Collagen is a buzz word right now. Everyone is saying how beneficial it is for health and beauty.
But there are so many different brands, different sources, and different types of collagen out there. So what kind do we need?
Collagen is THE protein of the body. It's the most abundant protein and is the crucial support piece for your hair, skin, nails, joints, muscles and gut lining.
Collagen also helps with melatonin levels (your natural sleep hormone!), antioxidant levels (so important for overall health and longevity), and a healthy liver.
Unfortunately, collagen levels decrease as we get older (starting as early as age 25!), but as it decreases, we actually need it the most (joint needs, skin and hair trouble, brittle nails, etc.). As we age our natural collagen also becomes more fragmented and fragile, so it doesn't hold up as well as it used to. Because of this, adding a high quality collagen supplement to your health routine is a wonderful way to help your body replenish collagen levels and promote its own collagen production!
So what are the BENEFITS OF MARINE COLLAGEN? Great for skin, hair, nails, joints and gut health... you know how I love to talk about the importance of Gut Health!
Much better absorbed than other collagen sources… Marine collagen is absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently in the body, and the bioavailability is superior to collagen of both bovine or porcine. This is due to its smaller particle size compared to other types of collagen. The smaller particle size allows an easier and faster uptake and transportation of the collagen peptides to the skin, bones, and joints for the synthesis of new collagen.
Science has identified 28 different types of collagen, but there are four types that are important for the human body - type I, II, III, and IV.
Type I collagen comprises about 75% of the body's collagen glycoproteins and is the principal type found throughout the body. Many collagen supplements are sourced from grass-fed cattle or pasture-raised chicken and contain multiple types of collagen, but are primarily type II collagen. Fish collagen peptides are bioactive type I collagen and are best known for providing the basis for beautiful skin and strong connective tissues.
Marine collagen is rich in amino acids that support the body's natural production of collagen and is associated with skin, hair, nails, and keeping the joints lubricated and the gut healthy.
So what is the difference between LIQUID VERSUS POWDERED COLLAGEN? Some will tell you that powdered collagen is not as bioavailable as liquid collagen. Marine collagen bioavailability is NOT affected or changed if it is in powder form or liquid form before consuming it. When you add Inner Beauty Collagen to a liquid, it dissolves almost instantly. That's partially due to the purity of the collagen and the process that it undergoes to break down the collagen protein into peptides. The improved bioavailability also comes from the amino acid profile in marine collagen, and the type of amino acids in this matrix are absorbed more efficiently compared with other sources. When liquid shots are manufactured, the collagen in these products begins as a powder anyway. One of the main benefits of this powdered formula is that it's flavorless, so you can enjoy Inner Beauty Collagen with virtually any beverage.
I've been searching for a good quality collagen. and I'm excited to say, it's here! After four years of research, four years of development, four years to create a sugar-free, filler-free product with 5g of easily-absorbed collagen is finally here!
Introducing Inner Beauty Collagen by Young Living!
Here are some of the KEY INGREDIENTS Inner Beauty Collagen contains 5 grams of marine collagen per scoop, and the first ingredient in this product is collagen peptides. Many other products on the market don't directly disclose how much collagen is in their products. Look for fruit juices and other additives that are grouped with collagen, as they may mask how much collagen is in these products.
- Type I marine collagen: A highly soluble form of bioavailable type I collagen, this ingredient is sourced from fish using a proprietary hydrolysis manufacturing process that uses no harsh chemicals or solvents. It is odorless and tasteless. The collagen in Inner Beauty Collagen is sustainably sourced from crimson snapper, saddletail snapper, carp, cod, pollock, tilapia, golden threadfin bream, milkfish, and sea perch.
- Peach ceramides: This ingredient helps provide hydration to the skin, decreasing skin dryness. The natural glucosylceramide in Inner Beauty Collagen is a white peach-derived ceramide made and produced in Japan. Its function is to increase ceramide production in the skin, which helps provide hydration, decreasing skin dryness. It also supports the dermal layer after UV-induced skin damage.
