Solid Ambitions

The ‘shock absorber’

admin — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:07:01 +0000

Common ‘wear and tear’ problems in which the joint cartilage is gradually worn away, leading to pain and stiffness, affects about seven million people in the UK alone so it was a great addition to the range.

Forever Freedom contains about 85% aloe vera gel with vital extras including glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane). The aloe gel provides its anti-inflammatory benefits together with its immunomodulatory effects, as well as of course, its nutritional components in the form of vitamins, nutrients and trace elements. MSM is also a powerful anti-inflammatory derived from pine trees, but the star additives have to be the glucosamine and chondroitin, which is not adequately replaced in most people after the age of 40.

Glucosamine is sourced from crustacean shells but is hypoallergenic, so can be taken by people with a shellfish allergy, and chondroitin is obtained from chicken cartilage. This important supplement then provides the body with more of the basic ingredients needed to build new cartilage and maintain healthy joints.

There is obviously a huge market for this product, which I feel should primarily be used as a preventative measure, hopefully sparing people the need for surgery in later life. However, there are certain groups of individuals who are more likely to develop osteoarthritis who can be targeted. These include people who have a family history of osteoarthritis, serious sportsmen and women, the obese and heavy manual workers. The feedback that I currently receive strongly suggests that it is working and giving many Freedom drinkers a much better quality of life.

I know that glucosamine and chondroitin can be bought cheaply in a tablet form, but as with all Forever products it’s about quality and effectiveness. The active ingredients are delivered quickly and in good amounts because of aloe’s ability to improve absorption from the gut.

Have You Had Yours Yet?

admin — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:10:35 +0000

Just this morning I read an article on the increasing risk of heart attack both in male and female as well as young and old. Heart problems can be really debilitating and can affect people for long periods of time. I used to think as a young person, that heart problems were restricted for old people only. How wrong. Just the other day, a friend of mine lost a cousin(in his mid-forties), who was deemed very ’healthy’ to a heart attack. He woke up all well and good, said goodbye to his 2 kids as they headed off to school and decided to go for his usual morning run. Unfortunately, that happened to be his very last, because he was found by passers by in the park…but it was already too late. Well it doesn’t have to be the case, because thanks to ARGI+, we can maintain a very healthy heart health.

WHAT IS ARGI+?A daily supplement containing L-Arginine and vitamin complex.

L-Arginine is an amino acid that is beneficial to overall health; our bodies convert it into nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels relax and open wide for greater blood flow. Greater blood flow supports many important functions in our body, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.

ARGI+ apart from providing the body with the benefits of L-Arginine also contains pomegranate, which is well known for its strong antioxidant properties. Red wine extract to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels; and grape skin for cardiovascular and immune system health. ARGI+ also contains fruit juices which provide nutrients, essential fatty acids, berries that help neutralise free radicals and support healthy ageing and other ingredients which support healthy joint function.

What vitamins are in ARGI+?

VITAMIN C – for the immune system, a healthy nervous system, concentration, sleep and healthy bones and skin.

VITAMIN K2 – for bone formation, blood clotting, healing and vitality.

VITAMIN B6 – for the immune system, a healthy nervous system, brain, muscles, oxygen transportation, protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

VITAMIN D3 – for the immune system, bones, a healthy nervous system and positive mood.

VITAMIN B9 – for new cells, brain, nerves and growth.

VITAMIN B12 – for a healthy nervous system, positive mood, brain growth and oxygen transportation.

10 GREAT REASONS TO DRINK ARGI+

ARGI+ is a marvellous daily supplement that supports better health throughout many systems of the body, so allowing the body to deliver optimal performance.
Supports the immune system. Nitric oxide, derived from L-Arginine, is utilised by white blood cells and other scavenging cells to attack bacteria as it is toxic to them and makes these immune cells more lethal.
Helps maintain a healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular system.
Aids bone and tissue growth and repair so is particularly appropriate after fractures and soft tissue injury
The nitric oxide formed permits greater blood flow and may improve sexual function.
Increases muscle mass and strength, whilst reducing the amount of fatty tissue. A welcome benefit for sportsmen and women.
The pomegranate and fruit components are a rich source of antioxidants needed to fight the damaging effects of free radicals.
An extract of red wine which is included in the product help to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Affects insulin sensitivity so is particularly useful in maintaining blood glucose control.
Acts to release anti-ageing hormones. Who wants to older than their years

THE OMEGA WAVE

admin — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:07:52 +0000

There’s a big fuss going around the medical and fitness communities these days. It has to do with something they call omega-3 which, as talk would have it, is said to possess miraculous healing properties. Nothing short of magical, adherents of omega-3 just cannot stop raving about its capacity to prevent and even cure both physical and psychological diseases.

