Monthly Archives: February 2024

Unlocking the Secrets to a Longer Life: The Gut Microbiome Connection

In the quest for longevity, science has been unravelling the mysteries of the human body, and one fascinating revelation points directly to the gut microbiome. Renowned genetic epidemiologist and science writer Tim Spector sheds light on this connection, stating, “A beneficial microbe can have an effect on our guts to, in some way, change our metabolism to stop us putting on weight”. Let’s delve into the profound implications of this statement and explore how cultivating a healthy gut microbiome might just be the key to a longer, healthier life.

The Gut Microbiome and Your Wellbeing

The human gut is home to trillions of microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and fungi plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, from digestion to immune system regulation. Recent research suggests that the composition of our gut microbiome may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of longevity.

Tim Spector’s Insights

Tim Spector’s research emphasises the importance of a diverse gut microbiome for overall health. He notes, “The advantage of having a diversity of the good microbes is linked to more diverse diets as well, in terms of different foods that we should have.” Spector’s study involving 11,000 people revealed that the optimal diversity of the gut microbiome is associated with consuming 30 different plants a week.

Understanding the Notion of 30 Plants a Week

While the idea of consuming 30 plants a week may seem daunting, it’s crucial to recognise the diversity within this recommendation. Spector clarifies, “But it’s 30 different plants. You’ve got to remember, go back to biology, remember what a plant really is… it’s also a peanut, a seed, it’s a bit of turmeric, and each plant will help promote the growth of a different set of bacteria or strains of bacteria.”

The Diversity Connection

The link between a diverse gut microbiome and a longer, healthier life becomes clearer when we consider the diverse range of nutrients provided by different plants. Each plant introduces unique compounds and fibres that serve as fuel for specific strains of beneficial bacteria in the gut. As these bacteria flourish, they contribute to improved metabolism and weight management, as highlighted by Spector’s research.

Practical Steps to Cultivate a Healthy Gut Microbiome

1. Embrace a Rainbow Diet
Incorporate a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables into your meals to maximise nutrient diversity.

2. Include Seeds and Nuts
Snack on a mix of seeds and nuts to introduce different plant compounds to your gut microbiome.

3. Experiment with Herbs and Spices
Enhance the flavour of your dishes with a wide range of herbs and spices, such as turmeric, ginger, and basil.

4. Choose Whole Grains
Opt for diverse whole grains like quinoa, barley, and brown rice to support gut health.

5. Consider Fermented Foods
Incorporate fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut to introduce beneficial probiotics to your gut.

Protein Synthesis

Alongside Tim Spector’s insightful recommendations, incorporating a high-quality protein supplement into your daily routine can be a game-changer for your gut health. Our elénzia PROTEIN™ peptide gel provides a concentrated source of essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, which play a crucial role in supporting the growth and maintenance of a healthy gut lining. As we age, our bodies may require extra support in protein synthesis, and supplementing can be a gentle yet effective way to meet those needs.

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By embracing a diet rich in various plants, seeds, and nuts, we can positively influence our metabolism and weight management, ultimately contributing to our overall wellbeing. So, let’s embark on a journey of culinary exploration and nourish our bodies with the diverse array of foods that nature has to offer, unlocking the potential for a longer, more vibrant life.

Listen to Tim Spector on The Life Scientific here.

Sun Protection: The Year-Round Skincare Essential

Caring for your skin goes beyond seasonal concerns – it’s a year-round commitment that stems from a genuine desire to nurture your wellbeing. In the UK, the sun may feel most intense and potentially harmful between March and October, but it’s essential to recognise that its influence persists even during the winter months.

How does sun damage the skin?

Sunlight is a blend of visible ultraviolet (UV) and infrared light. Among these, UV light, comprising UVA and UVB rays, has the most significant impact on our skin.

UVB rays, responsible for tanning and sunburn, prompt us to safeguard our skin effectively. On the other hand, UVA rays are linked to the accelerated aging of the skin, manifesting in reduced firmness, elasticity, and the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles.

To truly grasp the effects of sunlight on our skin, let’s delve into the skin’s composition. The epidermis, our outer layer, acts as a protective barrier, with keratinocytes and melanocytes playing crucial roles. These cells, affected by UVB rays, contribute to the tan we get after soaking up the sun.

Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, a thicker layer supporting the epidermis and providing firmness and elasticity. Fibroblasts, the major cell type in the dermis, synthesise collagen and elastin, essential for skin strength and elasticity.

