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Bee-Inspired Skin Care

There's a lot of buzz about these ingredients.

By Lisa Fabian

Let’s consider the wondrous bee. The miracle worker that is not only a champion pollinator vital to our food supply but also the giver of many healing substances.

The most popular of these is honey, that golden and sweet substance that’s been a food for humans throughout history. Now this sticky substance has found its way into skin care.

But honey’s not the only substance this mighty insect gives us. Propolis, bee pollen, beeswax, royal jelly, and bee venom are other popular ingredients finding their way into topical products to get the skin healthy and glowing.

Here’s the buzz on the skin benefits of these gifts from the bee.

Bee Products for Skin Care

  • Honey

    This tasty sweetener, made by bees from nectar and honeydew (a sticky, sugary substance made by aphids), is truly a healing substance. It contains at least 181 ingredients! These include:

    • enzymes
    • organic acids
    • flavonoids
    • essential oils
    • proteins
    • amino acids
    • small amounts of vitamins and minerals

    Uses

    • Healing

      Not only a food, honey also has regenerative properties. It can help detoxify dermal tissue, improve skin elasticity and color, and smooth out wrinkles.

      Honey helps speed up skin cells’ healing activities. In fact, the Manuka variety is so beneficial for wound healing that it’s now used in clinical settings.

      For Acne

      Honey can also help heal acne scars. Apply it every day to scars to help the healing process.

      Always remove honey before going to bed. Remnants on the face can attract dust and dirt, which could lead to more breakouts.

    • Moisturizing

      Honey also helps soften the skin. It adds moisture to dry areas, and it makes creams, lotions, and oils easier to rub in. It’s a balm for chapped lips, dry hands, and even frostbite.

      In its sugared form, honey acts as a peeling agent.

    Usage

    If you decide to make your own skin care treatments, use only raw, unpasteurized honey. Heated varieties don’t have the same powerful nutritional and enzymatic properties.

    Dab raw honey directly on the skin to help with acne, candida overgrowth, eczema, or psoriasis. Or use it as a natural exfoliator to reveal brighter skin.

    Leave the honey on your skin for several minutes and then rinse it off.

  • Propolis

    Commonly mixed in beeswax, propolis is also known as bee glue. It is a resinous substance that bees collect from tree buds, shrubs, and plants.

    Propolis has a whopping 300-plus active compounds, including:

    • esters
    • phenolic acids
    • flavonoids
    • aromatic compounds

    Uses

    With antimicrobial, antiseptic, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties, propolis treats fungal infections, skin burns, and acne vulgaris.

    Look for propolis in sunblock products and protective lipsticks, as it offers protection from ultraviolet radiation.

  • Bee Pollen

    Bees bring pollen from plants back to the hives. Bee pollen has at least 200 active substances, including:

    • vitamins
    • flavonoids
    • hydroxy acids
    • unsaturated fatty acids

    Uses

    A strong antifungal, bee pollen is an anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulating agent that can regenerate damaged skin tissue.

    With its high content of flavonoids, it affects cell metabolism and boosts regeneration.

    Bee pollen extracts and dried grains of bee pollen are sometimes added to natural cosmetics and skin care.

    Look for skin products combining omega-rich fatty acids with bee pollen to help with scarring and sensitive skin.

  • Beeswax

    Beeswax is a natural secretion formed from the wax-producing glands in worker bees’ abdomens. It’s used by bees to build honeycomb cells. For us humans, it’s an important cosmetic ingredient.

    Uses

    An emulsifying agent, beeswax forms the base for many lip balms, lipsticks, and creams because of its softening and lubricating properties, which also help prevent water loss from the skin.

    Beeswax can help psoriasis, dermatitis, and the overgrowth of normal skin flora.

  • Royal Jelly

    With such a regal name, it’s no surprise this ingredient is a supreme skin defender.

    Uses

    It has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antimicrobial, and regenerative properties to help repair skin tissues, wounds, and burns. It can also help heal shingles.

    Find royal jelly as an ingredient in balms, lotions, and creams. Products with higher amounts of royal jelly tend to absorb well with no greasy residue.

  • Bee Venom

    It sounds scary, but don’t let the name sway you from bee venom’s healing properties.

    An effective, natural toxin rich in peptides, it offers antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial actions.

    Uses

    Many like bee venom for its natural botox-like properties, which help boost collagen production and improve elasticity.

    Bee venom can be found in anti-acne products, as well as in treatments for wounds, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.

    Bee venom’s recently been found effective for fighting wrinkles and photo-damaged skin.

    Those with dry, aging, and acne-prone skin benefit most from this ingredient.

    Look for bee venom-infused moisturizers to heal patches of itchy and dry skin.

Precautions: Bee Safe

Allergic reactions, though not common, can occur when using bee products.

Bee pollen is the most frequent allergen causing hypersensitivity, and beeswax is the least allergenic.

If you have allergies to bee venom, use caution with products containing honey and other bee ingredients.

Allergies to honey are rare. However, some individuals can experience skin rashes and eczema when applying royal jelly topically. Always do a patch test before using.

“Bee products in dermatology and skin care” by Anna Kurek-Gorecka et al., Molecules, 2/20

“A review of the use of beeswax in skincare” by Yvonne Nong, MS, et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 8/23

Contributor

Lisa Fabian

Contributing Editor

Lisa Fabian is an award-winning freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience in the publishing industry. She's enjoyed covering topics as diverse as arts and crafts, boating, food, and health and wellness.

Hydration and Electrolytes

By Kelli Ann Wilson

As the weather warms, you may spend more time outside in the hot sun.

It’s important to be mindful of your body’s water and electrolyte balance.

What Are Electrolytes?

