If you are craving sugar, bread, pasta, or carb-filled snacks, it is a sign that you have a mineral deficiency, especially magnesium. 

It’s important to know magnesium plays an important role in the body. It is the cofactor to more than 300 enzymes to support muscles and nerve function in our bodies as well as regulate the sugar level in the blood. But, it also plays a role in our cravings. 

As you may already know, high or low levels of blood glucose can be devastating for our bodies. It is important to keep an optimum range of blood glucose which is required in the body for ideal functioning. 

Magnesium helps regulate these glucose levels and also the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good chemical that the brain releases when you do something that brings it pleasure, and often gets the blame for causing addictions, including overeating.

Your brain wants to feel good all the time, so it works to encourage you to release dopamine by consuming those things you crave. If we let it, your brain can work against you when you are trying to lose weight or stop a bad habit.

Magnesium will also regulate the blood sugar by controlling the release of insulin in such a way that insulin does not get released too much. If this happens, it will convert the glucose into glycogen which in return decreases blood sugar and causes sugar cravings. 

A low level of magnesium can increase sugar cravings, especially for chocolate. Many of us are deficient in magnesium because it’s used widely in the body for so many purposes. 

According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, at least 400 to 420 milligrams of magnesium should be taken every day to avoid sugar cravings. Adult women should consume at least 320 mg/day.

While you can eat foods that are high in magnesium, it’s difficult for many of us to consume enough through food to defend your cravings. Here are a few examples:

Pumpkin seeds: 1 ounce = 150 mg
Raw almonds and cashews: 1 ounce = 82 mg
Black Beans: 1 cup cooked = 120 mg 
Avocado: 1 medium = 58 mg
Tofu: 3.5 oz. = 53 mg
Salmon: 6 oz. = 53 mg 
Banana: 1 medium = 9mg

Besides magnesium, there are many other nutrients which are helpful in avoiding the sugar cravings. These nutrients are Vitamin B6, Calcium, L-glutamine, Cinnamon, and Gymnema Sylvestre. All these other nutrients avoid sugar cravings in their own unique way and are included in Craving Defender.

Defending your food cravings will help you get back on track and reach your weight loss goals.

Ready to get your cravings under control? Grab a bottle of Craving Defender.

The post How Magnesium Plays a Role in Cravings appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Bee pollen contains an enormous amount of essential vitamins and minerals, helping nourish the body. It’s a must for those with unhealthy eating habits! 

Bee pollen is so full of nutrients that it alone could sustain human life!

It’s been said that bee pollen has everything we need to survive—so many nutrients jammed in the little granules. These granules are so full of nutrients that consuming them alone will give us the nutrients we need to live!

They are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, lipids and fatty acids, enzymes, carotenoids and bioflavonoids! They are very high in B vitamins, which are helpful in providing the body with energy, and it is rich in amino acids like L-glutamine and antioxidants, which are beneficial for the immune system.

Our 8 top reasons to consume bee pollen!

1. Boosts energy.
2. Increases your metabolism by dissolving fat cells in the body.
3. Reduces inflammation.
4. Stimulates the immune system.
5. Helps relieve stress.
6. Helps regulate hormones.
7. Promotes healing, especially for burns.
8. Protects against liver toxicity.

Read more on the miracle of bee pollen – great for infertility, allergies and more!

The post Bee Pollen—an All-Around Dietary Supplement appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Today, we can expand on that with some more benefits of an internal supplementation of MSM capsules.

If you’re reading up on this, chances are you care about the condition of your body; Either you want to improve yourself, your quality of life, your skin, or maybe you have some aches and pains from starting a fitness routine and are looking for relief.

Intense exercise can create oxidative stress and decrease glutathione levels. Studies suggest that the sulfur constituent in OptiMSM increases plasma glutathione levels to combat this.

Here are some more potential benefits of taking an MSM supplement. It may:

• It may help reduce exercise-induced inflammation
• decrease muscle soreness
• promote repair of connective tissue
• prevent cartilage breakdown
• and support healthy joints and range of motion.

It sounds like a pretty hefty list of perks, right?

If you’re anything like me, you read about all the benefits of these products, you decide you have to have them, buy them, and they you get annoyed that you have to take a handful of supplements sometimes more than once per day. So why should we choose this supplement?

Well, MSM is also known as DMSO2 – and it occurs naturally in certain fruits, vegetables, grains, and animals – but it is lost in these products due to processing, storing, heating, and food preparation. So while eating a healthy diet is imperative for good health, the fact remains that some helpful compounds are literally lost in the process.

Knowing that we don’t want to age without a fight, this is one supplement I definitely will be taking. I will take all the help I can get.

If you want your post-exercise pain and discomfort reduced, or your soreness decreased, or you want to support your skin, hair, and nails from the inside out, you might try MSM capsules.

