Monthly Archives: April 2017

The “Stress” Generation

StressGenerationJacquie Eubanks RN BSNApproximately 81 million young people born between 1982 and 2002 comprise the millennial generation. If you are a millennial, or the parent of a millennial, you may be aware that the millennial generation experiences a higher level of stress, and are thought to be less able to manage stress than any previous generation. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that millennials experience high levels of anxiety, and are twice as likely to have a diagnosed anxiety disorder than baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964. Stress can be the cause of frustration, anxiety, poor sleep patterns, unhealthy behaviors, a lack of motivation, or the inability to make the necessary changes to help individuals cope and manage their stressors.

In-depth reports show that up to 30% of employed millennials have generalized anxiety. An American College Health Association (ACHA) assessment found that 61% of college students regularly feel anxious. While all generations report their stress levels to be higher than what they themselves consider healthy, some are referring to millennials as the “stress generation,” as they report not only the highest amounts of stress, but also the least amount of relief. Stress, or distress, that continues without respite can manifest as headaches, elevated blood pressure, sleepless nights, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, agitation, stomach issues and other mental, physical and emotional problems.

Many point to high college debt and a tough job market, stemming from a lack of higher paying employment opportunities for college graduates, as major causes of millennial stress. Others say that millennials face “choice overload,” making it difficult not only to make choices, but to stand by them. Part of this arises from a state of social anxiety or what’s become known as FOBO, fear of better options, resulting in constant worry and second guessing their decisions. As the first generation to grow up with fast changing technology, as well as the sometimes-overwhelming need to manage their lives within the context of social media oversaturation, taking steps to cope with stress and streamline their options can help to redefine their objectives and purposefulness.

Poor sleep habits, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, all contribute to increased levels of stress. In general, younger Americans fall short when it comes to engaging in activities that naturally manage stress, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Together with an improved diet and increased physical activity, supplements can help to relieve stress related symptoms and improve mental and physical wellbeing. Some key benefits of supplementation may include better sleep quality, reduced anxiety, improved mood and focus, and increased energy and productivity levels.

  • Taken as a supplement, L- theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea, can significantly increase focus and attention. Its relaxation effects help to reduce tension and anxiety without inducing drowsiness.
  • A magnesium deficiency can magnify feelings of stress and anxiety, and result in low energy stores. Magnesium inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, improves sleep quality and energy production, and supports overworked adrenal glands.
  • Synthesized naturally in the brain, GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in reducing anxiety and stress, and helps to improve mood, and aid restful, restorative sleep.
  • Necessary for energy production, B Complex vitamins have been shown to reduce stress and elevate mood by improving the body’s natural production of serotonin, an inhibitory, stabilizing neurotransmitter.
  • Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplementation among a cohort of young healthy people was shown to reduce psychological stress, inflammation and anxiety about the future.

Professional Supplement Center carries high quality supplements for support of stress management and overall wellness:

L-Theanine (98740)L-Theanine by Douglas Laboratories: One serving supplies 100 mg of L-theanine, a unique and natural amino acid known to support healthy mental function, as well as calmness and relaxation without inducing drowsiness. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast and dairy free vegan formulation.

 

Magnesium (glycinate...Magnesium Glycinate by Pure Encapsulations®: This highly bioavailable form of magnesium chelate supports the metabolism and utilization of nutrients, energy production, and the proper functioning of many enzymatic and physiological functions. Magnesium glycinate is less likely to cause bowel discomfort than other forms of magnesium. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Gaba 750 mg

 

GABA by Integrative Therapeutics: One capsule provides 750 mg of GABA in support of healthy neurotransmitter production. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast and dairy free vegetarian formulation.

 

B Complex PlusB Complex Plus by Pure Encapsulations: This hypoallergenic formula provides an exceptional blend of highly absorbable B vitamins in support of energy production and proper nervous system functioning. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Active B-ComplexActive B-Complex by Integrative Therapeutics: This supplement provides a full complement of bioavailable B vitamins that can be directly utilized to support biochemical processes, including neurotransmitter and energy production, as well as visual and mental clarity. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast and dairy free vegetarian formulation. NSF certified.

 

Pure Omega HPPure Omega HP by Integrative Therapeutics: Sustainably sourced Omega-3 in triglyceride form is designed to support healthy cognitive function, reduced anxiety and a healthy inflammatory response. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast and dairy free formulation. NSF certified.

 

OmegaGenics® EPA-DHA...OmegaGenics® EPA-DHA 720 by Metagenics®: Each softgel provides concentrated, sustainably sourced, pharmaceutical grade essential fatty acids in an easily absorbable triglyceride form in support of overall health and positive mood. Gluten and contaminant free, naturally preserved.

