How Important is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of the most important vitamins needed for the body and brain.  It is an essential vitamin to the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. The vitamin is also needed to help with concentration, memory, mood and energy.

Most people do not have enough vitamin B12 in their body.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. A mild deficiency may cause only mild, if any, symptoms. But as the anemia worsens it may causes symptoms such as:

• weakness, tiredness or light-headedness  
• rapid heartbeat and breathing
• pale skin
• sore tongue
•  easy bruising or bleeding, including bleeding gums
• stomach upset and weight loss
• diarrhea or constipation

If the deficiency is not corrected, it can damage the nerve cells. If this happens, vitamin B12 deficiency effects may include:

• tingling or numbness in fingers and toes
• difficulty walking
• mood changes or depression
• memory loss, disorientation, and dementia

B12 deficiency in infants, if not detected and treated, can lead to severe and permanent damage to the nervous system. (WebMD #1)

Cyanocobalamin vs Methylcobalamin

There are two main commonly used vitamin B12 forms;  Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin. The differences between the two are huge and one should be avoided at all cost.

Cyanocobalamin the most popular form of B12 on the market found in processed food, supplements, multi-vitamins, and pharmaceutical drugs. It is one of the cheapest forms of B12 made synthetically with a cyanide molecule (Cyanide – the poison). Research has found that after taking Cyanocobalamin it leaves trace amounts of cyanide in the body and the only way to remove it is to detox the body.

Products with Cyanocobalamin B12:

·         Red Bull, Rosckstar, 5-hour Energy and most Energy drinks

 

·         Centrum Multivitamins, GNC Multivitamins, and most multivitamins

 

WARNING!: Please check all the labels of your supplements with Vitamin B12 right now. If any of them contain Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin throw them out now!

As Wikipedia explains: "A common synthetic form of the vitamin, cyanocobalamin, does not occur in nature, but is used in many pharmaceuticals and supplements, and as a food additive, because of its lower cost. In the body it is converted to the physiological forms, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, leaving behind the cyanide..." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B12)

Meaning that taking the cyanocobalamin version of B12 could be doing more harm than good in your body. Now it will not kill you in moderation but you are slowly poisoning yourself, which can lead to possible future health problems.

Methylcobalamin is the best choice for vitamin B12 for your body. This form is natural and found in nature not designed in a science lab. When you consume the natural forms of any vitamin, your body has a much easier time processing it correctly.

There are a few ways that you can get the methylcobalamin version of B12; injections from the doctor’s office (make sure to ask for the methylcobalamin version of B12, some doctor’s give the cyanocobalamin for cost reasons), patches, pills, or drinks.

Please make sure to purchase the methylcobalamin B12 in any of the forms.

 

Patches: Healthy Habits B-12 Energy Patch. You place them behind your ear.

 

Dissolvable tablets: Source Naturals MethylCobalamin Vitamin B-12 they dissolve under the tongue.

Powder mix: Delta-E contains methylcobalamin B12 along with L-Theanine, which is great for the brain, talked about in the blog ‘No Rain on the Brain’. Delta-E can be found on http://amzn.com/B00H6NGFPI

Sources

WebMD #1 http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes

WebMD #2 http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-15239

WebMD #3 http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/vitamin-b12-deficiency-anemia-topic-overview


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I Don't Approve of Energy Drinks

I’m not a big fan of energy drinks. As a nutrition consultant, for the sake of my clients, I have sometimes wished that energy drinks did not exist. Here are the reasons why:





1 Danger of Caffeine Overdose and Addiction 

The average energy drink contains nearly 4 times the amount of caffeine found in commercial soda beverages. Several of the more popular brands contain the caffeine equivalent of 14 Cokes. A 6-ounce cup of coffee has 80-150 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, but the caffeine content of energy drinks ranges from 50-500+ mg. One popular energy drink “shot” tops out at 570mg, giving you the equivalent of about three and a half cups of coffee with a single sip!

Why should this concern you? Because caffeine forces your adrenal glands to secrete enormous amounts of adrenaline and “energy” hormones, even when those glands are depleted. The result is a growing tolerance to the effects of caffeine, and eventual burn-out and severe adrenal depletion. This is accompanied by a feeling of increasing tiredness and a need for higher and higher amounts of caffeine to achieve an energy boost. Attempts at quitting the addiction can result in withdrawal symptoms such as severe headaches and complete loss of mental focus and function.

In addition, by inhibiting the activity of the vitamin folate, B12 and B6, high levels of caffeine may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate two significant cardiovascular disease risk factors: homocysteine and
cholesterol. By causing blood vessel constriction and increased risk of blood clots, the caffeine content in
some energy drinks can literally be deadly for someone with high stress levels or high blood pressure.

