Hello!In today's episode, I break down the mineral calcium in detail, specifically covering:How we absorb calcium from foodWhat nutritional factors influence how much calcium we absorbWhat medications interfere with its absorption and can predispose us to calcium loss despite adequate intakeWhat hormones control the calcium we absorb and which ones keep blood calcium levels tightly regulated: introducing the hormones PTH and calcitonin.What functions calcium performs in our body: beyond bone, its key role in the synthesis of enzymes like phosphodiesterase, NO synthase, phospholipase A2...What foods are richest in calcium per servingIn which cases taking calcium supplements may be justified; with calcium citrate being the ideal in these casesWhy vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is key in calcium managementI hope you enjoy it :)For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily contentMy TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQAnd the supplements formulated by me https://ivbwellness.comFor more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily contentMy TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel YouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my website My website

NAD, NMN, or NR Supplements for Longevity: Real Science or Luxury Marketing? Hello, I am Dr. Isabel Viña Bas, a physician and scientific director at IVB Wellness Lab. I have been following the current obsession with the elixir of eternal youth with fascination, and quite a bit of skepticism, for some time. The latest trend on social media, pushed by luxury clinics and biohacking gurus, revolves around three acronyms: NAD, NMN, and NR. They are presented to us as the formula capable of stopping the biological clock,, giving us back the energy of our twenties, and repairing cells from within. My job is to help you know more so you can fear less and choose better, so today it is time to take a close look at what real biochemistry says and the evidence in humans regarding these food supplements. Is it worth spending hundreds of euros a month on them, or is it just another wellness industry scam? NAD, NMN, or NR: How do they differ and which one is worth it? The three acronyms sound the same, but they are not. NAD is the active molecule your cell needs, while NMN and NR are precursors that, in theory, should convert into NAD inside the body. The real difference lies in whether the body can actually absorb and utilize them, and that is where most of the marketing falls apart. Oral NAD does not reach the cell intact; it breaks down before being absorbed. NMN is a large molecule that needs to be converted into NR first to enter, so you are paying for efficiency that has already been lost along the way. NR is the only one of the three with serious clinical studies in humans, and even then, the results are modest: none of the three has proven to be clearly superior, except for the specific role of NR in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Criteria NAD NMN NR Oral absorption Not absorbed intact Large molecule, limited entry Is absorbed and raises blood NAD+ Pathway to NAD+ Direct, but does not reach the cell Needs to be converted to NR first Most direct and best-studied pathway Clinical evidence in humans Practically non-existent Limited and with mixed results The most consistent of the three, though modest Cost at effective dose Not applicable: does not work orally High due to conversion inefficiency Between 300 and 400 euros per month at effective doses Result in general population Not recommended Does not justify the cost Modest role; only one with evidence in ALS What is NAD+ and why can't your mitochondria live without it? NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in each and every one of your cells. Without NAD+ life is not possible: it is the molecule that allows your mitochondria to produce energy and your DNA to repair itself daily. When you eat carbohydrates, fats, or proteins, your body cannot use them directly as fuel. Everything must be transformed into ATP, the universal energy currency of the cell. That process occurs in the mitochondria, through the electron transport chain, and NAD is what starts Complex I of that chain. Without enough NAD, Complex I does not start, the mitochondria do not breathe, and the cell runs out of energy. Furthermore, NAD is the sole fuel for PARP polymerases, the enzymes that monitor and repair your DNA every day. If your NAD levels drop, the PARPs run out of batteries, DNA accumulates uncorrected mutations, and cellular aging accelerates. The aging paradox: NAD versus NADH It is true that intracellular NAD drops with age, and the industry uses that data to sell you the idea that at fifty you have half the NAD you had at twenty, so you just need to take a capsule to rejuvenate. But there is a nuance they don't usually tell you. What really happens is not that NAD simply disappears, but that the mitochondria lose the ability to maintain the balance between NAD and its reduced form, NADH. NAD drops and NADH rises because the damaged mitochondria no longer recycle it well. That imbalance reflects that the mitochondrial factory is broken, and that is not fixed by saturating the system with external NAD. Why don't NAD and NMN pills work the way you're told? Before buying any food supplement, ask yourself if your body can actually absorb it. In the case of NAD and NMN, physiology is quite stubborn. Oral NAD is not absorbed. It is a molecule that is too large, with no transporters in the intestine, so as soon as you swallow it, it breaks down into nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and AMP. It does not reach your cells intact, no matter how much the bottle costs over ninety euros. The NMN is not the magic solution either: it is also a molecule that is too large to enter the cell directly. First, it has to be converted into NR, cross the membrane, and transform again inside. It is a biochemical detour that makes the product more expensive without the efficacy to justify it. The harsh reality of NR (nicotinamide riboside) in humans Since NAD is not absorbed and NMN is inefficient, the industry pinned its hopes on nicotinamide riboside, or NR. In mice, the results seemed spectacular, almost like rejuvenation. The problem is that a mouse lives for two or three years and has a metabolism that is nothing like ours. When these supplements are taken to real clinical trials with people, the promise deflates. To achieve a moderate increase in cellular NAD, two to four grams per day are needed, which means between three hundred and four hundred euros per month. And the results in humans are, to be generous, disappointing: it does not improve fat loss, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, or physical performance. The only exception with some evidence is a modest role in slowing down amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The salvage pathway: how we optimize NAD+ at IVB Wellness Lab So, how do you really raise NAD without going broke? The answer lies in the body's own wisdom: the salvage pathway. Ninety-nine percent of your cellular NAD is generated by recycling nicotinamide (vitamin B3), a small molecule that is one hundred percent absorbed and converts into NAD without detours. That is why at IVB Wellness Lab we do not sell exogenous NAD, which we already know does not work. We incorporate pure nicotinamide in precision doses, from fifteen to thirty milligrams, in formulas like TyroEnergy and Energy UP. It is a safe and effective way to recharge the mitochondrial Complex I without the flushing or itching caused by nicotinic acid. Taking care of the entire mitochondrion requires more than just NAD. To protect Complexes II, III, and IV, we combine Coenzyme Q10 with pure Creavitalis® creatine, which recharges cellular ATP without depleting your methyl group reserves. If you are interested in the topic, I already wrote about why I consider creatine key to longevity. And to repair DNA, one of the allies is Methyl-B12, which supports the methylation cycle together with active folate. The true elixirs of youth: muscle and fiber If someone sells you a hundred-euro bottle as the ultimate secret to longevity, be suspicious. Real longevity is largely lifestyle, and only a small part is strategic supplementation. Strength training is the most powerful biological stimulus that exists to create new mitochondria, far above any fast or capsule. Muscle is the organ of longevity, and no one at eighty would want to arrive without it. Fiber also does its part: every ten percent more fiber in your diet is associated with more years and better quality of life. It feeds your microbiota, which produces short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, and that reduces liver inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity throughout the body. Supplementation is a habit enhancer, not a substitute: move, eat colorful fiber, and take care of your mitochondria with real science. Frequently asked questions about NAD+, NMN, and NR What is NAD+ and what is it used for in the body? NAD+ is a coenzyme present in all cells. It allows mitochondria to produce ATP (energy) and PARP enzymes to repair damaged DNA. Without sufficient levels, cellular energy production and DNA repair are compromised. Is NAD in capsules actually absorbed? No. NAD is a molecule that is too large to pass through the intestine intact: it breaks down into nicotinamide and AMP before reaching the cell. Taking it orally does not raise intracellular NAD. Is it worth taking NMN or NR for longevity? With current evidence in humans, it is not clear. Clinical trials with NR do not show improvements in fat loss, insulin sensitivity, or physical performance, and effective doses are very expensive. There is only limited evidence in the context of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. How can NAD+ be increased naturally? Through the salvage pathway: by providing nicotinamide (vitamin B3), which the body converts into NAD efficiently, and combining it with habits that stimulate the mitochondria, such as strength training and a fiber-rich diet. Which is better, NAD, NMN, or NR? None stands out clearly for the general population: oral NAD is not absorbed, NMN is inefficient and expensive, and NR is the only one with studies in humans, although with modest results except in the context of ALS. The combination of nicotinamide, strength training, and fiber remains the strategy with the most support. Author: Dr. Isabel Viña Bas   I hope you like it :)For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content My TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel YouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my website My website

Hola! In today's episode, I'll try to shed some light on the different types of hormonal contraceptives available so that, if you're considering using them, you'll know what to expect, how they work and how they don't work, and can decide what's best for your personal situation.Additionally, I'll tell you:Why you don't menstruate with the pill or hormonal ring, but rather have withdrawal bleeding.What are the differences between hormone therapy for menopause and the contraceptive pill or ring?Does the pill affect the microbiota?Can the pill or ring cause anemia? And raise cholesterol?What is the "mini-pill" and why is it the only hormonal contraceptive method recommended in the first few months postpartum.If you stop taking the pill and your period doesn't come, what could be happening?Is the pill a treatment for endometriosis?I'll try to explain all of this and much more in an approachable and educational way. For any extra questions, always consult your personal doctor:)For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content. On my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQ And the supplements formulated by me https://ivbwellness.comFor more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content.My TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel YouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my website My Website

Hello! In today's podcast episode, I have the wonderful help of Doctor Juan Viña again, a Doctor, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Medicine of Valencia, and on top of that, the most VIP, my father :) In today's episode, we will learn: Why do we need fats in our diet? What types of fats can we consume and what are their main differences? Where does the fat we eat go? What hormonal factors regulate fat use in the body after eating or in general? What happens when fat cannot be stored in the usual depots? How do we quantify the fat we have in our body? What is the famous "metabolic fatty liver"? In relation to a topic that always generates friction and debate, is it true that excess sugar turns into fat? How does this process occur? I hope you like it, and for any extra questions, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content On my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQ And the supplements formulated by me https://ivbwellness.com For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content My TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel YouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my website My Website

