EZ Melts Health Blog

Read Time: 5 minutes It’s not wise to use blanket statements, but in this case, we think it’s appropriate to assume most people enjoy going out to eat or have a few drinks to unwind. There are no dishes, no mess to clean up in your kitchen, and no time-consuming food prep required to enjoy a night out at a restaurant, bar, or lounge.  However, for people with food allergies who are limited in what they can order off a menu, it can be hard to feel included in a night out. It can be a huge source of stress to try and find an option that won’t make them sick—or worse. While some restaurants and venues are knowledgeable about food allergens and train their staff accordingly, there are still many places that are unable to guarantee their menu items are allergen-free. Do you have an allergy? Minimize the stress and hassle of planning a night out with these five tips.  Be the Fearless Food Leader Worried a loved one might forget about your allergy when they make a reservation? Are your group of friends trying to find a brewery to meet up after work?  Instead of worrying about what venue they might pick, take control and ownership of the plans. It’s worth having a conversation with close friends and family about your needs, and tell them that it would be less stressful for everyone involved if you picked a place you know is going to have safe options.  They will probably appreciate your initiative to assume the responsibility of the planning, and you eliminate the anxiety of wondering if you can even order.  Keep a List for Easy Decision-Making Are you finding it hard to keep track of all the safe places to eat out? Or maybe you always recommend this one restaurant, but your partner wants to switch it up this weekend.  Save a note on your phone with a list of two or three options you like for each cuisine you enjoy. Whether it’s Italian, Thai, or Indian, you’ll always have some backup places when a family member is feeling picky.  Look Online and Call Ahead Now we know it’s not fair to make planning a night out always fall on one person just because they have allergies. Inevitably, there will be a day when your friend really wants to check out the newest nightlife spot in town, or you don’t have time to assume the responsibility.  The easiest solution these days is to look online for a menu, then call the venue or restaurant in advance to double-check that they have cocktails and food you can safely order.  For example, if you have gluten intolerance and are going to a brewery for beers with some coworkers, check the menu online and call the venue to ask if they have gluten-free options like ciders or hard liquor alternatives to beer, which typically contain this allergen. There are also apps that track allergies at restaurants and bars so that you can feel further assured before heading out for the evening. Order Simple The closer to whole, unpackaged, and raw, the less likely it will be that the food you order contains allergens. Obviously don’t play hard and fast with your health, but a good way to guide your decision is to look for menu items that contain as little as possible in their ingredients and are in their natural state (think organic vegetables, fruits, meat without GMOs, etc.)  In addition, it’s a good rule of thumb to stay away from fried dishes or meals with a lot of sauces. Oils, dressing, and marinades with a lot of ingredients are harder to quality control, as they are often bought by the restaurant from a third party or have a lot of preservatives that could be cross-contaminated.  Share Your Concerns and Ask the Staff Questions Many hosts and serves will now ask if anyone in the party has food allergies, but if they don’t take that precaution, make sure you do. When a staff member doesn’t ask, it doesn’t mean there isn’t contamination. Ask questions to gauge their knowledge of their food and beverages. Some questions could be: Is there a chance for cross-contamination? What oils or marinades do you use and can you say for certain that a dish does not have this specific ingredient? Does the kitchen cook food separately when they are told there is an allergy?  If they aren’t certain or can’t tell you for sure, don’t feel bad about leaving to find another place. Worrying about what the staff or your loved ones will think if you get up and walk out is not as important as your health and safety. Besides, we would like to think your friends and family would be equally as concerned as you.  Allergen-Free Supplements You Can Feel Good About  If you’re looking for further ways to get good nutrition but have allergies, find supplements that are guaranteed to be free of the Big Nine Allergens.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free of artificial flavors and cross-contamination with the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements!