“Electrolytes” is the scientific term for the minerals in the blood and body fluids that carry an electrical charge. The most common electrolytes are:

  • calcium
  • chloride
  • magnesium
  • phosphorus
  • potassium
  • sodium

Benefits of Electrolytes

Electrolytes are important because they perform many vital tasks in the body, including:

  • balancing water and pH levels
  • carrying nutrients into and moving wastes out of cells
  • ensuring that the brain, heart, muscles, and nerves are all functioning properly

For Heart Function

Electrolytes are especially important for heart function because they facilitate the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract and relax at a normal rate.

Without electrolytes, the heart can’t pump properly. In extreme cases, electrolyte imbalances can lead to arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.

Refresh and Replenish

You take in electrolytes from the foods you eat and the fluids you drink.

Every day your body works to balance your water and electrolyte levels, but sometimes this balance can be disrupted.

Causes of Depletion

Diarrhea, sweating, and vomiting can all deplete water and electrolytes quickly.

The three main electrolytes lost through sweating—which you may tend to do a lot in the summer—are magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

And, even if you’re not sweating a lot when you mow the lawn or work out, you can still lose electrolytes from breathing rapidly.

Rehydrating

If you’re active, especially in the warmer months, consider replacing one 8-ounce serving of water per day with an oral rehydration product that contains electrolytes.

You can buy oral rehydration products at the store, or you can make your own with easy-to-find ingredients.

DIY Recipes

  • Water Base
    • 4 cups water
    • 34 teaspoon table salt
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Chicken Broth Base
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 2 cups water
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Tomato Juice Base
    • 2 12 cups plain tomato juice
    • 1 12 cups water
  • Cranberry Juice Base
    • 34 cup cranberry juice
    • 3 14 cups water
    • 34 teaspoon table salt

“Electrolytes,” www.MedlinePlus.gov, 11/20/17

“Fluid and electrolyte balance,” www.MedlinePlus.gov

“Essential electrolytes,” Rush University Medical Center, www.Rush.edu

“Homemade oral rehydration solutions,” University of Virginia Health System, www.Med.Virginia.edu, 11/16

“Quick facts about body water” by Merck Manual, Consumer Version staff, www.MerckManuals.com, 7/18

Contributor

Kelli Ann Wilson

Associate Editor

Kelli Ann Wilson is Associate Editor at Taste for Life magazine. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, photography, gardening, and spending time with her husband and two kids.

Natural Approaches to Prostate Support

Supplements for BPH (and Urinary Frequency)

By The Taste for Life Staff

A walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system, the prostate grows early in puberty and then again—continuously—beginning around age 25.

This growth may be cause for concern for some men as early as age 40.

What is BPH?

Prostate enlargement is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What Are The Symptoms of BPH?

The urgent need to urinate frequently (often in the middle of the night) and hesitant, interrupted flow are annoying symptoms of BPH.

If the condition worsens, more serious problems can develop, ranging from acute urinary retention (sometimes triggered by allergy or cold medications) to incontinence, bladder stones, and even organ damage.

How Common is BPH?

More than half of men in their 60s and up to 90 percent of those over 70 experience some signs of BPH.

BPH and Prostate Cancer

It’s important to discuss symptoms of prostate enlargement with a healthcare provider who may also want to rule out cancer.

Detection

Recent studies have questioned the best way to detect prostate cancer.

But “nearly every case of prostate cancer in the last 15 to 20 years was found with an initial PSA [prostate- specific antigen] blood test and/or DRE [digital rectal exam] screening,” says E. David Crawford, MD, principal investigator with the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for prostate cancer including age, ethnicity, and family history. But “a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants helps lower the risk,” says Dr. Crawford.

Other experts point to hormonal factors; in fact, increased estrogenic pollutants in the environment parallel the rise in prostate disease.

Supplements for BPH

In Europe, supplements “are the treatments of choice in 90 to 95 percent of [BPH] cases,” writes Stephen Harrod Buhner in The Natural Testosterone Plan.

They work, he explains, by relaxing prostate muscles and allowing urine to flow more easily.

As prostate-specific anti-inflammatories, supplements can help normalize hormonal activity.

“Natural treatment protocols are much cheaper than pharmaceuticals, do not have to be taken forever, tend to lower the risk of prostate cancer, and have few side effects.”

  • The Saw Palmetto Regimen

    Research using ultrasound images finds that combining saw palmetto, widely used for BPH, and nettle reduces the size of prostate swelling.

    Consider the following regimen for three months to a year:

    Our BPH Prostate Health Regimen
    Supplement Amount Frequency
    Nettle Root 300 to 600 mg twice daily
    Saw Palmetto 160 mg std. extract twice daily
    Rye Grass Pollen 60 to 120 mg twice daily
    Flaxseed Oil 1 tablespoon once daily
    Zinc 50 mg once daily
  • African Cherry and β-sitosterol

    Some experts recommend the sterol-rich African herb Pygeum africanum, helpful in relieving nighttime urination, and the phytonutrient beta sitosterol for overall BPH symptoms.

  • Vitamins and Minerals

    In recent studies, lycopene, vitamin D, and zinc have all been shown to inhibit BPH progression. Moderate exercise also seems to favorably influence BPH.

  • Homeopathy

    If you want to try homeopathy, consider Clematis, a specific remedy for prostate swelling that causes slow urine flow or dribbling.

  • For Sexual Dysfunction

    Lycopodium may be useful for BPH accompanied by sexual dysfunction.

"Are we sentenced to pharmacotherapy? Promising role of lycopene and vitamin A in benign urologic conditions" by P. Kutwin et al., Nutrients, 2/18/22

"Benign prostate hyperplasia and nutrition" by K. Das and N. Buchholz, Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 10/19

“Dietary patterns, supplement use, and the risk of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia . . .” by A. R. Kristal et al., American Journal of Epidemiology

The Natural Testosterone Plan by Stephen Harrod Buhner ($14.95, Healing Arts, 2007)

"Neutraceutical treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer" by A.F.G. Cicero et al., Archivo Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia, 10/19

Personal communication: E. David Crawford

"Use of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract for benign prostatic hyperplasia" by Y. Kwon, Food Science and Biotechnology, 4/17/19

Contributor

The Taste for Life Staff

The Taste for Life staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and specialties. We believe learning is a life-long process, and love to share the knowledge we gain.

