Category Archives: Health Tips

B Vitamins for Stress

b-vitamins-stress

The health benefits of B vitamins are well known. Our bodies use them in countless ways to function.

The B vitamins include the following:

  • B1
  • B2
  • B3
  • B5
  • B6
  • B7
  • B9
  • B12

We get B vitamins through diet and foods such as protein (fish, eggs, poultry, and other meats), dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, and some fortified bread and cereal.

B vitamins play a critical role in helping our bodies turn the foods we eat into energy. They’re also essential in the formation of red blood cells. Other roles that B vitamins play include:

  • Cell growth and metabolism
  • Nerve function
  • DNA production
  • Keeping digestive system healthy
  • Keeping skin healthy
  • Brain health
  • Immune system health
  • And more

Another meaningful way that B vitamins benefit our health? B vitamins can also have a positive effect on stress and mood.

B Vitamins for Stress

B vitamins have many potential benefits when it comes to combatting stress as well. One study examined the benefits of B-vitamin supplements on depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress in both “healthy” and “at-risk” populations.

The study showed that regular B vitamin supplementation had a notably positive effect on stress for healthy and at-risk participants. The study noted that their research found B vitamin supplementation may be particularly beneficial against stress in those at risk due to poor nutrient status due to ow B vitamin intake in a diet for any number of reasons, or poor overall mood status.

Another study found that B vitamins had a positive effect on stress and performance. The study looked at the effect of a high dose vitamin B complex supplement (along with vitamin C) on a group of healthy adults. Those who utilized the high dose vitamin B complex supplement reported significant improvements in mood, general health, and perceived stress. They also rated themselves as higher for energy or vigor and as experiencing less mental fatigue.

Those who experience anxiety and depressive symptoms from diagnosed depression have benefited from B vitamins. Another study found that those who utilized a vitamin B complex supplement showed consistent and continuous improvements in anxious and depressive symptoms compared to those who did not take the supplement.

If you’re interested in B vitamins for stress, consider these supplements from Designs for Health, Vital Nutrients, and Neurobiologix.

Homocysteine Supreme – Designs for Health

Homocysteine Supreme from Designs for Health is a dietary supplement that contains a proprietary blend of active isomer naturally-occurring folates known to facilitate the efficient metabolism of homocysteine. Its potential benefits include helping in tissue formation, the functioning of the liver, skin, and immune system, and helping in forming red blood cells. B vitamins have also been found to aid in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also supports biochemical reactions like detoxification, healthy immune function, joint and cartilage structure, and brain and cardiovascular health.

B-Complex – Vital Nutrients

B-Complex from Vital Nutrients is a balanced, high-potency dietary supplement containing B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid niacinamide, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. This comprehensive B complex supplement supports a healthy nervous system, helps to maintain protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism, and promotes homocysteine conversion.

Methyl Folate Plus – Neurobiologix

Methyl Folate Plus from Neurobiologix is a professional-grade dietary supplement for those who need support overcoming deficiencies in the cellular delivery of methyl folate. Those who have methylation deficiencies due to genetic weaknesses may have difficulty absorbing folic acid, or those who need additional nervous and immune system support. Each serving of this supplement contains vitamin B2 (as Riboflavin-5-Phosphate), Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide), and folate (derived from L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate calcium salt and Folinic acid calcium salt).

Do you use B vitamins for stress?

Safety Tips for Student Athletes

safety tips for student athletes

Try these safety tips for student athletes.

Spring sports season is just getting started, which means parents and athletes are training and getting geared up to compete. Every season brings new goals, challenges and opportunities for growth. Whether you have a high school athlete showing off to college scouts or a toddler on a tee-ball field, safety is a top priority for parents and caregivers.

In honor of National Athletic Training Month, our team has gathered safety tips for student athletes and their caregivers to ensure safety this season.

Try These Safety Tips for Student Athletes

Don’t Skimp on Stretching

Stretching and warming up before activity may not be the highlight of playing, but it’s an essential step in smart sports. Warming up and stretching before activity can help ease your body into aerobic exercise and prevent injuries. Not only is stretching preventative, it loosens muscles, improves movement and has a positive outcome on overall performance.

Get the Right Equipment 

Making sure your student athlete has the gear they need to succeed is one of the best ways you can support them. Playing or training in ill-fitting clothes or worn-out gear can lead to frustration and injury.

Stay Hydrated

No matter the season or your location, dehydration is always a possibility with athletics. Ensure that your kids always have water on hand throughout the year, but particularly during practice and games. If you’re unsure that your student is properly hydrated, urine color can be an indicator, clear urine typically means proper hydration. Warning signs of dehydration include: dizziness, dry mouth, muscle cramps, increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.

