As I welcome you to the Weekend Read, I want to take a moment to reflect on our approach to health and wellbeing.  I have always thought that the stories behind specific compounds are fascinating, enabling a depth of understanding, not only about the clinical evidence supporting efficacy, but about why someone chose to look at something in the first place.  It can often take several decades for any given compound to be fully understood, and that is certainly true of the vitamin K story, and this is where we begin.

Weston Price was a Canadian dentist, born in 1870 and he was known primarily for his theories on the relationship between nutrition, dental health and physical health.  Over years of clinical practice, he grew disturbed by what he found when he examined his patients’ mouths, noting that rampant decay was often accompanied by serious problems elsewhere in the body, including arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and chronic fatigue.

Travelling the world studying indigenous communities and their diets, Weston Price became convinced there was a missing nutritional factor responsible, and he called that missing nutritional factor ‘Activator X’.  Decades later, in 1929, Danish scientist Dr Henrik Dam discovered a previously unknown vitamin which he realised was essential for the blood coagulation process, but it was to be a further decade, in 1939, before it was actually isolated and structurally analysed, at which time it was given the letter ‘K’, derived from the German word ‘Koagulation’, meaning essential for blood clotting.

It took until the late twentieth century for science to finally catch up with the observations of Weston Price.  We now know that vitamin K2 and Activator X are, in fact, one and the same, and that this quiet, overlooked nutrient was doing far more than anyone had ever given it credit for.  Vitamin K2 was first identified in the 1950s, with researchers subsequently discovering that gut bacteria play a major role in converting vitamin K1 into K2, yet for years afterwards it was largely overlooked before being rediscovered relatively recently as a significant factor in bone and cardiovascular health.

Vitamin K2 is necessary for the activation of osteocalcin, a protein responsible for transporting and integrating calcium into bone to support skeletal health.  By directing calcium into the bone matrix where it belongs, less calcium remains available to deposit itself into soft tissue, where it does not belong.  It does this by activating key proteins, including matrix GLA protein, which actively prevents calcium from accumulating in the arteries, guiding it instead toward our bones and teeth.

The findings of the Rotterdam Study were published in 2004, more than a decade after the recruitment of approximately 4800 subjects.  This ten-year population study found that healthy people consuming more than 32 micrograms of vitamin K2 daily were associated with a 50% reduction in arterial calcification and cardiovascular risk, and a three-year, double blind, randomised clinical trial involving 244 healthy postmenopausal women, demonstrated that the biologically active form of K2, MK7, meaningfully inhibited the age-related stiffening of arteries, with measurable improvements in vascular elasticity that the placebo group simply did not experience.

All of which leads me to two articles, the first taking a look at the benefits of K2, and in the second article, Shabir discusses the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis together with the crucial role K2 plays for joint health.  Often labelled ‘the forgotten vitamin’, K2 is taken seriously enough in Japan to be officially approved as a prescription medicine for osteoporosis, so given the importance of K2, and because we are mostly deficient in K2, we recommend Super K which provides the two biologically active forms of K2, MK4 and MK7 and it drops in price from £23 to £20, across the weekend.
VH Editorials: Vitamin K: Benefits, Food Sources & Side Effects; Differences Between Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis; Super K by Life Extension £20 for 90 Softgels (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 12 July)

Staying with Shabir’s article on the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it should be noted that arthritis is a general term for numerous conditions that damage joints and the term ‘arthritis’ simply means inflammation of the joint.  Although the causes of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are different, as explained in Shabir’s article, the result is the same in that inflammation causes the destruction of the cartilage resulting in joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

I write about Superior Joints often, mostly because we consider it to be best-in-class in its genre, but also because its key compound, Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM®) has been reviewed by the NIH and that review concluded that NEM® helps alleviate joint and muscle pain rapidly.  It is joined by Hydroxyproline, naturally occurring Glucosamine and other amino acids that are known to help stabilise cartilage when taken on a long-term basis.