What exactly is omega-3? Where does it come from? What does it do to the body? If you’ll read on, you’ll understand why this particular oil is creating such a stir today.

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that can be obtained either through our diet or through supplements. Fish like mackerel, tuna, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring and trout are rich and natural sources of omega-3. An interesting thing to note is that these fishes themselves do not make omega-3. It comes from the microalgae that they consume. The bigger predatory fish, like the shark and the swordfish are chockfull of omega-3. They get this from the prey fish they eat, which in turn, get the omega-3 from the microalgae. Unfortunately, the consumption of such predatory fish species is not recommended because of the toxins like mercury and dioxin that they may have ingested due to their high position on the food chain.

Omega-3 is dubbed as a miracle food supplement because of its ability to cure certain diseases and give users an improved overall health and well-being. For starters, omega-3 fatty acids are “incredibly potent” anti-inflammatories.As a result it can be useful with any condition ending with ‘itis’ such as arthritis, as the term simply means inflammation of the affected organ.

Apart from its anti-inflammatory property, omega 3 lower blood fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides. They also reduce the tendency to form blood clots and reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and prevent the risk of dying from heart attack. Subsequently, they are also good in maintaining adequate blood sugar levels.

Besides these immense physical benefits, omega-3 fish oil has also helped those suffering from ADHD, schizophrenia, depression and other mood disorders. Since these nutrients are required for brain function in an unborn foetus, it is strongly recommended that pregnant women especially in the last 3months take these supplements. In addition, the foetus requires them to develop healthy eyes. After birth, they are also needed to maintain good brain function. Including memory, concentration and the ability to maintain focused attention and learning. Tests have proven that omega-3 has prevented the development of a full blown psychotic illness in individuals up to the age of 25 who have been diagnosed with mild symptoms. Depression, which is linked to low omega-3 levels in the blood, is lower in countries with high fish consumption. In a study involving 8 to 12 year old children with ADHD, it was found out that taking omega-3 fish oil dramatically improved their thinking skills as manifested in their behaviour.

Those are just the tip of the iceberg. From infant development to atherosclerosis to psoriasis to cancer prevention to giving users mental clarity and improved feelings of wellness, omega-3 fish oil offers tremendous benefits. More important, it has been proven safe for general use for as long as it is taken in doses of 3 grams or less daily.

That’s why there’s so much fuss about omega-3.

How I love thee Aloe Vera

admin — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 18:38:36 +0000

Did you know that Aloe vera has been in existence for over 4000yrs now? Did you know that it was used by some great people such as Mahatma Ghandi, Cleopatra of Egypt, Alexander the great and several others in the past?

In fact Ghandi when asked his secret to his long fasts said ‘it was his unshakeable faith in God, his simple and frugal life style and the aloe’, whose benefits I discovered upon my arrival in South Africa at the end of the 19th Century.

Also did you know that this plant has been singularly called;

The Plant of life
Heaven’s blessings
Healing plant
Dietary Plant and my favourite of the all
‘isha izaru’ which translated means ‘No need for a doctor’ in Japanese.

With the increasing importance of nutritional medicine it is often said that ‘if the doctors of today don’t become the nutritionist of tomorrow, then the nutritionists of today will become the doctors of tomorrow’.

I remember growing up as a child; my grandma had an aloe plant in the back garden. She used to cut off the leave and give me to eat each time I complained of a stomach ache. Back then, I used to think she was trying to poison me, because even though I always felt better afterwards, it tasted dreadful.

Now I am all grown up and have had the privilege to be affiliated with this great company that cultivates about 80% of the world’s commercially grown aloe.

I have enjoyed tremendous benefits from drinking aloe vera. I used to suffer from serious acid reflux conditions.

I was prescribed several acid suppressant tablets by my GP. For several years nothing worked until I was thankfully re-introduced to aloe vera.

Just 2 weeks after drinking the aloe, I was symptom free and pain free till this day.

You are probably wondering what makes this plant so special? Well a mature leaf of aloe vera contains 75 known ingredients which are divided into 8 categories: Minerals, vitamins, B-Vitamins incuding Choline, Amino acids, Enzymes, sugars, sterols , salicylic acid - As a result of its unique complex component aloe vera should be consumed as often as possible. – buy this product »

Some of the reasons why aloe vera gel by forever living should be consumed are listed below:

