Best Energy Supplement

What are the best brain foods and dietary supplements that can help sharpen your powers of concentration - even enhance your memory, attention span and brain function?

There’s increasing evidence to suggest you can maintain a healthy brain by adding ‘smart’ foods and beverages to your diet.

For instance, caffeine is a popular stimulant that energizes your brain and helps you to focus and concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you an unmistakable buzz - although its effects only last a short while. Not only that, overdoing caffeine can make you jittery and uncomfortable.

Glucose metabolized from sugars and carbs in your diet is your brain's preferred fuel source - which is why a glass of something sweet can stimulate memory, thought processes and mental ability. But go easy on the sugar so it doesn’t pack on the pounds.

Studies show that eating breakfast regularly instead of skipping it improves short-term memory and attention - especially if it contains high-fiber whole grains, dairy and fruits.

Fish is a great protein source that’s also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain function and development. Higher levels of dietary omega 3 fatty acids are linked to lower dementia and stroke risks, a slower rate of mental decline and enhanced memory, especially with age. To boost both brain and heart health, consume two servings of fish weekly.

Nuts and seeds are great sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, believed to slow down age-related cognitive decline. Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties and contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which boost concentration. Up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate will easily give you all the mental benefits you need without excess calories, fat or sugar.

A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and reduce risk of plaque buildup - while also enhancing blood flow to the brain. Whole grains also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Not only that, the fat in avocados is the good monounsaturated fat that contributes to healthy blood flow.

Research in animals shows that blueberries protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats.

Lack of essential nutrients can decrease your ability to concentrate. Similarly, eating too much or too little can also interfere with your ability to focus. To fully benefit your brain, always consume a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy, wholesome foods.

While initial reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene and magnesium are promising, supplements are really only useful to people whose diet is lacking in specific nutrients. In this respect, health experts are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral and herb combinations.

To boost your powers of concentration, start your day with a meal of 100% fruit juice, whole-grain bread or bagel with salmon and a cup of coffee.

Along with eating a well-balanced meal, experts also suggest the following brain-boosting tips:

• Getting a good night's sleep;
• Staying well hydrated;
• Exercising regularly to sharpen thinking processes;
• Meditation for clear thinking and relaxed productivity.

Source:

Energy drinks are very popular nowadays, especially with teens and athletes - perhaps you’re a fan as well.

A recent study looked at the benefits and risks that come with regular energy drink consumption. In 2003, 16% of teens reported consuming them regularly - however, consumption had risen sharply to 35% by 2008. In fact, one study found that 50% of students drank at least 1-4 of these drinks in a typical month.

A sharp increase in energy drink-related emergency room visits led to demands that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) look into the effects of energy drinks on health.

Currently, the amount of caffeine added to energy drinks is not regulated by the FDA, so labeled amounts are often inaccurate. Also, the claims made by manufacturers on the ability of such drinks to maintain energy levels have not been verified.

The study authors examined the most common ingredients - caffeine, guarana, taurine, ginseng, sugars and B vitamins - and assessed their effects on health.

Levels of caffeine, the main ingredient, vary widely between brands. Energy drinks may contain higher levels of caffeine than indicated on the label.

A typical cup of coffee contains 80-120 milligrams of caffeine, while tea has 50 mg and a 12-ounce cola roughly 65 mg. On the other hand, a 16-ounce Red Bull contains 154 mg while a 24-ounce Wired X505 contains 505 mg. While there is no prescribed safety limit for caffeine, excessive consumption has been linked to high BP, premature birth and even possibly sudden death.

Guarana is a South American plant that contains a caffeine-like compound called guaranine. One gram of guarana is equal to 40 mg of caffeine. In spite of this, guarana is usually not included in the total caffeine tally. And since the FDA has not tested guarana for human consumption, its risks and benefits are almost completely unknown.

Sugar in the form of sucrose, glucose, or high fructose corn syrup ranges from 21 grams to 34 grams in every 8 ounces of a typical energy drink. Teens who consume 2 or 3 drinks daily could be taking in 120-180 mg of sugar - or 4-6 times the maximum recommended daily intake - placing them at risk for obesity and dental problems.

Taurine is a common amino acid that supports brain development and regulates mineral and water levels. The amount of taurine consumed from energy drinks is higher than from a normal diet - as yet there is no evidence that this is unhealthy. In fact, many energy drinks that claim to be healthy contain excess, unregulated amounts of vitamins or minerals you can normally get from your diet.

The problem is, you never really know how much of these ingredients you are consuming, because the quantities are masked behind the term 'proprietary blend' or 'energy blend.'

Ginseng is believed to boost athletic performance, strengthen the immune system and improve mood. According to the study authors, there is not much proof of this - and there isn't enough ginseng in energy drinks anyway.

B vitamins and other additives in energy drinks can improve mood and even fight heart disease and cancer, but again their amounts in energy drinks aren’t enough to have any meaningful effects.

Adolescent consumers have no idea what these ingredients do. They assume that because they can buy it off the shelf, it must be safe for them. In reality, very little is known about the risks and benefits of various additives in energy drinks and how they affect health when consumed over the long term. Not much is known either about how energy drinks and alcohol interact as well as how they affect medications and antidepressants.

