Is iodine a necessity? ... Iodine - Kelp
Iodine is a trace element, with an interesting role in health, which we associate with the thyroid gland. It occurs naturally in the marine environment and one of the richest natural sources of iodine is kelp seaweed, also known as "Bladderwrack, Norwegian Laminaria," which has been used in traditional medicine and cuisine for centuries. Kelp can absorb large amounts of iodine directly from the ocean. The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones, without which much more would not work ... our metabolism would not function properly, we would have little energy, and our minds would be dull.
Vitamin A - and I see...
Vitamin A - Retinol, was discovered in 1916. But only 15 years later its chemical structure was determined. And it took another 15 years before we learned to produce it synthetically (in the form of acetate). It's quite rare in dietary supplement stores, which is odd because a lack of it can lead to even gray-blindness.
B9 with a huge impact
If you were to test your diet today, you might find that despite healthy eating, you lack enough vitamin B9 - folic acid. Popular avocado toasts are in vogue, but unlike spinach, lentils, or broccoli, they don't contain much B9. Folic acid was first isolated from spinach, and although it is most commonly associated with pregnancy, its importance concerns each of us.
Ashwagandha - cortisol tamer
You certainly know the feeling when you feel threatened. A big dog ran at you from behind the fence, your boss plowed into you in a meeting and carried you under the ground, or your mortgage is due tomorrow and you just got fired from your job. In such cases, the body produces a steroid hormone - cortisol. This already protects us in dangerous situations and the body prepares the "fight or flight" position. The heart pumps, blood rushes to vital organs, pain levels suppress... You say to yourself - the most useful thing under the sun!
Histamine Control
Histamine is often perceived negatively, especially for its role in allergic reactions and intolerance. As with many things in life, black-and-white thinking is not suitable for this biogenic amine. As a neurotransmitter, it participates in many critical processes. In defending the body, for example, it supports the enlargement of blood vessels, making it easier for immune cells to access the site of inflammation. At the same time, it stimulates the production of gastric juices (essential for food processing), regulates the sleep cycle, controls appetite, and plays a role in learning, memory, and emotions. Histamine naturally occurs in the human body, and its balance is crucial for health. In the digestive system, it's broken down by the enzyme diamine oxidase. However, if histamine intake is greater than the body can break down, histamine intolerance develops. This imbalance can be caused by stress, poor lifestyle, medicines, or other factors. Excess histamine can lead to unpleasant symptoms, often resembling food allergies or digestive issues. It's essential to understand histamine as an important helper in our body.
Iron - the secret to your health and energy
Imagine that your body is a factory working at full capacity (to provide energy, growth, cell repair) and iron is the fuel that keeps it running. If iron reserves are depleted, you may experience weakness, heart palpitations or paler skin. Symptoms of iron deficiency include brittle nails, dry hair, shortness of breath, sleep problems, reduced concentration, cold extremities, increased frequency of infections, and anaemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by too little iron in the body), which manifests itself as extreme fatigue. With anaemia, the body is not supplied with enough oxygen and quickly becomes exhausted. Bruising can also be a sign of iron deficiency, as this mineral is important in the formation of haemoglobin, which supports the proper functioning of blood platelets.
