Wellness

Should We Take Our Supplements With or Without Food?

Published

17 years ago

March 26, 2008

Although most anti-aging supplements can be taken any time, some have special requirements, and others might make us feel a little queasy unless we eat something first.

If you’re like most people, taking your once-daily, regular mealtime and occasional special-time supplements can be a bit of a pain. Trying to remember what should be taken with or without food is an annoyance.

The solution is a quick guide to when to take the most common supplements for maximum benefit and minimum discomfort, with a little background info tossed in for good measure.

When to Take Anti-Aging Supplements

Hydrochloric acid supplements and Betaine hydrochloride should be consumed immediately before a meal. As we get older, we produce less of this essential digestive juice, and we all can benefit from a little extra to help us get the most out of our foods. On an empty stomach, it can actually start to burn — natural because it’s stomach acid — but a little food right away solves this.

Digestive enzymes such as bromelain, or any of the enzymes derived from pineapple, papaya and many other sources, work fine on an empty stomach, although most container directions suggest taking it with a meal — after all, they’re intended to digest protein, prevent gas and bloating, and aid the breakdown of our food into a digestible form. But when used to help reduce inflammation, they should be taken in between meals on an empty stomach. Otherwise, they’ll use themselves up as digestive enzymes instead of working their way to the inflammation.

Probiotics, the supplements that contain helpful bacteria like those found in yogurt, are best consumed on an empty stomach. Acidophilus and the dozen or more other probiotics available help maintain a healthy intestinal environment. They are especially beneficial, even necessary, for replacing the intestinal flora that prescription antibiotics rapidly kill off. Probiotics are a great treatment for a Candida yeast overgrowth, which also depletes our natural supply.

Vitamins are not all the same, but as part of an anti-aging program they are absolutely essential. Some are water soluble, others a fat soluble, and the rest don’t care one way or the other.

Vitamins A, D and E are fat-soluble vitamins, so they’re all best taken with a meal that includes at least some fat or oil. Some people find that taking these vitamins with just a glass of whole milk does the job — but don’t use skim because it doesn’t have the needed fat.

B Complex vitamins can cause some stomach upset, so it’s not a bad idea to take them with at least a snack. Most are water soluble, so anything really greasy will interfere with absorption. If you are taking folic acid or B12 (cyanocobalimin) separately, its best to take them on an empty stomach. When part of your B complex, though, they’re fine with the light snack.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that many people concerned with anti-aging rely on at the first signs of a cold, flu or infection as well as its antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is acidic, but even taken on an empty stomach with lots of water doesn’t upset most tummies. Non-acidic forms of the vitamin are available as supplements, which can guarantee there’s no stomach or digestive upset.

Iron supplements alone to treat anemia are best on an empty stomach, and not in combination with other supplements, especially vitamin E and calcium. The small amounts of iron in most multivitamin-mineral pills is ok with a snack.

Bioflavonoids, more correctly called flavonoids, are substances derived from plants that many people take as supplements. These are best taken on an empty stomach. Flavonoids are known for antioxidant activity, but research now shows that their health benefits against cancer and heart disease are the result of the body’s rejection of them as foreign substances, triggering a response that attacks other unwanted substances such as cancer cells.

Phytochemicals, like flavonoids, are another group of plant-derived chemicals best taken on an empty stomach. Phytochemicals have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic benefits, but today, instead of having to eat the actual plant, or a tea made from it, science has found ways to extract a few of them into pills. We have lots to look forward to, because there are thousands and thousands of potentially therapeutic phytochemicals, and only a tiny fraction have been fully researched.

Once we have these basics down, we can continue to comfortably pursue our day without worrying whether we did it right or wrong, knowing we’re getting the most from our vites. And it’s also good to know we don’t have to suffer an upset or painful stomach from our anti-aging supplements — at our age, we’ve probably got all the aches and pains we can take!

