Did You Know…All About Complete Greens®

In grade school we all learned about the food pyramid, eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables and the importance of a balanced diet. But as we got older and busier and our moms stopped portioning out the right amount of greens we consumed on a daily basis; some of us skimp on giving our bodies the proper nutrition we need. This week we are going to learn all about the simplified and easy way to ensure that our bodies are getting the essential vitamins that they need with Complete Greens®! Read on to learn more about the benefits of this convenient supplement and how it can improve your diet, health and lifestyle!

A vegetable-rich diet is a great way to start looking, feeling and living better. But actually getting all the recommended doses a day is easier said than done. That’s where Complete Greens® can help. This supplement offers more than 50 natural ingredients including green vegetable powders and natural grass fibers that are low in sodium, fat and calories and contain no cholesterol. Complete Greens® helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract, providing beneficial probiotics, nutrients and natural enzymes to the body’s organs. Naturally-produced grasses can enhance diets which may lack the correct amount of fruits and vegetables needed as a part of a daily regimen.

A world full of fast food and processed meals has caused people to choose less healthy alternatives. This leads to deficiencies of the nutrients that are needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. Poor diets of unhealthy, processed foods, sweets and fats help set the stage for unhealthy living.

If you can’t seem to accomplish a vegetable-rich diet and healthy eating habits on your own, Complete Greens help you ingest nutrients that will help you live your demanding lifestyle. The ingredients in Complete Greens have been carefully selected for their efficiency and refined for optimal results. Complete Greens makes it possible for everyone to get the advantage of vegetables in their diets in a convenient manner.                              

Do you already take Complete Greens® on a daily basis? Comment below and share with us how you have worked it into your busy lifestyle, actively supporting a healthy diet!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Ingredient Spotlight: Aloe vera

By Dr. Dee Mason

The succulent plant, Barbadensis or Curacao, may be the oldest historical remedy for soothing your skin and mucous membranes.  You know it better as Aloe vera.

The United States National Institutes of Health clinical trial database has many ongoing studies, with a major emphasis in the clinical use of Aloe vera for its anti-inflammatory benefits. In this area and others, it has proven clinically to be beneficial for health.
Traditionally, Aloe vera has had applications in regards to soothing burns and irritated skin, leading to it’s becoming known as “The Burn Plant”.  This is a well-known fact, but in more recent times it’s been discovered that Aloe can also be used topically to treat dermal dryness and outbreaks on the skin’s surface.

Internally, Aloe has even wider applications. Clinically, aloe is used around the world for varied applications—being widely employed, for example, as a legitimate treatment for asthma in India. In the U.S. it has proven to be beneficial for multiple health issues such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, moderating a range of gastrointestinal complaints and urinary tract infections, and has even shown potential for cancer treatment.

One of the primary factors in Aloes exceptional healing potential is in five naturally occurring saccharides—referred to as glucomannans—that make up a large part of the plant.  Of these, one glucomannan of particular interest is acemannan.

Acemannan has been found to activate the ability of immune cells to identify, destroy and remove pathogens, recruit immune regulating cells and promote immune functions. Notably, acemannan has been shown to increase the body’s ability to kill viruses, bacteria and even tumor cells. It also assists in regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interlukens; both factors play a significant role in the body’s response to inflammation and infection.

Clearly Aloe has health benefits to offer—the next step is to choose wisely among the available options. Considering the variation in preparations and the industry, certification is definitely one factor to look for in choosing a healthful aloe preparation. The International Aloe Science Council (IASC), a trade association of internationally based aloe producers and marketers, requires adherence to certain specifications for the product to be certified.

One way that companies can responsibly produce a quality product is to make use of the MAP method, which consistently produces Modified Aloe barbadensis Polysaccharide with Immunoregulatory Activity. This type of processing retains and enhances the biological activity of native aloe, and is highly recommended for use in quality control of commercial products. A quality Aloe product should contain at least 95 percent pure Aloe vera gel.

