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What is "Bioavailability?"

5/11/2022

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​Bioavailable refers to the rate at which a product or nutrient is absorbed into your body and is available to help produce healthy cells. This is especially important when taking supplements.

Why do our bodies not absorb vitamins? 
There are 2 factors:
...the way our body functions
...the quality of the product

The worse culprit is stress. When your body is under stress, your digestive system “shuts down.” So, when you are under stress it is more important to take healthy supplements that have a higher rate of being absorbed and keeping you healthy.  Need some tips on how to better manage your stress? Here is a course that has some great tips and activities "Stress Management for Daily Living."

Also, if your intestines are “blocked” you may not be able to absorb nutrients from your food and supplements. Many people do not eat enough fiber. It is also a good idea to do a healthy cleanse a couple of times a year to “clean your system.”  The 7-Day Healthy Cleanse program I found to be awesome. I felt so energized and healthy.  Not interested in a cleanse diet? You may want to get the individual products of the cleansing and detox herbs.

Second, not all products and vitamin supplements are made from healthy or natural ingredients. For example, Tums is a source of calcium, and while it may give you some temporary relief as an antacid, it is not a good source of calcium for your bones because it is not absorbed into the bloodstream effectively.

Price is often a determining factor for some people when chosing a vitamin supplement. The more “expensive” supplements have more research behind their ingredients and process to make sure they of their bioavailability.

It has long been thought that some synthetic or cheap vitamins do not break down and pass straight through the body and are not absorbed at all and go straight down the toilet! They become a waste of money because they have not done what you have paid to have them do and that is to help you build healthy cells. So, please do not let price be the determining factor in what vitamins you buy.

Here is how you can tell:
The “water” test:  Drop your vitamin supplement into a glass of water. How long does it take to break apart? Does it sit on the bottom of the glass “forever?”
The supplement should break apart with in a very short amount of time. The particles that float to the top are the ones that are absorbed in your stomach and the particles that are closer to the bottom of the glass of water are the ones that go down and are absorbed by in your intestines.

The “burn” test: Put your vitamin on some tin foil and then place it in the oven at 450 degrees. Be sure to open the windows because some supplements will really smell!
Biologists will tell you that anything that is “natural” will turn to ash… similar to the logs you burn in the fireplace. If your supplement melts to a sticky substance, the product is not all natural. Synthetics and plastics are not what you want in your system and that reduces the chances that you have fed your cells with healthy nutrients.
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Here is what Shaklee states about the bioavailability of their products:
"S.M.A.R.T.™ Technology
Our supplement strips Vitalizer™ are formulated with Shaklee Micronutrient Advanced Release Technology™, our unique, patented delivery system designed to optimize absorption of key nutrients in the body. The multivitamin in the Vitalizer strips, Vita-Lea® is designed to dissolve in less than 30 minutes in the stomach and to enhance absorption of folic acid from the patented microcoating. And our B+C Complex in both strips provides up to 198% greater absorption of B vitamins over 12 hours, as shown in a clinical study, through sustained-release delivery to the small intestine.” (Naturally Blog)
 
So, what other proof can I give you that Shaklee products work and why you may want to give them a try? 

Well, here is one more...
Vitamin supplements are actually relevantly “new.” Therefore, there has been no scientific tests available to determine the long-term effects of taking supplements…until recently. A longitudinal study called the Landmark Study was done to determine the effects of taking supplements for 25-30 years. The results compared people who took Shaklee supplements to those who took other supplements and those who just “ate right.”
People who took Shaklee over a period of time had significantly better health. 

What is the ROI (return on investment) of taking vitamin supplements?
​
The health and energy I have from taking Shaklee supplements is priceless. 

Best way to get started is the Prove It Challenge to see the difference Shaklee can make in your health. 



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What is BMI?

5/10/2022

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BMI stands for Body Mass Index.
What does this measure? This is a measurement for determining if you are a healthy weight for your height. Your BMI puts you in a “weight category” … are you underweight, healthy weight, overweight, obese.

BMI is only a first step to help you determine if you are in a healthy weight range or if you may have a health risk. There are other factors that may contribute to a higher BMI and you may want to check with your health care provider to be sure.

Check out the BMI calculator from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and see your BMI. https://bit.ly/3OORcuF

However, even if you are in a healthy range, you may still want to lose weight in order to feel better about your body weight or to continue to improve your health.