Uses for Curcumin

Discover the Power of Gold

By Alan Siddal

The health benefits of curcumin can be significant, but its effects have been limited because it is not well absorbed in the body. Several recent breakthroughs have led to formulas with greater bioavailability. And that’s welcome news.

Benefits of Curcumin

Curcumin—a compound in turmeric that gives the spice its yellow color—has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.

It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and, more recently, it's been studied as a potential treatment for a wide range of disorders, including colon cancer and osteoarthritis.

It has also been used to treat joint pain, digestive issues, skin problems, and more. Curcumin is available in capsules and other forms including powders and teas.

  • Anti-Inflammatory

    New formulas are being developed that may release curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties throughout the body.

    By mixing curcumin with piperine (black pepper), bioavailability is greatly enhanced in the human body. In other research, scientists mixed curcumin powder with castor oil and polyethylene glycol (a substance commonly used as a laxative).

    That process allowed the curcumin to be more easily absorbed in the gut so it could enter the bloodstream and tissues. In laboratory animals, the formula was shown to shut down an acute inflammatory reaction.

    A recent review of 15 randomized controlled studies of more than 1,600 participants found that curcumin relieves joint pain, function, and stiffness in a manner similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with fewer adverse events.

    Curcumin is found in many ointments for the relief of joint pain.

  • Depression Relief

    Another curcumin supplement with increased bioavailability helped to relieve symptoms of depression in a group of people with major depressive disorder.

    The improvements began after four weeks and continued through the end of the eight-week study. Participants took 500 milligrams (mg) of the supplement twice daily, or a placebo.

    One recent meta-analysis of nine articles backed up the effectiveness of curcumin, stating it had a significant effect on depression and anxiety symptoms.

    Comparison to Prozac

    Another study of the same supplement found that it worked as well as the antidepressant medication fluoxetine (Prozac) in treating major depressive disorder without the major side effects.

    Patients who took 1,000 mg of curcumin per day fared as well as those who took 20 mg of fluoxetine. Curcumin was also well tolerated, and the study authors concluded that it was effective and safe.

  • Brain Health

    Turmeric is a relative of ginger, and it’s a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. Tumeric intake is high in India, and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in that country is relatively low.

    There is some speculation that the two things are linked.

    Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier, and research has shown it can decrease amyloid plaque build-up in the brain that’s associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Anti-Cancer Properties

    Curcumin may also be useful in the treatment of cancer. Research indicates that it may help increase a protein inhibitor that is known to slow the progression of mesothelioma—a cancer of the lining of the lung that has been linked to asbestos.



    Laboratory studies have shown that curcumin can inhibit stomach (gastric) cancer by decreasing the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and reducing chemo-resistance in gastric cancer cells.

"The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis" by L. Zeng et al., Bioscience Reports, 6/25/21

“Curcumin” by Mary S. Easton, UCLA Alzheimer’s Translation Center

“Curcumin for depression: A meta-analysis” by L. Fusar-Poli et al., Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 8/19/19

"Curcumin and gastric cancer: a review on mechanisms of action" by T. Hassanalilou et al., Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer, 6/19

“Curcumin: A review of anticancer properties and therapeutic activity . . .” by R. Wilken et al., Molecular Cancer

"Curcumin C3 complex®/Bioperine® has antineoplastic activity in mesothelioma: An in vitro and in vivo analysis" by F. Di Meo et al., Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 8/16/19

“Enhanced bioavailability and safety of curcumagalactomannosides as a dietary ingredient” by V.B. Liju et al., Food & Function Journal

“New research adds spice to curcumin’s health-promoting benefits,” Ohio State University

Contributor

Alan Siddal

Staff Writer

Hormonal Balance for Men

By Maria Noël Groves, RH (AHG)

Hormone balance in men encompasses far more than simply prostate health and sexual function.

Reproductive hormones interplay with many aspects of men’s health.

This includes those associated with “masculinity" like:

  • drive and stamina
  • courage
  • body hair

...and others that are concerns for all genders, including:

  • bone health
  • insulin sensitivity
  • blood sugar metabolism
  • muscle strength
  • overall energy and vitality

Hormones and Men's Health

Important Hormones

  • Testosterone

    Testosterone is the primary masculine hormone, produced mainly in the testes. It is primarily associated with vitality and masculine traits, particularly in peak reproductive years.

  • Androstenedione

    Androstenedione (“Andro”) is another key masculine hormone, also produced in the testes and associated with vitality and masculine traits.

  • Dihydrotestosterone

    Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced by the conversion of testosterone via the 5 alpha reductase enzymes.

    While it does have some beneficial roles during sexual development and is technically more potent than testosterone, excessive amounts as men age are associated with balding and prostate problems.

Building and Converting Hormones

  • Aromatase & Estrogen

    Some testosterone is converted into estrogen (estradiol) via the aromatase enzyme, which may increase with age and with increased abdominal fat.

    If it happens too much, there will be a drop in testosterone and a reduction in the benefits of testosterone.

  • DHEA

    DHEA is produced by the adrenals and can be converted into various hormones, including testosterone.

  • Cholesterol

    Cholesterol is a base molecule of all these reproductive hormones; having adequate cholesterol is important.

Vital Nutrition for Men's Health

A varied and blood-sugar-balancing whole foods diet rich in plants, good fats, fiber, and a complete array of proteins is as helpful for men as it is for everyone.

Some extras to consider:

  • Lycopene

    A red pigment in tomatoes, autumn olives, watermelon, red bell peppers, guava, pink grapefruit, and goji berries (more bioavailable if cooked or eaten with fat).

    Lycopene helps protect the prostate from cancer and inflammation.

