by Ingredia USA | May 25, 2023 | Blood Sugar Management, Stress Management
As we age, it’s important to focus on maintaining our overall health and well-being. This includes managing stress levels, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and keeping our immune systems strong. These factors play a crucial role in senior well-being and can impact their quality of life. In this article, we will delve into the impact of stress, blood sugar, and immunity on senior well-being and explore how companies can serve seniors’ needs with our bioactive ingredient, Lactium®.
The Impact of Stress on Senior Well-being
Stress is a natural response to the demands of life. However, as we age, our bodies become less able to cope with stress, leading to a negative impact on our physical and mental health. Chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Studies have shown that stress management is essential to maintaining senior well-being. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress levels and improve overall health. Additionally, incorporating adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola in your daily routine can support your body’s stress response system.
The Impact of Blood Sugar on Senior Well-being
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for senior well-being. High blood sugar levels can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. In contrast, low blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, confusion, and even seizures.
A healthy diet that is low in processed sugars and high in fiber and protein can help regulate blood sugar levels. Exercise is also essential for blood sugar regulation as it helps the body use insulin more effectively. Certain supplements like chromium and magnesium can help support healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, Pep2Dia® by Ingredia USA Inc, is a great item to add to products that support blood sugar and well being.
The Impact of Immunity on Senior Well-being
As we age, our immune system weakens, making us more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This can impact our overall well-being and quality of life. A weakened immune system can lead to increased inflammation, chronic illness, and a slower recovery time.
There are many ways to support immune function, including getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet. Supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics can help support a healthy immune system. Additionally, lactoferrin and colostrum additives by Ingredia USA Inc, are a great item to add to products that support senior immunity.
How Lactium® Can Serve Senior Well-being Needs
At Ingredia USA Inc., we understand the importance of supporting senior well-being. That’s why we developed Lactium®, a bioactive ingredient that has been clinically shown to help reduce stress levels and support healthy sleep patterns.
Lactium® is a natural ingredient that is derived from milk protein. It works by regulating the body’s stress response system, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that Lactium® can help improve sleep quality, reduce fatigue, and improve overall well-being.
By incorporating Lactium® into your products, you can better serve the needs of seniors who are looking for natural ways to manage stress and improve their sleep patterns. Lactium® is a safe and effective ingredient that can be added to a wide range of products, including beverages, supplements, and functional foods.
It’s important to focus on maintaining our overall health and well-being. Stress management, healthy blood sugar levels, and a strong immune system are all essential to senior well-being. By incorporating Lactium® into your products, you can better serve the needs of seniors who are looking for natural ways to manage stress and improve their sleep patterns. At Ingredia USA Inc., we are committed to supporting senior well-being, and we believe that Lactium® is an excellent ingredient to help achieve this goal.
by Ingredia USA | Mar 27, 2023 | Stress Management
Stress is a common part of modern life, and it can impact many aspects of our physical and mental health, including our libido. When we experience stress, our bodies release the hormone cortisol, which can have a negative impact on our sexual desire and function over time. Understanding the link between stress and libido is important for anyone looking to maintain a healthy sex life, and there are many natural ways to combat the negative effects of stress.
The Impact of Stress on Libido
Stress can have a range of effects on our bodies and minds, including reducing our sex drive. When we’re stressed, our bodies go into a “fight or flight” mode, which can lead to a decrease in libido. This is because cortisol, the stress hormone, can interfere with the production of testosterone and other sex hormones, leading to a decrease in sexual desire and function over time. Additionally, stress can impact our mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can further impact our libido.
The good news is that there are many ways to combat the negative effects of stress on our sex lives, and one of the most effective is natural nutritional supplements.
