XS Energy Drinks

XS brand energy drinks are one of the fastest growing brands in N.America - and yet they are on no store shelves, no advertising, and little or general public awareness.

Is this a cult thing?

XS Energy brand grew to sales of over 5 million cases by 2006, and then another million increase over that for 2007

XS Detailed Product info FAQ here

XS Energy states they were the first to make an energy drink in a specific flavor and the first to use the 'Sugar Free' label.

It was never intended nor marketed to be a diet drink. The first energy tea was also introduced by XS Energy and now there are two in their line up. Both are non carbonated and contain green tea.

The company's focal point is to bring flavors that consumers love without the carbs and sugar. They are available in a variety of flavors, including three that are caffeine-free.

The drinks contain between zero and two grams of carbohydrates, and hold between eight and sixteen calories chiefly from the amino acids taurine and glutamine. They are sweetened with Acesulfame potassium (Ace K) and less than one half gram of sucralose instead of sugar. They also contain a variety of adaptogenic herbs (except the caffeine-free), including Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, Schisandra, Astragalus, Echinacea purpurea, and Reishi, and are high in B vitamins.

XS Energy Drink is manufactured by California-based company Logic Nutrition, but the product is exclusively distributed and sold by Quixtar, a netwrok marketing company.Thus no advertisng or store prescence is used.

XS emphasizes that it has "0 Carbs, 0 Sugar and only 8 Calories" and offers more flavors than most other brands, including three that are also available in caffeine-free versions. The drink contains no carbohydrate, and claims only eight calories with B vitamins and a variety of adaptogenic herbs (natural herb products that increase the body's resistance to stresses such as trauma, anxiety and bodily fatigue and that help the body maintain optimal homeostasis). The XSGear website includes recipes for mixed drinks and smoothies made with XS Energy drinks, as well as apparel, accessories and other promotional gear (e.g. glowing shot glasses, mini coolers, stickers, pens) for OTC marketing campaigns.

XS info FAQ here

• Claim: More flavors than other energy drinks, including first-ever rootbeer flavored energy drink
• Sizes: 8.4 fl oz/250mL can
• Variations: Cola Blast, Rootbeer Blast, Rootbeer Blast-Caffeine Free, Cranberry-Grape Blast, Cranberry-Grape Blast-Caffeine Free, Citrus Blast, Tropical Blast, Tropical Blast-Caffeine Free, Cherry Blast, Electric Lemon Blast, Tea-Berry Blast
• Producer: Logic Nutrition
• Purchase : On line store - click here
• https://e-cam.wwdb.biz
  

source http://www.energysip.com/dr_xs.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XS_Energy_Drink

