During the late winter, weather can change on a daily basis. You know what that means – allergy season is almost upon us. As temperatures reach above 50 degrees, plants begin to bloom and release pollen into the air. Those with seasonal spring allergies will usually start to see symptoms in early March and last through May. It’s important to start preparing for allergies now before pollen reaches peak spring allergy levels.
Those with allergies in the spring are typically allergic to pollen that begins to appear in the air. We started seeing tree pollen, one of spring’s main offenders, back in the early weeks of February. In the latter part of the season, we will begin to see grass pollen, and the combination can make the spring a miserable time for allergy sufferers.
While the exact cause of allergies is not known, an allergy occurs when your immune system produces antibodies when exposed to harmless foreign matter. Your immune system is mistaking allergens like pollen and dander for dangerous substances and fighting off them off with the “immunoglobulin E” or IgE antibodies. These produce histamine that can cause the allergic reaction and the telltale symptoms of allergies.
Spring allergy symptoms are typical of respiratory allergies, these include:
Determining what is causing your symptoms is the first step towards relief, in the case of spring allergies there are several things you can do to help ease your symptoms.
Thankfully, it’s possible to prep in advance for allergy season. Natural supplements like Ortho Molecular Natural D-Hist provide broad support for seasonal allergy challenges by promoting health sinus and nasal passages for individuals experiencing histamine and respiratory irritation. The formula includes quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettles leaf, and N-acetyl cysteine. Before allergy season ramps up into high gear, we recommend loading your system with this supplement for 7-10 days and then taking it throughout as a maintenance dose. On top of that, you can avoid drowsiness, brain fog, and the other annoying side effects that come with over the counter allergy medication. As a bonus, this supplement can help mitigate allergies from pets, as well! Last but not least, the formulation comes two different strengths for adults and children.
Order Ortho Molecular Natural D-Hist from our shop today and use the promo code ALLERGYBLUES for 10% off in March 2021! As always, consult your doctor before beginning a new supplement. To try it yourself, order from our online store today! To get another 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation with one of our wellness experts.
For almost everyone, 2020 was a doozy of a year. We can be excused for perhaps relying on a little too much caffeine and sugar to get through the stress, anxiety, and fatigue of enduring a global pandemic. However, most of us undoubtedly still feel the toll that the year took on our bodies. If you still feel tired from the last year, there may be an explanation – and even better, a way to feel (and perform) better in 2021. The answer may lie in adrenal supplements – read on to learn more from the experts at Gaspar’s Best!
The term “adrenal fatigue” has been used to explain a group of symptoms that are said to occur in people who are under long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress. You may be more likely to develop this condition if, for example, you have a stressful job; are a shift worker, working student, or single parent; or if you abuse alcohol or drugs.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include tiredness, trouble falling asleep at night or waking up in the morning, salt and sugar craving, and needing stimulants like caffeine to get through the day.
The problem begins when many different life stresses become too much for the body to handle. Our adrenal glands-small organs located above the kidneys-usually deal with stress by producing hormones like cortisol. When people are faced with long-term stress – say, a global pandemic – their adrenal glands cannot keep up with the body’s need for these hormones. It is when this happens that symptoms of adrenal fatigue may appear.
Thankfully, there are several supplements you can take to help support your adrenal function and heal from the craziness of the past year.
Adreboost-NG provides a mixture of nutrients that support your adrenal glands and assist them in producing hormones naturally. It includes adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola rosea, Ashwagandha, and Eleuthero, as well as licorice root, Astragalus, Gotu Kola, and Schizandra. You can order this supplement on our website here.
Adapten-All includes a blend of key micronutrients and adaptogenic botanicals specifically formulated to strengthen the body’s stress response and support healthy energy levels. It also provides a unique blend of “stress adapting botanicals” which help increase the body’s resistance to fatigue and maintain balanced cortisol and DHEA levels. You can also order this supplement from our online store.
We hope this helps you shake off the stress and fatigue of 2020! As always, consult your doctor before beginning a new supplement. To try it yourself, order from our online store today! To get a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation with one of our wellness experts.
2020 was a doozy of a year – on that point, almost everyone can agree. The physical and mental stress gradually adds up and takes a toll on your body. While the holidays can be a time of rest, rejuvenation, and celebration, they can also be taxing in their own way. We can be forgiven, though, for overindulging in some food and drink, especially this time around! Thankfully, whether you are still recovering from your holiday feasts or an almost year-long pandemic, ortho molecular products can help you detox, guard against inflammation, and boost your immune system for the year to come. Read on to learn more about some of our most popular pharmacist-recommended ortho molecular products and don’t forget to use our promo code for 10% off this January!