For many years I stayed at the higher end of my healthy BMI weight range. While I felt good, I struggled with feeling comfortable. . I found that the Prove It Challenge program helped me to break that comfort zone and finally reach my desired weight. I feel so much more comfortable and look even better in my clothes! And I know I have less health risk being at the lower end of the BMI scale for my height.
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Sometimes when we feel “comfortable” it is not easy to motivate ourselves to lose the last 5-10 pounds we feel we should lose. Message me for a copy of my free E-Book “5 Steps to Motivate Yourself to Reach Your Fitness Goals.” 

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HOW HEALTHY ARE YOU? Take our free assessment.

3/19/2022

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 At one time in my life, I was not healthy. I had all the physical ailments that the television advertised remedies for! I had headaches, dandruff, sinus infections, dry skin, heartburn, digestive issues, and several other problems… and most of all, I had low energy and had difficulty getting through the day without a nap. I thought it was “normal” because I was getting “old.” I was 25. 
 

How are you currently do with your health? Here is a checklist of some common problems. How many apply to you?
___ Low energy level, general weakness or fatigue                                        
___ Mid-morning energy slump and/or mid-afternoon slump
___ Very tired at night                                  
___ Mood swings throughout the day                     
___ Can’t concentrate well                                               
___ Irritable, easily upset                                                  
___ Nervous, anxiety                                    
___ Often down or depressed                                           
___ Tension headaches
___ Not as alert as I should be                                                                        
___ Don’t feel like doing what you used to do                                                         
___ Frequent colds, flu
___ Allergy attacks                                                           
___ Foot, leg or other muscle cramps                                                                       
___ Bleeding gums         
___ Dry, itchy skins                                                
___ Bruise easily                                                    
___ Constant aches & pains
___ Acid indigestion, heart burn
___ Constipation, hemorrhoids
___ High blood pressure
___ Infections
___ Sexual dysfunctions
___ Cravings for sweets
___ Hungry even after eating
___ No appetite
___ Other difficulties (please specify) __________________________________
 
These may be short term signals for some possible serious illnesses in the future.
 
How did we get this way?
For most of these physical ailments, poor nutrition and health habits are the problem.
Why? We are…
  • Nutritionally undereducated
  • Eat for taste, not nutrition
  • In a hurry
  • Foods grown in deficient soils, processed, overcooked
 
But the good news is that you can feel better within 30 days. Supplementation has been proven to bridge the gap between poor nutrition and optimum health.
 
While most people are do take some sort of vitamin supplement, it is important to note that not all supplements are the same. While other say that their products work, we have scientific proof that ours works!
 
If you are not experiencing the health and energy you want from what you are doing, let me show you a program that worked for me… I no longer have any of the old illnesses. In my senior years I take no medication and have outstanding health and energy. You too can significantly improve your health and energy in 30 days. 


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August 30th, 2021

8/30/2021

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We have been encouraged to take preventative measures in order to avoid coming down with the virus. Whether you are vaccinated or not, it is also very important s is to keep a healthy immune system.
Here are 5 Habits that people with a Healthy Immune system do on a regular basis.
Which ones are you doing well? Which ones do you need to improve on?
1. Healthy eating
A well-balanced diet is so important. It is your first line of defense. It is not always easy to get all the healthy food we should. Supplements can also fill the gap when you are not able to get everything from the foods we are eating.  However, not all supplements are the same!  Shaklee products are guaranteed to be safe (no harmful ingredients) and they have been scientifically proven to work.
2. Exercise daily:
Walking at least 30 minutes a day improves your immune system and helps you manage your weight!
3. Get seven to nine hours of sleep!
In addition to our diet and walking or other exercise, simple stretching exercises such as yoga or progressive relaxation can help you sleep better.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
When on a low-calorie diet, it is difficult to get the balanced nutrition you need. Many diets are not “safe” or offset your metabolism thus causing what is referred to as the “yo-yo” effect (you gain the weight back.)  Here is a safe, delicious and effective way to lose weight: Slim Up Be Healthy
5.  Manage your stress and anxiety. Keeping a positive mental attitude is not easy, but there are some things you can do to keep from being depressed and/or anxious. For more tips and to help you develop a healthy plan of action, check out our course on Stress Management for Daily Living.

​
How well are you doing? What are some habits you will improve on to help you have a healthier immune system?
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May 25th, 2020

5/25/2020

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Change Brands: Get Healthy, Save Money Which Products Do You Use?

5/5/2020

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SWITCHING BRANDS can help you have better health, save money, and keep the planet healthy.
Check or highlight the items you now use and review the possible Shaklee “Substitutions. 