Therefore, study authors have urged physicians to be aware of energy drink consumption and suggest educating both teens and their parents on the potential negative health consequences of consuming energy drinks regularly.

Are you looking for a natural energy drink - check out the best natural energy boosting supplement here?

Sources:

What’s in Your Energy Drink?

The best vitamin supplement for a healthy heart are B vitamins.

The vitamin B complex is a group of 11 separate, water-soluble nutrients: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B12, biotin, folic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), choline, and inositol.

Of these, vitamins B6 and B12, as well as folic acid and niacin are the most beneficial for heart health.

B6 helps block blood clotting, lowers blood pressure, and reduces blood cholesterol levels. It also works to reduce homocysteine levels, which is a good thing, as this toxic substance has been shown to increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

B12 is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. Like B6, it too reduces homocysteine levels, as well as improving arterial function, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and promoting blood vessel dilation.

Folic acid is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. It also supports the adrenal glands to enhance energy and stamina, helps to maintain healthy homocysteine levels and arterial function, and supports normal cholesterol levels, blood vessel dilation, and decreased plasma viscosity. 

Niacin has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. It also helps dilate your blood vessels, which increases blood flow and helps lower blood pressure.

Aim for 10-12 mg of B6, 50-65 mcg B12, 400 mcg folic acid, and 10-25 mg of niacin daily. Just be sure to take B vitamins with breakfast or lunch rather than at night, as they can be too stimulating.

Every mammal naturally produces the amazing, immune-boosting miracle that is colostrum. This immune- and growth-enhancing pre-milk fluid is produced by all mammals in the last few months of pregnancy and just after birth.

Colostrum has been shown to help fight off common illnesses like colds, flu, allergies, and bronchitis. It contains numerous immunoglobulins, which help boost your immune system and provide protection against invading bacteria and viruses. It’s also a good source of the probiotic acidophilus, which helps prevent gastrointestinal infections, including diarrhea. Plus, colostrum has been shown to protect against viral diseases such as HIV and herpes.

But colostrum also contains other important compounds, such as proline-rich polypeptide, a substance that helps important in restrain an overactive immune system. This is important for people with autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The most common form of supplemental colostrum is bovine colostrum. While it is very similar to human colostrum at the molecular level, it actually contains even more immune-enhancing properties.

You can purchase bovine colostrum as a capsule, tablet, liquid, powder, and nasal spray. Most experts agree that capsules and liquids are best. Also, be sure that the colostrum you choose comes from free-range cows that have been raised organically, and have not received any hormones or antibiotics.

The most commonly recommended dosage is 1,000–2,000 mg twice a day for prevention, and 2,000–3,000 mg twice a day if you feel a cold or flu coming on. Be sure to take it with an eight-ounce glass of water on an empty stomach. And take it early in the day (at breakfast and lunch), as colostrum can boost energy levels and cause insomnia if it is taken too late in the evening. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a thyroid or immune system disorder, or have cancer, be sure to consult with your physician before using colostrum.

Today’s hectic lifestyles leave little time for making healthy food choices and pollutants in the air and water are perpetually pouring toxins into the environment that have to be processed by our bodies. Years of poor nutrition and environmental toxicity eventually take a toll and we can easily wind up with a compromised immune system that zaps our energy and leaves us vulnerable to a host of serious health maladies. 

What many people don’t realize is that a proper PH balance in the body can restore youthful energy and boost our body’s ability to stay healthy and strong.  The correct PH balance is achieved when we have the proper ratio of alkaline and acidic foods in our diets.  Alkaline foods include asparagus, artichokes, lettuce, peas, spinach, green beans and broccoli. Acidic foods include meats, dairy products, white bread, white pasta, chocolate, coffee and carbonated drinks. Nutritional experts recommend that at least 75 percent of our diets should consist of alkaline foods. Unfortunately most of us are not getting enough alkaline foods in our diet to stay healthy and energized. 

In recent years, green superfoods have emerged as a viable way to keep our bodies in balance. Green superfoods are nutrient rich and are derived from green plants, algae and cereal grasses.  These foods are rich in chlorophyll and they feature potent concentrations of digestible vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and other beneficial substances.

There are several green superfood supplements on the market that make it easy to get a daily dose of these life-boosting nutrients.  One of the best is “All Day Energy Greens”. This easy-to-use powdered supplement dissolves quickly and easily into your favorite beverage and one glass contains a whole day’s worth of the nutrients your body needs to stay alkalized and balanced.  This supplement costs just pennies a day and could literally save you thousands of dollars in the medical bills that mount up when diseases invade the body due to a weakened immune system. 

More than 100,000 people have used this remarkable supplement and those who share their experiences report increased energy levels, decreased joint and muscle pain, improved regularity, radiant skin, superior mental clarity and reductions in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

If you are one of the millions of people who are settling for a lackluster life caused by improper balance you should talk to your holistic health practitioner about adding “All Day Energy Greens” to your daily regimen. Join the thousands of people who have traded fatigue and illness for vim and vigor and feel the positive difference it makes in your life.

How do you increase your energy throughout the day?

Today’s hectic lifestyles leave little time for making healthy food choices and pollutants in the air and water are perpetually pouring toxins into the environment that have to be processed by our bodies. Years of poor nutrition and environmental toxicity eventually take a toll and we can easily wind up with a compromised immune system that zaps our energy and leaves us vulnerable to a host of serious health maladies. 

