Unfortunately, many of the ingredients in the personal care items we use daily could actually be damaging our health and the environment. From face washes to sunscreens, here's a list of the top 10 toxic ingredients to look out for when shopping for your skincare and self-care needs.

What Skincare Ingredients Are Toxic?

1. Parabens

We've all most likely heard of these toxic ingredients by now, and for good reason. Parabens are preservatives used in the majority of personal care products such as face washes, creams, masks, body washes and lotions, shampoo, make-up; the list could go on. 

Once absorbed by the body, parabens mimic estrogen, which can disrupt hormone balance. Because of this hormone disruption, they increase the risk of unhealthy cell development and fertility issues in both men & women. While health associations have deemed small amounts as being safe for consumption, if every product used contains the approved amount of parabens, they can build up, leading to unhealthy levels. 

When shopping for personal care items, avoid ingredients that end with -paraben and look for safer alternatives like vitamin E, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and sodium chloride. These ingredients will keep the product shelf-stable without risking your health.

2. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasing Agents

Thankfully, most manufacturers no longer use formaldehyde. However, companies still frequently add formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, which consumers often overlook. You should know that labels might list these ingredients as:

• Methylene glycol
• Bronopol
• DMDM hydantoin
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Quaternium-15

These ingredients act as hardeners in nail or eyelash glue and as preservatives in cosmetics and hair products. Formaldehyde-releasing agents are linked to causing unhealthy cell formation and increasing skin sensitivity. 

Alternative preservatives that are a healthier option include: vitamin e, grapefruit seed extract, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, sodium lactate, honey and sodium chloride. As you can see, the easier an ingredient is to pronounce, the better it may be for our health. While these alternatives won't preserve products for as long as harsher chemicals, they will preserve them for a reasonable amount of time and are kinder to our bodies and the environment. 

3. Oxybenzone

We use sunscreens thinking we are taking care of our skin and health, but did you know that chemical sunscreens, while they block UV rays, are chock-full of chemicals that can have harmful effects on your health and the health of the planet? 

Oxybenzone is a chemical used to block UV light and are linked to hormone disruption and cause damaging effects to our ecosystem, harming coral reefs, fish, dolphins and other marine life. If that's not enough, other ingredients to be aware of when it comes to shopping for sunscreen include: octinoxate (octin-ox-ate), 3-Benzylidene (ben-zyl-idene) camphor, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, nano-Titanium dioxide and nano-Zinc oxide. 

To avoid these chemicals and harsh side effects, it's recommended to use a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These non-nano forms provide better UV protection without the surprise adverse health effects, and they've come a long way from the days of leaving a white film on your skin.

4. Phthalates

It's substances like phthalates (pronounced falates) that make the term "fragrance" on labelling ingredients harmful. There are many chemicals that hide under this term, phthalates being one of them. 

Phthalates are stabilizers used in products that need to adhere to the skin for long periods of time. These products can include: perfumes, deodorants, nail polish and nail and eyelash glue. Phthalates are hormone disruptors which can impair cognitive development, are toxic for reproduction and growing fetuses, increase the likelihood of onset of puberty and decrease adult male fertility, as well as damage the environment. These are serious side effects that everyone, especially pregnant women or growing teenagers, shouldn't be exposed to. 

Since these toxic ingredients are in products we use daily, look for personal care products that are scent-free or scented using natural fragrances like essential oils or antioxidants.

5. Toulene 

Europe and Southeast Asia ban this harmful ingredient due to its toxic effects. Beauty and cleaning brands use toluene (also called Butylated Hydroxytoluene/BHT, Benzene, Methylbenzene, Phenyl Methane, or Toluol) as a solvent to prevent colour separation. It's found in products such as:

• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Hair dye

Toulene can cause brain toxicity; because of this, pregnant women should ensure it's not in the personal care products they use on themselves or babies. To avoid these side effects and chemicals, look for products that use safer solvent alternatives like Polychem 36, which is nontoxic and biodegradable; purchase toluene-free products that have to be shaken for colour to mix; or purchase products that use natural ingredients to provide colouring such as henna or fruit.

6. Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial ingredient that can also be listed as Triclocarban. It's mainly used in pesticides; however, even though it has no business being there, it's also used in personal care items.

