with high Vit C here: https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/vitamin-c-foods.php#vitamin-C-density-by-gram
I truely hope that although this article was long winded that you can confidently understand the differences in forms of vitamin C and the important actions both forms play in terms of your body!
As always i believe knowledge is power and through knowledge you can self empower yourself to healthier choices for your body!
Xxxx - Peta ( Registered Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, Owner And Developer of Actively Nourished)
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