In conclusion, the health applications for Aloe vera are multidimensional, and the use of Aloe vera gel and its components for the treatment of a variety of conditions is becoming increasingly supported in scientific literature. The full clinical potential of Aloe vera has yet to be realized, but the reputation of this traditional remedy is almost certain to grow in the future.

Because the typical diet consist of many foods unintended for digestion, maintaining a healthy digestive tract is important to the overall health of the body. Ultimate Aloe contains over 200 nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, including 13 of the 17 essential minerals needed for good nutrition. Studies have shown that aloe consumed orally promotes normal digestion and supports a healthy immune system.*  

Ultimate Aloe has the IASC (International Aloe Science Council) seal that certifies the Aloe content and purity. The aloe vera in Ultimate Aloe is harvested and processed according to sanitary manufacturing practices that use specific time and temperature guidelines. This preserves the natural properties of the aloe vera plant so you receive the maximum benefits of the product. Ultimate Aloe is virtually free of undesirable components such as aloin and other anthraquinones (aloin: 1 ppm or less) confirmed by an independent university laboratory. Ultimate Aloe’s quality is analyzed for chemical and physical characteristics and in-vitro assays for monitoring biological activity. Our manufacturer is the only supplier with a full range of biological, chemical and medicinal R&D capabilities. Ultimate Aloe contains three times more polymers than aloe gel and 50 percent more active components than is required to achieve maximum benefits by being consumed orally. Ultimate Aloe delivers superior results which our customers can depend on time after time.  

Optimizing Eye Health Through Nutrition

 by Dr. Robert Blair

Whatever the current condition of your eyes, it is important to take the best possible care of them–as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  One of the most important things you can do for your vision is provide your eyes with the nutrition they need to keep them in optimal health.  While we often don’t think about it, there are a number of nutrients that can help maintain good eye health and reduce eye strain.

Vitamins (A, C & E) & Minerals (Zinc & Copper).  Numerous studies have reported that vitamins A, C, and E are found in high concentrations in the eye and work together in a complex manner to maintain eye health.  Studies have reported that consumption of vitamins A, C, and E each reduce the risk of cataract formation.  Additionally, it has been reported that supplementation with vitamin E and zinc reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.  Results of the large Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) indicate that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper reduces the risk of AMD progression by 25%.

Lutein & Zeaxanthin.  Both lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids with antioxidant benefits.  These antioxidants are found naturally in the retina of the eye as part of the macular pigment.  Numerous research studies have demonstrated that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin protect the eye from blue light and help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration [5].  In one study, supplementation with lutein for 12 weeks helped support visual performance in volunteers exposed to long-term computer monitor light exposure [6].

Astaxanthin.  Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that has been reported to have multiple health benefits.  In regards to eye health multiple studies have reported that consumed at a dose of 6 mg/day, astaxanthin helps to relieve eye fatigue in persons using computers and enhanced visual sharpness.

Omega-3 fatty acids.  A large population-based study in Australia, called the Blue Mountain Eye Study, recently reported that individuals consuming the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids showed a 24% reduction in risk for age-related macular degeneration.  This benefit was greatest (50% reduction in risk) in individuals who typically consumed low quantities of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid.  A more recent study reported that consumption of a dietary supplement containing EPA, DHA, and flaxseed oil alleviated dry eye in 70% of study volunteers, apparently via enhanced tear production.

Bilberry.  Bilberry is a relative to the blueberry and like the blueberry is rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins that scavenge damaging free radicals.  Research into the benefits of bilberry for eye health is still in the relatively early stages with mixed results being reported.  However, some studies demonstrate that bilberry extracts can have anti-inflammatory benefits in the eye and support healthy cellular function in the eye.

L-Taurine.  Taurine is an amino acid that is found naturally in high concentrations in the eye.  Deficiencies in taurine have been linked to vision difficulties, which can be reversed by taurine supplementation.

