Almost everyone wants clear, glowing skin. There are hundreds of products available for your skin to prove it. However, some products can cause more damage to your skin than good. Here is what you need to know about antioxidants for your skin.

Retinoids

Retinoids, otherwise known as vitamin A, have been known to help reduce premature wrinkles. Studies have been done over the years to even prove this. Experts have discovered that this antioxidant can help fade actinic keratosis spots. It can also even skin pigmentation and speed the turnover of skin cells. Pretty amazing. It can do all of this by increasing the production of collagen and blood vessels in the body. Results will not be immediate when you use products with this antioxidant. However, with use over time, the overall health and appearance of your skin should improve. One thing to be aware of, however, is that it can dry out or irritate your skin. Limiting its use to only every other day and wearing sunscreen will give your skin the best results.

Resveratrol

This antioxidant has been known to protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation damage and stress. It is found in grapes and some berries. However, you would need to eat quite a lot to receive all the benefits of this antioxidant. Luckily, there are products available, like face creams, that have this antioxidant in them.

Related: 7 Cold Weather Skincare Tips

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is listed under a few different names on skin products. Some of these names include ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. This vitamin has been researched many times and has been deemed one of the most potent antioxidants for your skin. This powerful vitamin helps prevent wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tones, and even skin dullness. It does this by firming and brightening the skin by hydrating it. Luckily, vitamin C is also a water-soluble vitamin. This means that your body will remove any excess that it does not need. You can find vitamin C in foods like oranges. However, certain skin products can offer a more concentrated dosage to either drink or apply to your skin.

Check out: Skin Rescue + Renew

Niacin

Niacin is an antioxidant that is a B vitamin. Another name for it is vitamin B-3. Many people get enough of this vitamin from the food they eat, however, there are other ways to make sure your body gets it. Some foods that are rich in niacin include milk, meat, grains, tortillas, and more. If your body is unable to make enough of this antioxidant, you can also talk to your doctor about other ways to get enough of it. Just be aware that it can have dangerous side effects when taken with alcohol, certain prescription drugs, and vitamin supplements.

Related: Benefits of a Collagen Supplement

Sources

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-retinoids-really-reduce-wrinkles

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3060966/

https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/anti-aging-wrinkles/five-super-anti-aging-antioxidants-your-skin-needs.html

Immune Balance 365 is a daily use supplement that supports and shields the areas vital to immune health. Much more than a simple vitamin c tablet, Immune Balance 365 is a sophisticated synergistic multisystem supplement in a highly absorbable liquid form. It provides cutting edge support to the 6 main areas of immune health. Nutrient absorption, Antioxidants, Stress/cortisol balance, Immunomodulation, Adaptogens, and Intestinal Health.

1.) Stress and Cortisol – Stress is a major factor in nearly all forms of significant illness from heart disease to compromised immune health. There is truth to the statement “stress kills”. Some studies indicate chronic stress as a more harmful factor than cigarette smoking in terms of overall wellbeing. Cortisol, a helpful hormone when occasionally released in times of stress, can become harmful after states of prolonged or chronic stress. Higher levels of cortisol have been correlated to weakened immune response, increased belly fat, fatigue, and longer recovery times for illness. Studies of Sensoril, (a standardized extract of ashwagandha), contained within Immune balance 365 demonstrated a 69% reduction in perceived stress and 24% Reduction in serum cortisol.

2.) Advanced Immunomodulators – The immune system is often misunderstood and oversimplified with claims being made that a product will “boost” this complex system. The problem with “boosting” is there are elements of the immune system, such as the innate system, that pushed out of balance may lead to inflammation, pain, and allergic itching. With the science and technology available today a more appropriate tactic is to “balance” the immune defenses by using natural phytonutrients to give the body an abundance of the nutritional components it needs to maintain healthy barriers and a ready to go immune response.

Our primary immunomodulator is maitake gold 404, a standardized extract of maitake mushroom guaranteed by the producer to be immune-active. It has been clinically shown to increase phagocytosis, cytokine, interleukin, and natural killer activity. Each of these being beneficial components of the innate and adaptive immune response. Immune balance 365 also contains the powerful Black elderberry, which has demonstrated prominent immunomodulating benefits and significant reduction in time to recovery from illness.

