IVL Products Health Watch - July, 2009
The Official IVL Products Health Blog


In This Issue…
 
Preserve Mother Nature’s Bounty For Savory Meals All Year Long 
You Don't Have to Surrender to Lung Disease
Good Caffeine? You Bet!

Dear Reader,

Let’s face it. Few things in life taste better than fresh summer vegetables. Those delicious meals of summer vegetables from your garden or your local farmers’ market don’t have to end in August. They can be available to you all year long. All you have to do is learn some basic preservation methods for canning, freezing and drying vegetables and herbs. Won’t it be wonderful to have those juicy July tomatoes as an ingredient in your chili on some cold, blustery winter day?

Canning summer vegetables involves a process of blanching, peeling, and cold-packing them into Mason jars. The jars and then covered with a wet, heated lid. The jars should then be placed in a boiling water bath for 15 to 20 minutes. The pot for this bath must be large enough that the jars and lids are covered with boiling water. The heat from the water bath forces the air out of the jar, sealing it once it cools. Since bacteria cannot enter a sealed jar, the food can be preserved for a number of years.  After the water bath you should carefully remove the jars and place them on a dish-towel covered surface where they can cool gradually.

Freezing is another simple and convenient way to preserve food for several months. It slows food deterioration and stops the growth of bacteria. Preparing vegetables for freezing involves blanching. Blanching is a technique used to keep vegetables crisp and tender by scalding them in a quick boil and then submerging them in an ice bath for cooling. Package blanched vegetables in freezer bags or containers and freeze thoroughly for storage. Food expands as it freezes so do not overfill containers.

Drying is the best preservation method for herbs. Dried herbs should be stored in airtight containers such as small canning jars. The herbs will retain more of their original flavor if you store the leaves whole and crush them when you are ready to use them.  Be sure to label and date your containers. Store containers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Dried herbs are best used within a year. Bear in mind that as your herbs lose their color, they are also losing their flavor.

Whether you are freezing, canning or drying you should start out with the freshest vegetables available, preferably ones that are picked on the same day you preserve them. After all, the fresher they are when your preserve them the better they will taste when you enjoy them in the cooler months to come. Preserved vegetables and herbs also make great gifts so prepare some extra helpings and spread the delicious joy around next winter.

Yours in good health,
 
 
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
 

You Don't Have to Surrender to Lung Disease

Perhaps you’re among those who fight a daily battle against chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or constant respiratory infections. If so, you’re not alone. There has been an unprecedented growth in the number of serious lung problems in the United States, most caused by environmental pollutants that attack your respiratory system. If not stopped, these airborne particulates can cause disease and shorten your life.

Fight back with the all-new nutritional supplement—SECOND WIND™. You simply won’t find more potent protection for your respiratory system. Its unique formulation of natural ingredients works with each part of your respiratory system to help you breathe easy today and tomorrow!


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? Gain the enhanced immunity protection of 20 cups of tea with just ½ dropperful of GREEN TEA ELIXIR™!


Brought to you by The Institute for Vibrant Living™
 
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245 or visit www.IVLProducts.com 

Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.
 
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.



Wednesday, July 29, 2009 5:50:07 PM (US Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)  #       |  Trackback



In This Issue…
 
Kidney Stones Are More Prevalent In The Summer
What Do Your Kidneys Really Do For You Every Day?
Failing Eyesight is Not an Inevitable Part of Aging.

Dear Reader, 

Most people look forward to summer with its carefree days and restful vacations. But for people who suffer from kidney stones summer can be the most dreaded season of the year. Kidney stones are more prevalent in the summer because they are linked to low water consumption and many people don’t drink enough water to compensate for higher temperatures.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, over a million Americans are treated for kidney stones each year. Men are three times more likely to develop kidney stones than women. Age also plays a role and people between the ages of 30 and 60 are at the highest risk. Other risk factors include family history, obesity and recurrent kidney infections.

Kidney stones are mineral deposits that are comprised of calcium, uric acid and an amino acid called cysteine. The stones are hard masses which can be as small as a grain of salt or as large as a golf ball and they can be extremely painful. Typically, a kidney stone sufferer feels a sharp cramping pain in the back and sides in the area of the kidney or the lower abdomen. Sometimes the first sign of a kidney stone is sudden and excruciating pain, which occurs when the stone moves into the urinary tract causing irritation and blockage.

People who have experienced kidney stones live in constant fear of a recurrence. One of the best natural ways to prevent and treat kidney stones is with plenty of water. This is especially important when the weather is extremely hot. If you are at risk for kidney stones it is essential that you drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If your body doesn’t get enough water then waste products start to accumulate in the kidneys and those waste products can form kidney stones. People with a history of kidney stones should drink at least 14 cups of water a day.  Put slices of lemon in your water because lemons are high in citrate, which helps inhibit the growth of kidney stones.