Finally, high levels of caffeine consumption have been associated with increased risk of stroke and arthritis, insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, chest pain, and neurological symptoms!

2 Overdosing on Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

One can of a typical energy drink contains the equivalent of nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar! This amount of sugar causes your sensitive pancreas to generate a literal flood of insulin in an attempt to manage all the extra glucose (sugar) that ends up in the bloodstream. Some of this sugar may be used by the muscles, but usually only if you are exercising quite frequently. The remainder of the sugar is converted into fat by the liver. In addition, the body releases both epinephrine and cortisol from your adrenal glands (as if they weren’t already stressed enough from the caffeine!).

The result is a quick swing in energy, followed by a subsequent crash, a severely compromised immune
system, a surge of cell-damaging “free radicals,” thickened blood and an eventual insensitivity to insulin. This is also known as Type II Diabetes. And you thought sugar was bad for just your teeth!


But what about artificial sweeteners? Don’t they eliminate this problem? Unfortunately, research has shown that there is still a release of gastric hormones when you consume an artificial sweetener. This sends your brain a confusing message: that food is present, but that the food has no “substance” or “calories.” As a result, you develop an appetite craving typically 30-60 minutes after consuming an artificially sweetened beverage.

In addition, these artificially sweetened chemicals (yes, chemicals!) such as aspartame (NutraSweet), sucralose (Splenda), acesulfame potassium, and sugar alcohols have been linked to upset stomachs, mood
swings, birth defects, cancer, diabetes, emotional disorders, epilepsy, seizures, a variety of neurological disorders and even obesity!


3 Excessive Acids 


Finally, carbonic acid, citric acid and phosphoric acid in popular carbonated energy drinks can dissolve
tooth enamel (causing tooth rot and yellow teeth), raise the risk of stomach damage and ulcers, cause bone
breakdown, osteoporosis, and bone fractures, and upset the fragile “acidalkaline” balance in the human body.

And that is why I am not a fan of energy drinks. 

But two years ago, a friend gave me a packet of powder called “delta-E.” Of course, I immediately took note of the fact that it was not in carbonated and acidic soda form. It was an effervescent powder that I could mix with pure, natural water!

Upon an inspection of the label, however, I noted that it only contained 75mg of caffeine—the equivalent of just one-half cup of coffee. Sure, it wouldn’t destroy my adrenal glands, but how could this possibly enhance my energy levels?


And with no processed sugar and artificial sweeteners, would I even be able to stomach the taste?

Despite my doubts, I emptied the little pink packet into a bottle of water. After a surprisingly delicious, fruity swig, I anticipated the same feeling that I had previously experienced with commercial energy drinks—jitteriness, lack of focus, a short-lived high, then a massive slump in energy levels and enormous stimulation of appetite.

My expectations were wrong. For the next 4 hours, I had a laser focus, a positive mood, and completely enhanced energy levels—without the jitters!

Upon researching this unique feeling, I discovered that it was due to the presence of pure LTheanine in  delta-E.It had actually crossed my blood-brain barrier and caused a release of mood-enhancing dopamine and serotonin, without destroying my adrenal glands in the process!


With a full spectrum of immunesystem enhancing vitamin C, cellular metabolism-boosting vitamin B12, the muscle-exciting amino acid taurine and a delicious pomegranate juice extract as a natural sweetener, I was suddenly finding my paradigm challenged—was there actually such a thing as a“healthy” energy drink? Absolutely!

Using delta-E Really Helps Me!

For the past two years, I have used delta-E to achieve that same welcome feeling over and over again. There has been no “tolerance build-up,” afternoon energy slump, or compromised immune system. Perhaps even more impressively, I doubled up on delta-E prior to intense competition in the Ironman triathlon and experienced the greatest athletic success of my life!

As a nutrition consultant and personal trainer, I have utilized delta-E to “wean” clients from caffeine addictions, enhance sleep levels and assist with insomnia. I also use it for inspiration and energy to help
me complete a fat-burning workout after a long day of work and to boost my immune system prior to airplane travel.

And I must say, I’m still not a fan of energy drinks—but delta-E is not an energy drink.

It was not formulated to be a sleep substitute, to satisfy a caffeine addiction, or to fuel late-night partying.


Just like all the IMPaX products, it was formulated from the perspective of complete mental and physical health. Because of that, delta-E is unique and stands above the crowd of typical energy alternatives.

Try it. I think you’ll agree.