FAQ for XS Energy Drinks

How does XS® taste so good with no sugar and very few calories? XSdrinks use a proprietary blend of Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium and fruit essences to give the drinks their great flavor without sugar or empty calories. In fact, the calories in the drink come from the 2 grams of amino acids. How is XS Energy Drink sweetened? We use Sucralose and Ace-K because they are high quality, great tasting and safe FDA approved sweeteners. The two of them combined create the great taste that XS has. If something better comes along in the future, that is FDA approved, we will certainly investigate it. Does XS contain Gluten? No - XS Energy Drinks are Gluten free! Will the energy effects be decreased if taken daily? No. Is it possible to overdose on B vitamins? B vitamins are part of the group called "water soluble" vitamins. Excessive amounts of "water soluble" vitamins are merely excreted through the urine. How much caffeine is in XS Energy Drinks? All of the XS Energy Drinks, except the caffeine-free flavors, have approximately 83 mg of caffeine. This is the equivalent to a one ounce shot of espresso. Why is caffeine in the drinks? The drinks are ENERGY drinks and in order to deliver energy without loads of calories from sugar, you have to find a way to quickly deliver B-vitamins and amino acids. Caffeine is a great way to enhance performance as well as open the blood vessels so that vitamins and amino acids can quickly enter the bloodstream and give you a boost without the sugar highs and crashes. Doesn't caffeine make you jittery? Everyone's body reacts differently to different foods. In most cases, it is not caffeine that makes people "jittery". It is usually the "sugar high" that makes people "jittery". When they "crash" after a sugar high, some people think the solution is another "sugar high" that starts another up-down-up-down cycle that can be very unhealthy both short term and long term. Are there any other benefits to caffeine? Caffeine is credited with increasing the substance, serotonin, in the neural connections (synapses) in the brain. This increase in serotonin is credited with increasing concentration and focus. It is also credited with elevating one's mood. How much sugar is in XS drink? There is less than 1/2 calorie of sugar in XS Energy Drink. This qualifies for the government-approved statement "No Sugar". The calories in XS are from amino acids and are protein calories that aid your body’s natural metabolic process. Most 8.4 ounce energy drinks in the market today have over 100 calories from 27-30 grams of sugar, which is a simple carbohydrate. Most 12 ounce non-diet soft drinks have 170 calories from 40 grams of sugar. Most 5.5 ounce juice drinks have 80 calories from 20 grams of sugar. Why is it important to NOT have sugar or carbohydrate calories in any drink? Calories from sugar and carbohydrates may increase fat deposits. Simple carbohydrates are also called high-glycemic (high sugar) foods. High-glycemic foods cause your body to pump insulin to digest the sugar, which sends a message to your body to store calories as fat. Low-glycemic foods do not pump insulin to the same degree and aid in your body’s natural metabolism of fat, using your body’s fat resources as fuel. The calories in XS are from amino acids and are protein calories that aid your body’s natural metabolic process. Is caffeine-free XS okay for pregnant women? XS Energy Drink cannot make recommendations for people with specific medical conditions. Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. Is XS Energy Drink FDA approved? Since XS is a beverage, we have never been required to seek any FDA approval. Does XS Energy Drink contain benzene? There has been some concern recently over reports published on the Internet that high levels of benzene might occur in carbonated soft drinks, including drinks like XS Energy Drinks. There is no benzene in XS drinks which is of clinical or of medical significance. The conditions for benzene creation include vitamin C, benzoate, exposure to high heat and UV sunlight. While vitamin C and benzoate are common in many soft drinks and in the non-caffeinated XS flavors, XS Energy Drinks are not exposed to high heat or UV light. We use a unique cold fill process which bypasses the risk for benzene production. Tests from a world renowned beverage laboratory confirmed that there were no appreciable levels of benzene in any of the XS Energy Drinks. Testing has shown XS benzene levels to be at lower levels than municipal drinking water. The US Environmental Protection Agency has set the maximum permissible level of benzene in drinking water at 0.005 milligrams per liter (0.005 mg/L). The level of benzene in XS is so low that it's measured in parts per billion. The laboratory benzene analysis came up with an aggregate average of 0.475 PPB on the caffeine-free products. Domestic storage of caffeine free XS drinks can not produce heat levels high enough to form benzene. A hot car exposure can get as high as 125F inside a car in the summer. Pasteurization (the heating process required to produce benzene in a bottled drink) is a function of time and temperature. The pasteurization temperatures are typically 145F for 35 - 45 minutes. Why are coloring dyes used in XS drinks? This is an important question, because there has been a lot of press about certain chemicals used as dyes that turned out to be dangerous. None of those dangerous chemicals are used in XS. It is important not to confuse safe, everyday dyes used in countless food products with entirely different chemicals and dyes that were also used to color food products. This is analogous to believing that all wall paints should be avoided because some wall paints in the past contained the dangerous levels of lead. XS uses two very safe, very popular and frequently used food colorings. The two food colors are: Yellow #5 (2mg or 8 parts per million) in the Citrus and Red #40 (2.5mg or 10 parts per million) in the Cranberry to supplement the natural colors. Extensive scientific studies have never discovered any negative side-effects from these dyes at these extremely low amounts. They are VERY safe. The reason XS contains these dyes is the same reason it contains flavorings. It's great to take vitamins and herbs for your body, it's just hard to get people to take pills or eat all the things they need to in order to get it. We put all the good stuff in a form that appeals to most people in regards to taste, appearance and convenience. XS Energy Drink is not necessarily for everyone. If people are hyper-sensitive to dyes or caffeine or flavorings or aluminum cans or artificial sweeteners or carbonation or whatever else XS may contain that does not suit them, XS may not be for them. In addition, pregnant and nursing women, young kids, pets, etc, we would recommend they find another type of beverage that meets their needs.

