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#6 Aging Well, Common Problems:  Inflammation (Aches and Pains), Eyesight and Mental Alertness, Look Younger Longer

8/12/2022

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​(This is #7 of 7 posts on Targeted Solutions. Here is the link to the first post - Improve Your Health-Targeted Solutions. It is important first to get on a foundation program of a protein and multi-vitamin... and then focus on "Targeted Solutions" - TargetedSolutions refers to systems ​within our body that may need special attention.)

​The best time to take care of your future health is right now. Many people have proved that it is possible to have optimum health and energy at any age.

While my eating habits have not always been the best, I have used Shaklee through various stages of life and have been consistent at taking their supplements almost every day.   Shaklee has helped me with my…
     …physical challenges in my 20’s
     …having children in my 30’s
     …active in sports and home renovations in 40’s and 50’s
     …working a job with little work/life balance for 8 years in my 60’s
     …and now in my 70’s I am so excited to have the health and energy to continue with the next chapter in life. Too many others I’ve known have not been so blessed. I look forward to keeping up with my grandchildren, pursuing my passions, seeing my goals accomplished and being a blessing to others. 

I have shared some of the products i have used what I use in each of the targeted solutions. It is a continuous process to make healthy decisions of what I eat, the supplements I take, the exercise I get and adjusting to the changes mentally! The results are well worth it! 

In this last section on Targeted Solutions we'll take a closer look at how nutrition can help us to "Age Well."

In previous times many claimed to have found the “Fountain of Youth,” but we know that we are all aging every day. The best we can do is “age well.” It isn’t about how many years we live as it is about the quality of those years. For me, being ill was not an option.

Here are some of the most common problems we have when we age and some suggestions on how to manage them:
  • aching joints and bones
  • poor eyesight
  • mental alertness
  • our desire to look younger longer
 
Aches and Pains
An important principle that I learned through sports injuries, other injuries and typical aging difficulties; you have to just keep moving. I had a wonderful chiropractor tell me that after I had a nasty fall when doing some cycling.

Many of the aches and pains from aging and sports is due to inflammation. "Inflammation" is when the body is injured, and the immune system responds to heal it. As with many things, some is okay and expected, but long-term inflammation is very harmful. When there is inflammation, there is joint pain and discomfort.

Certain types of food can cause inflammation - refined sugar, alcohol, processed meats, trans fats. So sometimes simply changing your diet can help reduce inflammation.  
Some anti-inflammatory foods would be berries, cherries, avocado, and the spice Tumeric. and increase your fresh vegetable intake.
​
Two things I like to do is to (1) make a combination of fruits (fresh or frozen) and (2) make a large salad with a wide variety of raw vegetables, mushrooms, and tomatoes with an olive oil dressing. Having these prepared in advance helps them to be easily accessible for a few days especially during busy times.

But no matter how well I eat, I find it is still helpful to take Shaklee supplements. Here are some great suggestions.

Vivix is an awesome product made from the muscadine grape and a natural source of resveratrol.
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant produced by some plants to protect them against environmental stresses. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are believed to be the cause of aging, cancer, and brain degeneration!
“Key ingredients in Vivix have been shown to blunt the inflammatory response of healthy people to an unhealthy meal, which over time can lead to cellular aging”

Here is another benefit is taking Vivix.
Scientist have actually found how to “measure” your aging process by measuring “Telomeres.”
“Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes that contain our DNA. As we age, our telomeres gradually shorten and shorter telomeres are strongly correlated with various health risks. Slowing telomere shortening, therefore, may support a longer, healthier life.” (Shaklee Corporation) 
Maybe Shaklee has found the fountain of youth! Vivix is truly the product to take to help with a variety of challenges we face as we age. Check out the website for all the benefits.

Another product that has become very popular lately is Collagen as it has been found to promote healthy nails, skin and hair.  Also, Collagen is the primary building block of your muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments and other connective tissues.

“As we age, our body’s ability to make collagen begins to decline. Our body may no longer absorb nutrients as well or synthesize them as efficiently. As a result, we may experience collagen loss, which can lead to some common signs of aging. These include stiff joints, sagging skin, brittle nails, lackluster hair, and wrinkles.” (Shaklee Corporation)

Here are some foods that provide collagen: 
Chicken with skin (in the skin), Oysters, Eggs, Beef, Bone Broth

 Shaklee’s Collagen 9 has 9 amino acids (proteins) that you need. This is a powder mix that is good in shakes or yogurt. 

