|
| IVL Products Health Watch - April, 2007 |
| The Official IVL Products Health Blog |
Dear Reader,
Have you hugged a bee today? While hugging a bee might not
be a good idea you should at least tip your hat to the bees
for producing one of the most perfect foods that occurs in
nature. For more than 5,000 years the medicinal and healing
properties of honey have earned it a reputation as a
superior natural treatment. Because it contains so many
therapeutic qualities, honey is used to treat a wide range
of ailments and complaints.
Honey not only tastes good, it also offers a vast array of
health and beauty benefits. It is an antioxidant, an
antiseptic, a face cleanser, a hair conditioner and one of
the best dry skin treatments you'll ever use. Honey contains
vitamins, minerals and amino acids and is a wonderful beauty
aid that nourishes the skin and hair. Honey acts as an
antibacterial and antifungal agent and helps disinfect and
speed the healing process in wounds, scrapes and burns.
Honey comes in a range of colors including white, amber,
red, brown and almost black.
Recent research indicates that dark colored honey is
generally believed to be richer in antioxidants than light
colored honey.
Honey is an all-round healing elixir, which can promote
general health and well-being. A daily dose of honey,
whether as a sweetener in hot drinks, by the spoonful or
spread on toast, will boost the body's supplies of
antioxidants, which are essential for protecting the body
against free radicals.
The American Honey Association recommends honey for a
variety of health and beauty treatments. Some of them
include:
* Drink four tablespoons of honey in water every day
to improve blood flow and help prevent hardening of the
arteries.
* Eat honey before your workout to boost your endurance
levels and have some honey after you exercise to help
your body recuperate. (During the ancient Olympic games,
athletes ate special foods, including honey and dried
figs, to enhance performance.)
* Take some honey instead of candy to satisfy your
craving for sweets. Try eating equal amounts of honey
and peanut butter for a great snack.
* Honey mixed with ground almonds makes an excellent
natural facial scrub.
* Honey also makes a great lotion for patches of dry
skin on hands, elbows or oil, and a teaspoon of lemon
juice. Apply to skin and rinse off after 15 minutes.
* Honey works well on chapped lips and acne because it
has antibacterial properties.
* Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with a cup of warm water and
use as a mouthwash. Honey cleans the teeth and dentures
and kills germs in the mouth.
Honey is widely used as a complementary remedy for the
relief of the symptoms of colds, coughs, sore throats and
flu. For a sore throat, take it by itself or gargle with a
mixture of warm water, two tablespoons of honey, four
tablespoons of apple vinegar and pinch of salt. A
traditional drink made from hot water, lemon juice and honey
will help soothe cold and flu symptoms. Adding a little
eucalyptus oil or root ginger can help ease congestion and
enhance sleep.
Try using honey instead of sugar in your favorite recipes.
Bear in mind that you will need to use less honey than sugar
because it is so much sweeter.
Honey is available in all grocery stores and many health
food stores. If you shop farmer's markets you can sometimes
find raw honey. Look for honey that says "100% pure" on the
label.
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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What's So Bad About Losing a Little Sleep? |
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It's not the one or two nights of lost sleep that can
cause problems, it's chronic poor sleep or unrefreshed sleep
night after night that's hazardous to your health.
Imagine this...
Over 100 million Americans including teens and adults now
suffer from one of the 85 different sleep disorders -
meaning they routinely have trouble falling asleep, staying
asleep AND waking up!
While many of us are now busy burning the midnight oil or
twisting, turning, and agonizing through the wee hours
trying to get a good night's sleep...
Scientists are compiling evidence that sleep deprivation is
indeed potentially dangerous. Insomnia has now been
identified as a major risk factor for depression, diabetes,
alcoholism, obesity, on-the-job-accidents and weakened
immune response.
Read on to learn more...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/sleep-refresh
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Check out NASA's Astonishing Results... |
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NASA scientists discovered that because the cells of the
body live in an essentially zero-gravity environment, it's
beneficial to alter the G-force in order to stimulate the
body's lymphatic system that removes toxins from the cells.
Rebounding, (jumping on a trampoline), they found, is the
only exercise proven to exert the maximum amount of "pull"
on the human body down to the cellular level, with the least
amount of effort.
Subjects exercising on a Rebounder experienced a whopping
68% greater result in conditioning as compared to those who
jogged. Gravity helps to cleanse, strengthen and energize
every cell, every organ and every muscle...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/healthbounder
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Visit our Health Forum and ask a question of one of the
country’s leading experts in nutritional medicine. |
Dr. Mikles is a Board Certified Internist,
and is the Medical Director of Choices Integrative
Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than 30
years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice
of the therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him
one of the country’s leading experts.
|
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|
Brought to you by Institute for Vibrant LivingTM
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245
or visit
http://www.IVLProducts.com
|
|
Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
|
Dear Reader,
Laughter has been considered potent medicine since biblical
times. While disease is no joking matter, a steady diet of
hearty laughter can help keep you from becoming sick in the
first place. Fortunately, smiling and laughter are far more
contagious than any cough or sniffle.
A publication titled "Science of Laughter" puts it this way:
"When we laugh, natural killer cells which destroy tumors
and viruses increase, along with Gamma-interferon (a disease
fighting protein). Laughter lowers blood pressure and
increases oxygen levels in the blood, which promotes
healing." Laughter activates the chemistry of the will to
live and increases our capacity to fight disease.
Some of the proven physical benefits of laughter include:
* Lower blood pressure: People who laugh heartily on a
regular basis have lower standing blood pressure than the
average person. When people have a good laugh, initially the
blood pressure increases, but then it decreases to levels
below normal. Breathing then becomes deeper which sends
oxygen enriched blood and nutrients throughout the body.