Because diets high in protein increase your risk of kidney stones it is important to reduce the amount of meat that is consumed. (Excessive consumption of animal protein contributes to the production of uric acid.) If you cut your meat intake by 30 percent you can substantially reduce your risk of kidney stones.

People with low levels of magnesium and B6 have an increased risk for kidney stones so many holistic health practitioners recommend taking supplements. Cranberry supplements may also be helpful because they support urinary health. Talk to your holistic practitioner about the supplements that will work best for you so that you can enjoy your summer without worrying about the excruciating pain of kidney stones.

Yours in good health,
 
 
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch


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. Your kidneys are your indispensable wastewater removal system.

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.

Now, you can EASILY help cleanse, repair & maintain your body’s waste water removal system FOR LIFE…with Kidney Clear™.


Failing Eyesight is Not an Inevitable Part of Aging.

What are the two biggest culprits behind eye problems?  Oddly enough, sunlight and pollution.

Your eyes (and mine) enjoy almost no protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This bombardment of UV rays leads to free-radical damage responsible for the vast majority of vision problems.

Worse yet, because most of us live in or near cities, your eyes are overexposed to pollution and suffer from more free radical damage than any other organ in your body. Now for the good news. The latest medical research reveals you can combat and defeat this constant, ever increasing free radical assault on your eyes by feeding your body with high powered, targeted antioxidants. Vision Clear™ is the most potent, comprehensive and instantly bioavailable nutritional support for total eye health ever developed by longevity science. With Vision Clear™ you can help…

Prevent general oxidation-damage to your vision

Improve your night vision

Improve the microcirculation of retinal tissue

Protect your eyes from harmful sunlight

Keep your eyesight sharp and clear forever!


Brought to you by The Institute for Vibrant Living™
 
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245 or visit www.IVLProducts.com 

Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322

 The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.
 
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.



Wednesday, July 22, 2009 7:04:13 PM (US Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)  #       |  Trackback


In This Issue…
 
Keep Your Cool When The Heat Is On
Snip the Fuse of Cardiovascular Dynamite
Put lots of "Green" into the Bank Account of your Health

Dear Reader,

It’s summertime. A sweltering heat wave has gripped many parts of the country. The days are long and tempers are short, and it’s not just in your mind. There is solid scientific evidence that explains why and how the weather affects our moods.

As one researcher put it:  “When it’s hot we are more likely to become dehydrated and when we are dehydrated our bodies are under serious physical stress. This physical stress level changes our moods and we are more likely to become irate and less likely to choose rational responses when things don’t go our way. We tend to whine and moan are more prone to give in to anger, irritation, poor judgment and fatigue.” Law enforcement studies show that long periods of extremely hot weather lead to an increase in violent crime rates. Scientists call it “heat aggravation.”

The awareness of a link between hot weather and short tempers predates the age of scientific research on the topic. In fact, heat has long been associated with anger in phrases like hot under the collar, hot head and boiling mad. The antidote to anger has found its way into our language with expressions like chill out, don’t lose your cool and take a chill pill.

For a first hand look at mood-changing affects of extremely hot weather all you have to do is get into your car and start driving. Statistics show that incidents of road rage increase in proportion to the temperature.  Even the most benign incidents get blown out of proportion and people react with rude hand gestures, yelling, and in extreme cases, violence.

So what can you do to keep your cool when the heat is on? For one thing, make sure you spend some time in quiet meditation every day so that you stay focused on peace and calmness. Take good care of your body and soul. Drink plenty of water and take deep cleansing breaths when you start to feel stressed.

If something does happen that has the potential to upset you, try not to overreact. If a car cuts in front of you don’t go ballistic. Just let it slide. For the sake of your personal safety and your sanity, it’s best to not respond in any way to inconsiderate drivers. You can’t change their rude behaviors but you can certainly change how you react to them.

When the mercury rises it becomes critical to keep everything in perspective. If you allow yourself to become angry you can damage your physical health. Medical research shows that frequent or extreme anger can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to rise, which makes your heart work harder. Anger can cause angina (chest pain) because the vessels constrict and reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.

So do yourself and those around you a favor by keeping a lid on anger when the heat is on. Your body and soul will thank you for it.

Yours in good health,
 
 
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
 

Snip the Fuse of Cardiovascular Dynamite

Our new heart & inflammation formula is a 7-in-1solution that lowers inflammation throughout your whole body & restores energy FAST!

Chronic, low-grade total body inflammation is linked to every degenerative condition associated with aging including diabetes, arthritis, asthma, poor immune response, fatigue, dry, flaky skin, poor muscle tone and the list goes on.