Glutathione plays a central role in the way our bodies detoxify themselves. Long story short, it protects living cells from toxicity by detoxifying the reactive intermediates via enzymatic conjugation. In plain terms, glutathione is a master antioxidant that supports immune function and protects the body against oxidative stress. This important process in the body can be supported through products like our Ortho Molecular L-Glutathione supplements.
When you hear the word, “inflammation,” you know it does not mean anything good. In general, inflammation is a natural part of our body’s immune response that serves to protect our organs and repair tissues. Inflammation can be particularly uncomfortable, however, when it concerns our gut health. Products like our Ortho Molecular InflammaCORE serve to promote normal inflammatory balance while strengthening GI barrier function.
GlutaShield is designed to promote the health and barrier function of the gastrointestinal lining by maintaining a normal inflammatory balance. This product is especially suited for people that found that indulging over the holidays taxed their systems more than they thought they would! You can find our Ortho Molecular GlutaShield supplement here.
To try these products yourself, order from our online store today! To get a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation with one of our wellness experts.
The holidays can be stressful even in the best of times. In 2020, the holidays are another matter entirely! Although we have much to be thankful for – friends, family, our health – we sometimes need a little help to relax and truly enjoy the important things in life. While we all know that exercise, diet, and proper sleep are integral to keeping stress levels down, it can be difficult to keep up routines and good habits during the holiday season. Read on to learn about some tinctures and supplements that can help you manage your stress this holiday season courtesy of Gaspar’s Best.
Full-Spectrum CBD Tinctures for Stress
The CBD phenomenon has taken the health world by storm, and for good reason. It has been shown to be effective in everything from pain management and heart health to yes, reducing anxiety and stress. Products like our Ananda Professional Full Spectrum Extract provide a convenient dose of CBD that quickly alleviates symptoms of stress by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of the body, providing instant relief. Don’t worry – CBD does not have the psychoactive effects of THC, meaning you won’t feel “high.”
Relax without Drowsiness with L-Theanine
L-Theanine – a compound naturally found in green tea – is a unique amino acid that has been used for centuries to induce a sense of calm without making people sleepy. Studies have found that it reduces anxiety and resting heart rate while helping people still get stuff done – paired with caffeine, it could even improve focus and attention. Last but not least, it also helps to support your immune system. This makes supplements like our Gaspar’s Best L-Theanine the perfect holiday season pick-me-up!
Be Ready for Anything with Ortho Molecular Supplements
Feel like you need all the help you can get? Try a product like our specially-formulated Ortho Molecular CopaCalm. It includes three different compounds (L-Theanine, GABA, and huperzine A) designed to induce a sense of calm and relaxation, promote balanced mood, and even improve cognitive performance and memory. CopaCalm is especially effective when taken in a pinch, so don’t be afraid to take it 2-3 times as needed.
As always, speak with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements. For 15% off your next order, use coupon code WINTERSALE2020. In the meantime, Gaspar’s Best wishes you and yours a happy and stress-free holiday season!
Winter is almost here, and while we all look forward to the holidays, we’re also well aware that the cold season comes with some added health risks. Besides the threat of colds or the flu, people face another common health challenge this time of year: vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin is essential to our health and almost everybody fails to get enough! To learn more about vitamin D and how it can support your health, read more from Gaspar’s Best below.
Why is vitamin D important to our health?
Vitamin D supports our immune system, which means that it is integral to our ability to reduce inflammation and fight infections. At the same time, it keeps our gut microbes healthy and happy, reducing our susceptibility to bad bacteria and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease. Low vitamin D levels may also be related to depression and low energy. Last but not least, vitamin D appears to be key to bone health, as well – low levels of this vitamin have been linked to bone diseases like rickets and osteoporosis.
Why do we need more vitamin D in the winter?
Our skin actually produces vitamin D naturally after exposure to the sun. Although many people have low vitamin D levels year-round, this naturally becomes even more pronounced in the winter months as people cover up and stay inside.
How can we address vitamin D deficiencies?
The best way to shore up our vitamin D levels – besides healthy time in the sun – is through diet and supplements. Oily fish (like tuna, mackerel, and sardines), fortified dairy and nondairy substitutes, and mushrooms are all high in vitamin D. To ensure you get the right amount of vitamin D every day, it’s best to also incorporate a supplement like Gaspar’s Best Ortho Molecular Vitamin D3 50,000 IU. This would be the most convenient way to make certain that your body absorbs all the vitamin D that it needs.
We hope this sheds some light on the importance of supplementing your vitamin D levels in the winter months. To try it yourself, order from our online store today! To get a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation with one of our wellness experts.
