Monthly Archives: August 2019

Bulldog™ Skincare for Men – Featured Brand

BullDogSkincareSusan Brown Health and Wellness EditorProfessional Supplement Center now offers Bulldog™ Natural Skincare, a line of personal care  products designed specifically for men. Founded in West London in 2007, Bulldog Skincare provides beard care, skincare and bodycare solutions, as well as razors, blades and accessories. Formulated for normal, sensitive, oily and mature skin types, all products are designed to work simply and effectively to firm, smooth and nourish the skin. Bulldog™ maintains an Ingredients Selection Policy to confirm raw material identity, as well as ensure that ingredients are responsibly, sustainably and ethically sourced. Products are manufactured in compliance with all required regulations of the country of origin.

As an active global corporation, Bulldog™ conducts business with integrity and high ethical standards to help ensure preservation of the environment and the planet for future generations. Bulldog’s sustainably packaged products are designed with a lower environmental impact and are certified Cruelty Free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

To see more products from Bulldog Skincare, please visit professionalsupplementcenter.com

Original Bamboo...Original Bamboo Razor: In addition to providing a smooth comfortable shave, this razor has 5 tempered steel blades, a lubricating aloe strip, precision trimmer and a low environmental impact natural bamboo handle. Two five-blade cartridges included. Additional cartridges available.

Original Aftershave...Original Aftershave Balm: This specially formulated, non-drying, aftershave balm leaves skin soft, soothed and moisturized. Specially formulated for easy absorption without feeling greasy or sticky. Ingredients include aloe vera, green tea and camelina oil.

Original 24 hr...Original 24hr Moisturiser: This non-greasy moisturizer leaves the skin feeling intensely hydrated, nourished and firm. Easily absorbed, non-greasy, non-sticky. Specially formulated to relieve and moisturize dry skin.

Original Beard BalmOriginal Beard Balm: This fast-absorbing beard balm is designed to soften the most unruly beard and leave the skin soothed and nourished. This formula is specially formulated to soften, condition, moisturize and nourish facial hair, leaving the beard healthier looking and less itchy. Ingredients include aloe vera, shea butter and green tea. Original Beard Oil also available.

Age Defence SerumAge Defence Serum: This concentrated antioxidant complex leaves skin feeling intensely hydrated, smooth and nourished without feeling greasy or sticky. Ingredients include rosemary, echinacea, and vitamin E. May be used morning and evening, alone or under moisturizer.

Original Beard...Original Beard Shampoo and Conditioner: This 2-in-1 formula shampoos, freshens and conditions the beard, eliminates chin itch and leaves facial hair soft, nourished and conditioned.

Are You Metabolically Healthy?

MetabolicHealthJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

If your answer is “yes,” bravo! Only 12 percent of American adults are metabolically healthy, an alarmingly low number. This means that only one in eight Americans is achieving optimal metabolic health. If your answer is “I have no idea,” read on. Most might think in terms of optimal health as opposed to optimal metabolic health. Optimal health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “a state of optimal wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Some might say that optimal wellbeing comprises a balance of mind, body and spirit. Obtaining optimal health, as defined by various health experts, may not be practical or even possible. However, consistent strides to attain optimal wellbeing and metabolic health through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle give rise to benefits that are well worth the effort.

Certainly, many Americans aspire to be the best possible version of themselves and set their health goals accordingly.

A professional athlete’s idea of optimal health might be based on strength, speed and physical prowess gained through an extraordinary amount of work and sacrifice. A nutritionist might focus on blood levels of various nutrients and toxins as a basis for optimal health and might drastically revise a person’s diet and recommend supplements for nutrient deficiencies. A chiropractor might see spinal alignment and posture as integral to the health of the body. To reach optimal health, an internist might recommend dietary improvements, increased physical activity and adjustments in social behaviors, such as not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all. Along with healthcare practitioners, it’s fair to say that, as individuals, we have our own personal idea of what constitutes optimal health.

But, what of metabolic health?

