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8 Tips to Fight Inflammation in Your Body this Winter

Between colder temperatures, cold and flu season, and spending more time cooped up indoors, you may not be feeling your best self this winter. In addition to struggling with the winter blues, you may also be particularly achy, stiff and downright tired. What gives? For one, inflammation could be to blame. As it turns out, a 2015 study found that certain genes linked to inflammation are actually more active in the winter months. And while not all inflammation is a bad thing, chronic inflammation ‚ inflammation that sticks around ‚ is linked to a number of health issues including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can support your body‚s natural abilities to fight off inflammation on its own. This week on the Vibrant Health blog, we‚re sharing eight tips to conquer winter inflammation like a pro ‚ from your diet to your sleep habits. 8 Ways to Reduce Inflammation this Season

1. Opt for an Omega-3 Rich Diet
2. Add in a Quality Fish Oil Supplement
3. Turn to Turmeric for a Healthy Boost
4. Warm up with a Cup of Green Tea
5. Take Care of Your Joint Health
6. Reduce Your Stress Levels
7. Squeeze in 20 Minutes of Regular Exercise
8. Cut Back of Inflammatory Foods
9. Set Yourself Up for a Good Night‚s Sleep
10. Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels

1. Opt for an Omega-3 Rich Diet

We‚re a big fan of Omega 3s over at Vibrant Health, and for good reason. Foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids‚ such as salmon, fatty fish, flaxseeds and walnuts ‚ can actually reduce inflammatory levels in the body. Bonus: healthy fats are also a crucial component in promoting gut health. Win, win!

2. Add in a Quality Fish Oil Supplement

Speaking of Omega-3s, one surefire way to get your daily dose is through taking a daily fish oil supplement. Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may help manage inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Both our Trilogy Men and Women power packs contain pure Icelandic fish oil, made from anchovies to provide potent Omega-3s with both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) for optimum quality. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if fish oil is right for you!

3. Turn to Turmeric for a Healthy Boost

If you don‚t know, now you know: turmeric is the king of anti-inflammatories. Its compound curcumin serves as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ‚ and it‚s backed by science. Add this spice to your favorite Indian dishes, enjoy a cup of turmeric tea or opt for a supplement. Our Maximized Turmeric 46x contains curcuminoids (combined with black pepper for optimal absorption) to support the body‚s natural inflammation responses, while also aiding digestive, skin and liver health. Hint: Try our Spiced Golden Latte recipe here to warm up this winter with a turmeric boost.

4. Warm Up with a Cup of Green Tea

Speaking of staying warm and cozy, you now have another reason to reach for that cup of tea. Studies show that the epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea has anti-inflammatory properties. Try swapping your morning cup of coffee with green tea to reap ‚ er steep ‚ the anti-inflammatory benefits!

5. Take Care of Your Joint Health

Achy joints and pain got you down this season? Sooth your stiff winter body by taking care of your joint health. Be mindful of your posture, practice gentle stretches and movement, and eat a nourishing diet packed with whole foods. We‚re also a big fan of Joint Vibrance ‚ made with cartilage-building nutrients and antioxidants to nourish worn-out joints while reducing pain and inflammation.

6. Reduce Your Stress Levels

Research shows that stress plays a role in inflammation of the body ‚ which can lead to a number of chronic diseases. Get to the root of the problem by working to manage your stress levels this winter. This is your cue to get a message, take a candlelit bath, or sign up for that restorative yoga class you‚ve been eying. Here are some more simple ways to help you relax and unwind!

7. Squeeze in 20 Minutes of Regular Exercise

While you may not be as active during the winter months, it doesn‚t take much movement to help reduce inflammation. In fact, studies show that just 20 minutes of moderate exercise can create anti-inflammatory effects. Need some extra motivation? Here are some at-home tips to get your body moving this winter!

8. Cut Back on Inflammatory Foods

While there are a number of anti-inflammatory foods we recommend to incorporate into your diet, it‚s also important to be mindful of those that can cause inflammation. This winter, try cutting back on refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and processed foods which can all be part of the problem. Sugar especially can be a big culprit this time of year! If you‚ve got a sweet tooth, try these simple health hacks to beat sugar cravings this winter.

9. Set Yourself Up for a Good Night‚s Sleep

You know that sleep is essential for your overall wellness, but did you know it can also impact inflammation? As it turns out, research shows that not getting enough sleep can increase inflammation in the body. As the weather gets colder, do what you can to nourish your body and set yourself up for a peaceful night‚s rest. Step up your evening ritual by taking a relaxing candlelit bath, sipping on herbal tea or journaling before bed to let go of any lingering stress from the day. Try these additional tips for promoting healthy sleep! 10. Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels Vitamin D is a superstar vitamin when it comes to winter wellness. After all, studies show that the ‚úsunshine vitamin‚ù plays a significant role in regulating the immune system and inflammatory response. During the darker days of winter (in the midst of cold and flu season), you‚re likely spending more time indoors without getting adequate sunshine. That‚s why it‚s especially important to optimize your Vitamin D levels now. Ask your healthcare provider to order labwork so you can check your levels, and consider supplementing with a quality Vitamin D3 supplement. Want more winter wellness support? Here are some more ways to boost your energy and mood to ward off the winter blues! DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.

