Finding yourself reaching for that chocolate biscuit come 3pm? Peckish for some sugar and not sure what to eat? Trying to eat anything BUT sugar, then end up caving and going overboard? We’ve all been there. We get you! 

So why not try our Metabolism + Sugar Support formula? You’re sweet enough already. 

Cinnamon

The magical spice! Cinnamon helps to regulate glucose levels and improves resistance to insulin. What is insulin? It’s a hormone made in the pancreas that controls the amount of sugar in our blood. Hello, stable blood sugar levels! 

Gymnema

So we HERB that Gymnema has a beneficial impact on the maintenance of blood sugar levels, stabilises sugar cravings and supports your pancreas! This herbal extract is used in supplements to support weight balance and healthy cholesterol levels. It also helps slow down glucose absorption, which means you won’t experience that crazy spike in blood sugar levels. 

Chromium

Did you know that Chromium is an essential nutrient needed for metabolising sugar and fats? It helps improve blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels in the blood. We’re sorry to say, but eating a high-sugar diet creates stress in the body and can actually result in low levels of Chromium. This coupled with a low dietary intake, may lead to a deficiency. Hello Metabolism + Sugar Support!

Magnesium

I heard there was Magnesium in the Metabolism + Sugar Support and I was like Oh Mg! Are you aware that we need Magnesium to produce insulin? This precious insulin is vital for regulating our blood sugar levels. 

We love you so much, we want you to feel confident and happy in yourself and your body - and managing your sugar cravings and weight imbalance is all part of that! This silly season, keep those cravings at bay with one of our top formulas - it’s the secret ingredient that will keep you feeling your best this Christmas!

References:

1. Broadhurst C, Polansky M, Anderson R. Insulin-like Biological Activity of Culinary and Medicinal Plant Aqueous Extracts in Vitro. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2000;48(3):849-852.
2. Tiwari P, Mishra B, Sangwan N. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Gymnema sylvestre: An Important Medicinal Plant. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:1-18.
3. Anderson R. Chromium as an Essential Nutrient for Humans. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 1997;26(1):S35-S41.
4. Lefébvre P, Paolisso G, Scheen A. Magnesium and glucose metabolism. Therapie. 2019;49(1):1-7.

But don’t stress, you can reduce the severity of that bloat in the blink of an eye if you follow these tips:

1. Manage your stress - stress and anxiety affect the function of your stomach and colon… so chill out! Your mental health can really impact your gut, so think about minimising stress by running a warm bath, reading a book, or sipping on some herbal tea.
   
   
2. Rethink that onion and garlic - we know, you hate us for even daring to suggest it, but both garlic and onion are part of a food group called FODMAPs - short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the gut. These can result in bloating, diarrhea, all that fun stuff… 
   
   
3. Yoga - fun fact: the stretching and twisting motions in yoga can help manage bloating and stomach aches! That’s right, get the downward dog going, thank us later!
   
   
4. Detox + Debloat - can’t stomach the bloat for another moment? Luckily we have created the perfect solution for you! This formula contains milk thistle and broccoli extract to naturally detoxify your liver, while containing fennel and turmeric to relieve digestive discomfort, bloating and inflammation. Get onto it, fam!
   
   
5. Pop a probiotic - probiotics are fab for making you poop on the reg, improving intestinal health, and reducing bloating and discomfort. Chat to your health professional to find a good quality one that is suitable for you - there’s no one size fits all approach here! There are no CONS to PRObiotics!
   
   
6. Hold your horses! - eating quickly and shovelling down your food as though you’ll never eat again can cause bloating and gas. Instead, slow down, sit down, take a few deep breaths and remove all distractions when you eat alllll the foods!

B vitamins are so important for your health and wellbeing. To be at your best your body needs you to constantly replenish your supply… but do you know why they’re so important?

