Studies have shown that as many as 70% of the UK population could have low magnesium levels causing many symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, mood swings and migraines. Whilst magnesium is found in food like brown rice, green leafy vegetables, beans, avocados, almonds and dark chocolate, the majority of us don't get enough of the amount we need. Serious health problems such as High blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, heart failure and strokes can be linked to long term sleep deprivation.
So how does a lack of magnesium reduce our quality of sleep?
Magnesium is key to allow you to take protein and convert it into the chemicals that help you feel sleepy. It increases a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which stimulates relaxation as well as sleep. Magnesium also helps regulate melatonin which helps to control your sleeping patterns.
Restless legs and Magnesium
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes you to uncontrollably move your legs because of an uncomfortable sensation. Typically happening in the evening when sitting or lying-in bed which can dramatically disrupt your sleep. Some cases of RLS can be contributed to a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium helps the muscles to relax because of its calcium-blocking abilities which help regulate the nerves and muscles instead of letting calcium “activate” the nerves.
When to take magnesium for sleep?
If you are taking a magnesium supplement to help you sleep, we would always recommend taking 1-2 Healtharena Magnesium capsules 1-2 hours before going to bed.
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]]>Turmeric supplements have been very popular over the last 5 years to help with mild pain relief in our joints and also digestive problems.
But turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Indian medicines to relieve gas, as an anti-parasitic, improving digestion, regulating menstruation, dissolving gallstones, and relieving arthritis.
Many believe the reason that people in India have a lower rate of Alzheimer's disease better cognitive performance, is because they have a diet rich in Turmeric. There has been a lot more research done lately in Western society into how it can improve cognitive health and possibly help with Dementia. Research at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Texas A&M University found that middle-aged people without dementia who were taking Curcumin (active compound in turmeric) had improved attention and memory.
So, can Turmeric really help your memory? Researchers worldwide studying the benefits of Turmeric seemed to all agree that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, because of this it makes it a possible treatment option for various forms of dementia. In Animal studies it has been revealed that Turmeric reduces inflammation in the brain and also slows the development of amyloid plaques (deposits of the amyloid beta protein mainly in the grey matter of the brain)
When taking Turmeric, it’s advisable to take it along with a fat source as turmeric is fat soluble so it increases absorption. We would always advise fish oil as your fat source because fish oil in its own right is beneficial for cognitive health. studies have shown that people who have a lot of fatty fish in their diet score better on memory tests and are also less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
Until about 20 years ago, collagen supplements weren't manufactured at all in the UK.
At Healtharena™ we were one of the first companies to manufacture collagen here in the UK, back in 2003 and have improved our products constantly over the last 18 years.
Being in the healthfood industry, with shops in our local towns for almost 40 years, we've sold almost every collagen type available from all over the world.
So, these typical questions from customers and information or advice we give, might help to guide you through the daunting task of choosing the right collagen, or collagen boosting supplement for you.
It is estimated that there are 28 types of collagen found naturally in our body. But within these types there are 5 that are most common and it is these, specifically Type I, II and III that you need most. These are the key types in Healtharena’s products. Find out more about Collagen Types in your body.
Collagen is now typically sourced from animals such as cows, pigs and chickens and for pescetarians collagen can be sourced from fish.
The first collagen supplement that we produced at Healtharena™ was a bovine (cow) collagen because it was, and still is, one of the most effective and researched collagens with clinically proven results. It has a closer DNA profile to human collagen, more than marine, or other collagens do.
FACT: Collagen can’t be sourced from plants.
Over the years we have researched products and ingredients implying that they are vegetarian, or vegan collagens. You cannot get collagen from a plant, so we don’t produce pseudo vegetarian collagens. You can get genetically modified yeast and bacteria to mimic collagen, but our recommendation for vegetarians and vegans to improve collagen levels is to take a collagen boosting supplement like Vitamin C, or a supplement that can help maintain your hair, skin and nails like Biotin.
There are many things that determine the quality of collagen. We believe our collagen is the best that is currently available. Read about the quality of Healtharena™ collagen.
We don’t manufacture collagen tablets. We try to keep our products as pure and additive free as possible and tablets are manufactured with binders and fillers.
So, when choosing between a collagen drink and collagen capsule most people make their choice dependent on the strength of product they want. Drinks are able to have much higher strengths per serving than capsules. To achieve the same strength of collagen per serving you need to take lots of capsules.
So, to summarise, our recommendation for the best collagen solution for someone wanting a bovine collagen for their skin, we would firstly recommend Dermacoll™ collagen drink. Dermacoll™ contains Type I and III collagen, the most abundant types of collagen in the skin. If you prefer capsules then Skin Deep Collagen Capsules contain the same type of collagen that is in our Dermacoll™ collagen drink.
