You will notice that these companies usually manufacture products that they claim will affect weight loss, muscle building, or sexual enhancement. These products are usually laced with a hidden illegal pharmaceutical drug that is causing most of the effects that they are claiming. Check it out for yourself on the FDA website. You also have to wonder where they are manufacturing these illegal products because legitimate facilities are not involved with those kinds of products. By contrast, the facilities that Pure Prescriptions uses are registered with the FDA and are certified GMP (“Good Manufacturing Practices“) by the FDA and NPA (Natural Products Association).

The GMP Certification Program is designed to verify compliance of member suppliers of dietary supplements with a standardized set of good manufacturing practices (GMPs) developed by the NPA. This program ensures that all elements of the manufacturing process are reviewed to provide reasonable assurance that processes are sufficiently controlled so that products meet their purported quality. Our manufacturing facility is also NSF certified. NSF is one of the most widely-respected and recognized global third-party certification providers. For more than 60 years, NSF International has been protecting consumers through testing and certifying products, including dietary supplements, cookware, faucets, and home water treatment systems.

Pure Prescriptions even went a step further with one of our flagship products, NewGreens Organic and got it certified by the USDA as being 100% Certified Organic and also certified with Quality Assurance International (QAI). Since 1989, QAI has been providing the highest level of organic certification service to its growing number of customers. In keeping with its ‘ahead of the curve’ reputation, QAI continues to deliver cutting edge certification programs under the National Organic Program for Producers, Processors, Private Labelers, Distributors, Retailers, Restaurants, Wild Crop Harvesters, Greenhouse, Mushrooms, and Facilities.

Summary of the business practices of our FDA registered manufacturer:

• Current good manufacturing practices (GMP)
• NSF
• USDA 100% Organic
• QAI

All of Pure Prescriptions’ individual raw ingredient Certificates of Analysis (COA) are verified for identification, potency, quality and safety. In addition to using GMP-certified production methods and strict quality controls, all finished formulas are validated for identification of intended ingredients and impurities.

So, be aware of bad apples in this industry who especially claim fast results with weight loss, muscle building, or sexual enhancement because you may not be getting what you think and the consequences to your health could be dire. As always, if you would like any further information regarding our practices or qualifications, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

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First let’s remind you of the grim statistics that we’ve discussed many times but not enough:

• Fewer than 15 percent of adults and 10 percent of adolescents eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables each day.¹
• More than two-thirds of the adult population is overweight or obese. Approximately one in five children are overweight or obese by the time they reach their sixth birthday, and over half of obese children became overweight at or before age 2.²
• Physical inactivity is a primary contributor to one-third of the adult population being overweight or obese and one in six children and adolescents being obese.³
• At least 40 percent of adults and 80 percent of adolescents do not meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.⁴
• In combination with healthy eating, physical activity can help prevent a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer and stroke, which are the three leading causes of death in America.⁵

Here are the suggestions from the NPHA:

Together we can change these statistics and live longer and healthier lives. Small changes can help yourself, your family and your community. Taking action, both big and small, to promote active living and healthy eating is more than just common sense – it works. Here are just a few examples:

Start small…

	Eat more fruits and vegetables, consume less sugar and fat, eat healthier snacks, watch portion size and eat together as a family.
	Eat less by avoiding oversized portions, make half of the plate fruits and vegetables, make at least half of the grains whole grains, switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk, choose foods with less sodium and drink water instead of sugary drinks.
	Take part in Let’s Move! activities. Let’s Move!, launched by first lady Michelle Obama, is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation.
	Engage in physical activity every day. Aim for a total of 60 minutes for children, 30 minutes for adults.
	Consider following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations that children under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming.6
	Supplement aerobic activities with muscle strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.
	Support walk and bike-to-school programs and work with local governments to make decisions about selecting school sites that can promote physical activity.
	Plan family trips to parks and other outdoor locations.

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Stop the Dribbles – What You Need to Know About Your Prostate, Part 1

Last time we gave you a crash course about the prostate and today we discuss how to support a healthy prostate gland. Prostate Elements™ is a one of a kind formula that can benefit men with prostate issues and help those who want to prevent them. Prostate Elements™ combines the most promising new compounds with established and trusted prostate nutrients. The multiple modes of action benefit the prostate in complementary ways, offering 360-degree protection and support for prostate health in one product.