VITAMINS & MINERALS
Currently using:                               Shaklee's Product

 Multivitamins/Multimineral               Vita-Lea, VITALIZER
 Antioxidants                                     C, E, Carotomax, VIVIX
 Immune System Booster                 NutriFeron, Triple Defense Boost drink mix
 Beta Carotene                                 Carotomax
 B, or B-12                                        B-Complex
 Vitamin C                                         Vita-C Sustained Release or Chewable
 Enzyme CoQ10                                CoQHeart
 Vitamin D3                                       Vita-D3
 Vitamin E                                         Vita-E and Selenium
 Calcium                                           OsteoMatrix
 Iron                                                  Iron plus C
 Magnesium                                      VitalMag
 Zinc                                                  Zinc
 Fish Oil                                            OmegaGuard
 Lecithin                                            Lecithin
 Acidophilus/Bifidus                          Optiflora probiotics
 Minerals                                          Alfalfa
                                      
 Targeted Solutions
Currently using:                             Shaklee's Product: 

Statin Medication                           Cholesterol Reduction Complex
 St. John’s Wort (Moods)                  Moodlift
 Ginkgo Biloba (Memory)                  Mental Acuity Plus, Mindworks
 Energy                                             Energizing Tea, Energy Chews
 Glucosamine (Joints)                       Joint Health Complex
 Prostrate Health Aid                        Saw Palmetto
 Hormone Balancer                           GLA
 Evening Primrose Oil                       GLA
 Liver Detoxifier                                 Liver DTX
 Milk Thistle                                      Liver DTX
 Echinacea (Cold, Flu, etc)               Defend and Resist
 Valerian (Sleep Aid)                         Gentle Sleep Complex                                  
 Allergy                                              Alfalfa
 Garlic (Natural Antibiotic)                 Garlic
 Laxative                                           Herb-Lax
 Digestive Aids                                  Stomach soothing Complex 
 Stress, Anxiety                                  Stress Tabs
 Resveratrol                                     VIVIX cellular tonic
 
BREAKFAST & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
 Weight Loss Drink                           Shaklee 180 Smoothee Mix
 Breakfast Drink                                180 Smoothee Mix, Meal Bars
 Meal Replacement                           180 Smoothee Mix, Meal Bars
 Snack Bar                                        180 Bars
 Energy Bar                                       180 Bars
 Energy Drink                                    180 Energy Tea Mix
 
SPORTS
After Exercise Energizer                  Performance Drink Mix 
 Energy/Fluid Replacement              Performance, ENERGY! chew
 Muscle Builder & Repairer               Physique, VIVIX
 Protein Drinks                                  Energizing Soy Protein,
                                                                180 Soy & Whey Protein
 Energy Bars                                     180 Snack & Meal Bars,
 
CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS
Chewable Multivitamin                     Incredivites 
Gummie Multivitamins                   Me+Ology Gummies
Meal Shake (Protein, Fiber)             Meal Shake, 180 Smoothee
 Chewable Calcium                           Cal Mag Chewable
 Chewable Vitamin C                        Vitamin C Chewable
Immunity                                           Immune-Boosting Gummies (C, Zinc, and D)

 
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
 All purpose Cleaner                         Basic H2
 Window Cleaner                              Basic H2
 Floor Cleaner                                   Basic H2
 Chrome & Glass Cleaner                 Basic H2
 Tub & Tile Cleaner                           Scour Off Heavy Duty Paste
 Scouring Cleanser                           Scour Off Heavy Duty Paste
 Rust Remover                                  Scour Off Heavy Duty Paste
 Degreaser                                         Basic H2
 Heavy Duty Cleaner                         Basic H2
 Toilet Bowl Cleaner                           Basic G
 Disinfectant Cleaner                         Basic G liquid or wipes
 Dishwashing Liquid                          Dish Wash Concentrate
 Automatic Dishwasher Detergent    Dish Wash Automatic
 Disinfectant Wipes                           Germ Off Cleaning Wipes
 
LAUNDRY
 Concentrated Powder Detergent     Fresh Laundry (powder)
  Liquid Detergent                              Fresh Laundry (liquid)
  Laundry Pre-Spotter                        Fresh Laundry (liquid) or H2
  Delicate Fabric Soap                       Fresh Laundry (liquid) or H2
  All Fabric Bleach                              Nature Bright
 Dryer Sheets                                    Soft Fabric Dryer Sheets
 Fabric Softener                                Soft Fabric Concentrate
 
PERSONAL CARE
 Bar Soap                                          Meadow Blend Bar
 Liquid Soap                                     Enfuselle Shower Gel
 Shower Gel                                      Enfuselle Shower Gel
 Bubble Bath                                     Enfuselle Shower Gel
 Hair Shampoo                                  ProSante Shampoos
 Hair Conditioner                               ProSante Conditioners
 Hand & Body Lotion                         Hand & Body Lotion
 Foot Cream                                      Herbal Blend Cream
  Sunscreen                                       Enfuselle SPF 30 for Body

 SKINCARE
 Masque                                            YOUTH Masque
 Cleansers -Toner                             YOUTH Cleanser & Toner
 Moisturizer                                       YOUTH Moisturizers
 Skin Hydrating Treatment                Hydrating Serum
 Eye Cream                                       YOUTH Eye Treatment
 Night Cream                                    YOUTH Rich Night Cream
 Anti-Aging Skin System                   YOUTH Anti-Aging Regimen
 
 
 
SHAKLEEIZE YOUR HOME!  