If you are looking for a bovine collagen for your joints, then Flexicoll™, or Flexicoll™ Platinum collagen drinks would be best, containing Types I and III and converting to Type II.
Alternatively, if you are a pescatarian, the product we would advise for your skin and joint health is Ultimate Collagen, marine collagen drink, or if you prefer capsules Marine Collagen Capsules.
]]>But even at 17 years old I remember looking in the magnifying mirror trying to find a small spot, or an open pore I could be unhappy with - how unappreciative of youth we can be.
Then one day we may look in the non-magnifying mirror and see the skin we don't recognise anymore.
There are many reasons why some people age better than others. And there is a plethora of environmental and endogenous factors that lead to older looking skin, such as unprotected sun exposure, smoking, poor diet lacking vital nutrients, excessive sugar consumption, dehydration, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol, caffeine, hormones and genetics are all contributing factors!
Each of the above factors are attacking and depleting our body's natural collagen levels. And collagen is one of the main allies of our skin, helping to keep it looking young. We need to protect and maintain the collagen levels in our skin to keep it healthy and looking good.
At the age of 25 our collagen production begins to deplete, by the age of 40 our body's ability to produce collagen has decreased by 25%. By age 60 it has decreased by over 50%.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It's found in connective tissue, tendons, muscles, ligaments, hair, nails and skin.
Collagen is actually the main structural component of our skin, comprising 80% of this organ. It acts as a support structure to anchor cells to each other so they give the skin strength and elasticity, keeping the skin smooth and youthful. As we age and lose our natural collagen levels, fine lines and wrinkles start to appear.
What is the best way to help your skin?
By improving our diet and lifestyle choices, we could help keep our skin as healthy and youthful as possible. We can also take a good quality high strength collagen supplement like Dermacoll™ Hydrolysed Collagen Drink to help to rejuvenate and regenerate the appearance of our skin.
Dermacoll™ Collagen contains specific bioactive collagen peptides, types I and III, optimised for specific skin benefits using a highly advanced production process.
The collagen in Dermacoll™ has the following accepted skin beauty statements:
Helps to improve the appearance of wrinkles (decrease in wrinkles), helps to improve elasticity, skin surface structure, skin tonicity and skin firmness. Vitamin C is included which is proven to contribute to normal collagen formation in the skin. Green Tea for its antioxidant properties and Hyaluronic Acid, to hold moisture in the skin.
Why not try collagen for yourself as part of your daily beauty regime?
]]>After eating sugary treats or refined carbohydrates like white bread or potatoes, our blood sugar levels rise, and as a result the sugar molecules attach to collagen under the surface of our skin, damaging it from within. This process is known as glycation. During this process, the collagen fibres become more rigid – which leads to older looking skin.
According to the British Journal of Dermatology, the visible effects of glycation usually begin for women around age 35.
As we get older, multiple factors have started to age our skin. Unable to create enough collagen and elastin replacements to counteract the damage done, skin begins to lose its youthful appearance. Here are some indicators that that sugar is aging your skin:
If all this sounds concerning, and you’re thinking maybe I’ve done the damage, is it too late? Don’t worry – it’s never too late to work on helping to prevent the visible signs of ageing. Here’s how you can minimise further damage to your skin and even improve the appearance of your skin:
Everyone loves a sweet treat from time to time but remember that sugar is the enemy of youthful skin. Try to make healthier choices in your diet wherever possible and check product labels to see how much sugar you’re really getting. Nowadays there are so many sugar alternatives that you can swap to when you do need something sweet such as products like Erythritol and Xylitol.
Water is essential to the production of collagen and elastin and keeping your body hydrated can help counteract the effects of glycation. To keep hydrated sip water regularly throughout the day. Alcohol dehydrates our body and caffeine can cause insomnia and anxiety causing stress to our body and skin. So, this is why it is important to reduce consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
While you’re asleep, your skin works to repair any damage done during the day. Studies show that a lack of sleep can contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and a reduction of the elasticity that helps keep skin looking youthful.
Stress makes us reach for sugary foods. There are many ways you can help improve stress, such as exercising, practicing yoga, or meditating.
Look for a high strength collagen skin supplement, ideally with hyaluronic acid which holds moisture in the skin and vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation. Our Dermacoll™ is the ideal supplement to maintain your collagen levels in your skin.
]]>It is such an important nutrient in our body, with proven benefits like helping to support a healthy immune system, maintain healthy bones and teeth and normal muscle function to name just a few.
Studies are even investigating whether there is evidence that Vitamin D has potential to reduce the risk of coronavirus (Covid 19).