Calcium Confusion

posted by
The Better Life Experts | May 29, 2009

Many of us are advised to use a calcium supplement if our daily requirements cannot be met through diet alone. Physicians may recommend a level of usage based upon elemental calcium, so it is important to read the labels on every supplement that you ingest. Elemental calcium is very important in the prevention of osteoporosis. Let’s take a look at calcium and its constituent parts.

Calcium is an element and cannot be broken down into other forms. Elements join together to form compounds, known as molecules. Calcium combines with carbon and oxygen (two other elements) to make a commonly known dietary formulation known as calcium carbonate. This molecule (calcium carbonate) contains elemental calcium, elemental carbon and elemental oxygen. Whew!

Okay, when calcium carbonate is digested, the calcium that was bonded to carbon and oxygen breaks off and returns to its elemental form. This amount is known as elemental calcium. For each tablet that contains 1,000 milligrams of calcium carbonate, only 400 milligrams (or 40%) is actually elemental calcium and becomes available for absorption through the digestive system. The rest of the tablet (about 60%) is carbon and oxygen.

Nearly all calcium supplements work similarly. They contain calcium compounds which in turn include different levels of elemental calcium, depending upon formulation. Calcium citrate, for example, provides 20% of elemental calcium, so a 1,000 milligram tablet of calcium citrate will provide approximately 200 milligrams of elemental calcium.

Calcium recommendations for men, women and children are given as milligrams of elemental calcium. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the following levels of elemental calcium should be ingested as follows:

0-6 months 210 mg.

6-12 months 270 mg.

1-3 years 500 mg.

4-8 years 800 mg.

9-18 years 1,300 mg.

19-50 1,000 mg.

51 and older 1,200 mg.

By choosing a brand of calcium supplements that meets U.S.P. (United States Pharmacopia) standards, dissolvability and absorption as well as purity standards can be assured. “Natural” sources of calcium in the form of bone meal or dolomite may contain toxic ingredients in the form of lead or mercury and therefore, should be avoided.

Since our diet is also instrumental in meeting some of our calcium needs, a future Bulletin will be devoted to providing information about which foods are best at helping us meet our daily quota of elemental calcium.

Herbs for your health - a list

From 100 best Herbs for your health and wellnesss blog post

If you’re interested in supplementing your health and wellness routine with some natural remedies, herbs offer a valuable and time-tested way to do so. Whether you want to boost the health of your heart, ease the discomfort of arthritis, or just wake up your mind, this list of 100 herbs and medicinal plants can help you do it. Please keep in mind, however, that not all herbal supplements are appropriate for all people, so check with your doctor to see if you’re in the clear.

Sensory Perception

Give your vision and hearing a boost by taking these herbs.

1. Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo has been attached to many potential benefits, but perhaps one of the most significant is its ability to improve blood flow to the eyes especially in those suffering from macular degeneration. It can also be valuable to your ears as numerous studies have suggested it can help prevent tinnitus and inner ear disturbances as well as a number of other conditions.
2. Bilberry: A relatively unknown but powerful antioxidant, bilberry has a number of positive health effects for the brain and heart. It can also help to protect the retina and improve range and clarity of vision.
3. Passionflower: If staring at a computer screen or reading in dim light has your eyes strained, try taking a passionflower supplement. It can help relax the small blood vessels in the eye and make seeing easier.
4. Goldenseal: Sties and conjunctivitis can be irritating and embarrassing conditions. Take some goldenseal to help reduce the inflammation associated with these conditions and get you on the road to recovery.
5. Aspalathus: This South African herb contains a number of antioxidants that are similar to those found in Bilberry. These can boost your eye health while giving you overall improved immune function.
6. Mahonia Grape Extract: The sun can have an immensely damaging effect on the eyes, but this herb can help reduce the impact of sun damage while strengthening the retina, slowing eye aging and maintaining better overall eye health.
7. Bilwa: Found in the sub-Himlayan forests, this fruit has been used in India to help treat painful eye conditions like sties and conjunctivitis.
8. Mullein flower: This flowering plant can be a natural way to help rid yourself of an ear infection as it acts as a natural bactericide when condensed to oil form.