 

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Tired of Cleaning Your Bathroom?

5/5/2020

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TIRED OF CLEANING YOUR BATHROOM?
HERE ARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR A NO-SOAPSCUM & MILDEW FREE BATHROOM*

Shaklee Get Clean products can help you to remove soap scum, most mildew, and safely disinfect your bathroom without harsh chemicals that damage your lungs and are absorbed into your skin. It is also safe for the environment.
 
To Get Ready
  • Order your products: Basic H, Basic-G, Nature Bright, Scour off (you may want to consider the Get Clean Starter Kit) and personal care products (allow approx. 5 days to be delivered)**
  • Carefully package other products with chemicals and dispose of properly.
      (Tax deductions can be made if donated to a charity.)
 
Overall Cleanup: Getting the old bathroom in shape!
 
Step 1: Remove soap scum:
 
Basic H Spray (Ladybug spray unit): Dilute ½ capful Basic H in warm water in the spray unit. Spray on soap scum, let soak for about 30 seconds. Use a Scour Off  paste on a scouring pad. Enjoy the fragrance and notice the lack of chemicals in the air and on your skin. Rinse.
 
Step 2: Remove or Prevent Mildew and Disinfect
 
Basic G Spray. Dilute ½ capful of Basic G Liquid in warm water in the spray unit. Spray on tile and grout. If mildew is lodged in grouting or seams, brush with full strength Basic G liquid, let set one hour, then rinse. Use to disinfect your trash cans, toilets (especially around the base of the toilets.)
 
Nature Bright. Need more brightening/whitening? Make a paste of Basic D (Dishwasher concentrate) or Nature Bright (natural enzyme laundry brightener) and Scour Off paste. Brush on with a toothbrush, let set for a while, then rinse.
 
Basic G wipes can also be used to disinfect light fixtures, door handles, toilet bowl handles, shoes, sandals, purses, car steering wheels, and other surfaces that may be sensitive to water sprayed on them.
 
Step 3: Remove Film from Mirrors & Windows
Basic H Spray (Butterfly spray unit): Dilute only 2 to 3 drops in water in the spray unit. If you have been using other glass cleaners, you may get streaks until the oil residue they leave is cleaned off. Wipe dry with Shaklee’s special window cloth that does not leave lint particles like paper towels or some cloth rags.
 
Maintenance:  How to Keep the Bathroom Scum-free and Mildew-free
After removing the old soap scum and mildew, follow these directions to better maintain your new, clean and shiny bathroom. You will find that your bathroom does not get dirty as quickly and that it is easier to clean.
Step 1: "Shakleeize" your bathroom. Replace products with Shaklee’s personal care products. There will be no ugly residue collecting in your tub, on the tile or glass walls. No bathtub ring!
Soap:  Handwash Liquid Soap (at sinks or in the shower, it is good for the whole body and has a slight lavender fragrance), Meadowblend Bar (oatmeal and vitamin E, great for your skin), or Enfuselle Shower Gel. Good for shaving, too.
Shampoos: Prosante Shampoo and Conditioner
Step 2: Tips to Maintain
 If bathtub tiles are very sensitive to mildew, then spray with Basic G after each time after showering. No rinsing required. Sometimes old caulking needs to be removed and new put on. Then Basic G will help keep it white.
Continue to use Basic H for counters and mirrors as needed.
Use a Basic G Spray or Wipes to disinfect.
Use either a few drops of Basic H or Basic G in toilets to keep clean and deodorized.
The Shaklee Difference
Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green.
Please check out more information about what chemicals we do not put in our products and how to save money by using the products in the Get Clean Starter Kit.

Follow these directions, continue to use Shaklee's Get Clean products...
Enjoy your bathroom and spend less time cleaning it!
 
 
 
 
 
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How to Deal with Effects of Stress on Your Body

3/26/2020

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Feeling the Effects of this Stressful Time?
Here are 3 Shaklee Products to Deal with the Effects of Stress on your body.
 