If you are interested in more information and a more detailed, scientific explanation of how MSM works, here are a few very informative, very detailed spec sheets.

Recovery from sports injuries

Joint health and mobility

Healthy joints

Sports nutrition

To order your MSM products, click here:  MSM Capsules       MSM Lotion        MSM Gel

The post MSM Series – Part Two – Joints, Muscles, Recovery appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Maybe you are curious but didn’t care enough to go googling and researching it.

Well, we’re here to make life easier for you, so here it is – in simple terms – just to convey the concept – and that will help explain why antioxidants really are a big deal.

Look at it as a bunch of cells – or molecules or atoms. There are the normal, balanced cells, then there are the ones that had something happen and they have become unbalanced or contain unpaired electrons.

Free radical is defined by Merriam Webster as: an especially reactive atom or group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons; especially :  one that is produced in the body by natural biological processes or introduced from an outside source (as tobacco smoke, toxins, or pollutants) and that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure

Free radicals can be formed during normal bodily functions like when cells burn food for energy or even when the body is fighting off bacteria or viruses. In the normal occurrence, free radicals are not extremely dangerous.

However, when our cells are exposed to pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke or manufactured chemicals (to name a few), it creates a larger quantity of free radicals in the body: a surplus of unbalanced cells looking to become balanced by scavenging for electrons. They will actually steal electrons from balanced cells and set off a chain reaction of damage.