Your B vits are your water-soluble vitamins, so any excess you consume will be excreted in your urine. Yes, this will turn your pee a brighter shade of yellow. And no, dw, it doesn’t mean you’re dehydrated. It just means some B vitamins are safer to consume at higher doses than other vits, but they require you to consume them more regularly since your body can’t store them for long.

These vitamins are the B all and end all! 

Energy Production

Many B vitamins are involved in every step of your body’s energy-generating process. A deficiency in any B vitamin is bad news for this process… say bye bye, energy! Active forms of certain B vitamins are essential for converting your food into energy. How cool is that?

Liver Support

Okay, we’re not saying you can just pop some B vitamins after a night on the wines and miraculously reverse any damage. Sorry, not sorry! A deficiency in water-soluble vitamins (mainly the Vitamin B-complex) is common in chronic liver disease, so de-liver some love to your liver and swallow those vitamins on the reg!

Brain Function

We’re about to blow your mind… B vitamins are essential for every aspect of your brain function. B vitamins play a major role in promoting long-term brain function throughout your life.  Vitamin B1 is essential for the healthy growth and function of organs, including your brain, while B5 is also vital for brain health.

Stress and Anxiety

Netflix and Chill not quite cutting it? We have another solution to relieve your stress! B vitamins such as folate, B6 and B12 are needed to convert amino acids in the body into proteins. If you don’t have enough B vitamins in your body, you could experience high levels of homocysteine; an amino acid produced in a state of inflammation. This can lead to heart problems, increased stress and an imbalance of antioxidants in your body. 

Skin and Digestion

What don’t the B vitamins do?! B2 is incred for skin health, while B5 helps metabolise fats, protein and carbs, and B6 is amazing for supporting the health of your nervous system! Aaaaand (drumroll please), that’s why we’ve included these in our Skin + Digestion formula! This vitamin is so effective in achieving glowing skin, reducing inflammation and relieving digestive discomfort! And now you know how important it will always B to get in those vits, what are you waiting for?!

References:

• Mock D.M. Biotin. In: Zempleni J., Rucker R.B., McCormick D.B., Suttie J.W., editors. Handbook of Vitamins. 4th ed. CRC Press; Boca Raton, FL, USA: 2007.
• Cabré E, Gassull M. Nutritional aspects of chronic liver disease. Clinical Nutrition. 1993;12:S52-S63.
• Mills P, Shenkin A, Anthony R, McLelland A, Main A, MacSween R et al. Assessment of nutritional status and in vivo immune responses in alcoholic liver disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1983;38(6):849-859.
• Spector R, Johanson C. REVIEW: Vitamin transport and homeostasis in mammalian brain: focus on Vitamins B and E. Journal of Neurochemistry. 2007;103(2):425-438.

Who doesn’t love a cup of coffee in the morning? We look forward to it each and every day, but too much caffeine can really drive up our cortisol and adrenaline levels, increasing stress in the body… So, reaching for that second cup in the afternoon might not be the best idea.

But not to worry, since we recommend sticking to one coffee a day, preferably before midday, we understand those withdrawals are real. So we’ve got you covered with four caffeine-free alternatives, which will still hit the spot when you’re craving your coffee hit!

Thank us later xo

References:

Ravikumar, C. (2014). Review on Herbal Teas. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 6(5), pp.236-238.

Kapp, J. and Sumner, W. (2019). Kombucha: a systematic review of the empirical evidence of human health benefit. Annals of Epidemiology, 30, pp.66-70.

Choi, U., Lee, O., Yim, J., Cho, C., Rhee, Y., Lim, S. and Kim, Y. (2010). Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Root and Leaf on Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 11(1), pp.67-78.

Wirngo, F., Lambert, M. and Jeppesen, P. (2016). The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes. The Review of Diabetic Studies, 13(2-3), pp.113-131.

We’ve all been there, sporting what feels like a mountain on your face. After trying everything in your power to get rid of it, you notice that dreaded faint purple scar appear smack-bang in the middle of your face! 

