Amandean Wellness Center

The health of our gut microbiota impacts far more than we may think. It's our main connection to the brain and its activities affects heart health, and help determine the quality of our sleep. So how do we know we're getting enough good bacteria in our gut for it to function at its best? Nutrition & supplementation is key. Today we examine the ways we can support and recover a healthy balance in the gut so that our physical and mental health no longer has to suffer.

Yes, you definitely need an omega-3 supplement in your life, especially considering that the body can't produce these fatty acid on its own. But what kind of omega-3 should you choose? In this article, we're talking about the differences between fish oil and algae-sourced omega-3. We also take a detailed look at the role of EPA, DHA, and ALA and how to make sure you're shopping for the omega-3 supplement that best fits your health goals.

Many of us are looking to stay happy, motivated, and healthy. There's no shortcut to these things unless you put in the work --- especially when it comes to your health. This ‘work’ involves getting better sleep, exercising, and consuming whole foods to improve your nutrition. When people think of the word “diet” they automatically assume it's for someone who wants to lose weight. In fact, it is also for those of us who want to build muscle. We do exist! Aside from drinking protein powder shakes and switching from white rice to brown, there are diet plans that can help you lose weight and feel good at the same time!

We can talk up and down about the benefits collagen has on your body, from managing thyroid conditions to eczema, and building lean muscle mass. So are you surprised to know that this superpower supplement can also help to regulate your metabolism? We’re not either. *shrug* Collagen influences thousands of metabolic processes throughout the body to keep you healthy, active, and lean. Yet, despite collagen accounting for roughly 35% to 50% of all the protein in your body, studies have shown that it’s a protein that almost everyone is likely deficient in. Here’s how collagen regulates your metabolism and why you should get more collagen goodness into your everyday diet.

The human relationship with food is very different today from where it first started. Instead of cherishing and working for our meals, in many wealthy countries, there is an abundance of food everywhere we turn. We eat for pleasure, when we're bored, or to help comfort us through our lows. We all do it, but we feel guilty about listening to our body's instincts and enjoying our food for what it is. Many cultures that value thinness set out food rules; they tell you to ignore your pangs of hunger and stifle cravings because what your body really needs isn't what it's telling you, it needs to be regulated and maintained in order to stay thin. Diet fads and various forms of food restriction come and go, and many leave us feeling dissatisfied with the results and most of all our bodies; they're hard to stick to and we often don't see any benefits in the end. If you're privy to health podcasts, wellness blogs, body positivity, or antidiet movement, chances are you've heard of intuitive eating (IE). Intuitive eating is NOT a diet, rather it is a form of gentle nutrition and mindfulness that helps us to make peace with food that honors our bodies' needs and listens to our bodies' internal cues rather than stifling them. In this blog, we'll dig into the ins and outs of intuitive eating and explore if supplements have a place alongside intuitive eating's approach to gentle nutrition and body acceptance.

Did you know that humans actually have two brains? Well, sort of. Surprisingly, the gut is often referred to as the second brain. Just like how our brains (the ones inside our head) have a huge influence over our entire bodies, our gut does as well. The gut is teeming with good bacteria to make up the gut microbiome. It determines what gets absorbed by our bodies and even produces neurons and neurotransmitters that communicate with the brain. Your gut health is integral to your mental health and vise versa, but diagnosing an unhealthy gut can be tricky. Here are 7 tell-tale signs of an unhealthy gut and some possible solutions to get your digestive tract back on track.

Did you get a little hair-crazy during quarantine? Do you regret making the "chop" and want your long hair back? Or have you noticed your hair is thinning and want to reverse the damage? Egg yolk hair masks, rice water baths, and castor oil leave-in treatments all claim to help regrow hair and prevent hair loss. But if you're like me and want a little extra science-based hair growth support, then you've probably debated on taking biotin, keratin, and/or collagen supplements. We'll help to answer common questions about hair loss and growth, address the root of your hair loss, and choose the dietary supplement(s) that's right for you. Read on!

It really is incredible how the human body takes care of itself. Without us even noticing, our body is creating new cells and recycling old ones to keep us "up to date" and firing on all cylinders. Autophagy is the natural process in which the body takes old and damaged cell debris and turns it into useful amino acids that create new, healthy, optimally-performing cells. While autophagy happens naturally in the human body, it can be harnessed through a simple meal plan, fasting schedule, and a couple of scoops of collagen.

Type I collagen gets all the credit! From skincare to building muscle, to workout recovery, many supplements celebrate the power of type I collagen. Don't get us wrong, type I collagen is hugely important in keeping your body functioning at 100%, but even it benefits from a sidekick. In this blog, we're talking all things type III collagen - the unsung hero of your skincare and workout routine.

There is no shortage of collagen products on the market from skincare to supplements - and for good reason! Collagen is the number one most abundant protein in the human body and in all mammals. The word collagen itself is derived from the Greek word for "glue" so - yeah - it's kind of a big deal! With that said, many products are marketed simply as "collagen", a cover-all product that can heal any sort of ailment. In reality, there are 28 known types of collagen, and their roles, and potential benefits for you, are of the utmost importance when choosing the collagen supplement that's right for you. Of all the collagen types, the third most abundant type of collagen is called "Type II". Type II is your go-to for cartilage and joint health. It's not always found in the same connective tissues as type I, and you can't always find it in the same types of supplements or foods. Though its abundance pales in comparison to type I, its benefits are outstanding! Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the unique and unparalleled benefits that this small but mighty protein provides for your body.

Collagen and coffee truly make an awesome duo and their combined benefits are hard to match when it comes to biohacking. However, being that collagen is considered thermally unstable, will your hot coffee dissolve the collagen protein and make its benefits vanish? While collagen thermal degradation is possible, your collagen coffee will never reach the critical temperature. We've answered all your questions on the topic of the thermal stability of collagen, as well as the main benefits of your favorite collagen coffee brew.

The abounding benefits of collagen are enough to make you want to reach for the nearest container of it and add a scoop to your coffee without skipping a beat! Tempting as it may be, not all collagen products are created equally; without first knowing what to look out for in a marine collagen supplement, you may be disappointed by a substandard product. The best collagen supplements have their own tell-tale signs to indicate their quality and effectiveness, and we're going to tell you how to spot them. Here are some tips and tricks to help you on your shopping journey to ensure that you're choosing the highest quality and most effective marine collagen supplement.