A general tonic for good health : by drinking the Aloe vera gel with all its important ingredients (often now deficient in our food due to over- processing) including 19 of the 20 amino acids needed by the human body and 7 of the 8 essential ones that just cannot be made, the body is able to get enough to allow complex enzymes to work really well. This means the body can function at 100% – the net result to the individual is wonderful feeling of well-being.
A useful source of vitamins:Aloe Vera gel contains a large range of vitamins-even trace elements of vitamin B12 which is rarely found in plants. Viatmin B12 is necessary for manufacturing red blood cells, a deficiency of the vitamin will eventually lead to anaemia. It also contains Vitamin A, C, E and folic acid. Many of these vitamins cannot be stored by the body so we need to constantly top them up from the food we eat. What better way than by drinking a daily amount of Aloe Gel which at the same time helps build the body’s defence system against oxidative stress naturally?
A useful source of minerals:some of the minerals found in aloe vera include calcium which has an important structural role in bones and teeth, but also important in cellular structure and nerve transmission. Manganese an important component of enzymes which help in the activation of other needed enzymes. Magnesium and potassium which are needed also in the metabolism of calcium in bone and teeth formation and also needed by muscle and nerve membranes in conducting electrical impulses. Copper which facilitates the action of iron as an oxygen carrier in red blood cells. Zinc is important in major metabolic pathways. It is essential in renewing dead tissue such as skin, gut lining or the immune system. Also very important in men’s health and the reproductive function. Chromium is necessary for the proper function of insulin-which controls blood sugar levels. Iron which enables oxygen to be transported around the body- if deficient could lead to anaemia and excessive menstruation.
Anti-inflammatory and pain killing effect:among the substances that have been identified in Aloe vera are several that are naturally anti-inflammatory and painkilling. People who take it regularly often find that inflammatory conditions are greatly benefited.
Antiviral activity:Within the mucilage layer of the leaf which surrounds the inner gel there is a long chain of sugar or polysaccharide. This has the capability of being able to help us defend against attacks by various viruses, from the common cold to the more nasty viruses and could even help balance your immune system.
Increase the activity of fibroblasts:fibroblasts are specialised cells found in the skin. Their job is to produce fibre such as collagen and elastin. These fibres give the skin its structure and make it look plump and elastic. The more you have, the younger your skin appears.
Effect on the skin:When first produced, skin cells are rather large and much alive, but by the time they reach the surface after 21-28 days, they are a shadow of their former selves and are transformed into thin flakes of keratin which eventually fall off. Aloe vera gel provides the essential nutrition to feed the basal cells. Therefore the skin remains healthy and is able to perform its vital functions more efficiently as well as looking much better.
Effect on gut flora:Aloe vera is a natural ‘balancer’ in many areas in the body especially in the gut, where it tends to regulate the various bacteria and yeast that inhabit it. For example, if a person where to suffer from too much yeast in the gut, regular in-take of aloe vera gel would tend to reduce the overgrowth. The same goes for more unfriendly bacteria which can result in certain conditions.
Assist in healthy digestion:A healthy digestive tract ensures that nutrients from the food we eat are absorbed into the bloodstream. There is clear clinical evidence that by drinking the aloe vera gel the bowel is able to absorb these nutrients more efficiently, especially protein.
Effect on the gut:Aloe vera has a wonderfully beneficial action on bowel function which results in smooth and efficient transit of contents, often eradicating inconvenient colicky pain.

- buy this product »

Fight the winter blues with our winter busters

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:05:59 +0000

Every year 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related complications, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The flu generally occurs in winter months in small outbreaks. In some years, such as in 2009, many more people became infected and died of the flu due to the development and spread of certain flu viruses. The flu virus spreads from person to person when someone with the flu talks, coughs or sneezes, this shoots droplets contaminated with the flu virus into the air where they can be breathed in by others.

The flu also spreads by touching an infected person or a surface contaminated by the virus, such as a contaminated drinking glass, doorknobs, hankies, utensils, toys, kitchen counters, washbasins, handrails, escalator rails and pencils. The risk of infection is very high through infected hands. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands regularly.

Flu symptoms can cause a world of misery, from fever and cough to sore throat, nasal congestion, aches, and chills. But there are ways to feel better.

With a combination of home remedies and our natural winter busters who won’t be singing the winter blues.

Home Remedies for flu

Drink up. The flu can leave you dehydrated, especially if fever is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhoea. So be sure to get enough fluids. Water is fine. So are fruit juices, soda, and electrolyte beverages. You may want to stay away from caffeinated drinks, because caffeine is a diuretic. Herbal tea with honey can soothe a sore throat. If you feel nauseated, try taking small sips of liquids — gulps might cause you to throw up. Avoid drinking alcohol as it also dehydrates and causes you to feel sleepy.

Sip some soup. For generations, caring parents have been serving chicken soup to kids with colds and flu. But was mom right? Possibly, a 2000 study published in the journal Chest showed that chicken soup may help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.

But not all doctors agree that chemistry alone explains the soup’s apparent benefits. “When you lean over a bowl of hot chicken soup and the vapor gets up your nose, you feel better.

