Product Highlight: AHCC Mushroom

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How are you doing this “flu season”? As I watched my friends and family succumbing to some nasty viral infections I wondered what could be done to prevent them. When I asked Tim OʼBrien, owner of Apple Wellness, about the possibilities. He recommended AHCC Mushroom as the worldʼs most studied immune system nutrient.

After doing a little research I found that AHCC Mushroom has been extensively researched. The AHCC Mushroom Research Blog states that the AHCC claims are “supported by 20 human clinical studies, by over 30 papers published in PubMed-indexed journals and by more than 100 pre-clinical and in vitro studies.”

AHCC or Active Hexose Correlated Compound, is made from the mycelia of several species of mushrooms, including the shitake. Unlike other mushroom extracts it is high in alphaglucans and has a low molecular weight, making it highly absorbable. Developed in Japan, it is their leading alternative cancer therapy.

What are the research supported claims:
• Significant improvement in immune response.
• Successful treatment of a wide range of health conditions, including colds and flu, but also more serious diseases such as cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Preventative used to reduce risk of hospital infections.
• Protection against viruses, bacteria and environmental toxins..
• Prevention and treatment of cancer.
• Lengthens time of cancer recurrence and increases survival rate in cancer patients.
• Possesses antioxidant effects that may protect against disorders brought on by oxidative stress.

But is it safe? AHCC has been tested on patients experiencing a wide variety of diseases as well as healthy volunteers. It has boosted immune response in both groups of people. With over 100,000 people worldwide taking AHCC daily, no adverse side effects have been shown, even in those taking other medications.

According to the AHCC Mushroom Research Blog “AHCC is one of the very few nutritional supplements that has been cleared for drug-to-drug interaction so that doctors, patients, and healthy individuals can be confident in its safety”.

http://info.ahccresearch.com/blog/bid/274031/AHCC-vs-Other-Mushroom-Supplements
http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/ahcc
http://www.iherb.com/ahcc

This article was contributed by Kate Davison. Kate is currently attending The School of Natural Healing, founded by renowned Dr. Christopher, working toward her Master Herbalist degree. In addition to her interest in herbal healing, Katrina has spent much time researching natural, healthy ways to nourish and heal the body.

Product Highlight: R-Lipoic Acid

Luckily for those of you still in the winter hum-drum doldrums, we know a wonderful secret to curing your worn out self. R-Lipoic Acid is one of the greatest nutrients for restoring lost energy! It nourishes your cells mitochondria –the furnace inside each of your cells, to increase their efficacy, activity, and energy! Every cell in your body benefits—even your brain, as R-Lipoic acid freely passes your blood-brain barrier, which few other substances are able to do. When your cells are nourished, you become energized!
 R-Lipoic Acid is the only entirely NATURALLY occurring Lipoic Acid. This means, it is naturally found in plants, animals, and in our own bodies. Thus, when we ingest it, our bodies are able to recognize it swiftly for maximum absorption and assimilation. Synthesized Lipoic Acid is difficult for the body to recognize. Also, studies have suggested that synthetic Lipoic Acid actually decreases your body’s natural levels of R-Lipoic Acid!

Here are just a few more highlights of this amazing product:
• Excellent cellular rejuvenation works wonders for hair, skin, and nails!
• Appetite control! The increased cellular nourishment means you’ll need less caloric intake.
• Helps curb sugar/carb cravings-- great aid for weight loss!
• SuperMan of super-antioxidants! It fights off free radicals, oxidative stress and toxins more effectively than Acai, Noni, Gji, Mangostine and Resveratrol—combined!
• Recharges the mitochondria in your cells giving increased energy.
• Assists with mental clarity, focus, and helps repair and refresh your brain cells.
• It converts glucose into energy, so helping balance your insulin levels. Everyone who has (Type 2) diabetes should be taking this!
• It recycles your bodies Vitamin C, E and CoQ10. Go green!
• It has been used in Europe for decades as a preventive treatment for neurological degenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and glaucoma.

 Don’t face winter with circles under your eyes and dragging feet.. You have far too much to do for that!

Here are a couple links for articles regarding R-Lipoic Acid, written by Geronova, an innovative nutrient company located here in the USA.

 http://www.geronova.com/content/effects-r-lipoic-acid-wound-healing
http://www.geronova.com/content/r-lipoic-acid-protects-against-oxidative-stress-retinal-neurons
http://www.geronova.com/content/lipoic-acids-information-studies-research

This article was contributed by Rynn Jacobson, an Apple Wellness employee. Rynn is going to school for herbology and natural medicine, and will be sharing some of her knowledge on various topics.

Product Highlight: PM Phytogen

             Menopause has become something of a joke in our current society. If a woman in her mid-forties does something irrational, it’s laughed off as ‘that stage of life’. If she bursts into tears, or starts wildly fanning herself, people smile at the misery as she jokes about her ‘condition’. But the truth is, women who are actually suffering from menopausal symptoms think it’s anything but funny—and their families heartily agree!

           

            Peri-menopause can result in hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, mood instability, insomnia, difficulty thinking, poor memory, weight gain, breast pain, and fatigue. This is due to either an overload or a deficit of estrogen, respectively. 

