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Mitochondria: The Key To Good Health

We all know that we take vitamins because they are good for us and give us the nutrients that we need. A better question to ask is why we need a daily supplement and what does our body do with all of these nutrients? If you can remember back to you high school biology class, the job of divvying up nutrients belongs to a specific part of our cells called mitochondria. If you think it is a lot of work for just one part of a cell, then you can rest at ease since you have 1000-2500 mitochondria in each one of your cells!

If you are wondering why this is so important, then imagine if USPS, UPS and FedEx just decided to stop delivering mail tomorrow. Things would begin to pile up, nothing would get where it needs to and we honestly might go into a state of economical collapse since so much depends on E-commerce and the methods that deliver them. Think of your mitochondria as the mailman for your cell. If your mitochondria decided to stop delivering, then the rest of your cell would begin to starve and eventually die!

This is why recent research all points towards mitochondrial health to be a major factor of our own personal health. The mitochondria needs enough supplies to hand out to the rest of the cells components and it also needs enough for itself to keep functioning at a high rate of efficiency. This is a serious issue in the health world today since so many people are nutrient deficient as well as mineral deficient.

Nutrients are easy enough to find and replace, you just need to remember that nutritional supplements can only last in your body for a maximum of 12 hours, so it doesn’t matter if you take a pill, drops, or even a patch, so long as you are getting your nutrients once every 12 hours, you are likely to have happy and healthy mitochondria. Minerals could be a bit harder to come by though.

More and more doctors are seeing patients that have plenty of minerals and metals in their blood stream from the foods they are eating and the supplements they are taking, but the cell isn’t absorbing them. That is probably due to the fact that the only way we can properly digest and absorb minerals is through plants that have already done the hard work for us. Unfortunately it isn’t as simple as eating some more broccoli to correct this issue

The soils have been depleted for quite some time in the United States and many other countries that use aggressive farming methods that don’t use proper crop rotation and ultimately drain the soils of all their useful minerals. There is hope though! A line of supplementation called Oligo exists and they use a patented process to bind plant proteins and sugars to the minerals so that our body can actually digest them. Since it is patented, that means they are the only brand out there that is doing this process making it the best option for absorption!

Armed with this knowledge we hope you go forward and share with your friends the importance of nutritional balance and supplementation and how it is key to their mitochondrial health and overall longevity.

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Hawaii Takes The First Step With Sun Screen Ban

I am sure everyone has always wondered if their sun screen is actually safe for them to use. For something to protect you from something as powerful as UV rays from the sun, it must come with its own set of risks. What most of society didn’t consider was how a product like sun screen could be so damaging to the ocean and its inhabitants.  This is why Hawaii has become the first state to put their foot down and ban the chemicals that have been directly linked to harming and killing the coral in their ocean: octinoxate and oxybenzone.

Oxybenzone is the primary culprit when it comes to damaging the colorful, living rocks. Not only is it very clear that it is killing coral but also mutating its DNA which can lead to infertility. One of the biggest issues is that the holes where coral release their seeds so they can reproduce often get clogged from the negative effects of this chemical. Once these pathways are closed off, the coral can no longer reproduce and it will even have trouble taking in new food. This starves the coral and leaves nothing but a skeleton behind since the seeds remain trapped inside until they wither away after death. What is clogging these vital pathways though if the oxybenzone is merely poisoning and altering the DNA of the coral?

This is where octinoxate comes in. This chemical when taken in by the coral creates “bleaching”. This is a process where the coral begins dumping all of its stored food and nutrients out from its openings. It is a similar process to when we throw up to remove whatever may be causing us to become ill. It is meant to be a way of purging it’s system, but with a constant supply of octinoxate, it has no chance to ever store food and nutrients. Instead, it just continues trying to flush its system of a toxin it has no chance of fighting off.