  • Zinc

    A mineral found in abundance in oysters and other shellfish, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), red meat, nuts, and legumes. Zinc is also added to multivitamin/mineral supplements.

    It plays an important role in prostate health, sperm production, immune health, mitochondrial energy, Type 2 diabetes prevention, and hormone balance.

    Moderation is key—aim for at least 11 milligrams (mg) per day but no more than 40 mg on a regular basis.

  • Nutrient-Dense Herbs

    Nettle leaf, moringa, and maca offer background support alongside diet.

    Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, circulation-enhancing herbs and foods support erectile function and the body’s ability to fight cancer and maintain a healthy prostate.

    These include:

    • garlic
    • hawthorn
    • cayenne
    • green tea
    • turmeric
    • rosemary
    • ginger
  • Topical Rosemary Oil

    Topical rosemary oil performed well in a small human study for hair growth, rivaling the drug minoxidil (Rogaine) for male pattern baldness.

DHT-Inhibiting Remedies

These foods and herbs may support testosterone levels, prostate health, and sexual function by reducing the amount of testosterone that is converted to DHT.

  • Saw Palmetto Berries

    By far the best-researched herb for men’s health, saw palmetto has been the subject of hundreds of studies on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including nighttime, frequent, and painful urination, and overactive bladder.

    Some studies show comparable effects and fewer side effects versus medications, though others have less impressive results. It also seems to work better in formulas with other remedies mentioned in this article.

    A typical dose is 320 mg of saw palmetto extract in a softgel per day.

    Saw palmetto, which has a narrow habitat range and ripeness window, is threatened by overharvesting and climate change.

  • Pumpkin Seed

    Not only do pumpkin seeds (or pepitas) provide zinc, but the oil and other constituents may have specific toning and alpha reductase–reducing effects that are beneficial for prostate and bladder tissue.

    Studies confirm the oil’s ability to reduce symptoms of overactive bladder, frequent and nighttime urination, as well as reduced bladder tone, BPH, and LUTS.

    In a 2021 study, pumpkin seed oil was helpful, though not quite as effective as the pharmaceutical tamsulosin, but had no side effects.

    Another study comparing it to the drug prazosin found similar results after 6 months with a high degree of safety.

    Studies have also shown good results with an oil-free pumpkin seed hydroethanolic extract (like a tincture), which reduced symptoms of BHP by 30 percent over 12 weeks.

    Several studies also suggest benefits for hair growth.

    The typical dose is 500 to 1,000 mg of pumpkin seed oil per day.

  • Nettle Root

    In one study, nettle root extract reduced urinary symptoms associated with BPH for 91 percent of patients after six months of supplementation.

    Typical doses of the root extract are 600 mg twice daily, or 300 mg three times daily.

    Many studies note that the best results occur with long-term use, with full benefits presenting between 6 and 12 months of use.

  • Reishi Mushroom

    Reishi mushroom may also offer alpha reductase–inhibiting and BPH-easing properties, though the research is still new.

    This mushroom is also associated with deep immune support, anti-cancer and antiinflammatory properties, and overall energy and vitality benefits.

“Carotenoids,” Linus Pauling Institute, https://lpi.oregonstate.edu, 10/23

“Zinc,” Linus Pauling Institute, https://lpi.oregonstate.edu, 2019

“Effects of an oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract on symptom frequency and severity in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A pilot study in humans” by M. Leibbrand et al., Journal of Medicinal Food, 6/19

“Evaluation of α 5-reductase inhibitory activity of certain herbs useful as antiandrogens” by A. Nahata and V.K. Dixit, Andrologia, 8/14

“Pharmacological approaches in managing symptomatic relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A comprehensive review” by C. O’Quin et al., Cureus, 12/23

“Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo) versus tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptom relief: A single-blind randomized clinical trial” by N. Zerafatjou et al., BMC Urology, 2021

“Pumpkin seed oil (prostafit) or prazosin? Which one is better in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia” by M.K. Shirvan et al., Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 6/14

“Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms” by M. Noguchi et al., Asian Journal of Andrology

“Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial” by Y. Panahi et al., SKINmed, 1–2/15

“Serenoa repens, selenium, and lycopene to manage lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive for benign prostatic hyperplasia” By A. Russo et al., Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 12/16

“Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia by natural drugs” by E. Csikós et al., Molecules, 12/21

Contributor

Supplements for Injury Prevention

By The Taste for Life Staff

Exercise is vital for life, but injuries often set us back for a couple of days or longer.

Supplements for Injury Prevention

While the occasional pulled muscle or inflamed tendon is virtually unavoidable, certain key nutrients can play a role in injury prevention.

  • B vitamins

    The Bs are necessary for energy production, a crucial factor for effective exercise.

    Low levels of vitamin B12, for example, may result in diminished energy and exercise tolerance, together with fatigue and shortness of breath, according to a recent study.

  • Omega 3s

    Research has shown that these essential fatty acids can enhance athletic performance while helping to stave off injuries.

    They reduce inflammation and ease postworkout muscle soreness.

  • Vitamin D

    Low serum levels of vitamin D have been shown to negatively affect muscle strength and endurance and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries like stress fractures.

  • BCAAs

    Found in supplement form or food (meat, fish, seafood, milk, eggs), branched-chain amino acids (including valine, leucine, and isoleucine) offer two key benefits for athletes as post-training support.

    First, they stop the breakdown of muscle after a workout.

    Second, they initiate the recovery process, helping to repair muscle.

  • Glutathione

    This antioxidant has been proven to reduce symptoms of stress and discomfort in muscles and joints.

    It provides a boost in athletic performance and recovery.

  • Calcium

    Adequate calcium intakes guards against fracture risk.

    There is no need to exceed recommended calcium amounts, which are 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day (through a combination of dietary and supplement sources) if you are 50 or younger. For women 51 or older, 1,200 mg is the recommended amount.

    Because the body can absorb only a certain amount of calcium at a time, it's best to break the dosages into roughly 500 mg at a time.