Mental Health and Function

Keep your mind sharp, alert and in good health with a little help from these plants.

9. Kava kava: This herb can help calm your anxieties by binding to brain receptors that promote relaxation.
10. St. John’s Wort: Those with mild to moderate depression may find some relief with this herb. Numerous studies have been done on it, most finding that it can be as effective as some prescription drugs at treating depression. Those with more severe depression should, of course, consult a medical professional.
11. Valerian: Lull your body into a restful sleep with a natural remedy instead of prescription pills. Valerian has been shown to be as effective as traditional sleeping pills, while eliminating some of the more harmful side effects associated with them.
12. Bacopa: Used in India for several thousand years, this flowering plant has been said to improve memory, learning and cognition. Studies have shown that it can do little to improve your old memories but does have an affect on newly acquired information, so start taking it sooner rather than later.
13. Ginseng: Many people have heard of the herb ginseng, but few know that there have been numerous studies done to document its effects. These studies seem to suggest that there can be some benefits of taking it that include improved memory and other mental performance and a whole host of other effects ranging from immune system stimulation to lowered cholesterol.
14. Holy Basil: Also known as tulsi, this herb is not usually used in cooking like its cousin, but instead can help reduce the effects of stress on the body by inhibiting cortisol.
15. Chamomile: Generally known as a relaxing herb, chamomile tea can be a great way to wind down after a stressful day and ease stress. Some also use it to calm nerves or relieve menstrual cramps.
16. Suma: This rainforest plant can in some people help to normalize body systems and reduce the effects of stress.
17. Brahmi: Give this Indian remedy a try to help boost your brain function and information retention.
18. Gotu Kola: Commonly used in India, this herb can help to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety, helping you think more clearly and calmly.
19. Sage: Modern research has shown that sage can actually help make you wiser, improving memory and reducing inflammation.
20. Kudzu: Feel like you’d like to have better self control when it comes to drinking and killing all those brain cells? This herb can help you to curb your appetite for booze by helping alcohol more quickly get to the part of the brain that tells you enough is enough.
21. Catnip: Not just for cats, this common herb when eaten can help reduce anxiety and produce an overall sedated effect.

Digestive and Urinary Systems

Use these herbs to ensure that your plumbing stays in good condition.

22. Licorice: You may love the taste of licorice but might not have known about the beneficial health effects it can have. It can soothe and relax gastrointestinal tissues, helping ease the pain of ulcers and acid reflux and has even been shown to help increase bile production.
23. Milk Thistle: Give your liver some help filtering out all those toxins by taking some milk thistle. It can help improve the regeneration of liver tissue and regulate liver function as demonstrated in testing done at radiology tech schools nationwide.
24. Peppermint Oil: A little dab of peppermint oil will do you to help relax the smooth muscles of your colon, stopping cramps and constipation that can be common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
25. Ginger: An upset stomach is never fun to deal with, but ginger may be the solution that you’re looking for. Ginger helps slow the production of serotonin, a major factor in the nauseated feeling you get when you are motion sick or experiencing pregnancy sickness.
26. Senna: If you’re feeling constipated, this herb may work well as a natural laxative to get things moving again.
27. Gentian: This super bitter herb has been used for generations to treat digestive problems. Its bitter tastes stimulates the digestive system, making it easier to get food through your system problem free.
28. Uva Ursi: Try out this herb for a great natural way to help prevent getting bladder infections.
29. Aloe: While great for healing burns and skin irritation when applied topically, this plant can act as a helpful laxative when consumed.
30. Gamma Orizanol: Give this remedy a try if you want to help calm an upset stomach.
31. Rose Hips: These small berries serve a dual purpose helping to reduce bladder infections and to fight constipation.
32. Agrimony: If your whole digestive system needs a lift, try out this herb, said to improve stomach, liver, kidney and gallbladder function.
33. Anise: This licorice-flavored herb can help prevent the accumulation of painful gas in the stomach and intestines.
34. Celery Seed: Those having a little difficulty urinating may want to try this natural remedy out, cited for its diuretic properties.