While UVB rays penetrate the epidermis, UVA rays reach deep into the dermis, impairing fibroblast function and causing collagen and elastin breakdown. This results in photoaging, characterised by saggy skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

UVA rays also generate Reactive Oxygen Species, leading to oxidative damage and the production of free radicals linked to aging. To counter this, skincare products with antioxidants, along with antioxidant supplements, play a crucial role.

Long-term exposure to UVA light contributes significantly to visible skin aging. To prevent premature aging and burning, it’s vital to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays using broad-spectrum products.

How can it be prevented?

Now, let’s talk about prevention. To combat the effects of photoaging, use moisturisers with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 25 daily. For better protection, incorporate a dedicated SPF 50 product into your daily routine, even during winter.

elénzia SKIN™ is our nutritional supplement designed to be your all-in-one solution for skin health. This unique formulation bridges the gap between nutritional and topical skincare by internally reducing the impact of external stressors, such as UV rays and air pollution. elénzia SKIN™ not only protects against inflammation, photoaging, wrinkles, dryness, and dullness, but it also enhances your skin’s external glow.

Featuring patented ingredients clinically proven to improve skin tone, increase collagen synthesis, and reduce signs of aging, elénzia SKIN™ feeds your skin from within, ensuring it remains healthy, radiant, and youthful.

As we conclude our exploration of sun damage, let’s emphasise the vital role of proactive care during the colder months. Though winter sun may be less intense, its impact on our skin remains significant. Tailoring our skincare routines to protect every layer, from the epidermis to the dermis, is essential. This includes the use of broad-spectrum products and daily moisturisers with SPF, complemented by elénzia SKIN™ for internal fortification. By adopting this holistic approach, we can help our skin to remain resilient, radiant, and youthful throughout the winter season.

Here’s to embracing self care and protection, welcoming each day with a healthy and glowing complexion, regardless of the weather outside.

elénzia SKIN™ – The Data

Rosemary and Grapefruit Extract – UV Protection

Skin damage occurs as a consequence of exposure to environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation, leading to adverse effects on skin health and appearance including diminished skin health, poor complexion, and premature aging.

elénzia medical nutritionists have highlighted a clinically proven and unique combination of natural extracts from Mediterranean Rosemary and Grapefruit, aiming to protect the skin from external factors using a holistic approach that extends beyond topical application.

[Monteloeder 2023, Nobile et al., 2016]

Grape Seed Extract – Skin Radiance

The acceleration of aging and dulling of the skin involves various factors, including both intrinsic elements like natural aging and extrinsic influences such as sun exposure, smoking, and medication usage.

A patent-pending formulation of natural antioxidants, combining French grape seed and melon extracts, bioactive Superoxide Dismutase, vitamin C, and zinc provides optimal antioxidant protection, preventing oxidation, and regulating melanin synthesis, collagen fibres, and microcirculation, unlike most skin anti-aging solutions.

[Dumoulin et al., 2016]

Fibre – Gut-Skin Axis

The Gut-Skin Axis connects gut and skin wellbeing, where imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to pro-inflammatory molecules entering the bloodstream. This process may trigger skin issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin problems.

Promoting the Gut-Skin axis through prebiotics can play a crucial role in sustaining the health of the outer skin layer, known as the ‘stratum corneum.’ It helps maintain softness, smoothness, hydration, and skin flexibility.

Our formula includes a partially hydrolysed guar fibre, which acts as a prebiotic, positively influencing the gut microbiome and enhancing skin health. These essential metabolites play a key role in maintaining a healthy gut by producing short-chain fatty acids in the gut and elevating acetate, propionate, and butyrate levels in the GI tract. They directly support the cells of the gut lining, promoting cellular integrity, bolstering the protective mucosal layer, and reducing inflammation.

[Kapoor et al., 2023]

In closing, elénzia SKIN™ is the result of rigorous clinical research, offering evidence-backed results for enhanced skin health. From UV protection to skin radiance, our formula addresses various factors contributing to aging. The holistic approach extends to the Gut-Skin Axis, promoting gut health through prebiotics for overall well-being.

A Valentine’s Day Self-Care Guide

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re reminded that love should extend beyond the boundaries of relationships. This year, let’s focus on the most important relationship of all – the one with ourselves. Here’s a short guide to help you prioritise your wellbeing and radiate love from within.

1. Start your day with a healthy breakfast

Begin your Valentine’s Day on a nourishing note. Whip up a delicious and nutritious breakfast that fuels your body and sets a positive tone for the day ahead. Consider adding elénzia PROTEIN™ to your morning routine for an extra energy boost and sustain your cravings until lunch. Because who says self-love can’t start on a plate?

2. Pamper your skin with Endor Technologies®

Treat your skin to a luxurious pampering session with our skincare range, created using powerful ingredients that are gentle on the skin. Cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin with formulations crafted from decades of expertise in biomedical research. Indulge in the age-rewinding effects and let your skin glow.