Eyesight
I can’t promise you perfect eyesight, I do wear glasses. I have been able to maintain healthy eyes and I continue to look for ways to improve my eyesight! There is a book I found that has different eye exercises: How to See Without Glasses.

Our diets do help to protect our eyesight. Tomatoes, carrots, and leafy green vegetables are rich in carotenoids are known to help protect the eye.
 
Taking a supplement like Shaklee’s CarotoMax can help support your eye health and maintain healthy vision as it contains 6 key carotenoids that protect your cells from damage. Look at the quantity of nutritional value in Cartomax ... each contains: “the beta-carotene (natural Vitamin A) of 102 servings of bananas, the Astaxanthin that is a serving of salmon, the Lycopene of 714 servings of apricots, Alpha-Carotene in 80 servings of raspberries, and Lutein & Zeaxanthin in 285 servings of pink grapefruit!”
 
Memory           
Keeping your mind sharp and your brain healthy are very important as you age.
Continuous learning and some thinking games can help.
The food that is associated with brain health are blueberries, grapes, and of course vegetables and fish.
Shaklee’s Mind Works is one of my favorite products. It contains ingredients from the chardonnay grapes and guaran seeds. Here are the results that have been shown in
  • Enhances short term memory
  • Sharpens focus
  • Improves reaction times
  • Protects against age-related mental decline
  • Slows brain shrinkage rate
  • Supports healthy circulation
  • Mental Acuity
 
Our Desire to Look Young
The largest “organ” of our body is our skin. Your health is reflected in the quality of your skin!
Nutrition that promotes healthy skin are salmon, avocados, walnuts.

It is important to take care of your health from the “outside” just as much as from the inside.
There are several concerns about our skin as we grow older: dry skin, wrinkles, rashes and cancer. While we can’t perfectly reverse our skin condition as we grow older, we can improve it and take preventative measures to help protect our skin. The earlier we start the better.

However, not all skin care products are good for you! Many companies use chemicals and harmful ingredients. Even some personal care products like shampoo have formaldehyde in it! Chemicals in products can then enter your body through your skin.

Check out Shaklee’s Youth Anti-Aging Regimen. The combination is awesome. The Activating Serum has a natural source of retinal that helps to restore your skin and keep it young. Scroll down each of these pages to see more details. Shaklee not only lists the natural ingredients, Shaklee also lists all the chemicals they do not use!

Shaklee did not forget the rest of the body. We have always had some great skin care products through the years, but this year Shaklee has updated them and added a body serum! Check out the new Body Ritual Trio (body wash, serum, and lotion.)  To be available Sept 29, 2022. 
 
There are actually a few more products that I have not covered in this list of Targeted Solutions. Check out my website to go through each of the categories listed to see more options.

Here is a recap of the suggested steps to take:
Step 1: Take the Me+ology Assessment, compare to Vitalizer
Step 2: Start with the foundation of Life Shake and Vitamin pack of your choice. 
Step 3: Assess each body system in sequence and add suggested products for at least 30 days* to see the difference.
#1. Digestive Health
#2. Immunity System
#3. Circulatory System: Heart, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol
#4. Skeletal System: Bones, Joints and Muscle
#5. Emotional System: Stress, Hormones, Depression
#6. Aging Well: Inflammation and Mental Alertness
Step 4: Any product may be ordered individually but check out the nutrition regimen options that group some products together for easier and more economical ordering. 
Step 5: Place your order and put it on Loyalty Rewards. This earns you points that can be used for free products. 
 
*Why 30 days? It takes a while for the body to rebuild itself. You may notice improvement sooner, but it may take up to 30 days. I found that my health did gradually get even better with continued commitment to taking Shaklee supplements. It is so worth the commitment. 

Thank you for letting me share this information with you and contribute your health journey.
​Please share with me your thoughts, questions, and successes!
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#5 Emotional System: Stress, Hormones, Depression

7/25/2022

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(This is #6 of 7 posts on Targeted Solutions. Here is the link to the first post - Improve Your Health-Targeted Solutions. It is important first to get on a foundation program of a protein and multi-vitamin... and then focus on "Targeted Solutions" - Targeted Solutions refers to systems within our body that may need special attention.)

