Vitamins D3 + K2

How both essential functions go hand in hand Staying well hydrated is a key factor in maintaining a healthy immune system. Your immune system depends on specific nutrients being transported in your blood stream, an important part of the body that is made up of 90% water. Hydration also helps with sending signals and biochemical reactions to and from your immune system. Reminder: Hydration = water + electrolytes (specific salts involved in the reactions we just talked about). Electrolytes and immunity Ever notice when you are sick, people may recommend electrolytes in your water? That’s because a deficiency in these nutrients compromises your immune health (amongst other things). It will help if you think about your immune system as a fighter jet, eliminating any invaders or intruders (the invaders being threats such as viruses, germs, and unwanted pathogens). Your immune system can fight off enemies from invading your body by using T-cells and antibodies as defence (its weapons if you will). To run properly, you need to maintain your fighter jet and fuel it to ensure it doesn’t run out of gas at a critical moment. Just the same, your immune system requires specific nutrients to run properly. These nutrients include electrolytes; specifically, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Note: electrolytes have many purposes in the body, but for the purpose of this article, we are focusing on immunity. Sodium It’s been studied that sodium has been linked to having an anti-microbial effect and can fight infections. While you don’t want to consume a diet high in sodium which can have auto-immune and blood pressure effects, there is a required amount your body needs daily. In fact, there needs to be a balance of sodium and water in your body. Adding sodium into your water thorough a replenishing electrolyte beverage daily should be enough to meet your sodium needs. Potassium Potassium balances out the sodium and together they regulate immunity response. Specifically, potassium works in the membrane of the cells to turn it on and transmit signals between cells (think of it as communication) and direct activity of the immune system. Magnesium Magnesium does so much for your body in general, but for the immune system it’s essential to keep it strong. Your body needs magnesium to make its T-cells which fight viruses and kill them. Studies have shown that decreased magnesium levels are linked with the decline of these important “killer” T-cells and other cells crucial in the immune system. If you really want to boost immunity... You want to stay efficiently hydrated always and get water plus your key electrolytes daily. Doing so will ensure your immune system is ready to go when you need it. In addition to immunity, you may know there are other supplements that are catered to support cold and flu symptoms or prevent them all together. Get maximum hydration AND immunity support in ONE SHOT Electrolytes Defence™ with Elderberry & Echinacea contains essential nutrients that keep you optimally hydrated and provide powerful immunity support – all with 0 g of sugar! Accelerate your hydration, fight off infections and help with cold and flu symptom relief with this all-in-one immunity blend containing electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium), elderberry, echinacea and zinc. Elderberry is high in antioxidants and has antiviral benefits. Researchers reported after a 2011 study, that elderberry prevented the growth of certain types of strep bacteria and influenza viruses. Echinacea is loaded with plant compounds functioning as antioxidants. Numerous studies have found that echinacea may help your immune system combat infections and viruses. Zinc supports the growth and normal function of immune cells, helping to defend against infection. This article has been fact-checked