What many people don’t realize is that a proper PH balance in the body can restore youthful energy and boost our body’s ability to stay healthy and strong.  The correct PH balance is achieved when we have the proper ratio of alkaline and acidic foods in our diets.  Alkaline foods include asparagus, artichokes, lettuce, peas, spinach, green beans and broccoli. Acidic foods include meats, dairy products, white bread, white pasta, chocolate, coffee and carbonated drinks. Nutritional experts recommend that at least 75 percent of our diets should consist of alkaline foods. Unfortunately most of us are not getting enough alkaline foods in our diet to stay healthy and energized. 

In recent years, green superfoods have emerged as a viable way to keep our bodies in balance. Green superfoods are nutrient rich and are derived from green plants, algae and cereal grasses.  These foods are rich in chlorophyll and they feature potent concentrations of digestible vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and other beneficial substances.

There are several green superfood supplements on the market that make it easy to get a daily dose of these life-boosting nutrients.  One of the best is “All Day Energy Greens”. This easy-to-use powdered supplement dissolves quickly and easily into your favorite beverage and one glass contains a whole day’s worth of the nutrients your body needs to stay alkalized and balanced.  This supplement costs just pennies a day and could literally save you thousands of dollars in the medical bills that mount up when diseases invade the body due to a weakened immune system. 

More than 100,000 people have used this remarkable supplement and those who share their experiences report increased energy levels, decreased joint and muscle pain, improved regularity, radiant skin, superior mental clarity and reductions in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

If you are one of the millions of people who are settling for a lackluster life caused by improper balance you should talk to your holistic health practitioner about adding “All Day Energy Greens” to your daily regimen. Join the thousands of people who have traded fatigue and illness for vim and vigor and feel the positive difference it makes in your life.

The benefits of taking healthy supplements Go Ruby Go And All Day Energy Greens has been well-documented by testimonials from thousands of people who have used these natural supplements to unlock the door to vibrant health. Either one of these amazing supplements can provide substantial health support, but when you include both of them in your daily routine you will naturally boost your energy.  

While we have always known that fruits and vegetables have vital roles to play in keeping us healthy, most people in this country aren’t getting the amounts they need in their daily diets. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the majority of Americans are getting only a fraction of the nutrients they need from food. Furthermore, the quality of the food we consume has become diminished through the years because much of it is grown in soils where the quality of the minerals has been depleted. Overuse of pesticides has created immune-suppressing toxins in the food we eat and in the air we breathe. That is why it is so important to use nutritional supplements to ensure good health.    

Go Ruby Go contains concentrated fruit extracts including 42 fruit-based blood purifiers, cleansers and detoxifiers. Once harmful toxins are removed, your body will reward you with energy levels you haven’t experienced in years. Fruits are also ideal sources of phytochemicals which help fight off bacteria, fungi, free radicals and inflammation. Regular use of Go Ruby Go provides a substantial energy boost and can also contribute to improved muscle tone, better circulation, healthy digestion and sharper brain focus. 

All Day Energy Greens complements the benefits of Go Ruby Go by providing 38 herbs, grass juices and extracts. The key ingredients in All Day Energy Greens are four superfoods called spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass and barley grass. These superfoods are packed with the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that are needed for vibrant health. 

Both of these powerful natural energy boosting supplements come in an easy-to-absorb powdered form that can be dissolved in water so that they are easily digested. They are 100% natural and contain no common allergens or fillers. Just one tablespoon of these supplements will provide your body with substantial amounts of vital nutrients without added calories or carbohydrates.

Staying healthy and vibrant has never been easier and abundant energy is achievable at any age. Why settle for feeling “just okay” when you can kick your vitality up a notch with these power-packed supplements? Make this dynamic duo part of your stay well strategy so you can look forward to a happy, healthy new year.   

Do you take either All Day Energy or Go Ruby Go?

I’ll bet you’re reading this because you have a man you dearly love; and you want nothing more than to help this man achieve optimum health. Or maybe you are a man and you’re keen on your own good health and everything it takes to be healthy and to stay healthy—for life. Either way, you can probably relate when I say, a healthy man is a sexy man. That’s right. No matter what the man may look like on the outside, no matter how old he may be, if he’s unhealthy on the inside, his attraction level drops waaaay down. Way down. Right?   You know it’s true. In the converse, if this man is healthy, if he feels really good on the inside, it’s going to show—from the inside out! 

When a man is healthy and feels really good, he emits a certain energy: the allure of attraction... and THAT is what makes him desirable.   Like a magnet, good health pulls people toward him—it can even help attract and set the stage for good luck and positive happenings. When a man feels good and is healthy, it’s much easier for him to feel balanced, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Just like a woman with child is said to radiate “that glow,” when a man feels great, it shows. His color is true, his eyes are clear, his hair (or scalp!) has a shine, and he emits an aura of confidence. He has a positive energy that feels relaxed and centered. His inner chemistry thrives and everyone wants to be around him. 

So how does this man get there? How does he become healthy and sexy? The shortest path to optimum health is no surprise—it’s by making positive, intelligent, common sense health care choices. 