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Tech

Smarter Aging: How AI is Helping Us Live Longer—And Better

Published

4 days ago

May 17, 2025

Good Life Guide

Imagine a future where aging isn’t just something we endure, but something we can actively shape. Thanks to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, that future is already here. From personalized fitness guidance to smarter living environments, AI is transforming how we approach health and longevity—helping us stay sharper, stronger, and more independent as we age.

Rethinking the Aging Journey with AI

Getting older used to mean a gradual surrender of vitality and control. But today’s technology is flipping that script. AI is helping us better understand our bodies—how we move, rest, and recover—and encouraging smarter choices in daily life. Wearables, fitness trackers, and other digital tools now offer real-time feedback on everything from sleep quality to daily activity, helping users spot subtle shifts that may signal it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider.

These tools don’t diagnose or treat conditions, but they do help people become more attuned to their wellness—creating a powerful starting point for proactive care.

Personalized Longevity: A New Kind of Health Plan

The real promise of AI and aging isn’t just in extending lifespan—it’s in improving the quality of those extra years. Take, for example, a 70-year-old using AI to fine-tune their workout. Instead of relying on generic advice, they can access personalized insights based on recovery patterns, mobility data, and biological feedback. That level of precision—once reserved for elite athletes—is becoming available to anyone with the right tools.

On a cellular level, AI is also accelerating discoveries around compounds like bioactive peptides. These naturally occurring molecules play a vital role in supporting the body’s internal repair systems. In the context of aging, peptides may help with recovery, inflammation control, and even energy levels—providing targeted support to optimize wellness from the inside out.

The Smarter Home: Aging in Place with Confidence

What if your home could help you age more gracefully? With AI-powered features now built into everything from lighting systems to smart reminders, the modern home is becoming a true partner in wellness. These systems can detect shifts in sleep or activity patterns and gently nudge residents toward healthier routines—like stretching, hydrating, or simply getting outside for fresh air.

This isn’t about replacing healthcare—it’s about creating an environment that encourages consistency, independence, and agency.

Connection Still Matters—AI Just Makes It Easier

AI is also making it easier to stay in touch with care teams and loved ones. Telehealth platforms now offer older adults a convenient way to check in with doctors without leaving home. These digital touchpoints ensure that health conversations don’t get delayed and that support is only a click away.

And while the tech is impressive, it’s not replacing the human element—it’s making meaningful connection more accessible and sustainable.

The Future of AI and Aging Starts Now

What we’re witnessing isn’t just a tech trend—it’s a shift in mindset. Aging, once synonymous with decline, is being reimagined as an era of potential. With AI leading the charge, the focus isn’t just on longevity—it’s on vitality, resilience, and the freedom to keep living life on your terms.

In this new age of smart aging, we’re not just adding years to our lives—we’re adding life to our years.

Travel

Hydration on the Road: The Secret to a Happy Family Trip

Published

1 week ago

May 14, 2025

Good Life Guide

Summer road trips have a magic all their own—spontaneous stops, scenic routes, and the kind of memories you talk about for years. But there’s one thing that can derail the fun fast: dehydration.

Whether you’re driving through dry desert heat, humid coastlines, or winding your way into the mountains, hydration needs change with the environment. Air conditioning, salty snacks, and fewer bathroom breaks can sneakily dehydrate the whole car—especially kids and older adults, who are more vulnerable to heat and altitude shifts.

Why It Matters: Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, and even heat exhaustion. Not exactly the vacation vibe you’re going for.

3 Smart Ways to Keep Everyone Hydrated on the Road

1. Start the Day Right
Before you even hit the road, drink 8–16 oz of water or a hydration-boosting drink. Products like HYDRATED are loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.

Bonus: Less liquid = fewer bathroom stops.

2. Make It Easy (and Fun) for Kids
Water bottles like the CamelBak Eddy+ Kids are spill-proof, colorful, and just the right size for little hands. Create a hydration game—like “sip every time you see a red car”—to keep it top of mind.