Ben Greenfield
M.S. in Exercise Science, Certified Sports Nutritionist, 2008 Personal Trainer of the Year
Article found at http://www.justinabramson.impaxworld.com/friends/index.aspx

For more information
delta-E - http://www.justinabramson.impaxworld.com/products/delta-E.aspx



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The Life You Save May Be Your Own!

by Arlene Taylor Ph.D, MS

One of my goals in life is to thrive – and to help others to do the same. Thriving is as far above surviving as sky is above ocean. Part of my formula for thriving involves preventive wellness. Remember the old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? During my childhood I observed my parents operate from that axiom. I can recall my father cautioning always keep the gas tank filled - it may save you from being stranded, or stay out of dark alleys – it may save you from getting mugged. And my mother advising wash your hands after you use the toilet, or keep your fingers out of your mouth, or an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

As a healthcare professional I have watched cancer rates soar, pathogenic organisms proliferate, antibiotic resistance emerge, auto-immune diseases multiply, and medical costs skyrocket. Frequently I see patients racked by disease and disability that could have been avoided through designed prevention. Their family systems become stressed through care giving and/or friends and family are left behind to grieve for what might have been.

Prevention is a key factor in the preservation of health and vitality. Another key contributor to longevity and wellness is the strength of our body's immune system. It was designed not only to help us to avoid illness but also to heal us when we succumb. Studies suggest that up to 85% of illness may be within reach of the body’s immune system – if it is functioning effectively.

“Dis-ease” and the Immune System

I perceive illness as a dis-ease of the immune system and it can leave behind a staggering wake of human suffering. Here are just a few examples of dis-ease associated with immune system dysfunction:

• AIDS - acquired immune deficiency syndrome
  Auto-immune diseases - rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus
• Cancer - the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States. It strikes three of four families annually, kills more children ages 13 to 14 than any other cause, and is responsible for one in every five deaths (500,000 per year). Estimates are that 68% of all cancer is preventable.
• CFIDS - chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (reported to be the second largest epidemic in the United States behind AIDS).
• Influenza – on average the flu affects 1 in 5 Americans annually and is the 6th leading cause of death.
• Allergies – to foods, pollens, animals, chemicals, you name it!

A New Paradigm

My interest in the immune system began more than a quarter of a century ago when I began to understand the close connection between the brain and the immune system. Although I regularly presented seminars on health-related topics, my practice was to avoid endorsing any single nutritional product. That position changed when I was introduced to the food supplement known as EnerPrime™. (Notice I said food supplement: no additives, fillers, preservatives, synthetic chemicals, stimulants, or heat processing used in its preparation.)

As I investigated this product, my enthusiasm grew. It was everything, and more, that I had been lecturing about for years. This food supplement brought together powerful superfoods, adaptogens, antioxidants, phytonutrients, herbs, enzymes, and micronutrients - synergistically combined into one source that offered simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

EnerPrime™ quickly became part of my own preventive high-level-wellness lifestyle. Not only do I take it myself, I recommend it as the best all-around product of its kind. I feel confident that I am receiving some broad-spectrum protection for my brain and immune system in just one tablespoon daily (or its equivalent in capsules). Surprisingly, I have experienced some welcome, although unexpected, benefits such as increased stamina, a better night’s sleep, and a major reduction in jet lag when I travel.

A Game Plan for Life

I believe it is not only possible, but also vitally important, for each person to design his/her personalized high-level-wellness lifestyle. That is rapidly becoming the preventive-medicine paradigm of the 21st century. Investing in your health is not a game, but you do need a game plan. Prevention is part of that game plan. In combination with a high-level-wellness lifestyle, EnerPrime™ can contribute to energetic health and vitality.

• P.S. Dr. Taylor is committed to preventive health education and has graciously offered our Members health education CD's and books. Currently we offer the following titles:
• Strategies for Cancer Prevention
• Strategies for a Healthy Heart
• Your Immune Sytem...Foundation for High Level Wellness
• Mindwaves-How to use less brain energy and better connect with those around you

These materials will help you gain a better understanding of how the immune system functions. Ask the person who referred you to this web site to tell you how to obtain a copy. Do it now - the life you save may be your own!

For more information 

EnerPrime - http://amzn.com/B00H6CL94G

Click here for more Articles written for IMPaX

Please Note: Individual experiences with IMPaX products may vary. IMPaX WORLD, Inc. / IMPaX Healthprime makes no therapeutic claims on any of its products. Information contained in this website should not be used as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a loved one, please consult your family's health provider immediately.