Lycopene.  Responsible for the red color of tomatoes, lycopene is a carotenoid pigment with potent antioxidant ability.  Recent population-based studies suggest that higher levels of lycopene are associated with lower risks for poor eye health.

In today’s technologically advanced society, we often find ourselves sitting in front of television screens, computer monitors, e-book readers, and smart phones.  The amount of time we spend engaged in these activities can put a real strain on our eye comfort and vision.  Long-term nutritional supplementation through foods and supplements is one way to combat the stress we place upon on our eyes.  If you are feeling the effects of eye fatigue, it might be time to make sure your diet includes foods and ingredients to optimize your eye health.

Popular Energy Drinks Full of Sugar!

From ExploreSupplements.com

Mass-Marketed Energy Drinks Full Of … Calories and Sugars

In a world where everything is moving so rapidly, most people are always on the lookout for something to give them a boost. Many have turned to the fast-growing energy drink/energy shot market.

According to market statistics, energy drinks and shots are expected to become a $21.5 billion business by the end of the decade. The promises of instant energy in a convenient form is alluring to many – from teens and college students looking for an extra pick-me-up, to professionals trying to power through their hectic days, and even older adults looking to keep up with the younger generations.

h/t: TechCrunch.com

Problem is, most of those energy drinks on the market are offering consumers more than they bargain for; namely, a ton of empty calories and sugars. These products have come into question over the last few months, as health professionals and media outlets have questioned the legitimacy of these mass marketed products.

The Caffeine Issue
No one questions caffeine, in moderation, can have a natural energy-boosting effect. According to a recent study from Johns Hopkins University, caffeine can help the brain retain information during a period of up to 24 hours subsequent to consuming it.

In that study, participants were asked to study images presented to them and five minutes later received either a placebo or 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is the average daily intake of caffeine in various forms for 80 percent of adult Americans (many health professionals and agencies, including the FDA, state that 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is a safe amount for adults).

The caffeinated group was more capable of telling which images were similar to the ones they had viewed, instead of mistaking them as being the same – an ability known as “pattern separation”: being able to recognize difference between similar items, a marker of memory retention. So if the amount of caffeine isn’t the issue, what is?

The arguments in this debate center on consumption by teens who are naturally drawn to energy products through mass marketing efforts and endorsement deals with athletes and celebrities. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics reports that more teens are downing energy drinks; in 2003, 16% regularly consumed the drinks, while in 2008, that percentage jumped to 35%.

And it’s not just the consumption of such drinks; it’s the quantities they are consuming. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents should not consume more than 100 mg of caffeine a day. Just one energy drink nearly doubles that intake, and the addition of sodas and other caffeinated products adds up to an unhealthy amount.

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar
You may not know it, but much of the rush you receive from mass-marketed energy products comes from the sugar contained in them. Some top-selling energy products on the market contain as much as 20 grams of sugar – as much as you would find in a regular sized candy bar.

While all that sugar makes these energy products taste better, they come with one major pitfall: Sugar and fructose, both found in energy drinks, spike your insulin level for a brief amount of time, which translates into an infusion of energy. But it is short lived. When the sugar is used up, your insulin level will plummet and you will experience fatigue.

According to the Pediatrics journal study, individuals who consume multiple energy drinks daily “could be taking in 120 mg to 180 mg of sugar,” or up to six times the maximum recommended daily intake. According to Men’s Health magazine, one leading energy drink contains nearly as much sugar as six glazed doughnuts. The study’s authors also noted that adolescents who consume energy drinks could be at risk for obesity and dental problems.

Unwanted Calories Pile Up
Many mass-marketed energy products have another secret: a lot of calories. According to nutritional facts, the most widely-consumed energy drinks on the market today have anywhere between 100 and 220 calories per serving.

Even these companies’ low-calorie or low-sugar options have upwards of 20 calories per serving. Someone who consumes these types of drinks regularly – twice or even three times a day – could be adding nearly 700 calories to their diets, or nearly 35 percent of the USDA’s recommended caloric intake. And that’s without eating.

If you choose to consume an energy drink look for ones with lower amounts of sugar & calories like the Awake energy shots that are sugar-free, with 0 calories.  Awake combines ingredients like  caffeine with amino acids and vitamins that are crucial in promoting the body's own energy production, which helps to deliver energy much faster and reduces the possibility of "crashing” afterward.

Nutrition for Menstrual Management

By Dr. Deedra Mason

Women’s health, particularly the menstrual cycle, relies on a complex interplay between neurotransmitters, hormones, nutritional and psychosocial factors. As a result, women approach their health professionals with a variety of concerns related to this topic.

In addition to the usual suspects of weight gain and mood swings, however, can come reports of painful or irregular menstrual symptoms, hot flashes, heart palpitations and night sweats.  Many women think these symptoms are just a normal part of being female.

Clinical data suggests otherwise; in both the medical and wellness community, these reports appear to be increasing in frequency and intensity. Particularly alarming is the observation that these symptoms are occurring in much younger women.  Some experts believe this is due to hormone disruptors present in our plastics, our foods and even our drinking water.

There is no agreement on the number of women who suffer from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).  Experts in the field, however, generally estimate that at least 80 percent of menstruating women will experience at least one symptom of PMS as part of their monthly cycle.  Pronounced PMS symptoms occur more often in women between the ages of 25 and 40, those who have recently given birth, and those with a personal or family history of depression.

Menstrual health has multiple and varied presentations.  You may want to evaluate your eating pattern and nutritional support program if you typically experience:

•Painful Menses

•History of endometriosis

•Increased body fat (esp. midsection)

•Decreased libido or interest in sex

•Trouble sleeping for a full night

•Hair loss

•Loss of muscle tone

•Irritability, mood swings, or sudden tears

•Dry, wrinkly skin

•Depression

•Hot flashes or night sweats

•Decreased energy

•Muscle weakness and aches

•Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses

Collectively, these symptoms, whether brought on by internal or external causes, have made an active approach to managing menstrual complaints, sleep disorders and improving detoxification pathways an increasingly important focus in women’s health.

Proper nutrition definitely plays a positive role in relieving some of the problems of PMS. Evidence is substantive that several and vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are important for healthy menstruation, including B-vitamins, vitamin E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.

Vitamins B6 and E encourage the release of progesterone into the bloodstream and potentially raise progesterone levels through periods of depletion; it is during these low level days in the female cycle that women will typically encounter sleep disruption, joint discomfort and mood swings.

Additionally, an increase in progesterone combined with sufficient B-vitamin status can help ensure adequate amounts of serotonin production—a critical part of managing PMS. Optimal levels of these neurotransmitters help to promote relaxation and can help to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, which also accompany these hormonal fluctuations.

Zinc initiates key enzymes, playing a pivotal role in vasoconstriction of the endometrial arteries before and during menses.   Because tissue stores of both zinc and iron are often quite low in young women, it is prudent to supplement today to avoid a chronic deficiency later.

Finally, the same pro-inflammatory end products causing joint discomfort and headaches are those known to be elevated in painful menstruation. Clinically, we often see a benefit withregular omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.

Owing to a very diverse set of symptoms, female health issues can appear very complex—sometimes so complex that they might even seem impossible to solve. By directly addressing the underlying causes, however, it is possible to mitigate the vast majority of these issues.

This entry was posted in Research & Studies, Women's Health and tagged best supplements, menstrual cycle, menstruation, nutrition, women's health. Bookmark the permalink.

Pycnogenol for Pain Reduction?

By Justin Wiggins / Intern

As a former athlete in numerous contact sports including football and boxing, my input on the issue of joint health definitely comes from experience. An unfortunate consequence of being so active is the impact on your overall joint health and the large amounts of frequent inflammation. Surgery is an option, but it is expensive and potentially risky.

Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain reducing effects by shutting down the production of two enzymes (COX-2 and 5-LOX) that are linked to inflammation. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to heart disease, osteoporosis, Type-2 diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.

Other ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate would be ideal to use along with Pycnogenol in a joint supporting supplement. Combining the pycnogenol, which will reduce inflammation, with glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, which rebuild cartilage, could prove a great combination for a variety of joint-oriented ailments.

Dr. Raffaella Canali of the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition in Rome, Italy, conducted a study on pycnogenol. Dr.Canali’s study involved volunteers aged between 35 and 50 consuming 150 milligrams per day of pycnogenol. “Looking at the main mediators of inflammation, namely cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, the researchers noted that the pine bark extract ‘blocked’ the COX-2 and 5-LOX pathways.”

The body’s inflammatory response is a natural process. It is an essential component of the body’s defense system, and can be triggered from numerous internal and external factors. As the research shows, Pycnogenol helps support the body’s defense system by inhibiting over active inflammatory responses associated with the normal aging process. This is a very promising ingredient that could improve the lives of people around the world not only with general health, but possibly with pain-free living.

Orthopedic Surgeon Milan Moore on inflammation and joint health

Targeting Belly Fat with CLA

By Olivia Mungal

Many who struggle with their weight find it difficult to kick start their metabolism, even with regular exercise and a balanced diet. According to research, taking conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) regularly can train your metabolism to effectively distribute fat and calories straight to your muscles, so less of it can be stored as fat. Not only does this result in greater muscle tone and higher overall energy levels, but it stops the body from attempting to immediately store energy.

This is especially true when examining the effects of CLA on belly fat. According to a study conducted by the International Journal of Obesity, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces abdominal fat in overweight adults. Volunteers who received CLA instead of placebo for four weeks and did not make any other changes in their diet or lifestyle observed a significant decrease in their abdominal diameter. On average, CLA subjects lost an inch from their waist.

Another study led by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that CLA supplementation for 1 year reduces body fat mass in healthy, overweight adults. Volunteers received CLA or placebo daily for a one-year period. By the study’s conclusion, the average body fat mass in the CLA groups was 6.9%-8.7% lower than the placebo-control group.

The metabolic explanation for this phenomenon involves the particular structure and nature of CLA, which is a single name referring to a group of fatty acids. When excess calories and fat are consumed, they are stored in fat cells by the enzyme lipoprotein known as lipase. CLA is unique in that it blocks the activity of this enzyme and diverts the ingested fat to the muscles, where instead of being stored it can be immediately utilized as energy—especially when paired with regular exercise. Used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise, CLA is heralded as an effective weight loss agent that not only helps people lose body fat, but it helps buffer the metabolism from weight fluctuations and unhealthy “yo-yo-ing” patterns.

CLA is recognized not only for decreasing body fat stores after eating, but also decreases the total number of fat cells in your body. This helps the body manage where nutrients are being distributed before they are stored into stubborn fat cells. Even if the body has excess stores of fat, CLA makes the breakdown of fat more efficient and easy so that the body does not have to exert the same level of energy required to start breaking down and utilizing fat stores.

Where many supplements offer quick results, they often compromise muscle density or simply shed water weight without helping the body burn fat. Muscle tone helps the body burn calories at a higher rate, and enhancing the body’s musculature also promotes weight loss.  Paired with a well-rounded diet and regular exercise, CLA offers long-term weight management and lasting results.

NutraMetrix TLS Tonalin CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is ideal for those who have lost weight or are losing weight and want the extra support to keep it off. NutraMetrix TLS Tonalin CLA contains natural ingredients that can help redistribute fat to fat burning muscle tissue to assist in promoting lean muscle mass and decreasing the amount of fat stored in your body