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What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You About Cholesterol

2012-01-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas, we once again had the pleasure of seeing friends and family and enjoying a different kind of holiday celebration by visiting a Chinese buffet. This is our second year of doing something a little different from the usual holiday feast, and everyone agrees, it is a great way to get together without all the fuss.

Our small group consists of six friends and family and throughout our conversations that day two of the six people told me they were taking cholesterol lowering drugs, and a third was in the queue to start taking them as well. Now I’m no mathematician, but that is three out of the six taking the same prescription drug. Wow, fifty percent just in our small group is relying on a drug that diet alone could make a significant impact on whether they need that drug or not. And what I found most unusual, was they said their cholesterol level wasn’t that high. It was actually just a tad over what the experts advise it should be.

That really struck me as odd. Are doctors really writing prescriptions that liberally without taking the time to offer advice on how to lower cholesterol through diet and exercise?

I asked both of them if their doctor asked them what they typically eat in a day. They both replied no, although one was referred to a nutritionist (which is a good thing). So I asked them if they knew where cholesterol comes from. Once again, the answer was no.

Did you know your liver naturally produces cholesterol? As a matter of fact, our liver produces about two-thirds of the cholesterol available to our body and the rest comes from our diet.

Now, cholesterol isn’t a bad thing. It’s found in every cell in our body, and serves as the building block for estrogen, testosterone, and the vitamin D that is produced in our skin by exposure to sunlight. Cholesterol is a major component of nerves and the brain, and because it cannot be used for energy, it provides no calories.

Our body makes about 800 to 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol each day, so we don’t need any additional cholesterol from the food we eat. But, that’s the problem. As a society, we eat far too many fatty foods that contain cholesterol.

What exactly is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a lipid (lipids include fats, oils, and cholesterol) found only in animal products. It is contained in both the lean and fat parts of animal products and is tasteless and odorless. Plants do not contain cholesterol and are therefore cholesterol-free.

Too much cholesterol can cause blood cholesterol levels to rise, which can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. In general, the higher the blood cholesterol level, the more likely it is that plaque will build up in the arteries causing heart disease.

Diets high in saturated fat are known to elevate cholesterol levels in most people, while trans fat raises blood cholesterol levels even more than saturated fat does. Known as the “bad fats”, saturated and trans fat can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Saturated fat is found in high fat dairy products such as butter, cream and cheese, and in meat and poultry skin. Trans fat is found in foods prepared with partially hydrogenated oils and include donuts, fries and many packaged foods.

The two basic types of cholesterol we hear about most often are HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). If you need a quick way to remember them think of HDL as ‘heart disease lowering’ cholesterol, and LDL as ‘lousy and destructive’ cholesterol.

HDL is the good type of cholesterol, and the one we want high levels of in our blood. HDL helps remove cholesterol by racing around our bloodstream grabbing the LDL cholesterol and transporting it to the liver for its eventual excretion from our body. High HDL cholesterol levels are protective against heart disease.

LDL (or ‘lousy’) cholesterol is the bad cholesterol, and the one we want to stay away from. It is designed to navigate throughout our bloodstream, like little courier vans packed with fat droplets, and feed liquefied cholesterol directly to our cells. Over time this process can result in a build up of plaque and narrow our coronary arteries so less blood is flowing to our heart muscle and brain.

In many cases, by keeping our LDL low and our HDL high we can keep our cholesterol levels in check and avoid having to take any medication. There may be people who were born with genetic traits that either reduce or increase cholesterol absorption, but for the majority of people in today’s society, it’s diet and lifestyle that play the key role in cholesterol accumulation. To paraphrase some of the best health educators: “Genetics may have loaded the gun, but it’s your lifestyle that pulls the trigger.” Fortunately, we can make a choice to eat foods that will help lower cholesterol naturally, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Here are a few dietary tips to help keep your cholesterol within a healthy range:

Eat foods loaded with fibre. Switch from refined white grains to whole-grains. Look for the words “whole grain whole wheat flour including the germ” on your bread products, and many pastas and baked goods are now made with whole grains. Look for some of the other less known grains also such as spelt, rye, and kamut. Oatmeal, oat bran and other high-fiber foods such as kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into our bloodstream.
Fatty cold-water fish such as salmon or tuna can be heart-healthy because of the high levels of omega -3 fatty acids they contain, which can reduce blood pressure and risk of developing blood clots.
Walnuts, almonds, and other nuts are loaded with beneficial omega -3 fatty acids, which can reduce blood cholesterol. Nuts are high in calories, so limit them to a small handful.
Add garlic to as many recipes and dishes as you can for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
Sprinkle nuts and seeds on your salads instead of cheese.
Olive oil contains a potent mix of antioxidants that can lower ‘lousy’ (LDL) cholesterol but leave ‘healthy’ (HDL) cholesterol untouched.
Many foods are now available that have been fortified with sterols or stanols — substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol. Margarines, orange juice and yogurt drinks with added plant sterols can help reduce LDL cholesterol.

To receive optimal benefits from these foods, we may also have to make diet and lifestyles changes such as: cut back on the amount of cholesterol and total fat we consume (especially saturated and trans fats), keep active, and not smoke.

By educating ourselves about cholesterol, consuming foods for a heart healthy diet, and having a healthy and active lifestyle, we can keep our cholesterol levels in check and not have to take medication and risk the side effects they produce. And the best part…you won’t have to worry about what your doctor doesn’t tell you about cholesterol. You’ll already know!

AIM Products that support Cardiovascular Health include:

BarleyLife® provides anti-inflammatory properties, immune-system support, and cholesterol-lowering effects.
AIMega® protects cardiovascular health and helps to lower LDL cholesterol.
Cellsparc 360® helps maintain healthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels and protects heart health.

AIM GlucoChrom™ promotes beneficial effects on blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
AIM Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™ promotes heart health through cholesterol reduction when used in combination with dietary measures.
Bear Paw Garlic® helps maintain cardiovascular health and healthy cholesterol levels.
AIM FibreBalance™ helps to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
AIM Herbal FiberBlend® helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
AIM fit 'n fiber™ decreases the level of LDL-cholesterol.

For more information about the AIM products, please visit our website at www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Vitamin D Is Important To Your Health

2011-11-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

Vitamin D is essential for the proper formation of the skeleton. It is vital for bone growth and renewal as it helps our bodies absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is also required for nerve and muscle activity and can help combat chronic inflammation. Research is also determining that vitamin D may help keep cancer cells from growing and dividing.

If we have too little of this valuable nutrient, our bones are not able to mineralize properly. This can lead to a condition called rickets in children, which is characterized by bowed legs, knock-knees, swollen joints, and malformed skeletons. In adults, vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia, a condition in which there is inadequate mineralization of the bone. Deficiency may also result in osteoporosis due to decreased calcum abosrption, and vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with muscle weakness.

Vitamin D is produced naturally in our body by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and is also available in certain foods as well as supplements. Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because we can make vitamin D out of a cholesterol compound that is naturally present in the skin when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun. However, if we are not receiving the sunlight we need to manufacture vitamin D, we need to consume vitamin D fortified foods or take a vitamin D supplement.

Vitamin D production in our skin is greatly affected by the seasons and by the latitude at which we live. Here in Canada, we experience “vitamin D winter” between October and March because of the lack of sunshine and our ability to stay outdoors in the cold weather. “ Vitamin D winter” is also extended for those who live closer to the poles.

Although our bodies do have the ability to store vitamin D to a certain extent, it is wise to supplement in addition to the sun exposure we are able to obtain during the winter. In North America, on average, light skinned people need about ten to fifteen minutes of sun daily on our face and hands while darker skinned people need more, as vitamin D synthesis is poorer in dark skin. It is also important that we take care not to overexpose ourselves, which may increase the risk of skin cancer.

We know the best way to obtain vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight, but when we aren’t getting the sun we need to manufacture vitamin D there are a few foods that can help increase vitamin D intake, and there are also vitamin D supplements. Fortified dairy products, fortified orange juice, and fortified soy-milk are good sources of vitamin D. Margarine, eggs, chicken livers, salmon, sardines, herring, fish oils (halibut and cod-liver oils), and mushrooms all contain small amounts. Because dietary intake may not always provide enough vitamin D that our body requires, supplementation is necessary to obtain adequate levels.

Vitamin D isn’t only for adults either. Babies right trough teenagers need this important and essential nutrient also. As a matter of fact the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition released a study last January that found “low blood levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may result in less muscle and higher insulin resistance in children”. Even breast-fed babies and toddlers should receive the recommended dose of vitamin D drops daily.

You can visit the Health Canada website at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/vitamin/vita-d-eng.php for a complete list of the updated Dietary Reference Intakes for both vitamin D and calcium as well as other related information.

As of July 2010, Osteoporosis Canada’s new guidelines recommend: “daily supplements of 400 to 1000 IU (international units) for adults under age 50 without osteoporosis or conditions affecting vitamin D absorption. For adults over 50, supplements of between 800 and 2000 IU are recommended. For people who need added supplementation to reach optimal vitamin D levels, doses up to the current “tolerable upper intake level” (2000 IU) are safely taken without medical supervision. Doses above that require medical supervision. A daily supplement of 800 IU should be regarded as a minimum dose for all adults with osteoporosis.”

There are two forms of vitamin D. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, generally made from yeast) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, manufactured from the skin of sheep, cows, and pigs, and from sheep’s wool). Vitamin D3 is the kind our body produces as a result of sun exposure. Although there is ongoing controversy among vitamin D experts about the safety and effectiveness of supplementing with vitamin D2 as opposed to vitamin D3, the basic difference between the two forms has to do with how they are manufactured and the costs associated with manufacturing. On the other hand, researchers have found vitamin D2 to be less effective as vitamin D3, so it makes sense for those who prefer to use the form of vitamin D that is not of animal origin, to increase their intakes of vitamin D2 accordingly.

Vitamin D has many health benefits and there is a vast amount of scientific evidence to prove it. Although it is most famous for its role (along with calcium) in maintaining strong, healthy bones, it is becoming increasingly clear that vitamin D provides many additional health benefits. Simply said, vitamin D is important to your health.

Visit us at http://www.followthegreen.com

The Right Place At The Right Time

2011-11-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

Are you beginning to notice the disappearance of many natural health products from the shelves of your local health food store? Even the health food sections of the larger grocery stores and big box stores are shrinking. And it looks as though this decline in natural health products will continue for some time yet.

On January 1, 2004 the Natural Health Products Regulations came into effect and apply to all natural health products (NHPs). According to Health Canada, the Natural Health Products Regulations will help give Canadians access to a wide range of natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality. Products defined in the Regulations as natural health products include vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, probiotics, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines (such as Traditional Chinese Medicines), amino acids and essential fatty acids. Many everyday consumer products such as certain toothpastes, mouthwashes, shampoos, antiperspirants, and facial products are classified as natural health products in Canada due to their medicinal ingredients and intended uses.

Natural health products that fall under these regulations require an NPN (Natural Product Number). Once Health Canada has assessed the product, an eight digit product license number, preceded by the letters “NPN” will appear on the label informing consumers that Health Canada has reviewed the product for safety, quality, and health claims, and the product has been approved to be marketed under the Natural Health Products Regulations and has authorized the product for sale in Canada. The Natural Health Product Directorate (NHPD) is the regulating authority for health products for sale in Canada.

Natural health products currently in the market that have not yet been evaluated by Health Canada, but can be legally sold in Canada, have exemption numbers. The exemption number will be listed on the product label in the form EN-XXXXXX.

Last March, the Director General of the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) Scott Sawler, announced that Canadians had access to well over 43,000 authorized natural health products and that number continued to grow each day. He assured Canadians that since the introduction of the Natural Health Product Regulations the number of NHPs available was growing steadily and not decreasing.

In reality, the truth is that thousands of legitimate and beneficial NHPs have been denied NPNs and have vanished from the marketplace shelves forever, while products like Red Bull, Rolaids and Crest Toothpaste have been issued NPNs. It definitely appears to be a double standard for Health Canada, and a hot issue for many advocate groups, businesses, and individuals who rely on natural health products.

Because there are numerous health products that were not approved by Health Canada, or did not comply with the requirements for a NPN, there will be less and less products for consumers to choose from. As this is obviously the direction Health Canada is determined to pursue, it only makes sense to align ourselves with a company who is staying on top of all the regulations and requirements to ensure our products stay on the market and are available for us to take and share with others.

As Members of AIM, this should be our cue telling us that it is our time to spread the word about the AIM products. We are extremely fortunate to have a dedicated team of people keeping on top of Health Canada’s regulations, ensuring AIM is compliant, so we may continue to have the right to use natural health products to protect our health, and share them with others who wish to use NHPs. To date AIM has acquired twelve NPNs with many other AIM products in the licensing process, which carry the EN designation on their label. Food products such as AIM BarleyLife®, LeafGreens®, Just Carrots®, ProPeas™ and RediBeets® come under the regulations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and do not require NPNs.

As Members of AM, our time is now! Now is the time to let people know AIM is here to stay and that the AIM products are meeting the requirements of the Natural Health Products Regulations and are being granted NPNs. As Napoleon Hill once said, “Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.” As Members of AIM, I know we are all… in the right place, at the right time.

Many of life’s failures are experienced by people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~ Thomas Edison

For more information about the AIM products, please visit our website at http://www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

For more information about the future of natural health products in Canada and what you can do to help, visit the Health Action Network Society at www.hans.org and the Natural Health Products Protection Association at www.nhppa.org You can also contact your Member of Parliament and the Minister of Health. Let them know they are not serving your best interests by limiting your access to natural health products.

Visit us at http://www.followthegreen.com

Chlorophyll - Nature’s Gift of Life

2011-10-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

Derived from the Greek words chloros meaning ‘green’, and phyllon meaning ‘leaf’, chlorophyll is responsible for the green pigmentation found in almost all plants, algae, and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). It’s the substance that gives plants their green colour. Chlorophyll is vital for photosynthesis, which allows plants to obtain energy from the sun, and to manufacture essential compounds for growth and reproduction. In fact, without sunshine, no life is possible, and no life is possible without chlorophyll either. Chlorophyll to plants is like blood to humans.

It’s interesting to note that the molecule of chlorophyll is similar to that of the heme molecule in human blood. According to Dr. Robert O. Young, Ph. D., “numerous studies from decades before showed that liquid chlorophyll was virtually identical to human blood in its molecular structure.”

Chlorophyll has served as a therapeutic healer since ancient times and even early agriculturist observed that when domesticated animals were ill, they would seek green plants for food, and would shun away from dried vegetation that lacked chlorophyll.

Often referred to as “liquid sunshine” chlorophyll provides us with numerous health benefits. Chlorophyll has been proven beneficial in preventing and healing many forms of disease, and scientific research is showing there are very few illnesses that could not be helped by chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll is a potent antioxidant that helps our body rid itself of harmful toxins while purifying and cleansing the blood, tissues and cells. Chlorophyll provides anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and helps to heal wounds, stimulate tissue growth, and promote oxygen supply by stimulating red blood cells. Chlorophyll makes our body more alkaline, and researchers now agree that disease will thrive in an acidic environment, but will not survive in an alkaline environment.

Chlorophyll will also cleanse and deodorize bowel tissue and has been found to reduce body odour and bad breath. It provides iron to our organs, helps purify the liver, aids hepatitis improvement, aids hemophilia condition, helps in the treatment of calcium oxalate stone ailments (kidney stones), reduces pain caused by inflammation, and helps prevent cancer. And these are only a few of the known benefits chlorophyll offers!

Green plants are the most alkalizing food that exists on earth, so it makes sense to incorporate as many of them as we can into our diet. And considering that greens are a major source of chlorophyll, what better way to consume chlorophyll than by drinking a green drink such as AIM BarleyLife®.

AIM BarleyLife® is made from the juice of young barley grass and is loaded with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, protein, amino acids, and you guessed it – chlorophyll. BarleyLife® will help support our health by providing us with the necessary nutrients to help balance the body pH and is an excellent source of chlorophyll. Remember, cooking can destroy chlorophyll, so one of the best ways to receive the benefits of chlorophyll, is through daily consumption of BarleyLife®.

Now more nutritious than ever, BarleyLife® is processed using advanced technology and the barley leaves are harvested when their nutrients are most potent and alive. Within minutes of harvesting, the barley leaves are juiced (not milled) and “processed using the most advanced, innovative, and efficient cool-processing method for maximum nutrition and fresh-tasting juice powder.” *

It really can be quite simple to enjoy better health and a daily dose of chlorophyll can help provide numerous health benefits. Even if you are not suffering from any health conditions, prevention is key to maintaining optimal health. Go ahead and get green with chlorophyll – natures gift of life!

For more information about the new and improved AIM BarleyLife®, please visit our website at www.followthegreen.com

where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

*Source: AIM BarleyLife® datasheet.

BarleyLife Is The Ideal Fast Food

2011-10-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

According to Wikipedia.org: “Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly…typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a packaged form for take-out/take-away.”

Fast food dates back long before the twenty first century however. In the cities of ancient Rome for instance, street vendors had stands that sold bread soaked in wine as a quick snack in the mornings, and cooked vegetables and stews were sold in simple eating establisments later in the day. Many people living in urban areas during these times had no means to prepare or cook their own food, so they relied on these vendors for their meals. During the Middle Ages, large towns and major urban areas such as London and Paris had many vendors that sold dishes such as pies, pastries, flans, waffles, pancakes and cooked meats. Like the early cities of Rome, many of these vendors catered to people who did not have the means to cook their own food or could not afford housing with kitchen facilities. Thus, they relied on fast food.

As we fast forward to 1916, a gentleman by the name of Walter Anderson had built the first White Castle restaurant in Wichita Kansas, in which he introduced a low cost, limited menu, high volume hamburger restaurant. People liked the low cost hamburger, fries and colas that were offered. As time went on, more and more fast food establishments were opened and familiar sights such as the ‘golden arches’ have now become mainstream places to eat.

Along with the popluarity and increase in fast food restaurants, many serious health issues have also become popular and are on the increase. Nutrient depleted and high-calorie foods, as well as lifestyle choices, are taking their toll on the health of many people. Obesity, type 2-diabetes (now being coined ‘diabesity’ because of the relationship between weight and diabetes), high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis are becoming the popular and ‘accepted’ chronic diseases of Western civilization, with many other developing countries not far behind. And researchers are now beginning to admit that diet plays a huge role in the prevention and treatment of disease.

Fast food is highly processed and loaded down with additives. Many of these additives found in fast and processed foods are substances that damage our cells. Although many of these chemicals have been approved by the regulating government bodies, they are still foreign to the body and can cause health issues. If these substances cannot be processed and disposed of (or eliminated), they can end up lodged in our tissues or fatty areas, which creates an acidic pH. Considering disease can only survive in an acidic pH environment, it makes sense to stay away from foods that are doing this.

In North America, reports estimate that caloric intake is up by an average of 340 calories per day due to the availability of inexpensive, calorie-dense foods and eating out at fast-food joints regularly. Vegetables, fruit and fibre are often absent from high-calorie diets, and these types of high-calorie diets provide little or no valuable nutrients our bodies need to maintain good health. Not only is fast-food high in calories it is typically high in sodium, saturated fats and trans fats, and many fast-foods are very high in sugar. So what can we do to avoid the pitfalls of fast food?

Well, it’s time to reconsider our approach to eating and get back to the basics by looking at the nutritional benefits food provides. Our ancestors received their nutrition from whole food sources grown in chemical and pesticide free soil. Their vegetables, fruits, and grains were grown in nutrient rich soil containing minerals and enzymes. Although it’s a little more difficult today to find foods that are as nutrient dense as they used to be, it is still vitally important to get a complete balance of healthy foods the way nature intended

Choosing foods that are high in fibre and low in fat can help to keep us healthy and fit. Lots of fresh veggies, fruit, and whole grains are a must in today’s diet and the fresher and organic we can get is best. The local farmers markets are in full swing at this time of year so it’s a great way to shop for our fresh food needs. Another way to ensure we are receiving the nutrients we need on a daily basis is to supplement our diet with a live whole-food concentrate such as BarleyLIfe®.

Considered "the original green juice", BarleyLife® is an all-natural, green barley grass juice concentrate that helps provide our body with the essential nutrients it needs to develop a strong foundation for good health and vitality. As a matter of fact, barley grass is thought to be the only vegetation on earth that can supply sole nutritional sustenance from birth to old age!

As a live, whole food concentrate, the green barley grass juice in BarleyLife® contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, protein, amino acids, and chlorophyll. Very different from a multivitamin pill, these are food-sourced nutrients in natural proportions - so our body will know what to do with them. One of the most fundamental benefits of green barley grass juice is its profound alkalizing effect. Barley grass juice has a neutral pH of 7.0 and contains alkaline minerals that buffer or neutralize acidic materials.

There is no doubt that fast food is here to stay, but unless we start to change our food choices, experts warn we are creating a generation of very unhealthy people who are already creating a huge burden on the health care system. If you need your fix of fast food, remember one thing. You are what you eat! Once food breaks down inside you, it makes up the very cells that your body is made of. If you want to be strong and healthy, then choose powerful foods. BarleyLife® is one such food. It’s fast and convenient, while delivering the maximum nutrition needed to maintain whole body health. In fact, when you think about it, BarleyLife® really is…the ideal fast food!

When you see the golden arches, you are probably on your way to the pearly gates. ~ William Castelli, M.D.

BarleyLife® is now new and improved and is available in a number of varieties to suit your needs: BarleyLife® powder, BarleyLife® Xtra powder (with 18 different fruits and vegetables), BarleyLife® capsules (vegetarian), and BarleyLife® Sample Packs.

For more information about AIM BarleyLife®, please visit our website at http://www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download a data sheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Cascara Sagrada – a moving experience

2011-09-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever suffered from constipation, you know how miserable and uncomfortable this condition can be. Most often we become constipated because of poor diet. Eating too many processed foods high in sugar and fat, and not eating enough vegetables, fruits, and fibre can wreak havoc on our digestive system, and for lack of a better term, plug us up. Constipation can also be caused by other factors such as sedentary lifestyle, chronic illness, the use of iron supplements, and prescription drugs.

There are two main types of constipation. Acute constipation and chronic constipation. Acute constipation is usually short-term and involves bloating, discomfort, and an inability to evacuate the bowels. Acute constipation is most often caused by a lack of fibre and water in the diet, and a lack of exercise. Chronic constipation is much more serious. It involves the inability to readily evacuate the bowels over longer periods of time – months or years – and can lead to more serious health issues.

If we’re “full of it” we can also be overloaded with toxins, which can result in a number of health concerns. Ongoing constipation can lead to poor digestion, bloating, gas, fatigue, weight gain, headaches, excessive mucous, poor skin, and even depression. Some health professionals believe toxic build-up may be related to conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity and other more critical health issues.

One practical step we can take to avoid constipation is to increase our dietary fibre. Increasing the fibre content in our diet is not difficult to do, and foods high in fibre also contain many important nutrients essential for optimal health. Consumed on a regular basis, high fibre foods also provide us with the energy and vitality we need from day to day.

Foods that contain fibre and are easy to incorporate into a daily regime include fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, pears, bananas, berries, peas, broccoli, sweet potato, corn and carrots. Another great source of fibre are beans (kidney and baked), lentils, almonds and other nuts, seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and whole grain breads and pastas. It’s also important to drink plenty of water daily to maintain digestive health.

If you do suffer from the occasional bought of constipation then AIM Cascara Sagrada™ can help.

Cascara sagrada (botanical name, Frangula purshiana) is a deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest and can be found in forests ranging from northern California to British Columbia. Spanish for “sacred bark” Cascara Sagrada is also know as rhamnus purshiana, cascara, and California buckthorn.

Both native and immigrant Americans have used the reddish-brown bark of the tree continually for at least 1,000 years as a laxative natural medicine, commercially called “Cascara Sagrada”. Today, the bark is aged or cured and then ground into a powder before it is used in commercial preparations.

Cascara sagrada contains compounds called anthroquinones, which are responsible for cascara's powerful laxative effects. Anthraquinones trigger wavelike contractions in the large intestine, known as peristalsis, which keeps food moving through the digestive system causing the urge to have a bowel movement.

Cascara sagrada bark can produce a mild, gentle effect and is recognized as a safe, natural alternative to the otherwise harsh, over-the-counter laxative remedies. Studies have also shown that cascara sagrada is especially gentle and effective in easing chronic constipation experienced in the elderly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada recognize cascara sagrada as a safe and effective herb, and AIM Cascara Sagrada™ has been issued a Natural Product Number (NPN) in Canada, which indicates Health Canada has assessed the product for its safety, claim, and quality.

A diet rich in fibre can help manage and protect against many health conditions, reduce transit time providing a more thorough evacuation of waste, and prevent constipation. If you do need occasional relief and are feeling the discomforts of constipation, then AIM Cascara Sagrada™ may be just what you need, for a moving experience.

For more information about AIM Cascara Sagrada™ please visit our website at http://www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download a data sheet and watch a video. As with any nutritional or dietary supplement, it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Hooked On Hype

2011-08-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

This August my husband Wayne and myself will have been Members of The AIM Companies™ for twenty-four years. No small feat in this day and age with the multitude of products, services and network marketing companies in the marketplace. When we first joined up with AIM, they had only one product, and the whole concept of sharing this product with others and to have the opportunity to make money doing so, was entirely new to us. Over the years, AIM has expanded their product line to include additional whole food concentrates and nutritional supplements, and they also carry a few personal care products now. We haven’t made a fortune with AIM, but we have managed to build a respectable sized downline, earn enough money every month to pay for the products we take, pay for advertising, and tuck a little away. We couldn’t have asked to be affiliated with a better company.

Because of what we have managed to accomplish, we are consistently being presented with other opportunities. Having our own website and promoting the AIM products through various other means as well, we tend to draw others to us hoping we’ll bite and run with what they have to offer. Just this past week we were once again presented with yet another “opportunity to make money”. In fact, this latest proposal even touted the company gives away free cars. Wow, who wouldn’t want a free car! There isn’t a month that goes by without someone presenting us with an opportunity to make money, and every time we open our emails there are numerous schemes we could join up with to “get rich quick”.

“Ground floor opportunity”, “pre-launch”, “nothing like it on the market”, “brand-new in the country”, “grassroots” and “don’t miss out” are all phrases used to create a sense of urgency to make sure we get in before the opportunity is lost. The problem with this is, if you have to get involved with a company right away, who doesn’t even have a sound track record, it should throw up the red flags and make you suspicious of their motives. If you’re told how easy it will be to make money and that you will make a lot of money in a very short period of time, we suggest you run for the nearest door. There is no such thing as quick and easy money. And if there is, it is most likely illegal—unless you win the lottery.