Read Time: 3 minutes Allergies are becoming more common in the US, and we aren't just talking about seasonal allergies here. There is a drastic increase in rates of people experiencing mild to severe symptoms, including asthma, food allergies, dermatitis, eczema, and even anaphylaxis.  Allergies can develop early or later in life due to genetics, environmental factors like pollution, and infections. No one can predict if someone will develop allergies, but a sizable hereditary factor is involved.  But recently, scientists have made a surprising discovery: vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, could be a factor in developing allergies. And it's more common than you might think — according to recent studies, about 42% of Americans today are vitamin D deficient.  How are nutrient deficiencies linked to allergic reactions? Read on to find out.    Causes & Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency Time in the sun can stimulate vitamin D production, but it's easy to develop a deficiency if you don't get enough, have pre-existing conditions, or have an unbalanced diet. Other factors include: Celiac's disease Chronic kidney/liver disease Taking some long-term heartburn medications Being elderly Having melanated skin In addition, vitamin D deficiency is linked to: Muscle weakness Mood swings Fatigue Bone and back pain Becoming ill often Hair loss Bone loss   The Connection Between Vitamin D and Allergies Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, rashes — all these and more are symptoms of an allergic reaction. They can happen when an allergen, like peanuts, shellfish, or pollen, enters your body and triggers your immune system. When allergens alert your immune system, it releases antibodies to fight back against the intruder—hence, an allergic reaction. In recent studies, low vitamin D levels have been linked to symptoms like asthma, eczema, and more. As we said before, it's not clear why different people experience different immune system triggers.  Some scientists believe that there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and an increased likelihood of allergic reactions because vitamin D is crucial in supporting your immune health. Many environmental and hereditary factors are at play in developing allergies, and studies show that vitamin D deficiency might be one more factor to add to the list.   The Easiest Way to Get Vitamin D Vitamin D deficiencies are on the rise in the US, probably due to working indoors, wearing sunscreen (a good thing), and unbalanced diets. It's even more important to take care of your health and make sure you are getting enough nutrition.  One of the easiest ways to boost your vitamin D intake is a supplement. Taking vitamin D for allergies can have many benefits. While you may be able to find vitamin D supplements elsewhere, it's finding quality products that count when it comes to your health. Make sure you choose a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body! EZ Melts supplements are all zero-sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, so you know that you are getting effective supplements that won't cause you harm. Try our newest vitamin D3 + K2 supplement here today. Thank you for being a part of the EZ Melts community!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

  Read time: 3 minutes There are factors to consider before starting a vitamin regimen that people often don’t consider. We research the benefits of taking different types of vitamins, brands, meltable vs solid capsules, and so on. But there’s one important factor that is left out: the time of day you take your supplements. Morning time, during your lunch break, or before bed....when you take your vitamin supplements can affect your body’s ability to absorb its nutrients. Read on for why that is and a sample routine you can follow every day. AM vs PM Your vitamin schedule isn’t a “one time fits all supplements” kind of deal. Being strategic with your supplements is the best way to reap the maximum benefits. Some vitamins, like multivitamins or prenatal/folic acid supplements, are best in the morning with food because your metabolism is revving up for the day and can digest these better. Many nutritionists believe if you take certain supplements at night, it won’t be able to digest as efficiently because digestion slows down in the evening and during sleep. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Taking specific vitamins and breaking them up into AM and PM doses can be beneficial. This is because mixing certain kinds of vitamins and minerals together either enhances or decreases nutrient absorption. For instance, fiber interferes with absorption of many supplements, so it’s best to take it at a separate time with a lot of water. In addition, iron shouldn’t be taken with zinc or calcium which can interfere with its absorption. Instead, opt for an iron supplement formulated with vitamin C which enhances iron absorption.   The dose of your vitamin also matters when thinking about your schedule. If you are taking large amounts of a vitamin all at once, like calcium, your body can have a hard time digesting it. Instead, it’s more beneficial to split it up into morning and evening dosages for optimal absorption. There are some supplements that are helpful to take only in the evening because of the desired effect it has on your body. For example, melatonin is a popular natural alternative to OTC sleeping pills. When taken during your evening routine, it tells your body’s circadian rhythm that it’s time to settle down for the night. Some supplements like L-theanine are flexible and can be taken at any time, depending on what benefits you are looking to get from them. Take an L-theanine supplement in the morning with your cup of coffee to support mental clarity and focus. After a long day, take l-theanine after