Our emotional system is the 5th system we cover here and how we can better manage our emotions through good nutrition and supplements.
​
What we eat affects our emotions and our emotions can affect what we eat!
            
Stress
One of the main culprits that messes with our body chemistry and emotions is stress!
Stress is our physical reaction to demands and fears both real and imagined.
Stress is a normal part of everyday life, but we can learn to manage our stress.
There is an old saying “it’s not that a professional speaker doesn’t have butterflies when they stand up in front of an audience, it is just that they have learned how to make the butterflies fly in formation.” The same is true for any daily stressful situation.
 
First, we can learn to control the stress response through breathing, attitude, exercise, relaxation, but also important is nutrition. It is a combination of these healthy habits that help you to be more “stress resistant.”
 
Second, it is important to deal with the “stressors,” those things that cause you stress. Skills such as communication, time management, financial management, and decision-making are critical. To get more details on how to better manage your stress, please check out my courses on AdvantageTrainingGroup.com
 

So how is nutrition related to stress management?
When we are under stress, we “use up” certain nutrients – specially B, C, and Zinc.
When we don’t get the nutrients we need, our bodies are not as stress resistant, and we may affect us both physically and emotionally.
 
The most important nutrient we need is vitamin B. Some people look for isolated vitamins such as B6 or B12 supplements especially without the guidance of your doctor, but beware. If you take isolated B’s, you may not create an imbalance Shaklee does not isolate the different B vitamins, but instead has a B Complex with all the B’s in balance as they are in nature. With Shaklee, you can also count on the ingredients to be natural and organic, never synthetic.
 
B vitamins help you to metabolize sugars, gives you a healthy energy, contributes to healthy hair and much more. A slight lack of vitamin B can cause moodiness, headaches, and depression. A severe lack of vitamin B has been associated with emotional and psychological disorders.
 
Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin. That means you cannot store it in your body, so it needs to be replaced on a regular basis. In addition to stress- white refined sugar, alcohol, certain medications like birth control pills can increase the need for more vitamin B!
 
Here are some food sources of vitamin B: whole grains, eggs, beef, chicken, fish, avocado, seeds, beans.
 
Shaklee’s B-complex has been one of those products that had a major influence on my emotional health and physical energy. Most days I take extra vitamin B.  (One word of caution, though – do not take Vitamin B in late afternoon or evening as it may keep you awake.)

Shaklee also has another product that can help reduce your stress and calm your “nerves.”  Stress will elevate your body's cortisol levels, and continuously high levels of cortisol have been linked to long-term health impacts. Shaklee’s Stress Tabs are a blend of 4 herbs that help your body to relax without feeling drowsy, thus bringing down the cortisol level.
 
I love this product and am glad when I don’t have to use it! But I’ve been in situations when taking the Stress Tabs helped me to get control of my emotions and to reduce the effects of stress on my system or in the evening, helped me to relax enough to fall asleep.

Hormones
Women suffer most from hormonal changes. Shaklee has some great products for menstrual cycles and menopause, but they came out with these products after I went through all those stages in my life! The two products that helped me the most was the Soy Protein Life Shake, B Complex, and when I really needed a boost... Liqui-Lea which is a liquid vitamin high in vitamin B and Iron.  
 
Here are some products that I have not tried but may help you!
 
GLA – helps with menstrual problems 
Menopause Balance Complex – helps regulate hormonal imbalance
Saw Palmetto supports prostrate health. 
Moodlift contains St. John’s Wort and other herbs that provides support for positive outlook and fight off depression.

​Which of these products do you think would be of most value to you?

Go to #6 Aging Well, Common Problems: Inflammation (Aches and pains), eyesight, mental alertness, and look younger longer!


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#4 Support System: Bones, Joints, and Muscles

7/21/2022

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(This is #5 of 7 posts on Targeted Solutions. Here is the link to the first post - Improve Your Health-Targeted Solutions. It is important first to get on a foundation program of a protein and multi-vitamin... and then focus on "Targeted Solutions" - Targeted Solutions refers to systems within our body that may need special attention.)​

The 4th system to focus on is your support system which consists of bones, joints, and muscles.

Strong bones, healthy joints, and strong muscles are important at any age. It becomes more of a challenge to keep them healthy as one gets over 40. As with the other systems, there are several contributing factors that can affect our bones, joints, and muscles besides nutrition, but there are nutrients that play a significant role in growth, prevention and recovery.