Many companies and products make false claims and we’ve heard them all. Anything from “curing disease” to “losing weight without doing a thing”, these products give a false sense of hope to people. The problem with this is, there are people who genuinely need help with their health and these claims distort the truth for them. When they find out these products aren’t working, or are harmful to them, they give up. This makes it very difficult for companies that have a good track record with great products. As the saying goes, “once bitten, twice shy”. As far as we’re concerned, the only thing man can cure is a ham—it’s the body that can repair itself given the proper nutrients.

Many companies just starting out will want you to “buy in” at a certain level and most of these companies will force you to go on a monthly auto-ship program. That will be your only option for ordering products. The problem we have seen with this approach is that many of the products that are supposed to be passed for sale by our government agency in Canada have not in fact been passed for sale at all. Now what do you do? The company has your credit card information, has charged your credit card, and you haven’t received any products because, oh yeah right, the company is not even in the country yet. Remember “pre-launch”? They said they were here, but in fact they are not yet in the country.

Another thing to watch out for is what companies are offering in their “marketing plan/compensation plan” or whatever they have named it. Many of these plans will not work in the long term. My husband Wayne likes to do what he calls “breaking down the marketing plan” to see what type of remuneration is available and how you would get paid. A lot of companies offer a “binary” plan, which will make the top guys a lot of money but not the people doing all the work. Other plans just out and out don’t figure, and there’s no way they would be able to stay in business for very long paying out the compensation they say their plan pays. Either way, unless you’re right at the top, there isn’t much room for expansion. These are the types of companies that give network marketing a bad name. People jump in with both feet expecting a fortune, only to become disappointed and never want to try network marketing again.

Fortunately, there are many great companies that use a network marketing system who have been in business for many years with great success. These are the network marketing companies that will continue to expand and grow, and will always have an opportunity for anyone interested in their product line and the potential of extra income. AIM is one such company.

There’s no hype or pressure with AIM. They won’t force you to auto-ship every month or even place an order every month, and you can quit at anytime. Your success with AIM is commensurate with what you do. By sharing good health concepts and the AIM products with others, you have the opportunity to generate enough income to pay for the products you use, or you can create a full time business. It’s entirely up to you. AIM is committed to being here for generations to come.

AIM also has a dedicated team of knowledgeable people keeping on top of all the legislation and regulations, ensuring AIM Canada is compliant with the Natural Health Products Regulations, so we will continue to have the right to use and share natural health products to protect our health and the health of others who wish to use them.

For over twenty-four years now, we have had the opportunity of doing business and networking with a company of integrity and outstanding service. We are privileged to be part of such a dynamic company whose vision and desire to help others has always been their utmost priority. We are 100 percent committed to AIM, their mission, and their product line of superior whole-food concentrates and nutritional supplements. With a 29-year track record of success, AIM is second to none.

Hooked on hype? No way…we’re hooked on AIM!

"Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.” ~ Napoleon Hill

For more information about The AIM Companies™, the AIM products, and the AIM Opportunity Compensation Plan, please visit our website at www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download the compensation plan, product data sheets and watch a video. You can also visit our website at www.followthegreen.com to see what we do to promote AIM.

If you’re interested in taking an AIM product, as with any supplement, it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

To Meat or Not To Meat…That Is The Question

2011-08-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

“Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” Albert Einstein couldn’t have said this any better. The only problem…we’re not listening to his advice.

This probably isn’t a good time of the year to write an article about the effects of eating animal products, but I can’t help notice all the stores fridges and freezers stuffed full of fresh and frozen meats all ready and waiting to make their way to the dinner table. Heck, I practically can’t walk into the grocery store without being asked if I’d like to try the latest burger or slider or some other type of flesh food they’d like to sell me on. It just makes me shudder to think of what we’re doing to not only our health, but also the planet with all this meat mankind is now consuming.

A century ago, the diet of the average person was based on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains products. However many people were not receiving enough nutrition most likely due to their economic status, and many people were developing deficiency diseases. In the early 1900s, food policies changed and were now directed towards eliminating these deficiency diseases. For the less fortunate and undernourished people, adding meat and milk to their diet made a huge difference. Not only that, but studies showed that children who were small for their age, grew faster when given more animal products. As a result, these foods were given special status and governments offered large subsidies to farmers in an effort to increase production. These subsidies also supported intensive marketing initiatives as well as massive nutrition education campaigns to insure increased consumption. Nutritional deficiency diseases quickly decreased, and the interest of animal agriculture was becoming well established in the economy. It began looking as though the job of improving the health of the nation, with the addition of meat and dairy in the diet, had been accomplished.

However, what was discovered by the middle of the twentieth century was a less favorable health picture. Although deficiency diseases were no longer the threat they had once been, heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity were on the rise, and the authorities were baffled. Science could not explain why these serious health conditions were on the increase.

It wasn’t until 1990 that the World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned a panel of nutrition experts from around the world to sort through the existing research and assess the evidence linking diet to disease. Their results were clear. Less whole-milk dairy products, fatty meats and refined sugar, and more vegetables, fruits, cereals and legumes. In the later part of the decade, more and more health organizations joined together to develop and endorse one set of dietary guidelines. Their message was just as clear. Most of what you eat should come from plant sources.

Although governments, health organizations and officials are all aware of this, and encourage the public to increase the amount of plant foods they eat, there remains a great hesitation to tell people to cut back on their consumption of animal products. Sure they tell us to cut back on saturated fat and cholesterol. But aren’t animal products the primary source of these harmful dietary substances? This is where the buck stops…or I should say, doesn’t stop.

Animal agriculture is big business and it’s literally killing us, and our planet. Animal agriculture demands huge amounts of fresh water, is the biggest polluter of our water systems, is destroying the earth’s rainforests, is causing desertification, is increasing global warming, and consuming the earth’s resources. Here are a few startling facts about animal agriculture from the book “Becoming Vegetarian” by Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis:

Animal agriculture demands tremendous amounts of water. It is estimated that almost 50 per cent of all water consumed in the United States is used for the raising of livestock. On average, it takes about 100 times more water to produce a pound of beef than it does to product a pound of wheat.

Animal agriculture is the biggest polluter of our water systems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agriculture is the biggest polluter of America’s water systems. It is responsible for 70 per cent of water-way pollution, its damage exceeding that of sewage treatment plants, urban storm sewers, and pollution from contaminants in air. The major offenders are livestock-feeding operations. This waste (manure from immense feedlots) never sees a sewage system or treatment plant and all too often ends up poisoning rivers, causing severe oxygen depletion, and devastating fish populations. Livestock manure is a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, giardia, and pfiesteria, which cause sickness and death in people living in regions where factory farms are concentrated. Furthermore, waste from North America’s 9 billion chickens and 150 million other farmed animals is permeated with hormones that propel the bird “from egg to fryer in thirty-nine days” and other similar unnatural feats.

Animal agriculture is destroying the earth’s rainforests. According to the Rainforest Action Network, two-thirds of the rain forests in Central America have been cleared primarily for the purpose of raising cheap beef to stock American fast-food establishments. They estimate that for every fast-food burger made from rain forest beef, 16.75 square metres (55 square feet) of tropical rain forest has been cleared. With the trees go twenty to thirty different plant species, 100 different insect species, plus dozens of birds, mammals, and reptile species.

Animal agriculture is causing desertification. Overgrazing is considered the leading cause of desertification worldwide. In the western United States, 70 per cent of the entire land mass is used for grazing livestock. When land is overgrazed, the soil is compacted, decreasing its ability to absorb water. When heavy rains fall, topsoil is carried away. Fifteen centimetres (six inches) of topsoil are needed to grow healthy crops. It takes approximately 3,000 years for nature to produce this amount of topsoil. Every twenty-eight years in the United States, every fourteen years in developing countries, and every seven years in China, 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) of topsoil are lost as the result of current intensive farming practices. As this rate, it is estimated that there are as few as forty-five years of farmable soil left on the planet.

Animal agriculture is increasing global warming. Intensive animal agriculture is a significant factor in global warming, increasing all major global warming gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, and chlorofluorocarbons. Carbon dioxide emissions come largely from fossil fuels. Raising livestock requires huge amounts of fossil fuels—for transporting feed, heating shelters (often large buildings), and transporting animals to slaughter and the products to meat-packing plants and stores. According to Worldwatch Institute, 15-20 per cent of all methane emissions come directly from livestock. In addition, the chemical fertilizers used to produce food for grain-fed animals are important contributors to nitrous oxides. Finally, the increased refrigeration necessary to preserve animal products releases chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere.

Animal agriculture is consuming the earth’s resources. It is estimated that if every inhabitant on this planet used as many resources to produce his or her food as each American does, we would need three planet earths to sustain the current population. Unfortunately, that is the very direction we are heading. Between 1990 and 1995, China’s grain consumption increased by 36,280,000 tonnes (40 million tons). Of this total, 29,931,000 tonnes (33 million tons) were consumed as animal fodder and 6,349,000 tonnes (7 million tons) as food for humans. China, like many other developing countries, is rapidly moving up the food chain. Tragically, more and more of the world’s resources are used for raising livestock to provide food for the wealthy, while one in every six people goes hungry every day. Today, our planet is home to nearly 1 billion pigs, 1.3 billion cows, 1.8 billion sheep and goats, and 13.5 billion chickens—more than two chickens for each man, woman, and child. We have altered vast ecosystems and devoted massive resources to support this inefficient way of eating. The world’s cattle alone consume a quantity of food equal to the caloric needs of 8.7 billion people—more than the entire human population on earth.

“Becoming Vegetarian” was copyrighted in 2003. I would imagine some of these figures are now much higher.

Consuming less meat and other animal products (or eliminating them all together) will not only have a significant effect on the improvement of one’s health, but will also help our earth and her resources. Reducing our consumption of animal products is easy to do, and there are many books and recipes both online, and in your local bookstore or library, that can help you make the transition to a healthier diet. Many supermarkets now carry a large variety of meat and dairy alternative products. There are also many nutritional supplements that contain a broad spectrum of nutrients to supply our body with the vital nutrition we need.

AIM’s Daily Essentials™ consisting of BarleyLife®, AIMega®, and Herbal FiberBlend® will provide us with the greens, essential fatty acids and fibre we need on a daily basis to help our body detoxify, cleanse, build and energize.

Hopefully very soon, governments, health organizations, agriculturists, farmers, and people from all walks of life will realize we cannot continue to consume our earth’s resources at the rate we are consuming them. Unless we do, there won’t be much hope for future generations.

To meat or not to meat? The answer should be clear.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The AIM Companies™ provides high-quality whole food concentrates and superior nutritional supplements. Their products work well for anyone wanting to improve their nutritional status and would be very beneficial for vegetarians, semi-vegetarians, and vegans. For more information about the AIM products, please visit our website at http://www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download a data sheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

The Benefits Of Barley Grass

2011-06-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

One of the greenest grasses of the grass family, barley grass is considered the only vegetation on earth that can supply sole nutritional sustenance from birth to old age.

Ancient Asian and Middle Eastern cultures reputedly included young barley grass in their diets and medicine, and archeologists have determined barley grass cultivation dates back as early as 7000 BC. It is one of the most important plants in human history, and of all the grasses, barley grass has probably been researched more than any other.

Considered by many to be the most nutritional of the green grasses, barley grass is an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, chlorophyll, and phytochemicals. Our body uses these nutrients to build and repair itself, create energy, strengthen and detoxify at a cellular level, balance the pH of body fluids and deal with stressors. Green barley grass has strong antioxidant and detoxifying properties, and has the ability to counteract inflammation and boost the immune system. Because of it’s profound alkalizing effect, barley grass juice can help fight off disease. Simply put, green barley grass is an ideal food to enhance nutritional intake.

Often referred to as a “green drink” or “super green food”, barley grass consists of the young tender green leaves of the barley plant and is most commonly taken as a juice powder or in capsule form. One of the most popular barley juice powders available, and the one we take everyday, is AIM BarleyLife®.

A live, whole food concentrate, the green barley juice in BarleyLife® provides a broad spectrum of nutrients the way nature intended. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, protein, amino acids, and chlorophyll. When taken every day, BarleyLife® helps cells to function optimally and the rich source of nutrients contained in BarleyLife® helps to maintain whole body health.

What makes BarleyLife® unique from other barley grass juice powders is the way it is grown, harvested, and processed. Grown in a clean, pristine environment, the young grass BarleyLife® is made from is free of preservatives, pesticides, herbicides or chemicals. The barley grass is grown and cultivated with a holistic approach to crop management. AIM’s barley grass crops are cut only once, when nutrient density is at its highest. The crops are staggered so that each field is harvested when the plants are bursting with nutrition, and the fibre from the barley grass is composted back into the fields after juicing. Crops are also rotated (with alfalfa) to ensure the soil stays rich in natural nitrogen. AIM BarleyLife® undergoes quality assurance testing at every step of harvesting and manufacturing. Samples are tested every 60 minutes to verify moisture, taste and colour levels.

BarleyLife® is a pure concentrated juice (not milled grass). Its natural spectrum of nutrients helps promote a healthy immune system, provide increased energy and helps maintain whole body health. It is naturally rich in chlorophyll, has a neutral pH of 7.0 and when taken every day helps cells to function optimally.

One of the most nutrient dense foods found in nature, young barley grass offers a number of benefits for disease prevention and can help improve overall health. As I say time and time again, “if people would only drink BarleyLife® everyday, they would feel better and be surprised at how good their health can be.”

A diet that includes daily consumption of barley grass juice powder can help provide the essential nutrients that promote good health and vitality. The benefits of barley grass truly are phenomenal.

“ It is diet which maintains true health and becomes the best drug.”
~Shin-Huang-ti

For more information about AIM BarleyLife®, please visit our website at www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

What Side Are You On?

2011-06-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

Do you know disease can only survive in an acidic environment? Do you also know our body struggles to maintain a steady pH (acid-alkaline) balance of our body fluids?

Every second, minute, and hour of each and every day there is a struggle going on inside each and every one of us to keep things running smoothly, and the key to vibrant health and wellness is keeping our pH in balance.

You may be wondering what pH balance is. Well, pH is the abbreviation for ‘potential of hydrogen’ and is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is measured on a scale that ranges from 0 to 14. The lower the pH the more acidic the solution, and the higher the pH the more alkaline the solution. When a solution is neither acid nor alkaline it has a pH of 7, which is neutral.

Our body needs to have a balanced pH or it will not function properly. The alkaline level is very important because, as research has already proven, disease cannot survive in an alkaline environment but will flourish in an acidic one. If we are experiencing health issues, it is most likely because we are too acidic. For instance, the cells in our body cannot function properly if our blood pH balance varies too far from the narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45. Our body will go to great lengths to maintain this level, and do all it can to prevent its own breakdown.

Research also shows that unless our body's pH level is slightly alkaline, our body cannot heal itself. If our body’s pH is not in balance we decrease the ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease the ability to repair damaged cells, decrease the ability to detoxify heavy metals, make tumor cells thrive, and make us more susceptible to fatigue and illness. Our body’s pH affects everything.
Since the early 1930's, researchers have proven that in order for the body to function properly and maintain optimum health, the general pH of the human system must be alkaline. Arthur C. Guyton, M.D., considered the world's most recognized authority on human physiology, has spent much of his life studying the pH or acid/alkaline balance of the body. In his Textbook of Medical Physiology, which is used to train medical students, he states: “The first step in maintaining health is to alkalize the body. The cells of a healthy body are alkaline, while the cells of a diseased body are acidic - below a pH of 7.0. The more acidic the cells, the sicker we become. If the body cannot alkalize the cells, they become acidic and thus disease sets in. Our bodies produce acid as a byproduct of normal metabolism. But our bodies do not manufacture alkalinity, so we must supply the alkalinity from an outside source to keep us from becoming acidic and dying.”
An acidic pH can occur from toxic overload, emotional stress, immune reactions or anything that deprives the cells of nutrients. But the primary cause of an acid medium in the body is from what we eat and drink. And it has nothing to do with how the food and drink tastes in our mouth. Foods that are sour such as grapefruit and limes can taste acidic, however, upon ingestion break down into a base-forming alkaline “ash”. “Ash” is the end product, which remains in the body after the food has been broken down through digestion. Foods which produce an alkaline ash are classified as “base-forming” foods, whereas those producing an acid ash are considered “acid-forming” foods.
Our body will compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If our diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur. According to Dr. Robert O. Young, author of The pH Miracle: “If the acid overload is too great for the blood to balance, excess acid is dumped into the tissues for storage. The lymphatic (immune) system neutralizes which it can”…and to get rid of the acid in the tissues, dumps it back into the blood. The whole process starts over again, creating a vicious cycle by drawing on more much needed minerals and stressing the liver and kidneys. If the lymphatic system is overloaded or not working properly (this can even be caused by a lack of exercise), acids will build up in the tissues. This imbalance in the blood pH opens the door to irritation, inflammation and sickness. “Acute or recurrent illnesses result from either the body trying to mobilize mineral reserves to prevent cellular breakdown or emergency attempts to detoxify the body.” This attempt can be manifested externally through the skin—e.g. eczema, acne, boils, headaches, muscle cramps, soreness, swelling, aches, pains, irritation and inflammation. *

When the body has exhausted all possibilities to get rid of acid wastes, they are then deposited in the organs—heart, pancreas, liver, colon or stored in fatty tissue. The constant struggle to rid the body of acid wastes heralds what is termed the “aging process.” *

Fortunately, it’s easy to change the pH level of our body almost immediately and make it more alkaline. It’s a matter of changing our diet. Food is the means of replenishing the alkaline in our body, so by eliminating most of the acidic foods in our diet and adding more alkaline foods we can turn ourselves more alkaline.

One of the best ways to immediately begin changing our pH is to drink “green drinks”. It is well know that a diet rich in greens will help increase energy, improve our health, and help us heal, and there isn’t a more convenient way to get the greens we need than with a live whole food concentrate such as AIM BarleyLife®.

AIM BarleyLife® is made from the juice of young barley grass and is loaded with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, protein, amino acids, and chlorophyll.

Barley grass juice has a neutral pH of 7.0 and provides alkaline minerals that ‘buffer’ or neutralize acidic materials, which helps our body maintain a steady pH balance of body fluids. AIM BarleyLife® will help support our health by providing us with the necessary nutrients to help balance the body pH and is an excellent source of alkalinity.

We may not be able to control the toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis, or the stress we incur in our lives, but we can certainly make a conscience effort to have a healthy diet and get more exercise. Because the primary cause of an acid medium in our body is caused from what we eat and drink, it makes good sense to eat right, stay fit, and enjoy a green drink. Acid or alkaline—what side are you on?

“Today, more than 95 percent of all chronic disease is caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies and lack of physical exercise.”
~ Mike Adams

For more information about AIM BarleyLife®, please visit our website at www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

*Source: AIM Canada October 2009 handout referencing Dr. R.O. Young, The pH Miracle. Warner Books. 2002

Keep It Simple With BarleyLife

2011-06-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in promoting your AIM business, but find it a little overwhelming or intimidating with all the products AIM has to offer, then this article is for you. Rather than talk about the benefits of BarleyLIfe in this article, we wanted to share with you how to effectively promote only one product in your AIM business – BarleyLife.

On April 30th we had an exhibitor booth at the Erin Home & Lifestyle Show (our local home show) in which we only showcased AIM BarleyLife® (original powder). Our intention was to ‘get back to the basics’ and promote only one product (which is also our favorite product). When we first joined AIM in 1987 all we had was one green barley product and we had much success in our AIM business promoting that one product. So we thought, if it worked before, it will work again. And it sure does.

The Home & Lifestyle Show was a huge success for us. We made many sales and handed out BarleyLife postcards, datasheets, BarleyLIfe sample packs and our Follow The Green business cards to people who were curious about what we were offering and interested in bettering their health. Here are a few tips on what worked for us:

1) Start by advertising to let people know you will be at the show (or whichever venue you have chosen). We were very fortunate that the woman, who interviewed us about our Handyman Services in February for our local newspaper, noticed how healthy we look and wondered what we were doing. To make a long story short, she is now on her second jar of BarleyLife and came back for another interview about our ‘BarleyLife business’. It was great advertising for us. We also had a small ad in the section of the newspaper that was promoting the show. It didn’t cost a lot of money for the ad, and newspapers are always looking for content. You can contact your local paper to see if they would like to do an article about your ‘BarleyLife business’.

2) Once you’ve decided which venue you want to pursue, keep your exhibitor display simple. We had one of the new BarleyLife posters displayed behind us, BL postcards, BL datasheets, a couple of jars of BL for people to see the product and read the label. We also had some “Nutrition That Works” insulated grocery bags, BarleyLife and Healthy Cell Concept DVDs, and hand blenders on the table for sale. We played the BarleyLife DVD on our laptop at the show but you could also just make up a slide show with BarleyLife pictures, barley grass pictures, etc. for people to watch.

3) We advertised a ‘special show price’ for the show only and made up BarleyLife gift bags. Go to any ‘dollar store’ and buy some ‘two for a dollar’ green gift bags and some green tissue paper. We included a jar of BarleyLife, a BL datasheet, a BL postcard (with the acid/alkaline handout AIM gave us a couple of years ago attached to it), and a measuring spoon in each bag with our business card stapled to the outside of the bag. Also include their receipt in the bag. Then when people purchased a gift bag we threw in a hand blender and BarleyLife DVD. We consider doing all of this our ‘lost leader’. It was successful marketing and all the people we sold to continue to take BarleyLife.

4) We also made a point of asking if it would be all right to contact the people who purchased BarleyLife in “a week or two”. They all said yes and it set the stage for us to call them for follow up. We have found that it is detrimental to our AIM business to just call people ‘out of the blue’. By asking them ahead of time they are expecting your call and also appreciate it. Keep your follow up short and sweet. Ask how they are making out with their BL, how much are they taking, any questions they may have, how they can re-order and that sort of thing. Most people do no liked to be bugged about things so after our follow up call we have left them alone and most of them have already re-ordered.

5) When we spoke to people at the show about BarleyLife, we explained about alkalinity and how important it is for good health. Most people are unaware of this. We kept hitting on the point that disease will thrive in an acidic environment but will not survive in an alkaline one. This really helps to get the point across as to why BarleyLife is important for optimal health. Most of this information in on the BL datasheet.

We had a lot of fun that day and much success. We even had people looking for us because of the newspaper article and our ad. It didn’t cost us much money to do the show and it has been well worth the effort. There are many, many people out there that need our help and the help of the AIM products. BarleyLife and the AIM products shouldn’t be a secret.

As Rose Bird, General Manager of AIM Canada, writes in the April 2011 issue of Living Well: “The AIM Companies™ is one of the greatest secrets in the world. Imagine, twenty-nine years in the business of providing natural health products, including three key products that promote health, fight disease, and change lives for the better, and yet only a select few, a very small percentage of North America let alone the world, knows that The AIM Companies exists.” She goes on to write: “There are people out there hungry for answers, and we who are a part of AIM have some of those answers. This is a CALL TO ACTION. Check out the opportunities in your town or city: talk radio, community papers, school fairs, farmers’ markets, trade shows and segments of society that need additional health support, such as hairdressers and car mechanics. 2011 belongs to AIM. All-natural AIM BarleyLife®, AIMega® and AIM Herbal Fiberblend® can change an ailing world!”

As Rose writes, check out the opportunities in your town or city. There are always a large number of events that take place throughout summer and fall and most of these events are looking for new and exciting products and services. You’ll find that most of these venues don’t charge a lot for the space and it’s really great exposure for promoting your AIM business and BarleyLife. Contact your local Business Association, Agricultural Society, Legion, and your local newspaper to find out what’s happening in your area. The more AIM Members who are out there promoting BarleyLife and AIM, the easier it becomes for all Members. Wouldn’t it be great to hear the words “I’ve heard of that before” and “I was wondering where I could get some of that”.

It is time people learn just how easy it really is to be healthy and experience wellness and vitality. As I often say, “if people would only include BarleyLife into their daily routine, they would be amazed at the improvements in their overall health and how well they would feel. I know that I ‘Feel The Difference’ every day!”

Keep it simple with BarleyLife and you’ll be surprised at your success!

If you’d like more information about AIM BarleyLife or what we do to promote BarleyLife please feel free to contact us at www.followthegreen.com We’d be happy to help!

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

2011-05-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Why do we worry and stress ourselves out so much? Well, in a nutshell we live in stressful times. The economy is stagnant, house prices are declining, the price of food, clothing, utilities, and fuel are rising quicker than a loaf of bread, and there’s the constant threat of losing one’s job and not being able to find another one. We fret about what we have or don’t have, how we look, our weight, our clothes, our hairstyles, the mortgage or rent payment, and the bills. We’re constantly rushing around, and never seem to stop and ‘smell the roses’. Wow, it’s no wonder we’re stressed out!

We worry about the past, the present, and the future—and what’s the point. We can’t change the past. What’s done is done, and the present and future are what we make of them. We can choose to look and react negatively at things, or decide to look and react positively at things, creating a happier today and tomorrow. The choice is ours.

What exactly is stress, and what can we do to get stress under control rather than let stress control us?

According to Wikipedia, “Stress is a term in psychology and biology. It refers to the consequence of the failure of an organism – human or animal – to respond adequately to mental, emotional or physical demands, whether actual or imagined. Acute stressors affect an organism in the short term; chronic stressors over the longer term.”

Stress occurs when we expericence change to our normal physiology brought on by stressors. Stressors can cover a wide range of situations. Anything from a sudden traumatic experience or a perceived threat, to smaller ongoing pressures that seem uncontrollable, stressors can wreak havoc on our lives and our health.

Our body responds to stressors by activating the nervous system and specific hormones. When we experience a stressful situation, the adrenal glands (located just above the kidneys) release cortisol and adrenaline, preparing our body for a fight-or-flight reaction. This is how our body reacts to a shock or perceived threat. Our muscles tighten, our blood pressure rises, our breath quickens, we become anxious, and even aggressive (such as in the case of road rage). The involuntary fight-or-flight response is our body’s way of protecting us against real danger and physical threats.

Small doses of stress in our life can be useful. If we have a deadline to meet, a presentation to make, or a game to win, stress can give us the edge to get the job done. Beyond a certain point though, stress can seriously affect our health. Long-term and chronic stress can affect practically every system in our body and lead to serious health problems. It can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, suppress our immune system, and speed up the aging process. It can also lead to anxiety and depression. Excessive stress over a long period of time can affect the adrenal glands’ ability to produce hormones properly, leading to adrenal fatigue and making us feel ‘burnt out’.

So what can we do to help cope with stress, or better yet avoid it in the first place? There are many helpful steps we can take, and choices we can make, to reduce stress or help manage the stress in our lives.