Additionally, Superior Joints contains Hyaluronic Acid to cushion the cartilage matrix, Cherry extracts to neutralise acids that cause pain and stiffness, Ginger and a small amount of Turmeric for their circulatory benefits in removing acids, together with other vitamins known for their role in joint health.  As we know, there is no cure for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, but progression can be slowed and pain can be relieved with the correct supplementation so, once again, I am dropping the price of Superior Joints from £30 to £26 to help support joint health.
VH Editorial: Read This If You Suffer From Painful Joints; DoSe Superior Joints £26 for 60 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 12 July)

Let’s talk about Quercetin.  Quercetin is a flavonoid, a naturally occurring plant compound which can be found in onions, apples, capers, berries, broccoli, kale and red wine, but it is only within the past two decades that science has begun to properly understand the role Quercetin plays.  Research into Quercetin peaked around 2008 and again in 2019, coinciding with renewed scientific curiosity about compounds with antiviral, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

As such, it is one of the most widely studied flavonoids in existence, but its most recognisable benefit is Quercetin’s relationship with histamine, as it has the ability to stabilise mast cells, reducing histamine release.  Most certainly it helps to ease seasonal allergy symptoms, such as hay fever, so it works rather like a natural antihistamine, but unlike conventional antihistamines, it doesn’t sedate or dull the senses.

Histamine intolerance (HIT) is a completely different condition and this is where the body is unable to eliminate histamine from food and drink, leading to gastrointestinal and allergy-like symptoms.  Shabir takes an in-depth look at HIT in his article, linked below, where Quercetin is also recommended, and although there are no official statistics, it is thought that 1% of the population have this health concern, but it is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.  We recommend Lambert’s Quercetin, a high potency Quercetin, which drops in price from £27.50 to £24, across the weekend.
VH Editorial: Causes And Symptoms Of Histamine Intolerance; Quercetin by Lamberts £24 for 60 Tablets (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 12 July)

Moving on, digestive discomfort can often be debilitating and although we recommend Digestive Enzyme Complex as a foundational supplement for digestive concerns, such as bloating and gas, I think it is worth mentioning three supplements which can be taken as an adjunct to Digestive Enzyme Complex, or as stand-alone solutions.  Each of the following products address a specific concern and starting with the absorption of excess gas, WindAway® Activated Charcoal gently binds and absorbs excess gas in the digestive tract, to help reduce bloating and post-meal flatulence.
WindAway® Activated Charcoal by LifePlan £11.29 for 90 Capsules; DoSe Digestive Enzyme Complex £29 for 60 Capsules  

Peppermint oil demonstrates significant system relief for soothing cramping and intestinal tension, helping to relax intestinal muscles to ease bloating or spasms.  Specifically referencing IBS, Obbekjaers Peppermint Oil Extra Strength have been the subject of double-blind clinical trials in Denmark to help provide relief from the symptoms of IBS. Patients taking Peppermint Oil Capsules for four weeks reported a 68% improvement in their symptoms and with each capsule containing 200 mg of pure Peppermint oil, the warming effect of the menthol in Peppermint oil helps soothe the stomach, relieving the effects of indigestion.
Peppermint Oil Extra Strength by Obbekjaers £11.69 for 60 Capsules

The third, and final, supplement we recommend is Mega Probio, essentially because healthy digestion is dependent on the balance of the gut microbiome and it provides eight strains of beneficial bacteria, delivering 10 billion CFU per serving to support gut flora, immune function and optimal digestion.  With Mega Probio being one of our bestselling supplements, this is just to say that aside from maintaining a balanced intestinal environment, Mega Probio is particularly, and specifically, recommended after periods of stress or antibiotic use.  Mega Probio drops in price from £25 to £21.25, also across the weekend.
DoSe Mega Probio £21.25 for 60 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 12 July)

I recently wrote about Desert Therapy collection from Aromatherapy Associates, so today I want to talk about their Calm Confidence Bath & Shower Oil.  Calm Confidence combines soothing Blue Tansy, grounding Sandalwood and uplifting Jasmine which has been blended to help ease tension, while supporting emotional balance.  Most specifically, Blue Tansy is deeply calming to the nervous system, providing a comforting bath and shower treatment.