Physical Appearance

Help yourself look good at any age with these powerful herbs.

35. Burnet: The leaves of this plant have been used for thousands of years in China, and can help treat several skin conditions as well as reducing the inflammation of hemorrhoids and helping heal burns.
36. Burdock: Used all over the world, this substance helps combat hair loss, treats dandruff, and helps skin problems.
37. Calendula: Great for all around skin care, this herb can treat everything from acne to chapped lips.
38. Comfrey: Use the leaves and roots of this plant to soothe skin irritations and promote connective cell growth.
39. Plantain leaf: Because it has many soothing elements, this plant is one of the best remedies for cuts, skin infections, and chronic skin problems.
40. Red Clover: If you’ve tried everything to get rid of your acne, why not give this natural acne and skin clearingremedy a try?
41. Sassafras Leaf: Said to purify and cleanse the body, this plant can be a helpful tool in getting acne under control.
42. Solomon’s Seal Root: Make a wash out of this plant to help control skin problems and blemishes.
43. Spikenard: Acne, pimples, blackheads, and rashes don’t stand a chance against this inflammation fighting herb.

Heart and Circulatory System

Give your heart and the blood throughout your body some healthy help with these herbs.

44. Garlic: Garlic is a powerhouse when it comes to heart health. Regular usage has been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease and lower high blood pressure. In addition, studies suggest that it might help prevent cancer, kill bacteria, and even improve levels of t-cells in AIDS patients.
45. Hawthorn: The berries of this flowering shrub are great for the heart, by helping to open up the coronary arteries, lowering blood pressure, or slowing a rapid heart rate. Users will see the best effects after six months or more of taking the supplement.
46. Guggul: Guggul is thought to bind to cholesterol in your gut so that you eliminate it before it enters your bloodstream, helping reduce your overall cholesterol and feel better.
47. Horse chestnut: Help prevent those unsightly varicose veins by taking some horse chestnut. Aescin and other compounds in the herb can help bulk up weak capillaries and veins, making them less prone to swelling and pain.
48. Cinnamon: If you’re worried about the health of your circulatory system, consider adding a little cinnamon to your diet. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood sugar and help lower cholesterol.
49. Dandelion: Dandelions are more than just an annoying weed, they can also be an effective way to help control high blood pressure. Researchers think it works like many prescription medicines, decreasing your blood volume and thereby your blood pressure.
50. Angelica root: Traditional wisdom places this herb as a great heart strengthener, especially for those suffering from heart related conditions.
51. Coriander: The seeds of the cilantro plant can help build and strengthen your circulatory system and make for a stronger, healthier heart.
52. Cayenne: Containing capsicum, cayenne can help normalize blood pressure, increase the elasticity of blood vessels, and even slow bleeding.
53. Motherwort: This plant has a long history of use and contains the alkaloid leonurine which can have a relaxing effect on smooth muscles like those found in the heart.
54. Gynostemma: This herb has been shown in laboratory studies to have a direct effect on the circulatory system, strengthening the heart and helping wounds heal more quickly.

Pain and Inflammation

Don’t suffer through pain and inflammation, try these remedies instead.