If there are no electrons available, or if free radical production is in excess, damage occurs and creates an environment of oxidative stress. A perfect example of this process is the yellowing of a cut apple: apparent cellular breakdown.

~~~Enter antioxidants~~~

These selfless little heroes come in to save the day by donating one of their own electrons and stopping the reaction of the free radical. Antioxidants do not become free radicals themselves since they are stable in all forms and remain out of service until they are recharged or replaced. They clean up free radicals and prevent cell and tissue damage which are evident in disease and aging.

Back to that yellowing apple – when you squeeze lemon juice onto it, it slows down or stops the yellowing process of oxidation. Guess what is in lemon? Vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant.

Antioxidants are available in fresh fruits and veggies and in supplement form. Some popular antioxidants you may have heard of are: vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, resveratrol, and CoQ10.

Resveratrol, specifically, is amazing. Besides its antioxidant actions, it can:

• inhibit the spread of cancer, specifically prostate cancer
• lower blood pressure
• promote heart and vascular health
• normalize anti-inflammatory response
• reduce aging
• promote normal cell replication.

Arm your body with the antioxidant power it needs today! Eat a healthy diet full of organic, seasonal produce and supplement with the antioxidant tools to fight free radicals!!! Little Choices Matter is happy to offer the following antioxidant supplements: Click the links below and get  yours today!

RESVERATROL

CoQ10

VITAMIN C

The post Your Antioxidant Search Is Over! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Vitamin B6 is a powerful little vitamin that affects both physical and mental health. It is very important in so many functions within our body like mood, hormone regulation, and even fat and protein metabolism. That is one reason we have chosen to offer it independently from the B-Complex formulation.

B vitamins are essential to skin and eye health, metabolism, and nerve function, and B6, also known as pyridoxine, is no exception.

It is a water-soluble, behind-the-scenes vitamin, quietly connected to the smooth operation of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and muscular systems. It is involved in the production of neurotransmitters (allowing intercommunication among brain and nerve cells), balancing blood sugar levels, energy production, and blood flow. It can even improve your mood, help with PMS, and create antibodies that our immune system can use to protect us. It is a pretty vital vitamin!

Although an actual deficiency in B6 is rare, the symptoms are depression, anxiety, confusion, muscle pain, low energy, PMS and even anemia. Some studies show a B6 deficiency connection with seizures, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.

Some medications may increase the need for B6 supplementation – like oral contraceptives, estrogen therapy, and antidepressants. Diuretics and drugs in the cortisone family can block the absorption of B6.

B6 is readily available in many common foods, but some of the best food sources of B6 are turkey, beef, pistachios, tuna, avocado and chicken. Some other sources are hazelnuts, potatoes, oatmeal, raisins, buckwheat, and walnuts.

We are happy to carry B6 both individually and in the formula for B-complex without any added hidden sugars!  You can order them here:

VITAMIN B6

B COMPLEX

Additional reading:

Dr. Axe has a very thorough article on the benefits and food sources of vitamin b6 click here.

The post Get Balanced With B6 appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

We’re all about making life straightforward and fun, so let’s call it MSM for short.

So what is MSM, what does it do, and why do you need it? There are many reasons MSM is beneficial for our bodies, but today’s lesson will be about skin health.

Let’s talk about aging.

Our skin is comprised of 3 layers – the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The dermis is where the connective tissue is contained; Collagen is a type of connective tissue and, essentially, it gives our skin its strength. Aging and wrinkles appear when our skin loses its strength or when there is a decline of collagen. This happens naturally with age, and can be exacerbated by too much UV exposure, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, or even just personal stress.

Let’s dissect the word methylsulfonylmethane. See the “SULF” in there? That stands for sulfur. Our brand of MSM is created by distillation, so it is very pure and contains a trademarked, patented product called OptiMSM, which is 34% sulfur.

Sulfur is an element that is necessary for our bodies to help maintain this pliancy or strength in our skin by assisting in the maintenance of collagen levels in the ______. If you said dermis, you’re right! You’ve been paying attention!

Sulfur is responsible for holding the collagen bonds together for healthy, firm, strong, and pliant skin.

If that isn’t enough of a benefit, read on.

Sulfur is also required for the production of glutathione which is an antioxidant known for protecting our skin and providing a healthy skin defense. OptiMSM will actually increase the amount of glutathione in the blood plasma and drastically reduce the amount of oxidative stress in our skin cells, which means what?  LESS AGING AND WRINKLES!

So, to review, so far, we learned that sulfur helps produce collagen which is a fundamental component of healthy skin from the dermal layer, PLUS, sulfur (in the same fashion) sulfur helps produce keratin which is like a building block for the structure of hair and nails.

More sulfur means more collagen, glutathione, and keratin.

More collagen, glutathione, and keratin means healthier skin, nails, and hair, less wrinkles, and more evidence of our youthfulness shining through our radiant skin!

Little Choices Matter realizes the importance of this compound in the realm of healthy skin, graceful aging, and more (stay tuned for other “lessons” on MSM). We will come back and link to these articles when they are published on littlechoicesmatter.com.  NOW AVAILABLE:  MSM For Joints, Muscles, and Recovery

For now, we leave you with the following links for more information on OptiMSM:

More on the science behind healthy skin and OptiMSM products, click here.

More on how OptiMSM and the aging process, click here.

To order your bottle of MSM lotion or gel for topical application, or for the supplemental capsules, click here.

Use Coupon Code OptiMSM and receive 10% off your order!

These all contain the world’s purest MSM component, OptiMSM.

The post MSM Series – Part One – Skin, Hair & Nails appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

READ THE PDF’S  LINKS BELOW FOR DETAILED DATA AND STUDIES OF MSM BENEFITS:

Cosmetic Preservatives Out!

UV Protection and More!

Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph, Ph.D has dedicated an entire book to the topic of MSM.

It’s a great pain reliever too! Video for sore tissues, muscles and joints!

What Does MSM Do For Our Skin?

• Works with Vitamin C to help cells absorb nutrients from food
• Helps you grow new skin cells and reduce scarring
• Reduces the effect of free radicals and aging
• Puts MSM back into our diet, reversing the damage of processed foods
• Aids hormone production, enzyme activity, and tissue repair
• Keeps hair glossy and smooth
• Promotes a clear, youthful complexion
• Aids in the synthesis of keratin and collagen
• Fights the root causes of acne and rosacea
• Promotes faster healing of sunburn