* Respiratory cleansing: Frequent belly laughter has a
cleansing effect because it empties your lungs of more air
than it takes in, similar to deep breathing. This is
extremely beneficial for people who are suffering from
emphysema or other respiratory problems.
* Better biochemical state: Laughter decreases stress
hormones and increases fighting antibodies. It increases our
attentiveness, heart rate and pulse.
* Heart attack protection: Laughter, along with an
active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart
attack, according to a study conducted at the University of
Maryland Medical Center. The study found that people with
heart disease are 40 percent less likely to laugh in a
variety of situations compared to people of the same age
without heart disease.
* Improved fitness levels: Laughter can be a great
workout for your diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, facial,
leg and back muscles. It massages the abdominal organs,
tones intestinal functioning and strengthens the muscles
that hold the abdominal organs in place. It is estimated
that laughter can burn calories equivalent to several
minutes on the rowing machine or exercise bike.
* Better brain function: Laughter stimulates both sides
of the brain to enhance learning. It eases muscle tension
and psychological stress, which keeps the brain alert and
allows people to retain more information.
A sense of humor is powerful emotional medicine that can
lower stress, dissolve anger and unite families in troubled
times. Looking at a problem from a different perspective can
make it seem less formidable and provide opportunities for
greater insight and objectivity. Humor allows a person to
temporarily "forget" about aches and pains from disability,
injury or surgery.
From a social perspective, laughter connects us with others.
Laughter is very contagious, so if you bring more laughter
into your life, you will enrich the lives of people around
you as well. By elevating the mood of those around you, you
can reduce their stress levels, thereby improving the
quality of social interaction that you experience with them.
Negative emotions, particularly depression and stress, are
harmful because they make people more vulnerable to illness,
more likely to experience suffering from their ailments and
less likely to recover quickly. In fact, research has
indicated that stress hormones may be the primary culprits
by which negative emotions harm health. When a person is
under stress, the body pumps out hormones such as adrenalin
and cortisol. Those hormones serve a useful purpose because
they prime the body for fight or flight, but they can also
have detrimental effects on the body, including suppressing
the immune system and constricting blood vessels.
Laughter is free, contains no harmful ingredients and has no
side effects except brightening the lives of people around
you. What kind of medicine could be better
than that?
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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As a Result of Poor, Acid-Based Nutrition... |
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It's easy to become tired, weak, imbalanced, and
dull-witted like there's a bag of wet wool around your head.
You become congested in your lungs, liver, kidneys, and
colon.
But let's face it, it's hard to eat enough salads and enough
fruits to get all the fuel you need. Hard to get the right
mix of proteins, amino acids, healthy fats, fiber and
antioxidants. Harder yet to accomplish this regimen, day in
and day out.
Now with one anti-aging super cocktail, Long Life Food
Source, you'll be able to switch on a secret source of
energy and strength every day for the rest of your life!
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/long-life-food-source
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Regenerate - renew - regrow! |
Until now, scientists thought the thousands
of brain cells that die each year couldn't be replaced. But
an ancient remedy seems to regenerate nerves, according to a
recent clinical study.
We've taken this ancient herb and mixed it into a balanced
formula designed to help you keep 100% of your brainpower.
* Flower extract dilates your vessels, lets more
blood flow into your brain
* Herbal extract Vinpocetine improves brain's oxygen use
* Natural Huperzine A protects cells against glucose
deprivation
* Super-Nutrient CDP Choline increases brain cell energy
* Ancient Ayurvedic herb, Bacopa, protects brain from
free radicals
See how a 71-year-old could think and remember better
than a bunch of 25-year-old hotshots...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/mind-clear
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The straightest path to lifelong health is simple:
Digest, Absorb, Eliminate, Renew! |
Each day you depend upon your digestive
tract to feed and nourish every single cell and organ in
your body. A significant amount of your immune system
depends on the health of your digestive tract. Your GI tract
is your first line of immune defense.
Here's a little known fact that'll pay you big health
dividends:
70% of your immune system resides in your digestive tract.
The reality is that keeping your digestive system healthy,
keeps you robust and healthy. And if your digestive system
is weak and unpredictable, you suffer the effects and have
poor resistance to disease. Sadly, Americans have the
highest incidence of colorectal disease in the world.
Imagine this...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/groover
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Visit our Health Forum and ask a question of one of the
country’s leading experts in nutritional medicine. |
| Dr. Mikles is a Board Certified Internist,
and is the Medical Director of Choices Integrative
Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than 30
years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice
of the therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him
one of the country’s leading experts. |
|
|
Brought to you by Institute for Vibrant LivingTM
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245
or visit
http://www.IVLProducts.com
|
|
Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
|
Dear Reader,
The need to get up and move, twitching and jerking of the
legs while resting, the creepy crawlies, the hibbi jibbis,
all of these terms describe what doctors call restless leg
syndrome or RLS. The symptoms of RLS seem to be triggered
when someone tries to relax or go to sleep. The
uncontrollable movements and sensations often make those
afflicted unable to rest or sleep. This contributes to
daytime fatigue; effects job performance and personal
relationships.
Twelve million Americans are believed to suffer from RLS.
More women than men seem to suffer from this condition. Many
people who suffer from RLS do not seek treatment. They feel
that they will be told that it is "all in their head", as
often happens with diseases with vague symptoms like RLS
has. Even when seeking treatment, the patient's doctor may
attribute the symptoms to nervousness, insomnia, stress,
arthritis, muscle cramps or aging.
RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant
sensations deep inside the legs between the knee and the
ankle. Because movement relieves these symptoms, people who
suffer from RLS often pace the floor, constantly move their
legs while sitting, and toss and turn when in bed. These
symptoms do not occur only in bed but anytime a person is
sitting or lying down for long periods of time. Other
activities that can trigger RLS are; long car rides, sitting
in movie theaters and restaurants, airplane flights and even
doing relaxation exercises.
RLS has two categories. It is either primary or secondary.
* Primary RLS is also known as idiopathic (no know
cause). Primary RLS usually develops before the age of
40 and tends to run in families. It is often seen before
the first year of life. In primary RLS, the symptoms are
slow to develop, and often disappear for months at a
time. The symptoms of this type of RLS get worse as a
person ages.
* Secondary RLS often appears suddenly and with
greater frequency than primary
RLS. This type of RLS is triggered by an outside event
or the use of
prescription or OTC medications. Some of the causes for
secondary RLS are:
1. Any injury to the back or back surgery.
2. Iron and or folate deficiency
3. Parkinson's disease
4. Rheumatoid arthritis
5. Varicose veins
6. IBS
7. Pregnancy
8. The consumption of highly refined foods and
artificial sweeteners as well as excess caffeine and
alcohol
9. OTC medications especially over the counter cold
medications and antihistamines and anti-nausea drugs
10. Prescription medications such as those used to
treat depression such as tricyclics and SSRI's,
antipsychotic as well as certain medications used to
control seizures
The Mayo Clinic has developed the standard treatment for
RLS. This treatment plan calls for the use of powerful
prescription medications including some that are highly
addictive. The medications used by mainstream medical
doctors include:
* The same medications used to treat Parkinson's
disease such as levodopa,
pramipexole, pergolied and ropinirole. Ropinirole is the
first drug that has been approved by the FDA
specifically for the treatment of RLS.
* Opiods. These drugs include propoxyphene, oxycodone
and even methadone.
The addictive characteristic of these drugs is well
documented.
* Bensodiazepines that help those suffering from RLS in
getting to sleep and
staying asleep.
* Anticonvulsives that can help alleviate the pain that
often accompanies RLS.
For those who would like to avoid the use of these
powerful drugs, alternative methods of treatment are proving
very helpful.
The lifestyle changes that may help relieve the symptoms of
RLS include:
* Exercising for several minutes before bed
* Taking a hot or cold bath or the use of a heating pad
or even a fan
* A hot water footbath
* Vigorous deep breathing for one or two minutes before
bed
Dietary changes that can help are:
* Eliminating caffeine, refined carbohydrates, sugar
and artificial
sweeteners as well excess alcohol from the diet.
* Drinking green tea throughout the day. Green tea has
been shown to relieve the symptoms of RLS.
* Including the right amount of iron, folate and B
vitamins either by the food eaten or in supplements.
* Also make sure that both calcium and magnesium are
included in the diet. They are both very important for
nerve health.
There are many herbs and combinations of herbs that are
proving helpful in relieving the symptoms of RLS . Some
herbs help increase the circulation to the legs such as
Gingko biloba for arterial circulation and horse chestnut
and butcher's broom for venous circulation.
Other herbs help nourish and relax the nervous system such
as Chamomile, Lemon balm, Lavender flowers, Valerian, Oat
straw and Hops.
Try this simple herbal tea to help with insomnia, from
herbalist Rosemary Gladstar.
* 3 parts hops
* 1 part valerian
* 3 parts chamomile
* 1 part oat straw
* 1 part passionflower
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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Folk Medicine is Now Proven Medical Fact. |
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In 1980, Hiroyuki Sumi, M.D. a researcher of the Japan
Ministry of Education at the blood laboratory of the
University of Chicago, documented that natto did, indeed,
possess unsurpassed powers to dissolve blood clots.
He was searching for a natural agent that could successfully
dissolve blood clots associated with heart attacks and
stroke.
Dr. Sumi found that the sticky part of nattokinase, (an
enzyme found in fermented soybeans), commonly called
"threads", exhibited a strong blood clot busting activity.
Here's what happened...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/natto_clear
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It's Estimated That By the Year 2010, Some 40% of
Americans 65 or Older Will Have Diabetes |
Despite regular reports in the national
press about the near epidemic level of diabetes, people
persist in thinking about diabetes as simply blood sugar
levels that are a little high or low. No big deal! Wrong!
First and foremost, diabetes is a major risk factor for
heart disease and stroke. Why?
Because when you have rapidly rising and falling glucose
levels, those extremes "destabilize" your heart.
The excess insulin produced by the pancreas to respond to
the glucose spikes causes high blood pressure problems,
which further taxes, the heart with oxidative stress. Which
is why...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/gluco-balance
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Visit our Health Forum and ask a question of one of the
country’s leading experts in nutritional medicine. |
Dr. Mikles is a Board Certified Internist,
and is the Medical Director of Choices Integrative
Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than 30
years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice
of the therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him
one of the country’s leading experts.
|
|
|
Brought to you by Institute for Vibrant LivingTM
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245
or visit
http://www.IVLProducts.com
|
|
Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
|
Dear Reader,
It is the best of times and the worst of times. The sunshine
is dazzling, the dogwoods are stunning and the colorful
flowers are a welcome sight to our winter weary eyes.
Unfortunately, for millions of Americans this breathtaking
beauty comes with a price. The same flowers that delight our
eyes wreak havoc on our nasal passages and respiratory
systems in one or more of the following ways:
* Runny nose
* Nasal congestion
* Sneezing
* Itchy and watery Eyes
* Coughing
* Post Nasal Drip
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Facial pressure or pain
Hay fever and other allergies are caused when allergens
enter our body. Hay fever allergens are airborne substances
that enter our mouth, nose, throat and lungs. Pollens are
the most common hay fever allergen. Pollens are made from
the male sex cell of a plant. Wind carries these pollens to
other plants of the same species. Our immune system reacts
to these allergens and produces histamines in an effort to
rid our body of the pollen.