3. Pack a Backup Plan
Sometimes you forget. Or traffic hits. That’s when Liquid I.V. comes in handy. These single-serve packets mix into water and hydrate faster than water alone—perfect for emergencies or hot afternoons.

Quick Tips by Age

Toddlers (2–6): Offer sips every 30–45 minutes. Make it fun with straws or “vacation cups.”
Kids (7–12): Let them help refill their own bottles. Stickers as rewards work wonders.
Teens: Remind them hydration = better mood, better skin, and more energy.
Adults: Don’t just manage hydration—model it. Set reminders, monitor urine color, and stay ahead of fatigue.

Travel Smarter with Routine

Morning: Everyone drinks before departure, bottles filled and placed in cup holders.
Pit Stops: Pee, refill, stretch, sip. In that order.
Evening: Rehydrate with dinner and prep for tomorrow’s drive.

Climate & Altitude Considerations

Hot Weather: Increase water by 25%, freeze bottles overnight, and carry a misting spray for quick cool-downs.
High Elevations: Start hydrating the day before. Drink more, skip the caffeine, and pack extra electrolytes like HYDRATED.

A hydrated family is a happy one. A little planning, the right products, and a few clever tricks can make hydration feel effortless—and your road trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Safe travels—and sip often!

Wellness

Vitex (Chasteberry): A Natural Hormone Balancer for Women

Published

1 week ago

May 14, 2025

Good Life Guide

If you’re looking for a natural way to ease PMS, regulate your cycle, or support fertility, Vitex—also known as Chasteberry—may offer a gentle, effective solution. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, this herbal remedy supports hormonal balance and overall reproductive health in women.

What Is Vitex (Chasteberry)?

Vitex agnus-castus is a small fruit-bearing plant native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Its berries have been used for over 2,000 years. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans associated Vitex with purity and balance, calling it “Chasteberry.” During the Middle Ages, it was used in monasteries to help support celibacy, which is why it’s also known as “monk’s pepper.”

Despite the folklore, Vitex doesn’t contain hormones. Instead, it influences the hypothalamus and pituitary glands—key regulators of hormone production. The result is a natural boost in progesterone levels, helping to balance cycles often disrupted by estrogen dominance or irregular ovulation.

Benefits of Vitex for Women

1. Helps Reduce PMS Symptoms

If you deal with mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, or irritability before your period, Vitex may help. It works by lowering prolactin levels, which are often elevated during PMS, helping to ease both emotional and physical symptoms.

2. Supports Cycle Regularity

For women with irregular periods or inconsistent ovulation—especially after stopping birth control or in cases of PCOS—Vitex can help bring consistency. It supports the hormonal signals that govern regular menstrual cycles.

3. Boosts Fertility Naturally

Vitex is often used by women trying to conceive, particularly if they have a luteal phase defect or low progesterone. By supporting ovulation and increasing progesterone levels, Vitex helps create a more favorable environment for conception.

4. Eases Perimenopausal Symptoms

As hormone levels begin to fluctuate during perimenopause, Vitex offers support without the need for synthetic hormone replacement. It may help reduce hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.

How to Take Vitex

Vitex is available in several forms, including:

Capsules
Liquid tinctures
Herbal teas

For best results, take Vitex in the morning when hormone levels are most responsive. Consistency is key—daily use for 8–12 weeks is typically needed to see noticeable changes.

As with any supplement, talk to your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

Recommended Vitex Supplements

These trusted options are known for quality and effectiveness:

Gaia Herbs Vitex Berry: A potent, organic capsule formulated for daily hormone balance.
Nature’s Way Vitex Fruit: A budget-friendly capsule with a standardized extract.
Hiland Naturals Chasteberry Tincture: A liquid version for those who prefer flexible dosing.

Vitex is a time-tested herb that continues to support women’s wellness today—helping with everything from monthly cycles to fertility and perimenopausal transitions. With consistent use and the right guidance, it can be a valuable part of your holistic health routine.