Triclosan can be found in antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, toothpastes, mouthwashes, sunscreen, lip balms and deodorants. This toxic ingredient disrupts thyroid health and reproductive hormones. Triclosan can also break down into another chemical, dioxin, which is also toxic and disturbs the endocrine system. 

When shopping for personal care items, check the ingredients list to avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, choose products formulated with healthy alternatives like honey, shea butter, cocoa butter, or baking soda, and switch to natural deodorants and toothpaste. These changes will support the health of yourself, family and planet.

7. Per-and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFA's)

PFAs can be found on labels with the word fluoro in the ingredient name, so watch out for both ingredients. These are chemicals that don't break down easily and not only cause damaging health effects, but negatively impact the environment and surface waters too. 

These chemicals are used in moisturizers, dental floss, concealers, sunscreen and waterproof products since they act as a water repellant. 

PFA's accumulate in the body, causing thyroid disease, disrupt DNA and cell formation and reduce vaccine effectiveness. Since we use these products daily to care for ourselves, natural, organic personal care products are the better alternative.

8. Lead

Manufacturers knowingly put this toxic heavy metal in lipsticks, balms, and petrolatum-based products like Vaseline. Lead causes serious behavioral and learning issues, lowers IQ, and triggers other severe cognitive problems. Everyone, especially pregnant women, should ensure their products are lead-free. 

Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as henna or fruit to add colour and occlusives that are naturally derived, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and olive or rose hip oils. By using products with these alternatives, you won't have to worry about lead or traces of heavy metals in your products. 

9. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

BHT, also seen on labels as Dibutylhydroxytoluene (say that 5 times fast), mimics antioxidant properties and prolongs the shelf life of products. 

These chemicals have a carcinogenic effect, disrupt hormone balance and production and cause liver damage. This is dangerous because the liver plays a large role in detoxification; therefore, it's important that they are in optimal health. 

BHT's are a stabilizer, so they're found in many products from cosmetics, facial cleansers and creams to body washes and personal hygiene products. Vitamin E and rosemary are healthier alternative ingredients which act as a natural stabilizer and don't have nasty side effects.

10. Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Manufacturers have used SLS since the 1930s as an inexpensive, synthetic foaming agent derived from petroleum or palm oil. SLES, a milder derivative of SLS, undergoes a processing stage called ethoxylation. During this stage, manufacturers accidentally contaminate SLES with the chemical 1,4-dioxane. Consumers only absorb these synthetic chemicals in small doses; however, the ingredients slowly build up in the body over time, causing clogged pores and skin and eye irritation.

Everyday foaming products including toothpastes, shampoos, shaving creams, soaps, face washes, sanitizers, and mouthwashes contain SLS, so you can see how they rapidly build up in your body and cause serious health risks.

These ingredients strip away moisture, oils and proteins in the hair, which causes irritation and inflames the skin, which can lead to dermatitis like eczema and psoriasis. To avoid irritation, try alternative foaming agents like Yucca, which uses natural saponins to create foam, or coconut, which is completely non-irritating. You can also use specific pump lids on your packaging to mechanically boost the foaming effect.

What Are Good Natural Body Care Items?

While there are many toxic ingredients in our products, we have healthier, more natural alternatives to choose from. Since these chemicals are used in products we trust to take care of us, it's important to be informed and educated so you know what ingredients to watch out for. Purchasing fully naturally-derived products that don't use these nasty ingredients is the easiest way to get peace of mind for yours and your family's personal care needs. 

Natural Body Care Alternatives:

• Body Lotion & Body Cream
• Deodorant Cream, Deodorant Stick
• Body Wash, SLS Free Soap
• Pre-Diluted Vanilla Essential Oil Roll-On Perfume
• Sanitizer

Skincare & Makeup Options:

• Face Cream
• mineral sunscreen
• Natural water-resistant mascara

Natural Oral Care Alternatives:

• SLS-FreeToothpaste
• Toothpaste

Natural Hair Care Alternatives:

• Shampoo, Conditioner
• Henna Hair Tint

School is out, the temperatures up, and it’s time to take off (work, that is!) Summer vacation: if you haven’t planned one yet, get to it. Doctor’s orders! Here are just a few ways in which a summer vacation actually benefits your health!

What Are The Top Health Benefits of Summer Vacation?

1. De-stress

The Japanese actually have a word for “death by overwork”. Karoshi, legally recognized as a cause of death in the 1980’s, has been on the rise ever since. Although this is THE EXTREME when it comes to work related illness and disease, it does help to remind us of the importance of balance in everything we do.