Profile of a healthy, sexy man:

• He gets at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night, knowing that if he doesn’t, he’ll pay for it the next day. His bed is comfortable, and his bedroom is inviting. 
• He drinks at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of pure water every day, knowing it’s hydrating his cells at their very core.
• He doesn’t smoke and he limits his alcohol consumption to a reasonable minimum because it’s the smart way to go.
• He eats lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Whether he cooks or not, he knows the best restaurants in town.
• He knows exactly which natural supplements he needs to strengthen his immune system, his organs, his heart, his mental agility and his libido.
• He takes good care of his teeth by brushing and flossing every day—thus creating a very kissable mouth.
• He works out at least three or more times a week, and has numerous activities because he’s so interesting.
• He takes pride in his health, his life, his family, and his community, because he senses a profound connection that he know begins with him.

This healthy, sexy man has a vital voltage about his energy, and he has a personal strength that is simply delicious! If you took a peek into this fine gentleman’s personal “medicine cabinet” you’d probably see the following natural supplements—chosen by him because he knows what makes him feel his personal best.

This healthy, sexy man’s daily regimen consists of the following:

An antioxidant—chock full of powerful vitamins such as A, C and E. This healthy, sexy man is also smart, and he keeps up on the latest health information. He knows that recent research points to the encouraging role that antioxidants may play to help reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s—an age-related disease that he simply cannot risk. 

Vitamin D—to help him maintain not only his weight, muscle mass, athletic performance and strength, but his hair and his virility as well… You may see him on a treadmill in the gym, but he’s not watching TV…he’s reading recent research that helps him to understand that Vitamin D is vital to men’s health, and he won’t be without it.

L-Arginine—to help him avoid the dreaded erectile dysfunction that affects so many of his buddies. He’s told them that L-Arginine is an essential amino acid and one of the building blocks of proteins in a man’s body. He’s told them that this natural supplement has become known as a safe and effective pro-sexual nutrient for men (and women.) L-Arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO) in the human body, and has been shown to be vital for blood circulation and normal sexual function. This healthy, sexy man knows that insufficient blood flow is a major cause of incomplete erection in men. He knows that L-Arginine has been shown to improve blood flow to the genital area by dilating blood vessels and helping to….well, let’s just say size, hardness, and frequency is something he doesn’t worry about.

And Fish Oil—Finally, this smart guy is in the know, and he knows that fish oil is loaded with the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. He knows that fish oil can reduce triglycerides, boost HDL cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.  He also knows that healthy fats may also reduce inflammation and improve cognitive performance, and may lower his risk of colon and prostate cancers. He relies on fish oil to protect his overall great health to help him keep up with his busy lifestyle.

As an aside, we switched family doctors recently. My smart, healthy, sexy man and I were relieved to find a doctor with whom we would be compatible with in terms of health and wellness. I knew I liked this doctor right away when she asked my husband if he took supplements. She asked what dosages he takes, and she said that a quality fish oil supplement was tops on her list of essential natural supplements for her patients. 

So for the man who wants to make the most of his life, he needs to make the most of his health—he can’t have one without the other. A healthy man is a sexy man. He’s strong and smart and proactive, and makes the best choices for himself. The élan of this man’s energy is vibrant. He’s like a magnet for the best things in life. A healthy, sexy man can easily be “himself,” because there’s no one else he’d rather be!

What supplements does your Sexy Man take? 

Resveratrol is a natural dietary supplement that has been found to be one of the most effective products for aiding in natural weight loss. Users of this vitamin supplement consistently confirm that resveratrol is an effective aid to weight loss, unlike other diet fads. It has been featured on national TV by Dr Oz, Oprah, Barbara Walters and other shows, making it one of the top-selling natural supplements.

How Resveratrol Works
Resveratrol works in three different ways to benefit those trying to lose weight. Firstly, it may speed up the body’s metabolism. Once the metabolism has been kick-started, users will burn more calories in everyday life which naturally helps weight loss.

Resveratrol has been shown to break down fat cells and uses the fat deposits for energy. This is beneficial to dieters as it ensures that the weight loss is pure fat, not lean tissue or muscle.

Finally, resveratrol may suppress the production of estrogen. High levels of estrogen tell the body to store fat, so when the hormone is suppressed the body will begin to build muscle instead of accumulating more fat.

Recent research published in the MBC Physiology Journal showed that in animals, those fed with resveratrol-enriched foods gained less weight in the winter than those given a placebo. The tests showed that resveratrol sped up the rate of metabolism and seemed to limit weight gain, even on animals fed a high-fat diet. Studies showed that the presence of resveratrol countered the formation of fat cells which is more good news for those struggling to maintain their weight.

If you wish to lose weight, make sure that you take your resveratrol supplement in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, lower stress and eight hours sleep each night to get the full benefits of this all-round supplement.

Whether you want to lose weight or simply live a long and healthy life, a daily dose of resveratrol in supplement form, topped up with its natural berry sources, may enable you to get fit, enjoy the best health possible and stay in good shape naturally.

Did you know that IVL carries two vitamin supplements that contian Resveratrol?
Cocoberri™  and IVL Resveratrol Supplement

Sources:
http://www.healthierpost.com/resveratrol-weight-loss/
http://www.pureandhealthy.com/blog/2010/12/resveratrol-for-weight-loss-how-resveratrol-helps-you/
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/weight_Loss/a/Resveratrol-And-Weight-Loss.htm

More than half of American adults take dietary supplements, but with hundreds to choose from, how do you know which ones are best for you personally? Here is a rundown on some of the most common natural supplements and why you should include them in your daily diet.