'The Sunshine Vitamin' as it is often known, has been getting a lot of press over the last few years!
For instance, on Sunday 10th January this year, The Guardian published a story 'Does Vitamin D combat Covid?' Our local hospital Newcastle RVI, were featured trialling the use of Vitamin D to boost the immune system in Covid patients. Clinicians, endocrinologists and politicians around the world are currently studying results.
Studies have also been looking at Vitamin D supplementation in high doses, having an impact on insulin resistance, increasing insulin sensitivity and therefore reducing the risk of developing diabetes (in patients with pre-diabetes).
Many of our body’s organs and tissues have Vitamin D receptors suggesting the importance of Vitamin D beyond bone and muscle health.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. It is measured in IU International Units, or micrograms mcg.
The two main compounds in this group are Vitamin D2, Ergocalciferol and Vitamin D3, Cholecalciferol. Both D2 and D3 need to be converted by the liver and then by the kidneys into the main form of Vitamin D that circulates in our body. The active form of Vitamin D is called Calcitrol which is a hormone. So, this is why some people describe Vitamin D as a hormone, rather than vitamin. So, it is often known as both!
Vitamin D2 vs Vitamin D3
Due to further studies these days scientists are more able to understand the importance of vitamin D2 and D3 and determine which form is more effective. Although we do need both forms, studies have now shown that Vitamin D3 appears to more effectively raise our levels of active Vitamin D in our body, in comparison to Vitamin D2. For this reason, there are not many D2 supplements on the market.
How can we increase our levels of Vitamin D?
Our main natural source of Vitamin D3 is made in the skin following UVB light exposure, obtained through synthesis of Cholecalciferol.
Therefore, we could get outdoors more and get more sunshine on our skin. Except we are told too much sunshine is bad for our skin, causing cancer and ageing our skin, so we cover up and wear sunscreens.
When taken orally Vitamin D is absorbed with fats through the intestinal walls. You can get it in food such as oily fish, beef liver, eggs, and cheese.
Vitamin D foods for vegetarians and vegans are limited, mushrooms are a good vegan alternative source of D2, and also contain low levels of D3.
Babies milk formula must be fortified with Vitamin D by law (source NHS website) and for babies that are solely breastfed a daily supplement of 10mcg (400iu) is recommended.
In some countries such as the United States certain foods such as milk, may have vitamin D added to them. However, in the UK, cows' milk is generally not fortified with vitamin D.
Another source of Vitamin D is a food supplement, preferably one in oil. There are a variety of strengths and ways of supplementing, such as tablets, capsules and sprays. Vitamin D tablets are not easily absorbed into the body because Vitamin D is a lipid soluble vitamin, best absorbed with dietary fats.
Why do so many people have deficiency in this nutrient?
Low levels of vitamin D are commonly found in individuals living in northern latitudes, or with other reasons for a lack of regular sun exposure. This can include being housebound, we have all spent more time indoors during the Covid pandemic for example. Frail, elderly and obese have been shown to have low levels.
Having darker skin, or wearing clothes that cover most of the skin can result in lower levels of Vitamin D.
Deficiency is also linked to osteoporosis; hence women post menopause often have low levels.
Vegetarians and Vegans can be prone to low vitamin D because they are unable to eat a lot of the foods that contain vitamin D.
Why do you need Vitamin D3?
Low levels of Vitamin D can be associated with many health issues. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can be seen as rickets in children. Bone and muscle weakness in adults, causing greater risk of falls in the elderly. Bone pain, caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.
Proven Benefits of Vitamin D
So, in general most of us would benefit from taking a Vitamin D supplement. When making your choice, remember the best way to supplement is Vitamin D3 as a softgel, in an oil, like our own High Strength Vitamin D3.
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Most of us have heard of Keratin which is a protein which makes up your hair, skin and nails. Biotin improves the infrastructure of Keratin. Biotin is a long-term solution for thicker hair, most people notice an improvement at about 3-4 months as you have to wait for new hair to grow. The majority of our customers that start taking Biotin are women in their mid to late forties as this is when perimenopause normally starts and they notice their hair is not as thick as it once was.
It won’t make them grow faster, nothing will do that unfortunately, but it will make them stronger, less brittle and a lot less likely to snap.
Foods that contain high amounts include organ meats such as liver but can also be found in small amount in seeds and nuts this is why Biotin supplements are often popular with Vegans and Vegetarians.
Our high strength Biotin capsules are Vegan. Find out more about them - Healtharena Biotin Capsules
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When it comes to deciding what the best way to take your collagen is, you have quite a few options to consider. You can take tablets, capsules, drinks... And did you know you can even get confectionery with collagen added, like gummy bears and chocolate bars? You can get a multitude of different sweet and savoury foods boosted with collagen. An ancient method of collagen consumption was taking bone broth, which has had an enormous comeback over the last few years. That's without even considering taking collagen in topical forms like creams, serums, gels, or even injecting collagen.