!Hello! In today's podcast episode, I have the wonderful help of Doctor Juan Viña again, a Physician, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Medicine of Valencia, and on top of that, the most VIP person, my father :) In today's episode, we will learn: What different types of muscle fibers do we have and what are their main biochemical characteristics that justify their existence? Can muscle fiber types or the percentage of each type we have be modified? How do the muscle fibers of skeletal muscle (like the biceps or quadriceps) differ metabolically from the muscle fibers of the heart? Are there biochemical markers in the blood for muscle damage when, for example, we suffer a heart attack? If so, what are they, why do they increase, and what is their usefulness. I hope you like it, and if you have any extra questions, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content On my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQ And the supplements formulated by me at https://ivbwellness.comFor more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content My TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel YouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my website My Website

Hello! In today's episode I'm talking about the "new" weight loss drugs: semaglutide (Ozemp*c/Wegob*) and tirzepatide (Mounjar*) So, in this episode I'll tell you about the fundamental mechanisms by which they achieve losses of 15-18% of body weight What are the main disadvantages? How much of the weight lost is muscle and how to mitigate muscle loss. What happens if you stop using the drug: Do you regain all the lost weight? I'll tell you about this and much more in the episode :) I hope you learn a lot so you know more, fear less, and choose better :) For more information, you know you can find me on Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content. On my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQ And the supplements formulated by me https://ivbwellness.com For more information, you know you can find me on Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content. My TikTok @isabelvinabas On my YouTube channel And the supplements I've formulated are on my website . My website

Omega-3 and Cardiovascular Health: What the Evidence Really Says About Atrial Fibrillation Hello, I am Dr. Isabel Viña Bas, physician and Scientific Director at IVB Wellness Lab. Relatively recently, a news story generated quite a stir among those who take omega-3 dietary supplements: can omega-3 increase the risk of atrial fibrillation? Following a study published in British Medical Journal, several headlines suggested that taking omega-3s could be harmful to the heart, even for healthy individuals. But in science, sticking to the headline means only getting half the story. A study is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, and to interpret it correctly, you have to look at how it was conducted, who was studied, what was actually measured, and what its limitations were. In this case, moreover, there is much more evidence regarding the Omega-3 and Cardiovascular Health than fits in a headline. The idea I want you to take away from the start is the same one I always repeat in consultations: more is not better, better is better. With the Omega-3 this applies What did the study that linked fish oil consumption to atrial fibrillation say? The study that sparked the controversy was published in British Medical Journal fish oil supplements with four different scenarios: prevention in healthy individuals, established cardiovascular disease (including atrial fibrillation), major events such as heart attack or stroke, and mortality. And here comes the first important nuance, the one that almost no headline picked up on: the study did not conclude that omega-3 increased the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in healthy people. In those who they already had cardiovascular disease, omega-3 appeared to be associated with certain benefits; in healthy individuals, the effect on stroke, heart attack, angina, or cardiovascular death was neutral. What did make headlines was something else: in healthy individuals, an association was observed with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation. And this is where it pays to sweep under the rug and look at how that supposed omega-3 consumption had been measured. How was omega-3 intake actually measured in this study? This is, for me, one of the most eye-opening parts of the entire analysis. Upon entering the study, participants were only asked if took omega-3 supplements. La respuesta era sí o no, sin más matiz. They did not record which type of omega-3 they took, whether it came from fish oil or algae, the total amount consumed, how much EPA and DHA the product provided, or whether they maintained that intake throughout the 10–12 years of follow-up. And this last point is especially important: someone who reported taking omega-3 at the baseline could have stopped years later, and someone who started without taking it could have added it later on. Therefore, we cannot assume that the behavior declared at the beginning remained the same throughout the entire follow-up. This is one of the limitations that, for me, carries the most weight when drawing general conclusions about omega-3 consumption. We also didn't know how much EPA and DHA each person was taking, and this is key because EPA and DHA are the two active omega-3s So, does omega-3 increase the risk of atrial fibrillation? the dose. El omega-3 participa en la conducción del impulso eléctrico del corazón. El EPA y el DHA favorecen el funcionamiento de la bomba sodio-potasio ATPasa, presente en las células cardíacas, necesaria para generar y mantener el gradiente eléctrico que permite que el corazón se contraiga. too fast electrical conduction. According to the episode's explanation, dose-response studies suggest that up to 1.5 grams of omega-3 daily This explains why some results seem contradictory at first glance. We are not dealing with a molecule that is simply good or bad for the heart; we are dealing with a substance whose effect it also depends on the quantity, like a curve where increasing the dose helps up to a point, after which it stops adding value and can even work against you. Omega-3 in people with cardiovascular disease: a different effect than in healthy people Here, for me, is one of the most interesting parts of the study. In people with cardiovascular disease, omega-3 consumption was associated with a protective effect against certain events. It may seem contradictory to the association with atrial fibrillation observed in healthy individuals, but that is precisely why we cannot analyze an isolated result without considering the person's context and the amount of omega-3 involved. The study showed that, in people with cardiovascular disease, omega-3 could be beneficial, while in healthy people the effect on stroke, heart attack, or cardiovascular death was neutral, with that added association to atrial fibrillation. Subsequent evidence helps put more pieces of this puzzle together. What do other studies say about omega-3 and cardiovascular health? The episode also analyzes another study published in British Medical Journal in 2020, conducted in nearly half a million people, which evaluated the relationship between the regular consumption of