 

Antioxidant Support for Prostate Tissue

• Safe approaches to discouraging inflammation
• Hormonal Balance: Mitigating the effects of estrogen, optimizing hormone balance
• Circulation Support: Especially important when the prostate is swollen or congested
• Immune Support: Ingredients proven to support immune function
• Urinary Support: Ingredients with proven effects on BPH symptoms

Overview of Prostate Elements’ ingredients

Quercetin

Sometimes referred to as the “natural antihistamine”, quercetin is a nutrient categorized as an antioxidant flavanoid. Quercetin is found in many fruits and vegetables, with apples being a particularly good source. Quercetin inhibits the release of biochemicals that promote inflammation in the prostate and elsewhere.^1,2 These chemicals include histamine, leukotrines and prostaglandins (so named because they were first discovered in prostate tissue). Chronic inflammation is problematic anywhere in the body but especially so when it occurs in the congested tissue of an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland is encased in a tough fibromuscular sheath called the prostatic capsule. This capsule is not able to stretch to any great extent. Therefore inflammation, swelling or enlargement of softer vascular and glandular tissue within the capsule can impair circulation and urinary function. Quercetin has also been shown to inhibit the release of tumor markers like PSA and hK2 in prostate cancer cells.³

Curcumin C3 Complex®

Curcumin C3 Complex® is a unique, patented extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) root. Turmeric has been a fixture in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and its use is increasing because of turmeric’s versatility and safety. The active compounds in turmeric, known as curcuminoids, can benefit multiple body systems in multiple ways. Supplement makers have begun to include curcumin compounds into a broad range of product categories; including cardiovascular, detoxification and inflammation support formulas.

Prostate Elements™ includes Curcumin C3 Complex® primarily because it provides natural support for inflammation and healthy circulation.

• Curcumin’s effects on inflammation arise from its ability to inhibit the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds.^4,5,6
• Curcumin’s effects on circulation stem from its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, a process that leads to thicker blood and can lead to the formation of dangerous blood clots.⁷
• Curcuminoids have also been studied for their various effects on prostate cancer cells.
• Studies suggest curcumin may enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapeutic drugs used in prostate cancer.^8,9
• Curcumin C3 Complex® is standardized to contain high concentrations of curcuminoids.¹⁰

Beta Sitosterol

Plant foods and unrefined oils provide nutrients called sterols and sterolins. These compounds are structurally similar to cholesterol but function in a very different way, providing support to multiple body systems. Certain sterols such as beta-sitosterol occur in herbs used in traditional medicine (saw palmetto, stinging nettle, etc.).

Sterols and sterolins are used in a broad range of product categories including immune support formulas (Moducare®) and cardiovascular/cholesterol formulas (CholestePure). Sterol/sterolin compounds are used in prostate formulas primarily for their effect on BPH-related symptoms and clinical measurements.^13,14

Prostate Elements™ incorporates an expensive but very high-quality sterol and sterolin blend. It provides a broader range of the most desirable sterols and sterolins in precise ratios, unlike generic blends.

Saw Palmetto extract

Saw palmetto is perhaps the best-known botanical substance used for prostate health. It is rarely seen in any other kind of product. A natural source of beta-sitosterol, saw palmetto has been shown to be effective in some cases of BPH^15,16 and has been studied for its effect on prostate cancer.^17,18 It may offer yet-undescribed benefits for healthy prostates as well.

Although saw palmetto products have been popular since the 80′s, it’s still among the most important prostate herbals and no prostate formula is really complete without a good quality saw palmetto extract. We use a top-quality solvent-free extract, standardized to a high potency of active sterols.

Pygeum Extract

Pygeum is a male tonic herb that improves circulation to the reproductive organs and reduces symptoms and clinical signs of BPH. This botanical may also be helpful for infertility and impotence. A component of pygeum called triterpenes stimulate circulation through the region, supporting healthy prostate function.

Green Tea extract

Green tea has been extensively studied and many other beneficial effects have been noted. One green tea compound in particular, EGCG has been the subject of intensive study because it may interfere with abnormal cell growth . Abnormal cell growth is a factor in the development of many serious diseases. The EGCG content of Pure Prescriptions Green Tea Extract is among the highest in the industry.