Exercise – regular exercise helps to decrease the production of stress hormones. Studies are showing that exercise can help combat anxiety and depression, and help with sleep. Walking, running, dancing, biking, hiking, swimming, gardening and yard work can all have a significant effect on decreasing stress levels. Pick an activity that you love and have fun doing it.

Massage – getting a massage is not only a great way to pamper ourselves, but can also help to decrease the stress hormone cortisol in our body.

Deep Breathing – can help calm the nerves. Relax in a comfy chair and take a few deep breaths to help clear the mind. Deep breathing also works well in any stressful situation.

Meditation and Relaxation Techniques – are known to have lasting and beneficial effects on health, as does yoga.

Take Time to Unwind – one of the key elements in reducing stress is taking the time for ourselves. Read a good book, watch a movie, take time for a hobby, or have a nice relaxing soak in the bathtub. Say ‘yes’ to yourself.

Rest – getting enough sleep helps our body and mind rejuvenate and better equips us to handle any negative stressors that may come along. Seven to eight hours of uninterrupted rest is the required amount of sleep for most adults.

Diet – under stressful conditions our body needs healthful foods full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Junk foods, fast foods and highly processed foods are all stressors that can add to stress levels. A healthy diet that includes fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains, unprocessed oils and fats, lean meats such as poultry, fish, dry beans, free-run eggs, and nuts, organic-low-fat dairy products, and clean water will provide most of the nutrition our body needs to help combat the effects of stress.

Laughter – learn to laugh at stressful situations that may arise. A healthy dose of optimism can quickly turn a stressful circumstance into an opportunity for the better. Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.

Nature has also provided us with many botanicals that can help strengthen our ability to cope with stress. There are a variety of botanicals that work well to combat stress. What I like to take when I’m feeling stressed out, anxious, or need help sleeping is AIM Composure®.

AIM Composure® is a combination of three soothing herbs – valerian root, passionflower and hops flower. These three herbs work synergistically to provide a safe and effective way to help relax and calm nerves and muscles, alleviate feelings of anxiety, reduce restlessness, and promote restful sleep. All three of the botanicals in AIM Composure® have been approved in the Natural Health Product Directorate Monographs from Health Canada, and AIM Composure® has been issued a Natural Product Number (NPN). (An NPN indicates Health Canada has assessed the product for its safety, claim, and quality, and has authorized it for sale in Canada.)

By becoming aware of how stress impacts our lives and our health, and by learning to accept change and everyday challenges as a normal part of life, we can reduce and manage stress, learn to cope, and maybe even eliminate it from our lives altogether. We’re meant to live a happy, fun and enjoyable life so the next time stress comes knocking at the door, take a deep breath, relax, smile, and sing a few bars from that cute little song that came out in the late eighties by Bobby McFerrin. You know the one…. Don’t Worry, Be Happy! And if you need a little extra help, try some Composure.

The mind is an extremely powerful tool that can either drive us to the depths of despair or motivate us to reach for the stars. ~ Psychiatrist Adam Stein

For more information about AIM Composure®, please visit our website at www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

A Wake Up Call For Wellness

2011-04-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

With yet another election campaign in full swing, our political leaders are once again making promise after promise of what they will do for Canadians, how much money they will save, and how much money they will spend. I know, promises, promises…we’ve heard this all before. What’s caught my attention this time are the promises they’re making yet again to pump millions and millions of more taxpayers dollars into healthcare. Does this really make any sense? Is healthcare what’s really needed, or should our focus be on prevention and wellness?

Doctors, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry seem to have formed the basis of healthcare and the health industry. However, it is a well known fact that pharmaceutical drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are making people sick and killing them each and every day. Shouldn’t the health industry really be called the illness industry? The billions of dollars spent each and every year on healthcare seems to focus strictly on treating the symptoms of illness, rather than prevent illness and help people live a healthier life.

Now that’s not to say we don’t need doctors, nurses and hospitals. Of course we do. We need them to help people who are experiencing acute life-threatening illnesses and injuries. We need them for people involved in accidents, or are experiencing a heart attack, or some other trauma and need immediate medical attention. And also the drugs designed to kill pain work very well in an emergency situation. The problem is, there is not enough attention given to the prevention of illness and disease in the first place.

Government on all levels seem to support companies that create products that make us sick such as pharmaceutical drugs and environmental toxins, however, If they would shift their focus to human health and made it a priority, think of the money that would be saved on healthcare.

Many holistic, alternative and complementary practitioners provide services that work very well to keep us healthy. They take a natural approach to healing and emphasize prevention rather than just treating symptoms of disease. Many of these were also once subsidized by the government, but no longer are. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, herbalists, and homeopathic or naturopathic doctors now have to be paid for by the individual seeking their services and it’s getting that most people can no longer afford these alternative therapies. Even nutritional supplements and natural health products have been hit with higher costs since the implementation of the HST last July. Yet, we can go to the doctor, be referred for some treatment that costs an exorbitant amount of money, be prescribed drugs that are subsidized (or free), return for subsequent visits to the doctor or treatment facility, and all of this paid for by the healthcare system.

Not to mention the fact that our governments are continually sneaking through laws to ban natural health products while giving drug companies a free reign. This is unfair, undemocratic, killing people…. and they know it. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a government that actually worked for the people, instead of bending over backwards for big pharma and big business, and made wellness a priority?

Our right to choice is continually under attack by governments on all levels. We need to stay informed and keep pressure on the powers that be to do the right thing. We don’t need more healthcare. What’s really needed in this country is a wake up call for wellness.

“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition”. ~ Thomas Edison

As an advocate of healthy eating and proper nutrition Joanne understands that the choices we make, and choosing them wisely, is the key to wellness and vitality. Visit www.followthegreen.com to learn more.

You Are What You Eat

2011-04-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat”. It’s a popular phrase in that it does hold some truth to it. The foods we eat contain a wide variety of essential and nonessential nutrients, as well as other substances that can affect our body functions.

There are six classes of nutrients known to be essential for human beings. They are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Our body needs all of these nutrients to maintain healthy functioning. Without sufficient or balanced intake of any of these vital nutrients, disease can develop.

Our body is constantly changing. We are not the same person we were a month ago. Although we may look the same and don’t notice any change, the substances that make up the tissues and organs of our body are continually changing. We tend to think of tissues such as bones, the heart and blood vessels, and nerves as being solid and permanent, but they are in fact in a constant state of renewal. How incredible is it that all of the cells of the skin are replaced every month, or the cells lining the intestinal tract are replacing themselves every 1 to 3 days. How about taste cells rejuvenating every 7 days, and red blood cells turning over every 120 days. Wow, isn’t the body remarkable!

Now here’s the catch. The materials used to renew the cells that make up our body’s tissues and organs come from the foods we eat in the form of nutrients. A balanced diet with careful selection of wholesome, natural foods will provide us with the proper amounts of nutrients our body needs to build and repair tissues, regulate body processes and provide us with energy. On the other hand, poor food selection with an unbalanced intake of nutrients can contribute to the development of significant health issues. An unbalanced diet is not usually due to the unavailability of proper foods, but rather is due to poor choices of foods.
So what is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet provides us with all the nutrients we need to support the growth and development of all our tissues, regulate metabolic processes, and provide us with adequate energy. Our body needs more than forty different nutrients to function properly. We can obtain these nutrients in our diet by consuming a wide variety of foods, in moderation, within the six classes of nutrients mentioned above: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

A balanced diet is a diet that is high in nutrients and low in Calories. It includes a variety of fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains (breads, cereals, rice and pasta), unprocessed oils and fats, sufficient protein (lean meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, free-run eggs, and nuts), organic-low-fat dairy products (milk, yogurt, and cheese), and clean water.

Most people who consume a wide variety of foods receive an adequate supply of nutrients. However, many people are not receiving optimal nutrition for a number of reasons. Excessive consumption of highly processed foods, depletion of key nutrients through improper food processing, and foods grown in nutrient challenged soil may not provide an adequate supply of nutrients we need to maintain good health. Serious concerns are beginning to immerge over the quality of the foods we eat, and more and more people are beginning to take responsibility for improving their own health and wellness. There is an abundance of evidence nowadays showing that an optimal level of nutrition can improve quality of life and extend lifespan.

In order to have good health and vitality, it’s important to consume foods that nurture and feed our cells at the cellular level. It is often said that we are only as healthy as our sickest cell. BarleyLIfe® is one such food for our cells. A live whole food concentrate made from green barley juice, it provides our body with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, proteins, amino acids, and chlorophyll. These nutrients help to build and repair bones and body tissue, strengthen and detoxify at a cellular level and create energy, vitality and strength. I take BarleyLife® daily as I know it contains a full spectrum of nutrients which helps maintain whole body health. It provides me with the nutrients I need that are lacking in many of today’s foods, and fuels my cells. As I often say, if people would only include BarleyLife® into their daily routine, they would be amazed at the improvements in their overall health and how well they would feel.

Our cells require the correct balance of nutrients to function properly, and what we eat can have a significant effect on our health. The more nutritious our diet is, the healthier our cells will be.

“You are what you eat”. Does it hold some truth for you?

“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.” ~ Hippocrates

For more information about AIM BarleyLife®, please visit www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Feel Revitalized Everyday

2011-04-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of spring, it’s so nice to be able to open up the windows again and let the warm fresh air fill our home. How rejuvenating it is to begin spring-cleaning both inside and outside of our home and once again experience the many joys springtime has to offer. There are also many great articles and advertisements about the importance of detoxification and spring-cleaning our body.

Well, I was originally going to join with the ranks and write an article about the importance of spring-cleaning our body, when it occurred to me that we should actually be supporting our elimination system on a daily basis through diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Not just every spring.

Detoxification is a natural process the body uses to remove impurities and potentially harmful substances from our systems. An accumulation of toxins and other waste products can hamper the proper functioning of our tissues, glands, and organs. Considering all the contaminants that exist in our food and the environment nowadays, our elimination systems are often overwhelmed, and this toxic overload can lead to chronic ailments, degenerative diseases and a whole lot of discomfort.

Fortunately, our body has a system in place for detoxifying and eliminating harmful toxic waste. Our skin, lungs, lymphatic system, liver, kidneys, and colon all work around the clock filtering and eliminating toxins, so it’s really vital to support these mechanisms which are keeping us healthy.

Under normal circumstances the body is able to eliminate toxins through urine, feces, perspiration and exhalation. We can either support, or hinder, our natural detoxification process by the kinds of foods we eat, the dietary supplements we take, the medications we use, and the lifestyle choices we make.

Poor dietary choices are one of the most important reasons why the body does not eliminate toxins and harmful substances effectively. A diet low in fibre, for instance, can reduce transit time, lead to constipation, and hold back toxins that need to be eliminated. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can also impede the body’s detoxifying process, making it difficult for proper elimination of toxins. So what can we do to help our body detoxify itself?

For starters, a diet that includes a variety of fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, unprocessed oils and fats, organic and free-range eggs, sufficient lean protein, organic-low-fat dairy products, and plenty of water will provide us with the nutrients we need to help promote the optimal performance of our elimination systems.

Whole grain and grain products, fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes are all good sources of dietary fibre. Studies have found a diet high in fibre reduces the incidences of many of today’s health conditions including colon cancer and diverticulosis. As fibre moves through our intestines, it scours the linings and pushes accumulated fats, cholesterol, sugars and chemical toxins out through the colon. As a matter of fact, it’s often said that a bowel movement is considered to be the ultimate detox, so it’s important to get enough fibre on a daily basis in our diet.

Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are also important for a healthy elimination system. When we exercise, it helps to keep things ‘moving’ (no pun intended), and we also eliminate many toxins through sweating and exhalation. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to enjoy exercise. Simply going for a walk will help the body’s natural processes. Smoking, excessive amounts of alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs can hamper the body’s detoxification systems as well. Limiting these or giving them up all together will definitely improve the body’s ability to detoxify.

Good old-fashioned H2O is also prudent in helping our body eliminate toxins, but many people aren’t drinking enough of this great stuff. Water is needed to carry nutrients to our cells, and waste products away from them. Adequate water consumption is vital to our day-to-day health. Consuming sufficient water has been associated with a decreased risk of kidney stone formation and a decreased risk of bladder, breast, and colon cancer.

Dietary and nutritional supplements can also be very beneficial in supporting our elimination system, and AIM has many excellent products to help our body detoxify, cleanse, nourish and energize itself.

AIM BarleyLife® is a live, nutrient-dense juice powder of young barley plants providing a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, protein, amino acids, and chlorophyll. Helps to balance your pH, neutralize body acidity, and promote a healthy immune system.

AIM Herbal FiberBlend® is a unique and powerful combination of psyllium fibre and 16 herbs that cleanses and detoxifies the body, sweeps the digestive system clean of toxins and food debris, and maintains bowel regularity.

AIM Herbal Release® is a unique combination of herbs that helps to cleanse, maintain a healthy digestive system, promote elimination, and support a healthy immune system. It cleanses the lymphatic system, functions as an antiparasitic and is great for detoxification. Take it with AIM Herbal FiberBlend® to get complete detoxification effects.

AIM FibreBalance® provides 12 grams of fibre in two scoops, with 75% insoluble fibre and 25% soluble fibre. The fibre from oat, inulin, and flax seed plus 6 herbs help to relieve constipation, protect intestinal walls, and maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It reduces transit time and provides a more thorough evacuation of waste and helps maintain digestive health.

AIM Cascara Sagrada helps to maintain bowel regularity, gently scour the intestinal walls, and remove toxins. Helps to tone the colon and provide complete detoxification. It may be used with dietary fibre to help maintain colon health.

AIM Para 90® is an herbal cleansing dietary supplement with anti-parasitic properties. It combines cleansing herbs with bromelain, a digestive enzyme. Helps to cleanse the digestive tract and maintain a parasite-free system.

AIM FloraFood® contains a special proprietary blend of three powerful and proven bacteria— L. gasseri, B. bifidum and B. longum. These ‘friendly’ bacteria help aid in the digestive process, help clean the intestinal tract, purify the colon and promote regular bowel movements.

AIM HumiKleanse® is a natural chelating supplement that helps your body rid itself of heavy metal accumulations through the normal elimination process while enhancing the body’s ability to utilize trace minerals.

It doesn’t need to be spring to spring-clean our body. By making wise choices in our diet, getting some regular exercise, drinking sufficient water, having a healthy lifestyle, and including dietary supplements to aid our digestive system and enhance detoxification, we can support and maintain our natural elimination process and feel revitalized everyday. Have a Happy Spring!

For more information about any of these AIM products, please visit www.followthegreen.com where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Have A Heart

2011-02-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

February is Heart Month, so you’re probably hearing a great deal about what to do to keep your heart healthy. Eat this and not that, exercise more, get more sleep and reduce your stress level. This amazing organ works hard to keep us alive, so let’s take a brief look at what the heart and the rest of the cardiovascular system does for us, and what we can do to keep it running smoothly.

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. It nourishes each body cell by transporting nutrients throughout the body. In fact, “cardio” refers to the heart, and “vascular” refers to the blood vessels.

The heart’s function is to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the blood vessels to every living cell in the body. The human heart is divided into four chambers - two on the right (right atrium and right ventricle) and two on the left (left atrium and left ventricle). Each chamber has a different function and each chamber of the heart has valves that close when the chambers push blood out. The sound of a valve closing is the sound of a “heartbeat”. Over a person’s entire lifespan, the heart must continuously beat by repeated, rhythmic contractions. If the heart stops beating, the body cannot function and will result in death. About the size of a person’s fist and weighing less than one pound, the heart is located between the lungs, slightly to the left side in the center of the chest. Depending on what you read, a healthy human heart beats on average 72 beats per minute, functions as a double muscular pump, pumps almost 2,000 gallons (approx. 7,500 liters) of blood every day, and during an average lifespan of 70 years, the human heart will beat more than two and a half billion times and will have pumped enough blood to fill over 100 full-sized swimming pools!

Blood vessels are broken down into three groups: arteries, veins, and capillaries. The arteries are vessels leading from the heart to the capillaries. Arteries form networks that include many different-sized vessels. They are designed to expand and contract with each beat of the heart and carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The largest artery, called the aorta, is approximately one to one and a half inches in diameter. Veins are the vessels leading from the capillaries to the heart. They are designed to allow the blood to flow in only one direction carrying oxygen-poor and carbon dioxide-enriched blood back to the heart. Capillaries are the smallest vessels measuring only about four micrometers in diameter. They connect the arteries and veins. They transfer oxygen and other nutrients into the cells and remove the carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste produced by the cells. As a matter of fact, if all the blood vessels in an adult human body were connected together, they would be about 80,000 miles in length!

Blood performs many important functions within the body. Some of these functions include: supplies the cells with oxygen and nutrients, remove waste from cells, regulates body temperature, regulates pH balance, serves a protective function by clotting to prevent blood loss, and serves as a carrier for various disease-fighting cells such as the white blood cells. About 5 to 6 liters of blood flows through the human body.

The cardiovascular system provides nourishment and oxygen to the body’s organs, tissues and cells allowing them to perform their many functions. It’s crucial to protect the cardiovascular system from damage to ensure it is functioning as best as possible. To keep the cardiovascular system healthy it is essential to eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats while limiting (or eliminating) foods high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Regular exercise, reducing stress, and a healthy lifestyle are also major contributors to heart health. In addition, adding a dietary supplement such as AIM CellSparc 360® can help support and maintain cardiovascular health.

When it comes to your heart and cardiovascular system, have a heart and treat it with respect. I know I want my heart to keep beating well after it’s hit the two and a half billion mark.

For more information about AIM CellSparc 360®, please visit My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Nutritional Supplements Are Important For Optimal Health

2011-01-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

It’s estimated we are receiving only 40 percent of the nutritional value of food nowadays. Some reports suggest this is untrue while many reports go even farther by saying this figure is actually lower. In any case, unless you are fortunate enough to have a garden close by with organic fresh food you can harvest and eat on a daily basis, I believe the food available in the supermarket does indeed lack in nutrition.

Many fresh foods travel great distances and many foods are processed to increase shelf life. To obtain the highest possible yield, producers are forced to rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides for their crops, while other producers use growth hormones, antibiotics, and inhumane confinement for animal production. (By the way, from what I understand about antibiotics given to animals destined for the dinner table…they are not necessary if the animals are kept in clean, un-crowded environments where they are able to stretch their legs and get fresh air and sunshine daily. Another reason to shop organic.)

The availability of high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar, and low-fibre foods has rapidly become commonplace, and growing concern with processed foods is they are becoming much less expensive than nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables. The availability and lower price of processed and energy-dense foods rich in sugar and fat makes them appealing to the pocket book as well as the taste buds, but not without consequences. Obesity, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions are gaining a stronghold in North America and researchers are now beginning to admit that diet plays a huge role in the prevention and treatment of disease.

Balance, variety, and moderation are the keys to a healthful diet. A balanced proportion of foods from the different food groups, a variety of foods from within the different food groups, and moderation in the consumption of any food should provide us with the nutrients we need to sustain life.

Although developments in the food industry over time have improved food quality and safety, there are still concerns over the nutritional content the food actually contains. Nutrients should come primarily from the foods we eat, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find foods that have not been grown in nutritionally challenged soils. Decades of poor agricultural practices are depleting foods of the nutrients we need for optimal health and wellness.
This is why nutritional supplements are important.

Nutritional supplements are designed to provide nutrients, both essential and non-essential, that you may not be getting from your diet. Also known as dietary supplements, nutritional supplements are an important part of a balanced health regime and can offer significant health benefits. They can help to correct nutritional deficiencies and help boost the immune system, and there is growing scientific evidence supporting the benefits of nutritional supplements and their role in maintaining optimal health.

Nutritional and dietary supplements are big business. It’s estimated that over twenty-five billions dollars a year is spent in the United States alone on natural health products. So which supplements should you look for and which are safe to take?

In the United States, the FDA regulates dietary supplements. According to their website, “dietary supplements (are regulated) under a different set of regulations than those covering "conventional" foods and drug products (prescription and Over-the-Counter). Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register their products with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements. * Manufacturers must make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading. *Domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States are required to register their facility with the FDA.”

Although “the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that its dietary supplement products are safe before they are marketed” and “there are no provisions in the law for FDA to "approve" dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they reach the consumer”, it’s important to purchase nutritional supplements from a reputable company who has been in busy for many years. You can also read more on FDA regulations with regards to dietary supplements on the FDA website.

In Canada, the laws are much more stringent. On January 1, 2004 The Natural Health Products Regulations came into effect and apply to all natural health products. Products defined in the Regulations as natural health products include vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, probiotics, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines (such as Traditional Chinese Medicines), amino acids and essential fatty acids.

Natural health products that fall under these regulations require an NPN (Natural Product Number). Once Health Canada has assessed the product, an eight digit product license number, preceded by the letters “NPN” will appear on the label informing consumers that Health Canada has reviewed the product for safety, quality, and health claims, and the product has been approved to be marketed under the Natural Health Products Regulations and has authorized the product for sale in Canada. The Natural Health Product Directorate (NHPD) is the regulating authority for health products for sale in Canada.

Nutritional supplements that are considered food products or whole-food concentrates come under the regulations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and do not require NPNs. When purchasing nutritional supplements look for a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label to ensure the product has met the requirements of Health Canada, and also make sure the company selling the product is a reputable company with a good track record.

Including nutritional supplements in your diet and daily health regime doesn’t need to be hard or cost a lot of money. Many companies offer high quality supplements at reasonable prices and it only takes a few minutes to mix up a healthy “green drink” from a barley grass juice concentrate such as AIM BarleyLife® or include a supplement caplet such as Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™ with your meal.

There are many health benefits nutritional supplements have to offer. In these modern times, with the convenience, cost and available of fast and processed foods, poor dietary habits and the questionable nutrition content of nutrient-dense foods, nutritional supplements are becoming increasingly popular as an addition to complement the diet. Simply put, nutritional supplements are important for optimal health.

AIM provides a variety of superior whole food concentrates and nutritional supplements to support a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, and nourish your cells, and AIM Members enjoy the benefits of wholesale pricing.

As Members of AIM Canada, we have a dedicated team of knowledgeable people keeping on top of all the legislation and regulations, ensuring AIM Canada is compliant, so we will continue to have the right to use and share natural health products to protect our health and the health of others who wish to use Natural Health Products.

To date AIM Canada has acquired eleven NPNs with nine other AIM products in the licensing process. Food products such as AIM BarleyLife®, LeafGreens®, Just Carrots®, ProPeas™ and RediBeets® come under the regulations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and do not require NPNs.

More Info at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/

The Real Secrets To Long-Term Weight Control

2011-01-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

Now that the holiday season is over, many people may be noticing their clothes have gotten a little tighter around the waist and perhaps gained a few extra pounds from over-indulging. Some will have made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and some will have made the resolution to get more exercise. These are both great resolutions and easy to keep, as long as they are included as part of an on-going health routine.

We are constantly inundated with all the ads on television, radio, and in magazines and newspapers, about how ‘this plan’ or ‘this product’ or ‘this new exercise routine’ is the ideal way to lose weight. And what about all the reality shows of heavy people parading themselves in front of the cameras hoping this will be the way to loose those extra pounds. Let’s face it. North Americans are preoccupied with their weight. Even though tens of billions of dollars are spent on weight loss products and services annually, North Americans are gaining weight faster than they’re losing it, and the incidence of obesity is on the rise.

The problem is, many people who diet think weight-control methods are only successful if they lead to a rapid loss of weight. When the lost weight is regained, many dieters tend to blame themselves as a failure when it’s actually the weight-control method they were using in the first place. Too many weight loss methods fail because they become unpleasant. Hunger, depression and a feeling of deprivation often occur while on a diet, which eventually can lead to eating binges, a return to previous habits, and weight gain. Often people find themselves gaining back all the weight they lost and more!

There is also a widespread belief that individuals can achieve any body weight, shape, or size they desire if they just diet and exercise enough. This could not be farther from the truth. People naturally come in all different shapes, weights and sizes and these factors can only be modified to a certain extent. No matter how hard a man may work out, he may never achieve that “washboard” stomach, and women need to realize many clothing models are very underweight. Most women would have to literally starve themselves to be that thin! Not a healthy option.

In order to be successful, enjoyable eating and exercise habits are needed to keep excess weight off and quick weight-loss methods don’t change habits. Weight loss is only successful if it is safe, healthy, and prevents weight regain. A successful approach to weight-control focuses on healthy eating and exercise for a lifetime, rather than on and off dieting.

One program, which is gaining acceptance among consumers and health professionals in the United States and Canada, is called “Health at Every Size”. According to Nancy L. Keim, a chemist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, “The “Every Size” strategy, a health-centered rather than weight-centered program, may help chronic dieters reshape their thinking, shed unhealthy habits, adopt new patterns of eating, become more physically active, and increase their self-esteem.” The program emphasizes strategies such as eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full; accepting your body size; enjoyable physical activities; healthy eating behaviors; how to have a peaceful relationship with food; improved self-esteem; and social support networks. Although the program does not lead to weight loss in the short term, the program reduces a number of health problems related to obesity and can help children, men, and women achieve healthy eating patterns, a better quality of life, and improve long-term health.

Changes in diet and exercise most likely to be maintained are small, acceptable, and easy to implement steps. Focusing on being healthy instead of weight-loss. Eat a diet of fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, unprocessed oils and fats, drug-free and free-range eggs and lean meats, and organic low-fat dairy products. Reduce (or eliminate) packaged and processed foods and incorporate fun activities into your day. These are the real secrets to long-term weight-control.

AIM carries a number of weight management products that are convenient and cost-effective. Products such as BarleyLife, Herbal FiberBlend, FibreBalance, GlucoChrom, ProPeas, CellStar Juices, and fit ‘n fiber can provide a healthy way to help with weight-control.

For more information about the AIM products, please visit My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/ where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Have Yourself A Merry Green Chistmas

2011-01-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

The human body is very complex, therefore it’s important to nourish it with the proper nutrition it needs to perform optimally and maintain good health. To quote Dr. H. E. Kirschner, MD, “There is absolutely no substitute for greens in the diet! If you refuse to eat these ‘sunlight energy’ foods you are depriving yourself, to a large degree, of the very essence of Life.”

Green leafy and cruciferous vegetables are packed with a powerhouse of nutrition for whole body health. They are rich in vitamins (including vitamins C, E, K and many of the B vitamins), minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium), protein, unsaturated fats, phytonutrients (including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage), chlorophyll and antioxidants. Consuming green leafy and cruciferous vegetables can help build our immune system and can dramatically prevent disease such as cancer and heart disease. Some of the more popular leafy green and cruciferous vegetables include: broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kohlrabi, turnip, rutabaga, kale, radishes, watercress, spinach, parsley, collards, and sprouts such as alfalfa sprouts. Calorie for calorie, they are one of the best sources of nutrition available.