Chocolate Coconut No-Bake Cookies

Keep your 2022 healthy goals while you enjoy these delicious no-bake cookies! Our latest recipe is a tasty no-bake cookie full of health benefits thanks to dates, coconut, andGreen Vibrance -Chocolate Coconut! Recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoopGreen Vibrance -Chocolate Coconut
• 6medjooldates, pitted
• 2Tbscocoa powder
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2Tbscoconut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Place the pitted dates and cashews into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add in the rest of the ingredients and continue pulsing until just combined. The texture should easily stick together when pinched.‚Ø‚ØIf it is too wet simply add more pecans or coconut flakes.
3. Next, roll the mixture into 2‚ balls and flatten gently to form a cookie.‚Ø‚ØPlace onto a tray or plate.
4. Finally, remove from fridge and enjoy!

4 Ways to Bring More Joy into Your Home Office in 2022

As we welcome 2022 with open arms, working remotely continues to be the new norm for many employees ‚ or perhaps it‚s always been your norm as an entrepreneur. In fact, Upwork reported that remote work is expected to double over the next five years compared to pre-pandemic times, with an estimated 36.2 million Americans working from home by 2025. While working from home has its many perks (i.e. saving gas money and commute time), you may be starting to feel a hint of cabin fever. The solution: it‚s time to give your at-home office a little extra TLC! After all, you are spending the majority of your time there so you want it to feel good to you. Whether you‚re working from home full time or a few days a week, today on the Vibrant Health blog we‚re sharing four simple ways to bring more joy into your home office this year. Clean Up Your Desk January 11th is National Clean Your Desk Day ‚ your friendly reminder to get more organized now. As we enter 2022, January is the perfect time to start the New Year on a fresh note and get things in order. This could include decluttering your drawers, sorting through files, tossing old items (like that snack wrapper you‚ve had for far too long), or wiping down all the surfaces in your office. Clear the clutter in order to make room for new energy to flow! Feng Shui Your Space Speaking of new energy, now that your space is clean it‚s time to incorporate a little feng shui ‚ to ensure the energy in your home office flows freely in a way that supports you (and your work). Your work environment should inspire you rather than make you feel stressed or constricted. While cleaning out the clutter is the first step, you‚ll also want to be intentional with your environment. For starters, adorn your office space with items that support the way you want to feel such as plants, candles, a motivating playlist or even a calming salt lamp. Take a Break Working from home is still work, so it‚s important to squeeze in breaks just as you would in the office. Consider unplugging for your lunch break or even bringing your meal outside for a change of scenery. Mini breaks throughout the day to sip water, stretch or take a few deep breaths can also be helpful to infuse more mindfulness into your workday. Have Nourishing Snacks on Hand Food is love ‚ and one surefire way to bring more joy into your workspace is by fueling your body with foods that nourish you. Start your morning with an energizing breakfast like this Berries & Cream smoothie you can easily mix up in a Blender Bottle right at your desk. And keep a reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day. We love having energizing snacks on hand too ‚ like fresh fruit, Protein Balls, Sweet & Salty Trail Mix or No-Bake Granola Bars. Share your work-from-home tips and trips by tagging us on social at @VibrantHealth

New Year New You Matcha Smoothie Bowl

2022 is here! Start the new year in a healthy and delicious way with our latest smoothie bowl recipe. Our New Year, New You Matcha Smoothie Bowl is loaded with healthy deliciousness thanks to Green Vibrance - Matcha Tea! Recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoopGreen Vibrance ‚ Matcha Tea
• 1 cup frozen spinach
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozencauliflower
• 1 cup frozenavocado
• 2 pittedmedjooldates
• 2cupscoconutwater
• 2cupschia seeds

Directions:

1. In a blender combine ingredients andGreen Vibrance ‚ Matcha Tea. Blend until combined and consistent.
2. Transfer into bowls and garnish.
3. Enjoy!

You Are Complex Anniversary Edition: Celebrating 30 Years of Vibrant Health with Presidents Paige & Ted Parker

Here at Vibrant Health, we believe health is an inside job, unique to you. After all, you‚re one-of-a-kind and your needs are complex ‚ that‚s why your supplements should be too.

To celebrate all of the beautiful complexities of our lives, each month we‚ve been highlighting individuals in our community ‚ taking a peek into the behind-the-scenes of their work-life, wellness rituals, and all the wonderful things that make them who they are.