With this ban, it makes the statement that we care about what we put in our oceans and waters and that we don’t want to see sea life that we love disappear. An even better question to ask ourselves is that if this is what is happening to coral in the sea, then what is happening to us as we rub that same poison into our skins? A great way to avoid being poisoned by these chemicals is by searching for a mineral based sun-screen, just always check the label to make sure that what you are buying is safe for you and for the ocean!

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Using Cleaning Products Is Like Smoking A Pack Of Cigarettes A Day

We have always used the same brands of cleaning products since the day we were born. You probably used for the same reason that all of us use them, and it isn’t because of their clever ad campaigns. We purchase these products simply out of habit as our parents bought them because their parents did as well. A long time ago these cleaning products were the only thing we had so no one ever thought to questions what might be in them and how could they be affecting our bodies.

Well someone finally took the time to see just how harmful ingredients like ammonia and bleach can really be and it turns out that the two key ingredients for making mustard gas are dangerous for you no matter what amount of the chemicals are used. The study followed over 6,200 people for 20 years and specifically studied the effects of cleaning products on both the deterioration of lung capacity and the obstruction it causes to your airways.

So how bad can it be? It turns out that cleaning your home once a week with these products is the equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for an entire week. The damage doesn’t stop there though as others that are living in the house experience side-effects, just not as bad as the “first-hand” cleaner. Women tended to be more affected than men were and it appears that those that used the products periodically was more damaging than someone who worked with them on a regular basis. The speculation on this is that cleaning professionals are away of the dangers of cleaners and often wear protective masks.

The scariest part about this is that the evidence appears to be concrete. Normally studies like this can be shaken off due to a short period of research time or a lack of subjects being tested, but over 6000 people for the course of 20 years is a lot of evidence to ignore. In fact, major networks and publishers from CNN to The New York Times have acknowledged the article and it is published in the most credible of sources. To learn more, check out the actual study at http://www.thoracic.org/about/newsroom/press-releases/resources/women-cleaners-lung-function.pdf

So how do we combat this? We still have to clean our homes, but obviously we don’t want to continue poisoning our families and ourselves! There are natural ways to clean that are anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, so don’t give up hope. From Tea-tree oil to vinegar, switching to a natural cleaner can make your home safe from the germs without constantly burning out the aioli in your lungs!

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How do Multi-Vitamins Effect Your Mood?

We all know how hard it is to get all you daily nutrition in just from the foods that you eat, and while we have discussed how the fields are stripped of nutrients and minerals before, we have yet to discuss newer studies that show a massive correlation between proper nutrients and minerals and their effects on your mood as well as other major brain functions.

The study was done by the Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism and followed 58 individuals were gathered and were offered a multi-vitamin for the course of the study to see how it would effect people. The study was double blind and had controlled placebos in the test to make sure their results were as accurate as possible.

The results are nothing short of amazing as subjects who were on the multi-vitamin were not just healthier physically, but in just four weeks their depression score had been decreased on their tests. To validate this, subjects who had improved mood and brain function had higher level of vitamin b and lower counts of homocysteine.

Here are a list of ingredients you should be on the lookout for when it comes to supplements! Follow this list and research shows that it could be the difference maker in many individual’s lives that are struggling to take control of their mood:

 

  • Folic acid — Studies have shown that folic acid (a B-vitamin) can relieve certain symptoms of depression, particularly women suffering from the post-partum variety.
  • S-adenosyl-L-methionine — Known as SAMe, the substance helps regulate mood by allowing for the steady production of several neurotransmitters involved in mental stability.
  • Gingko biloba — The herbal supplement has been shown to improve symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been shown to be useful in alleviating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
  • Valerian — Unlike benzodiazepines, the herb can relieve anxiety and sleep problems without the associated side effects.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids — Data prove the positive interaction between the fatty acid and mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially useful for the elderly and people with multiple medical conditions. This is because the supplement is potent while having limited interaction with other medicines.
  • St. John’s Wort — One of the more popular alternative remedies for depression, St. John’s Wort has been shown to help people with mild or moderate symptoms of the mental disorder. It is not recommended for those with severe forms of the disease, however.
  • Melatonin — The supplement can improve the sleep quality in people with schizophrenia, major depression, and those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). (Johansson, 2018)

 To read more on the study, simply go to https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352385915001747 to become further educated on the subject!