“Applications of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for sport performance” by J.D. Philpott et al., Research in Sports Medicine, 4-6/19

“B-vitamins and exercise: Does exercise alter requirements?” by K. Woolf and M. Manore, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

“Does glutathione enhance sports performance?” by Chris Latham, www.HealWellNutrition.com, 9/4/18

“The effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on exercise induced muscle damage” by Y. Kyriakidou et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 1/13/21

“Glutathione supplementation suppresses muscle fatigue induced by prolonged exercise via improved aerobic metabolism” by Wataru Aoi et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2/5/15

“Omega-3 fatty acids for sport performance: Are they equally beneficial for athletes and amateurs?” by F. Thielecke and A. Blannin, Nutrients, 11/30/20

“Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Benefits and endpoints in sport” by M.A. Gammone et al., Nutrients, 12/27/18

“Vitamin D in athletes: Focus on physical performance and musculoskeletal injuries” by S. Yoon et al., Physical Activity and Nutrition, 6/30/21

Contributor

The Taste for Life Staff

The Taste for Life staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and specialties. We believe learning is a life-long process, and love to share the knowledge we gain.

A Chemical-Free Pregnancy

Make natural choices that nurture children and families.

By Gigi Lee Chang

Do you remember the moment you learned you were pregnant?

After the period of awe passes, pregnancy is the perfect time to commit to eliminating harmful chemicals from your food, home, and personal care products.

Making your daily routines as healthy as possible during pregnancy will not only make you feel better, it will go a long way toward protecting your growing baby from BPA, mercury, phthalates and more—all of which have been found in the bodies of pregnant women.

Cleaning up your daily routines now is good practice for creating a healthy home environment for your newborn, who will be vulnerable to the harmful substances found in everyday products.

Over the years, Healthy Child has gathered some excellent pregnancy advice from our experts and friends, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Staying Healthy and Natural During Pregnancy

Consider these tips for a greener, healthier pregnancy.

  • Avoid Pesticides

    Studies have shown that a pregnant woman’s exposure to pesticides poses risks similar to those associated with smoking.

    • Minimize exposure to pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables by reading up on EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 before heading to the market.
    • When gardening or dealing with things like insects or mice indoors, opt for organic or natural pesticides.
  • Watch Your Intake of Animal Fats

    Harmful substances like PCBs as well as pesticide residue accumulate in fat tissue. This means when you eat seafood, meat, and poultry you’re also ingesting these chemicals.

    To minimize intake, choose seafood known to be low in contaminants and low-fat options (trimming the fat from fish and meat helps). Organic or pastured meat and wild seafood are best bets whenever possible.

  • Be Smart About Plastics

    Plastics can be harmful, especially when it comes to developing babies.

    • Vinyl (PVC)

      The worst is PVC, which contains hormone disrupting chemicals called phthalates to make it soft and flexible.

      PVC is used for everything from shower curtain liners to cling wrap.

      Thankfully it’s fairly easy to avoid when pregnant—and beyond.

    • Bisphenol A (BPA)

      Minimizing exposure to plastics containing another hormone disrupter, BPA, is also a good idea.

      • BPA is found in some water bottles—keep an eye out for the number 7 in the recycling arrows on the bottoms of plastic containers.
      • BPA can also be found in cash register receipts and canned foods.
  • Ditch the Toxic Cleaners

    Newsflash: scouring your counters, tubs, and floors with toxic chemicals doesn’t make them cleaner. It just covers them with nasty chemical residues.

    Cleaning product formulas are currently government protected as trade secrets so it’s hard to read labels to know what you’re getting.

    Generally speaking, it’s common sense to avoid products with warnings labels like “hazardous” “poison” and “danger.”

    Instead, choose plant-based cleaners from companies that disclose their natural ingredients.

    Try Making Them Yourself

    It’s also easy to make DIY tub scrubs and more. All you need is hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, plant-based dish soap, and some elbow grease.

  • Choose Safer Cosmetics

    How many personal care products do you use on your body daily? Don’t know? According to EWG, it’s likely to be 10 products containing as many as 126 unique chemicals!

    Lotions, creams, shampoos, soaps, lip balms, and more can contain chemicals that interfere with baby’s development. Pregnancy is the perfect time to start a new personal care regime with safer products. Read labels to avoid harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and triclosan.

    Look to EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetics database to shop healthy.

  • Relax Naturally

    Rubbing lavender cream onto the legs before bedtime significantly reduced anxiety, stress, and depression in pregnant women, according to a 2015 study.

    • The women applied the cream for 10 to 20 minutes each night for eight weeks.
    • Some of the women also included a warm foot bath in their nightly routine.
    • The women were 25 to 28 weeks pregnant at the start of the trial.

    Maternal anxiety, stress, and depression can have negative effects on both the pregnant mother and her child.

“Re: Topical Lavender Cream Alleviates Anxiety, Stress, and Depression in Pregnant Women,” by Heather S. Oliff, PhD, HerbClip, http://cms.HerbalGram.org, 5/29/15

Moms + DHA = Healthier Babies

A recent study shows benefits to pregnant women and their infant children through supplementing the moms' diets with the omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy and postpartum.

Contributor

Gigi Lee Chang

Gigi Lee Chang is CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World, a nonprofit that empowers parents to protect their children from harmful chemicals.

She is a frequent speaker on topics including children’s health, food and nutrition, and socially conscious/sustainable business practices.

Bone Strength

Foods, nutrients, and lifestyle tips that boost bone health

By Albert McKeon

Protecting bones from degeneration often seems like the least of our concerns—until they ache. But attention to bone health throughout life will keep your body properly framed, protect organs, and let you move without discomfort as you get older.

Bone Strength and Age

“As we age, we become aware of bone health and the need to take care of our frames. And that’s great,” said Jason Sonners, a chiropractor in Florham Park, NJ. “But most of our bone growth happens before we’re 20 years old. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to take care of your bones, but it’s important to know it really matters early in life.”