Nutritional Supplements for Stress and Libido
Nutritional supplements can be an effective way to combat the negative effects of stress on our libido. Here are some of the most effective ingredients to look for in natural supplements:
- Maca: This root vegetable has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help support sexual function and libido. It contains a variety of beneficial compounds, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, that can help promote overall health and wellness. (source: Healthline)
- L-Arginine: This amino acid is a precursor to nitric oxide, which helps improve blood flow throughout the body. By increasing blood flow to the genitals, L-arginine can help support healthy sexual function. (source: Medical News Today)
- Ginseng: This herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help reduce stress and improve energy levels. It has been shown to have a positive impact on sexual desire and function in both men and women. (source: Healthline)
- Magnesium: This essential mineral is important for overall health and wellness, and it can help support healthy stress levels. By reducing stress, magnesium can indirectly support healthy sexual function. (source: Medical News Today)
Combating Stress Naturally
While nutritional supplements can be a helpful tool in combating stress and supporting healthy sexual function, there are also many other natural methods to consider. Here are some of the most effective:
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce stress levels and improve overall feelings of well-being. It can also help improve blood flow and cardiovascular health, which can support healthy sexual function.
- Mindfulness Meditation: This practice involves focusing on the present moment and can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can have a positive impact on sexual desire and function.
- Yoga: This practice combines physical movement, breathwork, and mindfulness, and has been shown to have a positive impact on stress levels and overall feelings of well-being. It can also help improve flexibility and strength, which can indirectly support healthy sexual function.
- Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and wellness, and it can help reduce stress levels as well. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support healthy stress levels and overall well-being.
In conclusion, stress can have a significant impact on our libido, but it’s important to remember that there are many natural ways to combat its negative effects. By incorporating nutritional supplements that contain the right ingredients, practicing mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and trying yoga, we can help reduce our stress levels and support healthy sexual function.
Our most popular product, Lactium®, is a bioactive peptide that has been shown to have calming effects on the body, helping to reduce stress levels. When added to other active ingredients, Lactium® can help combat stress and support healthy sexual function.
We invite you to explore our website or speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives to learn more about how our products can benefit your business and meet the needs of your customers. By proactively managing stress and supporting healthy sexual function, individuals can achieve a better quality of life and maintain their sexual well-being throughout their later years. Contact us today to discover how we can help you enhance your product offerings and better serve your customers.
by Ingredia USA | Dec 15, 2022 | Blood Sugar Management
Sleep plays a key role in your body maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. Diabetes and obesity are affected by your body’s blood sugar levels. Since physical health and sleep are majorly connected, it’s no surprise that your blood sugar levels are affected by your sleep patterns.
This guide will discuss the consequences of lack of sleep and blood sugar levels on your body. Learn how to sleep better as you manage your symptoms.
Can Sleep Lower or Raise My Glucose Levels?
It’s true. Sleep can both lower and raise your glucose levels.
Your body goes through the circadian rhythm each day, and the cycle lasts for 24 hours. The circadian rhythm includes the following types of changes:
- Behavioral
- Mental
- Physical
Even if you’re not asleep, your blood sugar levels will rise every evening. It’s part of your body’s natural circadian rhythm cycle. However, sleep and blood sugar level fluctuations are normal events and not an area to be concerned about for most people.
Restorative sleep can sometimes lower a person’s unhealthy blood sugar levels. It does this by promoting healthy systems in your body.
Additionally, a decreased amount of sleep can increase blood sugar levels. Even sleep deprivation for one night can increase your body’s insulin resistance. As a result, your blood sugar levels will rise with it.
A lack of sleep, or insomnia, has been connected to diabetes. Some of the following factors can influence the relationship between blood sugar levels and sleep:
- The individual’s age
- When they sleep
- What sleep stages do they experience
- How much time do they spend sleeping
- Their eating habits
Does Low Blood Sugar Result in Sleep Issues?
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can result in sleep problems. Nocturnal hypoglycemia only occurs at night.
Low blood sugar, while a person is sleeping, can result in the following side effects:
- Yelling or crying during sleep
- Profusely sweating
- Nightmares
- Feeling confused or irritable when you wake up
Do Sleep Disorders Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Since blood sugar levels and lack of sleep are connected, it only makes sense that your blood sugar levels will rise when you don’t sleep well. Some of the following sleep disorders have been connected to a person’s sugar levels:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Impaired tolerance of glucose
- Sleep Disordered Breathing: Higher levels of glucose
- Severe Breathing Issues: Higher levels of blood sugar
Poor or lack of sleep is sometimes associated with a diabetic person’s ability to control their glucose levels.