Bones
The main nutrient that helps to build strong bones is calcium. Osteoporosis can develop which makes your bones weak and brittle.
​
Calcium is also important for muscle contraction and relaxation. Milk has also been known as “nature’s tranquilizer. It used to be common to drink a glass of warm milk before bedtime. And of course, your most important muscle is your heart. More information about muscles is below.

Dairy products are the main source of calcium, but did you know there are several other sources of calcium that are non-dairy? Broccoli, sardines, salmon, and almonds are good sources of calcium.

It is important to note that calcium is not easily absorbed (bioavailable) without proper amounts of magnesium and Vitamin D. Not all supplements or products found in the stores provide a natural source and/or may not be properly absorbed. See the post on Bioavailability for more information. 

Shaklee provides clinical proof that their calcium products are bioavailable, thus contributing to strong bones and muscles. In addition to providing a separate calcium supplement, calcium is part of several of Shaklee’s products such as the Life Shake and the Vita Lea.

Osteomatrix is the main calcium supplement from Shaklee. It contains all the key nutrients needed to build and maintain strong bones and minimize bone loss and has been clinically tested for absorption.

Joints
Joints can also begin to weaken through age and overuse.
Glucosamine is the mineral that helps to restore joints by providing cushioning for the joints. It is a building block for tendons and ligaments.

Natural sources of glucosamine are limited mostly to the shells of shellfish, which are commonly used to make glucosamine supplements.

Advanced Joint Health Complex is an awesome product that has glucosamine and Boswellia Extract (which has also been clinically proven to improve join comfort.)  Shaklee states that you will feel a different in as few as five days!

There are two reasons why I am concerned about taking steps to ensure I have healthy bones, muscles, and joints. 

First, is my family history. My grandmother had osteoporosis. Both my parents suffered from falls in their senior years from weak bones.

Second, as a runner and working out in the gym I was concerned with my knees.

As a preventative measure I have consistently taken Shaklee supplements, eat calcium rich foods including dairy and consistently exercised. The Advanced Joint Health with glucosamine especially was helpful for me to recover from exercise and maintain healthy knees.

Muscles
The main nutrient for muscles is protein. Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are 8 amino acids that we must get from our foods.

Meat is the main product that we think of when it comes to protein, but there are many vegetable sources of a high-quality protein – soy, whey and a pea protein.

Shaklee provides Energizing Soy Protein and the Life Shake Soy or Plant protein. These should already be part of your nutritional foundation. They are a delicious drink that can be used in place of a meal, in addition to a meal, or as a snack. These proteins are great for maintaining strong muscles.

On weight loss programs, the problem is that when a person eats less than 2,000 calories a day, they may lose weight from muscle. This in turn lowers metabolism and the weight comes back on but in the form of fat. The Life Shake contains the extra amino acid Leucine which helps to maintain muscle, thus the studies showed that the weight loss from following the Shaklee 180 program was from fat not muscle. The muscle helps to maintain metabolism, so you have more energy to exercise and to prevent regaining the weight.

Exercise and sports can cause sore muscles. Instead of using muscle creams and aspirin, reach for natural ingredients that won’t harm your health and will give you a quicker recovery time.
Shaklee has a great muscle cream product Joint and Muscle Pain Cream

Some foods that help are tart cherry juice, eggs, ricotta, sweet potatoes, and whole grains. Bananas also provide potassium.

Here are a couple of Shaklee products that are great for recovery of sore muscles that I love that were formulated for sports and fitness. These products are also used by over 150 Olympic medal athletes.

Physique Bio Build is a banana flavored whey drink mix. I enjoy it in milk or orange juice. I like it best in the afternoon to help with exercise and/ or aging muscle aches. There is also a low-calorie version for those who are concerned about calories.

Performance™ PM Recovery Complex is a capsule of herbs that helps reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery. It includes tart cherry and Boswalia extract.  Even though Shaklee suggests taking these in the evening, I take these instead of aspirin any time I feel sore or feel like I have a headache. 
 
Collagen 9 is also a popular product for healthy bones and joints but I’m keeping the explanation for this product for the last segment on Anti-aging.

Strong bones, muscles, and joints will keep you active and that will help keep you healthy. Take preventative measures now. 