3.) Intestinal Health/Digestive Support. Get better not Diarrhea. – When considering immune response many people don’t factor in the importance of intestinal health. Antibiotics are often inappropriately prescribed for viral illness, which can lead to antibiotic resistance and destruction of the normal flora or healthy bacteria that colonize the intestinal tract. With the healthy bacteria gone, nutrient absorption decreases and other harmful bacteria can colonize the intestines leading to further illness, particularly diarrhea. In contrast to antibiotics Immune balance 365 contains Nutraflora ScFos, a “prebiotic” or food for the desirable or “good” intestinal bacteria. This natural prebiotic is then able to feed and fortify rather than destroy the beneficial bacteria in your intestines, thus maintaining a strong barrier against opportunistic disease and diarrhea.

4.) Bioavailable Antioxidants- The National Cancer Institute gives the following definition for antioxidants: “Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals might otherwise cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances.” Immune balance contains vitamins C and E in levels sufficient to provide powerful antioxidant ability and support to circulatory health. To further ensure bioavailability Immune Balance 365 also includes ACTIValoe which has been shown to increase bioavailability of vitamin C and E by 204% and 269% respectively!

5.) Adaptogens – Who wouldn’t like to be more resilient and capable when it comes to fighting off disease. Immune Balance 365 contains the adaptogens Rhodiola and Eleuthero. Adaptogens are substances that enhance the bodies resistance to outside stressors including fatigue, mental stress, germs, and trauma. Studies have shown both Eleuthero and Rhodiola as supports to the bodies natural ability to reduce stress, combat fatigue and improve resistance to disease.

6.) Safe For Daily use- People get sick 365 days a year not just in times of winter. So to provide this year round protection it’s important to take a supplement that is safe for daily use. Unlike antibiotics or Echinacea which are taken after an illness and are only safe for a short period of time, the vitamins and phytonutrients found in Immune balance 365 are safe for daily use. Furthermore by providing essential nutrients and vitamins such as C, D, and E, protective barriers such as skin, oral, and lung surfaces can be better fortified by healthy tissue and protective enzymes.

So this winter and spring, and summer, and fall… Be proactive, be balanced, wash your hands, and avoid unnecessary illness.

To Your health!
Dave Rigby PA-C, MS, Member of American Society of Nutrition

We are what we eat, but for most of us the nutrients and vitamins we take in daily are poorly understood and frequently taken for granted. So in an effort to gain appreciation for these important nutrients, I have decided to study and write about a few in particular starting with Vitamin A.

What is vitamin A?
The term “vitamin” refers to any nutrient required by a living organism that can’t be self synthesized and must be obtained from your diet. In the case of Vitamin A, the name actually refers to several different compounds that have similar biochemical functions. These compounds include Retinol, Retinal, and four carotenoids including beta carotene. Vitamin A is most commonly known for its role in vision, but also plays an important role in gene transcription, immune function, bone growth, reproduction, Iron transport, and blood cell formation.

What are the recommended daily allowances and upper levels of intake?

Adult RDA or RDI for Vitamin A
Males(18+): 900 mcg/day RAE (3000 International Units)
Females (18+): 700 mcg/d RAE (2300 International Units)

• Pregnancy 750-770 mcg/day RAE (2500-2600 International Units)
• Lactation 1200-1300 mcg/day RAE (4000-4300 International Units)

Upper Limit of intake (UL)

Adults: 3000 mcg/day RAE (10,000 International Units)

Pregnancy: 2800 mcg/day RAE (9200 International Units)
Lactation: 3000 mcg/day RAE (10,000 International Units)

Pediatric RDA

1-3 years old: 300 mcg/day RAE (1000 International Units)
4-8 years old: 400 mcg/day RAE (1333 International Units)
9-13 years old: 600 mcg/day RAE (2000 International Units)
14-18 years old: 900 mcg/day RAE (3000 International Units)

Pediatric Upper Limits of normal intake

0-3 years old: 600/day mcg RAE (2000 International Units)
4-8 years old: 900/day mcg RAE (3000 International Units)
9-13 years old: 1700 mcg/day RAE (5700 International Units)
14-18 years old: 2800 mcg/day RAE (9200 International Units)

What happens when you are Vitamin A deficient?