3. Take a mindful moment

In the midst of your busy day, carve out a few moments for mindfulness. Whether it’s a short meditation, deep breathing exercise, or simply sipping a cup of herbal tea, taking time for yourself can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. Struggling to concentrate? Try elénzia ENHANCE™, a supplement designed to improve cognitive function and clarity.

4. Treat yourself to a special meal

Cap off your Valentine’s Day with a special, indulgent meal. Whether you’re preparing your favourite dishes or ordering a delightful feast, savour each bite and prioritize your well-being. Elevate the experience by incorporating elénzia IMMUNITY™ into your routine, supporting both immune health and gut well-being as you relish in the joy of nourishing yourself.

5. Experience a restful night’s sleep

As the day comes to a close, embrace tranquillity and a good night’s sleep with our specially crafted elénzia MENOPAUSE™ sachets. Designed to support women navigating this stage of life, our supplement complements your bedtime routine, promoting a serene night’s rest and ensuring you wake up feeling rejuvenated.

This Valentine’s Day, commit to loving and caring for yourself as much as you do for others now that you have the perfect allies to enhance your self-care routine. Embrace the journey to a healthier, happier you, and let the love you show yourself radiate to those around you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

How elénzia MENOPAUSE™ Could Improve Your Relationship

As Cupid gears up for his annual arrow-shooting spree, we’re here to remind you that love isn’t just in the air; it’s also in your brain, and more importantly, in the tiny, powerhouse molecules we call hormones.

Love on the Brain

Let’s face it; menopause can be a bit like riding a roller coaster blindfolded. One minute you’re feeling fabulous, and the next, you’re battling stress, anxiety, mood swings, low sex drive, and the less-than-lovely companion, vaginal dryness. It’s like dealing with a mixed bag of emotions, and who needs that when all you want is a peaceful and harmonious relationship?

But fear not, our elénzia MENOPAUSE™ supplements are here to bring balance back to your life and, by extension, your love life.

Day and Night Romance

Meet the dynamic duo – elénzia MENOPAUSE™ AM and PM supplements. These little wonders are designed to cater to the specific challenges menopausal women face, ensuring you’re ready to embrace love with open arms and a radiant glow.

elénzia MENOPAUSE™ AM – The Morning Pick-Me-Up

Our AM supplement is like a superhero for your brain. It targets memory retention, productivity, and hormone regulation, giving you the mental clarity you need to tackle the day. No more forgetting where you put your keys or feeling like your to-do list is a mile long. With elénzia MENOPAUSE™ AM, you’ll be on top of your game, and that’s a plus for any relationship!

elénzia MENOPAUSE™ PM – The Evening Calm

As the sun sets, our PM supplement steps in to rescue you from the clutches of sleepless nights, hot flashes, and anxiety. Picture this: a restful night’s sleep, waking up feeling refreshed, and ready to take on whatever comes your way. With elénzia MENOPAUSE™ PM, you can bid farewell to those midnight rendezvous with insomnia and say hello to the well-deserved beauty sleep you’ve been craving.

Radiant Skin from Within

But wait, there’s more… our elénzia MENOPAUSE™ supplements not only have your brain and emotions covered but also your skin. Both the AM and PM supplements target skin texture, ensuring you look and feel beautiful. It’s like a love potion for your skin, because why should Cupid have all the fun?

This Valentine’s Day, give yourself and your relationship the gift of elénzia MENOPAUSE™. Embrace the love in your brain, the balance in your hormones, and the glow in your skin. After all, a happy you means a happy relationship.

Wishing you all a love-filled Valentine’s Day ♥.

elénzia PROTEIN™ – The Data

Protein Composition

Proteins are the building blocks of your bodily tissues including muscle, skin and hair. Having an adequate intake for your personal needs is vital to maintain optimum health. Proteins are composed of amino acids and 9 of these cannot be made by our body.

Vegan protein sources tend to be ‘incomplete’ and lack at least 1 of these essential amino acids. So, a beneficial combination of vegan proteins is required to provide a complete source of all essential amino acids.

elénzia PROTEIN™ beneficially combines pea and rice proteins to provide a complimentary amino acid profile covering all the essential amino acids for optimum health and function.

Therefore, this product is a complete vegan protein source (Hertzler et al., 2020).

Pea protein, in particular, is an excellent vegan source of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s). These three essential amino acids – leucine, isoleucine, and valine – are vital for Muscle Protein Synthesis. An insufficient BCAA intake would impact recovery time and muscle mass maintenance, even leading to muscle wastage. A meta-analysis of 8 studies that considered the effect of BCAA supplementation on post-exercise muscle soreness found a large and significant reduction in soreness compared to a placebo (Fedewa et al., 2019).