Green leafy and cruciferous vegetables are also an excellent source of fibre. Increasing the fibre content in our diet is not difficult to do and foods high in fibre also contain many important nutrients essential for optimal health. Consumed on a regular basis, high fibre foods also provide us with the energy and vitality we need everyday. Green foods are also abundant in enzymes, which also help with digestion.

Research is increasingly showing that people who eat higher amounts of green leafy and cruciferous vegetables as part of a healthy diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic conditions. Diseases such as type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, stroke and heart disease can be greatly reduced.

Another way to get our daily dose of healthy greens is to drink AIM BarleyLife® and/or AIM LeafGreens™. Both of these whole food concentrates are abundant in vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids, antioxidants, phytochemicals, chlorophyll and enzymes. Our body uses these nutrients to build and repair itself, create energy, strengthen and detoxify at a cellular level, balance the pH of body fluids and deal with stressors. Many experts feel these types of green drinks are an ideal way to give our body some of the extra goodness it craves.

By incorporating greens into our daily diet we can help provide our body with the nutrition it needs to be healthy and perform optimally. Have yourself a wonderful Green Christmas!

For more information about AIM BarleyLife® and AIM LeafGreens™ please visit the My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Going With The Grain

2010-11-16T06:43:00.000-08:00

For thousands of years now, hearty whole grains have been the basis of the human diet. As a matter of fact, one of the definitions of the word “meal” is: “coarsely ground foodstuff; especially seeds of various cereal grasses or pulse” Put another way, ground grain.

Whole grains are an important source of many nutrients including dietary fibre, several B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate, the minerals iron, magnesium, and selenium, unsaturated fatty acids, and phytochemicals. Whole grains also contain complex carbohydrates that are broken down during digestion and converted to glucose, which is the substance the body prefers to burn for energy.
Dietary fibre from whole grains helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. It can help reduce constipation and other health conditions such as diverticulosis. Fibre-containing foods such as whole grains help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.

The B-complex vitamins found in whole grains play a key role in metabolism They help the body release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. B-complex vitamins are also essential for a healthy nervous system. Many refined grains are enriched with B-complex vitamins to replace the vitamins lost during refining.
Folate (folic acid) is needed for DNA synthesis, cell differentiation, and amino acid metabolism. Folate is especially important during pregnancy for normal fetal development. It also promotes the normal formation of red blood cells.
Iron is used in transporting oxygen in the blood. It improves energy, prevents anemia and provides each cell with oxygen to help function properly. Many teenage girls and women in their childbearing years have iron-deficiency anemia and should eat more iron containing foods.

Whole grains also provide magnesium and selenium. Magnesium works to build bones, conduct nerve impulses and contract muscles. It also plays a role in the production of energy, especially in the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Selenium works as an antioxidant to fight free-radical damage and protect cells from oxidation. It is also important for a healthy immune system.

A diet rich in whole grains has 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 and help regulate blood glucose levels in people living with diabetes. Including whole grains in the diet can also help with weight management.

Grains can be consumed in the form of breads, cereals, or pastas. Common types of whole grains include:

-Whole wheat
-Brown and wild rice
-Barley (not pearl)
-Popcorn
-Whole oats
-Whole rye
-Bulgar

Less common types of whole grains include:

-Amaranth
-Quinoa
-Millet
-Spelt
-Buckwheat

Whole grains are delicious and nutritious. A healthy diet that includes whole grains can help provide the essential nutrition needed for optimal health and well-being. Next time you reach for a loaf of bread, get going with the grain and reach for whole grain!

The Goodness Of Garlic

2010-10-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Affectionately called "the stinking rose" garlic dates back over 5000 years, is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region. Worshipped by the ancient Egyptians and consumed by Roman soldiers going into battle, this pungent little bulb also packs numerous therapeutic benefits. Over the millennia garlic has become indispensable in many cultures for both its culinary and medicinal properties. More recently it has gained increased popularity as researchers continue to scientifically validate its numerous health benefits.

Also known as Allium sativum, a diet rich in garlic may help lessen the incidence of several types of cancer, including cancer of the stomach, colon, breast and cervical. Research is also demonstrating that garlic may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, may be helpful in the prevention of free-radical damage and in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It has also been used to fight infections, treat colds and rid the body of parasites. Simply put, garlic is a potent disease-fighting food.

As with most foods, consuming them the way nature intended is usually best. If you don’t like the taste of garlic but would like to enjoy all the health benefits it has to offer try a garlic supplement such as AIM Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™.

Here are just a few of the benefits of Kyolic®Aged Garlic Extract™:

- Odourless, one-a-day caplet providing 1,000 mg of an organic source of Aged Garlic Extract™.
- Powerful antioxidant that provides numerous benefits.
- Helps promote a health immune system.
- Antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal.
- Supports healthy blood pressure and may lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Enhances circulation.
- Promotes heart health through cholesterol reduction when used in combination with dietary measures.
- Standardized with the water-soluble compound S-allylcysteine (SAC). Bioavailable SAC occurs naturally in garlic which greatly contributes to its health benefits.

There have been over 100 scientific studies of Aged Garlic Extract™ that have substantiated its safety and benefits. Several of these studies have focused on its benefits in regard to high blood pressure, cholesterol, homocysteine levels, liver function, immune stimulation, and cognitive effects. The positive results published in peer-reviewed journals confirm the superiority of Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™. *

Because of the health benefits garlic provides, it is one of the most valuable foods on the planet. Used over the ages for anything from fighting infection to warding off vampires, the goodness of garlic continues to awe and amaze us.

For more information about AIM Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™please visit My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/ where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any health issues or concerns. * AIM Datasheet.

The GI Factor, understand how to control your blood sugar with food.

2010-08-15T08:55:00.001-07:00

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. In the early 1980s, Dr. David Jenkins (professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto) and his colleagues developed the glycemic index (GI) in their research to determine which foods were best suited for control of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In was concluded that carbohydrates which break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI, while carbohydrates that break down more slowly and release glucose gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI.

There are three major components of food; proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Because carbohydrates are a rich source of the body’s primary fuel (glucose), they have the greatest effect on blood sugar levels. (Glucose is what the body uses for energy.)

Carbohydrates are split into two groups:

Simple carbohydrates are naturally occurring single sugars such as glucose and fructose. Table sugar, honey, natural fruit sugars and molasses are also simple carbohydrates. Processed foods such as baked goods, white flour and white rice behave as sugar in the body. Consistent consumption of these types of foods wreaks havoc with the body’s blood sugar levels. The simple carbohydrates contained in them release their sugar too quickly during digestion, causing a rapid, prolonged rise in blood sugar and can lead to obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes.

Complex carbohydrates are rich in starches that are mainly found in plants. They include whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits. Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates, allowing a sustained and level amount of sugar (and other nutrients) into the bloodstream.

All carbohydrates are eventually broken down into glucose, which is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, however complex carbohydrates break down much more slowly. Complex carbohydrates also provide a good source of fibre. A diet high in fibre has been shown to enhance elimination, help the body detoxify, balance blood sugar levels, boost energy and improve immunity.

A number of factors can influence the digestion and absorption rate of food. The GI of a food can be greatly influenced by a variety of factors such as the kind of starch or sugar the food contains; the degree to which a food is processed and prepared; how long the food is cooked; the acidity of the food and so on. Generally, anything that speeds the rate at which a food is digested and absorbed will raise its glycemic index.

Examples of foods that rate high on the glycemic index are products made from white flours such as bread and baked goods, processed cereals, snack foods such as chips and pretzels, baked and mashed potatoes, french-fries, and short-grain white rice. Some examples of foods that rate lower on the glycemic index include most vegetables and fruit, legumes, sweet potatoes, boiled potatoes and whole grains products.

In clinically controlled settings, the glycemic index is determined by assessing the increase in blood glucose level caused by ingestion of (up to) 50 grams of a carbohydrate-containing food compared to the increase in blood glucose levels that results from consuming the same amount of glucose. (Sometimes a slice of white bread is used.) The rise in blood sugar is measured and graphed and the results are indexed. The index rates foods on a 100-point scale. Foods that cause the quickest increase in glucose have the higher scores. Foods with a GI of 70 to 100 are considered “high” on the index, foods with a GI of 56 to 69 are considered “medium” and foods with a GI of 0 to 55 are considered “low”.

Just because certain foods have a high glycemic index doesn’t mean they should not be consumed as part of a balance diet. Some high GI foods are good sources of nutrients. But for people attempting to prevent or control type 2 diabetes or to diminish the effects of insulin resistance, food choices should lean towards a selection of mainly low-GI foods.

Just as the calories, quantity and type of fat, and sodium content listed on the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods is important to healthy food choices, the GI information should be equally essential in choosing the right kind of carbohydrate. The USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand permit and promote GI labeling. Perhaps sometime in the near future here in Canada we will see the glycemic index of foods included on the Nutrition Facts label also. The GI factor is definitely worth knowing about when making healthy food choices.

For more information on the glycemic index and the GI values of hundreds of foods, visit http://www.glycemicindex.com/.

Delicious and Nutritious Berries

2010-07-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

Berries are delicious and nutritious. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibre, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, which provide numerous health benefits. Considering their size, berries pack an enormous portion of nutrients, and including them in your diet will help to keep you healthy.

If you are fortunate enough to have some of these delightful treasures in your own back yard you already know how wonderful fresh berries can be and are able to enjoy the health benefits they have to offer right away. For the rest of us, purchasing local berries is the next best thing.

Here are some of the more common berries and what they have to offer:

Blueberries contain antioxidants and score high in their ability to fight free radicals. They heal damaged cells, help to keep brain cells alive, improve memory, promote cardiovascular health and have also been found to reduce belly fat.

Blackberries also contain antioxidants which neutralize free radicals that accelerate aging and age-related diseases and help protect the body from cancer.

Red Raspberries have antimicrobial properties and are helpful for people with irritable bowel syndrome, and the properties in the seed and oil of this fruit are thought to act as a natural sunscreen.

Strawberries are an especially good source of vitamin C, potassium and fibre and the antioxidants in strawberries can help neutralize the destructive effect of free radicals while helping to repair tissue and also provide anti-inflammatory benefits for sufferers of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, gout and asthma.

Black and Red Currants are rich in vitamins, have anti-inflammatory properties and are thought to help maintain electrolyte balance.

Most grocery stores carry a wide variety of fresh berries but choosing local berries is better for the environment. Imported fruits leave a substantial carbon footprint and often don’t contain as many nutrients as local fruits do. When choosing berries look for ripe, firm and colorful berries with no sign of mushy spots or mold and make sure you wash them well before eating.

For the freshest berries, your local farmers’ market will have a nice variety and most of them offer berries that have been harvested the same day. You can also find berry farms that allow you to pick your own. Visit PickYourOwn.org to find a pick-your-own farm near you.

Although berries are usual sweet enough to eat on their own, here are some other ways to enjoy them:

- Add berries to a bowl of whole-grain cereal.
- Toss them in to a salad. Strawberries go nice in a spinach salad.
- Stir your favorite berry into plain yogurt.
- Top a bowl of berries with a little light-whipped topping and a sprinkle of nuts.
- Combine berries with bananas and low-fat milk to make a smoothie.

Scientific research is showing that berries can help prevent cancer and heart disease, slow the aging process, control blood glucose, improve vision and sharpen brain function, and on-going research is discovering more and more health benefits berries have to offer.

Along with all of the other fresh fruits and vegetables the summer season has to offer, make sure to include delicious and nutritious berries.

Go Nuts

2010-06-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Nuts are good for us. They contain protein, vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of healthy fats. They’re rich in carbohydrates, antioxidants and fibre and also provide B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and other valuable nutrients. Nuts are also a great dietary source of healthy monounsaturated fats. Nuts are definitely part of a healthy diet.

Most people don’t eat enough of them, which is partly due to their high calorie and fat content. Yes, they may be high in fat, but they contain high levels of healthy fats, which are known to have heart-protective benefits. Researchers have found that people who eat nuts regularly have lower risks of heart disease, and research is showing that health benefits appear to increase as nut consumption increases. Research suggests the risk of coronary disease and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes both appear to decrease as nut consumption increases from consuming them less than once a week, to consuming them once or more per day. To gain the maximum benefits, studies suggest that 30 to 60 grams of nuts should be consumed daily. (Research is from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition).

As nuts come from a variety of plant types, each variety of nut has its own nutritional benefit. A few examples are:

Almonds provide vitamin E, copper and iron, protein and dietary fibre, which can promote healthy aging, protect against Alzheimer's disease, decrease free radial damage and help the digestive system work effectively. Almonds can promote healthy skin and are know to improve bone density.

Brazil nuts are rich in protein, fiber, selenium, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin E and thiamine. Selenium in these nuts helps to ward off the risk of cancer and helps fight carcinogenic free radicals. Brazil nuts can also help maintain weight and may help in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Cashews provide us with protein, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. They have high levels of monounsaturated fats, which promote good cardiovascular health. Cashews can help to reduce triglyceride levels in people with diabetes and research suggests incorporating cashew nuts in the diet can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Cashews are also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help in eliminating free radicals that can cause harm to our cells.

Pecans are a good source of protein, vitamin E, the B vitamin thiamine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, monounsaturated fats and fibre. Pecans can help with blood pressue, breast cancer, prostate health and heart health.

Walnuts are a rich source of omega –3 fatty acids and magnesium. They help strengthen the immune system, protect the heart and help nourish the brain. They help reduce cholesterol levels in the body and aid in production of good cholesterol. They are also known to increase bone density and prevent gallstones.

When purchasing nuts, look for natural unsalted nuts and buy organic if possible. Also watch the added salt content on packaged nuts. The sodium content can be quite high which isn’t good for hypertension and other health issues. Another thing to keep in mind is although nuts make a perfect snack, don’t get too nutty over them. A handful of nuts packs around 200 calories, so it’s best to dole them out in a small container rather than eat them right out of the bag/can.

Whether it’s almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios or walnuts, the list of benefits each nut provides is endless. The next time you feel like a snack, reach for some nuts. Don’t fret too much they may be high in fat and calories; they’ll do the body more good than you can imagine. Go ahead and go nuts!

Note: Nuts should not be eaten by anyone who has an allergy to them. Always check for allergies before giving any nuts to children or adults.

Summertime Endurance

2010-06-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sports and power drinks become increasingly popular during this time of year with more and more people spending time outdoors. Whether we are working in our yards and gardens, exercising, participating in sporting events, or working in the heat, there comes a time when we feel hot, tired and exhausted. Our body temperature feels as though it’s going through the roof and we need fluids to help counteract the effects of such heat.

When sweating takes place during sports, exercise, or other strenuous activities, it causes loss of fluids and electrolytes, making the body dehydrated. In hot, humid weather, we can become dehydrated in as little as 15 minutes. If not taken care of, dehydration can cause fatigue, impaired performance, heat stroke and circulatory difficulties. Fluid loss can also diminish the capacity for performing muscular work. It’s important to stay well hydrated during physical activity, and although water is a perfect choice for replacing fluids, replenishing electrolytes and other nutrients the body loses is equally important.

Considering everything we do depends on energy, which is constantly being depleted, we need to make sure that it is continuously restored. The primary source of energy for every function that occurs within each cell of the body is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). If ATP is depleted, cells cease to function properly, which can also result in many of the diseases we associate with stress or aging. ATP rejuvenates our cells, blood and tissues, and increases energy levels without boosting our heart rate, which can occur with products such as caffeine or ephedra. Replenishing ATP levels with a supplement can reduce fatigue, protect vital organs, provide energy, help to improve muscle strength and recovery and has anti-aging benefits.

AIM Peak Endurance™ provides PEAK ATP®, the only brand of ATP clinically proven to elevate ATP levels within the body when taken orally, and is so unique it is protected by several patents. In addition to PEAK ATP®, grape-flavoured AIM Peak Endurance™ contains electrolytes, and is truly an “energy drink”. Electrolytes are minerals that are necessary for conducting nerve impulses in our bodies. As we sweat, valuable electrolytes such as chloride, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, sodium and potassium are excreted making it important to replace them on a regular basis, especially when we perspire due to intense exercise or hot weather.

A typical commercial sports/energy drink may contain only three electrolytes and a whooping 10 to 49 grams of sugar! AIM Peak Endurance™ contains all six major electrolytes (sodium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and chloride) in proper balance and is low in sugar. Sweetened with all-natural stevia and lo han fruit extracts there is only half a gram per serving. It contains six of the B vitamins – B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and the easy-to-absorb form of B12 (methylcobalamin) and is also a source of vitamin C, supplying 11mg, which is about what you get from an apple (8mg) or a banana (10mg).

Some of the key benefits Peak Endurance™ provides are:

-Elevates ATP levels in cells, blood, and tissues
-Increases energy levels and reduces fatigue
-Supports cardiovascular and respiratory health
-Replenishes electrolytes lost during exercise or strenuous activities
-Supplies B vitamins that are lacking in vegetarian diets
-Improves muscle growth, strength, and recovery

Especially during the hot, humid summer months when so many of us are enjoying the nice weather and increased activity it’s important to stay hydrated and replenish fluids and nutrients the body loses when we perspire. Peak Endurance™ will not only replenish lost electrolytes and ATP but also will revitalize you. If you’re looking for some added summertime endurance, give Peak Endurance™ a try.

For more information about AIM Peak Endurance™, please visit My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/ where you can read more, download a data sheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Authors note: My husband and I have owned and operated a home improvement service for over twenty-two years. We work outside a great deal during the hot, humid weather and are finding Peak Endurance™ a lifesaver. We used to drink the “other” brands on the market, but since using Peak Endurance™ we are finding there is no comparison. When we’re out working in the heat we add a serving to a bottle of water (500ml) and drink. Within minutes our body temperature is moderating and we feel a sense of renewed energy. We also drink Peak Endurance™ while doing our yard work and gardening. It’s great!

Please Don’t Super-Size Me

2010-06-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

They may not refer to it as “super-sizing” anymore but the sizes of meals in the fast food chains are still pretty hefty. And in this day and age of economic slow-down, it’s easy to want more for your money. For a few extra cents, you can double the serving size of your French fries and soda and even get a sugary dessert treat. This may look like a great deal but the truth is, when it comes to our health it’s a really bad deal.

Portion sizes are getting larger and so are our waistlines. We’re eating more food now than we ever have before, and what we’re failing to realize is that while the calories we are consuming are up, our activity levels are down. We’re watching too much television, we sit in front of our computers for hours on end, and instead of walking or biking we drive everywhere…even to the corner store. In North America, reports estimate that caloric intake is up by an average of 340 per day due to the availability of inexpensive, calorie-dense foods and eating out at fast-food joints regularly. Vegetables, fruit and fibre are often absent from high-calorie diets, and these types of high-calorie diets provide little or no valuable nutrients our bodies need to maintain good health. Not only is fast-food high in calories it is typically high in sodium, saturated fats and trans fats, and some fast-food is very high in sugar.

Nutrient depleted and high-calorie foods as well as lifestyle choices are taking their toll on the health of many people. Obesity, type 2-diabetes (also known as adult on-set diabetes), high blood pressure and heart disease are becoming the ‘regular’ chronic diseases of Western civilization, and other developed countries are not far behind. There is no doubt that fast-food is here to stay and unless we start to change our choices when we’re grabbing that quick meal, experts warn we are creating a generation of very unhealthy people who create a huge burden on the health care system.

The good news is that there are ways of making healthier choices when eating fast-food and the key is to educate ourselves about different options. One place to start is realizing a ‘regular’ serving size isn’t that regular anymore and instead of eating everything put in front of us, we need to pay attention to the ‘I’m full’ feeling we get when we eat a little more slowly. Many fast-food joints and restaurants are offering more nutritious alternatives as well as providing customers with nutrition information. By choosing grilled or broiled foods, a salad instead of the fries, skipping the sauces and cheese, asking for the butter, sour cream and salad dressing on the side and choosing water or fresh juice instead of soda we can begin to take control of our health choices. And if you must eat at these places, please avoid the drive-thru and get out of the car, walk in and get your fast-food fix.

Another thing to keep in mind about fast-foods is that by consuming them we are creating an acidic environment in our body due to the high fat, sodium and sugar content in them, and disease thrives in an acidic environment. Because of this it’s important to limit our intake of these nutrient depleted foods and strive to maintain a steady pH (acid-alkaline) balance of body fluids. Reducing (or eliminating) the amount of fast-foods we’re consuming and eating a diet rich in fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, fish and lean meats, unprocessed oils and fats, drug-free and free-range eggs, and low-fat organic dairy products can have a very beneficial effect on our health.

Green barley grass juice is also an ideal food to enhance our nutritional intake and one of the most fundamental benefits of barley grass juice is its incredible alkalizing effect. Barley grass juice has a neutral pH of 7.0, and contains alkaline minerals that can neutralize acidic materials. A whole food concentrate made from green barley juice is AIM BarleyLife® which provides us with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, protein, amino acids, and chlorophyll. When taken every day, BarleyLife® helps our cells to function optimally and the rich source of nutrients contained in BarleyLife® helps to maintain whole body health.

The next time you feel like a fix of fast food, check your appetite at the door and try to choose something a little healthier from the menu. If we listen to our bodies and not our taste buds, we’re sure to hear that inner voice saying “please don’t super-size me”!

For more information about AIM BarleyLife® please visit http://www.followthegreen.com/ My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/ where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

What’s In Your Shopping Cart?

2010-04-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

When you go to the grocery store and look in your shopping cart, is it full of fresh colorful healthy foods or is it packed full of pre-packaged dead food loaded down with salt, sugar and preservatives? It is a good question to ask yourself and one that is worthwhile having a closer look at.

More and more studies are proving the association between eating a healthy diet to promote good health and eating an unhealthy diet and bad health. For instance, high intakes of sodium, sugary foods and refined grain products are associated with hypertension (high blood pressure). Low intake of calcium, poor vitamin D status and low intakes of vegetables and fruit is associated with the development of osteoporosis and bone fractures. A diet high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol intake with a low intake of vegetables and fruit is associated with heart disease. Cirrhosis of the liver is associated to poor overall diet and excessive alcohol consumption, and cancer is being associated with low vegetable and fruit intakes. It appears that to be healthy we need a diet that is low in sodium, sugar and refined grain products, contains lean sources of protein, and is high in fiber, complex carbohydrates and vegetables and fruits.

As consumers, there are many factors which can determine what types of foods we eat. Food costs, convenience, availability, health concerns, education, culture and religious beliefs can all contribute to our diet. Labeling can also have a huge impact on what we purchase for food. Some labels can be very misleading making the food sound healthy when in fact it really is not.

There are steps we can take to help us make informed decisions about the food we are buying and consuming. Making healthy food choices is essential for maintaining good health and can help in the prevention of many of today’s health disorders. An easy way to start is with the Canada Food Guide or the USDA MyPyramid program in the USA. These food guides are a good tool to use to see if we are getting the right types and amounts of the foods we need. You can visit the Canada Food Guide website at: http://hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php or the MyPyramid website at: http://www.mypyramid.gov/.

Another thing we can do to determine whether the food we are buying is good for us or not is to read the label. Look at what is listed in the ingredient list and if it is something you do not know or cannot pronounce it is generally a good rule of thumb to avoid it. If you would like to know what a lot of the chemicals and additives are, there is a multitude of websites and books available that explain what you are eating. Google food additives for a huge directory on the essential information about what is really in the food we eat, which additives we should avoid, and which are downright unsafe. There are a lot of books on the subject as well. Check with your local library or bookstore.

We can also make an informed choice by reading the Nutrition Facts panel on the label. The Nutrition Facts panel can help us make healthy choices for our family and ourselves. The information is based on a specific amount of food, which we can compare to the amount we eat. It also shows the percent Daily Value to see if a food has a little or alot of a specific nutrient. The table also shows how much fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium the product contains. Please keep in mind when reading these panels that the serving size may be significantly low. In other words, 50 ml or 1 teaspoon is not a lot of food but may contain high amounts of fats, sodium and/or sugar. (I will discuss food labeling in an upcoming issue of the newsletter.)

Choosing foods that are high in fibre and low in fat can help to keep us healthy and fit. Lots of fresh veggies and fruit are a must in today’s diet and the fresher and organic we can get is best. The local farmers markets are starting up at this time of year so it is a great way to shop for our fresh food needs.

Eating lots of fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, unprocessed oils and fats, drug-free and free-range eggs and lean meats, and organic dairy products while reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods we consume can have a very beneficial effect on our health.

Having a healthy diet is also important in reducing our risk of many of today’s chronic ailments. Not only does eating a healthy diet prevent us from health issues, it also makes us perform better, provides us with more energy, gives us a healthy glow and makes us feel great. What’s in your shopping cart?

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AIM For Strong Bones

2010-04-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

The adult human skeletal system is typically made up of 206 bones, whereas a newborn baby has more than 300 bones in their body. Some of the bones in a baby are made of regular bone and some are made of cartilage, which is soft and flexible. As we develop and grow, the cartilage also grows and over time slowly hardens into bone. During this process bones fuse together to form larger bones. The change from cartilage to bone occurs until about the age of twenty.

Both men and women have the same number of bones. Our bones give us shape and support, and help to protect our heart, lungs, brain and other vital organs. They team up with our joints and muscles to produce movement, and if we don’t take care of our bones they become weak, brittle and even break. Strong bones are essential for whole body health and wellness.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and also one of the most essential as it is required for so many bodily functions. Considering that about 99 percent of our body’s calcium is stored in our bones and teeth, it makes good sense to keep our supply topped up. If our daily diet is low in calcium, bone is literally broken down to keep our blood calcium level normal--because calcium plays other critical roles in supporting our bodies’ vital functions such as maintaining our heartbeat and controlling our blood pressure.

Our body continually removes and replaces small amounts of calcium from our bones. If the body removes more calcium than it replaces, our bones will become weaker and have a greater chance of breaking. Because bones have their own ‘calcium bank account’ it’s important we keep this account balanced. If we ‘withdraw’ too much calcium and we’re not ‘depositing’ enough into our ‘calcium bank account’ we run the risk of creating a calcium deficiency, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures, osteoporosis and other ailments.

There are many ways to get calcium in our daily diet and ensuring we’re getting enough, through diet and supplementation, is crucial in maintaining strong, healthy bones. Our diet should include the primary food sources of calcium—dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and cabbage. Sardines, eggs, tofu and low-fat (preferably organic) dairy products are also rich in calcium, which help support a healthy skeletal frame.

It’s also important we get regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Because bones are living tissue, weight-bearing physical activity causes new bone tissue to form, which makes bones stronger. Not only is this type of physical activity good for our bones, it also makes our muscles stronger. By pushing and tugging against each other, and gravity, both our bones and muscles benefit. Some examples of weight-bearing physical activities include: walking, running, dancing, aquafit, rebounding, stair climbing, hiking and weight lifting.