Multivitamins

Those with a busy lifestyle who rely on fast food and microwave meals will almost certainly have a deficiency in vitamins and minerals. While daily supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet in any way, multivitamins do make sure that trace elements and minerals such as magnesium and zinc are being consumed on a regular basis.

The best multivitamins are those specifically formulated for men or for women. Women need higher levels of iron, calcium and folic acid. A well blended formula for women can resolve issues such as irritability, mood swings, bloating, lethargy, cramps and breast tenderness while men benefit from ingredients such as beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto for healthy prostate function.

Fish Oil

Fish oil has been shown to significantly improve health when taken on a regular basis. From preventing heart disease to easing joint pain and arthritis with its anti-inflammatory properties, a good quality fish oil should be on everyone's supplement list. 

Some people avoid taking fish oil supplements due to the aftertaste. Choose a good quality brand from a reputable supplier such as IVL High Grade Fish Oil. If you still get nasty repeats, store the fish oil in the refrigerator and take them cold. This allows the capsules to get deeper into the body before being digested which eliminates the problem. A good quality fish oil will also be properly distilled and processed to remove toxic metals and pollutants from the fish oil.

Calcium

More than 25 million Americans are diagnosed with osteoporosis and it is not just women that suffer from this "brittle bone" disease. It is too late to take a crash course once symptoms have been diagnosed. Our bodies need plenty of calcium (with vitamin D to help the body break it down) from an early age and throughout life. Calcium is also necessary for strong teeth as well as supporting the heart and nervous system.

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is a relative newcomer to the health market yet its comprehensive benefits make it a top seller. It helps prevent heart disease and metabolizes energy from food. It also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure without the harmful side effects of prescribed medications. CoQ10 is found naturally in every cell in our body, but as we age it naturally diminishes and needs replenishing. It has been found to help prevent migraines, reduce inflammation and increase energy. The ideal daily supplement is around 100mg per 100 pounds of body weight, although higher doses are beneficial to counter chronic fatigue. 

 Once you have established a few basic supplements, continue to read and learn more about specific supplements. The best way to judge which are best for you is by trial and error. If you are receiving the correct nutrients and supplements, your body will feel fit, healthy and full of energy.

Cholesterol reducing drugs, called statins, are the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S.A. In fact, more than 215 million prescriptions are prescribed per year as 25% of Americans over the age of 45 take these drugs as a preventative measure against cardiovascular disease.

Statins are generally prescribed to those with raised levels of cholesterol, which is known to clog the arteries leading to heart attacks and strokes. When statins were discovered they were a major breakthrough for those diagnosed with heart disease or narrowing of the arteries.

However, the prescribing of statins moved on to being offered to those who had not been diagnosed with heart disease. Statins are now commonly prescribed to those with raised cholesterol levels as a primary preventative against the possibility of cardiovascular disease. A recent scientific review has shown that statins are not effective for primary prevention and indeed may be producing harmful side effects.

Cochrane Collaboration Review of Use of Statins
UK researchers analyzed the results of 14 previous studies on over 34,000 people. The results were published in what was known as the Cochrane Collaboration, an international independent network to help health care providers, policy makers and patients make decisions from unbiased reports on the effectiveness of health care.

One of the problems highlighted was that in the original studies on statins there was selective reporting of the outcome. Positive results for statins were reported; negative results such as reported side effects were ignored.

Secondly, the studies had been performed on a cross section of people, including those with cardiovascular disease. The positive results on those with heart disease influenced the overall results.

Thirdly, only limited evidence showed that statins would be a cost effective way to improve a person’s quality of life.
 
The outcome was that many people who did not need, and would not benefit from statins were prescribed them.

Side Effects of Statins
For those with pre-existing conditions of cardiovascular disease, the benefits may well outweigh the side effects, but for those who may be getting no benefit whatsoever, the side effects from statins are an unnecessary risk.

Common side effects of statins are myalgia (muscle pain), tiredness, intolerance to exercise due to weak or painful muscles, memory loss, tingling or numbness in limbs, sleep problems and sexual dysfunction. More serious side effects have also been reported.

One particular downside to taking statins is that it blocks the body’s natural ability to create coenzyme Q10. This vital enzyme is responsible for producing energy and is an important antioxidant. Those diagnosed with cardiovascular disease should consider supplementing their statin meds with a daily 200mg supplement of CoQ10.

Other Options for Preventing Heart Disease
Those who have been prescribed statins as a primary preventative may want to look at whether statins are the best option. There are plenty of other ways to protect your heart by not smoking, exercising regularly, caring for a pet and eating a heart-healthy diet. The only side effects from these recommendations are positive ones!

A common question among those taking natural supplements on a daily basis is "When is the best time to take them?" If you are taking prescribed medications, it is a good idea to consult your doctor as occasionally a supplement may affect the efficacy of your medication if taken at the same time.

Here are helpful guidelines about taking vitamins and supplements:

Taking Vitamins at the Same Time Each Day

Many fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body for up to 24 hours making it important that you take supplements at roughly the same time each day to maintain a constant supply. This particularly applies to fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K which are often included in multivitamin tablets.

