1) Alfalfa:

Alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially your liver. Used for centuries to treat numerous conditions including kidney stones, fluid retention, arthritis, sinus problems, body odor, bladder infections, allergies, asthma, and hay fever. A wonder herb, often called the “King of All Plants”, alfalfa is one of the most complete and nutritionally rich foods available. Shaklee’s Alfalfa Complex is so much better because it is made from premium quality alfalfa, goes through a rigorous herbal evaluation process to ensure protection of the natural plant from first planting to final manufacturing.  Shaklee Alfalfa Complex is grown without pesticides, herbicides, or inorganic fertilizers and contains no fungicides, bactericides, synthetic hormones, growth regulators or chemicals. It goes beyond the certification of “organic”.  For more information on Shaklee Alfalfa Complex or to order it online go to: Shaklee Alfalfa Complex.

2) Herb-Lax:

Constipation and irregularity are a by-product of our modern diet. Both contribute to toxic build-up in the blood and lymphatic system. Shaklee’s Herb-Lax, originally formulated by Dr. Shaklee with an enhanced proprietary blend of nine herbs including senna leaf, is the perfect choice for colon and cleansing health. For occasional irregularity, Herb-Lax is very safe and gentle in cleansing the entire system of toxins without the harmful effects of chemical laxatives. It softens stools and makes them easier to eliminate. For more information or to order Shaklee’s Herb-Lax online go to: Shaklee Herb-Lax

3) Liver DTX:

Your skin is the largest external organ of the body and your liver is the largest internal organ. The liver helps your body detoxify, and performs hundreds of other important functions. Shaklee’s Liver DTX Complex supports liver function by providing antioxidant protection to cells and for liver cell repair by supporting protein synthesis. It helps maintain bile flow to eliminate compounds detoxified by the liver. Liver DTX also helps to combat allergies, bronchitis and free radical damage due to toxicity. It also helps with bad breath and body odor, increases immunity and helps lower cholesterol levels.  For more information or to order Shaklee’s DTX online go to: Liver DTX Complex

4) Optiflora:

There’s an old saying that goes, “death begins in the colon”. Keeping the colon clean helps to keep bad bacteria in check and allows good bacteria to flourish. Good bacteria must be in the colon to restore good health. Shaklee’s Optiflora System is arguably one of the biggest breakthroughs in supplementation in the last few years. This patented Daily Colon Care System is guaranteed to deliver 500 million live friendly bacteria to the intestine. The microflora in many other competitive products never make it that far. Using Optiflora daily is a good idea for everyone, but especially if you have digestive problems, heart burn, gas or bloating, constipation or diarrhea, have taken antibiotics, suffer from psoriasis, eczema or acne, have food allergies, are afflicted with colon or rectal cancer, prone to cold sores or have candida, yeast infections or autoimmune diseases. For more information on Shaklee’s Optiflora Daily Colon Care System or to order it online go to: Optiflora Probiotic

5)  Fiber:  Let’s face it: We don’t always do what’s best for us. While the FDA recommends that we eat 25 grams of fiber a day for a 2,000 calorie diet, most Americans typically consume half of that amount. And yet the benefits are clear: a healthier colon as well as better digestion and regularity.* So how can you get the fiber you need on a “regular” basis? Each serving of Shaklee Fiber Plan Tablets provides 3 grams of dietary fiber with just 5 calories – making it simple to do what’s good for you. For more information on Shaklee’s Fiber Tablets or to order it online go to: Shaklee Fiber Plan Tablets

As most of you remember from high school biology, we have red blood cells and white blood cells.  The purpose of the white blood cells is to swim through the bloodstream looking for things that don’t belong there.  When they find foreign substances (germs), …for instance, bacteria or  virus, these white blood cells surround the germ, open up and gobble it up!  This only becomes a problem for us when a germ shows up and our white blood cells fail to function properly.  That’s when we come down with virual infections, colds, sore throats, etc. Our immunity is much more a factor of resistence than it is exposure.

What would keep the White Blood Cells From Functioning Properly?

