While the use of zinc supplements is common during cold and flu, zinc is a mineral that is usually taken for granted.

Magnesium is an incredibly versatile mineral that plays a key role in carrying out hundreds of biochemical reactions that keep your body functioning at its best.

Turmeric, the golden spice, is hailed as one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs out there and going by the studies it could very well be as effective as a variety of conventional drugs that are commonly used to treat inflammation, pain, arthritis, depression, type 2 diabetes and endothelium dysfunction.

Busting the Cholesterol Myth - NL-027

Understanding cholesterol can be confusing, especially with all the negative hype surrounding it. We all have come to dread cholesterol because of its purported role in heart disease, but is all this hype true? Cholesterol is an important molecule that performs important and even critical functions in your body. Did you know it is an important and structural component of your cell membranes?

 

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL or low-density lipoprotein and HDL or high-density lipoprotein. Unknown to many, neither LDL nor HDL are cholesterol but they are small particles that carry fats like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Going by the existing and accepted dogma, LDL is the villain of the story that contributes to cardiovascular disease. HDL, on the other hand, is a friendly guy that helps remove bad cholesterol and provides an array of health benefits.

Many experts have challenged this theory of "bad cholesterol-good cholesterol", labelling it as flawed and twisted.

Your body needs cholesterol

Your body makes this soft waxy, fat like substance to carry out a number of functions. Cholesterol:

1. Provides structure, fluidity and permeability to cell membranes
2. Helps the brain to function properly
3. Helps in the production of hormones
4. Helps in the production of vitamin D
5. Used by the liver to make bile acids for digestion
6. Helps repair damaged cells and tissues

Is cholesterol really bad?

Cholesterol is not bad on its own. It becomes damaging when oxidised by free radicals and toxins present in the endothelium.  Oxidized LDL triggers a cascade of inflammatory immune reactions that promote the formation of plaque and create an inflammatory environment, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. And not all LDL is bad. A new stream of evidence suggests it is the smaller, denser LDL particles that are more likely to become oxidized and increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

A weak and damaged endothelium plays a huge role in this process. Factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, consumption of trans fats, cigarette smoking, obesity and even pathogenic microorganisms can damage the endothelium, increasing the risk of plaque build-up. A strong, resilient endothelium can prevent or minimize this damage.  

It is time to accept that it is not the cholesterol but chronic inflammation that triggers heart disease and other chronic ailments. Chronic inflammation is caused by stress, poor eating habits, exposure to chemicals and toxins, persistent infections and long-term chronic health conditions.

Food doesn’t influence your cholesterol levels

For most people, how much cholesterol you make in the body is not at all dependent on how much cholesterol you ingest through food. Your body will still make this useful, protective molecule even when your food doesn’t contain any cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol your body can absorb from food is insignificant, so don’t feel guilty about eating eggs.  

In healthy people, the liver can get rid of excess cholesterol but in some people with a rare genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, the liver doesn’t do this job very well. People with this condition have high levels of cholesterol in their blood.

In other situations, conventional treatments (such as statins) aimed to reduce your LDL cholesterol levels will not work to reduce your risk of heart disease because there are other important risk factors (insulin resistance, higher triglyceride levels and excess consumption of trans fats, sugar and highly refined carbohydrates) that are at play here and need to be addressed.

Getting a caffeine boost or reaching for that bottled energy drink are quick energy fixes for many, but these quick fixes are short-lived and full of side effects, such as extra calories, added sugar and poor sleep.

As your body's largest solid organ, your liver is a superhero that performs more than 500 functions to keep you healthy and free of toxins.

Maintaining health as we get older - NL-005

Many years ago, when I was in my early 20s and living in Brisbane, a cardiologist told me the palpitations that I experienced when surfing in certain conditions could only be controlled by some medicine that he wanted to prescribe for me. When I asked how long I would need to take the medicine, he smiled and said, ‘For life’. I politely declined and said I would work on maintaining a good level of fitness to ensure my heart rate stays below 140 beats per minute, which was the marker at which the palpitations tended to begin.