55. Arnica: The yellow flowers of this plant provide powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Apply it to the skin to help reduce the pain and swelling of bruises, strains and sprains.
56. Feverfew: Several studies have confirmed that feverfew can help prevent and treat migraines. It works by reducing the amount of serotonin in the body and relaxing constricted blood vessels in the head.
57. Willow Bark: A component of traditional aspirins, willow bark can be a wonderful way to naturally reduce minor aches and pains.
58. Devil’s Claw: Native to southern Africa, this long-used remedy can be a helpful agent in reducing inflammation as well as back and neck pain.
59. Chinese Skullcap: Part of the mint family, this herb can help reduce stress headaches, the effects of PMS and even insomnia.
60. Marjoram: Great for general aches and pains, this common herb can be even more effective when combined with chamomile or gentian.
61. Thyme: Many use thyme in their cooking without being aware that it can help fight infection, reduce the pain of migraines and help clear out the lungs.
62. Meadowsweet: Meadowsweet contains many of the chemicals used to make aspirin in its roots and when chewed can prove a helpful remedy for headaches.
63. Cat’s Claw: While few definitive studies have been done, many believe this herb can reduce general inflammation and boost the immune system.
64. Wood Betony: This attractive woodland plant does more than just look pretty, it can also be used to reduce the pain associated with headaches.
65. Witch Hazel: Those suffering from hemorrhoids especially will appreciate the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb.

Illness Prevention and Treatment

Check out these herbs and plants to help keep you in general good health.

66. Ephedra: One of the oldest cultivated medicinal herbs, Ephedra is most commonly used to help treat and prevent colds. It works by dilating the bronchial tubes through the release of adrenaline to be especially useful to those suffering from allergies and asthma. Long term usage can be harmful, however, so take it with care.
67. Echinacea: Give your immune system a boost by taking some echinacea. It activates the body’s natural defense mechanism, white blood cells, and helps your body prevent and fight off harmful infections and bacteria.
68. Astragalus: The Chinese have known about and used this herb for thousands of years for a variety of different ailments. Recent studies have shown that it may have a very real effect on the immune system, increasing immune activity and effectiveness.
69. Elderberry: Keep the flu at bay by chomping down on this berry. Rich in vitamins A and C, it’s been shown to prevent the flu virus from spreading to healthy cells and cuts recovery time in half.
70. Andrographis: Help keep your colds short and sweet by taking a little bit of this herb. Studies have shown it can help reduce symptoms like fatigue, sleeplessness, sore throat, and runny nose up to 90%.
71. Kelp: Kelp is very high in iodine which is a natural infection fighter. As a bonus, it contains substances that are beneficial to hair and nails.
72. Yarrow: While too much yarrow can be quite dangerous, a careful amount can be a great assistor in breaking a fever and fighting off a cold or flu.
73. Boneset: An infusion of this herb can help you to more quickly fight off a cold.
74. Elder: When you feel a cold or the flu coming on, enjoy some herbal tea made from this plant. If you are growing it at home, never eat the green parts of the plant as they are poisonous.
75. Pleuresy root: Sometimes also called butterfly weed or Indian paintbrush, this variety of milkweed can help you get more out of your coughs when you have a cold or soothes some of the inflammation as well.
76. Pau d’arco: This Brazilian herb is thought to be an all around booster to your immune system.
77. Maitake: Check out this mushroom, common in asian medical practice for a jump start for your immune system as well as for help with blood pressure and cholesterol.
78. Horehound: Sore throats and coughs can be remedied by making a tea of the leaves of this plant.

Diseases and Conditions

While not cure-alls, these herbs and plants can help reduce the symptoms and severity of a variety of medical conditions.