Go to #5. Emotional System: Stress, Hormones, Depression

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#3 Circulation System: Heart and Arteries  (Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar)

7/13/2022

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(This is #4 of 7 posts on Targeted Solutions. Here is the link to the 
Improve Your Health-Targeted Solutions. It is important first to get on a foundation program of a protein and multi-vitamin... and then focus on "Targeted Solutions" - Targeted Solutions refers to systems within our body that may need special attention.)
 
The circulatory system is the third system to focus on. The circulatory system consists of your heart, your arteries and how well your blood flows. Here is a brief overview of the problems that occur, and some suggestions on how to maintain a healthy heart and circulatory system.

Some indicators of circulations problems are high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels.

Cholesterol

The first thing to take a look at is your cholesterol level.
How do arteries get clogged? Plaque and cholesterol build up inside your arteries, much like a clogged pipe in your home.

Some cholesterol is good and is produced by the body, but most of the “bad” cholesterol comes from unbalanced eating habits. And just as we need to cleanse the digestive system, we need to cleanse our arteries and protect our heart.

Saturated fats from animal meat or whole fat dairy products can raise your LDL “bad” cholesterol and increase your risk for heart disease. While you don’t have to eliminate these from your diet, you may want to cut back on how much of these foods you eat and to make sure you are getting the “good” cholesterol that actually lowers your “bad” cholesterol.

Do you eat foods like salmon, herring, soy-based foods, nuts, high fiber foods, and olive-oil on a daily basis? 
Even when we do, supplements can help contribute to regulating your cholesterol. Here are the supplements that help:

OMEGAGUARD
 Shaklee provides two options of getting more the Omega 3 which has been shown to help with many functions of the body in addition to regulating cholesterol - one is from fish oil or the other one is a plant -based vegan option from algae.
​
CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION COMPLEX – has plant sterols and stanols that help reduce your “bad” cholesterol.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood pressure is another area of concern. A blood pressure of 180/120 or higher results in an 80% chance of death within one year!  

Stress, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits off too much salt and fats can all contribute to high blood pressure. 
Here are some food choices that lower blood pressure: spinach, pistachios, olive oil, dark chocolate, celery, tomatoes.
Some foods to avoid are processed foods and high salt foods, especially canned soups.

Shaklee provides a tablet called Blood Pressure that contains beet powder, spinach powder, and other natural ingredients to help reduce blood pressure.

Studies have shown the key ingredients in Shaklee Blood Pressure 
promotes blood circulation and healthy blood vessels.  

BLOOD SUGAR
It is important to know about the quantity of sugar in your blood stream. This is also referred to a “glucose.” Glucose is a key source of energy.  

High blood sugar levels over a period of time can result in heart disease or stroke. A higher level of blood sugar raises the blood pressure and heart rate. This leads to heart diseases.

If you have high blood sugar, become aware of glycemic level of the foods you eat. The glycemic index indicates the affect that foods have on blood sugar level. A low glycemic type of food will not spike blood sugar level.

We need some healthy sugars in our body as this is the source of energy for our bodies. So, while some people criticize eating fruit because it has sugar in them, I disagree. Fruit contains naturally occurring sugars that our bodies need, but we also need to consume raw whole fruits. Most people do not eat enough raw fruit. 

Glucose Regulation Complex 
This product has some important micronutrients such as chromium that will help contribute to balancing blood sugar levels. 

I personally have not had any difficulty with my circulatory system, my cholesterol level and blood sugar level are healthy, so I have not tried either the Blood Pressure of Glucose Regulator products. Members who have tried it have found them very effective.  However, I do take the Omega 3 every day.

So far, we have reviewed 3 of the 7 body systems. By now I hope you have identified a couple of changes you may want to make to help your body to have better health and energy. 

​What are some things you have read that was "new" to you and/or that you found helpful?

Go to #4. Skeletal System: Bones, Joints and Muscle 

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#2 Immune System

7/6/2022

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(This is #3 of 7 posts on Targeted Solutions. Here is the link to the 
Improve Your Health-Targeted Solutions. It is important first to get on a foundation program of a protein and multi-vitamin... and then focus on "Targeted Solutions" - Targeted Solutions refers to systems within our body that may need special attention.)

The next area of your health and body to focus on is the Immune system. A healthy immune system is our first line of defense against viruses and germs.
 