Common Sleep Disorders That Are Connected to Diabetes
Tossing and turning during the night is common for those who suffer from diabetes. It can result from different diabetes symptoms, but it also might indicate there’s another health problem.
Restless Leg Syndrom (RLS)
The constant urge to move around your legs is known as restless leg syndrome. It occurs mostly in the evening hours. It can make it difficult for people to stay or fall asleep.
Some RLS risk factors include:
- Kidney problems
- High blood sugar levels
- Thyroid disorders
A person might also suffer from RLS if they have an iron deficiency.
Sleep Apnea
People who struggle to maintain healthy blood sugar levels also commonly suffer from sleep apnea. This event occurs when a person repeatedly starts and stops breathing while sleeping.
Some side effects of sleep apnea include snoring or feeling sleepy throughout the day. People who are obese or have a family history of sleep disorders are more at risk for it.
To help relieve your symptoms, you can incorporate a healthy diet and exercise routine into your life. You can also speak with your doctor about getting a special mask that you can wear while sleeping. The masks increase the amount of air pressure in your throat, allowing you to breathe better.
Insomnia
Those who have problems falling and then staying asleep suffer from insomnia. High-stress levels coupled with high glucose levels put you more at risk for insomnia.
If you believe you have insomnia, look at why you might have problems falling asleep. Evaluate if you’re having family issues or work in a high-stress job. You can also speak with a medical professional to help figure out what’s causing your issues.
Ways to Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels While You Sleep
Learning good sleep habits are essential given the close connection between sleep and diabetes. These habits include both day and nighttime activities.
These habits include:
- Maintaining a consistent sleep scheduling
- Healthy eating habits that keep your blood sugar levels in control
- Regular exercise
- Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
- Avoiding nicotine and caffeine before bedtime
Before you go to bed, remove all distractions from your room. This includes your cell phone, especially if you’re prone to checking it throughout the night.
If you need an alarm to wake up, purchase an alarm clock. This will empower you to keep your cell phone in another room while you sleep.
You can also create white noise to play while you sleep. Birds chirping or the sound of the garbage truck driving by can disrupt your sleep patterns. Consider turning on a fan to reduce distracting noises.
Depending upon your situation, your healthcare provider might recommend certain sleep aids. They can also give you recommendations on how to sleep better.
Educate Yourself on the Connection Between Sleep and Blood Sugar
It’s important to know the connection between sleep and blood sugar levels. Your body’s blood sugar naturally fluctuates throughout the day and night, but you want that change to be healthy. Check out our wide range of products used as dietary supplements to help manage your blood sugar levels.
by Ingredia USA | Nov 8, 2022 | Blood Sugar Management
Diet and exercise are the key pillars of a healthy life, but they are even more critical for those who struggle to regulate their blood sugar. Believe it or not, 96 million Americans struggle with healthy blood sugar levels, especially after working out.
If you’re trying to keep up with your exercise routines, you probably want to know how to leverage your diet for the best results. Luckily, we’re here to help with that. Let’s talk about the best foods for post-workout recovery to promote healthy blood sugar levels. .
Foods to Avoid
Generally, not just after a workout, there are foods people should avoid to prevent insulin spikes. However, it’s even more important to refuel your body after a workout when your sugar levels are likely to drop.
Ideally, you want to eat primarily complex carbs and quality protein after a workout, with some healthy fats in the mix. Avoid starches and sugars whenever possible. Complex carbs are much better as they take longer to digest, which lowers the risk of blood sugar or insulin spikes.
For example, a handful of berries is better than an ice cream sandwich. Essentially, you want to look for slower-digesting carbohydrates with more nutritional value.
However, that doesn’t apply to anybody when you are trying to regular your blood sugar. Milk already has sugar in it, and adding more is a recipe for a blood sugar spike. Unless your blood sugar is dangerously low after your workout, avoid simple sugars such as:
- Candy
- Energy drinks
- Baked goods (muffins, donuts, cake, etc.)