The allergy medicine industry is a multibillion-dollar
industry and they like it that way. Pollen and allergens
contribute mightily to their profits. They would have you
believe that the only way to treat allergies is through some
high-priced medication. Antihistamines, which are the most
commonly prescribed drugs for allergy symptoms, can cause
sedation and reduce concentration, which can result in
serious accidents. Some antihistamines may thicken mucus
secretions, increasing the likelihood of a bacterial
infection and sinusitis.
Fortunately, there are many natural ways to treat your
spring allergies that won't have the unwelcome side effects
of over the counter or prescription allergy medications.
The herb butterbur can help allergy symptoms in many cases.
It is a shrub like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe
and parts of North America. Extracts from the herb have been
used in folk medicine for migraines, stomach cramps, coughs,
allergies and asthma. Butterbur works in a similar way as
allergy medications by blocking the action of histamine and
leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic
reactions. Butterbur is in the ragweed family, so people who
are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisies or chrysanthemum
should not use butterbur.
Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that have been
shown to help relieve allergy symptoms. Beta-carotene is the
best-known member of this family. Many people don't even get
one serving of carotenoid rich foods every day. You should
strive to have at least two servings per day. Good sources
of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet
potato, spinach, butternut squash and collard greens.
Quercetin is an antioxidant that may help relieve seasonal
allergy symptoms. It belongs to a class of water-soluble
plant substances called flavonoids. Quercetin is thought to
prevent the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine
from immune cells. Histamine is involved in allergy symptoms
such as sneezing and itching. Quercetin occurs naturally in
certain foods such as apples (with the skin on), berries,
grapes, red onions, capers and black tea. Quercetin is also
available in supplement form. A typical dose for hay fever
is between 200 and 400 milligrams per day.
Adding honey to boiled minced grapefruit and lemon can be
very helpful in reducing allergy symptoms. The mixture
should be taken three times a day. To stop irritation in
your nose, simply boil chamomile in water and inhale the
fumes from the water.
Talk to your holistic practitioner about other natural ways
to treat your seasonal allergies. Using the natural approach
you can avoid putting unneeded chemicals into your body and
can treat your symptoms without the unpleasant side effects
of prescribed medications.
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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How Does Increased Pollution Wear You Out? |
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In the midst of compromised sources for our water, air,
food and soil...
Your 5 channels of elimination - liver, kidneys, colon,
lungs and skin - all have to work harder to neutralize and
eliminate toxins. And that adds up to organ stress and
exhaustion, which helps contribute to cellular stress and
finally - daily, life-draining fatigue - which is also a
breeding ground for illness and disease.
The end result of poor diet and increased pollution: we are
more wrung out, strung out and dragging from one day to the
next.
Now, there's an easy, fast, super convenient, all natural,
way to jumpstart and maintain your energy all day long and
gain powerful, new health protection for your entire body,
at the same time.
Learn more now:
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/go-ruby-go
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Good Caffeine? You Bet! |
Green tea is unique: it's made from pure,
unfermented leaves that are harvested at their peak
perfection and then stabilized through exposure to both
humid and dry heat - giving green tea the highest
concentration of polyphenols and locking in the tannins.
Tannins ensure that caffeine is taken to the brain in only
small amounts so it can be easily used. This helps green tea
drinkers improve their vitality and stamina without the
up-and-down effect of black tea.
Tannins inhibit the oxidation of your body's DNA material, a
leading cause of cell destruction and mutation.
Green tea tannins help clear urinary tract infections,
stimulate digestion, reduce unwanted body fat, increase hair
growth and support saliva secretion to keep teeth free of
plaque.
Pretty amazing, don't you agree?
Learn more now:
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/green_tea
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Can You Live Better Longer by Solving Gut Problems? |
We all want to live better longer. But how?
In the cover story of the November 2005 issue of National
Geographic called The Secrets of Living Longer, Dan Buettner
talks about three groups of people who "produce a high rate
of centenarians, suffer a fraction of the diseases that
commonly kill people in other parts of the developed world,
and enjoy more healthy years of life."
In case you haven't read this life changing article, I'll
share it with you now, then tell you about another group who
also enjoy increased longevity and wellness when no one else
thinks it's possible and how you can too...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/vibrant_flora
|
|
|
Visit our Health Forum and ask a question of one of the
country’s leading experts in nutritional medicine. |
Dr. Mikles is a Board Certified Internist,
and is the Medical Director of Choices Integrative
Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than 30
years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice
of the therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him
one of the country’s leading experts.
|
|
|
Brought to you by Institute for Vibrant LivingTM
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245
or visit
http://www.IVLProducts.com
|
|
Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
|
Dear Reader,
The heartbreaking news coverage of pet owners grieving for
their beloved pets who died from tainted food has left
animal lovers across the country in a state of fear and
bewilderment. The FDA and the American Veterinary Medical
Association are urging pet owners to switch brands if they
are worried. However, many owners, unwilling to take even
the slightest risk where their pets are concerned, are
buying organic pet food or making their own.
Last week, the cookbook titled "Real Food For Dogs" moved
into the 200 best sellers for the week on Amazon. Robert Van
Sickle, owner of the Polka Dog Bakery in Boston, said he has
received many inquiries from customers wanting advice about
how to make their own pet food. For his German pointer, Van
Sickle blends carrots, spinach, salmon oil, apple cider
vinegar and whatever meat is in his freezer.
