Wellness Made Simple: 3 Key Supplements to Start Your Journey

From baby to adult, probiotics are necessary for good health. There are a lot of buzzwords surrounding the gut microbiome, many of which can be confusing to navigate. The one fundamental piece is the role those good bacteria or ‘probiotics’ plays in our overall health and wellbeing.   Let’s Talk Microbiome  Research is exploding with new information about how our gut’s function extends far beyond digestion, affecting things like mental health and mood, immune health, cardiovascular health and weight management to name a few.  Think of your microbiome as an entire ecosystem. A community of microorganisms including bacteria, located mainly in your intestines, that play an enormous role in our overall health. These bacteria help with digestion of our food and nutrients, but we are learning that their role extends far beyond that.   Did you know...  It is estimated that roughly 40 trillion bacterial cells and up to 1,000 different species of bacteria are found in the gut and make up 1-3% of our overall body weight. (2-6lbs!)  Probiotics Are Good Bacteria  Probiotics are ‘good bacteria’ that are important at every stage of life. By incorporating these into your diet or supplement routine, you help keep ‘bad bacteria’ at bay.  The microbiome develops early on and continues to diversify as we age. There are many ways to shape the diversity of our beneficial bacteria including the following 9 points.  Eat a diverse range and variety of food. Higher microbiome diversity is considered better for overall health. In particular, fibrous foods like legumes, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.  Eat fermented foods. Think sauerkraut, tempeh, kombucha and kefir. These live bacterial cultures will restore gut flora and prevent an overgrowth of the bad bacteria.  Eat prebiotic foods. This type of fiber will stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria. Think artichokes, banana, apple, oats and asparagus  Eat whole grains. Not only do they contain a lot of fiber, but beneficial carbs like beta glucan which are digested by the gut bacteria, help benefit weight, cancer risk, and diabetes.  Eat foods rich in polyphenols. Plant compounds in wine, green tea and dark chocolate are broken down by the gut to produce healthy bacterial growth  Get tested for food sensitivities. Foods that your body can’t digest, further contribute to underlying inflammation.   Stress management (think acid reflux, ulcers)  Exercise regularly!  Supplement with excellent quality probiotics.  Everyone Needs Probiotics at Any Age  Babies, children, and adults can all benefit from a good quality probiotic.   By adding a probiotic into your daily routine, you continue to help create a strong gut flora. This in turn, strengthens the immune system and contributes to overall health.  For Little Ones  For babies, probiotic drops are recommended, as they are easy to add to a bottle or simply in the mouth directly... Organika has one with Vitamin D - Baby Probiotic Drops with Vitamin D.  Kids can enjoy Probiotic Chewable Tablets, and adults can benefit from both a Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder.  It is never too late to incorporate a good probiotic into your supplement routine if you haven’t already started. To support diversity of bacteria, I also look for a multi-strain probiotic, meaning there are many sources of good bacteria.  You can achieve health for the whole family, simply by taking care of your gut flora.  

How to Make Time for Wellness—Even on Your Busiest Days Life can get busy, but wellness shouldn’t fall by the wayside. Wellness isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential to feeling your best and managing stress. Research shows that carving out time for focused activities and wellness can have measurable impacts on health and happiness. Here are some ways to incorporate wellness into your daily routine, even when time feels scarce. 1. Prioritize Mini Moments of Self-Care Self-care doesn’t require hours; small, mindful moments throughout the day can make a difference. A recent study by Saha and Iqbal (2023) found that scheduling focus time not only boosted work engagement but also reduced stress and increased satisfaction among workers. Try breathing exercises while your coffee brews or stretching between meetings. These small breaks can keep you grounded and connected to your wellness goals. 2. Meal Prep for Success Healthy eating is foundational for wellness, but it can be tough to cook daily. Spending a bit of time over the weekend to prep healthy snacks and meals will keep you energized all week. Scheduling regular wellness visits is another way to prioritize health—research by Tong et al. (2021) demonstrated that such visits in primary care not only help manage wellness but also facilitate early diagnoses and preventive care. 3. Incorporate Movement into Your Day Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. Fit in activity where you can—take a walk during lunch, do squats while folding laundry, or stretch with your kids. Studies also show that engaging in these short, focused periods of movement can improve both mood and energy levels. For instance, Mannino and Caronia (2017) highlighted the importance of time perspectives in healthcare work, suggesting that structured wellness time can enhance engagement and focus. 4. Support Your Health with Supplements When life is busy, it’s easy to miss key nutrients. Supplements can bridge the gap, ensuring your body gets the support it needs. Whether you opt for a multivitamin, probiotics, or collagen like Organika’s Enhanced Collagen, these can support your wellness journey, helping you stay balanced and healthy no matter your schedule. Prioritizing wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional actions make a big difference, helping you feel more energized and ready for anything. At Organika, we’re here to support you in your wellness journey, so you can make time for health—even on the busiest days. References https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Focus-Time-for-Wellbeing-and-Work-Engagement-of-Saha-Iqbal/066cb31929d91b459b8dcac276af32e35c796817