Taking Vitamins on an Empty Stomach

Generally it is not advisable to take supplements on an empty stomach as they will quickly be passed out in your urine without having time to be digested and do the most good. This is particularly true of vitamins B and C as they dissolve in water.

Taking supplements on an empty stomach can cause nausea and gastro-intestinal problems for some. The exception to the rule is if you are taking enzymes or amino acid supplements to lower inflammation as they work best on an empty stomach.

Taking Vitamins with Breakfast

Most people establish a regular regimen of taking their daily supplements with breakfast. It is a good habit to get into as it avoids them being forgotten and the food prevents them passing through the body too quickly.

Most naturally-sourced vitamins and minerals are present in food so it makes sense to take any additional supplements in the same way, as part of a meal. B vitamins are a source of energy and they promote metabolism so they are best taken early in the day to boost and maintain energy levels.

Fat-soluble vitamins are best taken with a meal that contains some fat. If your breakfast is totally fat-free, for example fruit, add a handful of nuts or some avocado to enable the vitamins to be fully dissolved and available to be digested.

Taking Supplements Throughout the Day

Some hard-to-digest minerals such as calcium are best taken in small but regular amounts

throughout the day. The body is unable to digest more than 500mg of calcium at any one time, so for those taking 1000mg in two tablets, consider taking one at breakfast and another with the evening meal for maximum benefit.

Magnesium promotes the relaxation of muscles, so it is better to take it in the evening when it can aid a good night's sleep.

Iron tablets are best taken separately as caffeine and tannins can affect its absorption. However, citrus fruits are particularly good for aiding iron absorption, so consider taking them with a glass of orange juice rather than water.

Take Supplements When it Suits You Best

The most important part of taking vitamins and supplements is taking them at all. Find a time when you will remember to take them, and if you find they are causing indigestion or nausea then try switching to other mealtimes to see if the problem improves.

Do you take your supplements and vitamins at a certian time of day?

When we are in our teens and twenties, it is easy to feel as though we are invincible so many people neglect taking supplements and eating healthy.  However, as we get older, it becomes increasingly important to maintain our health and wellness.  One of the best ways to do this is to maintain a regular regime of supplementation.  The fact is that seniors who take supplements are less likely to get diseases or need hospitalization. 

As years go by, our body’s face oxidative damage.  Free radicals can destroy the healthy cells in our body when they go unchecked.  This can lead to issues like cancer, heart disease, arthritis and cataracts.  The way to fight these free radicals is through getting enough antioxidants.  While eating fruits and vegetables are a great way to get antioxidants into the body, they can also be obtained through supplements like Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

The Importance of B and D Vitamins
It is crucial for the body to get ample B vitamins.  As people age, the homocysteine levels in the blood increases.  B vitamins, however, can lower these levels and help prevent blood clots.  Some of the most important supplements to take are folic acid, B6 and B12.

Vitamin D is another must-have vitamin that is usually required in the form of supplements.  Due to the fact that our modern lifestyles are mostly indoors, we miss out on the natural Vitamin D that can be absorbed through the sun.  Especially as people get older, they can find they are spending a great deal of time inside and getting little sunlight each day.  When the body doesn’t receive enough Vitamin D, it can lead to a myriad of problems including broken bones, and osteoporosis.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Fight Heart Disease
Omega 3’s are also imperative for a healthy diet.  While they can be obtained through some forms of seafood and nuts, omega 3 fatty acids can also be easily taken in the form of supplements.  Heart disease is one of the most serious illnesses.  In fact, someone in the United States dies of a heart attack roughly every 34 seconds.  However, omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce instances of coronary heart disease. 

Coenzyme Q10 Keeps the Cells Running Smoothly
Many people aren’t aware of the importance of Coenzyme Q10.  CoQ10 is important for the body, as it helps ensure proper cell function.  It produces energy in the mitochondria.  However, the natural levels of CoQ10 in the body decrease as we get older.  Plus, if you take prescription drugs like statins, they can also substantially lower CoQ10 levels in the body.  When people have healthy levels of CoQ10, it can also guard against heart failure, diabetes, migraines, and Parkinson’s disease.  There are only a few food sources that contain CoQ10, so it is necessary to get this compound through supplementation.

Of course, eating ample amounts of fruits, vegetables and healthy seafood can go a long way in providing the vitamins and minerals that the body needs.  However, as we get older, it can be increasingly difficult to find the time to prepare healthy meals and make sure that we are getting exactly the nutrients that our bodies require.  As a result, supplementation is quite crucial for adults and seniors. 

When you consider the fact that 70% of the human body is comprised of water it comes as no surprise that water is often referred to as the “essence of life.” Next to oxygen, water is the single most important factor in sustaining life. Water is necessary to support the body fluids that transport nutrients, flush toxins and help maintain a balanced metabolism. While it goes without saying that it is important to drink plenty of water, many people don’t realize that you need to replace more than just fluids.

When we sweat, we lose body fluids which contain not only water, but also electrolytes that are critical to support vital functions. Electrolytes are actually minerals that are present in all body fluids. These minerals, which include sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and phosphorous, help regulate body functions and when they are depleted serious physical problems can develop. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include extreme fatigue, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness and impaired concentration. A severe electrolyte balance can compromise the body’s ability to carry electrical charges in the nerves, the heart and other muscles in the body. Even a minor loss of fluid can cause an electrolyte imbalance that puts your health at risk.         