- Soda
- Juice
- Sugary coffee
- Smoothies (most)
You should also avoid starchy foods, including white potatoes (such as fries, chips, etc.), white bread, and white rice. Maintaining your blood sugar levels is most important.
In general, you should also avoid deep-fried foods or foods that are extremely calorie-dense, like bacon or sausage. Eating smaller meals throughout the day with the right nutritional value is always recommended.
Nutrition for Post-Workout Recovery
When trying to maintain your blood sugar levels, there are certain foods you should try to eat after your workouts to refuel your body and start the recovery process. For example, you should eat some sugars to restore your body’s glycogen stores, which are often depleted after a workout, but they need to come from the right sources.
Always drink water before and after your workout, as post-workout hydration is critical for maintaining blood sugar levels and aiding in recovery. Aim for at least 16 oz before your workout and another 16 oz after.
Throughout the day, especially when exercising, women should aim to drink 11.5 cups of water, and men should aim to drink 15.5 cups.
Eggs and Whole Grain Toast
Whole-grain bread offers a rich nutritional portfolio loaded with fiber, complex carbohydrates, and some protein. Choose a thinly sliced bread if the carbs are too high, ensure that there is no added sugar, and find a bread you enjoy!
If you need some extra healthy fat or calories, add an avocado to your toast or nut butter for an extra protein kick. Are you looking to lower your fat intake? Try using only egg whites.
Don’t eat eggs? Scramble up some tofu for a similar texture and make it the way you like it!
For extra nutrition, scramble your eggs with onions, spinach, and tomatoes. These vegetables are delicious, low in carbs, and high in fiber and micronutrients to aid in recovery.
Meal idea: Egg sandwich or sunnyside up eggs on top of toast. If you need extra sugars, add a piece of fruit to the meal.
Oatmeal
Also, for people who prefer to work out in the mornings, half a cup of oats has 23 grams of net carbs, 4 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of protein. Have a glass of milk on the side (or in the oatmeal) for extra protein.
Meal idea: To avoid adding too much sugar, use berries instead of sugary fruits or nut butter for some extra protein.
Greek Yogurt and Fruit
Remember, berries are some of the best fruits you can eat to prevent unnecessary spikes, and they are also loaded with nutrition. Also, there are plenty of options for low-sugar or sugar-free Greek yogurt available today, so mix it in with some berries for a quality post-workout snack.
Meal idea: Need extra carbs? Put some low-sugar granola or overnight oats into your yogurt, along with some berries.
Protein Shake
Drink a protein shake along with some oatmeal, berries, or whole grains for a quality protein boost after your workout. A quality protein shake will help refuel your body, help with post-workout recovery, and post-workout hydration, and won’t cause sugar spikes.
Peanut Butter Sandwich
This should only be used with thinly sliced bread or low-carb bread, but always whole grain! Avoid using jelly or “fluff,” and have a glass of skim or 1% milk on the side. The amino acid profiles in bread and peanut butter create a “complete protein,” which means that it’s just as beneficial for post-workout recovery as eggs, meat, or dairy.
Be Consistent About Post-Workout Recovery
Diet and exercise are your best defense against insulin and blood sugar spikes, so take it seriously.
Now that you know some great post-workout recovery meals and nutritional advice, put it to use and keep yourself healthy! Stay up to date with our latest health & fitness news, and feel free to contact us with any questions.
by Ingredia USA | Oct 3, 2022 | News & Press
America isn’t immune anymore. 3.4 million Americans had to go to the hospital due to an infectious or parasitic disease in 2018.
If you want to avoid a lengthy hospital stay, you should try to boost your immune system naturally. One of the best ways to boost your immune system is to eat healthy foods. But not every fruit and vegetable is going to help you fight off colds.
What foods boost your immune system? Why do these foods help your immune system? How can you incorporate these foods into your diet?
Answer these questions, and you can master how to boost your immune system in no time. Here is your quick guide.