Time off means a decrease in stress! There is research to show that vacations can actually decrease physical symptoms associated with high stress, such as high blood pressure and high or chronically low cortisol levels. These stress-related changes have implications far beyond the occasional frazzled feeling. In fact, they are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Time away from work helps to prevent burnout, which for many individuals can lead to depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. Worried about what your boss will think? Research also shows vacations make us more productive at work. Time away allows for new perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose upon return to work!

2. Fresh Air & More Exercise

Forget the elliptical for a week or two – use nature as your gym. Hiking, biking, swimming and more… not only will this variation in your normal workout routine rev up metabolism and serve as a catalyst for more efficient weight loss, but it may also help you to discover a new passion. Time and time again, we are told that the best way to stick to an exercise regimen is to find an activity (or many) we love. Here’s your opportunity.

Summer break with parents does not always mean more activity for the kiddies. Research has shown that many children are actually less active in the summer. This needs to change. Use a summer vacation to lead by example. Show your children that you can put down your cell phone, get off the computer, and miss your nightly TV shows. Plan a family hike, go swimming at the beach, or even spend a few days helping out at a local soccer camp. Modelling these healthy habits is the best way to encourage your kids to get and stay active – not just during vacation, but for life.

3. Sleeping In

What is one of the greatest things about summer vacation? We don’t have to get up and go to work! Are you getting enough sleep? Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep we are getting and the amount of sleep we should be getting, and most of us are in the red. Short-term sleep deprivation leads to a foggy brain, worsened vision, impaired driving, and trouble remembering. Long-term effects include obesity, insulin resistance, and heart disease. The good news is that with a little work we can catch up on sleep. Outside of holidays, we normally have weekends only to catch up on lost ZZZ’s, and it’s just not enough So tuck that alarm away for a week or two, go to bed when you are tired, and wake up when your body tells you to… and note how much better you feel!

4. Eating Healthier: More Fruit & Vegetables

Heading to the beach or camping this summer? Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs make summer meals simple, affordable, and nutritious. Here are some seasonal favourites.

Berries - Berries offer fiber and antioxidants. These nutrients support heart health, blood sugar balance, and overall wellness.

Leafy Greens - Kale, spinach, swiss chard, and dandelion greens provide important nutrients. These greens contain vitamin K, calcium, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Leafy greens support bone, heart, and eye health. Salads also make easy, no-cook summer meals.

Watermelon - Watermelon provides lycopene, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers watermelon a cooling food.

Zucchini - Zucchini provides vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients support heart, eye, and overall health.

Tomatoes - Tomatoes contain lycopene and beta-carotene. These compounds support cellular health and antioxidant defenses. Tomatoes also provide vitamin K for bone health.

Fresh Herbs - Fresh herbs add flavour and nutrients to meals. Parsley provides antioxidants and natural plant compounds for detoxification. Mint may help with digestive comfort, and cilantro and basil contain antioxidants

5. Increased Socialization

In elderly populations, lack of support or social ties is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and poor mental health issues. Social isolation has negative ramifications for our health, not only our mental/emotional health, either. There are even studies to suggest that loneliness can be tied to hardening of the arteries, inflammation and compromised immune defenses. We talked about the importance of a healthy relationship with activity and exercise; what about just a relationship… with the people we love? We live in a society that can and does conduct most of its business over the phone or Internet. Can you go a whole day in the workplace without a face-to-face interaction? When is the last time you spent an entire uninterrupted day with your family, completely cut off from your phone or email? If we allow it to, summer vacation can provide us with the real quality time we’ve been lacking – with friends and family… sharing old memories and making new ones.

The decision should not be whether to take summer vacation, but how you are going to make the most of the vacation you take! Enjoy!

There's nothing that touches your soul like that first sip of coffee in the morning, or is there? While coffee has health benefits, consuming too much, as many Canadians do, can have adverse effects on your health. According to the Coffee Association of Canada, adults between 18-79 consume coffee more than any other beverage, water included! You may find yourself turning to coffee for many reasons, whether to provide an energy boost, you enjoy the flavour, or maybe it’s just become a habit. Regardless of the reason you consume caffeine, if you’re looking to quit or just lessen your consumption, here are 5 healthy coffee alternatives. 