References:
It’s official: millennials are the most stressed-out generation. http://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-are-the-most-stressed-out-2015-2
Anxiety and Work: The Impact of Anxiety on Different Generations of Employees. http://www.bensingerdupont.com/filebin/pdfpublic/BDA_White_Paper-Anxiety_and_Work_4_3.pdf
Why are millennials so stressed? http://www.psypost.org/2016/05/why-are-millennials-so-stressed-43120
Stress by Generation. http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2012/generations.aspx
Calming the Brain. http://devdelay.org/newsletter/articles/html/127-calming-the-brain.html

 

Reviva Labs – Featured Brand

RevivaLabsSusan Brown Health and Wellness EditorProfessional Supplement Center now carries Reviva Labs®, a line of unique all natural skin care products offered in professional skin care salons and health food stores for over 40 years. Established in 1973 to serve the newly emerging skin-salon market, the Reviva line of skin treatments was created to meet the demand for specialized individualized formulas designed for specific needs. Reviva Labs’ mission remains to produce safe and effective skin treatments that produce visible results at a reasonable price. As effectiveness is a matter of both dermatological research and the right ingredients, Reviva utilizes only the finest natural ingredients, which are blended in proper proportion for the best synergistic interaction.

Through the years, Reviva Labs® has kept abreast with the latest advances in skin science and technology, and continues to be on the forefront of innovation and problem-solving for individual skin care needs. As a pioneer and innovator in natural skin care, Reviva is driven to research, develop and test new skin care treatments for various skin conditions. All products are made in the USA, and are formulated with science-based ingredients such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, CoQ10, elastin, alpha lipoic acid, and vitamin C ester. Since their inception, their cruelty free products have never been animal tested.

To see the complete line of products from Reviva Labs®, please visit professionalsupplementcenter.com

Alpha Lipoic Acid,...Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester and DMAE Cream: This proven effective, super antioxidant, anti-aging night cream tones and firms throat and facial skin, dramatically diminishes visible signs of aging, smooths fine lines, battles skin damage, and protects against future damage.

 

Firming Eye SerumFirming Eye Serum: This popular product helps to reduce the appearance of eye area wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles, and protects against future signs of aging. Synergistic ingredients include DMAE, hyaluronic acid, a multi-peptide/bioflavonoid complex, alpha lipoic acid, and vitamin C ester, which work to smooth and enhance overall eye area appearance. Use morning or night, alone or under makeup.

 

Spider Vein &...Spider Vein & Redness Day Cream with Vitamin P: This product provides rutin and citrus bioflavonoids, ingredients proven to reduce the appearance of dilated and inflamed capillaries, and aid in the prevention of future damage. Suitable for all skin types.

 

Makeup PrimerMakeup Primer: Used alone or under makeup, this product helps complexion look instantly smoother and flawless. Makeup Primer fills lines, conceals pores, controls excess oil, perfects skin texture, and leaves skin smooth and silky. Recommended for all skin types, fragrance free and non-comedogenic.

 

Ultra-Rich Ultra...Ultra-Rich Ultra-Light Daytime Moisturizer with Vitamin C: This lightly textured, yet emollient- rich moisturizer provides unique biological plant extracts and refined vegetable oils to help increase the skin’s ability to hold moisture, thereby improving the appearance of dry skin for a radiantly smooth complexion.

 

Pomegranate/Lactic...Pomegranate/Lactic Acid Exfoliant: Suitable for all skin types, this unique, non-abrasive, all natural exfoliant provides plant and herbal extracts that leave skin clearer, brighter and smoother. Its ingredients work to simultaneously address existing damage, while also forestalling future skin degradation. This mild exfoliant may be used as often as three times weekly.

 

Your Mom Was Right…

MomRightVegetablesJacquie Eubanks RN BSNThough the most of us know that eating vegetables is healthy, we may not know why a diet rich in vegetable nutrition is so critical to long term health. Overwhelming evidence shows that there are significant benefits to getting five or more daily servings of vegetables. In terms of nutrition, variety is as important as quantity, as different vegetables provide slightly different nutrients and benefits. The USDA places vegetables in five different categories. These include dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, legumes, and starchy vegetables, with the remaining falling into the “other” category. To maximize your intake of nutrients, choose from each of the five subgroups of vegetables regularly. While a minimum of five servings may sound high, it equates to about 3 cups of vegetables daily.

There are so many excellent reasons to maximize nutritional intake with vegetables, yet the average American eats two servings or less of vegetables daily. Low in calories and high in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, vegetables should be the cornerstone of our daily nutrient intake and constitute the bulk of the diet by volume. Epidemiological studies have closely linked either health or chronic illness to diet. Skimping on vegetables means missing out on easily obtainable health benefits, as research has shown that those with diets that contain abundant amounts of veggies are 20% less likely to develop serious health conditions, and are more likely to enjoy long term healthy cellular aging.