This breakthrough formula—called CoQSupreme™— contains 7 heart-strong, powerhouse ingredients in their finest and most bioavailable forms that you need to snip the fuse of cardiovascular dynamite for good. CoQSupreme is designed to give you a dramatic energy boost as well as do wonders for your joints, your skin, your immune system and your brain – so you can live your life to the fullest every day!



Put lots of "Green" into the Bank Account of your Health

Wheatgrass has been called the nectar of rejuvenation, and it's easy to see why.  Wheatgrass is rich in enzymes, vitamins, hormones and nucleic acids. It has widespread effectiveness, but its three most important health roles are:  blood purification, liver detoxification and colon cleansing.  These three components are the foundation of super great health.

Barley grass and wheatgrass are both abundant sources of superoxide dismutase (SOD). This is a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging enzyme. SOD is a proven anti-inflammatory for arthritis, edema, gout, and bursitis. Lemon Grass is another fantastic cleanser that helps detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and digestive tract. It helps cut down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other acid wastes while stimulating digestion and blood circulation. If you want to cleanse your colon and liver, nourish your major organs, boost your energy, this combination, found in Super Wheatgrass Combo™ absolutely cannot be beat.


Brought to you by The Institute for Vibrant Living™
 
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245 or visit
www.IVLProducts.com 

Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.
 
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.


Wednesday, July 15, 2009 6:23:25 PM (US Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)  #       |  Trackback


In This Issue…
 
Everybody Needs Some Sunshine In Their Lives 
Fix Your Digestion and Fix Your Health
Bone Strength Breakthrough

Dear Reader,

When the weather turns warm and it is only natural to step out into the sunshine and soak up the soothing rays. A certain amount of sunshine is good for us because it triggers a biochemical process in the body that leads to the production of Vitamin D. Too much sun, however, can lead to serious discomfort and permanent damage to the skin.

Unfortunately, the commercial sunscreens on the market that are meant to protect us are loaded with toxic chemicals. To avoid exposing yourself and your family to these chemicals, choose natural sunscreen products. Mango butter, aloe vera gel, emu, coconut and sesame oils are all effective in preventing sunburn when used properly. Look for natural alternatives to chemical sunscreens.

In addition to sunscreen there are some common sense measures that will go a long way toward sunburn prevention.  Avoid being outdoors in direct sun when the sun is strongest, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.  If you can’t avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day, seek shade. (Bear in mind that invisible rays can reflect up toward you from the ground so you will still need to use some skin protection.)  Be especially careful if it is windy. Balmy breezes may disguise the fact that you are getting sunburned. Wide brimmed or floppy hats will help prevent sunburn on sensitive facial and neck areas.

If despite your best intentions you do get sunburned, use natural substances to relieve the pain. Dampen a washcloth with cool water and apply it to the area, or take a cool bath or shower. Adding some baking soda to your bathwater can help to soothe your skin. Pure aloe gel is also very soothing to sunburned skin. The fresher the gel, the better it works. You can even use a real aloe plant. Cut off a spear, split it open, and rub the clear gel from the inside of the leaf on the sunburn. You can also mix 10 ounces of non-fat dry milk, 2 tablespoons salt and 25 ounces water. Saturate a cloth with the mixture and apply to sunburn for 20 minutes. Drink plenty of water. Sunburn can be dehydrating, causing fluid loss through your skin.

Leave blisters alone, if they form. The fluid inside acts as a protective agent for your skin.  Breaking the blisters will slow healing and increase the risk of infection.

In recent years, some people have become irrationally afraid of the sun because of dire warnings in the media. Don’t let the fear of getting sunburned keep you from benefiting from Mother Nature’s healing rays. Mentally and physically, everyone needs some sunshine in their lives!

Yours in good health,
 
 
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
 

Fix Your Digestion and Fix Your Health

Your colon is a battlefield filled with “friendly” and “unfriendly” bacteria.  The friendly bacteria (also known as probiotics) help you to assimilate nutrients. They also prevent the attachment of “unfriendly” microflora, which can dilute the strength of your immune system.

A wide range of both traditional and alternative health professionals now agree that a continually replenished stronghold of “friendly” bacteria is essential for a robust and worry-free digestive system. Unfortunately, levels of “friendly” bacteria rapidly decline with age.

Like no other probiotic formula on the market, VIBRANT FLORA 15/20™ replenishes your colon with the vital microflora to counteract toxic pathogens that threaten your immune system and your colon’s equilibrium.


Bone Strength Breakthrough

The Surgeon General has already told you the bad news. The older you get, the higher the odds that your bones will get so weak you’ll break a bone. If THAT happens, your prospects are bleak.

Now I want to tell you the good news. It doesn’t have to happen to you. Because here at IVL, we’ve found a breakthrough combination of vitamins and minerals that can actually help your bones get stronger day by day.

OsteoK2™ – the daily bone strength formula with plant-based calcium, horsetail, vitamin D and menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) doesn’t just slow-down bone loss – it can actually help your body rebuild your bones.