Citrus Fruits
Ask someone about foods that boost your immune system, and they’ll probably talk to you about citrus fruits. Oranges, lemons, and limes contain high amounts of vitamin C, which produces white blood cells. White blood cells fight off infections in all parts of the body and decrease inflammation.
Try to eat an orange every day. You can also squeeze lemons or limes over grilled or roasted meat for added flavor.
Berries
Blueberries have anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and bolster the immune response in the upper respiratory system. If blueberries are too tart for you, you can try mulberries and black chokeberries.
Elderberries are a traditional folk remedy for the common cold. They contain anthocyanin alongside potassium, which regulates how cells receive signals from the immune system. You can find elderberries at most grocery stores, and you can forage for them in the fall.
If you want to try a new fruit, you can eat acai berries. Acai berries are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins. They contain pits, so be careful when eating them.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a probiotic food, meaning it contains bacteria that can stimulate your immune system. It also contains vitamin D, which can boost the immune system against viruses and bacteria.
Try to find plain yogurt, as many sweetened yogurts contain added sugars that can weaken your immune system. You can combine berries and yogurt with nuts to make a parfait, which can serve as a breakfast or snack.
Garlic
Garlic is another home remedy for colds and infections. It can also lower your blood pressure and slow down inflammation and hardening in the arteries.
Garlic contains allicin, a chemical compound that kills bacteria. Allicin is sulfuric, meaning that garlic can have a very strong flavor. You can saute garlic or sprinkle it into sauces to cut down on the taste.
Ginger
You may take ginger pills or ginger extract to reduce stomach discomfort or indigestion. You can eat pieces of ginger or drink ginger juice to boost your immune system as well. A 2020 meta-analysis of 109 studies found that ginger can help with inflammation, diabetes, and cancer.
If the flavor of ginger is too intense for you, you can make a smoothie out of it. You can use almond milk, orange juice, or green tea as a base. You can combine chopped ginger with spinach leaves, carrots, citrus fruits, and other ingredients.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice common in Indian and South Asian dishes. It can clean your respiratory tract, removing viruses and bacteria in your nose and mouth. It also has curcumin, a chemical compound that relieves the stress response during infections.
Turmeric has a flavor akin to black pepper, so you should use it sparingly. You can sprinkle some turmeric into a vegetable curry or a soup. Many curry mixes contain turmeric in them, so read the ingredients label to see if turmeric is already in yours.
Seafood
Oily fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can mitigate rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. Try to eat salmon and tuna at least once a week.
Shellfish also has immune benefits because it has zinc, which replenishes immune cells. Try to eat oysters, crab, and lobster. You can eat raw oysters, but you should select cooked crabmeat and lobster.
Poultry
Chicken and turkey have vitamin B-6, which forms new red blood cells and triggers chemical reactions that increase immune responses. Eating just a few ounces of chicken can give you your daily recommended amount of B-6.
If you like soup, you can make stock out of boiled chicken bones. Bones contain gelatin and chondroitin, which repair cells in your intestines.
Dairy
One of the healthy benefits of dairy foods is that it bolsters the immune system. Milk contains high amounts of zinc alongside vitamins A and D. If you don’t like the taste of milk, you can eat cheese instead.
Try to select dairy products that have probiotic bacteria in them. Probiotic dairy foods include kefir and feta cheese.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has theobromine, an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. The body produces free radicals when it encounters pathogens and breaks down food, so dark chocolate may be most effective after big meals.
Chocolate can contain high amounts of saturated fat and sugar, so find a low-fat version. You can eat dark chocolate bars, or you can melt the chocolate down and dip berries into it.
So What Foods Boost Your Immune System?
A lot of people have questions about their immune systems. What foods boost your immune system?
Citrus fruits, berries, and yogurt are three of the biggest boosters. They contain antioxidants that preserve blood cells and support the respiratory system.
But you can also get vitamins from spices like ginger and turmeric. If you want protein, you can have poultry, shellfish, and dairy. Try to eat a balanced diet with dishes that contain natural ingredients.Keep learning about healthy foods and practices. Ingredia provides premium health and wellness guides. Read our guide on naturally lowering your blood sugar today.