- Biotin, vitamin C, and zinc: Vitamin C and zinc support collagen synthesis for glowing skin, while biotin supports hair and nail health. Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, and it is also an important physiological antioxidant that has been shown to regenerate other antioxidants within the body.
- Tapioca fiber: This prebiotic fiber supports healthy skin by balancing the gut microbiome.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD): SOD is an antioxidant enzyme produced through fermentation.
- Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient supports skin hydration, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for more youthful-looking skin.
- Vanilla oleoresin: This oleoresin is a unique form of vanilla that is neither an extract nor an absolute, both of which contain mostly alcohol, and is extracted from hand-pollinated orchid blossoms.
FULL INGREDIENT LIST Fish collagen peptides, Tapioca fiber, Zinc gluconate, Superoxide dismutase, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), Peach ceramides (Prunus persica fruit extract), Biotin, Hyaluronic acid (as Sodium hyaluronate), Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) fruit oil.
SOURCING The collagen used is produced from 100% fish skin and scales that would otherwise be discarded and sourced from a sustainable and traceable supply chain; it is not irradiated and is certified non-GMO, presenting unmatched advantages in the market. This collagen comes from different types of fish, including red snapper, tilapia, milkfish, and others. This ingredient is extracted to include purified fish collagen peptides that will not contain any other unwanted compounds, oils, contamination, or toxins. Because this is a secondary source, these fish may come from farmed or wild-caught sources. The fish is carefully washed to ensure the highest-quality ingredients.
HOW TO USE
- Mix 1 scoop of Inner Beauty Collagen with 4–8 ounces of water or your favorite hot or cold beverage daily.
- Blend 2–4 scoops into the batter of baked goods. (Don't use in recipes calling for cooking temperatures above 380° F.)
- It's tasteless so add it to anything
Starting July 1st we are kicking off a 21 day Inner Beauty Challenge!
I can't wait to see all of your before and after pictures!
- Bailey Lowe
Functional Nutrition Coach
(989) 245-5358
Because of something called the Toxic Substance Control Act, companies did not have to clear even a basic safety review before using a chemical in a consumer product. The law has been slightly updated for newly created chemicals, but the 80,000+ chemicals created in the last century are still being sold in our stores... Manh of these chemicals are banned in Europe, but still allowed here in the US.
Are you thinking, (like I used to)... “I’ve been using them for years & I’m fine.”
But are we fine?
How often do you get sick in a normal year?
Do you have a chronic illness?
Do you get headaches?
Brain fog? Skin issue?
Hormonal upset?
Are you on daily medication?
•Some chemicals accumulate in our bodies over time
•Impacts may show up long after exposure
•Some chemicals can become harmful or more toxic in combination with other chemicals
•Chemicals can have more impact during certain periods of development (womb, infancy, puberty)
•Even tiny doses can be very potent Conventional cleaning products contain many endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can wreak havoc on your respiratory system, cellular health, thyroid, adrenal glands, and even mental clarity.
Here are a few Red Flag ingredients to watch for in your cleaners
- Phosphates
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate / Sodium
- Lauryl Sulfate (SLS/SLES)
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- c9-11 Pareth-8
- Laureth-7
- 2-Butoxyethanol
- Ammonia
- Chlorine
- FRAGRANCE
- Dye
- Sodium hydroxide petroleum based ingredients.
But no worries! There are lots of natural cleaning options that work great!
- Baking soda
- Castille soap
- Borax
- Peroxide
- Vinegar ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- And my favorite and easy button is Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate! We have been using it for the past 9 years, and We LOVE it!
I wanted a cleaner that was SAFE & EFFECTIVE. And it gives me so much reassurance knowing that our home and environment are safe for us and our kids.
And Thieves Household Cleaner is way more cost effective than the conventional cleaners out there! One bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate makes up to 48, 16 oz bottles of all purpose cleaner! Yes, you read that right!
I made a free Cleaning Guide for you with some of my fav
non toxic, money saving, cleaning recipes, tips, & tricks
Click HERE to open your cleaning guide
- Bailey Lowe
Functional Nutrition Coach
(989) 245-5358
The Gut Brain Connection
I’m sure you have heard the term gut health! It’s something that more and more people are talking about and researching
Gut health isn’t a fad, it’s a very critical factor to our wellness. However, not many people know how crucial it is or how to heal their gut!
