Nutrition and Lifestyle

After the relaxing fun of summer, Back-to-School season is here again. Although every school year offers its share of gratification, it’s typically also a balancing act, for both parents and kids. Trying to juggle a busy schedule and the many demands of parenting while keeping the kids healthy and ready to learn can be a challenge. For kids, the return to bedtime and homework routines and new academic and social challenges can result in increased stress, which may lead to weakened immunity. These factors, combined with the increased exposure to flu bugs and other infections, can spell sick days for

According to a 2009 Statistics Canada study, 3% of men and 19% of women aged 50 or older reported having been diagnosed with osteoporosis.1 We now know that several factors are important for bone health such as a healthy diet and lifestyle which includes the avoidance of smoking and excess caffeine, sodium and alcohol. Proper intake of several bone building nutrients, one of which is calcium, is also important. But don’t forget, in order for calcium to be efficiently used by the body, many nutrient cofactors are necessary such as vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium, boron and others. Ensuring that

There are many different supplements marketed as performance enhancers in the world of sports nutrition. With athletes trying to find an edge, and opportunistic companies selling the latest fad ingredients, it is very difficult to discern what natural substances are supported by sound scientific evidence and which ones are the flavor of the month. The reality is that many of these “natural” products have little or no evidence supporting their effectiveness or safety. At worst, they may be adulterated with dangerous and banned substances. Despite the pit falls in the world of sports nutrition, good evidence is emerging to show

Are you vulnerable? How to Avoid deficiencies? A vitamin is characterized by the fact that, in its absence, key physiologic processes are blocked that can result in serious health consequences. This is made especially clear when we look at the role of B vitamins. B vitamins act as co-enzymes in thousands of molecular processes in the body, and we have learned more about their unique functions by examining what happens when they aren’t present than when they are. The concept of “characterizing by deficiency” has led to incredible discoveries, while highlighting the importance of prevention. So, while you may not

B vitamins are a class of water (as opposed to fat) soluble vitamins which play an essential role in many cellular processes. They are often called “the energy vitamins,” but they function more like keys that unlock the body’s energy. When present in supplements individually, B vitamins are referred to by their name, for example, vitamin B1, or Thiamin. When all together they are known as “Vitamin B complex.” The B vitamins contribute in numerous ways to overall health and vitality. The compounds in a B-complex are needed for everything from the healthy maintenance of brain cells to the metabolism

Intermittent fasting is a hot topic in the diet and nutrition world. There are many books, blogs, celebrities and even apps touting the many health benefits of this pattern of energy consumption.  The question is whether there is sufficient clinical research to supports these claims. Intermittent fasting has been a part of religious practices for centuries. Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish populations all perform intermittent fasting at different times throughout the year.  Clinical studies on intermittent fasting are still quite limited and what we do know comes mostly from: animal studies, a handful of human trials with small sample

The heart is the most vital organ in the body, so it’s essential to do everything within your power to support heart health. This includes not smoking, not drinking to excess, and getting enough exercise and sleep. Beyond those, there are other things you can do to ensure a healthy heart for as long as possible. The Role of Cholesterol in Heart Health The connection between cholesterol and heart health is widely proven in scientific studies. Cholesterol is a major contributor to a condition known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. Heart disease is the leading

Have you decided to support your health with a plant-based diet? Plant-based diets have been linked to better overall health. They offer nutrient dense foods without the calories of a meat-based diet. In addition, plant-based diet’s provide vital phytonutrients that you can’t get anywhere else. The only thing that you need to be aware of if you do decide to go with a plant-based diet is that you may need to take certain supplements in order to ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients that it needs. Here are the recommended supplements if you’re on a plant-based diet.