 

It is an under-statement to tell you that maintaining good health requires more focus and attention the older we get. I celebrated my 60th birthday recently with a 7km hike up and down a small mountain – more like a hill than a mountain - near where I live in Chiangmai. On the upward journey I certainly noticed I was walking more slowly compared to the pace I maintained when I went hiking 25 years ago. (I used to hike regularly when I lived in Japan – there were many great hiking tracks just a short train ride from where I lived.)

My pulse rate rises more quickly nowadays, and this morning was no exception. I find that it certainly helps to have a good night of sleep before a hike, and I like to have at least one egg before setting out. What I also am sure to take is a good dose of Liposomal CoQ10. And of course, regular sips of water along the way.

Of course, we can’t rely solely on supplements to maintain good health. We need regular exercise, time for relaxation and reflection on what we do with our time, and healthy food which – to state the obvious – is vital. But we can’t always get all of the nutrition that we need from the modern diet, and studies certainly show that most adults the world over are deficient in Vitamin D.

I also want to continue to celebrate the 5th year since launching our products (apologies for the self-indulgent story telling), and so we will continue to offer our Liposomal CoQ10 product at 50% off (limited time offer). It is Non-GMO, Non-Soy and Gluten-free with a unique technology that creates a stable and consistent liposome structure without using an ethanol base.

No need for a coupon or gift code of any sort. Just add the product to your order as the discount has already been applied. If your order value is over EUR 149.00 the shipping is FREE in UK and Europe. We also offer FREE shipping to all other countries, but at a slightly higher value.

Why is Vitamin D so important? - NL-004

It has been estimated that nearly half of the global population is suffering from Vitamin D insufficiency and one billion people are deficient in this nutrient. Research has shown that hypovitaminosis D, or Vitamin D deficiency, is a predictor of mortality in the general population. Conversely, supplementing with Vitamin D appears to be a protective factor against death.

The ingestion of vitamin D can boost calcium and phosphorus levels by up to 40% and 80%, respectively, but it has much more impact than just increasing mineral absorption and balance. Vitamin D can impact up to 200 gene expressions in organ systems such as muscles, intestines, pancreas, and nervous system, which underscores its powerful and far-reaching influence.

Cell division and differentiation are regulated by Vitamin D, which also induces apoptosis to avoid cancer. As an endocrine factor, it inhibits renin and encourages insulin secretion. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and immune-boosting properties to stop invading pathogens and inhibit tumour growth.

The vitamin D receptor complex has an impact on around 10% of human genes and around 3% of human genomes. Its presence has an impact on a wide range of human cells, including bone, blood vessels, brain, breast, colon, immune, muscle, prostate, and skin cells. 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1 alpha-hydroxylase, which is produced by a multitude of human cells, including bone, blood vessels, brain, breast, colon, immune, muscle, prostate, and skin, is responsible for converting calcifediol into calcitriol, the metabolically active form of vitamin D that has an influence on a cellular level.

Adequate amounts of vitamin D depend on getting enough ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation. When using a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, which is often suggested by the medical community, it can reduce the production of vitamin D by more than 95%. The process of synthesizing vitamin D starts when cholesterol in the skin is transformed into cholecalciferol due to sun exposure. This inactive form then goes through changes in the liver and kidneys to form the metabolically active version of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 - 1,25(OH)2D3 - which is the most commonly found form of vitamin D in the body.
Practices of many traditional cultures, which revere the sun as the source of life, may be the result of the numerous advantages of adequate vitamin D. In contrast, popular media, conventional medicine, and the common attitude today is to shelter from the sun, apply sunscreen, and stay away from the direct sunlight in the middle of the day.