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No rain on my Brain

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L-Theanine "No Rain on My Brain" ©Arlene R. Taylor PhD

No Rain on My Brain

Recently I was chatting with a friend of mine by cell-phone. Our topic of discussion was the new product from IMPaX World Inc known as delta-E. Steve wanted to know two things: “Are you using delta-E personally?” And “Is it just another energy drink like so many on the market today?”

My response was, “I take delta-E every day.” As Gary W. Arendash, PhD, Research Professor at Florida Alzheimer’s Research Center, put it: In order to optimize brain function over your lifespan, high amounts of brain nutrients are required from both food and supplements.

“Second, I don’t consider delta-E an energy drink. There’s a huge difference between doing something to strengthen your brain function as compared to a taking a stimulant that simply binds to receptor molecules in the brain and makes the person think he/she has more energy. Most energy drinks, so-called, trigger a high followed by a low. This roller-coaster effect does nothing to improve brain function and may result in negative outcomes for some in the long-term.”

Our conversation reminded me of college days when some of my classmates routinely downed No Dose tablets in an effort to stay up all night cramming for exams and/or to avoid falling asleep during the actual test. They may have been “awake,” but many of them would crash like clockwork at the end of test week in absolute exhaustion. On top of that, a goodly number of them would come down with a cold or other illness that negatively impacted their school break.

And it isn’t just college kids. Many people take a variety of stimulants in an effort to help them keep going or to enhance their alertness. Unfortunately, many stimulants tend to suppress theta and alpha brain waves (an increase in alpha brain waves is considered an index of relaxation) while promoting beta waves. According to some sources, this can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depressed immune system function—not exactly what they were going for in the first place.

I understand their motivation—keeping the brain working optimally is not only desirable but also critical, especially as the brain ages and gradually loses energy. There is a better way. Enter L-theanine, a neurologically-active non-protein amino acid found in green-tea leaves. L-theanine is quite a player!

Studies and anecdotal observations have shown that L-theanine may:

· Reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. Human studies with volunteers have demonstrated this calming effect within 30-40 minutes after ingestion, if not sooner.

· Promote a sense of well-being and confidence by increasing levels of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, and serotonin, a transmitter associated with avoiding depression.

· Heighten mental acuity by producing an increase in alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are associated with creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to that achieved through meditation. Alpha brain waves are also associated with an increase in mental focus and creativity, as well as improved concentration—without causing drowsiness—which can lead to improved learning ability and memory functions.

· Strengthen nervous-system function through stimulating the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). This protein not only increases growth of neuron dendrites but also is needed by cholinergic brain cells that use acetylcholine for signaling and retaining alertness.

So what’s the problem? L-theanine makes up only 1-2% of the dry weight of green-tea leaves. In the past that meant people needed to drink a great deal of green tea in order to realize the benefits from L-Theanine. In the process, they risked side-effects that often accompany the over-consumption of caffeine.

No longer! Working with scientists and specialists around the world, Greg and Brenda Im have developed a unique extraction process for L-theanine. And IMPaX World’s synergistic delta-E formula contains only 75 mg of specially prepared caffeine, about the amount usually found in half a cup of regular coffee. That’s good news!

“Nothing for the immune system?” asked Steve. “When you talk about the brain you usually mention the immune system, too.”

“There’s good news there, too,” I replied. “Generally what is beneficial for the brain tends to strengthen the immune system, as well. L-theanine has shown some antibacterial-like activity against disease-causing organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.”

And there may be more good news on the horizon. Current areas of ongoing research with L-theanine include it use:

•  As an alternative to Ritalin

•  In the treatment of PMS

•  For mood alteration in depression

Anecdotal reports indicate some success in these areas, as well as in helping individuals who are showing signs of dementia to think more clearly. “Oh, I get it,” said Steve. “No rain in my brain!” I laughed out loud. But he was on the right track. The “green stuff” plus the “pink stuff” equals no rain in my brain.I have ever only endorsed two products. EnerPrime—with its green superfoods and salad of micronutrients—which has been part of my daily brain-friendly lifestyle for several years. And now delta-E. And, unlike the majority of amino acids, delta-E may be taken at any time, with or without food. That is a real boon when I’m traveling!These two nutritional products are part of my daily intake and go with me wherever I travel in the world. I believe they are helping me move toward my goal of living to be 120 years of age with good mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual function.

You may want to make them part of your brain-friendly lifestyle, too.

No rain in my brain . . .                    

For more information

delta-E - http://amzn.com/B00H6NGFPI

EnerPrime Powder http://amzn.com/B00H6CL94G  
EnerPrime Capsules http://amzn.com/B00H7LVWIY

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