                       

            Over 700 hundred years ago in the Chang region of Thailand, an herb called pueraria mirifica was brought to the light. The populace of this region experience the lowest breast cancer rate of the world. They experience little to no peri-menopausal symptoms. Women in their 80’s chase their grandchildren, and men far past their prime enjoy active sex lives and long mountain treks. People have black hair well into their late years. The average life span is longer. Like much of Asia, they maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle, and sickness is rarely seen. And they themselves attribute much of their health to this wonderful herb!

Pueraria mirifica, which we will call PM Phytogen, is one of the only substances in the world that has naturally occurring miroestrol. Professor Sayan Sawatsri MD discovered that miroestrol has about 3,000 times the estrogenic activity of soy isoflavones. Miroestrol occupies the estrogen receptors in your tissue. If the estrogen level is high, the miroestrol will compete with the receptors, weakening the effect of the hormones. If the estrogen level is low, miroestrol will exert its estrogenic effect to fill up the lack in the estrogen receptors. Thus, whether your estrogen is too high, or too low, this wondrous little herb will provide a balance for your body. It does not interfere with any hormone production-only what your body receives. By doing this, your body does not become dependent on a substitute hormone, and it is able to relieve the plague of peri-menopausal horrors.

We’ve seen dozens of women experience symptomatic relief from Solgars PM Phytogen. They’ve been able to sleep through the night, hot flashes have vanished, and this difficult entry into a new stage of life has been eased. The clinical trials performed in Asia have corroborated what we’ve already seen to be true.

In addition to aiding those experiencing menopause, however, PM Phytogen is helpful for any individual who has a hormonal imbalance. Women who want to come off the pill without a roller coaster hormone ride may use this to help their bodies remain balanced. Men may even use this at half dose to improve their energy, sexual activity, and general health. It may even be helpful for youth in the midst of entering a difficult puberty. If you are having troubles with your hormones, come on in and we’ll work out whether or not PM Phtyogen could help you regain balance in your life!

Product Highlight: Brain Factors

            This is a gold mine of brain empowering nutrients! In fact, as I began researching the cerebral effect of each of the ingredients within this treasure from Natures Purest, I became convinced that I need this. I NEED this. You probably do too. If you’re dubious, take a look at these highlights of the ingredients in this product and be inspired.

·      Acetyl L-Carnitine: This is a highly bioavailable amino acid that swiftly and easily passes the blood brain barrier to work in your brain as a powerful antioxidant. It helps prevent brain deterioration and it also neuro-protective. Athletes use it to assist with nerve injuries.

·      DMAE (dimethylethanolamine): This assists in neurotransmission. It also increases fluidity of thinking, vigilance and alertness, and has a positive impact on mood. Studies have shown it may be effective in the treatment of ADHD.

·      Huperzine A (natural  sesquiterpene alkaloid): This is currently being researched as a medical treatment for Alzheimers and dementia. It increased nerve growth in studies in China. In a double blind placebo study, it was was touted for its efficacy on improving nerve health without side effects, unlike pharmaceutical counterparts.

·      Alpha-GPC: As a natural choline found in the brain, it will enhance memory and cognition. It’s proven effective on restoring brain health to Alzheimers and stroke victims.

·      Vinpocetine: This increases cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolism. It is used in Europe as treatment for age related memory impairment and cerebrovascular disorders. It protects neurons and is anti-inflammatory.

·      Phosphatidylserine: Improves the endocrine response to stress, and blunts exercise induced stress. It also improves cognitive function and has been helpful for those with ADHD.

·      Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract: This improves your ability to focus as well as lengthening your attention span. It also enhances your ability to store information and has been used as possible Alzheimers/dementia treatment.

·      Gotu-Kola: This is an adaptogen which also happens to be antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and a circulatory stimulant. It’s used for hundreds of years in Asia as a cerebral stimulant.

        I can’t imagine there are many of us out there who don’t need at least a little help in memory and mental clarity.  So, whether you’re just working a demanding job, studying for school, or suffering through some age-related memory loss, ponder the benefits you may be missing out on. 

Product Highlight: Cleanse Smart

           Today is the first day of July, and I am guessing that most of us have already accomplished the dreading spring house cleaning. I know! I saw the garage sales, and the piles of debris that follow the tornado of dust mop and cleaning rags. But while your house may still be sparkling clean from the enthusiastic brush up that you gave it a couple months ago, did you consider how much your body may still need a good cleaning?

            http://www.cleanwateraction.org/files/jvickers@cleanwater.org/greencleaning.jpg

      In this current industrial age, we are inundated with chemicals and toxins. Even for those of us making the effort to reduce the chemical intake of fungicides, pesticides, herbicides and pesticides by buying organic, we are still exposed to hundreds of hazardous chemicals daily. It’s in our plastics, our carpets, our paint, our buildings, our cleaning products, our water (fluoride, chlorine, arsenic etc) air pollution, and more. The list of toxicity in America is virtually endless. While recent years have seen a reduction on environmental pollutants, we still have an enormous problem.