A 15-year prospective study of 38,000 Swedish women found that prolonged sun exposure had a significant impact on reducing overall mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Surprisingly, there was a 60% higher risk of melanoma associated with intermittent sun exposure, yet chronic sun exposure had a protective effect against this deadly form of skin cancer. It is important to note that burning should always be avoided, yet staying away from the sun altogether is also harmful.

A broad range of diseases and illnesses have been associated with a lack of vitamin D; including hypertension, infections, diabetes, depression, cancer, fractures, and falls. Notably, vitamin D - a substance necessary for proper immune function - has been found to be in short supply in those suffering from autoimmune diseases, like MS, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Furthermore, research has revealed that autoimmune disorders tend to be more common in areas further from the equator, where vitamin D levels are lower.

The process of self-tolerance, or the lack of an immune response against self-antigens present in the body, is regulated by Vitamin D. It also has an influence on both innate and adaptive immune responses in the event of an infection. Homeostasis, proliferation, and apoptosis are all related to Vitamin D and its effects on the immune system.

Vitamin D - the connection with Vitiligo and Psoriasis

Vitiligo is a condition that has an effect on 1% of the global population, usually before the age of 20. It is split into two varieties, the most common being generalized vitiligo which is thought to be an autoimmune disorder targeting the pigment cells called melanocytes. The other, less common type is segmental vitiligo, which affects only one side of the body.

In contrast to other skin conditions, Psoriasis is a widespread inflammatory illness that affects around two to four percent of the global population. The cause of the disorder is still being discussed, with some suggesting it is an autoimmune issue, and others claiming it is an irregular reaction to the bacteria on the skin. Many people who suffer from Psoriasis state that the condition has a major influence on their life, even if the visible signs of the disorder aren't extensive. Around 20 percent of those with Psoriasis are not satisfied with the treatment they receive.

To keep your immune system in check and stave off potential pathogens, incorporating Vitamin D into your daily routine is key. In particular, taking a liposomal form of Vitamin D will promote the production of anti-microbial peptides like beta defensins and cathelicidin, which can rebalance your microflora composition and help guard against autoimmune responses. The seasonality of influenza is believed to be in part due to Vitamin D deficiency in the winter months, so it is important to be proactive and stay on top of your health throughout the year!

How does lack of sleep affect you? - NL-003

An increasing number of studies are indicating that a lack of sleep can be detrimental to one's cardiovascular health. A paper in the European Heart Journal ‘Digital Health’ determined that the time of going to bed is just as important as the amount of sleep when it comes to maintaining good health.

 

Lack of sleep may have an impact on your future self in terms of decision-making, learning capacity, and emotions, and raise the possibility of a mishap or injury. The amount of sleep an adult of 18 and up requires is 7 to 9 hours per day. In 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that one third of adults did not get enough sleep.

The causes of not attaining sufficient rest can differ. According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, there are roughly 90 diverse sleep disorders. Most of these have symptoms of drowsiness during the day, trouble falling or staying asleep, or unusual feelings or movements in the course of sleep. Good sleep is viewed as a fundamental requirement for optimal health and is acknowledged as such by the majority of health professionals.

The correlation between bedtime and general health is related to the body's 24-hour internal clock. It was not possible to establish causation in the CDC study, yet the data did indicate that going to bed at  different times is likely disturb one's circadian rhythm and have a negative effect on cardiovascular health.

Previous studies have identified an association between sleep duration and cardiovascular illness. Despite this, there has been limited exploration into the connection between bedtime and heart disease.

In a recent study, data from approximately 90,000 individuals was assessed. The mean age of the participants was 61 years and the majority of them (58%) were female. During the approximately 6-year study, the researchers monitored the reported sleep times of the individuals - prior to 10 p.m., between 10 p.m. and 10:59 p.m., 11 p.m. to 12 p.m. or after midnight.