This is a special time of concern for our health as the Coronavirus continues to remain active in our country. Maintaining your health and dealing with the stress of the Coronavirus and financial crisis that it is causing, is not an easy task. 
 
In addition to the stress from the Coronavirus epidemic itself, during this time of “self-isolation” and staying at home our routines have changed. Change and uncertainty are definite causes of stress that we have to deal with. Most of us are feeling the affects of a stress overload!
 
I am sure that most of you have already got your vitamins, immune-strengthening products, and disinfectant. But here are 3 other products that you will want to consider and here's why.
  

Do you find that you are:
  • Exercising less?
  • Easily exhausted or less energetic?
  • Overeating or eating more snack foods?
  • Your system is feeling “out of sorts?”
 
Here is what happens to your body when you are under a stress overload:
  • Your body produces hormones that are harmful to you (such as cortisol)
  • You are not getting a restful sleep due to less exercise and anxiety
  • Your digestive system gets messed up -more sluggish or too active
  
So here is more information about the Shaklee products that can help.
 
Stress Tabs – take during the day
​
This is a non-drowsy formula made to help relieve tension and stress.
Stress Tabs are made of a blend of clinically tested L-theanine, ashwagandha, beta-sitosterol, and L-tyrosine that help your body to adapt to the stress.  
 



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Gentle Sleep Complex – take at night  This unique combination features Valerian, passion flower, and chamomile to promote a restful sleep. Tablets may be crushed and made into a tea.


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Herb Lax – take at night or anytime feeling like you are “fighting” something

This is a product that has been around for many years and is one of Shaklee members' “favorites.” Herb Lax is a blend of Senna and 8 other herbs that promote a thorough cleansing. Under stress our “system” is not always regular and thus can contain a lot of toxins and poisons. Here is an illustration to explain what happens:
 
Take a piece of food, put it outside during the month of August (90+ degrees). What happens? Pretty gross, right? Your body is 98.6 degrees even if you’re health, so if you do not eliminate your food waste in a timely manner, you can also build up toxins and chemicals that can give you headaches, acid indigestion, a bloated feeling, and other possible reactions.
 
By keeping your intestines clean, you are also able to better absorb your vitamins and even possibly remove germs, viruses and toxins that you come in contact with.
 
For many years I have trusted Herb Lax to help keep my intestines clean and have even taken it when I felt nauseous. It is comforting to know it is all natural ingredients and safe to use.
 
So, take care of some of the effects of the stress on your body.  These 3 Shaklee products can help you to feel better and be more active soon.
 
Here’s how you can get more information and to order:
Members:  MyShaklee.com
Non-members or to join as a member: BonnieNicholls.MyShaklee.com
 
Want to learn more tips about how to better manage stress and deal with stressors?
Check out my online course on Stress Management for Daily Living.
 
Best of Health to You and Your Family

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Why Cleanse?

8/1/2019

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Our body is an awesome system that can get rid of toxins and cleanse itself. However, sometimes it can get overloaded and needs some "help" because of all the toxic overload we get from our food and from our environment.
​
This not only makes us feel unhealthy, it can keep us from reaching our weight loss goal.

Here is a short video that will share with you some more details about why you should consider doing a cleanse at least twice a year.

​Why Cleanse




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What's Your Vitality Score?

7/27/2019

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Here are a few short questions to help you measure your  
                       
                      
Vitality Score



Overall on a consistent basis, rate yourself on the following statements.           
5 - always true,   4 - usually,   3 - sometimes, 2 - seldom, 1 - never or don’t know
                          
_____    1.  I am at my ideal weight.                     
_____    2. I have had no colds or flu in the past year.   
_____    3. I do not suffer from heartburn, acid indigestion, constipation, or
                  headaches.         
_____    4. My cholesterol and blood pressure are at a healthy level.
_____    5. I get a good night’s rest and wake up refreshed.                                                          
_____    6. I have great energy to get through my day.                                                          
_____    7. I am able to exercise on a regular basis without feeling drained.                                
_____    8. I keep a positive, energetic attitude to face my day.
_____    9. I take no medications or over-the-counter medicines.
_____  10. I am looking forward to a long and healthy life.                  
__________ Total your score*
 
46-50  = Great job!  You are on the right track and are feeling healthy and energetic!                    
36-45 = While you generally feel good, you may be able to feel better. Look for ways to modify your habits to more healthy ones on a consistent basis.
26-35 = You are probably not feeling well and could use some major changes.
Below 35=You may be at a serious point in your health and well-being.
 
*Use this score as a feedback tool.
What are a couple of “key take-aways” you got from taking this assessment?

 
 

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