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Pea Protein

Article from Vegetarian Times. What Is Pea Protein and Why Is it In Everything? Contrary to what you might assume, pea protein does not come from green peas Feel like you’ve been seeing pea protein in every product ingredient list you check lately? You’re not imagining it. The plant-based protein has become a key component in many packaged veggie foods. We asked Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, CSSD, LDN, creator of the weekly e-newsletter Nutrition WOW and author of The Flexitarian Diet, to tell us what pea protein is and what we should know about it. You’re right, pea protein is everywhere. Food manufacturers are using it in snacks, burgers, meal-replacement bars, pastas, and baked goods. You can even buy tubs of the stuff in powder form at health-food and supplement stores. While pea protein is not a new ingredient (some companies have been producing pea protein isolates since 1997), industry insiders have predicted it will go mainstream for three main reasons: it’s GMO-free and sustainab...
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B12

Why experts recommend 700–900 pg/mL for vegans A serum vitamin B12 level in the range of 700 to 900 pmol/L is considered optimal (above the standard "normal" range) for vegans because it ensures ample supply for critical functions and helps prevent subtle signs of deficiency that may be masked by their typically high-folate diets . Vegans do not get natural B12 from: meat eggs dairy fish So they rely on: fortified foods supplements nutritional yeast But food-based B12 absorption can be inconsistent. Studies show vegans often need: higher circulating B12 to maintain adequate active B12 and low MMA Functional markers (MMA and homocysteine) start to become abnormal when serum B12 drops below ~500–600 pg/mL — even if the number is still “normal” on the lab sheet. That is why experts suggest aiming for 700–900 pg/mL . Vegans need more serum B12 to achieve the same cellular levels Only about 20% of serum B12 is active (holotranscobalamin...
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Synthroid, Soy, TPO, Iodine

  What Synthroid Does Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a synthetic thyroid hormone (T4) — the same hormone your thyroid gland would normally produce using iodine. When you take Synthroid, your body doesn’t need to use iodine to make thyroid hormone, because you’re supplying it directly in its ready-to-use form. So, iodine intake no longer affects your thyroid hormone production once you’re on stable Synthroid therapy. Hashimoto’s and Iodine Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease — your immune system attacks thyroid tissue, reducing its ability to produce hormones. Too much iodine can stimulate the immune system and worsen Hashimoto’s inflammation , especially if your thyroid is still partially functioning. Studies show that populations with excessive iodine intake have higher rates of Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. So for Hashimoto’s, it’s best to avoid high-iodine supplements (like kelp, seaweed, or iodine drops). Iodine Needs When on Synth...
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Bruises

Bruise Color and Feeling Stages Red bruises (1–2 days) usually come with initial pain, swelling, and tenderness. Blue or purple bruises (2–5 days) tend to bring throbbing pain and sensitivity. Green bruises (5–7 days) often mean less pain but mild itchiness. Yellow/brown bruises (7–10 days) are associated with minimal pain and possible itchiness. Fading to normal skin color (after 10 days) typically means no pain, just fading discomfort.
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Matcha Tea

Nutritional & Health Benefits Rich in antioxidants – especially catechins (EGCG), which help fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and may lower risk of chronic diseases. Supports heart health – studies suggest green tea compounds can help lower LDL cholesterol and support healthy blood vessels. Boosts brain function – contains caffeine for alertness and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus without jitters. Supports metabolism & fat burning – some research shows EGCG + caffeine can modestly boost calorie burning. May support blood sugar balance – catechins may improve insulin sensitivity. Immune support – packed with polyphenols, chlorophyll, and small amounts of vitamins/minerals. Mental & Energy Benefits Calm alertness – unlike coffee’s spike-and-crash, matcha provides a smoother energy boost. Stress reduction – L-theanine helps increase alpha brain waves linked with relaxation. Better focus – the combination of caffeine and L-theanine is great for su...
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Hojicha Tea

Hojicha tea (a Japanese roasted green tea) does have less caffeine than regular green tea or matcha, and it comes with some gentle health benefits.  Very low in caffeine : ~7–20 mg per cup (Compare to ~30–45 mg in matcha, and ~100–160 mg in coffee) Roasting breaks down caffeine , which makes Hojicha ideal for: Evening drinking People sensitive to caffeine Kids or the elderly Health Benefits of Hojicha 1. Calming and Relaxing Contains L-theanine , an amino acid that promotes calm alertness Naturally soothing because of its low caffeine + warm roasted aroma 2. Gentle on the Stomach Unlike many green teas, Hojicha is lower in tannins , so it’s: Less likely to cause nausea or stomach irritation Good to drink even on an empty stomach 3. Rich in Antioxidants (though less than unroasted green tea) Roasting reduces some catechins, but Hojicha still offers: Polyphenols for anti-inflammatory support Some protection against oxidative stress 4. May Support O...
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Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis IGH

IGH is tiny white spots, usually 2–5 mm wide.  Most often on forearms, shins, upper back, and neck.  Caused by long-term cumulative sun damage.  The pigment cells (melanocytes) in those spots have stopped producing melanin.  Not contagious, not painful, not itchy. It looks like round or oval white spots, evenly shaped.  The skin is otherwise normal — smooth, not dry or scaly. Doesn’t tan — which makes the spots stand out more in summer.  They don’t fade like sunburn or PMLE reactions — once they appear, they  Daily sunscreen on exposed areas — this won’t reverse IGH, but it prevents more spots.  Retinoid creams (like tretinoin or adapalene) can mildly improve pigment over time — ask a dermatologist.  Topical steroids or bleaching creams do NOT help, and may make the contrast worse.  Laser treatments (like fractional CO2) may help in some cases. Harsh exfoliation — it won’t help and could irritate the surrounding skin.  Excessive sun...
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