Worried pet owners are helping to increase the already
booming sales of organic and natural pet food. An executive
at Wild Oats Markets Inc., the specialty food chain that
caters to health-minded consumers, says that the organic pet
food product sales were already increasing by 15 to 20
percent a year and the recent scare is likely to convince
even more consumers to feed their pet only natural foods.
"People are extending their food ethic to the whole family,
including the pets," said Richard Warner, director of dry
grocery products for Wild Oats.
Shelley Gunton, owner of Oregon-based Castor and Pollux Pet
Works, said her stores, which specialize in organic pet
foods, have seen a 10 percent increase in sales since the
pet food scare began. "This is going to reinforce to pet
owners that there are choices," said Gunton.
Proponents of natural and organic pet foods and treats say
that those products can help prevent many diseases in dogs
and cats. The growth of the organic pet food industry and
disagreement over what qualifies as organic food has led to
the creation of the Organic Pet Food Task Force. This task
force has suggested labeling standards that organic
manufacturers would have to meet in addition to existing
requirements that apply to all pet foods.
Vets say owners should look out for symptoms such as
lethargy, diarrhea, increased or decreased urination and
thirst, vomiting and lack of appetite. These are the
symptoms of kidney failure, which has been the main cause of
death from the tainted pet food.
Our homes are also filled with substances that can be
poisonous to our beloved pets, according to the National
Association of Veterinary Medicine. Dogs tend to get into
trouble more than cats because they are not finicky eaters
and will try almost anything.
According to the ASPCA, human medications are among the top
threats to dogs. Many drugs can be lethal to pets, even in
small doses. Some of the dangerous medications include
painkillers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs,
antidepressants and diet pills.
Remember the potential hazards in your garage, including
anti-freeze and other fluids for your car. Yard chemicals
can also be dangerous. Fertilizers, herbicides, and
pesticides are all potentially fatal to pets.
If you ever suspect your pet has ingested something
dangerous you must act quickly. Don't wait for symptoms to
develop. Call your vet right away. Some symptoms may take
hours to develop and by the time they appear it may be too
late to save your pet.
The best way to protect your pet is to act as if you had a
toddler in the house that never grows up. Store anything
that could be toxic to your pet in a safe place, either up
high or in locked cabinets or containers.
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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You Need Protein to Grow and Heal! |
|
You need protein every day, but... what kind of protein,
that's the question. Protein is essential for muscle growth,
brain function and energy. Without it, you'll drag, droop
and drop before your time.
You need protein for the manufacture of hormones,
antibodies, enzymes and tissue repair. And maybe most
importantly, protein helps your body maintain the proper
acid/alkaline balance in the body.
I spent over two years testing and tasting other people's
protein powders and I discovered three things that turned me
off big time...
* Turn off #1 All of them tasted bad!
* Turn off #2 All of them were impossible to
dissolve!
* Turn off #3 All of the soy products were high in
fat, carbs and sodium.
So, I set out to make a super high-energy protein
drink...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/green-power-protein/
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Remarkable New Super Antioxidant Discovered. |
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What's the discovery? It's an amazingly useful and
rejuvenating antioxidant that longevity researchers believe
boosts the immune system to help ward off those threats to
your health that you face as you grow older.
And if all that weren't enough, this antioxidant has also
been shown to help protect against eye problems... relieve
the aches and pains of old age... even restore strength and
energy.
This new antioxidant is called "astaxanthin" (pronounced
asta-ZAN-thin).
Now, I know what you might be thinking. You think you know
all about antioxidants. In fact, you're taking one or two
now. And you figure one is as good as another. But,
astaxanthin is no ordinary antioxidant. Far from it.
Just Imagine...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/zanguard
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It's Estimated That By the Year 2010, Some 40% of
Americans 65 and Older
Will Have Diabetes. |
Despite regular reports in the national
press about the near epidemic level of diabetes, people
persist in thinking about diabetes as simply blood sugar
levels that are a little high or low. No big deal! Wrong!
First and foremost, diabetes is a major risk factor for
heart disease and stroke. Why?
Because when you have rapidly rising and falling glucose
levels, those extremes "destabilize" your heart.
The excess insulin produced by the pancreas to respond to
the glucose spikes causes high blood pressure problems,
which further taxes the heart with oxidative stress. Which
is why...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/gluco-balance/
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Visit our Health Forum and ask a question of one of the
country’s leading experts in nutritional medicine. |
Dr. Mikles is a Board Certified Internist,
and is the Medical Director of Choices Integrative
Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than 30
years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice
of the therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him
one of the country’s leading experts.
|
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Brought to you by Institute for Vibrant LivingTM
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245
or visit
http://www.IVLProducts.com
|
|
Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
|
Dear Reader,
The candy store is typically the last place we would look to
find a food to prevent cancer and heart disease. Recent
studies have shown, however, that dark chocolate may be just
what the doctor ordered in terms of prevention of the
nation’s top two killers.
There are more than 300 chemically active compounds in the
cacao bean, from which pure chocolate is made, making it one
of the most complex health-promoting foods in the world.
Cocoa powder is also rich in flavonoid polyphenols. These
compounds are not only one of the richest sources of
antioxidants, they also have been shown to have
anti-inflammatory and cancer preventing properties as well.
“As it turns out, dark chocolate is not only a pleasure to
eat, but it fits quite nicely with other healthy
recommendations,” Jeffrey B. Blumberg, a professor of
nutrition and senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human
Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University. “We found
that three ounces of dark chocolate per day over several
weeks reduced blood pressure in patients with essential
hypertension and also seemed to provide an overall boost to
the immune system.”