omega-3 and cardiovascular events. Here, regular consumption of omega-3 was associated with lower cardiovascular risk, a lower risk of all-cause mortality and a small benefit against myocardial infarction, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. And, unlike the study that made headlines, that increased risk of atrial fibrillation was not observed in healthy individuals. This does not mean that one study invalidates the other. What it allows us to understand is that the scientific evidence is more complex than a headline, and that the various studies, their characteristics, and their limitations must be evaluated together. It is also the underlying reason why I place so much emphasis on not focusing solely on major events and reviewing markers such as the lipoprotein(a), a frequently overlooked cardiovascular risk factor. What amount of omega-3 (EPA and DHA) actually protects cardiovascular health? Another of the studies mentioned in the episode is the VITAL study, which analyzed supplementation with 840 mg of EPA and DHA These results add another piece to the body of evidence and help to understand that the moderate doses of EPA and DHA may have a different profile than that of very high doses. Why Omega-3 Can Protect the Heart, Beyond Heart Rhythm Omega-3 may offer beneficial effects against certain cardiovascular events. This idea is also supported by a meta-analysis involving more than 80,000 people and various studies with different amounts of omega-3. The general conclusion is that omega-3 fatty acids have a cardiovascular protective role, aunque existe una relación entre dosis y riesgo de fibrilación auricular. Volvemos, de nuevo, al mismo punto: no se trata de tomar más omega-3, sino de encontrar la cantidad adecuada. How much omega-3 should we take per day? If you want to benefit from omega-3 without resorting to excessive amounts, the first step is to distinguish between a necessary minimum and higher quantities that may make sense in specific situations. At a minimum, an intake of approximately 250 mg daily of EPA + DHA, the recommended amount by the EFSA and the World Health Organization as explained in the episode. From there, intake can be increased according to individual needs. As a general strategy, I stay between 250 mg and 1.5-2 grams daily, avoiding reaching 3-4 grams per day unless there is a specific recommendation from a healthcare professional. This does not mean that everyone needs to take a food supplement. Omega-3 is also obtained through your diet, and if your diet already allows you to achieve an adequate intake, that can perfectly be your strategy. The supplementation should be understood as a tool to supplement the diet, not to replace it. How to know if we are getting enough omega-3? There is a way to find out your omega-3 level: the Omega-3 Erythrocyte Index, which measures the amount of omega-3 present on the surface of erythrocytes. According to the data from the episode, an index between approximately 8 and 12% is considered adequate. Below 8% there is a higher cardiovascular risk This measurement is not essential for everyone, but it can be useful if you want to know if your diet provides enough omega-3 or check how your body responds to a specific strategy. Can we get enough omega-3 from diet alone? Yes, and in fact this should always be one of the first strategies to consider. If you eat fish regularly, you can get EPA and DHA directly through diet. With a vegan diet, the situation is somewhat more complex. Plant-based foods mainly provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which the body can convert into EPA and DHA, but with limited conversion. Those following a vegan diet need to be especially consistent with chia and flax seeds, or flaxseed oil, to achieve the necessary ALA intake, although this conversion remains limited and also depends on individual capacity. That is why, in this context, supplementation can be an option to ensure at least the minimum intake. But the underlying idea remains the same: the supplementation should not substitute ¿Qué pescado azul aporta más omega-3? Find out what fish are highest in omega-3 helps you make better choices every day. Among the options with the highest content, we find mackerel (about 1,446 mg of omega-3 per 85 g), herring (about 1,000 mg per 85 g), pink salmon and wild sockeye salmon (around 1,094 mg per 85 g), farmed Atlantic salmon (around 1,000 mg per 85 g), sardinas (unos 835 mg de EPA + DHA oily fish can cover an important part of your EPA and DHA needs. If you want to go further and choose the most suitable omega-3 form based on your health goal, tienes un análisis más detallado en el blog. And what if, in addition to eating fish, we take an omega-3 supplement? Here we return to the principle that runs throughout this article: more is not better, better is better. If one day you eat a generous portion of fish rich in omega-3, it doesn't make much sense to also add a supplement with several grams of EPA and DHA. The strategy I propose is simple: cover the necessary minimum and let the rest come from your diet. As a reference, that minimum is around 250 mg daily of EPA + DHA. From there, if you want to increase the amount you can, without needing to reach excessively high doses. If you're looking for a EPA-rich omega-3 supplement to cover that minimum without going overboard—that is the reference I use with my patients. This way, you achieve something important: using supplementation as a support, without it replacing a proper diet. Omega-3 and Your Heart: What I’d Like You to Know After reviewing the study that sparked the controversy and putting it in the context of the rest of the evidence, I'm taking away several ideas. Primero: a single study does not change everything we know about a nutrient on its own; science works like a puzzle where each piece of research adds a new piece. Second: the study that generated the headlines found an association between omega-3 and a higher risk of atrial fibrillation in healthy individuals, but with significant limitations in how it measured that intake. Third: in people with cardiovascular disease, omega-3 showed beneficial associations against certain events. Fourth: doses matter: moderate amounts seem to provide benefits, while very high doses, around 3-4 grams daily, can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. And fifth: You don't need to take large amounts to benefit from omega-3; as a minimum guideline, 250 mg daily of EPA + DHA is recommended, generally not exceeding 1.5–2 grams daily without a specific reason. Lastly, you can obtain omega-3 through your diet, especially from fatty fish, and when your diet falls short, supplementation can help you round out that intake. Because, once again, in nutrition and in everything related to your cardiovascular health, more is not better. Better is better. It is not about accumulating omega-3 at any cost, but about reaching an adequate amount and maintaining it with a strategy consistent with your needs. Transforming your health is a matter of applying science consistently, day by day. Hope you like it :)For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content with youMy TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel And the supplements formulated by me https://ivbwellness.com