Other research suggests green tea compounds may also have positive effects on:

• Blood pressure
• LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels
• Arthritic inflammation
• Obesity and weight control

Flower Pollen extract (Graminex™ G63)

Supplemental flower pollen may promote prostate health and may have anti-inflammatory activity.²⁰ Several studies have demonstrated positive effects for flower pollen extracts in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a flower pollen extract taken for six months achieved significant subjective improvement in 69% of patients receiving it, compared with 30% improvement in placebo subjects. Treated subjects had significantly decreased residual urine and significantly decreased antero-posterior diameter of the prostate on ultrasound. In some other studies, average and maximum urine flow rates have also significantly improved with flower pollen supplementation.

Stinging nettle extract

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioicia) extracts have traditionally been used in products for allergies or urinary tract health such as BPH-related symptoms. Prostate researchers found that nettle compounds slow down or inhibit the process by which hormone-protein complex binds to prostate cell membranes.²¹

This may be it’s mechanism of action in benefiting BPH.²² Saw palmetto and stinging nettle are approved drugs in Germany for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement and may help healthy prostates remain healthy. Prostate Elements includes a premium quality Stinging nettle extract. Besides benefiting BPH, research has shown that nettle extract has an antiproliferative effect on prostate cancer cells.²³

Lycopene (LycoBeads®)

Lycopene is a red carotenoid found in foods like tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon. Lycopene functions as a powerful antioxidant that benefits several body system besides the prostate including the eyes, cardiovascular system and skin, although most supplements using lycopene are prostate formulas. Researchers continue to follow up on findings that suggest a relationship between lycopene consumption and certain cancers including prostate.^24,25,26

Prostate Elements™ uses LycoBeads® lycopene. LycoBeads® is the trademark for the premium lycopene extract available to manufacturers.

Bioperine®

Bioperine® is known as “Nature’s Bioavailability Enhancing Thermonutrient.” It is a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). It contains 95 percent of piperine. Bioperine® is the only product sourced out of piperine to obtain a patented status for its ability to increase the bioavailability of nutritional compounds. Secondly, it is the only source from piperine to have undergone clinical studies in the U.S. to substantiate its safety and efficacy for nutritional use.

Indole-3-carbinol

Scientists have identified specific extracts from cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.) that modulate hormones in a way to help maintain healthy cell division. For instance, animal studies have shown that the cruciferous vegetable extract indole-3-carbinol (I3C) modulates estrogen hormones by favorably changing the ratio of protective 2-hydroxyestrone versus the damaging 16-hydroxyestrone.1 Indole-3-carbinol also induces phase I and II detoxifying enzymes that can help neutralize estrogen metabolites and xenobiotic estrogen-like environmental chemicals. Human studies support the beneficial role of I3C in positively altering estrogen metabolism. Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown in animal studies to help maintain normal levels of a potentially damaging estrogen called 4-hydroxyestrone.

For various reasons, rising estrogen levels are associated with male mid-life (and beyond) and poor prostate health. Prostate Elements™ is designed to help buffer the effects of estrogen on prostate health.

Zinc picolinate

The mineral zinc is used all over the body but the prostate gland has the highest concentration of zinc. Zinc is needed for the manufacture and function of enzymes; those which affect the prostate directly and those affecting hormones which in turn affect the prostate.

Optimal levels of zinc can inhibit the action of the aromatase enzyme²⁹, which convert testosterone to estrogen and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), both of which can adversely affect prostate health. Expert opinion about the optimal level of zinc varies but 50 mg a day would be a reasonable place to set the bar for a mature man concerned with prostate health.

Dietary sources include seafood and meat but most people probably don’t get optimal levels of zinc on a consistent daily basis. For this reason Prostate Elements includes a therapeutic amount of supplemental zinc in the form of zinc picolinate.

Boron citrate

Boron is another nutrient mineral, although less-studied than zinc. Boron’s role in the body is not yet completely understood but it appears to improve the absorption and utilization of some vitamins and minerals.^30,31 Some data suggest an association between boron intake and decreased risk of prostate cancer.³² Prostate Elements™ includes boron in the form of highly absorbable boron picolinate.

Self-Care

For mild symptoms:

• Urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom when you have the chance, even if you don’t feel a need to urinate.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner.• Don’t drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime.
• Try NOT to take over-the-counter cold and sinus medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.
• Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms.
• Learn and perform Kegel exercises (pelvic strengthening exercises).
• Reduce stress. Nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination.

As usual, feel free to contact us with any associated questions or concerns.

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The prostate normally grows as a man ages and a non-malignant enlarged prostate is called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), more recently referred to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. This is a common health problem in men over age 50. In the early stages of enlargement, the bladder can get by with a narrowed urethra by forcing the urine through but if the problem gets worse, treatment may be required.