Brought to you by The Institute for Vibrant Living™
 
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245 or visit
www.IVLProducts.com 

Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.
 
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.


Wednesday, July 08, 2009 5:55:42 PM (US Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)  #       |  Trackback


In This Issue…
 
Keep Mosquitoes At Bay
How Can the Rooster Help Keep Joints & Muscles Free of Pain?
Less Toxins = Less Pain, More Energy

Dear Reader, 

Mosquitoes love summer outings and they don’t mind showing up without an invitation.  These annoying uninvited guests can turn a pleasant gathering into a nightmare of swatting and itching. Female mosquitoes are especially troublesome because they need blood in order to produce a healthy brood of eggs. Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk but there are also mosquitoes that seek hosts during the day. There are 150 different mosquito species that live in this country.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of mosquitoes ruining your outdoor summer fun. It helps to understand a little bit about them. Mosquito larvae thrive in brackish stagnant water such as is found in discarded tires, clogged gutters and shallow ponds. The larvae develop into adults and leave the water about seven days after the female lays her eggs. Depending on the species, a female can lay between 100 and 400 eggs and produce a brood every two to three days (about 3,000 eggs in a lifetime). Removing any items containing stagnant water in your yard will greatly reduce your mosquito population.

If you are going to be outside for any length of time, be sure to wear light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes love dark clothing. They also love strong sweet smells so don’t use concentrated perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hair gels or hair sprays before attending a summer outing.

There are several types of plants that can repel mosquitoes. Citronella grass is used to make candles and citronella oil. Catnip is another good repellant. Rosemary, which is commonly grown in herb gardens, is also helpful. Marigolds have a smell that mosquitoes and many other insects find objectionable. The aforementioned plants can also be used to make an all-natural mosquito repellant. All you have to do is crush the leaves and flowers to release the oils and put them in alcohol. Once the plants have infused the liquid you can use the mixtures just as you would other repellants.

There is some evidence that suggests taking zinc supplements may make you less susceptible to mosquito bites. Bear in mind that it takes about a month to build up enough zinc in your system to discourage insects.

If you do get bitten there are many natural remedies to help reduce the itching and discomfort brought on by mosquito bites. Apple cider vinegar applied directly to the bite can help. You can also make a paste out of witch hazel and baking soda to relieve itching. Lavender oil applied to the bite can also reduce itchiness. Holding an ice cube on the area immediately after being bitten will reduce the chances of swelling.

So go ahead and plan your summer outing so you can enjoy the beautiful warm weather with your family and friends. Use natural methods to keep the mosquitoes at bay and hopefully the uninvited guests will stay away.

Yours in good health,



Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch


How Can the Rooster Help Keep Joints & Muscles Free of Pain?

100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Back pain, neck pain, knee pain, foot pain - you name it, we've got pain, all day, every day.  In fact, joint and muscle pain cause more disability and missed work days than cancer and heart disease combined.

As we age, our joints and muscles lose Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and HA is the critical lubricant for your healthy joints, skin and eyes. This joint dryness is the principal reason why your cartilage - the shock absorber between your joints - becomes malnourished and starved, and why it starts to break down and disintegrate, causing terrible pain with each step.

HA is extracted from Rooster Comb and it's the best source for providing your body with a low molecular weight source of HA, which means higher absorption. HA is odorless, neutral in color, water-soluble and classified as a food. It is 100% natural and has shown to be effective in maintaining skin elasticity, joint flexibility and sharp vision among adults. And it’s found in Alleviate™ - Joint Formula!


Less Toxins = Less Pain, More Energy

Medical studies reveal that each and every day we’re exposed to harmful substances, not only in the form of common air pollution, but through the very foods we eat. The Standard American Diet (or SAD for short!!) is loaded with preservatives, antibiotics, pesticides, and dangerous chemicals — all waiting to inundate your system, from your organs, to your bloodstream, from your head down to your toes, robbing you of the vibrant good health that you deserve.

But once these harmful substances are removed from your system, you’ll begin to look and feel dramatically better.

Now there’s a clinically studied and effective formula from India that fights off pain while it boosts brain function. It’s called Pain & Brain™ - Ayurvedic Curcumin Formula.

GET READY to reduce metabolic wastes that trigger body inflammation and you may start to gain NEW flexibility, NEW energy, NEW mental alertness, and NEW cardiovascular health.


Brought to you by The Institute for Vibrant Living™
 
To learn more about IVL, call 1-800-720-1245 or visit
www.IVLProducts.com 

Contact us by mail at:
Institute for Vibrant Living
P.O. Box 3840
Camp Verde, AZ 86322

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.
 
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.


Wednesday, July 01, 2009 5:57:26 PM (US Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)  #       |  Trackback