Digestibility

Plant-based protein sources are notorious for their lower digestibility. Intact cell walls shield the intracellular proteins from digestive enzymes, preventing efficient digestion, absorption, and total availability to the body. (Roelofs et al., 2024)

However, pea and rice proteins are not simply isolated from the other cellular components, they are pre-digested or hydrolysed. As the initial breakdown of the protein is already complete, its digestion and absorption rate are improved, providing high bioavailability (Koopman et al., 2009).

Weight management

Maintaining a high-protein diet is vital for those seeking sustainable weight loss. Adequate protein intake prevents lean muscle mass loss during periods of restricted calorie intake (Moon & Koh, 2020).

Evans et al. (2012) carried out a randomised clinical trial over 12 months where 130 overweight individuals either consumed a high protein diet or simply a calorie restriction diet. Incredibly, individuals whose diet had a relatively high ratio of protein (the high protein group) lost 53% more weight than those who restricted calorie intake.

Satiety

By increasing levels of GLP-1 and leptin in the body and inhibiting the hunger hormone ‘Ghrelin’, increasing protein intake helps us feel satisfied for longer and reduces the incidence of snacking. (Moon & Koh, 2020).

Weigle et al., (2005) Carried out a weight loss study on overweight women and found that those consuming a diet with protein accounting for 30% of calories instead of only 15% consumed an average of 441 calories less per day. So, consuming more protein as part of our meals is more satiating and can help the natural reduction in calorie intake throughout the day.

Interestingly, a study by Diepvens et al., (2007) found that pea protein hydrolysates were more effective at suppressing hunger than whey protein. Therefore, elénzia PROTEIN™ may have a greater impact on satiety and daily calorie consumption, highlighting its potential as a weight management product.

The convenience and concentrated dose of elénzia PROTEIN™ can help individuals trying to increase their daily protein intake and reap the benefits.

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin D2 – contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function and the normal function of the immune system.

Vitamin B2 – contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the normal metabolism of iron.

Vitamin B3 – contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Vitamin B5 – contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and the normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.

Vitamin B6 – contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Vitamin B12 – contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Vitamin C – contributes to maintaining the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise and increases iron absorption.

Iron – contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and the normal function of the immune system.

Selenium – contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the normal thyroid function.

Zinc – contributes to normal protein synthesis, the normal function of the immune system and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Continue reading →

The Power of Protein for Women Over 40

As we gracefully navigate the journey beyond 40, embracing our wellbeing becomes paramount. Protein, a vital macronutrient alongside carbohydrates and fats, takes centre stage in promoting our optimal functioning as we age.

For women beyond the 40s, our protein needs are unique, and understanding this empowers us to make informed choices for a thriving and fulfilling later life. The recommended protein intake for adults is 0.75 grams per kilogram of body weight. However, recent research suggests that for those of us in the golden age group, 1 to 1.2 grams per kilogram per-day might be more beneficial.

But why is protein so crucial?

When we consume proteins, they transform into amino acids, often referred to as the “building blocks” of our bodies. Interestingly, there are nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce, emphasising the importance of sourcing them from our diet.

Age-related muscle loss often leads to weakness, decreased mobility, and a potential decline in the quality of life. It’s at this juncture that sustaining an adequate protein intake becomes imperative, not just for muscle maintenance but for overall wellbeing.

Resistance training, a powerful ally in aging healthily, works hand in hand with protein. Together, they maintain muscle strength, a cornerstone for independent living. And it’s not just about muscles; protein plays a pivotal role in bone health. Preserving our bone density becomes essential to reduce the risk of fractures and ensure a high quality of life. For women, especially post-menopause, the emphasis on protein is heightened, as it can contribute significantly to improved bone density and mitigate the risk of osteoporosis.

As we navigate the intricate journey of ageing, ensuring good health takes precedence. Protein, with its many benefits, becomes a cornerstone in this pursuit. Whether through maintaining muscle mass, supporting bone health, or promoting overall well-being, protein proves to be indispensable in our goal to age healthily.

elénzia PROTEIN™ is crafted with rice and pea protein peptides pre-broken-down for easy digestion, ensuring your body absorbs the full protein content. This innovative solution offers a complete amino acid profile without compromising your dietary preferences. Whether you’re on the go or savouring a moment blended into your morning coffee, elénzia PROTEIN™ stands as the perfect choice for optimal protein intake, tailored to the unique needs of women navigating the beautiful journey beyond 40.