High Prolactin: The Hormone That Can Curb Your Ovulation, Libido, and Hormonal Balance Hello, I am Dr. Isabel Viña Bas, a physician and Scientific Director of IVB Wellness Lab. In my practice, there is one hormone that almost everyone reduces to a single function: producing milk during breastfeeding.That hormone is prolactin. Prolactin is much more than just the milk hormone. Much more. If it remains elevated outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, it can curb ovulation. Furthermore, it can reduce libido, alter testosterone, weaken bones, and worsen metabolic control.High prolactin affects many systems at once. And there is more. A second, equally important idea: having high prolactin in a blood test does not always mean there is a disease. It can be a real elevation, a passing effect of stress, or even the consequence of a medication; or perhaps a laboratory mirage called macroprolactinemia.Before treating a number, you have to understand where it comes from. What is prolactin and why does dopamine keep it in check? Prolactin is a huge peptide hormone, formed by between 190 and 199 amino acids. It was discovered in 1970, quite a while ago; but for years it was confused with growth hormone. Why, you might ask? Both share a very similar structure and come from the same embryonic cells.In the blood, its levels should almost always remain below 20 micrograms per liter. Unlike many other hormones, prolactin does not need the brain to stimulate it constantly. In fact, the exact opposite happens: the body must keep it inhibited most of the time.The one in charge of doing this is dopamine. I like to imagine dopamine as the handbrake of a car. Prolactin is ready to start, but dopamine keeps the brake on. If that signal drops due to stress, certain drugs, or an illness, said brake loosens andprolactin rises.Furthermore, it is not released continuously: it has about nine pulses throughout the day, which are more intense during the night hours. There are only two situations in which we need an elevation that is both sustained and physiological: during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With pregnancy, your body's estrogens and progesterone develop the breasts, but they temporarily block the action of prolactin. Then, after childbirth, both plummet andleave the way clear for prolactin so it can activate milk production. High prolactin and fertility: why the body slows down reproduction When prolactin rises outside of that context, the body interprets that it is not a good time to reproduce. It is a survival mechanism: if there is stress, illness, or high energy demand, the organism prioritizes staying safe and parks functions it considers secondary.This is where high prolactin begins to interfere withfertility. Elevated prolactin also inhibits GnRH, the master hormone produced in the hypothalamus. By lowering GnRH, the pituitary gland releases less FSH and, above all, less LH. In us women, without the LH surge, ovulation does not occur properly.This can shorten the luteal phase, space out periods, make them disappear for months, or make trying to conceive difficult. In men, on the other hand, that drop in LH causes the testicles to generate less testosterone. The result can be an intense drop in libido, erectile dysfunction, and less facial hair growth.I have patients who go from shaving daily to doing it twice a week: a detail that may seem small, but is sometimes the first hormonal clue. Symptoms of high prolactin beyond the period Menstrualdisturbancesand difficulty ovulating are the best-known signs, buthyperprolactinemia does not stop at the reproductive system.One of its most striking manifestations is galactorrhea: the leakage of milk from the nipple outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can appear in women and men, because both have breast tissue. It also affects the bone. By lowering estrogens and testosterone,high prolactin weakens cortical boneand, if it persists, it favors the loss of bone mass and osteoporosis. And yes: men also need a small amount of estrogen to have strong bones. Metabolically, prolactin favors a certain insulin resistance. During breastfeeding, it makes sense because it helps reserve glucose to produce milk. Outside of that context, it can worsen blood sugar control.In some women, acne and hair loss also appear, because as ovarian hormones drop, adrenal androgens gain relative weight. Prolactin also stimulates the immune system. When it remains elevated, it can worsen autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune hypothyroidism.That is why you should never read this hormone in isolation: it is part of a network. Why does prolactin rise? Stress, drugs, thyroid, and PCOS Stress is one of the causes that generates the most confusion. A specific upset, intense training, or even sexual intercourse can raise prolactin for a few hours, and that is not pathological.The problem arrives with chronic stress: dopamine remains low and high prolactin can become installed. Many medications act through the same pathway. Antipsychotics, some antidepressants, metoclopramide for nausea, verapamil, opioids, alprazolam, or certain contraceptives with estrogens can raise it because they reduce or block the dopamine signal.Alcohol and marijuana also have an influence. This does not mean you should stop a treatment on your own. If prolactin has risen after starting a medication, you must review it with the person who prescribed it and assess whether there is an alternative, a dose adjustment, or if the benefit of the drug compensates for that effect.Never stop anything without talking to your doctor first. There are also diseases that should be ruled out. Inpolycystic ovary syndrome, excess testosterone can be converted into estradiol and curb dopamine. In untreated hypothyroidism, the brain releases more TRH to try to wake up the thyroid, and that same TRH stimulates prolactin. Chronic kidney disease can prevent it from being eliminated properly and, in other cases, the origin is in a pituitary adenoma, such as a prolactinoma, or in a lesion that compresses the pituitary stalk.Each cause completely changes the approach. Macroprolactin: when the blood test scares you but the hormone does not act Here is one of the keys to the episode. More than 25% of the prolactin elevations we see in a blood test can correspond tomacroprolactinemia.It is not really active prolactin, but several prolactin molecules stuck to an IgG antibody, forming a huge complex. The