Preventing these scars is essential, since they’re like tattoos - they stick around forever! So you’ll want to take these tips on board to reduce the severity of scarring in the long-term. Don’t be a twit and take care of that zit!

1. Zinc.
   Yes, we were all zincing it! Zinc plays a huge role in controlling every phase of the wound-healing process, from repairing those skin cell membranes, to inflammation, immune defence, the forming of new tissue over a wound, and the formation of scars. So eat up! Think oysters, pumpkin seeds, legumes, eggs and wholegrains. Alternatively, supplement with the JSHealth Skin + Digestion vitamins for your daily dose of zinc!
   
   
2. Run from that sun!
   Suns out, buns out! But seriously, please go back inside. Exposing your wound or any scars you’ve had for less than 18 months to the sun, increases the risk of pigmentation from those trusty old UV rays. This can lead to thick and discoloured scars. So, no hat, no play, okay! We’re talking sunscreen with an SPF of 30, hat, shades and glasses.
   
   
3. Put a stop to the pop Trust us!
   We get the temptation, the satisfaction of that ooze! Anyone who has ever had a pimple has likely squeezed one at some point. It may not always cause scarring, but doing it consistently (especially over the same area), can not only make your acne spread and worsen, but also increases your risk of scarring in the long-term. 
   
   
4. Aloe vera.
   You had us at aloe! Aloe vera speeds up the wound healing process by encouraging the reproduction of connective tissue and the cells that produce keratin (the protein that forms our hair, skin and nails). Wait, there’s more! It is also anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce the size of the scar tissue. 

References: 

Lin P, Sermersheim M, Li H, Lee P, Steinberg S, Ma J. Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation. Nutrients. 2017;10(1):16.

Yuan X, Zhong S, Li S. Comparison Study of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing Using Different Fluences and Densities for Acne Scars in Asians: A Randomized Split-Face Trial. Dermatologic Surgery. 2014;40(5):545-552.

Gold MH, McGuire M, Mustoe TA, Pusic A, Sachdev M, Waibel J, et al. Updated international clinical recommendations on scar management: Part 2 - Algorithms for scar prevention and treatment. Dermatol Surg. 2014;40:825–31.

Teplicki E, Ma Q, Castillo D, Zarei M, Hustad A, Chen J et al. The Effects of Aloe vera on Wound Healing in Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Viability. Wounds. 2018;30(9):263-268.

Oryan A, Mohammadalipour A, Moshiri A, Tabandeh M. Topical Application of Aloe vera Accelerated Wound Healing, Modeling, and Remodeling. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2016;77(1):37-46.

You can buy every serum and expensive moisturiser under the sun, but these will never be a complete solution! Remember: beauty comes from within!

To help achieve that clear, perfect skin, here is my daily checklist:

1. Eat a nourishing breakfast containing essential fatty acids and fibre
   Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast high in skin-nurturing ingredients, like my Green Smoothie Bowl (https://jessicasepel.com/green-smoothie-bowl/) packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, is an awesome way to care for your skin.
   
   
2. Pop a JSHealth Skin + Digestion vitamin daily
   My Skin + Digestion formula contains Vitamins B2 and C, zinc and burdock, all of which help encourage healthy skin. I noticed the biggest improvement in my own skin after taking these vitamins for a few weeks!

3. Drink at least 2L of water every day
   Keeping hydrated is essential for skin health. (And no – drinking coffee or diet coke doesn’t count as hydration!)
   
   Water is super effective at flushing toxins from our body and skin, keeping skin moisturised, helping clear pimples, scarring and acne, and reducing fine lines and pores! Water is a miracle cure for almost everything, I swear by getting in that 2L daily.

Hope this helps angels, we love to hear about every result so let us know via email or DM how you are going! 💛

Who you gonna call?? JS MYTH BUSTERS!!