Now that it has been over two years since the Covid pandemic arrived, there have been a lot of suggestions of things to do to protect yourself against the virus from masks, handwashing, social distancing and vaccines. But not enough emphasis is placed on the #1 thing you need to do and that is through proper nutrition to make sure your immune system is healthy.
 
What is your immune system? It is the parts of your body that helps to keep you from getting colds, flu, and other serious illnesses. White blood cells, antibodies, and other components, including organs and lymph nodes, make up the body’s immune system.

How do you know you don’t have a healthy immune system?
Frequent colds, other respiratory illness and infections are key indicators. These can develop into serious immune related diseases like COPD or pneumonia. 

My Experience
During the time before I took control of my diet and health, I often had colds, severe chest congestion, and at least a couple times a year I had laryngitis so bad I couldn’t speak. I would go to the doctor for antibiotics quite often and I always had some kind of over-the-counter cold medicine in my home.

Now that I have taken care of my health through healthy food choices and Shaklee supplements, I rarely become ill and when I do it is for a very short time. I ended up throwing away the cold medicine because it had been expired for many years.

What nutrients are important to build a healthy immune system? Vitamin C, Zinc, and D are the major nutrients. Why are they difficult to get? We may not always eat foods that give us these nutrients, or we have lifestyles that may increase our need for these. Smoking, pollution, and some medications increase the need for vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which means it cannot be stored in your body so needs to be replaced almost daily.

Some food sources for Vitamin C – guavas, bell peppers, kiwifruit, strawberries, berries, oranges, papayas, broccoli, tomatoes, lemons, limes and similar fruits and vegetables.

Zinc is depleted from sweating and stress. A lack of zinc can mess with your thyroid, thus slowing your metabolism and many other functions. 

Food sources for Zinc – oysters, pumpkin seeds, red meat, mushrooms, spinach, avocado.

Vitamin D is produced in your body from sunshine. Requirements for D increase with age. Vitamin D helps your immune system to resist viruses.  

Food sources for Vitamin D – salmon, canned tuna, milk, pork

How many of these foods do you eat on a consistent basis?

While I felt I was eating most of these foods suggested above for these 3 nutrients, I found that adding Shaklee supplements made the difference I needed to get rid of my colds and infections. These products can give you some added “nutritional insurance” that you are getting what you need.

Here are the 3 main Shaklee products I take: Vitamin-C Sustained Release, Nutriferon and Triple Defense Boost.

Vita-C® Sustained Release 500: clinically shown to raise blood levels of vitamin C for 12 hours.  
Nutriferon: this a special product formula that helps to produce “interferon." This is a protein that builds your immune system to resist viruses.
Triple Defense Boost: This is a refreshing drink. A great way to get an extra boost your immune system. Powder to mix in water- hot or cold Elderberry flavor Includes: Vitamin C, Zinc, and D.

Other good products are:
...Chewable Vita-C® provides the vitamin C of 3 ½ oranges in each great-tasting tablet.
​,,,Vitamin D Regulates the immune response.
...Kids Immunity Gummies (but not just for kids): Powerful, great-tasting gummies with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc plus the powerful antioxidants from elderberry   
...Defend and Resist: 
This product is generally not taken every day but is meant to be used when you first feel any symptoms such as a tickle in your throat. These are tablets that you can swallow, chew, or drink as a tea. 

As with any new nutrition program, it takes time to work, but again give your body the nutrients it needs to help you to have a healthy immune system. 

Go to: #3 Circulation System: Heart and Arteries 
(Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar)



​


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#1 Digestive Health

7/5/2022

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Picture

(This is #2 of 7 posts on Targeted Solutions. Here is the link to the 
Improve Your Health-Targeted Solutions. It is important first to get on a foundation program of a protein and multi-vitamin... and then focus on "Targeted Solutions" - Targeted Solutions refers to systems within our body that may need special attention.)
​

What is the Digestive System? 
It starts with what goes in your mouth and the path through your system that breaks down the food, assimilates it into the bloodstream, and gets rid of the waste. This includes your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
 
A healthy digestive system is the first area that I suggest people focus on because this is where many of our health issues begin.

Some common digestive issues:
heartburn, acid indigestion, gas, constipation, diarrhea, bad breath, headaches, skin problems, and more serious issues such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, liver problems, diverticulitis, or cancer.
 