1: Coffee Hybrids

If you don't want to quit coffee cold turkey, coffee hybrids may be the right alternative for you. A coffee hybrid mixes mushrooms or adaptogens with coffee. These blends contain half the caffeine of a regular cup of Joe, so if you consume multiple cups of coffee per day, this could be an excellent way to still get your caffeine fix, but in lesser quantities per cup. Four Sigmatic is a popular natural health company that formulates these elixirs. Their Adaptogen Coffee Mix is paired with the popular adaptogen, ashwagandha, which provides a feeling of balance, and their Think blend mixes coffee with Lion’s Mane mushroom to promote concentration. Four Sigmatic formulas are made with 100% organic Arabica coffee beans, taste just like coffee and are ready to drink when mixed in hot water, which makes them a convenient swap for busy mornings or to make on the go. When shopping for these blends, select a high-quality brand that tests its ingredients for heavy metals and allergens and doesn’t use pesticides. 

Matcha green tea is another great coffee alternative that still contains caffeine but in lesser doses. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and fights free radicals, it boosts cognitive function, and thanks to its L-theanine properties, it boosts energy and provides mental clarity without the crash. Matcha also supports heart health and healthy cellular development and may help reduce unwanted weight. There are many different brands of Matcha to choose from, so make sure to select a brand that is clean, GMO-free, organic, and doesn’t contain pesticides or fillers. 

2: Mushrooms

Mushrooms are growing in popularity and can be found in many formulations. They make a great alternative to coffee because they provide a consistent energy boost without the crash and can help enhance concentration. You can mix single mushrooms with hot water or hot milk or use a mushroom blend such as Kickstart by Harmonic Arts which blends Chaga mushroom with adaptogens and raw cacao to create a non-GMO, organic coffee substitute that won’t leave you feeling jittery. Mushroom Elixir Mix With Cordyceps by Four Sigmatic is another option that’s organic and gluten-free. This blend tastes fresh and is easy to mix with hot water to give you a healthy energy boost without the crash. Many people are turning to mushrooms in place of caffeine, and they can be found on many cafe menus because they pack a healthy punch by supporting the immune system, promoting gut health, are easy on the stomach, boost cognitive well-being and provide a dose of vitamins and other nutrients. 

3: Greens

You’ve likely been told at some point in your life to eat your greens and for good reason. Greens provide many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that enhance your health and energy too! Green powders make a great healthy alternative to coffee because, as mentioned, they’re packed with nutrients like b vitamins which provide an energy boost without causing jitters or a crash. They also mix well in water, making them convenient and hydrating. Our favourite greens powders include Enerex Greens because it is a potent and filler-free formula and Genuine Health Greens+ Energy which comes in an array of tasty flavours and provides a natural energy boost. We also like Naturopathic Labs liquid chlorophyll that can be taken as a shot, offers a nice natural taste, is preservative free and lets you say goodbye to coffee breath because it even freshens breath and deodorizes your body. 

4: Adaptogens

Herbs, known as adaptogens, help your body adapt to stress and adverse situations. These herbs include maca, ashwagandha, mushrooms, ginseng, Yerba mate and more. They make great alternatives to coffee because they naturally help increase energy without a crash or making you jittery, and they support your adrenal glands and overall health. This is a great option if you often feel anxious when you consume caffeine or if you want to consume less coffee. You can use single herbs like maca and ashwagandha by adding them to a power smoothie or use ready-to-mix blends by simply adding them to hot milk or water. We love Organic Traditions Macaccino drinks mix because it’s certified organic, packed with antioxidants and tastes great. We also like maca for its energizing effects, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s known to increase your libido too ;) Organic Traditions also makes a Yerba Mate Mint Latte mix with probiotics that will uplift your energy and feed your good gut bacteria. 

5: Hydration

Lastly, nothing quite wakes you in the morning like an old-fashioned glass of water. We know, not what you were expecting to see on this list, but hear us out. 

Upon waking you are often dehydrated, which can feel even worse if you live in a dry climate. This can make you feel sluggish; therefore, hydrating with a glass of lemon water, a hydration mix, trace minerals, or coconut water can help hydrate, wake up your cells, and help you feel energized. Since drinking multiple cups of coffee a day can be dehydrating, swapping out all or a few cups with water can be beneficial not only to your energy levels but your overall health. When looking to hydrate, we enjoy Hydration Mix by Biosteel because it’s sugar-free, preservative-free, and derived from a mix of fruit and vegetables. This hydration powder comes in many flavours to suit your fancy; and is also the official hydrator of the NHL; if it's good enough to keep them hydrated during games, it can surely help keep you hydrated and energized all day too.