It is important to note that these benefits apply to dark
chocolate only and it can’t just be “added on” to your
existing diet. It is still a high-calorie food and most
people don’t need extra calories. “But as part of a
healthful diet,” Mayer said, “it is something that you can
enjoy and feel that you are not violating the principles of
good nutrition.” It’s okay to eat dark chocolate in small
amounts, as long as you eat an otherwise healthy diet and
can afford the calories. Try eating it with nuts or fruits
for more good fats and even more antioxidants.
“Dark chocolate may be health-promoting,” said Dr. David L.
Katz, an associate clinical professor of health and director
of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School
of Medicine. Katz, who is conducting his own research into
the benefits of dark chocolate, noted that chocolate is not
only rich in antioxidants, but also magnesium and fiber.
“The predominant saturated fat in dark chocolate, stearic
acid, does not raise cholesterol or harm blood vessels.”
A study conducted by Holland’s National Institute of Public
Health concluded that dark chocolate contains four times the
antioxidants found in green tea. Dark chocolate antioxidants
can help clean arterial plaque, reduce blood clots and
increase the flexibility of the arteries. Overall this helps
with healthy blood flow and promotes heart health. Some
medical researchers have reported that an ounce of dark
chocolate per day can increase good cholesterol and prevent
bad cholesterol from oxidizing.
This should come as welcome news in the United States, where
heart disease and cancer are the top two causes of death. Be
careful, though. Most chocolate produced and consumed in the
United States packs a sizeable dose of sugar and milk to
make it sweet and delicious, and thereby more desired by
consumers. Adding dairy products to chocolate effectively
cancels out the healthy antioxidants in the cocoa itself.
A good rule of thumb is to consume chocolate with a minimum
of 70 percent pure cocoa. In addition to dark chocolate and
cocoa, a wide variety of foods and beverages contain
flavonoids. Some of the most common ones are green tea,
pomegranate, cherries, apples, apricots, blackberries,
purple grapes and kale.
As good as it is, dark chocolate cannot be used as a total
substitution for fruits and vegetables. But the good news is
that, used in moderation, it will boost your immune system.
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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95% of All Food Sold in Supermarkets is Acid Forming |
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Most of us eat 80 percent acid foods and 20 percent
alkaline foods and just the opposite ratio is the one that
will guide you to disease-free vibrant health – for life!
What are we to do? Become rabbits and eat carrots and celery
all day? No way! There are too many foods to love and too
much variety to enjoy. Too much we can’t give up, at least
not overnight.
The answer is simple...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/energy_greens
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Today I Have Great News For You or Anyone You Know With
Chronic
Pain in Any Part of Their Body... |
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People all over the world are now reporting lasting pain
relief without dangerous drugs, without surgery, without
years of mind-numbing trial and error.
* Your body wants to be in balance.
* Your body wants to be free of pain and inflammation.
* Your body wants to be your most reliable source of
energy, wellness and vitality.
Once your body’s electrical field has been properly
rebalanced and recharged, then remarkable new health and
wellness can easily be restored, regardless of age or
current physical condition. Best of all...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/magnetocore
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Why are Heart Disease and Stroke Linked to Gum Disease? |
The surface of healthy mucous membrane in
the mouth is rich with antibodies called “immunoglobulins”
that protect us from viruses and bacteria.
As we age, the body makes less of them and we have less
resistance to the 300 kinds of oral bacteria.
When oral bacteria enter the bloodstream through a gum tear,
they have a direct pipeline through the carotid arteries to
the brain.
This same bacterial plaque that causes periodontal disease
can trigger an immune response and inflammation that, in
turn, can cause the arteries to swell. And the swelling of
the arterial walls results in a blood flow constriction that
can lead to a higher rate of stroke and heart disease.
Read on to learn more...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/oral_guard
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Visit our Health Forum and ask a question of one of the
country’s leading experts in nutritional medicine. |
Dr. Mikles is a Board Certified Internist,
and is the Medical Director of Choices Integrative
Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than 30
years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice
of the therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him
one of the country’s leading experts.
|
|
|
Brought to you by Institute for Vibrant LivingTM
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245
or visit
http://www.IVLProducts.com
|
|
Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
|
Dear Reader,
Ever had a bad day that suddenly got better when your
favorite song started playing on your car radio? Have you
noticed how singing soft lullabies can soothe a crying,
fussy infant and coax him into a deep and peaceful sleep?
According to the National Center for Music Therapy, music
and sound therapy can play key roles in achieving and
maintaining optimal mental, physical and emotional health.
Music therapy is often used in conjunction with other drug
free health boosters like magnetic field therapy, massage
and hypnosis.
Research has shown that music has a profound effect upon the
body and psyche. Those who practice music therapy use it to
help cancer patients, children with ADD and others. Many
hospitals are beginning to use music therapy to help with
pain management, help ward off depression, promote movement,
calm patients, and ease muscle tension.
Music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to
resonate in sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing
sharper concentration and more alert thinking and a slower
tempo promoting a calm, meditative state. The change in
brain wave activity levels that music can bring can also
enable the brain to shift speeds more easily on its own.
Bodily functions change with alterations in the brainwaves.
The bodily functions governed by the autonomic nervous
system, such as breathing and heart rate can be altered by
the changes music can bring. This can mean slower breathing,
slower heart rate and an activation of the relaxation
response. This is why music and music therapy can help
counteract or even prevent the potentially serious physical
health problems that are caused by chronic stress.
Music can also be used to bring a more positive state of
mind, helping to keep depression and anxiety at bay. This
can help prevent the stress response from wreaking havoc on
the body and can help keep creativity and optimism levels
higher.
Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the
therapist uses music and all of its facets (mental,
emotional, physical, social, aesthetic and spiritual) to
help clients improve their physical and mental health. In
some cases, the clients' needs are addressed directly
through music. In others they are addressed through the
relationships that develop between the client and the person
administering the therapy.
Music therapy has been successfully used with people of all
ages to treat a variety of conditions including psychiatric
disorders, medical problems, physical handicaps, sensory
impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse,
communication disorders and aging.
Many stroke victims who cannot put words together to form a
coherent sentence can communicate beautifully through song.
There is a scientifically valid reason for this. Patients
who are affected by traumatic brain injury, stroke or
dementia often respond well to a technique called "reality
orientation." Many who cannot put a sentence together can
still communicate through song.
Speech therapists who work with stroke victims work with the
patients to develop simple songs that can be used to talk
about their needs or what day, month or year it is. As one
therapist put it: "The relief in the patient's eyes when he
or she realizes that they are finally being heard and
understood is a beautiful thing to see. Music is an
essential component of communication and communication is at
the heart of all that makes us human."
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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What is this "Hawaiian miracle?" |
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The noni plant has withstood the test of time. For
literally thousands of years it has been flourishing in
Hawaii's lush, nutrient-rich soil. Down through the ages,
healers and shamans in Hawaii and the South Pacific have
depended on the benefits of this versatile plant to ease the
pain and remedy the health problems of the people under
their care. They realized juice from the noni fruit had
amazing healing powers of restoration. The noni was - and
still is - considered sacred and vital to the health of
every islander.
In his book, "Noni: The Tropical Fruit with 101 Medicinal
Uses," Dr. Neil Solom discusses a survey of 8,000 people who
used Hawaiian Noni for a variety of medical conditions. When
doctors and other health professionals interviewed them,
they found that Hawaiian Noni helped 78% of the people who
used it.
Steven Hall, M.D., of Providence Hospital in Washington, has
treated patients with Hawaiian Noni for inflammatory
problems such as arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis and even
carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Hall revealed that "noni is
incredible because it offers help to people who could not be
helped by traditional medical science." Dr. Hall also
reported that "not only does noni provide many benefits on
its own, but it also increases the effectiveness of other
treatments."
Master Herbalist, Rita Elkins, author of "The Noni
Revolution," states, "As an investigative author, I have
concluded that noni has more than enough credibility to
justify its use. . .for improved health. Supplementation
with noni appears to optimize health."
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/hawaiian_noni
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Cool your mouth and fight dental cavities at the
same time. |
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Used by dentists worldwide for oral health, xylitol, also
called wood sugar or birch sugar, is a five-carbon sugar
alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is a
naturally occurring sweetener found in the fibers of many
fruits and vegetables. It is roughly as sweet as sucrose but
is a "tooth friendly" sugar. In addition to not encouraging
tooth decay (by replacing dietary sugars), xylitol may
actively aid in repairing minor cavities caused by dental
caries.
When bacteria enter the body they hold on to our tissues by
hanging on to a variety of sugar complexes. The open nature
of xylitol and its ability to form many different sugar-like
structures appears to interfere with the ability of many
bacteria to adhere.
Xylitol can also be applied nasally through a saline
solution containing xylitol, such as Xlear Nasal Wash.
See xylitol products...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/xylitol
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What Do Your Kidneys Really Do For You Every Day? |
It's their critical job to filter blood
(about 1700 quarts a day), ridding the body of waste
products.
The kidneys filter metabolic waste products from protein,
fat, various minerals, alcohol, drugs, and other ingested
toxins. Said another way: your kidneys are your
indispensable wastewater removal system. Without them you
die!
Much of the water you drink is necessary to clean the blood
and flush acid waste out of the body via the kidneys.
Your kidneys also regulate all your body's water;
electrolytes monitor the acid/alkaline balance of your blood
and help control blood pressure. Read on to learn more...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/kidney_clear
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Visit our Health Forum and ask a question of one of the
country’s leading experts in nutritional medicine. |
Dr. Mikles is a Board Certified Internist,
and is the Medical Director of Choices Integrative
Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than 30
years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice
of the therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him
one of the country’s leading experts.
|
|
|
Brought to you by Institute for Vibrant LivingTM
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245
or visit
http://www.IVLProducts.com
|
|
Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
|
Dear Reader,
You probably already know that exercising every day is an
integral part of the equation for optimum health. Exercise
is the number one stress buster, boosts your energy level,
increases metabolism, aids in digestion, promotes sound
sleep, improves cardiovascular health, and lowers the risk
for developing heart disease and high blood pressure.
But did you know that you can get even more mileage from
your exercise regimen if you conduct it outdoors? Here are
five reasons why.
1. Fresh air
Every single one of the human body's 100 trillion cells must
receive a constant supply of oxygen. Without air, humans
will die in three minutes. The heart circulates blood to the
lungs, where it exchanges carbon dioxide for fresh oxygen.
And where's the best place to get fresh oxygen? Outdoors!
Fresh air actually improves the brain's functioning. It also
increases the brain's production of serotonin, which helps
you sleep more soundly. Serotonin is also the "feel-good"
hormone; it instills a sense of happiness and well-being.
2. Sunshine
There's a very sound biological reason why people frolic in
the sunshine in spring and summer, and seek sunny vacation
destinations in the middle of winter. Actually, there are
many sound biological reasons why they do so.
Sunshine is a remarkable antiseptic. Very lightly tanned
skin resists germs and infection better than completely
untanned skin does. But that doesn't mean you should forego
the sunscreen. And remember not to bake yourself in the sun
for hours on end.
Sunshine keeps you healthy on the inside, too. It increases
the number of white blood cells, which boosts immune system
strength.