So, what is gut health?
It’s the function and balance of bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract. Each person has a unique gut microbiome filled with good and bad bacteria.
Our gut contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious agents. Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in your gut! That's HUGE!
It also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, to maintain our health.
Our Gut is our second brain (some even argue that it’s more important than our actual brain!)
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Our gut health impacts how our body feels, but did you know that it also affects our mental health?
The Gut is often referred to as the Second Brain, why is that?
Serotonin is our "feel-good" neurotransmitter, and 95% of Serotonin is produced in the gut! Doesn't it make sense that you would feel sad or depressed if your gut health was off and affecting the majority of your "feel-good" neurotransmitter?
Your Brain also communicates with your gut through the Vagus Nerve which is involved in digestion, absorption, and metabolizing nutrients as well as gut permeability. If your gut is dysfunctional, so is your brain.
Inflammation... the key to the majority of our health problems. This goes for your brain too, when your gut is inflamed, so is your brain.
So think of things like Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Dementia, Alzheimer's, OCD, Insomnia, & Fatigue. All of these conditions are greatly influenced by your gut health. Think of how many people's lives would change drastically if they knew this!
Dr. Uma Naidoo has a great book called "This is your brain on food". She shared a study of a group of people that for 4 weeks were treated with a probiotic. The study showed that these people had similar results to those treated with Prozac. That is mind blowing! If someone had the choice of taking Prozac vs. a probiotic, of course they would want the probiotic. HERE is a video of Dr. Uma Naidoo called the Mood Food connection.
How to Improve Your Gut Bacteria
1. Eat a diverse range of foods. Skip the sugar, processed fats and GMO's when possible! Choose whole foods that are rich in nutrients.
2. Eat more vegetables, legumes, beans, and fruits. Those that are high in fiber, promotes the growth of good bacteria.
3. Fermented foods can enhance the function of the microbiota and reduce the number of disease causing bacteria in the intestines. Yogurt (plain), kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha are some options!
4. Avoid artificial sweeteners. Aspartame and artificial sugars may help reduce weight gain, but they also increase blood sugar due to their effects on the gut bacteria.
5. Eat prebiotic foods. (Garlic, Onion, Asparagus, Bananas, Oats, Apples, Flax Seed) These are what your gut microbe eat and promotes the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut! Here are a few of my fav supplements with prebiotics.
6. Take a probiotic. Probiotics help restore the microbiota to a healthy state and support your metabolism. This is for Kids and adults! Your kiddo's need probiotics just as much as you do! We take ours at bed time.
7. Take a Digestive Enzyme before meals - this will help you digest your food and absorb nutrition from your food.
8. Stay hydrated! Drinking an adequate amount of water will not only improve your gut health, but has many other benefits on the body. And just saying, digestion doesn't keep moving very well unless it is well hydrated! So keep things moving and drink your water!
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If you want to learn more about your gut health, and how to heal your gut, join my free Gut Health Email Course. You will get a daily email for 20 days with info and tips about what affects your gut health and how to heal it.
And if you really want to notice a difference, fast! HERE is my 3 week supplement jump start! A little jump start on your gut health journey.
- Bailey Lowe
Functional Nutrition Coach
(989) 245-5358
Most people grab coffee first thing in the morning which is actually really acidic and dehydrating to our body and organs. And after going all night without hydration, your body needs some love!
I started keeping a glass of water by my bed and make sure to drink it quick before I even get out of bed. Give your body that quick hydration.
Another one of my favorite ways to show my digestion, liver, and overall body some love in the morning is to have this warm drink. I call it my Lemon tea. Here is what is in it and why they are so beneficial.
Lemons - So what does lemon do for us? Get ready! This little citrus fruit is full of good stuff!
- A lemon is an acidic fruit, but it actually helps alkalize your body. Have you ever heard of PH? Keeping your body's PH balanced is crucial, and most of us are WAY too acidic.