dinner to wind down and support lower stress levels. All of this can become jumbled when trying to plan out your individual vitamin routine, so here is a sample schedule of when some of the most commonly used vitamins should be taken. There are many different vitamins out there, so talk to your doctor to make sure you take the supplements that are best for your needs. Your New Vitamin Routine Morning (take with food to prevent stomach upset): Multivitamin L-Theanine Prenatal/vitamin Bs Calcium Pro/prebiotics Afternoon (with lunch): Iron and Vitamin C Vitamin D Magnesium Evening (with meal or snack): Calcium Melatonin L-Theanine Fiber (before bed with a large glass of water) Do Research Before You Buy Best way to pick the right supplement? Research ahead of time. There is a growing shift away from chemical and artificial ingredients in the nutraceutical industry, and EZ Melts is proud to be a part of that movement. We ensure that our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, gluten free, and free of harmful or excess chemical additives and sweeteners. They melt quickly on the tongue, making it EZ to get the nutrition you need. Just check out our ingredients listed on the bottle and feel better knowing you are supporting your best health. Thanks for being a part of our community!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Read time: 4 minutes Life requires a lot of us—with errands, work, home life, and everything in between. It can be hard to juggle all your roles and responsibilities. And after a long winter (and a long year), it’s hard to get back into the swing of daily life. You may find yourself sluggish after the holidays and adjusting to the idea of everything being back in full swing. People are going back to offices and school in person, and it can be a big adjustment after the turmoil of the pandemic. If you are feeling exhausted from stress, facing sleepless nights, and have difficulty concentrating and performing everyday tasks, you are not alone. According to reports, people are feeling strained, drained, and on the verge of burnout from 2020—just as the world is starting to expect us to “go back to normal”. It’s important more than ever to focus on taking care of our physical and emotional needs as we process it all, but at EZ Melts, we recognize that it is vital to keep performing and being present for work, family, friends, and life as we try to find balance in this ever-changing world. So here are some tips for supporting your mood, performance, and energy levels as we navigate this together. Keeping a Calm Mindset It’s important to process our emotions and maintain a sense of balance and calm, not only for our emotional health but our physical health too, as stress impacts not only our minds but our bodies too. Here are some things you can try: Meditation and yoga; even five minutes of sitting still and practicing makes a difference Deep breathing in moments of high tension Exercise regularly doing something you enjoy—try to get a combination of anaerobic and aerobic workouts Make a point to spend quality time with friends and family, or call people you can’t come into contact with right now Find a hobby that distracts your mind and makes you feel accomplished Journal and keep track of moods and what caused them Keeping Sharp The parts of our brain that affect our recall and response time can be impacted by many environmental factors, including lack of physical health, mental strain, and even disease. With the stress of the past year, it’s important to keep sharp and supporting brain health with a variety of techniques aimed to keep us centered and focused, regardless of where we are or what we are dealing with. Try: Practicing with word games, sudoku, a jigsaw puzzle or other brain teasers helps keep your mind active and processing Adequate, quality REM sleep every night Shut off distractions while working  Keeping your mind concentrating on one thing at a time in order to give it all your focus Good nutrition—antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals impact your brain health and promote anti-aging benefits Keeping Steady Energy Levels How often do we feel tired and ready for a nap by mid-afternoon, or drained on the weekends so much that zoning out in front of the T.V. seems like the only thing we feel like doing? Most likely too much. Grabbing your third coffee of the day or downing a sugar-filled energy drink may seem like the solution, but it will cause a crash and leave you in an even worse position than you were before. Plus, the amount of energy you have in your reserves also affects your ability to perform your best, recall information, and deal with life’s stressors. It’s all connected! If dragging yourself to a vending machine or taking constant naps sounds like you, a lifestyle adjustment might be in order. Try these tips: Taking melatonin at night to wind your body down and prepare you for a full night’s rest Turning off electronics at night so you can get quality sleep Exercise in the morning to amp your energy levels Eating a high-fiber, high-protein breakfast with minimal sugar will keep you at even levels of energy Stretching and moving your body every hour for 5-10 minutes Dialing back on caffeine If you’re finding all three of these areas of your health being impacted by stress, poor sleep, and nutrition habits, don’t get overwhelmed! Starting with little changes to your lifestyle that feel achievable will help you stay committed to improving your physical and mental wellness. Our health is all connected and impacted by other parts of our body; when one part is off, your system can’t operate in synergy, so it’s best to think about health holistically. A quick and effortless way to support your performance, motivation, and wellness is to consider a supplement in addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet. Consider adding the EZ Melts’ Energy, Memory, and Mood Enhancer supplement to your daily routine. It aids in all of this without harmful chemicals or negative side effects. Our vitamins are fast melting and have a delicious customer-approved flavor. Unlike many major vitamin brands, our tablets are vegan and do not include harmful toxic ingredients, artificial flavors, or GMOs. Try us out and see the difference!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