In recent years sports drinks have emerged as a popular method of restoring electrolyte balance, but they are not considered the healthiest choice. Most sports drinks have high sugar content and also contain significant amounts of caffeine, artificial sweeteners and chemical additives. While they taste good and may provide a short-lived burst of energy, the calories and carbohydrates they contain often cancel out any positive benefits. If you choose to consume sports drinks, read the labels very carefully.  

There are several natural supplements on the market which can be used daily to help keep the body hydrated, flush toxins and provide the minerals needed for optimum electrolyte balance. Q-hydrate528, which is available from The Institute For Vibrant Living, is a powerful combination of ionic fulvic acid and zeolite that provides your body with all the trace minerals in their most perfect, absorbable form. Daily use of Q-hydrate528 can keep you feeling your best by helping your body to maintain the proper balance of electrolytes. 

During the sizzling days of summer it is especially important to stay hydrated because of the fluids and electrolytes that we lose through sweating. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water so that your body and mind can function at optimum levels. To be on the safe side, consider adding a liquid nutritional supplement like Q-hydrate528 to give your body the edge it needs to stay healthy and energized.   

1. Your vision blurs at near point
2. You experience loss of near focus
3. You experience dimming or blank spots
4. You lose color vision
5. You see straight lines as wavy or distorted

Macular degeneration cases are expected to more than double by the year 2020 as “baby boomers” age. This serious eye condition is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 55. More than 30 million people may lose their vision to macular degeneration in less than two decades. Don’t be one of them!

The macula is at your retina’s center and contains specialized cones used to survey sharp details. As your macula degenerates, you gradually lose the center of your field of vision and eventually, your sight.

If you are looking for the best health supplement to help you avoid the this threat to your eyesight and enjoyment of life, try the Institute for Vibrant Living's Vision Clear™ formula.

The all-natural nutrients in Vision Clear™ are specially formulated to strengthen the delicate capillaries, arteries, and veins that feed your eyes and help maintain a healthy macula. It can help you avoid this threat to your eyesight and enjoyment of life. The natural health vitaimn's in Vision Clear™ are designed to strengthen the delicate capillaries, arteries, and veins that feed your eyes and help maintain a healthy macula.

That’s why it’s so important to “feed your eyes” with a healthy nutritional support like Vision Clear™.
It works to overcome retinal problems by cleansing your body of vision-destroying toxins and restoring cellular energy to the optic nerve.

Millions of people believe they have no choice but to gradually lose their sight. But you don’t have to be one of them!
Don’t let any of the telltale signs of macular degeneration make your life miserable.

Fight back Order Vision Clear™ before it’s too late!
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Think of them as internal terrorists roaming your body, looking for cells to destroy, depriving tissues of blood flow, preventing the removal of plaque and fats from your system. They’re unstable oxygen molecules that come with every breath you take and, like terrorists, they can be hard to find and even harder to destroy.

Free radicals damage the body’s DNA (the body’s genetic code) by injuring or breaking the chemical bonds between the DNA molecules. As more damage builds up in the DNA strands, the DNA-coded messages begin to be improperly translated and cellular function goes awry. It doesn’t help that oxidation is caused by everything from the air you breathe to the foods you eat to environmental chemicals that can’t be controlled. A body in the grip of free radical damage is susceptible to a host of life-threatening diseases and premature aging.

Ever since Pasteur proposed the germ theory of disease, the race has been on to find and conquer dangerous organisms that invade the body. As little as thirty years ago, it was thought that living cells did not harbor reactive oxygen species. The idea was that free radicals were so unselective and unstable, they couldn’t exist in a living system.

Today, scientists agree that aerobically respiring (alive) cells produce two kinds of radicals, the good - which need to be nourished - and the bad, that can cause irreparable destruction. The trouble is that the body can’t fight the bad when it’s compromised by any number of outside contaminants. Your body has antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase that moderate the harmful effects of free radicals. But when bombarded by environmental sources of free radicals such as smoke, alcohol, air pollution, etc., these natural enzymes are not enough to defend against the continuous onslaught of natural and environmental free radicals.

And if that’s not enough, here is what Dr. James Balch, M.D. has to say about our oxygen supply, “Oxygen is the source of our 'life-energy,' but there is a problem. We aren’t getting enough of it. The oxygen-producing forests are being destroyed. Modern industrial technology is polluting the air, further depleting the Earth’s oxygen supply. In the past few hundred years, the oxygen content of our atmosphere has decreased by almost 50 percent.”

It is common medical knowledge that most diseases will not thrive in an oxygen-rich environment. That has been proven in the case of cancer. If there is enough oxygen in the cells, cancer and other degenerative diseases cannot exist.

“As antibiotics in the last fifty years of the twentieth century helped cure many infectious diseases, so antioxidants will affect a cure of many supposedly incurable diseases in the twenty first century and slow the aging process dramatically” – James F. Balch, M.D.

Research by biogerontologists indicates that aging takes place because of destructive cellular changes brought on by free radicals. Professor Rajindar Sohal of the Department of Sciences at Southern Methodist University in Dallas concluded, following the examination of recent free radical studies, “There is enough evidence to give good credence to the free radical theory of aging.”