Where To Buy Quality Coffee Alternatives

Whether you’re looking to break up with coffee for good or just see it less, these healthy swaps will not only help the transition but may have you forgetting about your former friend altogether. Just like when shopping for coffee, you want to make sure you’re selecting a high-quality coffee alternative that’s made from pure ingredients. You can find many of these items online and in person at a natural health food store, and if you still have questions, our team of certified holistic nutritionists and naturopaths are here to help. 

If you have tried or are going to try these suggestions, leave a comment below, we’d love to hear how the switch was or what you're excited about. 

5-HTP is a precursor to the neurotransmitter hormones serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a hormone that regulates mood, behaviour, appetite, dilation of blood vessels and many other body processes. Serotonin regulates appetite by singaling fullness. It also promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. Melatonin regulates the body's sleep/wake cycles. Optimal levels of melatonin allow us to have a restful and restorative sleep. 5-HTP often benefits those suffering from insomnia, jet lag, aging, frequent colds and flus, PMS, memory loss, arteriosclerosis, stroke, cognitive decline, headaches, migraines, obesity, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, and mood swings.

What Is Serotonin?

Deficiency of serotonin can lead to overeating and obesity. This also accounts for the fact that when we are under stress our appetite tends to change. Some people become deficient in serotonin and gain weight because they overeat. Others lose their appetite because their brain is reacting to high levels of serotonin released in response to the stressful time.

What Are The Health Benefits of 5 HTP?

Mood Support

Clinical trials compared 5-HTP with tricyclic antidepressants and Prozac for depression. 5-HTP matched or exceeded their effectiveness at commonly prescribed doses. Serotonin also decreases the diameter of blood vessels. 5-HTP may help relieve headaches and migraines linked to increased blood flow in the brain.

5 HTP & Melatonin For Sleep Support

Melatonin regluates sleep cycles and signals the release of growth and sex hormones during sleep. These hormones repair tissues and help maintain healthy hormone levels. Finally, melatonin is an antioxidant that protects tissue by neutralizing damaging free radicals. The body produces less melatonin with age. This decline may contribute to age-related diseases. Supplementing with 5-HTP may be a means to prevent this age-related decline by naturally boosting melatonin levels.

How Can I Take 5-HTP?

5-HTP is available as purified tablets or capsules and as herbal perparations made from Griffonia simplicifolia. Taking your supplement with a high-carbohydrate food or drink, like juice, will increase its absorption. Dosages range between 50 and 300mg daily. It is generally a good idea to start at the lower end of the dosage range and work to your required dosage.

Smoothies are one of the easiest and most delicious ways to support your health, providing a convenient source of nutrients, hydration, and energy. With the right ingredients, they can become even more potent tools for supporting digestion, immunity, recovery, and overall wellness. Adding targeted supplements to your smoothie is a simple way to boost nutritional value and customize your smoothie to match your specific health goals. 

Let's explore the 7 best supplements to elevate your smoothies and help you get the most out of every blend.

What Supplements Can Enhance My Smoothie?

1. Protein

If you are already doing a whey protein, switch it up. Try a combined vegan protein, using rice, pea, hemp, cranberry, potato, alfalfa, or a combination of all of the above. Combined, these vegan proteins have a similar amino acid profile to whey, but are often easier on the digestive system, especially for those sensitive to dairy products. Protein is necessary for recovery after workouts, supports a healthy metabolism, and helps to regulate blood sugar, among many other benefits.

2. Greens

If you can’t seem to bring yourself to throw a variety of leafy green vegetables into your smoothie everyday (it’s actually not that bad!), then the next best thing is adding a scoop of greens powder. Wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, spinach, beet greens, barley grass, alfalfa, kale, and broccoli are just a few ingredients you may see in a combination greens supplement. In one simple scoop, you are not only increasing your fruit and vegetable intake substantially, but you are supporting your body in its effort to detoxify. The addition of a greens powder to your smoothie routine can lead to increased energy, improved alkalinity, enhanced digestion, and clearer thinking… sounds worth it to me! Many greens supplements come in both liquid and powder formats.

