Can’t Make Healthy Habits Stick? Try This Supplement
Published Sep 1, 2018
For the average person, walking into the supplements aisle of Whole Foods can be enough to cause a panic attack. There’s no shortage of vitamins, herbal powders, prepackaged cleanses, and adaptogenic elixirs out there, all promising to give you more energy, glowing skin, better digestion, and deeper sleep. So unless you’re a trained nutritionist (or an obsessive reader of wellness blogs), it can feel pretty intimidating to get into the whole “healthy living” game.
Turns out, that’s what inspired Medea Juhasz to create Catalyst Gold, the buzzy supplement that’s become an underground sensation in the wellness world. While struggling with addiction and an unhealthy lifestyle (processed foods, late-night binges, that cigarette after a few too many drinks—sound familiar?), the high-powered fashion exec started dabbling in herbalism to help with a slew of health problems. After years experimenting with different combinations of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and superfoods, she struck gold. “It almost happened overnight,” Medea recalls. “My digestive issues, weak immune system, low energy, and allergies all went away. My unhealthy cravings disappeared, and I was able to switch to a plant-based diet.”
Inspired by this life-changing discovery, Medea became a holistic health coach and took her special blend to market. “I wanted to present my formula in a way that even non-wellness-minded customers would be open to trying it,” she says, describing Catalyst Gold as an easy entrypoint into healthy living for newcomers to the wellness party.
Herbalore founder Medea Juhasz
But even for veteran wellness junkies, swallowing a few capsules is a lot easier than quitting all of your vices cold turkey. “With my clients, I always hear, ‘I don’t have the willpower to eat healthier,’” Medea says. “I have zero willpower, but I was able to start eating healthier because the cravings phased out—my palate completely changed.” She thinks of Catalyst Gold as a vehicle to support permanent lifestyle changes, whether that’s going vegan, cutting out processed sugar, or just exercising more.
So what’s in Catalyst Gold? Here, we take a deep-dive into the ingredients list to see what makes it work.
Biotin (aka vitamin B7): known to strengthen skin, hair, nails, and the nervous and digestive systems. It also helps metabolize carbohydrates and fats and may support steady blood sugar levels.
Calcium carbonate: a naturally occurring mineral compound that relieves heartburn and indigestion. It’s also a source of—wait for it—calcium, which is vital to the health of the muscular, circulatory, and digestive systems.
Magnesium citrate: an easy-to-digest form of magnesium that supports energy production, muscle function, and regular bowel movements. It’s also known to have a calming effect and promote healthy sleep.
Selenium: one of those nutrients you should be getting enough of but are probably not. It works to keep your thyroid functioning properly.
Spirulina: basically nature’s multivitamin. This algae is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, plus potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Chlorella: another algae with the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant. Known as a superfood, it’s rich in protein and 18 essential amino acids.
L-glutamine: an amino acid (the building block of protein) that helps repair wounds, stabilize blood sugar levels, and build lean muscle, among other important functions.
Acai berry: extremely rich in antioxidants, which neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals throughout the body. Acai may also help lower cholesterol and boost metabolism and energy levels.
Dandelion: bioactive compounds in this garden weed may support healthy liver function, control blood sugar levels, and improve digestion.
Eleuthero root (aka Siberian ginseng): a powerful adaptogen that is known to increase energy (minus the jitters and insomnia) and enhance the body’s response to stress.
Camu camu: contains over 10 times more vitamin C than oranges. It’s also said to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing properties.
Astragalus (aka huang qi): used in traditional Chinese medicine to protect the body against stress, both physical and mental. This adaptogen may help lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and fight cancer.
Mangosteen: thought to act as a natural antihistamine, mangosteen is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and B vitamins.
Grape seed extract: known for its anti-aging properties as well as its ability to improve heart health. It’s been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve circulation.
Turmeric: rich in curcumin, a bioactive substance whose inflammation-fighting effects have been compared to anti-inflammatories like hydrocortisone or Motrin.
Flaxseed: excellent source of soluble and insoluble fibers, which improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and promote weight loss. Omega-3 fatty acids may promote clear skin and healthy heart function.
Try Catalyst Gold for yourself or explore other beauty supplements.