There are certain foods that we know suppress the immune system and slow down our white blood cells, such as, sugar, alcohol, and some medications.  Stress and negative emotion plays a major role in suppressing the immune system as well.  Another thing that distracts our immune system and pulls it away from it’s work involves the health our lower intestine.   Proper functioning of our immune system is directly related to the health of the microflora in our lower intestine.  If our lower intestine has less of the “good guys” (acidolphilus and bifidus bacteria) and more of the “bad guys” (e-coli, salmonella, candida, etc), then a great deal of our immune function is deployed down in the lower intestines attempting to keep the  bad bacteria in check so that they don’t completely over-run the body.  This means that there is less immune function for the rest of the body. 

Which Nutrients Play an Effective Role in Strengthening Our Immune System?

Whether dealing with allergies and recurring sinus infections or something more chronic such as Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, Cancer, rheumatoid illnesses or other auto-immune diseases, nutrients play an effective role in strengthening our immune system.

Having concern for the functioning of our immune system starts with overall strengthening of all of our cells for the basic health of the body.  There is nothing better than eating a balanced diet, while supplementing with our Rx for Healthier Life nutrition program.  This includes Vivix, Nutriferon, Cinch Soy Protein and a Vitalizer strip which contains 2 Vita-Lea,  1 B-Complex – Vita-C combo, 2 Caroto-E-Omega 3 combo and 1 optiflora probiotic .

Vita-C (the infection fighter) … contributes to the health of the white blood cells.  Deficiency symptoms include bruising easily, bleeding gums, nose bleeds, varicose and spider veins.  Vita-C is essential for building our connective tissue and the walls of our blood vessels.  It also is very important for healing of wounds.  Chronic infection is often an indication of a vitamin C deficiency.  Allergies, frequent colds, prickly heat, swollen

glands, anemia and even polyps in the colon are all associated with the classic vitamin C deficiency and a weakened immune system.  Vita-C  is categorized as an antioxidant nutrient because of it’s protective effect of the body against everything from smog, smoke and air pollution to preservatives and additives in our food that can be toxic like nitrates and processed foods.  Shaklee’s Vita-C  is a vitamin C Complex and not just ascorbic acid.

Formula I is a unique proprietary formula that Shaklee scientists developed which brings together eight nutrients, found to be essential for our immune system. Studies showed that this formula of nutrients increased the T-Cells, which is one form of white blood cells. 

NutriFeron is a another unique formula that Shaklee developed and is truly an advanced nutraceutical—not even vitamins and minerals (it is made from seeds and flowers!!). This amazing product prompts the body’s natural production of interferon and increases the activity of the immune system cells.

Vita-E  is also part of the antioxidant family and is very important for the immune system and for healing.

 Zinc works as a trigger for over 70 different enzymes whose function range from making the genetic material of DNA and RNA to helping with the metabolism of fatty acids.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic / anti-viral product.  It is also a natural  decongestant, therefore, it is very helpful for people who have upper respiratory issues.  It is beneficial for circulation, lowering cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure as well as helping to kill off intestinal parasites and yeast.  Most companies  heat and age their garlic so it loses it’s natural potency.  Shaklee was able to capture this potency and  it gives us all the properties of fresh raw garlic without the odor. 

Shaklee  DR is to be taken on a periodic basis when feeling like getting sick or like the immune system is depressed. This stimulates the white blood cells to kill bacteria.  It has positive side benefits…not side effects.

Opti-flora  is the acidolphlius- bifidus product that gradually restores the proper flora in the lower intestines and pushes out the bacteria and candida yeast as well as other things growing in the intestine that weakens the immune system. If we increase the health of the colon by introducing the good bacteria then it frees up immune function to go to other parts of our body so that we stay healthy.

What Other Factors Help the Immune System  to Function Better?

Detoxification This is important for the filtering mechanisms of the body.

DTX… detoxifies the liver.

Herb-Lax… speeds the elimination of toxic substances through the intestines and out of the body.

Fiber… traps and removes toxins. 

Rest has a large impact on the immune system.  We need seven to eight hours sleep each night.   It is during our periods of rest that our bodies work on the repairing, rebuilding and restoring of our cells, which are constantly dying off and needing to be replaced.