            Your body needs help. Once toxins and heavy metals have accumulated in the body, it is very difficult for them to be released from storage and flushed from the body. They are hidden away in our fat, our liver, our muscles, and even our nervous and lymphatic tissue. Their continued presence in your tissues creates an ongoing toxic condition in your body that causes/contributes to poor nutrition, chronic diseases and other health problems.

             Our favorite cleansing kits are through Renew Life—many of you already purchase their high quality probiotics! I have done several of their cleanses, and experienced wonderful results. Cleanse Smart is an excellent cleanse for beginners or for those who don’t have  serious medical problems. It is a 30-day program taking supplements both morning and evening. It also has a very helpful cleansing guide included in the kit that outlines possible diet adjustments, water consumption, and exercise. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns that aren’t answered in the guide, you may go online to renewlife.com and there you will be able to contact the ReNew Life specialists for answers. Of course you can call us too!

           If you’re a pro cleanser, or simply interested in taking your cleansing power to a higher level, it is very beneficial to enjoy a sauna, skin brushing, or hot bath while cleansing. This allows your body to push toxins out through your skin as well. Exercise, whether vigorous or gentle, activates the muscles and lymph in your system and is super powerful in ramping up your cleanse. Rebounding, walking, running/jogging, bicycling, active games with the family, playing with your dog, dancing, Wii games, even running up and down stairs with the laundry are all good ways to include a little more activity.

            Listed below are common symptoms of those who have a high toxicity level or a Candida/fungal overgrowth. If you have several of these symptoms, cleansing may be an excellent option for you!

• Depression
• Irritability
•  Numbness, tingling in hands and fee
• Frequent urination
• Chronic fatigue
•  Insomnia
• Poor circulation (cold hands and feet)
• Kidney/liver damage
• Poor memory
• Constipation and/or diarrhea
• Leg cramps
• Heartburn
• Skin rashes
• A metallic taste in the mouth
• Joint pain
• Rapid heart beat
• Excessive itching
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Twitching of facial and/or other muscles
• Abdominal bloating
• Impaired immunity
•  Constriction of vision
• Diminished hearing
• Speech disorders
• Shaky movements or unsteady gait

Product Highlight: Fiber 35 Fitsmart Shake

The Fiber35 Fit Smart Shake is a new, nutrient-rich meal supplement at Apple Wellness. Each serving contains 20 grams of whey protein and 10 grams of natural acacia fiber to help fill your stomach and leave you feeling satisfied.

Fit Smart is unique from other proteins because it contains such a large amount of fiber. Fiber helps maintain cardiovascular health, bowel regularity, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and also promotes healthy weight management.

Weight loss should not be about simply cutting calories. It requires a commitment to choosing the right foods, exercising regularly, and giving your body the necessary tools to function at its best every single day. Fit Smart is part of the Fiber35 Diet, developed by natural health practitioner and natural consultant Brenda Watson. This system is based on eating 35 grams of fiber every day, and combines the health benefits and weight loss power of fiber to help you achieve healthy weight management - for life.

By including fiber in your diet, you're allowing your body to naturally cleanse and promote weight loss. Fit Smart is perfect for anyone wanting to lose weight healthily and naturally.

Product Reviews: DigestMORE Ultra

DigestMORE Ultra is a powerful plant based enzyme with 100,000 units of protease and greater amounts of enzymes per capsule than most other products on the market! DigestMORE Ultra is specifically targeted for difficult digestion and the breakdown of a broad range of foods and nutrients - ideal for high-protein diets.
It is essential to provide your body with healthy enzymes, as they assist with every function in the human body including eating, digestion, nutrient absorption, seeing, hearing, breathing, and more. With digestion, enzymes help to break down food and convert it to energy. DigestMORE Ultra has been proven to resolve severe digestion and bowel issues.
Enzymes are typically present in raw, whole foods, but most people don't obtain enough enzymes through diet alone. DigestMORE Ultra is an ideal addition to your daily supplement intake, especially if you currently struggle with digestive issues.

Product Highlights

Fight off the last rounds of Winter illnesses. Strengthen your immune system with Immuno Complex. ImmunoComplex is a support supplement used widely in Japanese clinics to help boost the immune system. ImmunoComplex contains Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC®). AHCC® is an extract obtained from a certain type of mushroom and has been shown to significantly increase the number and functions of immune system cells. Other benefits include: better resistance during seasonal changes, less fatigue and more energy, better mood, better sleep, and increased ability to fight off attacks on healthy cells.

With the coming of Spring, outside sports start up in full swing. Give yourself a boost of energy with our Cytomax Performance Drink. This drink is packed with the necessary electrolytes to stabilize power output during intense exercise, especially towards the end of your workout. It can be used as a meal replacement and won't upset your stomach or slow you down. Additionally, you'll experience less burning and cramping during training and reduced soreness after. 

Promote weight loss or muscle gain with our new line of protein. Pro-Whey is one of the highest quality proteins in the industry. It is packed with nutrients – making it a full meal replacement (MRP) shake. Pro-Whey is perfect for post-workout or as a weight loss tool.