Balance Me x DR.VEGAN® for Stress Awareness Month

As part of our spotlight on STRESS AWARENESS MONTH we’ve partnered with DR.VEGAN®, leading experts in plant-based supplements. After all, healthy skin starts from within and navigating supplements is a hot topic among our community. In conversation with Ella, Registered Nutritionist and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner at DR.VEGAN®, we’ve explored the connection between skincare, nutrition and stress-management to help us all keep our stress levels in check! 

 

What is the connection between gut health, stress, and skin conditions? 

Most health conditions start in the gut and supporting gut health has a direct benefit to other health problems. There is a phenomenon called the gut-skin axis which directly links the gut and the skin. The gut is the main exit of toxins from the body, and if it's not working properly, you're going to push toxins out of your skin instead, leading to poor skin health.  

 Another important axis in the body is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis which is the link between gut health and stress. The function of the gut directly dictates the stress response and vice versa.  

How do we best protect our gut health? 

Looking after gut health is essential for overall health. Consuming plenty of fibre from vegetables, fruit and whole grains promotes bowel regularity and feeds the good bacteria in the gut. Taking a good probiotic supplement can also keep your gut on track. Probiotics aid with the digestion of food and general digestive and gut health. DR.VEGAN’s Gut Works® is the award-winning supplement for complete gut health, providing the most effective support for a healthy gut microbiome. Gut Works® includes 6 scientifically studied probiotic strains and prebiotics, with 50bn CFU.  

 

Why Vegan?

Our products are vegan because we believe optimal health for individuals can only be achieved in a healthy, thriving world. At DR.VEGAN®, we are committed to creating products that are not only good for you and your skin, but also good for the planet. Our 100% vegan formula ensures minimal environmental impact, as we prioritise sustainability and compassion in everything we do. Like with Balance Me being kind to the earth is ultimately being kind to ourselves, fostering a healthier future for all. 

 What do you see as the top 5 factors that have a negative effect on energy and metabolism? 

• Nutrient deficiencies - without proper nutrition, the body does not function as it was designed to do, including the proper production of energy.  
• Stress - Chronic stress can play havoc with health! Chronic stress can lead to fatigue and burnout, as well as unhealthy behaviours that can worsen energy and metabolism.  
• Poor diet - If your diet is poor, your energy will be too! 
• Lack of physical activity - Exercising increases energy production as it increases the number of mitochondria in the body. The mitochondria are the energy production centres of the cells. The more we have the more energy we have and the higher our metabolism will be.  
• Poor sleep - Poor sleep leads to tiredness, fatigue, high stress levels and cravings for junk foods. If you have trouble sleeping you should seek help from a professional.

What supplements best support optimum energy levels? 

B vitamins and Vitamin C, however the body needs all the vitamins and minerals to some degree for energy production.  

 

What are the best supplements to take to support perimenopause?

Supporting the body naturally as hormones start to decline in perimenopause involves nourishing nutrition and targeted supplements to help maintain balance, energy, and overall well-being.  

 

Adaptogens - Adaptogens like ashwagandha help the body deal with stress, and can reduce anxiety experienced by many menopausal women.  

Phytoestrogens - Phytogestrogens such as red clover and hop mimic oestrogen and help to replace some lost oestrogen.  

B vitamins - B vitamins such as B6 and B12 help to regulate homocysteine levels. Women with high homocysteine levels typically experience a higher level of menopausal symptoms than women with lower levels. Vitamin B6 also helps to regulate hormones.  

Calming herbs - Calming herbs such as lemon balsam and hops may help to reduce perimenopause related mood fluctuations.   

 

DR.VEGAN’S PeriMenoFriend® is an award-winning formula with clinically proven botanicals, phytoestrogens, vitamins and minerals to help regulate hormones through perimenopause for mental performance, clearer thinking, a balanced mood, muscles, energy, and vitality.  

 

 Should we switch up our supplements as we move into menopause? 

Yes. Women have different requirements during the perimenopause and menopause, so its important to use a food supplement that reflects your current life stage.  

 

And finally, what can cause hair health to diminish and how can we reverse the damage? 

There are many issues that can affect hair health.   

 

Nutrient deficiencies – Lack of vitamins like biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin D can weaken hair. 
Stress – Chronic stress can lead to hair shedding (telogen effluvium) and disrupt the hair growth cycle. 
Hormonal imbalances – Changes in oestrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones can affect hair thickness and growth. 
Poor scalp health – Dryness, dandruff, or buildup can clog follicles and hinder healthy hair growth. 
Heat and chemical damage – Frequent use of heat styling tools, hair dye, and harsh treatments can weaken hair strands. 
Lack of protein – Hair is made of keratin, a protein, so insufficient protein intake can lead to weak, brittle hair. 
Dehydration – Not drinking enough water can make hair dry and prone to breakage 

DR.VEGAN’s Hair Saviour® is a unique formula of scientifically studied ingredients, including AnaGain™, to fuel healthy hair growth and strong, smooth, lustrous hair. Hair Saviour® is a nutrient-rich formula to support hair thinning, dull, dry and brittle hair, and fuelling naturally strong, healthy hair.  

Discover DR.VEGAN's® range of award-winning probiotics, vitamins and supplements.