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.
Do we need the 'sunshine' vitamin D3 only in winter?
When you feel the sun's rays on your skin, know that your body is creating one of the most important vitamins - D3, which was discovered thanks to centuries of research. The discovery of vitamin D3 became one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th century, saving millions of lives: It was the year 1650 and in the streets of London, doctors noticed that more and more children were suffering from a strange disease called rickets (their bones were weak and brittle, legs deformed, growth slowed). It wasn't until 1919 that Dr. Huldschinsky exposed children with rickets to ultraviolet light and their bones began to heal! Three years later, biochemist McCollum discovered a substance that prevented rickets and called it vitamin D. Gradually, the existence of the most important form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) was discovered.
Vitamin B3 Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 - niacin, perhaps the older ones also know it as vitamin P. It belongs to the group of B vitamins, which we find in the multiform B-complex. It is a very important group of vitamins that we necessarily need for the proper function of vision, mucous membranes, skin, heart... In the body, they are responsible for the production of energy in cells and are essential for the proper functioning of cardiac, muscle, and nerve activities.
Zinc - The Fatigue Slayer
In addition to vitamins, enzymes, and various supplements, our body also needs so-called trace elements for 100% functionality. The term "trace" means that our body needs it only in small quantities. We need 10 mg of zinc daily, which is 37 times less than magnesium (375 mg). It might seem we're discussing a total non-entity. However, the opposite is true. Zinc affects more than 200 biochemical reactions in our body!
Vitamin C - is it just a placebo?
Vitamin C is probably the most well-known and commonly used vitamin. From childhood, our mothers give us effervescent Celaskon in winter to protect us from colds and the flu. And even though recent studies may cast doubt on this, as there is no study that directly confirms that vitamin C protects against the flu and colds, there are facts that cannot be denied.
Lady's Mantle - Woman's Cloak
Common Alchemilla is a perennial herb that originates from England but has spread worldwide. Its leaves and flower tops have been used for centuries primarily to alleviate menstrual problems, hence it is often called "woman's cloak". It is also suitable for men as it effectively helps with diarrhea, laryngitis, bleeding gums, or as a gargle for inflammation of the larynx. Its name comes from Arabic, from the word al-kimia. Alchemists tried to make gold by transforming various metals, as well as incredibly ordinary things. One of the secret ingredients in gold-making was water, caught in the leaves of this plant. As far as we know - it didn't work...