laboratory machine sees that complex and counts it as if there were a lot of prolactin circulating. But because it is so large, it can barely act on the tissues.That is why there are people with very high values on paper who do not have menstrual disturbances, galactorrhea, or loss of libido. Treating that number without first checking for macroprolactinwould be like setting off the fire alarm because the detector confused water vapor with smoke. The number is scary, but it is the context that says if there is a real fire. How to measure prolactin well so as not to treat a false positive Prolactin is very, very sensitive to the time and the way the blood is drawn. The simple fear of the needle could trigger this hormone. In the podcast episode, I tell the case of a patient of mine who went from 20 to 147 micrograms per liter just from the stress of an operation.That is why, for me, these measurement rules must be non-negotiable: Choose the day of the cycle well.In women, the extraction is done in the first five days of the cycle, ideally on day 2 or 3, to reduce the influence of estrogens. Respect the schedule and rest.The blood test must be done while fasting, between 8:00 and 10:00, after at least ten minutes of sitting quietly. Avoid what raises it.During the 48 hours prior, no intense exercise or sexual intercourse, because they falsify the result. Ask for the two-sample method.An IV is placed, a first sample is taken, and you wait twenty minutes without being pricked again. The second measurement is much more reliable because the initial shock of the needle has already passed. Request macroprolactin.The laboratory can precipitate with PEG. If more than 40% of the initial prolactin is recovered, the elevation is real. However, if less is recovered, it is most likely that almost everything was macroprolactin. How to lower prolactin: first the cause, then the treatment There is no single treatment forhigh prolactin, because there is no single cause. An elevation due to stress is not approached the same way as hypothyroidism, a medication, or a prolactinoma. The first step is not to chase the number: it is to confirm that it is real and locate the origin. When there is a prolactinoma or another medical indication, the drugs used are cabergoline and bromocriptine. They act on the dopamine pathway andmust always be prescribed and monitored by a doctor, especially if there is a lesion in the pituitary gland. In elevations linked to stress, PCOS, or certain medications, and not to treat tumors, the natural active ingredient with the most interest is Vitex agnus-castus or chasteberry. In the episode, I recommend looking for extracts between 150 and 250 mg, standardized to provide about 1 mg of agnusides, which are the compounds that act on dopamine regulation.It is the same active ingredient we work with for femalehormonal balance. At IVB, we incorporate it intoFemmeBalance, ourfood supplementfor supporting female hormonal balance. It can fit when the cause of the elevation is compatible with that mechanism, but it does not replace a well-done blood test, endocrinological assessment, or the treatment of a prolactinoma. In hormones, more than in almost anything else, order matters. What to do if your blood test shows high prolactin? The first thing is not to panic over an isolated figure. Repeat the blood test with the correct protocol and ask for macroprolactin. Then, review the medication you take with your doctor and assess frequent causes such as hypothyroidism, PCOS, or a kidney problem.If the elevation is confirmed, is persistent, or is accompanied by symptoms, the pituitary gland will have to be studied and the treatment decided. And remember the exception: in pregnancy and breastfeeding, high prolactin fulfills a physiological and necessary function. Outside of those stages, ask yourself two questions before "how do I lower it": why has it risen and how do you know the measurement is real.That difference avoids both ignoring an important signal and treating something that was never altered. Transforming your health is a matter of applying science with order and consistency, day by day.You have in your hands the knowledge to better interpret your hormones, ask the right questions, and choose the next step with less fear. Author:Dr. Isabel Viña Bas  I hope you like it :)For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content My TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channelYouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my websiteMy website

Hello!!In today's podcast, I'll explain everything related to metabolic syndromeHere's a brief summary:To diagnose it, you must meet 3 or more of the following criteria: - Excess abdominal fat: waist circumference > 80 cm in women and 94 cm in men - Fasting glucose greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL (or under specific treatment for it) Triglycerides greater than 150mg/dL (or under specific treatment) HDL cholesterol Regarding one of the components of metabolic syndrome: insulin resistance, it is calculated with the following formula: INSULIN RESISTANCE HOMA INDEX = [Fasting glucose (mg/dL) x fasting insulin] / 405 If this HOMA value is > 2-2.5, it indicates that your cells are resistant to insulin Tips to improve and prevent metabolic syndrome: Build muscle mass through exercise Increase fiber intake Supplements that improve all components of metabolic syndrome. My supplement MetabolicMax, which is on my website https://ivbwellness.com, contains the key compounds to optimize the components of metabolic syndrome. But if for any reason you don't want it, I'll tell you what to look for in the podcast ☝🏽 For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content On my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQAnd the supplements formulated by me https://ivbwellness.comFor more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content My TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel YouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my website My Website

Hola!!En el podcast de hoy os hablo de varios temas importantes1- Por qué la testosterona libre medida por los medios analiticos tradicionales es tremendamente inexacta. Y qué es lo que hay que pedir realmente en los analisis para valorar los niveles de testosterona en hombres y en mujeres.2-Sobre los suplementos de NAD, NMN y NR en el mundo del antienvejecimiento. ¿Son utiles? 3-Reflexion sobre los extremismos en salud que veo actualmente en redes sociales.Espero que os guste y que os haga reflexionar sobre todo la ultima parte del podcast.Para mas información ya sabéis que me tenéis en mi instagram @isabelvina dónde te comparto contenido diario En mi canal de YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQY los suplementos formulados por mi https://ivbwellness.comPara mas información ya sabéis que me tenéis en mi instagram @isabelvina dónde te comparto contenido diario Mi TikTok @isabelvinabasEn mi canal de YouTube Canal YoutubeY los suplementos formulados por mi en mi web Mi web