The data was examined with age and gender taken into account and revealed that the lowest cardiovascular disease rate was among those who went to bed between 10 p.m. and 10:59 p.m. It was determined that those who went to sleep at midnight or later had a 25 percent higher risk of heart disease in comparison to the earlier group. Interestingly, the 24 percent risk was comparable for those who slept before 10 p.m. Additionally, those who consistently went to bed between 11 p.m. and midnight had a 12 percent increased risk for heart disease. Further analysis of the data indicated that the risk was more pronounced in women than in men.

A press release was commented on by one of the scientists involved in the study, who suggested that the ideal time for sleep is at a certain point in the body's 24-hour pattern and that any divergence can have a negative effect on one's health. It was additionally stated that the most precarious time to sleep was after midnight, likely because it reduces the opportunity to be exposed to morning light, which synchronizes the body's internal clock.

The data gathered does not indicate a cause-effect relationship, but sleep timing has been revealed as a possible heart-risk indicator – separate from any other risk elements and sleep features. If these discoveries are corroborated in other studies, the timing of sleep and fundamental sleep hygiene could be an economical public health goal for minimizing the danger of heart disease.

The wide-ranging effects of sleep deprivation can lead to a surge in heart disease, as suggested by a systematic review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association that included 74 studies with over 3 million participants. The research found that people who did not get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep had a higher risk of death and other cardiovascular issues than those who got the recommended amount. Additionally, it is believed that getting even more sleep than the recommended amount may be related with more serious outcomes than getting too little sleep. It is already known that inadequate sleep is linked with high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

Sleep deprivation may be correlated to other major health issues, for example:

• There is a greater chance of becoming obese and developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Age-related neurological issues can be widespread, from depression to dementia. With ageing, the blood-brain barrier weakens, permitting more toxins to pass through. This, along with a decrease in sleep-related efficiency of the glymphatic system, can lead to more rapid damage in the brain, which is considered a major factor in the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
• Research has demonstrated that deep sleep is associated with a immune function. This is because the quality of rest helps the body to remember past encountered pathogens, allowing the immune system to quickly and effectively tackle the antigen when it is encountered again.
• It is believed that tumours in lab animals that experience severe sleep issues grow two to three times faster. This is attributed to a disruption in the production of melatonin, a hormone that has both antioxidant and anticancer properties. Melatonin not only stops the development of cancer cells, but also instigates their self-destruction. Additionally, it interferes with angiogenesis, which is the creation of new blood vessels that tumours need for rapid growth.
• Women who slept five hours or fewer each night were found to be at greater risk for developing osteoporosis, as evidenced by their lower bone mineral density measurements.
• A heightened risk of suffering from pain and associated conditions can be caused by a lack of sleep. Studies have revealed that when healthy adults are deprived of sleep, their sensitivity to pain and the amount of pain they can tolerate increases. Furthermore, chronic sleep deprivation and fatigue are both strong indications of the beginning of chronic widespread pain.
• Sleep deprivation has been linked to a heightened risk for stomach ulcers due to the upsurge in proinflammatory cytokines. This can lead to a number of gastrointestinal conditions, including GERD, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer.
• Sleep deprivation has been linked to changes in hormone levels that can lead to issues with sexual performance in both genders.
• Results from one study indicated that there were marked discrepancies between the SCINEXA skin ageing scoring system and the individual's appraisal of their own skin's condition, suggesting premature ageing.
• Higher chances of dying from any cause: an analysis showed that individuals with chronic insomnia are three times more likely to have a fatal outcome than those who don't have trouble sleeping.
• Emotional control issues: sleep and emotion have a two-way relationship. Good sleep is necessary for dealing with emotional tensions, and stress can cause sleep problems. Sleeping well helps the brain to recover and maintains the connections between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which are involved in managing emotions.
• Mental health conditions can be linked to a greater risk of chronic sleep difficulties, with up to 80% of individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or ADHD affects.
• Memory decline and hampered capacity for learning: during sleep, memory is fixed. Too little or too much sleep can disrupt this process and alter other mental processes.
• Efficiency, output and originality decreased.
• Reaction time is slower: not getting a minimum of six hours of sleep will impair your cognitive abilities and boost your chances of getting into accidents.
• Studies have shown that the higher the variety of gut bacteria, the more likely it is that a cytokine, which impacts sleep quality, is present.