Johansson, R. (2018, May 4). Taking a multivitamin has beneficial effects for your brain function, mood. Retrieved May 30, 2018, from https://www.science.news/2018-04-05-taking-a-multivitamin-has-beneficial-effects-for-your-brain-function-mood.html

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Vitamin and Mineral Delivery: Are You Absorbing What You Need?

We all know that we need to take our vitamins. Our parents told us so when we were kids and so do doctors. In fact, since 2002, we have been told that even if we eat our daily servings of vegetables and fruits, we STILL MAY NOT be getting the proper nutrition we need. Most people see this as an excellent reason to get a daily supplement incorporated in their diet, and this is certainly a good way to combat any nutrient deficiency people may have due to the deficiency in the soils we use to grow our food.

With that being said, what method should we use to take the supplements we know we need? Plenty of people take a one a day supplement, but the truth is that vitamins only last in your system for a maximum of 12 hours, so even if you doubled the dosage, it would still pass through your system in 12 hours. Some claim the sublingual vitamins and other extracts work more effectively because they are 98% absorbed into the blood stream this way. The truth is that most vitamins are 98% absorbed, regardless of how you administer them. The question that you should be asking is whether or not it is worth it to pay exorbitant prices for a product that you will absorb the same regardless of how you administer it. Minerals are a much more tricky subject however.

It is impossible for a person to take calcium out of the ground and smash it into a small concentrate and expect the body to be able to absorb the substance. Our stomach is strong enough to dissolve minerals, but they will quickly solidify in your intestines where the majority of mineral absorption will take place. So why are we able to get those minerals when we eat certain plants/vegetables? We can process minerals inside plants because they have already done the work of converting minerals into an absorbable substance. This is also why we get minerals from animals, but think of that at as second-hand minerals. It is better to go straight to the source, and since the source is completely depleted, you will need to have a supplement that can take it’s place and actually give you BOTH the VITAMINS and the MINERALS that you need to be healthy! One amazing brand that does this is Oligo as it has the highest absorption of minerals of any supplement IN THE WORLD! That is according to both the Sterling Study and the Freiburg Study which are both independent studies!

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Protein Shakes: Whey Versus Casein

There is no doubt that when it comes to working out, protein is something that is necessary not just to feed our muscles to make them larger and stronger, but to get the amino acids we need to heal our muscles that we have created micro tears in. This constant tearing, healing, and fueling is what can increase the size and strength of your muscles overall. The question that constantly comes up is whether using different proteins yields different results.

The rabbit hole this conversation usually takes is plant protein versus whey or animal protein. The conversation is usually about protein combining, but this has been disproven by modern science many times, so know that if your protein is plant based, milk based, or from cooking a steak, the benefit will be about the same.

Whey protein has become the most popular form for gym rats because it works immediately post work out and is a quick fix for a brutal hour workout. With that being said, it isn’t going to necessarily help you in the morning. People often find themselves extremely sore even after their heavy protein shake and taking more whey protein isn’t going to fix the situation

One protein that has been put under the microscope as of late is casein protein. It used to be rather common, but since it didn’t work fast like whey protein, it wasn’t desired as much. When you take casein protein, it isn’t to develop your major muscles to give you the “Swole” look. Instead, it slowly releases the amino acids instead of blasting your system with them.

Both whey and casein protein are derived from milk, so why do they work differently? Casein is derived from milk curds, which gives it a much denser composition. This allows for a slow release into the body, which has a larger benefit for lean muscle and makes it great for use just before bed. You can always get the best of both worlds from protein mixtures that include both kinds of protein. If all your muscles are getting the amino acids they need, then the more likely your body will be fresh the next day so you can keep working out!