Those at risk for vitamin A deficiency include vegans, recent immigrants, alcoholics, preschool children living below the poverty line, patients suffering from fat mal-absorption, Inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, sprue, pancreatic insufficiency, and persons who have undergone small-bowel bypass surgery.
One of the first signs of Vitamin A deficiency is poor vision,particularly night blindness. There is also increased interest in subclinical vitamin A deficiency where low storage levels of vitamin A lead to an increased risk of respiratory and diarrheal infections, poor bone development, decreased growth rate, and decreased ability to survive serious illness.
According to the National Institute of Health(NIH)“Vitamin A deficiency is common in developing countries but rarely seen in the United States. Approximately 250,000 to 500,000 malnourished children in the developing world become blind each year from a deficiency of vitamin A. In the United States, vitamin A deficiency is most often associated with strict dietary restrictions and excess alcohol intake.”

What happens when you get too much Vitamin A?

Vitamin A can be derived from two different sources, animal or a plant.Animal source Vitamin A is called preformed vitamin A. It is absorbed in the form of retinol. Retinol is one of the most bioavailable forms of vitamin A. Vitamin A that is found in fruits and vegetables is called provitamin-A carotenoid. These can be made into retinol in the body. As a preformed vitamin is fat soluble, it is more difficult for your body to get rid of excess levels. This makes animal source or preformed vitamin A more dangerous in terms of toxicity because storage levels continue to increase over time. Beta-carotene is a safe source of vitamin A because the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A is regulated in the body.

The four main negative effects of toxic levels of vitamin A storage (Hypervitaminosis A) are: birth defects, liver abnormalities, reduced bone mineral density, and central nervous system disorders.
Toxic symptoms can also arise after consuming very large amounts of preformed vitamin A over a short period of time. Signs of acute toxicity include nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and muscular incoordination. Although hypervitaminosis A can occur when large amounts of liver are regularly consumed, most cases result from taking excess amounts of the nutrient in supplements.

Pregnancy Vitamins

During pregnancy Vitamin A plays several important roles including, neural development and development of heart, ears, eyes, limbs, and lungs. Pregnant mothers need to be careful as excess vitamin A is teratogenic, (a term for anything harmful to the normal physiological development of the baby) The UL(upper limit) during pregnancy is 9200 IU, 800IU lower than that recommended for an adult female as excess Vitamin A may cause cardiovascular, craniofacial, thymus, and nervous system malformations. The following is a warning from the national institute of health;“Over the past 15 years, syntheticretinoids have been prescribed for acne, psoriasis, and other skin disorders. Isotretinoin (Roaccutane® or Accutane®) is considered an effective anti-acne therapy. At very high doses, however, it can be toxic, which is why this medication is usually saved for the most severe forms of acne. The most serious consequence of this medication is birth defects. It is extremely important for sexually active females who may become pregnant and who take these medications to use an effective method of birth control. Women of childbearing age who take these medications are advised to undergo monthly pregnancy tests to make sure they are not pregnant.”

Sources of vitamin A

So after all of this discussion about what vitamin A is and what it does, the next question is what are the vitamin A levels in common foods we eat? The following is a chart provided by the NIH**.

As you can see one portion of liver on the animal side and carrots on the vegetable provide 400-550% each of the daily value requirement of vitamin A. Many other sources provider lesser amounts but certainly add up to make vitamin A deficiency unlikely in the typical American diet.
In conclusion, vitamin A plays many important roles in the human body but should be respected in terms of toxicity and may have some implications amongst certain populations for deficiency. Pregnant women need to be most careful with intake and beta carotene is a safer form of vitamin A to use during this time. Finally, a well-balanced diet should provide most people with all of the vitamin A they need.
To Your Health,

Dave Rigby MS, PA-C, member ASN
*definitions of medical terms: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/
** http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=12-35-45-00

Recently Vitamin B12 has been all over the news with recent studies being released about the effectiveness of vitamin b12 and how good it is for your overall health. Even Dr. Oz has gotten in on the fun by recommending vitamin B12 supplementation.