Most people reach peak bone mass by 30. That’s why Dr. Sonners and other health experts stress the importance of building bone mass in youth to prepare for the later years of life, when instead of making new bone fast and furiously, our bodies remodel much more slowly. As we age, we lose slightly more bone mass than we gain, opening the door to weak bones and the development of conditions such as osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Maintaining Bone Strength

All people can be better bone stewards by taking two simple steps: eating healthy and exercising as hard as your body allows.

Diets should include vitamins D and K and the minerals calcium and magnesium, while exercise should place some stress on your bones so they won’t atrophy.

  • Diet and Nutrition

    The “Milk does a body good” and “Got milk?” advertising campaigns made a lasting impression that the vitamin D and calcium in milk were the best sources to fortify bones. But a 2014 study of more than 100,000 Swedes over approximately two decades found no link between milk consumption and bone fracture risk.

    While the once ironclad ties between milk and bone health might now seem fragile because of concerns about fat intake, few people dispute the importance of vitamin D and calcium.

    • Calcium

      Our bodies contain more calcium than any other mineral, storing most of it in bones and teeth to keep them strong.

      “Many published studies show that low calcium intake throughout life is associated with low bone mass and high fracture rates,” said Steven Hausman, PhD, a researcher from Bethesda, MD, who specializes in immunogenetics and transplantation biology. “Many people in the United States consume much less than the recommended amount of calcium in their diets.”

      Sources of Calcium

      Good sources of calcium include:

      • low-fat dairy (e.g. yogurt)
      • figs
      • canned salmon
      • sardines
      • shrimp
      • fortified soy milk
      • fortified tofu
      • almonds
      • leafy greens
        • broccoli
        • Brussels sprouts
        • bok choy
        • mustard
        • turnip greens
        • kale
      • white canned beans
        • navy
        • cannellini
        • great northern
        • lima
      • Fortified foods
        • juices
        • cereals
        • breads
        • plant milks

      Those who have difficulty consuming enough calcium through food might need calcium supplements, best absorbed in amounts of 500 milligrams.

    • Magnesium

      Magnesium, naturally found in veggies, helps the body absorb calcium and stimulates a hormone that draws calcium from the blood and tissues to place it back into bones. There are many types of magnesium available in supplements; magnesium glycinate is highly bioavailable form.

    • Vitamin D

      Naturally occurring vitamin D is found in:

      • salmon
      • tuna
      • mackerel
      • egg yolks

      It can also be supplemented with daily doses of fish oil and sunlight.

    • Vitamin K

      Human intervention studies show that vitamin K increases bone mineral density in people with osteoporosis and can reduce fracture rates. Studies indicate it works in synergy with vitamin D to bolster bone density.

      Good sources of vitamin K include:

      • veggies
      • beans
      • soybeans
      • eggs
      • strawberries
      • meat

      Vitamin K can interfere with certain meds, such as Coumadin, so as with any supplement you are considering, consult a healthcare practitioner before adding it to your regimen.

  • Exercise

    Robert Herbst, an 18-time world and 30-time national powerlifting champion, advocates weight training such as squats and deadlifts to prompt bone growth. Heavy, multi-joint compound movements place stress on long bones and the spine, prompting the body to manufacture more bone, he said.

    “If you want to do it properly and avoid osteoporosis, you have to do weight-bearing stuff,” Herbst said. Not everyone can weight train, but even activities such as lifting groceries can help, he said.

    According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, weight-bearing exercises that force you to work against gravity are best for building bone.

    In addition to weight training, the organization recommends:

    • walking
    • jogging
    • climbing stairs
    • tennis
    • dancing

    Our desk-bound society has more bone-health issues than previous generations that used their bodies for work in the field and factories, Herbst said.

    Times have changed, he said, but that doesn’t mean people can’t give their bones the exercise and food they need to stay strong.

Contributor

Albert McKeon

Albert McKeon covers health, business, politics, technology and entertainment as a freelance writer. He previously worked as a newspaper reporter for 16 years on the staffs of The Telegraph (N.H.) and Boston Herald, winning the New England Press Association’s Journalist of the Year award and other honors. He now writes for magazines and news outlets, and creates content for organizations such as Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston College.

Your Adrenal Glands

Your Best Friends (And Worst Enemies!)

By Cheryl Myers
We host blogs from some of the leading voices in natural health and wellness. Opinions and views expressed by the author are their own, and do not necessarily represent those of Taste For Life or its editorial staff. Please contact Cheryl Myers with any questions about this content.

Your adrenals are two little glands that sit at the top of each kidney.

A gland is an organ in the body that secretes hormones.

So your thyroid secretes thyroid hormone, and your ovaries secrete the hormone estrogen, the testes secrete testosterone, and you adrenal gland secretes an array of adrenal hormones.

Function of The Adrenal Gland

The adrenal gland makes over 50 hormones, including:

  • epinephrine (adrenaline)
  • norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
  • cortisol (stress and more)
  • aldosterone (blood health and more)
  • dehydroepiandrosterone (a.k.a. DHEA)

These hormones are crucially important, and play a role in regulating immune system function, blood pressure, metabolism, and your physiological (and even psychological) response to stress.

While your adrenal hormones play a role in every day body functions, they are perhaps best known as the mitigators of your fight or flight response.

Effects of Adrenal Stress

If you work a double shift and are dead on your feet, walking home sluggishly with many a yawn, I absolutely guarantee that if a tiger jumps out of the bushes, you will not be too sleepy to respond.

In fact, you will be wide awake, with your hair standing on end.

Your heart rate will increase and push more blood into your muscles, diverting it temporarily from nonessential functions like digestion to give you more strength. Sugar will be dumped into your bloodstream to give you more energy.

Your pupils will dilate, your breathing will become rapid, and you may feel the sudden urge to empty your bladder, and maybe even your bowels.