So, how do you know which is the best way to take collagen? It can seem like a minefield of products and information! To skip to the best, we'll leave the gimmicky confectionery, fortified foods and lotions for another time and simply look at some of the pros and cons of quality oral collagen peptide supplements. Comparing tablets, capsules and drinks, to find the most effective way to ingest collagen.
Collagen tablets, or collagen pills, as they are sometimes known, are solid round or oval supplements produced with binders and fillers to hold them together. These bulking agents are simply excipients and have no therapeutic value also some people can have sensitivity to certain excipients. Tablets are easy to take, but can be tough on the digestive tract.
Companies try to get high strengths of collagen into individual tablets, so that consumers can take fewer tablets. This can make them difficult to swallow, not only because they are hard, but in order to obtain a good strength of collagen in each tablet, they can be quite large in size. This can make tablets slow in moving through the oesophagus and can irritate the lining of the oesophagus.
Also, a heat process is used to bind the ingredients of tablets together. This exposure to the increase in temperature can destroy vitamins within the supplement, reducing the concentration of nutrients.
We often talk about 'bioavailability' (how well a supplement is absorbed within our body). Considering the various ways we can ingest collagen, tablets are slower to break down and be absorbed by the body.
So, a lot of cons against tablets! On the plus side there are some pros. Tablets are cheaper and some people prefer popping a pill rather than a drink, they are simple to take, no mixing drinks. Although you will need water to help swallow the large number tablets you'll need to take to match the same strength of one collagen drink.
Collagen capsules don't need the extra binders and fillers that tablets do, so you can avoid these unnecessary excipients. Collagen capsules also don't need to go through a heat process like tablets do to bind them, so their nutrient content is not compromised.
The shell of collagen capsules can be vegetable cellulose (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose - HPMC), or gelatine. Both of these will cause less irritation within our digestive tract, they are more pliable and slide down the oesophagus easier.
Some people even break open capsules and sprinkle the powder into drinks and onto food. So they have the advantage of being versatile. But then again a large number of capsules need to be taken to be comparative in strength to one serving of a collagen drink.
Capsules are able to break down easier than tablets allowing better absorption.
Ready to take collagen liquids are available in collagen sachets with a gel consistency, mini bottles of collagen shots, and various other fortified drinks. These are quick and convenient to take on the go, without having to dilute with water and mix, or swallow a number of pills.
On the downside there is a lot more packaging waste, from either individual plastic sachets, plastic bottles, or individual glass bottles.
This extra packaging and manufacturing individual containers per serving creates a larger carbon footprint. It is also reflected in the price, with liquids being more expensive, not because you are getting a better product, but because of the extra packaging.
Also collagen suspended in a liquid is often flavoured to improve the taste. This can be with sugar alternatives and flavourings, always check for natural flavourings and watch out for preservatives.
Generally a liquid collagen is absorbed much better than tablets and capsules, this will however be dependent on the quality of the collagen.
Collagen powder is the base of all collagen supplements. It is the 'active' part of a collagen tablet, capsule, or premade drink of liquid collagen.
As a powder is the purest way you can ingest collagen, no fuss, no extra processing, additives, flavourings, binders, fillers, shell coatings…nothing, just powdered collagen.
It is important to check it's not just any collagen, ensure that the collagen you choose is pure hydrolysed collagen peptides.
It is versatile, you can add it to anything. Or you can keep it pure and simply mix it with water. If it is good quality collagen powder it will be odourless and tasteless.
The best time to take collagen is just before bed away from food because this is the optimum time for collagen to work naturally with your body when your body is resting and repairing.
Collagen powders can come in tubs, or pouches, usually having one month supply and a convenient scoop to measure dosage.
Powdered collagen is mixed with liquid to consume. Healtharena’s powdered collagen has the optimum bioavailability because of its low molecular weight.
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Considering all of the pros and cons of various ways to take collagen, at Healtharena we don't do tablets. We believe collagen powder is the best way to take collagen.
It has also been scientifically proven that additional components can enhance the effectiveness of pure collagen. An important component is Vitamin C proven to contribute to collagen formation, also Hyaluronic Acid, which works well alongside collagen to help hydrate cells and tissues, and finally Green Tea a potent antioxidant. Together this combination gives optimum results.
We use reusable, re-sealable pots for our customers' first order and then offer Eco friendly refill pouches for further orders. This reduces costs and our carbon footprint. A win for everyone including the environment!