Get Plenty of Rest : Rest is “another way of supporting the body’s ability to fight infection,”

And don’t skimp on night time sleep. “Good sleep cycles help the immune system work well, so it’s important to get your full eight hours of sleep each night.

Humidify. Breathing moist air helps ease nasal congestion and sore throat pain. One effective strategy is to indulge in a steamy shower several times a day — or just turn on the shower and sit in the bathroom for a few minutes, inhaling the steam. Another is to use a humidifier. Clean it regularly to make sure it’s free of mold and other impurities.

Pitch a tent. Need a quick way to open clogged airways? Bring a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Drape a towel over your head, close your eyes, and lean over the water under the “tent,” breathing deeply through your nose for 30 seconds. David Kiefer, MD, clinical instructor of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, recommends adding a drop or two of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the water for extra phlegm-busting power. Repeat this as often as necessary to ease congestion. People with asthma should not use this method of decongestion.

Try a warm compress. On the forehead and nose, a warm cloth is a great way to relieve headache or sinus pain.

Also,Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be surprisingly effective at easing a cough or sore throat. Some doctors, including Kiefer, swear by lozenges containing slippery elm. Others recommend zinc lozenges to help shorten cold symptoms.

Gargling with salt water helps get rid of the thick mucus that can collect at the back of the throat, especially after you’ve been lying down. It can also help ease stuffy ears by opening clogged eustachian tubes.

Try nasal irrigation. To ease stuffiness and post-nasal drip — and perhaps cut the risk of developing a sinus infection — some doctors recommend nasal irrigation. You can buy a neti pot in natural foods stores and some drugstores, or opt for a saline squeeze bottle. You pour salt water into one nostril and let it run out the other, clearing out your nasal passages. You can make a saline solution by mixing salt and lukewarm water.

Forever Hand Sanitizer with Aloe & Honey: Hand washing is recognised by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the most important ways of preventing germs from spreading.

With Forever Hand sanitizer on you wherever you go, you won’t be susceptible to ‘germy’ hands at work, school, the gym, the stores, shopping malls and family outings.

The lemon and lavender scented solution is designed to kill 99.99% of germs. As an added bonus, it softens and hydrates as it cleans. – buy this product »

Note: This product is currently only available to buy online in the United States. Contact us if you wish to purchase this product in the UK.

Absorbent C: A study by the National Institute of Health recommends 200 milligrams of Vitamin C Daily.

Foods high in Vitamin C are also recommended for a healthy diet. However, since Vitamin C is water soluble, humans are unable to make their own, so we must continue to replenish our bodies with this powerful antioxidant.
Science has shown that Vitamin C is used up more rapidly during stressful situations.

Don’t let your immune system be anything but robust and powered by Forever Absorbent-C.
Absorbent C is also great for post and ante natal care, especially at this time of the year where the flu is very rampant. – buy this product »

Forever Bee Propolis: This product gives added support for your body’s natural defences. Propolis has natural substances that help reduce the load on your body’s immune system. In addition, it helps maintain a healthy respiratory system. It is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics. And as such, unlike like the conventional antibiotic it only fights and destroys the ‘bad’ bacterial or virus while leaving the ‘good’ bacteria unaffected. In most cases, it is best used in large amounts when one is trying to beat an impending infection such as a cold, ‘flu, or a sore throat.

Some people, however, have a tendency to recurrent infection such as, say sinusitis, so here it may be appropriate to take it on a daily basis so as to act as a preventative. This must be down to personal choice, but as with many things, trial and error will generally show which method is best suited to any particular individual. – buy this product »

Forever Echinacea Supreme: Echinacea has a long tradition of supporting the body’s defences. Forever Echinacea helps boost your immune system to help you stay healthy in the winter and all year . Its synergistic combination of Echinacea , Goldenseal and grape seed extract makes it superior in maintaining a healthy immune system. Be sure to have this around your house to support the entire family’s health and wellness this winter! On 9 February 2010, the Daily Mail printed an article about the power of Echinacea and its potential to prevent the symptoms of the flu. The article claims that a pure extract of the herbal remedy Echinacea stops the symptoms of flu —including swine flu. A team of scientists from Germany and Canada found that it de-activates the virus, cutting the spread of infection by 99per cent.

In the laboratory tests, it was shown to be effective against all the main strains of flu, including swine and bird flu. Furthermore, the pure extract was even effective against strains of swine flu resistant to Tamiflu, the anti viral medication widely taken by those suffering with them condition. The results found Echinacea to be effective within hours. It is thought that it bonds to the virus, making it unable to enter the body’s cells. Further studies are under way at Cardiff University to test whether commercially available Echinacea remedies can reduce symptoms of flu and colds. – buy this product »