79. Khella: Check out this Middle Eastern herb for a little help on preventing those asthma attacks before they start. It dilates your bronchial tubes and relaxes the muscles that spasm during an attack, helping keep you breathing easy.
80. Gymnema: Help reduce the effects of your diabetes symptoms by stimulating your pancreas to pump out more insulin with this herb. Used for thousands of years, recent preliminary studies have shown that it can have a big impact on reducing blood sugar.
81. Eyebright: Don’t let hay fever leave you knocked out with red eyes and a runny nose. This herb can help make your immune system less reactive to airborne allergens, making your life a little easier during allergy season.
82. Lemon Balm: While there is no cure for herpes, there are ways that you can help make it a little more bearable, both in it’s genital and cold sore forms. Lemon balm can help reduce itching, swelling, and tingling while speeding up healing.
83. Rosemary: While rosemary itself may not have any proven medical benefits, the application of it to other foods can. Studies have shown that rosemary helps prevent the formation of carcinogens caused by grilling foods.
84. Wild Cherry: Wild cherry isn’t just a soda flavoring, it can also help with asthma by loosening phlegm in the chest and throat and reduce inflammation of tissues.
85. Fenugreek seed: Try this multipurpose remedy for help with allergies, coughs, headaches and sore throat.
86. Forsythia: If you fear you may have picked up lyme disease, this flowering scrub may offer you some help by providing antibacterial properties to weaken the disease.
87. Boswellia: This herb relieves symptoms of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and can even work well for those who reacted negatively to other natural treatments.
88. Turmeric: Those suffering from painful joints due to arthritis may be well advised to add a little turmeric into their diets. This spice, used in curry, contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory substance which can help reduce the pain and swelling.
89. Yucca Root: Yucca root reduces inflammation of the joints, making it a valuable remedy for arthritis.
90. Nettle: Extracts of this plant have been used to treat conditions like arthritis, anemia and hay fever.

Reproductive Health

Ensure that your reproductive organs are in good health with these herbal remedies.

91. Sea Buckthorn: Women suffering from vaginal dryness may find a natural cure in this remedy. It contains palmitoleic acid which helps hydrate mucus membranes and keeps skin moisturized.
92. Black Cohosh: Make menopause easier by checking out this herb, used by some Native American groups. It contains plant estrogens which can help regulate and balance your rapidly changing hormones.
93. Chaste Berry: The small, peppery-tasting berries of this plant can offer some help to women coming off birth control or those who just need a little assistance in regulating their hormones and menstrual cycles.
94. Dandelion: If you suffer from a large amount of fluid retention around your time of the month, consider taking dandelion. It has natural diuretic properties that help eliminate excess fluids.
95. Dong Quai: This plant has estrogenic properties making it a good choice for women who want to balance their hormones and ease common PMS symptoms. Be advised that it can take up to a year to see results from taking it.
96. Raspberry Leaf: Pregnant women should check with their doctors before taking this herb, but it’s generally considered safe and can help ease the painful process of labor.
97. Saw Palmetto: Get some help keeping your prostate in good health with this herb. It reduces the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, in some cases as much as a prescription medication, though it may not work for every man.
98. Daminana Leaf: This multipurpose herb can help deal with sexual dysfunction issues in both men and women as well as helping to reduce hot flashes associated with menopause.
99. Sarsaparilla: With effects similar to the male hormone testosterone, this herb can be a great way to stimulate the sex drive in both men and women.
100. Beth Root: Some have seen balancing effects on the hormones with this herbal tincture, leading to normalized menstrual bleeding, reduced effects of menopause and easier pregnancy

ref: -100 best herbs for your health and wellness

ref: Nutrilite

ref: Health shop

Herb And Drug Interactions

Herbs are more widely used today in energy drinks and in supplements than every before. When ingested in combination with some prescription drugs and over the counter medications, complications can lead to serious clinical consequences. Why?

Possible Contamination
The supplement industry in the U.S. is loosely regulated and physical contamination of herbal products is a major factor in the interaction process. Over the counter medications and prescription drugs are heavily regulated and standardized – they are safer to use and content pure.

Concurrent Use of Herbs May Mimic, Magnify, or Oppose the Effect of Drugs
Huh? Some herbs can cause side effects when used in combination with prescription drugs that are avoidable. A good example is the use of garlic or gingko biloba and blood thinner medications. Your physician may decide for a number of reasons to place you on blood thinners and the concurrent use with these herbs may result in internal bleeding.