Exercise contributes substantially to our immune system.

Water is also very important to our immune system.  Our bodies are 70% water.  It plays a crucial role in building up and strengthening the body by carrying nutrients to the cell as well as by carrying toxins out of the body.  Drink eight glasses of get clean water a day. 

Positive Mental Attitude is very necessary for a strong immune system.  Stress will suppress our immune system more than any other factor.  We may feel life is closing in on us and really want to have a happy mood, but can’t seem to be happy.  If this is the case, we may need to add more B Complex as well as Moodlift, and Stess Relief Complex.  

The body is really a miraculous thing.  Cells have great powers to take care of themselves unless they are overwhelmed by things such as poor diet, unhealthy habits or environmental hazards.

Each cell has a wall, the membrane, whose purpose it is to keep out toxins, bacteria, viruses and other harmful substances.   This cell membrane also prevents necessary material from leaking out.  This membrane is made mostly of fats and oils.  However, when made out of the wrong fats and oils, our cells do not function properly.  For instance, trans fats are rigid molecules, so they create a rigid cell membrane that lacks elasticity…so we end up with torn tissues, blood vessels and so on.  Essential fatty acids like omega guard with full spectrum omega 3 fatty acids helps to keep this elasticity.

Every day millions of cells die off and need to be replaced with new ones which must perform certain functions and communicate with other cells. Chronic shortage of MVP, causes the cells to malfunction.  In other words, they may not communicate as well, not build new ones as quickly, etc.  Specific vitamins called Anti-oxidants (which means “against oxidation”) protect the cells against oxidation or rusting of the cell, caused by free radical damage.

As we go through our daily lives, we may be unaware this shortage is happening.  However, the body does give us warning signs.  We may begin to have digestive problems, headache, fatigue, insomnia, allergies so we go to the drugstore to grab an over the counter medication.  That medication is not building health, but just suppressing symptoms.  We spend money to bring us back to what we determine as “healthy” since we are now symptom free.  We continue this scenario until one day our warning signs become a little more severe such as severe allergies, bladder infection, blood pressure problems, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems, etc, so we go to the doctor.  This time, we spend more money to bring us back to what we feel is “healthy” since we are once again symptom free.  This disease care is happening too often, but at least we have several diagnosable diseases that we can tell our friends about.

Now, shortages of our MVP are chronic and the cells slow down even more in terms of communication and repair.  This time we have a symptom that sends us to the hospital such as chest pains or gallstones.  We spend even more money for meds, surgery, hospital stay, but we feel “healthy” since we are once again symptom free.  This happens over and over again.  Finally, shortages are chronic and cells come to a screeching halt repairing and self-regulating.  The cells deteriorate into a disease state  from which we cannot recover and this is premature death.

How do we stop this downward spiral?  We have to shift our perspective from disease care to health care.  Let’s begin with removing toxins that interferes with normal cell function? Toxins are like grains of sand that gunk up cellular machinery and cause cell manufacturing to shut down.   There is little or no cellular communication and important substances such as enzymes no longer create chemical reactions that make life possible.

Toxins are internal and external.   External toxins are in our food, water, air, homes and work environment, but we also create toxins within our body that comes from stress and free radicals.  Toxins can be created from white flour, white sugar, excess salt, hydrogenated oils, alcohol, nicotine, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors, additives, food dyes, pesticides, artificial ripening agents, radiation, genetic modification, medications,  drinking water and household cleaners, to name a few. Not all toxins affect all of us in the same way due to differing lifestyles, genetic predisposition, nutritional condition or how one handles stress.

Where do we start? First, we make a decision to make a lifestyle change. We can learn to minimize our exposure to toxins as much as possible as well as help our cells with nutrition and the detoxification process. Second, we can buy organic, which will cost a little more, but contain fewer toxins and better nutrition. Third, we can put some money toward supplementing our diet with bio-optimized nutrients that actually work at the cellular level.  Fourth, we can spend a little on exercise, such as a gym membership, some walking shoes, etc.  Fifth, we can work on our attitude, which will not cost anything.  Our positive thoughts and positive reaction to life’s events can enhance cellular health.  Sixth, we can get adequate sleep, which costs nothing as well. Seventh, we may decide to spend a little money on a massage or a chiropractic adjustment for prevention.  So, you see, health is a choice. You are spending money either way.  However, when you spend on managing disease, you get side effects; when you spend on optimal health, you get side benefits!