There are many different types of stress that can cause your adrenals to react. It could be relationship issues or job loss, or a physical threat or the fear of a physical threat, or environmental stressors such as exposure to the cold or extreme heat.

One of the most important responsibilities of the adrenal glands is to give us the emergency energy and strength we need to rescue ourselves from a bad situation, whether that be by fighting off a mugger or climbing out of a burning house.

We live in a world of near constant stimulation, and even enjoyable stimulation creates a certain amount of stress.

The invention of the electric lightbulb changed the industrialized world’s sleep patterns forever. Our Stone Age bodies (and adrenal glands) are struggling with trying to keep up.

Over Stressed and Under Productive Adrenals

There are a variety of adrenal gland diseases in which adrenal hormone production is either over or under-active.

One of the best known is Addison’s Disease, in which the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol. President John F. Kennedy suffered from Addison’s and had to receive injections of cortisol to compensate for the hormones his adrenal glands could not make. Untreated, Addison’s Disease can be fatal.

However, a person does not need to have one of these diseases to have problems with suboptimal adrenal function.

Common Causes of Hormone Issues

Hormone production can be suppressed by an unexpected number of issues, such as:

  • chronic stress
  • poor diet
  • certain prescription medications
  • drug abuse
  • excessive alcoholic beverages
  • the aging process itself

Sleep Loss

It is also true that chronic stress can cause excessive cortisol release and upset its connection to our circadian rhythms, which is one reason so many people with stress in their lives have such disrupted sleep.

Suboptimal Adrenal Function

I have a cousin who never stops. She starts her day with boundless energy and seems to end it that way, too.

She is optimistic and resilient, regardless of what life throws her way. She has the sunniest smile and a wicked sense of humor.

Though she just turned 51, her muscles are strong and her hair is thick and shiny. She has two jobs, one husband, five children involved in everything from theater to sports, and still finds the time to participate in a number of sports herself and serve in various organizations.

If ever there was a human Energizer Bunny, it would be her. I think she must have absolutely amazing adrenal glands. I have often wished I inherited the same adrenal genes.

Suboptimal adrenal function is the opposite.

Symptoms of Suboptimal Adrenal Function

Instead of strength, you have weak muscles. Hair can be dull. Anxiety and worry are triggered by even small adversities. Energy is low, and any kind of stress is overwhelming.

Other physical symptoms include nausea, dizziness when standing from a sitting position, depression, weakened immunity, and sometimes salt cravings.

While it is important to get your symptoms checked out by your healthcare provider, there are excellent natural interventions that can make a real difference.

Supplements for Adrenal Support

  • Adaptogen Herbs

    Adaptogens are herbs that increase your ability to adapt (hence the name), which is much of what your adrenal glands do as well. I always say that adaptogens don’t push up or down—they push towards normal. Two of the best adaptogens for adrenal function are ashwagandha and rhodiola.

    • Ashwagandha

      ​Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is well known in Ayurveda, where it has been considered a potent medicine for a wide variety of problems.

      Modern science has borne out these traditional claims and has found that, among other things, ashwagandha modulates the production of cortisol.

      In a study of a specialized ashwagandha called KSM-66 found that after 2 months of use, physical symptoms of stress decreased by 76%, insomnia decreased 69%, and depressive symptoms decreased by 79%.

    • Rhodiola

      Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is equally beneficial for supporting healthy energy, stamina, and adrenal activity.

      Early studies found that this herb can increase production of norepinephrine in the brain, which enhances focus and mood. Other studies support its ability to improve mood and a sense of well-being.

      Note

      Not all rhodiola has the same activity. It is important to look for standardizations to the key compounds, which should be more than 5% rosavins and more than 1.8% salidrosides.

    • Licorice

      There have been some concerns with licorice raising blood pressure, but the dose for that would be measured in grams.

      The issue was discovered amongst people in Europe who loved licorice candy and ate quite a bit on a daily basis. Licorice is used in European licorice, but most of what we call licorice in the US is flavored with anise instead. Some folks saw an increase in their blood pressure.

      Lower dosages are not problematic.

      Note

      There is a form of licorice used to help heal stomach ulcers called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). This form of licorice will not raise blood pressure, but it will not help your adrenal function, either.

      So use DGL if you have stomach issues, but not for adrenal hormone support.

  • Vitamin Support

    Some of the best nutrients available for energy, stamina, and healthy adrenal function are the B-vitamin family. However, like all families, some members are a bit more active than others.

    The usual form of B12, for example, is called cyanocobalamin. The body has to turn it into the bioactive form (the form your body can use) called methylcobalamin.

    Many people are not efficient at this conversion, and do not thrive when using ordinary B12. The same is true for vitamin B6 (pyridoxine vs pyridoxl-5-phosphate) and folic acid vs. folate or methylfolate.

    These B-vitamins are used for the creation of certain adrenal hormones in addition to having independent functionality.

    Therefore, if using B-vitamins, I always recommend using the bioactive Bs, because you are assured that it will promote your health.

A Long and Happy Life

Taking care of your adrenal glands is important to both your physical and psychological health.

You will be amazed at the difference in your energy, stamina, and outlook on life with healthier adrenal function.

“Addison’s Disease and Adrenal Insufficiency Overview,”www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/addisons-disease/addison-disease-adrenal-insufficiency-overview

“Adrenal Glands,” Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library,www.HopkinsMedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/endocrinology/adrenal_glands_85,p00399

“Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial” by D. Choudhary et al., J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med, 4/16

“Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions” by D. Choudhary et al., Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2/21/17

“Examining the Effect of Withania somnifera Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: a Randomized Controlled Trial” by S. Wankhede et al.,  J Int Soc Sports Nutri, 11/25/15

“In vitro and In silico Evaluation of the Potential for Neuroprotection of RhodioLife, a Rhodiola rosea Roots Extract” by J.M. Zubeldia et al.,  J Food Studies, 2013

“A Pilot Study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)” by A. Bystritsky et al., J Altern Compliment Med,2008

“A Prospective, Randomized Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-concentration Full-spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults” by K. Chandrasekhar et al., Indian J Psychol Med, 7/12

Contributor

Cheryl Myers

Cheryl Myers, RN, is an integrative health nurse, author, and expert on natural medicine. She is a nationally recognized speaker who has been interviewed by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Prevention magazine. Her articles have been published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Nutrition in Complementary Care, and her research on botanicals has been presented at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the North American Menopause Society. Follow Cheryl on Facebook! 