An amazing example of a solid protein mixture is the Ultra-Performance Protein Shake which utilizes both of these proteins and is chalked full of amino acids that most protein powders are missing!

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The Calming Effects of Essential Oils

You’ve probably heard of the craze sweeping the nation right now where people are creating their own personal concoctions with essential oils whether it be for cleaning products or personal use. The health and wellness communities are blowing up with different remedies for almost anything you can think of ranging from cleaning to curing autism.

Now you may find all of this to be bogus but a lot of essential oils can enhance your mood and has many practical and effective uses. With a recent study linking anxiety meds and dementia, you can see why society wants to know the pros and cons of utilizing essential oils as an alternative to anti-depressant medication. Another study that had been conducted in Taiwan provided clearer and more powerful evidence. The authors selected elementary school teachers as their stressed population and used inhalation of vaporized bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia essential oil as the method of administration.

They found a significant reduction in both blood pressure and heart rate and the difference in physiological stress signals were showed notable positive change as a direct correlation. It also drove autonomic nervous activity toward a more balanced state and had a greater effect on participants who had more severe side effects than people not particularly plagued by anxiety or dementia.

Adults aren’t the only ones who have to worry about this, one of the main things children struggle with is anxiety. Anxiety can be led to give your child problems focusing and may start developing irregular sleeping patterns. There is a lot of conflicting information out there, but if using 100% pure oils and re-searching extensively the pros and cons, you will find the combination that works best for you.

Lavender is good for clearing the mind.

Frankincense helps with emotional well being.

Peru Blasam helps in comforting.

Cedar wood is good for helping you find down.

There are many more oils and hundreds to thousands of different combinations that can have different effects. The most important thing to realize is that none of these scents are guaranteed to bring the desired effect, it is best to test and measure different blends of oils to see which one gives you the best result for the ailment you wish to treat.

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The Many Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca, is known throughout the world as a great antiseptic and has great healing and cleansing properties to treat wounds. It has been used for several decades and can be found in multiple medical studies that shows Tea tree oil killing multiple strains of bacteria, viruses, and especially fungi.

There are so many benefits and uses to Melaleuca oil that I can not possibly go into everything but I will name some prominent uses and ideas. The movement sweeping the nation right now is creating homemade cleaning products using essential oils in place of toxic chemicals. You can add tea tree oil to almost anything. Diffusing it in the air to kill mold, applying topically to heal skin issues like eczema, and using it to treat viral infections. You can see why it’s a popular active ingredient in a variety of cosmetic and household products. Most people don’t even understand the extent of products that utilize Melaleuca oil, ranging from; face washes, shampoos, soaps, detergents, nail creams and other cleaning necessities.

Records around the world show that tea tree has been used for thousands of years by indigenous people, science today is finally catching up and more doctors and practitioners are coming forward describing why tea tree oil is so effective. To date, over 327 scientific studies refer to tea tree oils antimicrobial prowess alone. Melaleuca oil is known around the world as the “medicine kit in a bottle.” Not only can it be used as a natural antiseptic, it is also found to be soothing to relieve stinging and itching, minor wounds and irritated skin. It is safely penetrating, quickly delivering soothing relief deep into the source of the discomfort. It’s also Non-caustic, no caustic or harmful chemical reactions. Effectively works as a solvent, safely dissolves many different substances like gum, resins and dirt. The best but not the last note about tea tree oil, it is pleasantly aromatic and refreshes the senses with a natural pleasing scent.

The process of producing Melaleuca hasn’t changed much over the last 100 years, but the uses we find for it certainly has.

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Soil Mineral Depletion and What it Means for Your Family

Did you know that the American Journal of Medicine came out with an article 12 years ago saying that we need to all be supplementing in order to achieve proper nutrition and absorb minerals because our soils are completely depleted.

