Wellness

Study Finds Lack of Vitamin E Is a Major Cause of Physical Decline

Published

17 years ago

March 26, 2008

A good anti-aging supplement that includes vitamin E may help maintain physical strength and agility.

Declining physical abilities as we grow older are believed to be at least partly from declining nutritional levels. An important new study has found that a lack of vitamin E may be the most important factor in physical decline, which makes it a vital component of our anti-aging strategy.

Although the study says that the negative effects of poor nutrition on our physical abilities are not entirely clear, they are probably due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to muscle and nerve cell damage. And the lack of the ‘micronutrient’ vitamin E, it says, was found to be the major factor in age-related physical decline.

This breakthrough study, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), comes with an impeccable pedigree. It involved health and anti-aging scientists and researchers from Cornell University, Yale University, University of South Carolina, National Institute on Aging, and two Italian universities — University of Perugia and Azienda Sanitaria Firenze. The study followed 698 community-living people 65 years or older for three years, randomly selected from the population in Tuscany, Italy.

The decline in physical strength and agility that we all experience to some degree as we get older has been known for decades to be addressable with better diet and a sensible exercise regime. This is the first study to identify a single nutrient, in this case vitamin E, as a vital anti-aging component of diet, and to specify that we need more of it as we grow older. Luckily for us, vitamin E supplements are a quick and easy way to meet this anti-aging challenge. Although vitamin E is also a component of daily multivitamin and mineral supplements, which are a good idea, there is not enough vitamin E in most multivites to meet our needs.

Vitamin E is actually a complex of eight vitamin E molecules, or ‘vitamers.’ Vitamin E is composed of four ‘tocopherols’ and four ‘tocotrienols,’ each with its own unique structure and activities not shared with other E components. Taking just one or two has been shown to actually deplete the others that exist in our bodies, causing a potentially harmful imbalance, according to several studies. The solution is to choose a complete vitamin E supplement.

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant. It protects our bodies from ‘free radicals’ — oxygen-based molecules that, given free reign, can create ‘oxidative stress’ at a cellular level. Low levels of vitamin E can lead to a serious imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, when our bodies will really begin to suffer. Along with damage to muscle and nerve cells, there can be actual DNA damage, which leads to serious degenerative diseases. Also, oxidative stress contributes to degenerative nerve disorders as well as atherosclerosis — often called ‘hardening of the arteries’ — which has long been a target of anti-aging research.

We need more anti-aging supplements like vitamin E as the years go by for several reasons:

Older bodies start to wear out naturally, and anti-aging nutritional elements are needed more than ever just to counteract the normal wear and tear.

Our bodies become less able to absorb nutrients: We should supplement our diets with hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) and digestive enzymes, both of which decline as we age and are needed to get the nutrients out of our food. Supplements containing betaine hydrochloride whenever we eat a meal help our system break down the food. Animal and vegetable enzyme supplements, also a meal-time must, are essential to the digestive process.

We often become habitual with our menus, ignoring the need for variety: If we’re in a food rut, we really need to make a change. A variety of fresh veggies, fruits, grains and proteins from meat, fowl, fish and dairy is even more important when we get older, otherwise we are missing out on essential nutritional elements. And remember that vitamin E is found mostly in the dark-green variety of vegetables — but not enough for older folks. Vitamin E supplements are needed too.

During the study of Italian seniors, when regular lab tests discovered that vitamin E was the strongest determinant of decline in physical function regardless of age, the researchers took a look at physical decline in the more advanced age groups and compared them against younger groups. Eighty-four percent of people over 81 experienced measurable physical decline. But low vitamin E levels led to a decline in physical function in 61% of everyone in the study.

Other studies have also reported that oxidative stress is involved in muscle fatigue, showing how antioxidants like vitamin E can help prevent it. High concentrations of vitamin E have been linked to skeletal muscle repair, which slows the decline of physical function in the elderly, indicating how important the complete vitamin E complex is as a regular anti-aging supplement.

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Travel

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

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.