“It seems everyone is looking at a screen these days” is a common phrase we hear now. Whether it be young adults reading emails and blasting music on public transportation, children playing with VR headsets on a day off, or toddlers being distracted by a show on a parent’s cell phone so they can finish errands, the increase in screen time is undeniable. Add the fact that colder months are approaching and families will be stuck indoors for longer periods of time for a while. Cultural and social norms over the past two decades have shifted dramatically in step with technological advancements. All of us enjoy the benefits of entertainment and human connection; it isn’t something to be ashamed about. But how much is too much for young minds? When tech is used excessively, especially by young children, it comes with some serious health costs-- both physical and psychological. So how can we moderate time spent in front of screens that still allows for some enjoyment?   Tech-Free Bedrooms Model this for your children in your own room: tech-free areas in your home, especially bedrooms. It is hard to monitor how much time children spend gaming or watching Netflix if it’s behind closed doors.   Family Hobbies Always wanted to learn how to crochet, paint on canvas, or build something with your hands? Start a group hobby with your children, so that everyone enjoys being critical and creative thinkers. Bonus? Quality family memories, which is also important for child development! Try setting this time to when your family is used to zoning out in front of the TV.   Time Limits and Reward Systems Don’t cold-turkey and immediately shift to the opposite extreme by taking all screen time away for good. This probably won’t go well, especially with children or teens who are differently-abled in their behavior. Try setting a time when they are allowed to watch or surf whatever they want (within reason). For example every weekday, 2 hours between 6pm-8pm, provided they went outside for a half hour after school and completed homework or chores. This will motivate them to complete the tasks at hand while teaching them time management and delayed gratification.   Outdoor Play Try to find at least one thing your family enjoys doing outside to minimize temptation. Try having a weekly bike ride scheduled, or have them take responsibility for walking pets around the neighborhood. Maybe even hiking to an isolated picnic spot or trail they enjoy. Physical movement is important at any age for health and longevity! It also helps improve focus, memory, and mood, which are all things that screens deplete over time. If you find yourself or other family members groggy, lethargic, and glued to Netflix, you might also want to try a supplement to support healthy energy levels and mood with approval from a medical provider.   The EZ Melts Difference All our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have delicious customer-approved flavors. If you are looking for a great way to support overall health and energy, try our multivitamin supplement! The EZ Melts promise: our vegan, non-GMO supplements have zero sugar or chemical additives. Thank you for being a part of our community! Thanks for being a part of our community! ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

The pandemic is still in full swing yet the holidays and work aren’t slowing down. Of course, the safest way to minimize risk for yourself and others around you is to stay home. However, if you do find yourself traveling or planning a holiday dinner, we have some tips for you to help keep you and the people around you safer from the virus. Even if you feel that you and the people around you have been safe, it only takes a second of contact with someone or a surface an infected person has touched recently to transmit the disease. On top of that, you can test false negative for days after being exposed to COVID and still be contagious without symptoms, so the safer you can be, and the less travel you can plan, the better--for everyone. Let’s get life back to normal by staying aware and staying safe!   By Car Minimize all bathroom and gas breaks--plan ahead! If you can get there on one tank, or without stopping to use a public restroom, it will limit your exposure to others and surfaces carrying the virus. Bring hand sanitizer with you everywhere.   By Train or Bus  Avoid touching any and all surfaces, even with gloves on. Wear a mask covering your nose and mouth, and gloves--if you have disposable gloves, those work too. Throw them out immediately after getting off and change them. Try not to use the bathroom on the train, and stay in your seat. If it is a commuter or business train, buy out the seat next to you, if possible. It might be more costly, but it’s safer for you and the people you love.   By Plane  If taking a flight, there is a two-fold situation to be aware of: the airport itself, with people coming in and flying out internationally and nationally, as well as the plane. If possible, ask your company to buy out the seats in your row, or check the website to see if there is a distancing policy in place. Wear your mask and gloves at all times--it’s uncomfortable, but safety is more important. Don’t take any refreshments or food that might cause a need for a bathroom break--the small space in a plane bathroom is the perfect breeding ground for the virus.    