Let’s face it, free radicals just won’t go away. Even if you never ate anything you didn’t grow yourself, or moved to the Australian outback, free radicals would find you. Or, you could eat curry morning, noon and night for the rest of your life in an effort to get enough curcumin to ward off disease.

During the course of The Institute for Vibrant Living's research, they reviewed and compared many of the different curcumin supplements that are available on the market today. They narrowed down the field to what we feel is the very best, highest quality and most effective curcumin supplement found on the face of the planet. Its name is Pain & Brain Plus™.

Do you want to try Pain & Brain Plus™ 100% Risk Free?

Let’s face it; we all have days where our energy levels drop considerably in the afternoon.  Now on a particularly stressful or physically demanding day, this is understandable and quite natural.  However, it is important that you realize that there are steps you can take to keep this from happening to you.  By using proper nutrition, such as vitamin, mineral and protein rich foods or natural enrgy supplements, you can “recharge your battery” anytime of the day including during the all-important afternoon period.

When you are looking for ways of increasing your energy levels, its good to know that there are options other than caffeine.  The simple facts are that you don’t have to reach for coffee, tea or an “energy bar or drink” to get your energy boost.  Energy bars and drinks tend to be high in an assortment of things that your body just doesn’t need, such as sugar, chemicals, additives and preservatives. 

Even the best choices on the market have their problems.  For example, many of these products secretly contain caffeine.  What you really need to find are energy boosters that also improve health and well-being at the same time.  They will give you the “juice” you need to make it through those difficult afternoon hours.

Nature has created its own little energy powerhouse in the form of the seemingly humble berry.  While taking berries with you wherever you go may not be very practical, atural dietary supplement Berry Essentials certainly can get the job done. Berry Essentials combines the 10 most powerful berries along with a variety of herbs, other fruits and vegetables into an easy to digest powdered form.  Black cherries, beet powder, elderberries and bilberries are just a few of the fruits contained in this impressive nutrition and energy boosting powder.  In fact, you even get purple carrot, broccoli, kale and numerous other superfoods for good measure.

Health supplment All Day Energy Greens stands as a nice companion to Berry Essentials, as it is loaded down with no less than 38 different grass extracts, herbs and herbal extracts.  This combination may literally leave you feeling awake and revitalized.  Nature knows what it is doing and has provided us with nothing short of a bounty with which we can recharge.  The impressive array of ingredients in All Day Energy Greens ranges from chlorella and alfalfa leaf powder to energy superstars like watercress.  Not only is All Day Energy Greens an energy booster, but it has a major side benefit in that it also may even help flush toxins out of your kidneys. 

All Day Energy Greens and Berry Essentials work well alone or in combination to boost energy and get you over the afternoon blues.  We all know how tough it can be making it through the afternoon hours once energy levels have dropped.  Yet, there are excellent solutions that are caffeine and chemical free, which can really revitalize you and improve your health at the same time.

There is a good reason that you hear a lot about energy boosting supplements these days.  Many of us don’t feel as though we have enough hours in the day to accomplish even a fraction of what is “on our plates.”  This means both mental and physical stress can truly take a toll.

Unfortunately, quite a few of the energy boosting supplements on the market don’t work and may even contain compounds and additives that are harmful to your health.  What you and your body really needs out of a supplement isn’t a caffeine jolt, which is so often the case with energy boosting supplements.  Instead, you need fuel for your body that will last all day long.

Good nutrition fuels the body.  In fact, proper nutrition will give your body the energy that it needs to address all of your daily challenges.  If you receive adequate protein and nutrition, you will find that your energy levels are maintained throughout the day.

Luckily, there is one product that can really contribute in both regards.  Beautiful Barley contains easily absorbable barley, which means that you can get the protein your body needs.  However, that is only the beginning.  Beautiful Barley has 20% of your daily need of vitamin A and 25% of your daily requirement of vitamin C.  Best of all, you can get all of this nutrition for a mere 10 calories! 

Beautiful Barley contains an assortment of health building and immune building foods, such as organic barley grass leaf, organic alfalfa leaf, organic beet root, organic spinach leaf and organic chlorella.  In short, Beautiful Barley is just packed with all sorts of great nutrition; the kind of nutrition that you need if you want to be properly fueled.

Green tea has long been respected for its ability to boost energy.  Further, green tea has also been known for centuries to also improve and help maintain overall health and well being.  For these reasons, green tea is an excellent choice when you are looking for an energy boost.  Green Tea Elixir is an extract that may boost your immunity, thanks to the addition of rose hips and pomegranate.  However, it may also give you the antioxidant protection that green tea extract affords.

Anyone looking to fight off the ever-present effects of fatigue will be interested in MaquiMagic.  Oxidative damage can wear your body down, and MaquiMagic contains some the most powerful antioxidants known to man.  Antioxidants are critical in helping your body resist the effects of aging and the fatigue that comes with it.  MaquiMagic is a serious contender in the battle against fatigue!

While fatigue may be a constant factor in modern life, the good news is that there are healthy, natural ways of dealing with this fatigue.  Products like Beautiful Barley, Green Tea Elixir and MaquiMagic may all work wonders in helping you stay ahead of the fatigue that so often comes with day-to-day life.