Many people believe that all vitamins and dietary supplements are the same, so why not just buy the cheapest or the one that has the catchy advertising? How can all those different brands be that much different?

Let’s compare the three main types of supplements, using Vitamin C as an example.

A whole food Vitamin C uses Mother Nature as the raw ingredient and contains nutrients naturally occurring in an organic orange. This type of vitamin C contains co-factors such as bioflavonoids, hesperidin and rutins. These nutrients are recognized by the cell as food and therefore, feed the body on a on a cellular level.

Another type of supplement, a synthetic Vitamin C, does not use Mother Nature as the source and is made in a laboratory setting. It is chemically derived ascorbic acid and has no co-factors present. Most of the food supplements sold on the market today are synthetic and they are the cheapest to produce.

A third type of supplement is a natural isolate. The ascorbic acid is isolated from a natural source, with heat, high pressure and a chemical solvent. Again, no co-factors are present since they are lost or damaged in the processing and Mother Nature’s balance is not present.

Now, how do we make sure we are getting Mother Nature’s best vitamin? How do we know that the claims a company makes are valid? There are literally dozens of companies out there that are producing products. What are the differences in these companies?

·Are the products bioavailable? In other words, do the products break down for use within the body at the right place and within the right time frame to get into the bloodstream? Many products end up passing right through the system without ever breaking down. A simple test is to use a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water (simulating stomach acid) and see how long it takes for the vitamin to dissolve. It should take no more than 17 minutes.

· Has the company conducted clinical research that has been accepted for publication in refereed or peer reviewed scientific professional journals? This should be published research done by scientists employed by the company or those on their advisory board concerning work on the actual products they are selling. Very few companies have done this.

· How does the company process their raw ingredients? Many companies resort to harsh chemical, high heat and pressure methods to cut the cost of processing. No detrimental ingredients should be included such as genetically modified crops, pesticides, refined sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame, sucralose or saccharin), preservatives, synthetic fillers, binders, or coatings.

· What kind of quality control standards does the company have? Quality, purity and safety testing should be done on all raw materials and continue right through to the final product on every batch produced, not just the original test batch.

· Do all their products carry a 100% unconditional guarantee.

Lifestyle choices definitely affect longevity.  It’s also true that genes play a role.  Most experts believe that only about 30% of how long we live is determined by our genetic makeup and up to 70% of lifespan differences may be explained by lifestyle choices that include our activity level, whether or not we smoke, alcohol consumption and  if we are a healthy weight.

Cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, kidney problems and dementia are considered to be diseases of aging.   However, most experts believe that these diseases are largely preventable if people can make the diet and lifestyle changes necessary.

Recently, there has been a lot research on the causes of aging.  In the past, experts have looked for a single, all encompassing theory, but most scientists now believe that there are multiple processes interacting at many levels which occur within our cells that affect how our tissues and organ systems age. �

Up to one million DNA damaging assaults occur daily within our cells such as environmental factors ( UV radiation, exposure to toxins and chemicals) as well as oxidative stress and inflammation from a diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol , trans fats and refined and processed foods.  Cells, proteins, tissues and organ systems are all involved in the aging process, therefore, damage at any point can lead to a number of chronic diseases and conditions that we associate with aging.

Research out of Europe just published in Archives of Internal Medicine followed 5000 British adults for 20 years.  The study found that 4 common bad habits combined …smoking, drinking too much, inactivity and a poor diet, can add 12 biological years to your current age, so if you are 40 years old and have these bad lifestyle habits, your body is already age 52.

There are preventative measures that we can take right now to slow down the aging process.  Eating a healthy diet is a first step;  one that is low in saturated fat and trans fats, but also high in fiber, full of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy.

