vitamins are not created equal!

think you're doing yourself good by popping them vitamins? you know, if you normally eat a well-balance diet, you really don't need to take any vitamins; more than the daily dose comes out in your peepee. =X however, because many of us live busy lives, we don't always get all the nutrients we need in the foods we choose to consume.

things to look for when buying vitamins:
look for vitamins that are easily absorbed, meaning made from natural ingredients. most people don't know that many of the vitamins sold at drug stores are not 100% natural, but are actually man-made/synthetic. for example, a vitamin can be labeled as "100% vitamin _" even if it only contains 10% of it naturally and 90% of it man-made.

why does this matter?
man-made vitamins do not absorb in the body as well as natural vitamins. so when you read the label and it reads, "2000% DV (Daily Value)," this does not also mean 2000% absorption. in simpler terms, your body does not absorb all 2000% of it, but only a fraction! so try to buy all natural (vegetarian) products. in addition, certain man-made vitamins (e.g., vitamin A) can damage your liver if overdosed (squidoo.com).

a few recommended brands (per my school nurse):
- Garden of Life*
- Metagenics
- Eclectic
- Solgar

i am currently trying out Garden of Life's VITAMIN CODE right now. BTW, all-natural vitamins are usually more expensive, but i'm sure there's a reason for that!

note: i don't claim to know everything about vitamins, so feel free to inform/correct me. for more info about vitamins & minerals, go to eatwell.gov.uk, squidoo.com or to kidshealth.org (yes, a kids' site!).

collagen

no, not the injections. i'm talking about natural collagen... the kind that your body produces!

so, what is collagen?
Collagen is a major structural protein in the skin. It plays a key role in providing the structural scaffolding for cells, tissues, and organs. If it weren't for collagen, the body would literally fall apart. Collagen also gives the skin its strength and durability and is responsible for the smooth, plump appearance of young, healthy skin. Understanding the structure and function of collagen will help you better know how to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. (source: nuskin.com)

Basically, collagen keeps your skin nice, tight and plump (in a healthy, non-fattening way). Take this example: PORES. Why is it that little kids don't have any visible pores? It's because they have an abundance of healthy collagen (and elastin + other biological and environmental factors). as we age, our collagen production decreases and/or breaks down, causing our skin to look dull, thin, wrinkly, and loose. Sucks to get old, ey?

ways to promote collagen production
There are many ways to promote the synthesis of new, healthy collagen. First, you can provide the skin with a reserve of vitamin C. As a necessary cofactor in collagen synthesis, vitamin C is proven to increase the production of collagen. One study showed that extended exposure of human connective-tissue cells to vitamin C stimulated an eight-fold increase in the synthesis of collagen (Murad et al., 1981).

Another way to promote the synthesis of collagen is to use chemical exfoliants, such as alphahydroxy and polyhydroxy acids, which break down the bonds between cells of the stratum corneum and slough away dead skin. Consistent exfoliation stimulates cell renewal. Chemical exfoliation has also been shown to increase dermal thickness. Scientists attribute this dermal thickening to the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen within the dermis.

A third way to promote collagen synthesis is to supplement with collagen stimulating peptides. Fibroblasts are naturally stimulated to begin the synthesis of collagen when specific combinations of peptide signal molecules (fibroblast growth factors) bind to receptor sites on the fibroblast membrane. These signal molecules can be supplemented with topically and help boost collagen production. Some skin care companies are including these peptide fragments in their treatment products.

Because collagen gives the skin its strength, durability, and smooth, plump appearance, it's important to protect and promote collagen growth. Taking good care of your skin means taking care of your collagen. (source: nuskin.com)

what are antioxidants?

ok, so we keep hearing about antioxidants and how they are so good for you. but do you really know what they are? here's a good definition that i found from wisegeek.com:

"Within the human body, millions of processes are occurring at all times. These processes require oxygen. Unfortunately, that same life giving oxygen can create harmful side effects, or oxidant substances, which cause cell damage and lead to chronic disease.

Oxidants, commonly known as "free radicals," are also introduced through external sources such as exposure to the sun or pollution. Other mediums include stress, as well as things that people put into their bodies, such as alcoholic beverages, unhealthy foods, and cigarette smoke.

In much the same way as oxidation creates rust, causing a breakdown on the surface of inanimate objects, oxidation inside the body causes a breakdown of cells. Free radicals produced by this breakdown attack healthy cells, usually DNA as well as proteins and fats. This chain of events weakens immunological functions as well as speeding up the aging process, and is also linked to several diseases such as cataracts, various forms of cancer, and heart disease."