This month, in honor of Vibrant Health‚s 30-Year Anniversary coming up, we wanted to feature our company‚s Presidents, Paige and Ted Parker. In this special anniversary interview, we got to chat with The Parkers about their team growth (from 3 to 53 employees!), success as a black-owned family business, and what to expect from Vibrant Health in the future. Hint: a new and improved look is coming soon!

We hope you enjoy our series‚and remember, keep being you!

How would you describe the company culture at Vibrant Health in three words?

Dynamic, Passionate, and Caring.

Vibrant Health's 30th anniversary is coming up! Looking back, what are some of your proudest moments?

Some of our proudest moments:

• When we Purchased Vibrant Health April 4, 2007
• When we moved from Canaan, CT to our new office in Shelton, CT
• When we were named 81 on the Black Enterprise magazine list of the nation‚s top 100 largest black-owned businesses.

How has the brand evolved since its initial start in 1992?

We were extremely technical in formulation and education. We focused on efficacy, the science of nutrition and paid little attention to the customer experience.

We now take a more holistic approach that includes appealing packaging and improved palatability. Additionally, we communicate more directly with consumers to understand how we can continue to serve their health and wellness needs.

Vibrant Health started off as a small team of three. How has your team grown since the early days?

Our team has grown organically from 3-53 employees over 30 years. When Ted became Director of Sales in 2002, he quickly sought out and hired the best sales professionals in the Natural Industry. He traveled the country educating on the Vibrant Health brand spending on average eight months a year on the road.

We take extreme pride in hiring people that have high integrity, a strong work ethic, who are loyal, hardworking and have a passion for helping people live a vibrant life. We continue to look for tomorrow‚s leaders.

Vibrant Health ranks 81 on the Black Enterprise List of the nation‚s largest black-owned businesses and recently made the Forbes list of black-owned businesses to support. What piece of advice do you have for other black-owned businesses just getting started? Do you have any other go-to black-owned brands you support?

Our advice is to follow your passion. Make a business plan. And make an investment in your future business. Reach out to your local SBA chapter.

We support Farmacy for Life, Carol‚s Daughter, and Mixed Chicks.

What do our fans have to look forward to in the next few years? Any exciting changes or new products coming out?

A total makeover and refresh our website is in the works. In 2022 we have some new products planned like a new kids formula and a new protein product!

Do you have a favorite recipe you want to share, utilizing Vibrant Health products?

Paige‚s: Green Vibrance Matcha blended with Vanilla Almond milk, three drops of vanilla extract, ice, and coconut water. This recipe can be made hot as well without the ice and coconut water, and makes for a fun latte!

Ted‚s: Frozen berries and kale blended with almond or oat milk, frozen banana, Maximum Vibrance, Linwoods flax seeds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

How do you both live a vibrant lifestyle ‚ at work, home and in between?

We exercise daily. During Covid before work, we took up walking through our neighborhood (4 miles) and longer on the weekends. This became our self-care routine. It helped with our marriage because it gave us an opportunity to walk and talk things through.

We use at least 10 Vibrant Health products in our wellness routine each day. Ted uses NAC, Vit K 2, MK7, Lysine & Proline, and DHEA. We begin with a morning smoothie of Maximum Vibrance with fruits and veggies, a packet of Trilogy, and several immune-boosting supplements. And at night we combine Digestive Vibrance with Joint Vibrance and additional fish oil for improved absorption and circulation. Whenever we travel, we exercise and follow a healthy diet.

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Vibrant Health, what message would you like to share to our customers and fans?

We are thankful and humbled to be celebrating 30 years as a family-owned and operated supplement company in the natural product Industry. With big retailers getting in the wellness game (i.e. White Wave, Nestle, Clorox now owning many nutritional brands), there are few privately-owned companies still in business.

Ted, myself, and the team are more committed than ever to bring our customers the most trusted, award-winning, and efficacious nutritional supplements found anywhere in the world.

Thank you for being a part of our Vibrant Health community and celebrating with us!

Indulgent Peppermint Hot Coco Smoothie

Winter is almost officially here. Our latest recipe combines two December favorites into a healthy and delicious smoothie! Our Indulgent Peppermint Hot Coco Smoothie is loaded with chocolate deliciousness thanks to Maximum Vibrance - Chocolate Chunk! Recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Maximum Vibrance - Chocolate Chunk
• 3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1.5 tbs monk fruit sweetener
• 2 cups almond milk (or plant-based alternative of choice)
• 3 cups ice
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 pinch ofhimalayansalt
• Vegan or regular whipped cream
• Small vegan chocolate bar (to shave on top)

Directions:

1. In a blender combine chocolate chips, Maximum Vibrance - Chocolate Chunk, monk fruit sweetener, almondmilkand ice. Blend until combined and consistent.
2. Transfer into cups and top with whipped cream, then garnish with chocolate shavings.
3. Sip as soon as possible and enjoy!