Eating antioxidant-rich foods is very important since free radical damage appears to be a contributing factor to many degenerative diseases of aging.  Antioxidants are key to minimizing the build-up of damaging free radicals in our cells.   Therefore, we need plenty of vitamin C, vitamin E and phytonutrients, other plant compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids, which are found in fruits and vegetables.  And if we are not in the habit of eating 5 to 9 fruits and vegetables every day, then we must make sure that we are supplementing with bioavailable nutrients that will fill in where our diet falls short.�

There is some recent exciting news about polyphenols, such as the powerful antioxidant, resveratrol.    The best resveratrol product to use is a liquid resveratrol tonic that is 10 times stronger than resveratrol alone due to its patented formulation of polyphenols.   In a 2007 study from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, researchers stated “Resveratrol has been shown to possess chemo preventative properties against several cancers, protection in the area of cardiovascular disease and has been shown to have a very positive effect on longevity.”

There is also new research from the Linus Pauling Institute which shows resveratrol ‘s ability to protect DNA as well as to induce DNA repair.  It also appears to impact other mechanisms of aging such as age protein formation.  Examples of age proteins include cataracts, the amyloid plaque found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease, and in damaged joints of certain kinds of arthritis.�

Vitamin D and calcium together fit into the anti-aging category and go well beyond bone health.  Research presented at last year’s American Heart Association scientific conference showed that study participants with very low levels of vitamin D were 45% more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 78% more likely to have a stroke than patients with normal Vitamin D levels.  A recent study from Wake Forest University found that higher circulating 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels is related to better physical function in seniors.�

The importance of B vitamins as we age cannot be emphasized enough.   Even if we eat plenty of lean beef, chicken and fish, which are all good sources of vitamin B 12, many older adults may not produce enough stomach acid to release B12 from the protein that binds it in foods so it isn’t absorbed as efficiently.  This can lead to a B 12 deficiency, which is related to anemia, cognitive decline, joint pain, fatigue, and even tingling hands and feet.  There is also substantial evidence that vitamin B6 levels of older people tends to be low, which is associated with low homocysteine levels.  Homocysteine is an important marker for coronary disease and stroke.  Adequate vitamin B6 intake can also aid in the functioning of the immune system, assist in the energy metabolism of food and is absolutely necessary for red blood cell formation.

As we age, it is especially important to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal microflora.  The correct balance of bacteria in our intestines can boost the body’s natural immune function.    A high percentage of the body’s immune cells are located in the intestinal tract.   Probiotics interact with these immune cells to promote healthy immune function.�

Pure omega 3 fatty acids help with inflammatory joint conditions, which are associated with aging.

Staying active is another important component of healthy aging.   Besides helping people control weight, exercise also helps to build muscle, maintain strong bones, reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer.  Exercise improves the quality of sleep, lifts our overall sense of well-being and contributes to a healthy, positive attitude, which is absolutely the key to a happy life at any age.

For information on the most bioavailable anti-aging nutrients or a liquid resveratrol tonic containing a blend of the most pure and potent polyphenols, with no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives, visit www.melissapeters.net, call 336-643-6494 or email mel2urhlth@aol.com.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for human development. Our bodies consist of millions of cells that are constantly being regenerated. To perform optimally and to stay healthy, each cell needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are necessary for the production of red blood cells and to maintain the nervous, skeletal and immune systems while minerals are needed to help regulate body functions, release energy and assist growth. In the US today, poor or inadequate diets are associated with 4 of the 10 leading causes of death (coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke and type 2 diabetes).

Where are we supposed to get these vitamins and minerals?

Food is a major source of vitamins and minerals. According to the U.S. Food Guide Pyramid, we need to consume 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to make sure that we are getting all the 13 different vitamins and 17 different minerals that our body requires to function effectively.

Are we getting all the nutrients we need in a day?