Also known as Vitamin B12 or vitamin B-12, B12 is a water soluble vitamin that has an important role in the normal function of your body and brain.
Why do you need B12? What is B12 good for?
B12 has a key role in the normal functioning of the brain, nervous system, and for the formation of blood. Vitamin B-12 is said to be involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body. B12 is said to be good for energy production as well as proper DNA synthesis.
Vitamin B12 has been said to be good for eyesight, growth, appetite and taste. Some signs of B12 deficiency is night-blindness.

Where can you find B12?
Vitamin B-12 is one of eight different B vitamins and can normally be found in B vitamin complexes (although it is usually in small amounts). It can be found in clams, liver, beef, fortified breakfast cereals, trout, salmon, Tuna fish, eggs, beef, milk, chicken, and many more.

The nih.gov website shows this table for the selected food sources of Vitamin B12

Table 2: Selected Food Sources of Vitamin B12

*DV = Daily Value. DVs were developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help consumers determine the level of various nutrients in a standard serving of food in relation to their approximate requirement for it. The DV for vitamin B12 is 6.0 mcg. However, the FDA does not require food labels to list vitamin B12 content unless a food has been fortified with this nutrient. Foods providing 20% or more of the DV are considered to be high sources of a nutrient, but foods providing lower percentages of the DV also contribute to a healthful diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database Web site lists the nutrient content of many foods and provides a comprehensive list of foods containing vitamin B12.

What is the best form of B12?
Cyanocobalamin is a common synthetic form of Vitamin B12 that is not found in nature. It is very stable in water and is generally a cheaper form of vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin is known as the higher grade of Vitamin B-12.
What is the RDI of B12?
The dietary reference intake or recommended daily intake of B12 for adults ranges between 2-3 micrograms per day. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for B12 in pregnant women is 2.6 micrograms per day and 2.8 micrograms during lactation.

Vegans and Vegetarians are recommended to consistently eat foods that are fortified in Vitamin B-12 or supplement with dietary supplements.

According to ods.od.nih.gov

* Adequate Intake

Products from Liquid Health with B12:
Liquid Health Drops – Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin
Liquid Health Attention
Liquid Health Energy & Stress, liquid vitamin B Complex

Many people have heard that boosting your immune system will help you stay healthy and fight illnesses. However, how do you boost your immune system? First, it is important to remember that your immune system is not just one part of your body. It is a system with many cells that work together to keep your body functioning. Here are some ways to protect the immune system.

A well-balanced diet

One of the most important things your body needs is vitamins and minerals. Your body gets many of these vitamins and minerals from your food and drinks. Most people with a healthy diet can get all the nutrients their body needs just fine. This includes getting plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, protein, water, and other essential foods each day. While a proper diet is highly encouraged, not everyone eats like this each day. Lacking in these essential nutrients can take a toll on your health and immune system. Luckily, dietary supplements like a multivitamin can help. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not there to replace a well-balanced diet, but to supplement your diet.

Exercise

Another essential activity your body needs is exercise. The recommended amount you should get each week is around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. Exercise has many health benefits. It can help with your cardiovascular health, lower your blood pressure, and lower your body weight. It can help with all of these, while also improving your immune system. Read our article, “Tips for Staying Motivated to Exercise”, to help you make healthier habits.

Do NOT smoke

Most likely the worst thing you can do for your immune system is smoke. Smoking may lead to many health hazards including heart disease, many different cancers, respiratory infections, and more. These hazards are a threat to both heavy and light smokers. Secondhand smoke can also affect the health of those around you, including your family, friends, and even neighbors. Secondhand smoke has even been known to cause inflammation in skin conditions like eczema. While you may not be concerned about the effects smoking has on your health, it is important to remember how it can hurt those around you. Try to be courteous and keep your distance from others while smoking. If you live in close quarters like an apartment complex, be aware that smoke can seep through walls, vents, and outdoor windows.