Here are some of the foods suggested for a healthy digestive system:
Bananas   Prunes   Pears/Apples   Berries   Lentils   Oatmeal   Asparagus   Almonds   Onions   Chia Seeds   Flaxseed  
Leafy Greens   Yogurt

​How many of these foods do you eat on a daily basis?
 
In addition to adding these foods to your diet, here is what you can do to get your digestive system in great shape.
 
Just as you regularly clean the outside of your body, you also need to regularly clean the inside of your body. When the digestive system isn’t cleansed of undigested foods, it can create unhealthy toxins, this can cause several digestive issues that also can interfere with the absorption of the nutrients you are getting!
 
Here’s an example to help you better understand what may take place:
Take a piece of meat, put it in a plastic bag, put it outside in the month of August for 3-5 days. A similar situation happens in your intestines.
 
Here is another example. Just as you go to the dentist once or twice a year to get a deep dental cleaning, it is suggested that you do a 7-day cleanse that will help reset your digestive system.                                                   
The 7-Day cleanse consists of eliminating for 7 days those foods that we do need to eat but may also be the ones clogging up our digestive tract: caffeine, dairy, grains (breads, noodles, rice), and meat. The cleanse consists of eating lots of different vegetables that have the fiber to clean your system while providing nutrients to sustain your health and energy (as opposed to fasting or going without food or limiting to one type of food.) Here is a 3-minute video clip that will tell you more about the process and the benefits of the 7-Day Cleanse program                                            
 
The video clip shows a 7-day supply of specific products that Shaklee has put together. These are herbs that help with this cleansing process: Herb Lax, Alfalfa, and Liver Detox. The 7-day Cleanse diet is optional, but if you purchase the Prove It Challenge you get a free box You can chose to either wait until you are ready to do the cleanse or you can take them without being on the cleanse diet.
 
These herbs are pre-packaged and recommended for the 7-Day program, but they are sold separately (much less expensive for long term) and most people who take these Shaklee products all year round.
 
Here are more details of each product to and how they can help build a healthy digestive system.  
 
 ALFALFA

The alfalfa plant has the longest root of any plant and thus absorbs and contains many trace minerals important for our health.
 
Here is why this is important and why I think everyone should take Shaklee’s Alfalfa tablets every day.
 
Have you ever felt “bloated” after eating a steak or burger? Or have you ever had some acid indigestion after eating certain foods? As we age our stomach slows down on producing digestive enzymes, so it becomes important to provide foods with digestive enzymes like Alfalfa.
 
Here are some other benefits from taking Alfalfa:
Alfalfa is a green plant and contains “chlorophyll” …this has been known to help with regulating bad breath and body odor. It also acts as a natural diuretic for those who tend to “hold water.” Some people have found the trace minerals helpful to reduce arthritis pain.                                                                                                           
 
I am not familiar with any recipes that would include Alfalfa, so getting this plant in a supplement form is important to me.
 
Shaklee provides a high-quality Alfalfa with spearmint tablet. Here is a suggestion as to how many should you take. The bottle says to take 10 a day. I know of some people who take 40. I take a minimum of 5 a day. Find your comfort and need level.  The tablets are easily crushed, so you can add the powder to your smoothie, salad, or make as a tea if you don’t care for swallowing a lot of tablets.
                                                                              
HERB LAX

I once read that Dr. Shaklee was asked that if he could have only one product which would he choose. He said, “herb-lax.” This is a marvelous blend of herbs that is a healthy laxative and detoxifier.
 
Here is why:
Your small intestine is 20 feet long and your large intestines is 6 feet long. The walls are not smooth, but instead have “ridges.” The herbs help the intestines to contract and clean out your system and help clean out ridges.
 
What to expect the first time you take herb lax is important to know. Take it in the evening before a morning when you do not have to be some place soon after you wake up! You may want to start with just one and then the next time take two. Some people take 4 to 10. The first time in the morning, you may experience some slight cramping. While it is uncomfortable, it is your system moving a lot of bad stuff out. If this occurs, be patient and know it is for good and don’t be afraid to take it again. You will find your system will feel better each time.
 
Is herb lax safe? Yes. It is just herbs, no chemicals or anything artificial.
I took 4 a day while I was pregnant and had no issues.
Now I take Herb Lax for about 3-5 days in a row once or twice per month.
  
