General Health

Learn 11 do’s and don’ts of taking probiotics

Probiotics. Everyone seems to be taking them as a fundamental way to support overall health,  but numerous questions arise when integrating probiotics into your wellness routine, including which probiotic strains to take and the best time to take them. 

Ideally, you follow the dosage instructions for your probiotic supplement. Depending on the probiotic strain, the instructions may tell you to take them with food or between meals. The ability of various probiotic strains to survive the pH of our stomach acid varies from species to species and within strains. For example, Lactobacillus spp. are able to survive acidic gastric conditions while Bifidobacterium spp. cannot tolerate these conditions.

But life is busy. Sometimes you simply forget. Other times, you don’t have your probiotics with you.

Learn about NAC, amino acids, antioxidants, and glutathione

Iron. Vitamin C. Omega-3 and 6. Calcium. Vitamin D. Magnesium. Zinc. Vitamin B12.

This is a pretty good list of vitamins and minerals you should be getting on a daily basis. When you combine a daily multivitamin with a balanced diet, you’re oh so close to giving your body everything it needs.

Yes, you read that right – you’re close to giving your body the nutrients and support it needs to power you through your days.

But there are a couple of pieces missing in this giant nutrition and whole-body health puzzle – amino acids and antioxidants. 

And more specifically, I want you to know about N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC).

NAC is the supplemental form of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine is one of three amino acids used by the body to create glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. ^*

Discover 7 science-backed potential benefits of propolis

You may not have heard of "bee glue," but it's exactly what it sounds like—a sticky, resinous mixture that bees use to fill gaps in their beehives. 

And for us humans, bee glue may provide a range of health benefits. In fact, bee glue or as it’s more commonly named, propolis, has a long history of use in natural healing and health.  

Because propolis is high in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant, this natural substance is believed to aid in wound healing, fight infections, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant effects.

One of our goals with the Quantum blog is to shine a light on overlooked and lesser-known health supplement ingredients. 

In this blog we take a deep dive into propolis, exploring its long history of use, examining what science says about its potential benefits, and providing background on the importance of antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids. 

7 lifestyle strategies to lower your blood sugar naturally

Day in and day out, you probably don't give much thought to your blood sugar levels. This is normal. If you don’t have diabetes, blood sugar and hyperglycemia are simply not on your radar. 

I thought the same thing. I eat well, exercise regularly, get lots of sleep, and I don’t smoke. But I did struggle with energy crashes in the late afternoon, often feeling like I needed a nap. I assumed this was due to getting up early for swim practice and the occasional late night out. Even with cutting back on the late nights, I just couldn’t shake the afternoon energy slump. I also noticed I was unusually thirsty and occasionally had blurry vision.

After a trip to my doctor, I learned all about blood sugar and nondiabetic hyperglycemia. Turns out the sugary energy drinks and packaged energy bars I ate before my workouts and in the afternoon to tide me over to dinner were causing my blood sugar to spike

Learn the facts on protein so you can make the best choice for your body *

By Jenny Perez, BSc, Herbal Sciences

If it feels like every health and fitness blog, magazine, podcast, and social feed is talking about protein – you’re right! Protein is all the rage and thank goodness for this. *

Thanks to research we know that protein is something you, me, your neighbors, my colleagues, and well, everyone needs. Protein used to be the domain of weightlifters, bodybuilders, and elite athletes. *

But not anymore. Ongoing research into whole-body health is putting protein front-and-center as a key nutrient that each of us needs to prioritize. ^1*

Have you heard of Saw Palmetto Berry? It may sound like a fancy smoothie ingredient, but it's actually a powerful supplement that can help support your health. This little fruit has been making waves in the health community for its ability to support both Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)[SN1]  and men's prostate health.

In fact, Saw Palmetto has been used for centuries to promote wellness, particularly for those with PCOS and men's prostate health concerns. But why is Saw Palmetto so special? Let’s dive into the world of Saw Palmetto Berry and explore its many health benefits. Get ready to learn why Saw Palmetto could be the new star of your healthy lifestyle regimen!

Are you looking for a natural way to support your health and vitality? Look no further than maca (Lepidium meyenii)! Maca is a root vegetable belonging to the same family as broccoli (strangely enough!) and the root is edible, similar to a radish or turnip, but when roasted has a delightful caramel flavor. 

Maca has a long history of traditional use as a natural energy booster, mood enhancer, and hormone balancer. With a unique nutrient profile and potential health benefits, it's no wonder why maca has become such a popular supplement.  

Omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful necessity for optimal health and longevity! Omega-3s are unique types of polyunsaturated fats that are essential for many important functions in the body, from improving cell membrane composition, enhancing brain function and mood regulation to reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

We are going to explore the benefits of two specific types of omega-3s, EPA and DHA and address why deficiencies are so common in modern diets. By the end of this blog, you'll have a better understanding of the important role that EPA and DHA play in your health, and how you can integrate these nutrients into your diet and lifestyle to support your optimal wellness and longevity. Let's dive in!

Are you struggling to keep your diet in balance? Do you feel like you're not getting enough fruits and veggies? If so, you're not alone. But don't worry, there's a simple solution – fermented greens! These foods and powders are not only packed with nutrients that promote pH balance, which is crucial for keeping inflammation and disease at bay, but they also offer a boost of energetic vitality that can help you feel your best. Let's take a closer look at why fermented greens are worth adding to your diet. 

As health-conscious consumers, we're always on the lookout for ways to improve our wellbeing. While we're familiar with the physical benefits of minerals like calcium and magnesium, did you know that these minerals also have energetic properties that can help us better understand the modern uses of these two elements?

 In traditional medicine systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of yin and yang is used to describe the dynamic interplay of opposing energies within the body that work together to balance extremes while nourishing the body. In this blog, we'll explore the yin and yang relationship of calcium and magnesium and how they can be used to support our overall health and vitality.