Educate Yourself on Concussion Warning Signs

If you pay attention to sports news, you understand just how serious head injuries can be. If a child has taken a blow or bump to the head, they should be monitored by coaches and parents afterward before returning to the field. Appearing dazed or stunned, memory recall issues, slow speech or sluggish movement are just a few signs of concussion and should be taken seriously.

Make Rest a Priority

Student athletes are busy, not only do they have sports, but they probably also have homework, friends, family, and other extra-curriculars. In the midst of a busy week, it can be tempting to let their sleep schedule slide.

In fact, according to research student athletes should get 1-2 hours more sleep than students who are not involved in sports.

Supplements & Products to Support Student Athletes

Nutrition is a key factor in setting your student athletes up for success. Supplements and nutritional support products are another factor in giving them the energy they need. Here are a few products recommended for student athletes.

Athletic Nutrients from Pure Encapsulations

Best suited for older teen athletes, Athletic Nutrients from Pure Encapsulations is a multivitamin and mineral complex to support performance. Created to enhance exercise performance and training this product may promote energy, stamina and lessen muscle fatigue.

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Packets by Ultima Health Products

High energy exercise can lead to dehydration and a loss of electrolytes. Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Packets by Ultima Health Products is an advanced drink mix designed to provide Optimal hydration through a balance of macro and micro-essential electrolytes.

Raw, Organic Protein from Garden of Life

Protein helps the body repair and recover after activity, and most athletes extra more protein to sustain performance. Raw, Organic Protein from Garden of Life provides high quality, plant-based protein plus live probiotics and enzymes to aid in performance and recovery.

Did we miss any essential safety tips for student athletes? Tell us what you would include in the comments section below.

Natural Sleep Support for Kids

sleep support for kids

Learn how to support natural sleep support for kids.

One of the best ways you can support your child’s healthy development is to ensure that they are getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. According to Johns Hopkins, children who don’t get enough sleep may struggle to learn at school, are more likely to have behavior problems, and are at a higher risk for diabetes and childhood obesity.

There are many ways you can provide natural sleep support for kids, and the team at Professional Supplement Center has information you can easily implement right away.

Sleep Needs by Age 

No two kids are alike, but pediatricians generally agree that sleep needs change with age. Here’s an overview of how much sleep your child needs each night.

Babies and Toddlers

You already know that newborns need a lot of sleep. In fact, from birth to three months, babies need between 14-17 hours each day and just slightly less from four months to a year. Toddlers, aged one to two years need 12-16 hours a day, including overnights and naps.

School-Aged Children

From ages two to five, preschoolers need between 10 and 13 hours a day including naps whereas elementary kids need 9-12 hours a day. Even though it’s tempting to let upper elementary kids skimp on sleep, you will likely notice behavior changes on nights when they fall below 8 hours.

Tweens and Teens

Although they will try and convince you otherwise, your tweens and teens also need a good night’s rest, roughly 8-10 hours each night. If boundaries regarding nighttime phone usage aren’t clear, adolescents often stay up far later than is beneficial.

Healthy Habits for Happier Bedtimes 

There are several habits you can implement to provide natural sleep support for kids. To start, keep your nightly routine and bedtime consistent and try to incorporate a calming bath into the mix. Additionally, some report that spending quality time with parents or caregivers gives children a sense of closeness and calm as the separation of sleep approaches.

Eliminate screens for at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from phones, iPads and television will stimulate your child’s brain and prevent them from falling asleep easily.

If your child is struggling to sleep, try to identify the issue and understand the root cause. They may be acting out because they need more togetherness throughout the day or there could be an underlying source that your pediatrician can help you identify.

Supplements Provide Natural Sleep Support for Kids

If you’re looking for a little extra bedtime support, Professional Supplement Center has a few products that may help.

No More Monsters by Herbs for Kids

Perfect for kids over the age of two, No More Monsters by Herbs for Kids is a homeopathic sleep support especially formulated for children. These quick-dissolving tablets have a lightly sweet banana flavor that kids enjoy taking.

Valerian Super Calm by Herbs for Kids

Valerian root has been internationally used for years to support healthy sleep and may reduce the amount of time it takes for children to fall asleep. Valerian Super Calm from Herbs for Kids is a pediatric formulation that may provide healthy sleep in kids. It can be taken directly or mixed with a liquid and the packaging provides clear, age-specific dosing instructions.

How does your family promote natural sleep support for kids? Share your tips with our team in the comments section below.