Do Collagen Supplements Support Weight Management and Fitness Goals? Collagen has exploded on the wellness scene, and not just as a beauty trend. From supporting healthy skin elasticity to strengthening joints, muscles, and the gut lining, collagen plays a role in many of the body’s essential functions. But as collagen powder and collagen supplements become more popular, a common question keeps coming up: Can collagen support weight management or fitness goals? The short answer: collagen isn’t a fat burner, but it may support weight management in several important ways, especially when paired with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Let’s break down how collagen works in the body and why it’s often included in routines focused on health, movement, and overall wellness. Why collagen matters more than you think Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of total body protein. It’s found in the skin, joints, muscles, bones, connective tissues, and digestive tract. There are many types of collagen, but most collagen supplements contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides powder, which allows the body to absorb and use it more efficiently. Common sources include: • Grass-fed collagen powder (bovine-based)• Marine collagen (fish-based) Both provide amino acids that support tissue repair, mobility, digestion, and structural strength. How collagen may support weight management Supporting fullness and steady energy As a source of protein and amino acids, collagen may help increase satiety, the feeling of fullness after eating. When you feel fuller for longer and blood sugar levels stay more stable, it often becomes easier to: • Reduce unnecessary snacking• Manage portions• Curb sugar cravings Many people incorporate protein-rich collagen powders like Enhanced Collagen Protein Original into smoothies or coffee as a simple way to boost daily protein intake while supporting joints and skin:   Helping maintain muscle and metabolism While collagen isn’t a complete protein on its own, it can still support muscle repair and recovery when paired with resistance training. Maintaining muscle mass is important for metabolism, the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns at rest. Over time, this can play a helpful role in body composition and long-term weight management. Supporting joint comfort for movement Joint discomfort is one of the biggest barriers to staying active. Collagen for joints helps support healthy connective tissue in tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. For people dealing with stiffness, overuse, or osteoarthritis, collagen supplementation may help improve comfort and mobility. Better joint support often means: • More consistent workouts• Easier daily movement• Less exercise avoidance due to pain Which naturally supports an active lifestyle. Promoting gut health Collagen also plays a role in strengthening the lining of the digestive tract. A healthy gut supports: • Efficient digestion• Better nutrient absorption• Balanced bacteria levels When digestion works well, the body is better equipped to regulate hunger, energy, and immune function, all factors that influence overall wellness and weight balance. Taking collagen a step further Some collagen blends include functional ingredients designed to support metabolism and energy. For example, Enhanced Collagen Boost combines hydrolyzed collagen peptides with ingredients like MCT oil to help promote fullness and support active weight management routines. These types of formulas are often used by people looking to support both protein intake and metabolic health in one simple step. Collagen and hydration for active days Staying hydrated is essential for workout performance, recovery, and energy levels. Collagen combined with electrolytes, like Organika’s Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen blends, can help support hydration while delivering collagen’s benefits for joints and connective tissue. This can be especially helpful during workouts, warm weather, or busy days with lots of movement. Collagen vs whey protein Many people wonder whether collagen supplements can replace traditional protein powders like whey. Both have different strengths: Whey protein is a complete protein ideal for muscle building.Collagen supplements support joints, skin, gut health, and connective tissue. For many active individuals, using both together provides a more well-rounded approach to fitness and recovery. How much collagen should you take per day? A common collagen dosage per day falls between: 10–20 grams daily This amount is often used in studies supporting joint health, skin benefits, muscle recovery, and gut support. Always follow product directions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. The bottom line Collagen supplements aren’t a quick fix for weight loss, but they can support key areas that influence fitness and healthy body composition, including: • Fullness and appetite control• Muscle maintenance• Joint mobility• Gut health When combined with movement, balanced nutrition, and consistent habits, collagen powder can be a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle. From collagen for joints and skin to overall structural support, collagen supplements offer benefits that go far beyond the scale.