Dr, Mertz from the U.S. department of Agriculture already knew what was coming 35 years ago. He said that in the future “We will not be able to rely anymore on our premise that the consumption of a varied balanced diet will provide all the essential trace elements, because such a diet will be very difficult to obtain for millions of people.” Now he said this all the way back in 1977. That future that Dr. Mertz warned us of is already here, that future is now.

The Earth is the ultimate source of vitamins and minerals. The main object of all living creatures is to sustain their existence. Life is solely dependent on 2 sources: the power of the sun and the elements of the earth, Without either, life is simply not possible, but combined? An entire ecosphere of intricate life-forms blossoms and flourishes across the vast surface of the earth and deep within her oceans. Each species plays a role in perpetuating the next, resulting in a massive ecosystem of interdependent life. The result is a giant, complex chain of nutrition that can all be linked back to the sun and the earth.

We are all at the mercy of the foods we eat, the beverages we drink, and the supplements we take to live from one day to the next. Vitamins and minerals are essential to continued life.

There are three potential solutions:

  1. Remineralize farmlands.
  2. Eat locally grown produce from organic farms.
  3. Provide the body with minerals and nutrients directly through supplementation.

If the food chain can no longer be relied on to provide the nutrients required for a healthy, vital life, providing the body with these nutrients directly is the ONLY other option! The challenge is identifying a supplement that not only delivers the full menu of required nutrients, but a supplement capable of delivering minerals- the most difficult of all nutrients to absorb- in a form that is just like nature.

Oligo™ is the only mineral-delivery technology formulated just like nature. Proven by science to provide superior mineral absorption and maximum antioxidant protection. They can also claim that they are the most absorbable on the planet, which is why we use them as our supplements of choice.  Oligo™ was developed from the ground up to address the two critical flaws in mineral supplementation- absorption and excess free radical creation- to help ensure you get more of what you take a multivitamin-mineral for.

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Toothpaste Versus Tooth Polish

Do you know what is inside your toothpaste? We all want that pleasant white bright smile, but not by using Titanium Dioxide, Fluoride, sugar, and many other harsh ingredients that have harmful effects on your body. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are able to penetrate into your gums and have toxic reactions in your brain and cause nerve damage. It is also widely regarded as carcinogenic to humans, which means it has the potential to cause cancer.

Now yes, it is true, Fluoride does have the power to help better protect your teeth from cavities, however is it really worth the calcifying your Pineal Gland when there are so many other better and natural alternatives out there? Fluoride is known for causing severe headaches, stomach pain, and inducing vomit from patients and customers alike. With so many oral care companies and products out there with their false claims and convincing marketing, it can be hard to find the right one for you.
Here are some things to look out for when buying tooth paste.
– Stay clear of toothpaste and mouthwash formulas with artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.
– Part ways with Tricloson in case you haven't heard, this antibacterial compound is banned in soaps but not in toothpaste.
– Say goodbye to propylene glycol. This mineral oil is also used in antifreeze, not exactly something you want to put in your mouth, is it?
It’s really best to avoid anything artificial at all costs, like preservatives such as parabens. Always go for a mouthwash that is alcohol free. These can be very drying and irritate your soft tissues. When it comes to controlling oral bacteria, only whitening tooth polish brings together a combination of natural and non-harmful ingredients to prevent plaque, tartar, and gum disease for a lifetime of healthy smiles. The tooth polish we recommend is made of unique natural ingredients for a naturally healthy smile.
Our number one contains:
T40-C3 (Melaleuca oil)
Papain ( Natural Enzyme )
Myrrh ( Resin )
Xylitol ( Fruit and Veggie fibers )

This special combination of botanicals put into a formula with ingredients is proven to tackle the mouths toughest issues! That includes eliminating plaque, controlling tartar build up, preventing cavities, preventing gingivitis AND whitening your teeth WITHOUT peroxide or chipping away at your enamel!