Due to depleted soil, chemical fertilizers, artificial ripening, long periods of storage, over processing, cooking and reheating, many of the nutrients found naturally in the food we eat are removed or depleted even before they reach us. It takes some planning to eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. In this fast paced society, we find ourselves reaching for highly processed and refined foods on the run. To assess Americans’ dietary status, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) developed the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). According to the HEI, 90 percent of Americans have a diet that is poor or in need of improvement. As a whole, we consume too much fast food, fatty snacks, carbonated waters, caffeine, sugar and salt which renders us vitamin-deficient. Most forms of cooking destroy the vitamins and minerals that are in our food, leaving our body starving for more nutrients. The daily stresses of life and pollutants in our air, water and food decrease these essential nutrients, particularly antioxidants, in the body. As a result, many Americans may be suffering from a nutritional deficiency.

Doctors list nutritional deficiency symptoms as including excessive worry, depression, inability to cope with stress, sensitivity to certain foods and chemicals, low tolerance for distractions, headaches, gastric distress, sore muscles or joints, skin problems, no reserve energy, frequent infections, lowered sexual interest , lowered mental acuity and memory, to name a few.

How do we get these missing nutrients?

Multivitamin /multi mineral supplementation helps to provide the body with missing nutrients. The proper amount of micro nutrients in our bodies will lead to more efficient functioning and better health. Therefore, a balanced daily supplement is the best way to receive the right amount of all the micro nutrients our bodies require and to reach the recommended daily requirements. Research shows that supplements improve health by supplying certain nutrients in amounts that are not obtainable from the diet alone.

How do I choose a multivitamin/mineral that is safe and really works?

Look for a company whose multivitamin/mineral goes through extensive quality checks (including testing for pesticides), is 100% guaranteed, is assimilated quickly and bioavailable to the body, contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and provides the proof of effectiveness through double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies.

• Water gives our cells their shape and form.
  
• Water helps our body’s delivery system.
  
• Blood, kidney, heart and lungs are made of about 80% water.
  
• Since blood is 83% water, it regulates our body temperature when moving from hot to cold or when affected by flu and viruses.
  
• Bones contain about 22% water.
  
• Brain tissue is about 85 per cent water.
  
• Muscle, spleen, brain, intestines, & skin are 72 to 75% water.
  
• Fat tissue (or adipose tissue) is about 10% water.
  
• Water is vital to healthy digestion.
  
• Water rids the body of waste during weight loss and helps metabolize fat more efficiently.
  
• When the body gets enough water, the feeling of hunger diminishes, eliminating the need for snacking.
  

cAN i TELL WHEN my BODY IS THIRSTy?

• We lose water through urination, respiration, and perspiration. Thirst is linked to hydration, but thirst is a delayed reaction to the body’s need to replenish fluids. By the time you are feeling thirsty, you are overdue for hydrating.
  
• Wherever you go, carry a full water container. Get into the habit of continually drinking from your container throughout the day to stay pre-hydrated.  If you are not in the habit of drinking the recommended amount of water, increase by gradual increments until you reach the required amounts.
  

How much water does my body need?

• The amount of water in ounces per day can be estimated by dividing your body weight (in pounds) by 2. That gives you the approximate number of ounces per day that you need to drink.
  
• On a normal, moderate temperature, inactive day you would lose 1.5 liters (6 glasses) of water through kidney filtration (urine production) and another 0.750 – 1 liter (3 – 4 glasses) through the skin and respiration. So an average person needs 8 – 9 glasses per day just to replace average losses.
  
• Caffeinated, alcoholic and many carbonated beverages have a diuretic effect and actually increase daily fluid requirements.
  
• If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active.
  
• If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water.
  
• When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane.
  
• If you live in an arid climate, you should add another two servings per day.
  

How safe is my tap water?

The Natural Resources Defense Council has identified 5 major hazards in our water:

• Pathogens- bacteria and viruses such as cryptosporidium sicken 900,000 people per year and can be fatal to those with weak immune systems.
  
• Trihalomethanes- compounds formed when chlorine reacts with organic substances. NRDC estimates that these chemicals cause more than 10,000 cases of bladder and rectal cancers per year.
  
• Arsenic- The dangers are debated, but 350,000 people may be taking in more than the EPA allows.
  
• Lead- leading to possible neurological problems in children and high blood pressure in adult men.
  
• Radioactive contamination- The EPA stated that 50 million Americans drink radon tainted water.
  