What is In This MSM GEL?

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane is a completely natural compound found in all living organisms. It is licensed under 9 different US patents for use in nutritional supplements and beauty products. In addition to this basic compound, you will also find the following beneficial ingredients:

INGREDIENTS: 99.9% (methylsulfonylmethane). Distilled for optimum purity. Gel base is compromised of Purified water, Witch Hazel Distillate, Optiphen, Aloe Vera, Vegetable Glycerine, Carbomer 940, Tea. Manufactured with CIT, (Compressed Infusion Technology) Patent Pending.

• Aloe Vera – Heals skin tissue and promotes re-growth
• Witch Hazel – Natural astringent, fades blemishes, shrink swollen veins, removes inflammation and puffy eyes, soothes sunburn
  
  MSM Combo Kit
  
  MSM Repair Lotion

   

The post MSM AND SKIN REPAIR appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

There are eight individual B vitamins and all are essential for human metabolism, growth, reproduction, general health, appetite, digestion, nervous stability and blood cell formation.

Some B vitamins help cells convert carbohydrates into glucose for energy, metabolize fat and proteins, help produce serotonin and some even lend a hand with the production and repair of DNA.

Since B vitamins are easily depleted in our bodies by sugar, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and even stress, deficiency is common. Some signs of deficiency are: mood changes, irritability, nervousness, depression, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, trembling, loss of appetite and sugar cravings.

Since they are water soluble and excess with be eliminated through the urine, B vitamins are safe to supplement daily within recommended doses.

Although specific B vitamins may be taken individually to treat specific issues, taking one or two of them alone improperly could cause imbalance and affect your metabolism; B vitamins should be taken together in a balanced and complex supplement.

A proper formulation can potentially lift depression, lessen PMS, reduce anxiety, and boost your energy, among other benefits.

Ultimate B-Complex formula contains all eight B vitamins plus minerals and herbs that will increase resistance to stress by relieving tension and provide support to the adrenal glands and immune system. It’s time to get happy! Click Here for B Complex formula. 

You can also get a liquid formula at Sprouts if you have that local. Always check your ingredients. B vitamins are one to almost all have some hidden sugars so choose wisely.

The post The Importance of B Complex appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

One of the best supplements you can add when you are protocol is Magnesium.  When combined with calcium you will increase the benefits.  These two supplements are essential for helping with food cravings and assisting in hormone fluctuation side effects.  Make sure and check the ingredients for no hidden sugars.  The most common hidden sugars in supplements are maltodextrin, dextrose, sucrose or sucralose and maltitol.

Other benefits of these two supplements while on protocol.  They will help you sleep better.  Magnesium taken at bedtime will help you rest and also helps keep bowel movements regular.  This is highly recommended to try if you are dealing with the side effect of constipation.

The ying to its yang, the salt to its pepper, the ping to its pong…you see where I am going with this.

Here are a few of the reasons that calcium and magnesium go hand in hand:

• Calcium stimulates the muscles; Magnesium relaxes the muscles and helps to reduce pain.
• Calcium maintains proper nerve and muscle function; Magnesium prohibits cramps and fatigue.
• Magnesium helps with the formation of strong bones and teeth; bones and teeth are comprised of calcium.
• Calcium regulates the rhythm of the heart; magnesium maintains healthy heart rhythm.
• Calcium helps regulate nutrients in and out of cell membranes and helps blood to clot; magnesium converts blood sugar into energy and is involved in many enzymatic reactions.
• Magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium; ingested calcium without magnesium is flushed right out of the body so both are required in the proper proportion. (2 Cal:1 Mag)

In fact, when a diet is lacking in magnesium, the calcium is not absorbed into the blood and bones but is taken in by the soft tissue which causes arthritic pain. Many believe that it is the lack of calcium causing arthritis when, actually, it is the improper absorption of the calcium.

They are imperative. They are powerful. They are available.

Here is a good clean formula (click here) capsules

Or if you like liquid for try Calm below.

Calm CALMAG is a good choice (Click HERE)

The post Importance of Magnesium appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

The best ingredients for our skin come from nature. We come into contact with so many man-made toxins every day, that the best way to heal ourselves is by learning from plants that have a natural immunity to aging processes. MSM Rejuvenator With Topical Ester C contains a therapeutic blend of ingredients that rejuvenate the skin’s natural ability to protect itself against wrinkles and excessive dryness.

• Works with Vitamin C to help cells absorb nutrients from food
• Helps you grow new skin cells and reduce scarring
• Reduces the effect of free radicals and deters aging
• Puts MSM back into our diet, reversing the damage of processed foods
• Aids hormone production, enzyme activity and tissue repair
• Keeps hair glossy and smooth
• Promotes a clear, youthful complexion
• Aids in the synthesis of keratin and collagen
• Fights the root causes of acne and rosacea
• Promotes faster healing of sunburn

Carol and I have been using the rejuvenator cream for months.  One of the things we love about this formula it is for the face and body.  MSM and MSM cream are both a great addition to your Phase 3 protocol to help tighten your skin and keep it beautiful.

The post MSM Rejuvenator Cream appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

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MSM for tighter Skin

MSM for tightening saggy skin? In the past I have taken MSM because it’s good for joint problems and is included in my Glucosamine tablet. Before taking it, I did a little research on it and I found it’s good for your hair, skin and nails. Okay, bonus. But now I’m researching and finding out it’s also good for your saggy skin! Great news for so many who are on the weight loss train.

What exactly is MSM? MSM (methyl-sufonyl-methane) is more of a food than a supplement. It’s a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in all plants, soils, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs, meats and milk. It is organic sulfur, a naturally occurring compound in the human body. It’s found in every cell in the body, and is structurally and functionally important to 150 compounds, including hormones, enzymes, antibodies and antioxidants. Our bodies use MSM to create new healthy cells so it’s important that we have it in our system. MSM is found in our typical diet, but as foods are processed, MSM is destroyed. Another reason to not eat processed foods! So taking MSM is like getting back to a healthy raw foods diet.

If you are interested in learning more check these items out:

Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph, Ph.D has dedicated an entire book to the topic of MSM.

If you are interested in using MSM for saggy skin, check out this video!

The post MSM for Tighter Skin appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.