Considering calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body we tend to think it’s only purpose is keeping our bones and teeth healthy. However, this mineral is also needed for the proper function of our heart, muscles and nerves. Recent studies are linking high-calcium diets to weight loss and are suggesting that a diet rich in calcium may even help lower and maintain blood pressure levels.

Recognizing the importance of calcium to our health, The AIM Companies™ formulated CalciAIM™ which provides highly absorbable calcium and other supporting nutrients which are crucial for proper skeletal function and overall wellness.

Carefully formulated to determine the most beneficial types of calcium, the most effective method of delivery, and a combination of nutrients to help achieve superior whole-body health, CalciAIM™ (along with a healthy diet and exercise) can help us have and maintain strong healthy bones. A combination of 3 types of calcium, magnesium, L-lysine, vitamins C & D, zinc, and copper, this unique powder drink mix delivery system provides excellent calcium absorption levels helping in the development and maintenance of our bones,cartilage, teeth and gums.

We all need to AIM for strong bones and CalciAIM™ can help!

For more information about CalciAIM™ please visit My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/ where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Can’t Beat A Beet

2010-01-15T10:49:00.000-08:00

Did you know beets are a natural cleanser helping to remove toxins from the body and nourish the bloodstream? Not only do beets cleanse the liver and purify the blood, they also aid in digestion and stimulate lymphatic activity. Beets contain powerful nutrients that can help protect against heart disease, birth defects, and certain cancers such as colon cancer.

Botanically known as Beta vulgaris, the beet evolved from their wild ancestor known as sea beet, which is a native of the coastlines of Northern Africa, Southern Asia and Europe. The root was carrot shaped and during early times the beet greens were eaten rather than the roots. At first, the ancient Romans were mostly interested in beets for medicine, however they are believed to be one of the first civilizations to cultivate beetroot for food.

Amongst other ailments, the Romans used beetroot in curative broths as a treatment for fever, constipation, and other ailments. They also considered beetroot juice as an aphrodisiac. It wasn’t until the sixteenth century the rounded root shape we’re familiar with today was developed, and became popular in Central and Eastern Europe a couple of hundred years later. Over the millennia beetroot has been used to treat a variety of conditions, especially illnesses related to digestion and the blood. Today the beetroot is still championed as a universal cure-all.

Raw beetroots contain folate, niacin, biotin, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. They’re low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, providing our body with fuel and fibre. During pregnancy, folate is important for normal fetal development and folate also aids in the formation of red blood cells. Potassium, along with sodium, helps to regulate the water balance and acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues. The pigment batacyanin, which gives beets their rich purple-crimson colour, is a powerful cancer-fighting agent and its effectiveness against colon cancer in particular has been demonstrated in several studies. Iron improves energy, prevents anemia and provides each cell with oxygen to function better, and the iron in beet juice is noted for being more easily assimilated than other forms of iron supplements.

Beets may also help to lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising levels of beneficial cholesterol (HDL) which can improve cardiovascular health. Beetroots are also known to have the ability to counter damaging effects on the liver. Over the last four centuries beetroot has been used for the treatment of hepatitis and has been thought to be beneficial for the detoxification of the liver. Theories suggest the high concentrations of betaine found in beets help support and detoxify the liver by limiting fat deposits. Betaine is also known to lessen inflammation and also play a role in reducing homocysteine of which high levels of homocysteine are associated with cardiovascular disease.

We know that fresh fruits and vegetables provide us with a broad spectrum of essential nutrients and fibre necessary for proper digestion, assimilation and whole body health. They provide phytochemicals, enzymes and antioxidants and consuming them the way nature intended in their raw form is usually the best, however, some vegetables do need to be cooked otherwise they would be very hard to eat. Because cooking destroys valuable enzymes, which are essential for the thousands of chemical reactions that occur throughout the body, juicing provides a means to ensure we’re getting the maximum amount of nutrients available.

Available in a ready to mix powder, AIM RediBeets® provides a convenient way to enjoy the benefits beetroot has to offer without all the extra work and mess. The half pound of beets used to make a teaspoon of RediBeets® is residue-free. When the beets are processed to separate the juice and its valuable nutrients from the fiber, the beets are not subjected to high temperatures that may damage their nutrients. AIM uses only the root of red beets and it takes approximately 25 pounds of beets to make one pound of RediBeets® powder.

Considering the powerhouse of nutrition and all the benefits beets have to offer, it makes good sense to consume them as part of our dietary routine to help maintain whole body health, prevent illness and provide us with total wellness. When it comes to good wholesome food, you sure can’t beat a beet!

For more information about AIM RediBeets® please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns. While there is no processed sugar in RediBeets® it is made up of about 70 percent natural sugars. These natural sugars are what give RediBeets® its sweet taste.
Anyone who is diabetic or concerned about blood glucose levels should consult a health practitioner before using AIM RediBeets®.

An Apple A Day

2009-12-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

Autumn typically means harvest time in Canada, making it wonderful to see the markets overflowing with colorful vegetables and plenty of fresh apples. One of nature’s finest foods, the apple comes in a variety of colors and flavours sure to please any palate. From McIntosh to Red Delicious, Gala to Cortland the health benefits of apples are countless.

One of the most widely cultivated tree fruits, there are more than 7,500 known varieties of apples. A member of the rose family, it is thought the apple has been around for some 4000 thousand years. And according to some researchers, archeologists have found evidence that us humans have been enjoying apples as far back as 6500 BC.

Apples made an excellent commodity for early settlers as they stored well and had many uses. When dried they were available all year round and apples could be easily turned into cider. In her book The Apple, A History of Canada’s Perfect Fruit, author Carol Martin describes how “apples have been a part of Canadian life ever since the first European settlers arrived in the early years of the 17th century. In the east, Champlain led his tiny colony to Hochelaga (Quebec City) and brought along young saplings to be planted. In the west, Sir George Simpson arrived to found the most westerly Hudson's Bay company fort with apple seeds tucked into his vest pocket. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries horticulturalists across the country worked to develop varieties of eating apples that could withstand Canadian winters.”

Today, people from all countries across the globe are enjoying apples daily making them the most popular fruit in the world. Although apples have endless culinary uses such as pies and dumplings, the best way to obtain the maximum nutrition apples have to offer is by eating them the way Mother Nature intended. Whole raw apples have many health benefits and there are many studies and claims to support this.

Apples contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals and soluble fibre. Because of the powerhouse of nutrients apples provide they can help boost our immune system, help build strong bones and teeth, help repair tissue, help to slow the aging process, reduce the risk of diseases including some cancers, osteoporosis and heart disease, help lower cholesterol, help increase fibre intake, help manage diabetes and help with weight loss.

Apples make a healthy and nutritious snack with many varieties available in the markets all year round. When shopping for apples look for bright, richly coloured apples that feel firm and pick fruit that is free from bruises, holes and soft spots and try to buy organic. Wash them well when you get them home. To keep them crispy store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator or a cold cellar but eat them at room temperature for the most flavour. Although some apples taste sweet and others may have a tart or tangy taste, it’s always fun to experiment and try different varieties. How fortunate we are to have this simple fruit so readily available to us daily.

The health benefits from eating apples are enormous and scientific researchers are discovering more and more reasons we should all be eating apples. The next time you’re looking for a snack, remember that old saying and reach for an apple. An apple a day can indeed help keep us healthy.

A Star Is Born

2009-12-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

More and more people are realizing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and health juices have become all and rave with young and old alike. Everything from Tahitian Noni Juice to the ever-popular acai juice, health conscience people are looking for alternatives to the regular juices we have been consuming for decades.

Although regular juices have come along way—no pulp, extra pulp, unsweetened, naturally sweetened, added calcium, from concentrate, not from concentrate, added Vitamin C, contains real fruit juice, and the like—consuming juices that are highly nutritious and in as close a pure and natural state as possible, can have many added health benefits than the regular juices can provide.

One such juice is pomegranate juice. More and more research is finding that pomegranate juice has a higher percentage of antioxidant capacity than red wine, purple grape juice, black cherry juice, blueberry juice, acai juice, cranberry juice, orange and apple juice, and green tea.

AIM Cellstar™ Pomagrape juice contains a concentrate blend of pomegranate juice and pomegranate extract. Although pomegranate is the featured ingredient in Pomagrape, this anti-aging juice is a combination of superfruits including cherry, white grape, strawberry, lemon, apple and pear. It also contains chokecherry extract, elderberry extract, blueberry extract, black currant extract, grape seed extract, hibiscus extract, raspberry extract, and apple extract. Pomagrape has half the sugar of regular juice as it contains only the natural sugars found in the fruit itself along with the addition of stevia, which has zero calories, zero carbohydrates and scores zero on the glycemic index.

With all the natural and nutritious ingredients found in this superjuice, Pomagrape provides antioxidant health, helps reduce the appearance of aging, helps lessen arthritis symptoms, helps to maintain prostate health, aids in mental cognition, and helps improve cardiovascular health.

Another superfruit juice AIM has developed is AIM Cellstar™ Mango Tango, which is a combination of superfruits and herbs, focusing on stimulating the body’s immune system. Mango Tango is a puree blend of mango and mangosteen with a concentrate blend of pomegranate, orange, pineapple, white grape, lemon, apple, pear, camu-camu extract, echinacea extract, hibiscus extract and raspberry extract. It too has half the sugar of regular juices thanks to the addition of stevia, and camu-camu contains more vitamin C than any other known plant in the world. As well as boosting the immune system, Mango Tango can help soothe joint pain, support intestinal health, help fight infection, help prevent urinary tract infection and balances mood.

With Pomagrape’s tart bite and dark ruby red colour, and Mango Tango’s pleasant sweet taste, these superjuices are sure to please. A star is born with AIM Cellstar™.

For more information about AIM Cellstar™ Pomagrape and Mango Tango please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Keep The Bugs Away

2009-12-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

December 21st marks the winter solstice, which also happens to be one of my favourite days of the year. Although winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, it’s one of my favourite days because the daylight hours will start to increase making the days a little longer and the nights a little shorter. It’s also the first day of winter, and for some, that means the cold and flu season.

Although the cold and flu ‘bugs’ seem to be lurking just about everywhere we go nowadays, we can reduce the risk of getting a cold or the flu with antioxidants such as green tea and grape seed extract, proven to neutralize free radicals and support a healthy immune system.

Antioxidants are a broad group of compounds that destroy single oxygen molecules, also called free radicals, in the body, thereby protecting against oxidative damage to cells. They are essential to good health and are found naturally in a wide variety of foods and plants, including many fruits and vegetables. During the winter months however, there is less of a variety of fresh and nutritious foods to choose from, so we need to supplement with a daily intake of antioxidants. (It’s also worth mentioning that free radicals have been linked to many age-related diseases such as cancer, heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.) A strong immune system is the best ways to ward off illness, and what better way for our immune system to get a boost then to take a variety of antioxidants.

AIM Proancynol™2000 is a combination of seven antioxidants which work together (antioxidant cycling) to improve each other. AIM Proancynol™2000
combines the proven ability of these seven antioxidant compounds— green tea extract, rosemary extract, grape seed extract, N acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, and selenium—to provide us with the best antioxidant supplementation available.

It may be the cold and flu season but we can fight back this winter and help protect our immune system by eating a healthy diet and supplementing with AIM Proancynol™ 2000. Let’s have a fun, happy and healthy winter season and keep the bugs away!

For more information about AIM Proancynol™ 2000 please visit the AIM website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Tis The Season

2009-12-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us and along with it comes season’s greetings, good wishes and the ever-present holiday cheer consisting of plenty of food and drink. It’s hard not to indulge ourselves in all the snacks, large meals and rich desserts we’re continually offered during this festive time, but the consequences of overindulging can leave us feeling not so festive.

Two of the most common physical side effects of overeating are indigestion and heartburn. Our body works hard to digest the food and drink we consume, and the foods we choose to eat can make all the difference in how our digestive system deals with it. Processed, refined and dead foods are ever present throughout the year in the typical North American diet and even more so during festive occasions. Because we’re going to consume foods that may not be all that good for us during the holidays, including digestive enzymes in our diet can help our body to do its job.

AIM PrepZymes® is specially formulated for high-sugar, high-fat diets and is an exceptional digestive supplement containing 8 cultured enzymes—protease I and II, alpha/beta amylase, lipase, cellulase, lactase, maltase and invertase. This unique combination of enzymes has been specifically formulated to help digest a wide range of processed foods including fats, proteins, hidden sugars, diary products and snack foods. AIM PrepZymes® also contains alpine wild garlic and papaya fruit powder which also aid in digestion and provide additional antioxidant benefits.

Large meals, rich desserts and snacks are all part of the holiday menu, so it makes good sense to help our body break down the foods we eat and maintain our digestive health. After all, it ‘tis the season!

For more information about AIM PrepZymes® please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

AIM PrepZymes® are best taken immediately before or during meals so they can begin to break down the food before the pancreas becomes overworked by having to secrete more enzymes than necessary. You may take AIM PrepZymes® with other AIM products, however, AIM PrepZymes® will break down the healthy probiotic bacteria in AIM FloraFood®, so it is recommended to take these two products separately with different meals. It is also recommended that those with gastritis or gastric or duodenal ulcers should not use AIM PrepZymes® as it may result in irritation.

Avoid The Flu By Building A Stronger You

2009-12-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

With all the hype in the media about the H1N1 flu (or swine flu as it is commonly known) people are lining up in droves to get vaccinated. Although there are people at risk of contracting the virus who have compromised immune systems, I feel (and this is my personal opinion and not meant to deter anyone away from getting the flu shot if they are at risk or feel they should have one) people need to work at building a stronger immune system by focusing on diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and sleep.

Health officials are also concerned this flu strain will combine with other flu strains, which will continually mutate making it more and more difficult to create an effective vaccine. In my opinion, by maintaining a healthy immune system we will be less susceptible to the virus and help protect ourselves from infectious diseases. If this is going to keep mutating then it makes sense to build up a resistance naturally rather than rely on vaccinations and other drugs when a “pandemic” occurs. I haven’t had a flu shot for a number of years now and I also haven’t had the flu. Sometimes I feel a little under the weather or catch the odd cold, but I know this is my body fighting off any attacking viruses.

While washing our hands frequently and keeping surfaces clean helps prevent the spread of the virus to our mouth, nose, eyes and other people, we must also look toward whole body health to minimize the risk of becoming ill. Washing our hands and keeping things clean should be the norm all of the time, not only when there is a flu bug going around. Proper hygiene is also essential to good health.

We can fortify our immune system with a diet rich in bright orange and green fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken, fish and eggs, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and plenty of fresh water. We also need to make sure we are getting enough fibre in our diet (25-30 grams daily), and have an ample supply of “friendly bacteria” in our digestive system. Yogurt and kefir can help replenish digestive bacteria but in order to prevent the loss of these good bacteria we need to take a probiotic supplement. Reducing acidic foods (sugar) and increasing alkaline foods (BarleyLife®) will help prevent many illnesses as disease and other health conditions cannot survive in an alkaline environment.

Vitamin D will also help to build a stronger immune system and what better way to get both vitamin D and exercise than to enjoy activities outdoors on a nice sunny day. Although our days are cooler and shorter at this time of year, spending some time outside helps not only our body but our mind as well. Adequate sleep is also essential in preventing illness as our body does its best healing when it is well rested. And last but definitely not least, is a healthy lifestyle. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, pharmaceutical drugs and stress are detrimental to good health and well-being and will play havoc on the immune system. These should be avoided as much as possible.

It is also important to realize there are a lot of natural remedies being marketed as “cures” for the H1N1 flu. As far as I am concerned, a product cannot “cure” anything. It is the human body that has the ability to prevent and cure and this is why it is important to provide it with all of the essential ingredients such as proper nutrition, exercise, adequate amounts of rest and a healthy lifestyle.

AIM provides a variety of superior whole food concentrates and nutritional supplements to support a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, and nourish our cells. Especially during this “pandemic” with the H1N1 flu circulating world-wide our body needs more than just good food. AIM’s key nutritional supplements can promote whole body health and fortify the immune system. Why not avoid the flu, by building a stronger you!

For more information on products AIM carries to help strengthen the immune system, please visit My AIM Store at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download datasheets and watch videos. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Lemons – they’re not just for lemonade

2009-09-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Used for both culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, the exact origin of the lemon has remained a mystery. According to Wikipedia, It is presumed that lemons first grew in India, northern Burma and China. It was known for its antiseptic properties in South and South East Asia and was used as an antidote for various poisons. The lemon was later introduced to Persia and then to Iraq and Egypt around 700AD. It was first recorded in literature in a tenth century Arabic treatise on farming and was distributed widely throughout the Arab world and the Mediterranean region between 1000AD and 1150AD.

During the time of Ancient Rome, lemons entered Europe near southern Italy however they were not widely cultivated. The first real lemon cultivation in Europe began in the middle of the fifteenth century and was later introduced to the Americas in 1493 when Christopher Columbus brought lemon seed to Hispaniola along his voyages. Spanish conquest throughout the New World helped spread lemon seeds and the lemons were mainly used as ornament and medicine. It wasn’t until the 1700s and late 1800s that lemons were increasingly planted in Florida and California and began using in cooking and flavouring.

Considering we see lemons just about everywhere, the simple lemon is very much understated. We use them to make lemonade and lemon pies, mix them in our drinks, use them in our cooking and for garnishes and they also make a great deodorize and air freshener. But perhaps we need to take another look at this yellow gem because there is so much more we can do with lemons than just make lemonade. Here are a few medicinal and non-medicinal facts and uses for lemons:

-Although acidic in taste, lemons are one of the most alkaline forming foods on the face of the planet.
-Lemon juice added to a glass of water can be sipped during a meal to help the stomach's digestive ability by adding to the digestive juices and acid.
-Lemon juice is a powerful antibacterial.
-Lemon juice is a great liver tonic and can help detoxify your liver.
-Lemon juice can be used as part of a cleansing process to rid the body of gallstones.
-Lemon Juice helps to prevent diabetes.
-Lemon is a diuretic providing relief in kidney and bladder disorders.
-Lemon juice relieves symptoms of asthma, tonsillitis and sore throat.
-Lemon-juice prevents or restrains influenza, malaria and cold.
-Lemon juice has been used in destroying intestinal worms.
-Lemon has been used for many years in gout and rheumatism.
-Lemon juice is known to relive hiccups.
-As a natural antiseptic, the juice of the lemon will destroy harmful bacteria found in cuts and other areas of infection.
-When applied to hair after rinsing, lemon juice will give volume and shine to your hair.
-Lemon juice makes a great household cleaner and deodorizer.

Lemon juice, or fresh lemon, can help detoxify the whole body. Next to drinking plain purified water, drinking lemon water daily is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Let’s not underestimate the power of this simple fruit. Lemons – they’re not just for lemonade.

Getting Enough Fibre?

2009-08-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

Experts say the average North American consumes less than half of the recommended 25 to 40 grams of fibre we need daily to help prevent a host of health problems. Not only that, many people are not having any more than one bowel movement a day, and for some the bowel transit time is anywhere from 48 to 96 hours! These are pretty scary statistics considering we should be eliminating waste every 12 to 18 hours when our system is in optimal working order. Of course bowel transit time depends on what types of food we eat and how much we drink, so people who eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains will have shorter transit times than people who eat mostly starches, sugars and processed foods.
Not to mention, if we’re “full of it” we’re often overloaded with toxins which can result in a number of health concerns such as constipation, poor digestion, bloating, gas, fatigue, weight gain, headaches, excessive mucous, poor skin, and even depression. Some health professionals even believe toxic build-up may be related to conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivity amongst others.
In her book Cleansing the Body and the Colon for a Happier and Healthier You using Herbal Dietary Fiber, Teresa Schumacher, author and formulator of AIM Herbal Fiberblend® writes, “everyone is different”. “You should have from one to four eliminations a day, one for each meal eaten. They should be of a good consistency and not loose like diarrhea.”
Increasing the fibre content in our diet is not difficult to do and foods high in fibre also contain many important nutrients essential for optimal health and well-being. Consumed on a regular basis, high fibre foods also provide us with the energy and vitality we need from day to day. There are two types of fibre:
Soluble fibre: dissolves in water and is believed to help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar. Vegetables and some fruit contain soluble fibre.

Insoluble fibre: (also known as roughage or bulk) doesn’t dissolve in water and can help relieve constipation and maintain a healthy digestive system. Insoluble fibre is found in vegetables, fruits, legumes such as beans and peas, nuts, wheat bran and whole-wheat flour.

Foods that contain fibre and are easy to incorporate into a daily regime include fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, pears, bananas, berries, peas, broccoli, sweet potato, corn and carrots. Another great source of fibre are beans (kidney and baked), lentils, almonds and other nuts, seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and whole grain breads and pastas. It’s also important for our digestive health to drink plenty of water every day (six to eight cups). Taking herbal and fibre supplements regularly will also help to ensure we are getting enough fibre in our diet as well as help to eliminate toxins.

AIM Herbal Fiberblend® contains both soluble and insoluble fibre making it an ideal product as a source of fibre, as well as cleansing herbs to aid in bowel regularity, scouring the intestinal wall, and ridding the body of toxins. AIM FibreBalance® (Canada only) provides 12 grams of fibre (soluble and insoluble) in two scoops, prevents constipation and protects the intestinal wall. It reduces transit time and provides a more thorough evacuation of waste and helps maintain digestive health.

A diet which includes foods that are high in fibre, can reduce the incidences of colon cancer, heart disease, appendicitis, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and other health complications related to poor digestive health. A diet rich in fibre can help manage and protect against many diseases, prevent constipation, and reduce transit time providing a more thorough evacuation of waste. Are you getting enough fibre?

For more information about AIM Herbal Fiberblend® and AIM FibreBalance® please visit the AIM website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a data sheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Need An Energy Boost?

2009-07-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

The primary source of energy for every function that occurs within each cell of the body is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). If ATP is depleted, cells cease to function properly which can result in many of the diseases we associate with stress or aging. ATP is a product of the Krebs cycle, in which cells produce usable energy. ATP production begins to diminish after age 20 and by age 70 we make about half as much ATP as we used to.

Considering everything we do depends on energy, which is constantly being depleted, we need to make sure that it is continuously restored. ATP rejuvenates our cells, blood and tissues, and increases energy levels without boosting our heart rate, which can occur with products such as caffeine or ephedra. Replenishing ATP levels with a supplement can reduce fatigue, protect vital organs, provide energy, help to improve muscle strength and recovery and has anti-aging benefits. AIM Peak Endurance™ provides PEAK ATP®, the only oral source of ATP clinically proven to elevate ATP levels within the body, and is so unique it is protected by several patents.

In addition to PEAK ATP®, grape-flavoured AIM Peak Endurance™ contains electrolytes, and is truly an “energy drink”. Electrolytes are minerals that are necessary for conducting nerve impulses in our bodies. As we sweat, valuable electrolytes such as chloride, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, sodium and potassium are excreted making it important to replace them on a regular basis, especially when we perspire due to intense exercise or hot weather.

When sweating takes place during sports, exercise, or other strenuous activities, it causes loss of fluids and electrolytes, making the body dehydrated. And in hot, humid weather, people can become dehydrated in as little as 15 minutes. If not taken care of, dehydration can cause fatigue, impaired performance, heat stroke and circulatory difficulties, and fluid loss can also diminish the capacity for performing muscular work. It is important to stay well hydrated during physical activity, and although water is a perfect choice for replacing fluids, replenishing electrolytes and other nutrients the body loses is equally important.

A typical commercial sports drink can contain only three electrolytes and 10 to 49 grams of sugar. AIM Peak Endurance™ contains six electrolytes – sodium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and chloride – and is low in sugar. Sweetened with all-natural stevia and lo han fruit extracts there is only half a gram per serving. It also contains six of the B vitamins – B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and the easy-to-absorb form of B12 (methylcobalamin). Peak Endurance™ is also a source of vitamin C, supplying 11mg, which is about what you get from an apple (8mg) or a banana (10mg).

Some of the key benefits Peak Endurance™ provides are:

-Elevates ATP levels in cells, blood, and tissues
-Increases energy levels and reduces fatigue
-Supports cardiovascular and respiratory health
-Replenishes electrolytes lost during exercise or strenuous activities
-Supplies B vitamins that are lacking in vegetarian diets
-Improves muscle growth, strength, and recovery

Especially during the hot, humid summer months when so many of us are enjoying the nice weather and increased activity—be it sports, exercise, gardening, or some other strenuous activity—it is important to stay hydrated and replenish nutrients the body loses when we perspire. Peak Endurance™ will not only replenish lost electrolytes and ATP but also will revitalize you. Do you need an energy boost?

For more information about this amazing product, please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a data sheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Authors note: My husband and I have owned and operated a home improvement service for over twenty years. We work outside alot during the hot, humid weather and are finding Peak Endurance™ a lifesaver. We used to drink the “other” brands on the market, but since using Peak Endurance™ we are finding there is no comparison. When we’re out working in the heat we add a serving to a bottle of water (500ml) and drink. Within minutes our body temperature is moderating and we feel a sense of renewed energy. We also drink Peak Endurance™ while doing our yard work and gardening. It’s great!

The Skinny On Fat

2009-06-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Back in the 1980s health professionals were recommending low-fat diets for optimal health. Fat in our diet was considered the culprit in obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol. In the last twenty-five plus years though, our knowledge about fat has changed. The reality now is, this important nutrient is essential for good health and vital for a healthy diet. We need to choose the right types of fat that promote our health positively. The key is to replace bad fat with good fat. It is the type of fat, not only the amount, which impact our overall health.

Depending on the effect it has on heart health, fat can be “good” or “ bad”. Studies are showing that choosing more of the “good” monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, instead of the “bad” saturated and trans fats can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Canada’s Food Guide recommends that we include 2 to 3 tablespoons of unsaturated fat each day in our diets to get the fat we need. (Unsaturated fats are divided into monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats and both are thought to have beneficial effects on heart health and cholesterol.)

Known as “bad fats”, saturated and trans fat can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Saturated fat is found in dairy products such as butter, cream and cheese, meat and poultry skin. Trans fat is found in foods prepared with partially hydrogenated oils and include donuts, fries and packaged foods. It is a good idea to reduce or eliminate these types of fats in our diet and replace them with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated “good” fats. These good fats also provide us with essential omega-3-6-9.

Monounsaturated fats help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while also increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Some foods high in monounsaturated fat include nuts (particularly almonds, pecans and hazelnuts), avocadoes, canola, safflower and olive oil.

Polyunsaturated fats are also thought to help lower total and bad cholesterol and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Foods high in polyunsaturated fat include fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines, walnuts, sunflower, soy and flax oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are also thought to lower blood pressure, combat bad cholesterol (LDL), protect the brain and nervous system and fight inflammation.

The human body can manufacture most fatty acids that we require for optimal health, but the fatty acids that our body cannot manufacture and need to acquire from diet and supplementation, are called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and are vital to our health. Consuming “good fat” foods and taking EFA supplements on a daily basis is the only way to get these essential nutrients. Consuming fish once in awhile is not enough. EFA deficiency has become one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies, and supplementation is becoming very popular with more and more people enjoying the results.

A great supplement to take which supplies essential omega –3 and –6 fatty acids as well as omega –9 in an easy-to-swallow soft gelatine capsule (which protects the oils from light and oxygen for optimal freshness) is AIMega®.

With the growing popularity of vegetarian diets, or people who prefer not to take fish oil, AIMega® contains a healthy ratio of beneficial omega-3, -6 and –9 fatty acids derived from plant sources, providing us with essential fats needed to maintain optimal health and well-being.

Now that we know “good fat” isn’t the culprit we once thought it was, a healthy and balanced diet, along with supplementation, can help us build a solid foundation for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. In a nutshell, that’s the skinny on fat.

If you’d like more information about AIMega® please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more about this beneficial product, download a data sheet or watch a video.

Get Fresh

2009-05-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

With summer rapidly approaching it’s the perfect time to purchase and consume fresh local fruits and vegetables. (What better way to supply the body with much needed enzymes).

The latest North American food guidelines recommend adults consume between 5 to 10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Although that may seem like a lot, it is an easy goal to reach and something we need to strive for.

Studies are showing that a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables helps to lower the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and other chronic conditions. Many of these fresh foods have high amounts of vitamins and minerals and some of these foods have also been shown to have strong antioxidant qualities. In addition to all the nutrients fresh fruit and vegetables provide, they are also a very good source of fiber.

Not only do fresh fruit and vegetables taste great they are also low in fat and calories and contain no cholesterol. For anyone watching their weight these foods can be effective for long-term weight management.

Fresh food markets are now open, making it the ideal time to purchase fresh fruits and veggies and have fun as well. Many of these markets offer pick your own programs (also known as U-pick) and many provide activities for children and adults alike, making them a great way to get some exercise and introduce children to the joy of healthy eating.

To find a market near you, visit http://www.pickyourown.org/canada.htm where you can find a pick-your-own farm near you. This website is loaded with information on finding a farm, what is in season or coming into season, picking tips and tons of other information. It also provides a listing for farms in the USA which can be found at http://www.pickyourown.org/statelist.htm#statelist .
One thing I should point out is that most of these farms also have fresh foods already picked and ready to take home, as well as pickles, preserves and fresh baked goodies! You can also check with your own provincial/state Ministry/Department of Agriculture to find out where a farm is located in your area or search on the web.

Besides all the nutritional benefits fresh fruits and vegetables have to offer, they can add a great deal of variety to everyday meals. Because they come in such a wide array of rainbow colours, flavours, and textures, fresh fruit and vegetables can be used in practically every meal. And if you’re looking to maximize your consumption of these fresh foods try adding fruit to salads or using fruit and veggies as toppings and garnishes.

Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables is a delicious, nutritious way of getting the vitamins, minerals (and enzymes) our bodies need every day. Go ahead..Get fresh!

Visit My AIM Store at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com for more information on healthy eating.

Balancing your body’s pH

2009-05-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

pH is a scale that measures the ratio between acids and akalines in our body fluids. The scale ranges from 0 to 14 with 0 to 7.0 being acid and 7.0 to 14.0 alkaline. pH is the abbreviation for ‘potential of hydrogen’.

The key to vibrant health and well-being is partly a matter of keeping our pH in balance. The cells in our body cannot function if the pH varies too far from the narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45. Our body will go to great lengths to maintain this level. If we have a health problem, it is most likely because we are too acidic.

The body needs to have a balanced pH or it does not function properly. The alkaline level is very important because, as research has already proven, disease cannot survive in an alkaline environment but will flourish in an acid one.

Research also shows that unless the body's pH level is slightly alkaline, the body cannot heal itself. If the body’s pH is not balanced we decrease the ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease the ability to repair damaged cells, decrease the ability to detoxify heavy metals, make tumour cells thrive, and make us more susceptible to fatigue and illness. Our body’s pH affects everything.

An acidic pH can occur from toxic overload, emotional stress, immune reactions or anything that deprives the cells of nutrients. But the primary cause of an acid medium in the body is from what we eat and drink. And it has nothing to do with how the food and drink tastes in our mouth. Foods that are sour such as grapefruit and limes can taste acidic, however, upon ingestion break down into a base-forming alkaline “ash”. “Ash” is the end product which remains in the body after the food has been broken down through digestion. Foods which produce an alkaline ash are classified as “base-forming” foods, whereas those producing an acid ash are called “acid-forming” foods.

The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur. Fortunately, it is quite easy to change the pH level almost immediately for the better and make it more alkaline. It’s a matter of changing your diet and eliminating some of the more acid foods and adding more alkaline foods.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to get a baseline of what the pH is in your body so you can see how you are improving or if you need to continue to eliminate more acid foods and add in more alkaline ones. You can do this by testing the pH of your saliva on a regular basis. This is really simple to do using the AIM Canada pH Test Kit (range 5.0 – 9.0). The test kit contains 100 pH test strips.

In addition to decreasing the amount of acid foods we eat and increasing the amount of alkaline foods we eat, one of the best ways to immediately begin changing our pH is to drink “green drinks”. AIM BarleyLife® will help support our health by providing the body with the necessary nutrients to help balance the body pH and is an excellent source of alkalinity.

To learn more about the AIM Canada pH Test Kit or AIM BarleyLife® please visit our AIM Store Website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com click on Products, then…Canadian Residents, then…Products and Sales Tools. You will find the PH Strips under the heading AIM Canada pH Test Kit—100 pH test strips about one third of the way down the page.

Happy Easter..eat some chocolate!

2009-04-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

It’s Easter time! What better way to celebrate than to spend time with family and friends, give thanks for what Easter really means, and eat some chocolate.

Chocolate is one of the world’s most favourite foods and recent research is showing that eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate can be good for us. Because it is made from plants, chocolate contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from the flavonoids, which act as polyphenol antioxidants, protecting our body from aging caused by free radicals.

Research has demonstrated that the quality and quantity of antioxidants in chocolate is relatively high when compared to other high-antioxidant foods and dark chocolate contains about eight times the polyphenol antioxidants found in strawberries. Having 65 percent or higher cocoa content, dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants, and has far more antioxidants than white or milk chocolate.

The earliest record of chocolate was several thousand years ago in the South American rain forests, where this ideal climate provides all the necessary ingredients for cultivation of the Cacao Tree. Worshipped by the Mayan civilisation the Cacao Tree was believed to be of divine origin, hence it’s generic Latin name meaning ‘Food of the Gods’. The Mayan word Cacao was corrupted into ‘Cocoa’ by Europeans. The Aztecs, who came after the Mayan’s, also prized the beans and used them as currency. In 1528, Cortez brought chocolate to Europe. The first chocolate factories soon opened in Spain. and by the early 17th century chocolate powder, from which the drink was made, was being exported to other parts of Europe

The Cocoa beverage made from the powder became popular, first in Italy then France, the Netherlands, Germany and finally, in about 1520 it arrived in England with the first Chocolate House opening in London in 1657, with many others to follow. In the early 1700’s English colonists carried chocolate with them to England’s colonies in North America, which later became Canada and the United States, and are now the worlds largest consumers of chocolate.

Eating 40 to 50 grams a day of plain dark chocolate with a minimum cocoa content of 70% or more, can be beneficial to your health. Look for pure dark chocolate or dark chocolate with nuts, orange peel or other flavourings. Avoid anything with caramel, nougat or other fillings, which are just adding sugar and fat that can erase many of the benefits you get from eating the chocolate.

With all the known health benefits chocolate can provide for us it makes sense to include a small amount in our diet. Happy Easter …..eat some chocolate!

The good, the bad, and the brittle

2009-04-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Our bones. They keep us upright, they keep us tall. They help us walk, and they keep us strong. Without them, we’d be a blob and flop around like jelly. They give us shape and support, and help to protect our heart, lungs, brain and other organs. They team up with our muscles, and if we don’t take care of our bones they become weak, brittle and even break.

Along with cartilage the adult human skeletal system is typically compromised of 206 bones, and their strength is essential to whole body health and wellness. Considering that about 99% of our body’s calcium is stored in our bones and teeth, it makes good sense to keep our supply topped up daily. If our daily diet is low in calcium, bone is literally broken down to keep our blood calcium level normal--because calcium plays other critical roles in supporting our bodies’ vital functions such as maintaining our heartbeat and controlling our blood pressure.

Our body continually removes and replaces small amounts of calcium from our bones. If the body removes more calcium than it replaces, our bones will become weaker and have a greater chance of breaking. Because bones have their own “calcium bank account” it’s important we keep this account balanced. If too much calcium is “withdrawn” and not enough is “deposited” we run the risk of creating a calcium deficiency, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures, osteoporosis and other ailments.

There are many ways to get calcium in our daily diet and ensuring we’re getting enough, through diet and supplementation, is crucial in maintaining strong, healthy bones. Our diet should include the primary food sources of calcium—dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and cabbage. Sardines, eggs, tofu and low-fat dairy products are also rich in calcium, which help support a healthy skeletal frame.

It’s also important we get regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Because bones are living tissue, weight-bearing physical activity causes new bone tissue to form, which makes bones stronger. Not only is this type of physical activity good for our bones, it also makes our muscles stronger. By pushing and tugging against each other, and gravity, both our bones and muscles benefit. Some examples of weight-bearing physical activities include: walking, running, dancing, aquafit, rebounding, stair climbing, hiking and weight lifting.

Considering calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body we tend to think it’s only purpose is keeping our bones and teeth healthy. However, this mineral is also needed for the proper function of our heart, muscles and nerves. Recent studies are linking high-calcium diets to weight loss and are suggesting that a diet rich in calcium may even help lower and maintain blood pressure levels.

Recognizing the importance of calcium to our health, The AIM Companies™ formulated CalciAIM™ which provides highly absorbable calcium and other supporting nutrients which are crucial for proper skeletal function and overall wellness.

Carefully formulated to determine the most beneficial types of calcium, the most effective method of delivery, and a combination of nutrients to help achieve superior whole-body health, CalciAIM™ (along with a healthy diet and exercise) can help us have and maintain strong healthy bones. A combination of 3 types of calcium, magnesium, L-lysine, vitamins C & D, zinc, and copper, this unique powder drink mix delivery system provides excellent calcium absorption levels helping in the development and maintenance of our bones,cartilage, teeth and gums.

The good, the bad, and the brittle…what type of bones would you like?

If you’d like more information about CalciAIM™ please visit the AIM website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a data sheet or watch a video.

Healthy Choices Shouldn’t Be Difficult

2009-04-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Every time I hear the news it seems that one thing or another has been found to be either good or bad for us. One week the “experts” are telling us to cut back on or eliminate a particular food or drink as it can cause disease or health conditions (at least it did in lab animals), and the next week other “experts” are claiming that same food or drink is actually good for us. It can get downright confusing!

Because we need food to nourish our body and give us energy it’s important to have some sort of guideline and understanding as to which food and drink are good for us and which are not so good. Having a healthy diet is also important in reducing our risk of many of today’s chronic ailments.

Making healthy food choices is essential for maintaining good health and well-being, and an easy way to start is with Canada’s Food Guide (or the USDA MyPyriamid program for our friends to the south). Although I don’t agree with everything Health Canada dictates, I do believe the food guide is actually a good tool to use to see if we’re getting the right types and amounts of the foods we need. You can visit the Canada Food Guide website at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index_e.html

Choosing foods that are high in fibre and low in fat can help to keep us healthy and fit. Lots of fresh veggies and fruit are a must in today’s diet and the fresher and organic we can get is best. The local farmers markets are starting up at this time of year so it’s a great way to shop for all your fresh food needs.

Frozen dinners, processed and pre-packaged foods are usually laden with chemicals, fats, excess salt and sugar. If possible, they should be avoided. However, due to our hectic schedules we do on occasion have to break down and have one as a meal. Because of the dioxins and other chemicals being discovered in the plastic used for packaged microwave food, it’s a good idea to avoid microwaving. Instead, cook the food in the oven (or toaster oven if you have one) and toss together a salad for added nutrition and fibre. Baby spinach and mesclun come conveniently pre-washed in bags. It’s an easy way to get some greens and by adding green peppers, celery, onions and tomatoes it really rounds out the nutrition.

It’s also a good idea to read labels to find out what is in the food we eat. If you would like to know what a lot of the chemicals and additives are, there is a multitude of websites and books available that explain what we are eating. You can Google ‘food additives’ for a huge directory on the essential information about what is really in the food we eat, which additives we should avoid, and which are downright unsafe. There are a lot of books on the subject as well. Check with your local library or at Amazon.

Another way to make an informed choice is to read the Nutrition Facts on the label. The Nutrition Facts table can help you make healthy choices for you and your family. The information is based on a specific amount of food, which you can compare to the amount you eat. It also shows the % Daily Value to see if a food has a little or alot of a specific nutrient. The table also shows how much fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium the product contains. Please keep in mind when reading these tables that the serving size may be significantly low. In other words, 50 ml or 1 teaspoon is not a lot of food but may contain high amounts of fats, sodium and/or sugar. You can read more about labelling practises in Canada by visiting: http://healthycanadians.ca/nutrition

It’s also important to maintain healthy habits. Keeping active, exercising and not smoking is healthy for your weight, heart and lungs and will keep you feeling young and energized. Adding extra supplements can also have a tremendous effect on your health and AIM has all the right ones to choose from.

Life is supposed to be a journey, not a destination, and by making the right choices we can have a really great ride. By spending a little time reading and educating ourselves, healthy choices shouldn’t be difficult.

If you’d like to learn about the AIM products, watch a video or download a datasheet visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

No Recession In Network Marketing?

2009-03-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Every day we are hearing about job loses, business closings, downsizings, bankruptcies and foreclosers. Not to mention the increasing costs of just about everything it takes to survive these days. Rising gas prices, utility costs, food and shelter just to name a few. I like to point out that price increases have a ripple effect. The first guy has to increase his prices, then so does the next, and the next and the next. Funny thing is though, when the economic “storm” is over, the price of everything never seems to come back down. Funny how that works, isn’t it? But there is a way to help supplement your income to help pay for all the increased costs, and that way is through Network Marketing.

During tougher economic times, there is always a renewed awareness of the need to make more money. People are looking for new financial opportunities. An opportunity where they can start a business that doesn’t require a lot of capital, one that allows them to work at their own pace and offers rewards that can grow rapidly.

You may wonder that in these economic times people are not in the market for a new product, much less invest money in starting a business. They may think they need to keep thousands of dollars of merchandise on hand and go door-to-door, store-to-store, floor-to-floor ‘til there ain’t no more to sell, sell, sell. This is not the case anymore.

The Network Marketing industry is changing and there are newer, exciting and more effective methods available to build your business. It’s an exciting industry offering unlimited opportunities, and as sole owner of your company, you hold the key to the success level you choose. The harder you work, the greater the rewards. There is no such thing as “get rich quick”, and if you find a company that says you will……run! They are not the type of company you want to do business with. You want to be involved with a company who has a solid background and a proven track record. A company that offers a superior product line and a generous compensation plan.

Many people are opening up to new opportunities that will generate extra streams of income for them and their families and Network Marketing can help. You can work part-time and at your own pace, and you don’t need to give up your current job to become a success in the business. If you’re worried about your job security and financial future, Network Marketing can help take the stress of those uncertainties away. Now is the time to protect yourself from an uncertain future. Now is the time for Network Marketing.

No recession in Network Marketing? You bet there isn’t!

For more information on the AIM Income Opportunity and the Compensation Plan please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

As an aside, according to the March-April 2009 issue of Living Well, “for over 27 years AIM has been sending out thousands of commission cheques to AIM Members as compensation for their accomplishments. The commission figure is more than $562 million and climbing each month.”

Back To The Basics

2009-03-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

During these tougher economic times, many of us are faced with decisions of what, and how, we need to cut back on in order to help pay for the rising costs of necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.

Talk shows such as Oprah, Dr. Phil and a host of others, are frequently discussing this current “economic crisis”, bringing in experts and other guests to help show us how to pay down our debt load, create a budget, and save money. Many of them have very helpful suggestions and tips, and just so long as we are all able to get our “egos” out of the way, many of us will weather this storm and come out shining. We may also discover we can live very well just getting back to some basics and common sense thinking. By changing a few habits and limiting spending on non-essential items, many of us will overcome these recent hurdles that have been placed in front of us.

One way for us to save money is by becoming more aware of our diet and what we eat. Due to the hectic lifestyles we have developed over the years, we have become too reliant on quick and easy packaged and processed foods. Just “pop them in the microwave” we’re told for a “quick and delicious” meal. Looks good and sounds great, right? Wrong. Not only are these quick foods expensive but they also lack a lot of the essential nutrients we need to maintain good health and wellness. And eating out at fast food restaurants regularly can not only put a huge load on our pocket book, but also a huge load on our health due to the absence of necessary nutrients we need to sustain life.

We can however eat very healthy without breaking the bank, by taking a few simple steps and getting back to some basics. By planning our meals ahead of time, sticking to our shopping list, brown bagging it for lunch (try a healthy sandwich on wholegrain bread and a few extra veggies), and having our family get involved at mealtime, we not only save money and get healthy but also encourage valuable family time together.

Perhaps it’s time to reconsider our approach to eating and get back to basics by looking at the nutritional benefits food provides. Our ancestors received their nutrition from whole food sources grown in chemical and pesticide free soil. Their vegetables, fruits, and grains were grown in nutrient rich soil containing minerals and enzymes. Although it’s a little more difficult today to find foods that are as nutrient dense as they used to be, it is still vitally important to get a complete balance of healthy foods the way nature intended, and one way is to supplement our diet with live whole-food nutritional products.

For over a quarter century, AIM has produced superior whole-food powder concentrates and nutrient-based health supplements to support a healthy lifestyle. An all-natural green barley juice concentrate, AIM BarleyLife® provides the nutrition we need to build a strong foundation for good health, vitality and wellness. While helping to provide the daily nutrition we need for good health, adding AIM BarleyLife® to our diet can be very cost effective and inexpensive. And that is, most definitely, one way for us to get back to the basics.

If you’d like more information about AIM BarleyLife® please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a data sheet or watch a video.

What's Up Doc?

2009-03-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

It is well known that carrots are a healthy food. We enjoy them in a variety of ways. They are often cut up and boiled or steamed, and are usually used in soups and stews. They also make a terrific snack for dipping. Their sweet taste and crunchy texture are a favourite among children and adults alike.

Although characteristically bright orange in colour, the carrot has a darker history then we may know. Dating back about 5000 years, the carrot’s wild ancestor was a tough fleshed, pungent root plant. They were once small, very thin, purple, red and even black taproots with an unpleasant bitterness to them. It is believed that the ancients used the root for medicinal purposes rather than eating them and some even discarded the root in favour of using the leaves and flowers for cooking.

It wasn’t until the 1500’s when Dutch agriculturalists used a mutant yellow carrot seed from North Africa to develop a carrot in the colour of the House of Orange, the Dutch Royal Family. They began experiments on improving the pale yellow varieties by cross breeding them with red varieties. These varieties contain beta-carotene, which produce the orange coloured roots. This is the wonderful sweet carrot we have come to know today.

Baby carrots appeared in the marketplace in the late 1980’s. There are two types of baby carrots. The “true” baby carrot, which are grown to the “baby stage”, and the “manufactured” baby carrots, which are the ones we see the most of at the grocery store. “Manufactured” baby carrots were invented by a California farmer by the name of Mike Yurosek as a way of making use of carrots that were too knobbly or twisted for sale as full-sized carrots. Unhappy at having to discard tonnes of carrots daily due to their imperfections, Yurosek looked for a way to reclaim what would otherwise be a waste product. By using an industrial green been cutter and an industrial potato peeler, he created the baby carrot.

Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, which help protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. They contain important nutrients such as alpha- and beta-carotene, vitamins B and C, plus calcium, iron and potassium.

Beta-carotene is one of about 600 similar compounds called carotenoids, which are present in many fruits and vegetables. Of all the carotenoids, beta-carotene is known for its efficient conversion to vitamin A. Plant sources that are rich in beta-carotene include potatoes, spinach, mango, cantaloupe, kale, and tomatoes, but the highest source of beta-carotene may be found in raw carrots, steamed carrots, and carrot juice.

The body changes beta-carotene found in these foods into vitamin A, which is important in strengthening the immune system and promoting healthy cell growth. Vitamin A also plays an important role in vision by helping to maintain the mucosal linings of the eyes, and is required for the transduction of light into nerve signals in the retina.

Carrot juice has also become very popular as a health drink either on its own or blended with fruits and other vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are rich in enzymes that spark the hundreds of thousands of chemical reactions that occur throughout the body. Enzymes are essential for the digestion and absorption of food, for conversion of foodstuffs into body tissue, and for the production of energy at the cellular level.

AIM Just Carrots® is made from 100 percent natural carrot juice crystals with only the fiber removed. The powder is concentrated 25 times, which means that 25 pounds of raw carrots are used to make one pound of AIM Just Carrots® powder. The caplets are formed from the powder.

With its natural form of beta-carotene, AIM Just Carrots® is 100% natural with no added sugar that provides the nutrition we need to develop a strong foundation for good health.

To learn more about the benefits of juicing (without the inconvenience) using AIM Just Carrots® please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com and click on the products link.

By providing our bodies with the nutrition it needs, through proper diet and supplementation, and supporting a healthy lifestyle, we can avoid having to say…What’s Up Doc?

The Rewards Of Network Marketing

2009-02-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

Network Marketing has helped people of all genders, professions, experience, financial status and education achieve financial independence and build a lucrative business.

As a means of product distribution, network marketing has been around for a very long time. The late 1800’s saw many new companies employing door-to-door salesmen to distribute anything from books to bibles to remedies. Familiar names like Watkins were selling liniment in the 1860’s and the California Perfume Company (or Avon as we know it today) was founded in the late 1800’s.

In the early 1900’s, the Fuller Brush Company made its debut along with the Electrolux vacuum cleaner and Britannica encyclopedias. By the 1940’s a company called California Vitamins found they could increase their sales by having more sales representative sell a small amount of product each rather than the traditional method of having a few sales representative sell a lot of product. They also discovered their increasing customer base was made up of family and friends of their existing sales representatives. Later changing their name to Nutrilite Food Supplement Corporation, they created new sales representatives from their customer base and a commission system was developed. By rewarding both teams and individuals for their sales efforts, network marketing was born. In the late 1950’s, and based on the same network marketing concept, two inspiring entrepreneurs founded Amway (short for “the American Way”). Fifty years later this well established network marketing company is still going strong.

Also known as MuIti-Level Marketing or MLM, it is estimated there are more than 50 million people worldwide involved in network marketing, generating almost 100 billion in annual wholesale revenue. Recognized as one of the fastest growing industries in the world today, more and more companies are choosing to capitalize on this growing trend and sell their products directly to the consumer.

Network marketing provides people the opportunity to build a network of distributors, providing everyone the equal opportunity to help others and make money in the process. It is a marketing system that allows anyone to start from the bottom and move to the top by building their own business. And one of the greatest advantages of MLM’s is that it gives you the opportunity to enjoy making new friends and helping others while receiving a residual income.

Network marketing can be a very productive business providing you with a very fulfilling lifestyle. Billionaire John Paul Getty is quoted as saying, “I would rather have 1% of the efforts of a hundred people rather than 100% of my own effort.”

A good MLM program is the best business to get involved with and your own efforts are what make it happen. With minimal investment and an exceptional compensation plan, network marketing offers anyone the opportunity to build a successful business while helping others to do the same.

People helping people. That’s what it’s all about, and truly the real rewards of network marketing!

For more information on the AIM Income Opportunity and the Compensation Plan please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

Life’s All About Balance

2009-02-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

When we think of the word balance, images that come to mind may be of a gymnast on a balance beam, a set of weighing scales or someone falling because they “lost their balance”.

Balance, to me, is essential to our health and well-being. When we have balance in our lives, we hold the key to health, happiness and prosperity.

Throughout history people have strived to find balance. Buddhism uses meditation as an instrument to maintain a healthy balance of body and mind. The Chinese find balance through the ancient study of Feng Shui. It is even thought that primitive man may have been meditating while gazing at their fires, thus, finding balance.

In our hurried lifestyles of today, we may find it difficult to create balance, harmony and prosperity in our environments. We rush through our days hustling to get things done, catching ourselves making the “when I get around to it”, “once I” or “someday” statements, only to find that the day has ended and our “around to it” hasn’t happened. Maybe tomorrow, we dream.

When we’re rushed, hurried and stressed out, we know we’re way out of balance by the signs our bodies give us. We feel tired, we get headaches, our digestive system speaks loudly through diarrhoea or constipation, we crave starchy and sugary foods because we need that quick fix to keep going, or we become angry and impatient with others as we constantly feel on edge. And not only that, but when our bodies PH level is out of whack and too acidic, we invite disease.

Finding balance in our lives doesn’t have to be a difficult task. It can be as simple as de-cluttering our homes, organizing our finances and creating a stick–to-it budget, delegating chores to others, planning meals and especially… spending time for ourselves. It’s important to realize that we cannot do it all, and if we truly want balance in our lives, we need to ask others for help.

As an advocate of healthy eating and proper nutrition, I believe the key for having and maintaining good health and wellness is to make sure we have a balanced diet. Including lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, unprocessed oils and fats, and reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods we consume, will help to keep our body balanced. It’s also important to include high quality whole food and nutritional supplements (ie. BarleyLife®) in our diet to help make up the shortfall of today’s foods that are lacking in essential nutrients.

We don’t need to wait for “someday” to find balance and harmony in our life. Why not start today finding ways to regenerate and lead a balanced lifestyle? Take a walk, swim, play golf, dance, read, meditate, take yoga classes, listen/ play music, learn a new skill or go back to school. Eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and start taking care of you. Remember, life’s all about balance!

For more information about BarleyLife™ and all of the other AIM products, please visit My AIM Store AIM website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

Beans, Beans The Musical Fruit

2009-02-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

As February is heart month I thought it fitting to write about things that are good for your heart, and beans is one of them.

As a child, I remember all the teasing that went on with the cute little jingle “Beans, beans the musical fruit…. the more you eat, the more you…” (You can probably guess the rest). If you’re not familiar with that one, you may remember another such rhyme as “Beans, beans they’re good for your heart…the more you eat, the more you…” Well, you get it. They still make me chuckle!