Travel

Beat the Heat: Your Essential Guide to Summer Travel Hydration

Published

4 days ago

May 12, 2025

Good Life Guide

Summer adventures are all about making memories—from hiking rugged trails and wandering vibrant cities to basking on sun-soaked beaches. But while you’re checking off destinations, don’t forget the one travel essential that truly fuels the journey: hydration.

Why Hydration Deserves a Spot at the Top of Your Packing List

Traveling in the summer heat puts your body under extra stress. Whether it’s from blazing sun, higher elevations, long flights, or hours of outdoor activity, these conditions can quietly and quickly lead to dehydration. The effects? Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or worse—heat exhaustion.

The good news is that staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can keep your energy up and your body balanced, no matter where your passport takes you.

How to Build a Smart Hydration Strategy for Summer Travel

Start with these simple, proactive steps before you even zip your suitcase:

Look up the weather and climate of your destination
Set hydration reminders if you tend to forget to drink regularly
Learn the early signs of dehydration—dry mouth, fatigue, darker urine
Pack hydration aids in both your carry-on and checked luggage

Now let’s take a look at three standout hydration essentials to help you beat the heat in style.

1. HYDRATED Bioactive Precision Peptides™ Drink

If you want hydration with benefits, HYDRATED by MAKE Wellness is a smart pick. It isn’t just flavored water—This refreshing drink is 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.

Why travelers love HYDRATED:

Replenishes essential electrolytes lost through sweat
Comes in travel-ready packaging with refreshing flavor options
Offers a subscription model with discounts (10% off initially, 20% off by month four)

Whether you’re trekking through deserts or strolling busy summer streets, HYDRATED helps you stay resilient when plain water just isn’t enough.

2. HydroFlask Insulated Water Bottle

A trusty water bottle is a travel MVP, and HydroFlask lives up to the hype. With sizes from 18oz to 64oz, these bottles keep your drink ice-cold for up to 24 hours—no matter how hot it gets outside.

Why it’s a summer essential:

Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold and hands dry
Built tough for outdoor use and airport toss-arounds
Easy-to-fill design (great for ice cubes or HYDRATED mixes)
Works with multiple cap styles for different activities

Pair your HydroFlask with HYDRATED in the morning, and you’re set for a full day of adventures with refreshingly cool hydration at your side.

3. Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Tablets

Short on space? Nuun electrolyte tablets are a clever solution. Just pop one into your water bottle and you’ve got a lightly flavored, electrolyte-rich drink on the go. A study even found they help improve fluid balance in active men and women.

Why travelers reach for Nuun:

Lightweight, travel-friendly packaging
Low in sugar, but high in key electrolytes like sodium and magnesium
Variety of flavors to fight “water boredom”
Fast-dissolving and ready in minutes

They’re a great backup to HYDRATED or a stand-alone option for minimalist packers and budget-conscious explorers.

Tailoring Your Hydration to the Destination

Beach Vacations
Sun and salt draw moisture from your body faster than you think. Start your day with 16oz of HYDRATED, then sip 8oz per hour while you’re out under the sun. Keep your HydroFlask in a shaded spot to help it stay cool longer.

Mountain Trips
Higher altitudes increase water needs by 25–50%, and the dry air means you’ll feel thirsty less often even as you lose more fluids. Aim for 16–20oz of HYDRATED in the morning, and refill whenever you can.

City Explorations
Urban adventures often mean miles of walking. Map out water refill stations (many cities have apps for that), and don’t forget to carry your insulated bottle for all-day hydration.

Set Yourself Up for Success the Night Before

Drink 16oz of water or HYDRATED before bed
Chill your water bottle in the hotel fridge overnight
Lay out any electrolyte supplements you’ll need for the next day
Check the forecast to plan your intake accordingly

Hydration = Energy, Enjoyment, and Ease

Your travel memories should be defined by great experiences—not the fog of dehydration. By packing a hydration strategy (and a few smart tools like HYDRATED), you’re investing in energy, recovery, and comfort on the road.

Don’t wait until you’re parched to sip. Start early, stay consistent, and let hydration help you unlock every moment of your summer escape.