- Help stimulate digestion and wake up the liver (Which is a big detoxifying organ, so it needs all the help it can get to keep getting rid of toxins for you)
- Packed with Vitamin C! So let's give our immune system a boost first thing in the morning so it is ready for the day!
- High in potassium which is great for your heart health
- Because of it's powerful detoxing power, lemon is great for your skin! Remember you can put on all the topical creams, but focusing on gut health is the true way to clear skin.
Honey - Local Raw Honey is the good stuff!
- Local raw Honey has been shown to support seasonal allergies
- Minerals found in Honey - zinc, potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, and magnesium! So instead of grabbing sugar, reach for Honey or Pure maple syrup to sweeten something.
- High in antioxidants (oxidative stress on our body is what ages us; bring on all the antioxidants!)
Cayenne Pepper - A powerful little spice
- Stimulates your circulatory system by opening your capillaries
- Aids in digestion
- Helps regulate blood sugar
- Can speed up your metabolism
Minced Ginger (optional) - Fresh Ginger or Vitality Ginger Essential oil are both great!.
- Great for your digestion
- Immune support
- Helps Inflammation
- Antioxidants
So now that we know what these four things do for us and why they are helpful to start our day! Here is my recipe of how I put them together.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Lemon
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
- Honey to taste
- 1/2 inch peeled, minced fresh ginger (i use my garlic press to squeeze it)oooooooo,,,, or 1 drop Ginger Vitality Oil
Add all ingredients to your favorite mug and fill with warm to hot water. Stir and drink before breakfast.
Tip: If you are going to make this regularly, drink it with a stainless steel or glass straw to protect the enamel on your teeth.
Give it a try and notice how you start feeling! And you may even start feeling so good and energized from starting your day off this way, that you can kick that need for coffee in the mornings.
Tag me if you try it!
- Bailey Lowe
(989) 245-5358
Headaches! The worst, am I right?
A headache is a signal from our body that something needs attention. Our body works as a whole, so when an alert like a headache happens, it is our job to find out what our body is trying to tell us. Treating symptoms is temporary, finding the root cause is what we really want.
Our body could be trying to tell us that it needs something like nutrients or hydration; or it could be something that our body doesn't like... stress, ingredients in food we eat, things in our environment like cleaning products, laundry soap, or personal care products.
And don't forget about hormones! They are a common headache/migraine trigger. But ironically, alot of the ingredients in the everyday cleaning and personal care products that we use have a big impact on our hormones. So choosing clean options for those can help your hormones which may in turn help with recurrent hormonal headaches. (My fav toxic free cleaning products and fav clean skincare)
Here are a few things I do when I feel a headache coming on
- Salt
I know what you are thinking. "Isn't salt bad for you" We are often told, not to use too much salt, but I'm here to tell you that you need salt in your life. That being said, white table salt is garbage... it has been stripped of most of the minerals. So basically white table salt isn't doing you any favors, toss that stuff.
But! Himalayan or Celtic sea salt are both full of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium! So good for you! Ditch that white table salt and start using this in your food! Your body will love it!
When that first little bit of headache starts I grab my Redmond's Sea salt Shaker and shake a little bit in my mouth. I do this every 15 minutes for about an hour or longer if needed. Giving your body that little boost of minerals could be that little bit of love your body needs to turn that headache off.
-Water
I notice that my headaches pop up on days that I haven't been good about drinking my water. So when you feel that first little bit come on, drink a big glass of water right away. And that salt you just had will help your body absorb that water.
-Essential Oils
We want to stop a headache and we need something to stop the hurt. Essential Oils are my personal go to for that. That cooling feeling of Peppermint on my temple and neck feel so good! (Be careful with Peppermint, it is a hot oil so you may need to dilute it a little bit with coconut, almond, or avocado oil.)
Here are some of my favorite go toos! Deep relief is my absolute favorite because it has peppermint in it and comes with a roller top so easy to apply.
After those three things if you can manage it in your schedule, lay down for a few minutes to help your body kick that headache out!
I hope these tips help you, and would love to hear how they work for you!
If you would love to talk more one on one about headache struggles, schedule a 15 minute health chat with me! I would love to help you get to the bottom of your headaches.
- Bailey Lowe
(989) 245-5358