Drink alcohol only in moderation or not at all

Studies have shown that even alcohol can have negative impacts on the immune system. While moderate amounts of alcohol have not been proven to have many health hazards, excessive alcohol can be dangerous and detrimental to your health. What many people may not realize is that even as little as 8-15 drinks a week is considered excessive.

Avoid stress

Many people may not consider the effects of mental health on the immune system. However, stress can be especially damaging. Stress can weaken the immune system, leaving you more prone to illness.

More time in the sun

One of the best ways to protect the immune system is with vitamin D. It is no secret that spending time outdoors in the sunshine for a few hours each can brighten your mood. Time in the sun can also have a positive impact on your physical health. This is because our bodies absorb vitamin D from the sun. Dietary supplements are also available if you are unable to spend enough time outdoors or even if you have a difficult time absorbing vitamin D from the sun.

Wash your hands

According to the CDC, washing your hands regularly can help you avoid getting sick while also limiting the spread of germs to others. This is another one of the ways to protect your immune system. Your hands should be washed for at least 20-30 seconds. Always wash your hands after using the restroom, handling raw meat, touching doorknobs and handrails, going to the grocery store, and even after touching your face. Doing so can help protect your health and the health of those around you. You should especially be careful around young children. The top killers for young children are diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, which could largely be avoided with proper handwashing.

Get enough sleep

The amount of sleep we get each night can have a big impact on our health. Our bodies need proper amounts of sleep in order to function properly. Check out our article, “Nothing Beats a Goodnight’s Sleep“, for more information on the importance of sleep.

Sources

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

CoQ10 plays an important role in the electron transport chain also known as (ETC). Discovered by Prof. Fredrick L. crane et al at the University of Wisconsin, Madison enzyme institute in 1957, finding out that its primary function is to generate energy in the cells in our body. CoQ10 is found in the highest concentration in the inner membrane of the mitochondria which is responsible for generating 95 percent of the human’s body energy.

CoQ10 is a Fat-soluble vitamin like substance which occurs primarily in the mitochondria of practically every cell in the body. Being found in many foods it is in high concentration in organ meats, which when consumed makes it easier to receive C0Q10. Scientifically proven CoQ10 supplementation can also counter angina, heart attacks, and hypertension. C0Q10 is becoming popular each and every day. CoQ10 has also been found to help men & women as an anti-aging topical supplement.

I was shocked when I took my baby in for her 2 month check up and her doctor told me I should be giving her a vitamin supplement.  I went home and decided to do a little research, not that I don’t trust our doctor, I was just curious.  I was a little surprised to learn that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU/daily of Vitamin D for all infants who are exclusively breastfed.

They recommend starting the supplement “shortly after birth” and continuing until they are consuming enough fortified milk to receive proper amounts of Vitamin D.  I know it’s said that Vitamin D deficiency is huge right now, and this made me wonder what other groups need Vitamin D (and probably aren’t getting it).

The Office of Dietary Supplements listed these as the groups at the highest risk of being Vitamin D deficient:

-breastfed infants, since it’s likely they are not receiving adequate amounts of Vitamin D from breast milk alone.

-older adults, over time your skin loses the ability to synthesize Vitamin D.
-people with limited exposure to the sun, a lot of times our diets alone do not provide enough Vitamin D so some sun exposure is necessary.  Those who do not get much exposure to the sun may need additional supplementation.

-people with dark skin, dark skin comes from having a larger amount of pigment melanin in the epidermal layer, which has been shown to inhibit the skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D from sunlight.

– people with fat malabsorption, people with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and some forms of liver disease, have a harder time absorbing dietary fat.  Some dietary fat in the body is necessary in the absorption of Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin.

-people who are obese, those who have a higher percentage of body fat are found to be Vitamin D deficient because “greater amounts of subcutaneous fat sequester more of the vitamin and alter its release into the circulation”
or

-those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, after a gastric bypass surgery, “part of the upper small intestine where vitamin D is absorbed is bypassed and vitamin D mobilized into the serum from fat stores may not compensate over time.”

If you are looking for more information, or you are interested in carrying or purchasing our products, please do not hesitate to call us at 800.995.6607 or send us an e-mail at customerservice@liquidhealthinc.com.