3. Raw Cacao Nibs

This delicious, intensely chocolaty super food has a bit of a bitter taste (we’re used to sweetened chocolate), but packs a punch of antioxidants, not to mention being high in trace minerals such as magnesium and iron. Choco-Coco Monkey Smoothie: Coconut milk, raw cacao nibs, a banana and a chocolate flavoured vegan protein. Yum, yum, yum!

4. Goji Berries

Did you know that according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Goji berry or Wolfberry plant has been used for centuries as a means of supporting greater health, vitality, longevity, energy, and stamina? Goji berries add a nice sweet taste to your smoothie, along with a high dose of antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, protein, healthy fat, and soluble fiber. Soak them in a little water to soften them, then throw them (along with the water) right in, and blend!

5. Chia

High in omega-3 fatty acid ALA, chia is a healthy addition to any smoothie. These nutrient-dense seeds are also high in fibre and protein. If you are using chia seeds, its best to consume the smoothie immediately, as it will eventually turn your smoothie into more of a gelatin-like substance, rather than a liquid. This isn’t always a bad thing: did you know you could use ground chia as an egg substitute? 1 Tbsp. ground chia seed mixed with 3 Tbsp. water. Let sit 10 - 15 minutes until it gels. You have the equivalent of one egg for baking.

6. Maca

Maca, or Peruvian ginseng, is not a member of the ginseng family, but is often called such because of its similar action: increasing stamina, energy, and sexual function, as well as balancing hormone levels and supporting healthy blood glucose levels. This superfood is available in powder form, making it an easy and energizing addition to any super smoothie!

7. Fish Oil

In some cases, getting your nutrients through diet is just as easy and can be more beneficial. Throwing sardines into your smoothie is probably not an option, so this is not really one of those cases. Fish oil has changed. If you haven’t tried some of the new fish oils on the market, you are missing out. They are great tasting and very smooth, with no repeating. DHA and EPA, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are virtually impossible to get from any other source and are so immensely important for cognitive development, cardiovascular health, the immune system, mood and more. Try it. You’ll like it. Always add fish oil as the last ingredient in your smoothie, after you have finished blending.

7-keto-DHEA (commonly called "7-keto") is one form of 7-oxo-DHEA, and a by-product of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in humans. The adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes produce DHEA. DHEA serves as a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA does not convert into estrogen or testosterone. It may increase metabilism and support weight loss without altering hormone levels. 7-keto-DHEA may also support thyroid function, memory, healthy aging, and muscle growth.

Top 7-Keto Dhea Health Benefits

1. Weight Loss

A seven-day study found that 7-keto increased resting metabolic rate by 4% in men and women. Some research has found that this may be due to an association of 7-keto with thyroid hormone in the body. 7-keto may temporarily increase thryoid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone production. Studies also suggest it stimulates mitochondria, increasing cellular energy production. This burns more calories and creates more heat in the body in a process called "thermogenesis". Thus supplementation with 7-keto can help to boost the thyroid and increase metabolism, both of which will aid weight loss.

2. PMS

Laboratory studies show 7-keto increases blood levels of 7-hydroxy-DHEA. Levels of 7-hydroxy-DHEA naturally decline during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Researchers believe this decline may contribute to PMS-related mood changes. Thus, since 7-keto helps to prevent this dip in 7-hydroxy-DHEA levels, supplementation with 7-keto may help to reduce the mood symptoms of PMS. 7-keto may reduce sex hormone levels in the body. It may benefit estrogen-dominant conditions, including fibroids and fibrocystic breasts.

3. Cholesterol Benefits

One study found that 7-keto lowered steroid hormone levels and increased HDL ("good") cholesterol in 10 older men. Their risk for atherosclerosis fell after short-term treatment. The long-term effects have not yet been studied.

4. Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease is a condition in which the body excessively constricts blood vessels in the extremities on exposure to cold. This results in extreme pain, and pale blotchy skin on the fingers and toes. 7-keto may help prevent Raynaud's attacks by increasing basal metabolic rate and reducing vasospasms. It also promotes heat generation by the mitochondria of the cells, helping to maintain a higher body temperature during cold exposure.

How Can I Take 7-Keto-DHEA Supplements?

7-keto is available in powdered capsules and weight management formulas. Studies found 200mg daily safefor up to four weeks. Researchers have not established its long-term safety.