Considering beans have been an important part of the human diet for thousands of years, these humble little legumes never seem to make it to the spotlight. One of the most nutritionally complete foods available, beans are a great source of protein, antioxidants, folate and dietary fiber. They’re high in complex carbohydrates, low in fat, rich in vitamins and minerals and cholesterol-free. They’re good for the heart, blood sugar levels and can even help keep arteries clean.

If you’re wondering what distinguishes beans from peas and lentils, it’s the physical shape of the seed that determines which is which. For example, beans are oval or kidney-shaped whereas peas are round and lentils are flat disks. Most dry beans grown in North America belong to the species Phaseolus vulgaris, or common bean, and are available uncooked in bags or pre-cooked in cans.

In North America, beans are usually planted in mid May and they’re harvested anywhere from late August to late October depending on the location. According to Northarvest Bean Growers Association, “America is the leader in quality bean production. Because the equipment used for harvesting is the most technically advanced in the world, U.S. farmers are able to plant from 1.8 to 2 million acres of dry beans each year.” According to their website, Americans are the chief consumers of these beans, consuming approximately 7.5 pounds per capita, and twenty percent of American-grown beans are shipped to international markets, helping to feed the world.

Beans contain approximately the same amount of calories as a one-cup serving of cooked pasta, cooked rice or a 6 to 8 ounce baked potato yet they are significantly higher in dietary fiber. Because they offer much of the same nutrients as meat, but without all the fat and cholesterol, beans provide an excellent nutritional alternative for vegetarians. And because the soluble fiber in beans slows down digestion, it helps blood sugar rise at a slow steady rate rather than a spike, making beans a good choice for diabetics as well. Beans are also loaded with protein, which doesn’t raise blood sugar and helps the body process the carbohydrates in a meal more effectively.

Dietary guidelines suggest eating at least three cups of beans a week, but most of us probably don’t average even one cup a week. Considering all we have to do to eat them is open a can, there’s really no excuse not to. Just remember that canned beans can contain high amounts of sodium so you may want to rinse them in cold water before using, and if you’re worried about the ‘toot” you can ‘degas’ dried beans by following the directions on the package and soaking them.

From pinto to navy, black to white, dried to canned, beans make an ideal addition in our diet. Add them to soups, salads, and casseroles, mash them and make a dip or do up an old-fashioned crock-pot of baked beans. Yummy! There are numerous recipes available on the Internet and in recipe books that suggest hundreds of different ways we can use beans.

So instead of wondering what to have as a healthy food choice, reach for the beans. After awhile you’ll be able to say, “bean there, done that.” Enjoy!

Visit My AIM Store at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com to learn more about healthy eating and nutrition.

Feeling Sluggish?

2009-01-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

If you’re feeling a little sluggish after the holiday season of indulging in too much food, chocolate, cookies and wine, here are some ideas to help support your body detoxify and get back into the healthy swing of things. A few tips to help with the clean up are:

Drink: plenty of water (adding a little fresh lemon juice helps detoxify the liver), green tea (combats free-radical damage and helps protect against degenerative disease) and freshly made fruit and vegetable juices.

Eat: avoid junk food and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Make sure you are eating at least 5 to 10 servings of fresh fruit and veggies a day including chlorophyll-rich foods which help cleanse the kidneys, clear the skin, and clean and build the blood. They also help boost the immune system and help the body rid itself of unwanted substances. Eating foods that are high in fibre will help maintain digestive help. Some foods that help increase the fibre content in your diet include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and legumes.

Exercise: moderate exercise is important to help clean up the lymphatic system. Gentle bouncing on a mini-trampoline (rebounding) or low impact aerobics such as water aerobics or “aquafit” can help rid your system of unwanted toxins. And nothing beats a walk in the park on a beautiful winter’s day!

AIM also carries great products that can help cleanse, detoxify and keep our digestive systems working optimally. Some of these include:

AIM BarleyLife® is a chlorophyll-rich, all-natural, green barley juice concentrate abundant in enzymes and essential amino acids and promotes a healthy immune system.

AIM Herbal FiberBlend® is a unique and powerful combination of cleansing herbs and psyllium to sweep the digestive system clean of toxins and food debris.

AIM FibreBalance® (Canada only) provides 12 grams of fibre in two scoops, prevents constipation and protects the intestinal wall. It reduces transit time and provides a more thorough evacuation of waste and helps maintain digestive health.

Detoxifying can be an easy process. We just need to give our body a little bit of help. Try some of these suggestions to help give your system a boost if you’re… feeling sluggish?

For more information about AIM BarleyLife®, AIM Herbal Fiberblend®, AIM FibreBalance® or any of the other superior whole food products and nutritional supplements AIM carries, please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a data sheet or watch a video.

Are You SAD?

2009-01-18T08:13:00.000-08:00

With a brand new start to another year (and all the doom and gloom in the news lately) we may want to pay a little more attention to our physical and emotional well-being. One condition that can make us feel sick and/or tired and can also trigger anxiety and depression is a condition called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or SAD for short.

Also known as winter depression, it is reported that millions of people are affected by this biological imbalance, thought to be caused by the shorter daylight hours and lack of sunlight during the winter months. SAD usually occurs between the months of September and April and is noticeable more acute during December, January and February. There is also a rarer form of SAD, known as summer SAD, or summer depression, which usually begins in late spring or early summer.

Although awareness of this condition has existed for more than a hundred years, it wasn’t until the early 1980’s before it was recognized as a disorder. Many people who suffer from SAD may not even be aware that it exists or there is help available to them. People who suffer from these winter blues can experience anything from mild discomfort to the more extreme, which can prevent them from functioning normally and even possibly lead them to the need for antidepressant drugs and medical treatment.

There is no confirmed cause of SAD however continuing research suggests SAD is related to seasonal variations in light. Our “biological internal clock” located in our brain regulates daily rhythms and responds to changes in seasons and the differences in the length of the day. The cycle of human life has been revolving around this cycle of daylight and darkness for thousands of years. People were active during the day and rested at night. With the advent of electricity we no longer change according to the seasons, putting us out of step with the natural cycle of human life. Other research is also showing that the neurotransmitters in the brain that help regulate mood, appetite and sleep may also be affected with SAD.

Some symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, feelings of anxiety and despair, decreased energy, cravings for sweet or starchy foods and weight gain. With most people, symptoms usually disappear in the spring.

People who experience mild symptoms of SAD can benefit from a variety of easy and natural treatments. Unfortunately, people who are affected more severely may have to work out a treatment plan (such as “Light Therapy”) with a health care provider, who is knowledgeable about SAD and familiar with the treatments.

Some easy and natural treatments you can practise to help with SAD are:

Increase your exposure to light: spend more time outdoors during the daylight hours. If you work indoors, make a habit of taking a walk outdoors during your lunch hour and/or breaks. Keep your curtains open in your home during the day to let the light in. Position your furniture to receive maximum exposure to sunlight and trim any tree branches that block the light. Add a skylight to brighten a dark room and position lamps to increase the light indoors.

Exercise: increases your physical, mental and emotional well-being and relieves stress. If you exercise indoors, positioning yourself near a window helps to increase light exposure. Exercising outdoors (such as walking) will help increase your exposure to natural light and lift up your spirits.

Monitor your sleep patterns: make sure you are receiving adequate sleep every night. Getting seven to eight hours of regularly scheduled sleep, particularly during the colder months, is very important.

Watch your diet: cut down or eliminate junk foods that are laden with fats and sugars, and reduce the amount of packaged and processed foods you consume. Avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee and caffeinated drinks. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, unprocessed oils and fats and drug-free and free-range eggs and meats and drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated. As always, the best source of nutrients we require are from a balanced and varied diet rich in health supporting foods, however we may need to supplement our diets with extra nutrients to ensure we are receiving adequate nutrition to help our physical and mental well-being. The whole food products and nutritional supplements AIM provides can help fill that void for maintaining or improving emotional, mental and physical health.

Laugh: watch a funny movie or have a few friends over for a good laugh. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine.

So if you’re feeling blue during the winter months and don’t quite know what to do about it, just try some of these tips to help get you back in the pink again. A little extra light in your life can make all the difference along with a healthy diet, adequate sleep and some outdoor activities. The next time you feel a little down just ask yourself…Are you SAD?

For more information on AIM’s whole food products and nutritional supplements, please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a data sheet or watch a video.

Are You Immune?

2008-12-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

The fall and winter seasons usually indicate a number of changes that can directly affect our immunity. With the shorter days, less vitamin D is manufactured to strengthen the immune system and with our climate in Canada it also means colder weather, which encourages longer hours spent indoors. Not only does this mean less direct skin contact with the sunshine, it also means that we are breathing in poor quality air, which is often dry and filled with germs. Combine this with our hibernating habits and we create an opportunity for infections to zero in on us.

Our immune system is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders. Whether these invaders are viral, bacterial or fungal in nature, the immune system was created to swiftly defend our body and get rid of any invaders that threaten it.

The way we take care of our immune system is entirely up to us and varies from person to person. That’s why certain people at a party, for instance, avoid contracting a cold or the flu-bug while another person spends the next few days in bed. Protecting and strengthening our immune system is essential to staying healthy. Here are a few factors to consider.

Exercise is considered by some to be one of the best ways to build a strong immune system. During moderate exercise our immune cells are able to travel efficiently throughout our body killing dangerous invaders. Another health benefit of exercise is the detoxifying effect; we eliminate many unwanted toxins through our sweat. Exercise also encourages sleep, which repairs, restores and rebuilds. And for optimal immune health, getting seven to eight hours of regularly scheduled sleep, particularly during the colder months, is very important.

The foods we eat also have an incredibly powerful effect on our immune system. We either ingest foods that are good for us or foods that are not so good for us. Our immune system relies on nutrients for its protective performance, so when it becomes nutrient depleted, it is unable to maintain a high level of protection. Because our body was designed to consume fuel that is biochemically compatible with this design, we need to be proactive in making health-promoting choices that strengthen and support our immune system. Our diets should be comprised of living, breathing foods as we are a living, breathing organism. Eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, unprocessed oils and fats, drug-free and free-range eggs and meats, while reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods we consume, will help enhance our immune system.

Stress is another factor that can have significant affects on our immune system. Although stressors are a natural part of every day life, it is how we deal with these stressors that will ultimately bring health or harm to our immunity and us. Our thought process alone can either help or hinder our immune system. By thinking and reacting in toxic ways, we allow adrenaline and cortisol to race unimpeded through our body, compromising our immune system and increasing our susceptibility to infection and disease. It’s important to detoxify our unhealthy thoughts and emotions and replace them with positive thoughts and emotions to help deal with everyday stress and enjoy a healthy immune system.

Supplementing with the AIM products can make a tremendous difference in enhancing, strengthening and protecting our immune system as well. Proancynol® 2000 is loaded with powerful, free-radical-fighting antioxidants, AIM Bear Paw Garlic® displays antioxidant activity, AIM FloraFood® is loaded with friendly bacteria which helps our digestive tract, AIM’s Garden Trio ® products can provide us with the extra nutrition we need and bathing in Cell Wellness Restorer™ can help reduce stress and give us the benefits of a mineral spa. These are just a few of the AIM products that can help build up our immune system.

To learn more about which AIM products can help build a strong immune system, please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, view the FAQ’s, download a datasheet and even watch a video.

Are you immune?

Fermented Foods

2008-12-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

When we think of the word “fermentation” the first thing that usually pops into mind are images of beer and wine. However, fermented nutrients are also important for good health.

Fermentation has been an important part of food preparation for centuries and numerous medical and scientific studies are confirming what folklore has always known. Fermented foods can help us stay healthy.

Fermented foods are traditionally consumed by many societies throughout the world. A standard condiment in Japan is pickled ginger while kimchi, miso, tempeh and natto are consumed in East Asia. Europe and Scandinavian countries enjoy fermented dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, while fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut are enjoyed in Eastern Europe. Even North American condiments such as mustard and relish contain fermented ingredients.

Fermentation is a natural process, which produces easily digestible foods rich in nutritional value. A natural part of the digestive process, fermentation uses the bacteria in your gut to break down food into an easily absorbed form, allowing it to “predigest” which aids our digestive tract and offers friendly bacteria to help keep our immune systems strong while supporting our overall digestive health.

Fermented foods contain several thousand probiotic cells that produce numerous enzymes, which help to promote the growth of healthy flora all through the gastrointestinal tract. Known as lactobacilli, friendly bacteria thrive in fermented foods and not only aid in digestion but also help support the body’s immune system. During the cold and flu season, probiotics are particularly important if we get sick or need to take antibiotics.

There are a wide variety of fermented foods available to supplement our daily diet. Some of these include: aged and blue cheeses, kefir, olives, pickles, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and yoghurt to name a few, as well as the one mentioned above.

Because many of the fermented foods on the market today are not true fermented foods (created to maximize profits and shelf life) it is important that we look for and eat foods that are fermented with ‘live’ or ‘active’ cultures. Look for unpasteurized and fresh fermented foods in the refrigerator section of your grocery store or health food store and be cautious of the salt content. Some sauerkraut for instance has a very high sodium content.

Most people do not consume a variety of fermented foods as often as needed to maintain a healthy digestive system, so supplementing with a superior nutritional supplement such as AIM FloraFood® may be necessary. To learn how AIM FloraFood® can help maintain digestive health please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, view the FAQ’s, download a datasheet and even watch a video.

For a healthy gut and a healthy body, consuming fermented foods can help.

Please “release’ me, let me go…

2008-11-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

As I sat down to write this article, that famous song by Engelbert Humperdinck kept running through my head (hence the name of the title). How appropriate, I thought, as this is exactly what needs to happen when we get a build up of toxins in our bodies.

Nowadays, we live in a society with many potentially harmful chemicals in our environment. Unfortunately, they can be anywhere. In our homes, at work and at play. They enter our body through the food we eat, the water drink, the air we breathe, what we put on our skin and what we absorb through our mucous membranes. These chemicals create poisonous substances, known as toxins, in our bodies that can be very detrimental to our health and well-being. If these toxins are not removed, they can build up in the blood and eventually poison us.

Our body works hard eliminating these harmful substances through our urine, bowel movements, skin and respiratory system, however many toxins can and do remain in the fat cells, organs and intestines. Fatigue, digestive problems, skin disorders and the recurrent ‘cold’ or ‘flu’ are all signs that your body’s waste removal system (liver, kidney, lungs, skin, lymphatic and gastrointestinal systems) may not be working optimally and could use a thorough cleansing. Some advocates also believe that regular cleansing can help with chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, cancer, arthritis and allergies.

As an herbal cleanser, AIM Herbal Release® is great for detoxification! AIM Herbal Release® helps remove toxins that originated in the environment and toxic waste products that our cells produce as part of their metabolism. The herbs in AIM Herbal Release® have been carefully chosen, and work together to help release toxins and gently cleanse and detoxify organs: liver, spleen, digestive tract (including stomach and intestines), blood, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and lungs, as well as lymph.

AIM Herbal Release® provides benefits not currently available in any other herbal formulation and also acts as an anti-parasitic. Its unique formulation of barberry root bark, buckthorn bark, cascara sagrada bark, dandelion root, licorice root, sarsaparilla root, boldo leaf, burdock root, chickweed herb, echinacea root and parsley leaf provides benefits not currently available in any other herbal formulation.

By releasing a build up of unwanted toxins and cleansing our organs, we allow the body to heal itself, rewarding us with optimal health and well-being.

To learn more about AIM Herbal Release® and all the benefits these synergistic herbs have to offer please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

‘Beet’ the winter blahs

2008-11-21T12:35:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you, but I just love pickled beets. We use to have a rather large garden where we grew a number of fresh vegetables such as peas, carrots, beans, lettuce, radishes, spinach and beets.

When the cool spring weather arrived we would work at tilling the garden and cleaning it up for a new planting of early vegetables like peas, spinach and beets. Each year we would look for the ‘Detroit Dark Red’ beet seeds as we found these to be the best for growing, eating and pickling.

As with all the vegetables we planted, we’d nurture those beets all season, not letting them get too thirsty, making sure they had enough room between each root and digging out those over bearing weeds that like to choke all the good stuff out of your garden. We couldn’t wait until the beets were big enough to have a feed of fresh beet tops or a taste of the new beetroots we watched grow every day with enthusiasm.

When harvest time arrived in the late summer, we would dig up our beets, wash them with the garden hose and cut the tops off and discard them. (By then the tops were quite weathered and insect eaten). We’d bring the washed beets into the kitchen and spend the entire day cutting, cooking, washing jars, making sweet brine and pickling those beets. I remember how sticky everything felt in the kitchen after we were done and it would take another day to make things feel as if we had everything cleaned up again. What a lot of work!

Then we’d count how many jars we made. It never seemed like enough for all the work it took, but boy, was it worth it! Anytime we’d open a jar for ourselves or when we had company it would practically disappear during one meal. Ah, those were the days! Of course as time would have it, or I should say lack of it, we don’t have the garden anymore and we don’t grow or pickle our own beets anymore either. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all the benefits beets have to offer.

According to one of the world's most noted authorities, Dr. N. W. Walker, "This is one of the most valuable juices for helping to build up the red corpuscles of the blood and tone up the blood generally. It cleanses the liver probably better and faster than anything else. Beetroot produces organic iron of a quality that furnishes excellent food for the blood. The greatest virtue of the chemical elements in the beet is the fact that more than 50% is sodium and valuable for digestion, HCL (hydrochloric acid) production and to balance the stomach acids properly and for maintaining the solubility of calcium."

Paul C. Bragg, author of “The Shocking Truth About Water” suggests beets for longevity and has a recipe for Beet-Veggie soup you can practically live on. He calls red beetroot a longevity food because it produces HCL for the digestion of food.

Amongst other ailments, the Romans used beetroot as a treatment for fever and constipation. They also considered beetroot juice as an aphrodisiac. Over the millennia beetroot has been used to treat a variety of conditions, especially illnesses related to digestion and the blood. Today the beetroot is still championed as a universal cure-all.

If you’d like to enjoy all the benefits beetroot has to offer but find them time consuming to prepare or juice, or find them downright messy, then AIM RediBeets® have come to the rescue. Available in a ready-to-mix powder or convenient-to-take caplets, AIM RediBeets® saves you the trouble of juicing.

The half pound of beets used to make a teaspoon of AIM RediBeets® is residue-free. When the beets are processed to separate the juice and its valuable nutrients from the fiber, the beets are not subjected to high temperatures that may damage their nutrients. AIM RediBeets® offers a convenient way to make
juicing a part of your daily diet and help meet the NCI’s (National Cancer Institute) recommendation to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

AIM uses only the root of red beets and it takes approximately 25 pounds of beets to make one pound of AIM RediBeets® powder. While there is no processed sugar in AIM RediBeets® it is made up of about 70 percent natural sugars. These natural sugars are what give AIM RediBeets® its sweet taste. Anyone who is diabetic or concerned about blood glucose levels should consult a health practitioner before using AIM RediBeets®.

If you’d like to learn more about AIM RediBeets® and all the benefits it has to offer please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

Here’s a recipe I found on the Internet for Beet Soup (it may be the same or similar to the Paul Bragg recipe I mentioned earlier). It looks healthy and easy to make. What a great way to ‘Beet’ the winter blahs! Enjoy!

Beet Soup:

Raw beets and celery have the highest amounts of organic sodium. Here's a Borscht type of beet soup:

1 small onion, minced
2 cups shredded green cabbage
3 cups shredded raw beets
3 fresh tomatoes (or 1 cup canned unsalted tomatoes)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 teaspoon lemon juice or natural cider vinegar
1 cup diced celery
½ teaspoon kelp seasoning
2 potatoes, diced, skin and all
2 tablespoons unsaturated oil such as soy, corn, olive, safflower
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sour cream, optional

Mince onion and sauté in oil until yellow, about 3 minutes. Add 1 ½ quarts of steam-produced distilled water with vegetables. Simmer about 15 to 20 minutes until vegetables are tender. Season with lemon juice, or pure natural apple cider vinegar. Optional: serve garnished with sour cream.

Are you getting yours?

2008-11-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

“Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help it in its work. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food”…Hippocrates

According to Canada’s Food Guide To Healthy Eating adults need to eat between 5 and 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily while kids should be consuming 4 to 8 servings daily. And these amounts are not too different for other national food guides.

Research is increasingly showing that people who eat higher amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic conditions. Diseases such as type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, stroke and heart disease can be greatly reduced.

Although our nutrients should come primarily from the foods we eat, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find foods that have not been grown in nutritionally challenged soils. Decades of poor agricultural practices are depleting foods of the nutrients we need for optimal health and wellness. More and more refined, processed and unhealthy foods are making their way to the dinner table, and the results are becoming increasingly severe. Obesity, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions and degenerative diseases are gaining a stronghold in North America.

To get the highest possible yield, some producers are forced to rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides for their crops. Others need to use growth hormones, animal drugs and inhumane confinement for animal production. Nutrition and nutrient content are being neglected.

Not only that but the majority of the fresh fruits and vegetables we consume are coming from such a distance there is next to no nutrition left in them by the time they make it into our homes. It is also questionable as to which chemicals are still being used on some of our imported foods.

That’s why it is important to try and buy foods that haven’t travelled a great distance, buy locally during the months we have access to fresh foods, and buy organic if you can. By choosing foods wisely and eating a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, we stand a good chance of getting some of the nutrients our body needs in order to keep our systems running smoothly.

Because it can be difficult consuming enough fresh fruits and vegetables daily due to the available choices or our lifestyles, there are food supplements available which can help provide the nutrients our body needs.

Loaded with essential nutrients found in three important foods—green barley, carrots and beets--AIM Garden Trio® is a great way to get the recommended daily serving of vegetables. You get all the benefits of vitamins, minerals and proteins as well as powerful plant antioxidants, beta-carotene, live enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a complete amino acid profile. You’ll maintain whole body health, promote a healthy immune system, have increased energy and feel great!

AIM Garden Trio® is available in three separate canisters of ready-to-mix powder, or in capsules and caplets ready to take. You get all the benefits of juicing without the inconvenience!

Eating a colourful array of fresh fruits and veggies daily and supplementing with high quality whole-food products is necessary for maintaining good health and well-being. Are you getting yours?

To learn more about AIM Garden Trio® please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

Spring cleaning…from the inside out

2008-11-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

Spring is almost here! After all the snow and cold we have been experiencing here in Southern Ontario this winter we will be anxious to open up our homes to the nice weather and let the warm spring air fill the rooms. It is such a great feeling to spring clean the house and get outside to work in the yard and garden cleaning things up as the spring flowers make their way to new life once again.

But spring-cleaning our homes and yards shouldn’t be the only cleaning that needs our attention. Our own bodies need to have a good spring-cleaning as well, and AIM has some great products to help cleanse and detoxify.

AIM Herbal FiberBlend® is a unique and powerful combination of cleansing herbs and psyllium to sweep the digestive system clean of toxins and food debris.

AIM Herbal Release® contains 450 mg of herbs per capsule. It cleanses the lymphatic system, functions as an antiparasitic and is great for detoxification. Take it with AIM Herbal FiberBlend® to get complete detoxification effects.

AIM FibreBalance® (Canada only) provides 12 grams of fibre in two scoops, prevents constipation and protects the intestinal wall. It reduces transit time and provides a more thorough evacuation of waste and helps maintain digestive health.

AIM Cascara Sagrada™ helps to tone the colon and provide complete detoxification. It may be used with dietary fibre to help maintain colon health and is available in Canada.

AIM Para 90® is an intestinal cleanser and antiparasitic. It can help you cleanse the digestive tract and maintain a parasite-free system. AIM Para 90® is available in the USA.

The concept of body cleansing has been around for centuries and herbal supplementation to eliminate toxins from the systems of the body is one of the most popular ways to cleanse. These great products can help cleanse, detoxify and keep our digestive systems working optimally. It is also important to drink plenty of water to help flush away toxins, cut back on sugar and other refined foods, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to help with the cleansing process.

To learn more about any of these products please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com
Parts Reprinted with permission of AIM International, Inc., Nampa, Idaho.

Treat your cells to Wellness

2008-11-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

The average person can live about a month without eating any food, but can only live a few days without water.

As essential as water is to sustain life, water also has extraordinary healing properties. Coupled with minerals found in natural hot springs and mineral baths, water has been used throughout history to treat various ailments, particularly degenerative diseases.

The science of using therapeutic baths, known as balneology, has been around for more than 5,000 years. According to archaeological evidence, the Greeks and Romans used water and bathing as curative remedies. Recognizing the value of bathing in natural hot springs, the Romans developed complex aqueducts for transporting water from remote sources to bathhouses.

Today, therapeutic baths are still recommended. Whether it’s a hot bath for pain, a cold bath for fever or an Epsom salts bath to relieve inflammation, the benefits of therapeutic bathing can help with numerous conditions. The relaxation one can obtain from a quiet respite in a tranquil bath can soothe almost anything that ails us.

With our fast paced lives and the ever-increasing amount of stress we seem to encounter on a regular basis, we need to find positive ways to help cope. Whether it is from anxiety, emotional strain, nutritional imbalance, pain, lack of sleep, trauma or even pollution, stress can have a major impact on our overall health and wellness. Modern thinking is suggesting that stress, and the effects of stress, in our daily lives is contributing to such conditions as cardiovascular disease, cancers, mental disorders, digestive disorders and metabolic disease.

Most people suffering from stressful conditions end up developing patterns for coping that are not healthy which may include eating disorders, sleeping disorders, emotional outbursts, and other such detrimental patterns. Positive methods to help manage stress and stressful conditions can include dietary changes and supplementation, increased activity and exercise, lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques. And what better way to relax then in a nice therapeutic bath!

My parents had a summer/winter home in Windermere when I was growing up which is centrally located between the famous Radium Hot Springs and Fairmount Hot Springs in beautiful British Columbia. What a treat it was to soak in the hot springs after a day at the ski hill. In the summertime, you practically couldn’t get near the hot springs as people from all over the world would come to soak in the warm mineral water to help with whatever condition was ailing them.

If you’d like to experience the benefits of a mineral bath yourself then AIM has just the product for you. AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ is a one of a kind natural bath additive that brings you the benefits of a mineral spa without having to leave the comfort of your home. By promoting relaxation when used in a bath or spa, AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ can help to combat stress and its negative affects.

Convenient and easy to use, AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ is a blend of desalinated seawater and elements, that are essential for the functioning of body cells, such as magnesium. The concentrate is enhanced further by the addition of unique crystals.