We've pulled out some of our most frequently asked questions... and we're here to bust them for you. We don't want to scare you away (although Halloween IS coming up) but instead educate you on the beauty of being human and all being different and individual people 🙌

Our first myth will sum this up for you. 

1. Vitamins will work the same for everyone

This comes up a lot! This is like saying, if an iron supplement gave you heaps of energy, it will do the same for everyone. But let’s be real: we are all lacking in different vitamins, and absorb nutrients differently to those around us. 

So if you start popping Vitamin C when you already have enough in your system, it won’t really have any benefit - it’s just creating expensive pee! However, if your friend is lacking it, they might feel awesome after starting on some supps.

So don’t compare yourself to others, or self-diagnose on Google (that's always a bad idea, we’ve all done it)...

2. Vitamins won’t interact with medication.

If you’re on medication for a specific condition, you have to be super cautious of any other products you’re taking at the same time. We know that two different drugs can interact with each other, and so too can vitamins and drugs.

Do your research - don’t just assume you can wing it, pop a bunch of pills and sit back and wait for amazing results, with no side-effects!

3. Vitamins are bad, you should rely on food

Absolutely, food should be your first port of call for solving nutrient deficiencies. HOWEVER, vitamins still definitely have a place in helping ensure we are getting adequate amounts of specific nutrients.

For example, magnesium. Due to the poor soil quality in Australia, it is almost impossible to get enough magnesium from our diets alone. Magnesium is responsible for more than 300 metabolic reactions in the body (AKA, it’s SUPER important) so supplementing with magnesium definitely has a bunch of benefits!

Our Metabolism + Sugar Support, and PM formulas both have magnesium in them for that reason - and because of how amazing it is for our bodies!

And again, for vegans, it can be difficult to get enough vitamins into your diet - here’s another place where vitamins can help! Vitamins aren’t the devil in disguise - especially our no-nasties ones!

4. The more the merrier!

It’s so important to check the ingredients and doses of all your supplements. Heaps of us take a multivitamin, along with a zinc, iron, Vitamin C or Vitamin B supplement. Stop right there! Just like a vitamin deficiency can be dangerous, so too can having excess quantities of a vitamin. Too much of a good thing, right?

Only take vitamins that are targeted for your specific needs (just like the JSHealth vitamins! *wink wink*)

5. The higher the dose, the faster the effects.

If this were true, we would be giving you guys bath-bomb sized tablets... but that's just not practical or effective. In Hair + Energy's case, two aren’t better than one.

Our Hair + Energy vitamins contain a therapeutic dose of iodine, which is above the recommended minimum daily intake, but below the upper limit according to Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Doubling up, or taking more than the directed dose of any vitamins can lead to vitamin toxicity - it’s a no from us! 

References:

1. Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D [Internet]. Ods.od.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 24 October 2019]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago. Precept Press 1998;1998:293.
3. Iodine | Nutrient Reference Values [Internet]. Nrv.gov.au. 2019 [cited 24 October 2019]. Available from: https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/iodine

Growing up, many of us were told to eat our greens. While greens aren’t often a child’s first choice for dinner, they’re a nutritional powerhouse.

Brassica vegetables – which include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cabbage and mustard leaves – are loaded with nutrients, minerals and phytochemicals, which are incredibly beneficial on the health of the human body. In addition, they’re rich in fibre, the antioxidants vitamins C and E and carotenoids – which give fruits and vegetables their rich colours.

Nutritional components

Brassica vegetables – and in particular, broccoli and broccoli sprouts – are also rich in sulforaphane, which is a natural plant compound that contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiproliferative, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Sulforaphane is one of the most largely studied bioactive substances found in the brassica family and has the ability to stimulate detoxifying enzymes.

Sulforaphane facilitates the activation of a specific protein that helps to regulate the expression of antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative damage. This also stimulates phase two for detoxification of the liver and reduces inflammatory responses in the body.

Indole-3-carbinol is another chemical produced by plants and present at high levels in most brassica vegetables. It has been shown to have a range of favourable properties with antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. 