This condition should be followed by your doctor because longstanding back pressure on the kidneys can cause infection and that can progress to bladder damage and kidney failure. If needed, your doctor may refer you to a urologist, a specialist in kidney and prostate disease.

 

Some facts about prostate enlargement:

• The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age.
• BPH is so common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.
• A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 and more than 90% of men over age 80.
• No risk factors have been identified other than having normally functioning testicles. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.

Symptoms

Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease, which include:

• Dribbling at the end of urinating
• Inability to urinate
• Incomplete emptying of your bladder
• Urinary incontinence – not able to stop urine from leaking out
• Needing to urinate two or more times per night
• Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection)
• Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream
• Straining to urinate
• Strong and sudden urge to urinate
• Weak urine stream

Diagnosis

These tests will help your doctor evaluate your prostate:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE) – In a rectal exam, your doctor checks your prostate by putting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the back of your prostate gland. This exam detects the size of the gland and abnormal lumps or growths.
• Urinalysis – This is a urine sample that may include a culture if there is concern about infection.
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) – This is a helpful blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. It is not used alone for diagnosing prostate cancer.
• Rectal ultrasound (sonogram) – This test uses sound waves to electronically produce a “picture” of the prostate. It helps examine the prostate gland for cancer.

Prostate issues are so common nearly every man will experience at some point in their lives. Natural medicine has a lot to offer in the way of prevention and treatment. We will dive into that next time.

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Featured Products:

Featured Brands:

• Pure Prescriptions
• NewGreens
• IAGEN Naturals
• Innate Whole Food Vitamins

Fat, Sick and Dead – Part 1

Fat, Sick and Dead – Part 2

Fat, Sick and Dead – Part 3

We have discussed the grim statistics of obesity (Part 1), we have emphasized the reality of food addiction and how to combat it (Part 2 and Part 3), and now

we will discuss the most effective strategy to lose weight. We always say that diet and exercise is the key to healthy weight loss, but are there studies that prove that?

Yes! Researchers randomly assigned 439 overweight-to-obese, sedentary, postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 75, to one of four groups:

• Exercise only (45 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise for five days each week)
• Diet only (1,200-2,000 calories per day depending on starting weight, less than 30% of calories from fat)
• Exercise and diet (combining the two above)
• No intervention (control group)

 

The results of this year-long study, led by Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Prevention Center and a member of the Hutchinson Center’s Public Health Sciences Division, were:

• Exercise-only group lost 2.4% of their starting weight (with a mean weight loss of 4.4 pounds)
• Diet-only group lost 8.5% of their starting weight(with a mean weight loss of 15.8 pounds)
• Diet and exercise group lost 10.8% of their starting weight (with a mean weight loss of 19.8 pounds)

The diet and exercise group exceeded the study goal of 10% loss of starting weight. There was also a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI; height-to-weight ratio), waist circumference, and percentage of body fat. This study
was focused on post-menopause women because they have a particularly high

rate of overweight and obesity but the same principals can be applied to other demographics.

Dr. McTiernan summarizes: “This study shows that you get the biggest bang for your buck by combining a healthy weight-loss diet – which in this case meant reducing calories by cutting fat intake and boosting the consumption of low-calorie foods – with regular, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. You don’t need to be an athlete; walking, biking or gym cardio machines all work well. Start slowly and gradually increase to 45 minutes of activity a day, more if you are able.”

The study’s authors also pointed out the women who lost the most weight during the trial kept a food journal writing down everything they ate or drank

and they also did more of their own food preparation which allowed them to have more control over their calorie intake.

An old idea with a new name is helping individuals achieve dramatic weight loss in a healthy way. The concept of “toxic hunger” is being purported by Joel Fuhrman, M.D. as a symptom of false hunger experienced with food addiction. His recommendation aims to take the concept of the above study a little further and in addition to lowering calories and fat intake, he convincingly suggests increasing the intake of micronutrients from salad greens and other vegetables at the beginning of every meal.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:

Pure Prescriptions

800.860.9583

help@pureprescriptions.com

www.pureprescriptions.com

Pure Prescriptions Launches New Website and Offers Free Shipping, No Sales Tax on All Orders

Carlsbad, Calif., March 14, 2012 – Pure Prescriptions, Inc., an online retailer of natural health solutions and products, has launched a redesigned website at http://www.pureprescriptions.com. The site features a modern design with improved navigation, faster checkout, and new social sharing options on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and more for customers.

