PRL Research Forum

The most common type of mental illness among Americans is depression, which is also the second leading cause of disability among the U.S. population. Is it possible that improved nutrition, such as dietary supplements, could provide an effective answer without troublesome side effects? A recent study investigated the effects of a vitamin B complex nutritional supplement on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.  

In the realm of functional foods, beetroot emerges as a vibrant contender with promising implications for cardio-metabolic health. Packed with a medley of bioactive compounds, beetroot offers more than just a colorful addition to our plates. For healthcare professionals navigating the intricate landscape of metabolic disorders, understanding the myriad benefits of beetroot can offer a potent tool in the nutritional arsenal. From modulating blood glucose and blood pressure to fortifying microbiome health, beets provide a symphony of benefits that echo the future of dietary interventions in metabolic health. As we guide our patients towards improved metabolic health, it's paramount to spotlight beetroot as a synergistic functional food and dietary supplement, best optimized within the context of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Beyond the immediate health concerns of metabolic disturbances, there are ripple effects that permeate other aspects of well-being. Elevated stress not only affects our mood and mental state, but its chronic presence can accelerate aging, induce cognitive decline, and undermine metabolic processes, including sleep. In this multifaceted health crisis, is there a natural panacea that can address both metabolic and stress-related challenges? Enter green tea (Camellia sinensis), whose rich constituents, not only offer potent antioxidant protection but also foster a calm mood and focused mind.

Inflammation is a complex and natural defense mechanism of the body that aims to protect us from infections, injuries, and harmful stimuli. While it plays a crucial role in the healing process, chronic inflammation can be detrimental to our health. Understanding the underlying causes of inflammation can pave the way for proactive steps towards a healthier life.

What can you recommend as a practitioner to help your clients manage these common stressors and mitigate risks for long term health issues?

Read further to discover more about how phyto-proteases can optimize your client’s health strategies!

By Jenny Perez, BSc, Herbal Sciences

In the intricate symphony of the human body, magnesium, a macro-mineral of significant importance, plays a crucial role, particularly in the realm of brain health and neurological function. Despite its critical role, magnesium deficiency is alarmingly prevalent. This deficiency can precipitate a myriad of health complications, ranging from fatigue and abnormal heart rhythms to more severe neurological disorders. This article aims to elucidate the role of magnesium, with a specific focus on magnesium malate, in maintaining and enhancing brain health. The discussion will encompass the interaction of this essential mineral with neurotransmitters, its influence on mood and sleep, and its neuroprotective effects.

As wellness practitioners rooted in integrative, quantum medicine, we understand the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant impact that nutrition has on our brain function and overall well-being.

Neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers in our brain, play a pivotal role in regulating our mood, emotions, and cognitive abilities. B-vitamins are essential to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are crucial for maintaining optimal mental health.

In this blog, we will explore the science behind B-vitamins and how they support neurotransmitter health and brain adaptability. We will also discuss the various food sources and supplements that provide B-vitamins, as well as how to optimize their absorption and utilization.

Did you know that the incidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a complex hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, is on the rise? While the exact causes of PCOS are not fully understood, research suggests that environmental toxins may play a significant role in the development and progression of this condition. From pesticides and plastics to air pollution and heavy metals, our bodies are constantly exposed to a range of toxins that can disrupt our hormonal balance and affect our overall health and wellbeing. 

In this blog post, we will explore the cumulative effects of environmental toxins on women's health and the potential links between toxins and the rising incidence of PCOS. We will also discuss natural, non-prescription-oriented approaches to PCOS management that emphasize a mind-body-spirit approach to healing, including herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and mind-body therapies. Join

Infertility affects 1 in 10 of reproductive-aged couples in the United States alone. As the prevalence of male and female reproductive challenges, including infertility, low libido, and erectile dysfunction, continues to rise, so has the interest popularity of tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia), a Southeast Asian plant with a growing reputation as an energizing aphrodisiac and deep medicinal roots as a reproductive health tonic.

As wellness practitioners, it's important to stay informed on the latest research and approach natural remedies with an evidence-based perspective. In this post, we will explore the traditional uses, active constituents, potential benefits, and latest research on Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali) for male and female reproductive health, as well as the challenges faced by wellness practitioners in navigating the crowded market for unadulterated sources of this important natural remedy. 

Now,

The prevalence of low libido is nothing to laugh about. A healthy libido is an underemphasized aspect of wellness. But what do you do when hormonal changes, medications or chronic stress drag down your ability to enjoy your love life? Well, you learn to lean into nourishing the libido naturally, integrating the use of plants, like maca, that offer nutrients and bioactive compounds that have an affinity for enhancing the reproductive health of men and women.   

Known as ‘Peruvian ginseng’, maca has been traditionally used as a food and medicine in Peru for thousands of years for its nutritional, energizing, and fertility-supporting properties. As practitioners, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves about natural remedies like maca, and to use that knowledge to help our clients make informed decisions about their health. There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting maca root’s potential therapeutic benefits, such as supporting

Intermittent fasting is a powerful tool for improving physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It involves limiting food intake for a specific period of time, usually between 12-16 hours, and consuming all meals within a designated time window. This method has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including weight management, improved blood sugar control, inflammation modulation, and enhanced cognitive function.

Recent clinical studies have shown that intermittent fasting can also stimulate the process of autophagy, a cellular mechanism that helps to remove damaged cells and promote regeneration. This process has been linked to improved health span and longevity, making intermittent fasting a potentially valuable tool for promoting healthy ageing.

In this blog post, we'll explore the history and significance of fasting as well as the potential health benefits associated with intermittent fasting. We'll also