In the last decade or more, vitamin D deficiency is becoming more prevalent among Canadians. As more people avoid the sun for fear of premature aging and other health concerns, we find we are covering up our skin more than ever, whether it be with clothing that blocks the sun or by applying layers of sunscreen every day. 70 – 90 % of North Americans do not get enough vitamin D daily, and this includes sunshine, food sources and supplements. We must test our vitamin D levels annually because if we are not getting it naturally, from the sun, we must supplement to keep healthy. The big question is what is vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin and are you getting enough? Shop Vitamin D3 Vitamin D is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to stay healthy. Vitamin D combines with calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones and teeth. It is found naturally in foods such as oysters, liver, egg yolks, red meat, and oily fish. Like all fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D is best absorbed with fats. Skin exposed to sunshine can also make vitamin D and it is the best source. 10-20 minutes per day between 10 am – 2 pm is the best way to safely absorb the sunshine. With under 20 minutes a day, skin won’t burn, and your body will naturally absorb the sunshine and you can manufacture vitamin D in the body. “We each have vitamin D receptor cells that, through a chain of reactions starting with conversion of cholesterol in the skin, produce vitamin D3 when they're exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) from the sun,” Some experts recommend avoiding the sun by seeking shade between 10am – 4pm or by wearing UV protective clothing and using sunscreen that is 30 SPF or higher. The problem with this is that it causes our absorption to go down. If we are not getting those 10-20 minutes of healthy sun exposure to naturally produce vitamin D in the body, it affects our health. In the summer our biggest surface area, the back and chest, can safely absorb the sun for under 20 minutes daily. Because we have phobias that the sun is aging us prematurely and causing other health concerns like cancer, we are lathering sunscreen on and affecting our natural absorption of vitamin D. Studies show that safe amounts of sun exposure help us to manufacture vitamin D naturally and it helps to prevent cancer. For longer periods in the sun, be sure to apply natural and chemical free sunscreens that will provide protection and keep you from burning. What is surprising is that research done in northern California, which has more sunnier days than we do, found that the normal adult is deficient and 70-80% of the adults tested were deficient. We cannot know for sure where we are at without getting tested. In Canada, the normal range for vitamin D is between 75-250. The ideal range you want to be between is 125-175. You should be able to go into a lab and get your blood tested and get your results online the next day. Getting tested is important because it’s not just about exposure. It has to do with how you process it in your skin, liver, and kidneys. Recently, Health Canada increased the maximum amount of vitamin D supplements sold over the counter to 2,5000 IU for adults “As of February 24, 2021, Health Canada increased the maximum amount for vitamin D supplements sold over-the-counter to 2,500 IU per dose for adults. The previous maximum was set at 1,000 IU per adult dose” Health Canada increases non-prescription limit for Vitamin D. Genuine Wellness. When supplementing with vitamin D, the best form of vitamin D is D3. Vitamin D2 is a synthetic form of vitamin D, and it is not absorbed well in the body. Vitamin D3 is naturally sourced from sheep lanolin. Wondering how much vitamin D should be given to children? The minimum is 400IU every day up until age one. Because vitamin D is a storing vitamin, you could give it daily or a few times a week at larger doses. Until we have the test to see where we are at, we stick with the recommended dose for children. For those of us living in Canada, because of our geographic location, the rays of the sun are too weak in the winter to generate the reaction that leads to the creation of vitamin D and supplementing with food and D3 supplement drops is a great way to keep your levels optimum to stay healthy. Shop Vitamin D3

Do collagen supplements support weight management or other fitness goals? Collagen has exploded on the health scene for good reason. It helps boost the elasticity and integrity of our skin, supports our joints and muscles, and helps strengthen our gut lining. But what about weight loss? Can a collagen supplement help support weight loss goals, and if so, how? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of the body’s total protein. It is present in all of our tissues and organs, and is essential for many physiological processes. Let’s break down how collagen can support weight loss ... Source of Amino Acids As a source of protein and amino acids, collagen may drive weight loss because it helps with ‘satiety’, our feeling of fullness. When we feel full, with steady blood sugar levels, we tend to eat less and crave less sugar. Although not a complete protein, there is associated muscle mass support and building that is supported when coupled with resistance training. The more muscle we have, the more calories we burn at rest. Organika’s Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein is a great addition to your routine especially if weight loss is part of your goals, because with all 9 essential amino acids; this collagen powder IS a complete protein. Joint Support Collagen’s ability to strengthen and support our joints, is another way it may aid in weight loss. People living with joint pain, especially Osteoarthritis, know how limiting it can be on their ability to exercise. As collagen is essential for healthy connective tissue in joints, tendons and ligaments, supplementing may help reduce pain, allowing for increased physical activity. Try Enhanced Collagen Bone & Joint for added supplements and support to support aching joints, muscles and further build bone density. Gut Health Maintaining a strong gut lining is important for how our body digests, absorbs and utilizes nutrients from our food. Collagen plays a role in building healthy connective tissue throughout the digestive tract. It also helps ensure a good balance of bacteria. By supporting the gut, collagen helps aid in digestion, immune function and weight loss. For added gut health benefits, try Full Spectrum Collagen 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 – a multi-sourced collagen that also includes chicken broth for added protein and gut health benefits. Beyond Weight Loss Collagen may extend beyond weight loss, in its capacity to help deal with the unwanted side effects of weight loss like loose skin. By strengthening the dermis layer of the skin, collagen may help reduce the appearance of cellulite and sagging loose skin. Studies have shown that supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides help to tighten the skin, improving its integrity and texture. Looking for fat burning? Let’s take it one step further if weight loss and fat burning are your goal. While collagen helps in the ways above, you can add other nutrients that assist in weight loss to any collagen. Organika has done the work for you with Metaboost Fat Metabolizing Complex. This collagen powder offers the same Enhanced Collagen protein from hydrolyzed grass-fed bovine collagen peptides... PLUS has other natural ingredients such as L carnitine and Garcinia to help boost your metabolism. This powder helps to keep you feeling fuller long, burn fat, and support weight management. As you can see, the benefits of collagen are wide ranging. Along with all the reasons we love collagen to support our healthy lifestyle, we can now add weight loss to that list.