Hair loss: causes, types, and what you can do to take care of it Hello, I am Dr. Isabel Viña Bas, a physician and Scientific Director of IVB Wellness Lab. Hair loss generates many questions in consultations: is it normal to lose hair every day?, why does hair fall out?, are all types of alopecia the same?, do diet, stress, or hormones play a role?, and what role can food supplements play? The reality is that there is no single cause of hair loss. Understanding what type of hair loss we have is the first step, before thinking about any treatment. In this episode of Your Friends the Hormones we review the main causes, the differences between the types of alopecia, and some nutrients and compounds that may be interesting depending on the situation. Before looking for what to take to stop hair loss, there is a more important question: why is it falling out? Is it normal for hair to fall out every day? Yes. Hair is constantly renewing itself, just like skin or intestinal cells: hair follicles follow a cycle in which some hairs grow while others enter the shedding phase. That is why losing between 80 and 100 hairs a day can be part of what is normal. What is worth looking at is hair density. If hair falls out but we still have a similar amount and density, it is most likely normal renewal. If, on the other hand, less populated areas appear, the hair becomes thinner and thinner, or the density decreases, it is worth investigating what is happening. Not all hair loss is the same When we talk about alopecia, we tend to think of a single problem, but there are several types. A first classification separates scarring alopecias from non-scarring ones, and the difference matters: in scarring ones, there can be permanent destruction of the hair follicle. If inflammation and fibrosis exist, the follicle can end up replaced by scar tissue, and in that area, hair no longer grows back the same. Although they are less frequent, it is worth knowing about them and going to a dermatologist when signs appear that suggest one of these forms of alopecia. What are scarring alopecias? Within this group, there are different diseases. Some autoimmune ones, such as lupus, can affect the scalp and cause permanent hair loss. Lichen planopilaris inflames the follicles and can end in fibrosis and their destruction. In dissecting cellulitis, certain microorganisms infect the follicles, and the subsequent inflammation damages them irreversibly. The frontal fibrosing alopecia mainly affects women and is usually noticed as a progressive recession of the hairline. In these cases, detecting it early is especially important. Therefore, in the face of persistent hair loss, significant changes in density, or scalp alterations, an assessment by a specialized dermatologist can be key. Androgenetic alopecia also affects women Androgenetic alopecia is probably the most well-known form of hair loss. We usually associate it with men, but it also affects women and accounts for a significant part of female alopecias. Over time, the hair becomes thinner and smaller, which we call follicle miniaturization: the hair has less thickness, spends less time in the growth phase, and the density decreases. In women, it is seen especially in the area of the central part. In men, it is more frequent in the frontal area, the temples, and the crown. What is the relationship between testosterone and hair loss? An enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, transforms part of the testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT has a higher affinity for certain receptors and, in predisposed people, can affect the hair follicle. When this pathway is excessively activated, the hair spends less time in the growth phase and the follicle becomes smaller and smaller, resulting in thinner hair with less density. Inflammation also influences hair loss The body needs a certain degree of inflammation for certain physiological processes to occur. The problem appears when the inflammation becomes chronic. Several prostaglandins are involved in the hair follicle, and if there is excess inflammation, that balance can be altered. That is why, in androgenetic alopecia, two mechanisms that feed back into each other can coexist: greater activation of the DHT pathway and an inflammatory environment that harms the follicle. That explains why there is no single solution for everyone with hair loss. First, you have to identify which mechanisms are involved. What is telogen effluvium and why does it appear? Another frequent type of hair loss is telogen effluvium: many hairs pass almost at the same time from the growth phase to the shedding phase. That is why the person may suddenly notice much more hair in the shower, on the brush, or on the pillow. Unlike some scarring alopecias, it is usually a reversible process. It can appear after a period of stress, a very restrictive diet, significant weight loss, certain medications, or postpartum. In the postpartum period, the sudden hormonal change causes many hairs that were still growing during pregnancy to then enter the shedding phase, which is why the hair loss usually appears a few months after giving birth. It is generally temporary. Can diet cause hair loss? Yes. To grow and maintain its structure, hair needs certain nutrients, so very restrictive diets and sudden weight loss can promote hair loss. By reducing intake too much, fewer calories arrive, but also less protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Among the nutrients that may be relevant are iron, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and magnesium, in addition to an adequate intake of protein. This does not mean that any hair loss is due to a nutritional deficiency. What does make sense is to assess, when there is hair loss, if any deficit may be contributing. Protein also matters for hair Regarding its structure, hair is mainly formed by proteins. Among them, L-cysteine has an especially interesting role because it participates in the bonds that help maintain that structure. We can imagine a protein as a necklace and the amino acids as the pieces that form it: cysteine makes that necklace resistant and able to withstand the traction and stress to which the hair is subjected. That is why a very restrictive diet that does not provide enough amino acids can affect the quality and resistance of the hair. Taking more protein than necessary makes no sense; what matters is ensuring sufficient intake for each person's needs. Can stress cause hair to fall out? Stress is another factor that can trigger telogen effluvium. During periods of intense or sustained stress, hormonal and metabolic changes occur that can affect the hair cycle. That is why some people notice significant hair loss months after having gone