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What are my other choices?

Bottled Water:

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• Several studies have confirmed that some bottled water is not in compliance with US drinking water standards. In a recent study, seventeen of 46 samples, representing of 23 brands, contained viable micro-organisms. Bacteria, including coliforms, were recovered from 12 samples of 8 brands. Yeasts or molds were recovered from seven samples of five brands. Free-living amoebas were isolated from two samples, and fresh-water algae were found in both samples of one brand. Nine of 46 samples, representing 7 of the 23 brands contained coliforms. Sterile contact lenses became contaminated when exposed for 1 minute to two of four brands of bottled water from which micro-organisms were recovered.
  

• A common type of plastic bottle is made with bisphenol-A, also known as BPA. Concerns about tests that may link BPA ingestion with cancer and reproductive damage in some animals and the possibility that BPA could leach out of the plastic bottles and into the liquids they contain has led to bans in some areas on the use of BPA in plastic products intended for children (such as baby bottles) and has prompted some consumers to seek out non-BPA alternatives.
• Bottled water prices vary.

Water filtration at the tap (NSF certified filtration system):

• Saves money making your own clean water.
  
• Does not add to the landfill or add to recycling costs.
  
• Allows personal control over the water quality. An NSF certified system can significantly reduce dissolved lead and volatile organic compounds that may be in your water. The treatment system can also reduce cryptosporidium cysts, which have been recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases within humans in the U.S. (According to the CDC).

  
  

Children are particularly susceptible to environmental hazards in our daily living. Potentially toxic chemicals show up in our food, as contaminants in air and water, in common household and personal care products, in packaging, and in furniture. It has been estimated that the average home may contain 1,500 compounds that may be weakening our vitality and increasing our health costs. Although children should be the first to be protected from environmental hazards, the truth is they are at the greatest risk for chemical exposures. In order to protect our children’s health as well as our own, we can build a healthier, safer home environment and take simple, everyday steps to minimize chemical exposures from common household and personal care product ingredients. We can become informed consumers and look for safe and effective alternatives to traditional products without sacrificing our children’s long-term health:

• Select home furnishings made from natural fibers.

Select carpets, pads, bedding, and furniture made from wool, cotton, hemp, and wood.

• Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting and choose a powerful vacuum cleaner to help minimize indoor pollution. Use area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.

• Avoid phthalates. These synthetic, plastic softeners are found in polyvinyl flooring, wall coverings, shower curtains, toys, and even in baby care products and personal care products. Phthalates are of increasing public importance and concern because of potential toxic effects to the developing endocrine and reproductive systems. Infants, toddlers, and young children are uniquely vulnerable to phthalate exposures because of their hand-to-mouth behavior, extensive playing on floors, and undeveloped nervous and reproductive systems. These factors also may help explain why phthalate metabolite concentrations tend to be higher in young children compared to other age groups.

• Avoid BPA found in reusable clear polycarbonate plastic water bottles, baby bottles, and food containers (labeled#7) that may leach BPA into food and drink.

A major study published in 2008 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) linked higher urinary BPA levels with higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver enzyme abnormalities.

• Replace chemical-filled household cleaners with natural, safe, multipurpose cleaners that work on a variety of surfaces. The most economical and environmentally friendly are those that are highly concentrated and mixed by the consumer. There is no need to buy water since we have water at our tap. Also, there is less packaging to be recycled or go into the landfill.

• Choose cleaning products from a company committed to product safety, efficacy, and sustainability;
one that offers nontoxic, natural cleaning product
choices that are safe, powerful, green, and smart.

• Look for nontoxic cleaning choices and hypoallergenic products free of harmful fumes, volatile organic compounds, phenol, lye, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, petroleum distillates, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, butyl cellosolve, or formaldehyde. A great nontoxic cleaner has the same pH as the skin and contains naturally derived agents such as corn and coconut-based surfactants.

Let’s be the generation that made the difference.