How to enjoy 

We love roasting, steaming and blanching our brassica vegetables. They’re great additions to one-pan bakes, nourish bowls, breakfast bowls and soups. A simple way to boost your intake is to try our Detox + Debloat Vitamins, which are rich in brassica powder, plus plenty of other nutrients and minerals that nourish the body. 

References:

1. Ares A, Nozal M, Bernal J. Extraction, chemical characterization and biological activity determination of broccoli health promoting compounds. Journal of Chromatography A. 2013;1313:78-95.
2. Fujioka N, Fritz V, Upadhyaya P, Kassie F, Hecht S. Research on cruciferous vegetables, indole-3-carbinol, and cancer prevention: A tribute to Lee W. Wattenberg. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2016;60(6):1228-1238.
3. Maruthanila V, Poornima J, Mirunalini S. Attenuation of Carcinogenesis and the Mechanism Underlying by the Influence of Indole-3-carbinol and Its Metabolite 3,3′-Diindolylmethane: A Therapeutic Marvel. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences. 2014;2014:1-7.
4. Sivapalan T, Melchini A, Saha S, Needs P, Traka M, Tapp H et al. Bioavailability of Glucoraphanin and Sulforaphane from High-Glucoraphanin Broccoli. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2018;62(18):1700911.
5. Lampe J. Sulforaphane: from chemoprevention to pancreatic cancer treatment?. Gut. 2009;58(7):900-902.
6. Jeffery E, Araya M. Physiological effects of broccoli consumption. Phytochemistry Reviews. 2009;8(1):283-298.
7. Guerrero-Beltrán C, Calderón-Oliver M, Pedraza-Chaverri J, Chirino Y. Protective effect of sulforaphane against oxidative stress: Recent advances. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology. 2012;64(5):503-508.

Since its recent foray into the wellness world, it seems everyone loves turmeric. Originating in India, turmeric dates back thousands of years and has been used for its medicinal properties.

Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin – which gives it its bright yellow hue – and is rich in antioxidants.We’re so passionate about this spice and its anti-inflammatory properties that we added it to our Detox + Debloat Vitamin.

If you’re keen to hear more, here are three benefits of consuming turmeric: 

• It supports your liver: Our livers are responsible for many bodily processes – including producing hormones, detoxifying the body, and metabolising glucose and lipids. Therefore, any disruptions to the liver can negatively impact our health. Curcumin aids the functioning of the liver, with its protective and therapeutic benefits, which include suppressing inflammatory proteins, reducing the damage of free radicals and improving the body’s response to stress. 
  
  
• It boosts gastrointestinal function: With its distinctive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps to regulate gut function and is useful in the management of digestive issues such as IBS. Because curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can positively influence and strengthen the gut microbiome and immune cells in the body, which can improve gastrointestinal issues. 
  
  
• It’s rich in antioxidants: Turmeric contains a range of antioxidants, which work to protect the body, and give it its vibrant colour. Curcumin is considered to be a very strong lipid-soluble antioxidant, which protects cell membranes from damage.

By now, you’re probably familiar with the term ‘essential fatty acids’. It’s taken off in the wellness world – and for good reason. But you might be asking, “What exactly are essential fatty acids and how can they benefit me?” Simply put, omega-3 fatty acids are a class of polyunsaturated fatty acids and are made up of two components: EPA and DHA. They are dietary fats with a variety of health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties, and are commonly found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. If you’re keen to know more about the benefits of fish oil, we’ve rounded up three scientifically proven health and wellbeing benefits:

1. It aids mental wellbeing: The quality of our wellbeing is largely underestimated and is comprised of our mental, physical and emotional health. Inflammation is one of the main mechanisms in the development and pathophysiology of mood disorders such as depression, postpartum depression and bipolar. The two components of omega-3 fatty acids – which are EPA and DHA – help to reduce the manufacture and release of inflammatory compounds, which are associated with depression.  
   