CBD, or cannabidiol, has exploded in popularity in recent years. This can mainly be attributed to its beneficial effects for health. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotectant, and antioxidant, as well as for localized pain, anxiety, and even skin conditions. CBD doesn’t induce a high and comes with minimal risk of side effects, as well, further cementing its popularity.
CBD comes in many forms, all of which have different individual strengths. A hemp-infused roll-on, for example, can help you directly target areas of pain and inflammation on your body. To learn more about topical CBD treatments from the experts at Gaspar’s Best, read on!
A CBD roll on is a product designed to be applied to the skin in areas which may be painful or inflamed. It comprises a small tube of liquid containing CBD and other ingredients, topped with a roller ball which releases the liquid when rubbed onto the skin. It works in the same way as a roll on antiperspirant.
Using a CBD roll on is fairly self-explanatory. Simply roll the ball over the area where it is needed and wait for its effects to kick in. However, there are a couple of tips that can help you to get the most out of your CBD roll on. Here’s what we recommend:
Pain does not always stem from the exact area where you feel it. For example, a headache can be a result of tension in the neck and shoulders, and sciatica is typically caused by a problem in the lower back. If you can identify where your pain is coming from and apply your CBD to that area, it will likely be more effective. Use our dermatome map to get a better understanding of where to apply a CBD roll-on based on your pain.
This might seem obvious, but if you do not apply enough of your roll on, it is unlikely to be effective. That said, you will want to use the minimum effective dose, so try applying a small amount to begin with, and increase it gradually over time. When you find the dosage that works for you, be sure to use that amount every time.
Since you will be using your CBD roll on again and again, you will want to make sure you keep it clean. The best way to do this is by washing the area where you want to apply it before every use. You don’t need to go overboard; a quick once-over with soap and water will do.
Although CBD itself should not cause any side effects, some of the other ingredients in topical preparations could cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is advisable to test any new product on a small area of skin first, especially if you have extra sensitive skin or a condition such as eczema.
Although research has found topical CBD to be an effective remedy for pain, it is essential to set realistic expectations or you could end up disappointed. If you have been suffering from chronic pain for years, you should not expect a CBD product to resolve all your problems overnight. If you can get some relief for a few hours without having to resort to potent painkillers, that should be seen as a win!
We hope this blog helped illuminate the benefits of CBD roll-on products for you. To try it yourself, order from our online store today! To get a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation with one of our wellness experts.
Yup, that’s right! There is a such a thing as good fats. Now, I use the word “good” loosely. We try not to use the words “good” or “bad” to characterize food because, in reality, it’s impossible to stick something we eat into one of two buckets. Instead, we look at food as a spectrum from more nutritious to less nutritious and try to make mostly nutritious choices. However, for the purposes of this article, I’ll refer to fats as “good” or “bad”.
The truth is that we NEED fats. Fats actually do a lot of good stuff in our bodies. For example:
See what I mean? All of those things are essential to our day to day functioning.
Well, there are some highly processed fats out there that are not good for us. In fact, they’re associated with a lot of diseases and health issues. These are called “trans fats”. Trans fats are man made fats. Why would man make fats, you ask? Mostly, to improve the shelf life of products. The longer they can keep something on the shelf without it going bad, the cheaper it is to ship and store and for you to buy it. Really, like most things in the business world, it comes down to $$$$.
But it’s not just the trans fats, since many people are aware of those. Even more than that, like I mentioned above, fats are very calorie dense (or energy dense, same thing). Remember above how I said “fats are 4 times as energy dense than carbs”? Well, that’s true and can be a good thing. In fact, that’s the guiding principle of the ketogenic diet. BUT, because they’re so energy dense, overeating them can become a problem very quickly, even if they’re good fats.
Basically, weight gain or loss comes down to this:
Calories Consumed vs. Calories Burned
Eat the same as you burn in a day, you’ll maintain your weight. Eat more than you burn, you’ll gain weight. Eat less than you burn, you’ll lose weight. It’s more complicated than that, but that’s a great way to simplify things.
So, if we eat too much fat, it’s really easy to gain weight. Fats are necessary, but we need to eat them mindfully and within moderation.
Good question! Mostly, it’s unsaturated fats: polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats are important too, but they have some health risks associated with them when we eat them to excess (think red meat).
The unsaturated fats are in things like:
Fish oil supplements in particular have gotten a lot of attention recently for their ability to reduce inflammation, which has important health implications for preventing heart disease and even cancer. For those who lack the inclination to eat the amount of fatty fish (salmon, tuna, etc.) required to get the essential fats needed to provide health benefits, omega-3 supplements can be very helpful.
