Contributors

Demystifying the Flu

February 14, 2013

By Elizabeth Willis, Herbalist/Nutritionist

Want to help prevent the flu? First you need to know a little about how flu and your body work. The flu is a viral infection that often occurs in the winter, for several reasons—because we don’t get much exposure to sunlight and are often deficient in vitamin D, because we’re indoors consistently (and...

The Scoop on Vitamins: B12 – Cobalamin

December 1, 2012

By Elizabeth Willis, Herbalist/Nutritionist

B12 is the most complex and unique of all B vitamins. The only source of B12 in nature is from microbial synthesis in So why is B12 so important? B12 is vital for amino acid synthesis, DNA replication and the manufacturing of neurotransmitters that are partially responsible for stabilizing mood and sleep patterns. Signs...

The Scoop on Vitamins: B9 – Folic Acid

November 20, 2012

By Elizabeth Willis, Herbalist/Nutritionist

This is part of our continuing series on the function of vitamins in the body. Folic acid is one of the more well known B vitamins because of its importance during pregnancy for healthy fetal development, particularly during the first trimester. While the connection isn’t completely understood, the demand for folate most likely increases...

The Scoop on Vitamins: Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin

September 12, 2012

By Elizabeth Willis, Herbalist/Nutritionist

The Scoop on Vitamins: Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin

This is part of our continuing series on the function of vitamins in the body. Vitamin B2 is a powerhouse of energy, and a key member of the B vitamin family. B2, or riboflavin, is comprised of two enzymes: flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide, which play an essential role in the breakdown and...

The Scoop on Vitamins: Vitamin B1 – Thiamine

August 20, 2012

By Elizabeth Willis, Herbalist/Nutritionist

This is part of our continuing series on the function of vitamins in the body. The family of B vitamins is collectively called the B Complex. B Vitamins are used in many ways, from helping the liver clear toxins and excess hormones to creating energy within our cells. Every system in your body requires...

The Scoop on Vitamins

June 27, 2012

By Elizabeth Willis, Herbalist/Nutritionist

Ever wonder exactly how and why we need vitamins in our diet? Here’s a little primer on how vitamins function in our bodies. Put plainly, a vitamin is an organic compound essential for life. It is essential because it cannot be created in the body, and must be obtained through food for the body to stay alive....