   
2. It boosts skin health: Over the last few decades, our consumption of omega-6 fatty acids – which are found in many animal fats – has increased which has, in turn, increased the production of inflammatory antibodies that can lead to allergic responses and skin conditions, such as dermatitis. Fish oil helps to aid many skin conditions, as it can displace the components of omega-6 fatty acids and reduce the level of inflammation in the body and the skin.
   
   
3. It assists with joint health: Fish oil is known to have a pain relief effect for those experiencing arthritis due to its high content of omega-3 components, EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are used in the regulation of lipids, which are involved in the process of inflammation. Therefore, EPA and DHA rich oil can have the ability to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, making it a beneficial treatment for joint pain. 

While we advocate consuming rich sources of omega-3s in our food, it can be difficult to consume adequate amounts through our diet alone – especially for those fussy eaters out there. That’s why we’ve created the JSHealth Fish Oil, a high-purity fish oil supplement to support health and wellbeing.

References:

Swanson D, Block R, Mousa S. Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life. Advances in Nutrition. 2012;3(1):1-7.

Senftleber N, Nielsen S, Andersen J, Bliddal H, Tarp S, Lauritzen L et al. Marine Oil Supplements for Arthritis Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Nutrients. 2017;9(1):42.

Capuron L, Miller A. Immune system to brain signaling: Neuropsychopharmacological implications. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2011;130(2):226-238.

Chow C, Chow C. Fatty acids in foods and their health implications. 2nd ed. New York: M. Dekker; 2000.

Logan A. Neurobehavioral Aspects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Possible Mechanisms and Therapeutic Value in Major Depression. Omega-3 / Depression. 2003;8(4):410-425.

Proksch E, Brandner J, Jensen J. The skin: an indispensable barrier. Experimental Dermatology. 2008;17(12):1063-1072.

Ricketts JR, Rothe MJ, Grant-Kels JM. Nutrition and psoriasis. Clin Dermatol. 2010;28(6):615–626.

If there’s one mineral we love here at JSHealth Vitamins, it’s magnesium.

That’s because it’s important for many functions in the human body and acts as a co-factor for more than 300 different enzymes. Not only does it assist with energy production, but magnesium plays a role in muscle contraction, glycaemic regulation, blood pressure and nervous system function. Essentially, it’s great for our overall health and wellbeing. 

As a dietary source, magnesium is naturally found in many of our favourite foods, including legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy greens and whole grains. However, a large proportion of the Western population isn’t consuming the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium, which is between 400-420 grams per day for men, and 310-320 grams for women, according to the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council. This says a lot about the Western diet, which is heavy in processed and packaged foods, demineralised water and deficient soil. 

In light of this, we’ve worked to make magnesium easier to consume, which is why it stars in our PM multi-vitamin. We’re so passionate about the many benefits of magnesium, so we’ve rounded up five reasons to get your daily RDI of magnesium.  

To get the most out of our PM Vitamin, we recommend taking one with dinner, which allows the body plenty of time for the magnesium and lavender to take effect. It’s a beautiful way to prepare your body for a restorative, deep sleep. 

References:

1. Al Alawi A, Majoni S, Falhammar H. Magnesium and Human Health: Perspectives and Research Directions. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2018;2018:1-17.
2. Cao Y, Zhen S, Taylor A, Appleton S, Atlantis E, Shi Z. Magnesium Intake and Sleep Disorder Symptoms: Findings from the Jiangsu Nutrition Study of Chinese Adults at Five-Year Follow-Up. Nutrients. 2018;10(10):1354.
3. Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429. 
4. Niswender C, Conn P. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Disease. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2010;50(1):295-322.
5. Nielsen F. Relation between Magnesium Deficiency and Sleep Disorders and Associated Pathological Changes. 2015; 291-296
6. nrv.gov.au/nutrients/magnesium