Magnesium is essential for many metabolic functions in the body such as the production and transfer of energy at the cellular level, the conduction of nerve impulses, the contraction and relaxation of muscles, and the synthesis of protein. Magnesium also supports DHEA production.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that is present in both men and women and is a naturally occurring precursor of estrogen and testosterone. The most abundant hormone in the body, DHEA shows significant decline in levels after the age of 20 to 30 years and the decline progresses with advancing age. As DHEA affects every system, organ, and tissue in the body, declining levels of DHEA result in ill health.

Research is showing that supplementation with DHEA can make significant improvement in the functioning of the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, and metabolism. DHEA appears to increase muscle strength and lean body mass, trigger the immune system, and improve the sense of well-being.

As no published scientific research can be found to prove or disprove the therapeutic benefits of soaking in mineral water, history and the growing number of spas worldwide substantiate the value of mineral baths.

Thousands of AIM Members using AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ are experiencing a wide range of benefits. Some of the benefits and features include: supports magnesium and DHEA levels, reduces joint and muscular aches, pains, and swelling, reduces stress, improves sleep, increases energy, softens skin, relieves sunburn, relieves insect bites, all-natural, non-toxic ingredients, fast-acting results and beneficial for healthy cells.

With no other product like it in the world, AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ is a great way to start the day or end the day with a soothing soak. Treat your cells to wellness…AIM Cell Wellness™ that is!

AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ is available in a 12 fl oz bottle and comes in 4 packs or 12 packs. (It’s on sale this month!) You can also purchase 2 oz sample bottles (4 pack) as promos. The 2 oz bottles are a great way to introduce someone to CWR. Handing out the 2 oz bottles along with a data sheet with your ID# and contact information, can make a nice “treat.” Try handing them out to your friends and family, hairdresser or barber, grocery store employees, auto mechanic, bus driver, post office personal, or anyone you think would like to experience a spa bath. It’s a great way to introduce people to the AIM products.

You can learn more about this amazing product by visiting My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

Ginkgo makes sense

2008-11-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

Just because we are aging, doesn’t mean it has to be a downhill battle. Wrinkles and achy joints are becoming the norm these days and we’re always hearing people say things like “I guess it’s just a part of getting old”. Although there are great supplements to help combat the aches and pains of aging, one thing we need to keep in mind while we age gracefully is to consider our vision and memory health. We need to protect our nervous system to help combat some of the most frightening problems we can face such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and macular degeneration.

The nervous system controls communication in the body. Its leader is the brain, which allows us to think, decide, control our actions, and coordinate the ability to move, touch, smell, hear, and see. As with any body system, good nutrition plays an important part in seeing that the good health of the nervous system is maintained.

One way to fight “neuro aging” and help protect ourselves is through the use of dietary supplements. AIM GinkgoSense™ helps maintain our neuro health, especially in regard to memory, concentration, and vision.

This unique combination -- ginkgo biloba with the essential fatty acid DHA, plus bilberry fruit extract, and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, provides overall support for our neuro health.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids found in green leafy vegetables, are essential for maintaining good eye health. And, like other carotenoids, they provide antioxidant support while ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and supports circulation to the extremities. As we age, anyone concerned with mental acuity and vision may want to consider supplementing with AIM GinkgoSense™.

Growing old is a fact of life. We don’t have control over it but we do have control over how we treat ourselves, and the choices we make. Through a healthy diet, healthy lifestyle and a healthy attitude, we can enjoy aging rather then endure it. How we decide to handle aging is up to us.

Aging is all part of the journey, and Ginkgo makes sense!

If you’d like to learn more about AIM GinkgoSense™, watch a video or read testimonies please visit My AIM Store website at: http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com

Parts Reprinted with permission of AIM International, Inc., Nampa, Idaho.

Fight ‘bac’

2008-11-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

With the hot, lazy days of summer fast approaching, many of us will be barbequing, picnicking and taking advantage of all the fresh foods available during the summertime.

Something we need to keep in mind is to make sure we are taking the necessary precautions to ensure we are not consuming the bad bacteria that can make us sick. We want to ensure we are consuming the friendly bacteria our bodies need to maintain digestive health.

Often overlooked at this time of year is safe food handling. An invisible enemy that we can’t see, smell, or feel, bad bacteria can invade food, kitchen surfaces and utensils. By keeping our hands and surfaces washed often, not cross contaminating foods, cooking foods to the proper temperature and refrigerating foods promptly, we can help to keep food safe from harmful bacteria.

Although bacteria thrive in our bodies (more bacteria is in the digestive system than there are cells in the body) we need to keep the ratio of “friendly” bacteria higher than the “unfriendly” bacteria. When “unfriendly” bacteria take over, the effects can be harmful to our health. Diarrhea, gas, bloating, intestinal toxicity, constipation and malabsorption of nutrients can result. Not to mention the pain and damage that can result from pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella.

According to Dr. Michael Murray, N.D. “The intestinal flora is intimately involved in the host’s nutritional status and affects the immune system function, cholesterol metabolism, carcinogenesis, and aging”. Although the term probiotics (friendly bacteria) is somewhat new, the concept of improving ones health by supplementing the natural flora of the gut with additional bacteria ingested orally, dates back to the nineteenth century.

Not only can friendly bacteria counteract the unfriendly bacteria, they can do so much more.

Friendly bacteria helps aid in the digestive process, helps clean the intestinal tract, purify the colon and promote regular bowel movements. These friendly guys also produce antibiotics and antifungals that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. They also protect us from environmental toxins such as pesticides and pollutants, reduce toxic waste at the cellular level, and stimulate the repair mechanism of cells. Not only do they contribute to the destruction of molds, viruses, and parasites they also help to maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels and can break down and rebuild hormones.

Two of the most important friendly types of bacteria necessary to protect the system and maintain a healthy pH balance are: Lactobacillus acidophilus: one of the most extensively studied species of friendly bacteria found in the digestive tract, living and flourishing predominantly in the small intestine. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid in the gut, making it an unsuitable home for unfriendly bacteria. L. acidophilus is commonly recognized for its ability to inhibit microorganisms that produce disease in the vagina and urinary tract, especially Candida albicans. Another benefit is its ability to aid in developing natural defences against foreign intestinal microbes, boosting the immune system. One study, reported in 2002 in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, showed that L. acidophilus has an inhibitory effect against Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium considered to be a main cause of peptic ulcers.

Bifidobacteria: live in the large intestine, or colon, where they produce some necessary vitamins. They have been used to address intestinal disorders and to support the immune system. In an in vitro study reported in Letters of Applied Microbiology (1995), bifidobacteria were shown to help remove cholesterol; this offers hope for people working to keep their cholesterol levels healthy. Specifically, Bifidobacterium bifidum is especially good at enhancing the body’s immune response and inhibiting harmful enzymes, as reported in the Archives of Pharmacal Research in 1998. Bifidobacterium longum is recognized by The Lancet (1987) as being beneficial in relieving gastrointestinal distress caused by antibiotic medications, which kill both bad and good bacteria.

AIM FloraFood® contains a special blend of three powerful friendly bacteria—L. acidophilus, B. bifidum and B. longum.

AIM FloraFood® is designed to help balance the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. This digestive support is especially significant for travelers and for people who wish to prevent overgrowth of yeast or unhealthy bacteria (such as Candida albicans or Helicobacter pylori). AIM FloraFood® is an important choice for people who have taken antibiotics or who have eaten meat from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics. AIM FloraFood® is best taken with meals so that the stomach acid stays busy digesting food rather than attacking the healthy bacteria.

Enjoy the hot, lazy days of summer. Practice safe food handling, and fight ‘bac’ with AIM FloraFood®!

More information about AIM FloraFood® can be obtained by visiting My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com
You may take AIM FloraFood® with other AIM products; however, AIM PrepZymes® will break down the bacteria in AIM FloraFood®, so they should be taken at separate meals.
Parts Reprinted with permission of AIM International, Inc., Nampa, Idaho

Have you reached your peak?

2008-11-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

The primary source of energy for every function that occurs within each cell of the body is Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). If ATP is depleted, cells cease to function properly which can result in many of the diseases we associate with stress or aging.

ATP is a product of the Krebs cycle, in which cells produce usable energy. ATP production begins to diminish after age 20 and by age 70 we make about half as much ATP as we used to.

AIM Peak Endurance™ provides PEAK ATP®, the only oral source of ATP clinically proven to elevate ATP levels within the body and is so unique it is protected by several patents. AIM Peak Endurance™ is a grape electrolyte drink mix combining ATP (adenosine triphosphate), electrolytes, and B vitamins.

Some supplements and sports drinks have attempted to supply the building blocks needed for our body to produce energy, but only PEAK ATP® gives us ATP directly, in a form we can absorb and make use of.

In addition to PEAK ATP®, grape-flavoured AIM Peak Endurance™ contains electrolytes, and is truly an “energy drink”. Electrolytes are minerals that are necessary for conducting nerve impulses in our bodies. We sweat electrolytes out so it is important to replace them. A typical commercial sports drink contains three electrolytes and 10 – 49 grams of sugar. AIM Peak Endurance™ has five electrolytes – sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium – and only half a gram of sugar per serving.

Because AIM Peak Endurance™ enhances blood flow, it may help distribute other AIM products throughout the body and is the perfect complement to AIM BarleyLife®.

AIM Peak Endurance™:
-Elevates ATP levels in cells, blood, and tissues -Increases energy levels and reduces fatigue -Stimulates blood flow to peripheral sites -Supports cardiovascular and respiratory health -Replenishes electrolytes lost during exercise -Supplies B vitamins that are lacking in vegetarian diets -Improves muscle growth, strength, and recovery -Boosts mental acuity and memory

To learn more about AIM Peak Endurance and download a datasheet please visit My AIM Store website at: http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com
Including AIM Peak Endurance™ into our daily supplement, regime can help us reach our peak.

Parts Reprinted with permission of AIM International, Inc., Nampa, Idaho

“Prep’ for better health

2008-11-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

In the 1920’s Dr. Edward Howell, a noted pioneer in the field of food enzyme research, began theorizing that humans are given a limited supply of enzyme energy at birth, and that it is up to us to replenish our supply of enzymes. If we do not replenish our supply, we run the risk of ill health.

He questioned the use of cooked, processed food for human consumption and found that heating food to 118 F. for a period of more than 15 minutes destroyed all the enzymes. Dr. Howell wrote two books on the subject reporting his life’s work: Food Enzymes for Health and Longevity and Enzyme Nutrition.

Enzymes are complex proteins that act as catalysts in almost every biochemical process that takes place in the body. There are three major classifications of enzymes:

Metabolic enzymes: play a role in all bodily processes including breathing, talking, moving, and thinking as well as help to turn phosphorus into bone, heal wounds and make sure our hearts beat.

Digestive enzymes: are primarily secreted by the pancreas and work to break down foods so that nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream and used in body functions. There are about 22 digestive enzymes, which target different nutrients, and they are systematically named: for example, protease digests protein, amylase digests amylase (starch/carbohydrates), lipase digests lipids (fats and oils), maltase digests maltose (sugars often found in grains), and so on.

Food enzymes: are enzymes supplied to us through fresh, uncooked foods. They are the enzymes that make uneaten food decompose, but if we eat the food while it is still fresh, food enzymes help us “predigest” or break down the food for us before our bodies’ enzymes begin to do so.

When we are young, says Dr. Howell, our normal ability to produce enzymes internally promotes rapid growth, and in most cases prevents serious illness. But as we age, our internal enzymes become depleted. Unless we do something to stop their one-way flow out of the body, our digestive and eliminative capacities weaken; this can lead to acute health complaints, obesity, and chronic illnesses. Dr. Howell concludes that the best way to help the body keep a high enzyme content is to follow a diet rich in raw foods based on fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables. This can prevent many diseases and the body will have a long life of health and well-being.

Consuming more enzymes assists the body’s own enzyme supply, and helps with proper digestion of food, which can lead to a healthier life. When foods are properly broken down, we can extract (absorb) and utilize more nutrients, giving our cells what they need. For many people, this results in being satisfied with a lesser quantity of food, which can help maintain a stable weight. Proper digestion also helps prevent toxic buildup in the digestive tract. When food remains in the stomach or intestines, it rots and putrefies, producing bacteria and toxins that can lead to constipation, bloating, gas, fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, headaches, and more.

Because of all the prepared, processed and pasteurized foods we consume in today’s diet, as well as the fact that most of the fresh food has traveled great distances to get to us and may sit in the store or warehouse losing their enzyme content from when they were first picked, it makes sense to look at enzyme supplements.

AIM PrepZymes® combines cultured enzymes with enzyme-rich papaya fruit and alpine wild garlic for additional antioxidant benefit. Cultured enzymes are valuable because they are active in both acidic and alkaline environments; the digestive tract has a wide pH range (the stomach is very acidic and the intestines are generally alkaline), so cultured enzymes are able to function throughout the digestive tract. The enzymes are cultivated and purified so that no fungi, bacteria or yeasts remain in the product. The unique combination of enzymes in AIM PrepZymes® has been specially formulated to help digest a wide range of processed foods so prevalent in today’s modern diet, including fats, proteins, hidden sugars, dairy products, and snack foods.

To learn more about AIM PrepZymes® please visit My AIM Store website at: http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com With the help of AIM PrepZymes®, we can “Prep” for better health!

**AIM PrepZymes® are best taken immediately before or during meals so they can begin to break down the food before the pancreas becomes overworked by having to secrete more enzymes than necessary. You may take AIM PrepZymes® with other AIM products, however, AIM PrepZymes® will break down the healthy probiotic bacteria in AIM FloraFood®, so it is recommended to take these two products separately with different meals. It is also recommended that those with gastritis or gastric or duodenal ulcers should not use AIM PrepZymes® as it may result in irritation.

Parts Reprinted with permission of AIM International, Inc., Nampa, Idaho

Turn over a new leaf…with AIM Leaf Greens™

2008-11-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Last June at the Convention in Norfolk Virginia, AIM proudly unveiled the newest addition to their family of greens with a one-of-a kind product called AIM Leaf Greens™.

According to the AIM datasheet on LeafGreens™ ”leaves are among the most abundant sources of vital nutrients on the planet. AIM uses revolutionary technology to harness the nutritional value of a select few of those leaves to produce a whole food concentrate…AIM LeafGreens™. This combination of spinach, field pea, faba bean, and barley leaves creates a truly one-of-a kind whole food health product. AIM LeafGreens™ is the only product on the market to utilize this unique blend of leaves that work synergistically for optimal health benefits.”

What makes this product different from anything on the market today is the exclusive ultra-cold filtration technique AIM uses. The juice is chilled to below 6.67ºC (44ºF) and concentrated through a series of filters. Further concentrating creates a viscous slurry of leaf juice which is then spray dried into a powder at a low temperature using no chemicals or additives. Through this concentration process, it takes 10 kilograms of leaves (22 pounds) to make a 228-gram canister of AIM LeafGreens™. More leaves, more nutrition!

Because of it’s unique blend of spinach, pea, faba bean and barley leaves, AIM LeafGreens™ can provide the power of greens your cells need for optimal health. Containing high levels of plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals, one daily serving will provide an unprecedented wealth of natural nutrients to protect and maintain whole-body health. Smooth and mild citrus tasting, AIM Leaf Green’s™ is appropriate for vegetarian and strict vegan diets as well. No other green food compares to AIM LeafGreens™!

To learn more about this exciting new product please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com There is also a Q & A section on page 17 of the September-October Living Well magazine that lists a few of the most frequently asked questions AIM has received during the first few months since the introduction of LeafGreens™ and AIM’s answers to them.

Start energizing your life (or someone you know) from the inside out. Turn over a new leaf…with AIM Leaf Greens™!

**If you have severe medical problems or are on a restricted diet, expecially in regard to green foods and vitamin K, it is recommended that you consult with your health care provider prior to use.

Parts Reprinted with permission of AIM International, Inc., Nampa, Idaho

Natural Help For Menopause

2008-11-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

Menopause is a natural occurrence that happens as women age. It is the natural end of every woman’s reproductive years. Hormone levels begin to drop and the menstrual flow ceases. Although women can suffer from hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, breast tenderness, decreased sex drive, depression, fatigue, headaches, irritability, memory loss, water retention, weight gain and osteoporosis, there are natural remedies that can help reduce and even alleviate some or all of these symptoms of menopause.

Now that we know traditional HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) using synthetic estrogen and progestins increases the risk of heart disease and breast cancer, more and more women and health care providers are looking for natural alternatives in treating symptoms related to menopause.

One place to start is with our diet, which we can use to help control some of these menopausal symptoms. Avoid foods such as carbonated beverages, which contain phosphorous that can increase bone loss. Excessive sugar intake will not only cause weight gain, it can limit the liver’s ability to metabolize estrogen, which can weaken the immune system. Limiting consumption of commercially raised meats including pork, beef and chicken can also help as these foods contain high amounts of saturated fats which can also decrease the body’s ability to metabolize estrogen. Commercially raised meats can also contain synthetic growth hormones that add to symptoms. Avoid junk foods.

Increasing our intake of foods that contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens with mild estrogenic effects) such as soybeans, yellow and red lentils and other legumes as well as consuming whole grains, nuts and seeds, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables not only helps regulate menopausal symptoms, but helps to eliminate toxins from the body regularly which is also very important. Plenty of fresh water helps as well. As an added bonus, try some fresh lemon juice in your water which helps detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and an ice-cold glass of water can help make women feel cooler if they are experiencing hot flashes.

Natural supplements are showing beneficial effects for menopausal women as well. For instance, red clover isoflavone supplements have been shown to have a positive effect on the rate of bone loss, improve cardiovascular health, and are valued for reducing the incidence of hot flashes. Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Ginseng, and Evening Primrose Oil can also help many women manage menopause symptoms. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus (the "good" bacteria in our intestines) cultures are also important for women during menopause to help with metabolism and utilization of estrogen. These "good" bacteria can also help reduce the incidence of yeast infections.

A primary concern of menopause is the increased risk of osteoporosis. Increasing our calcium intake is usually recommended to help bone integrity along with an adequate supply of vitamin D, which helps in the absorption, and use of calcium. It is important to note that the best type of calcium is calcium citrate and not calcium carbonate, which may not be fully absorbed.

Exercise also plays a key role in the prevention of osteoporosis and can help increase bone mass. Bones diminish in size and strength if we’re not using them. Weight bearing exercise such as walking and running will help increase bone mass and studies show that moderate exercise in postmenopausal women preserves bone mass in the spine and helps reduce the risk of fractures.

Although a nutritious diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help during a woman’s transitional years, studies show that dietary and herbal supplements can be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms as well.

There is natural help for menopause and products such as AIM Revitafem®, AIM Renewed Balance® (USA), AIMega®, ProBone® (Canada), CalciAIM™ (USA) and AIM FloraFood® can help meet those needs.

To learn more about the benefits and features of these AIM products as well as their suggested usage and whether they have any contraindications, please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, view the FAQ’s, download a datasheet and even watch a video.

**It’s important to consult with your health care provider when switching to natural therapy.

**PLEASE NOTE: Pregnant or nursing women should not use AIM RevitaFem®.

Natural Help For Restless Leg Syndrome

2008-11-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

Although Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a little understood neurological disorder, it is sometimes classed as a sleep disorder because of the disruption it can cause at night. Also known as Ekbom’s syndrome, this misunderstood yet common condition causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs that are only calmed by restless movement and an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. It is estimated that about one in twenty people will suffer from RLS during their lifetime.

Typical symptoms of RLS include twitching or jerking, the sensation of something creeping beneath the skin, the sensation of pins and needles, a burning sensation, tingling, aching and pain. These sensations mainly affect the calf area of the leg, are usually worse during the late afternoons or evenings, and can be particularly strong when trying to go to sleep. As a result, RLS can lead to problems associated with sleep deprivation, such as anxiety and depression.

Although the cause of RLS is still unknown, there is some evidence linking it to nerve irritation when fatigued, stressed or anxious. It has also been linked with smoking, diabetes, stroke, respiratory illness, kidney problems and pregnancy. Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome can be specific to each individual, however making a few changes to diet and lifestyle may alleviate some symptoms.

Include foods in your diet that are rich in potassium, such as dried apricots, bananas, avocados and potatoes. Include more calcium from sources such as leafy vegetables (brocccoli), sardines, almonds and Brazil nuts and low fat milk products. Also include more magnesium, which is found in many fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lentils and brown rice.

Limit or exclude caffeine: coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, and even over-the-counter (OTC) medications may contain caffeine. Try cutting your consumption of caffeine-containing foods and medications to see if your condition improves. If you do take over the counter medications, such as certain cold medications and allergy pills, some contain mild stimulants that can result in jittery legs. Ask your pharmacist if the medications you are taking contain stimulants and whether there are any nonstimulating alternatives.

Moderate exercise may also help such as walking three times a week or some other form of low impact exercise such as aquafit or rebounding on a mini-trampoline. A warm bath or massage before bed helps to relax muscles. Bathing with AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ in the bath can be beneficial as it contains magnesium which helps with fatigue, insomnia and muscle twitching. Magnesium helps the muscles relax and relieves stress to help provide you with a goods nights rest.

Supplements that may also help with RLS include folic acid, iron, co-enzyme Q10, gingko biloba and garlic. AIM products such as BarleyLife®, LeafGreens™, CellSparc 360®, GinkgoSense™ and Bear Paw Garlic® can help provide you with the extra nutrients your body needs to reduce the symptoms and sensations associated with Restless Leg Syndrome.

To learn more about the benefits and features of these AIM products as well as their suggested usage and whether they have any contraindications, please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com/ where you can read more, view the FAQ’s, download a datasheet and even watch a video.

If you suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome it is always a good idea to consult with your health care provider before beginning natural therapy if you have any health issues or concerns, and always make sure you learn about products before you start taking them to make sure they are compatible with any medications or other supplements you may be taking.

For more information about Restless Leg Syndrome search on the internet or visit your local library. Although the cause of RLS has not yet been determined, changes in diet and lifestyle, exercise and supplementation can all help to alleviate some of the symptoms and lead to natural help for Restless Leg Syndrome.

Is My Food Affecting My Mood?

2008-11-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

We’re all aware of the significance a nutritious diet can have on keeping us healthy, but do we ever consider what affects certain foods can have on our mood? Food affects mood, which influences the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. In turn, our moods affect our desires for certain foods.

Although there are several neurotransmitters involved, most of the relationship between food and mood centres on serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feeling relaxed and calm, giving us a sense of well-being, and also responsible for helping us sleep.

There is a growing interest in how food and nutrition can affect emotional and mental health, and positive responses from individuals who have made changes to their diet confirm the importance of food and nutrition for maintaining or improving their emotional and mental health.

There are many explanations for the cause-and-effect relationship between food and mood such as:

-Too much caffeine for instance (found in coffee, tea, cola soft drinks and even chocolate) can cause symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety and depression.

-Inadequate levels of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids can affect mental health, with some symptoms associated with particular nutritional deficiencies. For example, links have been established between low levels of certain B-vitamins and symptoms of schizophrenia, low levels of the mineral zinc and eating disorders, and low levels of omega-3 oils and depression.

-We can have undesirable reactions to artificial chemicals in foods, such as artificial colourings and flavourings, and we can become hypersensitive to foods causing allergies or sensitivities.

-Fluctuations in blood sugar levels are associated with changes in mood and energy, and are affected by what we eat.

-We can have reactions which are due to the deficiency of an enzyme needed to digest a food. Lactase, for instance, is needed to digest lactose (milk sugar) and without it, intolerance to milk can result.

-Neurotransmitters such as serotonin can be affected by what we have eaten, and a build up of environmental toxins can affect the proper functioning of the body and brain.

Although the exact cause-and-effect relationship between different foods and moods has not been scientifically determined, many people have found they can link eating (or not eating) certain foods with how they feel. The foods and drinks that most often cause problems are those containing sugar, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, dairy products, certain artificial additives or chemicals and hydrogenated fats. Considerable improvements to a wide range of health issues can result from making changes to what we eat.

Eating a minimum of five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables daily (preferably organically grown) provides nutrients to nourish the body and mind. Choosing foods that release energy slowly, such as oats and unrefined whole grains, can help with fluctuating blood sugar levels. Protein foods such as fish, beans, eggs and nuts or seeds help to smooth the negative effects of irritability, fatigue and poor concentration. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 found in oil-rich fish and flax, are very important for the development and healthy functioning of the brain. Water is also a vital substance for a healthy body and mind. Not only is water convenient and inexpensive, drinking the recommended six to eight glasses daily can quickly change how we feel both physically and mentally.

Of course the best source of nutrients we need are from a balanced and varied diet rich in health supporting foods, however we may need to supplement our diets with extra nutrients to ensure we are receiving adequate nutrition to maintain whole body (and mental) health. The whole food products and nutritional supplements AIM provides can help fill that void for maintaining or improving emotional, mental and physical health.

Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are key factors for optimal health both physically and mentally, so the next time you reach for something to eat, ask yourself…Is My Food Affecting My Mood?

For more information on AIM’s whole food products and nutritional supplements, please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com/ where you can read more, download a data sheet or watch a video.

Back to School—start them off right

2008-09-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

With the start of a brand new school year, what better way to help get children, teens and adults alike into the habit of drinking healthy beverages, than to pop an AIM BarleyLife® Xtra stick pack into their lunch bag. Just add one packet to 200 to 300 ml of water or non-acidic juice, and give it a shake for easy mixing.

Most of the popular fast foods, drinks and snacks create an acidic environment in the body, which is a magnet for ill health. Barley grass has a neutral pH, which can neutralize an acidic body.

Getting proper nutrition in our daily lives is becoming increasingly difficult. Due to hectically made lunches, rushing to make the bus on time, scurrying between classes or just plain exhaustion by days end, we have a tendency to reach for the quick, fast and snacky foods that have little or no beneficial nutrition. Just about everyday in the news we’re being told that child and adulthood obesity and poor health is on the rise.

AIM BarleyLife® Xtra energyXpress pax makes getting good nutrition easy! It has a sweet flavour and is available in a 6-gram single serving size. Just pop one in with your child’s lunch or have them keep some in their locker if they eat in the cafeteria. All they need to do is mix it in a bottle of water or their favourite juice and voila! a super nutritious snack! Abundant in enzymes, essential amino acids, rich in antioxidant ability, anti-inflammatory activity, immune system support and cholesterol lowering effects, what better way to ensure your child gets the superior nutritional support they need.

And don’t forget while giving them the added nutrition they need we must also ensure they are getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. With the alarming rate of obesity in children and young adults these days it’s important to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

If you would like to learn more about AIM BarleyLife® please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com and have a great day!

Blogging To Better Health and Wealth

2008-09-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

Good Day to All!

Beginning this week, we will be posting articles which are dedicated to anyone interested in health and nutrition. If you’d like to learn how to support a healthy lifestyle then reading our articles is a must. Watch for our first article posting this week!