The Calm Confidence Pure Essential Oil Blend is a luxurious 100% natural essential oil blend for aromatherapy diffusion and emotional wellbeing, designed to help restore calm as it helps to support a sense of emotional balance and relaxation.  In and of support, well a different kind of support, we are offering a 15% discount across the entire Aromatherapy Associates range of products, and in another moment, a limited edition moment, we will also include Light Relax Bath & Shower Oil (9ml) as a gift, worth £14, with a note to say there is only one gift per customer and if the gift fails to go into your basket, the offer is over.
Calm Confidence Bath & Shower Oil; Calm Confidence Pure Essential Oil Blend; Aromatherapy Associates Products

To the end with two products from the DoSe skincare collection, the first being Ergothioneine Hand Cream, a deeply hydrating and moisturising hand cream for dry skin, age spots, dry cuticles and cracked hands.  Ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant is one of three key ingredients and it is joined by Alpha Arbutin to brighten and even skin tone, and Vitamin F Forte, which is rich in essential fatty acids to deeply nourish and restore moisture.  Fragranced with uplifting Geranium, it absorbs rapidly into skin providing a protective hand treatment, helping to defend our hands from the visible signs of ageing, it drops in price from £20 to £17.
DoSe Ergothioneine Hand Cream £17 for 75 ml (offer ends midnight BST, Monday 13 July)

With Alpha Arbutin being a key ingredient of Ergothioneine Hand Cream, it is worth taking a closer look, essentially because this active compound has the ability to target specific skin issues, such as age spots and uneven skin tone.  Pigmentation problems are tremendously common due to the excessive production of the skin’s pigment, melanin.  There are several root causes including long-term sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation and ageing, which increase the skin’s melanin production by the pigment producing cells, melanocytes. 

The enzyme responsible for pigment production is called tyrosinase and in clinical studies, Alpha Arbutin has been found to have a strong effect on inhibiting tyrosinase, as cited in Shabir’s article, linked below.  It is interesting to note that in this human skin model, Alpha Arbutin reduced pigment production by 60% when compared to the control group, and further studies uphold those findings.   So, with a deep dive into the attributes of Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid and Niacinamide, as below, Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum drops in price from £18 to £15.
VH Editorial: Alpha Arbutin For Uneven Skin Tone; DoSe Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum £15 for 30 ml (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 13 July)

Before we head into the Saturday only treat, some feedback about Mrs White's Unstung Hero, which remains one of our bestselling summer products.  Several people have told me that they are gifting Unsung Hero when visiting friends and family, which seems a rather fabulous idea given its mosquito repellent properties.  That aside, its fresh uplifting fragrance could become the fragrance of the summer, bearing in mind that most fragrances attract insects rather than deter them. And, just perhaps, it could become the ultimate summer gift.  
Mrs White’s Unstung Hero Mosquito Repellent £20 for 250 ml (glass bottle); Mrs White’s Unstung Hero Mosquito Repellent £15 for 100 ml (aluminium bottle)

So, into the Saturday only treat, and with every order placed for £35 or above, excluding p&p, we will automatically send you Trufflesque (7 ml)*, a rather decadent face mask containing black summer truffles, gold and silk peptides, natural plant extracts and a fruit and amino acid cocktail.  Full product details below.
Trufflesque 

Finally, ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay, not only honours the Weston Price story, but it also honours the ongoing depth of research which enables us to embrace the cutting-edge and pioneering compounds that continue to make such a difference to our health and wellbeing.  ‘Nobody Said It Was Easy’. 
The Scientist by Coldplay; The VH Playlist

As ever, my gratitude to each of you for your continued loyalty and support.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

With love

Gill x