Side note: omega-3 fats are considered anti-inflammatory. Omega-6 fats are inflammatory. Both are important, as we need inflammation to help protect and heal our bodies. However, we want to try to keep our ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats in balance in our bodies.
There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA (found in fatty fish) and ALA (found in vegetable oils and walnuts). While they all contribute to good health, EPA and DHA likely confer the most benefit. If you have heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends that you talk to your physician about taking one gram of EPA and DHA daily.
If you’re looking for a high quality omega-3 supplement (with fish and seed oils), we recommend our Gaspar’s Best Omega Max.
Don’t be afraid to get some fats in your diet! Particularly, check the label for polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. A diet comprised of mostly whole foods will help you get all of the nutrients you need. Just remember that fats are very calorie dense, so keep these good fats in your diet in moderation.
If you need help incorporating healthy fats into your diet, check out our online wellness program. No more dieting. No more starving yourself. No more confusion. Join our upcoming group to start your journey today.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Vince
Certified Coach and Founder
Gaspar’s Best
Maybe I’m just a millennial (don’t hold it against me), but I think that knowing WHY you’re doing something is extremely important. In fact, I’d argue it’s just as important (if not more important) as WHAT you’re doing. We’ve all had those days where we’re tired. We’ve all had those days where we’re lazy. Sometimes, the last thing in the world we want to do is go to the gym. Or, we really just don’t feel like eating that salad and just want a cheeseburger. Those are totally normal things and are very difficult to overcome. The people who have the best chance at overcoming those challenges are the ones who truly understand their motivations. Understanding your motivations, in my opinion, is paramount to your success. Truly believing in your “why” will help keep you going when the going gets tough.
There is a great exercise we like to use called “The 5 Why’s”. Basically, you just ask yourself “why” 5 times in a row. This will help dig into deeper motivations and get past surface level motivators like “I want to lose weight” or “I want to build muscle”.
Check out our video below for a demonstration of this exercise and more information!
It’s really tough to be vulnerable with yourself or the world. Trust me, I’ve shared some personal things on the internet and with good friends, so I get that it’s not easy to do. But, if you’re comfortable, share your “why” in the comments! The more support in your environment, the more likely you are to succeed. If you don’t want to, that’s ok, too! But be sure you’re at least comfortable sharing your “why” with yourself, or you’ll have trouble keeping that motivation going. If you have a friend or family member you can share with, that’s great! The more support in your environment, the more likely you are to succeed.
If you enjoyed this exercise and found it helpful, check out our online wellness classes! We go through this exercise as a part of our first course. Visit education.gasparsbest.com for more information.
Thanks!
Vince
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Vince Bellitti is the Founder of Gaspar’s Best and is a Precision Nutrition certified Wellness Coach with a Level One Certification in Exercise Nutrition
When you think of protein shakes, you may think of some pumped up dude at the gym screaming unnecessarily. Side note, don’t be that guy. But protein shakes can be so much more than a source of protein after a workout. In fact, protein shakes can be a complete, balanced meal. Sometimes a “liquid meal” like this, if done correctly, can be easier on your digestive system, too.
Don’t believe me? Check out the video below for more information!
Like I mentioned in the video, there are a few different ways to put together a great protein shake. Here’s a great infographic from Precision Nutrition about making Super Shakes: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/super-shake-creation-infographic
Here’s the link for our Gaspar’s Best Perfect Protein Powder: https://gasparsbestsupplements.com/products/perfect-protein-powder
Here’s the link for our Gaspar’s Best Fruits and Greens Energy Drink: https://gasparsbestsupplements.com/products/gaspars-best-fruits-greens-energy-drink
Like all of our Gaspar’s Best products, these are independently tested by a third party for quality. There’s a lot of B.S. out there when it comes to supplements. We want to change that.
Ok, so I said I’d share a few of my own recipes. Feel free to adjust and mess with the proportions as you see fit!
Like I said, you can sub plenty of things in here. It’s a pretty high calorie shake, so it’s great fuel.
I use the Ripple and hemp seeds to boost the protein content.
We have a class about building the foundations of nutritional knowledge and wellness. We cover a ton of different topics, included making balanced meals.
The class is 100% online. It’s not a diet. It’s all about building a series of healthy habits related to:
We break each habit down one at a time. Let’s face it…there’s a ton of info on the internet on how to lose weight. You know a lot of what you SHOULD be doing. But actually doing it…that’s another story. That’s exactly what we cover in this class. We help you execute and set strong, reachable goals one at a time.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks!
Vince
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Vince Bellitti is the Founder of Gaspar’s Best and is a Precision Nutrition certified Wellness Coach with a Level One Certification in Exercise Nutrition