 LIVER DETOX

Your liver is the body organ that helps to get rid of toxins and the herbs in the Liver Detox is mix of 4 herbs that have been clinically proven to be effective for proper liver function.
 
There are many ways to get toxins in your system, not just through unmoved food waste in your intestines. Check out more information about toxic chemicals in our homes and offices that may be making you ill, some things you can do to create a healthy environment and about Shaklee’s non-toxic products.  Are You Living in a Toxic Home?                                                                                               
 PROBIOTIC
Your intestines need “good” bacteria to help function properly and digest your foods. Probiotics provide the bacteria you need. Yet, foods high in probiotics are generally not those eaten every day by most people – yogurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese, sauerkraut, miso soup.
 
This is another supplement that I take every day. Shaklee provides several choices of probiotics products. Shaklee’s probiotic products have “Bifidobacterium” which is a probiotic found in some dairy products and helps with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
 
 
MY EXPERIENCE
 
At one time in my life, I had everything the television advertised remedies for… headaches, acid indigestion, elimination problems, etc. I was always tired. I thought these things were “normal” since I was getting older. Age had nothing to do with it, it was because I had an unhealthy digestive system.
 
At that time, I was introduced to Shaklee and decided I was going to trust their research and suggestions. I started with a nutrition regimen and did get on additional products to check them out. This is what I take:  at least 5 Alfalfa a day, 2 herb-lax for 3-5 days sequentially each month, liver detox twice a year when I do the 7-day cleanse, the probiotic
 
In my senior years, I can eat most anything I want, don’t take any medication, don’t have any food allergies, and don’t have any of the digestive issues I had 40 years ago.
 
When you buy the individual bottles for these products, they are very inexpensive and well worth the money for the health benefits you’ll get. Give them a try to see if they will do the same for you and help you to have a healthy digestive system.
 
I do credit my gut health to Shaklee’s products because I did not immediately know what to eat for my digestive system. I still rely on the supplements to help because even though I may know what I should eat, I do not always get what I need.

Go to: #2. Immunity System

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Improve Your Health - Targeted Solutions

7/4/2022

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Better health and energy come from a balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and water. A supplement program should be the same: choose a healthy protein and a balance of vitamins and minerals in a multi-vitamin. This gives you a “foundation” of nutrition and the supplements provide nutritional “insurance” that your body is getting the fuel it needs to function at its best.

Shaklee's nutrition regimens all start with the basics:
Life Shake and Vita Lea Multivitamin.
 
 Many people will ask about or take certain products to help them with specific areas of concern. There is never any guarantee that supplements will “cure” an ailment, but they can be part of an overall program to prevent or to recover from certain ailments. My personal belief and that of many other nutritionists, if you give your body what it needs, it can rebuild healthy cells and help fight off germs, bacteria, or viruses.

Shaklee's nutrition regimens all start with the basics:
Life Shake and Vita Lea Multivitamin.

It is important to start off with these basics as a foundation regimen to balance your body chemistry and to start building healthy cells. This will give you the minimum of the daily recommended vitamins, a healthy protein, and fiber. 

But there are often individual challenges we have and would like an additional "boost." These are the specialty products that Shaklee refers to as "targeted solutions."
 
What are targeted solutions?
These are nutritional suggestions that have been found to help with some specific common health issues that people incur that are considered nutritionally related.

I’ve identified 6 systems/ categories related to different functions of the body and will cover information on them in sequential posts.

#1. Digestive Health
#2. Immunity System
#3 Circulation System: Heart and Arteries 
(Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar)

#4. Support System: Bone, Joint and Muscle
#5. Emotional System:  Stress, Hormones, Depression
#6 Aging Well, Common Problems:  Inflammation (Aches and Pains), Eyesight and Mental Alertness, Look Younger Longer

 
Each section will give you some tips and insight into the function of and concerns of that system, food and supplements that have been known to create a healthier system. 

Again, we recommend starting with the basics of Life Shake and Vita Lea. Then assess your health for each of these areas described above, then choose the product or products to see how they will work for you. 
 
This information is not meant to be medical or professional advice. It is intended to be educational and consists of information I have learned from various sources and from my own experiences

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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  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.
​
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 Ready Set Wellness plan 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.
​
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 doing 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
And because of these reasons, it is also important to consider taking supplements.
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. You will see results in 30 days. Check out information about our program to have better health and energy.  Be Healthy
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