through a stressful situation. The cause is not always found by looking only at what happened in the last few weeks, because hair has its own cycle. When sudden hair loss appears, it is advisable to review what has happened during the previous months. Some medications can also have an influence Certain medications can be associated with hair loss. That does not mean we should stop taking them. If a treatment has been prescribed by a doctor and hair loss appears that worries you, the appropriate thing to do is to consult the professional who prescribed it. Sometimes the medication influences the hair cycle directly and other times indirectly, by modifying the absorption or availability of certain nutrients. In the episode, we mention some antihypertensives, medications for thyroid disorders, proton pump inhibitors, certain antihistamines, hormonal contraceptives, and some antidepressants. The relationship is not always direct or simple, and that is why each person's context weighs so much. What is the relationship between the microbiota and hair loss? Intestinal health is also part of the equation. A microbiota imbalance can affect the production and absorption of certain nutrients and be related to an inflammatory state. Chronic inflammation, again, is one of the factors that can influence very different processes in the body, including hair. That is why, to take care of hair, it is not enough to look at the scalp. Hair health also depends on what happens inside the body: a varied diet, sufficient fiber, and taking care of intestinal health are part of a global strategy. Food supplements for hair loss according to the type of alopecia Supplementation depends on the type of hair loss. There is no universal food supplement for any alopecia. If we talk about androgenetic alopecia, certain compounds that act on the pathways related to DHT and inflammation may be interesting. Among them are saw palmetto, pumpkin seed extract, and lycopene, in addition to other compounds with antioxidant action. In certain formulas, ingredients such as vitamin E, N-acetylcysteine, or turmeric are also used. Silicon is of interest due to its relationship with the structure of the hair follicle and can be found, for example, in plant extracts such as horsetail or bamboo. It is worth remembering something: just because an ingredient is interesting does not mean that any hair loss will respond to it. The cause always comes before the food supplement. If you want to see what IVB has for hair care, you can start with our hair loss page or with the anti-aging collection. What happens with hair loss after pregnancy? It is usually a postpartum telogen effluvium, and it is usually reversible. In many cases, the hair begins to recover little by little after a few months. In the meantime, it is advisable to ensure an adequate diet and check that there are no nutritional deficits that hinder recovery. Nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium can be especially important, always according to individual needs. In addition, menstruation may return and increase iron needs in some women. Therefore, rather than taking food supplements without criteria, it makes sense to identify what each person needs. What happens with minoxidil and finasteride? There are specific pharmacological treatments for certain forms of alopecia. Minoxidil can promote hair growth and improve blood flow to the scalp, and it seems to favor more follicles remaining in the growth phase. In some cases, it is used together with other treatments. Finasteride acts on the pathway that transforms testosterone into DHT and can be effective in certain people. Not everyone responds the same way, and adverse effects can appear that must be evaluated. That is why these treatments must be indicated and supervised by a healthcare professional. Before treating hair loss, you have to know why the hair is falling out If there is one idea I would like you to remember, it is that hair loss does not have a single cause. It can be androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, a nutritional deficiency, a hormonal alteration, the effect of certain medications, stress, or, in some cases, a scarring alopecia that needs specific medical attention. Therefore, in the face of persistent hair loss or an obvious loss of density, the most recommended thing is a professional assessment. A dermatologist specialized in hair can identify the type of alopecia and establish the appropriate treatment. Pharmaceutical advice also complements this approach, especially when choosing hair products and care. Doctors and pharmacists are not separate worlds: healthcare works better when different professionals work together. Taking care of hair is also taking care of what happens inside The hair can be a reflection of different processes in the body. Taking care of hair health goes beyond choosing a shampoo or looking for the food supplement that promises to stop hair loss: diet, ensuring the necessary nutrients, taking care of intestinal health, controlling stress, and, when necessary, looking for the medical cause also count. Many of the most frequent causes of hair loss are reversible or treatable, and the sooner we know what is happening, the easier it will be to choose the appropriate approach. It is about understanding when hair loss is part of normal renewal and when it warns us that something requires attention. Transforming your health is a matter of applying science with consistency, day by day. Knowing more to fear less and choosing better also applies to hair. Author: Dr. Isabel Viña Bas  I hope you like it :)For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content My TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel YouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my website My website

!Hello! In this podcast episode, I'll talk to you about a key mineral: iron. I'll tell you why it's so important for our bodies and what vital functions it performs, beyond the well-known oxygen transport. I'll also explain: Iron metabolism and how it's distributed in our bodies. How iron is measured in blood tests and how to interpret those results. Symptoms of iron deficiency far beyond anemia Dietary sources of iron and factors affecting its absorption, including the benefits of chelated and sucrosomial iron supplements Finally, I'll tell you why chronic anemia that doesn't improve with adequate iron supplementation should be investigated as it could be a sign of celiac disease. For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content. On my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQ And the supplements formulated by me https://ivbwellness.com For more information, you know you can find me on my Instagram @isabelvina where I share daily content. My TikTok @isabelvinabasOn my YouTube channel YouTube ChannelAnd the supplements formulated by me on my website My website