Holiday Gatherings States are cracking down effective immediately on most public and private gatherings. Some states are even implementing fines for obvious large gatherings and social events. Check out your state’s requirements here. If guests are coming into your home have them test with same-day results if possible. Don’t physically come into contact with them while they are in your home.    Preventative Measures  -Stay at home, have all groceries and necessities delivered. -Before people enter your home, ask if they have taken a test recently--many pharmacies and testing locations offer same-day results. Even if people can carry the virus and test false negative, it’s better to test than nothing at all. -Have hand sanitizer by every entrance with at least 60% alcohol as the main ingredient. -Require people to remove their shoes, coats, and wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and ample amounts of soap. -Consider having Zoom virtual gatherings for holiday festivities, and find activities that are suitable to do online with each other, instead of having people in your home.   Final Note  We know this is a somber and even scary time for many, however, if we all focus on minimizing risks as often as we can, and stay conscious of who and what we are coming into contact with, we can look forward to brighter holiday celebrations in the future! Be well, Your friends at EZ Melts ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

If this pandemic has reminded us of anything, it’s that health is our most valuable resource. Many people have been searching for ways to boost their immune systems and maintain optimal health as the first line of defense.  This has also led to reflection on our daily habits that are either detrimental or beneficial to our health. EZ Melts’ mission is to spread awareness about how to protect the health of ourselves and our loved ones during the pandemic and beyond! In addition, we want to highlight how some of the best health practices can be optimized by simply taking a vitamin supplement.  Here are three habits you can make more effective the easy way with vitamins!   1) Sleep Hygiene Sleep hygiene, or the practice of good, quality rest, is important for keeping your immune system strong. Not only does your body heal when you are in REM sleep mode, but it promotes optimal metabolism, brain performance, and a balanced appetite. Your body even produces vital hormones during sleep [1], and all this without you even having to think about it! Vitamin Boost: If you have trouble getting quality rest, try all-natural melatonin and vitamin D supplements. Melatonin and vitamin D are normally produced by the body and regulate your sleep cycles. However, if you work odd hours, don’t get enough sunlight, or get adequate nutrition containing these, you may be deficient!   2) Fitness and Physical Health  Routine movement is critical for your immune system, bone health, as well as your quality of sleep, mental wellness, and metabolism [2], to name a few! This doesn’t have to be extreme boot camp programs either--unless you’re into that! Simply making it a goal to walk around the block, taking breaks away from your desk to stretch and go for quick 15 minute jogs, cleaning your house or gardening is physical activity, and adequate activity and is linked to longevity [3]. It all adds up! Vitamin Boost: To maximize your body’s ability to repair muscle tissue after working out and increase your energy levels, consider iron and vitamin B supplements, especially if you feel you have a deficiency. Iron and B-complex help oxygen transport to your muscles, strengthens your bones, revs your metabolism, and is crucial to creating DNA [4], [5]!   3) Stress Less Mental wellness is just as important to your health as physical health, and research indicates that it even intertwines. In fact, anxiety and excess levels of stress are linked to a weaker immune system! In order to maximize your quality of life, pay attention to your stress levels. If you find you are overwhelmed or have less motivation to work and socialize, consider taking a break for mindfulness like this breathing exercise. In addition, practice the above habits and get adequate rest and nutrition, as these factors are linked to mental health [6]. Vitamin Boost: Vitamin deficiencies can also affect your mental health! If you believe you are struggling, talk to your doctor about how to support your mental wellness. This may include taking supplements like L-theanine and vitamin C. Vitamin C is linked to a healthier mind and protection against disorders [7], and L-theanine is believed to lower stress levels and help your body relax!   The takeaway here is practicing healthy habits and making it a part of your daily routine is helpful for your mental and physical well being. Taking supplements can support these habits for maximum benefit! Our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have delicious customer-approved flavors. The EZ Melts promise: our supplements have zero sugar or chemical additives, are vegan and non-GMO. Thanks for being a part of our community!   Sources https://sleepdisorders.sleepfoundation.org/chapter-1-normal-sleep/the-physiology-of-sleep-the-endocrine-system-sleep/ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/exercise-longevity-wellness-benefits.html#:~:text=Consider%20this%3A%20While%20federal%20guidelines,life%20span%20by%20three%20years. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324856 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287228 https://lifeandhealth.org/food/why-plant-based/nutrient-deficiency-the-trigger-of-mental-health-disorders/1314096.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGartjfE7vdy90PMmo5Xw1rQkJxXiv5slV7-psSGBxQ6hAHxcuSTdsBoC20UQAvD_BwE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30074145/ ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens