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Best Multivitamin study

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Best Multivitamin Study:  Here are the results of an independent study comparing 101 multivitamins for effectiveness and cost.  Shaklee’s Vitalizer ranked #4.

Let’s take a look at the best multivitamin study.  If your brand is down the ladder, why not consider changing to Shaklee.  The cost comparison/quality combination might encourage you.

 

Once all 101 multivitamin products were assessed, each of them was assigned a score from 0 to 10, 10 being the highest. A score of 8.0 and above is a sign of an excellent product. However, only 8 out of the 101 products were able to surpass this benchmark.

Effectiveness scores of all 101 multivitamin brands (listed in order of their rank)

Company Product Effectiveness Rank
Xtend-Life Total Balance 9.6 1
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive X 9.4 2
USANA Health Sciences Essentials 9.3 3
Shaklee Vitalizer™ Gold 8.9 4
Source Naturals Life Force Multiple 8.7 5
FreeLife Reverse! 8.6 6
Nutrilite (Amway, Quixtar) Double X 8.3 7
Life Extension Foundation Life Extension Mix 8.2 8
Vitamin Research Products Extended Plus 7.9 9
Karuna Maxxum 4 7.9 10
Solgar Omnium 7.8 11
Ultimate Nutrition Super Complete 7.7 12
SportPharma Multiguard 7.6 13
Dr. Julian Whitaker’s Forward Multi-Nutrient 7.6 14
Metagenics Multigenics Intensive Care 7.2 15
Mountain Naturals of Vermont Superior Care 7.1 16
amni Added Protection III 7.0 17
Purity Products Perfect Multi Focus Formula 7.0 18
GNC GNC Mega Men Sport 6.9 19
Doctor’s Nutrition Mega Vites Woman 6.8 20
DaVinci Laboratories Spectra Woman 6.8 21
Nutrition Dynamics Optimum Health Essentials 6.8 22
TwinLab Daily One Caps with Iron 6.7 23
FoodScience of Vermont Superior Care 6.6 24
Puritan’s Pride High Potency Ultra Vita Man Time Release 6.5 25
Colgan Institute Formula MCS 6.4 26
Rainbow Light Advanced Nutritional System 6.4 27
NOW Foods Multiple Vitamins – Liquid Gels 6.4 28
EAS Multi-Blend 6.3 29
Mannatech PhytoMatrix 6.2 30
Nature’s Way Alive! Whole Food Energizer 6.1 31
Jean Carper’s Stop Aging Now! 6.0 32
Natural Factors MultiStart Women’s 5.9 33
Advanced Physician’s Products Maximum MultiVitamin/Mineral without Iron 5.8 34
EcoNugenics Women’s Longevity Rhythms Gold 5.8 35
Solaray Iron-Free Spectro Multi-VIta-Min 5.8 36
Nature’s Blend Vitaminix Ultimate 5.6 37
Pharmanex (Nu Skin) LifePak Prime 5.4 38
Melaleuca Vitality Pak 5.3 39
Herbalife Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex 5.3 40
QCI Nutritionals Ultra Vitality #1 5.2 41
KAL Multiple Energy 5.2 42
Essentials by Megafood Essentials for Life 5.2 43
Optimox Androvite for Men 5.1 44
SupraLife Maxum Essentials 5.0 45
Jarrow Multi E-Z Powder 5.0 46
Great Earth TNT – Total Nutrition Tablet 5.0 47
Nikken Kenzen Mega Daily 4 4.9 48
Garry Null’s Supreme Health Formula 4.8 49
Thorne Research Al’s Formula 4.8 50
Atkins Basic #3 4.7 51
Vitamin World Daily 3 With Antioxidant Factors 4.7 52
PhytoPharmica Clinical Nutrients for Women 4.7 53
Centrum Silver 4.6 54
4Life BioVitamins Type III 4.5 55
Bronson Laboratories Performance Edge for Women 4.5 56
One A Day Essential 4.5 57
Country Life Maxine 4.4 58
Nature Made Multi Complete 4.3 59
Quest Maximum Once A Day 4.2 60
Nature’s Bounty Green Source Vegetarian Formula 4.1 61
Matol Matolife 4.1 62
Greens+ Multi+ 3.9 63
Michael’s Naturopathic Programs for Women 3.8 64
Natrol My Favorite Multiple Original 3.8 65
Nu-life Ultimate One for Men 3.7 66
Jamieson Super Vita-Vim 3.7 67
Walgreens Ultra Choice Premium Women 3.5 68
Swiss Natural Sources Super Adult Chewable 3.4 69
Ripple Creek Mega-100 (Slow Release) 3.3 70
Thompson Human Nature Green Multi 3.0 71
Safeway Select Super Women’s Multivitamin 2.9 72
Perfect Choice Multivitamin Specially Formulated for Women 2.9 73
Watkins Superfood Multiple 2.8 74
Vitamin Power Power Source 100 2.8 75
Pilgrim’s Silver Stars Multi 2.7 76
Absolute Nutrition Dieters’ Multi’s 2.7 77
Nature’s Sunshine Super Supplemental Vitamins and Minerals 2.7 78
Freeda Vitamins Ultra Freeda Iron-Free 2.7 79
ZonePerfect Multi Vitamin & Mineral 2.6 80
Sisu Only One 2.5 81
Schiff Single Day 2.4 82
Nature’s Plus Uitra One 2.0 83
Kirkland Signature (Costco) Daily Multi 1.9 84
Sunkist Multi-Men’s 1.7 85
Lifestyles Lifecycles for Women 1.6 86
Western Family Multra Forte 1.3 87
Avon VitAdvance Men’s Complete Multivitamin 1.2 88
Flora MultiCaps 1.2 89
Reliv Classic 1.1 90
Sundown Complete Ultra 0.9 91
YourLife Super Multi with Herbs 0.9 92
Rite Aid Whole Source 0.8 93
21st Century One Daily Maximum 0.7 94
Spring Valley Maximum One Dally 0.6 95
Life Brand Optimum 0.6 96
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Balanced Care Complete Multi 0.6 97
Kroger Advanced Formula Complete 0.6 98
Equate (Walmart) One Daily 0.6 99
Action Labs Essential Nutrients 0.5 100
Geritol Complete 0.4 101

Source: Multivitamin Guide – http://www.multivitaminguide.org/full-ranking.html (accurate as of October 13, 2011)

 

The Shaklee Vitalizer Line of Products (Mens, Womens and Gold Formulas)

In the study, they looked at Vitalizer Gold (Shaklee’s 50+ formula) and took into account all six pills in the Vita-Strip®.  That is certainly the optimal recommendation for good health and, based on Shaklee’s quality standards, it is well worth the price.  However, of the six pills in the Vita-Strip® only two of those are Shaklee’s Vita-Lea® high potency multivitamin.

Since Vita-Lea® can be purchased on its own, if you are a budget minded person who still wants the best multivitamin for your health, you can buy a two month supply of Vita Lea Gold by itself for$26.00 (or $23.00 for Vita Lea Men and Vita Lea Women).

When purchasing a 120 count bottle of Vita-Lea® as a beginning foundation for better health, your daily pill consumption is two and your daily cost per serving is only $0.43 per day for Vita-Lea® Gold and $0.38 per day for Vita-Lea® Men or Women! Recognizing the higher quality multivitamin by Shaklee compared to the retail brands, 40 cents a day is a steal!

A good place to start is Vitalizer and Vitalizing Protein.  We call this the Foundations Regimen.  If you don’t feel better after a month taking these products, you can ask for your money back, no questions asked.

Shop now at www.HIHOHealth.com

 

 

Resources, Scientific resources

Increase energy naturally

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Replenish and Increase your Energy Naturally

 

Between 50% and 75% of consumers experience fatigue and low energy levels.  Women especially struggle with the vicious cycle of tiredness.  The more worn out you feel, the harder it becomes to relax and rest, which means more fatigue.  Many turn to stimulants like caffeine to receive “energy boosts” which in turn can cause you to be jittery, over-stimulated and often causes a ‘crash’, resulting in more fatigue.  You may be looking for natural energy products.

 

Still others turn to energy drinks, a market that is increasing. The $9.4 billion energy drinks and shots category continues to be a solid performer, despite falling sales in 2013 from controversy and lawsuits that challenged its safety. Reported by Mintel, a comprehensive market analysis company.

 

The controversy is justified.  The market is flooded with products that contain high levels of artificial sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and unwanted and unnecessary chemicals and additives, including red, green and yellow dyes.  What are you sacrificing in health to get the energy boost you crave?

 

Shaklee scientists pay close attention to what American’s are doing to their health–what we crave to keep our bodies going.  After careful research and in depth study, they have two products that help.  These natural energy products are safe and deliver the oomph we need even when we haven’t had enough sleep or have to accomplish some goal before 5 p.m. and the afternoon is dragging.

 

CorEnergy is a capsule containing a blend

  • Cordyceps Sinensis, a valued mushroom that has been extensively tested in China and found to help fight everyday fatigue.

 

  • Panax Ginseng: traditionally used to revitalize and replenish vital energy.

 

  • Green Tea: one of the richest dietary sources of antioxidant phytonutrients called polyphenols; it helps to promote sustained vitality.

 

To get the maximum increased energy effect from CorEnergy, take it 15 to 20 minutes before a meal, say breakfast and lunch.

 

A side note: Panax Ginseng has been a best seller in the market for years.  Some time ago, early 2000s, all the sources of Ginseng from China were contaminated by mold due to flooding in the warehouses.  From that point on, the ginseng roots were saturated with anti-fungicidal before storage and subsequent shipment to the US.  Shaklee, who always tests their raw ingredients, discovered this contamination and suspended the manufacture of our Ginseng product until they could locate a clean source.  We had no Ginseng to sell for over a year and did not bring CorEnergy to market until they developed a process to extract the active ingredient.  No other company withdrew their Ginseng product from the market.

 

Skeptics who worry about finding an herbal product containing the active ingredient in measured doses need look no further than Shaklee.  We test and test again.  Each capsule contains an exact dosage.  Guaranteed.

 

The Shaklee answer to the energy drink and goop is Energy Chews.  They are 75% organic, contain scientifically proven ingredients, including L-theanine and L-tyrosine, to help support focus and alertness, plus energy-releasing B vitamins, natural caffeine from green tea, and 25% daily value of Vitamin D.  Energy Chews produce increase energy naturally

 

No Red #40, Yellow #5, Yellow #6 dyes, no artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium; or artificial preservatives such as potassium sorbate, sodium EDTA, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.  (These are the things you might find in the energy stuff available at your local checkout stand.)  I get a boost from Energy Chews within 15 minutes of chewing and swallowing two yummy individually wrapped cubes.  Keeps me awake in the lecture, behind the wheel and in the late afternoon.  One customer says Energy Chews helped him break the 3 p.m. latte habit.  And they cost less.

 

Go for it.   Add one or both of these products to your monthly order.  You’ll be glad to have them on hand for the occasional droopy day or late night push.

Resources, Scientific resources

Daedalus Project

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You may be interested in the scientific study behind Performance, the hydrating drink that fueled the famous Daedalus Project, human powered flight.  The research document describing the problem and the solution and the results were first published in American Scientist, vol. 76, July-August 1988.  Worth reading to understand how unique Shaklee products are.  This same care is applied or has been applied to every product produced.   Nadel-1988.

 

Resources, Scientific resources

Landmark Study

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Shaklee Health Sciences e-Bulletin April 2008

The Landmark Dietary Supplement Study

  1. The Shaklee Landmark Study

Here at Shaklee, we’ve been supporting healthy lifestyles including healthy food choices, smart supplementation, and regular exercise for over 50 years! And now we’re proud to have published the Shaklee 50th Anniversary Dietary Supplement Study, a landmark first-of-its-kind study that supports the potential benefits of long-term supplementation in a unique consumer population. The study, Usage patterns, health, and nutritional status of long-term multiple dietary supplement users: a cross-sectional study was published in Nutrition Journal, an online peer-reviewed scientific journal on October 24, 2007.

And the results are stunning! Long-term dietary supplement use was consistently associated with more favorable blood levels of important nutrients and key heart health biomarkers. More importantly, long-term users of multiple dietary supplements generally reported lower prevalence of disease in self reported health conditions including elevated blood pressure and diabetes, when compared to single multivitamin users and nonusers.

 

This first-of-its-kind study was conducted on a unique study population using new online data collection methods employed for the very first time in collaboration with renowned nutritional epidemiologist Dr. Gladys Block, from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health.

 

Information regarding diet and supplement intakes, exercise, and health status was obtained from online questionnaires and on-site physical examinations from 278 long-term Shaklee multiple dietary supplement consumers. Data for 602 matched nonusers and 176 single multivitamin supplement users was obtained from the Nationwide Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) the largest and longest running national health and nutrition survey, sponsored by the National Center for Health Statistics.

  1. Study Results

 

The long-term multiple supplement users included more females, were slightly older, better educated, had higher incomes, and lower body mass index (BMI) than the other groups. Dietary supplements consumed on a daily basis by more than 50% of the multiple supplement users included such products as a multivitamin/mineral, vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium with vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, glucosamine, an herbal immune supplement, a probiotic supplement (women), and a soy protein supplement (men).

 

Blood Nutrient Levels generally increased with increasing dietary supplement use. Blood nutrient levels for folate, vitamin C, alpha and beta carotene, and vitamin E were consistently found at more optimal levels in the multiple supplement user population. To address the safety of long term use of a broad array of supplements, the investigators also found healthy and safe blood levels of vitamin D and iron, nutrients for which high intakes have been associated with possible adverse effects. Specifically, serum ferritin, a measure of iron storage, was highest, and more optimal, among women in the multiple supplement user group vs single multivitamin users and nonusers. Conversely, it was lowest, but still more optimal, in the male multiple supplement users compared to the two other groups.

 

Blood Biomarkers. Multiple supplement users had higher blood levels of HDL cholesterol and lower blood levels of triglycerides, both consistent with lower heart disease risk. Increased supplement use was also associated with more favorable concentrations of serum homocysteine and C-reactive protein, a marker of low grade inflammation. Of note is the fact that none of the 278 multiple supplement study participants had an elevated CRP level (>3.0 mg/L) identified as high risk by the American Heart Association.

 

Disease Prevalence. In general, disease prevalence was lower in the multiple supplement user group compared to the multivitamin only user and nonuser groups. In addition, when researchers controlled for differences between groups in variables such as age, sex, education, income, and body mass index, they found the risk of elevated blood pressure was 39% lower in multiple supplement users than in nonusers and the risk of diabetes was 72% lower in multiple supplement users compared to nonusers. Finally, long-term multiple supplement users were four times more likely to describe their health as “very good or excellent” compared to nonusers.

  1. Study Conclusions

 

This landmark study provides compelling support for the health benefits seen in long-term users of a broad array of dietary supplements as compared to single multivitamin and non-supplement users. Long-term multiple dietary supplement users consumed a broad array of vitamin/mineral, botanical, and condition-specific dietary supplements on a daily basis. They were more likely to have optimal concentrations of chronic disease-related biomarkers including serum homocysteine, C-reactive protein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides and less likely to have suboptimal blood nutrient concentrations including folate, vitamin C, alpha- and beta-carotene, and vitamin E. Long-term supplement users also had a lower risk of prevalent elevated blood pressure and diabetes compared to nonusers.

 

A limitation of the study is the fact that the data are cross-sectional, and therefore the reported associations cannot presume causality. And although quite compelling in their support for the health benefits of supplementation, the study findings need to be confirmed by further research into the usage patterns, health, and nutritional status of other groups of long-term users of dietary supplements.

  1. What This Means for You

The Landmark Study findings help to validate what we in Shaklee Science and Technology have promoted all along. Long-term healthy Shaklee lifestyle approaches including smart dietary choices from foods and supplements, and regular exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight are indeed strong supporters of optimal health and vitality. And we want you to be sure that your healthy lifestyle includes these smart diet, supplementation, and exercise strategies as you strive to achieve optimal health:

Eat Healthy. Your healthy eating plan includes smart choices from every food group and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products. It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.  

Supplement Wisely. Make wise supplement choices a part of your daily routine. A comprehensive and balanced multivitamin/mineral supplement with at least 500 mg calcium and vitamin D just makes good sense. Antioxidant nutrients help protect cells against aging so be sure you’re considering the antioxidant vitamins C and E, and beta carotene. Ensure your intake of critical B vitamins including folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, to help protect DNA and support healthy aging. Try to increase your intake of the omega three fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which have been associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease as well as improvements in inflammatory and metabolic balance. Finally, look to probiotic nutrition to support healthy digestion and immune function.

Exercise and Achieve a Healthy Weight. For the two out of every three Americans who are overweight or obese, losing weight is the first priority for improving health. Make regular physical activity a key component of your overall health management program to balance your caloric intake from food with the calories you expend each day. Try to be physically active for at least 30-60 minutes most days of the week and increase exercise duration or intensity for even greater health benefits or to help manage body weight.

Be well. Dr. Jamie McManus MD, FAAFP Chairman, Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education

For information about the supplements mentioned in the article, go to my personal Shaklee website, type in any of the items mentioned–calcium, vitamin D, soy protein–and you will find the products thousands of Shaklee users have been taking.  Consistent use of these products over time may give you similar results.  They have helped me remain vigorous into my late 70s.  As a man I met at the gas station this week said when I told him I had recently been to my 55th college reunion, “You holding up well!”

Be well, Do well and Keep Moving, Betsy

 

 

 

Resources

MindWorks Works

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What is MindWorks™?
MindWorks contains key nutrients that have been shown in
three clinical studies and dozens of laboratory studies to improve
short-term mental sharpness and focus and help protect against
age-related mental decline.*
mindworks

Scientific studies have shown the key ingredients in MindWorks
work in three ways:
• Immediate improvements in memory and focus*—3X better
than the control group**
• Protects against age-related mental decline*—a 30% reduction
in the rate of brain shrinkage, a common consequence of aging,
over two years‡
• Supports healthy circulation*—designed to help make key
nutrients available to the brain*

MindWorks is a revolutionary program that combines clinically
supported nutritional supplementation and brain-training
software to help your brain stay sharp and focused.*
What are the key ingredients in MindWorks?

MindWorks is an exclusive formula powered by the following
key ingredients:
Chardonnay grape seed extract—Only available to
Shaklee, MindWorks contains a unique Chardonnay grape
seed polyphenol blend created via a patent-pending water
extraction process that results in a 30X concentrate of specific
polyphenols.† These polyphenols have been shown in clinical
studies to be more bioavailable and impact healthy blood
vessel function.*

Guarana—We sourced a carefully selected guarana extract
that is prepared as described in several important clinical
studies of guarana—and our guarana extract has a naturally low
level of caffeine. Do not confuse our guarana extract with the
caffeine-spiked guaranas you may find in many energy drinks—
one serving of MindWorks contains less caffeine than a medium
cup of decaf coffee. Guarana has long been used traditionally by
Amazonian Indian tribes and has been shown to help improve
cognitive performance.*

B vitamins—The B vitamin combination in MindWorks was
shown to help protect against age-related mental decline in a
two-year clinical trial.‡

What is green coffee bean extract and why is it
used in MindWorks?

Research has identified specific polyphenols that have been
shown to protect neurons against oxidative stress, and influence
the levels of biochemical signals and growth factors that are
critical for the formation of new synapses. Green coffee bean
extract contains chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol, which has
been shown to provide this benefit. Green coffee bean extract is
less than 5% caffeine and does not make a significant caffeine
contribution to the MindWorks product.

Can I take more than 1 MindWorks tablet per day?

There is no known additional benefit in consuming more than
one tablet. In fact, the amounts of key nutrients in MindWorks
were chosen on the basis of their optimum response in clinical
trials and lab studies.

MindWorks
Think fast. stay sharp.
**At six hours versus control. †% by weight of monomeric flavanols compared to a fresh grape seed. ‡Based on a two-year study of 223 adults with mild cognitive impairment.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Would you like to do a one month trial of MindWorks and see what your results are? Shop at www.HiHoHealth.com. I noticed a difference in short term memory. You know, wondering why I went to the basement? I remembered, even though I was distracted by several others things along the way. What will you notice?

Do well, Be well, and Keep Moving!  Betsy

shopping:  www.HiHoHealth.com

Resources

First Aid Kit for kids

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Back to school and all-year-round First Aid Kit

No home with children would be complete without a proper first aid kit to tend to the scrapes, cuts and bruises of childhood. Keeping children healthy takes much more than a band-aid.

 

To treat their bodies… Shaklee kids Incredivites and Meal Shakes. They will give your children a strong foundation to keep them healthy and energized. Add Chewable Vita-C to ward off those infections that seem to lurk in every schoolroom, and of course, Shaklee 180 Snack Bars and chips to combat after-school fatigue.

 

To keep their environment safe…Keeping germs to a minimum is essential if you have small children. Germ Off Wipes in your kit will eliminate bacteria and viruses on surfaces your kids touch.

 

To protect their skin and treat “ouches” The skin is your child’s first line of defense against invading bacteria. Children like to play outside for hours at a time. Always, always apply Enfuselle SPF 30 for Body to protect their delicate skin from dangerous UV rays. And to help small bruises and scrapes heal faster, nothing is better than Herbal Blend Multi-Purpose Cream.

 

For the high school and college aged kids, Shaklee’s Vita Lea with iron is a must.  Taking just 2 a day will make a difference in how they handle the long days and short nights every older teenager suffers.

Resources

Insomnia

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Insomnia most common sleep disorder, by Dr. Walt Larimore

( Less Than 25% of Valerian Herbal Sleep Supplements Pass Tests For Quality … selected by ConsumerLab.com for review, only TWO passed testing. … 1 per day); Shaklee® Gentle Sleep Complex (3 tablets, 3 per day)  …)

If you find yourself tossing and turning most nights, unable to fall asleep, you’re in good company.

Insomnia, which is twice as common in women as in men, affects 6% to 10% of adults. It’s the most common sleep disorder, yet often goes undiagnosed and untreated, according to a new report.

On its website, ABC News reported, “Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, according to an article published in the journal Lancet. But it often goes unrecognized and untreated.”

The consequences can be much more serious than daytime sleepiness. Research has linked insomnia to high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and other ailments.

In fact, individuals “with insomnia were five times as likely to develop depression or anxiety and more than twice as likely to have congestive heart failure, according to a US National Health Interview Survey in 2002.”

What you eat and drink can have a big impact on your ability to fall or stay asleep. Many foods can make you feel drowsy, while others can cause trouble sleeping.

The National Sleep Foundation mentions these examples of foods and beverages that can affect your sleep:

  • Carbohydrate-laden foods make it easier for a sleep-inducing amino acid called tryptophan to reach the brain. Tryptophan is found in many protein rich-foods. So combining proteins and carbs makes for good pre-bedtime snacks. Examples include milk and cereal, cheese and crackers or peanut butter and toast.
  • Eating a big meal also can trigger sleepiness, particularly when it’s heavy in carbohydrates.
  • Caffeine in the late afternoon or before bedtime can inhibit drowsiness, but can lead to trouble sleeping.
  • Energy drinks may temporarily boost energy levels, but they often cause a crash and ultimately can lead to drowsiness.
  • Alcohol can cause disruptions in sleep and inhibit entering the deep stages of sleep.

WebMD (1/20, Rubin) also reports the story.

 

Resources

Stress Relief

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Stress Relief Complex    12.01.2012 (Thanks to the Star achievers team)

When life is full and activities threaten to overwhelm, we can relax the mind & body the natural Shaklee way.

Try the natural approach to stress management.  Stress Relief Complex utilizes a unique combination of natural in gredients to help you relax without causing drowsiness.  In asl ittle as 30 minutes, Stress Relief Complex will provide quick relief from every day tension, while promoting alertness.

Did you know that nearly half of all Americans between the ages of 18 and 49 experience every day stress?  The health impact of prolonged stress can be huge!  The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 75-90% of trips to the doctor’s office are stress related.

Some people try to relieve tension with behaviors―such as drinking, smoking, or over-eating.  These behaviors actually increase stress and present their own health risks.

More than a third of Americans have tried to alleviate stress with supplements, especially the herbal supplement kava.  But kava can produce unwanted drowsiness, and (FDA) advised consumers of the potential risk of severe liver injury associated with the use of kava-containing dietary supplements.

STRESS  RELIEF  COMPLEX:  offers nutritional support to help you quickly relax and stay calm without drowsiness.  Contains a unique blend of natural ingredients that provide quick relief from tension while promoting alertness.

Promotes relaxation without drowsiness: L-Theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea, facilitates the generation of alpha waves that are associated with a relaxed yet alert mental state.  Now here’s how it works!

Enhances the body’s ability to adapt to continuing stress. Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stress.

Helps you avoid the effects of stress on long-term health by blunting the cortisol response to stress. Beta-Sitosterol, a natural plant sterol, helps to blunt the response of cortisol, a hormone produced during physical stress.  Chronically high cortisol levels have a negative association with good long-term health.

Helps make norepinephrine, which is involved in mood regulation. L-tyrosine is an aminoacid used by the body to make the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Studies suggest that norepinephrine levels may decline with stress.

 

SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT FOR THE INGREDIENTS IN STRESS RELIEF COMPLEX

Thorough testing on every ingredient for purity, potency, and performance, and there are several additional qualities that make Stress Relief Complex superior to the competition.

L- Theanine in one study with young women appeared to produce a relaxed and alert state by having the greatest impact on the intensity of alpha waves among the women categorized as high-anxiety responders.

Ashwagandha (With aniasomnifera)–Laboratory studies and centuries of safe use, have demonstrated ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties, including its ability to enhance performance during stress.

Beta-Sitosterol–A recent study suggested that Beta-Sitosterol had a positive effect on immune function in marathon runners, in addition to blunting the subjects’ cortisol levels.

L-Tyrosine–In a number of human studies, fairly high intakes of the aminoacid L-Tyrosine were found to lessen the impact of environmental stressors such as extreme cold, loud noises, or sleep deprivation on the performance of subjects.  Environmental conditions often lead to stress or anxiety.

WHYCHOOSE SHAKLEE STRESS RELIEFCOMPLEX?

  • Unique approach to help you quickly relax; enhances your body’s ability to adapt to stress while promoting long-term health.
  • Unique blend of premium ingredients that support a calm, relaxed state without drowsiness during times of everyday stress, while promoting alertness.
  • Relaxation, alertness, better concentration and relief from tension experienced by users.
  • Proven safety with clinically studied and traditionally used ingredients.(Doesnotcontain kava kava)
  • Combines thebestof natureand science.  100% Shaklee Guaranteed.**

 

HOW SHOULD STRESS  RELIEF COMPLEX BE USED?

One caplet daily during periods of stress. Some individuals may wish to take two caplets on occasion. Can be used as part of a stress-management program that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good social support. If pregnant or nursing, consult a health professional. To order use:ItemCode  #20656

Summary: StressReliefComplex helps relax the body and mind and promotes alertness while enhancing the body’s ability to adapt to stress. This blend of natural ingredients also helps blunt cortisol, a hormone produced during stress that affects long-term health.

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

 

Resources

Alternative pain relief

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Plants for Alternative Pain Relief

Boswellia serrata

Boswellia serrata

Extracts of Boswellia serrata have been clinically studied for osteoarthritis and joint function, particularly for osteoarthritis of the knee. Positive effects of Boswellia in some chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have been reported. A Boswellia extract marketed under the name Wokvel has undergone human efficacy, comparative, pharmacokinetic studies. Some see Boswellia serrata as a promising alternative to NSAIDs, warranting further investigation in pharmacological studies and clinical trials. (from Wikipedia)

Boswellia is a tree found in India known for its gum resin which has many pharmacological uses, particularly as an anti-inflammatory. It’s also known as Indian frankincense, salai guggal, and boswellin. Its proper botanic name is boswellia serrata.

As a side note, the Biblical incense frankincense was probably an extract from the resin of the tree, boswellia sacra.

Boswellia has been used for thousands of years to treat many types of conditions. Recent research has determined many of the conditions were caused by inflammation.

Safflower flower

saflower flowerSafflower is a highly-branched annual thistle-like herb that grows to a height of 3 feet producing yellow or reddish flowers. Each branch will usually have several flower heads containing 15-20 seeds per head. The dried flowers of the plant and its seeds are used commercially.

Traditionally, safflowers were grown for their seeds and used for coloring foods and making red and yellow dyes. Its flowers can be used alone or in formulas. They can be prepared as dried powder, tinctures, or decoctions (extracts).

The oil from the seed has been used externally in therapeutic massage and as a natural alternative to mineral oil for use on babies. It’s also beneficial in applications for bruises, sprains and arthritis pain

Safflower is source of several flavonoids

More recently, the plant has been identified as the source of several flavonoids with strong antioxidant compounds.

Flavonoids are any of a group of oxygen-containing aromatic antioxidant compounds that includes many common pigments that help to lower inflammation as well as counteract the damaging effects of oxidation on body tissues.

The well-known antioxidant, guercetin, is one of the flavonoids found in safflower. Quercetin has many health benefits among which it can help reduce the inflammation that results from bursitis, gout, and arthritis.

Side effects

The safflower flower is often used in conjunction with herbs with no reported interactions. There are also no reported interactions of the extract or oil with standard pharmaceuticals.

Its use in dissolving clots, however, suggests that it should not be taken with blood-thinning treatments.

Safflower and boswellia combination effective for joint discomfort

Every day, many of us push ourselves to the limit both occupationally and recreationally. In the end, our bodies, and especially our joints, pay the price. Pain is the common symptom. It’s the body’s natural warning system and it deserves a natural response.

Safflower extract and boswellia extract are proven effective and safe for relief of arthritis pain, joint discomfort, and restricted knee flexion.

When combined in a natural product that contains a patent-pending blend of both extracts. it provides long-term relief within just a few weeks and is especially helpful for relieving chronic pain. Continued use of this natural product keeps pain away or markedly reduces pain daily.  [thanks to Marty Saffell] Thanks to the anti-inflammatory plants Safflower and boswellia combination, so effective for joint discomfort

A web search for other herbs that are helpful with joint pain produced this anti-inflammatory triad:

Turmeric, ginger and bromelain work as effective anti-inflammatory agents. Each works to relieve pain, stiffness and swelling. In combination, they provide a powerhouse of natural medicine. The three substances are synergistic to one another, each boosting the other’s effectiveness…  You can google products containing the three herbs together.  I know of no clinical trials to substantiate these claims, nor can I vouch for standardization or purity of the herbs used.

Personally, I have been using the products Shaklee makes with Boswellia serrata and safflower flower extract for a number of years to manage my arthritis pain.  I can recommend Pain Relief Complex without reservation.  These Cox 2 and 5 Lox pain path inhibitors do no damage to the stomach, can be taken multiple times daily with no side effects whatsoever.  It is a great relief to me to find an arthritis pain reliever that does not have any damaging side effects as I took a great deal of aspirin for years to try to kill the pain in my knees from early onset arthritis.  I have no knee pain today.  It is wonderful to have anti-inflammatory herbs to take.

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Defend and Resist

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Defend and Resist Complex

The immune system protects the body from bacteria, virus fungus, and other harmful
organisms. At times of the year when you are more likely to be slowed down by
immune challenges, it’s more important than ever to keep your immune system up to
speed. Scientific studies suggest that along with a healthy diet and getting enough rest,
consuming certain herbal supplements can help you be prepared for the moment when
you first feel the need to bolster your immune system. Defend and Resist Complex can
help your body respond to seasonal challenges by giving your immune system what it
needs to stay strong.

What Is Defend and Resist Complex?

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Defend and Resist Complex features standardized extracts of Echinacea, black
elderberry, and larch tree with immunoactive arabinogalactans to stimulate the body’s
natural resistance during seasonal challenges. Defend and Resist Complex also contains
zinc, which is known to help support a healthy immune function. Convenient tablets may
be swallowed, dissolved in the mouth then chewed, or crushed and mixed with hot
water to drink as a tea.
Defend and Resist Complex Supports Your Body in 4 Ways
1. By stimulating the body’s natural resistance.
Echinacea native to the United States, Echinacea was first used by the native
peoples of the New World. Also known as purple coneflower, Echinacea is a
perennial flower that resembles a black-eyed Susan. The Echinacea in Defend and
Resist Complex is an extract of both the herb and the root of the most studied herb
species, Echinacea purpurea. Recent studies have shown that Echinacea can help
your body respond to seasonal challenges by giving your immune system what it
needs to stay strong. A basis for understanding how Echinacea works comes from
laboratory studies showing cichoric acid and alkylamides, compounds found at high
concentrations in Echinacea purpurea, have strong immuno-stimulating activity. Six
tablets of Shaklee Defend and Resist Complex per day provide 168 mg of Echinacea
extract concentrated 6:1 to reliably provide the equivalent of over 1,000 mg of dried
herb. In addition, Echinacea is extracted from cultivated plants, which not only helps
guarantee the quality of the raw materials, but also helps protect increasingly rare
wild plants from being over-harvested.

  1. By maintaining a healthy immune response.
    Black Elderberry. The elderberry has been involved in human history for centuries.
    The generic name sambucus may come from the Greek sambuke, a musical
    instrument made from elderberry wood and said to be capable of making music to
    heal the spirit. Black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are a rich source of antioxidant
    compounds called anthocyanidins and polyphenols. Scientific studies have shown
    that elderberry extract can help the body maintain a healthy immune response.
  2. By enhancing immune support.
    Larch Tree. The larch tree (Larix occidentalis) is a deciduous conifer ― a member of
    the pine family that loses its needles each year. Only 10 species of larch occur in the
    world, mostly in cold areas of the northern hemisphere. Larches are commonly
    called tamaracks in many parts of the United States. There is evidence that
    compounds found in high concentrations in the heartwood of larch tree cells, called
    arabinogalactans, are even more immunoactive than extracts of Echinacea.
    Laboratory studies further suggest that larch arabino-galactans stimulate important
    markers of function. A recent clinical study showed that larch heartwood extract
    helped support the immune systems natural ability to achieve a state of immune
    readiness.

  3. By providing the full Daily Value of Zinc.
    Zinc is present in virtually all cells in the body, zinc works as a trigger for over 200
    different enzymes whose functions range from making the materials DNA and RNA
    to helping with the metabolism of fatty acids. Zinc also contributes to growth and
    development, and is important for proper immune function.

Is There Scientific Evidence for the Ingredients in Defend & Resist Complex?
Recent studies have shown that cichoric acid and alkylamides found in the Echinaceaplant have immunoactive properties.* It has also been demonstrated that these phytonutrients occur in higher concentrations in the leafy parts of the plant than in the root. In laboratory tests, Echinacea boosts the production and activity of white blood cells.* Echinacea provides natural support for the body’s immune system.*

  1. Black Elderberries are a rich source of antioxidant compounds called
    anthocyanidins and polyphenols. Scientific studies have shown that
    Elderberry extract can help the body maintain a healthy immune response.*

  2. There is evidence that Echinacea’s benefits are enhanced by immunoactive
    arabino-galactans that are extracted from the heartwood of the Larch Tree.*
    Scientific studies show that arabino-galactans, polysaccharides found in
    Larch cells, boost important indicators of immune system function.*

How Should Defend & Resist Complex be Used?

Defend & Resist Complex is offered in tablet form. Tablets may be swallowed, dissolved
in the mouth then chewed, or even crushed and mixed as a tea, without degrading the
benefits of the herbs. To supercharge your immune system when you start to feel the
need, take 6 tablets daily for about 7 days.
• Recommended serving size for children 4–12 years is 2–4 tablets per day for about 7 days.
There are four ways to take the six-tablet daily serving of Defend & Resist Complex throughout the day:
• Swallow
• Chew
• Drink it dissolved in hot water as a tea
• Dissolve it in your mouth, then chew

This product will provide you with emergency protection, which super charges the
immune system when coming down with a cold or flu and will stimulate the body’s
natural resistance and enhances immune support.

So during the times, when you face additional health challenges, do to stress, you can
pump up your immune system. This wonderful combination of Zinc, Echinacea, Larch
Tree extract and Black Elderberry, stimulates the body’s natural resistance and
enhances immune support.

Defend and Resist Complex or commonly known as DR goes a long way for seasonal
support and is a wonderful “must” for every family especially at this time of year when
we are exposed to colds and flu. It is a wonderful alternative to cold medicines
(especially, with all the information now coming out, about how dangerous some of
these over-the-counter remedies can be!)

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

Listed below are the noted differences found in these three immune-strengthening
products.

Nutriferon delivers the highest level of daily protection, by increasing the production of
the body’s natural interferon. Interferon’s (IFNs) are proteins made and released by host
cells in response to the presence of pathogens―such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites
or tumor

Defend and Resist supercharges the immune system when you start to feel the need.

Defend and Resist Complex can help your body respond to seasonal challenges by
giving your immune system what it needs to stay strong,* with the unique formula based
on standardized herbal extracts.

aims at a higher standard achieving the best health possible by
delivering specific nutrients, protected by Shaklee Guard. This design provides for our
bodies, first-line defenders, cell builders and cell protectors. Provides a baseline
increasing resistance to infectious disease and supplying daily support for your immune
system. Formula I gives you one easy to take capsule with six vitamins and four minerals
– all key immuno active nutrients. Shaklee Guard ensures freshness and stability.