Safe Consumption Levels
Some herbs may be considered safe to ingest in specific doses only. The United States loosely regulates supplements and herb levels can fluctuate from product to product. Since it is difficult for most people to track herb quantities in energy drinks, they may overload their systems without even realizing the serious consequences of excess consumption. If you are going to consume energy drinks, make sure you inform your physician. Your doctor will probably ask you what supplements you ingest daily. Be sure to inform your physician about any energy drinks and amounts (number of cans per day) consumed per day.

Patricia Zifferblatt | October 14, 2008 BLI

Time to Review These Important Health Facts

Periodically, it’s a good practice to again review the important health information that can affect our lives. Too many people can become complacent over a period of time, especially when no one is reminding them of some of the important facts for a healthy life. So here goes:

1.Losing 10-20 pounds can help to lower an individual’s risk of developing heart disease.

2.LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) should be less than 100 mg/dl if you have not been diagnosed with heart disease. However, if you have been diagnosed with heart disease, your LDL should be less than 70 mg/dl. Talk with your doctor about a plan to lower your personal risk of having a heart attack. P.S. Just in case you might have forgotten, LDL cholesterol is the type that can clog your arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

3.HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) can help to unclog the arteries and protect you from developing heart disease. HDL levels for men should be higher than 40 mg/dl and for women, higher than 50 mg/dl.

4.Triglycerides, also known as ‘blood fats’ should be less than 150 mg/dl. High triglyceride levels can raise one’s risk of developing heart disease.

5.Blood sugar should measure between 70-100 mg/dl. If blood sugar rises to 140 mg/dl, the patient is diagnosed as Diabetic and must follow doctor’s orders for lifestyle, diet, and exercise changes as well as starting medications as directed.

We at BLI encourage every man and woman to schedule a physical to include a complete blood panel and then find out exactly what his-her numbers are, and then to make the necessary changes for a better life. Just a reminder, friends!

For further information concerning any of the above data, go to www.betterlifeunlimited.com and search for medical and scientific based research.

Why its easier for me to lose weight

Basal Metabolism And Men

Our last bulletin discussed the concept of Basal Metabolic Rate and calibration formulas for women. This bulletin will address why it seems to be easier for men to lose weight.

An American woman of average height has a basal metabolic rate of approximately 1300 calories. The average American man has a BMR of approximately 1700 calories. Remember that basal metabolism is based upon a calculation of energy (in the form of calories) needed through food in order to survive. Men, on average, have a 400 calorie basic advantage over women, mostly due to body composition. Men weigh more and are generally leaner due to muscle mass. Hormones play a role in determining BMR, but muscle mass drives metabolism. Men can calculate their BMR by using the following formulation:

Step :1		Multiply your weight by 6.2		________
Step 2:		Multiply your height by 12.7		________
Step 3:		Add answers from Step 1 & 2		________
Step 4:		Multiply your age by 6.8		________
Step 5:		Subtract Step 4 from Step 3		________
Step 6:		Add 66 to the answer from Step 5		________

Our subject example, Sam, weighs 205 pounds. He is 5’10” tall (70”) and 42 years old.

Step 1:		Multiply your weight by 6.2		1271
Step 2:		Multiply your height by 12.7		889
Step 3:		Add answers from Step 1 & 2		2160
Step 4:		Multiply your age by 6.8		286
Step 5:		Subtract Step 4 from Step 3		1874
Step 6:		Add 66 to the answer from Step 5		1940

Sam’s BMR is 1,940 calories. This amount represents 50-75% of daily caloric expenditure (energy) Sam’s body requires to stay alive. Calories ingested over this amount and not used by the body though additional exercise results in weight gain.

Women tend to lose muscle mass when they diet, which contributes to BMR fluctuations and weight gain because we burn too few calories. Men tend to have a greater ‘muscle to fat ratio’ and muscles require more fuel. On average, women tend to have a 5-10% higher percentage of body fat than men of similar size. So men because of their gender have a basic BMR advantage over women. The good news is that we (both men and women) can increase our basal metabolic rates through exercise and strength training.(1)

Reference
The Better Life Experts | December 29, 2008

1. M.Nelson, Ph.D. School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University 1998