Shilajit

Ancient Remedy and Modern Revitalizing Supplement

By Lisa Fabian

Known as a rejuvenating herb in Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit has been popular for thousands of years in India. Today it’s gaining attention for its many health benefits.

What Is Shilajit?

Shilajit is fossilized plant remains found mostly in rock cracks. Sourced from the Himalayas but also from Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and Chile, shilajit forms from microbial matter and the gradual decomposition of plants over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years.

What's in Shilajit?

Brownish-black in color and hard and rock-like or sticky and tar-like, depending on its surrounding temperature and environment, shilajit is comprised mostly of humic substances (compounds formed during long-term decomposition).

  • Fulvic Acid

    One of these substances is fulvic acid—a nutraceutical acting as an anti-inflammatory compound and antioxidant along with the humic acids.

  • Nitric Oxide

    Shilajit’s thought to work by increasing the body’s levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that regulates inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

  • Trace Minerals

    • calcium
    • potassium
    • magnesium
  • Other Nutrients

    • sterols
    • terpenoids
    • flavonoids

What is Shilajit Used For?

Traditionally it was used by people in northern India and Nepal.

Sherpas, long known to have impressive longevity and strength, claimed to consume it as part of their diets.

For centuries, shilajit’s been used for:

  • digestive disorders
  • nervous issues
  • anemia
  • chronic bronchitis
  • jaundice
  • male infertility
  • overall wellness

Shilajit’s Potential Benefits

  • Body

    • Increased energy levels and physical stamina by supporting mitochondria—the cells’ energy powerhouses.
    • Bone health: Shilajit is a source of phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium and may also support collagen production.
  • Mind

    • Improved cognitive functioning and reduced inflammation in the brain.
    • Lessened irritability, a calmer mind, and a reduction of anxiety due to shilajit’s anti-depressant properties.
  • Aging

    • Slowing of the aging process.
    • Help with cognitive issues, libido, and testosterone levels.
  • Heart / Blood

    • Reduced heart disease risk due to shilajit’s antioxidant properties that slow aging, reduce cholesterol, and improve cell health.
    • increased hemoglobin production to help with iron-deficiency anemia.
    • Increased levels of glutathione—an antioxidant beneficial to the heart.
  • Gut

    • Reduced growth of the harmful bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the gut.
    • relief from stomach pain, flatulence, and constipation while supporting the health of the colon.

Clinical Studies

While there has not been a lot of research on shilajit to date:

  • One study found that those who took it had a decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to those who took a placebo.
  • Another study reported that shilajit lessened chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms, since it reduced mental and physical stress.

Tips for Buying Shilajit

  • What to Look For

    Some believe the benefits of shilajit vary depending on where it’s extracted. The Himalayan variety is considered to be the most authentic and “real” version, but purity is the most important consideration.

    Purified, ready-to-consume products are essential when purchasing shilajit, as some items can be contaminated with heavy metals. Ensure the shilajit is tested for contaminants by an independent lab and is certified safe.

    Shilajit should not be consumed in its unpurified and unprocessed form, as it can be toxic with possible chemical and physical impurities.

  • Choosing a Form

    Available in tablets, capsules, powders, or resin, many prefer the powdered version as it can be easily added to smoothies, purified (not tap) water, or other beverages.

    Powdered varieties allow for dosage customization. However, they may have a slightly lower amount of active compounds due to processing.

  • Storage

    Shilajit can be stored at room temperature. On hot days, it may melt. Shilajit can also be refrigerated and will soften when returned to room temp.

How to Take Shilajit

  • Start Slowly

    When taking shilajit, start slowly with a lower dose. Increase gradually, as needed, to help the body adjust and to reduce possible side effects.

  • Eat Before Taking

    Take shilajit with food to prevent an upset stomach.

  • Keep Taking It

    To experience its full benefits, take for at least three to six months.

Precautions

Experts believe it’s fine to consume shilajit on a regular basis, but it’s recommended to speak with a medical professional before routine intake to ensure it’s appropriate for your health needs.

Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid shilajit due to a lack of safety information on it for these individuals.

  • Possible Side Effects of Shilajit

    • Side effects of shilajit can include diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, and upset stomach, particularly when taken in large doses.

    • As shilajit can cause energy bursts, it’s best to take it in the morning or earlier in the day.

  • Medical Interactions

    • Shilajit can be taken with vitamins and other herbal supplements, but avoid supplementation within 2 hours of prescription medications as it may enhance their effects.
    • Note that shilajit can interact with certain medicines such as blood thinners and diabetes medications.

“Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers” by S. Pandit et al., Andrologia

“Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo)” by S.J. Stohs, Phytotherapy Research

“Shilajit: evaluation of its effects on blood chemistry of normal human subjects” by Praveen Sharma, et al., Ancient Science of Life

“Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial” by U. Pingali and C. Nutalapati, Phytomedicine, 10/22

“Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex  . . .” by Carlos Carrasco-Gallardo, International Journal of Alzheimers Disease

“What does shilajit do for the body?” by Dr. Sruthi M., MBBS, www.MedicineNet.com, 2024

“What is fulvic acid, and does it have benefits?” by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, www.Healthline.com, 4/24/20

Contributor

Lisa Fabian

Contributing Editor

Lisa Fabian is an award-winning freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience in the publishing industry. She's enjoyed covering topics as diverse as arts and crafts, boating, food, and health and wellness.

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