By definition metabolic health means having optimal levels of five factors: blood glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference, without the need for medications, or simply the absence of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when an individual has three of the following five risk factors for further health complications, even those one is taking medications to control:

  • Increased blood pressure (greater than 130/85 mmHg)
  • Elevated fasting blood sugar (100 mg/dL or higher)
  • High triglyceride levels (150 mg/dL)
  • Low levels of good HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men, and less than 50 mg/dL for women
  • Central obesity or large waist circumference (over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men)

Metabolic syndrome is associated with top health conditions that have the greatest impact on overall quality of life:

  • Hypertension: High blood pressure occurs when the blood flow exerts higher than normal force against blood vessel walls, which can result in heart attack and stroke.
  • High cholesterol: When HDL cholesterol is too low and LDL cholesterol is too high, fatty deposits can build up on blood vessel and arterial walls, restricting blood flow and increasing risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Type 2 diabetes: Largely a result of obesity and inactivity, type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin.
  • Coronary artery disease: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes can damage the inner layer of coronary arteries, putting one at higher risk for heart attack.
  • Central obesity: An expanding waist is a concern, as it indicates the amount of abdominal or visceral fat present in the body. Visceral fat is metabolically active, producing inflammatory chemicals that interfere with normal functions, and increase the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle modifications that improve metabolic and overall health can have beneficial effects on physical and mental wellbeing and may help to maximize longevity.

  • Reduce stress. Stress can worsen or increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal conditions and asthma. Stress causes the release of higher levels of stress hormones, and results in an unhealthy amount of fat deposited in the abdomen.
  • Reach and maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with a shorter lifespan and increased risk of many chronic diseases. Avoid overeating and consuming empty calories. A healthy whole food diet and daily exercise may be the most beneficial for losing and maintaining weight, as well as improving metabolic health.
  • Get regular and adequate sleep. Sleep gives our bodies a chance to rest, restore and regenerate. While we sleep, the body performs required maintenance and necessary metabolic functions, such as waste removal and cell repair.

Know your numbers and what they mean for your short and long-term health. Healthy blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as proper waist circumference, are key to cardiovascular, metabolic and overall health and longevity.

References:
Only 12 percent of American adults are metabolically health, study finds. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181128115045.htm
Excess body weight: A major health issue in America. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/diet-physical-activity/body-weight-and-cancer-risk/health-issues.html
Only 1 in 8 Americans Are Metabolically Healthy. Here’s What That Means for You. https://www.health.com/condition/heart-disease/metabolic-health
Metabolic Syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351921

Fiber Consumption, The Gut and Your Good Health

FiberConsumptionJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

The gut microbiome is a complex and diverse ecology comprising trillions of microbiota that thrive inside the digestive tract. Per the British Medical Journal (BMJ), these gut microbes possess immune, metabolic and neurobehavioral traits key to many aspects of human health and disease, including body weight, as well as neurotransmitter, vitamin and energy production. When in proper balance, these microbial communities protect against the development of systemic inflammation, leaky gut and other disorders that can lead to chronic health conditions. It now appears that a diversity of microorganisms and an overall balanced microbiome is a good indicator that a healthy gut contributes to the state of our health.

The microbiome can become imbalanced when influenced by factors such as a low-fiber diet, environmental toxins, medications or chronic stress. When this occurs, harmful microorganisms can flourish within the digestive tract, crowding out beneficial microbes and gaining an unhealthy dominance. Known as dysbiosis, this imbalance may promote diet induced obesity and metabolic complications in a variety of ways. Dysbiosis can alter immune, gut hormone and energy regulation and promote pro-inflammatory mechanisms that can result in a compromised gut barrier and autoimmune diseases. Lower bacterial diversity has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, arterial stiffness and diabetes type 1 and type 2.

Proper amounts of daily fiber intake can help improve microbial composition by specifically enriching beneficial microbes that feed and thrive on dietary fibers. Increasing fiber intake through diet or supplements can help to lower blood pressure, blood sugar and serum cholesterol levels and improve insulin sensitivity in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The development and progression of obesity is associated with dysbiosis and a less diverse microbiome. Evidence links long term weight gain with low microbiota diversity, exacerbated by low dietary fiber intake.

Dietary fiber is a complex carbohydrate that is resistant to digestive enzymes and is neither broken down nor absorbed in the small intestine. Although dietary fiber provides many recognized health benefits, the average daily fiber intake for American children and adults falls well below the recommended levels of 25–38 grams per day. A lack of knowledge as to the importance of fiber, the low-fiber western diet and the growing popularity of gluten-free, wheat-free and grain-free diets all contribute to insufficient daily fiber intake. Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), individuals with higher intakes of dietary fiber appear to be at a significantly lower risk for developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, as well as certain gastrointestinal diseases and some cancers.

Dietary fibers promote colon health, increase satiety, decrease food cravings, contribute to healthy weight maintenance and support regularity. By providing bulk, viscosity and improved gastrointestinal health through microbiota composition, dietary fibers are beneficial for bowel function and intestinal transit, colonic fermentation and short chain fatty acid production. Evidence shows that short chain fatty acids feed and support the health of colon cells and have beneficial effects on cell turnover, metabolism and eating behavior, functions that depend upon the food we ingest. When gut microbes are deprived of fermentable fiber, the mucous layer or gut lining that keeps the gut wall intact and free from infection is dramatically diminished.