The quality of sleep is just as vital for cardiovascular health as the time you go to sleep and the duration of sleep. Fragmented sleep is connected to atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, causing them to become "clogged" or "hardened." This can lead to fatal heart illnesses.

UC Berkeley sleep specialists have reported the findings of their research, which suggest a connection between poor, broken sleep and a pathway of persistent inflammation in the body. This phenomenon has been linked to increased plaque buildup in the arteries, possibly extending to other conditions such as depression and Alzheimer's.

Have you been informed about what kind of food should be avoided? - NL-002

Good health is heavily reliant on proper nourishment, which is why diet is so important. In order to heal, revitalize, and construct new cells, the body needs the right fuel. This includes drinking plenty of clean water and, whenever possible, consuming organic whole foods, grass-fed meats, free-range poultry, and wild-caught fish. Additionally, it is beneficial to incorporate green leafy vegetables, nuts, healthy fats such as coconut oil and grass-fed lard/butter, limited grains, and minimal fruit sugars into the diet. Finally, avoid GMO, pre-processed, and heavily refined foods, specifically those high in added sugars.

 

Adopting a gluten-free lifestyle is often beneficial, because gluten can be an inflammatory agent. Additionally, many gluten-containing items may have high concentrations of agricultural by-products, like glyphosate. In some cases, it may be wise to avoid dairy products for the same purpose.

Processed vegetable oils and trans fats should be avoided. A high sugar intake is detrimental to health, so sugary drinks and sodas should be minimized, the exception being those that come from nutrient-dense fruits such as berries. Caffeine should be limited to about 100 mg each day, and foods or drinks containing aspartame should be avoided.

In order to maintain a healthy and clean lifestyle, it is essential to avoid environmental contaminations, like tobacco smoke, controlling the intake of alcohol, using non-harmful cleaning products, and using organic personal care products and cosmetics.

A balanced diet with an organic multivitamin and trace minerals is key for a healthy immune system. Supplementing with Vitamin D3, K2, zinc and a transporter such as quercetin to move the zinc into cells, and vitamin C will help to support T cells and NK cells. (We will soon have a Liposomal Quercetin product.)

Berries, carrots, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables (like bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and garden cress), the garlic family (chive, garlic, leeks, onions, and shallots), green tea, and tomatoes can all help fight cancer. Some herbs that aid in prevention are artemisinin, blackberry leaves, Chrysanthemum morifolium flower petals, danshen, morinda, and scutellaria.
Maintaining good health requires us to take care of our bodies by consuming nutritious food, limiting contamination, optimizing the release of toxins, exercising frequently, sleeping soundly, connecting with the environment, and managing external pressure.

It appears to be no coincidence that many of these habits characterize the everyday lives of those located in so-called "blue zones." These are places in the world where individuals live to the oldest age with an extraordinary number of centenarians. Additionally, the people in these regions share something else in common - participation in a community that practices some form of meditation.

Taking time for oneself can be difficult, but this enables one to learn self-restraint and companionship.

From a scientific standpoint, illness can come about when the body is not in harmony, potentially due to external elements, unhealthy habits, the destructive impacts of stress, or because there were earlier imbalances passed down genetically. To face the difficulties of this world in an effective way, meditation and contemplation are advantageous for cultivating the necessary mental mindset.

Realizing that we and this universe are a part of a magnificent, wonderful, and essentially positive existence can motivate us to think and act in ways which not only benefit our health, but go beyond that.

In the face of all the hostility and wickedness in the world, we are obligated to make the choice to be better individuals. Enhancing our own personal values will lead to a betterment of society. By recognizing the truth, practicing empathy and helping others, we can overcome the difficulties and achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.