2. Berries- Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and cranberries are rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanidins, which have been shown to slow the growth of certain cancers as well improve brain function and support healthy cardiovascular function. A way to maximize your antioxidant protection is to add a nature-based flavonoid supplement, which will provide a broad spectrum of high-power antioxidants and help protect cells from free radical damage.

3. Olive Oil- Common in the Mediterranean diet, this healthy monounsaturated oil helps to promote cardiovascular health and age related cognitive decline. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming about 2 tablespoons (23 grams) of olive oil a day may reduce your risk of heart disease. You can get the most benefit by substituting olive oil for saturated fats rather than just adding more olive oil to your diet. “Extra Virgin” olive oil is the least processed and contains the highest levels of antioxidants.

4. Whole Grains- a good source of B vitamins, Vitamin E, magnesium, iron and fiber, as well as other valuable antioxidants. Whole grains have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Whole grains have also been found to reduce the risks of many types of cancer. Read labels carefully! Foods labeled with the words “multi-grain,” “stone-ground,” “100% wheat,” “cracked wheat,” “seven-grain,” or “bran” are usually not whole-grain products. Color is also not an indication of a whole grain. Brown does not necessary mean whole wheat or whole grain! Some brown bread has brown coloring added to achieve the brown color!

5. Tomatoes- Tomatoes contain lycopene (the red pigment), an anti-aging carotenoid, which has the most potent antioxidant activity.
It is clinically shown to support the prostate, cervix, immune system, and the cardiovascular system.
Some researchers have found that lycopene is a powerful inhibitor of lung, breast, and endometrial cancer cells. A complete carotenoid supplement containing alpha carotene, astaxanthin, beta carotene, lycopene , lutein and zeaxanthin is best, especially if you are not eating enough of these red pigmented foods every day to maximize your antioxidant defenses.

6. Nuts- Varieties such as almonds and walnuts contain healthy fats (unsaturated) that promote heart health. Nuts contain fiber, which also helps to lower cholesterol. Fiber is also thought to play in a role in helping to prevent diabetes.

7. Red Grapes- contain resveratrol, a polyphenol (class of compounds found in plants) associated with the “French paradox” of low incidence of heart disease in the French (regularly consuming red wine), despite the notoriously fat-rich foods they eat daily. There is growing evidence that a combination of resveratrol and other potent polyphenols provides improved health benefits due to the synergistic properties of the different polyphenols from different plant sources. To get the most health benefit from red grapes, supplement with a multi-source polyphenol blend that addresses the four key mechanisms of cellular aging.

8. Fish- Provides omega-3 fatty acids, which act as an anti-inflammatory in the body and help to protect against oxidative damage of LDL cholesterol. To get adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids daily, supplement with a quality omega-3 complex. Read labels and research for the best omega-3 product. The fish-sourced raw materials should be laboratory tested to ensure that they are free of lead, mercury, arsenic or a variety of pesticide residues. Also, during processing, the omega-3 product should undergo a high vacuum distillation process in order to remove a number of undesirable contaminants, including saturated fats and cholesterol. This process is sometimes referred to as ” molecular” or “short path” distillation, which purifies materials at relatively low temperatures so as not to subject them to thermal degradation.

9. Orange and yellow foods- Contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin, yellow carotenoids found in yellow and green leafy vegetables. These are the only carotenoids that concentrate in the eye, protecting its vulnerable photoreceptors. They are strongly connected to macular health. While lutein helps support a healthy cardiovascular system, zeaxanthin helps maintain a healthy immune system. In order to fill in the micronutrient gaps, a carotenoid supplement containing all six key carotenoids is a good idea.

10. Garlic- Anti-aging effects on the brain have been investigated in animals and cells. When mice were fed garlic extract or S-allyl cysteine (a key compound in both aged and fresh garlic), they increased their learning ability and memory and also lived longer. Growth and branching of brain cells also increased, which shows that garlic could play a role in boosting memory and cognition. If you choose to supplement with garlic, be sure to select a product made from whole garlic cloves which has been processed with a temperature-controlled drying process. The special drying process gently removes moisture from whole garlic, producing a pure powder that retains the natural phytochemical components found in fresh garlic. Additionally, this process controls garlic odor for enhanced consumer acceptance.