Studies show that the gut is heavily influenced by both chronically low and high-fiber diets. To improve gut health, eliminate low fiber processed white foods, sugar laden foods and artificial sugars that feed harmful bacteria. Opt for a wide array of high fiber fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, whole grains and fermented foods that help develop a healthier and more diverse microbiome. Prebiotics, probiotics and polyphenols all promote the development of beneficial microbes, positively affecting the intestinal barrier wall as well.

  • Prebiotics, sometimes called “microbiota accessible carbohydrates,” are indigestible food components that specifically or selectively nourish beneficial colonic microorganisms.
  • Probiotics, when administered in adequate amounts in viable or live form, can beneficially affect the microbiome, as well as support immune modulation and the production of bioactive compounds. Probiotics derived from populations of known beneficial microorganisms fight dysbiosis by suppressing less beneficial microbes and helping to restore a more balanced microbiome, enhancing health and the prospects for longevity.
  • Found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as tea, coffee, chocolate and wine, polyphenols are complex compounds with health promoting activities, that can include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiadipogenic, antidiabetic and neuroprotective capabilities. Dietary polyphenols and their metabolites may contribute to the maintenance of gut health through the modulation microbial balance, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of overall health:

BioMaintenance...BioMaintenance™ Prebiotic + Fiber by Metabolic Maintenance®: The synergistic effects of prebiotics and fiber promote beneficial microbes that nourish gut cellular health and support, regularity, nutritional absorption and healthy body composition. No additional ingredients. Shelf stable, gluten free powdered formulation.

Polyphenol NutrientsPolyphenol Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations®: This broad spectrum hypoallergenic formula provides fully chelated minerals, activated vitamins, polyphenols and other nutrients in support of cellular, macular and overall health. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

Broad Spectrum...Broad Spectrum Probiotic & Prebiotic by Prescript-Assist®: This advanced, multi-strain proprietary formula provides 28 strains of soil based organisms in support of gastrointestinal health, immune health and replenishment of beneficial microflora following antibiotic use. Shelf stable, no refrigeration required. Free of lactose, casein, gluten, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans, corn, sugar, yeast, preservatives, animal derivatives and artificial flavors and colors.

Frontier FiberFrontier Fiber by Nutritional Frontiers: This excellent source of all natural, digestion-resistant  soluble fiber supports healthy intestinal microflora, proper bowel function and regularity. Fully dissolvable in hot or cold liquids or may be added to soft food of choice. Free of citrus, eggs, gluten, milk, sodium, soy, wheat, yeast, added sugars, starches, synthetic dyes, artificial flavorings and preservatives. Non-gritty, flavorless vegetarian formulation.

Multi Probiotic KidsMulti-Probiotic Kids by Douglas Laboratories®: This non-gas forming proprietary formula provides a blend of seven child-friendly microflora strains plus prebiotic fiber. These strains promote healthy microflora in developing intestines to help maintain a healthy immune response and normal digestion and elimination. Free of yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch and artificial coloring, preservatives and flavoring. Non-GMO formulation.

Green Tea ExtractGreen Tea Extract by Klaire Labs™: This formula provides green tea (camelia sinensis leaf) extract standardized to contain 95% polyphenols in support of gastrointestinal and overall health. Free of milk, casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, gluten, soybeans, corn, yeast and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

Advanced...Advanced MultiProBiotics Restore™ by Time4Health: This high potency, professionally designed, cold processed formula blends 18 strains of probiotics with a prebiotic in support of immune balance, regularity and gastrointestinal health and restoration. Acid resistant vegetable capsule helps ensure colonization in the intestinal tract. One capsule provides 12 billion CFU of proprietary probiotics. Free of wheat, gluten, salt, starch, soy and artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives.

References:
Closing America’s Fiber Intake Gap. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124841/
Health benefits of dietary fiber. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19335713
Fiber-Famished Gut Microbes Linked to Poor Health. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fiber-famished-gut-microbes-linked-to-poor-health1/
Gut Microbiome: How the Gut Impacts Overall Health. https://hvmn.com/blog/nutrition/gut-microbiome-how-the-gut-impacts-overall-health
Fiber. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/
What is Dietary Fiber? https://www.fiberfacts.org/what-is-dietary-fiber/
Polyphenols and health: Interactions between fibre, plant polyphenols and the gut microbiota. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5698720/
Benefits of polyphenols on gut microbiota and implications in human health. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286313000946