Sunlight also converts your body's bad cholesterol into
vitamin D, believe it or not. Sunshine is so powerful that
it takes a potentially harmful substance and transforms it
into something your body needs. Isn't that amazing? This, in
turn, increases calcium absorption.
Sunlight also increases the brain's production of
endorphins, which, like serotonin, provide a sense of
well-being and help prevent depression. This is especially
important in northern climates in winter. Just going for a
30-minute walk when the sun is highest in the sky, even if
it's cloudy, will help. This will help prevent Seasonal
Affective Disorder in winter, which affects one-half million
people in the United States alone. This is the whole reason
behind the idea to fortify milk with vitamin D. Bundle up in
layers, and make yourself get outside every day!
Sunlight also stimulates thyroid function, which boosts
metabolism and promotes weight loss. Have you ever noticed
that your appetite is smaller in summer?
Exposure to natural light also boosts melatonin production
at night, which improves sleep. Natural light also aids in
digestion and improves liver function, which encourages
waste elimination. Natural light even improves circulation,
lowers heart rate, and regulates blood pressure and blood
sugar.
So now you know why mothers and grandmothers instinctively
extol the virtues of "a little fresh air and sunshine."
3. It's easy to work into your daily routine
Exercise should be enjoyed daily, and you should take
advantage of the easiest means to make it an everyday part
of your life. If you belong to a gym, you have to make a
special effort to get there. In other words, you have to get
in the car and drive somewhere. Plus, you have to work it
into your busy schedule. The drive itself could take
anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes--and that's just one way. So
that means you're trying to cram another 20 to 60 minutes of
drive time into your day. Just walking out your door at home
on the other hand, takes far less effort and time--and
creates far less air pollution.
You can even just walk out your office door at lunch time.
Plus, taking a walk after eating lunch will stimulate
digestion, you'll enjoy some sunshine, and you'll boost your
energy level to get through the afternoon. And you haven't
added any extra time to your daily schedule. Once you arrive
home, you can relax all evening. Your exercising is already
done.
4. It's free
Exercising outdoors doesn't cost one red cent. You don't
have to pay any expensive gym fees. You don't have to buy
extra gas to drive there. You don't have to purchase the
latest workout fashions to make yourself presentable to
everyone else at the gym. Just throw on that ratty t-shirt
and go for it.
5. It's fun
Let's face it: gym equipment makes for some pretty
monotonous and boring exercise routines. But if you exercise
outdoors, it's vastly more fun! The possibilities are
virtually endless: bicycling, walking, kayaking, hiking,
cross-country skiing, swimming, ice skating, sledding,
downhill skiing, you name it. And that's not to mention all
manner of sports: volleyball, basketball, soccer, kickball,
hockey, baseball and football. You could even get a yoga mat
and do yoga on your backyard deck.
Environmental psychologists at the University of Michigan
found in a 2004 survey that people who walk outdoors are
likely to walk for longer periods of time if their route
includes trees, plants or bodies of water; they also benefit
from mental revitalization.
So have fun getting your game on in the great outdoors!
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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Work with your body, rather than against it! |
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We used to think that the human growth hormone naturally
produced by the body was only necessary until we reached
maturity. However, studies now show that the human growth
hormone, or hGH, is vital in virtually all functions of the
body throughout our entire lives, even into old age!
Sadly, as our bodies mature, the level of hGH decreases
accordingly, leaving us at the mercy of time, increasing our
chances of premature aging, and all the joys that come along
with it: creaking bones, back pain, weight gain, loss of sex
drive, loss of eyesight, and more.
Many people try to continually replace these hormones with
injections that can cost about $1,000 a month, month after
month, after month! Luckily through the research of Dr. L.E.
Dorman, we now know that there is a natural way to stimulate
our own body's release of its own natural hGH! Here's the
good news:
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/secretagogue
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Deteriorating immunity is the most telltale sign of
aging. |
Indeed, your immune function starts slipping
by the time you're 30, starting with a decline in the number
of your T cells that fight off viruses and tumor cells and
help other white cells fend off bacterial invasions.
Your immune response even predicts how long you'll live and
whether you'll develop cancer. One study of healthy people
over age sixty found that those with less vigorous immune
systems were twice as likely to die of any cause, and about
30% more apt to get cancer.
According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition,
consistent use of multivitamins can promote good health and
even help prevent disease.
This 5-point plan is your blueprint to lifelong health:
1. Eat fruits and vegetables in abundance and use
animal protein as a garnish.
2. Minimize the use of dairy products and all refined
sugar and sugar substitutes.
3. Get 30 minutes of light exercise every day.
4. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day and...
5. Use Repower(tm) to rev up your immune function, so
you don't have to fall prey to an ever weakening immune
response as you age.
Read on to see what good things happen when people take
vitamins and minerals on a daily basis...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/repower
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More Americans Than Ever Have High Blood Pressure! |
At least 65 million Americans (1 out of 3
adults over 18) have hypertension - defined as high blood
pressure of 140 over 90 or higher.
The number of people with high blood pressure (including
children and young adults) has skyrocketed by over 30% in
the last decade alone. Why?
You can blame the usual suspects: aging, obesity, lack of
exercise and too much red meat and junk food, but that's not
the whole story as you will see...
http://www.ivlonline.com/letter/nattobpplus
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Visit our Health Forum and ask a question of one of the
country’s leading experts in nutritional medicine. |
Dr. Mikles is a Board Certified Internist,
and is the Medical Director of Choices Integrative
Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than 30
years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice
of the therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him
one of the country’s leading experts.
|
|
|
Brought to you by Institute for Vibrant LivingTM
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245
or visit
http://www.IVLProducts.com
|
|
Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
|
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