Phytonutrients are plant-derived chemical compounds that have protective properties, which directly contribute to health promotion and disease prevention.  In fact, there are almost as many healthy components in vegetables as there are varieties to choose from. A diet rich in vegetables can support healthy blood pressure, reduce heart disease and stroke risk, prevent some types of cancer, lower the risk of eye and digestive issues, and positively affect blood sugar. Plus, there are other benefits that may surprise you:

  • For healthier and more youthful looking skin, phytonutrients help to prevent unwanted signs of aging and help to keep skin supple. Antioxidants guard against premature aging by preventing cell damage caused by stress, sun exposure, and environmental toxins. The high-water content helps to hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines. Vitamin C aids in collagen formation and beta carotene gives the skin a healthy glow.
  • The fiber content keeps the digestive system on track and reduces belly bloat caused by a typical high sodium diet. Rich in potassium and water, veggies help to eliminate excess sodium, counteracting bloat and restoring normal fluid balance. If you are not used to eating a lot of vegetables, increase consumption gradually to give your digestive system time to acclimate to a higher amount of fiber.
  • Dark leafy greens provide highly bioavailable forms of nutrients such as vitamin D and K, magnesium, calcium and potassium, which work synergistically to keep bones strong and healthy. Two cups of dark leafy greens count as one cup of vegetables, so you can really fill up on these low calorie, good for you greens.
  • If you are looking to reduce stress, consume more vegetables. Magnesium helps to balance cortisol, the stress hormone. Together potassium and magnesium help to keep blood pressure down and relax blood vessels. Stress depletes the body of magnesium and vitamin C, which can be restored with veggies. Omega-3 fats and B vitamins help to fight anxiety and depression. Vitamin K can help to reduce inflammation.
  • Plant sterols and stanols, naturally fatty substances found in plant foods, help to gradually reduce LDL cholesterol by competing with cholesterol for absorption in the small intestine.
  • Research has shown that phytosterols help to control and regulate aspects of the immune system by selectively enhancing the activity of beneficial immune cells, while inhibiting the response of those that cause inflammation. As sterols are bound to plant fiber, which makes absorption difficult, supplementation is the simplest way to get therapeutic amounts of these beneficial compounds.

What about those who don’t enjoy vegetables? If you are struggling to get enough vegetables into your diet, try adding vegetables to foods you already like, or add them to smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soups, stews or pizza toppings. Powdered vegetable formulas provide a quick and easy way to get the full amount of daily veggies. Increasing your intake will enhance your antioxidant capacity and support immune system health. While fruits are also very important to overall health, we likely didn’t need encouragement from Mom to eat our apples and oranges. To maintain good health and support overall healthy aging, strive to get at least two and one half cups of vegetables and two cups, or approximately two pieces, of fruit daily.

To help you on your quest to consume more phytonutrients, Professional Supplement Center offers the following products:

Power Greens...Power Greens Espresso by NuMedica: This great tasting, energizing, easy to mix phytonutrient powdered formula provides certified organic, whole food plant extracts. Power Greens is a high ORAC value blend of natural vitamins, minerals, ionic trace minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and symbiotic microflora to support maximum energy, metabolism, digestion, immunity, repair, recovery, revitalization and recovery. Natural coffee espresso and vanilla flavors. Gluten free, vegetarian formulation. Berry, Chocolate and Mint also available.

Field of GreensON SALE  Field of Greens by Vibrant Health: This 100% certified organic raw food powdered supplement provides a unique blend of green foods that are gently processed and freeze dried to maintain maximum nutritional value. This broad-based, nutrient dense concentrated plant product helps to detoxify, regenerate and energize. Gluten free.

Delicious Greens...Delicious Greens 8000 Berry Flavor by Greens World, Inc.: If you’re looking for a great tasting way to get your fill of vegetables each day, Delicious Greens is made with certified organic vegetables and fruits, enzymes, probiotics, natural fibers, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. Natural sweetness with no added sugar, this blend provides overall nutritional and immune supportive benefits. Lactose, filler and preservative free, vegan formulation.

Greens First Kids...Greens First® Kids Berry by Greens First: Packed with a variety of organic superfoods, fruits, vegetables and flax seeds, as well as digestive enzymes and pre- and probiotics, this delicious, energizing formula provides a quick, easy nourishing way to give kids the nutrition they need to start the day. This 100% organic, Non-GMO, gluten, wheat, soy and dairy free, vegan formulation mixes easily with juice or water or can be mixed and frozen to make a healthy, refreshing treat. Organic strawberry/blueberry flavor. Also available in Chocolate and Original flavors.

Green SuperFood...Green Superfood Capsule by Amazing Grass: For those who want all the benefits of green superfoods in an easy to swallow capsule, this product provides a powerful blend of nutritious greens, phytonutrient packed fruits, veggies and cereal grasses, digestive enzymes, and probiotics in support of energy production, detoxification and immune health. Gluten free, Non-GMO vegan formulation.

Daily GreensDaily Greens by Progressive Labs: This daily greens blend provides green superfoods, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, seeds, tea extracts, digestive enzymes, adaptogens, and medicinal mushrooms in support of energy production, immune, digestive and overall health, and a healthy inflammatory response.

References:
Phytochemicals. http://www.phytochemicals.info/
How Many Fruits & Veggies Should You Eat a Day? http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/many-fruits-veggies-should-eat-day-3324.html
Plant sterols and stanols (phytosterols). https://heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol-and-diet/healthy-eating/plant-sterols-and-stanols
Vegetables and Fruits. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/
Healthy Vegetable Nutrition. http://www.almanac.com/content/vegetable-nutrition-facts
Here are 10 pictures of Your Daily Recommended Servings of Fruits and Vegetables. http://www.thekitchn.com/10-photos-that-show-you-your-daily-recommended-servings-of-fruits-vegetables-207261