The redesigned website also offers free shipping and no sales tax on all orders – with no minimum purchase, subscription fees or deadline.

“We strive to offer the best customer support on the planet. For our customers that means an easy online shopping experience, the best prices on high-quality, hand-picked products, free shipping and hassle-free returns,” says Dr. Devin Ryerson, CEO and founder. “We want our customers to be so wowed with their experience they’ll want to share it with family and friends.”

Additional Website Features Include:

• VitaminDoc, a free one-minute health advisor to help customers choose vitamins and supplements for their health care needs
• Lab services, such as blood chemistry analysis, celiac disease profile and hormone analysis kits, with personalized telephonic healthcare consults
• Live, real-time customer support chat to help customers choose products and answer questions
• Free phone consultations with on-staff healthcare professionals
• A comprehensive health library with more than 80,000 articles on the latest health news, health encyclopedia, drug library, recipes and more

For more information, free product samples or to schedule a free healthcare consultation, please contact help@pureprescriptions.com or call toll-free at

1-800-860-9583.

About Pure Prescriptions

Founded in 2001 by Dr. Devin Ryerson, Pure Prescriptions is an online retailer of natural health solutions and products based in Carlsbad, Calif. Pure Prescriptions carries a limited selection of national brands and offers exclusive products under the Pure Prescriptions and Iagen Naturals brands. Pure Prescriptions is committed to providing the best customer support on the planet. Customer support representatives are available by live chat or toll-free to answer questions, and on-staff healthcare professionals provide free phone consultations for product selection.

A portion of all proceeds from Pure Prescriptions benefit Vitamin Angels, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing critical nutrients to impoverished children and families.

Follow Pure Prescriptions on Twitter at www.twitter.com/purerx. Become a fan of Pure Prescriptions at www.facebook.com/pureprescriptions.

Fat, Sick and Dead – Part 1

Fat, Sick and Dead – Part 2

Losing weight is particularly difficult for most people. One of the main reasons why losing weight is so challenging is because of food addiction. A diet that is high in calories and low in nutrients is considerably more vulnerable to creating addictions. Like most of our habits and addictions, food addictions tend to accelerate our aging process and put us at a much higher risk for developing chronic disease. The best way to break that addictive pattern is to have a plan, follow a system, and recruit others around you to offer support and encouragement. Most importantly, to stop an addiction, you must have a strong desire to do so. I have modified a list of 10 tips to quitting an addiction that is taught by lifestyle coach Lou Ryan:

1. Create a vision of the primary reason you want to stop your food addiction and Lose Weight. Creating a vision of why you want to succeed can help you make changes for life. Example: When I succeed, I can see myself wrestling with my grandkids, Jamie and Josh, on the family room floor full of energy, with the look of love and pure enjoyment on my face.
2. Write it down! Put your vision on a card and tape it to your refrigerator.
3. Commit to achieving that vision over the next month. “I want and deserve and intend to manifest … [read vision].”
4. Realize that WHEN EVER you have the desire to make unhealthy food choices, you are making a CHOICE between either living your VISION or being unhealthy and out of shape.
5. Acknowledge that you don’t HAVE to quit making unhealthy food choices. You ALWAYS have a choice, regardless of the consequences.
6. Recognize that it is NORMAL to have cravings. Food addictions are difficult to ignore because the withdrawal symptoms do not feel good.
7. Whenever you have a desire to make unhealthy food choices, use the desire as an opportunity to train your mind to align with your VISION: ” I’d like to eat [blank] right now, but I choose to train myself to choose my Vision instead [read vision].”
8. Acknowledge that training is uncomfortable and the discomfort is temporary.
9. Choose to accept the temporary discomfort.
10. Realize that you are addicted and once you quit … You will hurt!

Addictions become hard-wired into our systems and when we starve the body of that substance, it will be VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. The pain and discomfort is why not everyone beats the addiction but if you are prepared to suck it up, get help, follow the tips above, and white-knuckle through it, you can add healthy years onto your life. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice and sometimes we forget that we still have the option to make those choices, it’s never too late, in fact right NOW is the BEST time. Create your vision of life after food addiction.

Next time, I will go into the concept of “toxic hunger” and discuss a recent study that describes the most effective way to lose weight.

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Have You Struggled with Obesity? Post Your Answer Below.